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John 10:7-10 “...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” As the Good Shepherd, Jesus spoke these words to assure His flock that He will protect them from enemies and also provide for their needs. Even though Jesus will lay down His life for the sheep and thus give them opportunity for eternal life, His words also affirm that He wants His disciples to have an abundant life while they live on the earth. And if He wants us to experience such a life, He will help us live that life to the full. So... ...work like you don’t need the money. ...play like you don’t need the time. ...hug like you can’t let go. ...dance like nobody’s watching. ...sing like nobody’s listening. ...forgive like you’ve not been hurt. ...listen like you know nothing. ...speak like you have words worth hearing. ...rejoice like your future is guaranteed. ...pray like you’ll get what you ask for. ...worship like God is in the room. ...smile like you know a secret. ...laugh like you can’t help it. ...cry like it’s the last time. ...sleep like you have no cares. ...give like you have too much. ...receive like you have nothing at all. ...love like God loves you. ...plan like you have all year. ...live like there is no tomorrow. ...proclaim like Somebody’s coming. ><> Jeff

Luke 5:27-32 Leftovers are a regular fare at our house. Both of us enjoy them. There are several reasons I like leftovers. First off, they taste just as good (if not better) the second time around after all of the seasonings and juices have had a chance to really permeate the food. Second, leftovers do save money. I can’t image just throwing the food away. Third, and most importantly, leftovers allow Shirley to put a good meal on the table without near as much work as preparing something for the first time. If you recall, Jesus had the disciples pick up the leftovers after He fed the five thousand (John 6:12-13) saying “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” The spiritual application? The world doesn’t care for leftovers, but God loves them. After Jesus called Levi the tax collector to follow Him, Levi made a great feast for Jesus, and many were assembled in the house. However, the scribes and Pharisees complained because so many “tax collectors and sinners” were present. They did not want to associate with these outcast and “low lifes,” these “leftovers” of society. They did not want to become contaminated (become unclean) by being at the same table with them. But listen to Jesus’ words: “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Jesus wanted the leftovers. These sinners had been rejected as hopeless and of no value. Among the self-righteous, there was no love for them. They were willing just to let them continue in their sinful practices and disobedience. But Jesus wanted these rejects of the world. Those shunned by self-righteous churches and “pious” Christians are those whom the Lord cherishes. Jesus loves every person and died for all, but those who have been rejected by their own human family seem to have a special place in His heart. After all, He Himself was rejected by His own people and abandoned by His disciples. The world hated Him. It still does. The Lord loves leftovers. Do you?

John 7:37-38 It isn’t as if God isn’t trying to reach us. Nobody can rightfully claim that God has hidden Himself from the human race. In fact, if any one thing can be demonstrated over and over again in the march of history, it is that God has been and continues to be relentless in His reaching out to all those who dwell on the earth. David affirms that the “heavens are telling of the glory of God” and that “day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge” (Psalm 19:1-4). Similarly, Paul declares that God’s “eternal power and divine nature” are clearly seen in the created world (Romans 1:20). The evidence is manifold and points to a Supreme Being behind this magnificent universe. Throughout history, God has also made special appearances and sent His messengers to reveal Himself and to direct the affairs of mankind. He called Abraham to whom He made great promises. Jacob encountered God at Bethel and wrestled with Him at Peniel. At the burning bush, Moses was called by “I AM” Who later appeared to all Israel on Sinai. His angel went before them through the wilderness. Later, when Israel began to slide away, the Lord sent prophets with His word and signs to call them back to Him. Most significantly, the Father sent His Son Jesus to reveal Himself to all people and to give us His word for humanity - eternal life (John 12:49-50). We can almost hear the frustration in Jesus’ voice when He stood up in the temple on a feast day and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” So many walked away and did not come to Jesus for live giving water. Today, we have the Holy Scriptures which tell us all of these things and more. The Bible is the book of God which has the power to stir and convict the soul, spirit and heart of every person (Hebrews 4:12-13). It is a living word which will resonate in every honest heart. But as we look around us at the evil and confusion which permeates the world, we wonder, “Is anybody listening?” Are you?

1 Samuel 17:31-52 “What is Saul doing now?” “He must be mad.” “Who is that, anyway?” Such mutterings were heard from the ranks of the Israelite army as the young man wound his way down the side of the mountain. He carried no weapon to speak of - just his staff and sling. When he reached the bottom, he could be seen walking along and picking stones out of the brook on the valley floor. There was another pair of eyes carefully watching the young man. The Philistine giant had challenged the Israelites to send a champion to fight for them. It was to be winner take all. As the youth came closer, and the giant became aware that this was to be his challenger, he became insulted. “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” The curses flew hot and heavy. But from the other champion came praise. “I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel...the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” The giant rose and moved toward the young man, and the young Israelite began running toward the Philistine. Thousands of eyes were watching from both hill tops. The tension was tangible. The young man pulled a stone from his bag, loaded his sling and let it fly. It found its mark in the Philistine’s forehead and sank in. The giant collapsed face forward. The son of Jesse took the giant’s sword and cut off his head with it. The Philistines fled. Israel pursued and gained a great victory. The stone had overcome the bronze. The shepherd had beaten the warrior. The man of God had toppled the man of the gods of the world. The Lord had defeat the forces of evil. The battle belonged to the Lord. It always does.

Job 12:7-10 From time to time there is a man who comes to the field across the street from our house with his metal detector. Now this fellow is not doing this on a casual basis. He is all decked out with a belt with his digging tools, knee pads for kneeling and some other paraphernalia. And of course he has his electronic metal detecting device. (I’m not sure of the technical term for such things.) You can watch him walking very slowly while swinging the detector back and forth over the ground. He has on earphones to listen for the machine’s signal that something has been detected. If this is the case, he’ll go to his knees and start digging around in the dirt to see what he can find. Sometimes he digs something up and puts it in a pouch he has on his belt. Sometimes he doesn’t find anything. He does this in all types of weather - even in drizzling rain. Such metal detectors are certainly amazing pieces of equipment to be able to detect metal objects below the surface of the ground. I’ll not pretend to know the science behind it, but the people who thought up, designed, and built such technology truly have great intelligence. Even the person using the device must be able to understand how it works and be able to use it properly if it’s to be effective. In reflecting on this fellow, I was reminded of the robin. The similarities are just too obvious to ignore. The robin walks across the ground in order to “detect” worms, grubs, etc. beneath the surface. (I’m not sure that ornithologists really know how they do it.) When it senses something, the robin stops and pecks the ground with its beak to get its dinner. Sometimes he comes up with something, and sometimes he doesn’t. So, here’s the point.We all agree that it took a great measure of intelligence to design, assemble, and use the metal detector.Why is it that so many people, then, believe that the robin just came into being by a process of random mutations called natural selection?Why do they believe there was no intelligent Designer?

Luke 8:40-56 Whether it was just some playful teasing (often that even hurts) or perhaps something more abusive, everyone has been laughed at. It is always unpleasant and often very hurtful. In Luke 8, we have the account of when Jairus came to Jesus and begged him to come and heal his dying daughter. While on the way to the house, Jesus became involved in the healing of a woman with a discharge of blood. As this was occurring, someone from Jairus’ house arrived and reported that his daughter had died. This news did not deter Jesus. Upon arrival at Jairus’ house, He found everyone mourning and weeping but went on to say: “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep.” The response to these words of hope are not what we might expect. “And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died.” Evidently some had thought that Jesus could heal the girl and keep her from dying, but no one believed that He could raise her from the dead. Some translations here render the Greed as ridicule which means to make one the object of scornful laughter. Others say “laughed Him to scorn.” Scorn means extreme contempt or disdain. Let’s understand that these people were not just chuckling to themselves about what Jesus said. They were making fun of Him and laughing at Him as if He were an idiot! But Jesus pays them no mind and goes on to raise the young girl from the dead. Amazing! Here, Jesus shows us how to handle sharp and hurtful speech which comes because of our faith. Just ignore it and continue to live according to your faith. What is the key to this? Jesus absolutely knew what was true. He knew that His Father had given Him the power to raise the dead. Do we sometimes not speak up for our faith to avoid ridicule? Maybe it’s because we aren’t fully convinced that what we believe is absolutely true. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that His words are truth, what does it matter that anybody makes fun of you? Truly, what does it matter?

Luke 15:11-24 The sun had broken first light and revealed a cloudless sky. The ripening wheat was barely rippled by a meager breeze - another hot day. The man was already outside giving instructions. A group of servants headed toward the animal pens while others moved in the direction of the vineyard. The man’s older son could be seen leading some workers out toward the wheat fields. The work day had begun. As the man ascended the small rise on his way back to the main house, he paused to survey his estate. He was pleased. The crops had been coming right along. The servants, in spite of an occasional snag, were a hard working bunch. Yet, one thing was missing from his near perfect picture - his younger son. He had left home a long time ago and had never been heard from. The ache in the father’s heart had not gone away and was renewed daily as he thought about his welfare. Even now, as he did several times a day, his eyes had come to rest on the most distant point on the road which began at the house and disappeared between two wheat fields. “When he comes home,” he thought, “he must come down this road. Some day, he will come. Perhaps today.” The morning passed rather uneventfully, and the afternoon was now half spent. The father was returning from the sheep fold where they were having trouble with a pregnant ewe. As usual, he paused on the path and looked out down the road. Upon it was a solitary figure, shabbily dressed, walking slowly toward the house. For a moment (but only a moment) he thought he was imagining the figure for he had done so in his mind so many times before. But this was for real, and he still knew that walk, that frame - it was his son! Filled with joy and compassion the father raced down the road. When he got to the young man, he wrapped him in his arms, kissed him, and held him for the longest time. His child was back. His son had come home! Is your Father looking for you to come home, too?

Luke 24:1-49 Read any of the accounts of the resurrection. Better yet, read them all. It was a morning of surprises - for everybody. (God loves to surprise us, doesn’t He?) Despite the fact that Jesus had affirmed again and again that He would die and be resurrected on the third day, no one seemed ready to believe it when it actually happened. The soldiers guarding the tomb were surprised. First was the earthquake. Then the angel descended from heaven who came and rolled the stone from the tomb and sat upon it. It seems that these men watched all that the angel did. Being believers in gods and goddesses, etc., it’s no wonder they “shook for fear of him and became like dead men” (Matthew 28:4). They had seen the real thing! The women who came to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body were completely surprised. They did not find His body, but they encountered the angel who invited them to see the place where Jesus’ body had lain. And he tells them that He is risen from the dead. This was all too much for them as they “went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them” (Mark 16:8). Later in the day, Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18). What an honor that was. What a surprise! There He is in person, alive from the dead. Jesus has to tell her not to hold on to Him, but go tell the others. I’ve often wondered if she was not granted this privilege because her faith may have been the most genuine since Jesus had cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). Then we have the disciples - Peter, John, Thomas... They didn’t believe the women’s testimony. After Peter and John had been to the tomb, it was said that John believed, but Peter marveled. Thomas would not believe until He had personally seen the nail prints. It was the greatest surprise. Despite His having affirmed it, they found it difficult to accept His resurrection. What about you? Is Jesus alive from the dead? If you believe that He is, it will change your entire life from the inside out. You should not be surprised!

Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16 Many of us have begun to get the vaccines for the COVID-19 virus. We understand how vaccines work. If a person receives a vaccine into their body, then it works to prevent them from coming down with the disease it was designed to ward off. We thank God that He has enabled mankind to develop such medical wonders which have kept multitudes from suffering and even death. Knowing the wisdom of our God, it should not surprise us that He has provided two “vaccines” to ward off spiritual “disease.” They are the word of God and the Holy Spirit. These are, of course, so closely intertwined as to be inseparable. In our Colossians text, Paul urges: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you...” Contrary to popular thinking, this verse isn’t about singing, but about the word of God. If the word lives in us, then we know the truths of God. We know the good and the evil. We know how God expects us to live. So we know how to choose the good and avoid the evil. If the word of truth dwells in us, we are “vaccinated” against lies and evil. Similarly, in the Ephesian passage, Paul exhorts: “...be filled with the Spirit.” We see the connection between these two passages in that the word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). When the Holy Spirit fills us (we are under His influence), we are “vaccinated” against committing sin. Needless to say, we must continue to replenish that Word and continue to submit to the Spirit in order to stay “vaccinated.” Why, then, does Paul bring up singing in both these texts? When the word of God lives in us, it becomes the fountain and the focus of our congregational singing. Not only is God praised, but the worshipers are engaged in “teaching and admonishing one another.” The assembly of the saints is designed for mutual edification and encouragement. When we teach and admonish one another in our songs, we help one another stay “vaccinated” against sin. It’s a glorious thing!

Isaiah 35:8-10 As Isaiah envisions the glorious days of the Messiah, he writes of a highway, a road called “the Highway of Holiness” which leads travelers on the true way home to God. He says that even if they are fools they will not go astray. Certainly, the day is here in which that Highway has been constructed which runs through the cross of Jesus Christ and leads to an eternal home. We must exercise caution, however, in thinking that this “highway” is like our interstate highway system or, even worse, like the autobahn in Germany. When we set out on this Highway of Holiness, we do not set the cruise control, adjust the climate setting, put in our favorite CD’s and sit back for a nice smooth ride to the Promised Land. In fact, we’re not riding at all - we’re walking! (Ephesians 5:2, 8, 15; et al). Staying on the highway will keep us from going astray, but no easy trip is guaranteed. In fact, Paul says “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Sometimes the road is smooth, and the travel is exhilarating. Sometimes there are places with bumps and holes; often many bumps and holes. At times, huge bumps and holes! There are washouts in the road, and in some places it is not paved. Gravel. Then dirt. A narrow winding path. We wonder if we are still on the “highway” at all! And the storms can descend unexpectedly with howling fury. Driving rains make for difficult seeing and arduous slopping through mud. Then freezing rain with treacherous icy footing. Then the snow - beautiful but often deadly to the traveler. But the pilgrim presses on for his heart if set on a sure rest and warm welcome a the end of the journey. His Lord has told him it is so. And so the weariness and the struggle of the journey pales in comparison to the anticipated glow of the light in the window of the Father’s house (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Aren’t you glad it is so?!!

1 Corinthians 15:58 This past Sunday (as of this writing), Michael McDowell won the Daytona 500. He was able to avoid two crashes involving multiple cars, especially the one on the last lap, and cross the finish line first. He only led for part of the last lap. It was his first win on the circuit in 358 starts. At thirty-six years of age, the news article referred to him as a “journeyman” driver. What is a journeyman? Being a baseball fan, I am more familiar with journeymen pitchers or outfielders, etc. A journeyman is a player who knows the game, even loves the game. He is a solid performer with decent skills who plays the game hard - like it’s supposed to be played. He is reliable and comes ready to play. But a journeyman will never reach the Hall of Fame. He’ll not win the Cy Young award or be named MVP. It is possible that he might be named an All-Star a time or two, but most never are. As a result, he might be traded to different teams throughout his career. Hence the label of journey-man. Every good team, every winning team, has several journeymen on its roster. They are needed. Most of us who serve the Lord Jesus are journeymen. We were not commanded to build an ark. We were not chosen to lead God’s people out of slavery in Egypt. We were not called as prophets with a message of repentance for Israel. We were not chosen as apostles. Jesus did not appear to us after His resurrection. We are journeymen. But we have come to play. We know the “game,” and we play hard. We play to win. We are reliable, and we keep improving our skills. We love our Lord and His church. We love the lost. We’re not looking for one of the places on Jesus’ right or left in the kingdom. Just that crown of life. Paul’s words are appropriate: “...be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” But remember: even as journeymen, we have been chosen!

Ecclesiastes 3:11 Year in and year out, the Bible tops the non-fiction best seller list. In fact, as I understand it, because of its perennial foremost position, it isn’t even put on the list anymore! By the way, have you read God’s bestseller? Cover to cover? How many times? What is the driving force behind this phenomenon? Don’t be surprised if it isn’t God Himself. The Preacher wrote of mankind that God “has also set eternity in their heart.” We have this kind of longing within for something outside of ourselves. There is this regular urging or nudging for us to look up and out and consider where we are, how we came to be, and what our purpose is. This “eternity” also connects with the thousands of markers which God has set in His creation. When we look into the starry expanse on a new-moon night, or see the wedge of geese on migration, or witness the birth of a babe, that “eternity” begins to resonate within us. Something is touched. Something stirs. The honest and honorable among us will begin to search for answers. Others will ignore the stirrings or bury them in mundane pursuits. The entire phenomenon is as if we are driving our vehicles down the road of life, and every time we look in the rear view mirror God is there smiling back at us! He gives a “Here I am” wave. He’s everywhere. He’s everywhere if we just open our eyes and clean out our ears. He is in hot pursuit of each one of us for He wants every person to live eternally and not die the second death. In another place, Jesus spoke of the most powerful marker which God has set in the world. “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” (John 12:32) When properly understood, the drawing power of Jesus of Nazareth dying for all humanity has no equal. No wonder people buy the Book and want to know more. No wonder Jesus tells His followers to proclaim the gospel to all creation. No wonder. Do you wonder about these things?