Month: September 2024

Every now and then, it seems like there are moments where Satan is on full attack. Those attacks can come weekly. May be daily. Maybe hourly. And if you look, a lot of the times you will see that he compiles a series of attacks. Trying to put them all together into one large attack. Trying to keep the ministry from doing what it supposed to be doing. He is such a snake and coward. Working behind the scenes. These past few days he has been at work. Trying to make us focus on security and maintenance issues at the office. Trying to ruin an event while it’s taking place (He attacked the hearts of some guests.) And trying to put other things in the way of us achieving our mission. But he has been…and will continue to be…Defeated! 

In the book of Acts, we learn about Steve. A man that was full of wisdom, faith, grace, power, and the Holy Spirit. All very important traits. Especially the Holy Spirit. If you know the story, you know that he was accused of blasphemy. Which was completely false. And even though the accusations were happening, it didn’t sway him from serving God. It didn’t stop him. He kept moving forward. He kept witnessing to people. Even when it wasn’t comfortable. Something we ALL can learn from.

Let’s think about ourselves for a minute. When times are uncomfortable, do we let that keep us from spreading the word? What about when we are anxious? What about when we are facing illness? Depression? Work issues? Do we let those keep us from spreading the word? What about accusations like Steve had? When you go through moments like that, do you still show grace? That’s what he did. I’m fully aware what I’m asking can be very challenging. Because I have been through it. And I have failed showing grace multiple times. I know it’s challenging. But we are called to do it. No matter what. Being a believer in Christ, means that we are called to do this. There are a couple of final points I wanna make about being a believer. Believing in Christ means that we must worship Christ. Believing in Christ means that we must talk with him. Believing in Christ means that we must tell others about him. It’s not a decision. It’s not a choice. It’s not a suggestion. It’s something that we MUST do. And here’s why. I want you to think about the first time you felt the Holy Spirit. Was it when you first accepted Christ into your life? Did it motivate you? I bet it did. As you think about that, remember this, there are people everywhere that have never felt that. Have never heard about Jesus. And have never accepted him into their lives. That’s why it is a MUST for us.

Here are more questions for us to consider. For us to really think about. But this morning, I’m wondering where it is that we look for God? Do we look for God in big moments? Do we look for God in times of despair? How about looking for him in international issues? Local? Do we look for God in times of joy? Or times of sorrow? These are really good questions for us to reflect on. But mainly, what I want you to really think about: When is it that you truly look for God?

A lot of us try to find him in those moments that you can really feel what is happening. Nothing wrong with that. Unless, that is the only time that you are looking for God. My suggestion is that we look for God in all things. Big and small. Joy and sorrow. Light and dark. Because, he is in all things. Everything we experience. Everything that we do. Everywhere we go. God is there. And if we don’t see him, it’s because we are not looking. Get the point?

I think we all already realize just how big God is. Actually, we have no idea how big he is. It’s more than we can comprehend. More than we can imagine. And it’s so incredible to think about. Because as big as he is, God is very gracious. And he is ever present. Never wavering. Just think of the ego that he could have if he wanted to. Instead, God chooses to  pursue us. He chooses to pursue our hearts. God chooses to be the light when times are dark. To be the comfort when there is pain. God chooses to be joy when we celebrate. He chooses to do all of these things because he loves us. He has always loved us. And he always will. That’s how big God is. And that’s why we should look for him in all things.

About this time last year, Barbara and my family surprised me with a 10 week old yellow lab. She’ll be 15 months old next week. Her name is Penny. She began her training to be my service dog unofficially pretty quickly after I got her. Her official training began in January. She graduated in June. What’s pretty cool about the whole thing, is how they surprised me. Because I had no idea they were thinking about this behind the scenes. It was truly shocking when it took place.

Anna had been looking at the possibility of buying a newer vehicle. She asked her mother and me if we could go look at one on Sunday evening, August 27. When we get there, I see a vehicle with Roper on the license plate. I had told her to look at Roper because they offer warranties on some of their used vehicles. So my assumption was that she was doing so. As we get out and look at the vehicle, I noticed behind it, a fenced in area with five lab puppies in it. And I made a comment about how cute they were. Anna then tells me, “Dad, I think he has five for sale.“ I thought that she meant he had five different vehicles to choose from. And then I realized what she was talking about. And I was speechless. I really didn’t know what to say. I was so humbled by what they were doing. Here is what really was cool about the whole thing. They had a certain puppy picked out for me. And when they released all five of them from the fence, they ran out excited about new people. One of them can you directly to me. Multiple times. She kept trying to get onto my lap. It was very clear that she was picking me. She had chosen me. So there really was no decision to make. Because Penny had done that for us. I wish you could’ve seen the moment. Because it was obvious. Isn’t that awesome!

And that’s what’s “cool” about our God as well. God has chosen us. He chose to create us. He chose to love us. He chose to give us hope. And he chose us to serve him. He did so because he loves us. And he loves us so much that he sent his son to die for us. Holy cow! Think about that for a minute. Jesus came to earth to die for us. He could’ve chosen to not do this. He could’ve said no. But he went through with it. And the death that he suffered was terrible. I could not imagine the pain he endured. I don’t want to imagine it. But what I can imagine, and what I can believe, and what I can trust, is that God chose us. And Jesus chose to die for us. So today, let’s do what we can to honor being chosen. Let’s do what we can to teach others about Jesus. And let them know that he chose them as well. He chose to die for them too.

Here is one thing that I know with all certainty: There is a God, and I am not him. I think we all know this. Or at least we should. There’s something else that I know as well. And I know it with all certainty. God is good. No doubt. God is good. Period! I know it’s hard to believe that all the time. I know it’s hard to believe that when we are going through real difficulties. Or when someone we know is going through real difficulties. Especially when it’s loved ones. No matter the pain. No matter the exhaustion. No matter what life throws at us. God is good. All the time!

Some people might question just how good God is. They might question this when times are tough. Ever hear someone say, “If God is so good, why does he let bad things happen to good people?” That is a natural question to ask. And it’s a hard one to answer. Especially when the question is coming from someone who doesn’t believe in God. I may be wrong, but my answer is this…We live in a world where humans get to choose. Humans get to make decisions. And humans sin. We all do. Doesn’t make it right. But that is reality. Since we live in this world, we are subject to bad things. And that goes back to the decisions made in the Garden of Eden. The choices made back then opened up the door for sin and suffering. And we now face that daily. My answer includes this as well…As believers we know that there is a time coming where we will no longer be subject to sin and suffering. 

God will pursue us our entire lives. Because he loves us. He loves us that much. He will not give up on us. That’s how good God is. I was just texting with a friend of mine a little while ago. He’s waiting on biopsies to come back. So that means he’s dealing with the possibility of having cancer. Even though this is something that he is facing, he told me he’s gonna be just fine. Because he knows that God has him. Another friend of mine told me this a few weeks ago when he was diagnosed with cancer. He told the doctor that’s good news. It’s a win-win. Because either he’s going to be cured and be here on earth with his loved ones. Or he’s not going to be cured and he’s going to be spending eternity was God. What a powerful thing to say. I just hope that I can have that much faith if I ever face that situation. Either way, God is good. Always has been good. Always will be good. So today, even if you’re having a hard time, find a blessing. Find something to celebrate. It’s there. It may not be easy to see. But it is there.

Last year, Barbara and I were wrapping up her surgery visit and we stopped for dinner on the way home. While we were there, I received a text in a group message that was sent out by Chris Calliotte. For those of you that read these daily, you will recall his name from two days ago, September 4. Chris was part of what I thought might be my last hunt ever with Anna in 2017. Also part of that hunt was Josh Barron. He was the dog handler that day. He is the veteran that ended up having ALS and passed away a few months after the deer hunt in 2018, that we put on for him and his son. 

Amy Barron was Josh‘s widow. We got to meet her when we put on the deer hunt. And after Josh’s passing, we stayed in contact a little bit. She actually invited us to come to the graduation party she put on for her twin boys. One of which was part of the hunt with Josh. The text from Chris was not one anyone would want to receive. Amy had unexpectedly died the night before. I was shocked. Couldn’t believe it as I read it to Barbara. Our hearts broke for the boys. It seemed like there was a string of bad news coming constantly. Ranging from Covid hitting loved ones. To a dear friend of ours being diagnosed with cancer. To hearing about Amy‘s passing. It comes in waves sometimes. And it seemed to be that way then.

When Barbara and I went to watch The Passion Play, we had dinner while we were there. We met a married couple from Kansas. The husband, Paul, sat next to me. We had a great conversation while we enjoyed our meals. Talking about where we live. Our families. Our friends. And our faith. Part of the discussion about our faith was having hope in Jesus. And how it’s hard to understand living life without hope. Because we question what it is, those that live with that Jesus, have hope in. That’s the life that I lived at one point. No Jesus. No hope. And the good news is everyone we mentioned earlier…either knew Jesus, or they know him now. And that’s what it takes for us to have eternity with him. Knowing him! That’s the same for all of us. We need to know him in order to have that hope in him. And if we have that, then no matter what it is we face or go through, we can get through it because of his love. His strength. His hope.

Today is September 5, 2024. September 5, 2017, is a day that I will always remember. It was the day that we went to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The day I went there for surgery. The day that I lost my right kidney. The day that I lost my gallbladder. The day that I learned to just how sick my body was. I look at it as being an important date that is part of the journey that led to Charlie 22 Outdoors. 

We knew going into the surgery that my gallbladder and kidney were going to be removed. What we didn’t know was just how bad things were. The gallbladder was distended four times the size it was supposed to be. The kidney was so dead that it was like a piece of stone. They couldn’t even cut into it. But what was even more concerning was the aorta and vena cava. They were both calcifying. They had to chip away at the calcium, because they were going to eventually constrict. That would be the end of circulation. And we know what that means. So, leaving it alone was not an option. The concern during the surgery was chipping too far. Too deep. Because that would lead to penetrating one of them. And that results in bleeding out within seconds. This is all information that I learned after I recovered. The 2 1/2 hour surgery ended up being for five hours.

Yesterday, we mentioned not knowing who we are going to meet at certain times. That is exactly what happened here. We first learned how sick I was in July 2017. While we were in the hospital then, we met Dr. Brookover. We didn’t realize the blessing of that meeting until later. He convinced us that we needed to go to Tulsa for the surgery so his teammate could use robotics. Looking back now, God brought us together because of what they found when they were in the middle of surgery. Because it took robotics to chip away at the calcification. And I believe that is what ended up saving my life. Going back weeks earlier to meet Dr. Brookover…lead to going to Tulsa. Which led to surgery with robotics. Amazing how that happens. How God orchestrates things in our lives. Just as he did for me. Knowing that would lead to people serving God, by serving others, through Charlie 22 Outdoors. Ultimately, bringing more people into his glory. And that is awesome.

There are times in this life that we are going to be rejoicing because we are on the top of the mountain. Times where things were going very well. Life is “good” during those moments. But we must realize that when we are on top of the mountain there’s only one direction you can go. And that is down. Into the valley. And sometimes the valley is very deep. Very dark. The valley can be very difficult to navigate. God does not promise that we will always be on top of the mountain. I don’t remember ever reading in the Bible that life would be easy. But God does promise to help us while we are in the valley. 

There’s an amazing example for us to learn from in the Bible. Joseph. We read how his own brothers sold him into slavery. Their father favored Joseph. And they despised him for that. Joseph made the mistake of telling his brothers about a dream that he had. In the dream he would rule over his brothers one day. So they took matters into their own hands and sold him. Talking about being in a valley! Joseph was there. I couldn’t imagine. 

Now, here is something that is amazing. Joseph remain faithful and steadfast while he was in slavery. And God saw him through. Joseph was ultimately released and became Pharaoh’s right hand man. Which is exactly what his brothers tried to prevent from happening. They learned of his ascension to power after they found themselves in Egypt. The famine had ravaged the land. And they were trying to collect food when he revealed himself to them. They were terrified! Which they should’ve been. But instead of using his power to crush them, he forgave them. Talk about showing grace! Truly an example demonstrating how God can turn your trial into your testimony. God can turn your valley into a triumph. Amazing! Know that God loves you. He always has. He always will. 

Those of you in the area, know that Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is home to The Passion Play. One thing that you will find on the property is an art museum. Actually has several items that Jack Dawson has done. So that was pretty cool. When Barbara and I went there, what caught my attention the most were the paintings and items from the 1500s and 1600s. Really amazing stuff. And then there was a sculpture of Jesus‘s silhouette. Dating back to 800 A.D. Holy cow! 1200 years old.

As I was looking at it, something struck me. His silhouette from that point of history is basically the same thing that we portray today. And that is very fitting. Because…Jesus is constant. Jesus is “THE” constant. He is the one thing that has never wavered. Ever! He is the one thing that will always remain the same. Humans fail at this. I know I do. We are constantly changing. For some of us, it’s day to day. Because we find ourselves selfishly doing things. Maybe unknowingly. But we do it. We can find ourselves in emotional roller coasters at times. Some of you really understand what I’m talking about. The point we’re trying to make here is…no matter where we are in our lives. No matter what we are doing in our lives. Jesus will be steadfast. He will be the constant. He will always be here for us. We just keep our eyes on him, and he will see us through.

I have used this Bible story before. Actually, several times. Because it’s very fitting for what we are talking about. On that stormy night, everyone in the boat found theirselves fearful. Found theirselves scared of the possibility of sinking. They even thought they saw a ghost. It was Jesus in the water. Standing there. On the water! And Peter got the courage to go out to him. And he was successful, because he kept his eyes on Jesus. He had faith in our Lord and Savior. And Jesus blessed him by making it possible for him to walk on water. So awesome. But as the story goes, Peter loses site of Jesus, gets anxious, and begins to sink. He was going to drown. But! But…Jesus never wavered. Remained constant. Reached down and pulled Peter back up out of the water. That’s the kind of Lord and Savior that we have. Never wavering. Always reliable. All we have to do is accept him and keep him in our focus. It’s up to us. If you haven’t done so, make today the day that you accept Jesus. And rest easy, knowing that he will always be here for you. Because he loves you. He always has. And he always will.

In this day and age where, whenever you turn on the news, it seems like we are just being force-fed negativity. We are being force-fed division. We are being force-fed things that are evil and ugly. I know that is what grabs attentions. But I’m tired of seeing it. So much to the point that I don’t watch the national news much anymore. But recently, ESPN shared a story that was different. It is one that should inspire us all. Because it is one of truly serving somebody else. Giving up something for the good of somebody else.

Chris Creighton is the head coach for Eastern Michigan University‘s football team. Last year, Zack Conti was a senior offensive lineman on the football team. He had been a walk-on his entire career at the school. During which he had played 23 games in the last two seasons. But last year he was going to be starting. Going into the camp, he was still considered a walk-on. For those of you that don’t know what that means, he was playing without a scholarship. He was working different jobs to raise the money to go to school. Because he loved football that much. Brian Dooley was also a senior on the football team. He is from Bowling Green, Ohio. Which means he is out of state. And as you will see in a minute, this is an important part of the story. Prior to a team meeting, he went to the head coach and told him he was going to give up his scholarship in order for Zack to have one. Yes, you read that correctly. He gave his scholarship up so his teammate could have one. Now…that might not seem like a big deal. But it is. Especially for this reason: Brian had to take out a $25,000 student loan to go to school last year. Because, that That is what out-of-state tuition cost is what out-of-state tuition cost. Would you have done that?

We’ve been talking a lot about serving others. We’ve been talking a lot about the Holy Spirit taking control. We’ve been talking about our Lord and Savior loving us so much that he sacrificed himself for us. So today, let’s all learn from Brian. Let’s all learn about truly giving what you have to serve others. I’m not saying you must go out and give up your scholarship. I’m not saying you must go out and give out money you don’t have. What I’m saying is, let’s find ways to give of ourselves, to serve others. Just as Brian did. Just as Jesus did. Just as Jesus still does today.

If you asked me what my most prized possession would be, I’d have a difficult time with the answer. Would it be my home? Or maybe my truck? Or something else? I’m not sure. Obviously, I put my family above everything. But I don’t consider them my possessions. So it really is an interesting question. Let’s think about that. What is your most prized possession? A gift someone gave you? Or a piece of jewelry? Or maybe your money? The things we spend our money on are significant to us. I don’t think we would spend our own money on something that wasn’t important to us. 

In the Bible, we read of the woman who poured perfume on Jesus‘s feet. Not just any perfume. It was an expensive bottle of perfume. The woman was known as a sinner. And the people criticized Jesus, for allowing her to approach him. It was easy for everyone to point fingers. Just as it is today. I think it’s easy, because it makes you feel better about ourselves. Pretty selfish. Anyways, Jesus responded by telling them a story. Demonstrating why the woman did what she did. Then he forgave her. Witnessing that must’ve been a very powerful moment for everyone there.

Now here’s the point of this devotion. No matter what it is that we value as our most treasured possession, nothing can compare to encountering Jesus. Nothing! Just as the woman in the Bible. She was willing to sacrifice one of her most important and viable possessions. We should be willing to do the same thing. I’m not saying we need to discard or throw away what it is that we own. I’m not saying we must give everything away. What I’m saying is this: Being humble with what we have is the key. Humility is the point. And there’s one more very important point here. We should acknowledge that Jesus is far more important than anything that we possess. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. He’s always more important. So let’s try to encounter Jesus in all we do.