I went outside on a cool morning last winter and saw what looked like a 40-pound cat lying in the cat bed we had for them. In reality, it was all four cats snuggled up very close to each other, staying as warm as possible. Don’t worry, animal lovers, they have a warm place to go when it gets really cold. These same four cats, if I throw a piece of chicken skin toward them, all spit and spat to see which one will get it. There is plenty of chicken skin for all, but they sure don’t believe it. When it gets cool, however, they put all their differences aside and huddle up together. We as Christians could probably learn from this. Yes, there are times when we may disagree and even spit and spat. That reminds me of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15, and while we may not always agree, when it comes to combating Satan and sharing the Word of God, we should all huddle together and encourage each other. Just as a football team huddles to call the next play, we can huddle together to find God’s will for the Body of Christ and serve the Lord more effectively. It’s a cold, hard world out there, and it’s time for us to huddle up and call the right play. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

One day, while drinking coffee with the guys at the café, one of our friends was late. When he finally arrived, we asked him what happened. He said there was a tree across the road and he had to take a different route. He mentioned it was odd because the tree looked healthy, and there had been no wind. That made me think. I see many people who seem healthy but are constantly burdened by life's problems. After rain softens the ground and adds extra weight to the leaves, it can create just the right pressure to bring down a tree, especially if it is leaning. When we let life's problems soften our foundation and we try to carry the weight alone, it can cause us to fall. Be deeply rooted in the Word, focus not on your problems but on Jesus, who is always our solution. Don't let the weight of the world rest on your shoulders because you cannot carry it alone. Trust in the Lord, give Him your problems, and stand strong against whatever the enemy throws at you. The joy of the Lord is your strength, and with God’s strength, you can stand tall through any storm life brings. Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Yesterday, I had the honor of preaching at Sampey Baptist Church. They are a wonderful group of people, and I shared with them a message about how to prepare for a blessing from the Lord. Now that I am retired, I have made it onto the “Pulpit Supply” list, which provides many opportunities to serve the Lord. I have preached at Baptist churches, Methodist churches, and Assembly of God churches, and we all share one thing in common: we are brothers and sisters in the Lord and part of the Family of God. It is truly an honor to be able to preach the gospel. Now, as wonderful as that is, there is another list I am more grateful to be on, and that is to have my name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I gave my heart to Jesus when I was 6 years old in Anniston, Alabama. It was a small church with a bench on each side of the pulpit for an altar. After the pastor preached, I felt the tug on my heart to be saved. I walked down the aisle and knelt at one of the benches. All of a sudden, I was surrounded by ladies who prayed with me, and I gave my heart to the Lord. You see, in that church, traditionally, the ladies prayed at one bench and the men at the other. I got saved at the ladies' bench, but it still counted. I will never forget that day. And since then, my name has been on the most important list there is. Revelation 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 3:5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

As many of you know, I have a pet Chihuahua named Lena Belle. It was my understanding that I was the master and she was the pet, but I am starting to wonder. When she comes and touches my leg, I ask her what she wants. She will run to the back door for me to let her out, or she will run to the front door for me to open so she can look for squirrels, or she will run to the living room wanting me to play with her or she will go to her food bowl for me to fill it up. The more I think about it, I’m starting to think she is the master, and I am the pet. People in life also think they are the masters of their lives. They think they are in control and they determine their future and destiny. In truth, you are on the way to heaven or you are on your way to hell. You are either serving God or you are serving Satan. If you do not belong to God, you belong to Satan. The only point in your life where you determine your future is when you accept Jesus Christ as your savior. At that point, you leave one master and you accept a new one. If you are lost and think you are your own master, you are deceived. If you are saved, your very calling is to make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, to surrender to His will, and serve Him with everything you have and everything you are. When we, as Christians, begin to live like Jesus is the master and we are the servants, we will discover Christian maturity and the joy of Christianity. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, glorify God with your body. Matt. 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he. will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I have decided to donate some rods and reels that are just sitting in a corner collecting dust in my workshop. I don’t fish like I used to, and perhaps they could be used to teach children how to fish. With that in mind, I wonder how many things we have lying around that we no longer use, which a church could utilize for ministry or a needy family could benefit from. We also donate clothing and other items we no longer need to the Salvation Army. Why keep things taking up space when others could be blessed by them? The same applies to our talents. While we can’t give our talents as easily as a rod and reel, we can use them to teach children and those in need how to develop and use their gifts for the Lord. We can apply our talents in ministry, and even if they have been left unused and collecting dust, we should dust them off and put them to good use. It reminds me of my time at Southeastern University, when I would go to the nursing home to play guitar and sing for residents. One lady was always trying to sneak out, and the staff had their hands full trying to manage her. After talking to her, I learned she loved gardening. I suggested to the administrator that they allow her to water and care for the plants in the nursing home. They agreed, and she never tried to escape again. She just needed a purpose. Use your talents, and encourage others to do the same. 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Living on the wild side! Taking chances! Some people get a rush from making risky, dangerous decisions. They think it is fun putting their life in danger. When I was in Jr. High I thought it would be fun to crawl into the drainage pipes under Montgomery. Near my house was a concrete ditch that had a large opening at the end. At first I could almost stand up in the large concrete pipe. As I walked, the pipe got smaller, so, as I crawled further underground, the pipes became smaller, almost to the point that the pipe was a little larger than the diameter of my body, so it was slow going. I have no idea how far underground I had gone, but I heard something that brought me quickly to a state of panic….thunder. I knew if it started raining I would drown so I started backing up trying to get to a spot where I could exit the drainage system. It took me another 15 minutes or so to find an exit. Not long after I got out, the rain started. I had been very foolish to go down there. If it had rained and I had drowned, they probably would have never found me. I never told my parents for obvious reasons, but I learned a lesson that day. Many today want to live right on the edge. I have had people ask me if they could still go to heaven if they did certain activities, wanting to do every questionable thing they could and still make it into heaven by the skin of their teeth. That’s not the life God wants us to live. Let’s flee the very appearance of evil, and love God with all our heart. Risking your life is foolish, but risking your eternity for a little pleasure is even more foolish. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.

Who’s messing up my workshop? From time to time, I go in and totally clean my workshop. Every tool is in its place, and everything is clean, swept, and dusted. It looks nice, but within a few weeks it is a mess again. My wife said she didn’t do it, I say I didn’t do it, so who did? Well, when she is through with a project, maybe she didn’t put one thing back where it belonged. When I finished a project, I was tired, so I didn’t put everything back in its proper place when I finished, so after a while it was messy again. It is an accumulation of small decisions that had a big outcome. It’s that same way in your marriage, relationships and even with God. No one intends to mess up a marriage or destroy a relationship, but all those little bad decisions will accumulate into marital mess, hurting relationships, or even a coolness towards God. Don’t just focus on not making the huge bad decision, but watch for all those little ones you make day by day, because they will be the ones that will eventually cause the mess. No project is done until the tools are put away, and no relationship is healthy without taking care of the little things each day. Luke 16:10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

I was at the café having breakfast with some of my buddies. They were talking about different types of handguns, different calibers of ammo, and how effective they are at different ranges. As they were talking, I was sitting there thinking how ignorant I am about that topic. I can say I have a 22 cal. handgun and a 22 cal. semi-automatic rifle, but that’s about it. I am so old the last weapon I disassembled and reassembled was the M1 rifle. Now if they want to talk about the Bible, Christian counseling, or oil painting I would be a much better source of information. Regardless of what topics we may be knowledgeable about, there is one topic we all need to be well versed in, and that is God’s Word. I was at a men’s meeting once and asked the question, "How many of you can give me some stats about Alabama or Auburn football?". There was a myriad of responses about the team, their record, how many championships, and the like. I then asked them how many can quote three Scripture verses. Not one single hand was raised. I said guys, knowing about football will not save the world, but the gospel will. Let’s make the Word of God our priority. Knowing about guns and football is okay, but knowing God’s Word is absolutely necessary. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

My hobby while pastoring was oil painting. I thought I would share an example.

One of my favorite things to splurge on is a can of salted mixed nuts. I like nuts of all kinds; peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachio, walnuts, and my two favorites are macadamias and brazil nuts. Now, although I called all those things nuts, most of them are not nuts at all but seeds, and peanuts are a legume, which is a seed grown underground. Now to me that really doesn’t matter since I like them all, and most of us normally call all these delicious items nuts. Now the world would probably say the church is full of nuts, and truth be known we do have a few. However, most of us are not nuts but seeds. We can reproduce and bear much fruit. God places a lot of emphasis on us bearing fruit and reproducing for the Kingdom of God. Some of us have soft shells, some hard, some of us are small and others larger; but we all have the wondrous power to grow and produce. Let’s make sure that though some may call us a nut, we act like a seed. The church is much healthier when it is full of productive seeds and not religious nuts. John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Mark 4:20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

We recently enlarged our chicken run which is now around 40’ x 40’. This involved taking down a fence and building a new one. It also involved digging up a lot of dog fennel. Now these are not your run-of-the-mill weeds. They get up to 6 feet tall and are about an inch in diameter at the base. Now it may seem simple enough to just cut them down, but if I did, they would grow back. I had to take a shovel, loosen up the soil around them, and then pull them up by the roots. This is labor intensive, but also necessary if you want to eliminate them. Sin is the same way in our life. We may be tempted to just stop the outward behavior, but we never deal with the roots. If we don’t, then chances are the sin will just become a cycle. You get rid of the sinful behavior by looking beyond the sin and seeing what the root of the problem is, and dealing with it. This can be done through Christian counseling, seeking God in prayer, learning from others who have been through the same or similar thing, and simply doing what God’s Word says. Now something I didn’t mention earlier. The best time to deal with the weeds is not after they have grown so big, but when they first start growing. Don’t put off weed-pulling when it comes to sin. It is easier to deal with sin as soon as it rears its ugly head. Other sins will pop up later, but get out your spiritual shovel and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life. In the pen, the chickens had fresh dirt to find bugs and worms. In your life, someone will enjoy the new you, and your witness will grow. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

I went fishing years ago with a Baptist minister friend of mine. After we had been fishing for a while I had caught several fish and he had only caught one. He asked me how I was catching so many more than him. I pointed to my can of worms and said, “It’s my special worms”. “What do you mean special worms”, he asked. I told him I had dug them up by the church and that Pentecostal worms wiggle more than Baptist worms. We both had a good laugh. Having the right bait is important when you want to fish. But even more important than catching fish is desiring to be fishers of men. Jesus said in Matt. 4:18-20 “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him”. If you want to fish for souls Jesus is calling you, and all you have to do is follow Him. I promise you he will supply the best bait, so let’s go fishing! John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

In Acts chapter 15 Paul and Barnabas disagreed about the use of John Mark on a mission trip. As a matter of fact, the Word tells us they disagreed so sharply they separated ways and headed off in two different directions, and yet both were used greatly by the Lord. I am not going to say one was right and one was wrong. They simply had two different personalities and had different expectations when it came to Mark. Sometimes we as brothers and sisters in the Lord may disagree on methodology, preferences, and minutia, but as long as we have a personal relationship with Jesus, and believe the fundamental truths of God’s Word and his mission to reach the lost we are still a team. Let’s look for common ground, love one another, focus on what God’s Word says, and win the lost while there is still time. We may even head in two different directions, but the lost need saving in both directions. Whether we prefer vanilla or chocolate, Roll Tide or War Eagle, contemporary or traditional, we are still a part of the family of God. Never allow a personal preference keep you from God’s best or from encouraging one another in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing. 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Years ago when I would go to the Alabama State Fair they had an attraction called the House of Mirrors. It was a maze of mirrors where you had to find your way through all the reflections. Some of the mirrors made you look tall and skinny, and some of them made you look short and fat. In some, you just looked weird. Not only was it difficult to find your way through the images, but you didn’t see yourself as you really are. The way others see you is often distorted by their own perceptions, prejudices, and problems. They never see the real you. When we go through life looking to people to give us a reflection of who we are or how we look it is much the same way. You never get a true reflection of who you are. Some will flatter you, some will tear you down, and some think you are just weird. The only true reflection of yourself is when you look into the mirror of God’s eyes. The true reflection of who you are is how you measure up according to God’s Word. Stop looking to people for your affirmation or self-worth. Look into the eyes of our Lord and ask Him to let you see yourself as He sees you. Then and only then can you find peace, confidence, and the ability to see where you need to make the adjustments to be who God always intended you to be; and always know….God loves the person He sees when He looks at you. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 1 Sam. 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Well, I did it to myself again. As you know the south got a lot of snow. We got 5 inches at our house, and it was beautiful. My son and his family came down so the grandkids could play in the snow since where they live didn’t get very much. This morning when I got up to go meet my friends for breakfast and fellowship I found a thick layer of ice and a couple of inches of snow on my windshield. At 5 am in the dark a plastic card wasn’t going to solve that problem so I stayed home. If I had thought and prepared I would have gotten that snow off the windshield yesterday, but I was so caught up with the grands it didn’t cross my mind. There is another meeting we also need to prepare for. We, as Christians, will meet the Lord in the air and enjoy the greatest time of love and fellowship at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, but this is one time of fellowship you have to prepare for by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. We can’t get all caught up in the world and hope we will make it. When the trumpet sounds it will be too late, and there will be nothing you can do. Stop now and ask yourself if you know Jesus as your savior and if not, simply talk to God because He is always ready to receive you. I will have to wait to see my friends until tomorrow, and that’s on me, but let’s all make sure we are prepared to meet our Lord at His return and there will be no second chances. Matthew 24:44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Romans 13:11-14 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

A long time ago when I was around 5 I was riding with my dad when he stopped at an old service station. You know the type; back when they filled your car, cleaned the windshield, and checked the oil. My dad and I had gone into the station which was pretty much two bays and a small office with cans of oil stacked against the wall. While Dad was talking to the man I noticed what looked like a fish bowl full of bubble gum. You know, the rectangle ones individually wrapped with a cartoon inside. I think the name was Bazooka. Anyway, I took one, unwrapped it, and put it in my mouth. We left and when we got about a mile from the station my dad noticed I was chewing gum and he asked me where I got it. I told him and he turned the car around and went back to the station. He made me confess to the man about taking the gum and tell him I was sorry. The man would have probably given me the gum for free since it only cost a penny or two, but Dad wanted me to learn a lesson about taking something that wasn’t mine. It had an impact because I vividly remember it to this day. I wonder how many times we take what belongs to God for ourselves. It may be our time, talent, or resources, but we take it and use it for our own pleasure. If we get right down to it we belong to God, everything we have, and everything we are. We have been bought at a great price. I am sure we haven’t seen it as stealing from God, but if it belongs to God and we waste it, it isn’t a good thing. When we do steal from God the Holy Spirit will turn us right around, lead us to repent, and make things right. That’s a good thing. Is there anything you are taking that belongs to God? If so, let’s be quick to repent and change for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Malachi 3:8-10 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Monday I had a tooth pulled. Years ago that tooth had a root canal done and a crown placed on it. The tooth split for some reason recently and an infection had formed causing a lot of pain. While I was doing my best to keep my mouth open for what seemed like an eternity, the dentist was busy moving a tool around. When he finished he showed me an x-ray of the tooth and told me it had come out in pieces and he had a tough time getting that last little piece out. I was glad he was thorough because I would have had issues in the future if he hadn't. Sometimes we are tempted to do things halfway while serving the Lord. It may be a ministry we are involved with, reading the Bible or praying, or even just being faithful to the Lord during the day. We get distracted, in a hurry, or impatient so we may not give our best. There is a Scripture that addresses this in Colossians 3:23-24 where it says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ”. When I remember all that the Lord has done for me, I certainly need to give Him my best. If I don’t it will usually cause me problems in the future because the old devil will take advantage of any kink in my armor caused by neglect. 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

If someone handed you a handful of Cheerios and told you they were donut seed, would you be so gullible as to believe it? I wouldn't think so Yet every day Satan tries to pass off his lies and deceptions onto us hoping we will take the bait. Oh, he is sneaky about it often waiting until we are hurt, frustrated, or disappointed. He will whisper into our ear things like, “God doesn’t really care about you”, “You can never be a Christian so just give up” or “You have plenty of time so enjoy life as long as you can before making things right with God”. One of Satan's most effective is the old deception “Just trust or listen to your heart”. Your heart or emotions will deceive you and cannot be trusted. Never go by your feelings, but go by the Word of God. Your emotions will change, but God’s Word never will. So the next time the old Devil tries to pawn off on you a handful of Cheerios and tells you they are donut seeds, send him on his way. Resist him and he must flee. James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

One of Satan’s greatest victories is when he convinces Christians to keep their relationship with God private. Secular society admonishes us not to witness or pray publicly because we might offend someone. They will say believe your fantasy if you must, but keep it to yourself. Of course, this is the opposite of what Scripture teaches. Jesus said to go and make disciples of all nations. Jesus also said because we believe in Christ the world would hate us just as they hated Him. We are told not to hide our lamp under a bushel, but to be salt and light in a world of darkness. I have heard some Christians even say witnessing just turns off the unbeliever so we shouldn’t share Jesus, just live for Him. While we are to live a life that shows our relationship with Jesus, that isn’t all Jesus requires. Some even have given in to the belief that all religions are valid and there are many ways to God. This is simply a lie from hell. The bottom line? Many Christians today don’t want to deal with the resistance or persecution they face when they share Christ. They want everyone to like them and just get along with everyone even if it means being a secret Christian. Being a Christian is not just a religious preference, we have the truth that determines whether a person spends eternity in heaven or hell. Many have died as a martyr for Christ and yet some today avoid the slightest chance of criticism by refusing to share the gospel. Jesus said to go and proclaim, not hide and abstain. Mark 16:15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

What is a word we as Christians need to learn to use? The word is “NO”. Now we tend to want to be nice and accommodating whenever possible, but there are many times when the word “No” is appropriate and necessary. Let me give you a few examples. When someone wants you to accept sin as being normal. Say No! When asked to participate in something the Bible clearly says is wrong. Say No! When we are tempted to compromise God’s Word to be accepted. Say No! When people want so much of your time that you can’t do what God has called you to do. Say No! Satan will use your desire to feel needed and use that to deplete you, exhaust you, and make you spiritually unhealthy. Saying “NO” is the right thing to do when it keeps us in God’s plan for our day and life. We live in a society where Christians are expected to compromise their beliefs in order to be accepted, to be woke, or to be politically correct. The answer is “NO”. There is no compromise when it comes to God’s Word. Learning to say “NO” is one of God’s ways of protecting us, so use it confidently whenever needed. Matthew 5:37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

In Luke 22 there is an interesting story about our Lord as his ministry on earth was nearing an end. In just a few verses He is betrayed by Judas with a kiss, defended by Peter but in the wrong way, and Jesus responds with healing and submission. Peter thought he was defending Christ when he swung his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus a servant of the High Priest. Jesus reminds Peter that He must complete what the Father has called Him to do, and then He reached out and healed the ear of Malchus. Jesus then submits to the will of the Father as the process of his arrest, torture, crucifixion, and resurrection begins. All must take place to fulfill God’s plan for our redemption. In our life, as we serve the Lord there will be times when we are betrayed, mistreated, or misunderstood. There may even be those around us who react defensively because they only see the present and forget the big picture. Jesus had the power to destroy his attackers if He had wanted to escape. Just His voice knocked them to the ground, but He submitted to God’s plan. He could have caused them harm, and yet He reached out and healed instead. No matter what attacks may come, keep your eyes on God’s will, and when the opportunity arises and it is within your power; heal rather than harm. Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Are we amusing ourselves to the point of ignorance? One only needs to look around and see most people occupied with a smartphone, a controller to an electronic device, or earbuds listening to music. Reading is steadily declining year after year while test scores do the same. 33% of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives. 42% of college graduates never read another book after college. Almost a third of the people in America have not read a book in the last 12 months, and even higher percentages in some ethnic and economic demographics. They are knowledgeable of movies and movie stars, music and musicians, games, television sitcoms yet so ignorant of things that truly matter. This is displayed in videos when college-aged kids were asked what 3x3x3 is or what two countries abut the United States and they had no clue. This problem has certainly weakened the church and Christians as well. Far too many Christians rarely or inconsistently read their Bible and are woefully uneducated about it. It even affects our pulpits where you may just as easily hear a feel-good, pep-talk sermon as serious Bible teaching and preaching. This does not bode well for our future, and even more so in the church where ignorance of the Word can mean the difference between eternity in heaven or eternity in hell. In my early days as a Christian, I heard a lot about the dangers of worldly entertainment. Perhaps our forefathers weren’t so legalistic after all. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

As you know some interesting topics can come up when we old guys meet for breakfast each morning at the local café. Today was no different. One of the guys asked if someone in the bible actually ate locusts and honey or if they ate a honey locust (a plant indigenous to North America). I told him John the Baptist ate actual locusts and honey. He said he wouldn’t eat it. I showed him where fried locusts are considered a treat in many parts of the world including our neighbor Mexico. In Mark 1:6, John the Baptist is described as, "John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey." We have to be careful not to “over-spiritualize” a verse, which to me means scriptural interpretation that exceeds its intended meaning, but there is a truth I can see in what John ate. In the Bible “honey” is often associated with a blessing of God such as when God was preparing for his people a land of milk and honey. Locusts were often associated with famine or judgment from God. John was sharing the message of repentance and the coming of the Messiah so those who received the message would experience the joy and blessings from God and those who rejected the message would receive judgment. Now the Bible may have been just telling us John liked locusts and honey, but to mention his diet may have shared a deeper meaning. Just a thought. Either way, we face that important decision; receive Jesus or reject Him, both with eternal consequences. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Yesterday I was watching a bug crawling in our yard. It looked like some type of beetle, and he was moseying along on his quest for food or shelter. To the bug, those rocks he was walking by were the size of houses, those blades of grass as tall as trees, and that little puddle of water a lake. From his perspective, his view of the world was totally different from mine. I could see much further and had a better understanding of all that exists. That little bug will spend his whole life in my backyard, oblivious to all that exists beyond his little world. It is much the same for us. We see our world, travel here and there, look for food, shelter, and some purpose in life never truly able to see all that exists in God’s creation. Yet many of the inhabitants of this little planet amid God’s creation presume to judge God, deny his existence, and determine what He should or should not do. The truth is, we cannot comprehend Him in all His glory, in all His power, and the depth of His love. We simply have to have faith, believe in Him, and serve Him. Now I have no love for that bug in my yard, and if He tries to get into my house it will not end well for him, and yet God loves us so much and wants us to be in His house with Him. That’s why God gave us His Holy Spirit to lead us and His Word to guide us. Let it be so, for one day our eyes will be opened to see Him in all His glory, and experience all that God has for us. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

What happens when our heart gets squeezed? When life gets hard, when we are stressed, or when the pressure builds, whatever is in our hearts will come out. Have you noticed some seem so nice until things do not go their way or they are placed under pressure, and then a whole different person emerges? The Bible deals with this in Luke 6:45 which says “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”. It is easy to put up a façade when things are going okay, but when we are blindsided the real us will tend to come out. We can tell where we are with the Lord by what comes out of our mouths. Do we tend to be more negative lately, critical, argumentative, saying hurtful or inappropriate things? Are we surprised by what comes out of your mouth when we are angry or frustrated? Let’s ask the Lord to cleanse our hearts and help us to speak only that which builds up, encourages, and brings God glory. How we speak is not a speech issue, it is a heart issue. Ps. 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. James 3:9-10 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.