Psalm 63 “Could you be happy without God?” This question was first introduced to me in a book by Christian author John Eldridge. He is an outdoors man who loves to fish, hike and get close to nature. At one point in his life, he was out West on a trout stream in a lovely little valley. There was beauty in the hills, the forest, the stream. There was solitude away from the hustle and bustle of life. The fishing was good. Everything seemed perfect. Why couldn’t he just stay here and enjoy this for the rest of his life? But as he was drinking in all the happiness of the moment, he realized that he had made a terrible omission. God was not even in his thoughts. And the question hit him like the proverbial “slap in the face”: Could I be happy without God? This is a solemn question. This is actually the question of life. This is the question to which the world tries its best to get you to answer “Yes!” If you don’t think you could answer “yes” to this question, put yourself in a place such as Eldridge was - a place where you are perfectly content doing something which you absolutely love to do. What is it for you? Fishing (like Eldridge)? Shop for antiques? Play golf? Watch movies? Shoot guns? Read novels? Go birding? Bake? Tend your garden? Travel? Decorate your home? Collect coins? Listen to music? Play music? Woodworking? Binge watch your favorite show? Play video games? Restore that old Plymouth? Watch sports? Play sports? Doom scroll? When you were engaged in your favorite pursuit, did you ever have the thought, like Eldridge, that you just wished you could do this for the rest of your life? Be careful. The devil knows how to entice us. He knows our weaknesses. The Psalmist has a different focus: “O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” So, could you be happy without God? ><> Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11 Here is yet another sampling of the quotes and sayings I’ve collected over the years. Read, ponder, wonder and be blessed! > Sin is not only the cause of the rupture between God and us; it is the rupture. - Jim McGuiggan > Error is always in a hurry. - English proverb > No woman wants to be analyzed, and many marriages fail because the man insists on treating her as a problem to be solved, rather than a mystery to be known and loved. - John Eldredge > The melody of a song is the transport mechanism for the song’s message. > ...the compulsive pursuit of pleasure (of all sorts) is the most common human response to distress. - Dr Jeffrey Satinover > The mind will never be empty. If it isn’t filled with truth, it will be filled with myths and lies. > We are free in Christ, but not independent. > My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!” - John Newton > A good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help someone else up. > We are so far from home! ><> Jeff

Proverbs 15:16-17 Throughout our lives, we are all faced with making choices. At times we all must make some choices which carry a lot more weight than others. We’re talking about choices involving such things as integrity, goodness, honor, truth and righteousness. The devil has a way of forcing us into various situations (often we help him out!) to make us choose between two positions: righteous and honorable or evil and dishonorable. These choices are rarely just intellectual or philosophical exercises but are set within the framework of the events and circumstances of our lives. They are choices which directly and personally affect us, our families and our congregations. Eve was made to choose between honoring God and His word or eating the forbidden fruit which appealed to her personal desires. Joseph had to choose between not sinning against God or enjoying the intimacies of Potiphar’s wife. So, let’s consider some of these choices. Which is better ... ...faithfulness to your spouse or an exciting secretive affair with somebody who seems like a lot of fun? ...a little with peace or a lot with disorder and chaos? ...a smaller house and bank account or a luxury home and fat wallet built upon the backs of a neglected wife and children? ...playing by the rules or cheating a little bit and winning? ...truth with some trouble or lies with approval? ...honor with loss or shame with treasure? ...keeping one’s integrity or losing a friend? ...giving or getting? ...working to help one’s church grow or sitting idly by and enjoying the fruits of others’ labors? ...sacrifice for the Lord or ease with abundance? ...Jesus or the world? God lets us choose. How do you choose? ><> Jeff

Isaiah 45:18-19 What if ... ...water did not dissolve salt or sugar? ...the sky were orange, and leaves and grass were red? ...food had no taste? ...wasps were two feet long? ...there were no moon or stars? ...you could only see six feet in front of you? ...the sun shone for only four hours a day? ...there were no flowers? ....you had to drink four gallons of water per day to survive? ...there were no coal, oil or natural gas? ...the wind blew continually at 30 miles per hour or more? ...you needed one acre of ground to grow one tree? ...water weighed 50 pounds per gallon? ...nothing would burn? ...everything would burn? Well, we could continue this little exercise as they say, “until the cows come home.” The point is that God made this planet and surrounding universe so that the people He created could live and flourish on it. As scientists will attest, so many things are “just right” for humanity to live here. The earth’s distance from the sun, the moon’s distance from the earth, the tilt of the earth on its axis, the atmosphere, and a host of other particulars have all been established within a very narrow range of parameters for the habitability of planet Earth. The odds that it all just “happened” that way are astronomical! God designed it for the human race. So the next time you are trying to decide if it will be a burger, wings or a BLT; the next time you watch a hummingbird dip into a flower; the next time you get into your vehicle to go to the mall to buy a pair of shoes or to the hardware store for a gallon of paint; the next time you have that first sip of coffee in the morning (or whatever you have) - remember: It was all brought to you by our awesome God! ><> Jeff

Luke 12:16-21 Throughout his life, the business of a certain middle class man had been very profitable. He had more than enough money, so he thought to himself: “What shall I do with all the wealth which I have accumulated?” So he set about making plans for his future. He upgraded his house, putting in new heating and cooling systems along with a new roof and windows. He added a new farm-house style kitchen, a rec-room with home movie theater and a downstairs bedroom complete with bath and shower. He put in an in-ground swimming pool with adjacent exercise room. He purchased the latest in computer systems complete with wi-fi and satellite technology, and installed interconnected video screens in every part of his house. He had his broker overhaul his IRA and other investment accounts while adding gold as well so he would have plenty of income in his later years. He double checked that his social security account was in order. He purchased extra medical insurance for cancer coverage and long term care. He employed a fitness coach to help him with his exercise program and hired a chef/dietician to prepare healthful meals for him. He went to his doctor and got a battery of tests to discover if he had any health issues (he did not). He purchased a fishing boat, all the latest fishing equipment and a small cabin on his favorite lake. He bought a new SUV and a small pick-up truck with all the latest safety and electronic wizardry. He outfitted his workshop with all new power tools and purchased a new lawn tractor and an off-road side-by-side. When all of this was done, he said to himself, “Man, you have everything you need now and are set for life. Time to take it easy, kick back and just enjoy the ride.” But in a few days, God came to him in a dream, and God said: “You poor misguided child of mine! Tonight you soul will be required of you. What good will all of these things be for you then?” For which future are you preparing? ><> Jeff

Ephesians 1:3; 3:8 Often when we think of blessings from God, we think of things such as food on the table, job, family, good health, etc. Such things are truly blessings from God, and we need to remember that. But Paul writes of the “unfathomable riches of Christ” and how that “the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ ... has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” These blessings are of a spiritual nature, i.e. they have to do with our soul/spirit and our relationship with our heavenly Father who, in fact, is spirit in nature (John 4:24). So, what are some of these spiritual blessings? > The forgiveness of our sins > Adoption as sons of God > Gift of the Holy Spirit > The righteousness of Christ > Eternal life > Fellow heirs with Christ > Reconciliation with God > Answered prayers in the name of Jesus > Redemption by the blood of Christ > Freedom from guilt > Freedom from the power of the devil > Hope of the resurrection > Members of the church, the family of God > The sword of the Spirit, Word of truth > Fellowship with Christ and all other saints > Continual shepherding by the Lord Jesus > Freedom from law > Participation in the Lord’s Supper > Angels minister on our behalf > Privileged to be a disciple of Christ Jesus Can you name any more? ><> Jeff

1 Corinthians 11:27-32 We just received the notice for the annual “termite inspection” for our house. Several years ago, we had termites (i.e., our house, not us! - no comments, please), and we had to employ a service to get rid of them and then give us an annual check-up in case they return. We all get regular check-ups on many things in life, especially our vehicles and our bodies. Most of us also keep a close eye on our bank accounts to see what condition they are in. If we don’t, that can cause us quite a bit of trouble. But how well do we do in checking our spiritual selves? In his instructions about eating the Lord’s supper, Paul admonished the Corinthian church for each person to “examine himself.” Here in our assembly we provide a quiet period for meditation before the supper. Obviously, we think about Jesus, His crucifixion and resurrection at that time. But we also need to think about ourselves. (Read the entire text yourself.) Are we in the right frame of mind today? Does something in my life need corrected? Have a been devoted to the Lord lately or following worldly pursuits? The Lord’s supper is not a sacrament or avenue of worship, but a refocus and remembering of my Lord, His saving me, and my relationship with Him as well as my brothers and sisters in the body. But examining our spiritual selves is not something to be done only on Sunday morning. In fact, if we’re doing it on a regular basis, a “before the supper” examination would hardly be needed. In every New Testament letter, exhortations and admonitions abound for the readers to heed the words of the writer about growing in Christ, putting off sin, being involved in good works, etc. The words of God are not simply to be absorbed but to be personally applied. Our self-examination must be honest with a desire to please our Lord. As David wrote: “Search me, O God, and know my heart ...and see if there be any hurtful way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24). We should acknowledge any “hurtful” ways and ask God to help us work them out. If godly ways are found, rejoice in the Lord! Don’t let the termites eat away your house. ><> Jeff

Galatians 4:1-5 God oversees the workings of men and nations on the earth. He works within history. Some people want to deny this, but we know it’s true. How do we know? God Himself has told us. He told the prophet Habakkuk (1:5-6) that He was “raising up the Chaldeans” to come and chastise Judah for her unfaithfulness. (Actually, the prophet has a difficult time believing that God would do this, but that’s another story.) How did He do that without violating long-established truths, especially the free will of mankind and the character of God Himself? To me this remains a mystery, but must fall within the purview of God’s right to govern His creation. His ways are unfathomable (Romans 11:33) but altogether righteous (Psalm 145:17). When Abraham lied about his wife Sarah to Abimelech, how did God keep him from coming near Sarah? - Genesis 20:6 When Abraham’s servant went back to Abraham’s people to find a wife for Isaac, how is it that the first maiden to come out to him at the well did exactly as he had prayed and was from Abraham’s family? - Genesis 24:12-26 How is it that God is said to have sent Joseph to Egypt as a slave even though Joseph’s brothers actually did the evil deed? - Genesis 45:4-8 How is it that Moses happened to be pasturing Jethro’s flock on the slopes of Mt. Horeb (Sinai), which is actually quite a distance from Midian? - Exodus 3:1 How is it that King Ahasuerus happened to be restless on a certain night and happened to want to read from the book of record, and it happened that an account of Mordecai’s good deed was read even as Mordecai’s enemy was coming to the palace? - Esther 6:1-5 How is it that “when the fulness of the time came” that in a certain town called Bethlehem (as prophesied) a certain Child was born who came to fulfill over three hundred prophecies and provide the human race with an opportunity for eternal life? Not totally sure. But, oh so thankful! ><> Jeff

Colossians 1:9-10 Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is called “Lord.” He is affirmed “Lord of all” (Romans 10:12), and He sits at the right hand of the Father reigning in His kingdom. Lord speaks of authority: synonyms are ruler and master. We would do well to remember that if we want Jesus as our Savior we should also want Him as our Lord whose example and teachings will guide us in all we do. If Jesus is Lord... > ...in my life, I will seek to honor Him in how I live. > ...in my home, words of truth and love will be spoken. > ...in my house, I will keep it clean and welcoming. > ...in my kitchen, flavorful, healthy food will be prepared there for my family and guests. > ...in my garage, I will keep my vehicles well-maintained and ready for use. > ...in my yard, I well keep it neat and attractive. > ...in my workplace, I will put in a good day’s work and be helpful to fellow workers. > ...in my schooling, I will study hard, do the assignments and work to better myself. > ...in my thinking, I will work hard to keep out evil thoughts and to be guided by God’s word in how I think. > ...over my computer and cell phone, I will avoid visual and verbal interactions which incite lust, hatred and greed. > ...over my money, I will spend wisely and give generously. > ...on the highway, I will drive courteously and safely. > ...over my body, I will maintain good health and treat my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. > ...when I’m in the assembly, I will worship in spirit and truth and give encouragement to my brothers and sisters. > ...over my day, I will be alert for opportunities to do good. If Jesus is Lord... ><> Jeff

John 10:10 Jesus tells His disciples (and us) that He came so that “they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Certainly the Lord has eternal life in mind, but He doesn’t only have eternal life in mind. Jesus’ life was filled with too much goodness and blessing to others; and our own life experiences tell us that He has more than eternal life in view. But how many of us truly appreciate Jesus’ words and seek to live our lives to the full with “our cups running over”? Life is an opportunity - seize it. Life is a gift - open it. Life is a blessing - receive it. Life is a journey - take it. Life is dream - follow it. Life is an adventure - get into it. Life is a song - sing it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a joy - celebrate it. Life is a sorrow - feel it. Life is a puzzle - unravel it. Life is a struggle - wrestle with it. Life is a quest - complete it. Life is a banquet - taste it. Life is a dance - move with it. Life is a task - do it. Life is a wonder - marvel at it. Life is a conversation - join it. Life is a battle - engage it. Life is a mountain - climb it. Life is a new land - explore it. Life is a love - embrace it. So, ask yourself this question: Am I living an abundant life, or just hangin’ out? Hmmm? ><> Jeff

Luke 6:27-28 One day I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, “Why did you just do that? That guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!” This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call “The Law of the Garbage Truck.” He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage – frustration, anger, disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. Don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don’t take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don’t. – via mikeysfunnies.com Jesus would agree with the taxi driver but takes it to another level: “...love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This isn’t easy to do and must be learned as a person grows in Christ. But to return good for evil (Romans 12:21) has a two-fold blessing. It brings a fulfilling joy, and it honors our heavenly Father. Oh, and there’s one final take-away from our “Law of the Garbage Truck.” Don’t be a “garbage truck!” Take care of your “garbage” before it piles up. Jesus will help you do that, too. ><> Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11 Here’s another sampling of the wise sayings and quotes I’ve compiled over the years. Read, ponder, enjoy and be blessed! > Why do we spend hours on our screens but only minutes on our knees? > People who say “I wish I had time to read” are not readers. > ... if one does not know where he is going, is it any wonder that he does not know that he is lost? – Ravi Zacharias > If your church left town overnight, would it be missed? – Roy Kent > It is noteworthy that whenever the Future comes, it is always wearing Today’s clothes. > The church must be led to dream again because to stand still is to die. > Everything less than the cross is a tragic underestimation of sin. – Jim McGuiggan > We should consider that worshiping God is more for our benefit than His. > The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life. – Muhammad Ali > The modern world has scrambled things so badly that today we worship our work, we work at our play, and we play at our worship. – Os Guinness ><> Jeff