Come and See

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John 1:36-39 And he looked at Jesus as He walked along, and said, Look! There is the Lamb of God! 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Him. 38 But Jesus turned, and as He saw them following Him, He said to them, What are you looking for? [And what is it you wish?] And they answered Him, Rabbi—which translated is Teacher—where are You staying? 39 He said to them, Come and see. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they remained with Him that day. It was then about the tenth hour (about four o’clock in the afternoon).

Two questions, and one response: What are you looking for? Where are you staying? The answer: Come and see! Neither of the two disciples, Andrew and John, had any idea what they were going to “see”. Consider, John, who was taken up in the Spirit in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 1 he is in the Spirit and turns to hear the Voice of Many Waters standing behind him. In Revelation 4 John responds to the invitation to “Come Up Here!” If all of that were not enough John is escorted by the Spirit up a high mountain in Revelation 21. Come and See?!

In Revelation 3:20 the Laodicean Church is invited to open the door and see. But the Door only opens to those who hear His Voice, and the steady knocking of the Spirit. It’s interesting to note the rest of John’s account in John 1:39 So they went and saw where He was staying, and they remained with Him that day. It was then about the tenth hour (about four o’clock in the afternoon). Oswald Chambers references this passage stating: That is about all some of us ever do. We stay with Him a short time, only to wake up to our own realities of life. Our self-interest rises up and our abiding with Him is past.

In John 10 Jesus refers to Himself as the Gate (or Door) for His Sheep, and the Watchman (the Holy Spirit) opens up Who, the Door is for Jesus’ sheep. Sheep, Jesus’ sheep, go in and out of this DOOR. They find pasture in Him. Sadly, most who read these words will not take the time to even go to the DOOR with the expectation of it opening. But the Book of Revelation states that it is, and has been, a long standing invitation for anyone who will take the time and open the DOOR; who will take the time to make Him room. As I write this I recall the child-like wonder I experienced as I read the Chronicles of Narnia as a teenager, followed by a re-reading with our children. You may recall that the Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are the ones who stumble upon the enchanted wardrobe. Lucy, known for her bravery and kindness, was the first to walk through its door into the other worldly land of Narnia. It was her child-like heart that led her siblings to enter through the wardrobe, and to encounter Aslan. But her siblings took time to convince. Hebrews 2:11 refers to Jesus being our Brother. That’s is pretty awesome. (growing up I always wanted a brother) Yet there is one thing about our Brother that I believe He wants us to know: like Lucy, Jesus also has a child-like heart. He’s been trying to convince us that there’s another world waiting for those who will take the time to open His DOOR. A day with Jesus is not enough. He wants up to spend a lifetime with Him. The good news is His DOOR is open on this side of Eternity – for those who will allow the Spirit to activate their sanctified imaginations. Remember: What are you looking for? Where is He staying?

That’s My King! Do You Know Him?

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Jer. 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

The depths of God’s mercy, love and humility often catch me off guard astounding me. Consider the following: He writes our names in the palms of His hand (Isa. 49:16); He collects our tears in a bottle (Ps. 56:8); He numbers the hair on our head (Lk. 12:7); and records every conversation we have about Him in a book (Mal. 3:16). If this weren’t enough He sent His Son in the form of an infant to take our punishment in order that we might live with Him forever.

This familiar picture lives on through history illustrated so well in John 8:6-8: This they said to try (test) Him, hoping they might find a charge on which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger.7 However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.8 Then He bent down and went on writing on the ground with His finger.

Jesus, God in the flesh, stoops down to write in the dust. You see a similar image in God blesses us. Hebraically, this means He bends the knee to convey His blessings upon us. Can you imagine any human king bending down to touch, let alone bless, a pauper from the street? Isaiah 40:12 in the New Living Translation and the Message communicate the awesomeness of Who He is: Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?

Who has scooped up the ocean in his two hands, or measured the sky between his thumb and little finger, Who has put all the earth’s dirt in one of his baskets, weighed each mountain and hill?

In the immensity that He is – He reaches down to connect with you; to know you; for you to know Him. It’s too much for my small brain to fathom. But the smallness of my brain doesn’t limit the awesomeness of Who He is. I recall a message preached by Pastor S.M.Lockridge, entitled, That’s My King! Do You Know Him? in 1976. There are powerful recorded versions of it on the internet that I would encourage you to listen to. Here’s an excerpt: Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He’s indescribable. That’s my King. He’s incomprehensible, He’s invincible, and He is irresistible. I’m coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King. He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King!

Now with all that in mind return to Jeremiah’s revelation from God: Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you;….That’s my KING! Do you know Him?

Tick Tock

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Acts 1:4-8 And while being in their company and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised, Of which [He said] you have heard Me speak.5 For John baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with (placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit.6 So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom and restore it to Israel?7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power.8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.

Human nature is confoundingly interesting, and pathetic, simultaneously. In this setting, Jesus had recently emerged from a horrific crucifixion, and resurrection from the dead. Presently, He is about to ascend to His Father to be seated on His throne. For all appearances it would seem, to any casual observer, the eleven disciples would have had enough sense to keep their mouths shut, and listen attentively to every syllable that poured from His lips. In fact the word transfixed comes to mind as what would appear to be the only adequate response to Jesus’ Presence. But what did these disciples inquire about? Time. What was of the utmost importance to Jesus? The Baptism of the Spirit. Specifically there being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Time versus being Baptized in the Spirit. Let that profound statement sink in deep. One more time: time versus being baptized in the Spirit! Guess what? Nothing’s changed. Yet, we are no different than the disciples with their preoccupation with time. In fact, instead of our being transfixed with Jesus we remain, stuck, fixed and focused on time. Man’s agenda versus God’s agenda. Self-centered versus God-centered. I have heard it said, that we are too preoccupied with the gifts of the Giver rather than the Giver, Himself. Since that is emphatically true, what are we doing with His Gift of Time? Have we become too occupied with the gift rather than the Giver? Have we learned the value of being baptized, and immersed in the Spirit?

What does it mean to be immersed in the Spirit? Ephesians 5:18 states: Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit. The Greek version of this text literally states, Be, being continually filled with the Spirit. The comparison is obvious. Being filled with the Spirit is comparable to being drunk. Drunk’s aren’t concerned about time. Everything is centered around the alcohol. Everything that they are is controlled by the “spirit’s” influence. Their speech, muscle movements, thoughts, and emotions are all controlled by the alcohol which has consumed them. The analogy is clear and obvious. Those who are drunk with the Spirit are consumed by the Spirit. Things on fire tend to be consumed. Fortunately for Spirit-filled followers of Jesus we become burning bushes for those who take the time to turn aside to look and see, What is the meaning of this? Question is, Who or what is consuming you? Are you a sign and wonder to those wandering in their spiritual wasteland?

Never is defined as, at no time in the past or the future. In J.M. Barries fictional work, Peter Pan, Captain Hook is stricken with fear of the crocodile who has swallowed a clock. Whenever the crocodile is near the sound of the ticking clock grows louder and louder. Mankind is fearful of the crocodile of time that comes for all men ready to devour all in its abysmal jaws. The good news is we have been given an invitation to Never Land which begins in salvation, and its manifestation of reality exists in the Spirit-filled, spirit-yielded life. Now the question becomes are you controlled by the Croc of Time or by the boundless, expanses of the Spirit-filled life? Is the Spirit-filled, spirit-controlled life your preoccupation or are you running from time simultaneously grasping for more of it?

Recognizing Jesus

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Isaiah 1:3 The ox [instinctively] knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib, but Israel does not know or recognize Me [as Lord], My people do not consider or understand.

There’s a true story about a well known Dallas, Texas pastor, W.A. Criswell who pastored the First Baptist Church of Dallas. Because of its proximity to the downtown area Sunday morning winters often brought the challenge of a large homeless population who often sought warmth amongst the affluent worshippers. Ushers were tasked with the unwanted job of thrusting them back out onto the cold, and dirty Dallas sidewalks. But one particularly eventful Sunday morning one of the homeless made their way through the foyer, slipping pass the ushers, making his way to W.A.’s famous pulpit. Catching up to their prey the embarrassed ushers began yanking and pulling his arms which were firmly inserted into the overcoat that wreaked of garbage, urine, and alcohol. Not to be outdone by their substitute preacher they resolved to extricate him from his hallowed perch. To their shock and surprise, this homeless man wriggled out of his overcoat, (leaving it as prize to the ushers), tossed off his hat, revealing to an equally shocked congregation none other than Pastor W.A. Criswell. Needless to say they heard a message that morning that outlived even Pastor Criswell. That Sunday morning W.A. Criswell, lived the message of His Lord echoing Israel of old, who missed the day of their visitation. It’s hard to believe, even astounding, that many of FBC’s attendants failed to recognize their Lord in and through their pastor’s sermon illustration in the flesh. How often have we missed recognizing Jesus for Who He really is?

Recently I was soaking in the Spirit at Jesus’ feet. (Incidentally, He is our Door waiting for us to open the door to His Presence; open the door to spiritual vision, hearing, and feeling). Soaking, involves waiting, and waiting takes time. Time is something we falsely believe belongs to us. Just as sand spills through the hourglass, as surely as it falls from the hands of those who tightly cling to it. As I was soaking the Lord revealed something very profound. He exists outside of time. He is not limited or constrained by its dimensions. This is why He IS! Not I was or will be – He simply is – outside of time. The Great I AM! Science tells us that time is a construct relative to our position in the universe. Since this is true, verified through the Word of God (Let there be..), then we must reach the conclusion that time was created by God for man. Time is His gift to us. If we believe time is a gift then we must also believe it’s not really our time. It’s His time, His gift. This has powerful ramifications for those who know and recognize Jesus as Lord. You see when we “open” the DOOR of Jesus we open the DOOR to Timelessness, and Eternity. When we open the DOOR, we are invited to come before His Feet, to enter into Timelessness. Since that is true it must be equally true that you and I aren’t seen from our past or even our future. You are seen as eternal as He is. In essence you become one with the Eternal One, and everything revolves around, and becomes centered in Him. Paul rightly said in Ephesians 2:6 that we are seated with Him in Heavenly Realms. In other words we are seated in the Eternal Realm and your past, with its sins, failures, mistakes and regrets no longer matter. But this reality is only made available to those who know and recognize Him as Lord. Those who recognize Him as Lord live out the exhortation of Hebrews 4:16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. If I were not known to be a pastor surely there would be someone to admonish me for “wasting” my time soaking before the Lord. But if you know Jesus as Lord you know you are a sinner in need of Grace. Grace being the empowerment – the umph, the push, and desire – to become like Jesus in every way. Where do I find this Grace I am desperately in need of? At the feet of Jesus before His Throne. What physical posture would anyone take with a conscious awareness of being before His feet – before His throne? Quite simply you would figure out a way to go as low as you could humanly achieve, and you would not only take the time, you would make time to be where He sees you.

The Beloved Door and Shepherd

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Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O you whom I love, Where you feed your flock, Where you make it rest at noon. For why should I be as one who veils herself by the flocks of your companions? NKJV

GNT Tell me, my love, Where will you lead your flock to graze? Where will they rest from the noonday sun? Why should I need to look for you among the flocks of the other shepherds?

Several things emerge from this passage that are enhanced by the different translations. This woman loves her Shepherd, her Beloved. She is searching for Him and will not settle for any other shepherd. She knows that in His Presence there is food and rest. She wants her veil removed so she can see Him fully. Nothing else matters! 2 Corinthians 3:13-17 states: …unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 

It’s no coincidence that Moses was a shepherd before he began shepherding Israel out of Egypt through the wilderness. Moses, His instruction, and revelation from the Law, remain veiled. Only in Jesus, our True Shepherd, is the veil removed to clearly see our Beloved. (Contrary to a lot of modern preachers foolishness Jesus can be clearly seen in the Law). For Jesus provides us with the Holy Spirit Who provides us with the desire and freedom to see.

As a pastor, or under-shepherd, I have always been captivated and amazed at spiritual blindness; the blindness in myself and others. There are revelations the Shepherd has provided in Scripture which can only be seen by the Spirit. Many have returned to “graze” upon its “manna” only to discover the veil had returned. Only through persistent prayer, and trust in the Spirit, is anyone enabled to see, to feed once again. John 10:7,11 and Revelation 3:20 remind us that Jesus is the Shepherd, and the DOOR. John 10:3 reveals that the Holy Spirit is the One Who opens Jesus the DOOR – for the sheep that are listening for Him. No matter how hard you try to pry open the DOOR in your own strength or intellect – the DOOR, the Revelation, and Understanding will never open. You must be willing to submit to the Spirit, and have a hunger to see. The whole message to the Laodiceans was, Are you willing to make room to commune with Jesus? Are you willing to listen for His knocking? Are you hungry, truly hungry, to see and know Jesus? Have you settled for other shepherds rather than going to the True and Only Shepherd?

Christmas Dishes

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Romans 1:5-7 It is through Him that we have received grace (God’s unmerited favor) and [our] apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name’s sake among all the nations,6 And this includes you, called of Jesus Christ and invited [as you are] to belong to Him.7 To [you then] all God’s beloved ones in Rome, called to be saints and designated for a consecrated life: Grace and spiritual blessing and peace be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jackie Hill Perry, from Outreach Magazine writes: There’s a sermon by Pastor Tony Evans in which he uses an illustration involving dishes to make sense of the term “holy” or “sanctified”. In his home, there are two types of dishes. There are the regular dishes. Those dishes that contain the average meal, on normal days, for your ordinary and unimpressive breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of them are chipped, maybe even cracked. Then there is another type of dish. These dishes don’t even see the light of day until a tall green tree with multicolored lights flicker. Something significant has to be happening under the roof to make their use a necessity. When all is normal again, the multi-colored lights are unplugged, the wrapping paper collected, and the guests have finally gotten up from the table – these “Christmas” dishes, after being cleaned, aren’t placed in the cabinets with the normal, average, unimpressive dishes. No, absolutely not. They’re placed in an entirely different cabinet, that may be in an entirely different room, separated from everything unlike them because there is nothing in the house like them. They are set apart, unique, different, other, distinct, cut off from what’s considered common. To put it metaphorically, these dishes are “holy.”

Called to be saints? The word saint comes from a root word from which we obtain our word “sanctify”. To be sanctified is to be set apart, and holy. What does it mean to be holy? To be above average, uniquely different from all that is normal, average, and expected. We refer to God as being Holy, and obviously He is above average, and uniquely different from all that is normal, average and expected. But guess what? Because of Jesus’ Blood, and anyone who trust’s in what it accomplishes, God sees them as holy, sanctified, saints. In fact I can confidently say, Saint Robert is writing these words to Saint (whomever is reading this – that is trusting in Jesus’ Blood). It’s not our confidence, or trust in our performance that distinguishes us as such. No, absolutely not. It’s our ongoing confidence, and trust in what Jesus did on the cross that qualifies, verifies, and validates us. Notice I say, ongoing. It’s not simply a past tense event. It’s an ongoing process till you see Jesus face to face. You weren’t simply saved from your past. You are in the process of being saved. The same can be said of sanctification.

Sanctified, set apart to Who or what? Well obviously to the Godhead: the Father, the Son – Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (He is not an IT). But there is more: Romans 1:17 For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith. You, and I, like Christmas dishes, are set apart to grow in faith, through faith, leading to more faith. If you believe in Jesus’ Blood you believe in what that Blood is doing for you, and in you. When you believe that – trust that – you seek to be sanctified, and you grow in faith, through faith, leading to more faith. One compliments the other. Like His Christmas dishes you are set aside to display the Bread and Water of Life – Jesus. During the Christmas season the atmosphere shifts and changes. People change reflecting the reminder of the reason for the season. Now the question becomes, What do you believe about Jesus, His Blood, and His cross? The deeper that work goes the greater the faith grows. Is your faith growing? Are you growing – spiritually? Is your way of thinking aligning more and more with the Word of God? Is your life becoming centered progressively around Jesus? Progressively centered around His Word? Then you can look at yourself in the mirror and say, Hello saint of Jesus. Merry Christmas!

Jesus With Skin On

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A little boy was trying to get to sleep but was frightened. He shouted down from the bedroom, ‘Dad, it’s dark up here and I’m scared.’ His father shouted back, ‘Don’t be afraid. God is with you.’ After a few second’s pause, the boy yelled again: ‘Get up here, Dad – I need somebody with skin on!’ Ronald Rolheiser in his book The Holy Longing talks about the need for a God who has skin, that is, who is physically real and touchable. He says: ‘Physicality is important in any relationship and especially in the most important of relationships.’

Paul reminds us that as we experience Jesus through our troubles we become Jesus with skin on. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement),4 Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.5 For just as Christ’s [[a]own] sufferings fall to our lot [b][as they overflow upon His disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ comfort (consolation and encouragement) is also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us.6 But if we are troubled (afflicted and distressed), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement) and [for your] salvation; and if we are comforted (consoled and encouraged), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement), which works [in you] when you patiently endure the same evils (misfortunes and calamities) that we also suffer and undergo.7 And our hope for you [our joyful and confident expectation of good for you] is ever unwavering (assured and unshaken); for we know that just as you share and are partners in [our] sufferings and calamities, you also share and are partners in [our] comfort (consolation and encouragement).

Personally, I have lost grandparents, uncles, aunts, and dear friends to the “shadow” of death. I have pastored for over thirty plus years but I really couldn’t understand what it was like to lose a sibling – until now. I am just beginning the journey of navigating the difficulty of walking with Jesus through her loss and I am so grateful for “Jesus with skin on” represented in those within our church family. Through your hugs, cards, tears, prayers, and generosity walking through these times has been a little less difficult. Nothing could have prepared me for what I am experiencing, and I have experienced a gambit of emotions: shock, unbelief, anger, denial, and sadness. Well meaning people have attempted to make my pain disappear stating, She is in a better place – which I am truly comforted by. Yet, I have reached the conclusion that if it was Ok for Jesus, the Son of God, to weep over the loss of His friend Lazarus, it’s ok for me to weep over the loss of my sister. Will I see her again? Yes! Is she in a better place? Absolutely! But guess what? It’s going to be awhile before I see her again. Until then I’m going to miss her. The good news is that Jesus never wastes a thing. Through this process I am being equipped to be there emotionally for those who are going through similar circumstances. I am a lot more reluctant to offer any platitudes. If any thing I am learning about the ministry of presence. (No words needed). Pauls’ comforting words remind us that all the difficult circumstances you have overcome through the Presence of Jesus has really empowered you to be Jesus with skin on for those who have yet to go through those trials. Truth be known you actually have the authority to help others gain authority over similar situations. Now, that is pretty powerful. In the midst of it all you and I are becoming more like Jesus, and are becoming better acquainted with Paul’s words: I want to know Jesus and the fellowship of His sufferings.

Take Me to the Beach

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Proverbs 1:7 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.

Summer officially begins June 20, 2025 but many have already begun heading to the coast to walk or lie on the beach, swim in the ocean or ride its waves. Those with personal experience can testify to its raw power. Even a passive observer can attest to the destructive power generated when the ocean becomes “angry.” In fact, I would dare say, most of us would whole-heartedly agree the ocean can kill you. Maybe the point of Solomon’s proverb is comparable. Scripture infers any person casually strolling through life ignoring God is a fool. Those who truly desire wisdom will submit to the revelation taking the necessary precautions to avoid disaster and eternal death. Taking the analogy even further you could add that it would be extremely foolish to say you love the ocean while ignoring the fact that it can kill you.

It was quite a revelation when I realized that Truth isn’t an abstract concept. It, or rather He, is a Person. Jesus said I AM the Truth. Imagine my shock when the Spirit revealed that Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs is also Jesus. Although Solomon refers to Wisdom as being female. A casual reading will reveal Wisdom is Jesus. Consider the following passages: Proverbs 1:23 If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you.

Proverbs 8:22-24 The Lord formed and brought me [Wisdom] forth at the beginning of His way, before His acts of old.23 I [Wisdom] was inaugurated and ordained from everlasting, from the beginning, before ever the earth existed.24 When there were no deeps, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains laden with water.

Proverbs 8:30-32 Then I [Wisdom] was beside Him as a master and director of the work; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing before Him always,31 Rejoicing in His inhabited earth and delighting in the sons of men.32 Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who keep my ways.

These are just a few of the verses that seem to point to Wisdom (the Word) being with the Father before Creation. What’s truly confounding to Twenty-First Century Christians (especially Western Worldview Christians), is the concept introduced in Proverbs 1:7 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning… For the most part, Twenty-First Century, Western-Worldview Christians typically turn to the Lord when in need or want, and are prone to worship Him through routines, and rituals. (In other words, hearts typically remain hard and out of reach). We can be quite contented singing along with the Doobie Brothers, Jesus is just alright with me…Jesus He’s my friend. But how many would claim a fear of Him? Why would this idea seem preposterous? If Jesus can say: If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters—[yes] and even his own life also—he cannot be My disciple. (Lk. 14:26 AMPC) – then surely fearing the Lord is the least of our problems. If we’re called to “hate” our family, spouse, children, and life – inevitably hating sin – shouldn’t we expect to hate anything that keeps us from His Presence? Should fear of the Lord lead us to hate anything that would keep us from remaining in His Presence? In other words, wouldn’t that be Wisdom? Wouldn’t praying for the Wisdom of James 1:5 simply be asking for the Presence of Jesus? Some would object to the harshness of this proverb claiming that they choose to love Jesus instead; that He’s their friend. Yet, Jesus said love for Him was defined by obedience and faith. If I love Him I will obey Him. If I obey Him I will be in His Presence. Thus, fear of the Lord is the beginning of not simply Wisdom, but Jesus. May I also add, those who have gotten “wet” from a wave of His Manifested Presence are fearful to be without it. As Peter exclaimed, Lord, [wash] not only my feet, but my hands and my head too! May we be awash in a fear of the Lord that leads to the Feet of Wisdom, Truth, and Jesus.

Double Damn

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Galatians 1:6-9 I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] gospel.7 Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling and disturbing and bewildering you [with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a gospel] and want to pervert and distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not].8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!9 As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!

The idiom “damn” has a long and complex history, evolving from its original meaning of condemnation to its modern use in expressions of anger, or indifference. Its origins trace back to Latin, Old French, and Middle English, eventually becoming a part of the English language’s vocabulary. Legally and theologically it meant “to pronounce guilty” and a theological meaning of “to condemn to eternal punishment.” In the passage above Paul is doubly cursing anyone that preaches or teaches another Gospel than the one he and the Apostles had delivered. It was such a serious offense that he was double damning them to eternal separation from God, and all that is good. Revelation 21:8 calls it the second death: But as for the cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive, and as for the unbelieving and faithless, and as for the depraved and defiled with abominations, and as for murderers and the lewd and adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters (those who give supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God) and all liars (those who knowingly convey untruth by word or deed)—[all of these shall have] their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.

There is much talk of a Zombie Apocalypse but truth be known they’re already here. The living dead are those who have no knowledge of the true Gospel, or the Full Gospel. Some even partake of the different gospels Paul referenced. What false gospels are there?

  1. Mormon Gospel – the Mormons call their Book of Mormon, another gospel.
  2. Do-it-yourself, self-help gospel
  3. Prosperity gospel
  4. Hyper-Grace or Cheap Grace gospel
  5. Good People go to Heaven gospel
  6. Optional Jesus gospel
  7. Social gospel
  8. New Age spirituality gospel

The story is told of a man who is convinced he is dead. His wife and kids are exasperated. They keep telling him he’s not dead. But he continues to insist he’s dead. They try telling him, “Look, you’re not dead; you’re walking and talking and breathing; how can you be dead?” But he continues to insist he is dead. The family finally takes him to a doctor. The doctor pulls out some medical books to demonstrate to the man that dead men do not bleed. After some time, the man admits that dead men do not bleed. The doctor then takes the man’s hand and a needle and pokes the end of his finger. The man starts bleeding. He looks at his finger and says, “What do you know? DEAD MEN DO BLEED!”

There are certain symptoms associated with people who are truly raised from spiritual death. Unfortunately the “living dead” have a difficult time admitting it. The scary thing is many of these “corpses” go to church or at least to buildings that have the title outside. There are even “corpses” posing as shepherds of God’s people, instructing them in churches, seminaries, and colleges around the world. Question is, How do you survive the zombie apocalypse? How do you survive being infected or bitten by a zombie?

  1. Test yourself to see if you are still walking by faith, and trust. If you are not being stretched and challenged to be comformed to the total image of Jesus could be you’ve already been infected. Take a finger and quickly shove it in to your eye. If you feel no pain – you might be a zombie.
  2. Ask yourself, Am I still gathering with other believers to worship Jesus and fellowship (to co-share the testimony of Who Jesus is in your life). If you’ve ceased gathering – check for a pulse. The decay has already begun.
  3. Test your hearing. Ask yourself, Am I spending time communing with Jesus and the Spirit in the Word and Prayer. If you find yourself just reading a book called the Bible without any interaction with the Godhead chances are you are beginning to resemble the cast of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video. Place your hands on the side of your head to see if your ears are still attached. You might be a zombie.
  4. Look at your hands and feet. Ask, Am I investing in the lives of others through serving and sharing who He is to me? (Some call this the ministry, missions and evangelism). If you are not involved in any of these the zombie virus has taken hold and you might need to begin searching for missing limbs. Most likely you have joined the zombie apocalypse.

Nothing Else Matters

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Rev. 3:17 For you say, I am rich; I have prospered and grown wealthy, and I am in need of nothing; and you do not realize and understand that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

On April 14, 1912, 10:00 p.m. the Titanic crashed into an iceberg in the mid-Atlantic and four hours later sank. One woman in a lifeboat asked if she could go back to her room. She was given only three minutes to do so. She hurried down the corridors, already tilting dangerously, through the gambling room piled ankle-deep in money. In her room were her treasures waiting to be taken, but instead, she snatched up three oranges and hurried back to the boat. One hour before she would have naturally chosen diamonds over oranges, but in the face of death, values are seen more clearly.

On Monday, May 12, 2025 I said goodbye to my sister. I thank God that we talked on the phone each week. I thank God that I was able to have a brief conversation with her in the hospital before she was fully sedated. I thank God that we were friends. In fact, when she was barely conscious she referred to me, saying to the nurse, He’s my best friend. She added, I probably don’t tell him enough. It comforts me that I know that I will see her again. It comforts me that she is more alive than me right now. But you know what? I sure am going to miss her till I see her again – face to face, and that’s OK. If Jesus can weep over His friend Lazarus’ death, so can I.

I was talking to the HVAC man who was doing maintenance on our church and I said to him, We are three generations from anyone even knowing who we are. Then I said, Only One thing matters: Jesus. Everything is all about Jesus. So, why waste my time with things that are going to end up at the dump, or in an estate sale, or donated to Goodwill or the Salvation Army? What really matters is my relationship with Jesus, and the family and friends I make along the way. Revelation 7:9 states: After this I looked and a vast host appeared which no one could count, [gathered out] of every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages. These stood before the throne and before the Lamb; they were attired in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. What really matters is how many people are going to be with us there because of the life we lived.

When I was a youth minister I had a vision while worshipping with the youth. Many of us were worshipping around the throne of the Lamb of God. As I took that in I looked around at some of the youth I had ministered too, and won to Jesus. At one point in the vision we made eye contact, and I looked at them and winked. Then I mouthed to them, WE made it! Two years ago I was in Africa on mission. At one point I had a vision in which I saw many of the people who had surrendered to Jesus, and ministered to at the entry way into Heaven. I had a thought: Those whom I have had the opportunity to lead to Jesus will be with my family and friends who come to welcome me to Heaven. I don’t know about you but I want to be responsible for leading as many people to gather around Jesus’ Throne as I possibly can. For the reward of the Lamb and for His suffering! Only one thing matters.

Need or Obligation?

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Hebrews 2:11-12 states: For both He Who sanctifies [making men holy] and those who are sanctified all have one [Father]. For this reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren;12 For He says, I will declare Your [the Father’s] name to My brethren; in the midst of the [worshiping] congregation I will sing hymns of praise to You.

Can you imagine it? Jesus is your brother. I remember when I first began discovering the names and titles of Jesus. It fascinated me and filled me with awe. The Creator of the universe belongs to me and I belong to Him. Once the Lord asked me, What are the chances you will ever know anyone famous? I said, Slim to none. Yet, He replied, But you know Me. That’s astounding. The God Who owns everything, and knows the rich and the famous, wants to spend time with me. I have often asked our church family, What do you give a God Who owns everything? The one thing He doesn’t have: your heart.

One morning last week I caught myself thinking, I’ve got to spend time with the Lord. Which sounds obligatory, like a routine or ritual, like brushing my teeth or putting on deodorant. What I should have thought was, I want to spend time with the Lord! I need to be with Him. I long for, and love being with Jesus.

Dt. 15:11 states: For the poor will never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hands to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in your land. Your Brother Jesus, although so rich, is poor in one thing: you. Your heart, your time, your love. In fact Scripture adds: 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that through his poverty, you might become rich. Jesus became poor in order that you might be rich? The question we need to ask ourselves is, What are we truly wealthy in?

The Starfish

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Proverbs 21:20 There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.

Critics of Jesus’ ministry could have said that He was wasting His time on the likes of one woman caught in adultery, or the Samaritan woman, Blind Bartimaeus, Zachaeus, or the Gadarene Demoniac. In fact, any thoughtful observer of Jesus’ twelve disciples may have been tempted to advise Jesus to invest His time elsewhere. For that matter, any casual reader of the gospels will note that it does appear He wasted His time, and ultimately His life. Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied knowing Him, and all but one ran away from Him in His hour of greatest need. These 12 were mentally and spiritually dull falling asleep on Him while He was sweating drops of blood in prayer. Truth be known, critics of you and I could say the same. Just like the aforementioned, not including the countless masses of humanity throughout the ages, we have all begrudgingly yielded our precious time – to God. Some have stated, I’ve got to go to church, pray, read the Bible, spend time listening to this person, etc. The list goes on and on. Yet, we have no problem with being entertained with things that waste our time. Ultimately we are betrayed by the wealth we have surrounded ourselves by neglecting the true heavenly treasures – the people around us.

Thank Jesus, truly, and reverently with a gratitude that comes from the depths of your soul knowing that Jesus never saw you or me as a waste of time. Although many so-called followers of Jesus are very proud of the lack of investments they’ve made in others those whom He has met in the dust of their own disgust know better. The wealthy are often blindly, and ignorantly proud of their spiritual nakedness and poverty. But the truly poor in Spirit are hungry for more of Him, and hungry to see more of Him in others. Ephesians 5:15-17 states: Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

Once a man was walking along a beach. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance he could see a person going back and forth between the surf’s edge and and the beach. Back and forth this person went. As the man approached he could see that there were hundreds of starfish stranded on the sand as the result of the natural action of the tide. The man was stuck by the the apparent futility of the task. There were far too many starfish. Many of them were sure to die.  As he approached the person continued the task of picking up starfish one by one and throwing them into the ocean.As he came up to the person he said, “You must be crazy. There are thousands of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference.” The person looked at the man. He then stooped down and pick up one more starfish and threw it back into the ocean. He turned back to the man and said, “It sure made a difference to that one!”