Author: admin

I once fooled our school kids and staff! It was the end of the school year around 2005. My wife was on stage singing to me Sonny & Cher’s “I’ve Got You, Babe” while I sat with my back to the audience. Since I have made it a custom to always wear my high-top Converse sneakers to work, on that day, I was up there wearing a long-hair wig and black boots. Wearing my sneakers inside the oversized boots, no one thought it would be me. At the end of the song, I turned around, said something to my wife, got down on one knee and re-proposed to her since it was our anniversary. As the song ended, they were shouting, “Who is he? Finally, after removing the wig and boots, they saw my face! I had pulled it off! Everyone was surprised!
Unfortunately, many of us have been victims of being fooled; of deception, victim of scammers, hypocrites, etc. There are people who enjoy casting their arm over the shoulders of those they intend deceiving. Others leave kisses of betrayal on our cheeks. It feels terrible! But deception isn’t limited to us. It happened to God.

Two thousand years ago, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, pre-arranged His betrayal. Speaking to the religious leaders, he agreed to deceive Jesus. Probably unaware that Jesus already knew from before the world was created that this moment would come to pass, Judas met his contacts at the garden where Jesus would be. For a price of 30 pieces of silver, Judas greeted Jesus with a kiss. It was the sign of whom they were to arrest (Mark 14:44). Jesus felt betrayed because He was indeed betrayed by one of His familiar friends, someone He trusted (Psalm 41:9).
Have you been deceived or betrayed? God knows the awful feeling. He can definitely relate. Cast your cares on Him. On His last week on earth, instead of it being a fun-filled week, it was to become the most hurtful week ever-from a human standpoint, for anyone who has ever lived. God was arrested by those He created.
Enjoy Holy Week
God Bless,
Sam

It was the mid-60s and I was nearly 7 when the Beatles took the USA by storm. At the time, at home, we didn’t listen to music. We only watched TV shows and my parents listened to their local radio station. One day, I was with my mom across the hall visiting my aunt when my cousin, Rosin, excitedly exclaimed, “Look, those are the guys I’m saying!” I saw crowds of screaming girls, and cops trying to control them. There were mobs everywhere! It was chaotic! At Shea Stadium, there were people everywhere-some screaming, others fainting. All for four young guys strumming at their hearts and stealing their tears and emotions! They stirred crowds everywhere they went. The world was changing.
Two thousand years earlier, there was a similar invasion. This one was not by a fabulous-four group, but by thirteen men. Twelve were the assistants of the One leading the group. While radical, they didn’t wear mullets or torn jeans, or fanciful gear with brand names, etc. Their “ride” wasn’t the latest model on four wheels. If there were four, it would have been legs; as in horses or mules. Mostly, they only relied on their two legs & fishing boats for traveling.
The leader, Jesus, was the most radical man ever to walk this earth. Be not misled, Jesus was the biggest sensation ever to walk the earth! He healed the sick, He healed the crippled, He raised the dead, He restored sight. He even forgave sin (Matthew 9:2). While God gave the Jews the written law to live by, they added their own additional rules, to spiff it up a bit. Since they obeyed and kept most of them, they made sure everyone else followed it to the letter. They were so strict, no one, not even the giver of the law, Jesus, could fulfill it-according to them. The very God who created the entire world, was ousted by the religious leaders from the temple, the streets, villages, and the face of the earth.

On a day like tomorrow, Jesus led a small march through Jerusalem on a donkey. As He passed by, the people shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is the King that Comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mat.21:9). People waved palms and laid their garments on the ground for Him to pass on. AS usual, the religious leaders tried “raining on His parade.” They became indignant and scolded Him for allowing the children to praise Him. This event, known as the Triumphal Entry, was the beginning of His last week on earth; Holy Week. It was like a concert. Though there was no singing, a great gathering of people was there.

I don’t know how many flyers were printed and posted. Don’t know which of the disciples ran it in the local newspaper, what radio stations aired it, or who dropped it off at the local TV network for commercials. Maybe the “Sons of Thunder” tweeted it, and Simon may have posted it on social media. We do know, He drew crowds. His, was a sold-out event!

Instead of the Beatles or Crosby, Stills, Young, and Nash, or The Who, or the Guess Who, or any other group, Jesus and His group of twelve followers roamed the countryside, as well as Jerusalem, as in this case sharing Words of Hope and Salvation to the multitudes.
Had they had guitars, lyres, tambourines, a top-of-the-line drum set, keyboard, and maybe some timbales, wireless mics would have caused their voices to resonate off the cliffs as they praised God!
Without the fanfare, Jesus fulfilled the ancient scripture prophesy of Zechariah: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). That day, Palm Sunday, was a day of great rejoicing among the people. Their redeemer was in their midst. The King of the Jews and Creator of the entire Universe walked amongst them. The Messiah had come!
Praise His Name!
Hosanna! Blessed is the King!
Sam

Kisses are here and kisses are there, kisses are everywhere. We use them as expressions of greetings, friendship, appreciation, and as gratitude and love. Kisses are probably shared in every corner of the world. “Mercy and truth are met together;” we’re told in Scripture. Mercy and truth are needed in every situation. There are many people who do not operate in mercy while others do not function in truth. Some people lack both. They are needed to do things right. Jesus told the Pharisees of His day, “…I will have mercy and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13).
Men love showing off their power and dominance; their control over others. Many enjoy doing what they want even if it’s wrong, and then want to offer sacrifices to God to atone for their ways. God wants us to be merciful to others. Jesus hung with the crowds the religious leaders ignored and despised. He wanted them to show compassion to the less fortunate, to the outcasts. Instead of offering sacrifices to God for their righteousness and showing off how good and obedient to the law they were, He wanted them to love their neighbors the way He loved them.
He expects the same from us. He would rather see less sacrifices, those long lists of all we’ve done or have gone through, but maybe haven’t loved anyone; and more obedience to His Word.
Have you read the book, Kisses from Katie (Davis): A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption? Great book on sacrifices made by a young girl to take the Gospel in the form of love to needy kids in Uganda by adopting 13 of them! It’s a must-read! Yes, kisses are everywhere!
But this happens mostly when we’re not self-righteous or pompously looking down on others. Real love cannot be measured! It goes beyond barriers of every type! God’s love, Agape love, is limitless! The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had love-all to themselves. In todays’ terms, they were looking out for number 1. They only loved “me” (themselves) and despised/belittled the poor and needy. Jesus told them off, put them in their place. Of course, they hated Him for it.
Psalm 2:12 reads, “Kiss the Son.” Meaning, be submissive to Him. However, the religious leaders failed to recognize God in their midst. So, whereas they could have kissed the author of love, that is, love personified, they instead, killed Him.
God Bless,
Sam

I was about 15 when for some reason Pauly, one of the sons of the local diner’s owner, was terribly upset with me. He was about 5 inches taller than me and began to chase me. After going around the block the second time, my friends told him he might as well call it quits. When he asked why they told him that I was the fastest on the block and that he wasn’t going to catch me. In his anger, he disregarded them and chased away. He was about ½ a block behind me and never caught me after 5 laps. Endurance: persevering in an event, not giving up.
Many of us enjoy stories of persevering feats such as cycling 205.65 miles daily for 365 days and completing 75,065 in a year (Thomas Godwin of Great Britain) in 1939, and continuing until completing 100,000 miles in 500 days up to May 14, 1940. Or, imagine cycling 1216.8 miles behind pace in only 24 hours (Michael Secrest) April, 1990!
Others, like participating in mountain-climbing, or the scaling of mountain peaks like Mt. Everest. Some people enjoy reading their stories. Me, I enjoy the movies like Everest or Vertical Limit. However endurance may come, it is not only important in our lives, but essential. Look around you at what’s going on. Life has become even more difficult than it was. Don’t quit! Read:
“For many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many (Matthew 24:6- NIV).
Endurance is for the long haul. It entails giving one’s all. It’s usually painful and long-lasting. Through thick and thin, we have to hang on. Jesus said,
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:14 KJV).
God Bless,
Sam

I wrote this today for a special friend of over thirty years.
My Name is Magda and I’m in my low sixties. For several decades it’s been just my mom and me living and chasing dreams here and there. We’ve split our decades between New York and Puerto Rico. We’ve visited several states and have had fun on our journeys. From flea markets to farmers’ markets, and estate sales to closeout sales, we’ve enjoyed our treasures as well as our travels.
But the real treasures haven’t been the special finds and great deals. No, it’s been the special times and memorable moments my mom and I built together. We’ve been there for each other every step of the way. We’ve laughed along trails and cried at hardships on recovery roads. We’ve managed to triumph over obstacles of every type. We’ve weathered snow storms, hail storms, pouring rains, unbearable cold, and plenty of hurricanes.
We’ve been there for each other when electric power has gone out for days, weeks, and seven months after our last serious hurricane (Maria). In floods or droughts, we’ve stuck together. We’ve eaten plenty, as well as have had to share meals. From Museums to parks, to shows and Bingo groups, we’ve been friends to the end. In the heat of summer, we’ve refreshed ourselves with the coolness of water, drinks, and ice cream or shakes. In the bitter cold, hot chocolate or brewing coffee or tea, warmed our hearts. In the good times and tough ones, we’ve held each other up.
When she became ill and dropped over 80 pounds, I was by her side. The next several years brought unforeseen hardships, but we faced them as always-side by side in the warmth of each other’s presence. Dialysis drained her body, but her spirit continued strong as ever. Changes brought challenges, but her will to persevere, did not wane. Shorter travels and shorter journeys kept us together through thick and thin.
Two weeks ago, we celebrated my mom’s 85th birthday with friends and family as Death hung in the air always lingering nearby. Several days later, she passed away. So, what will I do now that my mom has passed on? What will I do now that my best friend has moved beyond the curtains on the stage of life?
I’m not really sure, but one thing I know: I will walk through the rooms of my mind. I will visit the special moments we held. I will sit in each room and recall memories made. I will laugh at the things we said and at the things we did together. I will treasure her advice, her opinions. I will hold her hand as she did mine in the toughest of times. I will recall how she stood tall and proud of her heritage and character. I will recall her determination to triumph in life-and I will continue in her path. I will continue our dreams and journeys. I will hear our songs in the rain and feel her presence in the wind. My best friend isn’t with me anymore, not in this life; she’s moved on. I will continue holding the hand of God for this next journey. Life will not be the same, but I will find laughter during this difficult time and will treasure it and share it with others. For now, “I miss you mom.”
*Magda voluntarily and unselfishly chose to put her life on hold for decades to care for her mom. She led an admirable life. We’ll continue to lift her up before God’s throne room as she seeks direction from Him for the path ahead.
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: But the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:18-19).
Recommended song: Faithful Friend by Rebecca St. James & Dennis Jernigan
God Bless,
Sam

We just went for new glasses. As my wife checked out ones against the wall, an assistant offered some help. I told her my wife, a retired librarian who can quote authors, their works, and where to find their books on her shelves, example: fiction- numbers…top row, next to…before…, reads 18 hours a day! “Eighteen hours a day?” she asked, “we’ll take care of that!” she added. And they did! Turns out, my wife who has been reading without glasses all her life, was actually seeing words on the blurry side. “Well, now everything will be clearer and she’ll be able to read 24 hours straight” said the assistant! “Glad y’all could help,” I said, plucking out some of my hair!
Sight is so important. Scripture tells us Moses died at the age of 120 and still had great vision (Deuteronomy34:7)! Imagine how many books he could’ve read! My wife’s going for the record!
We might have 20/20, or as in one Bugs Bunny cartoon, while getting an eye exam by Elmer J. Fudd, he was able to see letters below the lines shown! Elmer had to get several magnifying glasses to see them!
But, as long as we don’t have Jesus in our hearts, our spiritual eyes will remain shut. Take this case: Two of Jesus’ disciples (Cleopas & Simon) were walking on a road to a village known as Emmaus. As they walked and talked replaying the events that had recently occurred, Jesus, after His resurrection, joined them. Asking what important things, they were discussing, they told Him about the crucifixion; but their eyes were closed to seeing/understanding who He was. Then He shared with them all the scriptures starting with Moses concerning Himself. As they neared their destination, they invited Him to stay with them which He did. As He shared bread with them and blessed them, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him (Luke 24:13-53). Now, although they had spent years with Him, at this particular time, their eyes were closed from knowing and understanding Him.
As it goes, Israel’s spiritual eyes have been closed for over two thousand years. God ordained it that way. They’ll remain as such until this period, known as the Times of the Gentiles, ends. Then their eyes shall be opened and they shall understand that two-thousand years ago, Jesus walked and lived in their midst, yet they rejected their True Messiah. Then shall they mourn (Zechariah 13:5, 12:19). Spiritual discernment comes from God.
Closed eyes is why there are so many people today arguing against God, against religious rights, and against supposed hatred from Christian; without an understanding of the larger picture; they can’t see it or understand what is really happening. Check it out:
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1Corinthians 2:14).
Whether we’re light readers, marathon readers, wear glasses or contact lenses, not until we serve God, will our spiritual eyes be opened. No number of filters, transitions, anti-glare protection, etc. will help. Gotta get those (spiritual) eyes examined on a regular basis! Read the Scriptures daily, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance constantly!
“Now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1Corinthians 13:12). See You later!
God Bless,
Sam

In early ’95, my wife and our three kids went to a large department store to scout inline skates for our kids. We eyed them and took notes because the next day, Sunday, they’d go on sale. However, the selection was small. The next morning, my son and I headed there while the rest of the family went to church, where we’d catch up later.
We took the escalator down to the main entrance where a crowd of seniors were anxiously waiting for the gate to open. Our son told me to chill-not to rush in as I usually did, to allow the elderly to go first. He then motioned that we should step back and allow them to stay up front. After all, we didn’t want to hurt them by rushing in to grab our items. As the gate began to rise, and even before it went all the way up, those seniors CHARGED! Some in wheelchairs, others with crutches, walkers, on two feet, whether limping, hopping, or however they could, they bent down underneath the gate and pushed each other elbowing whoever was next to them! My son looked at me, his eyebrows raised, shook his head as if saying, “Dag, look at them go, they would have trampled us down!”
Regardless of age or condition, we’re all in a race. Some, going somewhere, others, going nowhere. But racing, we are. We all have a goal or goals. Billions of Christians are in a race; a race against time. People confuse our goals and objectives. When Noah entered the ark, he didn’t close the ark; God did (Genesis 7:16). So, what’s our race about? God has promised to soon shut the door on all things by a series of events known as the End Times. We’re extremely near it! Look around! Read the news! Since no one knows exactly when it’ll be, we want to warn everybody so as to be ready (saved) when He calls His believers home.
Long ago, Noah announced a flood was coming. Over a hundred years went by, and still not even a drop of rain. Remember, no one knew what rain was; since it had never rained before. But once the rains began to fall as drops, then puddles, like buckets, tubs, etc. people began banging on the ark and probably repenting of their sinful ways, and for mocking Noah and his family. But it was too late. Millions climbed to higher ground, to no avail.
Likewise, now, people believe it’s mockery and nonsense that fire will fall from heaven, or that stars will fall to the earth, or that the sun will get 7 times hotter; but when it comes…
What did Jesus say about that? He said, “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:31). We need not trample one another for the kingdom’s sake; don’t need to elbow anyone; we shall all get there, if we’re saved. But we do need to run the race God has set before us not doubting or behaving foolishly, but always expecting God’s imminent return. But if we’re not ready yet, it’ll be too late! You’ll have missed the boat, as the saying goes.
However, once there, we’ll be able to skate down the streets of gold! No wheelchairs, no walkers, no canes, no pushing, and without any injuries!
I won’t say my son and I had to wrangle some skates off some old men and women, or that they took ours, but we did manage to get what we had set out to buy- peacefully!
Sweet skating!
God Bless,
Sam

Kids in general believe in tomorrow.  “Tomorrow we’ll get ice-cream.” “Tomorrow I’ll be with dad…” “Tomorrow we’re going on vacation.” We all need the hope of tomorrow.  Sadly, many live without tomorrow in sight.  From those whose lives have been turned upside-down due to unforeseen events, to those who steal, splurge, and live recklessly; to those that think tomorrow will never catch up with them, tomorrow comes too soon, and slips away just as well.                                                 

Some people spend all they have as if there’ll be no tomorrow.  When it rolls around and they’re broke and busted, they’ll have an awful today-everyday.  I’ve read of those “Riches-to-rags” characters that lived to the hilt and then fell flat on their faces.  It’s important to know that tomorrows are on the horizon.  And for those who don’t anticipate them, might as well get your lives on track should you drop dead tonight-cause tomorrow won’t come for you-but only perpetual todays. Meaning, if you die in your sins, nightmares, tortures in hell, and eternal separation from God shall be your ‘today’ eternally.  Jesus said,

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes when no man can work” (John 9:4).

In other words, while it’s still day (today), we need to do God’s will. The night (or tomorrow) is coming when it’ll be too late. Tomorrow’s riches from God’s hand are better than today’s life without Him. Awaiting to be in His presence tomorrow is way-better than living recklessly for the moment.

Happy New Year!
Sam

How are those resolutions coming? More like a revolution?  Somewhat of a confusion? Battling midsection protrusion? Here’s a better solution:

 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).  Instead of seeking our own will, or attempting to perfect our ways, let’s trust God to lead us down His paths.  The LORD says,

 “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8 NLT).

For this new year which will feature more uncertainties than in past years, we need to cling to Jesus more than ever.  He will help us with our circumstances, since He knows our struggles and petitions.  Yes, we do need to put in some effort! However, let’s attempt His will first, then tackle sensible things.  Finally,

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14).

We shall give an account to God for all our ways-good or bad.  Might as well start on those things that really matter.

God Bless!

Happy New Year!
Sam

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