No Way

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

There is something hidden in that verse that many people simply do not see, let alone understand. All we have to do is go back one verse to see that even the disciples didn't get it.

"How can we know the way?" - John 14:5

The way? What 'way'?

Jesus wasn't talking about directions to a particular earthly place. He was talking about a way of life. He was talking about Himself. HE is the way!

There is a way of life, and a way of death. Jesus wants us to live a godly life - in Him.

When we come to faith in Jesus we become changed. As Paul told us, it happens "in the twinkling of the eye." (1 Corinthians 15:52). It's instantaneous. It's like the sudden inhalation of air after holding one's breath underwater. Jesus wants us to breathe, in Him.

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

We need to quit thinking in terms of "religion" and concentrate on living a "way of life" that is pleasing to God. God wants us to be "holy." Why? Because HE is holy (Leviticus 19:2). God wants us to live a holy life, just like Jesus did.

"Umm . . . that's impossible!"

That's right. We are all sinners and are totally incapable of living 'a holy life.' 

“My prayer is not for them alone (the Apostles). I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message (that's us), ²¹that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." - John 17:20-21

This is not to imply that "works" are needed. Rather, our works are a result of our being saved.

The world lives a certain way. That way is not the way that Jesus wants us to live.

"Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2

And how do we do that? We must become a new creation, in Him.

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

Are you a new creation? Have you become changed? "Is there evidence that I've been changed?" Hmm, that's from a sing (link at bottom).

Jesus changes us when we meet Him. Need an example?

"Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John - but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).

Boom! Simon was changed. If there has been no change, have we really met Jesus?

Finally, to answer the question in verse 5, "How can we know the way?"

We already KNOW the way. We have trouble committing to beginning the journey. In a nutshell, "Admit that you're a sinner, Believe that Jesus died for your sins, and Forever Receive the gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

That's the way. The question is are we going to walk "in Him," a testimony to who HE us, who WE are, and WHOSE we are.

Live Like That - Sidewalk Prophets

Are You Washed In The Blood? / I'll Fly Away - Alan Jackson

Watermelon Time

Sometimes there are things that happen in this world that are beyond explanation. That was the case yesterday. I am STILL amazed by this particular example as I write this.

Have you ever lost one of your most favorite things? I have. I'm sure you have too. What we wouldn't give to have that lost treasure back again.

Last year I was teaching a kid's disc golf class in the community where I live. We were on the last hole on the last night of class. Long story, short, I left my favorite disc on that hole, and it was gone. I was pretty sad.

That disc did whatever I asked of it. Plus, it was a fundraiser disc for a friend of mine.

It took a while to recover from that loss. Long enough for my wife to notice. As Christmas rolled arond, she went on Ebay and found a replacement. How sweet of her to do that! I had another watermelon 🍉 disc in my bag for this year. Still, everytime I looked at it, I thought about the one I had lost.

Our salvation is like that watermelon disc, only it's far more valuable. When we repent of our sins and place our hope in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit. We become saved.

I've seen some videos where people are wondering if they can lose their salvation. Wouldn't that be a terrible thing to lose? It's absolutely priceless!

Thankfully, we cannot lose what God so freely gave to us.

"When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:13-14

Amen!

Yesterday, I was working at our local course when two players came through. They were both league players and friends of mine so I stopped working to talk with them. That's when I noticed that one of them was carrying, you guessed it, a watermelon disc, just like the one I had lost. 

"Is that a watermelon disc?" I asked.

"Yeah."

"Where'd you get it?"

"Oh, I found it out here."

"Where? Was it on Hole 18?"

"Yeah, I think so. Why?"

"I think that's my disc!"

My friend gave me the disc right then and there. In return, I've got a few drivers I'm going to be giving him. 🥏 The original watermelon disc, the one that came back home to me, is back in my bag. And the one my wife gave me? It's on the wall in my office, to remind me just how much she lives me.

I lost that disc almost exactly one year ago. Yet, it wasn't really lost, was it? No. God was just waiting for the right moment to reunite us.

Discs are a thing of this world. They can provide both happiness and sorrow. "But the gift of God is salvation through Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). We can NEVER lose that, if you believe with all your heart and submit to His lordship.

Our salvation is a gift from God. It is nothing that we have done. It's always been Jesus. Place your faith in Him today. Then have a slice of watermelon today and celebrate this great country of ours.🇺🇸 Another great gift from God. 😊❤️🙏

What To Say

"Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

“¹²But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³And so you will bear testimony to me. ¹⁴But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." - Luke 21:10-15

Why is my heart troubled these days? Why am I downcast? I feel like David right now. Why?

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? 

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you." - Psalm 42:5-6

Well, I am remembering God right now. I am remembering how Jesus told His disciples not to worry about what they should say because Jesus would give them words to say.

In all of my "what if's" and "shoulda said's," I must remember what David said. I must "put my hope in God" and "praise Him."

I become troubled when I remember all of my friends and family members who don't know Jesus. It saddens me because I know what awaits them. I don't want to see that happen to them, or anyone. I love them!

These are the words that I would say:

I believe in God, and I also believe He is perfect. "In Him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)

God demands perfection from all of us (absolutely no sin allowed in heaven).

Our problem is that none of us is sinless. As Peter said to Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" (Luke 18:26) The answer is that no one can be saved, apart from God's grace.

The Bible says that, "without blood, there is no remition of sin" (Hebrews 9:22). There has to be a sacrifice.

Enter Jesus. He led a sinless life while here on earth. And He died for OUR sins. A spotless, sinless lamb, sacrificed for OUR sins.

This is where God hits it out of the park - John 3:16. 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

That's it. We have to repent of our sins and believe in Him. And that's the snag for many, including many whom we love. They're too busy, or the lifestyle they have chosen is more important to them. It's frustrating. Our hearts break. I keep hearing the words of Isaiah in my head. "Here I am Lord. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

But really, the only solution is prayer. We cannot change people's hearts. That's the Holy Spirit's job. The Holy Spirit draws people to God. And that is what we should pray for. And we should "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Instead of feeling bad about this situation, I need to be praying about it! Won't you please join me?

The Words I Would Say - Sidewalk Prophets

Even If

In my previous story about our lovely little ice storm this past week, I detailed some of the events that happened. However, God was not done writing HIS part of the story yet so here you go.

Thursday night, after all of this had transpired, we were sitting in the livingroom, listening to all of the ice and branches still falling from the trees and onto our roof. Non-stop. Both of us were very tired and had just spoken about going to bed. Then, it happened.

A loud thump followed by the sound of shattering glass. A pine tree behind our house had snapped in half, the top half of which came in for a visit through our sunroom window. 

My wife picked up glass and vacuumed the sunroom carpet while I went outside, in the rain and debris, and tried to get the branches cut off the tree trunk and away from the house. We got all of that accomplished, I got dried off, and we went to bed, overtired and ready to sleep.

That's when I felt my wife's hand searching for mine. And, finding it, we both fell asleep. 

When God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18), He was SO right.

Then Saturday morning came, I got done posting my story for the day, and then I "found" this song. Thank you, Lord.

They say sometimes you win some

Sometimes you lose some

And right now, right now I'm losing bad

I know You're able and I know You can

Save through the fire with Your mighty hand

But even if You don't my hope is You alone

Even if we had lost every tree in our yard to the storm, our hope is still in you alone. Thank you Lord for keeping us safe. Thank you for bringing our kids over for a visit, scheduled weeks in advance, to help clean up. You are MORE than able.

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" - Jeremiah 32:27

Even If - MercyMe

Got To Get You Into My Life

Another morning, waking up with another song in my head. Usually I have worship music playing on WBOB radio, but this morning it was The Beatles. Not sure why or where this song song came from but I gave it a listen anyway.

The first verse meant nothing. "I was alone, I took a ride. Etc." Big deal. But then the chorus...

Ooh, then I suddenly see you

Ooh, did I tell you I need you

Every single day of my life?

The song is probably about a woman, or drugs, but my mind is shaped a little differently than Mr. McCartney's. Think 'Jesus.'

When I look back at my spiritual transformation, I can pinpoint the day, the hour, the location, what I was doing, and who was there. It was sudden, that's for sure. As Paul said in his song, "then suddenly I see you." And that, I did.

The sudden realization that Jesus was real, for me anyway, was literally an eye-opening event. From that moment on, I began to see things differently. That brings us to the second and third lines of the chorus...

"Did I tell you I need you" and "every single day of my life."

After I figured out what was going on, it wasn't long before I realized just how much I needed Jesus. And that I would need Him every single day of my life.

I look at the chorus of this Beatle's song now and think, this is really a prayer. Not what Paul McCartney had in mind, I'm sure, but consider this prayer.

Dear Lord, I was living my life, totally blind to what I really needed. But then, I suddenly saw You, and I confess to you now, O Lord, that I need you every single day of my life. For without you I am nothing. I repent of my sins and submit to your authority. Make me into who you want me to be, Lord. I am so incredibly grateful to get you into my life! For who am I that you should rescue me? I am your servant, now, and forevermore. Amen.

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” - Isaiah 12:2

Got To Get You Into My Life - The Beatles

And Yet

It's hard to watch the news these days without asking the question, "What's wrong with these people!? They just don't get it!" That question is nothing new.

"Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”

¹¹He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. ¹²Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. ¹³This is why I speak to them in parables:

‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand." - Matthew 13:10-13

Jesus then goes on to say....

"But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear." - Matthew 13:16

What a humbling thing; the knowledge that we, a chosen group of sinners like us, have been given access to the kingdom of God!

And yet, to be clear, ALL are welcome. But few are chosen.

"For many are called, but few are chosen.” - Matthew 22:4

We had communion in our church yesterday. That's always a humbling time. We walk up front and get the little cups of juice and a piece of unleavened bread, then return to our seats. After praying, I put the bread into my mouth, but I don't chew it. Rather, I simply let it disolve. Why? Isaiah 53:5.

"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5

We know it was our sins that placed Him on that cross. And God crushed Him because of those sins. But just the thought of crushing "the bread of life" is something I don't want to be a part of. And yet, I was.

"Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." - John 6:35

My prayer is that all would come to Christ and be saved. And yet, I am saddened by the knowledge that "the road is narrow" and not everyone will make that choice; some that I know and love. And that truly makes me sad. And yet, the choice is theirs. And God would welcome anyone, right up to the last second of life. Maranatha!

How Deep The Father's Love For Us - Fernando Ortega

My Redeemer Lives

(Christ The Redeemer - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

"I know that my redeemer lives, and, in the end, He will stand upon the earth." - Job 19:25

Boy, for Job being the oldest book in the Bible, Job really "saw the end from the beginning."

The Bible is filled with prophesy about future events. According to GotQuestions.org, 27% of scripture is about future events. Over half of these prophetic texts have been fulfilled. Books like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation contain many prophecies. So, why do some churches not teach on these things?

Paul, to the church in Ephesus...

"I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. ²⁸Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. ²⁹I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; ³⁰and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. ³¹Therefore be alert." - Acts 20:27-31

Paul prophesied that there would be teachers who would not teach all of God's Word, in order to draw the flock after their own beliefs. This prophecy has been fulfilled multiple times. And is STILL being fulfilled.

But let's get back to the redeemer discussion. Just what is a redeemer, in a Biblical context? Specifically, what is the "Kinsman Redeemer" mentioned in the Book of Ruth?

"The kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who, according to various laws of the Pentateuch, had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need. The Hebrew term (go el) for kinsman-redeemer designates one who delivers or rescues (Genesis 48:16; Exodus 6:6) or redeems property or person." - GotQuestions.org

Our Redeemer is Jesus. He has acted on behalf of all, taking the penalty for OUR sin upon Himself. But in order to receive the benefits of His sacrifice, we must repent of our sins and believe in Him. Jesus has redeemed us! Hallelujah!

Kinsman Redeemer - GotQuestions.org

I Know That My Redeemer Lives - ILP Music

 

Look at The Fields!

There are numerous verses in the Bible which refer to a time of harvest. And although barley and grape harvests are also spoken of, the crop that is usually mentioned the most is the wheat harvest.

We first hear about this in the Gospels.

"Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest." - John 4:35

Jesus also spoke of a need for workers saying, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." - Luke 10:2. Why such a need?

The problem is us. And Satan.

There is a saying in the church that "80% of the work is done by 20% of the people." I think that is true.

There also seems to be a lack of hikers on the way to The Promised Land. Jesus told us about that shortage in the Book of Matthew.

"But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:14

The road is narrow because there is no need for it to be wider, due to the small number of travelers.

Why so few?

Like I said, the problem is us. And Satan. He is very good at what he does. Distraction, procrastination, pride, self. And we are very bad at repentance and obedience. We can see an example of this in Matthew.

"Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 19:23

Then, in verse 25, the disciples asked, "Who then can be saved?"

Good question.

Jesus then goes on to give the reason that so few will enter The Kingdom of Heaven.

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26

So, the problem is us. We need to have God. We need to spiritually "sell all we have" and surrender to God in our inability to accomplish salvation on our own.

This cannot be accomplished by our volunteering more at church or in the community. It is accomplished in our hearts. We must be willing to give Jesus everything. EVERYTHING.

Easy to say. Hard to do.

We done HAVE TO go to church. It should be our desire to do so. Same with serving others. It should be in our nature to do so, not forcibly given. That's why God tells us that, "I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." - Hosea 6:6

The workers are few and harvest time is approaching. Time to get to work!

I Surrender All - Robin Mark

The Ordinary World

The problem with many Christians today is this: until one has experienced Jesus and His Holy Spirit, it's hard for them to understand that there is more to their faith. I mean, why should someone trust what we tell them about Jesus unless they can experience it for themselves. Witness it being lived out in OUR lives.

I woke up at 2:20 am with another song in my head. Hmm. I wonder. Is there something I should be writing about?

This song was about lost love and the writer was lamenting about a relationship that is now gone. But pride prevented him from finding his true love - Jesus. He just wanted an "ordinary world."

I won't cry for yesterday

There's an ordinary world

Somehow I have to find

And as I try to make my way

To the ordinary world

I will learn to survive

If he only knew what awaits him. He longs to have his ordinary world instead of an extraordinary world that he cannot see.

Why merely survive, when you can thrive!?

For most of my life I thought I knew who Jesus was. However, I did not really KNOW him. Not like I do know. And I am STILL getting to know him. But it is a deeper and more meaningful relationship than it ever was when I THOUGHT I knew him.

"Seek Him and you WILL find Him, when you seek Him with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13 (Bob's paraphrase)

"Take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. ¹⁸But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:17-18

An extraordinary world awaits those who seek Him with all their hearts. Have YOU found Him yet? Are you sure?

Ordinary World - Red

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

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

12 Years of Age

This past week was Vacation Bible School at our church. The daily fun and teaching is all over now, but not the lessons learned, by the kids, AND by the adults.

If you are a regular reader of these stories, you would have read about a girl named Kortney. She's the one who had a heart and double lung transplant. When I first met Kortney, she was 12 years old. The same age as our oldest kids in VBS.

When the surgeons removed Kortney's heart and lungs, she was literally dead, even if it was only for a moment. But then they installed the donor's heart and lungs and got them working, she came back to life!

I told the kids how God gives gifts to us and enables us to do some pretty amazing things sometimes - like Kortney's surgeons did for her. "That's a Wonder!" as we' said about Jesus in VBS this year.

As I told Kortney's story, they ALL were listening very intently. As I showed them her picture, I examined their faces. They were not only hearing the message, but they were also receiving it. And here's why. Part of the VBS teaching that day. Jesus did even MORE amazing things than Kortney's doctors did.

"While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴²And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement." - Mark 5:35-42

Children like to have fun and goof around. That's a given. But as teachers, it's our job to get them to listen. And, if at all possible, to get them to think. It's one thing to hear a story from the Bible. It's another thing to hear about the same thing happening to someone in real life. 'It hits different' as they say.

That's why our own testimony about how Jesus changed OUR lives is so important. Because is really happened to US, no one can argue against it.

How did God change you?

The Journey of The Lost Disc

So . . . a guy comes walking up to me in church . . . carrying a golf disc.

"This is not normal," I thought to myself.

"I have something for you," he said. "You'll never guess where I found it."

"Okay. Try me."

"The Apostle Islands, a half mile off shore, in the winter. At night."

Well, he was right. I NEVER would have guessed that. How the heck did it get out there? There IS a disc golf course in Bayfield, Wisconsin, but it's not a half mile off shore IN Lake Superior.

So he gave it too me, knowing that I was a disc golfer. It's a faster speed disc than my ancient arm can handle, so I was planning on giving it away to someone else, but that's when the idea for this story popped into my head.

Think about the story I just described to you. If tou remove the word "disc" and substitute the word "soul" in it's place, it would go something like this:

My friend was out walking in the wilderness one day when he came across a lost soul. He stopped and lifted up that pour soul, ultimately taking it back to his own house.

After staying there for a while, the lost soul was introduced to someone who knew exactly what it was going through. This person had seen many other souls sink out of sight. He knew the dangers of being alone in the cold. He also knew what awaited this lost soul if it wasn't rescued. Jesus saves us all from sinking into the pit.

The Lake Superior ice has melted now as I write this. If it wasn't for my friend, this disc would have been lost for a very long time. But my friend saved that disc by lifting it up and putting it into the hands of someone who he knew would find a safe place for it.

Isn't that what Jesus does for us? He lifts us up. And He WILL take us someplace safe one day.

I now carry that disc in my golf bag. I seldom use it, but what a conversation starter!

"O Lord, you have brought my soul up from Sheol, You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit." - Psalm 30:3

The Meg

My wife and I watched The Meg a year or so ago. That was enough for us. It was pretty lame, almost laughable at times. But one scene caught my attention.

The scientific cruise ship had just been capsized by the giant shark. The entire crew went flying into the ocean. Some of them landing a hundred feet or so from the ship. Yeah, right.

Anyway, two of these distant crew members (a man and a woman) conveniently landed right next to each other. And here comes the shark! Er, excuse me . . . The Meg! (Short for megalodon).

At the 3:45 mark of the clip below we see that man and woman in water quite some distance from the boat. And a shark in the distance. But not for long.

"Jaxx. You're gonna make it. You're a good person. Don't look back."

The guy starts beating the water to draw the shark to himself. He's sacrificing his own life so that the woman could live.

The woman makes it back to the boat safely but she is in tears, thinking about what her friend had done for her.

Several things . . .

Yes, this man sacrificed his life to save someone else, but I'm not going to compare what HE did to Jesus' sacrifice for OUR sins. WAY different.

He told the woman that she was a good person. Wrong. That's not what Jesus says.

"No one is good except God alone." - Mark 10:18

But the thing that struck me the most was the womans tears. She wept at what had been done for her. My question is this:

Did WE weep when we learned that Jesus died for us? I'm guessing no. I didn't.

My next question is "Why not?"

Difficult to answer. Everyone's different, but we never walked with Jesus personally. We didn't interact with Him on a daily basis.

I think the disciples probably wept at His death, but I'm just guessing. His mother and Mary Magdalene probably wept as well.

I don't know about you, but I feel incredibly unworthy right now. His sacrifice . . . our Savior and our God . . . on a cross. And I didn't shed a tear? I need to learn to weep. David did.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame." - Psalm 22:1-5

Sacrifice - The Meg

Easy Believism

I was scrolling through YouTube, looking for something to watch, when I came across a video by J. Vernon McGee. I've heard him on the radio (WRVM) many times before with his "Through The Bible" series, but I'd never seen his face before, so I clicked on the video.

The video was entitled "Dr. J. Vernon McGee DESTROYS Lordship Savation heresy!"

"Heresy? Hmm. I believe in Lordship salvation..." So I watched the video. And then I did some research.

According to Wikipedia, Dr. McGee died in 1988 - an ordained Presbyterian pastor. Uh-oh. From what I have read about the Presbyterian church, it is a very left-leaning organization. Here's my proof of that from their own website.

Next, I Googled "Lordship Salvation" and found GotQuestions.org's article on the same. I read it from beginning to end. It only confirmed my lordship salvation belief. That's where I found the title for today's story - Easy Believism. Apparently, it is the opposite side of the lordship salvation discussion.

In their article, Easy Believism is described as "salvation by faith alone to the extent that those who trust in Christ are under no obligation to live transformed lives. Easy believism is not just holding to sola fide (“faith alone”). Rather, easy believism is a rejection of any degree of repentance or change as a necessary aspect of saving faith."

In other words, salvation is by faith alone and there is no reason to live a changed life as a result.

Here are some examples of Easy Believism teachers I have found - Joel Osteen, Bobby Schuller, Chuck Swindoll

Lordship Salvation pastors - John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, Paul Washer, Billy Graham, David Wilkerson

Here's what the Bible says:

"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, ²³and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." - Ephesians 4:22-24

And James says this:

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? ¹⁵If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, ¹⁶and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what goodb is that? ¹⁷So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:14-17

If there is no change in our hearts, are we then truly saved? I think not, according to the Bible.

"Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, ¹⁰nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10

There must be repentance of our sins before we receive salvation. It says it right there!

"Jesus is Lord!" people say in Easy Believism. Jesus says, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" - Luke 6:46

Here's a fun little exercise. Open your favorite Bible app and do a word search for the word 'repent.' Count all of the verses and see how many you can find (I found 70+ in most translations. 105 in the King James Vesion.

'Repent, Believe and Forever Receive' is what we teach in VBS. Not Repent, Believe, then do whatever you want.

Lordship Salvation - GotQuestions.org

Wilderness

I ran across a quote the other day that made me pause a consider something. Here it is.

“Moses does not encounter the living God at the mall. He finds Him (or is found by Him) somewhere out in the deserts of Sinai, a long way from the comforts of Egypt...As did John the Baptist, and his cousin, Jesus, who was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” - John Eldredge

[This quote was from a Christian news email called The Pour Over that I subscribe to.]

What Mr. Eldridge noted in his quote is true. We often find God in the harshest environments - the wilderness. That's usually because that's when we often seek Him with our whole heart.

Numerous times in the Old Testament, the Israelites cried out in desperation to God - seeking help or sustenance. It's no different for us today.

The question for each of us becomes, "What is/was OUR wilderness? A divorce? The death of a loved one? Drugs? Alchohol? Pornography? An adulterous relationship? The list can be quite lengthy.

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13

Growing up I got baptized as a baby, went to Sunday school, confirmation class, youth group, and church on Sunday. I got married to my wife in a church because that's what people do, right? But I never KNEW Jesus. I never sought Him with all of my heart.

My "wilderness" came when a local nine-year old girl was kidnapped, raped, and murdered. She was in my daughter's Sunday school class. That's about as "wildernessy" as it gets.

I cried out to God, and rather angrily I guess, but He did answer me and "lifted me out of the pit" as the Psalmist says.

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." - Psalm 40:2

The "rock" that David mentions is Jesus.

When I finally "woke up" and completely trusted in Him, my life began to change. Not all at once, but I began seeing things in a new light. Peace surrounded me, never worrying from that day forward.

If you are walking through a wilderness right now, consider seeking God with your whole heart. He definitely changes your outlook on life. Instead of sand and scorpions, you will see lush vegetation and pools of cool, clear water.

You will find Him, if you seek Him with your whole heart. That's a promise.

The Parable of The Chipmunk

I think something must be wrong with me. Or right, I guess, depending upon your world view. You see, I see parables. 😮

I didn't always see things this way. It began 19 years ago. These stories that I write,  many of them, are simply parables of how I see things around me. An outlet of sorts. Or maybe a history of my walk with Christ.

For example, a few days ago I was cleaning out the gutters on our house. I had already opened the shed door to get the ladder, and was on my way back there to put it away, when a chipmunk ran past me and right into the open shed.

"Dude. You'd better not stay in there because I'm going to be shutting the door soon."

Instantly Bible verses came to mind. The Parable of the Ten Virgins for example. This is Jesus speaking.

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut." - Matthew 25:10

And then in the Book of Revelation . . .

"What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open." - Revelation 3:7

The chipmunk in my backyard was a perfect representation of those who ignore the Bible. They're so busy "gatheting nuts and seeds" that they ignore the dangers of being locked inside a "prison" with no hope of escape.

Why did you and I stop to consider the dangers we faced by leading a life of sin? Why did WE repent and follow Jesus?

God forenew who would say 'yes' to His invitation and who would "run into the shed."

The problem that the chipmunk had was he didn't know the shed door was about to be shut. It's the same for the unbelieving souls in this world. Even though it can be frustrating and painful at times, we must never stop telling people about Jesus. He is the only one who can open the door to eternal life.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20

Anomia

I know what you're thinking. "He spelled ammonia wrong." Nope. "Anomia" is a Greek word. I'll get to it's meaning in a moment. But first, some scary Bible verses from our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. ²²Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’

²³Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’" - Matthew 7:21-23

What Jesus is saying is that some people who think they know Him will NOT be getting into heaven.

Today's word for the day is 'anomia' (pronounced an-om-ee'-ah). It is a Greek word and it means 'lawlessness.' It's the last word of the text above.

Basically, even people who say and think they know Jesus will NOT be getting into heaven. This is Jesus talking. Why would He not let us in? Two reasons.

1. (Verse 21) - "only he who does the will of My Father in heaven."

2. (Verse 23) - "I never knew you."

So, we have to do God's will and Jesus has to 'know' us.

I'm just guessing here but, I'm thinking if we do not obey God and His commands, our chances of being known by Jesus are a big fat zero. Why? Because of our anomia. Our lawlessness!

Obeying every one of God's commands,  every day of our lives, is impossible! What can we do then to be saved?

Hmm. That sounds like a bible verse, doesn't it?

“How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

²⁶Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”

²⁷Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” - Luke 18:24-27

"Possible with God" is also in another verse. Same story, different Gospel.

Jesus was with his disciples in the Book of Matthew and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

"Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26

"With God."

Are you "with God?" Does Jesus "KNOW you?" You need to believe in Him, obey Him (in everything), repent of your sins, and you will be saved.

Jesus KNOWS our very thoughts. He realizes that we are all sinners. He KNOWS all of those who are His. Talk to Him in prayer, beg forgiveness for your sins. If you mean it, He will forgive you. And that is the key.

Mean it! With all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength! And, yes, that is another Bible verse. It's the first and greatest commandment.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ - Matthew 22:37

Our being "saved" is by God's grace alone. But we do have to admit our sins to Him, and believe in Him as our Lord and Savior. The we can forever receive His bountiful blessings, in this world AND the next.

I Just Got Towed

Last week I had kind of a bad day. One disappointment after another, or so it seemed. That's when I got an email notification that someone had commented on one of my blog stories.

"Oh, great," I thought. "More negativity."

But then I read the comment. It was given on a story I had written 10 years ago about my "new to me" truck and a tow rope I had just purchased. My intent back then with the tow rope was to pull people's cars out of ditches during the winter and then share the Gospel with the drivers.

The comment I received is as follows:

"Funny how something like snow and a car in a ditch can stir up so much inner reflection. It’s easy to think first about what we can do instead of who’s in need. Even moments that seem routine — like passing a tow truck at work — can carry something deeper if we’re paying attention."

Interesting.

That kind of cheered me up. And it ALSO made me think. Someone actually reads my stories! And this person actually took the time to comment!

How many times do we have a plan for our day and then everything suddenly goes sideways? More often than not, in my experience. So, what do we do in those situations? Do we whine and complain? Or do we make lemonade out of lemons? 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." - Isaiah 55:8

When things go south in our lives we should be asking, "What are you trying to show me, Lord? What are you trying to teach me?"

I did actually pull someone out of a ditch once back then. The ditch right in front of our house. I don't even remember what I said to the driver of the car. I don't remember saying anything "brillant" about God. Or ask if he knew Jesus. But I DID do something. And the driver was grateful.

Something just occured to me. Of course! The guy who commented on my story? He actually pulled ME out of the dismal "ditch" I was in that day. My bad day disappeared after reading his comment. Hmm. Was someone from above sending me a message? Or sending me a "tow truck?" He can pull anyone out of any "ditch." Anywhere and any time.

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him." - Psalm 91:14-15

Hidden Treasure

Today's story is brought to you by the pastor of our church. It's actually a story HIDDEN INSIDE of another story. I think that's why I like it so much.

The story is found in the Book of Acts, the 20th chapter. Paul is going to be preaching, but then something happens.

"On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. ⁸There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. ⁹Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. ¹⁰Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” ¹¹Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. ¹²The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted." - Acts 20:7-12

Are you ready to start digging? How can I encourage you to grab a shovel and begin? Well, how about if I tell you that the "hidden treasure" in this story.  . . is Jesus? There is no mention of His name, but the clues, the gold, is everywhere.

Verse 7 - "the first day of the week" - this is Sunday, the Lord's day.

Verse 7 - "we came together to break bread" - communion? fellowship? Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." - John 6:25

Verse 7 - "Paul spoke to the people" - what was Paul preaching? It was the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Verse 7 - "he intended to leave the next day" - Jesus preached HIS message right up to the day HE left too.

Verse 7 & 8 - "midnight" and "many lamps" - it was dark. We all were in darkness, until we "saw the light."

Verse 8 - "the upstairs room" - the kingdom of heaven? Where did Jesus hold The Last Supper? In an upper room.

Verse 9 - "Eutychus" - just a coincidence here, but the first and last syllables of Eutychus are pronounced YOU and US. seriously? In this story, Eutychus represents "you" and "us."

Verse 9 - "sinking into a deep sleep" - so will you and "us" sinking into a deep sleep (eternal death ie. hell) without Jesus.

Verse 9 - "picked up dead" - again, this is us without Jesus.

Verse 10 - "Paul went down" - and so did Jesus - from heaven to earth. Why? To save us. But I am getting ahead on myself.

Verse 10 - "He's alive!" - and so are we when we receive Christ. It is nothing we ourselves have done. It is Christ alone!

Verse 11 - "Then he went upstairs again" - and so did Jesus after His resurrection.

Verse 11 - "talking until daylight, he left" - this represents Jesus talking with his disciples for 40 days AFTER his resurrection. And then Jesus left.

Verse 12 - "The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted." - the rapture of the church? When Jesus and the heavenly host come to take US home?

This story is simply amazing, but it is only REALLY amazing if for those of us who have heard the story and been brought fully to life. If we don't hear the message, if we do not come to life, in Christ, we will fall into the outer darkness and truly die.

My prayer is that all of us would embrace this message, this gold that we have found, and embrace Jesus, just as Paul "fell on Eutycus" in verse 10.

Forgot that one.