Frog(Toad) In A Pit.

The title sounds like a cool metal show moment. Having a frog or toad in a pit. How cool would that be?? But that's not what this is about. Bummer, I know.

So in our backyard we have a fire pit, that we have never used. It sits back there collecting water when it rains and leaves when the trees start shedding them. When it starts drying out, the water will usually turn to mud or a sludgy type of stuff. I try to empty it out every now and then, but not often enough.

So anyway,

I'm mowing the yard the other day and I'm going around the edge of said fire pit. I have one tire hooked on the inside of the metal ring and I'm going around the circle. Cutting the grass that grows between the ring and the concrete blocks.

I look down and I see this frog/toad trying desperately to get out of the muck and the mire inside the pit. It was franticly moving up and sliding back down. Over and over it tried to get out, away from the dangerous mower. It couldn't figure it's way out, or have somebody to help the poor little fellow out.

I started thinking about me. Before I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I was stuck in the same kind of pit. Filled with mud, muck and mire! The more I tried to get out on my own, the further down I slid. Finally, one day I just accepted my fate. This would be my life. Going around and around the rest of my life. Stuck in this pit forever. 

Or so I thought!

Then one day I was invited to church by my then girlfriend (now wife). I went, not expecting anything to happen. The moment we walked through the door I could feel something different. We took our seats and the music started playing. I felt like God had called me that day to accept Him, so I did. I opened up my arms for His embrace and opened my heart for Him to come in and change me.

I finally met The person who could pull me up and out of the pit that I thought I would be stuck in for the rest of my life! Jesus Christ is that person.

He took me out of the mud, muck, slime, and set my feet on His firm foundation. Hallelujah! 

Psalm 40:2 New Living Translation

2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,

    out of the mud and the mire.

He set my feet on solid ground

    and steadied me as I walked along.

So I encourage you. If you find yourself in a similar situation as the frog/toad, turn to The One who can change all of that. Jesus Christ is the answer.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Red Sea!

 Have you ever been in a circumstance so dire, that you had no idea on what to do? Cannot go back, cannot move forward, no where to go. You seem stuck. You've run through every scenario you can think of. You have no one to turn to for help, or so you thought. The only option you have left is to trust in Jesus to help you out. You pray and cry out for His help. 

 I call this a Red Sea moment.

Moses faced the same situation upon leaving Egypt. He was being chased by the Egyptian army after Pharoah changed his mind about letting them go. So he encountered a situation where he was being chased from behind, and facing a sea that they thought that they could not cross in front of them. So they sought help from The One who could help them.

Exodus 14:15-16 Amplified Bible

15 The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to move forward [toward the sea]. 16 As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the sons of Israel may go through the middle of the sea on dry land.

I love this. Not only were they able to cross the sea, they did so on dry ground. Not muddy, no sludge, dry! God didn't just make a way, He made the best way for them to cross!

What about Jonah, being in the belly of the great fish?

He had no idea on how to get out of his situation. His human mind could not figure it out. So what did he do? He turned to The One who could.

Jonah 2:1-2 New Living Translation

2 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. 2 He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me!

Maybe you're facing a diagnosis that you weren't expecting. Don't know how you are going to handle it. Or what to do. Maybe you're marriage is in trouble. Maybe facing a layoff or unemployment in this economy right now. Not sure what to do or where to turn.

Proverbs 3:5-6 English Standard Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

If it were left up to me, I would be in the ditch. Thankfully, God will make my path straight. He highlights my path. The direction He wants me to take.

Psalm 119:105 New Living Translation

105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

So I encourage you. If you are ever facing a situation that you don't know which way to turn, turn to Jesus! He is The One who can help you, no matter what you are facing.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Share.

 The other day I was having a conversation with a Jeep friend. We were discussing the recent recall on our Wranglers. She had said something that wasn't exactly on point, so I provided the rest of the info that she needed. She thanked me for doing that. I said of course. We are supposed to share what we know. Lift each other up. Help each other out.

1 Peter 4:10 Living Bible

10 God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.

That got me thinking about what else I (we) share with people?

Meet new people, we share were our favorite restaurant is. Where our favorite ice cream or custard place is. We share what our favorite foods are. Cars, sports teams, vacation spots, on and on it goes.

We are sharing what we know from what we have experienced. We want others to have or not have the same experience that we did. To save someone from having a bad time. Or encourage them that they will have a good time.

Then I thought a little harder about this. 

Why is it so easy to share all the worldly stuff, but not share about Jesus? 

The most important person to share about.

I (we) find it hard to share about our experience with Him. To share our testimony. To tell of what He has done for us! How He has changed our lives. 

One reason for me is, when I start sharing with someone, I can tell when they checkout of the conversation. They start rolling their eyes, acting different towards you when you mention the name of Jesus! Actually had one guy run away from me when I mentioned Jesus' name! How profound I thought.

People will actually stay and listen to favorite food places, ice cream, cars to drive, etc. etc. But not about the One who can save their soul!

1 John 3:23 Amplified Bible

23 This is His commandment, that we believe [with personal faith and confident trust] in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and [that we unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, just as He commanded us.

I encourage you. If you have a relationship with Jesus, don't be afraid to share it with others. They need to know what He has done for you and that the same can be done for them.

Matthew 10:33 New Living Translation

33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven

Share what you know! Especially about Jesus!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Open Your Mouth (When To/When Not To)

 It seems like for the last several years, people have felt the opportunity to open their mouths to run someone down. To make comments on how they look or dress. What kind of car they drive. Where they work. What sports team they cheer for, etc. etc.

What gets me is how people feel like they can just comment on how somebody does something that they don't like. Dress a way that they don't like. Cheer for a team that they don't like. Drive a vehicle or whatever it is. Seems like everyone has an opinion on how things should be done, according their tastes!

The Bible specifically warns against this. It says that we are supposed to lift each other up, not tear each other down.

Ephesians 4:29 Living Bible

29 Don’t use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing.

Seems like more and more, people have the audacity to run people down. Speak their minds about someone's weight. Body type. They are very vocal about things that they deem are not up to their standards.

You're a plus sized person, you can't wear that outfit. You're to old to dress like that. Have a hair cut like that. On and on it goes. Just wrong in my opinion.

I would never use words to run someone down. I try to lift up as much as possible. Encourage one another. World is negative enough, without someone adding more negativity to it. We don't think that words have power, but they do. I still remember things said to me in middle school. Many, many years later!

Proverbs 16:24 New Living Translation

24 Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

I wish I could say that what I mentioned above was totally true, but it's not. I had an event happen last summer with someone that I love very dearly. Something happened and vile, hateful words spilled out from my lips. I could not believe that I was speaking such unkind evil words to this loved one. It forced them to make a choice that was not the best for them. I hated myself for that. 

Like I said, words have power!

Proverbs 18:21 The Message

21 Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.

That night I chose poison! I have apologized over and over again, but I don't think that I can apologize enough. After that happened, I changed my thought process on the way that I speak. I try to think before I speak. Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. 

Colossians 4:6 New Living Translation

6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive[a] so that you will have the right response for everyone.

I am a Christian, still under construction. I am not, nor will I ever be perfect this side of Heaven. God is still working on me.

So I encourage you. Let's be kind to each other. Let's lift each other up and encourage. This life is tough enough without people piling on with negative comments about others lives!

Know when to open your mouth. Know when to keep it shut!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Tribute!

 One of the most famous quotes from the character Katniss Everdeen from the movie "The Hunger Games" is "I Volunteer As Tribute." She makes this quote to step in to take her sisters place in the game about to be played. The game pits other people against each other in a fight to the death. By volunteering as tribute for her sister, she chose to possibly die instead of her sister.

This made me think of Jesus, volunteering tribute for us. He voluntarily went to The Cross. He didn't have too, He chose to. To take on the punishment due us! Our sins should lead us to death as The Bible says.

Romans 6:23 New Living Translation

23 For the wages of sin is death

But Jesus came to take all of our sins upon himself. Not one or two, but all. Every single person. Doesn't matter who you are. Race, ethnicity, gender, tall, short, He volunteered as tribute for everyone!

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.

Jesus calls Himself our friend, but most of all He is our Savior, Redeemer, Healer, Provider, Protector, our Heavenly Father. So he went to The Cross for His friends (us) and took the punishment that we deserved! 

John 15:13 New Living Translation

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

He didn't have to! He could have called down a legion of angels to save him, but He loved us so much that He went through with His fathers plan for Him.

How many of us would take the place of someone else that we love, so that they could live? How many of us would volunteer as tribute? He did that for us, even though we were (are) still sinners!

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.

So I pray that with what Jesus did for us, the crucifixion, the scourging, the piercing, the nails. Everything that He endured for us so that we may live, we live good Godly lives. I know that we will still sin, but try our best to live like Jesus.

1 Peter 2:24 Amplified Bible

24 He personally carried our sins in His body on the [a]cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been [b]healed.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Hot Fudge Sundae!

 My wife and I stopped for ice cream last night after dinner. I ordered a hot fudge sundae. Love them. We got our order from the window and went to sit in the Jeep and enjoy. Had the top off, enjoying the night sky, breeze, ice cream and each others company.

Anyway,

I put my spoon into the dish and I noticed, like every other place that I have gotten a hot fudge sundae from, the hot fudge was just on the surface. Not all the way through it. So after taking it all off the top, all you're left with is vanilla ice cream. Bleh!! I mentioned to my wife "why can't they mix the hot fudge all the way through the sundae?" "So you get some in each scoop?"

At McDonalds, when I am standing at the counter, I catch them sometimes and have them put some hot fudge in the bottom before filling the container with the ice cream and then put some more on top. They charge me for extra topping, but I don't care. I would rather have more, than not enough.

Anyway, once again.

So as I'm eating said sundae, trying to mix it all together, I had a thought. Isn't this just like us and Jesus. How many of us just have a topical relationship with Jesus. After we go though the top layer, there is nothing left. Our top layer may be going to church on Sunday. Listening to the pastor speak from the Bible, hear some good worship music and then go home back to our lives. We've experienced the topical Jesus, but didn't go any deeper.

It reminds me of the parable of the soils. (Luke 8:4-15)

It talks about the different kinds of soil that people plant seeds in. Some take root, and run deep and produce good fruit. Some do not. Some get washed away as soon as a good rain storm comes along. Some take root for only a  little while, but get withered away from lack of caring for it.

To have good roots, we need to be in God's word, daily. Prayer and fellowship with other believers. Serve one another.

Colossians 2:7 New Living Translation

7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

 Shallow soil falters because of the next new thing that comes along that seems better. Which ever way the wind blows, people will follow.

Matthew 13:7 New Living Translation

7 Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants.

Many things can come along and choke out the seeds that have been planted. Life happens. But if you are rooted in Him, life can happen differently!

I encourage you today. Let the seeds that God has planted in you, deepen. Grow down deep into Him. Then which ever way the wind blows or rains come, you are steadfast. You will not be shaken.

I will never look at a hot fudge sundae the same way again.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Self Checkout.

 If you know me very well, you know that I love to talk. I can talk to almost anyone, about most things. Want to talk music? Especially heavy metal. Let's chat. Want to talk about sports? Especially baseball, again let's chat. Same goes for concerts, movies, tv. shows, etc.

I really, really love to talk about The Bible and God/Jesus! I have had to go back and take a second look at a house because I was to busy talking to the seller about Jesus! Bring Him up, and I lose all interest in everything else. 

This past weekend, I was in my element with talking to people. Saturday, I volunteered with Convoy of Hope for an event they were hosting in Chicago. I was stationed as a greater at the prayer tent. My/our job was to welcome people into the tent for prayer if they wanted it. Talked with all kinds of people about all kinds of subjects during the day. People who knew Jesus and those who did not. It was really awesome!

Sunday, I volunteered to hand out bottles of water at our local car show, from our church. I talked with so many people and handed out so much water, it was great. Getting to hear peoples stories about past car shows, what church that they attend, life and so much more.

Isn't it Biblical to meet people where they are? Just as Jesus does? He meets people where they are. You don't have to go to church to meet Jesus! Many of the people I talked to, will probably never set foot in our church, or any church. So we took church to the streets and handed out water to parched, hot, thirsty people.

Colossians 3:12 Living Bible

12 Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others.

Because I love to talk to people, that is the reason that I never use the self checkout lane at stores. I love to talk to the cashier. Ask about their day, see how things are going for them. I have heard so many stories from people about their lives, how long they have been on the job, and actually had the opportunity to pray for some of them.

I would never get that chance if I used the self checkout.

Jesus tells to us to go out and make disciple of all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20). How can we do that if we never talk to anyone. Can't make disciples going through a self checkout lane. That would be like just placing the bottles of water on a table for people to grab, without ever interacting with them. We were out there, showing them the love of Jesus by providing something they needed.

Psalm 145:15-17 New Living Translation

15 The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.

16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.

My friend Jimmy P. Brown II penned these lyrics to the song 'Passing' by his band Deliverance.

"We hide from families, the neighbors and pets And make friends with the computer We Twit and Facebook our lives on a screen."

Isn't that the truth. We avoid human contact, at all cost. We hide behind our computer or phone screens. We may have hundreds of friends on Facebook, but not any in real life. We forgot how to have a human interaction. Human connection is so important for our lives. I can't imagine not talking with or interacting with someone else.

So I encourage you to start going to the cashier and avoid the self checkouts. I know that they can be faster and get you out quicker, but I think that is part of societies problem We are in too much of a hurry. Need to slow down. Life goes by fast enough.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

One Year Later!

One year ago today, my life changed forever (for the good). After some mechanical difficulties with my last vehicle, my wife started researching a Jeep for us to buy. She found this yellow one at a local dealer. She made an appointment for me to test drive it. Upon pulling into the lot and laying my eyes upon this Jeep, I was awestruck! I loved the color and everything about it.

So I took it out for a drive, put an offer and viola, here it is, a year later. To say that I love this Jeep is an understatement. I have already had three oil changes on it. I drive it, just to drive it. This is probably the most fun vehicle I have ever owned and driven!

I have used it to move furniture. I have used it to minister to people. I have used it for everything, except go off roading. I have what other Jeepers call a "mall crawler or pavement princess." I don't care what you call it, I love it just the way that it is and the way that I use it.

So upon purchasing this Jeep, a couple of friends of mine mentioned that I should join the Jeep club that they belong to. I looked them up and put in my request. I was accepted and so it began. The most awesome journey with Barbed Wire Jeeps. Without this Jeep, I would not have meet some of the most amazing, awesome people there are. It's more than a club, it's family. I truly feel that way about them!

I have been a part of all kinds of events with Barbed Wire. Parades, Toys For Tots, Shriners, restaurant runs, and so on. Every time that we get together, it's like a family reunion!

Speaking of the Toys For Tots run, I also met some more awesome people from Jeeps On The Run! This is another amazing group of people, whom I never would have meet if not for my Jeep! I  have done a few events with this group as well. Again, another family reunion!

To top it all off, I decorated my Jeep with my favorite bands (Styper) logos. I had decals made for the front. I had a tire cover designed with the logo. Had back window covers made as well.

Anyway, 

About a month ago, Styper came to St. Charles for a concert. I was able to park close enough to the back stage door and the band were able to come and check out the Jeep and take pictures. What a culmination of what my vision for the Jeep was.

So God blessed me with my dream vehicle. I have wanted a Jeep for over forty years, and finally got it. So I encourage you to not give up on your dream(s), no matter what it is. Doing whatever dream that you have. Whether it takes forty years or however long, just don't give up on it.

God has blessed me with this Jeep. I hope that I have blessed Him with the way that I use it. I hope that I am using it for His glory!

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.

Comments, Quips & The Ever Present Side Eye!

 I had a dream the other night. In the dream, God gave me the title for this blog. And then He proceeded to want to download what I was supposed to say in it. I'm like "God, I'm trying to sleep."

In the dream I felt kind of like John in the book of Revelation,

Revelation 1:19 Living Bible

19 Write down what you have just seen and what will soon be shown to you.

What God showed me in the dream and what I have noticed myself every time that it happens, is that I get judged when I mention what kind of music that I listen to, or books that I read.

I know that I have written about this before. I thought that I was done with this, but the comments, quips and side eye keep happening. I don't get it.

Most of the judgement comes from my Christian circle. They are quick to comment. To pass judgement. 

Matthew 7:1-2 Amplified Bible

7 “[a]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]. 2 For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you.

Is that band really Christian? 

Why? Because the musicians have long hair and play heavy, hard, fast music? 

Is that author really a pastor, or a Christian leader? Should you really be reading a book written by them?

Why? Because they have long hair and their arms are covered with tattoo's? 

Last time I checked, having tattoo's, long hair and play heavy music doesn't stop you from proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus!

John 7:24 Amplified Bible

24 Do not judge by appearance [superficially and arrogantly], but judge fairly and righteously.”

I honestly thought that the judgement would come from my unsaved friends. But they are the ones that are the most accepting about what they see me reading or listening to.

When they see the Stryper logos on my Jeep, or t-shirts. They ask what does Isaiah 53:5 mean. I tell them what the Bible says and that is where Stryper get their name. "Oh, that's cool" And they move on. No sly comments. No little quips, or side eye given.

If they see me reading a book by a certain author, or authors. They ask about the author and the subject matter of the book. Again, they accept what I say, and move on. I figure that I am planting the seed. If they are that interested, they can look them up and decide for themselves!

I feel like what Forrest Gump said in the movie "Forrest Gump". I've said my peace, that is all I'm going to say about this. The more this happens, there is a wedge between me and you. 

So I urge you to be respectful of what other people listen to or read (in the Christian realm). Just because it isn't your taste, doesn't make it wrong!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

MLB = King Nebuchadnezzar

 So it seems that we had on Old Testament story play out in modern day times a few weeks ago. Not sure if you had heard or not, but the MLB were holding LGTBQ+ pride nights at all the teams stadiums, except one. The Texas Rangers are the only team not to hold a pride night event. 

They had the team change their logo to include the rainbow colors, plus put a patch on the sleeve.

Well, three players from the San Francisco Giants team didn't refuse to wear the hats and uniforms, but they wrote Bible scripture across it. They wrote Genesis 9:12-16.

Genesis 9:12-16 New Living Translation

12 Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. 16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.”

The backlash against these players was instant. Social media went wild with this story. How dare they not bow down to something that the MLB mandated? 

Kind of reminds me of the story in the book of Daniel 3, with King Nebby (my abbreviation) requiring everybody to bow down to the gold statue that he had erected.

Daniels three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to this gold statue. They refused to bow down to an worthless idol. They vowed to only bow before their one true God!

Their punishment for not bowing down was to be thrown into a fiery furnace. King Nebby was so angry that he had the furnace heated up seven times more than normal. They were thrown in, but God rescued them from the fire. 

These players were thrown into a fire. Not a literal fire, but a fire storm of controversy and media condemnation. For not bowing down to something they did believe in. MLB were going to punish them for this, but in the end, they did not. I think that God stepped in, just like for those three friends and softened MLB's heart towards this situation.

I think about when the MLB teams hold faith nights. What would happen if every team had a cross put on their hats and uniforms. The players who are not Christian and would refuse to wear or alter them, would there be as much outrage as this event? I'm guessing no, there would not be. 

Just a side note. A minor league baseball team forfeited a game because the players refused to wear the above said uniforms.

I applaud these players for standing up for their convictions. I would rather stand before God and be judged by the world, than stand for the world and be judged by God!

2 Corinthians 5:10 New Living Translation

10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

I'm not blasting teams holding these kinds of nights. Go ahead and do them. Invite in the public to participate & celebrate, but let the ball players do their job, playing baseball.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Perfect Example!

 This past Friday was the perfect example of God's timing vs. Keven's timing. So my favorite band in the whole world, Stryper were set to play at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles. So I came up with a plan. Not sure if you know or not, but my Jeep is Stryper themed. I have decals all over the front. My tire cover is the Stryper logo. The two rear windows are covered with the Stryper logo! So I thought it would it would be cool if somehow I could get the band to see it.

So I contacted the owner of the Arcada and explained to him what I had in mind. He thought that it was a cool idea, so he set it up. The band were to arrive around noonish, so he asked if I could be there at 11:30. The security guard was made aware of my coming there, so he was ready for me when I arrived.

I parked, got in touch with the security guard, and waited. And waited. And waited. I was expecting them to show up in a tour bus. Not so much. They arrived in three mini vans, at 1:15. They piled out of the vans and started grabbing their bags of clothing and whatnot to perform that night. One of the guys did happen to see the Jeep while they were parking, and mentioned how cool it was. They proceeded to tell me they would be back out to take a look at it. Just didn't say when.

So the band took all their stuff inside and I waited some more. I told the guard that if it didn't happen, I wasn't to worried about it. I know that they have a schedule and I was just taking a chance. After waiting for another 45 minutes, I asked the guard if they were coming out? He said that they were busy signing vinyl's  and would not be out for awhile. I told him that I needed to leave as I had yet to have lunch and I needed to get back to pickup my brother. He said no problem. He told me that he would block off the area that I was parked in, so that when we arrived later we could just park in the same spot. Awesome!

Well, when we came back to the theater, someone had already parked there. So the guard had me go around the block and park where he was parked. He moved his car so I could park there. How nice of him. The spot was six spots up from the back entrance of the theater. I thought for sure the band could walk at least that far to check it out. 

After the show was over, we went to wait by the back door for the band to come out. Upon talking with another fan, who happened to see my Jeep, he talked me into moving it once again. He told me to move it the very corner of the street and put the flashers on. So that is what I did. Right by the back door. The band could see it right when they came out.

The band came out and were interacting with everyone, signing autographs and taking pictures. I talked to their manager about getting them to see the Jeep and take pictures with it. She said to let the crowd die down and it would happen. 

Little did I know, my brother was working the same angle. So he had members of the band come over to the Jeep when they were available. So I have pictures of them with the Jeep, just not all at one time. It was awesome!

I was very grateful that they took the time to check it out and take pictures. They didn't have to do that, but were very gracious and kind.

So God had a different plan than mine! I had my whole idea set up in my head, and God said "Not now, later." Guess what? It was way better later! God's ways are always better!

Isaiah 55:8-9 New Living Translation

8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 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

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Chain

 

My wife and I went on a fifteen day cruise/trip to the UK, Norway, Scotland and Iceland, along with my in-laws. It was a trip of a life time. It was truly amazing. To see God's creation first hand, breathtaking! On one of our Norway excursions, while waiting at a bus stop, I noticed the monument pictured above. God spoke to me.

God - "Do you see those chain links over there?" 

Me - "Yes"

God - "Walk over there"

So I started out and crossed the street to take a closer look.

God - "Do you see how big and thick these links are?"

Me - "Yes."

God - "Do you think that I could break that those links, despite the size?"

Me - "Yes, You are God." "I believe that You can do anything!" "Nothing is to hard for you."

Jeremiah 32:17 New Living Translation

17 “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!

God - "Go tell people about this." "I am the chain breaker! No matter the size of the chain." " A necklace chain that you wear around your neck. A bicycle chain that moves the pedals. A chain that you lock things up with, or chain that you place on anchor on to hold the largest ships from moving. I can break them all!"

John 8:36 New Living Translation

36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

So I encourage you today. No matter what size chain you are dragging or carrying around with you. God can break it. He is able, more than able. He wants us to be free. Free in Him!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Armor!

 I had a dentist appointment the other day. As they sat me in the chair, they let me know that I was due to have x-rays taken. When it was time for the x-rays, the tech came in and placed a lead cover, apron, blanket (not sure what they are really called) over me, to protect me from radiation exposure.

As the tech placed the covering over me, I started thinking about how many other kinds of people use protective coverings?

Police officers wear bullet proof vests. Military personal wear Kevlar to protect them while out on patrol or in an active situation. They also wear helmets to protect their heads. Firefighters wear helmets and fire retardant clothing, to protect them from the fire.

All kind of sports teams wear helmets and other kinds of body protection to keep them safe during the game. Hockey, baseball, football. Baseball catchers and hockey goalies wear chest protectors and leg protectors. NFL quarterbacks will wear a flak jacket to protect their ribs from injury, or further injury.

So all these professions wear all kinds of body armor to protect them and keep them safe in whatever they are doing or facing.

Then I thought about us Christians. Aren't we supposed to do the same? Put on the full armor of God, to protect us in battle?

Ephesians 6:12 Amplified Bible

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

Ephesians 6:13 New Living Translation

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

The Bible lists several pieces of armor that we need to put on the defeat the enemy. If you take notice, all the armor is forward facing. Meaning that nothing protects our back. That's because we are not supposed to turn around and run. We are to go forward in our battles!

Ephesians 6:14-18 The Message

14 Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind.

Unlike others on this list, who can put on and take off their protective equipment, we should have ours on and at the ready at all times. We will never know when the enemy is going to attack. He is relentless, I'll say that. The more prepared we are, the better off we'll be to deflect him and his attacks. Being in prayer should be our first line of defense, not out last resort! Prayer is a powerful weapon!

It seems like more and more everyday, we as Christians are under attack. We need to put on the full armor that God provides us, and go into battle. He will be there with us, fighting for us!

Isaiah 54:17 New Living Translation

17 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Enough!

 It seems like every day the feed on my Facebook page is fraught with stories of more and more junk. More criminals being set free to commit more crimes. Videos of people fighting on cruise ships, in fast food places. People punching random people while walking down the sidewalk. Pushing people on the train track as the train is approaching. On and on it goes. Enough!

Well, I'm going to borrow the title of one of my favorite bands (White Cross) songs:

Enough is Enough.

I'm tired of hearing about or seeing all these things. Why speak on it or bring it to light if nothing is going to be done about it?

Ecclesiastes 8:11 The Voice

11 When the penalty for a crime is not carried out quickly, then people start scheming to commit their own crimes.

Seriously. It seems like the more things that are uncovered and left unpunished, other people get it in their head that they can do the same without consequences. Enough!

Tired about hear of the fraud in MN, CA. and elsewhere. Tired of hearing about election tampering. Tired of hearing about Iran, Israel, Hormuz Straight. Tired of  it all. Nothing changes. Enough!

Tired of hearing about the Squad, Omar, AOC, and the rest. Tired of hearing about Epstein, his island and everything else associated with him/it. Nothing has been done about it. Nobody is being tried or even arrested. Enough!

Tired of hearing the word racist. It's being tossed around so much that it is losing it's meaning. Enough!

Tired of the name calling. All I hear is Nazi, pedophile, rapist, king, among other names being uttered. None of this has been proven! Enough!

With elections coming up this year, I'm tired of the smear campaigns. Tired of the candidates running each other down. Tell me what you are going to do to make me and my families life better.

Tired of hearing that a baby in the womb is just a clump of cells. It is a human life from the moment of conception. 

Isaiah 5:20 Amplified Bible

20 Woe (judgment is coming) to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

So with everything that is going on in the world, I am glad that I am rooted in God's word. His word makes my path straight.

Proverbs 3:6 Amplified Bible

6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Enough is enough!

 Let us as Christians be an agent of change! Let us live like Jesus calls us to live. Love our neighbors as ourselves. Lift each other up. Be a light in this dark world! Point and direct people to Him, the only Savior for this world!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Hollow!

 Imagine as a little kid on Easter. You walk into the room where the "Easter Bunny" put your Easter basket. You notice all the goodies. You begin to poke around and see the chocolate eggs that have been left. Your thinking to yourself "these are going to be so good." "Can't wait to bite into one and devour it."

So you unwrap it, open your mouth and prepare to take a big bite out of it. You bite down and then disappointment sets in. The egg is hollow. No cream filling. No caramel filling. No peanut butter. Not a solid chocolate egg. Just a hollow chocolate shell. Your crushed. You were looking forward to something so delicious and heartbreak.

Fast forward to being a little older. Things that you have done in your life, you take a look back thinking that they would be fulfilling, only to find what you had done or accomplished was actually, hollow! Had no meaning in the long run.

One thing that Facebook does everyday is share your memories from years past on a specific date. You can tell what concert you went to see. A movie, sporting event, whatever. As I look at these memories sometimes, I think to myself, "did I really post that?" How irrelevant it was. I thought that it had meaning at the moment, but years later, I think about how silly that post was.

I look back and I see complaints about how the Cardinals played that day. Or the Blackhawks. Or something else that didn't matter, I thought that the world should know happened.

These memories that keep coming up and noticing what I had posted had me thinking about the book of Ecclesiastes in The Bible. Especially the first chapter.

Ecclesiastes 1:2 New Living Translation

2 “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”

I keep thinking about all these things that I'm doing, thinking that the world needs to hear about it, and then reflecting back, it meant nothing. At the moment I thought that it did, but no!

I went though a divorce in the early 2000's. When it was finalized, I felt hollow. There was hole left were the marriage had previously been. So I thought that dating every woman that I could would fill that hole. I would be proven wrong. No woman filled that hole in my life. 

It wasn't until I went to church and accepted Jesus as my Lord & Savior did that hole get filled. I no longer felt hollow. I felt a fullness to my life now. One that I had never felt before. Hard to explain unless you have the same experience.

So unlike the hollow chocolate egg, that was unsatisfactory, Jesus satisfies every need in you life. My life now has meaning. No longer do I feel hollow!

Ecclesiastes 3:4 New Living Translation

4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

Divorce was time to cry. I didn't cry because of the divorce, I cried because I thought that I had failed. But then came the time to laugh. Jesus became the joy of my life! The One I needed more than anyone!

Nehemiah 8:10 New Living Translation

10 For the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

So, you are feeling hollow today, let Jesus fill you, as only He can. 

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

He Did!

 We are at the half way point of Passion week, 2026. I wanted to pause and reflect on what Jesus has done for me/you. The sacrifice that He made for me/you.

Who pulled me out of my sinful life and set upon the rock? He did! (Psalm 71:3)

Who changed my life? He did! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Who died for me? He did! (Romans 5:8)

Who took my sins upon himself? He did! (1 Peter 2:24)

Who took the punishment that was due me? He did! (Hebrews 10:12)

Who has given me the life that I lead? He did! (Philippians 4:19)

Who has healed me, many, many, many times? He did! (Psalm 30:2)

Who rescued me from many situations that I found myself in? He did! (James 1:12)

Who has given me the family that I have? He did! (Colossians 3:19) (Ephesians 6:4)

Who has protected me, even when I didn't know I needed protection? He did! (Nahum 1:7)

Who as supplied everything that I need? He did! (Psalm 37:25)

Everything that I have, my life, my family, friends. Everything good, He did!

So as we approach the Friday that we thought was a disappointment (His death and burial), He turned it into a glorious Sunday (His resurection & empty tomb)!

So remember this Easter season isn't about bunnies and chocolate but about The Lamb. The Risen, resurrected Jesus!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Added To!

 Have you ever had God add something more to your life? Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks or years? How about finances? Healing of your body. 

My question is, if He has added more to your life, what did you do with it?

Did you squander it, or make the most of it?

Did you continue to live the way that you did before, or did you make changes to take advantage of what God has given you?

I've known people who were basically on their death beds & God healed them. Healed them of a myriad of health issues. He added more time to their life!

Many started praising God for what He has done for them. Others did not!

In a way this kind of reminds me of the story of the prodigal son. He was given his portion of his fathers inheritance before his father passed away. What did he do with it? He went and squandered it all away living recklessly! Ending up broke and poor. 

Luke 15:13-14 New Living Translation

13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve.

This father added to his sons life or so he thought. All he did was enable him, to live recklessly. He squandered it away! So I pray that if God were to add more to my life, I would use whatever it was, wisely!

God provided a newer Jeep for me to drive. I did nothing to receive this vehicle, so upon acquiring it, I wanted to use it for good purposes. I appreciated the newer vehicle to drive. I have already participated in a couple of charity events, delivering things to those in need. I didn't want to just drive it around and use gas, for my enjoyment. I wanted to use it to be His hands, feet and wheels when needed to bless others!

I listened to a message about King Hezekiah. About how he was very ill. He prayed to God for healing and God answered him and added more time to his life.

2 Kings 20:6 New Living Translation

6 I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my own honor and for the sake of my servant David.’”

With the added years to his life, he became prideful. Disregarding the mercy that The Lord had shown towards him. He showed visitors his palace and all that he had acquired in those fifteen additional years.

2 Kings 20:15 Amplified Bible

15 Isaiah said, “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah answered, “They have seen everything that is in my house (palace). There is nothing in my treasuries that I have not shown them.”

So I pray that if God gives you a second chance at life. Adding more years for you to live, or more finances, more of anything, that you use what He has given you to give glory to Him. He alone is worthy!

God bless.
Rev. Kev.

Trusting For A New Season.

 I left my job of 14 years last week. I feel like God had been telling me for a while that it was time to leave, but I kept asking "are You sure?" "Do You really want me to leave?" Well two events happened last week that I'm pretty sure God was saying "it's time for you to go!" It didn't end the way that I would have liked, but it ended.

Nothing bad to say, other than it was just time to leave.

Jeremiah 29:11 Message

11 I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

So today I took a ride down to Starved Rock. This is my go to place when I want to get alone and spend time with God. He talks, I listen. I was/am seeking His direction for my life now. Seeking to get some kind of word from Him.

This is what I heard from Him during my hike.

There will be many steps. If any of you have ever hiked Starved Rock, you know about the infinite number of stairs there are.

The path will not be straight. Again, while hiking down there, I don't think there is a straight path anywhere.

Just like I am bringing the world into a new season (spring), I will bring you into a new season as well. Trust me and what I have for you!

TRUST ME! 

I believe that is what He was really trying to get across to me.  

Isaiah 55:8 Amplified Bible

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

He has a perfect plan all laid out for me. He knows what's best for me, even when I don't. 

Isaiah 43:19 New Living Translation

19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.  I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

So He closed one door, and I'm waiting for another one to open. So I find myself in the hallway. You know what I am going to do? I am going to worship while I'm waiting!

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.

I Love My Ducks, And The Waves Also.

 When I bought my Jeep, I joined a local Jeep club (Barb Wire Jeeps) that friends of mine belonged to. Upon joining, I have been treated like family. Welcomed in, supported and encouraged. It's like I have known all these wonderful people all of my life! So I started following all kinds of Jeep pages on Facebook, thinking that the same thing would take place.

I would be proven wrong.

I could not believe that in some of the groups that I followed, the tearing down of people and lambasting, just because they had a duck or a few on their dashboard. Calling people a certain type of name that I am not going to repeat here. Really? Are you back in elementary school? Just because we have ducks on our dash, that makes us less than someone else. What do you care? How does this affect you? Just let us have our ducks and carry on!

I love getting ducked. It brightens my day. I display them proudly on my dash, as witnessed in the pic above. I love giving ducks out to other people. Hoping that it may make their day! You never know. Maybe that person is really going through something and that little duck could brighten their day, for even a moment!

Of course this has me thinking about us Christians. As a Christian, are we lifting our brothers and sisters up? Or are we tearing them down, just because they do something different than we do it?

Ephesians 4:29 New Living Translation

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

Not all of us will worship the same. Some will have their arms raised. Some will keep them at their side. Some will pray out loud, some silently. No matter what you do, it's between you and God. Not between you and me. Not all of us will live the same way. Some things may be acceptable to some and not to others. Personal choice. Not everything that everyone does has to be the same. As long as it honors God and brings Him the glory!

Romans 2:1-3 New Living Translation

2 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?

Just like getting a Jeep duck makes me smile, how much more I smile when He uses me to make a difference in someone's life! Allows me to be His hands & feet! Joy of The Lord is my strength!

I cannot believe that little rubber duck(s) sitting on a dashboard of a Jeep would bring out so much anger and name calling.

The same goes with following Jesus. People will resolve to call us names and anger towards us. Just for being Christian.

I pray that we stay strong. Keep the faith.  

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Less Than A Man??

This post isn't going to be a Biblical post like most of mine are. This one is going to be more personal and transparent.

I keep seeing a lot of videos and articles about how are you aren't a man if you do or don't do "fill in the blank."

For example, I bought my Jeep because I thought that it looked cool. I've always wanted a Jeep, and when the opportunity came to buy one, I jumped on it. Once owning it, I found out it is really awesome and fun to drive. I love getting the ducks, and Jeep waves when they occur. I liked being able to personalize it with my own decals on the hood and spare tire cover. Showing it off makes me happy. Friends always comment on how clean it is, and how awesome it looks.

But here come the comments that because I don't want to take my Jeep off roading or 'rock climbing' I am all of a sudden a pavement princess. Excuse me, what??

After paying "X" amount of dollars for my Jeep, the last thing I want to do is take it off roading and tear it up. If I wanted to do that, I would have bought a beater one.

So if wanting my Jeep to be show worthy makes me less than a man, then so be it. Just annoys me how other people judge me on what I choose to do with it! 

Then I see videos of what men are supposed to act like. I know that these videos are generalizing, but still. Trying to make me feel less than a man because I do or don't do certain things.

One video shows a guy getting out of the shower. According to the video, a man gets out completely wet, and shakes like a dog, spraying water all over the bathroom. A manly mans action according to this videos creator. A less than a man dries off in the shower before getting out. That is what I do. I don't want the drying mat that both my wife and I use to be soaking wet. I don't need water to be dripping down the walls or mirror. I consider my better half as well. I am not the only one that lives here. It's called respect.

There are a few other things, but these are the two that really irritated me lately.

What is so wrong with a man being considerate? Nothing in my book. I guess I am in the minority, according to things that I see and read.

Philippians 2:3-4 Amplified Bible

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. 4 Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Living Bible

24 Don’t think only of yourself. Try to think of the other fellow, too, and what is best for him.

Would you look at that. I managed to sneak some verses in after all!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.