Same Difference

A friend of mine asked me to listen to a song recently, so I did. It wasn't my favorite kind of music (lots of screaming). But my usual criteria for song quality is 'what do the lyrics say?'

The song appears to be about our human nature to consume life. Words life 'greed,' 'wanting,' 'consuming,' and 'mine' appear in the opening verses. But then there was this line:

"The reflection I see doesn't look like the man I want to be."

Hmm. Is that repentance? Regret?

There comes a point in everyone's life when we must choose who we want to be. Do we continue with the life we have always lived? Or do we make a change and start fresh?

The song continues with more self-absorbed lines until this...

"What if I gave it all away, and shed the layers of the selfishness I hate? I want to be free but I'm so afraid that I am too far gone and I'm stuck with all the choices I have made."

And there it is. This is the point where the Gospel does its best work. This guy needs to read the Bible and learn the good news about Jesus.

In the Book of Luke we can find the story of a similar man - the thief on the cross. Here are HIS words as he reached the same point in life that this song writer did.

“Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” - Luke 23:40-41

This guy, a thief and murderer, recognized he was a sinner. He knew he was deserving of death. Yet Jesus saved him. Why?

Because God loves every one of us. And, no matter what we have done, if we wake up and recognize our sinful state and acknowledge that Jesus is the only way for us to be saved from our just punishment, WE WILL BE SAVED.

There are different types of songs out there is this world, just like there are different types of people. But there is only ONE Savior. And His name is Jesus.

Believe in God, receive His Holy Spirit, and be saved.

Finally, to quote the lyrics of another song...

"I was dead in my sin, separated from you,

I was lost, without hope, not a thing I could do

I needed a rescue, I found mercy in You.

Jesus, you are the door to salvation,

For all who believe, You made a way, you are The Way, Jesus."

You Made A Way - AIG VBS

Decision Time

Although Vacation Bible School ended just a few months ago it is almost time to signup again for us volunteers. At first I thought that I would retire from active duty. Now I'm not so sure. 

My teaching partner and I are both in our 70's and this past summer's VBS was pretty tiring. My eyes are failing. So is my body. It's hard to keep up with a group of 18 pre-teens. But then, I read my Bible.

"Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord." - Acts 9:36-42

Tabitha was one of those rare Christians who just loved serving others. Acts of service, making clothing, everyone loved her. It begs the question, "Are we like her?"

This past Sunday I was sitting in church before the service began, still wondering about volunteering for VBS. Two of this past summer's VBS kids came running up to me with smiles on their faces. The oldest, a girl, gave me a hug. And then her younger brother did the same. Seeing their smiles and their unconditional love reminded me of when Jesus said this about children: 

"The kingdom belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14

I began thinking about the love these kids showed for me and just what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Who am I to decide whether or not to serve? I should be willing to serve these kids in whatever way God chooses. Let the Lord decide.

Then there's this encouragement from Job. He was besieged with sufferings and pain yet . . .

"Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him." - Job 13:15

One final thing. The first kid who gave me the hug last Sunday . . .

Her name was Tabitha.

When the Lord called people in the Old Testament the reply most given was, "Here I am" or "Here I am. Send me." That will be my response also to VBS 2025. Let the Lord be forever praised. Amen!! 

David & Goliath

We all remember the story of David and Goliath, right? A big guy with a spear.

"A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span (9'-9"). 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels (125 lbs); 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. 7 His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels (15 lbs)." - 1 Samuel 17:4-7

And then there was David. A little guy with a sling and five smooth stones. What were HIS chances against such a powerful opponent?

I stumbled upon a video recently that contained some interesting thoughts about these two men. Here are the highlights.

Of course, David was "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). But there's more. He was also an Old Testament type of Christ. Let's go back to the very beginning - Genesis.

Adam and Eve, God, and the serpent are the only characters. Adam and Eve have already sinned and God tells this to the serpent (Satan).

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” - Genesis 3:15

Who is the woman? Eve. Who is her offspring. David. Who is the serpent's offspring? Goliath. So, does David crush Goliath's head? Oh yeah.

"Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground." - 1 Samuel 17:49

And the word "will" from Genesis 3 tells us of a future even. This is therefore prophecy. David fulfilled it with a sling and a stone.

But here's something that most people miss. We all missed it in the opening scripture from 1 Samuel 17:5 above. Go look. When Goliath came out to fight each day, what was he wearing?

"He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor."

This is where God and His Word is so amazing! Goliath was dressed like a serpent!

One final thing to remember. You and I are not David, slaying our Goliaths as we go through life. No. JESUS is David. We are the Israelites who were shaking in their boots that day.

"On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified." - 1 Samuel 17:11

Thank God we have a champion in Jesus who fights for us and defeats Satan, the serpent, Goliath, at every turn. Let His name be forever praised! Amen.

David and Goliath - Biblical Frameworks

The Innocent Man

It's hard to imagine what it will be like, to stand before the judgement seat of God. We know that we have sinned and that "the wages of sin is death." But when will it sink in?

Will the line be long to receive our sentence? Or will it happen in an instant, like someone snapping their fingers?

It is written that whosoever believes in God shall have eternal life. But where? Heavwn of hell? So many questions. But that initial moment, that initial moment . . . when we realize that we actually have made it. What will that be like?

I imagine that there will be a lot of singing going on - thanking God, praising Jesus for His sacrifice.

The chorus from one of Billy Joel's hits comes to mind . . . 

"I aaaam, an innocent man!!! Oh, yes, I am!!!"

How could anyone not be excited about what Jesus has done for us? But then there's this from that same song . . . This could be Jesus singing to many who do not believe in His name.

I know you don't wanna hear what I say.
I know you're gonna keep turning away.

That's a choice they have made. And it has eternal consequences.

"But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." - Romans 3:21-24

"I aaaam, an innocent man!!! Oh, yes, I am!!!"

(through faith in Jesus.)

The Innocent Man - Billy Joel

The Biking Viking

When I saw that the American Heart Association was having a September 100-mile bike challenge to raise funds for heart research I smiled and said, "Perfect."

God is always amazing but sometimes He is so obviously amazing that I just have to smile.

I have a young friend named Kortney who is, right now, in Madison undergoing five days of testing so that she can get on the national organ wait list. She needs two new lungs and a new heart.

My old 10-speed from college has been on MY "wait list," hanging in my garage, unused, for years. But now it is being used to complete 100 miles in September to fight for my friend.

I have noticed something as I bike around our neighborhood. I am becoming more fit. Strange. At first I was huffin' and puffin' up the smallest of hills. Now, it's like those 'hills' are no longer an obstacle.

Another thing I have noticed is that I am becoming more spiritually fit as well. I am praying more. At first I started praying for just Kortney as I rode, but that has expanded. Now, as I pass neighbor's houses, I pray for them as well. Brenda and Ross, Deb and Steve, Mike and Debbie, Kyle and Brianna, Tammy, Rick and Julie, even the ownets of that stinkin' yippy little dog that barks at me EVERY TIME I go by.

l might recite scripture or sing a worship or VBS song as I ride. My biking has turned into a time of worship. That's a good thing.

Oh, 'The Biking Viking' title for today's story. I graduated from New Berlin High School - the New Berlin Vikings. They had a biking club there led by one of the teachers - Mr. Reinhold. He was a nerdy chemistry teacher, but he LOVED to bike so they called him The Biking Viking.

Well, this nerdy Viking is getting to love biking as well. Why? Because it's good exercise, it's good prayer time, and it's also a good reminder of what's important - God and others.

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself." - Mark 12:30-31

[The picture for today's blog was generated by Meta's AI]

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The Biggest Word

When words get to the five-syllable point I usually give up and look them up in the dictionary. FYI - 'propitiation' is a big word - too big for Samsung's spell checker feature on my phone. I wonder if that is by design? Hmm.

Propitiation is defined by Merriam-Webster as "the act of gaining or regaining the favor or goodwill of someone or something." Perhaps I should use it in a sentence . . .

"And He (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." - 1 John 2:2

In other words, Jesus is the means by which we become righteous in God's eyes. As it says in the Book of Romans . . .

"The wages of sin is death." - Romans 6:23

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23

God is a just judge. There is no getting off because it's your first offense. There's no liberal attorney general opening the jail doors for the guilty. There's no trial. God knows we've sinned! And we must die as a result.

The words "wrath of God" appear 43 times in the ESV. It's a very real thing. There's no escaping it. Unless . . . of course . . . someone serves our sentence for us . . .

That's huge!!

Oh, Lord Jesus! We're so sorry. Thank you! Thank you for dying as a propitiation for our sins. And thank you God for raising your Son Jesus from the dead. Your incredible love on display for all to see.

Oh, what a gracious God we serve! 

Run The Race!

"On your mark. Get set. Stop!"

Wait a minute. That's not right. I think that "stop" should be a "go." Otherwise the runners aren't going to get very far.

Exactly. Welcome to the world of Apathetic Christianity - filled with wanna-be Christians who are all talk and no action. There is no movement. That's not good. Why? Because we ARE in a race. Go!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1-2

And again . . .

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." - 1 Corinthians 9:-24-27

Have you ever prayed for God to "use you?" I have. But that's almost like praying for our feet to move at the start of a race. When the gun goes off at the beginning of a race we are supposed to move, not wait for God to move us.

What can we do today to bring glory to God? Call a friend and see how they are doing. Ask someone how you can pray for them. Take someone out to lunch or for a coffee. Get in the race!

The important first step in any race is to get yourself moving. Then, run to win the race - for God, not for yourself.

Dare You To Move - Switchfoot

The Race Of Faith - John MacArthur

Demons

As Bible-believing Christians, we should be believing what the Bible says, right? So, how do we handle demons and demon posession?

"As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to Him (Jesus). And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” - Matthew 9:32-33

This is just one example of Jesus casting out demons from demon-posessed people. This begs the question, "Are there still demon-posessed people in our world today? Why wouldn't there be?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism."

So, the Catholic Church believes in demon posession and still practices exorcism to this very day.

In another example, Paul cast an evil spirit out of a demon-posessed woman by using Jesus' name.

“In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her." - Acts 16 18

There are also different kinds of demons as Jesus tells His disciples in the Book of Mark.

"And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything except prayer.” - Mark 9:29

So, what should we do when we encounter someone who we think might have an evil spirit within them?

PRAY!!

I'm not sure if I've ever seen anyone who was demon-posessed but I do know this. The Holy Spirit, who lives in all true Christians, cannot occupy the same body with a demon.

According to GotQuestions.org, "It is simply not biblical to say that a Christian can be possessed by a demon or demonized."

Still, some people act like they are demon-posessed. Or, on the other hand, some people act like they are Christians. What then?

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing." - John 14:12

Can A Christian Be Demon Posessed? - Gotquestions.org

No One Does Good

Do you think you're good enough to get into heaven? The answer to that question, no matter who you are, is 'no.'

"God looks down from heaven on the  children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.

They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one." - Psalm 14:2-3

During Vacation Bible School this summer I asked my students if any of them thought they were good enough to get into heaven. One kid out of 18 raised his hand.

"Really?" I said. "You'd better put your hand down. 'No one does good. Not even one.'" (That was our verse of the day).

I hoped that his embarrassing moment got him thinking.

Last week that same kid was baptized at our church picnic. I still have that hope. That he KNEW he was not good enough to get into heaven on his own, but that through the shed blood of Jesus, he was.

I wonder how many of us think we've been 'good enough.' We go to church, we did a good deed, we got baptized, we wear a cross necklace. None of that means anything. Here's what DOES matter.

Remember the thief on the cross next to Jesus?

"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:39-43

The thief acknowledged 1.) his own sin and 2.) that Jesus was God. That's all it takes.

"And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." - Acts 2:38

No One Does Good - Answers VBS

Unpopular

Nearly 250 years ago, "our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

Abraham Lincoln spoke those words as part of his Gettysburg address to a nation reeling after a brutal and bloody civil war. We were at war because half the nation (the Democrats) thought that slavery was okay. They were unpopular.

Keep his words in mind as we enter into this last phase of a presidential election year. And note that we were "created" equal.

What is "equal?" DEFINE equal.

When Jesus walked this earth 2,000 years ago "equality" was not a thing. "Nation would rise up against nation." There were "wars and rumors of wars."

Oh, wait. Sorry. That's the world we are living in right now. But things were similar back then too.

Equality is defined as "like for each member of a group, class, or society."

Are we all equal right now? No. There are different classes, income levels, educational differences. Are we "equal" under the law? No. We are not equal in many ways. So, what happened?

Sin.

Abe was right when he said we were created equal. God created Adam. God created Eve. But then Satan got Eve to believe a lie. And Eve got Adam to sin. What a mess!

Sin is what "creates" inequality. And we, through our sin, became followers of Satan rather than God.

But then Jesus came and we were given the opportunity to follow HIM instead of Satan. More inequality as Christians began to spread the Gospel. Jesus and His followers became unpopular in the eyes of Satan and of man.

When we Christians open our mouths and speak the truth about God and sin WE become "unpopular" in the eyes of the media and the present government of this once great country.

If we say that we'd like to 'Make America Great Again' we become exceedingly unpopular.

In this writer's opinion, the only way we can save this country and make it great again is for us to all follow Jesus. Then there would  be the equality that everyone's looking for. But until that happens things will remain the same.

From what we read in the Bible true equality will never happen in this world until Jesus reigns in His kingdom. And because Satan rules the earth right now, our only hope is in Jesus. And that hope is VERY unpopular with him.

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away." - Revelation 21:1

Unpopular - Skillet

The Third Temple

I have seen several stories about a "third temple" being built in Jerusalem. The building of this temple is thought to be a sign that God would then return. Pfft. The temple's already here.

The Temple Institute is an organization in Israel dedicated to the rebuilding of God's house. They already have prepared all the items to fill it - the golden lampstand,  utensils to be used for sacrifices, the altar, etc.

They have collected red heifers from around the globe to be used in a temple cleansing ceremony. The only thing they don't have is the actual temple.

Well, the Jewish religious leaders are missing several other important things. They don't have the New Testament. And Jesus. They have none of The Gospel texts or the writings of the Apostles. Nor do they have The Book of Revelation.

I have had a song in my head for weeks now, playing on repeat. The song features two verses from Revelation. Here's the first of those verses. This is God speaking now.

"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them and they shall be His people and God Himself will be with them as their God." - Revelation 21:3

What if God's temple is already here? I have written about this before back in 2015 in a story called Rebuilding The Temple. I am revisiting that premise today.

The story was based on the following text from 1st Corinthians.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" - 1 Corinthians 6:19

Is not the Holy Spirit God? Is He not already with us? In us? God's Spirit already dwells in His temple - the body of His children.

Another "sign of the times" is "The Abomination of Desolation" where Satan sacrifices to himself in God's Holy temple. Hasn't he already done that with the sin we have in our hearts - the "Holy of Holies" in the center of our bodies, God's temple?

"And at the temple he (Satan) will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him." - Daniel 9:27

Something to consider anyway. Thankfully we have Jesus who will sweep our temples clean.

"And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” - Matthew 21:12-13

Then we all should be praying.

Every Tear - AIG VBS

The Former Things

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:3-4

Last Sunday morning I woke up with a Vacation Bible School song playing on repeat in my head (link below). And what a wonderful message it has brought to my ears.

God has promised some amazing things in the Bible. Especially in Revelation 21. No more death, mourning, crying, or pain anymore. Forever! Oh, my. Imagine living in a world like that.

There will be no more presidential elections to concern ourselves with. No more wars or fighting. No more hostages. No more protests. No more 'agendas' to push. No more lies to spin.

The cool thing about these two verses from The Book of Revelation is this. Not only do they refer to a time coming in the future, but they also refer to the change that happens to each one of our hearts when we place our faith in jesus.

So many wonderful things have happened to me lately. It's almost like I am being given one last taste of this world before being taken out of it. These blessings are also a foretaste of things to come!

One thing I DO know for sure is that God has better things in store for us - for each and every child He has called to be with Him in His kingdom. And that is truly amazing because we are ALL sinners.

"For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin." - Ecclesiastes 7:20

God hates sin. Yet He loves and extends grace and mercy to all who believe in Him. Why?

"God is love." - 1 John 4:8

Now, as to "the former things." Everyone has done something that they regret. Wouldn't it be nice to erase all of those things. We can! Through our faith in Jesus. All we have to do is repent, believe, and then we can forever receive the blessing of a new heart.

When we allow Jesus to be our Lord, our 'head,' we become changed. The old has become new . . .

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17

So rejoice today!

Every Tear - AIG VBS Song