Month: January 2026

Back in the 70s, David Holmes sang “I’ve got a nickel; I’ve got a nickel shiny and new…” I remember having shiny new nickels, they looked so good, I didn’t want to spend them!  If you’ve ever had something new and shiny like a bike, motorcycle, car, etc. you’ve wanted to protect it.  You clean it and buff it endlessly.  God has meant for His bride, the church, to shine brightly in the midst of a darkened world.

In the midst of conflict, natural disasters, turmoil, and unending hardship, the body of Christ rises to the occasion contributing with their God-given gifts.  As we cook, deliver food, goods, clothing, build shelters, provide counsel, insight, sing, embrace, or provide a myriad of other helpful gestures, we are glorifying God and lifting up Jesus through our selfless deeds.

Around the world, as chaos ensues, the body of Christ is quick to stand to its feet to assist his fellow man without seeking recognition, and thereby bring glory and honor to God.  Satan uses tumultuous situations around us to wreak havoc and to show the world that God doesn’t exist, but without saying a word, the Word, Jesus, is exemplified by our caring acts in a hurting world. As we honor our fellow man, we honor God. In doing so, we shine brightly and speak loudly without uttering a word.

God Bless!               

Sam

Back when I was 7, there lived a girl of about 14-15 who lived with her family across our building.  One day she asked my father if I could join them on a trip to Coney Island. Approved, I wore dark pants and I think a light blue shirt.  She brought along a nephew similar in age to me and happened to be wearing the same outfit!  We were like brothers on that trip. At Coney Island, cowboy hats were bought for us.

We enjoyed similar rides and activities-except one.  At one point, I went on a small roller coaster ride without him.  When the operator saw me, he said, “I see you’re a cowboy, that means you like to go fast.” Boy, I wanted to take off that hat so fast! My insides were saying “NO!”  But, round and round and up and down I went.  Got off and never ever went on roller coasters again-until our daughter tricked us into one a few years ago! 

Have you had your share of life’s up and downs?  Been roller-coasting for some time now?  Have you wanted to take off that “hat” for some time and yelled “NO!” every time another trial shows up? I can relate!  God understands!  Do you want a fresh beginning?  Need new direction?  Let’s learn a few things from God.

With the start of a new year, we want to live it up making sure not to miss anything.  We want to grab ahold of life.  We want to accomplish our dreams and pursue new heights.

Generally, our plans, dreams, and aspirations differ from God’s plans for us.  Our best bet is to line up ours with His.  Since He’s Jehovah-El Hay, the Living God, He challenges us to live life to the fullest. The first step to living for Him is to die to ourselves.  Only when we die can we fully allow God to live through us.  After death, we need to be buried with Him; that is, put sin to death in us.  How? Don’t practice it!  Sin is crucified in us through our spiritual death because Christ took it to the cross for us. We need to be sure the “Old Man” in us will not rise again.  Through His resurrection, we too share in it by rising from the dead!

Our next step is to share in His sufferings and truly identify with His meaning of life.  Life will have more meaning when we realize we no longer live, but Christ lives through us (Galatians 2:20).

Desire a better life? Die to self, lead others to death also, and to life through Jesus Christ, El-Hay; The Living God.

Happy New Year!
Sam

Originally shared with our church on January 20, 2005

Ever receive a blank check to cover losses or meet a need? Neither have I!  But some people have received such a blessing.  Imagine, being trusted to honestly write-in an amount required to cover the cost of a need this Christmas. God knows your needs as well as mine.  He’s made out a blank check with your name on it.  The amount, though, is one only He could pay. Knowing you need a Savior, Jesus paid full price for sin: by dying on a cross, and taking upon Himself the burden of our sins.

He not only bore the pain, shame, and suffering. He became a curse in our place. There are thousands of people living in shame either for things they’ve done, haven’t done, or for having been falsely accused.  So great is the shame, that many can’t face life anymore and sadly, so sadly, many have taken their lives.  Jesus took our shame upon Himself.  He knows what that’s like.  Upon the cross, the Holy God became sin that we might become His sons and daughters. He took upon Himself our unrighteousness that we might become righteous.

Oh, I know, to many, Christmas is way-past; by almost two weeks.  However, when Christ is in our hearts, we have a perpetual Christmas season because Jesus is born not in a manger, but into our hearts. But though the holiday is over, His blank check offer is still under the tree of your heart.

Like a Christmas gift, unwrap it, open it, receive it and deposit it in your life’s account. “Cha-ching!” Get direct deposit!  Jesus will reside within you, and while it won’t snow inside, you’ll still have a “white Christmas” cause – “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18)!

God Bless!

Sam

Happy New Year!  For about two decades now my wife and I fall asleep way-before midnight on New Year’s Eve.  We wake up to a new day, new month, a new year, and welcome it.  I like fireworks, but that’s not usually the case in Puerto Rico where “celebrations” begin early, about 6p.m. Here, it’s a bunch of noise where small cars (usually stolen), are revved up on and on and their drivers burn rubber on the streets.  Usually, the cars themselves are later found burnt.  Besides the roar of the cars, there are shots fired in the air in rapid succession.  These are practices known to the police-they grew up on this island, so they know.  But nothing is done about it.  I’m so glad we’re in the mountains about ¼ mile from the main road.  If it’s loud up here, imagine those near where it’s happening.

Last night, there were a few fireworks but mostly M-80 bombs; thunderous claps that rattled you in your chair.  Before 11pm, I was drifting off to sleep and heard a few of those noisy booms go off.  But soon my snoring was louder than those M-80s!  I drifted off to la-la-land and heard nothing more.

This new year we look forward to great promises from God.  He’s always seated on His throne-meaning, He’s in charge and in control of everything.  “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20NKJV).  They’re also conditional. They’re true to those who serve Him and have their sins forgiven and their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).  While we look for His return, we enjoy His presence in our lives.  But if you don’t know Him as savior yet, don’t put it off another day! Soon, there will be a thunderous clap heard worldwide which will not consist of fireworks, but of something greater; even dreadful.  Please be ready before that day!  If you’re snoring louder than what’s happening around you, “Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light” (Ephesians 5:14 AMPC).

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; and then the heavens will vanish with a [mighty and thunderous] roar, and the[material] elements will be destroyed with immense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).

Let’s make 2026 the year we commit or recommit our lives to Him that we may serve Him whole-heartedly and be ready for His soon return.

Happy New Year!

Sam

Recommended Song: People Get Ready Crystal Lewis