The Carpenter's Apprentice

Jeff Phillips' Messages

(click on the month to view the messages for that month)

  • July 27, 2025

    Day Camp is in full swing and although it is pretty warm, sunscreen, water and plenty of fun keep our attention off the heat. Furthermore, no one has had to spend any time in the whiney circle! You may be aware, rule #3 in the youth group is “No Whining.” I have conceded one exception to this rule, at Day Camp only. There is a four-foot circle that was inadvertently painted in the parking lot and has been designated and decorated, “The Whiney Circle.” If you are unfamiliar with Day Camp, campers are in K-5 th grade and the counselors are the middle and high schoolers, so nearly the whole youth group is there! We play lots of games, mostly as teams and they are usually modified from the classics like kick ball. Often the games are silly but always, they have a point. Sometimes, like today, the point is awesome and totally unexpected. Today we played a relay game. It involved rolling a lemon, without lifting it, down one of the parking space lines and back using only a tongue depressor (aka, fat popsicle stick). Because of the difficulty, we quickly evolved into two tongue depressors. If the lemon came off the line, you had to start over. There were many different strategies attempted and I was impressed with the creativity and persistence under pressure. Then Noah C. stepped to the line for his turn. He’d made a V with his depressors and slid them down and behind the lemon. He then proceeded to walk very quickly from one end of the line to the other. When he finished, pretty much everyone had stopped to watch the ease with which he accomplished the task. The silence that had overcome us ceased as everyone tried their best to remember and emulate his method. His team came from last to win the relay by following his example. As we debriefed in the shade, I called Noah up and gave honor where honor was due. I asked everyone if any of them had thought of his method. Several, and then most, claimed they had thought of doing what he did and the lesson hit me. I asked them, “So most of you thought about doing the right thing, but you didn’t do it because you didn’t think it would work?” The older kids got it. The younger ones needed more, but a seed was planted. I then asked how many copied Noah’s technique after they saw it in action. They unanimously admitted following his lead. I told them, “Now I hope you see the importance of doing the right thing. There may be others that need to see it successfully done in order to follow.” I want our children to be the ones who know the right things to do and then do them! It will only happen if we both tell them and show them. “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin."

    -jeff


    July 20, 2025

    Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1 is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Some still struggle with the application of this definition to real life. Simply stated faith is this, you can’t see ‘it’ but you know ‘it’ is there. The key word here is ‘know’. If you don’t ‘know’ then you don’t have faith. Without knowing you are left with something you think might be true; therefore, you go with it. You go along with it because going along is easier than not going along. Faith however demands more than going with the flow. In fact, true faith means you will likely go against the flow. Jesus said, “the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many” (Matthew 7:13). Faith not only determines the direction of our life it dictates our actions during our travels through life. True faith answers the “why” of life but also gives us the “how” of life dictating our response to life’s curves and Satan’s deceptions. Certainly, the level of our faith can be seen in the fruit of our lives. Faith is not and can never be a game of chance. We aren’t hopeful of a winner; we are certain of a winner. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field Matthew 13:44. This man is certain, convicted and refuses to be denied. In this one-line parable it is easy to overlook the giving up of everything for one thing. He sold all he had; all he’d acquired and worked for in life to gain one thing he knew without a doubt he could hang his hat on. Jesus said I go to prepare a place for you, in my father’s house are many mansions and when your room is ready, I will come and get you (John 14:2-3). Do you believe that? Do you believe it enough to live it? I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Mark 9:7). I believe he left glory to come and walk as a man (Philippians 2:6-8). I believe He will come again and gather those whose lives demonstrated their faith (2 Thessalonians 1:5-12) in Him through their unselfish love (John 13:34) and obedience to His Word (John 14:15). I believe it is my duty as one who has faith in God and His promise to share the good news of Christ with all who will listen (Matthew 28:19) because I believe there is a judgement day coming (Hebrews 9:27). I also believe Jesus came to save the world (John 3:17). I am fairly positive most people who read this will agree and believe almost exactly. So let me pose one question for thought; Is the refusal to share God’s word and the love of Christ, for any reason, anything more than a demonstration of true faith?

    -jeff


    July 13, 2025

    In 1946, to raise awareness and morale, Admiral Chester Nimitz, Chief of Naval Operations, formed the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, known originally as the Blue Lancers. The “Blues” flew their first show in Jacksonville, Florida in June of 1946. A month later, however, one of the pilots saw an ad in the New Yorker magazine for the Blue Angel night club and at a show in Omaha, Nebraska, in July of 1946, they were first called the Blue Angels. This morning, I was privileged for the umpteenth time to watch the Angels fly one of their pre-show practices. Their shows bring back many memories for me and always - always make me cry. As I watch them fly incredibly close together, I am reminded of many things from Beau’s first sighting of the Angels at the age of two to taking Sophia, Olivia and Levi to their first air show. I also think of the sound they make. I think the “sneak pass” is my favorite part of the show because when you hear the jet engine, the plane is already passed you by. I can only imagine a platoon of pinned down troops who are anxiously awaiting the called for air support that will give them life, and how glorious that sound must be when it finally arrives. On the flip side, the same sound is not one of hope and salvation but the dawning of realization, finality and doom. I cannot help but think of the day Jesus comes back. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). What a day that will be for those who have obeyed the Gospel, endured to the end and anxiously awaited the crown of righteousness promised and the words of our Lord, “Enter in my good and faithful servant.” As amazing as the Blues are to me, I also cannot help but notice, nearly every time I see them fly, the number of people who just do not seem to care. I am sure if you mentioned the planes to them you would get an array of responses from, “Yes, they are incredible,” to “they are too loud and annoying.” This too reminds me of judgement day. While many know it is coming, they are just too caught up in daily living and life to care enough to stop and marvel at God’s power, love and righteousness. “When the trumpet of the Lord shall come and time shall be no more, and the morning breaks eternal bright and fair; when the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore and the role is called up yonder;” will the sound of the trumpet be one of salvation or one of condemnation for you?

    -jeff


    July 6, 2025

    It is always interesting to me how many will recite Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” They will insist there is nothing we can do to deserve or earn salvation and the mere suggestion something like baptism is required has them crying, “FOUL! Works will not get you into heaven!” While I agree works will not get us into heaven, I can’t help but wonder if obedience counts as a work. Surely no one would think all we have to do is, well – nothing. Ephesians 2:10, obviously the very next verse following “saved by grace,” even says we are created for good works and we are to walk in them. Somehow though, verse ten seems casually overlooked. It is not just verse ten though. Chapter 4 starts with Paul imploring or strongly encouraging the church at Ephesus to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). The implication here is very plainly, take action on your belief. The message is made clearer in verse 2, we are to walk “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). There is a way in which we, those who believe in God and that He sent His only son who willingly came and died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, was raised on the third day, ascended later into heaven and will one day return to gather all of those who in Christ to himself, there is a way in which we are to “walk,” or live life, and it involves doing something. Furthermore, doing anything is actually doing a “work.” Strangely, hearing is something you do. Believing is something you do. Repenting and confessing are things you do, but baptism is the only “step” in what we commonly call or refer to as the “Five Steps to Salvation,” baptism is the only step that we cannot DO, rather it must be DONE to us. We must be willing to submit to death, that is dying to self, to be buried by someone else, raised from that burial by someone else and cleansed from all sin by only God. After our “resurrection,” we must go back to the “work” of “walking in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). The “free gift of God” (Romans 6:23) is actually free, undeserved and unearned, but acceptance of the gift – well, that changes everything. If nothing changes; if no one can see the difference in the way I live and the way the world lives; if I fail to live in such a way that brings honor to the God who offered the gift of His son, then guess it would be pretty clear, I did not accept God’s offer. Oh wait, is acceptance a work too?

    -jeff

  • June 29, 2025

    A day and a half into camp and my step total is already approaching 40,000! What a week this is shaping up to be! Sunday night we were divided into teams and each team given a mascot and a team color. We were tasked with coming up with a name and then we compete in a number of challenges during the week for points and a chance at being inaugurated into camp immortality as the best team of the week. Our mascot is a brown stuffed rabbit, now named Gilbert. As part of last night’s challenge, all the mascots were collected and “hidden” and teams that found them during the activity received an extra hundred points. I assumed our mascot had been found by someone, but this morning I learned I was mistaken. As I followed three cabins worth of boys to the flagpole, I stopped by one of the teaching pavilions to pick up a few small pieces of trash around the pavilion. As I bent over, I saw the brown rabbit, seemingly staring at me, about three feet from my head. Realizing he was a leftover from last night’s game, I picked him up, but before I moved him, I took a look around wondering why he wasn’t already found and picked up. From his placement, I could understand why he wasn’t found last night. He wasn’t out of bounds, but he was off the general path of the game. Amazingly, though, he was in plain sight. All three cabins of boys had passed him by. Despite being easily seen, no one saw him. As I picked him up, I realized this is another example of how the drudgeries and weariness - and sometimes the excitement and expectations of life - keep us from seeing the obvious. Maybe not obvious, but obvious if we are looking and definitely something you would think we would notice – if we were paying attention. I mean really, a stuffed animal sitting all alone at a teaching pavilion far away from any girl’s cabins? How much more out of place could something be and yet almost no one notices?


    Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” and Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” As Christians, I don’t think there are many of us who neglect opportunities to do good, but I know I sometimes get so caught up in God’s blessings and maybe even my own struggles, I fail to see opportunities right in front of me.


    Lord, make me a servant. Lord, make me like you. You are a servant, Lord, make me one too. Open my eyes, Lord, so I can see the opportunities before me.

    -jeff


    June 22, 2025

    The video came through around 2 AM. As Jennifer played it, I heard Jedidiah encouraging, “Come on, Lu! You can do it! Come on!” I woke up to watch Lucy leave the safety of the couch and walk three steps to her daddy. The next video was similar but the words were for Big Al. As my eyes focused on the video, I could only see Alice’s back, but standing with her back to the couch, grinning through her pacifier, I could see Lucy, looking from sister to daddy and she was clapping. Encouragement and excitement filled the video – and some cuteness. It reminded of a text I got from my brother last week asking for encouragement for my nephew as he ran a race around Lake Tahoe. You read that right. My brother and his son are ultra runners. Eighty-one miles in, (you read that right too) Riley was in the midst of climbing a mental wall and Chad was asking for encouraging words to help get him “over the hump.” He reminded us how long-distance running could easily be compared to our walk as Christians. In possibly the best shape of his life, Riley is more than capable of finishing the race. But like Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Doubts and fears are some of the tools Satan uses to distract us from our abilities and purpose. I am reminded of the song, Higher Ground. These are the words: 1. I'm pressing on the upward way, New heights I'm gaining every day; Still praying as I onward bound, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground. (Refrain) Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith, on Heaven's table land; A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground. 2. My heart has no desire to stay, Where doubts arise and fears dismay; Tho' some may dwell where these abound, My prayer, my aim is higher ground. 3. I want to live above the world, Though Satan's darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground. 4. I want to scale the utmost height, And catch a gleam of glory bright; But still I'll pray till Heav'n I've found, Lord, lead me on to higher ground. The truth is, we need to be reminded we have been given all we need and the abilities to finish the works for which we were created. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:23-25).

    -jeff


    June 15, 2025

    Two brothers started a business as painting contractors. For a while, business boomed, but a downturn in the economy forced them to make hard decisions. Even after letting people go, they still struggled with fewer jobs coming in than they needed to stay afloat. Something had to change or the business would tank. Nearing the completion of a job, one of the brothers realized they would not have enough paint to finish. Ordering another gallon when only a fraction of it would be used seemed a senseless waste with such a tight budget. He decided thinning the paint would stretch out his product and he could finish. It worked, soon, both brothers began regularly thinning paint to save money. When business picked back up, they continued thinning their paint, keeping profit margins high and customers in the dark. The following spring, a Gospel meeting was held at the local church of Christ and one of the painter’s wives was invited by a co-worker. During the meeting both the painter and his wife obeyed the Gospel. The next day, the new Christian called his brother into the office to tell him the great news of salvation and to explain to him how his belief in Christ was going to change many things in his life. For starters, he could no longer support the paint thinning scheme; it was dishonest and they both knew it. Furthermore, something had to be done to make things right with the customers they had duped. As one might expect a spirited debate broke out. Nearing his breaking point, the unconverted brother shouted, “So what exactly are you telling me?” The zealous new convert shouted back, “You need to repaint you thinner!” This humorous story reminds us of Paul’s words to the Romans, “How shall we who died to sin still live in it” (Romans 6:2)?


    In Luke 13:1-5, there were some who suggested to Jesus certain people were “worse” sinners. In His response, Jesus makes it very clear that sin is sin and, “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3,5). The word repent is a verb. It means, according to Mirriam-Webster, “to feel sorrow for one's sin and make up one's mind to do what is right.” Sometimes, doing what is right is a complete ‘about face,’ but other times it is a simple course correction. Every time, it involves action and change. Jesus talks about repenting repeatedly saying what John the Baptist said (Matthew 3:2), “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Paul spoke to the church at Corinth about the Godly sorrow brought about by repentance and how it produces more than just regret, but regret that leads to change and ultimately, salvation (1 Corinthians 7:9-10). Without repentance, we cannot be saved. Simply saying, “I have repented” is not necessary for true repentance will be seen in the “fruits of your labor.” Just as they will know we are Christians by our love (John 13:35), they will know our repentance by our changed behavior.

    -jeff


    June 8, 2025

    As far as haunted houses go, this one was pretty lame. Halfway through, even the anticipation of being scared had turned to disappointed amusement at the feeble attempts at invoking fear in patrons. I really just wanted it to be over. The next set of curtains led to an empty black room. I stuck my head in to survey the scene, turned to the others in our group and said with obvious disappointment, “Come on, It is just another empty room.” As I turned to renter the room, suddenly it was no longer empty. Inches from my face, two small red dots appeared; just one set of eyes, and they blinked twice. Instantly, maybe faster than instanly, simultaneously, my brain, already programmed not to strike out defensively because it was just a haunted house, gathered the other resources my body had available and funneled them into an ear piercing and sustained primordial roar of terror as I launched myself backward into the group of friends behind me in hopes they would help restrain the “hands of death” I could feal rising at the end of my arms, ready to tear my mortal and yet unidentified foe to pieces. Truthfully, fear often invokes either the fight or flight mechanism, and this was full scale flight.


    “Psychologists define fear as a protective, primal emotion that evokes a biochemical and emotional response. Fear alerts us to the presence of danger or the threat of harm, whether that danger is physical or psychological. Whereas the biochemical changes that fear produces are universal, emotional responses are highly individual” (Fear: Definition, Traits, Causes, Treatment). Fear is amazingly complex, involving measurable and predictable physiologic responses including increases in sweating, heart rate and adrenaline. On the other hand, the emotional response is widely varied. The same chemicals released by fear are also the chemicals often released when we are happy and excited meaning sometimes fear is fun; like in a haunted house. It is important to understand fear is a natural emotion and often a survival tool. On the other hand, fear can sometimes get the best of us and cause a complete loss of self control. There are trauma based fears. There are fears based in our lack of knowledge and understanding. There are rational and irrational fears. Sometimes the awareness of being controlled by our fears helps us overcome them. At other times, the same awareness leads us further and deeper into fear. At VBS this week we have seen how fear affected the armies of the living God and those who work for His purposes. In all honesty, we have also seen how fear affects our service to God too. Unfortunately, quoting scripture like 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline,” doesn’t always do the trick. Sometimes we need a little help. Fortunately, there are many ways to overcome the fears that keep us from serving our God, so let’s commit to getting them back under control and back in His service!

    -jeff


    June 1, 2025

    I usually do not follow basketball except in March during the NCAA tournament. I think there is a level of excitement that comes to any sport when stakes are “win or go home.” I love seeing the underdog win and usually pull for the underdog, but I also like to see greatness. Greatness often happens when the stakes are high. Sometimes it comes on an individual level, sometimes on the team level and sometimes a team becomes greater than they are supposed to be because of one person. In the eighties, I think Michael Jordon brought the best out of his team mates and helped make them greater than they were supposed to be. Today it appears Caitlyn Clark is having the same effect on the WNBA that Jordan had on the NBA some 40 years ago. She is an outstanding player and she is confident in her abilities. Confidence in your abilities seems somewhat taboo in our world today if you actually have abilities. It is not that people don’t talk about themselves all too often on social media where the “humble brag” is king, but if you are really good at something, it is almost like you are not allowed to admit it. Bragging of any kind is unbecoming and Proverbs 27:2 cautions against it, but not against being your best. It almost seems people are offended if you are successful. What sets Clark apart is her remorselessness for being good. I heard her say in an interview the other day, “I will not apologize for being good at what I do.” The interviewer was taken aback and seemed to struggle for words, possibly realizing an apology was exactly what he expected from her. A few days later, this quote came across my desk, “I’m not intimidating, you’re intimidated. There’s a difference. I am not mean, not aggressive, I am honest and assertive and that makes you uncomfortable. And it is not ME that makes you uncomfortable, my PRESENCE challenges your comfort. I will not be less for you to feel better about yourself.” The quote reminded me of what Clark had said in the interview. I agree with her. We all need to stop apologizing for being good. We need to stop saying we are sorry for following God’s word and teaching it to our families. We need to quit feeling bad for standing up for the truth. Paul encouraged the Colossians, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23). We are all different parts of the body, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23) and we all have different functions (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Romans 12:4-5). We should never be ashamed of the part we are, only strive to be that part to the very best of our abilities. Never should we be intimidated by, or be jealous of, another part of the body of Christ. Our job is to work, grow and be, the very best we can – unapologetically – for we have been given a spirit of power, love and self-control – not timidity (2 Timothy 1:7).

    -jeff

  • May 25, 2025

    If someone came up to you and asked you, what is your defining characteristic, the one thing that makes you unique or different from the rest of the world we live in, what would you say? I think I would say, “I am a Christian.” I can only think of three responses to my answer. The petitioner will either agree, disagree or wonder what a Christian is. Regardless of his understanding and knowledge of what a Christian is, there will likely be some follow up questioning and explanations. For instance, how do you define what a Christian is. Webster says, “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Let’s face it, that is a pretty broad answer. How many people do you know who profess to believe in the teachings of Jesus? A lot, right? This prompts the follow up question/observation, is profession of belief enough? I think James may be tackling the same line of conversation in James 2:14-26. Clearly, faith and belief are interchangeable here and when I read verse 14, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” I hear it like this, what good is it if you say you believe but your life doesn’t reflect your belief, do you really think that level of belief is going to get you where you want to go? I love coaching and through the years I have asked different athletes the same question, “Do you really think that level of effort is going to get you where you want to go?” I recently heard a coach give out an award to two of his players who showed up to practice! I could not help but think, “the award my coaches gave me for showing up to practice was letting me keep my jersey and stay on the team!” My, how times are changing. Are the times changing that way for Christians too? Is there a noticeable difference in the lives of those who profess to be Christians and those who don’t. Paul exhorted, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). He told the church at Rome, if you profess to be different (and we do), then we must look different we must be different. Not belligerent, not different for the sake of being different, but different in that our lives are intertwined with and a part of His purposes. As our Lord and savior said in the garden, “yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).


    Consider today, does your profession of faith really make you different in the world we live in? If God is most important in your life, is your statement of belief confirmed by your actions and your life?

    -jeff


    May 18, 2025

    Oxford Languages defines entitled as, “believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment,” and while I don’t think James and John would have described themselves in this way when they went with their mother to make a request of Jesus in Matthew 20:20, it is highly possible “entitled” is exactly how the other ten felt as verse twenty-four tells us they became indignant with James and John. The truth is, though we often find ourselves on the entitled spectrum, none of us want to be described as entitled. I am not saying it is not nice to get special treatment. I remember we got pulled over for a fast-driving award one evening shortly after I’d had the honor of speaking at Mr. Charles’ or Ms. Doris’ funeral. While I was not driving, the officer, who was apparently at the funeral, asked for all of our IDs. He turned to go to his cruiser as he began perusing them. When he saw mine, he abruptly stopped, returned to the driver’s window and handed our IDs back saying, “Oh, I’m sorry Mr. Phillips, I did not know that was you. If you guys could slow it down and be safe that would be great. Have a great night.” Even though saying the special treatment was nice would not have been prudent at the time, I was thinking it. Understand, receiving special treatment is not wrong and, in some cases, even expecting it is not wrong. The problem with entitlement lies in the words “inherently deserving.” This means you actually do nothing but have the expectations of someone who does everything. It would be kind of like asking the officer, “Do you know who I am?” Or, Do you know who my (fill in the blank) is?” Certainly, Jesus addresses entitlement in the verses that follow, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28). As the end of the school year approaches, we attend countless award and promotion ceremonies, baccalaureates, luncheons and graduations where people talk about accomplishments, expectations and opportunities lying on the horizon. Our young people are encouraged to reach for the stars and told no dream is too big. And as I watch people struggle to take out their own garbage and clean up after themselves, I wonder if anyone is teaching our young people about true greatness or just what the world sees as successful. The greatest man that ever lived took on one of the dirtiest jobs of His time and upon completion said this, “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you” (John 13:15).

    -jeff


    May 11, 2025

    “Take on!” rings in your ears as for the first time in your journey up the wall, you realize the belayer who has the rope is still holding on even though you can’t see him and the harness you are wearing actually works and despite the restrictions and uncomfortableness you felt wearing it before and during the climb, actually feels good now; holding you securely in place. You are safe in the hands of the belayer. This is exactly were Abby found herself three quarters of the way up the wall as the physical and mental demands of the climb began to wear her down. As we discussed the climb later, she revealed an unexpected truth. With the realization and absolute assurance she was securely held, her doubts and fears subsided and her physical strength and confidence returned more quickly than she’d anticipated, almost as though neither had existed in the first place. She not only finished the climb, but looked with confidence at the next challenge she would face. As a parent and youth worker, I see so many parallels between belaying a climber and both raising and working with children. The belayer is taught to keep his focus on the climber and the climb. While the climber is climbing and the belay is “on,” there are no distractions that will cause the belayer to lose focus. That doesn’t mean they won’t talk to someone passing or listen to others watching the climb, the good belayer is fully aware of his surroundings, but his focus, his main concern is his climber. There are times in actual rock climbing, the belayer may not be able to actually see the climber but through experience and communication, he learns to read the rope he is holding to gauge the climbers progress and needs. Sometimes, our perspective as parents tells us to hold on so tight to the rope, pulling out all the slack to keep our child safe, we end up limiting their ability to navigate the climb. Inadvertently, we can transfer our fears for them to them and take away their opportunity and chance to really be successful, confident and learn from their mistakes while growing as they overcome challenges. Just knowing we have their back, can give them the courage they need to climb on, push through and be successful. Obviously, no analogy will ever be perfect and none of this is meant to say parents need to hold on forever. In fact, what we are really trying to teach is that life is not meant for us to climb alone. While there is a time and place, we can and have to climb alone, what we learn from climbing with someone belaying is called experience and that experience teaches us we can accomplish more together than we can alone. There will be a time when we hand the rope and belay device to someone else and they will learn to climb together and we can enjoy watching them work together.

    -jeff


    May 4, 2025

    Last week I learned to belay. While the word has its roots in the sea, meaning, “to fix (a running rope) around a cleat, rock, pin, or other object, to secure it” (Oxford Languages). Today though, the term is associated with rock climbing, and the definition still fits, we were securing the climber with the rope attached to his body. The kids were climbing, Jonathan and I were belaying. Inherently, rock climbing is dangerous. While there are degrees of danger in rock climbing, most are often mitigated by common sense and/or fear. Common sense is one thing, but fear is another. Paul told Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). The word for timidity can also be translated as fearfulness or cowardice, and fearfulness and cowardice should never control us. That being said, there are some kinds of rock climbing where fear is present for a reason and cowardice and intelligence are often confused. But climbing done with a partner who can belay you, is different. Someone belaying as you climb is a game changer. While their perspective, encouragement and guidance are all helpful, their main job is to catch you if you fall. In the old days, belaying was none by wrapping the rope around your waist in what is called a body belay but today there are several “gadgets” that are more efficient and effective with less effort than the old way of just holding on tight! Climbers will argue about which one is the best type to use, but most will agree it is the device the belayer is most comfortable with. I learned on a mechanically assisted belay device called a grigri (pronounced GREE-GREE). It has a cam that rolls back when held in the right position to lock the rope in place with very little effort. Regardless of the device used, a good belayer will pay attention to his climber, communicate with his climber and never take his brake hand off the rope. Not just from a climbing perspective, working with someone who you are confident will always have your back, gives you the freedom to push the boundaries of the limitations set by your perspective. By that I mean this, forty feet in the air, holding on with your finger tips and standing on tiptoes that are wedged onto a ½ inch protuberance, forearms burning, legs beginning to shake and you can’t see your next move. To this point in the day, you have not needed a belayer. The climbing has been all you. He was something you took for granted, but never tested. Now, sweating, exhausted and suddenly afraid of heights, you cry out, “TAKE!” It is the universal communication to pull all the slack out of the rope because you need a rest, you are getting ready to fall or you quit. As your strength leaves you hear the reply, “TAKE ON!” and realize you are not holding on. You are not falling. You are safe in the hands of the belayer … TO BE CONTINUED

    -jeff

  • April 27, 2025

    Thefreedictionary.com defines a proverb in this way, “A short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept.” (I know what all those words mean except one so I had to look up pithy too. In this context pithy would mean short and sweet, although terse, forceful and meaningful are also used in explaining the word.) The fact that common sense and general truths are mentioned in defining a proverb indicate the principle of a proverb is not based on an individual definition of truth or more specifically whether or not you want to believe it, but based on much broader scope of observation. Therefore, like it or not, most of the time, what is said in a proverb is going to happen. So long as we are not talking about a specific proverb, most are willing to accept proverbial truth. We understand, “the early bird gets the worm” to mean get up and get going. Many are good without the worm, it’s a choice they make to do without something (first meal) because to them something else (sleep) is better. The only one affected is the late bird, so no one much cares. Similarly we understand the proverb, “Practice makes perfect” in fact, how much more sensible can a proverb be? I have always heard the only difference between a professional golfer and a regular person is 5000 swings a day. While perfection is not attainable, imagine how much better you’d be at something you practiced 500 times a day! While we understand what a proverb is and use many every day, why is it, proverbs like the one mentioned in the book of Proverbs in chapter 22:6 seem to get everyone’s hackles up and the definition of a proverb suddenly begins to change or take on new meanings? The proverb says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Compare Proverbs 22:6 with this advice, “There is no use crying over spilled milk.” The proverb is not meant to pass judgement or blame, it simply states a factual observation! Proverbs 22:6 is meant to impart wisdom and the necessity for parents to be intentional about parenting. Your older child has manners because they were instilled in them when they were young. We demand, “Yes sir” and “no sir.” We teach cleanliness is next to Godliness (even though that is not in the Bible) expecting neatness and order. We make sure they get to every practice, do their homework and keep their grades up. We demand excellence and responsibility in everything often citing Colossians 3:17 and 23. Most of the time we model the behaviors we expect like our manners and work ethic. So, let’s ask some honest questions, what do they see when we worship? What do they hear about other Christians? When do they see us put God first? How do they view our service to God? Let’s consider one more proverb, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

    -jeff


    April 20, 2025

    We have lots of babies on the way here at Covington church of Christ and several that have already been born. I cannot wait to meet them, hold them, love them and watch them grow. It is exciting to think of all the possibilities and opportunities they will encounter as they grow. Naturally, we want to see them grow into faithful Christians and successful, responsible citizens. But let’s take a minute to reverse the goals. By that I mean, let’s make a plan to make these babies dumber than dirt, reprobates and generally incorrigible citizens. I know, why would anyone do that? Bear with me for a moment. If we were going to develop ignorant, worthless human beings, how would we do it? I think we would start by limiting parental contact and really contact in general. By law, we have to provide food, shelter and clothing, but beyond those, the plan would be to exercise the minimum. Reading to them would be a no-no. Singing to them, providing manipulatives for them to play with and figure out and providing opportunities to socialize would also be out. As they grow, we’d want to let them skip school, take no part in their education whatsoever unless we find there is a teacher there who is simply demanding too much of them, then we would of course go and straighten that teacher out. Making sure their diet is not balanced and they don’t get enough sleep would aid us in our goal of producing a derelict child. We would need to teach them excuses like, “it’s never their fault” and expect nothing but failure from them. We would have to take away any of their self-worth. Spiritually speaking, church attendance, Bible study, prayer and service to others could never be a priority and for sure we could not be caught reading, praying or helping others. After all, it would look bad if we helped others before our own children. Family Bible time would be as out of the question as helping with homework. I am sure this list is not exhaustive and possibly you have thought of other things to add to this make-believe list, because no one looks at a newborn and thinks to themselves, “Oh, what a scoundrel I am going to turn you into!” No, what we see is beautiful; a part of us; a gift from God. We see doctors, preachers, nurses and teachers. We see mechanics and bankers, star athletes and inventors. We see “endless possibilities.” Since we are not in the business of raising demoralized, unscrupulous, degenerate children, what is our plan for making them self-confident, self-controlled, strong, intelligent and above all faithful to God’s word? And while no one wants to go or see their family go to Hell and no one wants to be homeless and destitute, what are we teaching them when we ignore teaching them and hand them a screen, or put them to bed without prayer. What are we telling them when we never tell them about Jesus?

    -jeff


    April 13, 2025

    With “tax season” almost over, paying taxes or getting a refund is on the minds of many. While paying taxes is a sign you are making money, there are not many who actually enjoy giving a substantial chunk of their income to the government. The dislike for tax collectors has been around since the first taxes were introduced! In the first century, tax collectors often found themselves included whenever sinners were talked about and often seemed to be in a class by themselves as even Jesus acknowledged their loathsomeness using the phrase, “tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 7:34). Given the generally negative sentiment towards taxes, it is really not a surprise to find out the Pharisees chose taxation as one of the topics in which to try and trip Jesus up. In Matthew 22:15-21, the writer describes the scene when trying to entrap Jesus, the Pharisees asked him if it were lawful, or permissible, to pay tax to Caesar. Jesus’ response clearly demonstrated the depth of His wisdom, and knowledge. He asked to see the money and queried his aggravators, “Whose picture is on the coin?” When they said Caesars, Jesus responded matter of factly, well then “give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.” His statement left his detractors amazed at his response for they still had nothing to accuse him with. But that is not all he said. Jesus followed, “give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s” with, “and give unto God what is God’s.” In the very same sentence, He answered their question; he gave them a huge directive making their question look petty and dumb. After all, what is God’s if it is not everything?” This begs the unasked question, “What are you giving to God” and maybe a second question, “Do you complain as much giving to God as you do giving to Caesar?” His response really sets up his answer for another leading question later in the chapter, “What is the greatest command in the law” (Matthew 22:36)? We are all very familiar with Jesus’ response, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF’” (Matthew 22:37-39). Jesus ends Matthew 22 by asking them a question in which they knew the correct answer would firmly establish Himself as the son of God; something they just didn’t want to believe. In their attempts to trap Jesus in Matthew 22, Jesus basically pointed out they were not giving God nearly what he deserved. He pointed out, despite their knowledge and intelligence, they just didn’t understand much of what they were talking about, but no matter, if they would just put God first in their lives and their neighbors second, everything they weren’t doing or understanding would take care of itself. The truth is, we can answer most of life’s problems and issues today if we will just love God with all our heart, soul and mind and love our neighbors as ourselves, just like He said!

    -jeff


    April 6, 2025

    The end of the week looks like it will be pretty wet if you can trust the weatherman. I am reminded of the old proverb; April showers bring May flowers. While there is a much deeper meaning to the saying than just, it rains in April, I just can’t stop thinking about my gutters. When functioning properly, gutters are a great benefit to the home helping to divert water away from the foundation reducing both mold and potential insect infestations. The problem is, they have to be kept free of those things that clog the downspouts. If gutters are not maintained, they cannot perform the tasks they were designed to do and may even cause more damage to the home. Many inventions from covers to tools have been developed to make this job easier and some covers even claim to eliminate the need for maintenance forever! That’s right, install our product and get the benefits of gutters without the hassle of maintenance! But, before it starts raining and before you are in the middle of cleaning them out, think about it. What do you own that absolutely requires no maintenance or upkeep? I googled it, for the average consumer, there is not much we can get, certainly for our homes, that doesn’t require upkeep and maintenance in some way. As long as water can flow freely through the gutter system, it will perform as it should. I can make a strong case for our lives being the same way. We were created for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13) and as long as we keep the “water” flowing, life is better, particularly when we are talking about the water mentioned by Jesus in John 4:14 and Revelation 22:1 and 17. I am not suggesting a trouble-free life for believers, God never promises a perfect and prosperous life to his followers. Jesus said, “for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). While the context of this statement is about loving those who persecute you, the implication is there will be rainy days! Benefits of Christianity do not come from the elimination of the storms of life, but the ability to get through them with our salvation intact. Just like on an earthly home where problems arise when the flow of water is impeded by clogged gutters, there are times when our spiritual home and well being are adversely affected because the free flow of the “water of life” is blocked by sin. We need to keep our spiritual gutters clean and well maintained. We must stay in His word (2 Timothy 2:14-26). We must be constantly prayerful for ourselves and one another (Ephesians 6:18; Romans 12:12). We must live strongly and rightly in His word; encourage and be encouraged (Colossians 3:12-17; Ephesians 5:15-20). We must look forward focusing on the future and the promise (Proverbs 4:25-27; Philippians 3:13-14). We must keep our gutters clean.

    -Jeff

  • March 30, 2025

    There were three things Achan took from the spoils of Jericho. Two of them make perfect sense to us, but the third raises an eyebrow. Two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels we can all understand, but a coat. It seems odd a man would transgress the command of God for a garment and yet, Achan lists it first among the three items. Furthermore, the gold and silver could have been easily concealed under his garments, weighing only about 6 pounds together, but the cloak, while not necessarily heavy, would have been bulky and required some real thought and careful planning. Maybe he wore it under his own clothes to get it back to his tent. It appears to be a crime of opportunity, not one of premeditation. When he saw the garment, he knew it was from Shinar, a plain in Babylonia. He instantly recognized it for what it was. Achan spoke of it in terms suggesting Joshua would know exactly of the quality and value the garment carried and maybe understand why he took it. It wasn’t just any garment, it was from Shinar. There are many instances in the Bible giving us insight to how people valued their clothing. From the coat of many colors presented to Joseph in Genesis 37, to the thirty sets of clothes Samson promised to the Philistines if they solved his riddle, throughout the Bible we see the significance and value of clothing in Bible times. So when Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19), those he talked to on the mountain side knew very well the value of their clothing and the damage that could be done when the tiny larvae of the moth began feasting. Jesus highlighted in one sentence the futility of putting your faith in anything here on earth. While some only wear “brand names” and spend a lot on clothes, we do not seem to value clothes the way they did in Bible times. Many don’t even realize the holes in their suit came from moth larvae! We understand rust and thieves. Hopefully we understand the temporary nature of the things we possess. Hopefully our confidence, our hope, our faith, our identity, our life is not based on this temporary stuff but like the preacher said in Ecclesiastes 12:13, we are “fearing God and keeping His commandments,” as this is the whole duty of man. Hopefully, our confidence is in our redeemer, our hope floats in the cleansing power of His blood, our faith is in His return, our identity is in Christ and our lives are lived walking in the light as He is in the light. Hopefully we are all storing our treasure in heaven where there is no rust and there are no thieves or moths. Hopefully. Prayerfully. Confidently.

    -Jeff


    March 23, 2025

    I try to carry a pocket knife with me wherever I go. It is one of the handiest tools a young man can carry but it is also a tool that comes with great responsibility. Learning how to properly handle a knife so as not to cut yourself or worse, someone else, is not difficult but does require a bit of guidance. Fathers are usually very good at this, but grandpa’s and great uncles are probably the best. Did you know a very sharp knife is safer than a dull one? It sounds crazy when you first hear it because the sharper a knife is, the easier it cuts and one might assume the easier to be cut! However, that is not the case. For the record, the best way not to be cut by a knife is to avoid getting body parts in the way of the blade! This avoidance is done by the use of proper cutting techniques, most of which get modified heavily when using a dull blade because we tend to do most of the work instead of letting the blade do it. More force when cutting means less control which equals more danger. When gifting a knife, it should come with admonitions of not only when and where to carry and cutting safety tips, but also advice on how to keep a knife sharp. Dull knives cut deeper, heal slower and are more painful. Getting cut by your own pocket knife is a rite of passage and needs to be experienced (or witnessed) by all boys. While society has changed and knives are not as necessary as they once were, earning the privilege of carrying your own knife is cool. It won’t be long, every time a knife is needed, people will look to you!


    Did you know the Bible is often compared to a sword? Ephesians 6:17 says explicitly, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” and Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.” While considering the similarities between the two tools, the knife of the pocket and the sword of the Spirit, we quickly realize the great responsibility and privilege that comes with carrying them. Both must be handled correctly and with respect. Paul actually told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Correctly handling the Sword of God is important, and so is keeping it sharp. If we don’t keep the Word of God we carry sharp, sharing God’s word is like cutting with a dull knife. We have to force it, there is more chance of slipping up and cutting too deep in the wrong place. But when handled correctly and respectfully, it won’t be long before every time the Word is needed, people will look to you!

    -Jeff


    March 16, 2025

    It was this time of year, the spring, when the kings went out to battle but this year he just didn’t feel like going, so he sent Joab to lead the rest of Israel in the battles (2 Samuel 11:1). The Bible doesn’t tell us what was going on in David’s head but clearly he was struggling with something. David was known as a warrior, not only had he killed Goliath at a young age (1 Samuel 17:48-51), every mission Saul sent him on, David was successful and people began to see and even sing about his success (1 Samuel 18:5-7). But this spring he was bogged down. Something had him addled for going to battle was what the kings did and he was a warrior king. Maybe he just felt he needed change. Maybe he’d grown bored with the same old same old. Whatever the reason, this spring his heart just wasn’t in it. The result was catastrophic. Because he wasn’t doing what he was supposed to be doing, because he was caught up in some other thought process, because he was dissatisfied in some way with his life; David decided to stay at home and change things up. His decision and lack of commitment led him to an affair with the wife of Uriah, one of his mighty men, one of his inner circle. When she became pregnant, he sank deeper into his change and further from God, eventually arranging Uriah’s death at the hands of the enemy. It was nothing short of murder in the first degree; premeditated but totally blind to the depths of his fall. The prophet Nathan would come and help him to see the error of his ways with a story he knew would spark David’s outrage and indignation only to discover he himself was the guilty party (2 Samuel 12:1-15). It is from the depths of this guilt and sorrow David penned Psalm 51, a complete confession of his wrongdoing, a plea for a new heart and a pledge to do better. We are most familiar with verses 10-12,”Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit” (Psalms 51:10-12). David learned the hard way when things are not going right for us at home, work and even in the church, very often the change needed is not in the circumstances of the life around us but the change needed is within our very own hearts. On Sunday, Christians all over the world will gather with the saints to praise and worship God in song and prayer. They will remember and celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of His son and they will strengthen and encourage one another. Like kings going to battle in the spring, Christians meet with the church on Sundays - because it’s just what we do. Will you stay at home like David?

    -jeff


    March 09, 2025

    You have no doubt heard the old saying, “Hind sight is 20/20.” If we know ultimately how the chips will fall decisions become much easier to make. Sometimes perspective also makes decisions easier too. Even though football season is behind us, we all know the term “arm chair quarterback.” It is applied to those who strut around saying what they would have done in a given situation. No doubt their training and skill set is what put them in the arm chair observing the event in the first place but they also view the action from a much different angle and often repeatedly view and review the play. It is one thing to make a decision sitting in your cushy recliner, eating chips and bean dip with an ice cold glass of sweet tea sitting in the built in cup holder of your sectional while you watch the action unfold in HD on your wide screen plasma TV from a camera high above the field while insulated from the sometimes harsh elements doled out by the weather and the expectations of performance from fans, other players, coaches and owners, not to mention a running commentary giving you advice and educating you. It is also easy to make a decision when the consequences of your decision will never have any effect whatsoever on you personally. This is not a defense of overpaid athletes and coaches nor an attack on overweight arm chair quarterbacks, but simply an illustration of perspective and decision making. Unfortunately, we cannot make decisions based on hind sight and despite our best efforts the whole picture is rarely if ever revealed until we are committed. Most of our decisions do not have moral implications, especially if we are committed to taking God with us. The commitment to make God a part of our daily lives is a decision in itself placing us in the heat of the action. The decision to put on Christ is really a no brainer once we get to know God. The Bible tells us repeatedly God does not and in fact cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18; Numbers 23:19) so we can be assured the place Jesus went to prepare for us (John 14:1-3) exists and is being made ready for those who do His will (Matthew 7:21). His will can be discerned by giving ourselves fully to Him (Romans 12:1-2) and by continuing to study and learn his word we can have complete confidence in our decision (John 20:31; 1 John 5:13). We are also told our decision to follow Christ will not always be easy (Matthew 10:16) but also God is always with us and nothing can separate us from His love (Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:35-39). The rich man’s hind sight in Luke 16:19-31 is fore sight for us and God’s word and His promise give us all the perspective we need to know the promise of heaven and judgement is coming (Hebrews 9:27). What will your decision be?

    -jeff


    March 02, 2025

    Have you ever wondered what Moses’ mother called him? The logical assumption would be Moses but according to Exodus 2:10 it was Pharaoh’s daughter who actually named him calling him Moses because she “drew him out of water.” More important than what she called him was what she taught him in the short time she had him. It was no accident when and where Moses was placed in the Nile nor was it an accident his sister approached with the suggestion of finding one of the Hebrew women to nurse and raise this Hebrew child. It is possible upon recognizing the child as a Hebrew, the Egyptian princess knew she would be turning the child back over to its own mother for a time making the offer to pay wages for his care even more amazing. Like what Moses’ mother called him, the Bible also does not specify the exact age of Moses when he went to live in the palace with his adoptive mother. Speculations abound suggesting the transfer occurred anywhere from 1 year to 6 or 7 years, but most think he was around 2 years old when Jochebed, Moses’ mother (Exodus 6:20), transferred him to the princess. While most details remain obscure, we can be sure Moses knew who he was. Knowing time was short and that she’d managed to save his life, Jochebed must have used the time she had with him to teach him about God, about the promise God made to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. Despite growing up in the opulence of the palace away from the forced labor and harsh treatment of the Israelites, Moses knew who “his people” were, so much so that he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew – one of his people (Exodus 2:11-12).


    We often talk about the type of world we live in and how corrupt and evil it is. We talk about what kids have to deal with these days and admittedly they have some pretty tough stuff thrown at them. Moses grew up in a house where everything he heard, saw and experienced was against what “his people” believed. Despite this influence, he still knew who he was. There is a lesson here on what we need to be teaching our children and when. Recall Robert Fulghum’s book, All I Really Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten, where he suggests the world would be a much better place if we just remembered things like, sharing, being kind to one another and cleaning up after ourselves. These basic principles are learned early. What could be more basic than who and whose we are? I wonder what Moses thought as he penned the inspired words “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

    -jeff

  • February 23, 2025

    I remember back in Junior High School taking a very basic class in computer programming. It was basic on a number of levels but largely because computer programming was in its infancy and politicians hadn’t invented the internet yet! My best friend Fred had already completed basic programming and had moved on to Pascal. For him, programming seemed to come easy. About the only thing I understood were ‘if-then’ statements. These statements called for the computer to make a decision. If certain conditions are met, the computer does one thing; if they are not met – another. While computer programming may only go back 50 years or so, ‘if-then’ statements have been around a long time. While certainly not the first, a particularly poignant ‘if-then’ can be found in Exodus 15:26. The Israelites have just crossed the Red Sea and witnessed not only the destruction of the Egyptian army in the sea but over the last six months or so had observed the utter destruction of Egypt, the debunking of the Egyptian gods and undeniable evidence the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the one true and living God. He was their God and now he made them an offer, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.” Very simple, very straight forward, the health care plan I have been looking for! What a bargain! Amazing! How incredibly foolish the Israelites must have been to not take Him up on this. If you diligently listen, do and keep, then I will protect. Time and time again we read of the Israelites grumbling against the Lord and ultimately wandering in the wilderness for forty years as punishment for siding with ten of the twelve spies who had little if any faith in God. Only two of the ‘originals’ delivered from Egypt would see the Promised Land (Numbers 14:22-23). How could the Israelites be so short sighted – blind even, as to not recognize the power and the promise of the Lord. Silly Israelites! What would you do different if you had their ‘if-then’? “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did” (1 Corinthians 10:6) so surely we can learn from their mistakes. While you are thinking about what you would do differently, think about this verse: “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2 Peter 1:10). Hey! What do you know? It’s an ‘if-then’ for us! We can’t really laugh at the Israelites and their bad decisions if we are going to do the same thing. How about this one, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

    -jeff


    February 16, 2025

    I remember the day my dad came home from a men’s meeting at church and posed an innocent question. I was watching Saturday morning wrestling on a green vinyl couch that sat against the wall just to the left of the door off the carport as you walked in the house. He said something along the lines of, “Son, they are going to put a baseball team together at church, you think you might want to play?” I am pretty sure I said yes and I am equally sure neither of us knew the significance and long-term effects of my casual response. I think I was five years old but to be truthful, it was several years before I actually played in a game. I did practice a lot. For the next eighteen years, baseball was my life. Well, maybe not all of those 18 years, but for sure the last ten of it. Despite being a Christian, baseball came first (an honest but not proud admission). I remember my last collegiate at bat. It was against the Wonderboys of Arkansas Tech in Russelville, Arkansas. I hit the ball 400 feet to centerfield. It landed in the glove of their centerfielder who was standing right in front of the sign that read 405 feet. It was nothing but a long fly ball. Thinking back on my time on the diamond, my last at bat sums up my career. At the crack of the bat fans rose to their feet; it might be, it could be … nope he’s out; a perfect illustration of James 4:14, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” I have many fond memories, a couple pretty good highlights and many great life lessons; the greatest of which revolves around the fact that I am reminiscing events from thirty-three years ago. Talk about laying up treasures where moth and rust destroy! I put on my old cleats for an alumni game several years ago and as I ran out to my position during batting practice the soles fell off! heard it a thousand times, “Can’t avoid death …” However we were not created in the likeness of God so that we might die, but we were created so that we might live. Maybe we ought to spend more time preparing for eternity than how to pay for college or fund retirement.

    -jeff


    February 9, 2025

    “I don’t know why she was so mad; I thought the skunk hide turned out beautifully, but anyway, I might need a place to stay for a few days.” This was the message I sent to a couple of my closest friends who I thought would understand. It is trapping season and you just never know what you will catch! To be honest though, I did not catch the skunk in a trap, rather I saw it unscathed lying on the side of the road and decided the fur was just stunning. In fact, at the time, I was thinking of starting a collection of skunk hides to highlight their variation and beauty. While currently rethinking that plan, there are a number of Biblical lessons we can learn and applications we can make from trapping fur bearers. First of all, to be a good trapper, one must know the animal he is targeting. Knowing an animal’s likes and dislikes, his habits and habitat are crucial in making a successful catch. Once the habits are learned, the next most important part is deception. Deception involves lures and attractants using both visual attractions and various scents to challenge, seduce or entice the target animal into the vicinity of the trap. Bait is also used to capitalize on every living thing’s need to eat and a seemingly free meal is not always free! Finally, camouflaging or hiding the actual trap is a necessary, because anything out of the ordinary will clue the animal to be alert and wary and ultimately avoid the trap. I realize this is a vast oversimplification of trapping but I share some of the basics with you because Satan is a trapper. He uses similar lures and enticements to snare his victims too. He studies our habits to know where to place stumbling blocks. He studies our lives to know what we like and don’t care for so he is not wasting his time with unattractive attractants. He tailors each set to his specific quarry. He is a very good trapper. He pays no attention to seasons, hunting year round and often doing some of his best work out of season - when we least expect it. Worst of all, he has no respect for and no use for his catch. He just enjoys watching them squirm and suffer. The Bible is very clear about Satan. He is on the prowl constantly seeking his next catch (1 Peter 5:9) and has been doing so for a long, long time (Job 1:612). He has attempted to capture some “big game.” The Twelve were not immune. He went after Judas (Luke 22:3) then Peter (Luke 22:31) and even Jesus himself (Matthew 4:1-11). It is not surprising to learn he would come after one of us. So whether you put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) or you simply draw near to God (James 4:7-8) and let Him do the fighting for you, be alert (1 Peter 5:8, 1 Corinthians 16:13) because he is coming to try and trick you.

     -jeff


    February 2, 2025

    There are a several things in this world that universally make people smile. Sure, there are those who never seem to smile, but I am really referring to Christians; those who have every reason to smile, who smile often and look forward to smiling again. I guess I would be referring to those who are joyful. One of those things that make folks smile came over my phone this morning at 12:30 AM. That sounds early in the morning, but in Hawaii, it is only 8:30 in the evening! You have probably figured out; I am talking about a video of my twin granddaughters. However, it is not the video that universally makes people smile, it is the audio on the video. They are laughing. Both of them. Each time they made eye contact, they busted out laughing. A baby’s laughter makes people smile. I confess, I have shared this video with a number of people this morning and all have smiled. Many if not most have said, “Thank you. I needed that

    this morning.” Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Not surprisingly, science has proven this fact. In the article, “What’s the Science Behind a Smile,” the author, Ding Li, says, “Researchers had proven that intentionally exercising your zygomaticus major muscle and orbicularis oculi muscle can actually make us feel better.” She goes on to explain even fake smiles stimulate the release of endorphins in the brain that make us feel better. She explains, research has found smiling sends a message to the brain triggering our internal reward system and it increases levels of happy hormones and endorphins creating sort of a happy loop. Simplified, when our brain is happy, we smile and smiling makes our brain feel happier. Fake smiles work too and she

    even suggests holding a pencil in your mouth to stimulate the release of endorphins. There are other benefits to smiling too. Smiling has been shown to lower heart rate, reduce stress and even lower blood pressure. The best part though, is that smiling is contagious. Li says, “Seeing people smile stimulates our mirror neurons to suppress our facial muscle control and trigger a smile.” Science says smiling produces more smiling! Jesus said we are the “salt of the earth and light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). Salt brings flavor to the flavorless and light brings hope in the deepest and darkest of places. A smile is the vehicle to carry both and no special license is required to drive this vehicle! There are no age restrictions or limits on smiling either. One just has to do it. We talk a lot about change and all the things that need to happen to make people better, to improve families, the church, our communities, our country and even the world. How about we start with something as simple as a smile? Try it. The science says you will like it and so will those around you.

    -jeff

  • January 26, 2025

    What would you say if someone came up to you and asked why you always seem so happy? “Your life may

    be the only sermon someone ever hears,” has been stated in many different ways and is a sermon I have heard many

    times over the years by many different preachers. The sermons are rooted in the old adage, “A picture is worth

    a thousand words,” meaning, of course, what people see is often better than what we tell them. Often coupled with

    scriptures like 1 Corinthians 12 that talk about all who are in Christ are parts of one body and we can’t all be the

    same part. The passage paints a great picture as Paul asks the church at Corinth, “If the whole body were an eye,

    where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be” (1 Corinthians

    12:17)? He highlights the necessity and blessing of our different talents and abilities in the proper function of the

    body of Christ. Too often though, I think Christians walk away from these lessons justifying and excusing their

    lack of participation in the work of the church. Too often we hide behind, “I’m not that part of the body” or “that is

    not my gift.” That type of thinking says we are ignoring or forgetting how Paul ends chapter 12 saying, “earnestly

    desire the greater gifts and I will show you a better way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). Jesus came to seek and save the

    lost and “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). If our desire is to be like Him, we must be about the Father’s

    business as well. After all, we are the body of which He is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23), so no matter what part

    we are, we are still doing our part to spread His word with the skills we have. To say we have no skills is no excuse

    either, the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 shows us God wants us to do something with what we have. He

    expects it (Matthew 25:24-27). No matter what part we are, we should be happy to be a part of Christ. So back to

    the original question, what would you say? Maybe I should have started with, “Would anyone ever come up

    and ask you why you were so happy? If the answer is no, my next question would have to be something along the

    lines of, “Well, what sermon are you preaching with this life of yours that may be the only sermon someone ever

    hears?” As Christians, we should clearly be seen as joyful because we know “this world is not our home.” A

    better place has been or is being prepared for us. Nothing can take that away. We used to sing this song, “I’m happy

    today, Oh yes, I’m happy today, In Jesus Christ I’m happy today. Because He’s taken all my sins away and that’s

    why I’m happy today!” By the way, what a great answer to the question we started with.

    -jeff


    January 19, 2025

    The movie came out in 2013 and I probably would not have watched it except a very special little girl in my life loved it! Friday as I held another special little girl and watched the snow falling, I looked down into her very tired baby blue

    eyes and whispered the only line I can remember from the movie, “Do you want to build a snowman?” Her big green

    pacifier stopped bobbing and a sweet little smile emerged around its edges as heavy eyelids fluttered shut. A couple

    hours later, I was rolling the middle section of their snowman as they slept and Austin came out of the house and said, “Dad! You should have told us you were building snowmen; we could have helped! The team is on the way.” The house was full, it has been for weeks and the snow had brought everyone back together one more time to hunt, play and spend time together. For me, it was better than Christmas and the truth was, I kind of wanted/needed to roll a few snowballs on my own for a little bit. I was not looking forward to everyone leaving. As I finished the body of my

    snowman and lifted it into place, the “team” started filtering out of the house bundled in warm snow gear, ready to work on the best snowman ever. I watched them and thought of Austin’s statement and it reminded me of the church. We are family and so many times we have shared each other’s burdens. Paul wrote to the church on Rome, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality” (Romans 12:10-13). My “team” as Austin referred to them, showed up to help. It wasn’t that I couldn’t handle building the best snowman ever on my own. It wasn’t that the boys and their wives thought I needed the help to finish the task. They were just happy to help and they all pitched in from retrieving charcoal for the eyes, sticks for arms and hydrangea blooms for buttons on

    his coat to rolling and lifting the heavy sections of the perfect snowman, they all played a part, different parts in completing the task. In the end, they made it more fun. They made it easier. They made it memorable and I look forward to the next time and doing it again. I can think of a number of times when the church came together to help complete a task, but I can also remember plenty times when I thought, “Man! I wish I’d known; we could have helped!” The Hebrew writer wrote, “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). We often have no problem letting our needs be known to God (Philippians 4:6), but very often we forget He left the church as an answer to our prayer.

    -jeff


    January 12, 2025

    I believe people are inherently good, but I also believe that we can be trained to be selfish. I don’t mean like

    the childish selfishness where we constantly say, “Mine! Mine! Mine!” If we are not trained to think

    about others, it may appear that we only think about self. So often we only see what we want to see and

    there are a lot of things that go unseen. For instance, do you see trash in the parking lot or candy paper on

    the floor? If you’re not looking for it, you likely won’t see it. That’s just an example and not picking up trash

    that you don’t see doesn’t necessarily make you selfish. But it does mean we have not trained ourselves to

    look for ways we can help. Another example, where do you park in the parking lot? Is it in your mindset to park

    closest to the door or is it in your mindset to leave the spot closest to the door open for someone that might

    need it more than you want it. I don’t know anybody who wouldn’t give somebody something that they

    needed when made aware of the need. But I see lots of people who do seemingly selfish things simply because

    we’re not thinking about it. I say “we” because I have to include myself in this group at times. Sometimes

    I just get in a hurry and don’t think. Sometimes I’m just thinking about what’s best for me.

    The new year has me thinking about being a better person, and part of being a better person is being aware of

    how my actions inadvertently affect others. I know you can take this too far and I don’t want to suggest

    overthinking, but I recall when Jesus heard about the death of his cousin John the Baptist. Heartbroken and

    grieving, he sought a place of solitude and prayer. No one would fault him and everyone would understand

    his needing to take a break to process. Instead, he noticed those who’d come to see him. He put their needs

    first. He thought about others before himself. This morning, I challenge myself to see the little things I can

    do to make the lives of those around me better even though they may never notice.

    -jeff


    January 5, 2025

    There are some verses in the Bible we should put a mental asterisk by, especially when applying them to life ituations

    of those outside of Christ and those who refuse to walk in the light. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has

    overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what

    you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” What an encouraging verse for one trying to be a disciple of God! Yet the way of escape is not always easy. It is not always marked with a neon sign or flashing arrows and it may not even be recognizable as a way out. I think of Peter prior to Judas’ betrayal professing his undying commitment and love for Jesus only to hear Jesus say, “Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). Three times that night, he was tempted to deny Christ. Three times he failed to see his way out. I think of Noah and Lot, the former having to build an ark and the latter told to, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley; escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away” (Genesis 19:17). Peter tells us if God can save Noah and Lot, then certainly he knows “how to rescue the godly from temptation” (2 Peter 2:9). This supports Paul’s words to the Corinthians about God making a way. The asterisk is needed because we often use this verse when we find ourselves or an acquaintance in the proverbial hole because they did NOT resist temptation in the first place. The context of the passage in 1 Corinthians 10 tells the church to quit making the same mistakes Israel made. This chapter directly references Numbers 25 where 23000 died because they refused to follow God; apparently only realizing the cause of their affliction when Phinehas rose and killed an unrepentant, blatantly disrespectful Israelite who pranced his unrighteous relationship in front of the whole assembly. It took this most drastic measure for them to see the way out was to turn back to God. We pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” We quote, “He maketh me lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside still waters …” But we live like, “Hey God, I said, let’s go this way!” If we expect to find the ways to overcome temptation, we must first understand what temps us, recognize when temptations are coming and with eyes wide open, put on the whole armor of God, draw near to God and submit to His entire word. May we all say, “’Yea though I walk through the valley of death,’ but I walk with the King and I will not be afraid.

    -jeff                                                   

  • December 29, 2024

    In Matthew 13:44 Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure buried in a field. A man discovers the treasure, rehides it, then goes and sells all he had in order to purchase the field so he could own the treasure. Commentaries suggest the treasure, Christ, is hidden in the open and is available to all who would have it. Recently, I began to wonder exactly how the treasure wound up in the middle of the field in the first place. After all, it’s not exactly hidden well; it’s in the middle of a field. Granted, a foot of grass can hide a sizable treasure and one cannot ignore the cleverness of hiding a treasure in the wide open. If I can’t find a single shoe in the middle of the floor, I am just as likely to miss a treasure in the middle of a field. The catch is, somebody placed the treasure in the middle of the field. If it was the owner, why did he sell without getting his treasure first? If it was really a treasure, wouldn’t the original owner be checking up on it? Maybe the original owner had the treasure so long he forgot its value. Possibly death came before the treasure could be handed down to the next generation. Could be the next generation knew about it but

    didn’t feel like they needed it. The treasure could have been taken for granted. “It’s been there for years and it will be there when I need it.” Then there is the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Maybe the original owner didn’t even see it as treasure and put it in the middle of the field, out of sight, to avoid being reminded about it all the time. Surely, no one would view the kingdom of heaven as trash, and yet someone let a great treasure get away because they no longer saw its value or realized its importance. In any case, the message of this parable is not only about the availability of Christ, His eternal value and the lengths we should go to obtain the treasure, but there is a message of caution to those of us who already possess this treasure. Don’t let it slip away. Don’t forget about it. Don’t forget to pass it on to our children and grandchildren, making sure they understand the value of the treasure by showing them its value not telling them. Never take the treasure for granted or leave it unattended. A hidden

    treasure isn’t worth much. When we have the treasure with us it is much easier to share. If you’ve lost your treasure, it’s right out in the open, do what it takes to get it back (even if you have to sell everything). If you never had the treasure, I can tell you where I found mine and I’d be happy to share. As the new year approaches, let’s make a point of not only securing our treasure but sharing it with the world around us!

    -Jeff


    December 22, 2024

    It’s almost here! Behold the Fat Man cometh! Ready or not Christmas is only days away. “In the air there is a

    feeling of Christmas. Children laughing (giddy with anticipation and on their best behavior because ‘you know

    who’ is watching) people passing; meeting smile after smile (for the most part even though some seem to forget

    ‘you know who’ is watching).” “Santa’s big scene” is quickly approaching. Candies, stuffing and even the

    Christmas Goose are all being prepared to celebrate family, fellowship and love (at least that’s the idea). Anticipation

    of the big day is palpable. It is difficult not to get caught up in the excitement. My world is filled with people

    preparing for one big day. It may happen in the first light of dawn or later in morning but most people I know

    will be racing to the tree in anticipation of what might be there with their name on it (remember I work with children).

    If you know me well, you know I am not a big fan of the commercialization of Christmas nor am I a big fan

    of those who go over the top to celebrate Jesus birthday but maybe Jesus is more the reason the reason for the season than we like to admit. Maybe once a year we get to practice the way we ought to be living. Think about this

    for a second. Jesus said, “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go

    to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself,

    that where I am you may be also” (John 14:2). He further states “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so

    that no one may seize your crown” (Revelation 3:11). In other words, get ready for the day is coming. Imagine a

    world full of people rushing around getting ready for the big day. Imagine the continued excitement, anticipation

    and joy of everyone you know and meet getting ready for the coming of the King. Suddenly The Night Before

    Christmas takes on a whole new meaning. Dick’s Sporting Goods used to have the ad campaign, “Give a gift

    worth giving.” As I think about the merchandise in that store, I wonder, “If Jesus is coming soon, is there a single

    thing in this store worth giving?” For God So loved the world He gave His son …. Along with all you other gifts

    this year and while people are looking under the tree to make sure nothing was overlooked, remember God left

    His gift on the tree not under it. The best gift we can give is the Gospel. So, while folks are talking about his birth,

    let’s keep our eyes and ears peeled for opportunities to tell the ones we love most about the good news of His

    death burial and resurrection and the promise of hope that comes with it!

    -jeff


    December 15, 2024

    So according to the internet, the thorns of a Honey Locust tree are not poisonous. The tree is quite native to West Tennessee and while it can grow practically anywhere, it loves “the moist soil of river valleys.” Being prolific in the moist soils of river valleys would explain why a duck hunter might come into contact with one of these spikey trees. One of my favorite spots to hunt is literally surrounded, or maybe I should say protected by thousands of them. In my experience, the spikes on the tree trunks grow in clusters and can get as long as 4-6 inches and be almost a quarter inch thick at the base. They are incredibly sharp and fine tipped so when you are impaled by one, invariably the tip breaks off well beneath the surface of the skin and while not poisonous, the little foreign particle is rarely welcomed by the human body. Furthermore, while scientific evidence has eluded me, I am fairly certain the thorns are coated in some kind of anticoagulant, because in a very short time, there seems to be blood everywhere as the bleeding just won’t stop! Which is really fine, because when it does, the swelling and festering starts and the real pain begins. Whether you stop to cut your body open to find the tiny tip of the thorn (often hard to see through the blood) or wait and soak the wounded part in Epsom salts, the next 24 to 48 hours are going to be painful when the affected area is touched or moved. One thing is for sure though, the pain will not stop until the tip of the thorn is removed. Unfortunately, I know this from too much experience the most recent being last Saturday when the tip of my right index finger was impaled deeply by what was probably a world record setting locust spike in the categories of length, strength and sharpness. We will never know though as the thought of being named in Ripley’s Believe It or Not or the Guiness Book of World Records came as an afterthought while I was doing the one-legged crotch hop, a move often though to help relieve pain achieved by wrapping the non-wounded hand around the wounded one, placing both between the legs and jumping up while down howling or muttering intelligibly. I am a mutterer and I think I was muttering as I studied Matthew 18:22 and Jesus words on forgiveness after Peter asked how many times to forgive a brother. I found an article based on a sermon by a guy named Dr. MacArther entitled, The Danger of Unforgiveness. The author outlined four points of what holding on to the wrongs done to us will do. First, a lack of forgiveness imprisons us in the past, then it produces bitterness and opens the door for Satan to take root in our lives and finally, the inability to forgive hinders our fellowship God. As my finger throbbed, I couldn’t help but notice, that little thorn tip inside of me is just like unforgiveness. It’s not hurting the tree I got it from, but it’s killin’ me!

    —jeff


    December 8, 2024

    What did we do before we had cell phones? I left mine in the truck two hours ago when I came to the woods. My intention was to bring it. I brought my computer so I could “multitask,” essentially setting up an office in the woods! Without my phone, I can’t set up a hotspot, so the internet is unavailable. The boys know where I am and I assume they told their mother, but as I sit here and think of the things I left in the truck, I wonder now if I told her. I saw two bobcat kittens and no one in the world knows about it yet. A rabbit just ran out in front of my deer blind then circled back to a clump of grass to watch his back trail. He’s probably watching for those two silly cats – but he hasn’t moved a muscle in 20 minutes! Something scared the small buck that I was watching feed. I know he walked past one of our trail cams and the boys are texting me to see if I saw it. I can’t respond though or tell them what I am seeing, because I left my phone in the truck. There are two Carolina Wrens who really want to come in the deer blind for the night, but they do not trust me and can’t get past the windowsill – probably has something to do with me not having a phone. As the darkness approaches, I can’t help but wonder if you called and needed something. I wonder how cold it will get tonight but can’t check because I don’t have my phone. It’s kind of funny the more I think about it, I wonder if more people need me when I don’t have my phone than when I do. I wonder if bad things will happen to folks because I don’t have my phone. Ok, not really, but I hope you are beginning to see and understand how much many of us have gotten attached to our phones. Most likely, no one has called or texted. Most assuredly, the world has not stopped turning. Most definitely I have seen and heard things in the last two hours I probably would not have seen or heard if I’d had my phone. The sunset is absolutely beautiful with reds and pinks. Seems like there is a saying about red skies at sunset. If I had my phone, I could look it up or at least take a picture that wouldn’t do it justice. What would happen if my relationship with God and the church were similar to my relationship with my phone. Would I miss Him if I left Him in the truck for two hours? Would I be reminded of and miss all the things I cannot do without Him, or maybe do I have a better relationship with my phone than I do my God? It’s just something to think about.

    —jeff


    December 1, 2024

    Not too long ago, I declined an invitation to a special event because it was scheduled on a Sunday during evening worship. The host was astonished asking can’t you just miss this one time? No, I cannot miss this one time. Frankly, I claim that Jesus is Lord in my life and my missing church for your event would make me out to be a liar. I do not want to miss assembling with the saints. The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23) and when they meet, I want to be there. Additionally, I do happen to be employed there, let’s not forget that. “Well, what about when you go on vacation? You miss going to church then,” they argued. No, no I don’t. I mean I do miss worshipping with the congregation at Covington, but there are congregations of the Lord’s church scattered all over the country. I go to church on vacation. In fact, I often reconnect with an old friend or meet someone there who knows someone I know from back home or past encounters, but even when I don’t, I always enjoy visiting with other congregations. Vacation is not about taking a break from being who I am. I do not take a vacation from being a Christian. I cannot get on a cruise ship and sail out to the middle of the ocean and leave my character and principles at the dock. Christianity is not what I do, it is supposed to be who I am. Look, just because my struggles may not look like yours or the struggles of others, doesn’t mean I do not have them. Satan comes at me differently but he still comes. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and one sin is just as bad as another. Proverbs 6:16-19 talks about things that are an abomination to the Lord and the things listed rarely make the “top ten sins” list. The white lies of a false witness couldn’t be worse than the homosexual, could it? Yet, homosexuality doesn’t make this list, neither does child molester, spouse abuser, rapist, murderer and a great host of things we generally think are really bad. But when I willfully skip the assembly of the saints without a legitimate reason of service or sickness, I feel like a false witness. You may not see it as turning your back on God, but truthfully it is no different than Peter in the courtyard the night Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:69-74). “Hey, weren’t you with Jesus?” Hey mind your own business! “No seriously, didn’t you invite me to church? Aren’t you a Christian?” He I said shut up! What do I have to do to prove it’s ok I am not at church, curse, tell a dirty joke, laugh at the people who wouldn’t come because it’s during church, drink what you’re drinking! What do I have to do to prove that is not who I am!!? “Hey man, chill. It’s just one time. Besides, nobody really cares anyway.” Yeah, and maybe that is the problem. Cocka-doodle-doo.

    —jeff