The War of The Invisible

It's hard to believe just looking at it. Everything seems so clean and nice. What a wonderful place! Yeah, well, it looks that way because they haven't let the kids in yet!!

A battle is about ready to begin in this room. The victims will innocent children. Most will be defenseless against an enemy that cannot be seen but we parents send our kids in anyway. Why? Good question!

How many of you have ever had a sick kid? Wow! Every parent's hand just went up! You probably have all heard about the invisible enemy in our classrooms - germs. They're everywhere.

Why did God create germs? Probably for the same reason he invented mosquitoes. I have no idea why God made them either yet they are a reality.

"16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him." - Colossians 1:16

There is good news in our invisible battle with germs. God has power over ALL things. Even the invisible. That's why He made scientists and doctors and researchers who spend their time trying to get rid of troublesome little friends. Germs.

All of us have another invisible enemy. Satan. We can't see him either but he is just as frustrating to deal with. He has already invaded the world we live in. Although we can't see him he leave a lot of symptoms in his wake.

There is a cure for this sickness. Just like a vaccine against an illness, Jesus provides the healing power in our battle against Satan. When we become a follower of Jesus God's Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. We become changed. Changed so much that we can actually live forever.

So why aren't more people lining up to get their Jesus shot? Another good question. Part of the reason is we're already infected. Satan effects our judgement and stamina. But another reason we don't get the help we need is because God is invisible too. If we would only open our eyes and see.

"17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." - Ephesians 1:17-23

Relationships 101

With the new year beginning in just a few days it's a natural time to think about starting over. Are you "between relationships" right now? Looking to trade up maybe? Or just plain frustrated with the whole relationship thing? Please, don't give up until you've read this.

I have a lot of young adults in my life right now who are struggling in with their relationships. As a former youth leader in a church, I have watched the high school and middle school kids I used to mentor grow up into young adults.

Some of their relationships started off well but then spiraled downward rather quickly while other relationships seemed to thrive right from the start. Why is that? I believe there IS an answer to that question. Are you ready to find out?

Go get a piece of paper and a writing utensil of your choice. Now, draw a line down the middle of the paper - top to bottom. At the top of the left column write "Wants". At the top of the right column write "Needs".  Go ahead now and write down the things you are looking for in a relationship.

Write down all the things you want in your relationship. Then write down all the things you absolutely need. You have 30 seconds. Start the Jeopardy theme music below and GO!!

Jeopardy Theme Song

All done? Great! Now look at your answers. Did you have more wants than needs? Or more needs than wants? Were they ALL needs? Okay. now try this. Examine the column of your relationship needs and answer this one simple question.

Is one of them Jesus? Was He first on your list of needs? He should be. He should be the ONLY need on your list. Otherwise all your relationships will most likely fail. At best, they will be bumpy and there will be struggles. Why? Because you are trying to please yourself instead of God. Think about it. Look at all of the things that you want. YOU want.

Have you tried praying for God to bring someone to come into your life? Guess what. It doesn't work, does it? Look at your list of wants and needs and forget about them all. Try praying something like this:

Heavenly Father, I have tried and failed in so many of my earthly relationships. Nothing seems to work. I am beginning to wonder if anyone will ever love me. But I know that YOU love me God. Is there someone that YOU have in mind for me? If there is, would you show me please? I am willing to wait for the one that YOU want to be by my side. But if there is no one, that's okay. Because I have you! You are all that I need Lord. I'm sorry for not placing you above all of my wants and needs in my life. You should be above all! Thank you Father for hearing my prayer. In the name of Jesus I offer this prayer up to You. Amen.

Look, none of us is perfect. There isn't a perfect Christian on the planet. It's hard to find someone who fits our wants. "33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33. We need to check our priorities. And our obedience.

"15 If you love me, keep my commands." - John 14:15

If Jesus is your one and only, everything else will fall into place. Quit trying to please others or find that perfect mate for yourself. That person doesn't exist. Establish a relationship with Christ first. Make Jesus your ONLY desire. Obey His commands. Then, see what happens after that.

If you need someone to talk with, I'll listen and encourage you in your relationship quest. Send me a message. To know God is to know love. Seek Him first. Seek out a pastor or close friend, but don't give up hope. God loves us.

"16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19We love because he first loved us." - 1 John 4:16-19

Draw Me Close - Michael W. Smith

The Parable of The Forgotten Gift

On Christmas Eve this year, discarded wrapping paper strewn all over the sunroom floor, we were all standing in the kitchen, feasting on Christmas goodies. Suddenly our grandson came running in from the other room and shouted, "I found another present under the tree!!"

"Who's it for?" his mother asked.

"It's for me!" was the reply.

"Well, you'd better open it." his mom suggested. Only too happy to obey, he quickly sat down and began to shred.

Look at the expression on our grandson's face. What emotions can you see? Joy? Excitement? Anticipation? Hope? Wonder? I saw all those in my grandson as he unwrapped his forgotten present.

After all the family had left my wife and I went to church and heard a message about the TRUE meaning of Christmas. The source of the message did not come from the typical Luke 2 Christmas story. It came from the Book of Philippians instead.

"5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!" - 2 Philippians 2:6-8

The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus, part of the Trinity, took human form, He became a servant and Jesus humbled Himself. He gave up nearly everything that He was. Why? So He could become "obedient to death". Death on a cross. For us.

After church I thought back on our grandson opening that package - the present that had been forgotten - and I wondered how many of us have left Jesus under the tree. Even though Jesus died "once for all" still many have yet to receive Him.

For those of us who have unwrapped our hidden present, Jesus, may we all have the look on our faces that our grandson had. As we talk about Jesus, as we live out our daily lives. When people look at us may they think about Him. May we take this most special and perfect of gifts and not let it be hidden under a tree, but let us unwrap it and wear it for all to see.

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:10-11

Silent Night - Manheim Steamroller

Christmas Letter 2018

For those who didn't get my 2018 Christmas letter, here it is!

The stereotypical Christmas letter is filled with pictures and descriptions of summer vacations, family reunions, weddings and sporting events. These are all wonderful things that happen in our lives but they are not really about Christmas. So, I am not going to write about any of those. I dislike the “typical” or “expected” things in life. Why? Because Jesus is seldom found in places like that. Jesus is atypical and a Messiah’s birth to human parents is hardly what was expected. So, instead I will offer you an atypical Christmas story for your consideration. This story is true and it happened this past summer.

This past July I officiated at a wedding. I tell you that only for you to visualize the wedding from the point of view I had. It was literally the best seat in the house. After the guests were seated I walked up front along with the groom and we waited for the bride to present herself. And when she did all heads turned and watched as this bride came forward and joined hands with her bridegroom. She was absolutely beautiful.

Previously I had only seen the bride wearing blue jeans and a sweatshirt. What a change I saw that day, standing up front of everything. This bride had changed from the typical to the atypical. From the norm to something set apart and beautiful.

In the Bible Jesus is referred to as “the Bridegroom” and the church, those who believe in Him, are called “the bride”. It is written that one day the bride will join the bridegroom. There will be an amazing wedding feast in heaven on that day.

"6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” - for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” - Revelation 19:6-9

What a beautiful picture of a wedding! But consider this. Read verse eight again. “It was granted to her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.” It goes on to say that the fine linen is actually “the righteous deeds of the saints.” That’s you and me, the bride! How can our deeds be made righteous? Isaiah 64:6 says “all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags.” How can we be made bright and pure?

Enter Jesus, the Lamb, the Bridegroom. Jesus was born into the world, fully God and fully man, to live a sinless life and to be sacrificed for OUR sins. His righteousness imputed to us, thereby making us bright and pure in God’s eyes. People who place their faith, hope and trust in Jesus are “the bride”  – made bright and pure by Jesus. It is nothing we have done.

God gave us Jesus. We celebrate His birth because it is only through Him and His sacrifice, that we have been made ready for that wedding day with Jesus. This Christmas, when you look at a nativity scene, look at the baby Jesus in an atypical way. See Him as the first gift given for OUR wedding day with Jesus. Jesus Himself - born in manger – as a wedding gift. It was His sacrifice that made us bright and pure. And THAT is why we celebrate. We celebrate The Gift.

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the gift of Jesus. You knew exactly what we needed and you provided that for us. Although Jesus was born in a lowly manger, He is now seated at Your right hand – King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May everyone who reads this letter be blessed and give You thanks for the most perfect Christmas gift, and wedding gift, ever given. It is in the beautiful name of Jesus that I pray. Amen.

And now, the family news:

Probably the most significant thing that happened in our family this year was the death of my mom back in June. I retired back in March and officiated at a wedding in July (see pictures above). In August Bev and I attended the annual Johnson family reunion in Michigan. Then we took a two-week trip at the end of September and visited St. Louis, Pawhuska Oklahoma, Dallas, Waco, South Padre Island and Hot Springs, Arkansas. Thank you, Susan, for your amazing southern hospitality.

Tiny house construction continues, slower now with the colder temperatures. I continue to minister to young adults in Central Wisconsin and volunteer at the local food pantry. Bev still works at Waupaca County WIC (two more years), coordinates the layette ministry at church and also volunteers at the Waupaca Community Garden.

Our two children are healthy, employed, married and in love with their kids, our grandchildren. We enjoy spoiling all of them as often as we can.

May this Christmas bring you love, peace and joy as we remember our most prefect Christmas gift – Jesus.

Lamb of God

Did you ever wonder why the angels appeared to the shepherds when Jesus was born? I mean, why not appear to somebody else more important? Somebody more powerful. Why not a king or a religious leader or the three wise men? Well, there IS a reason.

Shepherding was a pretty lowly job back when Jesus was born, but not all shepherds were created equal. What was significant about these particular shepherds?

Well, where was Jesus born? That's where the shepherds were. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and the shepherds were nearby.

"8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:8-12

"Has been born to you?" Born to the shepherds? Hmm.

What is so significant about these shepherds, that "the Lamb of God" would be born to them?

The shepherds in Bethlehem were not just any shepherds. They were responsible for watching over a very special flock. The lambs born to their particular flock were used as temple sacrifices in Jerusalem. The lambs had to be spotless in order to be acceptable to God as a sacrifice for sin.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem because that is where ALL sacrificial lambs were born. And Jesus was born to live a sinless, spotless life before He was sacrificed for our sins.

Here's a thought to ponder. According to the National Sheep Association, lambing season runs from February to April. Since God is perfect and amazing and everything He does is right on time and according to His plan, why on earth would we think that Jesus was born in December? Hmm.

And how about this? All of the major events in Jesus' life - His amazing sacrificial life - occurred on major Jewish holidays.

The Passover - Jesus and His disciples ate the Last Supper. They had lamb.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread - Jesus, the Bread of Life, was crucified.
The Festival of First Fruits - Jesus rose from the dead. The first fruit of God's resurrection plan.

The first day of the Jewish New Year is Nisan 1. This year Nisan 1 falls on March 17th. Events that occurred on Nisan 1 include the dedication of the tabernacle (Exodus 40:17) and the cleansing of the defiled temple (2 Chronicles 29).

If Jesus made all things new, "the old has passed away, behold, the new has come" (Isaiah 42:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:5) - wouldn't it make sense that Jesus was born on Nisan 1, the day the old year passed away and the new year has come, in the spring, with the sacrificial lambs?

Just a theory. What do YOU think?

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" - John 1:29

When Was Jesus Really Born? - Jonathan Cahn

The Parable of The Christmas Cookies

Each year about this time my wife begins baking cookies. My wife has developed quite a following of grateful people who enjoy receiving her sugary treats.

Some of those blessed recipients are the employees of the company where I used to work. Each year they always looked forward to the day my wife sent a big platter of her cookies in with me. Bev's cookie day is always a wonderful day for them.

When I retired earlier this year one of my co-workers came up to me with a sad face and said, "We're really going to miss you . . . and your wife's cookies." I got the feeling they were going to miss my wife's cookies more than me! Then they told me that I was only allowed to retire if I promised to keep bringing Bev's cookies in each year, despite my no longer working there. I agreed. I love making people smile.

My wife is a lot like The Little Drummer Boy Christmas song. She has a gift - baking - and she shares it with others. What a blessing!

This Christmas, I wonder what I could do? What gift do I have that I could share with others? I can't bake. I can't make too many things. I write stories though. I wrote one in my Christmas letter this year. I'll post that in a few days. But what else could I do? What can I share?

My heart.

I love my friends at work. So I told them that by visiting them, talking with them and giving out some Christmas hugs. It didn't cost anything yet it made people smile. Showing someone you love them is one of those gifts that keeps on giving. It's like a love chain. Like a strand of lights on the Christmas tree.

Be a light in someone's life this Christmas.

14“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Little Drummer Boy - For King and Country
Light of The World - Lauren Daigle

The Candy Man

It was rather chilly Saturday morning. 19 degrees according to the Weather Channel app on my phone. I wasn't really looking forward to standing outside for the next 3 1/2 hours but then again, I wouldn't miss it for the world. You see, I'm The Candy Man.

Once each month there is a food distribution where I live. I volunteer there and absolutely love it.

The reason I love it is because I get to interact with everyone who come through the doors. I get to talk to all of the people when I pre-register them before the doors actually open. After I began volunteering at this position I noticed a few things.

The first thing I noticed is I didn't interact as much with those I already had registered. I was only talking with the new people. The second thing I noticed was . . . people were hungry. Nothing gets past me. That's when I began handing out Hershey's kisses to all comers. What a blessing!

Soon people were calling me The Candy Man. The candy was just the key though to unlocking people's hearts. Especially the children. A simple piece of candy always brings a smile.

In showing love for my friends at the food pantry they return that love with smiles and hugs and thank you's. It also opened up conversations. Because I am where I am and in conversation with people, and they know I care, they begin to reveal things to me. Some good, some bad.

This past Saturday I was able to pray for someone who had just found out that their grandmother had been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer. There is nothing doctors can do.

I also prayed for a friend who quit her job so she could devote more time to doing what God wants her to do. Leaps of faith can be scary things but my friend took one, boldly. My friend is more interested in obedience than in being employed. Awesome!

"2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” - John 13:2-7

Jesus came into this world as a servant. Washing the feet of His disciples was only one example of His servant heart. Perhaps that's why is feels so good to serve others - to share the love that Jesus demonstrated towards us.

This is a wonderful time of year to serve. There are so many people in need. I encourage you to find some place to serve. Make it part of your Christmas tradition. Jesus told us that the first and greatest commandment is this:

“‘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.’ - Matthew 22:377-39

Jesus also said this:

34“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35

Find a way to wash someone's feet today. You will be glad you did.

Hershey's Kisses Christmas Commercial
Footwashing - Michael W. Smith

Ringtone

I take longer to answer my phone these days. Why? Because I love my ringtone. Does your ringtone say something about you? Or is it just the standard ringtone? Which, if it is, says something about you too.

My ringtone is Over The Horizon (mellow mix) which I absolutely love. I believe that music is a transportation device for our souls. Our music takes us places where we want to go anyway. Maybe it's loud or soft, uplifting of sad. Music takes us places. Where does your music take you?

Why did God give us the ability to create music. Even the birds sing! I think it's because God like us to worship Him with our music.

Here is my challenge for you today. Listen to your favorite music. Listen to it with your eyes closed. Form a mental picture or video of the places your music takes you. Where does it take you? If your music takes you to a dark place, you need some new music! Music can a beautiful thing and it can take us places where we've always wanted to go. Or NEED to go.

For me, my ringtone takes me upward. I find myself flying over God's creation, alone, yet content. I admire the beauty, the peacefulness, the majesty as I fly. Then, as if on cue by our heavenly orchestra conductor, I look skyward and up, up, up I go. Beautiful.

May your music wrap it's arms around you and take you places you have never been before. Into the arms of God.

"15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. " - 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

Over The Horizon - Josh Joongsam Yun, Samsung Electronics

The Faith Of A Child

So many times we over-complicate our relationships. We start reading things into them that aren't really there. The smallest of things can have major complications if we allow them to. If we lose faith.

My wife and I drove down to visit our daughter. We were celebrating her birthday a little early and taking our grand daughter out to see the Christmas Train come through town. Before we left I seized an opportunity to interact with my grand daughter.

Usually our grand daughter is quiet at first when her grandpa and grandma come to visit. Grandma steps in quickly and likes to carry her around. I tend to step aside and left grandma have her fun. But Saturday, as our grand daughter was playing by herself, I took the opportunity to interact - playing a little game of catch with a tennis ball.

Soon our grand daughter began to laugh as we played. She lost all fear of this big man who had come in and sat on the floor at her own height. She giggled and I smiled as I watched the innocence of childhood being displayed before me. Then I remembered this:

"2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:2-4

In watching this little child, our grand daughter, I found myself staring at what my faith should look like. Energetic, focused, without doubt or fear and excited. "How am I doing in those categories?" I wondered about myself.

Do I get excited when I talk with someone about Jesus? Do I interact with people at their level as they walk through life? Am I focused on what I am doing in the name of Christ? Without doubt? Without fear?

"15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited." - Romans 12:15-16

In our prayers, do we have doubts? Fear? Or are we certain and confident?

The Faith of a Little Child - B. J. Thomas

The Key To Happiness

I was feeling kind of down the other day so I went to bed early. "Maybe tomorrow will be a better day, " I said to myself. It was.

Waking up in the middle of the night usually is not a happy occasion. I would rather sleep through the night. But, when you gotta go, it's always best to answer the call, so I did. I wasn't happy. I wasn't sad. It was just reality. Let's just do it and get back to bed.

Before heading back to bed though I checked my phone. Maybe someone sent me a message. Usually there's nothing and I go back to bed. The other night however there WAS a message so I opened it.

Someone wanted to send me a Christmas card and was wondering what my address was. But this wasn't a normal address request. It was a photograph of my card, already addressed except for my street number and name. I replied immediately. I felt loved. I felt happy.

Later, while lying in bed trying to get back to sleep, I thought about my sudden mood swing from "blah" to "joy". What had caused it? Was it because someone wanted to send me a Christmas card? Partially. But that's not the main reason. WHY did someone want to send me a Christmas card?

Because they were thinking about me and they cared about me enough to do something about it. That's when it hit me. The key to my happiness, the key to finding JOY, is love.

The Book of 1st John tells us that "God is love". God is the source of love.

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

"19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister." - 1 John 4:16:21

Wow. Lots of good stuff in there. The key verse for me is that we are to be like Jesus (v17) in the world we live in. In doing so, others will know that we love them by our actions and by our words.

When we feel loved we feel good. We feel happy and joyful. Why? Because we were created to love and to be loved. God IS love!

Do you feel down today? Seek God. Are you wondering how you can feel happy during a sad time in your life? More God! Do you want to feel loved? Love others.

Jesus was the perfect example of love. He loved His enemies and prayed for them. How am I doing with that? I am supposed to "be like Jesus" in a world that desperately needs Him.

Christmas is coming up in a few weeks. What a perfect time to love others. So, what are we going to do? I think we need to get busy doing what we were created to do. It kind of gives new meaning to that words from that Christmas carol.

"Joy to the world, the Lord has come."

Are the words JOY and LOVE interchangeable? They should be.

Joy To The World - Faith Hill

Hypocrites

Do you know what a hypocrite is? It's basically someone who says one thing then does another. Jesus called a lot of people hypocrites. Why? Because He always spoke the truth unlike most of us.

I watched the George H. W. Bush funeral this past week. It lasted several days so I had plenty of time to form the following opinion. Here it is. "All politicians are hypocrites." It doesn't matter whether you are a republican, a democrat or an independent. All politicians are liars.

"Gee, that's pretty strong." you might say. "How can you say that?" Because every word that comes out of a politician's mouth has an agenda. Their trustworthiness is meaningless.

Watch a politician talk sometime. Notice how they talk in short, fragmented sentences when they speak. They are pausing to make sure that what they are about to say lines up with their agenda and does so in such a way that they won't get in trouble later.

Trump got elected by saying he was going to drain the swamp. Instead he became one of the biggest predators IN the swamp. In my opinion, only God is capable of draining the swamp.

We could use less politicians and more leaders in our country. Jesus was a leader. He was NOT a politician. Jesus could not lie because Jesus could never lie because lying is a sin. Jesus is the perfect leader!

What would our country look like if Jesus ran it instead of our politicians of today? AND we actually followed Him instead of our selfish desires? It would be interesting, that's for sure. And amazing.

As an example, there would be no gun control. We wouldn't need any. There would be no murder. There would be no stealing. The only reason we would have weapons was to fight wars. There would be no abortion, no social security. The only "hand outs" would be for widows and orphans.

If we all followed Jesus there would be no OWI offenses because God hate drunkenness. There would be no greed, gluttony, sexual immorality, deceit, etc. The swamp would be drained!

No other country would dare to fight against us because God would simply destroy them with a wave of His hand. We would live in peace.

So, what do we do? I think we should live like Jesus WAS our leader. We would have no opinion about what issue was right or wrong. We would consult our God and His word.

"16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." - Proverbs 6:16-19

After reading that I think we are probably ALL hypocrites. So, what do we do? Repent, seek God's forgiveness, and try harder to follow our leader, Jesus.

“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle." - Brennan Manning

What is a Hypocrite? - Greg Laurie

A Costly Reminder

The funeral proceedings of George H. W. Bush have reminded me of something. They have reminded me of what our nation was supposed to be like. Orderly, patriotic, "One Nation Under God".

The orderly way in which things are being done is a great reminder of God's law and following the order of His teachings. When we try doing things our own way, we tend to fail.

I read this in the Book of Proverbs the other day. "There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death." Our nation is definitely on a path. A path that, sadly, leads to death.

Partisan politics are the devil's invention, intended to keep us from obeying God in our laws and in our lives. How far we have fallen. And how did we get here?

"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 - who is forever praised. Amen." - Romans 1: 24-25

We followed our own desires rather than God's plan for our lives. So, He let us go. One day, the optimists say, we shall return to God's way of doing things as a nation, but I don't think so. We are too far gone. Yet there is hope. There is ALWAYS hope when God is part of the picture. But that's the key, isn't it?

When will we stop following our own way and follow God's. You will easily be able to tell. It will be when we allow God back into our schools and place His 10 Commandments back in our courthouses.

Don't hold your breath,

The following was written to the church in Sardis but it could easily apply to the world we live in.

"I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you." - Revelation 3:1-3

Each of us must live our individual lives for Christ. We must be holy, set apart from this world. We as a nation must repent. But we cannot do it on our own. We need God's help. We need His Holy Spirit. We must repent and bow down and pray. God is our only hope. Not us.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

The Residual Self

Have you ever felt kind of depressed but really weren't sure why? If you are a Christian I may have an answer for you. Sadly, the reason you feel the way you do - lonely, sad, and empty . . . may be you.

It didn't occur to me until this morning - one o'clock in the morning - that there is a battle going on. I guess I knew it was going on but I didn't think I was really part of it. Then I watched a movie called Paul, Apostle of Christ. The movie was about the early church, persecuted by Rome. They lived in hiding. Many were killed because of their faith in Jesus.

Are you experiencing a spiritual loneliness? Kind of like you are on a spiritual island? Separated from those you love?

Look at yourself as I did and ask, "Why do I feel so alone? Why do I feel this way?" Well, look at the world you live in. It is secular in nature. Who do you think runs this world? It's not God. God has allowed Satan to rule the world we live in. Satan is the reason we feel this way. Do you think I am kidding? Would you believe the Apostle Paul?

"4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God." - 2 Corinthians 4:4

Not everyone feels the same way we do about Jesus. Maybe it's a family member or a co-worker. It could even be your pastor. I don't trust anyone these days. I always examine what everyone tells me by comparing it with God's Word. Is it true?

Satan doesn't want us giving glory to God so when we give God praise for something, get ready. This is a spiritual battle, not a physical one.

We must be prepared for persecution but we should also never stop giving God our praise, honor, glory and devotion. We should rejoice in our suffering because then we know that we are being used by God in a world that desperately needs Him.

"Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

What Is Real - The Matrix
Paul, Apostle of Christ Trailer

Loss

There is no way to describe how we feel when someone that we love dies. We can try explaining things but we always fall short, often stopping in a remembrance along the way. The emptiness is real though. I can tell you that for sure. There's a reason for that.

We humans love to be loved. We were created that way. God is love so why wouldn't a little of what He is rub off on His work?

Although we are all basically the same, each one of us is unique. In our uniqueness we live differently and we love differently. We react differently in situations and we love differently in our relationships. How we love is directly proportional to our love for God.

"7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." - 1 John 4:7-12

When someone dies there is an absence in us, in our hearts. We miss the person who is gone. The more we loved someone, the more we miss them when they're no longer with us. Why? Because we love to be loved.

If you have lost someone, draw near to God. God heals hearts and we all have hearts that are hurting in some way. One of the best ways God gives us to heal our hearts ourselves is to love someone else. When someone dies wouldn't it be a great tribute to love others the way they loved us? (See verse 11 above).

Love someone today. Where someone is hurting, visit them there. Where someone is at a loss for words, send them some encouraging ones. The best way to comfort someone, to show someone you care, is to tell them, and show them, that you love them.

Do not love like the world loves. Rather, love like God loved us and sacrificed His Son for us. Willingly. Love until it hurts and then love some more.

The world is desperately in need of love these days. BE that love.

(This was written for the Dobizl family, the Mortensen family, the Volkman family and the Bush family. And all those who have lost someone recently. There is hope and healing in the arms of Christ. I love you all.)

Me and Jesus - Stellar Kart

Giving Thanks

I was reminded of something yesterday as I prayed with a friend of mine. It is something we Christians either seem to take for granted or don't even know about. We have been given something extraordinary for simply believing.

God has given us an incredible gift. It's nothing anyone can quantify or see. There are no dollar signs involved or tangible material possessions. Yet, we consider ourselves incredibly rich in God's blessings. He has given us the desires of our hearts.

Several months ago I was visiting a young friend at my former workplace. I go back there at least once a week to visit. Why? It's part of the gift. Shh. Back to the story.

My friend shared with me a struggle she was having at work. Gossip, back-stabbing, drama were all happening and it was eating away at her. She was contemplating quitting her job because she couldn't take it anymore. So I asked if I could pray for her. And we prayed. Others in the office were praying for her situation too.

Yesterday, when I stopped by my young friend's desk, I was sad to see that she was gone. All of her things were gone too. Did she finally quit? What happened? So I asked one of her work mates.

"Oh, she's upstairs now."

"What!?"

"Yeah, she doesn't work down here anymore."

So I went upstairs and there she was.

"Hi! What are YOU doing here?" I asked.

"Well, the book keeper over there is going to retire in January and they had hired a replacement for her. But then for some reason her replacement changed her mind. Someone else asked to take the book keeper's position and then that person's position became available. And I thought, I could do that job so I applied for it . . . and I got it!"

I thought about what I had just heard for a bit and then said, "When you go home tonight, thank God for what He has done for you. Two months ago you were struggling here, thinking you might quit your job. Now, today, here you are out of the situation you were in and God has placed you here. And you're happy! God has answered your prayers!"

And that is the gift that God has given us. Did you notice it? God gifts us opportunities to be in intimate, caring relationships. Not one- or two-sided relationships but THREE-sided relationships. My most treasured friends are those I have walked through struggles with, always with Jesus, always in prayer.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." - 1 John 3:1-2

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 107:1

Forever - Chris Tomlin

Why The Packers Lose

It's always hard to watch when our favorite football teams self-destruct. Missing tackles, fumbling away opportunities to win, it's sad to see. What happened to the once-great Green Bay franchise this year? I have a theory.

Back in 2010, when the Packers won the Superbowl, Greg Jennings was quick to give praise to God during a post-game interview. That was nice to see. The Packers won. They gave the glory to God.

Oh, everyone loved the Packers back then. But then Aaron Rodgers began to stray. God and church were diminished in importance. The good looking quarterback began doing television commercials. He started dating a Hollywood actress who said in an interview, "We have sex as often as we can."

After crediting God early in his career, Rodgers was now placing God in the back seat. That is not a wise thing to do. Just ask God's people, the Israelites.

On the other hand, look at the Philadelphia Eagles, last years Superbowl champs. Nobody picked them to win it all, their starting quarterback was out yet there was "something special" about them. Their head coach, Doug Pederson, an unashamed Christian, was quick to give glory to God during the Superbowl post-game interview.

Did you know that Doug Pederson has a Superbowl ring as a Green Bay Packer quarterback? He backed up Brett Favre when the Packers won Superbowl XXXI.

 "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." - Genesis 12:3

Everybody has a theory as to why the Packers are failing this year. As for me, I feel God is no longer using the Packers to make Himself known. Our focus should be on God, not the Packers.

Aaron Rodgers once said, "I don't think God cares much about football."

You're right Aaron. But God DOES care about those who make much about HIM. And that's the problem, Aaron.

To God Be The Glory - Greg Jennings 2010
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - Doug Pederson 2018

The Parable of The Bruised Banana

We all go through times in our lives when we get bruised or damaged in some way. The reasons may vary but the bruises are always the same.

When a banana gets damaged during shipping there is often no visible damage on the outside until we buy it and peel away the protective layers and then, there it is. The bruise.

We humans are much the same. When we get damaged in life we often choose to hide the scars. "Maybe no one will notice," we tell ourselves. So we keep it inside and conceal the hurt. The damage is still there but no one can see it.

"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." - Psalm 139:1-5

God can see our bruises no matter how hard we try to conceal them. He is an amazing healer. But the key to being healed often lies with us. We have to WANT to be healed.

We all have some pain deep inside us. But have we fully turned that pain over to God, choosing  to carry it ourselves?

Sometimes a trusted friend can help. Or a pastor. But ultimately Jesus is the best healer of all.

Love Reigns

I have a theory about love. It's more than a theory I guess. I have seen it proven time and time again. But there is no physical evidence to support it. The "proof" resides in our hearts and in our minds. See if you don't agree.

If you go to Google and type in the phrase "is a two way street" you see words in bold like love, respect, friendship, trust, forgiveness, marriage." A relationship that is a one-way street won't last long. I guess a one-way love relationship is possible. It's just not profitable.

"7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." - 1 John 4:7-8

I that right? Is God love? Does that mean that an atheist cannot love? Well, I guess that depends on the atheist's definition of love. But, based on the scripture we just read they cannot really KNOW what love is. They're only guessing?

I think Jesus is God's example of love. Look at His life. A servant, He sacrificed everything for the ones He loved. Do we do that in our relationships? He loved unconditionally. Do we do that? Or are our relationships dependent on being loved in return.

In many cases the love God has for us is one-way. We don't love Him back, although He loves us. Therefore should our love be one way? Yes!

Two way love relationships work because we get what we give. Everyone loves to feel loved. But the relationships that work best are the ones filled with unconditional love - a love like God's for us. When we start putting conditions on our love for God we diminish that love.

We must look at our relationships. Are they one way? Are they unconditional? Can we truly love, in God's definition of love, without knowing God and His love for us?

The theory I have is a modification of the two-way street theory. What if there was a U-turn at the end of the two way streets so they feed each other in a perpetual, eternal way like a big, flat oval? The love would never end. Are your relationships like that?

He Reigns - Newsboys

Work

I have GOT to stop listening to pastors who preach the truth of God's Word! They get me so fired up, I feel so convicted, that I feel like I should repent and change my ways! Said no. Christian. ever.

Yeah, that happened to me this past week. I stayed up late (10:00) and decided to watch Wretched TV. I hadn't watch Todd Friel in a while so when it came on I lingered there for a moment. That was all it took.

He was talking about "work" and it featured a video by Voddie Baucham. Voddie is one of my favorite pastors to listen to because he speaks the truth right out o

f the Bible. He's not afraid who it convicts because it's true. It's God's Word!

Well, Voddie was talking about "work" and how we were never meant to retire. We were created to work until we die.

Ouch.

Having just retired this past March I have enjoyed not having to go in to work. I still do stuff but it was always on my schedule. When I get around to it. Then I listened to Voddie's message. The video clip is only 2 minutes but that was enough.

And then this passage popped into my head. Jesus speaking now.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

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 25:34-40

If I might be so bold as to add a line to this passage it would be, "Whatever even you DIDN'T do for one of the least of these, you DIDN'T do for Me."

I am currently building a tiny home to be used by people who might suddenly need a place to stay. At least I was building it. I kind of stopped because of the cold weather and having to do things I'm not really sure about. If Jesus knocked on my door right now and asked, "How's my tiny house coming?" what would I say?

What could I say?

So this morning I am going to venture out and get to work. Then, should Jesus stop by and ask that convicting question, I can say, "Let me show You!"

What things are getting in the way of our work for the Lord? We need to take a look at ourselves. Is there something stopping us from doing what He asked us to do? If there is, we should probably get rid of that thing right away, and get to work!

Why We Work - Voddie Bauchman

My Delilah

I just got done reading the story of Samson and Delilah. Samson sure was a pitiful character. Kind of a wanty, needy fellow who liked his women and also liked killing Philistines. Everybody has to have a hobby I guess.

He seemed to me to be angry and never satisfied with his life. It was almost as if he was frustrated by it. Do you have times when you feel frustrated with the way things are going? Unsatisfied with the results in life? How do we fix that?

First off, I don't think we should be doing what Samson did. His life was filled with lusts of the flesh and killing. That doesn't seem like what a man, devoted to God since his birth, should be up to.

If we go back through the story I think we can find the problem. I think it was his parents. They weren't strict enough.

"Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. 2 When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.”
3 His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”

But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” - Judges 14:1-3

Pretty demanding for someone devoted to the Lord. He is supposed to honor his father and mother yet he defied their wishes and disobeyed God's command not to marry outside his people. But then we read this . . .

"4 (His parents did not know that this was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)" - Judges 14:4

God wanted Samson to do this? Confusing. Another question to ask when I get to heaven.

Later on in Samson's life he meets Delilah. Same song, different verse. Samson fell in love with someone who betrayed him. And that made me stop and reflect. Do I have a Delilah in my life?

It doesn't necessarily have to be a person. Is there something I love doing that distracts me from God's will for my life? What if it's eating things I shouldn't. I am a Type II diabetic. I shouldn't eat sweets, yet I do. We all struggle with things like that. They're called vices or addictions.

It could be gluttony, drinking, drugs, video games, sex, idolatry . . . there's all kinds of things distract us from God, yet we do them. Is that why we get frustrated? Frustrated like Samson did?

Since Adam and Eve Satan has been trying to keep us away from God. We ALL have something that does that for us. What is it in YOUR life? What is YOUR Delilah?

Delilah - Tom Jones

The Tipping Point

There comes a time in our thinking and in our hearts, when we choose to change. Something has led us there. A set of circumstances perhaps or maybe a disease. We humans eventually get to a point where we chose to try something else, or believe something else. It's usually because something's not working and we desperately want SOMETHING to work. Something to believe in. Welcome to the tipping point.

What makes a person desperate enough to reach out for help or to make the decision to end their life? Where is that tipping point? And what decides which way things tip?

I think there are two factors in most tipping point decisions - truth and love.

Everybody has their own version of truth. or should I say everybody has their own opinion of what the truth is. "The World" sees the truth and being relative. What's right for one person is wrong for another. News flash. There is only ONE truth.

God hates sin. Lying is a sin. Therefore God hates lying. If God hates lying I think it's a good idea to always speak the truth. And to do that we always need to know what is truth and what is a lie. That's a tipping point. Always tip in favor of the truth. If we find we are not walking in the truth we must change. There is only one truth. If we are not living it and breathing it we are no better than Satan, the father of lies.

Love is the other ingredient that we need to exhibit. I had a lady give me some light fixtures and a ceiling fan for the tiny home I am building for those in need of emergency shelter. I hardly knew her yet after we got done loading them into my car, I gave her a hug because she was helping people we both love - those in need.

Look at your family and friends right now. Is anyone living a lie? Is anyone without love? Examine God's Word. It is filled with truth. If we are merely vessels, filled with God's Holy Spirit, we need to be pouring out that love and truth to others in need around us.

Today, let's be active vessels and do some dispensing of the love that God has shown us by pouring ourselves into the lives of others in His name. Call someone, text someone, tell someone you love them. It may be just what that person needs to hear today.

In the following message Pastor Matt Chandler delivers a sermon at a seeker sensitive, self-focused mega church. In his message Matt provides them and us with a tipping point in OUR walk with Jesus. Is God for us or is He for His own glory?

Matt Chandler - Code Orange Revival

Living Donor

I saw a commercial on television the other day that made me stop and think. I had the volume off so I was just looking at visuals. There were a bunch of people standing in line, motionless, going nowhere. The image was dark and grey. Kind of like Monday morning, right?

The commercial was actually for a living donor program but the images perfectly depicted what you and I are called to do with the Gospel message.

As you watch the commercial pay attention to the hopeless people standing in line. They are simply waiting, their hope seems almost gone. Then someone comes along. Someone they know, and pulls them out of the line. There is a loving embrace. Then the two of them walk together, hand-in-hand. Powerful images to be sure.

Think of the Gospel. What was it God wanted us to do with it?

"15He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." - Mark 16:15-16

Is there someone in your life who is struggling? Just going through life without purpose or hope? Just standing in line waiting for the end to come?

Reach out to them! Draw them close and give them a hug. Share the truth of The Gospel with them. Show them the love Jesus showed you when His Holy Spirit drew you to The Father. Share some of what YOU have with someone who has nothing.

And by that I mean share the hope that you have. The hope of our Savior. Pull your loved ones out of the line that is "the world" and walk with them towards the light - the Light of The Gospel.

UPMC Living Donor Commercial