Monthly Archives: September 2023

Today is the first Sunday of the 2023-2024 NFL season. Football fans all over the nation and the world can hardly wait for kickoff. New big screen TV’s are mounted on living room walls, barbecues are warmed up and cupboards are well-stocked with pretzels, chips, dips and all the other necessities for fan survival as they cheer on their favorite teams (Go Bills!).

Sunday football is a sacred tradition in many American homes. Every play is analyzed, every hit rated, every touchdown cheered. We admire the players and coaches for their determination and their sacrifice, living vicariously through them as they battle up and down the field.

Football is an exciting sport, but it is also a dangerous one. Every hit takes a toll on the players’ bodies and they know they are each just one step or one hit away from a career-ending injury. Millions of dollars has gone into development of the equipment players wear to protect themselves from serious injury.

No NFL player in their right mind would ever consider stepping onto the field without their helmets, pads and other protective equipment on. To do so would be to invite serious injury. Yet so often you and I try to play the game of life without the “full armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:11 NIV).

Football players battle against opposing teams made up of human beings with similar strengths and weaknesses to their own. Usually they are fairly evenly matched. That is not the case in the game of life. No, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12).

In this struggle we are totally outmatched, but we are not alone. Jesus, promises, ““Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). He “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). He understands the struggles we face, because He has gone through them Himself. Through faith in Him you may have victory, if you will daily “Put on the full armor of God.”

Each piece of that armor is essential, just as each piece of protective gear is necessary to the football player. Over the next several days we will consider the different pieces of that armor and their importance. Until then, know this, with Christ victory is already ours. So, have a wonderful day and “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10).

This last week my daughter, Rishana, made her niece a new sweater. It is a beautiful light blue, with off-white buttons and a hood. Bexlie loves it and wants to wear it everywhere. If you ask her who made it for her she says, “Tata!”, which is what she calls Rishana.
For Tata Rishana, making the sweater was a labor of love. Every movement of her crochet hook was done out of love for her little niece. She wanted to create something special for this little girl who has worked her way into all our hearts. Her handiwork was an expression of how much Bexlie means to her.
Paul says, in Ephesians, that I am “God’s handiwork” (Ephesians 2:10a NIV). In fact, Psalm 139:13 says that God “created my inmost being; [He] knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
I am God’s labor of love and so are you. We are each a unique gift God has given to the world, “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10b).
Today, when the devil whispers in your ear that you’re nothing special, remind Him you are a child of God, His handiwork. You were created for a reason, to show God’s love to the world. Then get out there and do the work God made you to do, letting “your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

School started up again a little while ago and on our street I see kids waiting for the bus each morning. Some look excited about it, while others look like they’d rather be doing anything else. A lot of their attitude can be traced back to their teachers. You can usually tell which kids have teachers who feel called to teach and those whose instructors view it as just a job.

Teachers, for the most part, are amazing people. I go on my morning walks around 6 o’clock and my route leads me by Walla Walla Valley Academy and Rogers Elementary. It’s not unusual to see cars in the parking lot at that early hour and lights on in the classrooms as teachers prepare for another day of sharing their knowledge and God’s love with their students. Now that’s dedication!

I’ve had some amazing teachers who’ve made an incredible difference in my life. Mrs. Marvin, my 3rd grade teacher; Jim Henderson, Jerry and Carol Whitehurst, at Kingsbury Jr. Academy; and John Thomas at Union Springs Academy. There were many others, but these stand out in my mind. I credit much of my own successes to their caring and dedicated attitude and their ability to bring out the best in me, seeing past my shy, awkward exterior to the potential within.

Teaching is a calling, but not just for professional educators. We each are called to teach. Just before He ascended to heaven Jesus commissioned His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV).

We are each called to teach others about Jesus, that “there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). We are to tell of His love and sacrifice for us and of His soon coming to take us home.

You too are a teacher and each day, by the words you say and the things you do (or don’t do) you are teaching others lessons for good or bad. That’s an awesome responsibility. Make sure to ask the Master Teacher to guide you, because the lessons people learn for you today may well make a difference for them for eternity.

What will your students learn from you today?

I’m really good at starting things. Unfortunately, I’m not great at finishing what I’ve started. I’ve got a couple boxes of unfinished woodworking projects in the shop, partly completed paintings in my office and three books waiting for those final chapters.

Thankfully Jesus doesn’t have this problem. Paul calls Him “the author and Finisher of our faith”. (Hebrews 12:2 KJV). Once He had set His feet on the path towards Calvary, Jesus let nothing keep Him from completely the task for which He came to this earth – the redemption of our fallen race.

Scouring, beatings, humiliation, rejection. Jesus endured them all so He could save you and I. Finally, seemingly defeated, dying on the cross, His voice rang out in triumph, “It is finished.” (John 19:30).

With that shout Jesus proclaimed victory, assuring us a place in His kingdom if we will accept Him as our Savior and, with Paul, fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

Thankfully, we do not have to do this on our own. Our Heavenly Father is with us and “he which hath begun a good work within you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6).

So don’t quit. Don’t be discouraged when it seems you’ll never get it right. God’s not done with you yet. Keep moving forward, and don’t ever give up till you’ve finished the race and you hear God say, “Well, done, thou good and faithful servant… Enter now into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:21).

Have a great day and God bless!

A couple days ago I spent a good portion of the day building a chicken coop for Ana’s chickens. I used pallets to make the walls. The idea was to save money, but it ended up being more hassle than it was worth. I had to take several of the pallets apart, which was a pain.

Taking the old nails out was especially difficult. They were deeply embedded in the wood and hard to get a grip on. Several of the nails didn’t want to come out with just my regular hammer, so I had to get a crowbar. That did the trick. It’s amazing what a difference using the right amount of leverage can make.

Many times we face challenges which are too hard for us to overcome on our own. Deeply embedded sins, old habits, buried hurts. We try to work them out on our own, but just end up frustrated and depressed and sometimes worse off than when we began. It can be pretty discouraging.

There is a better way. The problem I’m facing may see impossible, but Jesus said,
“with God everything is possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NLT). God provides the leverage we need to do the impossible. Even if your faith is as small as a mustard seed, with God’s power, you can move mountains. (Matthew 17:20).

Today, if you’re facing a challenge that seems more than you can handle, remember you are not alone. Jesus is with you, ready to lend a hand, to give you the leverage you need to succeed. So, instead of giving in to discouragement, step out in faith and declare, like the Apostle Paul, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).

One of the challenges about living in a new town is finding my way around. Walla Walla and College Place were kind of confusing at first, but I’m starting to get the hang of it. I’ve discovered that Rose Street will connect me with most anywhere I want to go to the east or west and Myra Street is the secret to going north or south.

Sometimes, though, I still get a little turned around. That’s when it’s time to break out the GPS. What did we ever do before we had this amazing service at our fingertips? All I have to do is type in where I want to go and instantly it finds me the fastest route to my destination.

There are times, however, when I wonder if my GPS really knows what it’s doing, especially when it directs me down a dead-end street or through a construction zone. That’s when I feel like I’m stuck in an Allstate commercial, with “Mayhem” giving me directions..

Thankfully, when it comes to finding my way through this life I don’t have to depend on an undependable GPS. If I let Him, my Heavenly Father will show me the way I should go. He says, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” (Isaiah 48:17 NLT).

Sometimes the paths He leads you down can be a little dark and scary. You may wonder if He knows what He is doing. That’s when faith comes in. That’s when you have to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” and “not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God knows what He’s doing and “He never leads [His children] otherwise than they would choose to be led if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose that they are fulfilling.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 578).

Today you will face some new twists and turns in this journey called life, but don’t be afraid. We have a Guide we can trust. Let God direct your steps and just enjoy the journey. Remember, in the end it will be worth it all, because our destination is, literally, out of this world!

Having our grandchildren in our home several times a week has been such a blessing to Ana and I. For me, watching Ana care for our grandchildren, gives me little glimpses of how God deals with us and how much He loves us.

When the grandkids walk in the door Ana’s face just lights up with joy. I think that’s how God feels when we decide to spend some time with Him during our day. The Bible says, “He will rejoice over you with gladness.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV).

Sometimes our grandson gets fussy and throws a fit. That’s when Ana takes him in her arms and rocks him to sleep, whispering how much she loves him, holding him close. In the same way, when troubles come our way and we’re feeling stressed and afraid, God promises He “will quiet you with His love…” (ibid).

Then there are the fun times, the silly times, when the grandchildren bubble over with laughter as Ana sings some silly song, like “Baby Beluga.” God loves making us happy and it says, “He will rejoice over you with singing.” (ibid)

No matter what challenges you face today, take time to spend with your loving Heavenly Father. Let Him rejoice over you with gladness.” Let Him “quiet you with His love” and “rejoice over you with singing.”

Have a wonderful day and remember this one thing – God loves you! He really does!

I got plenty of church today! Two services in one morning! I think that’s a record for me!

I went by myself to the early church at Eastgate Seventh-day Adventist Church and thoroughly enjoyed the upbeat music and the pastor’s continuing study of Hebrews 11. Then I went home to get Ana and Rishana and we went to the College Place Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church together. Ana’s been wanting to hear God’s Word taught in her native language and this seemed like a good day to do that..

Although I did find myself longing for the gift of tongues at the Spanish Church, I still got a blessing from being there. The people were so welcoming and the food at the potluck afterwards was delicious. I think we’ll be going there more often (and not just for the food!).

Going to two church services in one day may seem excessive for many of you, but for me it was refreshing. I love spending time with God’s people, discussing Scripture together, hearing a good sermon, singing and worshiping our loving Heavenly Father. It refuels my batteries for the week ahead and refocuses my mind on the things that matter most – time with God, family, and with fellow believers.

In Hebrews 10:25 Paul warns us to “not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Although it’s fine to occasionally miss church to spend some time in nature or get some extra rest, if that becomes a habit we miss out on so much.

The truth is we need each other, now more than ever. This world’s not an easy place to live in and, unfortunately, it’s going to get worse. Now is not the time to try to make it on our own. We need to keep meeting together, lifting each other up in prayer, supporting each other through the hard times and laughing together in the good times. We’re so much stronger together, than we are apart. As Ephesians 4:12 says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.”

So, this next week, please come join us. Even if you haven’t darkened a church door in a while, you’re always welcome. If you’ve had a tough time with Christians in the past, please give us a chance to do better. We need you, you need us and we all need God. Don’t worry about your past or if you have the right clothes to wear. Just come as you are! Our doors are open! Just come home!

I had to do a little impromptu construction last week. I had to enclose in our chicken yard to keep our chickens from escaping. They’d gotten big enough to fly over the fence and this last week I arrived home just in time to see one fly out onto the lawn. Before I could do anything about it our dog, Lily, grabbed it and, well, we have one last chicken.

I knew I had to fix their enclosure right away, because everytime Ana loses a chicken it breaks her heart. I bought wood and wire and whipped together a covered chicken yard that should keep them safe for the foreseeable future. It ain’t pretty, but it is secure.

I’m not sure the chickens appreciate my efforts, however. They look longingly at the green grass of the yard, unaware of the danger that lurks there. All they can see is that lush grass and the wire restricting their freedom to enjoy it.

We humans are too often like our chickens. We don’t like being fenced in by God’s Law, even though it was given for our own good, to protect us from the consequences which come with straying beyond its borders.

We want to be free to enjoy the pleasures of this world without the “fence” of God’s law to hold us back. What we forget is outside of the protection which God’s law provides there lies an “enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

True freedom is not found in chasing after what the world has to offer. Real freedom comes from accepting Jesus as your Savior and then keeping His commandments, out of love and gratefulness for what He has done for you.

When you do this, choosing to live within God’s will as outlined in His Word, God sets you free from guilt, from fear, from regret. Then you will be truly free and “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

This Sabbath, open God’s Word and “look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free…”. If you do this and ‘if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” (James 1:25). You will discover for yourself what true freedom is all about.

God bless and have a Happy Sabbath!