No need for an Eight Ball

When I was growing up I had a friend who had one of those big, black "Eight Balls."  Remember them? You could ask the Eight Ball questions like "Will I hit a home run in the Little League game?" or "Will my parents increase my allowance?" and then turn the big, black ball over and then wait for its answer.  As kids we never put much stock in the answers coming from the "Eight Ball."  But it was kind of fun to mess around with it.

You wouldn't have found an Eight Ball in the apostle Paul's traveling bag.  He traveled by faith, trusting in God's presence and power to help him finish the race and complete the task given him by Jesus - "the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."  (Acts 20:24)

There are times when a reliable Eight Ball would be helpful wouldn't it?  To have an answer regarding the wearing of masks or restarting our ministries or knowing an end date to the pandemic would be wonderful.  And I'm sure that answers about health or finances or the future of our kids and grandkids would be a great benefit to you.

How shall we then live? Paul offers a fine example for us.  Read Acts 19:1-12 & 23-41.  Paul explained to the Ephesians Christians that he did not know what would happen to him as he traveled place to place.  But he believed that the Holy Spirit would direct and help him.  He learned that he could trust God no matter where he might travel or whom he might meet.

We can do the same.  God has given us faith to trust in Him for forgiveness, new life and salvation.  We have God's promise that He will provide us with daily bread and help us meet our needs.  The Scriptures assure us that God is faithful.  His Word is sure and certain.  God bless you as you follow Him day by day!

The Fancy Dive

I wonder if you can relate to this poem, entitled "Fancy Dive," by author and illustrator, Shel Silverstein?

The fanciest dive that was ever done
 Was done by Melissa of Coconut Grove
She bounced on the board and flew through the air
 With a twist of her head and a twirl of her hair
She did 34 jackknives, back flipped and spun
 Quadruple gainered and reached for the sun
And then summersaulted nine times and a quarter
 And looked down and saw
The pool had no water

The apostle Paul was having one of those days in Corinth (see Acts 18:1-6).  He discovered that his hearers were not listening - they had closed their hearts and souls to the good news that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the resurrected Lord.  Rather than continue to dive into a pool without water, so to speak, Paul turned the focus of his ministry to another people who were hungry for the truth.

Are you unsure about your next move? Seeking reassurance that the important decision you've recently made was the right one? The Lord spoke to Paul in a vision (Acts 18:9).  The Lord will speak to you in worship and as you daily read and reflect on His Word.  Give it a try and see if you don't receive the comfort and guidance that your Lord and Savior can offer.

Church Administrator Celebrates Birthday at Life in Christ!

PEORIA ARIZONA - With the joyous sounds of "We Wish You a Happy Birthday" filling the air, Church Administrator, Connie Kanzler, celebrated her birthday with the office staff today.

Ms. Kanzler was asked which birthday she was celebrating.  She refused to answer, citing a woman's prerogative not to reveal such intimate details.  She told this reporter, "Never ask a lady a question like that!"  But such ineptitude did not spoil what was otherwise a day of fun and laughter.

Ms. Kanzler has served as the Administrator for the church since 2006.  At first, she struggled with an old computer and copy machine.  But now she is able to travel where no man never wants to go - to the Tobshiba copier to clear out a paper jam.

One of her greatest attributes is Ms. Kanzler's empathy.  When people stop by the office to talk about a concern or hurt, Ms. Kanzler is quick to listen, slow to speak but ready to offer heartfelt advice.  She always points to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as the One who stands with open arms, ready to receive hurting and confused people.

Ms. Kanzler is expecting to continue the Birthday celebration tonight, if she's allowed to visit family.  There is a sign at the door to their home that says, "If you're infected, take your virus someplace else!"

Pastor finds Biblical Answer for Seating Capacity!

Here’s THE NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED!

TUCSON ARIZONA – Churches have been struggling with how to determine the number of worshippers to allow in their buildings each Sunday while the coronavirus rages on.  But the New Life Overcomers Victory Church has come up with a novel and Biblical solution.

Pastor Joey Baker explained, “We are basing our church capacity on Matthew 18:20 – ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there’.  So, we don’t have to bother with numbers.  God has given the number the follow! We’re holding our services with just three people in attendance.”

When the NYMHM reporter pointed out that the Matthew 18:20 verse was connected to Jesus' teaching regarding church discipline, Pastor Baker replied, “Well, that’s your interpretation and you’re welcome to it.  Besides, Jesus was full of love and compassion.  He wouldn’t say anything that would offend people.”

Because New Life Overcomers Victory Church is following the three person rule, they are forced to hold 31 services a week, beginning at 6 pm on Friday and ending at 7 pm on Sunday.  Pastor Baker said, “I know that sounds like a lot of services.  But once I have the first 13 under my belt, I hit my groove and nothing can stop me!  The services from Midnight to 6 am are not very well attended.  But I have a small cot in my office that allows me a chance to grab a whole bunch of 10 minute naps.” 

Pastor Baker reported that New Life Overcomers Victory Church would soon be adding a drive-by Communion Service for the membership.  Only three cars will be allowed on the campus at any one time.

NOTE -  The above article is not true.  I took a stab at trying to write a "Babylon Bee" type article.  BTW - if you haven't heard of the Babylon Bee look for it on the web.  Christian satire at its best!

Books on the bed stand

Presently I'm reading three books.  The first is "Paul Simon - The Life," by Robert Hilburn.  Many people know Simon from his collaboration with Art Garfunkel.  Their voices blended beautifully on "Bridge over Troubled Waters," "The Boxer," "Mrs. Robinson," and "The Sounds of Silence."  I'm about one-half through the book and I'm finding that Simon is dealing with a question that many of us wrestle with - "My life is going great.  Why do I feel so bad?" Hilburn wrote the biography on Johnny Cash and that motivated me to pick up the Paul Simon book.

For Father's Day my dear, sweet wife bought for me, "Lou Gehrig - The Lost Memoir."  Probably most people know this great athlete's name is connected to the disease, ALS.  He was also one of the greatest players Major League Baseball has ever seen.  In his career, cut short by the disease, Gehrig hit almost 500 homeruns while hitting 340.  The first part of the book is a series of articles written for nationwide newspapers.  The second half, which I haven't gotten to yet, is an essay by author Alan D. Gaff about Gehrig's life.  This has been "a hard-to-put-down" kind of book.

Finally, I just started reading Ray Comfort's new book, "Any One But Me."  Comfort, an experienced apologist and popular speaker, reveals his own fears as he sought to share the Gospel with strangers.  But through the Holy Spirit and consistent practice, Comfort gained the boldness to tell someone he'd never known about Jesus Christ.  If you're one who would like to better witness Jesus to others, check out "Any One But Me."

My goal is to read at least 24 books a year.  I usually end up having read 32 to 34 books.  This year, I have been so busy dealing with the impact of the coronavirus on our church, I've had less time than usual to read.  But I'm sure I'll reach my goal.  There are too many good books to read.

Book Review - Befriending Your Monsters

Luke Norsworthy is an excellent writer.  His new book, "Befriending Your Monsters," must have about a 1000 illustrations.  Norsworthy makes excellent use of stories to help address the various "monsters" a person is confronted with.

But it seemed to me that what he wrote about has been covered in other books.  He writes about the usual challenges that most people face - a poor self image, a desire to seek pleasure and help from things, and how we often define ourselves by whether or not we consider ourselves successful.

But I didn't find much Jesus in the book.  There are Bible references to be sure.  But nothing about how a person finds their identity and worth in Jesus.  Nothing about realizing that all the stuff we seek is a poor substitute for how Jesus sees us as God's precious possessions and that no one, not even the most troubled soul can slip from his grip.  Jesus has slayed the monsters that threaten us.  Our first look is always at Jesus.  He has saved us and He will see us through the all the times in our lives.

Trust in the Lord

Ed Greer was a guy who hated his life.  He was unhappy with his work.  He felt that he was also pressured by his spouse.  So, one day Greer decided to check out.  And he just disappeared.

His spouse and family searched and searched but they could not find him.  Greer crossed the country and decided to live on the beaches in Florida.  Later, he assumed a new identity and moved to central Texas and found himself a good paying job.

Finally, after searching for seven years, the FBI found Ed Greer.  In an interview, when asked why he bailed out on his family and friends, Greer explained, "I felt trapped.  I didn't like my life."

There are times in our lives when circumstances become so trying that we'd be quite glad to trade places with almost anyone.  The apostle Paul would have been quite justified to have bemoaned his luck and prayed to God for a new and easier assignment.

In Acts 16, we have that account of Paul and Silas in Philippi.  Some objected to Paul's teaching and a riot ensued.  Beaten and thrown in prison, we read about the two men in Acts 16:25 - About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.  What man, having been unfairly accused and unjustly beaten, finds himself able to have a praise and worship service in jail?

The man who trusts in the Lord, that's who!

Perhaps Paul remembered the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all youir heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Your Lord is an ever-present help in times of trouble.  Believe that he can get you out of the tightest jam.  Paul trusted, was helped by God and was even used to help bring a family to saving faith in the risen Lord.  God will help you too.  Trust Him!

A good message from the sainted John Stott

Taken from "Basic Christianity," page 1

You can never take God by surprise.  You can never anticipate Him.  He always makes the first move.  He is always there "in the beginning."  Before man existed, God acted.  Before man stirs himself to seek God, God has sought man.  In the Bible we do not see man groping after God; we see God reaching after man.

Talking With Your Kids About Jesus

This is Natasha Crain companion book to her popular, "Talking With Your Kids About God."  Having a copy of this book is good for two reasons.

First, the questions that Christian kids get from their peers are answered in this book.  In the Confirmation classes I've taught for almost 25 years, I've had kids ask questions like, "Is Jesus really God?  My friend says He's just a man?"  Or, "These stories about Jesus are just stories, right?  He really couldn't have raised a person from the dead.  Those things don't happen?"

Crain's book can help parents teach their kids how to answer these questions and many, many more.  And that's the other reason why this book is so necessary.

As parents talk to their kids about Jesus, their own faith will be strengthened.  Adults are often asked the same questions as their kids.  As parents teach their kids the truths about Jesus, parents will be better equipped to make a strong confession of faith in Jesus to others.

Check this book out.  It will help your kids and it will help you.

Open for Business - At Reduced Hours

Well, I didn't keep the lights off for very long.  I intended to take a permanent break from the blog.  But there were some readers who said they missed the content and often found it encouraging and inspirational.  That was appreciated!  Since I review books from Baker Books, I need this outlet to post my reviews and assure Baker I'm reaching a wide audience.  So, we're back.

However, I won't be blogging every day.  I'm going to extend grace to myself and not put the pressure regarding posting daily content.  But when I think I've written something you might enjoy or find something in my journal which might brighten your day, then I'll add it to the blog.

This pandemic has been trying for all of us.  And it's only getting worse in the 48th state.  The lifestyle changes we've had to make have been frustrating, irritating and painful.  We Americans haven't been tested like this in decades.

Yesterday I found some encouragement and hope while reviewing Luther's Small Catechism, specifically Luther's explanation to the First Article.  It reminded me that -

 God gave me life.  He knows me thoroughly and completely.

 God has given me all I need to live.  I lack nothing.

 God is my refuge and strength.  He protects and keeps me in His care.

 God loves me like a good father loves his child.  He loves me even though I don't deserve that love.

 God is deserving of my thanks and praise.  No one loves me like my God.

Of course, all of this is the same for you, my kind reader.  The changes we've seen in our country have been shocking and breathtaking.  Some predict that our lives as we knew them will never be the same again.

I don't know if any of those things are true.  But God tells us in the Bible - "I, the Lord, do not change."  Luther's explanation reminds us that our God is unchangeable.  He will continue to sustain our lives by meeting all our needs.  He will continue to be the One whom we call on when we are afraid or worried.  His unconditional love can never be matched.  With the psalmist we can say, "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever."

I hope that your holiday is a good one.  I'll miss the barbeques and the backyard gatherings.  I'll miss the opportunity to celebrate our Independence Day with friends and family.  My dear, sweet wife and I will have to get creative in making this a fun three day weekend (actually 2 and one half days for me).

One more thing - let's give thanks to God for the freedoms we enjoy, freedoms that have made our lives so good.  It seems like freedom is under attack in our own country.  It feels like some are trying to rewrite history.  I don't think the protesting and violence has made one life better.  That can only take place through people sitting down, listening to each other, deciding what changes need to be made to make the lives of the oppressed better and then getting it done.  All the rest of what is going on is just noise.

Well, enough of my mini-rant.  Sherri has gotten me hooked on an app called "Wordscapes."  Puzzle 208 is calling my name!  God's peace and blessings!@