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

Christmas décor is great and beautiful.  The reds and greens, the twinkling lights and the quaint villages make for beautiful and dreamy nostalgia.  Wrapped gifts under a tree beckon us to keep warm and share in gift-giving with loved ones.

A touch of snow, or should I say, a blizzard of it, can be reminiscent of Christmases long-gone.  We might get excited over Santa and his reindeer and his elves.  As beautiful as that can be, I’ve yet to see people touched emotionally over those characters.  Touched, not because they want to sit on his lap for a gift, but touched to where they feel his presence over their lives. Touched, to where there’s conviction in their lives.  Santa and his crew can bring me joy, but can’t change my life internally.  

Christmas is about God stepping into humanity through His Son, Jesus.  We can watch a child sing, paint, or play an instrument for God’s glory, and we are touched because we feel God’s presence in our midst and know He alone can do such wonderful things.

 The color red, representing His blood, was shed for our sins and transgressions against God.  Green, like Evergreens, remind us His love is forever; our redemption is eternal.  Are you waiting for a white Christmas?  Today, you can have you your “red-stained,” sinful life made white through His shed blood on Calvary just for you. “Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red as crimson, they shall be as wool,” (Isaiah1:18).

The lovely quaint little town you might dream of, might just be waiting for you in God’s heavenly place.  He does know our likes and desires.

Today, worship Jesus for being the true reason behind Christmas. Thank Him for gifting Himself to you.  The baby in the manger came to give His life for us.  How precious His desire to come to us in the most lovely and helpless way: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, dependent upon us to care for Him. 

This Christmas, unwrap and accept His gift for you!  In turn, give the gift of joy and love to others.  Merry Christmas!

Sam

Mom

*Granddaughter, wife and daughters

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, one of the signs that Christmas was fast approaching, besides the cold days spent gift-shopping with my parents, and besides the rising aromas of typical foods such as “pasteles” with its rich ingredients like Yautia, green bananas, pumpkin, salt, annatto, smoked ham, pork, raisins, sofrito (stir-fry), and chickpeas, was having nice outfits to wear.  If you had cousins, brothers, etc. living nearby, everyone dressed up in presentable fashion.  It being a special day, Christmas required feeling good about yourself. “Don’t get dirty” our parents constantly admonished.

Of course, the real good outfits were saved for New Year’s Day.  That’s when everyone spiffed up.  Christmas outfits paled in comparison because the real, fashionable items were the best we’d get and wear.

 If you haven’t anything to wear this Christmas, don’t fret! God has answers for you!  “Answers?” you ask. “I need clothing!” you might say.  Well, God’s definition of clothing and ours might differ.  Read what God tells us:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

Whether you’re clothing is new or not, if you dress the way God wants us to, you’ll not have a problem!  Don His attire and you’ll be sparkling, shiny, and more than spiffed up to be welcomed everywhere you go!  Whatever store you walk into, compassion and kindness towards others is clearly recognized.  Donning humility, gentleness and patience, are outfits desired by many observers!  “My, how patient she is!” some will marvel. “I loved the way he was gentle towards the elderly couple as they tried to figure out their bearings” others will say.  Yep, dress with God’s outfits, and you’ll have plenty to wear not only this Christmas, but all year long! Not all gifts will be found under a tree; Jesus’ gift of salvation hung on a tree! “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on a tree” (1Peter 2:24).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sam

During our Christmases, I would place about 35-47 gifts under our tree. While almost all were wrapped, and a few were in gift bags, none of them were labeled!  Each one, though, was for an intended person. They weren’t generic as suitable for anyone.  Why no labels?  Well, as I wrote last year (Dec. 26, 2024 The Mouse In The House), we had a mousy of a daughter who’d crawl under the tree (well into her teen years!) to count them and spy out the names. 

Everyone was clueless!  “Would I be receiving something this year?”  “What’s mine?” the kids wondered. I relied on my good memory and wrapping tactics to know exactly what was for whom.  Little mousey sniffed her way around the tree but never got the cheese!  Once or twice, I did get confuse on a gift or two, but for the most part, I was spot on.

This Christmas, there might be an unlabeled gift under your tree…Hmmm….A mystery gift.  The mysterious gift has a sender: Jesus.  Under the cross (or tree), Jesus has a gift intended just for you.  His gifts are wrapped with care.  They’re gifts of Salvation wrapped in peace and joy.  The gift has an intended receiver, you!  He wants you to receive it, unwrap it, acknowledge its contents, and accept it. Go ahead, open it!  Within, you’ll find forgiveness and acceptance!  You’ll find love because He loves you more than you’ll ever know!  It’s the most expensive gift you’ll ever get in your life!  It cost Christ His life!  He sacrificed it for your salvation!  It includes a lifetime membership to eternal life!  So, go ahead, grab it now before Mousy-girl goes for it!

“And the angel said unto her, Do not be afraid, Mary: for you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33).

Merry Christmas!
Sam

THE TRAIN SET

One great decoration with any Christmas tree is a trainset underneath it. With all the other decorations and wrapped gifts, a nice train, slowly going in circles underneath the tree makes for a spell-binding moment.  Let’s get down close to the ground, lie on our stomachs, and view its route.

It’s passing gift after gift, toy people, a small town, and a faraway village.  Through a little tunnel it goes; emerging as entrancing as ever.  Making its way on to the final curve, it heads our way again.  Isn’t it wonderful as it passes right before us?! We can see the railcars such as the cargo, the tanker, the supply car, hoppers, and the caboose.  The twinkling Christmas lights add special effects drawing us in to a calm and peaceful setting.  

Does life feel like you’re on a trainset?  As you venture round and round, far and near passing small towns and miles of track and upcoming tunnels; do you get stuck in them?  Do you need help getting out? As you head into valleys do you emerge in peace and serenity, or does the snow of life derail you? 

As trains can transport us from place to place, people can get stuck in faraway places.  There are hurting folk out there.  Maybe you’ve lost a son/daughter or grandkids and you can’t get off the train.  Maybe you’ve got tons of pictures or videos of loved ones you’ve lost, and while they bring you comfort and cheer, they’re also holding you from moving on. Watching them over and over, like a trainset going in circles, hurting hearts can’t heal. You can gently signal to the Conductor that your stop is coming up. If your train ride is a bit more difficult, you may have to pull the emergency break, bringing the train to a halt, and wait for those doors to open so you can run out.

Jesus is the Conductor of our train.  He makes sure we stay on the tracks and veers us through beautiful mountainous scenery routes. He also leads us through valleys as well.  As our train trudges through snow or near deep ravines, God holds us near His heart as we hold on to our seats.  But oftentimes, trials come and we need to hold His hand.  Life’s adventures can be scary, even traumatic, but as our train puffs away, Jesus pulls us into the station.  There, we get a refresh.  Our ride is through until we’re ready to board again. How long will your ride be? Only Jesus knows.  Maybe it’s time to get up from the floor and view the entire picture: the Christmas tree above, decorations within, gifts below, and a train slowly billowing smoke puffs as it rounds the Christmas tree of our lives.  All aboard!

Merry Christmas!
Sam

“I ain’t talking to you!” the husband said to his wife.  Maybe, you’ve been there.  Maybe, you’re the one having said it!  Maybe, you’ve tried to keep silent, but it hasn’t lasted too long. There have been people who’ve gone quiet for very long; maybe decades.  John Francis gave up regular transportation for 22 years and went silent for most of 17 years! He even taught a college course without saying a word! Silence can be amazing.  It can also be missed. Consider the following that took place over 2000 years ago:

The world marched in tune with everyday chores and everyday routines.  Life was difficult. Barren land, fruitless soil; and for the Israelites, harsh treatment from Roman soldiers, and constant turmoil in the lives and hearts of God’s people.

No one had ever heard the term Christmas. Every day was like any other day. People went about their business and duties.  But God’s presence was in the works.  His ears had heard the people’s cries for a savior.  He was about to do the unheard of; the unbelievable!  God was about to step down from heaven to live among His creation as a created being!  It was a concept people today still struggle with.  Deity would take on human flesh and dwell with humanity; yet retain His glorious power.

And so, in a day like any other, the Creator became a creature and entered the world He created to become one of us! To keep away the infection of sin and the virus of imperfection in human blood, the sinless God was born through miraculous inception: the Holy Spirit entered (overshadowed) Mary, bore seed and brought forth the Savior of the world, Jesus.

Through years of darkness and insecurities, and through 400 years of silence from God, God suddenly spoke!  He spoke loud and clear to a hurting world.  His message of love broke through the darkness to a world that didn’t listen.  The Light of The World shone but many rejected it.  Darkness wasn’t only from the lack of regular light, or God’s Light; but from a world brimming with sin and oppression. It was a world absent of intimacy with God.  Their cold hearts and idolatry had turned His face away.  While always present, God stayed away from them. A world in turmoil needed God’s intervention.  And so, the first Christmas, happened!  Emmanuel came to the world: “God with us.”  His love for a hurting world was the message the world needed, and still does!   God is here!  Read the prophesy!

“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

See the fulfillment!  Matthew 1:23: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will all him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).”

Darkness cannot quench God’s Light! Never will!

Are you walking in His Light? Is your silence towards God like that of John Francis? Even he eventually spoke! But even if you don’t want to speak to God, He hears your heart! He knows you intimately!  Share your thoughts with Him. “Tell” Him your heart.  Allow His Light to shine on your heart this Christmas!

“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16 NIV).

John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Merry Christmas!
Sam

Recommended Song: Christmas This Year Tobymac

Picture this: You’re holding a paintbrush and are painting on a canvas. Nearby are your paints, brushes, and a cup of drinking water.  You’re caught up in praise and song as you sing away, *How Great Is Our God. Suddenly, you bump into your stand and the table begins to wobble and shake.  You squeeze your eyes shut and wait for the broken and shattered glass. But you hear no sounds and notice nothing breaks.  You open your eyes and all is still.  A deep-sounding voice reminds you, “Welcome to heaven.”  These being your first “days” there, it’ll take getting used to!

Another scene:  You suddenly think, “Hmm, let me pay a visit to Uncle Snuffy Smith,” and within five seconds, you’re knocking on his door!  Out he comes scrubbing his beard and says, “About time! What took you so long!?! “Umm, traffic?” you claim!  Again, it’ll be a different world from what we currently know.

You see an Asian lady and say something like, “Foo-shan wik-do” having no idea what you just said, and you’re answered in returned, “Thanks, greetings to you too!  That’s right, others will know your language just as you’ll know theirs!

Heaven will be unlike anything we can imagine!  Most importantly, the Godhead will be there (Jehovah, Jesus and the Holy Spirit)!   As you may have guessed, fellowship and worship will be vastly unlike anything known here. We’ll succeed at all we do. Nothing will die, not even leaves, plants or critters!

I’m wound up about it!  How about you?   I think no matter where we live, we’ll be neighbors-always near the Godhead. Doors and windows wide open, no thieves, no murderers, no harm; no evil whatsoever!  Don’t speculate, don’t hesitate, don’t underestimate God’s saving grace!!!   Make the choice to be saved NOW!  Call upon Him!

God Bless!
Sam

*Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash

Sometimes, running at the speed of light might not seem fast enough. We want things so fast, that we expect them, as we say in New York, “Yesterday.”  We want it done yesterday, we want it delivered yesterday, and we want answers yesterday. That’s faster than fast. 

The world is a hurting world. From senseless murders, to tragic falls; death is everywhere, as are disappointments, a failing justice system and suicidal rates among people of all ages.  Unfaithfulness is rampant among leaders of all types, be it world leaders or pastors.  Broken hearts, shattered lives, unhealable wounds, and destroyed lives reside all around us pretty much everywhere we look.

Faster than the speed of light, is the LIGHT of the World, Jesus. How fast is that?  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Ever-present means He’s already there. Never left.  You want Him yesterday? He was there.  Where were you? If you called on Him yesterday, He answered.

He’s present to heal our broken hearts, mend shattered lives, and to uplift mixed emotions.  If you’re in pain, He’s your medicine.  If some “good-for-nutting” person dumped you, God has the blueprint to rebuild you.  He’s nearer than your next breath. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

God is near and here.  Be thankful today that He hears you as well!

Recommended Song: Dios Está Aquí (God Is Here)

Check out YouTube for a chorus (Corito) we used to sing about 40 years ago

Dios está aquí /Tan cierto como el aire que respiro/Tan cierto como la mañana se levanta el sol/ Tan cierto que cuando le hablo, Él me puede oir.

God is here/as true as the air I breathe/As surely as the sun rises in the morning/So true that when I talk to Him, He can hear me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sam