Author: admin

Scene 1. On a gorgeous grassy knoll, with luscious greenery all around, surrounded by beautiful mountains, walks a lonely man unwanted and unloved.

Scene 2. In a jungle setting, lush with flowers, trees, plants, grasses, and overflowing with snakes, spiders, and birds of all types; a young couple tries to carve out a life for themselves.

Scene 3. In a busy crime-ridden city neighborhood amidst tall buildings and businesses, young children try to find a way to fit in today’s world of “me-ism.”

In every scene, in every part of the world, there are people in need of love.  There are people completely different from us, yet, exactly like us in feelings or situations. They experience hardship, intolerance, hatred, and injustice. Like us, they need God’s forgiveness.

In a world beyond ours, fluffed with clouds, with streets of gold, gates of pearls, eternal gardens, the brightest lights ever, sits the King of the Universe enthroned, surrounded by rainbows and perhaps by a “bit” more than a quintillion angelic being. Elders fall before His throne and the words “Holy, holy, holy” ring in unison in worship from every corner; praises in adoration to the One who lives forever.  Surrounded by pure holiness-in complete absence of sin, God, chose before the foundations of the world to love us. Before He uttered a word into space to create the world we see, He knew he would be dying for us.

God sees beyond the skies, beyond our nationalities, beyond our shame and guilt, and beyond our hopelessness. In His infinite love, God, through His Son, Jesus, took a giant step for mankind; one step down from heaven, from beyond the galaxies, to pay us a visit.

He fills our loneliness, replaces our fallen state by removing our sin, and loves us unconditionally.  Not with the “I love you” of chocolates and flowers observed once-a-year, but by laying down His life for us-especially when we didn’t deserve it.

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment hath we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.  We love him, because he first loved us” (1John 4:20, 21, 19).

“Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in deed and in truth” (1John 3:18).

We all need love, demonstrated with action-not “lip-service.”

God Bless,

Sam

That’s reno, as in renovation.  My wife and I were talking & laughing last night as we watched one of our favorite home-fixer shows. We know some things are real & some are rehearsed, otherwise, they wouldn’t make sense. We base ourselves on the following: “Ok, so out here, we’re going to remove the stone, replace that with something else, I don’t know what yet, but it’ll all look beautiful once it’s done.  We’ll  give you all new windows, shift the door, paint the exterior, put up a new roof, and do the landscape.  Shall we go inside?  “Great entry” shares the host.  Moving into the kitchen, “What do you like, don’t like?” “What would you like to see?  “OK, I can see all new cabinetry, we’ll give you a massive island- the largest we’ve ever done (contractor’s eyes open wide & knees tremble a bit), all new consistent flooring throughout, remove these three walls, vault the ceiling, create a window bench with plenty of storage, and get you a new dining table.  Shall we look at the primary?  Here, we only need new paint, demolish the awkward bathroom, give you all brand-new fixtures, a double vanity, & a walk-in shower with jet sprays, rain forest shower head with massaging technology, new tiles, built-in Bluetooth for an ultimate experience, and, that’s it.  What else? Outside, brand new covered composite deck, new grill, a chicken house, lounging, and remove some of those trees.  That about wraps it up!

Now, (the previously rehearsed part) how much do you have for this project?  You’re thinking, “Dang, they gotta have at least $280-350k for that.  If they say, “$295K,” which is a good amount, we know it was rehearsed.

But what if they say, “Well, after much consideration… we can afford…no more than $75K…” There’s no way that could be pulled off.  So, after all that talking and all those plans, had they not known the budget, the host would probably say, “In that case, scrap everything we’ve said, and let’s just focus on the kitchen; “Contractor, whaddaya think?” Nodding his head and with a sly smile he says, “Yeah, I think that’s about right.” With that, they’re off, and set to begin work tomorrow.  The budget’s taken into consideration and within a few months the reno’s completed.  Somethings in life are rehearsed, others, aren’t.

You and I may not appear on a show.  We may not have sufficient funds for a massive project undertaking.  However, we do need renos; we need to be renovated from the inside.  When the ONE who said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26), was He talking to Himself, or to the Godhead?  He/They, had you in mind from before the start.

God renews us from within-removing sin, spiritual death, and changing our ways of thinking, etc.  You can be a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17); for real!  God’s ready to start.  In fact, He’s got every room figured and all the parts are in, especially, a new heart.  He’s already begun and is waiting on you to give the “Go ahead” signal.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:16).

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them” (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

Get ready for that reno!

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

God Bless,

Sam

Singing group, Chicago, had a song by the above title in the 70s.  They also sang, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? There are plenty of song titles asking questions. Do you ask questions? I do-lots of them!

I was recently emailing a former high school classmate whom I haven’t seen in person in 49 years. I told my wife that the friend is like my brother when it comes to questions & answers. See, if I have 4 questions for my brother, I have to send him 4 emails.  Otherwise, he’ll only answer one.  So, my wife tells me, “Most of the world only answers one question!”

Later on, she was watching a tv movie where the main character, a “has-been” actress asked questions upon questions, and then gave updates upon updates!  My wife said, “That’s you!”  “Then you wonder why people only answer one!” Well, I know there have been times when I’ve asked her a question and when she’s said, “Ummm” I’ve jumped to the next one, and when she’s said, “Well,” I’m asking her “What do you think?” When she answers, I’m like, “Is that an answer to Q #1, 2, 3, 4, 5???”  At that point, it’s like “Yes to…No to…Maybe…I don’t remember what else you asked…” It can be frustrating when people don’t keep up or follow my conversations/questions!

A day is coming when all our questions will be answered!  Things said or done in secret shall be revealed!  Things we haven’t understood, will be made known.  Things we, and  others wonder about, God will explain.  When He, who holds the mysteries of the world shall appear…  “There’s nothing hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light” (Luke 8:17).

In the Bible, when King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which troubled him, he desired to know its meaning.  The trouble was, he forgot the dream! He asked for something seemingly impossible: Let a magician or astrologer not only interpret the dream, but first get in my head, & tell me what I dreamt. No one could help him.

When Daniel was brought to him, he told the king that no astrologer or magician could know what he dreamt, but, “There is a God in heaven that reveals secrets” (Daniel 2:28). And God did so.

Look forth to that day! Everything shall be known!
God Bless!
Sam

Growing up we told other kids, particularly, pain-y ones, to shake a leg; meaning, move it, get lost, beat it, or skedaddle. We were very nice about it. We didn’t threaten anyone, but were serious.

 However, the term, shake a leg, recently took on a different meaning for me. Lately, I’ve been doing something I’ve never done in the past 28 years.  When we moved here (PR) in ’95, a neighbor told us, “This here is the countryside; the mountains.  It’s where you pick up your slippers/shoes and shake them before putting them on.  It’s where you shake your pants before wearing them because things get in them.” By things, she meant large roaches, or water bugs (flying type), spiders, lizards, snakes, etc.                             

It’s a good thing I generally put on my socks before my pants.  Last week after power washing and afterwards showering, when I pushed my right leg into my pants, out zipped a large black spider!  I now shake my pants and meticulously look inside the legs before using them!  Shake a leg, is now a good thing!

By the way, spiders are everywhere!

“The spider takes hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces” (Proverbs 30:28).

As you may have noticed around the world, God is shaking things up too. Muslims, Hindus, Asians, Communists, murderers, and even politicians are being drawn into God’s Kingdom! He’s shaking people groups and nations!

Were it up to us, only certain people of certain backgrounds would make it into heaven.  But God has made a way for everyone to enter in.  Unlike a club that announced something like, “We’re the most exclusive club in town-everyone’s welcome” (great contradiction!), God’s mandates prevail over all others. He does welcome everyone.

To enter His kingdom, one must undergo His guidelines: Repent of your sinful ways and lifestyle, acknowledge God’s existence, invite Him (Jesus) into your heart.

He will, through the Holy Spirit indwell you, and transform you from the inside out, thus making you a new creation.

To all the countless hundreds of millions of people who refuse His ways, He’ll accept it because He doesn’t force anyone to follow Him.  But, on judgement day, know without a doubt, that He will tell them, “Shake a leg;” “I never knew you.”

By the way, we’ve seen about 7 more huge spiders since that day!  One was in the kitchen! Another day, one was in the bathroom. I sprayed it & it hid behind a cabinet. Later, my wife and I tip-toed through the bathroom looking for it. As a safety measure, I went to get the roach spray, & saw it had traveled & was now right on it!

Better to shake a leg than to be shaking in my pants!

God Bless,

Sam

Years come and years go. A few things have gotten better, while many have gotten worse.  Children grow and the elderly move on.  Sometimes our lives feel stagnant; other times, it moves rapidly.

When we’re waiting on God to come through, it usually requires lots of patience on our part.  On rare occasions, He answers swiftly.  In my case, slowly.  Nevertheless, He’s aware a new year will shortly be upon us.  Does He have a word for us? Can we trust Him for direction?  Can we embrace the new year confident He knows what lies ahead?  The answer to all these questions is YES!

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

He knows where we stand.  He knows what keeps us from approaching Him in confidence.  He’s taken care of that too.

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Isaiah 43:25).

He’s removed our sin, taking it upon Himself.  He’s removed our shame and given us dignity-if we accept Him into our hearts.  Today’s the day to take the first step towards Him! Do it!  Then mark it down on your calendar/in your journal/diary, and see the difference in your life a year from now!

A new year is a great time to begin a new life!

Happy New Year!

Sam

When Roman law meant a soldier could compel/persuade a Jew to carry his armor or load one mile, Jesus said, “Walk two” (Matthew 5:41).  “When someone sues you for your coat, give him also your cloak” (Matthew 5:40).  That was known as going the distance; going above, and beyond what was required by law.

Today, everyone tends to go the distance when needs arise. It’s something usually expected from good-natured people.

During Christmas time, it’s not uncommon to hear stories of officers or others in authority, as well as common people to come to the rescue to those in need.  Such events restore faith in humanity because kindness seems to be falling short lately.

In the eons of time, way-before mankind rebelled, God, already had a plan to restore him to full fellowship.  From God’s throne room in the third heaven, going past the starry heavens, and beyond the atmospheric heavens, God went beyond all barriers to fellowship with His creation. It wasn’t enough to simply hang around animals and created beings. He was able to speak face-to-face with His highest creation-man.  But He really went the distance when He placed Himself upon the cross for the sins of all humanity.  It wasn’t man’s hatred that placed Him there, and it wasn’t an accident, or, “Yikes, what have I done?” No, it was pure love that drove Him across time and space to pave the way to the Father so that all who want to live eternally, will receive His sacrifice.  That’s incomparable love.  There’s only one question: Will you go the distance to meet Him?  Don’t know where? Meet Him at the cross.  He waits for you there and will welcome you with head bowed and outstretched arms.

Merry Christmas!

Sam

Love some of the gifts you received?  Hate them?  Already broken? Received a gift that keeps on giving…you a headache?  Sometimes gifts are like a seltzer-they fizz a bit and then quickly dissipate. Their novelty wears out right away. The new car’s shine fades, and its tires wear out.  The house needs constant repairs, and new appliances are scheduled to fail a few days after the warranty expires. 

Our thirst is quenched for a few hours each day, but soon, even water won’t satisfy…unless, you drink from the fountain, not of youth, but of Living Waters.  Jesus said:     “But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).

That’s water that will never run out!  Meaning, Jesus will quench your spiritual thirst and meet all your needs eternally!  Now, that’s a gift that keeps on giving!

When Adam & Eve were created by God, fashioned by His hand, not spoken into existence like the fish and creeping crawlers; but made in His image, He gave them the opportunity to eat from the Tree of Life to live forever.  Although they didn’t eat from it, you can!  Jesus said:                                                                          “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Accept His gift of Salvation now and you’ll receive eternal life too! Everyday you’ll enjoy walking with Him just as Adam & Eve did during their period of innocence before the fall (Genesis 3:8).  And, the best part of God’s gifts?  You’ll never have to return them (no long lines either)! They’ll always fit; customized just for you.  They won’t break.  They won’t give you a headache…and you’ll love them!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sam

Ever been to one of those? You wanted to save a few bucks and you got elbowed, stepped on, cursed at-followed by a “Merry Christmas to you, too!”?   Perhaps, you were the one doing these things?!? Overall, you can get great bargains!

You don’t get too many deals in Puerto Rico on the day after Christmas.  One reason is, the workers get first dibs on everything before doors even open.  Additionally, our large box-store giant, just like other lesser-known hardware stores, are notorious for announcements like these:

Get yours today! Availability, 6 per store!  Oftentimes, the “available” items are the same old ones in the stores every day.  In other words, they’re not new, and some are repackaged returns that may not work, or have missing or broken parts.  Not to mention S-L-O-W service & S-U-P-E-R-L-O-N-G- L-I-N-E-S.

About 18 years ago my wife and I were at a now shut down chain store that has a 4’ tall old-timey Santa, which I liked at either $49. or at $99. It was probably December 24 and would go on sale Dec. 26 at 50% off.  We got there early that day to find it already gone. Reluctantly, we chose the next best thing: a 4’ tall Snowman.  When we went to pay, we saw it displayed at a cashier’s register.  So unfair! But you can’t complain, because managers backup their workers.  The customer is rarely ever right in PR.  It’s usually better to stay home unless you only want to look around.

God says, “Is anyone thirsty, come and drink-even if you have no money!  Come, take your choice of wine or milk-it’s all free” (Isaiah 55:1 NIV)!

There’s plenty at God’s table! Available in abundance to all! It’s limitless! No rations! It’s worth waiting for His rewards!

Merry Christmas!
Sam

Mr. Snowman

I had searched far and near

To find a gift for someone dear.

It needed a special touch,

Something unique, though not too much.

A lamp, a light, to lead the way

A lantern, a candle, a beam, a ray.

I found it, I found it! Something to treasure!

True friendship, trust, and love without measure!

Merry Christmas!!

Sam

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; (Isaiah 9:2).  And for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16).

God sent The Light, Jesus, during our greatest need!

As the snow silently made its way down and covered the ground, a little boy and girl leaned their heads against the storefront window cupping both hands by their faces peeking in. To them, time stood still as they watched wind-up toys and stuffed animals in a snow-themed stage displaying the magic of Christmas.  Flurries swirl helplessly in the air landing on the window pane and on the kids’ coats.  What a treasured moment.

Let’s go inside! Let’s be young-at-heart again and step closer to our memories and thoughts.

Are you on the outside looking in? Are you trapped in the moment mesmerized watching the toy train on its endless loop through miniature trees, forests, underneath mountains of gifts heading back to the front?  Are you viewing daintily-dressed dolls, American/Radio Flyer red wagons pulling teddy-bears, and glancing at jars of candies in the distance? Do twinkling lights and flickering candles pull at your heart?  Do they engulf you in the sentiment of a small-town world of yesteryear?

Walking with Jesus is just like that. One feels like you’re within snow-covered window panes amongst the toys, the trains, the stuffed animals, enjoying the nostalgic moments.  Sure, trials are ever-present; but you’re within the shelter of God cocooned with His love.  

Those not in His service are as those on the outside looking in; not part of the moment.  As they walk away from the magical displays on the storefront windows, the snow covers their footprints, and erases the unforgettable experience.

Isn’t it time to move inside, to enjoy the fellowship, even if only with teddy bears and toys? As thrilling as peering through frosted glass and antique stores might be, there’s no major thrill than walking with God.  In fact, look in again and you can almost see Jesus sitting there holding out a teddy bear for you inviting you in.  Contrary to some, He cares about what matters to you.

Step inside

Merry Christmas!!
Sam