Decision Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her name was Tabitha.

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

The Best Thing

Whenever my wife and I go on vacation we always ask each other the same question on our the way home. "What was your favorite thing from this vacation?"

The answers always vary with each vacation it seems. It might be eating at Big Boy, a walk on the beach, or car bingo. This time however our answer was different.

It wasn't anything we did specifically. It was more of a general 'joy.' And, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this feeling we had, our 'best thing,' is what God wants for us to feel every day.

Our 'best thing' this past week had two parts to it. The first was being away from all of the 'noise.' And by 'noise' I mean no television news to watch and no busy, over-stuffed schedules to keep.

Once that first part got accomplished, part two was a whole lot easier. And that was just simply being with, and enjoying, each other.

For example, my wife wanted to go to a glass blowing shop in a nearby town. We never got there. And why not? We were enjoying ourselves in the moment - eating 'ice cream products' on a shady porch at the visitor center. With a side of people watching.

Our joy became complete simply by just being with each other, wherever we were.

"The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone." - Genesis 2:18

Like I said, I like to play disc golf, and I did so upon occasion, but on our 'ice cream date,' disc golf was the farthest thing from my mind. Why? Our time together was our priority.

Before Adam sinned, he and God had a wonderful time together, enjoying each other's company. Walking through the garden, naming animals....

Later, in Genesis 2:25, Adam and Eve were still in the Garden of Eden. Paradise. "They were naked and felt no shame."

"Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." - Genesis 2:25

They had no schedules to keep, Eve wasn't fretting over what outfit to wear. Adam didn't foresake his wife to go play golf. Nor did Eve leave her husband to go watch someone blow glass.

Their joy was found with each other and with God.

If both halves of a marriage, or any relationship for that matter, place their own interests last, the relationship will thrive. Why? Because doing so honors God.

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” - Mark 9:35

When we think of others and their needs before our own, we become their servant. If both halves of a relationship do that won't we be fulfilling God's desire for us?

Joy is found in God. It is the reward we receive when we place ourselves last, as His servants. As Jesus said, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11

"And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known." - In The Garden

In The Garden - Alan Jackson

Three Words

"Thanks for cookin'!"

Three words and a smile. Not much of an effort, but they made someone smile the other day.

My wife and I were staying in a hotel as we visited some of God's creation at Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio.

Each morning we are provided a nice breakfast. Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, breakfast potatoes, cereal... I'm getting hungry just typing this!

Each time my wife and I stay in a hotel like this, I try to remember to thank the cook for preparing all of the food. I don't always remember, but the other day I did.

I walked into the kitchen area and said, "Thanks for cookin'." The young lady, wearing glasses and brandishing tattoos on both arms, thanked ME for my words and smiled.

Three words. "Thanks for cookin'."

Now, I didn't know what kind of morning she was having, what kind of homelife she had or what her beliefs about God were. But I do know this:

She is God's handiwork. God knew her before the foundation of the earth. And she is loved.

The morning we left the hotel, I stopped in the kitchen again and said the same three words. But this time was different.

"Thank you so much. Have a safe trip home."

I then asked if there was anything I could pray for in her life. 

"Just a general prayer would be great. I'm on the prayer list at my church."

Then she walked over and gave me a hug.

My point is this: It doesn't cost anything to be nice to someone. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with one's religious beliefs. Although in this case it did.

The world we live in is crazy enough, and who knows; if we pour a little love into the lives of the people we meet, maybe we can make a difference.

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

The young woman's name is Melissa, in case you would like to pray for her.

A Servant's Heart

"So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." - John 13:12-15

I saw a wonderful example of a servant the other day - a mother with two special needs children. I was able to witness her amazing devotion as she attended to their every need.

It was an amazing thing to behold, especially when you consider that she does it every day, day after day, without end. She exhibited tremendous love for her children in doing so. 

Do we have that kind of love for others, that we would place someone else's needs above our own? Family members, yes. But a stranger?

Devotion, selflessness, obedient, loving, compassionate are a few of the words that describe the characteristics of a servant. Are we any of those? Jesus was, and is, all of the above.

Jesus wants us to be servants. We just read that He is our example. 

There is also a difference between a hired servant and one who does so willingly, at no cost to the recipient. I think that is what Jesus wants from us.

One would think then that churches would be absolutely filled with willing servants. Nope. In fact, according to Pew Research, only about 20% of mainline Protestants are highly involved in church activities. 16% for Catholics. The Episcopal church is the worst at 13%. Why so few? Good question.

When asked to serve, do we immediately say 'yes'? Or do we search for excuses for why we can't?

Serving others should be a 100% thing. Not for any particular church, but for our individual hearts. Do you have a servant's heart beating in you?

How May I Serve You?

"Be careful what you pray for. You just might get it."

Have you ever heard someone say that? I mean, if we pray for something, why would we ever regret receiving what we prayed for? Well.....let me give you an example.

Have you ever prayed to be more patient? God just might give you something that will test your patience. You will struggle, but you will also learn to be patient.

Recently I prayed, asking God how I might serve Him more. I was intentionally not very specific in that prayer, wanting God to choose the way for me to serve. That was Wednesday morning. Thursday afternoon my prayer was answered. 

I can't tell you specifically what happened. Clearly though, God had provided a wonderful way for me to serve Him. And I did so gratefully.

If you are a child of God and you pray earnestly for something dear to your heart, God will answer that prayer.

"Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4

How many times do we miss every day opportunities to serve God simply because of our own inability to see them? Or by our own selfish requests in our prayers?

Shouldn't we just pray for God to use is in whatever way He wishes? That's what Jesus prayed for when He said, "Not my will, but Yours be done."

Yes, Jesus did have a personal request in His prayer (take this cup from me), but He ultimately set that aside and prayed for whatever God wanted for Him.

It feels so good to be used by God. It is also an honor. So, why don't we pray that way more often? Good question.

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." - 1 John 5:14

I Don't Care

If anyone wants a really good name for a restaurant, try 'I Don't Care.' Half the people on the planet want to eat there.

"Honey, where would you like to eat tonight?'

'I don't care.'

See?

The phrase 'I don't care' can have multiple meanings though. First, a person might not actually care. They like all kinds of food, so it really doesn't matter to them.

Second, someone might be busy doing something and, when asked, they will say 'I don't care' just to make the conversation stop so they can finish doing what they were doing when they got interrupted.

Third, there is the rare person who doesn't really care where they eat, as long as they can be with the person asking the question.

Which one are you? I have been all three.

Jesus was that last person, I believe. It didn't really matter WHERE He ate. He wanted to talk with you about your sin and His Father in heaven.

"While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” - Mark 2:15-17

Jesus didn't care where He ate or what He was eating. Jesus was there for the conversation.

So, where do YOU want to serve tonight? And why?

Father, what is it that you would have me do for you? I don't really care what it is or where it is. If it is something you want of me, then send me. Encourage me along the way. Guide my steps. Open doors, or close them. Whatever it is that you want, Lord, that is what I want too. I don't care. I love you and want to serve you and you alone. Thank you for your sacrifice on my behalf. Help me to serve you. It is your wonderful name I pray. Amen.

The Obedient Servant

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

We can say we believe in God, but as James points out, 'even the demons believe.' So what makes us any different than them?

I believe it is our desire to be obedient servants to Him and follow His commands. That is not the desire of demons, although demons and unclean spirits ultimately do submit to God's authority.

The real question for the believer is not 'do you believe' but, do we obey God's commands? You can get the idea when Jesus asked this question:

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?" - Luke 6:46

If we claim to be followers of Christ, shouldn't we be keeping His commands?

As an example, God, in His Ten Commandments, said, "Thou shalt not kill." Numerous times God also exclaims in the Old Testament that He hates the shedding of innocent blood. Yet many Christians are pro-choice when it comes to aborting a human life in the womb. Are they truly Christians then? Are they obedient to God's commands?

We MUST be obedient! Otherwise we cannot claim to be disciples - followers of Christ.

There is a Greek word that appears in the Bible - 'dulous'. It means slave. Here is the word in a sentence.

"Well done, good and faithful 'dulous.'"- Matthew 25:23

Are we slaves of Jesus? Are we slaves of the One True God?

We should be.

The Humble Servant

 

Yesterday was an interesting day. I didn't realize that I had signed up for a life lesson in humility but that's what I received. And I am grateful for receiving it.

My wife and I drove down to Milwaukee yesterday to visit her father. He is nearing the end of his life and is in hospice.

He woke up and looked at us both as we arrived but then returned to sleeping. Then a CNA came in with his lunch and my humility lesson got underway.

This woman caringly fed my father-in-law while at the same time reassuring my wife about how well he was doing during this transition time. A spoon full of chicken casserole, a spoon full of water, a wiping of the lips. How gentle she was. How caring.

My wife left the room to fill the bird feeder outside his window, not that he would ever see it, but the birds would appreciate the effort. I took the opportunity to pray for my father-in-law. And upon my wife's return, I read him the Christmas story from Luke 2. That was all good.

As we drove back home, we remarked how wonderful the CNA was to my wife's father. Even commenting that she was an angel. We didn't even catch her name.

Arriving in Appleton, we stopped at a store so my wife could pick up a book she ordered. Pulling into the store's driveway we noticed a man seated on the sidewalk and leaning up against the building. He had just fallen on the slippery sidewalk and was waiting for help to arrive.

Perhaps inspired by the CNA we had witnessed earlier in the day, I went over to the stranger and asked if I could pray for him. He said 'yes' and so I did. When I opened my eyes the EMT crew was there. I backed away and left them to their work.

It was a good day.

Am I always open to, and observant of, opportunities to pray for someone or to serve someone? It was nine degrees that day. Would I have so easily offered prayer on a "normal" day, without the example of the caring CNA to follow?

It seems to me that we should ALWAYS be prepared to serve and to pray for those who are in need. Jesus is our example. Shouldn't we be following His example if we are "followers" of Christ? Are we followers only on SOME days when we feel like it?

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:26-28

This is the season for miracles. We must keep our eyes open for opportunities to love and to serve, in humility and with compassion. We must reflect God's love for us by loving others. That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Vacation

 My wife and I are vacation right now. Vacations are nice. They give us the opportunity to relax and enjoy the things that we like to do. They can also tell us a lot about a person or family by observing their actions.

What do you like to do on vacation?

Some people like to travel, some like to stay at home. Some might like to party down while others catch up on sleep. We're all different and we all "vacation" differently.

There were no vacations back in the days of Jesus. The only break they had from all of their work was the sabbath day - one day each week. And on that day they could do no work. None.

Today things are different. I remember a time when stores were closed on Sunday. You'd better have gotten your groceries on Saturday because you weren't getting them on Sunday. Not any more. Those days are gone.

That is just one of the many "signs of the times" that things have changed. Our priorities have changed.

I am reading in the Book of 1st Samuel right now. Samuel was "given to God" at a very young age and he lived his entire life serving the Lord. No vacations whatsoever.

"After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 25 When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there." - 1 Samuel 24-28

What do our vacations look like in God's eyes, I wonder? Do we serve only ourselves, or do we serve the Lord? Do we serve others with our time off? I have a friend who is a dentist. He takes takes vacations to foreign countries, but he doesn't go there for his own pleasure.

My friend goes there to serve God by doing dental work for those who cannot afford it. And many need it. He also shares the gospel with them as he works. Most need that too.

Are examples of Christ on our vacations? Or do we serve only ourselves?

Here I Am

This is my 1,250th story for this blog. It is also the 15th anniversary (this week) of my spiritual re-birth. And it just so happens that, in my daily time spent in God's Word, I am reading the very passage of scripture that was used in the sermon given the day I was saved - January 15th, 2006.

The title for THIS story comes from THAT story in 1st Samuel.

"The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.

One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel.

Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” - 1 Samuel 3:1-5

Samuel had been called by God but at first Samuel didn't know that it was God who called Him. Samuel thought is was Eli. How many times has God called US and we never answered Him?

We need to constantly be listening for God when He calls us. We need to keep our eyes open for opportunities when God presents them. They are all around us. We often miss them.

What was the last opportunity you or I had to speak to someone about Jesus? Do we wake up in the morning saying, "Here I am Lord?" Or do we just grudging get ready for work or school and ignore His voice?

I look back on these past 15 years and hope I have been able to answer God's call. I hope that I have served Him faithfully. Yes, I still stumble. I still sin. But every moment I try to be faithful and obedient and mindful of Him. I try to walk in His ways and serve Him by loving those around me.

The song I am sharing today is one of our worship songs at church (Calvary Chapel in Waupaca in case you are wondering). I am sharing it because the first three words of the song are the title for this story.

We need to answer God's call when we hear it. And be as obedient as Samuel was in responding to that call. If we do, we will be blessed by God. Be blessed today.

"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

You, You Are God

Legacy

How will people remember you after you're gone? Will that remembrance be good or bad? Happy or sad? The choice is up to you.

How do you want to be remembered? Someone shared this picture of a golf disc with me the other day. Someone is remembering their friend who died by writing their name on a "memorial disc" and asking people to play a hole with it. That's kind of cool. This guy's buddy is being remembered for his love of disc golf. Is that how I want to be remembered?

My answer to that question is a big, fat "No." But that will happen anyway. Why? Because I play disc golf a lot and I enjoy it. I share pictures of it on Facebook, I organize disc golf events on my community and honestly disc golf is a large part of my life right now. Is that right?

This "memorial disc" is making me think. How do others know who I am? Well, quite simply, it is by the things I say and do.

Yes, I like to play disc golf but I also love Jesus. Just reading that last sentence should tell you that my priorities are in danger of being compromised. I want to be remembered as someone who loved Jesus, first . . . who also played disc golf. And played it for God's glory.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." - Colossians 3:23-24

Everything we do in life should be for The Lord in some way. The verse says "whatever you do." How do our lives comply with that teaching? Is your life reflecting Christ? Is mine?

This memorial disc reminded me that I need to make sure I am honoring God in everything I do. EVERYTHING. Playing disc golf is fine as long as I am playing it "for the Lord." How do I do that? Creating relationships in my community and then communicating my love for Christ through those relationships.

Jesus told us that we are to "love one another." I think I would like that to be my legacy. Not that I liked one thing or another, but that I loved the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and that I loved others as I loved myself (Luke 10:27)

Let us live this day for the Lord. What will that look like in YOUR life?

Go Freely

I saw some advice from Martin Luther this past week. Written in 1527 as the world faced a deadly outbreak of bubonic plague, it seemed like pretty sound advice to me so I shall repeat it here and follow it later as I volunteer at the Ruby's Pantry food distribution later this morning.

"I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.

If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me, and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.” - Martin Luther

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns." - Matthew 24:45-46

It is wise to use precautions while this virus surrounds us but we are also Christians. We are not to have a spirit of fear. Therefore, when there is a need, we should act, if it can be done in Jesus' name. Otherwise, what good is our faith?

Be safe out there. And serve The Lord.

The Narcissistic Church

Have you ever experienced a church that was more full of itself than a desire to preach God's Word? More interested in its programs and denominational viewpoints than in sharing the Gospel? I've been in a few. "Been" is past tense. I left.

Most narcissistic churches are run by narcissistic leaders. They like to do things their way. That's not a good thing. They should be doing things God's way, not their own.

I was in a meeting at one church when one of the pastors said his goal was 15 baptisms in the youth group for the upcoming year. What's wrong with that statement? It's narcissistic. The pastor was thinking that it was up to him to bring people to faith in Christ. Nope. That's the Holy Spirit's job last time I checked . . . which was five minutes ago.

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

Another church I was in once felt like they needed a big, fancy addition to their church so they could draw more people into it. That's not right.

"5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers." - Acts 16:5

Churches grow because they were strengthened in their faith. Is that done by a new building program? No.

"46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." - Acts 2:46-47

God grows the church, not us.

I have a theory. No, I think it's more than a theory. I think it is a truth. There are no narcissistic Christians. Think about it. If you are narcissistic and profess a faith in Christ are you really being truthful? I encourage you to examine yourself. Read this and see if it fits the narcissist.

"9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." - Romans 12:9-11

Jesus told us that "the first shall be last and the last, first." How can we be last if we are number one?

We must approach God in humility. We must be servants and do so in the name of Jesus. After all, He humbled Himself, He died on a cross, He gave us a way to escape death. How? Buy putting off our old self and placing our faith in Him.

We must give up our narcissistic self and surrender it all to God. If we don't can we truly be one of His children?

Hard To Be Humble - Mac Davis

A Costly Reminder

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

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

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

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

"24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen." - Romans 1: 24-25

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

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

Don't hold your breath,

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

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

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

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

As For Me

It is less than six months now until I retire. People have been asking me what I'm going to do when I no longer have to go in to work. I'm not sure what they're expecting me to say because, when I give them my answer, they look at me funny. "I'm going to work!"

The way I see it I'm going to work harder AFTER I retire than I ever did before. That's because I'm going to love what I'll be doing. I'll be serving the Lord. Full time. And honestly, I can't wait.

Right now I always have my job in mind before committing to a meeting with someone or before volunteering somewhere. After I retire that commitment to work will no longer be there, so I can spend more time, and be more flexible with that time, serving Jesus.

I'm kind of excited at the prospect. Shouldn't we be excited for something like that?

Some guys I know do a lot of fishing when they retire. Some guys play a lot of golf. But as for me, I can think of nothing I'd rather do than make God smile.

14“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:14-15

I don't think there can be anything better to do with one's time than to serve God in whatever capacity we can. And while I can serve God even while I am at work, I can serve God MORE by working less and serving more. Does that make sense?

May God's Holy Spirit keep after me and protect me from Satan's slothful desires for my life. We should work hard no matter what we do. It's just easier to serve . . . if it doesn't become work. :)

As For Me And My House - John Waller

Relationship Advice From God

Everybody has relationship struggles from time to time in their lives. Disagreements, arguments, frustrations, even infidelity can take center stage. It doesn't have to be that way.

And before you think that this isn't "a Christian problem" you're wrong. Divorce rates between Born-Again Christians (27%)1 and non-Christians (12%)1 in this country are opposite from what we think they'd be. So what's the problem? And how do we fix it? The answer is easy. Go look in a mirror. No, not THAT mirror. The Bible!

Ephesians 5:21 says this, "²¹ Submit to one another." Think about that for a moment. Think about the ramifications of those four words and what they mean in our lives. If taken to the extreme, it would mean that none of us would ever get our way! That's correct. Now we are beginning to see.

Jesus and His disciples were walking one day and He told them this:

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” - Mark 9:35

That was good advice for the apostles and it is good advice for us in our relationships too. Here's an example.

When I come home after a long day at the office the first thing I want to do is put down my lunch bag and get out of my work clothes. Sometimes, however, my wife has ALSO had a long work day and wants to vent about it. So what do I do?

I could say, "Give me five minutes, will ya?" but that would be putting my self and my desires above those of my wife. So I stand there and listen while she tells me about her day. Is it really that big of a deal? My needs should come last.

God is a strong believer in self-sacrifice and unconditional love. Look what He did for us on the cross! The book of Ephesians tells us to imitate Christ.

"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ² Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." - Ephesians 5:1-2

Life can get frustrating at times but if we can remember to places other's needs above our own, our relationships will flourish and grow. And isn't that why we are here? To learn and grow?

Jesus once told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ²⁶ For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:24-26)


If we are to "take up our cross" like Jesus did, doesn't that mean that He wants us to sacrifice OUR lives for the lives of others, just as He did for us? I think it does.

O The Blood - Gateway Worship

1 "Christians are more likely to experience divorce than are non-Christians," Barna Research Group, 1999-DEC-21, at: http://www.barna.org/ Barna no longer has this report online. However, a review of the report is at: http://www.adherents.com/

Bob The Hoarder

I guess I never really thought about it but, in a way, I think I am a hoarder. Not in the sense that this picture depicts but I AM a hoarder - a hoarder of my time. Here's what I mean.

We all have our diversions in life - the things we like to do. Maybe it's Facebook or Twitter. Perhaps it's Hallmark Christmas movies or building a tiny home. The point is we ALL have time in our schedules that is basically spare time. It is our choice how we will use that time. And that's the big question. How do you and I use our spare time?

I have been trying to kick that habit of wasting my spare time. For example, for the past year I have been responding "Yes dear" whenever my wife asks me to do something. And I do it right away. Previously, when my wife asked me to do something I'd say, "Yeah" and then waited for her to ask me again. That worked okay for me. But not for her.

I wear a bracelet on my left wrist. It reads "I Am Second". God is supposed to come first. I found that too often the words on my bracelet simply weren't true so I made the change. I need to get a different bracelet that reads "I Am Last" Why?

"So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." - John 13:12-15

It has been prophesied that Jesus will return one day. As the pastor in my church asked yesterday, "What will He find us doing when He returns?" Will we be playing video games? Scrolling through Facebook? Or will we be found serving Him?

As we find ourselves with a spare moment this week, how will we answer those questions. As for me, I hope Jesus finds me breaking the bad habits in favor of the new. I hope He returns to find me serving Him in some way. Satan loves is when we do things that are not about God. Let's make Satan disappointed then. Let's break the habit and surrender ALL.

Breaking The Habit - Linkin Park
I Surrender All - Faith Hill

Attention Please!

A couple nights ago I met a friend at the local truck stop, each of us ordering of a piece of dessert that we probably shouldn't have eaten. We had our usual waitress. She's amazing. Always attentive, refilling coffee cups, making sure everything tasted okay, always smiling. But then . . .

Then there are those waitresses that would rather be doing something else. You probably know the ones I'm talking about. Trying to get the attention of someone who is not really interested in serving you can be a real struggle. That leads us right into today's lesson.

Have you read the Old Testament? Chances are, if you open the Old Testament ANYWHERE you will find a story about a nation who is unwilling to serve God - Israel. Let's take a look at the Book of Jeremiah for example. This is God speaking through the prophet.

5 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,
    look around and consider,
    search through her squares. If you can find but one person
    who deals honestly and seeks the truth,
    I will forgive this city.
² Although they say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’
    still they are swearing falsely.”

³ Lord, do not your eyes look for truth?
    You struck them, but they felt no pain;
    you crushed them, but they refused correction.
They made their faces harder than stone
    and refused to repent.
⁴ I thought, “These are only the poor;
    they are foolish,
for they do not know the way of the Lord,
    the requirements of their God.
⁵ So I will go to the leaders
    and speak to them;
surely they know the way of the Lord,
    the requirements of their God.”
But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke
    and torn off the bonds.
⁶ Therefore a lion from the forest will attack them,
    a wolf from the desert will ravage them,
a leopard will lie in wait near their towns
    to tear to pieces any who venture out,
for their rebellion is great and their backslidings many." - Jeremiah 5:1-6

There is a common pattern that runs throughout the entire Bible and it is alive and well in the world we live in today. Here's how it goes. Disobey God, God demands attention, Israel refuses to obey, God punishes them, they eventually repent, God forgives them. Repeat. Over and over and over again.

Here's another verse to consider before we get into the meat of what I want to talk about. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8. In light of the fact that God never changes, why would his approach to us change today? We are forever disobedient.

When we are disobedient God will warn us. He warns us in His Word, He warns us through the words of others in our lives, and still we disobey. And so we get punished. And how does God punish us and get us to the point where we will turn back to Him in desperation?

It might be cancer, it might be the loss of a job, perhaps it's a car accident or a messy divorce after an adulterous relationship. I think God will do whatever it takes to get our attention. Look at Israel, the nation He loved. He turned them over to their enemies and nearly destroyed them but saved a small remnant who were faithful. Our God is a jealous God.

When we drift away from God, we can expect trials and tribulation until we repent of our unfaithfulness. If we repent and return to God He has promised to forgive us. So, what are we waiting for?

Trust and Obey - Big Daddy Weave
The Church, Israel and The Tribulation - John MacArthur

Do What You Like

You'll never guess what I did last night. I sat and watched my wife cook dinner. I know. I lead such and exciting life. But I find it interesting watching people doing something they love to do, especially when they do it well like my wife does.

If I tried to cook dinner it wouldn't turn out very good. I know. I've tried. It doesn't. Oh, I can do SOME stuff. I can microwave a hot dog, open a can of beans and pour some milk. But if I had to cut up a squash, grate it, mix in some cheese and seasoning, all while boiling noodles and frying bacon, we'd all starve. Or die. Or both!

What things are YOU good at? I'd be willing to bet you're good at something. Think about it. Even the most random thing. What is it that you're good at.

My wife tells me that I'm good at fixing things. I guess that's true. More often than not I can get something running, ticking or humming when it wasn't before. I guess that's a gift.

My wife is good at cooking and being a mom. My friend is good at sewing. My daughter is good at teaching and my grandson is good at organizing his collection of cars. We're ALL good at something.

Is there some purpose to the things we're good at? I think there should be. God gave us these abilities. Why? Why would He make us able to do something better than somebody else and make THEM better at going something than us? There has to be a reason. I think there is.

The answer lies in "the first and greatest commandment."

^37"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ - Matthew 22:37-39

Could it be that we are to use our abilities for God and for our neighbors? As a way of showing others that we love them?

Why does my wife cook meals for me? She loves to cook and bake and she loves doing that for me. She doesn't want me to starve after all! And why do I fix things for her? Because she can't and I want to make her happy. It's because I love her.

I have two friends who clean up all the leaves in the yard at church. It's not like they love raking or are particularly gifted at it. They love serving and the serve God and our church by getting rid of all the leaves.

There are countless examples of people using their gifts in this world. The question is, why are they using them? Is if for "self" of for "others." Are we focused inwardly? Or externally?

God wants us to use the gifts He gave us to glorify Him and to serve others. And what a perfect time of year to do that! This Christmas season, how will we use out gifts to accomplish that? Think about it. I'm sure we all can think of some way to bless others and honor God at the same time. Do what you like, but do it for the glory of God. Let's do it!! :)

God's Gift To You

What's Important?

Wow! It's Monday morning already? Where did the weekend go? There never seems to be enough time in a given day to do all of the things we'd like to do. What if there was a way to get all of our important things done and out of the way so we could have a nice relaxing weekend? Well, . . .

Perhaps we should start by defining what "important things" are. What things are important in YOUR life? Family? Friends? Your job?

I think our "important things" can easily be defined by the decisions we make every day. Especially when our schedules get full. There are times in our life when we have to choose between A and B. That choice defines what is more important.

Let's talk about relationships for a moment. You call someone asking them if they'd like to hang out. When they don't return your call, after a while it becomes obvious they have something more important to do. At least it can seem that way to us. That person in our lives has made a decision. Something other than us is more important to them.

I volunteer at a food pantry one day each month. I love talking with all of the people I meet there. Sometimes I pray for them or encourage them in some way. I do that kind of stuff because that's who God designed me too be. But sometimes I get tired and don't feel like going.

This past Saturday morning I was pretty tired. I needed to get some work done on the tiny house I am building too. But I made a decision - I went to Ruby's Pantry anyway. Tired and cold, and about to learn a lesson in importance.

As the morning wore on, one of the people I had prayed with in the past came up to me and gave me a card. It was a Christmas card. A little early but appreciated none the less. Later, when I opened the card at home, I was struck by the message inside.

"Thank you for being my best friend."

I'm somebody's best friend, and I don't even know their name? That's pretty sad on my part. Yet, I am somebody's best friend. And they took the time to get me a card. They made a decision and I hope they are blessed for it.

It occurred to me that I must like the taste of humble pie because it seems I have had my fair share lately. And that's good. This latest serving tough made me stop and think about how I sometimes get weary and want to sleep in our skip a day serving others.

That will NEVER happen again.

I am reminded of a command from Jesus.

^"45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? ⁴⁶ It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. ⁴⁷ Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. " - Matthew 24:45-47

Will God approve of the decisions we make each day? When things on our busy schedules have to be sacrificed, who will pay the price? When Jesus returns will He find us serving those in need? Or will we be scrolling through Facebook, playing a video game or watching a movie?

Jesus told His disciples that the last shall be first and the first shall be last. I want to be last. I want to be a servant. I'm going to make my daily decisions with that in mind, And do you know what will happen next if we do that? The things we once thought were important in our lives will fade away in favor of the things that are more important . . . in God's eyes.

Give Me Your Eyes - Brandon Heath