losing heart?

2 Corinthians 4: 16

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

On Friday morning I celebrated my 59^th birthday by going duck hunting.

The ducks were very accommodating, but I’m not the crack pot shot I used to be.

Suffice to say, the ducks survived to see another day.

As I sat over the water in almost disbelief, even I had to crack smile at the obvious.

I’m certainly not the same person I was say, twenty (20) years ago.

When my Dad turned 87, he almost got old overnight.

This... “never say die”, man, suddenly got old...or maybe it was the first time I noticed.

Do you ever think about growing old?

There are times that I wonder what I’ll look like...and what I’ll act like.

I also wonder where I’ll be living, and what on earth I’ve accomplished in my life that truly mattered.

Some are fearful about walking through the aging process, in part because there are so many unknowns.

The Word of God though, can bring an element of comfort as it has to do with the future.

By today’s standards, I’m not a one bit old, but I’m encouraged to just take it one day at a time.

Starting today, I’m going to live every moment to the maximum.

And no...I’ll never be ready for a rocking chair, and please don’t throw a shawl over my shoulders either

Deep Fellowship!

Proverbs 17: 17      NKJV

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

                                                                                                                                                                 

The Bible sure does say a lot about what true friendship should look like.

I can’t say that I have tons of friends, but I wonder sometimes how I measure up, when it comes to being a friend?

I had lunch yesterday with a brother in Christ. I think we both allowed the other to peer into each other’s heart.

Not one of us dominated the conversation, but I had this feeling like we were there for each other.

I realize that’s almost feminine lingo for a couple of macho guys.

But if feels good to be needed, and it feels even better to be heard.

How often do you take emotional risks with a friend?

For a guy, that’s a pretty tall order.

I’ve had friendship with other guys that were more make believe, than they were the real deal.

But real friendship can go deeper, and it shows a little more loyalty, like a brother would have with another brother.

I guess a friend in need...is a friend indeed. Where have I heard that before?

In life, there will always be fair weather friends, but as often as I can, I try to be the real thing...and look for the real thing.

A sincere quality of true friendship, is providing honest counsel.

The friends I have, I allow them to help shape my character. Yesterday I was honored to be shaped, and offer some shaping.

I guess you could say the friends I generally keep, are the ones that survive through thick...and thin...

A sign!

Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying,

“Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

                                                                                                                                         

It seems as though this is the time of year for preparation.

Sorry to be the first to say it...but that 6 letter word isn’t all that far away. (Winter-Daylight Savings time is on 11/6)

I’m watching the squirrels in our yard gather things, and the days are getting shorter.

But please don’t shoot the messenger!!

Jesus talked about an event that we should all be preparing for.

Jesus said that one day He will rule with a rod iron, and He’s going to set up a new form of government.

It won’t be at the White House, it’ll be in God’s House, in Jerusalem.

I think we could use that iron rod any day now. Our current government seems to be in a bit of trouble.

Do you believe that? I truly hope that you do.

We’re certainly living in the last days of civilization as we know it to be.

Jesus told us what we should be watching for, right?

False prophets...numerous wars...famine...diseases...earthquakes.

Paul said that during the last days, there would also be these people signs...lovers of money...lovers of self...unthankful...unholy...unforgiving...just to name a few.

I’m think we should all be making the necessary preparations...because those days might be closer than we think!!

Modesty!

1 Timothy 2: 8 - 9   NKJV

⁸ I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

⁹ in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel...

Once the Donald Trump video from 11 years ago hit the air waves, people had a shocking reaction.

I’m not at all trying to justify his remarks or response, but isn’t this exactly the effect the fashion industry was looking for?

I have a friend who instructs and teaches college age children.

This person asked specifically the girls, why many of them wear the type of clothing they do, and the response isn’t so surprising.

“So we get a second look from the boys...”

I used to share a modesty message with my church, right when the summer weather arrived.

It was for men and women alike. I never enjoyed serving communion, to a lady who was wearing something quite revealing.

I know, I know...I’m a dirty old man who needs to get in touch with the times.

If it’s all the same to you, I very much like the old fashioned approach.

I get it, modesty is a fairly controversial topic.

I have to wonder if God really cares about a young gal who wears tight fitting clothing with the word... “juicy”, appliquéd on them?

Modesty is primarily about motivation, and modesty is also about discernment.

If a husband is supposed to be the one to lead and teach his wife spiritually, it might be a good idea that he’s the only one who sees her provocative attire.

Actually, what we (men and women) wear in public, says an awful lot about whom we worship...

Silent Treatment?

Psalm 102: 1 - 2     NKJV

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come to You.
Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble

We seem to live in a world where there’s continual noise.

Frankly, watching last night’s Vice Presidential Debate was quite annoying, distracting and noisy for me.

I wonder if lots of noise is something that we’ve just gotten used to?

God forbid that when there’s silence, we might not know how to handle it.

There are times when I ask people to stop for silent prayer during our church service.

Folks move around and fidget, and shift in their seats. Silence makes many of us sort of anxious.

When God is silent towards us, that also makes people pretty uncomfortable.

I mean, why would God speak to some people, and not others?

The truth is, the church doesn’t know how to handle the silent treatment from God.

Job didn’t hear from God for 37 straight chapters, and then God came through in chapter 38.

So is God really silent, or have we on the other hand, tuned Him out?

Maybe because we’ve got way too many distractions in life, we’ve lost the communication signal.

Is it possible that we’ve stopped hearing from God, because we won’t take time to be quiet long enough?

We have to train ourselves to be quiet, so we’re able to listen for His still small voice...

Reminisce!

Deuteronomy 5: 15

¹⁵ And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm...

Yesterday I had lunch with two (2) daughters of a saint (Crystal Tschetter) from our church that passed away some 2+ years ago.

It was honestly one of the most treasured times for me, just to recall and reminisce about the precious heart of this dear lady.

God has given us a weekly day to remember and reminisce.

The Sabbath was given to us by God to stop and remember, and consider His goodness.

And yet, not many see the true importance of stopping and remembering.

The Sabbath was a time for the children of Israel to stop and recall the goodness of God.

How often do you stop and reminisce about God’s favor?

Have we all become too busy, to stop and recall the display of God’s mighty hand of protection?

The Sabbath gives us an ample opportunity to look back and remember.

Is that pretty standard protocol for you?

I like to take a walk down memory lane, so I can recall and remember the many ways that God has worked in my life.

The practice of a regular Sabbath helps us to be intentional about telling stories of God’s faithfulness.

Maybe we should stop and consider routinely, how valuable our relationship with the Father is...

“Help me, O God, to regularly remember, reminisce and celebrate all that You have done for me through your Son, Jesus.

Thank you for His life, death, burial and resurrection! Amen.”

Nothing!

John 15: 5

“...for without me you can do nothing...”

I don’t often get into nursing homes, but they seem to be a painful place to exist.

Even putting a fork or spoon to your mouth, can be somewhat trying and taxing.

Those nursing home residents are totally reliant upon someone else.

People who live a life mostly without Jesus, are paralyzed, but some don’t even realize it.

Did you know this morning that our next breath, isn’t at all reliant upon us?

The follower of Jesus that grows and produces fruit, can only do so as they abide.

And yet so many believe that they can accomplish much, without having to be close to Jesus.

Only a person who solely lives in Christ, are the ones who see a return on their investment.

Only as we live in Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost, are we profitable people.

How is your spiritual profitability these days?

Have you considered your own neediness and paralysis, or are you reliant on self?

People who refuse to abide in Jesus, will one day spend their eternal existence in wretchedness.

What are you personally choosing these days, that it no way compares to Jesus?

Sunday’s are filled with a plethora of choices. Did you choose Jesus yesterday, or did you choose something...“better”?

The measure God uses to identify a true believer in His Son, is righteousness.

How would you say your righteousness measures up today?