Finding Laughter In Difficult Times

Back in the early 70s, Joe South, sang Walk a Mile in My Shoes, a great song for those who like to criticize others from afar without knowing what things are like when one’s in the ring.  We can say all types of things but it takes being in the mix, or in the pot to know what the stew is like.

Jesus can relate to us because He walked in our ways. Though He’s high and lifted up, He set aside His power and kingdom privileges to live as we do.  On earth, He wasn’t living in His glory, but among sinners immersed in sin.  He didn’t walk on streets of gold, but on paths of dirt and mud.  He didn’t snap His fingers and have angels bring Him water or food.  He had to fish and fetch water like everyone else.

When we go through tough stuff, He knows what we’re talking about.  When we hurt due to rejection and discrimination, He knows its sting.  He experienced hate, indifference, intolerance, persecution, lying, hunger, thirst, cold, sore feet, and desertion.  Hurt and betrayal came not only from His enemies, but “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).

We can say, Jesus waked a mile in our shoes.  Later, in the 70s, the Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head singer, BJ Thomas, who became a Christian, sang, He’s Walking in My Shoes on how Jesus still walks with us helping us make right choices.

Friend, whatever you’re going through, from paying for unbelievably high-priced eggs, to unaffordable housing, God knows your life, and He’s got a plan for yours. 

Will you walk in His ways?  Will you walk a mile or two in His shoes and paths?  Will you follow the cross to where it leads?  He calls us to walk by faith, not by sight.  Faith-walking requires trust in him.  It requires being led by the Spirit instead of by our feelings.  No one who walks by sight for God, will be rewarded by Him.  “For we walk by faith not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

Take off your thinking cap, put on your faith-walking shoes, call unto God, and begin your walk!

God Bless!
Sam

Were there a cup that Jesus used to drink in, the world would go crazy trying to get its hands on it.  Most, for resale, so they could capitalize on it. Several people would have it as a conversation piece.  Some, might want it as a memento.  But there are more important things than a cup He may have sipped from.  There’s a different cup of God.  One no one wants. 

When we read the news and think of all the atrocities committed on a daily basis worldwide, there are some events that can cause our blood to boil over.  When unsuspecting people have been scammed, when someone is mowed down, or someone’s life taken away, when innocent boys and girls are abused, righteous people don’t want to hear that the perpetrators get off free.  We want justice served, and rightfully so!  Many are tempted to take justice upon themselves!

Consider all the wrong committed to others in a lifetime.  God’s angry with all of it. Now imagine God pouring out all His anger on those guilty of inhumane acts. We might want to be on the sidelines cheering Him on, and it makes sense.  But what if things are somewhat turned around? 

God knew the evil that was all around Him.  He saw it all, but He also knows that those not guilty of crimes against others, were still guilty of other charges: guilty by association.  “Whattayamean?”  We’re all related to Adam and Eve, our first parents.  Because they sinned, we sin; thus, all humanity has sinfulness within their lives.  Should God pour out His anger on us all?  Should He punish all of us even though some are “less” guilty? Should His anger be the same on the saints and the ain’ts?

God, in His wisdom has declared all of us guilty of sin and trespass.  Being alienated from Him through sin, He sees us just as bad as evil-doers. But to level the playing field, God’s cup of indignation has been poured out on ONE MAN, namely, Jesus. Meaning what? Instead of us saying, “I’m not as bad as them and don’t deserve His punishment,” Evil doers can say, “I’m not as good as them, I don’t deserve their love and forgiveness.”  In other words, we’re all guilty before God, but He’s forgiven us all because He poured out His wrath upon Jesus who was righteous because He IS God.  Having taken our place at the cross-where we should have been for our transgressions (sins) against God, we are declared righteous before God the Father.

Evil-doers, guilty of all their crimes, can also repent and find room at the cross for their sins.  Are you on the way to the cross today?  Are you seeking His forgiveness and righteousness?  Although you don’t physically have to climb on a cross and be nailed, when you place your faith on His sacrifice for you, you are, spiritually-speaking, already crucified with Him. He took the nails for you.  He died your death. And because He rose from the grave, you too will rise from the grave onto eternal life. You are declared righteous because He’s righteous.

That’s what Jesus did at the cross on a day much like today. While the world was getting ready to sacrifice a perfect lamb to God, “God was in Jesus reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (2Corinthians 5:19).

The perfect Lamb of God, Jesus, laid His life for you and me freely. On this “Good Friday,” lay your life at His feet in repentance and receive forgiveness.  Be thankful that you’ll not have to drink God’s cup of indignation.

God Bless,

Sam

On a day like today, known as Palm Sunday, or the Triumphal Entry, history was being made!  On the 10^th of Aviv, now known as Nisan (March-April), as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, the people cheered and waved palms.  They also spread garments on the dirt road as Jesus rode in.  So, what was the big deal with Him riding in to town? I thought He was humble?  Well, you can’t get anymore humble than Christ making His grand entry, not on a fine Arabian horse, but on a donkey!

On this very day, the High Priests were examining the lambs brought in for inspection. They had to determine if the lambs were perfect for sacrificing unto God. Having missed the cue by God, when John the Baptist exclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb f God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29) Jesus, walked in demonstrating to everyone that He was both the perfect Lamb of God, and was entering in as the Messiah and King sent by God.  Zechariah 9:9 tells us: “Rejoice greatly Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Jesus’ entry was saying, “Look unto me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22).  He was letting everyone know that He was the Lamb they needed to please God.  He was letting them know their rituals, though ordained by God, were being replaced by God Himself as He was about to lay His life for all mankind, thus ending the need for anymore rituals.  But they missed it!

Instead, like the lambs that were inspected, He too would be examined by the High Priests with a volley of questions, and found to be perfect for the sacrifice at hand.  Pilate himself would say, “I find no fault in Him” (John 19:4).  He passed inspection!

You and I are imperfect. There’s fault in us.  We can’t present ourselves before God as perfect sacrifices for our sins, much less for the sins of the world! Were it possible, there would have been no need for Jesus’ sacrifice.  We’d all be offering our lives to Him.  But, even so, once dead, there would be no returning!  Jesus, however, would lay down His life and bring Himself back to life!! Check out His words: “Therefore does my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself.  I have power to lay it down, and to take it again.  This commandment have I received from my Father” (John 10:17, 18).

The perfect God came to earth in human form by way of His Son, Jesus, to die for humanity laying aside His glory to take upon Himself our filth and dirty rags of sins, that we might receive His forgiveness and goodness, and be reestablished into His Kingdom as sons and daughters of the Most-High God.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, both as Messiah and King, allow Him to ride into your heart today. Spread your sins before Him as garments on the ground that He may override them.  Praise Him on high.  Shout to Him, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the LORD!”

Praise His Name Forever!

Sam

Now and then, someone will get lost in the woods or the wilds, or on a trail, or in the snow while hiking or climbing.  When friends, family, or even the world is out looking for them, or covering them in prayer, relief washes over them as they’re found.  Those fortunate to be found alive, are rescued from exposure, or even from certain death. They are helped back down and some end up in hospitals for observation or immediate care.  It beats recovering bodies from remote sites.

In our current day-to-day lives, it’s easy to get lost in the “woods” of this world.  It’s easy to suffer from exposure to the wrong things.  Sometimes, we’re fortunate to be found alive, barely all there, and sometimes, we’re suffering from certain- death.

There are many people out there trying their best to discredit God and His word. When a person outrightly rejects God, He’s on his path to spiritual death, or second death-from which there’s no saving.  Before being found by Jesus on our hiking, climbing, or adventurous experiences, we’re spiritually dead, with an opportunity to be rescued and saved by God.  When we believe we can do it all without God, and we reject His help, we’re sliding down a mountain slope at top speed to a second death.  Heading towards complete separation from Christ for all eternity.

Where did God find you? Was on a mountaintop? In a valley?  Were you scaling the highest peak of a corporation when you lost your footing and began your descent?  Were you lost journeying through unknown territory?  When you realized no one could find you, did you cry out to God hoping to be found? God’s GPS, God’s People Search APP, found you!  No one, absolutely no one can hide from God.  “Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend to heaven, You are there: If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.  Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10).

 No one’s so lost in the wilds, he’ beyond His reach!

How sweet to be found, whether whole, bruised, frostbitten, or clinging to life-support from the world’s sinful ways!! Friends and family, and the whole Christian world has been looking for you!  Perhaps, you may be barely breathing, but what a sigh of relief when you’re “Found” alive by God!

All of heaven rejoices over you!  You’ve been rescued!! You’re admitted into God’s “hospital” for observation!   You’ll soon be on your feet again!  Welcome home! Let’s party!

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save, he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you with his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

God Bless!
Sam

Recommended Song: Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus Amy Grant

Ever been on two sides of a coin? You want to leave, but you want to stay?  Want to hate, but end up loving?  Want to change, but won’t let go?  Said good-bye to old friends, but want them back?

Ever heard people say the Bible is full of contradictions? Probably have heard it all the time, I’d imagine.  There aren’t any, though there are sayings and teachings that can be interpreted that way. Check it out:

“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:4). Meaning, don’t get on the same level as a foolish person.  But then, in case he boasts and needs to be put in his place:

“Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:5).  In other words, there’s a time and a season for all things-remember?

In terms of contradictions, isn’t it interesting that the author of love was hated by the world?  That the healer was tortured, bruised, flagged, and crucified?  That the Bread of Life was “chewed” out by the masses?  That He that said, “But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14), hungered and thirsts on that cross?

Jesus calls us to live in ways that seem like opposites. You have to:

1. lose yourself to find yourself.                                                        

   2.Lose your life for His sake, to find yours (Matt. 16:25).               

3.Give it all away to get it back (Luke 6:38).                                             

4.Die to live (John 12:24).                                                                 >

5.Hunger to be filled (Matthew 5:6).                                                                   

6.Be humbled to be exalted (Matthew 23:12).                                             

7.Be hated, to be loved (Matthew 10:22).

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore, the world hates you” (John 15:18, 19).

If you’re on both sides of the tracks, switch over to God’s side.

“That at the time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us” Ephesians 2:12-14).

Christ has demolished the wall of sin that separated us from God’s presence. We’re now on the same side, same train ride, chugging to the same destination: God’s Magnificent Home!

God Bless!

Sam

Recommended Song: Faithful Men by Twila Paris

Around 1986 and ’87, my wife and I discovered something we really enjoyed. A friends’ church held a Sunday School Parade in honor of the beginning of Sunday Schools in New York City.  Unfortunately, we had to go alone with our three little kids because our pastor was the type that believed if he couldn’t go, no one could.

We learned we would be marching down Bushwick Ave. in Brooklyn for several blocks. There were about 5-7 churches represented. We marched about 5 abreast on sidewalks holding Sunday School banners and distributing Gospel tracts as well as church invitations.

The coordinator informed us that decades before, there were many churches (hundreds) represented and hundreds of people would march about 20 abreast on the street, occupying four traffic lanes led by police cars.  Now those numbers had dwindled to less than 75 marchers from a handful of churches.

In a different type of parade, billions of believers, march in unison to Christ’s commands and teachings.  Maybe we’re not marching on streets, but we’re standing for Jesus.  We come from all walks of life and in every area of this globe.  We’re not walking down a four-lane street or even a highway.  We’re on the straight and narrow (Matthew 7:13,14) leading to God’s house, its streets paved in gold.  If you have not received an invitation, the party’s at Jesus’ place!   

But you can’t just show up!  You need the right attire. Not the right shoes, hairdo, pants, etc. but you need Jesus’ attire: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10)        

With Jesus as Savior, you’re good to go!  Remember, this party is a life-long celebration.  Your ticket has been purchased by the Lamb! It costs Him His life!  And it’s free to you NOW.  But if you get it later, after the Rapture, after the church has been called home, it’ll cost you, not an arm and a leg, but your head (Revelation 20:4)!  Get your ticket Now!  See ya at the gate, enter through the Door (Jesus; John 10:9)!   

God Bless!

Sam                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

In the Marx Brothers’ movie, Horse Feathers, the password to get in to a club, is Swordfish. Without passwords or codes, one can’t get in to certain places.  One club, I read about, boasted that it was the most exclusive club around.  It then said, “Everyone’s welcome!”  That’s not exclusivity!  A code or password is used to keep members in, and non-members, or below-par folks out.

People tend to do that a lot.  We tend to welcome others with shared beliefs, influential status, similar race, etc. into our circles.  Universities have been doing it for decades, as have some churches as well.  Ever felt left out?  People near you invited to some place but you weren’t?  Maybe you got dressed to go and then were told “Sorry Charlie”?  Did you feel rejected and unwanted?  I’m sure your feelings were hurt.

I remember years before I married, a young and poor kid at our church who was so happy to be present at a wedding of two people who grew up with.  He dressed his best and enjoyed the ceremony, but when it came time to go to the reception, we all had table tickets for, what at the time, some 44 years ago, was considered expensive at $14 a head, but he never received such a ticket, ‘cause he wasn’t invited.  We were all so sad, and he said something like, “Oh well, I guess I’ll just go back home and eat whatever…”

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day, were no different.  Anyone not dressing like them, praying in public like them, keeping the added commandments like them, were unworthy of belonging within their cliques.   Jesus, who gave the law, knew, and kept it, didn’t jive with any of their hypocrisies.   He came to undo their exclusivities.  He didn’t know their “Swordfish” code, and frankly, didn’t want to!  He was therefore not allowed into their headquarters.  He was ousted on many occasions. He was rejected!  Can you believe, the King of the universe rejected?

Jesus harshly scolded them for their deceitful ways.  He came to remove their exclusivities and swing the doors wide open.  He doesn’t want anyone to feel what that kid felt. His heart breaks for those still not on His list of honors-might be you! 

See, Jesus prepared the way for us to get in to the God’s Clubhouse.  “Swordfish” is not the password…sounds fishy to you?  It’s not. “Jesus” is the code to get you in!  It’s not Buddha.  It’s not Mary, Not John, Not Allah, Not Hari Krishna, not Saint Peter…but “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  Yet, Jesus is still getting rejected to this day! His arm is outstretched welcoming you in (Isaiah 9:12).

The invite is already printed and handed out!  Everyone’s welcome!!! But you’ll not get in neither with your attire (regardless how flashy), or with your own password.  “And what’s wrong with my attire??” You may ask.  We can only be dressed with Christ’s righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

Therefore, heaven, will be exclusively available ONLY to those “washed in the blood of Christ and whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life!

Leave behind the unrighteous deed of the flesh and of the law; the shadow of things to come, already fulfilled in Jesus, and get ready for the feast of a lifetime-literally!  See ya there!  I’ll be wearing my yellow Converse high-tops!

Sam

So, one day this past week, my wife and I finally managed to get away alone for at least 2 hours. My 88 -year-old mom has now been living with us for the past 8 months requiring lots of attention and care.  The idea of not having to cook or eat at home was part of the goal. The other, celebrating my birthday, was the main reason to get away.  We went to my favorite place: Golden Corral.  See, I’m not a restaurant guy.  I can’t wait for an hour for my food. At GC I get up and get it, and that’s it.

Ahh, the joys and benefits of eating away from our kitchen! The moment felt so surreal…until it became all-too-real: “Honey, are you slouching?”  Sit up straight” my wife said.  “Uh, I see lettuce, tomatoes, green peas…but where’s your spinach?” she asked. “I’m celebrating today” I said.  “Well, I would think celebrating or not…” “Umm, this chicken’s good and crunchy,” I said, trying to sidetrack her.   Then in hush tones, almost clenching her teeth, she said, “Those bones on the napkin…put them with the empty plates!”  “Nah, I said, the waiter will pick them up later.”  She kept nodding her head almost like a bubblehead doll, saying, “I still think that if you put them THERE on the empty plates…” “Relax,” I told her, “It’s my special day.”  “Man, are you messy!” she added.  And, “You should get more napkins!” she continued.

“Geez,” I said, “I thought it was a great idea to leave home behind for a few hours, but wait, I brought part of it with me!”  We laughed.  I said, “say Ah, now let me get a big apple and stuff it to keep you quiet!”  

The rest of the mealtime went well.  I sat up, fastened the straightjacket, folded my napkin (Origami style!), tidied my area, scooped up crumbs (Thank God she didn’t catch those!), ditched the bones, and we ate quietly ever-after!

However, not only has the hot chocolate fudge dispenser which messed up over two years ago, not been replaced, but there was no ice cream either!  What’s a birthday celebration with dark, fudgy chocolate cake and carrot cake, but no ice cream?!  Bummer, big time.

But life’s like that: not everything turns out the way we’d like it to, but you can have your cake and eat it too, only on the dry side if there’s no ice cream. (Remember, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise about cakes).

Someday soon, all saved Christians will sit to eat with the Godhead: the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  Right now, Jesus is up there making preparations. He’s waiting on tables… Oh, I don’t mean as a waiter, but each time He’s almost done waiting for tables to arrive, along comes God and says, “Son, another 53,000 souls just got saved.” He’s back to the drawing board.  Maybe that’s what taking His return so long. Pure speculation, but you’d never know!

We’ll be gathered at the Lamb’s Marriage Supper with the Trinity!  There won’t be any plastic utensils, probably, pure gold. God will not look at us sternly and thunderously say, “Pedro…sit up straight.”  Or, “Briana, eat your greenies so you’ll live long…” Eternal life, remember, without sickness or pain?  Not even carrots will be needed for great vision, only for carrot cake, or, if you’re a bunny!

Yep, that’ll be some celebration!  I’ll eat chocolate cake with hot fudge, drenched with ice cream; both Chocolate and Cookies and Cream. Can’t forget chocolate sprinkles.  It’ll be the ultimate Home away from home outing-experience.  And I won’t be surprised if over in a corner some wives might stand around with their arms crossed tapping their feet and rolling their eyes, while occasionally pointing their fingers at the rest of us saying, “Now remember, eat your spinach and broccoli, cause I’m watching you…” That’s when Jesus will walk over to them, put His arm around them and say, “Ladies, please join me for some treats,” and they’ll giggle themselves away, tucking their straightjackets, battering their eyelids…and remember they’re at their new eternal home.

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:7).

God Bless!
Sam

“When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out.  And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and it turns out that way.  You hypocrites!  You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and sky, but why do you not analyze this present time” (Luke 12:54)?

People see all kinds of signs of the End-Times all around, from within our neighborhoods, to signs in other states, and all around the globe.  We tend to dismiss them all, and expose ourselves to dangerous times ahead.  Read the warnings (above), and the promises (below):

“But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near” (Luke 21:28).

Look to the skies and observe the clouds. See His majesty and contemplate on what’s on the horizon:

“Behold, he is coming with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.  Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7).

Keep those hands up and praise Him!

Sam

Isn’t it fascinating to watch someone with knowledge restore an old piece of furniture or an appliance?  We used to love watching American Restoration on TV.  In one episode, a pastor once took in an antique old-time giant stove with several ovens and about eight burners which he said his father would have loved to see restored before his passing away.  Every piece was worked on and each burner taken apart to get refreshed.  When it was all said and done, the pastor nearly passed out!  It was beautifully restored!  It looked better than the owner remembered ever seeing it.  Every burner was chromed and restored to work, the oven and bread-warmer also worked, and the body was restored as well.

When we trust Jesus as our Savior and turn our lives to God, He takes away the spiritual dross and rust, removes the sinful way of thinking, chips away at our bad attitudes, and restores us to new people!  It’s not a go-to-sleep, wake-up to-a-new-change.  It takes time, but He will transform us.  He’ll mold us into His image.

“For those who God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29).

Ten years ago, my wife and I hunted up and down for a New York style sink we both grew up with.  One well is deeper than the other.  We finally found one!  Of course, in Puerto Rico, getting a discount on anything is to declare war!   Sellers HATE to budge on anything.  We were begrudgingly “given” a discount of $5 off the item that belonged more in a junk yard than in our kitchen.  But we took it to our neighbor who paints cars.  He did an amazing job on it!  See for yourself!

That’s how God transforms us: from “sinfully ugly” to His righteous image!

“And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets to dwell in”(Isaiah 58:12).

Call on Him now! Tell Him you repent of your ways and He’ll make you new!  Granted, He’ll make you cry uncle for some time, but when your buddies see you again, they’ll not believe the transformation!  Rough edges will be gone! Chips, dents, rust, removed! A new makeover will leave you spanking-new!

God Bless!
Sam