End Of Yourself!

 Are you tired? Tired of banging your head against the wall, going nowhere? You've tried and tried and still nothing. You have given it your all, and nothing changes. You've tried with all of the strength that you could muster. You've come to the end of yourself. 

You realize that you need to try something different. Choose a different path.

That path is Jesus. His strength never runs out. He never tires.

Proverbs 3:5 The Message

5 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track, Don’t assume that you know it all.

Isn't that the problem with us. We think that we know everything. We don't need any help doing or thinking about anything. We think that we have it all under control. Our pride gets in the way. We think that we are weak if we ask for help. 

God says differently.

Isaiah 55:9 New Living Translation

9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

I thank God that He has higher thoughts and plans for me. My plans are limited at best. God is limitless. When I have reached the end of myself, I turn to the One I should have started with. Jesus! All the plans I come up with, I run them by God first. Not for Him to bless me, but for me to be a blessing to Him. He needs to come first, not the other way around.

Revelation 21:6 New Living Translation

6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. 

I pray that everything I say and do, glorifies God.  

Numbers 6:24-26 Living Bible

24-26 ‘May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.’

I encourage you tonight. When you think that you know it all and don't need any help. You do. Turn to the only One that can help you. He is more than enough. Everything that we need, He has!

God bless.
Rev. Kev.

Seasons Change.

As I'm sitting at our kitchen table, I'm looking outside at the trees changing. Some are completely bare and some still have vibrant color. Refusing to give up it's leaves. We have one that is bright red. Some that are yellow or orange. Some are just plain old green.

As I'm looking at these trees, I start to think about seasons of life that we are in or are going through. Just like the trees, our seasons change as well.

Maybe you're in the bare season of life. Nothing seems to be going your way. Maybe you have lost your job. Maybe your having some health issues. Maybe someone you love has passed away. Your leaves are falling off. Leaving you bare and exposed!

Psalm 30:5 New Living Translation

5 Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Maybe your at the beginning of a new season. Some buds are starting to happen in your life. You start getting some interviews. Getting better news from your doctor appointments. New life is being born into your family. Things are looking up.

Revelation 21:5 New Living Translation

5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” 

Maybe you are in a season of full bloom. Your life is amazing right now. You have that full time job. Maybe you've gotten engaged or married. You bought your first house. Have a nice car. Things couldn't be going any better for you during this season.

Psalm 37:4 New Living Translation

4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Maybe your in the fall season. Things start changing color. Your hair starts to gray or fall out all together. You're moving just a little slower. Losing some of your strength. Things just aren't the same. You are noticing some differences in your life! Aches and pains are your daily life.

2 Corinthians 4:16 New Living Translation

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

So I encourage you tonight. No matter what season you are in or going through, the one constant is Jesus. He is with us in every season of our lives. From the full bloom in the summer, to the leafless barren season of winter. He is there!!

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.

Unified!

 If you listen to any kind of news at all, they all seem to say that our country is more divided than ever. Black/White. Republican/Democrat. Rich/Poor. Open border/closed boarder. Vaccine/no vaccine. On and on it goes.

I'm here to tell you that we Christians are unified. Unified in our hope of Jesus and His return. So many people put their hope in the government & it's programs. That is a false hope. They will not help. Those programs only last a short time. 

You know who never runs out? Jesus!

He is the same yesterday, today and the days yet to come! (Hebrews 13:8)

Malachi 3:6 New Living Translation

6 “I am the Lord, and I do not change.

I have been to a lot of concerts this year. More so than usual. All of them have been Christian concerts. I don't know what is going on, but these shows seem much different than in other years. God is at work at these shows!

From hard rocking acts like Stryper or Sacred Warrior, to worship acts like Kim Walker Smith, Brandon Lake, We The Kingdom & Casting Crowns. These artists seem to have renewed energy. Not holding back in proclaiming The Gospel! I think that they think that the time of Jesus' return is drawing closer! We need to get ready!

 All the crowds have been fantastic. Enthusiastic in their worship of Jesus. They are going after it, hard!  Hands and arms raised. Singing along for all their worth. It has been awesome to have been part of this. Doesn't matter if it's a 500 person club or a 10,000 person arena. 

While the rest of the world wrestles against itself for one party or another to gain control, we Christians are uniting behind Jesus and His message!

1 Corinthians 1:10 New Living Translation

10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

Starting with Stryper in September, all the way till last night with Sacred Warrior, I have never seen crowds more united. Looking out for each other. Taking care of each other. It was incredible to see. People being nice to each other! The common denominator for all of these shows was Jesus! He was present at each and everyone. Spirit filled every venue that I attended for a show.

If the world could only learn this. To live for others, instead of themselves. To live in harmony instead of chaos! What a different world we would live in, wouldn't we!

That's why I like going to see these artists live. I know that I am going to be able to shut out the world and be unified in worship with brothers and sister of faith. To proclaim the only message that matters. The message of Jesus Christ.

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.

Walk & Talk.

 

Whenever I have the chance, I go down to Starved Rock to have a walk and talk with God. I walk and He talks. I also listen. I have to admit, sometimes I do more talking than listening. Hard to hear God speak when I am blabbing the whole time. So today was one of those days. I headed down to Starved Rock with the intent of just walking in silence and listening for God to speak to me.

It wasn't more than 10 minutes into my hike when God revealed exactly why I was there and what His message was to me. 

I always go on the same path to the same canyon, almost every time. Sometimes I change it up, but not usually. So today I thought about changing it up and going on a different trail. I decided against it. Then instead of going down the same old trail that I usually do, I went the opposite direction. Out of character for me. I am a creature of habit!

Anyway.

As I was walking along, I came across an elderly couple who were trying to navigate a slight incline on their way back. Instead of taking the little stairs, they decided to walk on the side, where they thought it would be easier for them. Well, on the side there are some rocks. They are pretty slippery by themselves most times, but even more so when there are leaves on top of them. The older gentleman took a couple of steps and almost fell down just as I was passing them. I reached my hand out and he grabbed a hold of it and that is when I heard God speak to me.

"Keven." "This is what I want you to do." "Keep helping my children." "To be My hands and feet, extended." I was like wow. I had already extended my hand to the gentleman to help steady him, then I helped walk him back up the hill till we were on flat ground. He and his wife could not stop thanking my enough for helping out. I told them that God had me at the right place, at the right time for them.

God knows what He is doing. 

I went on a path that I don't normally go on, in a direction that I don't normally go. He was getting ready to speak to me. He used that couple to do it. As soon as I touched the other guys hand, the message was loud and clear.

"Keep being My hands and feet."

1 John 3:17 The Message

16-17 This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.

So I encourage you tonight. Go on a walk and talk with God. Listen to what He has to say. He will not lead you astray or down a wrong path! Like lyrics from a song that I listen to. "If you woke up today, and are still breathing, God ain't finished, yet"*

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

*Lyrics taken from 'God Ain't Finished Yet' - Emerson Day.

When The End Comes!

 While surfing the net the other day, I came across an article written by a hospice chaplain. Being a former hospice chaplain myself I was intrigued. I click on the link and start reading. The chaplain was talking about people very near the end of their life and the last statements that they make. I cannot remember the exact stats, but I'll go with 100 quoted. The hospice patients at the end of their life, all of them said that they wish they had did more, spent more time with their families. Not one of them said they wish they had worked more and made more money. When the end came, they realized that money and possessions did not matter. It was their relationship with Jesus and their families that mattered most. Of course it is to late to do anything about it now, but they wanted others not make the same mistake and wait till the end of their lives to figure it out. Leave behind a life of regrets!

So tonight while watching YouTube videos, I stumble across a video from the great Johnny Cash. The video was for his song "Hurt". I say stumble, but I really don't believe that. I believe that God put that video on my viewing radar. Anyway. If you haven't heard the song or seen the video, I encourage you to go to YouTube and watch and listen. It is a very powerful song and video, about someone reflecting back on their life. The life they leave behind.

So I started thinking about my life. About when the end comes for me. How are people going to remember me? What kind of a legacy am I leaving? 

Will I be remembered as being materialistic? I sure hope not. I'm starting to think that all of my collection of things are just a waste. My little mini guitars. All of my Cardinals collectibles. All of that is nice, but it will mean nothing at the end of my life! Jesus will not care if I collected those guitars or if I was a Cardinals fan. He only cares if I believed in Him!

Will I be remembered as a selfish person. Again, I hope not. I try and never do anything for me. I am always looking out for the end user. I try to make it as easy as possible for the person coming after me. That is what I am known for at work. Our material handler loves working with me for that very reason.

Philippians 2:3 New Living Translation

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

I know that I am not perfect. Far from it as a matter of fact. 

Romans 3:23 Living Bible

23 Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal;

I just hope that when the end comes for me that I am remembered as a faithful servant of Jesus. A faithful, loving husband. Loving father, good friend and co-worker. Generous. A guy who loved God and loved people. A guy who tries to be more like Jesus everyday.

Acts 10:2 Living Bible

2 He was a godly man, deeply reverent, as was his entire household. He gave generously to charity and was a man of prayer.

So I encourage you. To live your life for God and others. All of the trophies and accolades are nice, but when the end comes, they will mean nothing. You cannot take them with you. Make a lasting legacy for your family to remember you by. Not how much you worked and all the events that you missed. But how many events you made and they way that you loved them!

God Bless!
Rev. Kev.

I Don't Care How!

 Listening to one of my favorite worship artists songs, Brandon Lake's "Tear Off The Roof". I absolutely love this song. It is based on the story in The Bible about a paralyzed mans friends tearing off the roof of a house where Jesus was at, so they could get their friend to Him to be healed. 

I did a sermon on this topic several years ago. It was about fighting to get to Jesus, no matter what. It seems like the world is trying to take us away from Jesus and His teachings every chance they get! We need to fight everyday to get to Jesus, no matter what.

I talked about the guy who was demon possessed.  The man was possessed by a legion of demons. Legion means many demons possessed this man. When this man saw Jesus far off in the distance, he fought through all of the demons and ran towards Jesus. He fought what was inside of him to get to Jesus. He made it Him, and Jesus healed him of the demon possession. He sent the demons into a herd of nearby pigs, and the man was free of their control. (Mark 5:1-15)

The woman with the bleeding issue for twelve years. She spent all the money that she had on doctors, trying to figure out what was wrong with her. Then she heard that Jesus would be near her, and she heard about the healings that He was performing. She thought that if she could just get close to Him, she might be healed. In those days, someone who was bleeding was considered unclean. No one could touch them or be touched by them, as that would make them unclean. So imagine the courage it took her to go to the place where Jesus was, knowing that she was unclean (basically out in public illegally). She fought through the crowd to get to Jesus. She only touched the hem of His robe and was instantly healed. (Luke 8:43-48)

The earlier mentioned story. Four friends of this paralyzed man heard about Jesus and the miracles and healing that He had been doing. They thought if they could get their friend to Jesus, he could be healed. As they approached the house, the saw that the crowd was to large to get him inside. They hatched a plan, taking him to the roof and digging a hole through it and lowering him down inside. So that is what they did. And it worked. He was healed! (Mark 2:3-5)

So all three of these stories have one thing in common. Through almost impossible odds, they fought and succeeded to get to Jesus. No matter what stood in their way.

So what are we doing to keep getting to Jesus, no matter what? When the whole world seems to be against us and Jesus! Do we just throw up our hands and say "oh well, I guess I'll quit!" No, of course not. We dig into His word more. Pray more. Stay connected to Him. He is the only thing that matters!

So I encourage you to keep fighting to get to Jesus, no matter what. No matter what the world may throw against us and try to derail us. Doesn't matter what the world says, I am only concerned with what Jesus says.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Inflated, Deflated!

Think about the day you accepted Jesus as your Savior! You started to live your life like He wants you to. You start attending church regularly. Clean up your act. Stop swearing  (or at least trying to). Get rid of all the music and movies that don't glorify God. You think you are doing pretty well. On the right track. 

Then one night while on the internet, you click on something. It leads you down a slipper slope. One that you have been down before. You feel the Devil or Satan starting to inflate himself again in your life. He is trying to rise back up to where he was before you accepted Jesus. Trying to pump air into himself to gain traction again. 

1 Peter 5:8 Living Bible

8 Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart.

You realize what is happening and cry out to God.

"PLEASE HELP ME". "I need Your help" 

He hears your cry and answers with "Not today Satan." "You are defeated, deflated and face down on the ground!" He does what every father should do. Protect His children!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 Living Bible

3 But the Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you from satanic attacks of every kind.

You start feeling better about things. Knowing that God is with you. We are His children.

2 Corinthians 6:18 New Living Translation

18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

So strengthen yourself by going deeper into Gods word. Read your Bible everyday. It will give you the wisdom and knowledge that you need to overcome the evil one!

James 4:7 New Living Translation

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

So I encourage you to put on the full armor of God. Get ready for a battle. The evil one may strike your heal, but you strike his head! He is defeated & deflated!

God bless!

Rev. Kev.

 

Words, (Good, Bad)

 Do you know the words that you say have an affect on others? Whether they are good or bad words, they will affect them one way or another. Good words lift up and encourage. Bad words can tear down and discourage. So choose what you say carefully!

Matthew 12:37 Living Bible

37 Your words now reflect your fate then: either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned.”

Even the words you speak to yourself can have an affect on you!

When I'm at work and I do something that I know how to do and have done it hundreds of times, but this one time I do it wrong, I'll start calling myself names. "Well done stupid!" "That was a smart move, dumb butt!" Many more words I call myself when these things happen.

Colossians 3:8 Amplified Bible

8 But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth.

The problem with that is, this isn't how God sees me. He doesn't see me as stupid, dumb or what other negative adjective I use. He sees me as His child. Loved by Him. He knew me before I was born.

Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation

10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Did you know that you can't yell and scream at your children before bed and expect them to get a good nights sleep. 

You can't yell and scream at your children before they go to school and expect them to have a good day.

Words. They have an affect! 

You should be uplifting and encouraging to your children. Never speak harsh to them. I know first hand, that this can be difficult. Especially if you have a had a tough day yourself. You take our your frustrations on your children. That's not fair to them!

Ephesians 6:4 Living Bible

4 And now a word to you parents. Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice.

So I encourage you today. Be wise in how we speak to one another. Choose our words carefully. I can still remember mean things said to me many, many years ago. Memories of words spoken to us can last a lifetime. So let's speak life!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Perfect Example.

 Have you ever looked to someone or something as an example to follow? Look at your parents. See how they example on how to do things or handle things. Good or bad. They will set an example for you. My dad taught me what not to do as a husband or father. My mom set a great example on how to be generous, loving and kind to others. How to work hard for what you wanted. To provide for your family.

If you are in public someplace. You watch others to see how they do things. How to act in a restaurant. How to order, how to deal with the wait staff. How to navigate a drive thru line. How to do many things while driving. How to act in public in general. Again, there can be good or bad examples of everything. 

The perfect example in my life is Jesus! He knew how to act and conduct Himself in every situation. He never runs anyone down. His words are always uplifting or encouraging to others. By watching Jesus, people had the perfect example how to conduct themselves. In all situations.

He never got upset when He was inconvenienced with an interruption. He just kept loving on people! He was patient and kind when these things happened. When people approached Him unexpectedly, He didn't turn them away or rebuke them. He listened, cared & healed if necessary. 

The woman with the bleeding issue. (Matthew 9:20)

The blind man on the path Jesus was walking (Luke 18:38-42)

The Roman Centurion (Luke 7:1-10)

There are many examples in The Bible, but I think that you get the idea.

One time I did something nice for someone, they replied, "wow, I want to be just like you." I'm like, "I'm just following Jesus' example." "Don't follow what I do, follow what Jesus did!"

1 Corinthians 11:1 Living Bible

11 And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s.

So I encourage you. Whenever faced with any kind of situation, follow the examples that Jesus set. 

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.

Metal, Christian!

 

I get asked all the time, "how can you claim to be a Christian and a pastor and still listen to Heavy Metal?" Why does metal music get such backlash amongst Christians? No other genre gets the kind of hate that metal does. Rap, hip hop, country. I have even heard some Christian songs sound like disco or top 40. All those seem to be okay, but not metal!

What's the difference if a metal band is singing about worldly things. Partying, fornicating, debauchery, etc. etc. Or singing about God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit? I mean it's still the same fast, aggressive, heavy music. Just different lyrics. When I became a Christian, I switched from secular metal, to Christian metal. Heavenly Metal if you will.

When I say I listen to Stryper, Disciple, Skillet, Seventh Day Slumber, to name a few, that's when the side eye starts. You can just see the other person thinking about that. "Heavy metal is the devils music." I have heard several big name pastors say the same thing. Chastise the band and their fans for listening to them. Your not a real Christian if you listen to heavy metal. Really!!

I would say the same for hip/hop or rap. Nobody says a word when I say I listen to Toby Mac, Lecrae, or any other Christian hip/hop, rap artist. 

Hip/hop and rap to me are even worse than metal. The artist really use profane language, treat woman as objects. Encourage violence, especially against the police. I know that metal has the same kind of lyrics in some of the songs. I'm not oblivious. 

Two of my sermons were inspired by heavy metal songs. 'Rise Up' - Disciple and 'I Will Fail You' - Demon Hunter. Both were well received. If I were to tell the congregation were the inspiration came from, there would probably have been an uproar.

So if I listen to Stryper, Hillsong, CAIN, Toby Mac, no matter what genre, I am still worshipping God! No matter what anyone thinks.

Psalm 105:2 The Message

Sing him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Raised In Defiance!

 Have you ever done anything that someone told you that you couldn't do? Something that other people thought that you were incapable of doing? I know that I have many times. How many times when you accomplish the feat that others thought couldn't be done, did you raise your fist? Many times come to my mind both personally and others that I have watched. 

My doctor told me that I would never lose enough weight through diet and exercise to become pre-diabetic. Oh yeah, challenge accepted! I went on to lose over 100#. The day that I went back to my doctor, she could not believe it. I walked out of her office with my fist raised HIGH!! Don't tell me I can't do anything!

I was baptized in the Jordan river on a trip to Israel. I came up out of the water and raised my fist. Take that Satan. I was baptized in the same river that Jesus was! He wins. I win!

Anytime that I do something difficult at work or anywhere. I get the feat accomplished and raise my fist in victory. Life, you will not defeat me!

Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible

13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

Watching Ozzie Smith in the 1985 NLCS hit a game winning homerun. Running around the bases with his fist raised high! No one expected that. He was the last guy that people would think to hit a game winning homerun!

MLB, NFL, NHL, golf, tennis, no matter what sport, when something good happens, they raise their fist.

All this to say, that in the face of adversity, telling someone they can't or shouldn't do something, when they do it, they raise their fist, in defiance! Defiance of the situation or obstacle.

Even people did this act in The Bible.

In the book of Exodus, the Israelites were trying to get out of Egypt. Moses kept going to Pharoah and telling him what God had said about them leaving. Pharoah's heart was hardened, so he would never let them leave. Even after God had sent ten plagues upon them, he still wouldn't let them leave. 

Finally, he caught on that The Lord wanted His people to leave. But after they left, his heart was still hardened and he chased after the Israelites.

 I love this verse!

Exodus 14:8 New Living Translation

8 The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance.

Defiant to Pharoah. Defiant to his harsh ways, and slavery! Obedient to God and His ways!

So the raised fist of defiance goes all the way to the Old Testament in The Bible.

What a good place to start a trend. Biblically! 

God bless,

Rev. Kev.

Starting Over!

 Have you ever had to start over, ever, at something? I've had to, many times. Was laid off from a job that I had worked at for ten years. Was off work for two years before I was offered a position at a new company. I had to start over with pay, vacation time and seniority! I was at the bottom again, of everything! Was not any fun at all. Has taken me twelve years to get ahead of where I was when I was laid off.

Got divorced. Had to start my life over again, only this time as a single dad. Had to find a different place to live. Get separate everything. Car insurance, cell phone plans. Started having to go to the laundry mat. Again, not much fun.

Had a car loan for a number of years, only to get it paid off when something happens and you have to purchase another car. Had to start over with a car payment. Ugh!

It's not fun having to start over. Would much rather stay the course, but unfortunately things happen.

But...........

One day in July, 2007, my life started over. On July 22nd, 2007 I accepted Jesus as my Lord & Savior. My life forever changed. My slate was wiped clean!

2 Corinthians 5:17 New Living Translation

17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

A few years later a friend of mine urged me to take some ministry classes, because he knew I was hungry for more of God! I hadn't taken any kind of class since I graduated high school several years before.

I started over at schooling, taking ISOM classes. To my astonishment, I did very well. I passed all of my testing and interviews and became a pastor. Starting over!

Isaiah 6:8 New Living Translation

8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Not going to lie. I was very nervous/scared to start over at everything listed here. Like I said, it's not very fun to do. But, God was with me, even if I couldn't feel it.

Isaiah 41:10 New Living Translation

10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

So I encourage you tonight. If you are at a starting over stage in your life. Trust in God. He has the best plan for your life. Even if you don't see it at the moment.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Enter The Story, Change The Narrative.

 We had a missionary at church the other day. I stopped at her table to talk about something that she said that intrigued me. As we were talking, she handed me a wrist band. This one is nice. It feels like some kind of fabric, instead of the usual rubber ones. It is reversible. On one side it says "Enter The Story". On the other side it says "Change The Narrative".

I knew what she meant with these sayings on the wrist band. She was looking at it from a Missionaries mind. I get that. I how ever looked at it from a different view.

I started thinking about how to enter someone's story. 

So I look for things that I can do for someone. 

A friend of mine mom passed away recently. It was a complete shock and totally unexpected. I have experienced that first hand, so I entered his story about his mom passing. I offered condolences, prayer, whatever else I could do to let him know that I supported him and his family during this time. By doing this, I believe I changed the narrative. I let him know that he was not alone in dealing with this. He has other people that he could lean on, for comfort and support.

John 15:13 New Living Translation

13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Close family friends were involved in a serious car accident the other day. Very serious injuries were incurred by both husband and wife. Air lifted to the hospital. Surgeries, a long road to recovery. Enter their story by praying for them, visit them in the hospital. Offering help with anything that they might need. Once again, by entering their story at that time, it could change the narrative. They will not face the road to recovery alone. Plenty of family and friends who love them are available to help out.

I could go on and on about this. Co-workers having a bad day. Everything really seems to be going wrong for them. Enter their story and change their narrative by offering up some encouragement. Lift them up. Watch them light up with just a little affirmation.

I think that Jesus had done this Himself on several occasions.

He entered the fisherman's story when they weren't catching any fish. He told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. Guess what? He changed their narrative. They caught so many fish that they couldn't haul them all in.

John 21:5-6 New Living Translation

5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. 6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

How about the woman at the well? Jesus encountered her while she was out getting water. What is remarkable is that Jesus a Jew was talking to a Samaritan  woman. Jews despised Samaritan people. He entered her story at the well.

John 4:25-30

25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”

27 Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

Do you think that He changed her narrative? I think that He might have.

So I encourage you. Enter someone's story at some point along the way. You never know, you might just change their narrative.

Like a line from a Toby Mac song goes, "Real Friends Are Willing To Intrude."

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.

Rock Bottom

 How many of us have had it? We feel like we are at the end of our rope! Free falling to rock bottom! Not sure how much more we can take. Bills are getting out of hand. Groceries, gas, utilities. On and on it goes. It seems that there is no end in sight.

Well let me tell you, that if you are headed towards rock bottom, make sure that rock at the bottom is Jesus! He'll soften the blow. Not allow you to succumb to everything that is going on around you. He'll set you upright and start lifting you out. Only He can do that.

Psalm 18:31 The Message

31 Is there any god like God? Are we not at bedrock? Is not this the God who armed me, then aimed me in the right direction?

When we hit rock bottom, there is only one way to go. Back up the way that you came down! It will be slippery climb, but Jesus will reach out His hand and take ahold of us! 

2 Corinthians 4:8 Living Bible

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit.

The pit may be dark and dreary and seem like there is no way out, but you are standing on Jesus, The Rock who will never leave you are forsake you.

1 Corinthians 3:11 New Living Translation

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

Like the song says from Vertical Worship - "The Rock Won't Move." That is 100% fact. He is always there for us. He never falters or waivers.

So I encourage you tonight. If you seem to be heading for rock bottom, Jesus will be the rock that you land on. He will pick you up, dust you off and set you back in the right direction. Praise The Lord!

God bless!

Rev. Kev.

Human or Animal........What's The Difference??

 I wonder what all these people who are pro animal and anti animal cruelty think is going to happen when an animal is pregnant. Are they pregnant with a clump of cells or, are they pregnant with what ever kind of animal that it is? A dog will have puppies? A cat will have kittens? A cow/calf? Deer/fawn. I think that you get the idea. So if they think that the animals listed will have those kinds of offspring, why are humans different? A woman is pregnant with a baby, not a clump of cells.

Psalm 139:13 The Voice

13 For You shaped me, inside and out. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath.

People believe that if you kill an unborn animal or the parent, there would be hell to pay, wouldn't there?? But abort a baby and it is perfectly okay with people. It seems to me that a human fetus in the womb is expendable! Why is this okay with people? Human life should be cherished, not terminated before it is even born. Who knows what that baby could grow up to be? The next president? Next great opera singer? Doctor? Surgeon? Evangelist? This list will go on forever. You get the idea.

Jeremiah 1:5 Living Bible

5 “I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.”

People have said that having a baby is an inconvenience. That they cannot have a career or the life that they want for themselves. Hogwash! I know plenty of successful people who have children. Often, more than one! That argument just doesn't fly!

I have been in plenty of discussions about this topic and I'm always asked "if you are so pro life, how many kids have you adopted?" 

Have not adopted one. But I have volunteered at a PRC. Single mom events. Bought diapers and baby wipes for parents in need. Even baby sat a time or two.

Then I counter with "if you are so pro animal, how many dogs or cats have you rescued from a shelter?" Our local shelters are full, almost all the time. "How many times have you volunteered at an animal shelter? To help clean cages, take dogs for walks?"

The Lord loves all life. Human or animal. He created us all. To enjoy each other. I love playing with a dog hopefully just as much as the dog loves playing with me. Cats, not so much! I think that they like to be left alone. To be engaged with on their schedule!

Rev. Kev.

Even If!

 Imagine if you will, that you are out somewhere with a loved one, or a close friend. You ask them to do something for you. They fail to do it. How does that make you feel? Upset, mad? No matter how you feel in that situation, the person whom you asked is still a friend or a loved one. Aren't they? I mean just because they failed to do something for you, doesn't change their status with you. Even if you spouse does something that irritates you, doesn't stop them from being your spouse. Same with our kids. Even if they do something that you don't approve of, they are still your kids, right?

Could happen with almost anything that you do. Even if.........

Your doctor gives you a bad report. Mechanic says there is something wrong with your car. Restaurant brings you something the way that you didn't order it. Even if all of this happens, it doesn't change who these people are. Doctor is still a doctor. Mechanic is still a mechanic. Same for the restaurant. You may not want to go back to these places, but they are still the same as when you went to them.

I started thinking about Jesus.

I was thinking about even if regarding Him. It says in scripture that He is the same, all the time.

Hebrews 13:8 NLT

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

So if I pray a prayer that He doesn't answer. Doesn't mean that He isn't God! If things don't turn out the way that I think that they should. God is still God!

Even if my healing doesn't come. Even if my dreams never come true. Even if my world would come crashing to the ground. He is still God. Nothing changes that.

I will give all praise and glory to Him. Even if everything is going sideways for me. He is control, not me!

Even if my breakthrough never comes, I will shout Your praises. From the roof top or the valley. You are worthy of them all.

Psalm 46:10 NLT

10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."

So I encourage you tonight. No matter what does/does not happen, God is still God. Praise Him no matter what!

God Bless.
Rev. Kev.

Hands.

 

Have you ever thought about how many things that you can do with your hands? Hundreds, thousands, maybe millions? Who knows for sure. I for one, am not going to try and count. 

You can use your hands to hold someone else's hand. Work with your hands. Hold a bat, throw and catch a baseball, football. Shoot baskets. Drive a car. Shift gears. Hold food. Scroll Facebook. Write a check. Wipe away tears. Tie shoes. The list can go and on and on!

I was thinking about Jesus and His hands. Yes, He could use His hands for regular use like us. He was a carpenter. He could build tables, benches and stools. Probably many other things that we are not aware of.

Then He has His supernatural hands. Hands to heal, restore and to comfort.

He healed a man who was blind, with some saliva and His hands.

Mark 8:25 New Living Translation

25 Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.

He healed one of the servants ear after it was sliced off by Peter during Jesus' arrest.

Luke 22:49-51 Living Bible

49 When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Master, shall we fight? We brought along the swords!” 50 And one of them slashed at the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “Don’t resist anymore.” And he touched the place where the man’s ear had been and restored it.

His hands turned over tables in the temple. 

Matthew 21:12-13 Amplified Bible

12 And Jesus entered the temple [grounds] and drove out [with force] all who were buying and selling [birds and animals for sacrifice] in the temple area, and He turned over the tables of the moneychangers [who made a profit exchanging foreign money for temple coinage] and the chairs of those who were selling doves [for sacrifice]. 13 Jesus said to them, “It is written [in Scripture], ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den.”

He could stretch out His hands and calm the storm. His hands would carry the Cross and take the nails. His hands would wash feet. Pour out wine and break bread. His hands. So precious and strong! He can make everything right for us.

So I encourage you tonight to take your seemingly broken life, your failures, shame and hurt and place them in the miracle working hands of Jesus! He will pick you up, dust you off and put you back on your feet. Praise The LORD!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Getting Squeezed!

 A few weeks ago, part of our pastor's sermon mentioned getting squeezed. He used examples like, you can't get apple juice from an orange. Don't get orange juice from a lemon. My moms favorite saying, "you can't get blood from a turnip." This list could go on forever. I think that you get the idea. No matter what you squeeze, you expect the correct contents to come out.

Then he asked a question. What happens to you when you get squeezed? When life squeezes you. Work, family, home? What comes out of you when things don't go the way you expect them to go? Does Jesus come out? Or does the old you find it's way out?

If I'm honest, more times than not, the old Keven comes out. I don't know why. When I say a word or certain words, I immediately apologize to God for using them. Then I ask why that seems to always be my default. I'm a child of God. I am a Christian. A pastor. These words should not be coming out of my mouth. But when squeezed at work, which happens a lot by the way. Here they come! The whole situation irritates me. As I'm sure it does God! I can almost hear Him saying "come on Keven, you can do better."

When I use my printer at work for the first time in the morning, I have to go in and select default printer setting for the one that I use. If I don't do that, who knows where my paperwork will print. That's how I want myself to be with Jesus. I want Him to be my default when I get squeezed. I want Him to come pouring out. Not useless words or actions. I want Him to be glorified. I want people to see Him, through me. Like I said, more often than not, that doesn't happen.

1 Corinthians 15:33 New Living Translation

33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”

I go in everyday wearing the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). The attacks always come from the rear. Where the armor doesn't cover. I do battle everyday for control of my mouth. It's not fun.

Psalm 141:3 Amplified Bible

3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips [to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly].

This is my prayer, everyday. That God will give me a mouth to speak blessings, encouragement and uplifting. I'm a work in progress.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Buried!

 Have you thought about your burial plans? I mean the plans that you make for what happens to you after you pass? Am I getting buried. If I am where at? What kind of casket? Am I getting cremated and then buried? Or am I going to get cremated and then sit on someone's shelf or mantle? So many choices to make. We usually make our wishes known to our loved ones so they know what to do after we pass. Of course, they want to honor your last wishes. My mom requested that she be late to her own funeral. So guess what, she was!

So why am I bringing this all up you may be asking yourself. Good question.

My thought is, who cares! After your gone, do you really care where you are buried or laid to rest at? I mean it's good for the family. To have have a place of remembrance to go to. But you're not there. Your body isn't there. Your soul isn't there. Just a tombstone and a casket filled with ashes. Maybe some flowers surround the gravesite. Maybe not. 

Trust me. I'm not going to care. My race will be over. No more cares or worries. No more aches and pains. No more tears. I'll be home with my Lord & Savior, 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.

So many people make elaborate plans for their burials. Expensive caskets. Tombstones made out of expensive stone or marble. Can be quite the burden for the family if not properly planned for. Again I ask, why? Why all the expense? Use that money for something more productive. Throw a huge party and invite everyone. Have a grand time with each other. Because after time, people will stop going to the cemetery to visit you. Or go less often than they used too. But the memories you would make throwing a party would last forever! Remember that time? Nobody ever says "remember that time that we went to the cemetery?" 

Psalm 146:4 New Living Translation

4 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. 

So all the plans we make before we pass about our service, our burial, everything dies with us.

So I say that it doesn't matter where I get buried. Yes, I want to get buried in the same cemetery as my family. But like I said before, none of us will be there.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 The Message

6-7 Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it.

My only plan after I pass away is to be sitting at the feet of Jesus. Worshipping my Lord!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

What Matters Most!

 How many of us have seen something happen or seen someone in need and not stop to help. We are either on our way to work, school or even church. It seems like there is always something on a timed schedule that we can not be late too. At least in our minds.

A car accident. Car with a flat tire. Someone needing a ride because their car broke down. We think, "not today." "Don't have time for this inconvenience!" So we just keep right on going. Heaven forbid we should be late somewhere, helping someone else out. Can't stop and help, might get my hands or clothes dirty. Be late for a date with your significant other. Doctors appointment. Your child's sporting or school event. Then there is the safety factor that we worry about. Is this person safe to give a ride to. Is it safe to stop and help out. There are many, many excuses we can come up with not to stop and help others. We carry on without giving it a second thought. Not our reality. When in reality God wanted to use you right there in that situation that you came across.

Hebrews 13:16 The Message

16 Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.

Every morning I pray that God will use me in a mighty way. To bring someone across my path whom I can show the light of Jesus too. To be His hands and feet. How can I pray that, and then see someone in need and ignore it. That would be hypocritical of me, wouldn't it. God would answer that prayer and then for me to say "not today or right now." " I have somewhere I need to be." When in fact God has you right where you need to be at just the right moment. It is not a coincidence or by chance.

I pray that God will give me the eyes to see people and situations they way that He sees them. To put my life on hold for a moment to help someone out in need. I don't want to miss the things that matter most.

Proverbs 3:27 The Message

27 Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.

Jesus Himself knows what it is like to be interrupted or inconvenienced. The Bible speaks of many times Jesus was on His way some place only to be interrupted by someone in need. He didn't balk and say come back tomorrow. He stopped, listened and healed. If that is what was needed.

I pray that we handled life's interruptions and inconveniences like Jesus does. With compassion and grace.

God Bless.
Rev. Kev.

So Sad!

 I'm sure most of you have heard of the passing of Gospel singer Mandisa. She passed away a couple of months ago, shocking everyone. She was a contestant on American Idol. She had the most beautiful voice! My family and I were fortunate to see her perform live a couple of times. My favorite performance was when she sang with the great Toby Mac!

What makes her passing sad, was the cause of death revealed this past week. The autopsy concluded that she died from complications of having type lll obesity. I had never heard of that type of obesity, so I  did what anyone would do, I Googled it. Type lll obesity was formally called morbid obesity. Because people considered morbid a negative word, they changed the wording.

I used to be her. At one point in my life I was well over 300#. I didn't eat right, didn't really exercise much. I mean I was very active. Playing in three different softball leagues, going to concerts, working a ton of overtime. But..........One day I started having a medical issue. Went to the doctor and was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic. The doc started prescribing all kinds of meds because as she put it "you'll never, never lose enough weight to come off the meds!" Challenge accepted. I went on a workout tear. 30 minute exercise machine workouts followed by a five mile walk on a bike path. I lost a total of 127#. Sure showed her didn't I? Despite all of that, the medical professionals still wanted me to lose another 20#. What? Are you kidding me?

Anyway!

I have put about 50-60 back on. It is a daily struggle. To eat, not to eat whatever I want. To exercise everyday. Every day I pray that God will give me the strength to workout after working for eight hours or more. To give me the discernment to stop eating when I should. Like I said it is a daily struggle.

I know many people that are in the same condition that Mandisa was. And if I'm honest, it scares me. These are people that I love and care for. I want them to live a long and prosperous life! I never knew you could die from complications from being obese. 

The Bible talks a lot about gluttony and it being a sin in ones life. People who are obese are not necessarily gluttons. The medical websites that I have looked up to find out what type lll obesity is, says that it is a disease that can be caused by a lot of different factors.

So I pray that God will help with these situations. Help family and friends. I know that He can and will! He is God! He knows what is best for us!

Romans 8:28 Living Bible

28 And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Jesus Does!

 So the pic here is of a t-shirt that I bought off of the band 'We The Kingdom' website. It is based on one of their songs by the same name. It is really cool looking and I love what it says on the front. So I wore this shirt for the first time last week. Someone came up to me and said "hmm, Jesus does huh?" "What exactly does he do?" Well, let me tell you just a few things that He does.

This is what He does for me: 

He Is My God: (1 Corinthians 8:6)

He Is My Lord & Savior: (1 John 4:14)

He Is My healer: (Matthew 15:30-31)

He Is My Redeemer: (Isaiah 44:6)

My Protector: (Proverbs 18:10)

My Provider: (Philippians 4:19)

My Refuge: (Psalm 91:12)

My Defender: (Psalm 3:3)

My Peace: (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

My Joy: (John 15:11)

He is my all in all! He is my everything! (Psalm 73:25-26)

These are just a few things that Jesus "Does" for me. So by wearing that shirt, I proclaim that "Jesus Does"

So I encourage you to look at your life and praise Him, for everything that He does for you. And has done for you. Praise The Lord!!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Kicker Getting Kicked!

 As I'm sure you have heard by now, an NFL place kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs gave a commencement speech for the 2024 college graduating class from Benedictine College. His speech as caused much backlash against him. It has been construed by some as controversial. To some, it was spot on. It seems that much of the controversy comes from the comments he made concerning the women graduating. So that is what I want to focus on. 

This is my take on what he said.

He congratulated them on a job well done. All the accomplishments they achieved in their lives up to that point. He addressed them about having the future wide open before them. The careers they could achieve. Getting a great job, all the promotions & titles they could achieve. But, he also said there was another title that they could get. The title of wife, mother and homemaker! 

That's it. The controversial statement. 

People have taken this and ran with it. Put their own perspective on it. Right, wrong. Up to your own interpretation. Taking a shot at the kicker. They thought that he was saying that a woman's job was to only be a wife, mother & homemaker. I don't think that is what he meant at all. To me he was saying that all of the positions they could achieve in the workforce, being a wife and mother is just as important. While I don't think that a woman should give up a possible career to have a family, why can't she have both? I know plenty of successful woman who both have careers and families! Over half the women that I work with told me that if they could stay home with their children, they would. They only work because they have too. The family needs two incomes to make it. I also know many women who really get emotional when they have to return to work after their pregnancy leave is over. The idea of having to leave their children to go to work. It breaks their heart!

So when did a speaker at an event talking about starting a family cause such an uproar? If he had talked about going out and grabbing the world by the tail, chasing their dreams & living for themselves, he would probably have been lauded. But he didn't. He stood up for the family and it's values!

I applaud this player for taking a stand. People have even wanted him fired by his team for his comments. My thoughts on that are, what if your employer heard what you said to others or in certain circumstances, do you think that you should be fired? We all have something that we said or did that could be controversial. Doesn't mean that we should get fired for it. I'm just glad that I serve a God who is full of Grace and Mercy towards us. We should show the same to others!

Hebrews 4:16 New Living Translation

16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

God bless!

Rev. Keven

Sick Of It!

 How many of us have been there, or are currently there? What do I mean you are asking. Being sick of the way that things are. The shape that the world is in. The shape that your life is in. The choices that you make are just not working out. Sick of the rut that your in. Need/want to make some changes. You buy a self help book. Get some advice from friends. Buy a new car. Get some new clothes. A new job. New house. Anything to try and make a change. Still nothing changes. Your still 'sick of it'.

Then you think, "I should try going to church". Nothing else has worked. So you pick out a church to attend and go to service. You sit there listening to the pastor talk about the love that Jesus has for you. The freedom that He'll give you. The chains that He'll break. You start thinking about everything. How you are sick of it all! Then when the pastor asks if there is anyone who wants a change in their life and accept Jesus, to raise your hand. You remember what the pastor said Jesus would do for you. Being sick and tired of it all, you think this is the change that I need and all of a sudden, your hand is in the air. You just made the right choice that will change your life forever. The air feels a little lighter. You're walking a little taller. Things just seem better. You went into church one way and came out another. That's what Jesus does. He changes us. No self help book, medication, drug or anything else can do that for you. Only Jesus!

Psalm 55:22 New Living Translation

22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.

So raise your hand if your sick of: Regrets, broken promises, favoritism at work or in your family. Evil running rampant everywhere! There is a reason life is sometimes referred to as a rat race. Just seems like you are caught in an endless maze! With no way out.

Galatians 5:1Amplified Bible

5 It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].

Jesus provides that way out. Out of our doldrums. Our depression. The endless maze that we seem to be caught in. 

So I encourage you, that no matter what it is that you are 'sick of'. The world, your life, your job. Stop trusting yourself and put your trust in The One who is trustworthy. Jesus!

Proverbs 3:5 The Message

5 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.

God bless!

Rev. Kev.

    

How Is Your Race??

 Not sure if you are aware or not, but the moment you are born, your name and life enter a race. A life race that lasts from the moment you are born till you take your last breath! There is a start date, a finish date, and then all the dates that we live in the middle. Conception is the starting line, birth is the starter pistol going off. Unlike many other races, there are two routes to choose. The one that God sets before us, or the way of the world. Years ago, I was running in the worlds race. Then I was handed a baton that changed my directory and lane. That baton was Jesus! I started running the race that God has placed before me.

Hebrews 12:1 New Living Translation

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Doing worldly things. Living a life of sin! Doing things my way. Heading for destruction. Alcohol, fornication, etc. etc. I worked hard, but I partied harder! The world was telling me to live a certain way. The worlds race was like a sprint. Go as fast and furious as you can. Full speed, to the end. 

Then I had a road to Damascus moment. Just like Saul (Paul), (Acts 9: 3-6), I saw that the way that I was living my life was not beneficial to anyone. I opened my eyes to see that the race that I was running was in the wrong direction. I had a daughter I was raising. What was I showing her? That it's okay to act this way. To do these things without any consequences? My eye opening experience showed me that I needed to start living differently. I life for God & family. I wasn't the only one I had to worry about any longer. I had another person I was responsible for. I am so grateful for that encounter. Jesus wasn't finished with me yet. He still had work for me to do. Starting with being a stable father.

I view the Christian life as a marathon, not a sprint. The world race wants everything RIGHT NOW!!

1 Corinthians 9:26 English Standard Version

26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

As we run the Christian race, Jesus justifies us. To become more like Him. 

Titus 3:7-8 The Message

3-8 It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, easy marks for sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.

So I encourage you tonight. To keep running the good race. The one that God has set before you. That way when we come to the end it will be said of us:

2 Timothy 4:7-8 The Message

6-8 You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Bon Jovi.

 Why am I writing a blog about Bon Jovi you may be asking? Because God said too. 

As you may or may not know, there is a rock doc on the band Bon Jovi. It is a four episode limited series. It is very well done and covers a lot of their history as a band.

So a friend of mine and I have both watched it and were discussing it the other day. He asked me if I thought that Bon Jovi was a Christian. I told him, I'm pretty sure he (they) are not. I asked him why he would ask such a question. He proceeded to tell me because of some of their song titles. Like "Living on a Prayer." "Lay Your Hands on Me." He said those have Christian words in them. I said "yes, yes they do. But I'm sure the meanings behind each of these songs are not Christian based." "I'm sure they have a far different meaning than what you think."

I told him that I would try to break each one down and see what happens.

First up: Living on a Prayer. 

The song has two fictional characters in it who are in a relationship. BF/GF? Husband/wife. Doesn't matter. The song is talking about how the couple is down on their luck. That they should hold on to each other. That they would make it together. They don't talk about praying to God to help them out. They are leaning on each other for help. To me if you are singing about "Living on a Prayer", you should be living, waiting for God to answer your prayer(s). I don't pray to my wife and she doesn't pray to me. We pray to God!

Psalm 121:2 New Living Translation

2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

Next: Lay Your Hands on Me.

The band is singing about physical touch. How it can grow a couple closer together, more intimate. A more emotional, deeper connection with someone. That's great and all, but to clarify for my friends question, a Christian, especially a Pentecostal Christian, the laying on of hand has a whole different meaning.

Numbers 8:10-11 New Living Translation

10 When you present the Levites before the Lord, the people of Israel must lay their hands on them. 11 Raising his hands, Aaron must then present the Levites to the Lord as a special offering from the people of Israel, thus dedicating them to the Lord’s service

When we lay our hands on people, it is usually for healing or an anointing of some kind. There are many, many verses about the laying on of hands. 

So this is my break down of these songs. Just because a band uses Christian wording, doesn't make them Christian. 

Metallica wrote a Christian based song. (Creeping Death)

Black Sabbath wrote a Christian song. (After Forever) 

W.A.S.P wrote a Christian song. (Golgotha)

Take a listen if you don't believe me. I'm sure there are more out there, but these are the only ones that I can think of.

I guess my point of all this, is this. You can use all the Christian lingo, wording, whatever you want. To be a Christian, you have to believe in The One True God, and have relationship with Him.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Don't Stop Praying!

 I've heard the Matthew West song "Don't Stop Praying" many times on the radio. Once again, I really never paid attention to the lyrics, just the part about "Don't Stop Praying." One day last week, the lyrics finally hit me, hard! He was singing about continue praying no matter what. Even when you don't feel like it, or you think that God is not listening. Don't stop praying. Just because He doesn't answer a prayer the way that you think it should be answered, don't stop praying.

I thought about my mom. The whole time she was in the hospital. I would pray for her before I left every night. I would pray that God would heal her and get her out of that hospital bed. Night after night, the prayers continued. Till one night I got the call. You know the one that we all dread. "Mom is not going to make it, you need to come to the hospital." She passed away early the next morning. But my prayers were answered. Not the way that I wanted, but the way that God wanted. He did heal her and get her out of that hospital bed. He called her back to Himself. Her race was finished. She had crossed her finish line.

I have had prayers answered immediately on the spot. I have had prayers answered sometime hours or days after I prayed. There are still some prayers that I am waiting to be answered. But, I don't stop praying.

Isaiah 55:9 New Living Translation

9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Just because God doesn't answer your prayer in your time frame, doesn't mean that He isn't listening. His answer may be not yet. Or just plain no. He doesn't always say yes to us. He knows what we need and what is best for us.

Jeremiah 29:12 Amplified Bible

12 Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you.

I drive an electric forklift at work. When the battery gets low, a warning beep goes off. When it is completely dead, it will beep twice. There have been loads that I have been about half way unloading when the truck beeps once. I still have a half of the load to go. I pray "Lord, give my truck enough power to make it through this load before it dies." More so than not, that prayer is answered. It reminds me of the verse in The Bible when a woman is baking something and the flour and her oil supply is very low, but it never runs out. (1 Kings 17:16)

I get approached all the time for healing prayer. Love that. God will hear those prayers. But there is so much more than just healing. We can pray for protection & provision for our families. Battery power, rain, sunshine, a good outcome, job, etc. etc. The point is: Don't Stop Praying!

Romans 12:12 Living Bible

12 Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.

So I encourage you. No matter what your situation is, don't stop praying. Help is on the way. Maybe not the way that we think or expect, but it will come!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Do It Now (before it's to late)

 Recently, in my circle of family, friends & co-workers, there have been some people suddenly passing away. Going to take a nap during the day. Going to bed after dinner and watching a little TV. Going someplace to visit someone. 

One of my co-workers worked all day, went home and had dinner with his significant other, went to bed and had a major heart attack and died. Everything was normal right up until that point. No warning, no indication that something was wrong or about to take place.

Another co-worker worked all day and the next she was gone. Passed away while driving to visit family. Again, no warning or indication!

People taking their own life. Car accident. Falling and hitting your head in the shower. Sudden sickness with no explanation. The list goes on and on. So many ways for it to be the last moment of someone's life. You just never know.

So why am I saying all this you may be asking yourself. Well, let me tell you why. There are a couple of reasons.

First:

 A lot of these events happened suddenly or unexpectedly. I just urge to hug your family more. Tell them that you love them, every chance that you get. Spend as much time with them as you can. Once they are gone, you will never be able to do any of that. There is no do over button. No undo button. So, do it now before it's to late. 

Second:

You never know when it will be your last day on Earth. Anything can come along and take you out. Natural causes, automobile accident, work accident. You never know what. So I urge you to get right with Jesus before you leave this life. Do it now, before it's to late! You may be thinking "Oh, I can do it tomorrow." You know what? Tomorrow never comes. You can't accept Jesus when you die! Accept Him now while you still can.

I plan on loving my family well and Jesus even more! Reminds me of system I saw at a store one time. Good, Better, Best. 

Work is good. Relationships you have with co-workers can be good.

Family is better.  

Jesus is BEST! Having a personal relationship with Him! Nothing better!

So I encourage you tonight. 

Love God, love your family! Be it either blood, friend or co-worker.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Well, I Was Asked!

 Asked about what you may be asking yourself. Well I'm glad that you asked. Not sure if you are aware of the men's conference controversy that took place last weekend at a church in Missouri. The controversy started with the opening "entertainment", and then being called out by a guest pastor who followed afterword. So I have been asked my opinion about it. So, I'll give my thoughts on what happened.

Stronger Men's Conference is a men's conference held every year at James River Church in Springfield, MO. It is advertised as a men's conference that exists to "inspire and equip men to live out God’s vision for manhood to be the husbands, fathers, and leaders God has called them to be,".

The opening entertainment to kick of the event was a shirtless, sword swallowing dude, who was swinging from a pole. Hmmm.

My first thought upon watching a little of the video is, wait, what? What am I watching? This is a church men's conference?? I don't know about you, but how does this kind of act help men to become stronger? Inspire them to become better husbands, fathers and leaders that God has called them too?

If I paid money go to this conference and I saw this, I would have walked out and demanded a refund. Not because I am a prude. It's just that this kind of act doesn't belong in a church. If you were on the strip in Vegas, then okay. But it wasn't!

Say I am a new Christian. God brought me out of sexual sin. Pornography & lust while attending female strip clubs. I go to this conference to get inspired to become a better man and I see this going on. Instead of women being topless and dancing on a pole, it's a dude, in church. I would think that the church is acting just like the world! Not much different. How hypocritical. Don't go stare and lust after topless woman, but we are going to present a topless dude using a pole for your entertainment. 

Romans 2:3 The Voice

3 Here’s what is happening: you attack and criticize others and then turn around to commit the same offenses yourselves! Do you think you will somehow dodge God’s judgment?

Romans 14:21 New Living Translation

21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.

The Pastor that spoke after this act was finished, called it out. He said there was a Jezebel spirit during that act. I don't disagree with him. If he didn't say anything, it would seem that he agreed with it happening. He obviously didn't!

So my two cents are this. In everything that we do, we must honor Christ. Did this shirtless, pole dancing, sword swallower man honor God? To me he didn't and neither did the church.

1 Corinthians 10:31 New Living Translation

31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.

I AM (nothing)

 I have two t-shirts in my wardrobe that pronounce that I am somebody special. The printing on them states I am this, or I am that! Trust me I am not either one of them.

The only person in the whole world who can claim the I AM name is God!

He proclaimed this moniker to Moses when he asked God what His name was.

Exodus 3:14 The Message

14 God said to Moses, “I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, ‘I-AM sent me to you.’”

I know that there is the letter "I" in the word Christian. I know that the letter "I" is in Christ's name. But, there is no "I" in the Christian life style. Becoming a Christ follower, it becomes about we, not me!

One of the shirts I received, I absolutely refused to wear it because of the "I AM" something spread across the front. It bothered me from the moment I saw it. Now if it had said "we" instead of "I", I would wear it proudly. Because it doesn't, it will never see the light of day. At least with me wearing it.

The other shirt I have worn for several years without any thought about what it said on the front. Got a lot of compliments and comments on it. The other day though, I had someone make a comment about it. They told me that I sure think highly of myself wearing that. That got me to thinking. Am I making an "I AM" statement with this shirt? That I am better than other people? If the shirt would have said "We Are" instead of "I AM", I wouldn't have put much thought into this. But this person made me think. Not sure if I'll ever wear it again. Who knows?

Philippians 2:4 The Message

2:4 Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

There are a few I AM statements that I can make though.

I AM: A sinner in need of a Savior

I AM: A Christian

I AM: Not perfect.

I AM: Not ashamed of Jesus Christ

I AM: Not ashamed of The Gospel

I AM: A work in progress.

So I encourage you tonight. Take a look at what kind of life you are projecting for others to see. Is it a selfish or selfless life?

Jesus gave up His life for us, may we do the same for others. Maybe not physically dying, but dying to ourselves and live for others.

1 John 3:17 Amplified Bible

17 But whoever has the world’s goods (adequate resources), and sees his brother in need, but has no compassion for him, how does the love of God live in him?

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.

End. Of. Watch.

 End Of Watch Definition:

The date and time at which a police officer was killed while on duty .

Unfortunately, we had an end of watch happen last week right before Easter. A county deputy was killed after being involved in an accident while on duty. Not going to go into all the details. You can go online and read about what happened.

I want to talk about how this has affected me! 

I don't know why this hit me so hard. 

I had never met the officer. Did not know her at all. All I knew is that she was a DeKalb County deputy. This hit really close to home. I have several friends and family that are in law enforcement. City officer, state trooper & FBI agent. My father in law was a lieutenant in the county sheriffs office in Iowa. I think that is what is affecting me. That this could have happened to anyone of my family or friends. I thank God that nothing has happened to them.

I pray for my brothers and sisters in blue everyday. 

I pray for God's protection for no matter what call they answer. Domestic, active shooter, car accident, robbery, the calls go on and on. I went on a ride along with a friend who was a city officer. The stuff he had to deal with just on the day I went along. He told me that was a good day. I can't possibly imagine the things that he has to deal with on a daily basis. A call could seem like a normal call, then in an instant could turn very bad. The same could be said for my state trooper friend. He patrols the tollway. A traffic stop could seem routine, but you never know what you could encounter. FBI agent, oh my. Can't even think about what they have to deal with.

So I pray for God's protection over them. Let nothing bad happen to them or come against them. Give them wisdom and knowledge on how to handle situations as they arise. Help them to feel your presence more than ever before. Protect them and keep them safe. In the name of Jesus, AMEN!

Matthew 5:9 Amplified Bible

9 “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.

God bless all of our officers, no matter what level you are at. May God protect you and keep you safe.

Rev. Kev.

Staying In Bounds.

 I go walking every night after work at a fitness center here in town. They have a walking/running track on the upper floor. It is three lanes wide. Outside lane is for running. Middle lane for jogging and inside lane walking. While walking on the track the other night, it was pretty crowded. I noticed that when some people came to the curve on the track, they struggled to stay in their lane. As not to interrupt any other walkers/runners next to them. I watched them as they placed one foot over the line into the next lane and then pull it back quickly because they knew that they were out of their lane. It reminded me of a football receiver trying to get his two feet down to stay in bounds to be credited with a catch. It reminded me of an '80's rock star's album and song "Dancing On The Edge" by Lita Ford. To be honest, it made me think of a lot of things. But mostly it made me think about us Christians.

How close do we dance, tiptoe, whatever you want to call it, to the line of sin? How close can we get without actually sinning? That is a dangerous game to play. You do something that you know in your heart that is wrong, but it can't hurt. Can it? If I don't actually cross the line, then I'll be okay.

Romans 13:14 New Living Translation

14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

You get invited out to an after work dinner/party. A married co-worker from the opposite sex asks you for a ride. You don't see any issue with it, but the other person may have different intentions. One glance or gesture. An innocent touch of a hand, next thing you know, your going down a slippery slope. One that is hard to climb back up from.

You know its wrong, but you can't get rid of that feeling. You should be fleeing, not indulging. You know that cheating or even entertaining the idea of cheating is wrong, but here you are.

James 4:17 New Living Translation

17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

If you don't put yourself in that situation, you could have avoided the whole thing. My wife and I have a rule that we follow. We are not allowed to be alone with the opposite sex without consent from one another. We trust each other and that we will make wise choices. 

Your boss or co-worker asks you to do something unethical or wrong. You think how close to the edge can I get without actually getting in trouble. If something happens, you can blame someone else. After all, it was their idea. Right? No! You still had a hand in it. You knew it was wrong, but yet you still did it.

1 John 5:18 The Voice

18 We all know that everyone fathered by God will not make sin a way of life because God protects His children from the evil one, and the evil one can’t touch them.

A pastor friend of mine used to say "A step away from sin, is a step closer to God". Who wouldn't want to be closer to God than to sin?

So I encourage you tonight. To not be like the football receiver trying to keep his feet inbounds. Be the tight end who catches the ball in the middle of the field, far away from going out of bounds.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Brave, Strong.

 These are the words The Lord brought to me recently. Not really sure what He meant for me with these words at the time. Slowly, in His timing He revealed what He meant with each one!

                                                                      Brave: 

When I first became a Christian, I was hungry for more of Jesus and His word, The Bible. A pastor friend of mine knew this about me and asked me if I would want to take some courses to get a Bible certificate. I was interested, very much. It required going to classes on a Friday night and all day Saturday once a month. Taking a test and doing the homework. I applied, paid the fee and was accepted for the classes. I felt very nervous before I started the classes. I hadn't been in a classroom since I graduated high school. How would I do? How would I respond? Would it be worth my time?

I could sense The Holy Spirit saying to me, "Be Brave, I've got you."

Joshua 1:9 New Living Translation

9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I felt like I was having a moment like Peter did when Jesus called him out of the boat. As long as he kept his focus on Jesus, he stayed above the water. The moment he took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink. (Matthew 14:29-31)

I felt that as long as I let Jesus lead the way with these classes, everything would be okay. Not only did they turn out okay, He lead me to take twelve more and become a pastor. Mind blown. I set out to get a Bible certificate and Jesus turned that into becoming a pastor!

Jeremiah 29:11 Living Bible

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

                                                                   Strong:

I really felt Him telling me to be strong when both of my parents passed away. Dad in 2011, Mom in 2019. I really needed His strength to get through both. I knew where they both were going and would see them again. That was comforting to me. But still, they were gone! What do I do now? 

Ephesians 6:10 New Living Translation

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

I leaned on God. He was my strength and comforter during this time. He was always there. Through every tear and sad moment. I didn't know what was next for me or my family. You think you know, but you don't. Turns your world upside down!

Proverbs 3:5-6 New Living Translation

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

So God showed me how to be brave and strong through very different circumstances. When God gives you a word or two, He will give you a meaning of each one. What it means for you. I know these events all happened years ago, but I think that God was giving me a reminder of who He is, and what He has done. He can do the same for you.

God bless.
Rev. Kev.

Cleaning (Yourself) Up?

 I watched a video the other day about if you need to clean yourself up once you become a Christian. The new Christian was asking a pastor if he needed to stop smoking pot since he is now a Christian? The pastor pretty much said to him that it was between him and Jesus. 

It reminded me of when I became a Christian. I heard of the new life, the old is gone. I was a different person now. Didn't really feel like one at first. But I knew there were things that I needed to stop doing.

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].

I asked my g/f at the time (now wife) about one of my favorite bands AC/DC. Do I have to stop listening to them now that I am a Christian? Can I not buy their music anymore? Go see them in concert? Of all the bands and music that I listened to, apparently AC/DC were the only one I was worried about. She kind of chuckled at the question that I asked. Just like the pastor mentioned above, she told me that it was between me and Jesus. What He wants me to listen to, purchase and attend. Only He can tell.

So, I prayed a new baby Christian prayer about my music and concert habits. Today, as I sit here typing this, I have very little secular music in my collection. I still have some, but not near as much as I used to. God had me get rid of the music that He wanted me to. And if He tells me to get rid of more, I will. No questions. Yes & Amen!

So I have been asked this question a lot lately. 

Do I need to clean myself up before coming to Jesus? 

The saying that we Christians like to use "come as you are". There is no scripture that specifically says that. But the Bible does give some answers about coming to Jesus.

Joel 2:32 New Living Translation

32 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,

This passage says that "everyone" who calls on the name of The Lord will be saved. Not just a clean and well dressed person. Everyone from rich to poor. GQ to Skid Row. Mansion to homeless. If you call on the name of The Lord, you will be saved.

We think that we need to stop sinning and live a cleaned up life to even approach Jesus. That is simply not true. We can never achieve such a life this side of Heaven.

Isaiah 1:18 New Living Translation

18 “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.

See, we have a sin stained life. Nothing we can do to clean ourselves up. Not enough bleach or cleaner in the world to do that. Only Jesus can! He takes our stains of scarlet and makes them as white as snow. He is the ultimate stain (sin) remover!

Because Jesus is the cleaner of our lives, we should show it. Live like we are changed.

Romans 13:13 New Living Translation

13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

That is our old life. We now live for a greater purpose. We are free to live a life for Jesus! He has set us free from our former lives. Thank God! 

Galatians 5:13 New Living Translation

13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

To answer the question about cleaning themselves up after becoming a Christian, I say to them. Do you clean up before you get in the shower? Or do you let the shower do the job that it is designed to do? Come to Jesus and He will take care of the rest!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

How God Sees Things!

 Isn't it crazy how God sees things so much differently than we do? We tend to  see things from our human eyes and perspective. He is all knowing and sees things before they even happen.

Proverbs 15:3 New Living Translation

3 The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

Even before we were born, God saw us and knew us.

Psalm 139:16 The Voice

16 You see all things; You saw me growing, changing in my mother’s womb; Every detail of my life was already written in Your book; You established the length of my life before I ever tasted the sweetness of it.

I pray every day that God will give me His eyes. To see things how He sees them. Whether its a person or an event. I want to see people the way that He sees them. Give me eyes to see the broken and down trodden. The lost and lonely. When I see these people, I want to see them as a person. Not as an addict, alcoholic, whatever. I want to see them as a person made in Gods image!

Genesis 1:27 Amplified Bible

27 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.

 When something happens to me, I want Gods eyes to see the end result. Why did this happen? For what reason? What good can come out of this. If I look at it through Gods lens instead of my own, I will get a better understanding of why this happened. 

Romans 8:28 New Living Translation

28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

When we saw the Cross, He saw the empty tomb. When we read about the ninety nine, He saw the one. I see my past, He sees my future. I see my sin, He sees a renewed life.

 With our human eyes, we see things differently than God does.

God is the Alpha and Omega. He sees the beginning and the end. He knows how I started, He knows how I'll finish. I'm forever grateful for His mercy and grace!

Job 34:21 New Living Translation

21 “For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do.

So I encourage you tonight, that no matter what happens to you, if God shall bring someone across your path, or some event happens, try to look at it from Gods perspective. It is a much better view.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.