You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Ex 19:4

Please give this image a closer look.  Perched, as you can see, is a snap shot of an awesome creation.  The story is told where our forefathers, after much debate, chose the eagle over the turkey as our National symbol.  Most would agree that the appropriate bird was selected.  Not that there is anything wrong with turkeys. After all, what would Thanksgiving be without them?

In the midst of all the challenges that face us these days, we are consistently reminded of something special about our land in our associating with such a magnificent creature. Speaking boldly, we do not share the plight of the turkey. We are not imprisoned, fearful of being cooked, or even worse, consumed. We are a people of a different and far more hopeful feather. The eagle is uniquely majestic and an accurate image to pin on those of us who call America home. It soars high above the fray with a deep sense of freedom, power, vision, determination, and endurance.

In a complementing way, a Native American friend of mine, once presented me with a distinct 2″x3″ card entitled THE EAGLE from the St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota.  It says the eagle is a “winged” symbol of the Lakota people… it is the strongest and bravest of all the birds. For this reason, the eagle and its feathers have been chosen as a symbol of what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest.

Even more critical than patriotic learning and symbols is discovery and truth. May we share a quick and related reference from the Bible that can comfort and guide us as USA  citizens during these times of political uproar, relentless pressure, and sweeping change. The inspired book points to the non-elected person in whom we must ultimately trust; The highest, bravest, strongest and holiest is Father God.  In Isaiah 40:31, it says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.”

Our prayer this week is for us to confidently fly and move as Isaiah predicted.  Let’s not just appreciate the historic lessons, the times we’re in, or the majestic image; let’s also choose to operate with an eagle-like attitude in our week ahead.  May we rise above the circumstances that will come against us, see beyond our challenges to the finish line, and ride a victorious truth-wave right to week’s end.

Have a blessed flight!

Gen 1:26; Gal 6:9; Prov 3:5-6

Editor’s Note: “Humility causes you to be exalted. Lay down your ego and you’ll fly with the eagles!”

And He said to them, Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. Matt 4:19

One of my favorite inspirational stories is written by Loren Eisley, used by many speakers and writers. The delivery, circumstances, and characters of “The Star Thrower” may vary with each version, but the main motivational idea remains the same.  May we visit that story again, this time adding a scene with potential for the greatest impact.

A tropical storm caused millions of star fish to wash up onto a local beach.  A man who lived in the area was one of the first on the scene. With star fish littered on the beach for as far as his eye could see, he noticed a young woman on the beach and in their midst.  She was picking up individual star fish and tossing them back into the ocean.  The gentleman approached her and said, “What are you doing?”  She said, “I’m throwing star fish back into the sea.”  He said, “Your effort won’t make a difference, there’s too many of them.”  Her humble reply, “It will for the ones I throw back.”

We have been satisfied with the moral of this story—until now.

May we be bold enough to suggest there is room for the moral of the story to get even better.  If we can learn from a kind and focused individual’s effort, then what about this:  Suppose the young lady replied in the same powerful way, but with an extended opportunity for the gentleman on the scene to grow as well. — “It will for the ones I throw back, sir, and I could use your help; if you would help me, we can make a greater difference together.”

Let’s determine that our desire for this day forward is to cooperate and grow with people in a manner we may have missed in our past.  Working together for something decent and exceptional seems too good for us not to pursue.  So, as we walk our individual beaches, let’s stay open to the possibility of making a more comprehensive difference!

Finally and most importantly, beyond mere human unity, is the recognition and acceptance of the One who created the beaches, star fish, people and all else – Almighty God.   With a relationship with the Lord, our real purpose lights up, and an eternal difference in our lives generate.

Family and friends, may God’s rich blessings help us to see there is abundant life in the strength of His unity.  Following Him is only part of His great invitation to us.  Our inviting others and making disciples of them is where the real inspiration and starring action takes place.

Amos 3:3; Prov 11:30; Phil 4:13; Matt 18:20; John 10:10

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Matt 28:20

While growing up, my mother made it a habit of being the one to make sure that everything was all right between us before I closed my eyes to go to bed.  Even if (and usually when) I was the obvious cause of strife between us, “at the end of the day”, I would anticipate her footsteps up the stairs heading toward my bedroom to make things right. That beautiful exercise of my mother’s love, grace, mercy, and quest for peace between us not only reminds me of her great quality as my mother, it also sheds light and hope on an even greater revelation.

Now that my Mom has gone on to her home in Heaven, she demonstrated as my earthly parent, what I choose to do now with God, my Eternal Parent.  There is no place for me to rationalize, posture, make believe, debate or question about who may have caused the strife or stress between us because I know the Lord is perfect.  Before my eyes close at the end of the day, the simple question I ask myself, is: “Did I please You today, Lord?”

As a believer in Christ, here is the amazing part.  Too many times my honest answer is not really.  Because He is already there to press the eternal reset button and forgive me because of His love, grace, mercy, and quest for peace between us, all I need is a convicted and humbled heart to ask for His forgiveness.

For us family and friends, “at the end of the day”, let’s be encouraged to be in right standing with the One who created us, the One who died for our sins, and the One the Bible calls in an everlasting description…Ancient of Days. If we do that, in the greatest measure of our faith, there will be no end of the day.  Why? Because we will live forever in the loving presence of the Prince of Peace and His name is Jesus Christ!

Have a great day and a hopeful week!

Acts 4:12; Deut 31:6, Rom 8:28; Ps 55:22

Dreaming of becoming wealthy is a hopeful forecast.  Realizing we are already wealthy is a revelation. Eph 1:3

Do you consider yourself wealthy?  If you are anything like us, your first thought has to do with material possessions such as bank accounts, 401 K’s, real estate, jewelry, stock holdings, cash in a jar, or whatever else may sparkle in hand.  Our natural inclination stems from the extraordinary affluence of our society.  In a regrettable, yet insightful, way, we’ve learned from those around our country who lose “everything” in natural disasters that wealth is hardly measured in things owned.  May we explore the higher truth of what the key to wealth truly represents.

When we observe the effects of human suffering and loss due to horrific storms or tragic events, we witness people longing to be united with missing relatives; we hear people proclaim with certainty their determination to rebuild; we’re inspired by the heroic efforts of some for the safety of others; we feel inadequate when families—who are totally wiped out of all their possessions—stand without complaining in quiet resolve to start again; we are touched by the people whose response to crisis is to rise up as problem solvers—not to fold in the face of the trying circumstances.  The well-being of our loved ones, our determination, our social courage, our sense of reality, and our problem-solving capacity are examples of inherent and priceless treasures stored within us that cannot be appraised or bought with money.

And what about the value of God’s love?  The Bible sums this up in two critical lines:  1) “God is love”, and 2) “Love never fails.”  It’s been said that God doesn’t love us because we are valuable. We are valuable because He loves us.  Many in storm-torn areas throughout this Nation have boldly declared that God was in their heart as their ultimate trusted treasure; wind, rain, destruction, family tragedy, money loss, despair, and fear, were all present….  But God!!!  What an amazing place to be—standing in a holy relationship of hope and counting blessings of worthiness from God’s eternal perspective.

What does our portfolio really look like?  Is it material?  Is it abstract?  Is it spiritual?  The bottom line is this:  true wealth is calculated by those things that money cannot buy.  For us, all perspectives assessed, my wife Cynthia and I consider ourselves more than wealthy.  We have some material things, some close family relationships, some developed character traits, and most importantly a growing relationship in knowing the One who created us, redeemed us, and owns everything.  That, friends, makes us rich beyond measure!

Once again, in the grandest and ever-lasting scheme of things, and with the real key now in view, take a moment and answer the question: Do you consider yourself wealthy?

Phil 4:19

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. 1 Tim 4:8

Two weeks have passed and another Super Bowl football game is history.  In its wake is the world champion Los Angeles Rams team with it’s beaming fans, and a runner-up Cincinnati Bengals team with fans who would do anything for a second chance.

The effort that went into this year’s Super Bowl extravaganza was no less enthusiastic than those previous. The player and coaching preparations, the heightened media attention, the frenzied fanfare, the high-priced commercials, the spare-no-expense halftime production,  and the finishing drama just begin to describe the ultra-razzle-dazzle this event generated.

Today’s message humbly asks the question, “Then what?” and follows it with a proposition that something far better than a Super Bowl ring is available to each and every one of us.

Yes, the champion Los Angeles Rams will bask in the glory they deserve until training camp rolls around, where they will prepare to defend their title.  Then what?  If they repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2023, they’ll once again bask in glory until it’s training camp, where they’ll repeat preparations to defend their title in 2024.  Then what?  You get the idea.  Being champion is wonderful, but there’s always the daunting… Then what?

As Christians or “players for Christ,” we have a blessed opportunity to be on God’s supernatural team.  Father God (Owner-Coach-Cheerleader of All) is defined as love and scripture says love never fails. Not only that, we are saved by His grace and not required to muscle up or earn our way at a training camp. Our internal training comes after our spirit comes alive in accepting the free gift of Jesus Christ into our heart as Lord and Savior of our lives.  From then on, it’s studying and renewing our mind to know the will and relationship benefits in God’s play book, the Bible.

Let’s imagine for a moment that we are actual players for God. We have spiritual coaches all around us from which to choose. There are assemblies of people available for us to join to thank, praise (cheer), and worship God.  At halftime or any point for that matter, we can decide to get right with God and submit toward His end zone (His will, purpose, and plan) for our lives. Heightened attention to the destiny of spirit, soul, and body is always pressing and competing with world trends, sciences, or philosophies that deny God entirely.

So family and friends, as mind boggling as our preparation and efforts in promoting a sporting event can appear, it pales in comparison to the champion we can be and experience in Christ. After we take our last breath as the clock in our temporal lives runs out, the question becomes, “Then what?”  It is all or nothing. Either we’ll celebrate by entering into a timeless presence with the Hope of Glory or suffer forever, wishing desperately for a second chance.

Before the whistle blows for this week to begin, smile and picture the highest reward of God’s everlasting ring on your finger.

John 8:50-5; 1 Cor 9:23-25; 2 Tim 2:4; Matt 25:21; Heb 12:1-3

Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  Eph 5:4

One of the greatest symbols of the entire world is the Statue of Liberty located on the 12 acre parcel called Ellis Island.  Presented to the people of the United States as a gift from the people of France, The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World is the universal representation of freedom and democracy. Dedicated on October 26, 1886, it became a National Monument in 1924.  A major restoration was aptly celebrated just over fifty-five years ago on July 4, 1966.  In our message today, may only the purest light be shed our way.

When people from other parts of the world came to America, they stopped here to register and entered into this nation.  Certainly not perfect, but there was an ordered and hospitable purpose to welcome people, no matter what color, nationality, age, sex, religion, or income level.

It is not only a stone and metal symbol, but one alive with integrity and a corresponding spirit announcing a new start and a hope of a prosperous future.

These days the Statue of Liberty remains as a symbol and image but the underlying character of the hospitality of this great nation has been grossly disturbed.  The light of the torch has dimmed close to darkness with the character of anarchy and reckless abandon close to showing its full force. The pure heart, the sound mind, and the calm sensibility of welcoming immigrants through registration and ordered hospitality are now left to open borders and the elements of chaos. Our will to persevere in doing the right and simple process is tossed for the politically selfish, cheapest, and easiest way.

Where does the spirit of this nation or the attitude of liberty and hospitality come from?  Do we really believe it accidentally evolved somewhere in the eons of pond sludge, in some cave deliberation, or in the Galapagos Islands?   May I be so bold as to suggest that we look in the Bible too many even refuse to consider.

The real and living statue of liberty is the Cross where Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead to overcome death and the grave.  Scripture says, God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believed in Him would have everlasting life. God is a Spirit and Where the Spirit of the Lord is…. there is liberty.

All of us are told to pick up our cross daily.  When we do that we register directly with the God that created life to begin with and the One and Only who inspired this Nation.  Men may fall, statues may disintegrate, but the love of God never fails.

The only freedom we’ll ever experience is at the real living statue of liberty…the Cross.  There we find Love and Freedom Fighter Himself and His name is Jesus Christ. It’s our individual choice to register into His boundless, yet righteous Kingdom by accepting Him openly, gratefully, and willingly into our heart.

John 3:16; 2 Cor 3:17

“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple… My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’  Your face, Lord, I will seek”  (Psalm 27:4, 8).

Inspiration and real hope come to me when I think of the Biblical character David and how God referenced him as “a man after His own heart.”  Sure, David was the towering subject who killed a lion and a bear, slew mighty Goliath, and reigned as the greatest of kings.  The part that brings encouragement and lively hope is not so much his special feats, but rather the things God chose to forgive in His ultimate assessment of the man.

All things being equal, an adulterer and a murderer do not fit into a wholesome relationship that God would endorse or memorialize.  The fact that David had an affair with a married woman, Bathsheba, and subsequently masterminded a plot to have her husband Uriah killed in battle as part of a cover-up made him guilty of both crimes.  As you read the story of David, on a human level, serious consequences of these acts did follow David all the days of his life.  But God….

In today’s message, we’d like to focus on the repentant response that David genuinely exhibited when the prophet Nathan confronted him about what he had done.  The light of God’s reality hit David in a dramatically resurrecting way, which was the direct opposite of what David’s stone had produced in the ill-fated Goliath.  “Oh my God, I have sinned against You,” was David’s heartfelt conviction.  He had let down the One who had birthed him and developed him as the psalmist-warrior-king.  His flesh had ruled and reigned in God’s place. For that, his heart cried—not in simple remorse but in shame and godly sorrow.

There are numerous scriptures that share the idea that God’s Kingdom is one of the heart.  Three favorites are found in proverbs:  As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he (23:7); Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life (4:23); Trust in the Lord with all your heart and in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path (3:5-6).

Family and friends, none of us is King David or ever will be.  What we can be, however, is a man or woman after God’s own heart.  The privilege of pursuing him and worshipping Him in Spirit and truth is ours and the choice we make in that regard is ours as well.  The Spiritual oasis available to us requires a thirsty and burning heart for fellowship with the Lord; the I AM who created us, the One who gives us a second chance, The Holy Spirit who lives about and in us, and the awesome rewarder of eternal life. 

An earnest prayer from this writer:  Father God, in Jesus’ name, please purify my heart and enlighten me to join King David.  My desire is to be empowered by Your Holy Spirit and known by You as a man after Your own heart! 

Matt 5:8; Psalm 51; 1 Cor 10:31

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phil 4:13

Boxing is one of those interesting contests.  Neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.  Our political process here in America, especially the Senate/Congressional battles underway, is another contest that resembles boxing in that it can be brutal, there are spectators and participants, and until the votes are counted, no one knows for sure the outcome.

In so many of our political contests (no matter the political party) there are flurries of punches thrown by candidates that look and sound good; upon closer look at the replay, however, the targeted chin of truth was missed entirely.  In one corner, there’s the candidate postured as the one true change agent the electorate needs.  In the other corner is the candidate that we can’t live without.  According to him or her, when we look up the word change in the dictionary, his or her picture is there.

It has taken many years for me to realize that simply demanding, hoping, or working for change is ultimately fruitless.  As magnificent as the human species is designed and as much potential as we seem to have, when all is said and done…. we seem to be one epidemic, natural disaster, or terrorist holocaust away from becoming extinct.  If demanding, hoping, or working our way was the answer, then why are we as people in this great nation in the position of almost being down for the count?

May I add one critical ingredient that is absent from the stance of mere vote-posturing candidates; the one and only combination that will help us get up off the mat and ultimately help us all win.  Please turn with me to Romans 8:28.  It says “All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose.” 

Let’s obey the guidelines God has given us in the Spirit of His commandments.  Let’s hope in Him as our present and eternal salvation.  Let’s work as if God’s life in us depended on it.  After all, there is only One true change agent and that is the only One who never changes…God Almighty!  Intensity in the development of our spiritual lives and operating wholesomely in a practical way is the best route we can take.

We need not be a spectator or simple participant.  The White House, House of Representatives or Senate may be waiting for new champions of the people, but Our Father’s House welcomes those of us who have changed by loving Him, hoping in Him, and working for Him by obeying His commands.  By God’s grace, we all can win this fight and live to be better citizens and His elected children.

Remember being knocked down is one thing.  Rallying and getting up in Christ is a whole other story.  In faith, we are more than conquerors because God says so.  Have an awesome week!

Romans 8:37; 1 Timothy 6:12; Deut 7:6

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Even if we are not a football fan, watching at least part of a football game seems impossible to avoid at this time of the year. With the NCAA National Championship recently decided, and the Super Bowl around the corner, channel after channel has a game going or reviewing highlights from some “game of the week.” If I may, I’d like to focus on one aspect of football that I believe (fan or not) we can all identify and understand as critical.

That aspect is what’s called the huddle; the place where the offensive team on the field gets together to determine the next play. On the surface it looks simple…. the quarterback calls the coordinated play and he and the rest of the team break out and follow the order relative to their specific position and assignment. If a gain or touchdown ensues, the only conclusion is…. What a plan, what a play!!! Please bear with me because there’s more to it than what appears, and if we huddle up right, great gain is possible for each of us.

The huddle rules out helter-skelter and what the quarterback knows or senses on his own isn’t enough. Many times the play the quarterback calls comes from a coach on the sidelines; via a set of secret signals. Here’s the cool part….The play the coach calls may originate from an offensive coordinator perched in a high seat in the stadium where the perspective is most comprehensive. In other words, the quarterback on the field, relies on a coach on the sidelines, who in turn relies on the coordinator above with the best perspective to execute the next play.

Just as a quarterback is reliant on others in the huddle, so we must be in our daily play or lives. We can either go it alone and make up our own plays or choose to huddle with the influence of the One who created us and all other things…. including the material used to make footballs, sound booths, vocal chords, and binoculars. Scripture says, “The steps of a righteous man or woman are ordered by the Lord.” This principle, called God’s revelation, is either part of our play book or its not. Righteousness implies that we have a right standing with the One with the Highest perspective and trust in Him to lead us in carrying out our daily play or lives.

Similar to the great football teams, those complete with great coaches, players, fans, and owner, we must team up this week with wise counselors, good friends, encouraging people, and especially God Almighty, our Ultimate Owner. In our life huddle this week, let’s pray, read God’s Word, listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit and break out to personal victory and enough encouraging confidence for others in our sphere of influence. From God’s perspective, that’s huddling up, our gain, and His idea for a Touchdown!

Enjoy a winning week!!

Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 55:8-9; Prov 12:15; Isaiah 28:29; Proverbs 15:22; Psalm 143:8

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, Phil 2:9

The truth never runs, hides, or echoes.  It simply stays the same and no deep intellectual study or scientific experimentation is necessary for discovery.  God, in His infinite wisdom, allows us to catch the truth through His revelation.

There is an honest chuckle inside when we think of new year resolutions.  Why?  Because we know they work, but not for the whole year.  New year resolutions are like the Peter Principle of self promises, they seem to “peter out” or lead to our incompetence as the year goes on.  Let’s put our earthly resolution mind set aside for a moment and become open to a 2022 revelation that speaks to our eternal destiny.

As Jesus hung dying on the Cross he looked down upon the Apostle John, the only one of His male disciples present and asked him to be responsible for someone most special; to take care of His mother, Mary.  Unlike many of us and including the great Apostle Peter who posture about how much we love Jesus, John’s focus was on how much Jesus loved him.  John even referred to himself as the one whom Jesus loved.  That special distinction and relationship between Jesus and John is what it’s about for us to access today.

In effect, without divine intervention, our personal character is limited to our individual strength and resolve. Therefore, it is vital to go beyond ourselves to the One whose character never falls short. There is nothing powerless about trusting in the Principal of principles, Jesus Principle. It’s where we know He loves us first–so much so that He gave His life for us–and considered His assignment “great joy”.  It’s at the scene of the cross where His resurrection, restoration, and redemption of our sinful condition is planted deep within our hearts. That, my friends, is empowering to no end; we are children of God who have the wonderful privilege of being part of the most blessed family in existence. I’ll take that any day!

With the supernatural personality influence of God’s Holy Spirit, earthly peter principles do not exist. Why?  Because there is nothing incompetent about Him.  He is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him.  He is the top, He’s perfect, never errs, is forever and He loves YOU AND ME!! 

Here’s a good place for us to stop and pray …. In the name of the Principal of principles, Jesus Christ, may we walk with God in love, with each other, and in unity. May we trust and know Him as our true destination. May all our incompetence “peter out”, and make way for integrity, divine power, and hope in 2022.  AMEN.

Heb 12:1-2; John 3:16; Acts 2:36; Psalm 2:8-9; Luke 22:69; Col 3:5