A Christmas Letter - 2025

As I look back on 2025 and reflect on all the gifts that God has given us, it's worth noting that they ALL have been wrapped in love. God's love. Every gift, from first to last. May YOUR list of such gifts be equally as lengthy, if not even more so.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:17

This year I thought I would go through my calendar and reflect on the aforementioned verse from James. Was God's love truly in every single event? And if so, how?

The name that appears first in my 2025 calendar is "Kortney." A hymn immediately comes to mind - "How Deep The Father's Love For Us." Kortney, a former youth group kid, was in tremendous need in my last Christmas letter. In very early January, God provided her with a new heart and two new lungs through a 17-year-old girl from Texas named Jay. Kortney and I meet semi-regularly to talk about life, transplants, and family. She is doing miraculously well and is, literally, filled with the energy of a teenager. Praise God! I love you Kortney!

Luke - another youth group "kid." (How are all these former youth group kids in their 30's already?) Luke and I also still meet and talk, although in January it was at his aunt's funeral. Luke came back and sat with me during the service. Still a good friend and a good man. I love you too, Iceman!

A January blood donation brought about a discussion about Jesus with a nonbelieving phlebotomist. I pray that she would come to know the ultimate blood donor - Jesus. I love Him too!

And then there's the grandkids - Lleyton and Emma. Bev and I were blessed with many visits, basketball and baseball games, and dance recitals. Grandchildren define love, IMHO. So do our kids and their spouses. Love you all!

A knee injury (still not 100% yet) also exhibited love as friends and family had pity on this old, hobbling man. I am thankful for a loving God who heals!

February brought Valentine's Day, a reminder of the love that my wife and I have for each other. Also, a mutual love for kids brought my friend Chuck and I together to begin preparations for our Vacation Bible School teaching in July. I love my brother Chuck AND all of those VBS kids at our church!

March was pretty calm. Bev and I celebrated our birthdays while we waited for the snow to melt. I met with my friend David. You can't beat long talks with good friends, especially at Chick-fil-A. Love you my friend.

As long as I am talking about good friends, let me mention a few more. Vic, Myshelle, Kari, Sarah, Jean, Dan, and Gayle. All former workmates, they still allow me to visit them each week. I have known most of them for 20 years. Some, 25! And I love them all.

April saw the addition of five new holes at our local disc golf course. Lots of work but I love disc golf and God has provided the ability for me to still play, even in my old age. Although some days my arm feels like it will fall off with the very next throw!

Let's not leave April behind without talking about Jesus and His resurrection. Christians celebrate Easter because Jesus died for OUR sins and then rose again. We thank you and love you Lord!

May found Bev and I exploring NE Wisconsin waterfalls and birding at OUR state park. We love our birds! And we love waterfalls and walks too! And then on Labor Day, I took my 50-year-old canoe out for a spin on a nearby lake. My friend Chris (the best man at our wedding) and I used to do a lot of white-water canoeing in northern Wisconsin. Love you, my brother.

June was a very busy month. Take all of the above, then throw in cataract surgery. I love my improved eyesight. Still not 100%, but brighter! Plus, we got a new cat. Bev loves it. I tolerate it . . . because I love my wife.

July brought Vacation Bible School AND Disc Golf Class. I LOVE teaching those kids! And then there was our 48th wedding anniversary. So much love!

August is the Johnson Family Reunion. Lots of love at that event too. Bev and I lost at car bingo AGAIN but we love playing it during our 10-hour trip over to Michigan and then again on our way home. Congrats too Krystle and Travis. Wait until NEXT year!

September was a sad month, yet joyous for the same reason. I went to a funeral for a former pastor's mom. What a love-filled event that was! Afterwards, checking my phone in the church parking lot, I learned that Charlie Kirk had been killed. That hit pretty deep. But then, seeing the resulting resurgence of faith in many as a result of it, it warmed our aching hearts.

October found Bev and me on another waterfall trip to northern Wisconsin. Copper Falls State Park is worth the drive, no matter where you live. October also saw the first-ever Youth Group Night at my church. Guess who the teacher was. Yep. Love it! Did I already mention that I love teaching those kids? I think I did.

November was Thanksgiving of course. We love when our whole family gets together, whatever the reason, but especially when we gather and give thanks to God for His love and provision. AND the Packers beat the Lions. And, of course, we love the food!

But if we're going to talk about "love", how can we not discuss our heavenly Father.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

May God bless you this Christmas; not with worldly possessions, but with life eternal through His Son Jesus - The Messiah. And with memories to last a lifetime, and beyond . . .

Abide

There is a place we visit that is wonderful to behold. It is peaceful and calming. And even though we would like to spend more time there, we invariably leave it to return to our "normal" lives. Where is this place? That's today's story.

There is a state of mind, and of being too I guess, where we draw closer to God than we normally would during the course of any given day. I already described it in my opening paragraph. So, let's go to a dictionary and look up the word - abide.

Merriam-Webster yields the following: 

1a - tolerate, 1b - withstand, 2 - await, 3 - accept

None of those definitions are acceptable to me, so am I wrong? Let's read something Jesus said and see if these alleged definitions are anywhere close.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." - John 15:4

Are we then to tolerate Jesus? No. Are we to withstand Him? No. Are we to wait for Him or accept Him? Yes, sort of, but those don't make sense in the verse we just read.

If we go back to Merriam-Webster, there is a word at the top of their 'abide' page that is more along the lines of what I am getting at. Abode. Like a house or a place of shelter.

Now we're talkin'!

When we live in Christ, or dwell in Him and He in us, doesn't the verse make more sense?

Paul told the church in Philippi, "To live is Christ." (Philippians 1:21). Now, we're getting somewhere. But Luke "nailed it" (sorry about the allusion to Christ crucified) when he wrote about Paul speaking to the Athenians in the Book of Acts...

"For in Him we live and move and have our being." - Acts 17:28

Boom!

That's my definition of the word 'abide.' To live our lives, IN Christ. To live FOR Him and THROUGH Him and IN Him. And He in us.

Just to be sure, let's look up the Greek word for abide. It's mehnó. Here's what it means in Strong's Greek ...

1. to remain

2. (in a place) to abide, to stay

3. (of expectancy) to await

4. (in a state) to continue

5. (in a task) to endure

6. (of a relationship) to exist permanently in, inseparably united (inhere, adhere)

That's more like it.

When we abide in Christ, that is where we find true peace. ABIDE in Him. Abide and stay there all day. Never leave and you will be blessed.

With that in mind, please listen to this song. I absolutely love it. 

Abide - Aaron Williams

The Parable of The Dumpsters

Monday is garbage day at our house. We put the trash bins out Sunday night because "the boys" come early. And we don't like having to go outside in the early morning to do so. Wimps!

The picture above is of our dumpsters. Everyone in our subdivision has a pair. Aren't they lovely? They are both empty and waiting to be taken back into our garage.

As I was walking down our driveway to retrieve them, a thought came to mind. What a perfect picture of the choice we have to make regarding Jesus.

On the right we have the absolute trash. The used kitty litter and Kleenex, the potato peels, and bacon grease. It's future rests in the ground. Eternally buried under a big pile of dirt, never to see the light of day again.

On the left we have the green-topped recycle bin. The stuff that gets put in there actually has a future (theoretically). It gets sorted and separated. The paper goes one place; the plastic goes somewhere else. These then get made into different things. They get transformed.

Isn't that analogous to our own post-life future? Those who have trusted in Jesus will be transformed. We will receive new glorified bodies and live forever with our Lord, Jesus.

"For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:52

Speaking of the earthly body, Paul writes,

"It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. ⁴⁴It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." - 1 Corinthians 15:43-44

Those who have wasted their opportunity here on earth with sinful living and debauchery, denying Jesus, will go into the abyss - the black dumpster.

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” - Matthew 25:46

Therefore, from this moment on, I will be renaming our dumpsters 'Heaven' and 'Hell'.

The Brightest Star

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:5

We all know what darkness is like. We have all been there. As Trinity (from the Matrix) tells Neo, "You have been down there, Neo. You know that road. You know exactly where it ends." And so do we.

Depression is a deep, dark hole that we can ALL sink into, if we're not careful. But once we are in it, oh my. How can we ever get ourselves out?

Imagine yourself treading water in the ocean at night. The waves are too high to see over. Only one direction leads to shore. All other directions lead nowhere. Which way would you swim?

That's not a very pretty picture, is it. What should we do? What would YOU do?

The best way out of this scenario is to look up. Look for the light. Anything. The stars. The moon. The glow of a nearby city. And as long as you're looking up, pray.

That's just a fictitious example, but looking for some kind of light in the darkness is always the key to our escape.

Think about the ancient mariners, out in the middle of the ocean. How did THEY navigate? They looked up at the stars.

Polaris, the brightest star in the sky, is also called The Northern Star, for that very reason. It's location is due north.

There IS a "bright and morning star" available to guide us through the darkness His name is Jesus.

"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" - Psalm 8:3-4

Testings

Do you remember getting surprise tests in high school? We referred to them as "pop" quizzes. That was probably because our GPA "popped" after taking them. We usually hadn't studied, and the results often made that fact rather obvious.

The point the teachers were trying to make with these pop quizzes was that we should ALWAYS be studying, and always be prepared.

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." - 1 Peter 3:15

Hmm. I should have listened to Peter.

We had another youth night at church a week ago this past Friday. I decided to give the kids a pop quiz. Ha! Payback time! The student has become the teacher!

Well, that failed.

After providing everyone with paper and pencil, I asked the "students" a question and worded it this way:

"Write down who Jesus is to you."

Two kids literally wrote "Who Jesus is to you." Funny. But that wasn't the answer I was looking for. The wording of my question failed. I am still a "student." Perhaps God was giving ME a pop quiz, to show me that I was the one who was not prepared.

I am reading a book right now called Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman. I've read it before but this is an updated version, better reflecting today's questions and social media. It is part of my effort to "always be prepared," as Peter suggested.

James 1:3 says, "the testing of your faith produces endurance." How much testing can we endure? That's the real question. Job has an answer for that.

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

So, how can we possibly pass God's tests? Reading the Bible and doing what it says might be a good start.

What are you going through in your life right now? Uncertainty at work? A friend battling cancer? Another friend recovering from addiction? Maybe it's loneliness.

As we watch the news it's easy to see that "the world" does not know God. If they did, there would be no wars, no killing, no hunger. Only love. WE have failed the test.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ³⁵By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35

Jesus mentions 'love' FOUR TIMES in two verses. And STILL we don't get it. It's a simple test. Yet, we humans fail to pass it. And it is "the first and greatest commandment" according to Jesus in Matthew 22:37

Let us endeavor to not only PASS this test today, but get an A+.

The River 2.0

Well, apparently my run in with "The River" (by Jordan Feliz and featured in my last story) was only the beginning of my water-based thoughts this week. Thirsty?

The past few days I have been "hearing" the chorus of a Pink Floyd song (High Hopes) in my head. So, in order to get the song out of my head, I went on YouTube and played it. I listened intently to it, hoping for some clue as to why. Nothing super special. Until the very last chorus . . .

The grass was greener

The light was brighter

The taste was sweeter

The nights of wonder

With friends surrounded

The dawn mist glowing

The water flowing

The endless river

[Hmm. "The Endless River" is the name of a then future Pink Floyd album name]

And then came the very last line...

Forever and ever

That got me thinking. What do you think heaven will be like? Or perhaps the better question might be, what will eternity be like? 🤔 I wonder, will it be like an endless river of peace? Like water flowing? Forever and ever? There IS a river in heaven.

"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." - Revelation 22:1

Then, as if the Pink Floyd song wasn't enough, I then scrolled down a bit and came across a podcast from a guy in Connecticut called, are you ready? The Watchman River. The guy's name is Tom. He sits in his car, next to a river, and guess what h talks about . . . The end times and the rapture of The Church.

All this really proves is that my mind functions just like a meandering river, and, just like a river, it IS also going somewhere. To Jesus. The ideas for these stories I write "keep flowin'" cuz that's what I do. I can't help it. Like a river flows downhill, so I write stories - the endless river.

And how long should we glorify God with the things we do?

"Forever and ever."

"He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” -Jeremiah 17:8

Watchman River

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The River

Recently, my wife and I attended our granddaughter's dance recital. The ages of the dancers ranged from five to eighteen. They all danced to a variety of "show tunes" so when I heard two Christian songs in the mix, I took notice.

The first one initially seemed like all the rest in its tempo and wording until the chorus came around and this line spoke up:

"Take me down to the river to pray."

The word "pray" caught my attention, and I began listening more closely. Could it be? Something "Christian" in the midst of all these secular songs? Yep.

We're going down to the river

Down to the river, down to the river to pray

Let's get washed by the water

Washed by the water and rise up in amazing grace

Aww, yeah.

And then this one. As soon as the first note played, I recognized it. I leaned over to my wife and said, "For King and Country."

God only knows what you've been through

God only knows what they say about you

God only knows how it's killing you

But there's a kind of love that God only knows

Two of my friends are battling hard things right now. Maybe you are too. Perhaps these songs will help you.

The first song reminds us to pray and the second reminds us that only God knows exactly what we're going through.

Is it a coincidence that these two songs came along so I could share them and us them to encourage my friends? I don't think so.

God only knows.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

²He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

³He restores my soul." - Psalm 23:1-3

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8

The River - Jordan Feliz

God Only Knows - For King and Country

Virus

Have you ever had a virus on your computer? They're nasty things. We recently discovered one on our laptop. It's still there.

At first, we thought all of our files had been deleted - pictures, music, documents, etc. When you think you've lost everything, it's an incredibly sinking feeling. But then . . .

My wife took our computer to our son - the usual path for tech-illiterate parents. Have a kid do it! He found all of our files, but we still had a virus.

We ended up getting a new computer on Cyber Monday. Saved $299! Let me tell you something. Opening up that new computer was an amazing feeling! Everything was clean and fresh. And there were no viruses! I felt whole again! Restored!!

(You already know where this story is going . . . Lol!) Jesus!

If you have repented of your sins and turned to Jesus for forgiveness and restoration, you already know how it feels to be "virus-free." Yet many people still choose to live a life filled with sin. Sin is just like a computer virus for the soul.

Thankfully, there IS anti-virus software that we can get for our computers. However, the subscription ran out for our computer, and I didn't renew it.

When our "subscription" runs out in this life were are living, DO NOT be found without Jesus in your heart. You will experience an eternity infected with a "virus" without any hope of a cure.

After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, he prayed this prayer. It's worthy to remember it. Especially when we are convicted of our sins.

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

²Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

³For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

⁴Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

⁵Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

⁶Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

⁷Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

⁸Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

⁹Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

¹⁰Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

¹¹Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

¹²Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

¹³Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.

¹⁴Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

¹⁵Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

¹⁶You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

¹⁷My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart." - Psalm 51:1-17

Thank you God for providing a way, Yahweh, to pay for OUR sins through His sacrifice on the cross. Thank you Jesus for hanging on that cross, in my place. And thank you Holy Spirit for convicting us of our sins and for drawing us near. No amount of thank yous would ever be enough for all you have done, and have yet to do. Amen.

Famine

It is winter here in the northern hemisphere but south of the equator it is hot . . . and wet. Flooding in Indonesia has killed 1,500 people and most are struggling to survive.

"It has never been like this in Sibolga before," said the 28-year-old, who waited at the state-owned rice warehouse in neighbouring Sarudik with her parents.

"There is no food, the money has run out, there are no jobs. How can we eat?" she said.

Meanwhile in the U.S. it's -2° outside (Thursday morning in Waupaca) and our rivers and lakes are frozen. Still dangerous, but manageable.

Imagine being totally cut off with no food or money. Hope would be running low. The Israelites faced similar struggles back in the day. Famine was a very real thing, even in "The Promised Land."

If you've got your Bible handy open it to the book of Ruth.

"In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land." - Ruth 1:1

Elimelech and Naomi moved to a different country because there was no food in Israel.

Imagine if there was no food. At all. What would you do? Would you move to a different country? And what would you do for work once you got there? What kind of shelter would you live in?

We are SO blessed in this country. No wonder everyone wants to come here. Life is easy compared to the rest of the world. But what would happen if suddenly there was no food here?

We have deer and squirrels that frequent our yard. Do I have enough ammo? Is my aim any good? How do you gut a deer? You get the idea.

In Revelation 13 John writes about a "Beast" who "causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, ¹⁷so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name." - Revelation 13:16-17

We must pledge allegiance to the Antichrist in order to buy food. And there will be nowhere we can move to get any.

If you subscribe to a Pre-Tribulation rapture, there is nothing to worry about. We'll be gone. But if you're a mid-trib or post-trib believer you surely will be losing some weight. Unless you cave in to tiur stomach's growling and take "The Mark."

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Seems pretty clear to me.

Father, we pray for those in Indonesia who are without food, money, shelter, and the ability to work. They are struggling to survive. You are a mighty and powerful God. You parted the Red Sea so your people could move to a different place. Make the flood waters recede. May your name be forever praised. Amen.

The Undiscerning

We Christians go to church and believe in Jesus so therefore we should be a shoo-in for getting into heaven, right? Today we will read a verse that may cause us to reconsider what we say and do. It might also challenge our very belief system. Are you ready?

The Apostle Paul laid out a very clear path that members of the church in Rome could take to salvation (ie. The Romans Road).

In the last part of Romans 1, Paul lists a bunch of sins that are detestable to God. But then, in the very last verse, Paul offers up something else for us to consider.

"Though they (Roman church members) know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." - Romans 1:32

Paul is writing to a church! Some people in the church in Rome were approving of the sinful acts that a portion of its members were committing!

Romans 1, Galatians 5, and Leviticus 18 clearly state that same sex sin is abomination to The Lord. Remember, these are people IN the church that Paul is writing about. For example, based on Romans 1:32, a lesbian pastor or bishop would REALLY be on God's naughty list. Instead of prayer meetings, are we holding gossip sessions?

The text also makes it sound like any church members who allow these things to go on in their churches also face the same wrath.

And what happens to an entire denomination under church leadership that practices or condones these things? This seems like a rather big deal. Will millions of members in these churches face God's wrath instead of heaven by approving / allowing sin? It kind of sounds like it.

There is a word that we Christians need to become very familiar with - "discerning." We must discern ALL things that come into our eyes, ears, heart, and mind. The undiscerning face an eternity FAR different than what they are expecting.

We need to be filtering everything we take into our Spirit-filled bodies through the Word of God. If it doesn't line up with scripture, discard it. Paul is a New Testament teacher. Wake up church!

When Jesus spoke to the woman caught in adultery, what did he tell her to do? "Go and sin no more." - John 8:11

We must first examine ourselves and then come alongside those we see living contrary to what the Bible says, and then lovingly point out these things. God wishes that none would perish.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

Why?

Everyone has their own belief system - a set of personal conclusions arrived at over time. We also have our own set of priorities too. So, what happens when we encounter someone with a different point of view?

"I don't like cranberries with my turkey."

"Seriously? They taste wonderful together."

A fight ensues and the police are called.

The cops are no help. Instead, they insist that doughnuts are supreme. And there you have it. Personal opinion wins every time.

Look at Ukraine and Russia. Putin says he wants Ukraine. Zelenskyy says no. They've been fighting for years.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to me the Father except through me." - John 14:6

The Pharisees disagreed, and crucified Him.

So, how can we ever possibly convince someone that Jesus is the key to eternal life? Answer: we can't. That's a wrestling match between them and the Holy Spirit. We can help but as the old saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them." - John 6:44

When I was in sixth grade we had a neighbor kid who'd come over to play with my sister. She'd ring the doorbell and ask if my sister could come out to play.

"No, not today, Paula."

"Why?"

"She's taking a nap."

"Why?"

"Because she's tired."

"Why?"

(Getting a little annoyed now) Thinking: "Because she got tired from answering all of your repetitive questions!"

You get the idea. So, how do we talk to others about Jesus when they don't want to hear it? The answer is simple but sad. Try asking questions. If they don't want to answer, then we should stop asking them and go home.

Read John 6:44 again and accept it. And then pray for them. It's the Father who draws them to Himself.

The problem comes when we love those who refuse to answer our questions. Maybe it's a spouse, a child, or a friend. We should pray harder and more often! Be like Paula with God. Don't give up praying for them.

“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. ³And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

⁴"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

⁶And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. - John 18:2-6

Keep praying!!

Contrast

We received a dusting of snow the day before Thanksgiving. Suddenly the woods around our house came alive with all kinds of wildlife. Deer especially. It's hunting season and the deer just seem to know "it's safer near the houses."

Of course the deer are ALWAYS walking through our yard. It's just easier to see them with the light background. It's the contrast that makes them stand out and become more visible.

Think about it. When a jeweler displays his diamonds, does he place them on a white cloth? No. He pours them out on a BLACK velvet background. Why? The contrast makes them seem to shine brighter.

That's the way it should be with you and me. So says Jesus anyway.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

My wife does this. She shops for deals at the local grocery store. When she finds a good deal she buys multiple items. It might be a frozen meal or some deodorant or toothpaste. Then she sneaks down to the food pantry or homeless shelter and drops them off. She shines brightly in our community.

The doe in our back yard was noticeable because everything around it was white. She had no idea we could see her, but were blessed by what we saw.

I think God likes watching us as we walk through the dark world we live in. WE can bless God simply by loving others. There should be quite a contrast between ourselves and "the world." So shine!

"Shine! Make 'em wonder what you got.

Make 'em wish that they were not on the outside lookin' bored.

Shine! Let it shine before all men.

Let 'em see good works and then let 'em glorify the Lord." - Newsboys

 

As The Deer - Robin Mark

Shine - Newsboys 

Confirmation

When you were in 8th grade, did you go through Confirmation Class? I did. Well, this story isn't about that, so forget it. Lol! This story is a little different. It's about the confirmation of prayer.

A few Sundays ago our pastor suggested that we all get a prayer journal. Do you have one of those? He said to write down our prayers, but to also leave room for God's answers. I was going to wait until Thanksgiving to stary mine, but I may have to begin before that. And that's today's story.

My church is doing another youth group night in December. I already began a Bible study last month in anticipation. Yes, I'm pitiful. The couple who organizes the youth group said they want to head in an apologetics direction - teaching to kids to be able to defend their beliefs in an increasingly secular world. I'm all for that!

My study is going to be in the Book of 1st John. In it the apostle John highlights several characteristics of a Christian's life. So we're having a scavenger hunt in his book. It's only five short chapters. Here's an example of what we will be looking for.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

Well, this past Sunday in church we had the first announcement for our second Youth Group Night. Let the confirmations begin!

Our church is going through the Book of Romans right now. We're in chapter 1, just getting into "God's wrath." During our pastor's message he referred a verse from 1st John. The one above.

"Well, he just gave away one of my scavenger hunt verses," I thought. But wait, there's more.

I am going to use the following verse to open the study. It's from the Book of James.

"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!" - James 2:19

The question then becomes,  "What makes us different from the demons?"

I was searching for a verse to answer that question but hadn't found it yet. Until God provided.

About halfway through our pastor's message, this gem came out.

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." - Romans 1:21

Bingo! Isn't that the difference between us and the demons? The demons are afraid of God. We love God and give honor and glory and praise! The demons hate. We love. As John said in his epistle to the churches . . .

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. ¹⁹We love because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:18-19

There's ANOTHER scavenger hunt answer!

The Bible study is now complete! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Antipas

“I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you hold fast to My name, and you did not deny your faith in Me, even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness, who was put to death in your city - where Satan dwells.” - Revelation 2:13

Those are the words of Jesus. He was telling the Apostle John about the church in Pergamum and also about a man named Antipas. So, who was he? And why would Jesus mention him by name?

Well, Antipas was the head of the church in Pergamum and a devout follower of Jesus. And, as Jesus said, he was put to death because of his faith. He was burned to death inside a bronze statue of a bull. Ouch!

Those Romans came up with some pretty nasty ways to kill people. They were "inventors of evil" (Romans 1:30).

He was martyred around either AD 68 or 92. The Catholic Church made him a saint and apparently you can pray to him if you have a toothache. I kid you not. There's some other weird stuff about Antipas and the Catholic Church but that's enough for now.

The thing we need to learn from Antipas is not that he was a first-century "dentist." It was his strong faith that got the attention of Jesus. That begs the question, how strong is OUR faith?

We can say that we would stand firm in our struggles and in our faith, but when things get super bad would we eventually giveup? Would we fold? Hard to say. Antipas did not give up. But maybe that should be our prayer today.

Heavenly Father, increase the strength of our faith. Do not allow us to cave in to the ways of this world. Instead, let us glorify your holy name with our every breath, until we breathe our last like Antipas did. Remember OUR name Lord. In the merciful your name of your Son we pray. Amen.

Peace Peace

Take a look around. People are outside walking their dog. They are driving into town to get their coffee. Everything SEEMS peaceful . . . on the surface. But it's the storms that we DON'T see that can often cause the most damage.

"Peace, peace; when there is no peace." - Jeremiah 6:14

The peace I am referring to is NOT found in the lack of war. Yet life CAN BE a battle sometimes. But do you have peace in your heart?

We all have people in our lives who are struggling. They're hurting. Yet most continue on, battling in their pain day after day. Why? Haven't they heard what Jesus has to offer?

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." - John 14:27

Do you think Jesus worries about anything? I don't. God is all powerful. He knows everything. He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).

So, what kind of peace does Jesus have? I'm thinking it's a total, complete peace about absolutely everything. And He's offering that to us!

I heard someone say that "worrying is believing that God can't handle it." I think that's just about right. So, why can't we ever let things go? Why is it so hard?

Pride? The desire to do things ourselves?

It's a simple choice. Struggle through on our own or let go and let God. The choice is ours to make. What will we choose today?

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

A Gift From God

It was one of those incredibly yucky days, weatherwise. 32°, rain, snow, sleet, wind. And all of them seemed to be hitting me in the face, no matter which way I turned. So, why do I feel so warm inside?

It all started Monday afternoon, before all of the yuck arrived. I met with a friend and we talked for three hours. Then on Tuesday I met with THREE friends. Are you beginning to see the reason for the warmth in my heart?

Good friends are amazing. They are gifts from God really. It all starts with this verse:

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

The word "beloved" here indicates that John is writing to fellow believers in the various churches he watched over. At the time John wrote this epistle most figure he was in Ephesus but it was not written to a specific church.

The point I'm getting to is based on the "God is love" part. I believe that believers experience a deeper love because of God's Holy Spirit that dwells in us. We literally have love IN us. How can some of that love not spill out into the world, simply by our being in it?

When we meet with our believing friends, aren't our conversations always more loving? More focused on God?

God provides many things for us in these lives that we live - air to breathe, food to eat, skills to earn a living. But the greatest gift is His Holy Spirit and, as a result, the ability to, and the joy of, loving others.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

I'm Going To Be a Priest?

I think I'm going to be a priest! Before you say anything, so are you, Christian.

"Worthy are You (Jesus) to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation (that's us).

¹⁰You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” - Revelation 5:9-10

Did you catch that part in Verse 10 where it says that Jesus made us priests? It's true - confirmed by multiple sources (my John MacArthur Study Bible and GotQuestions.Org).

So, what do we do with that? Number one, bow in humble respect, that God would give us such a responsibility. And secondly, I'd better start acting the part. I need some training. I HAVE already written a bunch of sermons . . . in this blog. Lol!) But I think that humilty and responsibility are the key words ro remember. As Peter said . . .

“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. . . . But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” - 1 Peter 2:5–9

So what should we do until we become heavenly priests? Practice. Practice. Practice. Love. Love. Love.

The Thing About Love

Today's story is all about love, and . . . the problems it can create. Let's start out in "a perfect world." In my opinion, this is how we will experience love when we get to heaven. Let's begin with "The Love Chapter," 1st Corinthians 13 - a description.

"⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ⁸Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

That sounds pretty good to me. Unfortunately, right now, we do NOT live in a perfect world so can we truly find that perfect love? Yes, but only in one place. Jesus.

"Nobody is perfect," so the saying goes. Except Jesus of course. That beings me to a theory of mine, and today's story. If we Christians truly follow Christ, and obey His commands, shouldn't our earthy relationships be perfect?

We all sought, or are seeking, that "perfect" someone to spend the rest of our lives with. We soon discover that we, and they, are not perfect. So, what do we do? What's the answer? Two things.

First, we should NOT become unequally yoked. In otherwords, don't get into a relationship with someone who is not a believer. It sounds like a small thing perhaps but if our spouses are not believers, our relationships are already doomed, in this life and the next.

Secondly, love unconditionally. This is 'agape' love. It is a sacrificial, Ephesians 5 love. And we should do this realizing that no one in an earthly relationship is perfect. All of these instructions (commands) are in the Bible.

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." - 2 Corinthians 6:14

"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34

The love Jesus has for us is perfect. It is sacrificial (He already died for us). And His love will NEVER leave us.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5

So, what happens if we have no one to love right now? What do we do then? First, learn to be content. If it is God's will that you remain single, submit to that. But if not, fear not. God will provide.

"There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear." - 1 John 4:18

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33

We all desire to be loved. And we are! But our FIRST love must be God. We cannot forget about Jesus when searching for love in this place. Find another believer and grow closer to Jesus, together.❤

"You have abandoned the love you had at first." - Revelation 2:4

According To You

Jesus healed many people in His 3-year ministry here as "God among us." He also brought the dead back to life. So, why then did the blind man in Mark 8 not receive his full sight right away?

"And he (the blind man) looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” - Mark 8:24

Jesus then went on to fully restore the blind man's sight. But the blind man was not totally healed initially. Why not?

As it is said, "The Bible proves The Bible." Here's another passage about Jesus healing the blind.

"As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

²⁸When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied.

²⁹Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; ³⁰and their sight was restored." - Matthew 9:27-30

"According to your faith."

It kind of sounds like the blind man in our opening verse didn't have a complete 100% faith. Only a partial faith.

Here's another example of this. A man came to Jesus with his son who was demon-posessed and asked . . .

"If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

²³Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

²⁴Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” - Mark 9:22-24

Do we have faith enough to be healed? Or is our faith merely superficial? Do we go to church on Sunday only out of obligation? Or do we attend out of 100% faith and worship God? The latter faith is the faith that God seeks from us. What kind of faith do WE have?

O, SNAP

Most likely, I am going to get in trouble for writing this story. People will say, "How uncaring!" or "Does he think people should starve to death?"

No. But I would hope that people would consider what the Bible teaches. More on that in a bit.

I watched a bird trying to get a drink out of our frozen bird bath the other day. It tried a few times, pecking at the ice, before it flew away. What a perfect example of what SHOULD be happening after our government's latest shutdown. When the bird couldn't get water at the usual place, it went sonewhere else.

The United States Congress cannot seem to agree on a budget so it has shut itself down. Largely, I welcome this news. Less government is wonderful IMHO! Yet there are certain ramifications that come with rhe shutdown.

For example, people hoping to catch a plane for Thanksgiving are now wondering if they will even have a flight at all. Air traffic controllers are not being paid because Congress cannot agree. How long would YOU work for free? It's been over a month for them.

And how about all of the people on food stamps, now called SNAP (Suplimental Nutrition Assistance Program). Here's what SNAP does:

SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families," the agency states on its website. "Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors."

42 million Americans rely on the program. Not to mention quite a few illegal immigrants. Part of the reason Congress can't agree.

And now for some scripture.

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Now, I know that there are those who can't work due to some disability. But for those who are able to work, why aren't you working?

I don't know about you, but if I was facing a shortfall in cash for the month, there would be two choices - cut expenses or increase income. Cancel Netflix and get a second job.

And where is the church in all of this? They are out there, helping. My wife just made a donation to her church's food bank. One of the volunteers told her that there were a lot more "clients" this month compared to last month.

One of my favorite verses in the Book of Acts is about The Church.

"And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." - Acts 2:45

The Church has been helping it's members for 2,000 years. There are food banks in most communities. Friends and families. Make due and contact your members of Congress and tell them to quit fighting with each other and do what they were hired to do, without hurting the people who hired them. Elections have consequences. So does not choosing to follow Jesus.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31

The Elect

We just watched something happen in New York City that may be the beginning of something very prophetic in nature - the election of Zohran Mamdani as its mayor. Mamdani is a young, charismatic, anti-Israel Muslim and he was elected handily by the left-leaning city.

The Bible speaks of Babylon, a great city, doomed to destruction. Could NYC be biblical Babylon? Keep your eyes open and read Revelation 18 (link at bottom).

Today I am writing about another kind of election though - "The Elect" of God. Who exactly are these people? Let's find out by opening our Bibles to Ephesians 1.

"He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love ⁵He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 1:4-5

Let us bow our heads in humble submission, for WE, my brothers and sisters in Christ, are "the elect."

Let that sink in for a minute or two. God chose us before the world even existed. Is God omnipotent or what?!

If you are a born-again child of God, you are one of the elect. That knowledge carries with it a certain amount of weight and responsibility. Honor and humility also.

So, what do we do with our "elect status" in Christ Jesus our Lord?

We should act like it! Act like Jesus! Love everyone we meet. Pray for those who need healing. Have compassion for those who are hurting. Reach out to the lost on behalf of Jesus. Share the Gospel with others. Give to one another as there is a need.

Speaking of the Tribulation, Jesus said this:

“If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened." - Matthew 24:22

Mr. Mamdani, it appears, is not one of the elect, based on his Islamic faith. Our New York City brothers and sisters should be watchful, and follow God alone in their obedience. We must pray.

Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) asked something veru revealing about socialism / communism this week.

"When the Berlin wall fell, which side did the people run to?"

Who Are The Elect of God? - GotQuestions.org

Revelation 18

What Why How?

"Apologetics is knowing what we believe, why we believe it, and being able to effectively communicate it to others." - Voddie Baucham

But HOW do we communicate it? Good question.

First, we must KNOW WHAT we believe. And HOW do we do that? We read the Bible. We study it. We find a good, Bible-believing church, with a great teaching pastor and attend every Sunday.

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." - 1 Peter 3:15

We must also be ready. Another important, and often overlooked, part of this verse is "to everyone who asks." That said, what do we say? Do we have our testimony prepared to give? And what actually gives us hope?

The answer to that question is Jesus. It has to be. He sacrificed his own life here on earth for our sins so that we could be with him in heaven. We have hope for a future beyong this world!

But what else? What is missing?

I think love plays a big part. "Love your neighbor," as Jesus says. And as Paul tells us, in just one simple verse. But what a verse!

"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Our faith gives us hope. Sharing that hope is simply an act of love for the lost.

Consumption

Have you ever heard the phrase, "You are what you eat"? It's supposed to apply to our bad eating habits. For example, if all you eat are Twinkies, you will eventually become one. Not really, but you know what I mean. The point of the phrase is, if you want to be healthy, eat healthy things.

This phrase extends WAY beyond our diet though. Our phones are a perfect example of this. We can spend a WHOLE lot of time on those things. I am guilty of that. If we really think about it, are we not merely entertaining ourselves because we're bored?

Another "branch" in this Y.A.W.Y.E. character study is the music we listen to. I have written here before about songs that fill the head throughout the day (and night). What we consume tends to fill us.

Our belief in Jesus is the same.

"I am the bread of life." - John 6:48

Jesus then went on to say that we must "consume" HIM.

"Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. ⁵⁵For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. ⁵⁶Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them." - John 6:53-56

Jesus is telling us to CONSUME who He is. To copy Him. This practice is carried out during communion in our churches.

"And He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁰And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." - Luke 22:19-20

Paul later confirmed this, using a phrase attributed to Epimenides of Crete while speaking in the Areopagus in Athens.

"In him we live and move and have our being." - Acts 17:28

We are what we eat. We become what we consume. May I suggest that we put down our phones and pick up our Bibles? Let us consume God's word. Live it. Move in it. And let us become who God wants us to be - His.

What consumes YOU?

Selective Hearing

They sit in fancy boardrooms, making decisions about what news stories that you and I see or read. This happens all over the world at both a national and local level.

How many people are in these meetings? Eight, ten, twelve? It varies, I'm sure.

Consider what "news" they feed us. Trump's ballroom is a big one. Mamdani's impending victory in the NYC mayor's race. Oh, and then there's Gaza and Ukraine, and the occasional natural disaster like Hurricane Melissa. And SOME stories we NEVER hear.

For example, has anyone seen on the nightly news a story about 7,000 Christians being killed in Nigeria since the beginning of the year? No? Hmm. That's strange. That would seem to be a rather large story. Yet, not much has been heard about it? Why not?

Because a small group of people has deemed the story unworthy compared to other "news" of the day. And why was that? Personal opinion vs actual newsworthiness. Or a political agenda vs actual truth.

In the last presidential election CBS "News" edited an interview to create a more favorable outcome. They were sued and they settled. It cost them $16 million. ABC "news" also settled a similar law suit for $15 million.

So, who can be trusted to speak the truth anymore? No one, in my opinion. No one except God Himself.

"The Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind." - 1 Samuel 15:29

"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent; has He said and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good?" - Numbers 23:19

Turn off the news. Read the Bible. It is the only source of truth to be found. Examine everything else and measure it against the truth of His Word and you will do well.

"The Voice of Truth tells me a different story." - Casting Crowns

Please play for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria.

"The truth shall set you free." - Jesus (John 8:32)

 

7,000 Christians Killed - Newsweek

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns

Terminal Narcolepsy

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Try reading one of my stories. It'll knock you right out! Sadly, today's story is about falling asleep, but because we can't help it.

Have you ever taken an accidental nap? You know. You're sitting in your comfy living room chair and you're watching the Packers game. Suddenly you wake up and the game's over.

"Did you have a nice nap?" your spouse asks. You wipe the drool off your lip and try to pretend that you're awake. Jesus' disciples had that very same problem.

"Then He (Jesus) returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter." - Matthew 26:40

I can imagine the Disciples got VERY tired, trying to keep up with Jesus and His ministry schedule. Walking everywhere, serving meals of fish and bread to 5,000 men, etc. Plus being persecuted everywhere they went.

There is a different type of "narcolepsy" that has crept into our world in these last days. Even into our churches. We are being lulled to sleep by Satan and his schemes. Just look at the world around us.

Lawlessness, wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, the murder of innocent lives, sexual perversions, deceptions, idolatry, I could go on and on. And many of these things have so invaded our society that they have woven their way into our laws. Even into The Church!

It is just as Jesus asked, "Couldn't we keep watch for even one hour?" Apparently not. So, what do we do? Jesus tells us.

“Watch out that no one deceives you." - Matthew 24:4

Too late. The world has already been deceived. So, now what? There is only one hope. His name is Jesus.

Yes, Jesus died. He was crucified. The same thing happend to many Christians in Jesus' day. The difference, and it is a HUGE difference, is that Jesus rose from the dead.

Yes, there are other examples of this happening to others in the Bible. Lazarus, for example. Only God has the power to raise the dead.

We Christians believe that Jesus IS God, along with God The Father and The Holy Spirit. Consider closely these words from Jesus.

"The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life - only to take it up again. ¹⁸No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” - John 10:17-18

Have we laid down OUR lives for Jesus? Have we left our life of sin and turned to Jesus, our blessed hope, to have it raised again?

This is not a time to be sleeping. Rather, it is a time to be waking others up,  in Jesus' name. So get up and get out there!

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” - Ephesians 5:14

Throughout the Bible, God has ALWAYS left a remnant of believers, through persecutions, sickness, strife, and war. I encourage you today . . . become part of today's remnant. Believe in Jesus.

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12