christianity

Don’t Over Think It

By: Denny

We have an exciting and miraculous story of how we met on a Friday, were engaged two days later on Sunday, and married forty days afterwards. In telling her part, Lucy says that the moment we met the Lord told her I was her husband. She had asked Him, “How can I marry a man I just met and don’t love?” His reply was, “When you touch, you will feel the love.” She recalls lying in bed and not being able to sleep wondering when and how that would happen. Her mind was busy thinking of many different scenarios to the point she just quieted her mind and gave it over to God to do His will His way. That was thirty three years ago this March. I believe that we all have a tendency to envision how things will happen to the point of over thinking it. We have a goal, dream, or desire and almost immediately our minds begin to plan and prepare how to make it become a reality.

Our over-thinking can be a hindrance at times that can draw us into the mindset that if things don’t line up exactly as planned, we get anxious, discouraged, worried, and stressed. Sometimes, or maybe more often than we realize, we allow our over thinking to over think what others think about us. Perhaps it was something we said, did, or didn’t say or do. For example, we didn’t speak up against the filthy language people use at work. The opportunity presents itself to bring the Lord and what He’s done for us into the conversation and we clam up. We over think that people might reject what we have to say or be labeled, “one of those religious weirdoes”. Too often we are more concerned about what others think of us rather than what God thinks. Our own self consciousness entraps us in the “what if’s”. “What if” I do what God tells me and I look like a fool or am embarrassed. Well, what if you don’t, because someday we will all stand before God and have to explain why we didn’t.

God may be telling or leading you to do something unusually different that seems contrary to your human reasoning. As it says in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Do not allow over-thinking to keep you from doing what God calls you to do. God told Moses to go to Pharaoh in Egypt and tell him to let His people go. Immediately Moses began to over think and give lame excuses why he couldn’t. Twelve men were sent to spy out the Promised Land and bring back a report. The negative over thinking of ten of them caused everyone to wonder another forty years in the wilderness. Naaman’s over thinking almost caused him to not be healed of leprosy. Sarah’s over thinking caused her to laugh at the promise she would have a son at the age of ninety. At the tomb of Lazarus Jesus instructed that the stone be rolled away. All Martha could think about was how bad it would smell since he had been dead four days. Peter started to sink as he walked on the water to Jesus because he was over thinking and paying attention to the waves rather than to the Lord. Abraham was told by God to take his son Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice. It was a test to see if he would wholly obey God. Not giving it a second thought, Abraham made preparations and obeyed without over thinking it. Even as he lifted the knife the Angel of the Lord suddenly stopped him saying, “Now I know that you fear God since you have not withheld your only son from Me.” (Genesis 22:12) As a result of his actions, Abraham is referred to as the father of faith because he simply obeyed God. I wonder if our over thinking often stifles and is in opposition and a direct hindrance to our desire to obtain a stronger faith. Now that’s something to ponder, just don’t over think it.

 

The Best Part

By: Denny

Folgers coffee has been a recognized brand since its founding by James Folger in 1850. The company grew exponentially with the use of advertising on radio then television. It was 1965 when they introduced the sweet Swedish accented and grandmotherly Mrs. Olson into their ad campaigns. She starred in over 100 commercials whose general theme was to help younger women make better tasting coffee for their husbands. Of course this was only accomplished by brewing Folgers because it was “Mountain Grown, the best kind”. In 1996 Folgers came up with their famous jingle set to song in which the last line became iconic; “The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup”.

That little one line phrase came back to me as I sat drinking my morning coffee today. (sorry, not Folgers) The morning sun surrounded me sitting in my recliner next to the window as I sipped in quiet reflection. I had just finished reading John chapter ten where Jesus had entered the house of His friends Mary and Martha. Martha was busying herself with serving while Mary sat listening to Jesus words. Martha became agitated and told Jesus to make Mary help her. In verse 42 Jesus replied, “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” In Martha’s mind I think she thought she was choosing the best part by her good works in serving Jesus. Jesus didn’t say to Martha that serving Him was a bad thing, but choosing to sit and hear His words as Mary did was the good or best part. It all came down to a choice.

To further illustrate this point think about a child. Place before them a plate of cooked spinach or broccoli and a plate of cookies and watch which one they choose. I’m betting the cookies will be gone in no time. Even as adults we often anticipate desert as the best part of a meal. To further make my point try this: Place on a table (1) $50 bill, (1) $20 bill, (1) $10 bill, (3) $5 bills, and (5) $1 bills. Tell someone they can have whichever pile they choose, but can only choose one. I almost guarantee they’ll take the $50 bill. Why? It’s a no-brainer that the $50 bill has the most value. All the money on the table are parts of and equals $100, but the $50 bill is the best part.

The table of life, by comparison, holds many choices. As you reflect on the choices you’ve made thus far, have you settled for less than the best part? Have you picked up the larger pile of things of lesser value that taste like bad coffee? If so, you don’t need a Mrs. Olson, you need Jesus. He alone can make the bitter taste of your life choices disappear. In every Folgers commercial women admitted they messed up by making bad coffee. She never condemned them, but showed them a better way and solution. That’s how it is with Jesus. When we come to Him confessing our mess-ups (sin) and admitting we can’t please God by our human efforts, He forgives us and offers Himself and salvation as the only solution to overcoming our past bad choices. When anyone believes and accepts Jesus as their savior, the Holy Spirit brings the exciting forgiving flavor of God’s grace into their lives. Choose Jesus today, He is the best part. So, whether you’re a coffee drinker or not, you’ll be able to confidently say each and every morning: “The best part of waking up is Jesus in your life”.

Labels That Stick

By: Denny-

It was just an ordinary jar to me that recently contained jam. Now empty, it was sitting on the countertop next to the sink. I rinsed it out and was about to put it in the recycle waste basket when my wife stopped me. I guess it was unique because she said she wanted to save it, but could I first remove the label. No problem, I thought, until I tried peeling it off. As I lifted one corner edge and pulled it the paper ripped in a small piece. I repeated the process and got the same result. Not to be outwitted I decided to soak it in hot water for a few minutes. The label came off with a slight rubbing alright, but the adhesive was still stuck to the jar. This would call for a more drastic solution in the form of using a solvent of some kind such as Goo Gone.

Unlike the jar, the labels people carry are much harder to remove and can last for years or a lifetime. Somebody labeled you with their words and we also label ourselves as well as others. A classic example is found in Genesis 35:18. Jacob’s wife Rachel was about to give birth, but there were complications. She gave birth to a son whom with her last breath she named him Ben-Oni, which means ‘son of my sorrow’. Jacob immediately said, “No, his name is Benjamin”, which means ‘son of my right hand’. Had he not intervened his son would have been stuck with the sorrowful label his entire life. If you had leprosy in Bible times you were labeled an outcast. Those with leprosy lived in communities separated and apart from the rest of society and were avoided. I find it interesting that Matthew 26:6 says, And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper. Was Simon still a leper, or had Jesus previously healed him? Perhaps Simon had been labeled ‘the leper’ for so long that leper became his identifying label even after being healed. In the same manner when Jesus began teaching in his hometown of Nazareth many were offended because they had always labeled him as ‘the carpenter’ or ‘the carpenter’s son’. That label, combined with their unbelief, prevented Jesus from doing mighty works of miracles there. The self-righteous religious Pharisees loved to label people as ‘sinners’, but Jesus turned it back on them calling them hypocrites which caused them to hate him even more. Saul, before his conversion and becoming the apostle Paul, was notoriously feared by believers. He sought to capture, imprison, persecute, and have Christians put to death. That was his label and the reason so many had a hard time believing he had experienced a true conversion to Christ.

Yet isn’t that what we do all the time. We form an opinion about someone and that becomes the label we stick on them. Often it is based on their actions, their appearance, or words they have spoken. As the Bible says we judge (label) by outward things, but the Lord looks at the heart. May we all be more mindful of the labels that we stick on others and ourselves, because none of us are perfect. Let us make every effort to see ourselves and others as Jesus does. When people come to Christ and He changes them, we often are reluctant to accept it and still see them as bearing the old label of their past sinful lifestyle. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things (including labels) have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Jesus not only removes the old label, but his very blood that He shed for you is the Goo Gone solvent, so to speak, that even removes the adhesive that held that label to you. Sin no longer has a hold on you and is a label that can’t stick. When you ask Christ to save you, and you repent of your sins, He makes you brand new and fills you with His righteousness. He creates a new label saying, ‘Forgiven and Redeemed Child of God”.  No artificial sweeteners or preservatives added, just the pure fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

 I wanted to toss the jar away, but my wife saw something valuable in it even when it had the old label attached. Jesus sees you the same way. Come to Him just as you are and allow Him to empty out the old things, fill you with the new, and apply His new label that sticks forever.

They Stood From Afar

By: Denny-

There were many who followed Jesus when He began to perform miracles of healing and deliverance. The crowds became so large it was often difficult for Him to get away and rest, but He never avoided people or told them to disperse. On one occasion His disciples tried to prevent certain people from coming near Jesus, but He stopped them. After a while there were some who quit following Him because the messages He preached begin to step on their toes. It’s easy to follow Jesus when the miracles happen and things are exciting, but will you still follow Him when His words begin to deal with the condition of your heart. After the Last Supper the remaining eleven disciples followed Him to the Garden of Gethsemane where He told them to watch and pray. He left them and went to pray alone. He returned to them three times and found them sleeping, to which He said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! Rise up, let us go, see my betrayer is at hand.” (Mark 14: 41- 42) They all fled as Judas betrayed Jesus and He was arrested. At His trial Peter stood from afar hoping not to be recognized, but when he was, he denied that he knew Jesus. At His crucifixion, His mother Mary and John stood close while all the other disciples were absent or stood from afar because of fear.

To those who claim to be Christian and a follower of Jesus, I must ask, “Are you standing afar off?” It’s easy to be a follower of Jesus in church on Sunday, but what happens the rest of the week. Do you avoid situations, conversations, and opportunities for fear you may be recognized as a Christian? Do you possess a value system based on the truths of the Bible that is reflected in your actions and speech? Are you being the salt and light that the world and more specifically America so desperately needs in this moment of time? Pastors are you speaking out from the pulpit on the moral issues facing our nation this election, or are you standing afar off and fearful of losing your precious 503 tax exemption.  (Matthew 5:13-16) “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.“ Salt is used to change the flavor of whatever it is added to or put on. When you add salt to salt you only get more salt volume and nothing changes. I wonder how many self-proclaimed Christians only add or apply salt to each other, never changing the flavor of anything outside the four walls of their church or selected inner circle. Their light also has become as selective and ineffective as a flashlight with dying batteries. When you turn on a light in a dark room you expect it to light up everything, including the political corner, because light is not selective. If that sounds harsh, condescending, and offensive to you then it’s time to put on your “Big Boy” pants because that’s exactly what Jesus was saying in the above verses.

We are at a critical pivotal point in our nation’s history. The election results on November 5th  will decide if Donald Trump backs up the garbage truck or if Kamala Harris continues to lead us down the slippery slope to oblivion. The Democrat party along with their political operatives and their ungodly policies and tactics have incrementally set America on a path of destruction for the last 50 plus years. Just as in the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-25) it happened under the cover of darkness while men (Christians) slept. Where have those who possess the salt and light been? Many have compromised and turned their backs on truth, just as did so many who quit following Jesus. Others have stood watching from afar not wanting to get involved out of cowardliness or fear of being recognized and persecuted as a believer in Jesus Christ. When I hear statistics that millions of Christians don’t vote it boggles my mind. Their absence from the election process and apathy made the difference which gave us the Biden-Harris debacle. Why?  I can’t answer that question other than to say they will give an account to God for burying in the ground, as it were, the one talent (vote) that was given to them. The parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 is a stark reality that should motivate every Christian to participate in this election. When someone shouted out “Jesus is Lord” at a Kamala Harris event, she told them they were in the wrong rally. When asked what she would do different from the past four years if elected she replied, “Nothing comes to my mind.” What about President Biden lashing out and calling Trump supporters “garbage”. Christian, what else do you need to know to make up your mind and vote, short of a swift kick in the pants by God.

God isn’t interested in lame King Saul-like excuses, only results. Some may say, “I don’t like either candidate” or “It’s like voting for the lesser of two evils.” That’s a big excuse that the uninformed use all the time, but it won’t hold water any longer. It’s time for people to put on their common sense thinking and stop letting emotions and past party loyalty guide their vote. This is bigger than Trump or Harris. This is about the failed policies of the radical left that are intent on dismantling America and rebuilding it into an image that we must bow down to and worship. How can anyone calling themselves a Christian, with any Bible knowledge, discernment, and convictions whatsoever, vote for this continued wicked insanity or not vote at all. This is a battle between good and evil, and all it takes for evil to win is for good moral people to stick their heads in the sand and do nothing. Yes, God is sovereign; however, He chooses to work with and through those who participate with Him. Open your Bible and read the stories of the great men and women of old such as Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Esther, Nehemiah, David, Daniel, Elijah, Noah and countless others who God used to accomplish His will. Guess what, none of them were without faults and perfect, so stop withholding your vote waiting for the perfect presidential candidate. Inflation is killing our economy, taxes, crime, and the price of groceries and gas are high and rising. Innocent lives are lost daily through abortion, human trafficking, gangs and the drugs they bring with them. The Biden-Harris administration is indifferent towards Isreal, and we are on the verge of WW3. Millions of people have illegally crossed our borders and are occupying our country on your dollar, but are you more upset and irate that someone else has occupied your guarded precious place you always sit in at church. Your silence by not voting is the same as approving and agreeing with all the above. To quote the words of Jesus again, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! Rise up, let us go, see my betrayer is at hand.” I don’t think it is wrong to apply this scripture to our current conditions in America. It is time to awake from sleep, rise up, and go vote because many are they who are betraying America. America needs a spiritual awakening, but Christians need a heart shaking rival of their call to be salt and light. May we all rise up with courage, confidence, determination, and trust in the Lord that we will be the generation of salt and light that turned this nation back to God so those who come after us won’t be able to say, “They stood from afar”
 

Send Someone Else (part 1)

By: Denny-

It was a bitterly cold winter that day in 1988 with wind chills well below zero. I was hauling a trailer load of grapefruit which I had picked up the day before in Pharr, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley on the Mexican border. I was headed back home to Iowa with my destination and delivery point being the Fareway Foods grocery warehouse in Boone, Iowa. I ran hard yesterday and made it north of Dallas before pulling into a truck stop and crawling into the sleeper bunk to catch a few hours of sleep. I hit the road early in the morning and stopped at Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to have breakfast and refuel. As I was pulling back onto the I-35 on-ramp, a young man was standing there in the freezing cold holding a sign that simply said, “Iowa”. I wasn’t in the habit of picking up hitchhikers, and many companies don’t allow riders for liability and insurance reasons, but things were different back then. By appearances he didn’t strike me as one who would pose any kind of threat or danger, but still one must exercise caution. I usually will ask God yes or no, in this case I sensed He was saying yes, so I stopped and told the kid to climb aboard. He was thankful to get out of the cold having been standing there quite a while. As we traveled, I learned he was low on funds and was trying to get back home to Iowa for the holidays. We crossed the border into Kansas shortly before noon. At that point I-35 becomes the Kansas Turnpike and the exits are fewer and farther apart. About 5 miles north of the toll booth I spotted a car on the shoulder and about 1/4 mile down the road and walking was a young couple with a little girl. They were obviously in need of help, so without hesitation I pulled over and picked them up also. The only room I had was in the sleeper bunk, and they squeezed back there, happy to be in the warm truck. They were freezing cold and only wearing light coats, so I cranked up the sleeper bunk heater. The man told me their car either broke down or they ran out of gas. They sat in the car hoping someone would stop, but when nobody did and it was getting cold, they decided to walk. He said even then nobody would stop, but just blew right past them. It’s unbelievable that people could be so indifferent, self-absorbed, calloused, and uncaring; especially seeing they had a little girl. The next exit was 20 miles down the road, and I took them to a truck stop where they could get help. I left the other kid in Des Moines and wished him well with spending Christmas with his family. It felt good to have helped those people, a blessing I would have missed had I not stopped.

Stopping a loaded 18-wheeler within a short distance to help someone on the side of the road is not always easy or practical, but there are dire situations when in good conscience you must. In those instances when I couldn’t stop, I would pray and ask God to send someone else that would be able to help those in need. Of course nowadays nearly everyone has a cell phone, so help is only a phone call away, but it doesn’t take much time to stop and ask if they need help anyway.  I wonder how often people these days pass by opportunities to help someone else in need, and not just on the highway. It seems they are so focused on their own needs and desires that they are oblivious to those of others. Perhaps wavering from their schedules or agendas would be too much of a hassle, sacrifice, or require giving up their own precious time. Maybe their hearts are so hardened that they choose to ignore the pleas of others, because as the Bible says, “Having  eyes they don’t see, and having ears they don’t hear.” It also says that in the Last Days the love of many will grow cold. Worse yet is when people judge others and point to their bad decisions or lack of planning that brought about their current desperate situation. How willing would you be to help someone of a different race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, ideology, or a complete stranger not part of your own group? Actions speak louder than words, so basically what people say by their inaction is, “Send Someone Else”. What if you are that someone else that God is trying to send? Will you ignore Him also? God, forgive us all for those missed opportunities and times we’ve failed to help someone in need that has crossed our path. We may be the one who is in need down life’s road another time.

In Luke 10:29-37 Jesus told this parable of the good Samaritan to a man who asked, “Who is my neighbor?” (my words added in parenthesis) One day as a Jewish man (Christian) was walking along the road, thieves attacked and robbed him leaving him half dead on the road. A priest (or pastor) came by and seeing the man passed by on the other side of the road. A Levite (church leader) came by and did the same.  A Samaritan (unbeliever), who the Jews shunned, stopped and seeing the man had compassion, bandaged his wounds, put him on his animal (car), took him to an inn (motel) and took care of him. The next day when he departed, he gave the inn keeper money and told him to take care of the man, and upon his return he would cover any additional expenses. In verse 36 Jesus asked, “So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” The man answered, “The one who showed mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”  I think Jesus is telling us to do the same thing.  1 John 3:17  But whoever has this world’s goods, and seeing his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? Reading Matthew 25:31-46 should be a wake-up call to us all and should shake us to the very core of our souls, especially verses 40 and 45.

Through Adam sin entered the world and all of mankind to this present day find themselves lost, broken, destitute, without hope, standing on the side of the road as it were, needing to be rescued and saved. God gave his commandments and laws to Moses. They stopped to give aid, but could not save us. They only served to make us realize the pitiful state of our condition and inability to measure up to God’s holy standards. “Send Someone Else” Next, good works and religion pulled over and tried to convince many that they could rescue themselves by trying harder to be better. That always fails miserably! “Send Someone Else” Many others such as false religions, humanism, idle worship, picked up some only to drop them off a little further down the road on the shoulder in their same lost condition. “Send Someone Else”, but there was no one else – until Jesus. He alone is the only “Someone Else” that God sent to save us. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave (sent) his only begotten son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners (laying broken on the shoulder of life’s highway), Christ died for us. Jesus didn’t say, “Send Someone Else”, but instead said, “I will go rescue and save them, send Me”.

Are you willing to be sent by God to meet the need of another, or will your attitude and excuse be like the one who passes by saying, “Send Someone Else”.

Close, But No Cigar

By: Denny –

Unless you’re a baby-boomer or a member of the previous generation, you may not have heard this expression or understand its meaning. Its origins date back to England in the 1800s when circuses were popular. At first, they involved acrobats performing daring feats on horses, the high wire, or trapezes. Clowns, juggling, and wild animal acts became popular and drew bigger crowds. For further entertainment gaming booths were added and the circus began to evolve into a carnival. The games were simple games of chance and skill much like the ring toss, shooting galleries, ball, and dart throwing and others that we see these days at county and state fairs. The person operating the booth was called a “Barker”, and they would call out loudly to passersby to entice them to play their game. They eventually became known as “Carneys”. In those days the games were reserved for adult males and the prize for winning was a cigar, because they were relatively inexpensive and easy to store. However, though appearing simple and easy to win, the games favored the Carney over the player. The player might come close to winning yet not achieve the required task to win the prize. Whereby the Carney would declare, “Close, but no cigar”, and encourage them to lay down some more money and try again, which often led to more failure and money in the pocket for the Carney. As people immigrated to America so did the circus and carnivals. Coney Island and other places grew in popularity as rides were added. Carnival booths transitioned into offering prizes and rewards other than cigars which enticed men, women, and children to try their luck at winning. The phrase “Close, but no cigar” became more popular beginning in the 1920s even up to the 1970s as people began to use and apply it to other life situations concerning not achieving a planned goal, a near miss, or hoped for expectation. For instance: You were one number off from winning the Powerball lottery. You almost got the job, but they hired someone else. You overslept and missed your bus, train, or plane by one minute and it left without you. You were outbid by $500 on your dream home by another buyer. Your team missed winning the big game by one point. You lost the election by 10 votes. The list of circumstances and “Close, but no cigar” moments continues, but I’m sure you understand my point.

Life also has those “Close, but no cigar” instances which involve narrowly escaping tragedy and a brush with death. As a retired truck driver with a 50-year career, I’ve had many such instances. I recall the night I was driving across Nebraska on I-80. I was tired and had dozed off and had drifted from the right lane onto the left lane shoulder. I was awakened by a huge bang and the realization that I had hit a bridge. I immediately pulled back to the right shoulder and stopped to investigate the damage, expecting to find parts missing and fuel leaking. To my surprise the only things missing were some chrome lug nut covers from the steer tire, a small step on the fuel tank strap which I had left in the down position, and some scuff marks on the drive tires. If my reaction had been to turn the steering wheel even a fraction to the left when I hit the bridge, the outcome would have been tragically different. God had intervened and spared my life as He had done so many times before and since, because He had greater plans for my life and a purpose for me yet to discover and fulfill. Psalm 31:14-15a But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, you are my God.” My times are in Your hand.

On Saturday, July 13th, 2024, former President Donald Trump was giving a campaign rally speech in Pennsylvania. A lone gunman perched on a rooftop a mere 50 yards away opened fire. At the very instant the gunman pulled the trigger, Donald Trump had inadvertently and unknowingly slightly turned his head, and the bullet only grazed his right ear. Whether or not you believe in God or miracles, there is no doubt in my mind we all witnessed one that day. God supernaturally intervened and spared Donald Trump and the nation from an otherwise tragic outcome. “Close, but no cigar!” Never in the history of our country has there been such vicious and blatant attempts by a current administration, fake news media, and members of a political party to discredit, hinder, remove, or destroy a candidate of an opposition party. They will stop at nothing to assure they remain in power to implement their ungodly, anti-American, twisted and perverted woke ideology and agendas. The devil and the forces of evil have become their puppet masters manipulating their minds and controlling their actions. Whether it be through importing millions of illegals to gain votes, engineering election results in their favor because they cannot win in honest debate. They weaponize the FBI and CIA and use the courts, liberal prosecutors, and judges to turn simple misdemeanors into felonies against anyone who opposes or tries to expose their unlawful deeds. Not to mention all the just plain irrational and stupid stuff they do which lacks any common sense. The mainstream news media is a poor excuse for any kind of legitimate unbiased journalism. They have no credibility because lying is their native language. All to which I and millions of other God-fearing homegrown American patriots say, “Enough is enough.” There is a line in a song that we used to sing in church in the 1990’s: “I went to the enemy’s camp, and I took back what he stole from me.” We will take our country back. Know this you self-proclaimed wizards of smart on the Left; I believe God’s hand and anointing is upon Donald Trump to win the presidency in 2024 and to begin to turn this nation back from the disastrous self-destructive course you’ve put us on. Therefore, no demon or Democrat can stop Him (God), and you try at your own peril. Psalm 37:12-15 The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. Psalm 105:15 Do not touch My anointed ones and do My prophets no harm. The uninformed will say, “I can’t vote for Trump given his past.” A skeptic may ask, “How can God who is Holy, anoint and use a person like Donald Trump with all his faults and past failures?” The answer is quite simple for both, “You don’t know God, the Bible, and how He often uses imperfect people to accomplish His will”.

The Bible is full of “Close, but no cigar” instances when God miraculously intervened so that His plan would be accomplished. He delivered his chosen people from their bondage as slaves in Egypt through many miracles. Moses, an imperfect man, led them out by way of the wilderness until they came to the Red Sea. As Pharaoh and his army pursued, God sent a pillar of fire to come between them and the Israelites. God told Moses to lift his staff and the Red Sea parted before them, so they were able to cross on dry ground. God removed the pillar of fire and Pharaoh continued his chase. When the Egyptians were in the middle of the Red Sea, God brought the waters back upon them and they all drowned. Sorry Pharaoh, “Close, but no cigar!” In the book of Esther there was this guy named Haman. He was a close advisor to King Ahasuerus, and he hated the Jews. He schemed up a plan to have them all killed on a certain day, especially Mordecai, who wouldn’t bow down to him. Haman had actually built some gallows on which he planned to hang him. Through a series of events God intervened through Queen Esther and the plot was thwarted. It was said to Queen Esther that she was “born for such a time as this”. The king ordered that Haman, and his sons were to be hung on his own gallows. Too bad Haman, “Close, but no cigar”, and you reap what you sow. Many times the religious leaders tried to kill Jesus. On one occasion they led him to a cliff to throw him off, but the Bible says he passed through the midst of them. Luke 4:28-30 Then all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. John 10: 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. (vs 39) Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand. Sorry guys, “Close, but no cigar”. As Jesus stood before Pontius Pilot on trial, Pilot boasted of his power and authority to either crucify or release Him. (John19:10) Vs. 11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.” God’s plan for Jesus was yet to be accomplished. Even as Jesus hung on the cross and died, the devil, his demons, and the religious leaders thought they had won. “Close, but no cigar!” Three days later Jesus came back to life defeating sin, death, and the devil, as was God’s plan since the beginning when sin entered the world through the fall of Adam and Eve.

Jesus through His shed blood and by dying on the cross for our sins in our place, became the only way for us to be saved and have eternal life. All you need to do is believe that and receive Him into your heart by repenting and asking Him for forgiveness and to save you. You can’t earn it, religious ceremonies and good works are useless, so stop trying and start believing. Someday you will die and stand before God and must give an account of your life and what you did about Jesus. Which would you rather hear? “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into heaven” or “Close, but no cigar”. The choice is yours to make or miss, but don’t wait until it’s too late, because the devil has a plan to take you out. 1 Peter 4:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Updates Available

By: Denny

If you have a cell phone, iPad, computer, smart TV, or other electronic communications device, you have probably received this notification: “Updates Available”. You may also get alerts that you are running an older version and need to install the latest upgraded version. Sometimes your device is so outdated it can’t be upgraded to a newer version because there isn’t enough memory, or the newer version isn’t compatible with your old device. Technology is ever changing and doesn’t remain stagnant. You need to go with the flow in order to keep up with the latest and newest innovations. It seems they’re always wanting you to upgrade to a new and improved model. When they mandated TV stations to broadcast programs digitally, the good old analog TVs were worthless, except to watch movies on using your also obsolete VHS player. When ResMed cancelled their 3G network and upgraded to 5G, my perfectly good CPAP 10 machine which worked wonderfully could no longer communicate with the app. I couldn’t monitor or print my sleep history. I had to upgrade to a new 5G machine, which in my opinion is not as good as my old one. Even cars these days have become so computerized that the average do-it-yourself weekend mechanic can’t work on them.

Using the basic template I just mentioned concerning updates and applying them to the Bible, helps us to understand God’s word and His Kingdom. For instance, in John 3:3-7 Jesus was telling Nicodemus that one must be born again, otherwise you can’t see or enter the Kingdom of God. In computer terminology, the old version of ritualistic religious ceremonies and sacrifices was no longer acceptable to God, nor could it forgive sins. When Jesus died on the cross his sacrifice of giving his body and shedding his blood, was the instant the new covenant (version) became available and was in effect. It was like switching from analog to digital spiritually. Over and over Jesus tried to explain this through his teachings and use of parables. Many believed, and in a manner of speaking, they downloaded and installed the new version, not on a device, but in their hearts. Others were like the Pharisees who rejected Jesus, being so set in their worthless traditions. God was upgrading to 5G, and they were quite resolute in keeping their 3G thinking it was better, but not knowing it was no longer useful, adequate, or acceptable to God. In Luke 5:37-39 this is exactly what Jesus was saying when telling the parable of the wineskins. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; For he says, “The old is better.” The whole system of do-it-yourself religious works was obsolete and incompatible with the new version upgrade God was offering, but they liked the old better to their own detriment.

God’s plan of salvation does not and will not change, neither does the operating system of His Kingdom principles. Jesus Christ is the only true way to God. Sadly, many people are coming up with so-called new versions of Jesus these days. Once downloaded and installed into your life, they are like a malicious malware virus that wreaks havoc, because they aren’t based on truth. I mentioned previously how technology is ever changing and does not remain stagnant, and so it is with God. He is ever doing wondrous works in the world and inviting people to partner with him. However, you must be using the newest version and update it daily through prayer and reading His word to know what He’s doing. There is an interesting portion of scripture in Ezekiel 47:1-12. It talks about a river which flows from the temple. It has measured depths symbolic of the Holy Spirit and your personal walk and relationship with God in various stages. The river gives life and healing wherever it flows, but the swamps and marshes will not be healed or give life. Swamps and marshes are places where the river once flowed, but the river changed directions leaving behind water now stagnant and dead. Such is the sad condition of many churches and the people who attend them. Does that statement offend you? Maybe you need to check your heart and verify that you’re running the true gospel version. If not, you need to install it by accepting Christ as your savior and remain current on updates that are available.  

“I Do”

By: Denny

Our church has this thing called the “Chocolate Club”. It’s comprised of couples; a man, and a woman (it’s sad that because of the times we are living that I even need to make that clarification), who have been married at least 25 years. Every year on the Sunday closest to their anniversary, the couple is asked to stand during the service while Pastor Adam announces how many years they’ve been married, starting from 25 years and upwards. He then hands a gift bag containing a card and chocolates to another person who takes it to the couple. The congregation applauds, and if there are more couples, they are honored and congratulated in the same manner. May 1st was our 31st anniversary and they gave us a whole bag of Hershey’s mini candy bars variety pack. Sometimes Pastor asks the couple to give a short statement about their secret or reason their marriage has lasted. The answers range from a comical quip, usually from the man, saying something like: “Happy wife, happy life”, which usually results in everyone laughing. Other comments are more practical such as: “Never go to sleep angry at each other”, “Not every argument is worth winning”, “Love and serve your mate”, “Pray together”, “Make Jesus the center of your marriage”. Laying aside jesting, I believe all those are important and should be present in a lasting marriage. There never will be a perfect marriage, because of the sinful condition we were all born with. Nevertheless, God has and will bless every marriage that puts him in the center. One might assume that if two people who individually have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, that it would automatically translate into Him being the center of their marriage. Maybe in theory, but harder to live out on a daily basis. It often takes laying down your own will, patience, and overlooking your spouse’s faults because you have many yourself. The walk down the aisle and saying “I do” is easy, the challenges begin when the realities and trials of life smack you upside the head. However, now there are two of you to face and overcome them together. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. (Vs 12): Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. If Jesus Christ is that third strand in your marriage cord, your chances of overcoming life’s problems and having a lasting marriage are vastly improved. You may even get to be a lifetime member of the “Chocolate Club”.

Far too many marriages are ending in divorce these days because they were built on a bad, weak, or wrong foundation. Bluntly speaking from experience: good sex doesn’t make for a great marriage, but a great God centered marriage results in good sex. My first marriage failed miserably because of a flawed foundation. Someone needs to hear this. It used to be called “shacking up” which carried a connotation of wrongful behavior, guilt, and shame. But that’s too judgmental so now it’s called cohabiting or living together, which somehow makes it more palatable and socially acceptable. Lust is not love. Make no mistake, God calls it sin and sinful behavior is always the wrong foundation to build a marriage upon. You can and should get married, which is an honorable thing to do, but you’re still building on an old foundation that will eventually crumble. Someday you’ll wake up next to that once beautiful woman or once handsome man that you thought you couldn’t live without and think, “What have I gotten myself into?” Any love that may have been there is vanished leaving only emptiness. Rather than turn to God, many opt for a dime-store divorce and move on to the next relationship. Sadly the percentage of people who call themselves Christians are increasingly falling into this category. Just because you both sit side by side in church on Sunday doesn’t mean Christ is the center of your marriage. Following your religious traditions and ceremonies is as worthless as a plunger in an outhouse, if it doesn’t bring conviction followed by repentance. Repentance, simply stated, is agreeing with God that His word the Bible is true and making the necessary changes in your life and marriage to line up with it. Amos 3:3 (NKJ) Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Living Bible Paraphrased) “For how can we walk together with your sins between us?” The correct and only answer is you can’t. You can’t change your past, so maybe the time has come for you to turn to God and agree with Him. If you walk in agreement with God, it will amaze you how often you and your spouse will agree with each other on just about everything. That’s what putting Christ at the center of your marriage looks like.

Many couples choose to opt out of traditional marriage vows and write their own vows. I’m okay with that as long as they reflect Biblical truth and values. What causes me to raise an eyebrow is when the vows are reduced to a simple contract-like agreement between what seems like two business partners. It’s almost like they write into them a provision for them to bail out if the other person doesn’t hold up their end of the deal. The last wedding we attended both my wife and I looked at each other while the couple was reciting their vows wondering where they came up with that milk toast feel good dribble. Together we prayerfully wrote our own vows according to and referencing scripture. There was no surprise on our wedding day as to what we were promising as we recited them to each other. Both our vows end with this same sentence: “With God’s help, I covenant to do and keep these promises to you, as long as we both shall live.” We don’t hear the word covenant used frequently. It implies a deeper commitment than a simple agreement or contract. A covenant says, regardless of your behavior, I will keep my word. That also is what putting Christ at the center of your marriage looks like. God is a covenant making God as seen throughout the Bible. It should be a fearful thing and not taken lightly to include God in your covenant vows, because you aren’t just making them to your mate, but also to God. I remember what my father-in-law said to me on our wedding day. He said, “ If you don’t take care of my daughter or harm her in any way, I’m coming after you!” My reply was, “I’m not afraid of you, but don’t worry, if I don’t treat her right God is coming after me and that makes me really fearful.” Even in a covenant marriage there will be times of conflict, anger, selfishness, disagreements, silence, weeping, and bad behaviors. There will be moments when you like the other person, and times when they aggravate you. Covenant is not based on “Like”, but on “Love”. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity , but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

If you were to ask me the reason our marriage has lasted so long my reply would be, “It’s really no secret, we are in covenant.” I can’t imagine loving or being married to anyone but Lucy, and my “I do” hasn’t changed in 31 years neither do I think it will in the future, as long as we both shall live. I just wish she hadn’t hidden the Hershey’s candy bars so I couldn’t have them at will. Maybe that’s why she hid them and rations them out only two at a time. She knows me so well!