Month: June 2023

Ever seen or actually heard someone tell another person, “Excuse me, that’s my seat” in a public place? I know, it’s ridiculous! People actually appropriate seats like benches or ledges public places. I’ve heard people say, “Oh yeah, hold on, um, I don’t see any name there.” “Yeah, but I was sitting there,” they’ll say. Here’s how it works: If you leave, that’s it, you’ve lost it.
King David had a best friend, Jonathan-son of King Saul. God had not allowed David to reign yet. However, after Saul and Jonathan died, King David inquired of any relatives left of Jonathan’s seed.
Turns out, Jonathan did have a son. His name was Mephibosheth. He was lame in his feet. Probably had to drag them everywhere he walked. To his surprise, he was sent for by the king. Saul’s servant, Ziba, took King David’s message and relayed it to Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth must’ve thought his life was over. Practice was, the new king would wipe out all relatives of the former king, eliminating chances for a takeover or an exacting of revenge.
Instead, King David wanted to honor Jonathan by inviting Mephibosheth to dine at his, (The King’s) table every day and by giving him land also. At the king’s table, Mephibosheth had, if you will, his name on a particular area. He had his own seat.
*Dan Gills, a teacher, at Glenfield Middle School in Montclair, New Jersey, always has an empty chair in his classroom near his desk. He’s done this for fifty years. Why? Some sixty years ago, Mr. Gills, who is white, at age 9, was invited to a party at his building in NYC. With gifts, Dan, and his black friend, Archie, went happily to have a good time. Dan was invited in, but not Archie. The reason? “No chair” for him to sit on. Dan was willing to sit on the floor so Archie could have a seat, but the ”No chair” policy excluded Archie even though Dan was welcome to stay. They left and at home cried. So, today, if there’s ever a student who has nowhere to go, or, happens to be unwanted by another teacher, he’s welcome into Mr. Gill’s room.
In heaven, there’s a seat for Jesus! See, on earth, in the area of the tabernacle, there was no seat because the priests ministered all day offering sacrifices for the nation of Israel. “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).
There’s also a seat reserved for you with your name on it as you sit for the most extravagant meal ever at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev.19:9)! You won’t be turned away for the color of your skin; heck, even if your skin was burnt off, you’ll still be let in. You won’t have to take a gift either other than worship and thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrifice providing you with a free entry ticket. Besides, Jesus already gave you the gift of eternal life, but you do have to accept His sacrifice for you. Accept Him into your life, and you won’t leave crying, on the contrary, “There’s rejoicing in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repents” (Luke 15:10).
An empty chair awaits you. Wouldn’t you love to dine at the King’s table?
God Bless!
Sam
*See The Washington Post (June 20, 2022), Why this teacher keeps one chair empty in his middle school classroom

The world has been glued to the news events concerning the Sub wherein five tourists descended the ocean’s bottom to see the Titanic. Tragically, as of this writing they have less than two hours of oxygen remaining for survival. Rescue missions have been scattering with the latest technologies in last-minute efforts to reach the ill-fated vessel and rescue those on board. Of main concern is the fact that they are approximately 13,000’ deep, where no one has gone before. By God’s grace, they’ll be reached on time.
Thousands are praying and hoping those on board can be rescued in time. This tragic and edge-of-the-seat event is strikingly similar to everyday life. Humanity has plunged itself to the depths of sin and darkness. Its air supply is extremely limited. After numerous attempts by God to rescue “those on board,” God, having sent prophets, teachers, kings, etc. to no avail, decided to join the rescue Himself. He took the form of man, Jesus, to descend the longest journey ever-from the third heaven to earth, leaving behind His glory, riches, honor, and never-before-separation from the Father, to rescue us. God is our air-supply. Our source for living.
UPDATE: We now know no one on board the sub survived, how tragic. An unexpected and unforeseen implosion took them all away. Our deepest consolations to the families involved.
But what if they had survived? There would be unhinged celebrations across the globe. That’s how it is with us when we get rescued by God! Each day hosts of angels are on the edge-of-their-seats watching rescues take place. They know there’s a countdown on our lives, only we don’t know it. Unbeknownst to us, unforeseen implosions/destructions await us at every turn. When rescued, angels cheer and celebrate each time one lost soul gets rescued! It’s not too late! Don’t give up-help is on the way! God hears your cry and knows your sorrows. He’ll save you. ” Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13 NIV).
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13NIV).
God Bless!
Sam

Not all of us had perfect fathers. For example, how many of us could say, “Yo, Pops, I’m taking the keys to the Porsche and me and my boys (gals) will be back, say, 2a.m. OK?” “Sure, thin, Son/Daughter!” It may have been something like, “Yo, Pops (Daddy) uhhh, (scratching your head) can I get the keys to the beat-up jalopy?” I promise not to dent it again…it’s just that that tree came outta nowhere.” “I’ll be back by 12…” “You best be home before I go ta bed by 11 or don’t bother cumin’ at all.” “OK.”
Maybe our dads weren’t like that. Maybe better, or maybe worse. But they tried. Dads got a bad rap. Too much, and they’re considered tough, or abusive. Too little, and they’re not interested, or are pushovers. Many, have not been around at all. But some have always been there. Regardless of how they raised us or how their absence may have spoken louder than words, we’re also guilty of how we’ve treated our heavenly father. Check out this condensed version:
Story: The Prodigal Son
Two sons lived with their dad. Youngest asked dad for his inheritance; got it, skipped town, spent it foolishly partying abroad, and a famine arrived. Food gone, inheritance spent, and all his buddies left for the hills. With nothing to eat, he got a job feeding pigs-and even slop looked desirable. Prodigal guy came to his senses! He thought, in my Father’s house, even the servants eat better than this! I know what I need to do. I’ll make my way home, tell my father, “Dad, I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your servants.” But the father saw him in the distance coming home over the fields. He ran to him, fell on his neck, hugged him and kissed him. said, “My son’s come home again!” This my son was lost, now he’s found. My son was dead, he’s now alive! Bring out the best robe and cast it on him! Bring me the ring and place it on his finger. Put shoes on his feet! Kill the fatted calf and let’s celebrate (Luke 15:11-32)!!
If you’re a prodigal, come to your senses, realize you need to run back to God. He’s not hiding from you! He’s looking out for you every day! When you call on Him, He’ll run to you, clothe you with His righteousness, dress you with new garments, He’ll hug you and put on a new ring signifying you’re not a servant but His son/ little daughter.
Only God is the Perfect Father! He’s promised to give us, not the keys to the Porsche, but to the Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19)! How’d you like them there apples?!
Reach out to your Dad today! Let Him know you love Him!
Happy Father’s Day!
Sam

They say couples that have been married for many years eventually end up looking alike. Well, my wife and I have been looking alike from before we married. People that would see us at church before we dated, thought we were siblings. In fact, there were gasps when I had our pastor announce an upcoming engagement. He said there was a couple no one could tell were one because they kept their distance from one another. As people wondered who they were, he called me up front, and then I called Viv and presented her with a bouquet of flowers asking her to marry me. It was my commitment to her (the ring came later). That was Friday, January 15, 1981.
So now, we not only share some looks, but we’re also sharing symptoms! She takes aspirin and my headaches go! I take antacids, and she belts them out! All last week I had Milk of Magnesia…she kept running! I’ve told her she needs to feast on some meds so they can work on me!
Sadly, in our world today, it’s unfortunate that we see females wanting to become bigger, fuller, curvier, etc. Many having lost their lives in these attempts. Males are on the same paths. Everyone, it seems, wants to be a better lover. How about, instead, loving better? How about going out of the way to love how God wants us to love-unconditionally? Why not sacrifice more for your spouse? Marriage is a marathon; not a sprint. It is a reflection of God’s love for His church.
We know married life can cause doing lots of together-things. Living for God, and serving Him is very similar. We end up looking like Him, and feeling what He feels. Having God’s heart means sharing His pangs. He lays upon us His burdens causing us to run in prayer, or to minister to others.
Are you looking more and more like spouse, Jesus? When He mourns for the hurting do you cry? His heart aches for the lost and broken-hearted, and you break into prayer for them? Have you got the runs, that is, the urgency to share His Word to a lost world? Can’t constipate in this area!
“So, I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing” (1Corinthians 9:26AMP).
“And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2ESV).
As for me, I’ll continue drinking cough medicine while my wife’s coughs subside. I’ll tap my back, my sides, and belly, and she’ll burp away!
In my personal life, today, June 6, we’ll be celebrating 42 years of married life! But, the carrot cake, ice cream and brownies…I’ll eat to my heart’s content… and she’ll tell me how good they tasted!
“He who finds a good wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22).
God Bless!
Happy Anniversary to us!
Sam & Viv

Honeymooning in Canada

June, 1981