Samson

“Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.””

Judges 16:28 NLT

Most Christians no the story of Samson, the strong dude with the long hair. When you delve into the story, it's shocking to me that we share this story with children. Samson is far from being a real hero. In fact he was just like all the rest of us. He had a ton of weaknesses and for most of his life he ignored the Lord. He was so blinded and arrogant by his great strength and he had no time me for the Lord. His weakness, women that were bad for him, led to his death and demise. I still can't figure out why he didn't know what Delilah was up to. She asked three times why he was so strong. Each time he lied to her, he got attacked by the Philistines. So what does he do, he tells the truth. Once again he gets attacked. (Go figure)

Now he loses his eyes and is jailed. He couldn't see through Delilahs fake love.

How many times do I let my blind arrogance keep me from good decisions? How often do I let my sin put me in harms way? I like to think I'm better than Samson. I'm not. I've got a lot to learn. The big difference between me and Samson, I'm not going to wait until the end of my life to rely on the Lord. Every waking moment I have on this earth is for the Lord. I'm just as weak as Samson when it comes to sin, but I get the power to overcome that weakness by faith in Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, I praise you for your faith in me through all my faults and weaknesses. I am humbled that you are with me through it all. I promise to serve you forever and ever . Amen!

How can I .........?

““But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”” Judges 6:15 NLT

We just don't know the power we have through the power of Jesus. We doubt ourselves. We doubt our God. We look at only our weakness and completely forget about what God has done in our lives. We/I constantly question, how can I .....? You fill in the blank. 

We need to remember the power that has brought us to where we are today. If your life has been an entire struggle and you have not totally trusted Jesus, you need to change that today! God is real and is active in our lives, when we let him. He has no limits except those we put upon him. Gideon tested God over and over again, doubting everything along the way. Eventually he gave in and realized the power of the creator of the universe. Why wait? Why continue to doubt. Turn your life over. That means you do not shy away from challenges. We embrace the troubles of our world and in our own lives because we know that God lives in us and will help us overcome.

What are you struggling with? Trust God. Turn it over to him, COMPLETELY! He will be there! Do not feel you are alone! You are partnered with the power of Jesus. You need nothing else.

Let's be blunt!

“Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.”  2 Corinthians 7:9 NLT

I am a blunt person. You will certainly know my feelings and my passion. I am passionate, first, about the Lord. I have come so far in 55 + years. I KNOW of the power of the Lord, not just because I have been told of his greatness. I've seen it! I am passionate about my family, ministry, and trying to teach kids about life. With my personality and my passions, I'm bound to hurt someone. I don't do it to hurt or to cause pain. I do it because I want you to have the same passion I do. I want you to share the vision I have. Not because I have this perfect vision, but because I have a perfect God who fills me with his passion. 

I make mistakes!

I don't make them to cause harm,hurt, or pain. I have never wanted to inflict pain, disrespect, or destroy anyone. I love my Lord who leads me beside still waters and who restores my soul even when I have a bad day. Yesterday, was no exception. Praise God for my life! Praise God I have a father in heaven that loves me and made me who I am. I am far from where I want to be, but know that even with the glaring faults I have,God loves me!

Light in darkness

.... And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.””

Luke 1:68-69, 71-79 NIV. http://bible.us/111/luk.1.68-69,71-79.niv

Christmas is about bringing light into a dark world. God came down to rescue us from the darkness of evil and sin. John was chosen to prepare the way. Today we are chosen to prepare the way for the impact of the gospel message. 

Christmas is not about our private little celebrations. Christmas is about spreading the word of the power of this marvelous event. The creator of all things coming down and serving us. That's the message and it is a call to humble ourselves and serve the lost, the lonely, and those who don't know our creator. We are the light of Jesus in a terribly dark and lonely world.

There is hope for everyone that lives in darkness. Jesus is that hope.

Christmas Songs

“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.”

Psalm 104:33-34 NIV -- http://bible.com/111/psa.104.33-34.niv

Sometimes you just need to sing. Christmas is a great time to remember to sing to the Lord. So many radio stations have nothing but Christmas music right now. I can't get enough during this month long celebration. I'm. It sure what my favorite is. There are so many great classics and new songs it's hard to say. But, all my favorites are on WBCL. That's my go to station during the year. It's a Christian supported station that just lights up my life. Right now there is a lot of wonderful praise music, classic Christmas songs, and joyous sounds celebrating the birth of Jesus on this wonderful station.

It's not just during the Christmas season that we need to sing to the Lord. Our Lord is present in our lives 365 days a year. Through stress, strife, hurt, illness, and loss he is to be e praised. We need to celebrate the Lord in prayer and praise! ALWAYS!

God wins!

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.””

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV http://bible.com/111/deu.31.8.niv

I just got home from a whirlwind week with the birth of our ninth grandchild. There was a lot of stress but there is mostly joy. Baby Izyk Steven should be coming home tomorrow and his life will begin with his three sisters, two dogs, a hamster, and loads of loving family and friends. I am so thankful for the love and support from my powerful God. He is amazing.

Now it's time for everyone to recover from the sleepless nights at the hospital and the stress of a sick new born. It's also time to praise God for his wonderful protection and answered prayers. 

It's Monday!

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you.”

Deuteronomy 28:47-48 NIV http://bible.com/111/deu.28.47-48.niv

It's Monday. It's Monday after a long holiday weekend AND it's cyber Monday. I am going to guess it might be difficult for some people to focus on their work today. I am also venturing a guess that some people will be grumpy as well. 

Not Me!

I love my weekends, my family time, and the relaxation, but I love serving my students and my community. It is not a drudge to go to school on Monday, ever! These verses made me think about my roll as a joyful servant. These verses don't let us just stop at service, the Lord wants us to serve joyfully and gladly, in all things, at all times. We need to serve out of our blessings so we might be able to bless others. Serving under duress is not really service. Our joyful service, or lack of it, has consequences. If we choose not to serve with a joyful heart, our lives will be affected. Our prosperity, our basic needs, and our physical well being will suffer. We WILL serve but we will serve in slavery instead of freedom. 

I love it that it is not good enough to just serve. We must serve with a "right" heart for it to be acceptable to our father in heaven. I praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve him In so many wonderful ways. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Do not Panic

“He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them.”

Deuteronomy 20:3 NIV -- http://bible.com/111/deu.20.3.niv

I have ISIS on my mind, as does the rest of the world. The attacks in Paris last week may be a sign of a new offensive. This "war" is being fought in a very real way. I just heard about a High School group in Dekalb county that have cancelled there trip to Paris in 2017. I'm not sure what I think about that. Regardless what some people think, we are at war and I personally wouldn't travel abroad right now. But, two years from now? I think our fears of war, our fears for confronting evil can get out of control. We can't let the enemy change our lives. That is exactly what they want.

It's not just the fear of terrorists. We fear many of the evils in this world. We need to take this verse to heart. WE can't be fainthearted. We can not change the way we live our lives because of that evil. We need to hold dear our powerful, wonderful God. My wonderful Heavenly Father is with me. He is with those that love him and call upon his name. I will NOT be afraid!

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you for your protection. I praise you for your love. I do not fear evil because you are with me. Please Lord help our leaders be strong in the face of this terrible threat. Give them wisdom and strength to continue the fight against evil in this world. We owe it to the weak and vulnerable to protect them with all our strength. We need to be strong and not panic or live lives filled with terror. We can only do that with you! Amen!

Lord Help us!

“Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Deuteronomy 16:19-20 NIV

http://bible.com/111/deu.16.19-20.niv

Integrity is one of my most prized traits. I do everything I can to be known as a man of impeccable character and integrity. People know I'm a Christian. I pray they can tell through my honesty, integrity, and devout sense of right. Yes, I know that sounds a bit vain. I'm not where I want to be so I strive toward the goal of pure honesty, devotion, and justice. 

I am often saddened about justice in the world today. It seems that right and wrong or "basic" human rights are perverted based on politics and the power of the few. The integrity, honesty, and belief in absolute rightness is lost in our society. It starts with our leaders. The demise of our country hangs in the balance while we search for leaders with strength in character and purpose. We need leaders unaffected by the winds of political correctness. We need leaders that have a moral center and heart for truth and justice. We need leaders willing to attack the evils of this world straight to the enemy. We need leaders devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel of love!

Lord help us!

Split personality!

“I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband.”

1 Corinthians 7:32-34 NLT -- http://bible.com/116/1co.7.32-34.nlt

I love these verses. For someone who spends a lot of time in ministry, I need to be reminded it is not my whole life. As I mentioned a week ago, I have a very busy life. Between school, after school work at home, taking care of a home, sending time with my wife, being a dad and "gramps" along with my CMA ministry, my life is packed. It can easily get out of balance. All of those things have a value and I honestly believe my work time is also ministry time. The one area that gets neglected the most is family. I need to constantly remember ministry is not an excuse to neglect your family. Work is not an excuse to neglect your family. We need to split ourselves and serve Jesus at all times, with family, work,or at play.

Dear Lord, I love you dearly. The things of this world and my OWN plans for serving you get in the way of real service for you. Please help me keep my life in balance. Even though I serve you wherever I go, I can't forget my family. They need to know your love through me. They need to see my example and dedication to family. I can only stay on your path of I follow you closely. Guide my hands and my feet with your love, grace, and mercy. Amen!

Serve

“Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT -- http://bible.com/116/deu.13.4.nlt

Today we hold elections in my CMA group. It's a privilege to serve the Lord through this ministry. No one else is running for president but we have a great number of members willing to serve on the officer team and a full slate of nominees. I am humbled to be the president of the Sonrise Riders again for 2016. I pray the Lord directs the votes of our members today. I pray he will send officers willing to sacrifice their time and energy to serve in ministry to the biker community in northeast Indiana and around the world. I pray your blessings upon us  and the  events of our chapter and help us to bring the lost to the saving grace of Jesus. 

Be careful

““But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful!”

Deuteronomy 8:11-13 NLT -- http://bible.com/116/deu.8.11-13.nlt

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and these verses fit the season. We have plenty of stuff. My home is filled with abundance and our nation is in the exact same position. We are prosperous. You could say we are filthy rich. But when it comes down to it, we don't have it all. Many people miss the entire point of life. We focus so much on our jobs and our stuff that we forget the Lord. We disobey his commands and ignore his plan for our life just to acquire things. I am not exempt from this sinful thinking. Most of us have at least some of those thoughts, yes, even Christians. It's sad but true. We need to be careful that we don't get sucked into the drive for more things, wealth, possessions, and prosperity. I need to drive toward knowing you and your plan for me.

Dear Lord, forgive me for my selfishness. Forgive me for focusing on the wrongs things of life and not focusing on you and your plan. I truly love you lord. I want you to do,I ate my life. I want you to fill me with your spirit. Amen!

I'm too busy!

““Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work,”

Deuteronomy 5:12-13 NLT -- http://bible.com/116/deu.5.12-13.nlt

I do not know a single person who is not busy. We all complain about not having enough time in the day to get everything done. I am no different. My schedule this week has been jam packed with meetings, meetings, and meetings, grading, grading, grading, and then my regular daily duties. When we get together we try to out do each other describing our overloaded schedule. Many of us treat our busyness as an honor. Well, let me tell you....... It's not!

Eventually we have to say no, and mean it! 

God designed the week. He alone is responsible for the length of the day, the week, the month, and the years! It's kind of like spending money. If we make more money, we spend it. If we get more time, we waste it. Instead of asking for more time we need to say no AND we need to respectfully hold ourselves accountable to getting rest. We literally need a break. Sunday is a great day to engage in rest. If you trust the Lord, he will guide you to complete HIS agenda. If the task is not in Gods plan,  it's just not worth doing an God does not plan for our lives to be so busy we can't take time for him.

I need to constantly remember what my goal is. I need to hold myself to a higher standard. I need to get rest, set priorities, continue to focus on the Lord's plan and disregard the rest. The Lord is our priority. Nothing else matters.

Dear Lord, I love you and honor your wondeful name. You have given me such a wonderful life. I ask your forgiveness for filling it full of frivolous busyness. Help me take time to rest. Help me to remember what my life is really about. I praise you for always being there with me even though I don't take time for you like I should. Help me to be organized and to use my time to your glory and not mine! Amen!

The sun, moon, stars, are great but.......

“So do not corrupt yourselves by making an idol in any form—whether of a man or a woman, an animal on the ground, a bird in the sky, a small animal that scurries along the ground, or a fish in the deepest sea. And when you look up into the sky and see the sun, moon, and stars—all the forces of heaven—don’t be seduced into worshiping them. The LORD your God gave them to all the peoples of the earth.” Deuteronomy 4:16-19 NLT. http://bible.com/116/deu.4.16-19.nlt

I am looking out my window at an absolutely beautiful moon and yesterday was the perfect picture of a fall day. I enjoy the natural beauty of this planet, the stars, the moon, and the warmth of the sun. I quickly begin worshipping the creator of those things instead of worshipping the things themselves. That's not true of many people. I see so many people awed more by the creation than the creator. When that happens it's idolatry at its finest. We can easily lose focus on our heavenly father as we become infatuated with many things, including, nature, science, money, power, possessions, influence, or even knowledge. If these thing dominate our lives while pushing out our faith, we are headed for death and the depths of hell. 

There is one God. He created the heavens and the earth. He is above all things and des every our honor and praise. There is no debate about it. Thank you Lord for this beatifil planet and the natural wonders. It points directly to your amazing power. I am awed by you more and more each day. Amen!

No!

““But the LORD was angry with me because of you, and he would not listen to me. ‘That’s enough!’ he declared. ‘Speak of it no more. But go up to Pisgah Peak, and look over the land in every direction. Take a good look, but you may not cross the Jordan River. Instead, commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them all the land you now see before you as their possession.’”

Deuteronomy 3:26-28 NLT -- http://bible.com/116/deu.3.26-28.nlt

I love prayer. I really enjoy my time communicating with the Lord. I am very open with my Lord. He knows all my thoughts and desires. He knows MY PLANS and listens to every request, plea, and desire. Because our relationship is over forty years old, I  have learned that sometimes the answer is no and I'm ok with that. I have given God full veto power over all my plans. I have learned this approach after forty years of trying to go my own way and messing things up. I still share it all and yes it sometimes sounds like a small child's Christmas list. Yet, every prayer ends with my sincerest desire for Gods will to be done in every part of my life. Moses kept trying to get God to change his mind, but he didn't. It was a  constant request. God listened but still the answer was no. We often don't know the why's but that's ok. I trust my loving Heavenly Father. I don't always need to understand and I don't have to always get my way. God is in charge!

Dear Lord, I am thankful for your direction. I praise you for your perfect wisdom and how it rescues me from myself. I am thankful you have given all of us the open door to a relationship with you. I thank you for the love you have for me, a sinner, saved only by your grace. Please help me to see your path and to do all things for your glory along that path! Amen!

Choose some well respected men..........

“Choose some well-respected men from each tribe who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders.’”

Deuteronomy 1:13 NLT

http://bible.com/116/deu.1.13.nlt

I have watched every political debate so far this year between each of the parties presidential candidates. I am a deeply political person. I love my country and all that it CAN be. I am gravely concerned. We have lost touch with where we've come from and where we are going. We are polarized against each other and our wonderful nation is deeply divided. I truly believe all our candidates, republican and democrat, have a heart to help people in our country. But, our government has gotten so big that when we see obvious, necessary, changes, we can not move. Our beauracracy has grown to the extant we can't change. The men and women running for our highest leadership position do not have the power and skill to change all that needs changed because real change is not easy. True leadership takes action that's best fort he country, not best for their political future.

I am fearful for our nation. I am fearful we can not lead or find real leaders with wisdom and understanding. I am overwhelmed with the lack of real leadership qualities for our political leaders. We have "actors" trying to fit our leadership mold and have no one to make the thoughtful, tough decisions. 

So, what do I do? 

Pray! Pray! Pray! Pray!

Dear Lord, we need you! We need you to intervene. We need you to raise up great leaders that know you and have the strength, power, and ethics to lead this country. We need you to rescue our country from the evils attacking us from all sides. I love you so much Lord and know I have nothing to fear because you are here to protect me. You have always protected me and watched over me and I am humbled by your love! Come Lord Jesus! Amen!

The obscene phone call!

“The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.”

Psalms 91:14-15 NLT -- http://bible.com/116/psa.91.14-15.nlt

Last week I got an obscene phone call from a very dear friend. I was just about home from school and my phone rang. I said "hello"........nothing. I repeated my  greeting, nothing. Then he responded, "this is your worst nightmare!" I knew right who it was! 

Real friendships never die because those friendships endure joy, pain, laughter, tears, and every emotion in between. Friendships can be fleeting in the sense we are such a mobile society. Nobody stays put very long. But the friendships are there even when we get separated geographically. The older I get the more I treasure those people I truly call friends! Maybe that's why my faith gets stronger everyday. I have walked with Jesus for 43 years. I draw closer every day. We have been through a lot. Jesus has always been with me. Even when I separate myself from him, he stays with me, watching me, waiting for my call. I praise God for his faithfulness. I love him and trust him with all my heart. I am humbled because I don't deserve his friendship. I don't deserve the honor or the blessings he gives. I can't count the times he has rescued me, usually from my own sinfullness and he wipes my slate perfectly clean. Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!

Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful, beyond measure, for your friendship. I am in awe of your steadfast love, your faithfulness, and your dedication to me and my family. You have protected me from harm. You have rescued me from myself. You have been there to answer my call during times of trial and your have honored me when I needed it the most. I praise you Lord! I love You Lord! Amen!

Your flock!

“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.”

1 Peter 5:2-3 NLT -- http://bible.com/116/1pe.5.2-3.nlt

I am so blessed to have a huge "flock". No, I'm not a Pastor. I don't run a church. I do have a wonderful growing family, a group of students, a CMA ministry, and countless friends in my flock. I am charged by God to care for the people in my life. It can be challenging, grueling, and exhausting to care for the lives of others. You stress out when they stress out. You mourn when they mourn. Their personal challenges become yours. You share their blood, sweat, and tears. We need to cherish that flock. 

Our relationship with our flock is not supposed to be two-way. We are supposed to give-all without getting anything in return. As a matter of fact our real purpose is to build up those that can not help others. To serve those that can't serve themselves is our highest calling. That love and servant heart is not to dominate, but to genuinely meet the needs of others.

How we lead our flock is just as critical as what we do. Our Christian leadership is about setting an example. It's about looking inward it's about that servant heart and not a position of authority. If we want our flock to grow in their relationship with the father, we need to constantly pursue him ourselves. Our relationship, our knowledge of God is never where it needs to be.

Dear Lord, give me a heart to serve my flock. Help me to keep a check on my motives and my attitudes toward serving others. I know your love. I know your example. The sending of your son, Jesus, is that perfect example. May I work toward that type of service. I praise you for your love. I praise you for the Hope you give! Amen!

Pursuing Jesus!

“Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life." -- Psalms 142:5 NLT -- http://bible.com/116/psa.142.5.nlt

My favorite prayer is that my family, friends, and coworkers draw closer to the God of the universe. All I want is to do the same.

Maybe it's because of my age. Maybe it's because of my experience. Maybe it's because I have been showered with blessings for 55 years. I just want the Lord. I want him for myself. I want him for my family, I want him for my friends. Can you say the same thing? What else could be so important?

We are heading into the Holiday season. These holidays are centered around family. We make them about STUFF instead. We want this gift or we want that gift. The only gift that real matter is the gift of Jesus Christ. It's easy to lose focus in our busy fast paced society. So many things can occupy our hearts and minds. Pray for it. Pursue Jesus!

Dear Lord, come into my heart and the hearts of all I know and love. Fill me with your love, mercy, and grace. I want only to draw closer to you. I only want my family to draw closer to you also. My entire family needs you. We need you in our decisions, and in the actions we take every single day. Protect us from our own sinfullness. Protect us from attacks by those who do not know you. Fill us with your love! Help us to see your presence! I praise you and worship you! Amen!

Can you take it?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Psalms 139:23-24 NLT -- http://bible.com/116/psa.139.23-24.nlt

One of my greatest challenges is to hear criticism. I don't think I'm the only one to recognize it. I'm not sure it really matters who is doing the critique, it's never easy to swallow. But, it needs to happen. We can't know of God's grace if we don't recognize our own faults and sinfullness. 

Our relationships need to be centered around pure honesty and openness. We need to seek ways to get better. That includes better ministry, better friendships, better family relationships, better jobs, and better anything! 

Know me, Lord. Examine me closer than a microscope. But don't just point at my flaws, help me to know the plan to get better. Guide me along your path, a path pleasing to you. I need you Lord. Send people to gently correct me, point out my faults , but still love me in spite of those weaknesses. As always Lord we need your guidance, counsel , and support. I love you with all my heart! Amen!