The Lone Apple

I don't know about where you live, but we had a warm spell in January or February with temperatures in the 50's for about a week. Trees started to bud actually. Then it froze, hard. As a result, we lost one tree in our front yard and our apple tree in the back yard is on its last legs.

Still, despite all the dropping leaves (it's still summer) our apple tree has managed to produce one single apple. Normally, we get at least a dozen or so. My wife likes to make apple crisp and applesauce with the fruit. Not with just one lone apple.😭

Think about that kittle apple for a moment though. One lone apple from a dying tree. This is an example for all of us.

When we reach the end of our lives, will we still be producing fruit? Or will we simply dry up and die? Hard to say at this point. But consider what cost these trees their very lives.

They were just going along, living life, just like they always have done. Until they were tempted into "waking up" by a premature spring. The buds, their "new life," were vulnerable and tender. When faced with a trial, the colder temperatures, they began to fade.

Are you going through a tough time right now? Don't let the change in your emotional seasons effect your faith in God. He's the only thing that can truly save you.

Our one tree has given up and has died. But our little apple tree is still producing fruit, even though it has struggled to do so. It will be interesting to see how many apples God blesses it with at this time next year.

To finish up, my wife brought this 'lone apple' into our house last week. Soon it will be joined by other apples from a different orchard and it's joy with be complete.

What fruit will you bear today?

"By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7 - 16-20

God's Timing

I was feeling pretty low after Charlie Kirk got shot. I loved that guy like a brother, which he was, and still is. A brother in Christ.

The Packers were playing on Thursday Night Football but I didn't feel like watching. How can anyone be cheering at a time like this? I just don't get it.

So, I got up out of my living room chair and went down to my basement office. Time to read God's Word. Only tonight it wasn't helping. 2nd Chronicles is a conglomeration of kings not doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord. I've had enough of 'disobedient kings' on the news lately.

Feeling kind of numb, I was just sitting there, mourning for a light that had gone out, when my phone lit up. It was a message from a friend. Actually, it was a prayer that was sent to me. Ya know . . . that was exactly what I needed to hear, exactly when I needed to hear it.

Has that ever happened to you? Can you sense when someone close to you might need a friend? Do you reach out to others when you think that they could be hurting in some way?

Here's an even deeper question. Do you think that God, seeing our needs, prompts the Holy Spirit to deliver a messages of hope through an intermediary? I sure do.

God's Holy Spirit prompts us to do and say things for our good and for God's glory.

"Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you will say." - Luke 12:11-12

It seems to me that you and I need to be wary of the thoughts the come into our minds. We think they come from our OWN brains, but really we are also subjected to what Satan whispers into our ears and what God leads us to believe. Just remember this:

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." - John 16:13

We really need to be that person who picks up the phone and calls someone because suddenly, for some unknown reason, a concerning thought pops into our head. Send a text, make a call, say 'Hi' to someone on the street. It might just be exactly what that person needed to hear.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

A Dickens of a Day

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair..."

That the opening sentence of Charles Dickens' classic 1859 novel about the French revolution - The Tale of Two Cities. It is also a perfect open for what happened on Wednesday.

First, a funeral. Believe it or not, that was the best thing about that day. The ceremony was held at my former church so there were many familiar faces in the building. And lots of hugs as well. An incredible amount! And lengthy!

When I got in my car to leave, I checked my phone. And that's when 'the worst of times' began. That's when I first learned that Charlie Kirk had been shot.

Let's go back to Dickens for a moment. His opening sentence contains the words 'Light' and 'Darkness.' I take that to be biblical in nature. Good vs Evil, Satan vs "The King of Kings and Lord of Lords' (Revelation 21). There is truly a spiritual battle going on in this world.

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14

And now to 'The Revolution.' It seems to me that Charlie's assassination could be the beginning of a second revolution in this once great nation of ours. And just in time for our 250th birthday too. I fear that it may even be bloodier that the first one.

Charlie Kirk was loved and respected by many, at both ends of the political spectrum. But not everyone loved what he was doing. From what I have seen so far, this was a well-planned and "executed' killing.

Charlie Kirk was, and still is, a Christian. Charlie is with the Lord right now, but those of us who are still alive on this planet are entering into a new phase of this Right vs Left battle. Things have now become changed.

Let's go back and look at Jesus' crucifixion. The disciples all scattered at Jesus' arrest, but after his resurrection, they all went to their death defending Him and preaching the Gospel like never before.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming days and months. But I know one thing for sure; in the end, our Lord and Savior will be glorified.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Test and prove what pleases the Lord. Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." - Ephesians 5:8-11

Give Thanks

Oh, what a way to wake up in the morning - with a song on the heart and words of praise on the lips! It makes me imagine what heaven will be like, singing praise and worship songs to God.

The mother of a friend of mine died recently. Of course, the family was sad. They will miss her dearly. But there was also great rejoicing, because she knew the Lord and iswith Him today.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 5:8

Sadly, that is something the lost will never experience.

I mentioned waking up with a song on my heart, the words playing on repeat in my soul. I don't mind that at all. It's a wonderful thing and I thank God, "with a grateful heart."

Give thanks with a grateful heart

give thanks to the Holy One

give thanks, because he’s given

Jesus Christ, his Son

And now let the weak say I am strong

Let the poor say I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us

Give thanks,

Give thanks

I can only imagine what it will be like, to be in the presence of the Lord. But I CAN tell you this: I can hardly wait. It is not a conscious effort on my part to sing these sings, but a joyful outpouring of the Holy Spirit to God The Father.

"I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. ²I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. ³Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His Name together." - Psalm 34:1-3

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

Give Thanks - Gaither

The Thief In The Night

"For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." - 1 Thessalonians 5:2

This "thief in the night" wording in the Bible is not just a one time thing. It appears several other times in the Bible as well. Matthew 24:42-44, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 16:15, Revelation 3:3, Luke 12:40, etc.

Why is this concept repeated so many times? And each time it refers to the time of the end. Today though we will just be examining the suddenness and unexpectedness of this "thief in the night" event.

If we think about a thief breaking into our home, what characteristics of that event would we find? Secretive, sneaky, no warning, not prearranged, "in the night" (less visible). You get the idea.

And BOOM! It will happen just that fast. Paul tells the church in Corinth than it will happen in "the twinkling on an eye," implying great suddenness. There will be no warning and it will happen so quickly that there won't be time to do anything or to say, "Hey, wait for me!" Nope. Too late.

Can you understand the frustration of believers then, when they try to tell others about these things and the people just don't want to hear them? It's incredibly frustrating. Why? Because we love them. And we don't want to see them miss out on one of the most wonderful things that will ever happen on this Earth. God rescuing his children from the coming wrath.

One day soon that "thief," and He is in no way a criminal, will come and "steal away" all those who believe in Him. And none of them, NONE, will be sorry to leave this place.

"Maranatha" is an Aramaic phrase that is found only once in the Bible, in 1st Corinthians 16:22. It means "the Lord is coming" or "Come, O Lord."

Maranatha! Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

This question remains: Are you ready?

The Unknown God

There are stories about Jesus appearing in dreams and people becoming saved as a result. How wonderful! To go to sleep as an unrepentant sinner and wake up healed, forgiven, and saved. None of that is OUR doing, but His.

The problem with dreams though is that they quickly fade. Unless someone writes it down upon waking . . .

Have you ever received a spider bite? At least that's what I am assuming it to be. It was itching like crazy at 3am so I got up to put some ointment on it. It didn't help. It was still itching as I sat in my living room chair . . . and fell back asleep . . .

Suddenly, I was walking through a big church and I was quickly becoming aware that I was all alone, in a crowd of busily talking people. Why is no one talking to ME? Where is the love I heard so much about?

So, I sat down, dejected. Why is no one talking to ME? I walked around some more. Nothing. Lots of activity, but no conversation. So I sat down again, alone.

That's when she sat down next to me and, placing her hand on my leg, compassionately asked, "What's wrong?"

"No one's talking to me. No one, except for you."

The conversation continued. I would say something and she would reply, inching closer and closer as we talked.

People began to stare. There were looks of disgust towards us and what was taking place in THEIR  church. But then the people disappeared and I was now talking with a man.

The conversation continued as it had with the woman. Still sitting in the same two chairs, in a row of chairs, in a church.

Then I awoke, and the itching from my spider bite was gone.

And then came this passage to mind from the Book of Acts:

"So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. ²³For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. ²⁴The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, ²⁵nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. ²⁶And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, ²⁷that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, ²⁸for:

“‘In him we live and move and have our being.’" - Acts 17:22-28

Have you ever read The Song of Solomon (aka The Song of Songs)? It's the story of a romantic couple from a woman's perspective. But the book is really about a love relationship between believers and Jesus. The believers are the woman.

Are we as intimate with Jesus as we are with mere humans? We should be. Even more so. I'm not talking about anything sexual here. Rather, we should be opening up our hearts to Him and sharing everything with Him. Not just a prayer here and there, but everything.

I have no idea who the man and the woman were in that dream, but I got the message. We need to be sharing the love of Jesus, even with those in the church, but especially with those who are alone and hurting.

Forget about current world events and the human leaders of these earthly nations. "Preach Christ and Him crucified." - 1 Corinthians 2:2

And also this . . .

"Stop trusting in mere humans." - Isaiah 2:22

Trust in the Lord!" - Proverbs 3:5

FoTS - Self-Control

Well, here we are at the last Fruit of The Spirit listed in Galatians 5 - Self-Control. I hope you have enjoyed these brief Bible Studies as much I have enjoyed writing them. Self-Control is something we all could use more of, especially these days.

Here's a perfect example of self-control - blood sugar. When we eat too many carbs our blood sugar goes up. So does our weight. That's not good. But those carbs are SO good tasting! And there's the battle. Self-control is needed when we become tempted by those doughnuts and muffins.

But there is another kind of self control we need to keep in mind, beyond what tempts us in the bakery aisle at the local convenience store. Satan's temptations. He absolutely loves to tempt us away from following God.

Temptation is the cause of many a sin. We need spiritual self-control. Here's an example from our Lord, Jesus.

Jesus was tempted three times in the dessert by Satan. Each time Jesus refused and even rebuked Satan with scripture.

Adam and Eve are another example. A little more self-control on both of their parts and we wouldn't be in this mess we're in today.

We need spiritual self-control, and God's Holy Spirit provides it.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13

That "way" is the Holy Spirit. And that's the real question regarding the fruits of Spirit. Is the Holy Spirit living in you?

Questions:

1. What is the biggest temptation facing you right now?
2. In what ways can you exhibit self-control?
3. The family is over and talking about Aunt Susan's drinking problem. What do YOU do?
4. James tells us that God will never tempt us (James 1:13) but He WILL test us (James 1:3). Is that test (temptation) something we can pass (self-control)?
5. When no one else was around, what is something you did that you wish you didn't?

Post-Op

God has blessed me with many friends in this life. I met with several of them this past week, two are recovering from recent surgeries. Both were more energetic than they were before their operations. Both were free from their previous ailments. Their smiles were bigger and their eyes were brighter.

Obviously, my friends were both glad they had made the decisions they did. Both were feeling far better than they had in the past. That got me thinking . . .

"And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ¹⁷And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” - Mark 12:16-17

Jesus, the great physician, spent a lot of time ministering to those who needed to hear His healing words. There are numerous examples of His physical healings in the Bible too, but they were just a fortaste of what Jesus REALLY was interested in - their SPIRITUAL healing.

"All I know is, I was blind and now I see," said the man born blind. He was speaking of his physical healing. But he is also an example of spiritual healing saying, "Lord, I believe," and he worshipped Jesus (John 9). We are all "blind" . . . until we meet Jesus.

I love ALL of my friends. And what do friends do? Do you remember the paralytic man whose friends tore a hole in the roof and lowered him down to Jesus? What did Jesus do? He forgave the man's sins. That was his primary need. THEN Jesus healed the physical.

"And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven." - Luke 5:20

Do you have someone in your life who is in need of spiritual healing? These days, it seems, there is an endless supply. Love someone enough today to tell them about the spiritual healing power of Jesus. He can absolutely change their lives. And their future eternity.

FoTS - Gentleness

This fruit of the Spirit is a little different than the rest. Words like 'quiet' and 'empathy'

come to mind. We can picture someone struggling with something and a friend approaching with gentle, quiet words of caring compassion and encouragement.

In Matthew 11 there are a few verses at the end of the chapter that speak to this. They are from Jesus.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

Gentleness is like a butterfly on a flower, treading gently, searching for sweetness, then moving on when it finds none. Gentleness can also be found in the hands of a child as it holds that same butterfly. It is the knowledge that what we are holding is fragile, precious.

Despite what we present on the outside, inside we are all fragile. We have bruises and scars on our hearts. That's what Jesus is getting at in his words above. HE is gentle. He will give us rest.

Questions:

1. Have you ever held an injured bird in your hand? What emotions did you feel?
2. When you pray, are you gentle with your requests before God? Or are they more like a grocery list?
3. Rebuking someone can be done in several ways. Are you gentle when you correct others?
4. When "the roads are slippery" do you give it the gas? Or accelerate slowly?
5. When someone confronts you, do you prefer that they yell? Or do would you prefer a calm conversation?

May God guide us through our interactions with others. May we always be gentle with the friends and family that He has given us. And may our actions reflect the gentleness of Jesus, holding a child on His knee. This world needs what we have in our hearts. Let us give gently, this gift that we have received. Amen.

Blue Moon

Our limited knowledge of the universe was on full display this past week as NASA announced the discovery of "a new moon" orbiting around the planet Uranus. It's always been there. We've just never known about it until now. The James Webb Telescope is credited for making the discovery.

Here's an idea. Why don't we take that telescope, turn it around, and point it at ourselves. Who knows what we might discover!!

Maybe it's just the way I think, but when I read this "news" story about this "new moon," my first thought was about the amazing power of God. He created ALL things.

"And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, ¹⁵and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. ¹⁶And God made the two great lights - the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night - and the stars." - Genesis 1:14-16

Here's something else that we cannot see or feel or touch. God. Yet, He is surely there, whether we acknowledge His presence or not.

I lived 53 years of my life thinking that I knew God. I needed a "James Webb telescope" in MY life! And God provided just what I needed. Now I KNOW He exists. How do I KNOW it? He changed my heart with the truth of His Word through the Holy Spirit.

Who else can change the human heart but the one who made it in the first place?

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 36:26

What new things has God revealed to YOU lately? Are they newsworthy? If God has changed your life, spread the news! Who knows, there may be an knowing creation of His, waiting to be discovered. Waiting for a new heart.

Listen to the song while thinking about Jesus.

Blue Moon - The Marcels

New Moon Story - NASA.gov

FoTS - Faithfulness

Here's a true saying: As faithful as a dog is to his master, so a Christian should be to God.

Faithfulness has an eternal quality to it. A devotion. It is something that accompanies love. And there is a certain amount of sacrifice in there as well. Today's Fruit of the Spirit is #7 of 9 on our Fruit of The Spirit journey.

The first example of faithfulness that pops into my head in the Bible is that of Job. He did a lot of whining and complaining throughout the book but, even though trial after excruciating trial, he never gave up on God.

"In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil." - Job 1:1

In a single day, Satan took away his camels, donkeys, and sheep, killed all his servants, and killed all of his children as well. Yet, this is how Job reacted:

"At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship ²¹ and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

    and naked I will depart.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;

    may the name of the Lord be praised."

²² In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” - Job 1:20-22

Wow! Now that's faithfulness!

Another biblical example of faithfulness is Ruth. She stuck by Naomi when the going got tough. Even after Naomi told her to go back home.

"And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” ¹⁶But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." - Ruth 1:15-16

Questions:

1. Who, in your life, exhibits Ruth's faithfulness?
2. What does faithfulness require from us?
3. Jesus praised the "good and faithful servant." Are you worthy of such praise?
4. What could you do today as an example of faithfulness?
5. What does being faithful to God look like in today's world?

Past Tense

News hits harder when you're not expecting it. That's why hearing about my friend's death has left me feeling pretty empty.

Sandy, a former coworker of mine, was not a believer, but seemed to be interested. I visited her and her husband several times after I retired. I spoke to them both about the love of Jesus. However, there is a big difference between 'interest' and 'surrender.'

My friend told me that she had done too many bad things in her life to ever have hope of being forgiven. Oh, my dear Sandy. You did not know the grace and mercy that awaited you! And that's the problem. People don't KNOW about the life-giving power of Jesus. And why not?

We are not doing enough preaching and people are not doing enough believing. We need to be praying more than we do because we can't MAKE people believe. Only God and His Holy Spirit can do that.

My friend Sandy is gone now and I can't change that. But I CAN change my effort to speak to others about Jesus. I can increase the frequency and intensity of my prayers. And who knows, maybe Sandy finally did place her faith in Jesus before she died. I cling to that hope and seek comfort in the One who wishes that NO ONE should perish.

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

But there IS a time limit. Our own mortality.

Did you notice that my words about Sandy were written in the past tense? Was, seemed, visited, spoke, etc. If my friend is a child of God (present tense) I wouldn't be mourning. I would be celebrating.

Jesus spoke about this.

"Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. ³⁸Now He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” - Luke 20:37-38

"Is," not 'was."

May my boldness increase, Lord. May my words speak the truth in love to those who need to hear. May the world come to know your life-changing power, and may your love rain down on those who thirst. Only in the shelter of your wings can they find peace and eternal life in your presence. Lord, we thank you and praise you for this gift you have given us. May we use it for your glory and not ours. For you Lord are the life giver and sustainer. Have mercy on my friend's soul, Lord. It is in your precious name I pray. Amen.

Ancient of Days - CityAlight

FoTS - Goodness

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23

Today we are talking about goodness. In a Biblical context, 'goodness' is a morality issue. It means to do what is morally right - doing what is right in God's eyes. Obedience to God's will for our lives is what it's all about.

Examples of goodness then can be found in the Ten Commandments. Starting with #5 we have "honor your father and mother." #6 - do not murder. #7 - do not commit adultery. #8 - do not steal. #9 - do not lie. #10 - do not covet.

But goodness goes beyond NOT doing bad things. It also means doing GOOD things. James tells us that "faith without works is dead" in James 2:26. Our good deeds are evidence that God's Holy Spirit lives in us.

Yesterday I went to the UPS store. After I had finished my business there, I left. On my way out the door I noticed someone approaching, arms full of boxes, so I held the door open for them. They said thank you.

After I got into my car I witnessed another person trying to get into the same store with an even bigger load of boxes, and I just sat there in my car. Why? Was it too inconvenient? No. Timing. This girl had clearly done this before and I would have gotten there too late.

But the point it this. I should have made the effort to do good. Maybe I will return to the UPS Store one day and spend some time opening doors for others. It would actually be a great opportunity to share the Gospel.

Questions:

1. When was the last time you did a good deed for someone?
2. The Boy Scouts have a saying "Do a good turn daily." Have you do that today?
3. What are you doing now that is against God's will?
4. In the drive-thru, pay for the person's order behind you in line. Pray for them as you drive off (that wasn't really a question).
5. When you're standing in the checkout line, let someone go ahead of you. How did they react?

The Sword of The Lord

Trying to be faithful to the Holy Spirit's leading can be a difficult task, especially when no words are being spoken. We sometimes think we see "signs," but are they from God, or from someplace else?

(Sign #1)

In the spring of this year, on a Sunday morning, I saw three boys hanging out together in our church's vestibule. They were just talking by themselves. So, I approached them.

"Are you guys going to VBS this summer?" I asked. Suddenly they all got quiet, almost standing at attention. Oh no! An adult!! (Actually, I was their Vacation Bible School teacher the previous year).

"Uh, no. We graduated out. We're too old."

(Sign #2)

Then, on my way to worship a few weeks ago, a thought popped into my head. It concerned those three boys I just mentioned. I spoke to our pastor about it. He liked the idea.

Someone once told me, if you get an idea suddenly, proceed with it. If it is from the Holy Spirit it will succeed. If not, it will fail. Perhaps it was from this guy . . . Gamaliel.

"But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. ³⁵Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. If it is from God, you will not be able to stop them; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” - Acts 5:34-35, 38-39

(Sign #3)

I asked two of these boys to help me with some work I was doing at the area high school. When I went to pick up one of the boys he HAD to show me the sword he had just purchased.

"It's Strider's!"

(Lord of the Rings)

As we worked that day, I asked one final question.

(Sign #4)

"Do you miss VBS?"

"No," was the answer.

I began connecting the dots. Of course they didn't miss VBS. They're not kids anymore. They're young men!

And there it is: For the past few weeks I have been creating a young men's Bible study, tentatively called The Fellowship of The Sword. 

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." - Ephesians 6:17

I'm kind of excited. Stay tuned!

God blesses us all of the time. We are the ones who miss many of His blessings, or mistakenly think they come from somewhere else.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

"God blesses those who obey him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord." - Proverbs 16:20

"Psalm 34:8

FoTS - Kindness

"Be kind to your web footed friends,

For that duck may be somebody's mother

She lives in a hole in a swamp

Where the weather is always damp

You may think that this is the end:

Well, it is!" (sung to Stars & Stripes Forever)

That's an old Boy Scout song from my youth. I'm not sure WHY it came to mind just now but there it is.

'Kindness' is a fruit of the Spirit and stop #5 on our Fruit of The Spirit tour. It's nearest friends are compassion and love, yet, although those feelings are usually reserved for those closest to us, we can also be kind to complete strangers.

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:12

Recently, my wife and I drove to Michigan for a family reunion. During our stay there we visited my uncle and aunt, who are in their 90's.

It's been over a year now since my aunt's cancer diagnosis. She's actually doing pretty good considering her decision not to seek treatment. A year later she is still up and talking with us. Especially my wife.

You see, my wife went out of her way to exhibit kindness this past year by sending my aunt monthly cards with hand-written notes. My aunt appreciated those very much and told my wife that, repeatedly.

It was such a joy watching those two ladies talking with one another!

Questions:

1. How will you exhibit kindness today? This week?
2. Show kindness to a total stranger this week. What was their reaction?
3. Is someone you know struggling with something right now? How could you demonstrate kindness to them?
4. One act of kindness could changed someone's life. Who will you go out of your way to be kind to this week?
5. Open a door for someone this week and greet them with a smile. What was their reaction?

Subliminal

It's hard to see perhaps, due to my poor photography skills, but the above picture is a hand-drawn cross on one of my disc golf putters. Inside the cross are the words to Psalm 23.

As part of the class I teach for the local Parks & Rec Department, we play "Best Shot" on some of the holes at the local course. I use this disc to mark what the kids think is the best shot. And everyone throws from its position. Everyone sees it.

I don't preach the Gospel or tell the kids about Jesus. But I do let my actions, and this disc, do my talking for me.

During the last class one of the dad's picked up my disc and looked at it. And I began to pray a quick prayer.

"What's this say?" he asked.

"It's Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want."

My "conversation starter disc" was working. Soon the dad was telling me about his faith and a program he supports called Project Bible Runners. They give out donated Bibles to anyone in need, anywhere in the world. Sometimes countries don't allow people to import their bibles. That's why they are called 'runners,' because they literally run them in.

Anyway I thought that was cool. Check them out at the link below.

My new friend had a daughter in the class. I taught her to throw a "roller." Soon she was out-rolling the older, stronger boys. You should have seen the smile on her face. 😁

Perhaps she will be the first Bible "roller," spreading to gospel of Jesus . . . and also the gospel of disc golf.

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." - Matthew 24:14

Come, Lord Jesus!

Project Bible Runners

FoTS - Patience

"Why is this car in front of me going so slow? Don't they know I'm late for work?"

"What? My flight is delayed? This is no way to start a vacation!"

Sound familiar? "Patience is a virtue," they say. It is also a Fruit of The Spirit, and stop #4 in our Fruit of the Spirit Bible study.

It is SO easy to be impatient in today's fast-paced world. Our schedules can get pretty full these days and one delay can throw the whole thing off. What to do? What to do?

Is our lack of patience a sign that we don't have the Holy Spirit in us? It could be. Perhaps it might be time to examine ourselves, and our schedules.

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" - 2 Corinthians 13:5

Our patience can be tested when we cram too many things into our day. Can we fully enjoy a conversation with a friend if we are constantly checking our watch because we have somewhere else to go?

Patience has a companion called priorities. They often travel together. As an example, a family might be at a weekend soccer match, but games are running behind. Evening plans need to be changed. Games get postponed until Sunday morning. Now what? Skip worship?

Patiently waiting on The Lord must be a priority in our lives. If we are not patient, do you think that God will try to TEACH us to be patient? Mhmm.

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." - 2 Peter 3:8

Uh-oh. I don't have time to wait THAT long!

"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." - Romans 8:25

Questions:

1. When was the last time you were impatient? Was it worth it? Describe. 
2. When you are impatient, what other emotions come along for the ride?
3. What do you do while you are waiting for God to answer your prayer?
4. Why is God so patient with us, even in our impatience?
5. How can I exhibit patience while others don't?

A 2AM Prayer

It's 2AM. Again. Why can't I sleep Lord? Is there something I have left undone? Is there something that You want me to do?

Why do I find myself wide awake when I should be sleeping, resting? It's like I have left something unfinished. Like a door unlocked or a faucet left running, there is unrest within me.

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" - Psalm 43:5

My hope is in You, Lord. There is no one else who can do the things You do. You have power over ALL things. So, why am I awake? Why is my mind not sleeping when that is my desire?

I search in my heart, trying to discover the answer. Is there someone who needs a friend? A prayer? Is there someone I have not loved that you have given me?

So much is happening in this world right now. Such evil and strife. Violence, wars and rumors of wars, hunger, pestilence, earthquakes, floods. What is next, Lord?

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." - Matthew 24:6

It's 3AM now. Will writing these words for You give me rest? I hope so. That is my prayer.

"Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." - Psalm 43:5

Time to put down the phone. Time to trust. Close the eyes. Rest.

And then this verse came calling.

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." - Ephesians 6:17

And I awoke, and it was morning . . .

FoTS - Peace

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

Paul wrote that to the church in Philippi. Why was he writing to them about God's peace? It was Paul's first church in Europe. Dear to his heart for sure. The city had been taken over by the Roman Empire - notorious for crucifying and burning Christians. They probably ALL could have used a little peace in their lives back then.

How about you? How's your life going? A little stressful at times perhaps? King David wrote about what HE thought peace looked like - still waters.

"The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul." - Psalm 23:1-3

It's interesting when we remember that David's descendant, Jesus, would day calm an entire sea.

What does peace look like in today's world? Safety perhaps. Strong doors on our homes with sturdy locks and hinges. It might also come in the form a steady job with an equally steady income. Knowing that there will be food on the table and clothing to wear can bring peace. But that's not the kind of peace that Paul was referring to.

Paul spoke of a peace that could not be understood. A peace that "surpasses all understanding." God's peace.

And how do we attain God's peace? By knowing Him. By "abiding in Him." Knowing that our eternity is sure brings tremendous peace. We might not fully understand it, but we fully receive it.

"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." - Mark 4:39 

Questions:

1. What are the things that give you peace in your daily routine?
2. Can you recall a time when you felt great peace? What were you doing?
3. In a perfect world, what would a peaceful day look like to you?
4. How can you obtain peace when your world is spinning out of control?
5. It seems that the world is never at peace. Why not?

What I Deserve

This story begins with a Linkin Park song, then proceeds through various images of relationships with friends, and ultimately ends up at the feet of Jesus. Are you ready for today's journey? Better buckle up.

First, the song. Give it a listen, at least until you hear the title for this story.

The New Divide - Linkin Park

It's rather obvious that the singer has suffered a broken relationship or two in his life. Especially in the second verse....

There was nothing in sight

But memories left abandoned

There was nowhere to hide

The ashes fell like snow

And the ground caved in

Between where we were standing

And your voice was all I heard

That I get what I deserve

We've all had broken relationships in our lives. Some were our fault, some were the other person's fault. And some, well, they never had a chance to begin with. The same can be said for our relationship with The Church.

Maybe we've been burned in a relationship with a church, so we left. Or perhaps it was because the church changed and we could no longer keep our relationship going, even though we might have wanted to.

There should be no discord within the church. We ARE instructed to 'love one another.' However, the earthly church is comprised of sin-filled humans. Our sin is also why our relationship with God has failed. We simply can't help ourselves.

Jesus told us of "the new divide" we will be experiencing if we don't know Jesus, and He doesn't know us.

"Between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us." - Luke 16:26

Ever since Adam and Eve sinned we've been on the outs with God. Destined for the bad side of that great divide. We will never be allowed to cross it. Ever. Our only hope is Jesus. He is "the bridge" we must choose to walk BEFORE we die.

Remember, "we get what we deserve."

"All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions." - Ephesians 2:3-5

Praise be to God The Father, and God the Son, by whom and through whom we are saved!

"It is by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians 2:5

FoTS - Joy

"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." - John 15:11

Welcome back for Part 2 of our nine-part study on the Fruits of The Spirit (FoTS). There are nine of "fruits" listed in the Book of Galatians. If you haven't guessed by now, today we will be experiencing joy. Hopefully.

One might wonder what "things" Jesus was talking about in that opening verse that will will make our joy "full." Let's find out.

First of all, Jesus was talking to His disciples. He was telling them about His relationship with The Father and also about His relationship with them. In the first 11 verses Jesus uses the word "abide" ten times. Do you think Jesus wanted them to ABIDE in His love?

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." - John 15:10

What does it mean to "abide?" Got Questions.org describes it this way:

"Abiding in Christ is not a special level of Christian experience, rather, it is the position of all true believers. The difference between those abiding in Christ and those not abiding in Christ is the difference between the saved and the unsaved."

We MUST abide in Jesus in order to experience true joy.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4

And in the Book of Psalms it says we will find joy in the presence of God. And not just joy, but the fullness of joy.

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:3

There is joy, and then there is joy, in Christ. There IS a difference. And the difference is amazing.

There is a joy that the world can experience, but joy, in Jesus, is far better. We can experience a tragedy in life, but Jesus makes it better, less painful.

"He (God) has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” - Acts 14:17

Questions:

1. List three examples of true joy that you have experienced in your life.
2. Of those three examples, how many are related to Jesus? Describe.
3. How do you find joy in your struggles?
4. How has God made your joy "complete" (James 1:4)?
5. God has given you specific gifts. When you use them for God's glory, do you feel joy? Explain.

Psalm 19

I have heard of doing this before, but have you ever tried "Praying the Psalms?" I often pray a slightly edited version of Psalm 23 at night before I fall asleep. Here's another short Psalm that could easily be used during prayer time. It's about God's creation, testifying to His glory.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. 

²Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

³Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard,

⁴their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.

⁵Like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course,

⁶it rises at one end of the heavens and runs its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

⁷The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.

⁸The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

⁹The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.

¹⁰They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

¹¹By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.

¹²Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

¹³Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.

¹⁴May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19

That last verse (v14) is an absolutely perfect prayer!

Verse 1 in a prayer could sound like this:

"The heavens declare Your glory, O God; the skies proclaim the work of Your hands."

We don't do enough praising in our prayers. Maybe by including this, or something like it, we can make our prayers more pleasing in God's eyes.

Another bunch of Psalms that can turn into prayers are the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120 - 134). Here's the first verse of Psalm 121 as an example: 

"I lift up my eyes to the hills - 

    where does my help come from?

²My help comes from the Lord,

    the Maker of heaven and earth."

Listen at the 3:49 mark of the following song and see if it doesn't sound familiar.

Praise You In This Storm - Casting Crowns

FoTS - Love

Welcome to a short little Bible study on The Fruit of The Spirit. A list of these fruits can be found in the Book of Galatians, Chapter 5.

Today's lesson is about the first fruit - Love. The key verses (v22-23), along with some context (v16-24) are where we'll spend most if our time. Paul is writing to the church in Galatia (Southern Turkey). He specifically taught in Antioch, Icomium, Lystra, and Derbe. The text:

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ¹⁸But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ¹⁹Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, ²⁰idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ²¹envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

²⁵If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." - Galatians 5:16-25 ESV

Today we'll be reading what the Bible says about 'LOVE' and just what that looks like in today' world. First, let's look at the word 'love' to determine what kind of love Paul means.

The Interlinear Bible tells us the Greek word used for love in this verse is 'agape.' Why is that important? The Greek language has as many as nine different meanings for 'love.'

'Agape' love is defined as: "a holy, self‐giving disposition that originates in God, is displayed perfectly in Jesus Christ, and is implanted in believers by the Holy Spirit." - GotQuestions.org

Basically, it is a selfless feeling or act for, or to, someone else. Example:

"Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." - Ephesians 5:2

Questions:

1. Who do you love, unconditionally, in the agape meaning of the word?
2. How have you demonstrated agape love to others today?
3. Who would you be willing to sacrifice your life for?
4. What other acts of agape love can you think of?
5. In terms of agape love, what do you think He means when Jesus said, "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44)? He used the same agape word (agapate).

That's it for this time. The next time you see the 'FoTS' title, we will be talking about 'Joy.'

First and Last

Do you enjoy the stillness of the early morning hours, before the cars start whizzing by your house and the neighbor's dog starts barking? I sure do. That's when I like to write and read. No distractions.

I am reading through the Gospels right now. They seem to be carrying an extra amount of "pay attention" with them this time through. I'm not sure why but I am taking my time so as not to miss anything. Perhaps that's why this verse carried so much weight when I read it this time.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." - Mark 1:35

As I stop to think about it now, that's when I usually pray - after I awake and before I sleep. My first and my last. I pray throughout the day as well, but for me that's more of an ongoing conversation.

There is a biblical concept about giving God our first fruits. And there is also an example when Jesus prayed using His last breath.

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last." - Luke 23:47

This prayer was originally offered by David in Psalm 31. Interesting how Jesus was  thinking about others, even with His last breath.

As I write this, it is 5:14 on a Saturday morning, my prayer is that I would always find myself thinking about God and others, until I breathe MY last. My needs pale in comparison to those of others.

Yes, I still pray, even about small things. But I pray to a God who hears ALL the prayers of His children. Even the little ones.

In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning - Chris Botti and Sting

P.O.V.

We've all seen those annoying Facepost posts that say "P.O.V." followed by some random comment (P.O.V. stands for Point Of View).

Well, here' a P.O.V. story for ya!

My wife was on her way home from Appleton on Tuesday when she turned onto the road that leads to our subdivision. We live out in the country so you never know what you might see. Last week it was a recliner. Just sitting the under the stop sign.

So, my wife saw something in the road ahead of her and slowed down to find out what it was. It could have been a baby bunny or a gopher, but it wasn't moving. What was it?

It was ear of sweet corn! And another, and another, and another . . . 17 ears of corn and, thanks to my wife, they are now in our garage refrigerator!

Here's my P.O.V.

God provides!! Jehovah Jireh!! Which actually means "the Lord will provide." The phrase comes from the Book of Genesis, when Abraham was about to sacrifice his son Isaac.

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

¹⁴And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, "In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen." - Genesis 22:13-14

Now some will say, "Pfft. Some farmer took the corner too fast. He probably filled his wagon way too full."

To that I say, "There are 17 ears of sweet corn in our fridge. God provided them for a few of His children. Prove me wrong."

We all have different viewpoints as we travel through this life. Which one is right? Are ANY of them worthy?

My P.O.V. on that is this: Why not trust the One who never lies; who IS the way, the truth, and the life. Has God ever been wrong? I'll wait.

"This God - His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him." - Psalm 18:30

Training Up A Child

“He said ‘Love… as I have loved you.’ We cannot love too much.” - Amy Carmichael

That was a quote from one of my morning news emails - The Pour Over. This past week at VBS I ended one of our teaching sessions with this question:

Why do you think they have two "old guys" teaching this class?

There were several answers.

"Experience."

"Because you're old."

"They couldn't get anyone else."

Funny. I then asked this: "What is the first and greatest commandment?"

No one had the answer. Slightly disappointing. So, I told them what it was.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37

I continued . . .

"We're teaching you about Jesus because we love you. It's as simple as that. We know what awaits those who don't know Jesus. It is because of that knowledge, and our love for you, that we teach. We know what will happen to you if you don't repent of your sins, and refuse to humbly turn to Jesus. It isn't good. We would love to see you placing your faith in Him and begin following Him in your life."

The kids just sat there, staring. "They're not getting it," I thought. But just when I was about to lose hope for this youngest generation, something happened.

Each day we have a contest for the kids. A student from each age group gets randimly picked to receive a prize. In the oldest group a dude named Silas won. He got a big bag of treats. Yes!! He ran up on the stage and grabbed his prize. Just as quickly he returned to his classmates.

But instead of gloating about his treasure, he dumped the bag on the floor and shared it with his friends! He gets it!

Silas chose Jesus last summer and was baptized at our church picnic. Hope is a wonderful thing. But sadly, my buddy Silas and his faith are an endangered species. Their numbers are dwindling.

Thankfully, his parents are both believers and are "train(ing) up their children in the way they should go." - Proverbs 22:6