So Close, Yet So Far!!

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 19:21-22 The Message

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

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

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

Luke 9:23 Amplified Bible

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

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

Psalm 118:8  Living Bible

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

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Holding It Together!

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

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

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

Winning.

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

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

Psalm 107:27-28 New Living Translation

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

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

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

Psalm 73:26 Amplified Bible

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

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Here We Go, Once Again!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 7:1 Amplified Bible

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

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

Amen.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

From Saul To Keven!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deuteronomy 13:4 Amplified Bible

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

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

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Crack & Wonder!

 I've been going to see a chiropractor for the last few months. He has done wonders for my back and neck. I had problems with my shoulder as well. After one good adjustment on the shoulder, viola, no more issues! I was in bad enough shape at the start that he had me doing three visits a week. Now I am  down to one. I feel fantastic!

After one session, he grabs my head and prepares to crack my neck. I'm waiting for the release of pressure. When he finally cracks it, I'm like "oh my, that was really good!" He proceeds to say that he doesn't know how people go through life without getting adjusted. As soon as those words came out of his mouth, I thought "I don't know how people go through life without Jesus!" I didn't say that to him, I just had that thought.

He goes on telling me about how a persons body can/will get out of alignment and need adjusting. He said he didn't know how people dealt with it.

I thought about that from a different perspective. Peoples lives get out of alignment when they aren't following Jesus! I know, I was one of them at one time!

Ephesians 2:12 Living Bible

12 Remember that in those days you were living utterly apart from Christ; you were enemies of God’s children, and he had promised you no help. You were lost, without God, without hope.

His solution for adjustment is a chiropractor. My solution is reading The Bible! His adjustments are physical. He adjusts bones and body parts. My adjustment is mental. I read The Bible to learn about God and how to live like Jesus! 

So when a person starts feeling like their body is getting out of alignment, they go see a chiropractor. When I feel like my mind/life is getting out of alignment, I turn to The Bible. Which is an everyday occurrence. I need Jesus' help everyday, not just when I'm feeling a little out of alignment. I read His word and try to put into practice what it says.

Psalm 119:105 New Living Translation

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

Not going to lie. I still need to see the chiropractor. I still need my body to be put in alignment. I just need Jesus' alignment more!

So I encourage you. If you need a physical alignment, go see a chiropractor. If you are in need of a spiritual alignment, turn to Jesus! His alignment is perfect! 

God bless. 

Rev. Kev.

Don't. Give. Up!

 Every year the city that I live in hosts a Pumpkin Festival. It starts on a Wednesday and culminates with a 10K race and then a parade on Sunday. Both are quite popular. The race begins early in the morning, so the city starts closing off roads so that the runners will be safe without vehicle traffic around them. Our church is located right in the middle of the course, for both the run and parade. We decided to only have one service that Sunday morning to give people a chance to get out of dodge before the parade and road closings start. That service began @ 8:00AM.

As I head out down the road towards church, I discover that they already have the road closed. They had a detour sign up. You could go left (East) or right (West). I'm thinking that I only need to get across the main road to get to the back streets. So I decided to go left. I get to the next street, closed. Arghhh! So I continue on to the next. Same thing. For the next few streets, they were all closed. Next thing I know I am heading way out of town. I thought "I'm not going that far to go around." So I turn around and say to myself "not today Satan!" Not keeping me from church.

So I turn around and get back into the traffic that was steadily getting worse every second. I look at the clock on my dash, 7:55. Only five minutes to get through all this traffic and get to church. I was determined to make it, if even being late. I could have given up and just gone back home. The way home wasn't blocked. It was wide open. Everyone was heading into town, not out. It reminded me of the story in The Bible about the road to hell being wide open, and the path to Heaven being narrow. (Matthew7:13-14)

So I get to another road block and I encounter a couple of officers. They ask me where do I think that I am going? I told them that I am trying to get to the church that was literally a block away, and was going to park in the lot next to it. They let me through and I parked. I walked into church. Guess what time? Exactly 8:00. Wasn't late at all. It reminded me of another Bible story about God making time stand still. (Joshua 10: 12-14)

I thought a lot of things during this short but long trip to get to church. I could have just given up and gone home. That was not an option for me.

Hebrews 10:25 New Living Translation

25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, 

I thought about the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him down through the roof of a house to get him in front of Jesus. It was to crowded outside. They didn't give up. They came up with a plan to get their friend to Jesus. Guess what? He was healed. (Mark 2:3-11)

I thought about the woman with the issue of blood. If she could only fight her way through the crowd and just touch His garment, she would be healed. Crowd was thick around Jesus. It looked like there was no way she could get to Him. But she didn't give up. She kept pushing her way through till she reached Him. (Mark 5:24-34)

Then later that night, I went to see Don Beebe speak at a men's event. Bro night it was called. He talked about the infamous Super Bowl play where he chased down an opposing player and prevented him from scoring a touch down. He never gave up. That's what his message was to all the men in the room.

So I encourage you. Don't ever give up. No matter what you are facing, don't give up. It might look bleak and undoable, but God!

Matthew 19:26 New Living Translation

26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

20,874

 You may be asking yourself what that number means. Glad that you asked. Let me tell you. It is the number of days that God has allowed me to be alive! To be able live a life that I am thankful for! Everyday is a gift, that I never want to take for granted.

I've done some stupid stuff in the past while I was growing up that should have put me in the ground. The only explanation is God. Even when I didn't believe, He was looking out for me. Watching over me. I didn't know it then, but He had a plan for me. Still not really sure what it is, but I am alive because He kept me that way!

Jeremiah 29:11 New Living Translation

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

I didn't always make the wisest decisions.  Not that I got in a lot of trouble, just made some dumb choices that most certainly could have and should have lead to my downfall. But GOD! Like I said, I wasn't even walking with Him yet, and He still protected me. Even when things did go sideways, it could have always been worse! I think about some of the things that I have done all the time. I whisper to myself, "you should be dead." But GOD!!

God has allowed me to live through some things. Some very good and some very bad! I didn't know it for a very long time, but He was there with me. The fourth Man in the fire if you will.

I know now that His promises are true. He will never leave me (us) or forsake me (us). He is my hope and future. No matter how fallen this world gets, Jesus is in control. He promises that He is coming back to get us. We just need to be ready!

John 14:2-3 New Living Translation

2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.[a] If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

So when you look back at your life and think about some things that you have done, that you shouldn't have survived, thank Jesus. It was Him, all along! He wants us.

Zephaniah 3:17 Amplified Bible

 “The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.

So, I'm grateful for everyone of those 20,000+ days. I'm looking forward to at least a few more, giving praise, honor and glory to whom it is deserved. Jesus!!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.