Author: Dennis

A Stumbling Block

“ If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it’d be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the sea.” — Jesus ( Matthew 18:6 ) Reminds me of some o’ them mob movies I’ve watched over the years … “he swims with the fishes” kinda thing. Jesus ain’t playin when it comes to folks causin other Christians to “stumble” in their walk ! I mean…we can expect a non-believer to act like they do.., stirring up trouble, enticing others to join em in their sin, pulling folks further from the truth of God’s word, etc; etc. … but when it comes to a believer ( a born-again Christian ) to be the one causing the trouble…well, that takes on a whole nother degree of consequences ! If you’re a Christian, it’d be wise to lean in and really listen to Jesus’ statement right here. Some of us think it’s OK to put down other believers … to talk about em behind their backs and to stir up dissension within the “body of Christ”. We’ve done it so much, we’ve grown accustomed to it ! Christians are held to a higher standard of living than the lost. They are carrying around the name above all names ( Philippians 2:9 ), therefore, the responsibility unto GOD rests on their shoulders ( of course, the Spirit of GOD resides within them ). Christians are to love God FIRST … then to love others … especially other brothers and sisters in Christ. If we’re putting each other down, how is that helping anybody !?! If we’re silently harboring hatred towards other believers, how does that build God’s kingdom in a way that promotes love and good will !?! To quote Wiersbe, “ In short, to love other Christians means to treat them the way God treats them—and the way God treats us.” To do any different, or, to oppose God’s truths and commands, is to be a stumbling block and a liar ( 1 John 2:9 ). We can “claim” to be Christlike…sing them hymns to the top o’ our lungs…attend services every time the doors are open, even teach Sunday School and keep the bed-babies, but if we’re knocking down our “supposed” brothers and sisters every chance we get, ( without a repentant heart and a broken and contrite spirit; Psalm 51-17 ) then we’re lying to ourselves and casting a false interpretation of Jesus ! And what did he say the consequences were ? “Better that we were swimmin with the fishes with concrete shoes.” I read a story here lately that went like this : A man who was walking down a dark street one night saw a pinpoint of light coming toward him in a faltering way. He thought perhaps the person carrying the light was ill or drunk, but as he drew nearer he could see a man with a flashlight carrying a white cane. “Why would a blind man be carrying a light ?”the man wondered, and then he decided to ask. The blind man smiled. “I carry my light, not so I can see, but so that others can see me.I cannot help being blind,” he said, “but I can help being a stumbling block.”

Out of Bounds

If you were to read ( Jeremiah 3:1-5 ), you’d hear God speaking through the prophet Jeremiah about “prostitution” as God sees it. Whether 2,000 plus years ago, or today, anything that “misaligns” our devotion to GOD, makes us a prostitute. When we step out of HIS boundaries and invite another ( other things ) to take HIS rightful place in our life, we have committed adultery and prostituted ourselves out. Now that we know, what will we do differently ? Listen to the latter part of verse 3 through verse 5 … “ yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to blush with shame. Haven’t you just called to me, “ My Father, my friend from my youth , will you always be angry ? Will your wrath continue forever ?” This is how you talk, but you ( continue to ) do all the evil you can.” I don’t hear remorse … i don’t hear a broken heart or a contrite spirit ( Psalm 51:17 ). Where, in God’s word, do we hear that He rewards those who live in utter defiance and disobedience !?! Lemme help you save some time … NOWHERE !! If we belong to GOD through belief and confession of Jesus as Lord ( Romans 10:9-10 ), we’ve stepped out of our “old” ways and took on “new” ways ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) … period. We should’ve died to self and put on Christ ( Colossians 3:3 )… living in abundance the life He died for. When did we get duped into believing He’s changed the rules !? There’s no doubt that many have “fallen away” from the faith that they once confessed…and many more will before Christ comes back to get His elect ( Matthew 24:10 ). Personally, I’ve heard very few actually say, “ Salvation ain’t for me anymore; I’m going back to the way I was” … but I’ve SEEN many that have, and it breaks my heart…for them and those they influence. God dont have a problem with removing His wrath from those that repent…but for the ones that choose other “grooms” over Him…it’s gonna be a sad day. Don’t be a prostitute … be the “bride” that makes Him smile while comin down that aisle.

Sent to Serve

“Have to” or “sent” ? I believe, far too often, we view our daily activities as more of a burden than an opportunity. Here’s what i mean…take “work” for example … we say things like, “I wish I didn’t haveta go to work” … “ I don’t mind my job, I just hate the drive” … and many times, we’ll anticipate problems before we’ve even SEEN the job at hand. It’s a pessimistic, negative attitude that’s detrimental to our physical health, mental health and spiritual health. By deciding in our hearts that “work” is more of a burden than an opportunity, we’ve devalued the very appointment God set up for us that day. The ride to work could be our best opportunity to pray for those that we’ve been assigned by God to lift up…to encourage. They may not know it, but they’ll definitely feel it ! God’s just been waiting on us to intercede for them. If it’s a health issue, pray for physical healing … If it’s their ride, pray for their transportation issues to be blessed … If it’s a job opportunity, pray that God will fill the spot. There’s SO many different situations and circumstances that call for the prayers of the righteous ( James 5:16 )…and God’s just waiting for His sons and daughters ( His “appointed” ) to accept the appointment and pray for those people and their needs. What about that opportunity at the store to just smile and say, “ Jesus loves you” or “ May God bless you” ? How many times does God haveta prompt us before we ACT on that prompting ?! His Spirit wants air, too … we need to be lettin Him “out” more, and not keepin Him to ourselves ( 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 ) . And WHAT ABOUT that job He’s given you ? Why view it in a negative manner and always complain about it ? If it’s where God’s planted / placed you…”sent” you…look at it as another opportunity to serve in whatever capacity He wants you to ! If we’d ALL remember that we’re working for HIM and not just for some human, maybe we’d accept the calling a little more graciously…thankful to be entrusted with such a responsibility ( Colossians 3:23-24 ) ! I believe with every new day, God has already assigned us opportunities to serve … I believe He’s also heard and seen the attitude of our hearts, knowing if we’ll accept the job with a willing spirit …or…we’ll do it with griping and complaining. How would it make you feel, as an employer, if your employees came to work with downcast faces, sullen attitudes and an unwillingness to be the salt and light that you implanted in them ? So, how do you think God feels ? Start anew, each morning … pray thanking God for another opportunity to serve ! Anticipate the GOOD THINGS that’ll come from the day … and see through the eyes of Christ the needs around you ! Somebody needs encouraging … somebody needs a hand … somebody needs the benefit of the talents that God’s gifted you with ! Be the one that quashes the negativity around you ! Bless the Lord’s heart by your gratefulness and joy ! Being called by God and sent by God for duty, oughta be viewed a privilege…not a burden. Lord, whatever comes our way today, help us to see it through your eyes. Give us the energy and gifts to do you a good job with it. And Lord, we call you “Lord” for a reason … YOU’RE the BOSS ! Help us to be good employees…in your eyes. In Jesus’ name we thank you for employing us… Amen.

Your Heart

Think about this … from the time you start your day, to the time you finish it, everything you do will originate from your heart. Your brain may be sending signals, your lungs producing the air that you’ll breathe , your blood flowing through miles of veins and arteries, but your decisions and choices will come from your heart. From what you’ll decide to wear, whether you brush your teeth or not , what you’ll eat for breakfast, whether you’ll watch reels or read your Bible, whether you’ll be pleasant or grouchy, if you’ll open that door for your sister or just take care of your own self, whether you’ll greet your coworkers and friends with a “What’s up” or “Good morning”, or you’ll let them do the talkin, what attitude you’ll have towards the tasks at hand, whether you’ll enhance the experience or extract from it, what you’ll eat for lunch, whether you’ll lie or stick to the truth, whether you’ll belittle or encourage, if you’ll go to the doctor to get well faster or procrastinate and keep spreading germs, if you’ll spend time with the ones you love or spend as much time as you can away from them, tip or not, witness or not, share the good things that God’s shared with you or not, testify about how good God is or not…etc; etc; etc;. We could go on and on with examples of activities and actions that make up our day-t-day goings on … and each one of em begins in our heart. God, through Solomon’s quill pen, wrote, “ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” ( Proverbs 4:23 ). If our heart is still the one we’re born with, everything we do will be for naught. Yeah, we may do a good deed occasionally, but for the most part, everything we do will have an alterior motive behind it. We’ll be examining the outcomes as whether they’re gonna benefit us in some way or another. Our meals won’t include the desires of others…it’ll be what we want. Vacation destinations will be decided by us, and recommendations from the rest of the family won’t really be taken into consideration. Decisions are already decided…by you…”your house-your rules”, no room for discussion. Our old hearts are hardened like granite…cold as steel…and we ain’t changin it no matter how much we try. But … if we’ll allow for change, God’ll give us a heart transplant ! He’ll remove our heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh … one that’s pliable … and He will begin the “plying” ( Ezekiel 36:26 ). This “new” heart will produce a new and improved “us” ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) ! Crying will be the norm…but the tears will be more from new awareness, joy, remorse and awe of God. Others will matter…we’ll be interested in their thoughts, their feelings and their happiness ( Philippians2:3 ). We’ll also want to see them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ so they’ll have a relationship that’ll earn dividends. We’ll be happy to go last. They can choose…and if it doesn’t break the bank or cause harm, so be it. Our choices and decisions will change dramatically … “Is this gonna glorify God ?” and “ Will this be a holy decision ?” will come to mind before we take our next steps. God uses the hearts of His people to carry out His will and good purposes. We will choose whether we stick with the old model we’re born with, or, we’ll trade it in for the modified , new and improved version. He’ll make us an offer we can’t refuse … He’s not the godfather…He’s Father GOD !

Naive

Are you a “naive” person … someone who’ll believe whatever they hear ? Listen to the definition of the word “naive” : ( of a person or action ) “showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment”. Y’ ever heard said, “ You can’t believe everything you hear” ? What about this one … “Well, it was on the internet, so it must be true.” ? People are gullible … easily misled … and yes, “ignorant”. They don’t know what they don’t know. So where can we gain “experience, wisdom, and “sound” judgment” ? Glad you asked ! I happen to know a Guy ! At the beginning of time as we know it, GOD ordained His creation to serve and glorify Him ( Colossians 1:16 ). His perfect plan included “provisions” … He didn’t create us and say,” Well, good luck. Figure it out for yourselves. Hope everything goes well for yall.” No ! He made us to serve…therefore, He supplies the necessary “tools” and “talents”…but we first, haveta be “transformed”. Transformation takes place once we open the door of our heart and invite Jesus to be our Lord and Savior ( Revelation 3:20; Romans 10:9-10 ). Without this, we won’t have THAT …and, we will remain ignorant and naive…believing every myth, lie and distortion of The Truth that comes along. God’s Word clearly states, “ In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing ( contemptuous ridicule or mockery ) and following their own evil desires. They deliberately forget signs and wonders given by God. God’s also provided prophecy that’s either been fulfilled, or, being fulfilled. His words / Scripture clearly spells out what He expects of us and what “to” expect. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, to their own destruction” ( 2 Peter3:1-16 ). For the life of me, i cannot understand why some people CHOOSE to remain ignorant … when GOD is RIGHT THERE waiting to give knowledge, understanding, wisdom, forgiveness, mercy, grace, gifts, talents, salvation, abundant life, spiritual insight, blessings, favor and the Helper ( His Holy Spirit ) !!! So…again…are you a naive person ? Do you lack wisdom and sound judgment ? If so, go to the Source … ( James 1:5-6 )…EVERYTHING , with one stop !

Object Lessons

I’m big on “object lessons” … whether they’re given to me personally or, or someone else is presenting them. It helps me see the cool ways God teaches…how He can take a created earthly object and teach a heavenly lesson ! It’s SO cool and it helps remind me just how BIG GOD is. Example : walk the beach and take note of ALL that sand … and be reminded of God’s promise to Abraham, who was so old and hadn’t been able to have kids…an heir. Sure he was disheartened ! Sure his wife was talked about behind her back and pitied ! But God !! He promised Abraham that one day, his ( Abraham’s ) descendants would be as many as the grains of sand on , not only the beaches but also in the deserts ( Genesis 22:17 ) … and look around you… we are all his descendants ! God dont lie !! — Watch birds. They flit around all over the place … whistlin their little tunes…providing us with much entertainment. I’ve spent several days at our training center in Ocean Springs these last two weeks, and while waiting for classes to start, I’ve parked in the nearest Walmart parking lot to do my Bible study…preparing for the day ahead. During these mornings, I’ve noticed something … the seagulls have learned that the beach ain’t the only place to find food. Many of em are hangin out waiting on someone to drop a morsel or two … maybe it’s a piece o’ biscuit…maybe some french fries or tater chips. I pondered this for a little bit … another of God’s object lessons … and i remembered what He said in ( Matthew 6:26 ) …” Look at the birds. Who do you think takes care of their needs ? Now, don’t you know that you are more important to GOD than these birds ? Therefore, trust Him to see to your needs, and stop worrying.” God gives us so many object lessons each and every day to remind us of His goodness, His magnificence and His love ! We just need to look for em and expect em ! Father, You are SOMETHIN ELSE ! Thank You for your subtle reminders that keep us in awe of You ! Thank You for your promises that prove Your love for us ! Thank You for Jesus and ALL that He’s made possible for us !

Your Job

Did you ever just stop and think of the magnitude of your job ? Seriously, it dont matter WHAT you do, but you’re an employee of GOD !! I’ve shared, and hold, Colossians 3:17, as one of my “life verses”…” Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…as if working for Him and not for man.” If we’ve believed and accepted God’s precious gift of salvation from sin through Jesus’ sacrificial death, burial and resurrection, then by the power vested in HIM, we’re His employee ! And since He’s the Boss, we oughta do whatever He wants us to. Placed wherever, to serve Him and to glorify the name above all names ! Wwhhhaaaattttt ?!?!?! If that dont fire you up and give you a reason to get out there and get after it, i don’t know what will ! Workin for God ! Equipped for service ! A new adventure every day ! So… how ‘s your resume read ? What’s your qualifications ? What skillsets have you got that makes you a good candidate for the position ? Here’s the kicker ! We all come into this “thing” called salvation, with the same credentials … NOTHING … NADA … ZILCH !!! “By grace through faith you have received … and even this is a gift from GOD” ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) !! Jesus paid it all and supplies it all !! But… each one of us has an obligation AFTERWARDS … we must not return to our old “us”( 2 Peter 2:22 )! We’ve been set free from all the things that caused all our troubles and deficiencies. Satan no longer “owns” us … no longer our “employer” … no longer our “daddy” ( 1 John 3:10 ). After becoming a “child of God” ( John 1:12-13 ), we’re clothed in “newness”( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) ! I believe, even if we’re not deacons, elders, teachers, pastors, or hold any other position of “authority”within the body, we still have the capability, as well as the responsibility, to “oversee” or “manage” our households and our areas of responsibility in a manner that coincides with the integrity our Lord would deem exemplary. Hear the description of a Christ-honorable person : blameless, not over-bearing, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not violent, not pursuant of dishonest gain. Rather, they must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. They must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it’s been taught , so they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” ( Titus 1:7-9 ). This is straight from the mouth of GOD, yall ! And i, personally, can’t say that i measure “up” , 100% of the time. It gives us a good indication of what God expects, though; right ? Being a good employee doesn’t mean we’re perfect … but it does mean we’re “aiming to be”… starting new every day with our goal towards “holiness”. “Be holy as your Father in heaven is holy” ( Matthew 5:48 ). Walk in the Spirit ( Galatians 5:16 ) and abide in Christ ( John 15:4-11 ). Like i said… it’s a heavy responsibility … it’s up to us to accept it ? Christianity ain’t meant for the wimpy.

Loving – Nasty

You ever known somebody who’s just so kind-hearted, good-natured and loving…but they’ also kinda nasty ? You know what I’m talkin bout … their hygiene ain’t took care of regularly and they got them cats all in the house all up on the kitchen counters. Sweet people … just nasty ! You have that family get-together…that “dinner-on-the-ground”, or that “pot-luck” thowdown, and you’re tryin t’ make sure you eyeball that dish they brought in… you and several others. Y’all wanna make sure you don’t get none o’ whatever they brought in. Love the person…just ain’t wantin no cat hairs in your thoat 🤪 ! Your rejection of their dish ain’t a reflection on the person … it’s just playin it safe…health reasons an all that. Politeness has its limitations; right ? Have you ever wondered how God must feel, when someone “rejects” Him ? I mean… He’s knocked on your door/their door so many times, His knuckles must be raw ( Revelation 3:20 ) ! He’s placed various believers in your/their path, and you/they keep avoiding them ! Songs on the radio were presented as a message of salvation and hope, but you/they changed the station…turned it off completely ! That time you/they gave in and attended a worship service somewhere, you/they zoned out on the message that God built for you/them, and left as empty as you went in. How would it make you feel … especially if you’ve tried over and over again ? “ How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace ?” Outright rejection of God and His redemption is one thing ( that’s gonna send you/us directly to hell )… but to deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth…! That’s another matter altogether ! Reject that casserole Miss “so-n-so” made … Reject that proposal or that invitation to go on that date … Reject the advances of that wierdo … Reject that “only $19.95” tv special offer … but DON’T reject God or His perfect plan of salvation ! Hear Him ( John 6:44 )…Go through Jesus ( John 14:6 )… and ACCEPT, BELIEVE and CONFESS ( Romans 10:9 )… then, live in obedience. That’s it !!

As A Child

Jesus said,” I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he/she is born again” ( John 3:3 ). “ I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” ( Matthew 18:3 ). OK … Here’s the million dollar question … Was kids back then any different than kids today ? Cuz yall…i know some kids…i WAS one way back when, and they ain’t the innocent little angels Jesus is makin em out t’ be in these two instances ! They’re selfish … they’re lazy … they’re messy … they scream and holler when everything ain’t perfect … they talk back and they’re needy…all the time ! So why is Jesus so hung up on our being like a little kid, so as to inherit His kingdom ? He must know something we don’t … see something we’ve missed. Let’s look a little deeper; shall we ? Think back … you’ve either had a child, a niece or nephew, a grandchild, or been in close proximity to one at one time or another. Shoot…maybe you’ve just watched a movie or tv show with one in it. Anyway, recall their entry into this world … naked and covered in slime, completely vulnerable, innocent as all get-out, hungry and dependent. Fast-forward a few weeks … you look into those tiny little eyes and wonder what they’re seeing…what they’re thinking … their tiny fingers clutch one of your fingers as if they really believe “you” are their lifeline. They have no way of getting their own nourishment, so they’re dependent on “you”. They’ll waller in their own filth, if “you” don’t clean em up. Yeah…they cry a lot…but it’s their way of communicating their needs…and “you” are who they’re trusting to meet those needs. See why Jesus says we must be born again … must change and become like a little child ? He knows, unless we “start over”, we ain’t never gonna be dependent, humble, submissive, trusting, or innocent. If a little child knows to cry out loud for their every need…because they know they’re gonna receive whatever that “need” is… then why won’t we ? When we reach and grab hold of our Father’s finger, He feels like the most important person in our lives … like He’s “somebody” … needed . And OH the love that He must have for us ! It’s immeasurable ! Just imagine … being loved by the One who created you ! And calling “you”, His son/daughter ! ( John 1:12, 3:1 )

Climbing

When i was a boy, i liked to climb. It didn’t matter what “it” was…I’d look at it as a challenge, something that was put there for me to conquer. Every high tree, in and around our property, got climbed … the backstop and goalposts at the ballfield got climbed … every set of stairs was a particular enticement because it provided an extra thrill when i climbed em on the outside of the handrail. I climbed water towers and cell towers, the small brick ledges jutting out from my aunt and uncles 2-story house, and one time, i climbed to the top of a tower in the center-court of the ol’ Jackson Mall…something the Boy Scouts had erected…( had to wait till my mama went into Gayfers before i went up it😁 ). Something bout “heights” got my adrenaline pumpin … and still does. I can just picture Jesus standing on the precipice of the highest point of the temple that day when Satan was trying to get him to sin. The devil told Jesus, “ If you are the Son of God, jump … for it is written,’ He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in your hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ “ Jesus answered him, “It’s also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’ .” ( Matthew 4:5-6 ) So often, we’ll be dared, or worse, double-dog dared, to do something foolish. Folks don’t wanna hurt themselves, but they don’t have a problem with someone else gettin hurt. People make good money off of other people’s idiotic behavior … just look at You Tube or Facebook Reels. Daredevil or dummy ( see? I’m learning not to write some of the things I’m tempted to write 😁 )… we do some pretty stupid things; right ? Why is that ?!? Most of the time, it’s a “pride” thing. We’d rather be recognized and bragged on by our peers than by God. It’s easier to live up to the world’s, and our peer’s expectations than it is to live up to God’s. We fear being ostracized or “left out”, therefore, we try to “blend in” and compromise as the need arises. So… what if Jesus hadda compromised ? What if he’d’ve “jumped”…just to prove that he wasn’t scared ? What if he’d’ve said, “ You know what ? Ya’ll wanna play god if yall want to…I’m goin home !” His humility outshined His heavenly prestige ( Philippians2:7 ). His love for humanity overruled His comfort . He was lifted up on an old rugged cross to die for something He didn’t deserve to die for … “us”… but that didn’t stop him ! He rose to defeat hell, the grave ( 1 Corinthians15:55-58 ), and the sin that holds many of us hostage … and offers us the same opportunity ! If we’d climb down off our high places and humbly submit to His Lordship, we could experience freedom and peace like we never thought possible ( John 8:36 ) ! We wouldn’t have anything to prove, because Jesus already proved it ( John 16:33 ) for us ! Answer Satan’s temptations with the truth contained in God’s word. Jesus did… and ain’t we spose t’ be followin His example ?

Handcuffed

While driving the almost-empty Beach Boulevard in Ocean Springs, Ms early this morning, i came upon a scene normally witnessed on the tv program, “Cops”. Two officers were having to handcuff a young man ( that didn’t wanna be handcuffed ), who supposedly broke the law in some way or another. It wasn’t hard to hear the suspect cussing and vowing to sue the two officers who were just doing their jobs. Funny…I’ve never been handcuffed, taken to jail or even “whooped” for somethin i “didn’t” do. This episode brought to mind the words of our Lord …” Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there’s no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” ( Romans 13:1 ). Evidently, that young man hadn’t recognized these words of God, hadn’t heard em or else he decided in his heart that those words didn’t apply to him. Either way, he wasn’t going to be leaving in the car he “came in” or rest his head on the pillow he woke up on … at least for a little while. Listen to what God has to say about it : “ Consequently, he who rebels AGAINST the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so WILL bring judgment on themselves” ( Romans 13:2 ). So…when we decide to run that red, go over the posted speed limits, talk back to our parents, run illegal tint, create undue noise pollution , disrespect our spouse, cheat on our taxes, talk bad about our president, etc; etc; etc;, we are in fact, REBELLING AGAINST GOD and subjecting ourselves to HIS judgement !😳😳😳!!! I don’t know about you, but this is a serious matter ! Being “judged” by God can ( and will ) have some serious consequences. His mercies are new every morning ( Lamentations 3:23 )… His grace is always sufficient ( 2 Corinthians12:9 )… He’s faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins, but He’s also “just”… He HAS to dole out discipline and punishment like any good daddy that loves his child ( Hebrews12:5-6 ). Have you noticed, if you “get away” with an infraction against authority, the more likely you’ll lose even more respect for it and continue to disobey it ? My parents knew i was a special case, therefore, they loved me and did not withhold the necessary discipline when the need arose. Like i said earlier, i can’t remember a single whoopin i didn’t deserve. If we’d all just obediently follow God’s commands, precepts and statutes…intent on glorifying Him and His name… we’d find life more enjoyable and beneficial. The tv show,”Cops” would probably have to go off the air due to its boring content 😄.

It’s Personal

Listen to the definition of the word, “personal” : “ Of, affecting, or belonging to a particular person rather than to anyone else. Of or concerning one’s private life, relationships, and emotions rather than matters connected with one’s public or professional career.” Lately, I’ve been aware of how we’re getting further and further from the “personal” connections that were once commonplace. Examples: Instead of talking on the phone, one-on-one, more emails are used. Go to a fast-food restaurant…the employees cooking, preparing and serving, aren’t taking orders at the counter, much less giving us the “welcome to _____. Can I take your order?” anymore … there’s that aggravating kiosk where you haveta place your own order. God help us … navigating these things automatically makes my pressure go up ! Go to any Walmart, Home Depot or Lowe’s and try t’ find an employee … they’ve either found the perfect hiding places or else their faces are so buried in their cellphones, they “don’t have time” to help the very people who spend money in their establishments. I guess that’s why Amazon is so successful … just order from home, get it off the porch when you feel like stretching your legs. It’s pitiful ! And what about those self-checkouts ?! You do all the work yourself, and then the cardreader asks you for a survey on your experience ! And many of em try to make you slip up and “tip”, even though they never came back to your table to see if you needed more water or tea ! Fortunately for us, God’s interpretation/definition of “personal” doesn’t “exclude”…it “includes”. We just haveta get it in the correct order. We can continue the downward spiral of remaining “our” own boss and living to please “ourselves”. We can even continue choosing where “we’re” gonna go, what “we’re” gonna do and tell ourselves that nobody will ever be the boss of “me”, now that we’re out from under our parent’s house-rules. “Self” ain’t always a “bad” thing … we need to be self aware that it ain’t about “us”. We also need to be self conscious of the paths we’re about to take … cause plenty of em contain traps and snares. It’s also wise to practice self-control. Going “overboard” in most situations or activities will lead to poor health, busted relationships or consequences that leave us wondering how we got so far off the tracks. GOD says, “ I’ve got a better plan…come to me, all yall who are tired of doin it your way and gettin the same results…I’ll give you rest ( Matthew 11:28-30 ). Start a relationship with me through my Son, Jesus, and let me prove to you that my way is better ( John 14:6 ). If you’ll seek me with all your heart, you’ll find me. Draw near to me and I will draw near to you ( Jeremiah 29:13; James 4:8 ). Let’s begin a “personal” relationship that will have EVERYTHING t’ do with ALL your other relationships. I’ll help you find your place in this life and have a place reserved for you in the next ( John 14:3 ). I’ll never leave you to ‘figure things out on your own’, and I will fight ‘for you’ ( Hebrews 13:5; Exodus 14:14 ). We’ll do life together, and I’m gonna show you what it’s like to do it in ABUNDANCE ( John 10:10 ) ! “ “Personal” … the word takes on a new meaning when we begin a personal relationship with GOD through faith in Jesus Christ ! He proves it EVERY day.

Partners

“Partner in crime” … It’s been a “thing” for as long as i can remember … and it refers to someone who collaborates with another, either in illegal activity or playful, mischievous schemes. I refer to my wife, Pennye Jacobs Lewis, with this endearment, at times…for the simple fact that we’ve partnered in some pretty crazy activities over our 45 years together. Been alotta laughin … alotta great adventures … alotta great memories made … but, there’s also been alotta “tears” … happy and joyful tears, as well as sad and heartbreaking tears. Therefore, she’s not only my “partner in crime”, she’s also my “partner in cryin”. And that’s OK . GOD created us to cry, as well as laugh. And don’t we cry for alotta different reasons ? Shoot…I’ll catch myself laughin over the memory of a bygone family member…maybe somethin they said, somethin they once did … and next thing i know, I’m cryin while I’m still grinnin. It’s funny enough, but sad that they’re not still around to share the memory with me. We cry when our kids are goin through hard times … even though we know God’s refining them…testing them…proving up their faith in Him ( James 1:1-4 ). It still hurts us when they’re hurting or struggling…so yeah, we cry. Seeing tragedy befall others…strangers…breaks our hearts and causes us to cry. We don’t know why bad things happen to innocent people, but it does ( Matthew 5:45-47 )…and good or bad, we’re told to pray for them and administer service when we’re able ( Matthew 25:40 ). We see tears at weddings, as well as, funerals. We cry when the pain is unbearable, and we cry when relief comes … whether for ourselves or, the ones we love. Some of us cry easily … some of us, only when no one is around. God cried. He cried when He knew He was about to call His friend back from the grave … i like t’ believe He cried because He knew what Lazarus was experiencing … and He hated to take that from him ( John 11:20-44 ). On another occasion, Jesus stood looking out over Jerusalem and muttered to himself, “If only yall woulda accepted me…but you choose instead to forfeit forgiveness of sin and the salvation of your souls”…and tears went down His cheeks ( Luke 19:42 ). See ? It’s ok to cry … Jesus did. In fact, our sacrifice unto God is a broken and contrite heart and spirit that He will not despise ( Psalm 51:17 ). Being a “partner in cryin” doesn’t make us look weak … it’s God’s way of showing that our hearts are still tender and pliable. A hardened heart cannot be penetrated … but Jesus has the remedy for that, too ( Ezekiel 36:26 ) ! Get you a “partner in cryin” … you’ll never get over it !

 

 

Strength

Where do you go for your strength ? Alotta times, where we “go for it”, may not be the best source. We tend to return to what we know…what works…maybe what someone else said works for “them” … and well still wind up feeling empty, alone and unloved . One o’ my sons is into strength conditioning, losing some unhealthy weight and just overall, gettin in better shape. He hasn’t been “at it” long, but he’s remained committed to…and the results are obvious…his belly is looking more like mine did back in my 20’s. My attention span won’t allow me to exercise like i used to. My equilibrium ain’t what it used to be. I’m just suffering from that “chestodrawers” syndrome … my chest has done dropped toward my drawers … and I’ve built a substantial shed over em😄. Hear all them lame excuses ? Truth is, i like my sweets ( that’s why i love my Pennye Jacobs Lewis so much 😍 ) and i can’t stand goin to a gym. So where do i … where do you, get your strength ? If we’re to believe some of our friends, it may be that “bottle”…those “pills” or that other illicit drug of choice. It could be money, prestige, power or “things”. Material possessions can be very stimulating and give us a false sense of security and strength. What about “food” ? We’ve used that as our source of strength for ages … we even label it as “comfort food” at times. How did we ever get so off-track ?!? We were created by God and for God … period. ( Colossians 1:16 ) Every time we go outside His boundary lines and search for our strength from any other source, we set ourselves up for disappointment, for failure…and GOD and GOD alone can “fix us”. ( 2 Chronicles 16:9 ) would remind us : “ For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” Since there’s no way we can escape His sight, why don’t we try it His way more…and see if He will give us, not only the physical strength we’re needing, but also the mental and spiritual strength we so need ?! He will do His part, but He expects us to do ours also. “The LORD will remain faithful even when we’re faithless ( 2 Timothy 2:13 ). How committed are you to the things and people that have disappointed you and let you down ? I heard a resounding, “Too much !”. So…why don’t we try it “God’s way”? He has never disappointed or ever lied ! And He can supply the strength we need to get through any and all areas of this life’s journey. Just trust Him ! Stay focused and fully committed to Him ! And may He bless you !