One More Week

Just think. One week from now there will be no more political ads on television! I can't wait.

My wife and I play a game each night to see who is the first to grab the remote whenever a political ad comes on. We are both sick of seeing them so the competition between my wife and I is intense. She leads 759-698. And that was just last week!

I think church can be like that if the ones hearing the message aren't really interested. When I was in eighth grade confirmation class I didn't really care about God or Jesus. I just wanted to answer the questions so I could get outta there!

It wasn't until much later in life, when I fell into a relationship with Jesus, that I realized the truth and the seriousness of the Gospel message. Similarly, unless we have a relationship with a candidate - someone who speaks to us in truth (a rarity) - we won't even listen to the other candidate.

If we get religion rammed down our throats when we're young, we won't really be interested in what it has to say. Not unless it is accompanied by a relationship first.

I don't really care if someone is a Republican or a Democrat. I am looking for truth, honesty, and someone whose message parallels the Gospel. That usually narrows the choices down a bit. Like to zero!

So I find somebody close and vote that way. If my candidate loses, oh well. I voted. I'm not going to whine and cry about losing. I suck it up and move on. Jesus is MY King.

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." - Romans 13:1

You Are My King / Amazing Love - Chris Tomlin

The Next Step

I love dark, gloomy, rainy days. Days when nothing seems to be going right. Why? Because something is about to happen. Something good.

Think about it. Why are there clichés like "It's always darkest before the dawn" or "Behind every cloud is a silver lining?" Most cliché's like those have some element of truth to them. That's why they are clichés.

The thing I like most about gloomy depressing days is, I seem to draw closer to God during those times. Because I am less sure of myself I am more apt to pick up my Bible. I am more likely to contact a friend who I know will help me cheer up.

That's where Jesus comes in. I have found no better friend. He's always there. He knows what I need before I do. He directs my life by placing people in it for a reason, a season or a lifetime. And, yes, He IS that good.

God doesn't sugar coat the truth so I feel good about myself. He shoves the truth right in my face and says, "Deal with it." And if there is some short term pain, so be it. The pain is always accompanied by a long term gain.

I have reached out to a lot of people over the past 12 years, in the name of Christ. I love them, I try to tell them what they need to hear - the truth. Sometimes they walk away for a while. Sometimes for good. But my job is not to make them feel good. My job is to make them think. I do that by asking questions.

"What got you to this point in your life?"

"What was the decision you made when your life took a turn for the worse?"

"What's your next step?"

For many, the best next step they can take is Jesus. Either turning to Him or RE-turning to Him. That's always a good place to start.

Here's another good question. "Doing things your way has gotten you to the point where you are right now. What would you think about trying life God's way?"

Never pass up the opportunity to love someone or to encourage someone. You may be the one person who God has placed in their lives for that specific reason. Don't get the end of the day and say. "I wish I would have . . ."

Put God first.

Put God First - Denzel Washington

The Parable of The License Plate

I have been trying to get a license plate for my tiny house on wheels for the past four months. What a nightmare! One snag after another. Battling against the DOT can be an uphill battle. Unless, of course, you have someone to help you.

Things were going along well at first. I sent in my license application. All filled out. I sent them some money. I thought I had covered all the bases. Nope. I received a letter back from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation telling me they needed more money. Figures. Fine.

So I sent them more money.

Then I got an e-mail from my "application specialist" requesting even more information. They wanted to make sure my "RV" had a bed and a sink, a toilet and a cooktop. It's not an RV if it doesn't have them I guess. So I wrote back and told my specialist friend that I had all those things. Well, I had most of them, sitting in the trailer. I immediately ordered the rest.

That still wasn't enough. I needed a special certification stamp from my trailer manufacturer. It had have some special wording and it had to be attached to the trailer. I had a document with the wording on it but it wasn't attached to the trailer.

Well, that's a problem apparently. Looks like I had come to the end of the line in my effort to get licensed. Ah, but I have read the Bible. I know all about Law vs Grace. The Law, in my attempt to get a license plate, was being played perfectly by the state DOT. All their rules and regulations were quite hard to live by.

But then along came my tiny house trailer manufacturer. My savior! When I confessed to them my struggles with the state, they went above and beyond the call of duty. I got this e-mail from them yesterday.

"We will get you one. Let me work out the details and I will let you know asap. What address would you like me to send it to? Sorry this has been such a pain for you but we will make it right.

Angel"

My trailer company is sacrificing its profit margin to get me right with the State of Wisconsin. And did you catch the name at the end of the trailer company's message? Angel! Are you kidding me?

We can never satisfy the requirements of God's law. There's too many rules. Besides, we are prone to break rules to begin with. Jesus said, "There is no one good."

Thank God for His grace and mercy!!

Without the grace of my trailer company I'd be up the creek without a license plate. But thanks to someone who exhibited grace and mercy, I just might make it to "the promised land."

I thanked the trailer company for their customer service. And I thank God for the sacrifice of His Son. Without that I wouldn't have met the requirements of getting into heaven - a sinless life.

We all will be given a "license plate" when we get to heaven. A name that no one knows except Jesus. But only those who are 100% perfect will get one. We are made perfect through our faith in Christ. Send in your application today!

"Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes." - Romans 10:1-4

Grace - Michael W. Smith

(wait for the message at the end)

You're The Inspiration

This song has been in my head a lot lately. I actually wrote a story about it once I think. As you listen to it, try this - close your eyes and think about God. Think about all the thing's He's done for you. All the teaching, the parables, the questions He asked us. And, of course, His sacrifice on the cross.

The song ends with the repeated words, "When you love somebody."

Now picture Jesus hanging on that cross for you and me. What are the limits of God's love? They are endless . . . when You love somebody.

God loves us! Rejoice! Inspire someone today by showing them how much you love them!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life." - John 3:16

You're The Inspiration - Peter Cetera

An Opportunity To Love

Where does love come from? We KNOW it exists because we can feel it. In our hearts, in our minds and in our souls. But where does love begin?

I believe we are all born with the desire to be loved. I watch my granddaughter and I can see the love in her eyes as she looks at her mother. Although a mothers love for her child is there from the beginning, the child needs to learn and trust and feel safe in order to love. It wants to be loved and, if it is, it returns that love.

Some children never know love. They are to be pitied because the ultimate goal of any human being is love. It is actually what we were created to do. Love is at the heart of the first and greatest commandment.

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:36-40

If we are to love our neighbor, what than should we do with the thousands of people approaching our southern border? How do we show THEM love?

I think every American has compassion for these people who are walking here. They are poor and desperate enough to do this. How should we greet them? What would you do if you were the president? What is the loving thing to do, not only for these migrating people but for the American citizen as well?

Just about everyone living in this country can trace their ancestry to immigrants. Most Americans don't have a problem with LEGAL immigration. What should we do? How will we be known as a people? How will we show love?

Whatever we end up doing I hope it is done in love. I hope we will be seen as a loving nation in the eyes of the world. But more so, I hope we are seem as a loving nation in the eyes of God. What would HE have us do?

24“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands." - Acts 17:24-26

Every nation has borders. Some borders are more permeable than others. Whatever the state of our borders are, we need to check the condition of our hearts as well. We will ultimately be judged by our works in the name of Christ. What if Jesus was amongst these immigrants?

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25:40

Get Together - The Youngbloods

Artificial Intelligence

Have you seen this young lady? I hope not. She's a robot. A sex robot. "It" was designed by humans, men probably, to provide themselves with pleasure and to satisfy their lustful desires. Looks pretty real doesn't she? All TOO real I'm afraid.

In a related story, I read an article this weekend about how some  rogue scientists have created human-pig "chimeras" so they can grow human organs for transplant - and profit. This raises a question in my mind.

What the heck are we doing!?!

In the Book of Genesis we read a story of the people of Babel in chapter 11. They were pretty advanced for their day. They decided to build a tower to heaven. Why? Verse 4 gives us the reason - "so that we may make a name for ourselves."

They were setting themselves up to be their own gods. That did not sit well with The One True God.

"5But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." - Genesis 11:5-6

Are we approaching that point again as humans? We are creating things for our enjoyment and for our own exultation. We are becoming our own gods - creating this and that. Even creating and selling body parts. We are sinning against Almighty God! How long will God let this go on?

24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator." - Romans 1:24-25

We were made to worship. However we are worshiping the wrong things. It seems as if we are worshiping anything but God, mainly worshiping ourselves. This is unacceptable in the eyes of the Lord and soon he will come down and set things right. It won't be pretty.

It will be coming up on Halloween in a few weeks. If you'd like to watch a really scary horror movie, watch this 15 minute AI video. It will leave you speechless. This in not the future. It is happening now.

Artificial Intelligence - Jay Tuck
Human-Pig Chimera - WorldHealth.net

Pressure Relief

I was watching a video about tiny house plumbing this week. Yes, my life IS that exciting. The guy in the video was talking about pressure relief valves and why they are needed. I think I could use one!

The pressure in your home water system (if you have a well like me) varies between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch. That's normal.

Sometimes however pressure amounts can go higher. So high as a matter of fact that your system can explode and spew water everywhere. I'm no plumber but . . . that sounds bad.

That's why there are pressure relief valves. When the pressure gets too high the pressure relief valve lets the excess pressure escape until the system gets back to normal levels.

Sometimes I find that I am in need of a personal pressure relief valve. I might get upset watching the news or I see a Facebook post that makes me shake my head in disbelief. When I start to simmer it's nice to have my safety valve in perfect working order when it occurs.

I think the Holy Spirit is our spiritual relief valve. He calms us down when we get too hot. He steps in when life begins to go bad. He de-pressurizes any situation we might find ourselves in. OUR biggest problem is allowing Him access - listening to Him instead of ourselves, or Satan. Sadly, we usually do the latter.

Look at the world today. There's lots of pressure building up, everywhere it seems. Wouldn't it be nice if there was less tension in the world?

"6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

The next time you are in a stressful situation or find yourself about to explode, pray. Ask God for help. He has sent His Holy Spirit to help us. Let Him!

Holy Spirit - Francesca Battistelli

O God Forgive Us

Some of my favorite songs are actually prayers, sung to our amazing God in heaven. This particular song I had heard before. I thought this might be a good song to act as a backdrop as we examine our stance in the world today. So much division. So much hatred. Yet, we who believe have been called to be holy, set apart from this world we live in.

How do we do that? I believe it is in the love we have for one another. It is a difficult thing to love someone who is yelling at us, pointing a gun at us or poised with a knife at our throat. But that is exactly what we are called to do. O God, forgive us.

43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor i and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48

O God Forgive Us - For King and Country

Trash The App

Do you have a Bible app on your phone? I used to. I deleted it. Want to know why? I have FIVE reasons.

I was watching a sermon by Pastor James MacDonald this past weekend. He was talking about our modern technology and how we have all these conveniences right in the palm of our hand. The phone!

We have an app for this and an app for that. Everything created and designed to make our lives more convenient. But is convenience necessarily a good thing? Not always. Pastor James had one section of his talk called "Down With Fake Bibles." He spoke specifically about the Bibles we have on our computers and on our phones.

Here are Pastor James' top five reasons to delete your Bible app. I agree with them all, especially #4.

1. Not personalized - Although most Bible apps have ways to underline and highlight text it's not the same as doing so yourself in your own personal Bible. Years later, when your kids look through your Bible and see your handwriting. That's personal.
2. No Context - I used my Bible app to read and that's all I did. Read. There were no footnotes or other references along with the text. It was just there to read. It's just not the same as having a good study Bible to learn more AS you read.
3. Not Special - How many apps do you have on your phone? Dozens, right? And your Bible is just another app? No! The Bible is The living, breathing Word of God! It's special! We should treat it that way.
4. Not Observable - When my wife walks in the living room and sees me on my phone she has no idea what I am doing. I could be on Facebook. I could be texting a friend. What she thinks I am doing is up to her imagination. When I am reading my Bible and she sees me reading it she KNOWS what I am doing. There is no doubt. Very important!
5. Not Inconvenient - Convenience is the way to go these days. If we have a Bible app it's convenient for us to read. It shouldn't be convenient. How many times do you leave the house and then go back because you forgot your phone? Do you do that with your Bible? Our Bibles need to be things we remember as stand alone items.

The pastor's message hit a chord with me to the point where I deleted my Bible app. And you know what? I'm glad I did. To feel God's Word in my hands is far better than holding some "smart" phone. Let God's Word be an inconvenient truth in our lives. It is sharper than a two-edged sword.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." - John 1:1 & 14

Down With Fake Bibles - James MacDonald
The Word - Sara Groves

Life Support

At 2:57 Sunday morning I received a message from a friend saying that her mother would soon be taken off life support. Cancer, it seems, was about to take another precious life. As I think about though, I wonder if we aren't looking at death in the wrong way.

My friend was seeking prayer. That is an excellent place to start. God can heal anyone at any time from anything. So, why doesn't He? We can pray and pray and pray, yet, in most cases, nothing seems to happen. Why not? It's a question that everyone asks.

If you read the Bible you will notice instances of God healing people, raising some of them from the dead. But why does He do that? Why doesn't God just heal everybody?

"It is appointed unto man once to die." - Hebrews 9:27

If all of us are destined to die once, what's all this talk about eternal life? The eternal life that God offers us in exchange for our belief in Him is actually the key. Looking at death from the eternal end of things and looking back at this life - suddenly our viewpoint changes.

In this life there is pain and suffering. Jesus promised us that.

"In this world you will have trouble." - John 16:33

But in the next life things look better. It's almost like death is the gateway to paradise. That's because it is!

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Revelation 21:4

The key to our getting into heaven, where there IS no more pain or cancer or suffering, if our belief in Jesus, that He was who He said He was, the Son of the Living God. We must then turn from the sin we were living in and walk in obedience to God. We will still screw up. We will still sin. But Jesus died for our sins - past, present and future.

So from an eternal perspective death is really a plus for the person who dies - if they profess a faith in Christ. For the rest of us however, the death of a loved one hurt so very deeply. The loss, the absence of our loved one. But we can fix that. If we believe in Jesus as well we will soon be reunited with our believing friends and family members.

Later Sunday morning I received word that my friends mother has died. Death is a sad thing for those who remain behind. But death's not so bad, when viewed from an eternal perspective. No more pain, no more tears.

There Will Be A Day - Jeremy Camp

Pity Party

Do you ever feel like people are working against you? Like nothing is going right and no one seems to care? I guess we could have a pity party and whine about things. OR we could take a step back and ask ourselves one simple question.

I am building a tiny home right now and the exterior shell is all done. Now comes the interior work, much of what I don't know how to do. Plumbing, HVAC, electrical. I know ABOUT them but don't really know how to DO them.

So I decided to hire a plumber. Before my wife and I went on vacation I called up our usual plumber in town and made arrangements for them to come out and rough in the bath and kitchen in my tiny home . . . as soon as we got back.

I was glad that would be taken care of. I know plumbing basics but have never done any plumbing installation. When I called them yesterday to set up a time, I was told that they wouldn't be coming, at all. "We're too busy with septic systems right now."

Perfect. Just perfect. Now I had no one to do my plumbing. Time for a pity party and I was the only one of the guest list. Or so I thought. Someone else was coming however.

Later that afternoon I received an e-mail newsletter from the tiny home guys who sold me my trailer. The title of the article read, "Face Your Fear - Tiny House Plumbing".

Seriously? So I stepped out of my pity party and asked myself THEE question. The question every pity party attendee should ask themselves.

"God, what are you trying to teach me in this?

When we do that, suddenly things take on a different perspective. What IS God trying to teach me? Does God want me to do this myself so I can teach others? What is my fear in doing plumbing? Lack of knowledge. SO. Read a book! Watch a Your Tube video,  or 12. Basically, let's take care of this!

That pity party you had the other day. What was God trying to show YOU?

Maybe you think nobody likes you. What is God trying to show you? Have you retreated into a shell so deep that no one can find you? What is God trying to point out about you? About life? About Him?

We must trust in the Lord! He attends every one of our pity parties. He's probably wondering, "When is he going to stop looking at himself and start looking at me?"

Good question.

The party's over. It's time to call it a day.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." - Psalm 9:10

Father, forgive me for I have spent way to much time concerning myself with "me" instead of seeking You. It is IN YOU that I find my hope, not in me. May I seek you first in ALL things, in good times and in bad. It is YOU that calms the storms and erases doubt. May I trust in you always for your ways are not my ways. And that's a good thing. You are God, not me. Help me remember that. Amen.

The Party's Over - Sammy Davis Jr

The Doxology

A little music for you today. Familiar to many,  I thought this version by Anthem Lights was particularly good. A good reminder that all blessings come from God.

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” which was written in 1674 by Thomas Ken, a priest in the Church of England. The familiar words are “Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.”

The Doxology - Anthem Lights

Haunting Images

There are a few images I have seen in my lifetime that have left a lasting impression on my heart and in my mind. This is one of them. The photo was taken at the exact moment President Bush was informed of the 9/11 attacks. The words spoken to the president were, "America is under attack."

Think about those words for a moment, then pick up a newspaper or turn on the evening news. Is it any different today than 17 years ago when those planes crashed into the World Trade Center? Not really.

Lee Harvey Oswald killed by Jack Ruby on live TV

Each of us has a moment we can picture that has changed our lives. We can remember where we were at the time and what we were doing. President Bush was sitting in an elementary classroom, probably for a No Child Left Behind initiative photo op. Suddenly it was the farthest thing from his mind.

There is another picture that has burned a place into my heart. It's not really an actual picture I guess. It's more of an image I have formed through reading accounts of it in the Bible. The image of Jesus hanging on the cross.

Bobby Kennedy slain

Why do these images we have in our minds bind themselves to our hearts so strongly? It's because they change us in some way. They have an effect on us. The picture of Bush above depicted the moment we all changed. Lee Harvey Oswald who assassinated John F. Kennedy, set of a string of assassinations with Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King.

These images in our minds, are they there for a reason? They remind us of things we should not allow to happen again. Or they remind us of wonderful events we never want to forget. They can also remind us of sacrifices made in order to bring peace and love to a world that desperately needs it.

What haunting images are in YOUR head. Why are they so precious and what are you going to do as a result of them? Without each of us emerging with a sense of purpose from these haunting images they are simply pictures and we are simply animals living out our lives.

We must use these images we have in our minds to make ourselves better. Better people, better citizens, better Christians.

The writing of the song at the end of this story used the text from Ecclesiastes to remind us that we all experience life-changing events in our lives. Why did he entitle the song Turn! Turn! Turn! The world keeps turning despite what happens? Turn from our sins and embrace Christ? You tell me.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds

Much Is Required

My wife and I spent an afternoon at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum located on the SMU campus in Dallas, TX. I didn't think I would like it. I'm not that much of a "museum" guy. But I was reminded of something that day. Something we ALL should remember.

Most of the readers of this blog are from the United States. As a result of that fact we have a tremendous responsibility. We should not take our citizenship for granted. We should use it for good and for God's glory.

During one of the many videos we watched at the library, President George W. Bush spoke about his post-presidential years. He said, "I didn't want to sit around writing papers. We wanted to put plans in place to change lives." And then he said this:

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be required."- Luke 12:48

The words of Jesus.

That got me thinking. We who live in this country have been given much. Very much. Therefore, according to Jesus, much is required. We need to act like we have been given much. Not in a flaunting way but in a sacrificial, selfless way.

For example, there are people starving to death in Africa. We have been given much. Why aren't we giving? When someone is hungry do we give him food or do we say, "I'll pray for you."

9“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 7:9-12

God has given us plenty. Our lungs are breathing. Our hearts are beating. All according to the will of God. Then why are we not "giving good gifts" to others? We make plans, we write papers, we form organizations, yet we don't do the things that God wants us to do. Why not?

Because we are disobedient. There is no other answer. God commanded us to love our neighbor. If we are not loving them we ae disobeying. What then shall we do if we stand condemned in Jesus' eyes?

Repent on obey.

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

The Parable of The Silos

My wife and I are on vacation. We have stopped at more than a few stores along the way. Some stores are disappointing. But others are extra special.

The "niceness" of a store can be gauged by the cost and the quantity of its items to some degree, We saw one store that was absolutely huge. Thousands and thousands of items trying to appeal to as wide a variety of people and tastes as possible. Bigger isn't necessarily better. There was hardly anyone in the store.

We also saw designer stores, targeting a very specific audience. A smaller audience to be sure but an audience that was very interested in the store owner and the owner's wares. The two stores we visited of this type were driven by television shows and relationships already formed between the shows hosts and the viewer/consumer.

The more specific store, based on an already established relationship, was far more successful than the bigger store's "shotgun" approach to decorating and marketing. Why? That's easy. It was the  previously established relationship between store owner and their customer base.

God actually uses both strategies in His Gospel "marketing strategy." First, He excludes no one. His message of grace and forgiveness of sins is offered to everyone. All are welcome at the foot of the cross. It doesn't matter how much money you make, what you can or cannot afford. Everyone is welcome.

Secondly, God also targets a more specific group. His Church. He cares for the widow and the orphan and wants us to do the same. He also calls specific people for specific purposes. Pastors, elders, ministers, teachers.

And thirdly, like any smart company wanting to increase sales, God offers free stuff to the consumer. His love and the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life are all available to those who desire to enter His family "store." And the shipping is always free. :)

However, there is a catch of sorts. The gift of eternal life came at a cost. His one and only Son died so that we might enter "the store". A sacrifice made just to satisfy the hopes of His clientele. In order to receive God's gifts we need to enter into a relationship with Jesus first. Have you received that gift? Are you in a relationship with Jesus? Are you in a different store? Or are you on the outside looking in?

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." - John 10:9-10

Joanna Gaines Testimony of Faith
Chip and Joanna Gaines - I Am Second

Broken

My wife and I visited a sea turtle rescue hospital yesterday. Damaged sea turtles from the area are sent to this place to be repaired and to be healed. As I watched them swimming around in their tanks I realized something. They are just like you and me.

Our hearts went out to these magnificent creatures as they struggled just to function in the world in which they live. Some had been run over my motor boats and had their shells damaged. Others had become entangled in fishing nets, lost flippers or caught on hooks by fishermen.

People who care bring these broken people to the only place they can think of - the hospital - for help. Sadly, you and I often find ourselves in the same situation - broken - not knowing where to go or which direction to turn.

Physically and emotionally damaged or broken people go to the human hospital. We see a doctor or a psychiatrist. But where do spiritually damaged people go? Usually they go nowhere, just wandering around aimlessly in spiritual brokenness.

Ah, but Jesus is our spiritual healer. He restores our soul. He pulls us out of the pit and makes our paths straight. Are you in need of spiritual healing? Perhaps it's time to visit a healing sanctuary and receive the treatment that never fails to heal. His love.

The following song is a secular song that has some good words in it. When we get broken or lonely we just want to be with someone or held in some way. We long to be loved and when it feels like everyone has left us, where do we turn? How about Jesus?

'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." ~ Isaiah 53:4-5

Broken - Seether (feat. Amy Lee)

Joy In Pawhuska

I discovered something in the middle of the Oklahoma prairie this past weekend. I think I got a little taste of what God experiences when we do the things we were created to do.

My wife and I are currently on vacation. We are traveling south to visit a friend in Texas and we're taking in all of the sites along the way. The Gateway Arch in St Louis, The World's Largest Gift Store somewhere in Missouri, a goat farm. All the exciting destinations!

One place we HAD to stop was the Pioneer Woman Mercantile Building in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The Pioneer Woman is a cooking show that my wife loves to watch on television. Pawhuska is where the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, lives.

Pawhuska is a small town of about 3,400 people. Formerly a dying prairie town, it has surged in recent years as fans of The Pioneer Woman show have flocked to its streets. The Drummond family restored a downtown storefront into a very nice store and bakery. My wife wanted to visit.

My wife was born to shop. She loves it. She loves coupons and finding deals. But she really loved shopping in this store she has seen on television for the past several years. Normally I get bored waiting for her to finish shopping but I noticed something in her eyes as she floated up and down the aisles.

She was REALLY enjoying herself! I'd describe it as . . joy.

As I stood back and watched her enjoyment I began thinking about God. I think He enjoys watching us do what WE were created to do. What are the things WE do to glorify God? What are the things we enjoy doing that glorify Him?

At the end of the day my wife asked me if I had an enjoyable day saying, "It was all about me today." I told her that indeed I did have a wonderful day. I got to watch my wife, the love of my life, enjoying HER life. We are growing closer together through moments like we are experiencing this week. How many others can say the same?

My wife and I are having an enjoyable vacation. Each of us is doing what we like to do. But it is also a vacation of sorts just to relax and enjoy being with each other. Who created the prairie, the rivers, the sky that we are seeing? It was God! Did He not create us also?

How will we make God smile today by what we do?

"Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do." - Ecclesiastes 9:7

Tour of The Mercantile
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4WUMzVuZ9I