Monday Morning Minutes

“…you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children.  Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.  Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-9

This past week, the world learned of the passing of blues singer, writer and guitarist Riley B. (B.B.) King. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time, inspiring countless other electric blues and blues rock guitarists. Upon hearing of his passing, I began to read up on B.B., his life and especially wanted to know how he was given the name B.B. He was given that name which is short for “Blues Boy” very early in his career. I even learned that he had nicknamed his Gibson guitar which he was known for playing, “Lucille”. Being a guitar player myself, I so appreciate his gift of music he shared with the world for well over 70 plus years as he purchased his first guitar at the age of twelve which up until then, he had sang in his church’s gospel choir. And although, he has passed from this life, his music, his legacy and even “Lucille” will be passed on most likely to one of his remaining family members or possibly even be auctioned off.

Even later on in the week, I will be attending a “Celebration of Life” service for one of my aunts who had just recently passed away last week. Her name was Pat and she was always known to see the glass half full so to speak as Pat or sometime known as “Patty Mae”, liked to enjoy life and have a good time no matter the circumstance or situation. She had the heart of a giant and was always willing to help others if she possibly could. Patty Mae could always make you laugh and there was never a dull moment when you were around her. She never knew the meaning of the word bashful, and if there was nothing much going on at the moment, Patty Mae would initiate something before long. I can remember on several occasions many years ago when our families would meet at a deer camp to of course hunt, eat and just have a good time. There would be many days when us kids would be at the deer camp hanging out with Pat when all of a sudden she would say, “ok, if ya’ll will stand in front of me, I’ll throw some money to you.” and sure enough, as soon as we would get into position, she would begin hurling coins our way. This is just who Patty Mae was for she always liked to have some sort of excitement or fun going on. She will be greatly missed this side of heaven by all who knew her.

Just as the legendary B.B. King and our dear Patty Mae have passed on into eternity, countless lives each second of each day will continue to do the same. Hebrews 9:27 reads “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,..” God has given each of us one life to live and with this life comes many decisions and choices which will either take us closer to or further away from our divine purpose here on earth which ultimately carries us  over into eternity. My question dear friend is what are we choosing to leave behind if our heavenly Father decides to call us home before His second coming which could take place at any moment.

We show a love for this world in our lives by worshiping goods we posses on a daily basis. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with having “stuff” if the “stuff” does not have us. I truly believe God does desire to bless His children…once again, “He desires to bless His children” as opposed to us “blessing ourselves” and then desiring Him to get behind our actions and wrong motives. I believe many of our problems we see as “tests, trials and storms”, we have actually created in our lives by our wrong actions or decisions. God said in Deuteronomy 30:19, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

Dear friend I hope that each day that follows we would with conviction choose to say No to the “things” of this world for by in doing so, we will be opening our hearts to the Lord and saying Yes to Him. Furthermore, you will find such freedom and joy  from the “things” that you will be leaving behind.

For His Kingdom,

Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. – Deuteronomy 5:16

In the 1980 biographical film, “Coal Miners Daughter” in which Sissy Spacek played the role of country music singer Loretta Lynn, there is a scene near the beginning of the film which is rather humorous. Loretta has made a pie for a social which is to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Doolittle “Mooney” Lynn, Loretta’s soon to be husband, has his eye on her and bids the highest to win her pie and hopefully her approval of him. As Doolittle takes the pie and Loretta’s hand, they find an isolated area and he proceeds to cut a piece of pie, taste’s it and quickly spits it out in a nearby wood stove. He asks, “Dang Loretta, how much salt did that pie call for?”, she responds, “you don’t put salt in a pie dummy, you put eggs, sugar……”, then suddenly hands over face replies, “oh my gosh”. To which Doolittle responds, “stands to reason, they are both white”.

In today’s writing, I wish to give honor and thankfulness to my mother, Reba Jean Hataway Tarjick. The older I get, the more I realize how much she truly did for me as only a mother can. Besides giving me life, feeding me, clothing me, sitting up with me when I was ill, basically providing me with all the essentials of life that mothers give their children which at the time, we very seldom see until later on in life especially when we are blessed with a family of our own.

One of my mother’s greatest gifts that God has blessed her with, is the ability to cook. Now I know all of you reading this probably are saying this of your own moms and I’m glad you are,  but I’m here to tell you friends, no one cooks like my mom! Occasionally, I will run into someone in Wal-Mart, the Post Office, etc., and when they hear that I am one of Reba’s sons, they will quickly ask me “is Miss Reba still cooking?” as mom has cooked for many folks here in our hometown for many years now. I truly believe mom receives great comfort in knowing people love her cooking. There is absolutely nothing that my mom ever cooked for us growing up….well, except liver, that I didn’t love. It’s not just that mom loves to cook, but she loves talking about food, recipes, cooks on the Food Network and even want to know what we’re having for breakfast, dinner or supper. She has such a passion which I truly believe is a ministry to others in itself.

Mom also loves to talk. And that’s quite ok, but I believe I received dad’s genes when it comes to having the “gift of gab”. I can remember growing up when we would all be around the supper table and all of a sudden dad would say “ok, Bryan…it’s your turn to talk now.” I would simply respond, “I have nothing to say”. I’ve just always been the type that unless I had something to say, I would rather just listen until the opportunity would arise that I could eventually interject something into the conversation. I get rather tickled at times when mom calls to “check in” and she will pretty much talk most of the time and I occasionally reply with a “yes, well, yeah, oh ok….really?…ok, love you too mom…have a great day”. What can I say, mom loves to talk.

There are many other areas in which mom is special and goes out of her way to do for others, that I could go into but honestly, some of those things, I do believe should be left between her and God. As I do believe what the Word says in Mathew 6:3,4 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Yes, today friends, I wish to honor mom for all she’s done, all she’s doing and all she will continue to do knowing that serving the Lord is the very heart of her service and giving. And while I’ve mainly focused on my mom, I also wish to give thankfulness to my wife, Karen and daughter Scarlett, who is also a mother now. How very proud Karen and I are of her and woman she has become. All I can say is to God be the Glory for all He has done.

Happy Mother’s Day mom. I Love You, and Happy Mother’s Day to each and every one of you Mothers out there. may God continue to enrich your life with a life of health, prosperity and blessing.

For His Kingdom,

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry; – James 1:19

Well known author Chuck Swindoll once found himself with too many commitments in too few days. He got nervous and tense about it. “I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions through the day,” he recalled in his book “Stress Fractures”. “Before long, things around our home started reflecting the patter of my hurry-up style. It was becoming unbearable.

“I distinctly remember after supper one evening, the words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me something important that had happened to her at school that day. She began hurriedly, ‘Daddy, I wanna tell you somethin’ and I’ll tell you really fast.’

“Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered, ‘Honey, you can tell me — and you don’t have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly.” “I’ll never forget her answer: ‘Then listen slowly.'”

We live in such a fast-paced world. Everyone is in such a hurry to get somewhere, anywhere, and oftentimes….really nowhere at all. As we live our lives each day, we have the opportunity to reveal to others that they matter to us. How can we accomplish this? Simply by taking the time to listen. I’ve honestly tried to improve this lost art in my own life but I still fall short from time to time…just ask my dear sweet wife. Many times she will be telling me something and before she even begins, I’m already lending my solutions without fully giving her my undivided attention. What can I say..I truly believe this is a man thing….as by nature, we men automatically try to fix things. But when it comes to actively listening men, we need to pay attention, shut up, and give our spouses, our children/grandchildren and families our duly unswerving attention. The writer of Proverbs 18:13 instructs us...”If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” As difficult as the pill may be to swallow, when we do this, we basically are expressing to the other person that “what I have to say is of far more importance than what you are telling me” and that “I really don’t value you or what you have to say”.

Furthermore, how often do we come to God with our list of wishes and wants instead of simply taking the time to fellowship with Him. Just to be with Him and not ask for anything but to simply listen to that still small voice that so desperately craves our fellowship and time alone spent in His Word or in prayer which is simply talking to God. I believe with my whole being friend that God speaks to us more often than we realize but we’re simply not in a place to hear Him as we are not listening or we’ve gotten much too busy to know when He is speaking. How can we know or recognize someone’s voice if we’ve never been in their presence to distinguish it from among so many others around us. Jesus told his followers in John 10:27 that “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

I pray we willingly begin to choose to take the time to get in God’s presence each day and spend some quality time with Him and be slow to speak and quick to listen as He makes Himself known. He said “Be still, and know that I am God;” – Psalm 46:10

For His Kingdom,

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

If you’ve ever watched the television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, then you’re sure to have heard the opening song to the program, “Who Are You”, sung by The Who. Now personally, I thought that was rather interesting regarding song title and group name…seems to be a case of mistaken identity altogether. In today’s writing, I wish to focus on our identity. Let me take you back a few years and set the stage…

If you’ve been following my blog and reading Monday Morning Minutes for a while, then you’ve read about my accident which occurred in 1994 when I had my skull crushed where I worked at a Power Plant as an electrician. Among all the struggles I dealt with on my way back to recovery, one of the most intense issues I faced was the loss of my identity. Who I really was ultimately. Yes, I knew my name, where I was born, etc., for this was not a case of amnesia but a struggle with the man I had become up to the accident. Yes, I had been a follower of Christ for many years but had lost my identity along the way of who I was In Christ. You see, many of us as I did, begin to associate our identity in many things, such as our jobs, our position in regards to success, our hobbies, the list goes on. And yes, while there is absolutely nothing wrong with identifying who we are with these things, the problem lies when as believers, we end up losing ourselves  to these things while forgetting who we are in Christ Jesus. The bible tells us that the early disciples became known even among unbelievers as people of “the Way” (Acts 19:9), because they had chosen to walk a different path in life. They had identified themselves totally with Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. They lived for the kingdom. Their identity was tied to the kingdom.

When I no longer was able to go to work as an electrician, which is what I had allowed so much of my identity to be based on as a man, being the provider in the family, I began to think much lower of myself. I began to allow the enemy to whisper echoes of defeat, failure, uselessness, which ultimately led to depression. I came to a place of utter hopelessness (or so I thought at the time), that I truly understood why people who don’t know the Lord, give up and give in and believe a lie that they have nothing to live for and tragically end it all. Had it not been for my faith in Christ, although even that was put to the test, I’m not sure where I would be today for God truly makes a way where there seems to be no way.

The great tragedy today is that we don’t have enough Christians who know who they are. They may be genuine believers, but their faith is just another addition to their portfolio. When it comes to the bottom line, they define themselves in terms of their name, their job, their possessions, or the people they know. These are all external factors which one day will all fade away but who we have identified ourselves with, our faith in Jesus Christ, is eternal. That’s why we need to understand and cultivate a kingdom mentality in all that we do. The process by which this is achieved is called spiritual growth. Often, our spiritual growth takes place through another process called discipleship—an aim Jesus commissioned all of us to do while on earth. As you grow and mature spiritually, you become more and more like Jesus and His identity will be evident for not only you but for all the world to see. If there ever was a time that our world needs to see the real Jesus, it’s today my friend. I’m not talking about church membership, social gatherings, speaking “christianese”, I’m speaking about allowing Christ within you to come forth and being the salt and light of the world that Christ has called us to be.

One of my absolute favorite verses in the Bible is Galatians 2:20 which reads, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, 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.” Friend, you and I are new creatures In Christ. The old things have passed away and behold all things have been made new. For we have died, and our life is hidden with Christ in God. Whatever is true of Jesus, is also true of you and I. Dear friend, begin to walk in your true identity in Christ today! For that is who you really are!

Here’s a great song sung by one of my favorite artists, Phillips, Craig & Dean regarding our identity in Christ. I hope you enjoy it.

For His Kingdom,

“Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.” – Proverbs 19:21

There’s a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at that time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The teams were playing in the World Series, and as usual Yogi was keeping up his ceaseless chatter, intended to pep up his teammates on the one hand, yet “distract” the Milwaukee batters on the other. As Aaron came to the plate, Yogi tried to distract him by saying, “Hank, you’re holding the bat wrong. You’re supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark.” Aaron didn’t say one word, but when the next pitch came he hit the ball into the left-field bleachers. After rounding the bases and tagging up at home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi Berra and said, “I didn’t come up here to read.”

My friends, you have to know and realize why you were created and put on this earth. For if you don’t, the enemy, people, circumstances, even your own mind will try and “distract” you or hold you back from your God called mission or calling here on earth. From the very moment of your creation, God had a purpose for your life. Our purpose in life, as God originally created man, is 1) glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him, 2) have good relationships with others, 3) work, and 4) have dominion over the earth. But with man’s fall into sin, fellowship with God is broken, relationships with others are strained, work seems to always be frustrating, and man struggles to maintain any semblance of dominion over nature. Only by restoring fellowship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, can purpose in life be rediscovered.

A couple weeks ago, I was out spraying some trees that had become infested with some bugs, worms or such that had been feeding on the new foliage on the trees. Karen and I began noticing very quickly how the leaves were disappearing almost overnight. One day as I was outside spraying them, Karen came out of the house and was also holding Roxy (our daughter’s Yorshire Terrier.) As I began spraying, we both noticed in the fork of one of the trees, a little mice who was quickly trying to stay hid and move away form the spray. I quickly ran to my shop and picked up my grabber and proceeded to pick him up and put the little guy on the ground to free him. Well, when Roxy seen him on the ground, it was all Karen could do to hold her back from chasing the little rodent. Immediately, I thought about what I had read a few years back about Yorkshires. The Yorkie was created by working men of north England, who developed the breed for catching the terrible rats and mice that infested clothing mills and mine shafts. By holding her back, Karen was actually keeping her from fulfilling her purpose and what she was created to do!

Did you know that just as God has a purpose and plan for your life that Satan does to. Jesus said in John 10:10 that “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.”…but He continues with “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.“ So many men and woman waste so much time trying to fulfill some man-made plan or scheme to be successful in their own way while neglecting to allow God to show them what real success is all about. They spend a good portion of their lives climbing the so called “ladder of success” only to realize when they reach its top that it was leaning against the wrong wall. Success in God’s eyes is not comparing what you’ve done to others lives but what you’ve done compared to what you were created and called to do. Also, people who know their purpose and call in life can be happy in an unhappy situation whether it be in an unhappy job situation, a limited financial situation, unhappy relationship, etc. When you know that where you are is where God has placed you, you can persevere in knowing each and every day that God is continuing to work each and every situation out for good. Romans 8:28 reads “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.“ Did you notice it reads “who have been called according to HIS purpose.” Like Joseph, when his brothers sold him into slavery and forgot all about him, God was working all that wrongdoing done to him by his brothers for good in his life. Ultimately, God raised him up to be second in command in Egypt with his brothers eventually bowing down before Joseph in the end. And I love Joseph’s response to his brothers in the end. He says in Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Basically, God allowed Joseph to be unfairly treated and allowed him to go through each and every one of those bad situations so that He could ultimately raise him up and use his gifts and talents to bring glory to God’s name and for the salvation of many. God will always use your past, present and future happenings of your life to work out His purpose for your life.

So my friend, if you are currently questioning whether or not you are where God wants you to be, just openly pray and ask God to fulfill His purpose for you from this day forth and trust Him that each day He is bringing you closer to fulfilling His call for your life. As a child of God, the purpose and calling for your life is to bring glory, honor, and praise to Jesus so that whatever you do will bring Him greatest glory for the expanse of His kingdom here on earth. Furthermore, God always provides whatever it is in your life He has called you to do in regards to finances, gifts and talents, etc. Proverbs 3:5,6 reads, Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.“

“Father God, I thank You for creating me. I thank You that Your Word says that You created me for a purpose. Please help me to fulfill what that purpose is and help me to trust You as you go before me and guide me each and every day in every circumstance you allow into my life. I choose to live for Your purpose from this day forth and not my own. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”

For His Kingdom,

The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1

When I was about 9 or 10 years old, I had probably one of the most terrifying events occur in my life that I will never forget. I was outside of my grandmother’s house hanging out with one of my cousins. It was one of those hot summer days in either June or July and we were just being kids and basically up to nothing in particular. My grandmother had this stainless steel freezer about two and one-half to three foot high that she,  at one time,  kept her dry cooking ingredients such as flour, corn meal, etc. in. This freezer had been taken outside and was sitting on the far end of the house as it had been retired from her use. Like a cat filled with curiosity, I climbed into the freezer just to see if I could fit inside. It’s door swung open from the front and just as I was settled inside, a gust of wind slammed the door shut and immediately, I became its prisoner. Unknowingly, my cousin had just been picked up by her mom, so I was trapped in this confined space with no way or no one who could help free me. Instantly, I began to scream out in fear and terror of being locked inside. The screams led to tears, then panic set in and from there hyperventilation. I also remembering crying out to God to save me! I went through every emotion which is tied to being paralyzed with fear that eventually, I was so worn out, that I came to a complete calm due to being physically, emotionally exhausted that I had nothing left to release. I honestly came to the resolve that this is where my life would end. I can still see the small sunbeam of light and the dust flying up and down from within from what I thought would become my tomb. All of a sudden, I began to hear faint voices becoming ever more clear as the seconds went by. I immediately found the strength once more to begin screaming to “let me out”, “help”! All of a sudden, the door swung open and there was my older brother and sister of the cousin standing outside. I was free!…I was alive!…I was going to live! For I was not aware that earlier that morning, my older brother and cousin had planned on going fishing and had set a can of worms on top of that freezer and they had showed up to retrieve them. I’m so thankful for their planned event for I believe surely, that I would not be writing this to you now had I stayed in there not much longer. Quite honestly my friend, I believe God had already orchestrated this “divine appointment fishing trip” in advance knowing what I was about to get myself into. Thank God for these divine appointments which occur in our lives unknowingly (and for an older brother and cousin who liked to fish!).

We’ve all had our own personal encounters with facing fear in our lives. Maybe not as intense as what I’ve described to you above but situations where the spirit of fear had paralyzed us momentarily or perhaps even to this very day in your own life. I’ve heard more people recently comment about how “scary” it is in our world today regarding their safety, the economy, their jobs..I could go on. Fear always has a tendency to be attached to the unknown. Situations that are beyond our control.  Did you also know that there are over five hundred known phobias (a persistent irrational fear that causes a person to feel extreme anxiety) known to man. Please do not misunderstand me friend, I’m certainly not making light of this condition, for I realize that many suffer from the tight grip of fear on a daily basis. My heart’s desire is to see the captives set free and unleashed from this enemy’s stronghold within their lives.

The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. The first type is beneficial and is to be encouraged. The second type is a detriment and is to be overcome. There is the “fear” of the Lord. Now this type of fear does not necessarily mean to be afraid of something. Rather, it is a reverential awe of God; a reverence for His power and glory. Proverbs 19:23 reads The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. Furthermore, the fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment. It is the fountain of life as told in Proverbs 14:27 and provides a security and a place of safety for us. However, the second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in II Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. A spirit of fearfulness does not come from God. However, sometimes we are afraid and this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, and to overcome it we need to trust in and love God completely. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4:18. No one is perfect, and God knows this. That is why He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the book of Genesis and continuing throughout the book of Revelation, God reminds us to “Fear not.” Isaiah 41:10 encourages us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Often we fear the future and what will become of us. But Jesus reminds us  in Mathew 10:31 that God cares for the birds of the air, so how much more will He provide for His children? “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”.

Let me encourage you today friend that there is One who understands every fearful situation that you have gone through, are going through or will go through in this life. He wants us to one-hundred percent trust Him for each and every circumstance both known and unknown as He has promised to guide us with every step. Psalms 23:4 reads “…Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me;…” Once we have learned to put our trust in God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us. We will be like the psalmist who said with confidence “…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” Psalm 5:11.

“Father God, I thank You that You have not given me the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. I thank You that in You alone I take refuge knowing full well that You will always lead me in the path of safety and deliverance. Where there is fear, I ask that You would replace it with peace, joy and love and with an overwhelming faith to trust You in every circumstance that You allow into my life from this day forth. I thank You and ask this in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen”.

For His Kingdom,

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. – 2 Corinthians 5:21

I remember growing up as a youngster attending several Easter egg hunts either with my siblings, at school or simply at family gatherings on Easter Sunday. How eagerly I waited in expectation,  as the grownups hid the eggs, of them yelling “Go” and suddenly dashing to and fro in every direction. High and low, under and above, I would scurry along in hopes of finding not only eggs but especially more, the “prize eggs”. Yes, they would hide extra goodies in certain eggs and sometime even money for the victor who would find them. Besides the egg hunts, we kids would usually get a new outfit as well so that we would be dressed up and looking our Sunday best as we attended services with the family. (at least on the outside anyway) 

Looking back now, I have often thought that during those times back then, it was unknowingly more about me, looking my best, and basically my personal celebration of Easter instead of my celebrating God’s greatest gift to you and I and the world, the risen Savior Jesus Christ. Quite sincerely friend, it’s still about me..it’s about you…it has been since the very first Resurrection Sunday. At least from Jesus perspective that is. Romans 5:8 reads “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” My sins and yours were the absolute reason Jesus came, lived, died and rose again in order that our sin debt would be abolished, wiped clean for all eternity. Romans 6:23 reads “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.“ And since no man ever born in the human race has lived a sinless life as read in Romans 3:23, God himself, chose to enter this world as one of us in the form of His Son who knew no sin, to offer Himself as the full payment for our sins through His death on the cross. Friend, that simply blows me away! How much God truly loves you and I and all of mankind to do this..to the point of actually having to turn His face away as His only Son took upon Himself our sin, our diseases…everything unholy and unrighteous. There is no greater love that has been, is or ever will be than God’s love for you and I.

I read just yesterday that Easter is like the Super Bowls to preachers. Tomorrow, the churches will be full and many will enter sanctuaries that they haven’t seen since last Easter or possibly since Christmas. I heard it said a while back that God desires full custody of His children and not just weekend or holiday visits. I believe that many do this out of possible guilt or maybe that by attending on these rare occasions, it might just possibly get them some points with “the man upstairs”. All I can say is that they truly haven’t had the same revelation of the Jesus that I so dearly love and have surrendered & committed and given my life to.  For when I was at my lowest and no other person, resource or any earthly tangible substance could help, He was there and has been ever since. For He has promised us in Deuteronomy 31:16 that “….he would never leave us nor forsake us.”

On this Easter friend, may you experience the true Joy of knowing the Risen Savior and know that we have been given victory over sin, death, hell and the grave because of what He did over two thousand years ago. And what He did, He did for you…he did for me. Join with me as we Rejoice together in full assurance & faith that He Is Risen!

Please watch and be blessed by the video below. (He’s Alive Again by Phil Driscoll)

For His Kingdom,

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

A couple weeks ago, Karen and I flew out to visit our son and daughter-in-law in the beautiful mountain area of Fairview, North Carolina for Spring Break. This little town sits nestled just outside of Asheville. There is such beauty at every turn there with the mountains, trails and streams that Karen and I were jokingly wondering how we could transfer our jobs to there. We had such a great time hanging out with them. We played games, visited a cheese farm, an Amish shop, traveled to nearby shopping towns, cooked together and just overall had a blast.

When our son, Grant and his wife April married, they made a decision to live life without having a television in the house. At the time I thought; What! No TV…how can they live like that! How will they be entertained? How will they know what’s going on in the world? But you know now, I have such great respect for them making that decision to live life “Unplugged”. While we were there, I honestly did not even miss not having the TV on as we enjoyed listening to some old LP’s. Yes, our sweet daughter-in-law still has her original record player she had when she lived in Ohio and how we enjoyed listening to some Jim Croce, Simon & Garfunkel, Creedence Clearwater and so many more. We were also able to catch up on some long overdue reading as they have a great book collection in their home as well. It truly was refreshing living life unplugged for a change.

When Karen and I returned home, we had enjoyed our stay so much of living life unplugged that we agreed to continue on and chose to leave the TV off for the remainder of the month or beyond. It has been so nice living life unplugged as we instead “tuned in” to reading more of God’s Word, books we had been wanting to read but quite honestly had allowed that square box to take precedence over them. It’s also amazing how much you can truly “hear” even when you’re not actively listening when you are unplugged and yet are tuned in to life all around you. You hear birds singing, crickets chirping, wind rustling through the trees, chimes singing….you hear the sounds of life. There is so much beauty all around us each day that God gives us but yet I believe too often we are not tuned in to hear it as we are too plugged in to this old world and it’s busy, “got to get ahead” routines, demands and pressures.

Regarding television, just today I was reminded of a song that was popular in the 80s in the Christian market. It was titled, “People in a Box”. Basically it referred to living in a slumber state of being while viewing television and being mesmerized and fixated on it’s content each day only to wake up and relive it all over again. I’m sure its no mystery to you friend that the airwaves are flooded with content to try and draw your mind away from the things of God. Scriptures tell us in Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Please don’t misunderstand me friend, I believe television can be a good thing if viewed and used in the correct manner. When I teach my students about Technology, the first lesson I give them is that is simply a tool. And like a pencil, it can be used for good like writing a great essay or for evil and be used to put someone’s eye out. It depends who is holding the tool and how it is being used which will determine the outcome. I’m simply asking that each of us would begin to ask ourselves, “Is what I’m listening to and viewing going to be instrumental in building me up or tear me down?” Ephesians 5:16 instructs us to “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”  God has given each and every one of us who are Christ followers a mandate and calling for each of our lives and personally, I so desire when I stand before Him one day to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” – Mathew 25:23.

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for all the beauty all around us that we might take for granted when this world tries so desperately to draw our attention away from You and this beautiful life which You’ve given us. Help us to willfully “unplug” from this world and “tune in” to the life for which You’ve called us to. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear and hands to reach out to those in need of what we have to offer them which is the knowledge of Your Son, Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.”

For His Kingdom,

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.” ~ John 4:23

Some like to lift up holy hands
Some like to dance like David danced.
Some cry, others just smile
Some like to stand up, others bow
(When We Worship Him by Dallas Holm)

Worship. It’s a word that we as believers hear quite often. We read in church bulletins that Worship Service begins at such in such time. We hear the music genre term Praise & Worship. We might have even heard the phrase “he or she worships the ground they walk on”. Honestly, we can worship anything and possibly too often unknowingly do. Websters defines worship as the act of showing respect and love for a god especially by praying with other people who believe in the same god : the act of worshipping God as well as an excessive admiration for someone. In his book, “Worship – A Way of Life”, Patrick Kavanaugh quotes William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury with “Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness, Nourishment of mind by His truth, Purifying of imagination by His beauty, Opening of the heart to His love, And submission of will to His purpose.” How about you friend? What is the first thought or impression that comes to mind when you think of worship?

Back in 1984, right after Karen and I were married, I worked with a guy who had recently transferred from a different department to the area I worked in which was maintenance as an electrician. From the moment I was around him, I knew there was something totally different about him. There was something I seen about how he lived his life that I wanted. After getting to know him, I found out it was his genuine love for the Lord and how he desired to please Him in everything he did. Of course there were many others in my department who thought he was wacko but hey, I was already used to that as this world will never understand why Christians do and say the things they do. One morning when we finished working nights, my friend asked if he could come over and just talk about the things of God and what He was doing in each of our lives. I said sure. As we talked, the topic of worship came up. My friend asked me if I had ever truly worshipped God in His presence. Now being a good ole’ Baptist PK (preacher’s kid), my experience of worshipping God had been limited to singing the first three verses and standing on the fourth. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this style and setting of worship, I simply longed for more of Jesus and longed to truly know Him more intimately. My friend asked me had I ever lifted my hands in worship and I told him no. I truly thought that was reserved for the truly holy people, some might even call them Jesus Freaks. He invited me to lift up my hands to the heavens and begin worshipping the Lord and thanking Him for His goodness, mercy, forgiveness and especially His love. I have to admit friends that when I lifted my hands for the first time, I felt awkward but deep within me it felt right and a feeling of completeness and warmth came over me. I knew from then on, my worship experience would never be the same…and it hasn’t. God continued to draw Karen and I into a deeper walk with God that year unlike we had never known and had never been exposed to. (No, we didn’t begin to drink grape kool-aid.) We simply began to hunger after God and He continued to draw us by His Spirit. I have found that people can get as close to God as they choose to. It’s like a small picture that my mom has hanging in her kitchen that reads, “If you don’t feel close to God, guess who moved.” People simply choose to move closer or away from God’s presence. He is continually drawing us by His spirit which dwells within us; although, we don’t always respond as we should and choose to neglect those times. Ezekiel 34:11 reads, “For thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.”

Through the years, I have also found that true worship to God is more about my devotion and condition of my heart to Him and others and not so much about an isolated once a week event. While yes, we do participate in corporate worship with other believers within the church each time we gather, worship is not limited to these times. I can worship God while at work, mowing my yard, driving in my truck, in how I relate to others..especially my wife and family, etc. My devotion and worship unto God is reflected in how I respond to each of these areas and so many more in my life. The scriptures in Colossians 3:17 says “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” As believers, the world should clearly see a difference in our lives in how we live, speak, work, deal with daily situations, etc. This is how they will truly respond to the Lord and His gospel when they see it evident in our lives. Jack Hayford is quoted as saying, “Worship changes the worshiper into the image of the One worshiped.” We can never worship God in His presence and not be changed. As John Piper says, “We belittle God when we go through the outward motions of worship and take no pleasure in His person.”

As I began today’s devotional, I quoted a few lyrics from Dallas Holm’s song, “When We Worship Him”. And as it reads, some of us as believers may lift our hands, some may bow, cry, laugh, shout, stand up, sit down, etc, when we worship our Creator. My heart’s desire is that we may never be limited to what a man-made doctrine may specify what true worship is supposed to be or look like. Rather, I would desire that each of us would open our minds, our hearts and our lives and allow the Spirit of the living God to draw us and in response, that we would draw near to Him with a heart that is truly devoted to Him and Him alone.

“Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the times we offer up shallow sacrifices of praise and worship and breathe on us a fresh new living spirit of worship as we commit our lives unto You from this day forth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

For His Kingdom,

“…who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” ~Galatians 1:4

I can still remember the day from years gone by. I had joined a local Boy Scout troop at the young age of around twelve or so. How I loved going on those camp-outs and spending time around the campfires, earning an array of merit badges, enjoying good food prepared in the great outdoors and spending time with great friends. On one particular camp-out, our troop was enjoying the coolness of a nearby lake. We were all having a blast swimming, diving off the bank, and just being young boys when all of a sudden my buddy and I heard a distant cry for help. We immediately swam in the direction of where we heard the pleas for salvation. We were stunned and shocked to find one of our own buddies “bobbing” up and down desperately gasping for air while attempting to tread water. I wasted no time in doing all I could to “save” our buddy and miraculously did so by taking hold of him and dragging him to the shore. Upon arrival back to camp we proceeded to tell our Scout Master of what had just taken place and he began to inform us that this was a perfect picture of what we scouts called the “Buddy System”. A safety procedure that requires all youth participants to remain with another youth at all times. Buddies also operate together as a single unit so that they are able to monitor and help each other in their time of need. 

When God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to the earth nearly two-thousand years ago, He was actually sending us a “life ring” for our salvation. Man was drowning in his own dark waters of sin, selfishness  and separation from God which was ultimately taking us out further and further away from the peaceful shores of safety and serenity. Out of God’s great love, mercy and desire to have fellowship with man, He willfully chose to enter into the “dark waters” of this world to rescue us from the grip of the enemy. The Bible tells us in John 10 that “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus offers every man, woman, boy and girl a “life ring” in the form of salvation by accepting Him as Lord and Savior of their lives. Deuteronomy 30:19 says “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” God is ultimately standing before all of mankind with the free will to choose either life or death and He pleads with us to ultimately choose life and live with Him for all eternity. 

I must furthermore add that when Jesus rescues us from the dark waters of this world, He desires that we too continue to reach out when we see others sinking around us. Much like my buddy in the opening story, there are many perishing around us each and every day and we must care enough to reach out and do all we can to extend that same saving knowledge while there is still time. How so very easy it is as portrayed in this image to get so caught up in our daily lives of coming and going while countless numbers around us are continuing to sink further and further away from the foundation of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  God has not saved us friend just so we could live in the sweet by and by. He has entrusted us with the mission of taking His Gospel message into the highways and byways of this world. He gives us opportunities each and every day to share this message in so many different ways but so often I believe we simply just don’t care to the extent that we think we do.

I pray this week friend that each of us would begin to open our spiritual eyes and ears and begin to see and hear more clearly the pleas of those perishing around us before it is eternally too late for them. The choice is always up to us.

For His Kingdom,