Author: admin

Maybe you’re a burger and fries’ guy, or a steakburger and cheese girl. Maybe you’re competing in your own mini version of Nathan’s Hotdog Competition-with breakfast links, or you’re just home today waving your flag and thanking the men/women who fought for our country’s freedom. However you spend your day, remember there’s more to independence than this special holiday.
In the heavenly realm, wars have been fought for our independence from Satanic rule and dominance. The forces of evil which present a constant threat, have long been defeated by God. Yet, not everyone knows that. Meanwhile, dark forces continue their attacks upon us. Each day, attacks against the fibers that once held this great nation together, are unraveling. We’re at the point of walking around in shreds in what once was the most sought-after free nation in the world.
Few know there’s a realm of darkness-even those who delight in it. This realm, invaded by demonic forces and led by the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) seeks to keep its prisoners (all creation) from knowing they were defeated by Jesus at the cross, and afterwards made a public spectacle of (Colossians 2:15). Two thousand years ago, Jesus defeated this realm! You’ve been set free! True religious expression and freedom comes from a heart freed from darkness by the Light of the World (John 8:12).

As you give thanks today for our fallen heroes and our independence, give thanks foremost to God “Who remembered us in our low estate, for his mercy endures forever; and has redeemed us from our enemies; for his mercy endures forever. Who gives food to all flesh: for his mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136:23-25).
Celebrate Independence Day, but become independent from the world, and dependent upon God for a double blessing!
“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4,5)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1aNIV).
Happy 4th of July!
God Bless!
Sam

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

I’ve been working with our 79 yr. old friend, Toño, on our cement deck. He shared with my wife and me his experience as a brand-new carpenter, many years ago. The day before applying for a carpentry job, Toño, bought some tools such as a hammer, a saw, a pair of pliers, and a square. He told us, “When the boss saw me, he looked me over. Up and down, he eyed me.” “He asked me, you say you’re a carpenter? “Yes sir, I is,” shared Toño. “Then, why are your tools so clean?” “Why, is your hammer untouched?” “Why, does your saw look so shiny?” We laughed. Toño told us, “Everything I had was new-even the tool box!” I told him, “Your shirt was stiff and still had the cardboard within; I bet the price tag and size stickers were on your pants, as well!” “The boss saw I had no experience, at least, not with those tools,” Toño told us! Nonetheless, he was able to prove himself a great carpenter within a few hours and was hired on the spot!
Sometimes, when something’s new, we don’t want to touch or scuff it. We want to keep it shiny. “Get ya hands off,” we bark! We know a church brother, who, probably intending to make a statement at a church wedding, showed up in a brand-new suit. Had the price tag, size, and info stickers dangling from the sleeves! I think the hanger was intact too-sticking up the back of his neck! It was embarrassing for him! Funny to us!
It feels great when we have new garments on as in our favorite clothing item. Same thing happens when you give your life over to Jesus! When God looks at us, He sees the “tags” if you will, of Jesus’ redemption on our lives. He sees a shiny, new, YOU! He welcomes you into the family! You’ll see things in a different light. Even your thoughts and vocabulary changes. When others see you, they too see the new price tags on you. They’ll know you’re spanking new. You’ll be a new creation! Your “tools” will be new! You’ll be the son of The Carpenter (Jesus)!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come” (2Corinthians 5:17).
God Bless!
Sam

The Who sang, “These Eyes.…are crying…” I would say, “These eyes are laughing!” Last night my wife received a phone call from an ophthalmologist reminding her of today’s appointment where she’ll have her eyes dilated. She was reminded to bring a companion to drive her home. After the call, I stood pretended I had a (white mobility) cane, and closed my eyes walking around as if trying to find my way. I told my wife I should show up tomorrow like that for her appointment! I began looking towards my right as if looking at someone speaking when I should’ve been looking left! She said, “They’re going to ask, “Is that your companion?” I said, “At your service!” We got a laugh! Not at blind people, mind you, but at the fact that if I’m in no shape to lead her, I would be of no use!
Jesus said the same thing. In Luke 6:39 He said, “Can the blind lead the blind?” “Will they not both fall in a ditch?” His point? Unless we know the LORD, we are blind. We may have studied great philosophies, ancient beliefs, New Age teachings, but they are empty words and beliefs. Only the Word of God is Alive, and gives life. The ways of the world maintain spiritual blindness upon us. It’s a stronghold refusing to sever itself from us.
There are millions of spiritually blind people leading others into ditches. They’re being led into eternal darkness where they’re unable to see the light of the gospel.
Heard of the recent Christian cult where everyone was starved to death in order to see God? That’s blindness. God makes no such demands on us. Being spiritual refers not to an emotional spirituality, or an aura of sorts, as in an experience achieved at a concert or a “High” sought after. It is not a euphoria resulting from a sporting event.
Rather, it has to do with the sinful condition of man. Without Christ, we’re all spiritually blind, and dead in our sins. Only Christ is the Light of the world. Notice:
2 Corinthians 4:6, the AMPC version reads, “For God Who said, let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).”
Are your spiritual eyes dilated? Having a hard time seeing the things of God? Can’t sense His moving? Your vision may be blurred. Remember, “Satan, who is the god of this world. Has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Even healthy, Christians need to read the Word of God every day to steer away from Satan’s traps.
Sing, “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see you, I want to see you.”
God Bless!
Sam

Recently, my wife was alone with my 86-year-old mom watching Murder She Wrote. Normally, my mom would watch along occasionally asking questions. Unfortunately, as of late, she’s forgetting more and more things. So, a typical 47 min episode turns into a two-hour movie. Since my wife was alone at the time, she received the bombardment of questions.
Where are they? Who is he? Who’s she? Where are they going? What just happened? When did that happen? (It happened right before your eyes)! I never saw anyone enter the room! Where are they????
It’s sad, but funny. When I asked my wife how it went, she cried, “MURDER!” At least now she knows how Jessica Fletcher must have felt! Scripture tells us,
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21). With just our words we can either murder someone, or give life to others. We can put down or build up. Let’s watch our words:
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36, 37 ESV).
As for Mom, sadly, we’re all headed in her direction. We now know every movie watched with her, will be the extended version. Thank God for closed-caption and remotes!
God Bless!
Sam

Sometimes, we can get lost in how things are translated. Take, when we arrived to Puerto Rico 28 years ago. My mom only had local channels, so the programming we watched in NY were gone; lost. At first, we were somewhat relieved when we discovered 3-5 old programs. But once we began watching them, we noticed things were a bit off. In some cases, way-off! For starters, everything was of course, in Spanish. For another, nothing was translated as it should. In other words, new scripts were developed, or lines made up as they went along. For another, the same 2-3 translators translated various shows. And they didn’t try to sound at all like their characters. So, if you heard Yogi Bear, his voice was the same one for Bay Watch and Mr. Cartwright, etc. Forget about the jokes and cliches. Yogi sounded nothing like himself, and from Full House, Joey’s Popeye’s interpretations, weren’t even there. To top it off, Full House wasn’t known as Casa Llena or Hogar Lleno, instead, it was called, 3×3(!).
The program, Silk Stalkings, was translated as Silk Stockings (Medias de Seda)! Suddenly, we were complaining in Spanish! Ay, yai, yai!
I’m sure you’ve read about the car company pushing to sell their NOVA vehicle in Mexico, where NO-VA means No-Go! It didn’t sell!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…So, there we were, my wife and I, last week at Golden Corral having a conversation. She was saying how glad she was that after we’d eat, we’d walk across the mall to Burlington for browsing. However, she didn’t want me to rush her like last time, which I assured her I hadn’t done. After a few mins., I switched our conversation to GC, to our food. I told her, “Go up, walk around, and see what’s there as you always do.” She said, “If I go, I’m going to look at purses.” I responded with, “At persons?” She said, yes, at purses.” I said, “you mean, at people.” She said, “No, at purses.” I realized, we, again, were having two conversations! I said, “I’m talking food! Go look at the food! Forget purses!”
Happens so often! We’re talking one thing and the other person, is talking about something else.
When we talk with God, however, He knows what we’re saying-as well as what we’re not saying. Talk to Him today. He wants to hear from you. He speaks your language! He won’t change words around! And, your message will not get lost in translation!
“God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence” (Psalms 139:1-4 MSG).
God Bless!

Heavenly Father, I lift up before your throne room all moms on this day. I ask a special blessing for those moms who have followed your pattern of loving others. Thank you for their endeavors.
Father, I ask that you comfort those moms who have lost their loved ones, be it kids, siblings, or their husbands. Comfort their hearts during this time of reminiscing. Heal their hurting and aching hearts. Hug them. May they feel your presence during this moment and throughout every day.
Lord, comfort the hearts of those that today find themselves without their moms. Not having them around is saddening. Nothing or no one can fill the space that only moms occupy.
Fill the void in hearts wishing they could have had one more day with them.
Lord, help those moms struggling today with life’s ups and downs. Provide for them according to your riches in glory, and put them on the right track, if need be.
For those of us still having our moms around, may we cherish, and honor them each day.
Thank you, Father, for your wonderful plan of creating moms; not just women to bear kids, but women with hearts, feelings, tenderness, intuition, and God-seeking abilities for strength, decision-making, and to love as only You do.
Be with those whose moms may have fallen short of your definition of a good mother. Help them try to understand what their lives may have been like, and most importantly, help them forgive, move on, and be as loving as you have shown us to be.
Thank you, Lord for all moms do for this world!
“Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12).
Happy Mother’s Day!
Sam