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This morning I started the day in the pre-dawn darkness on the beach, waves crashing at my feet and a cool wind blowing in from the ocean. There were only a few stars visible and scattered clouds dotted the skies.

As I sat there, praying and listening, the eastern horizon slowly began to lighten. The beach began to fill with other early risers, each of us waiting in eager anticipation for the sun to rise over the ocean.

As the first streaks of light reflected off the clouds there was a tension in the air, none of us wanting to missing even a moment of the drama unfolding before us. Then, as the edge of the sun peaked over the horizon, we relaxed and drank in the beauty of the scene. A new day had dawned.

Lamentation 3:22-23 tells us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

No matter how badly I messed up yesterday, no matter my failures and mistakes, God’s “compassions never fail. They are new every morning…” As surely as the sun will rise each morning, great is his faithfulness. As unending as the waves upon the shore is His mercy for his children.

This Sabbath, as you welcome the new day, welcome Jesus into your heart. Feel the warmth of His love fill your soul and know your sins and mistakes have been forgiven and hurled “into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19.

It’s a new day, a new beginning. Let’s make it the best day yet!

Happy Sabbath!

Our first full day here in Kauai, Ana and I walked over old lava flows that make up the rocky coastline. Walking there was difficult, as the surface is very irregular and one wrong step could lead to a twisted ankle or worse. One good thing about it, though – it was solid!

The last couple days we’ve been walking on the beach. What a difference! The sand is smooth, with a gentle slope, and feels good under our feet. It looks like you could walk on it forever. That is until you take a step and the sand shifts under your feet. Suddenly you find yourself struggling to stay upright. This gets even worse when the waves crash on the beach and loosen the sand even more.

In our lives we have a natural tendency to walk on the smooth ground, to take what’s seems to be the easy way, to follow the crowd. In doing so, we are setting ourselves up for a let down, for Jesus warns, “broad is the road that leads to destruction.” (Matthew 7:13 NIV)

Although rocky the way “and narrow the road that leads to life” it is the only sure path for our feet. Built on the Rock Christ Jesus and guided by the Word of God, the path of the Christian is not always easy, but the footing is sure and we need never walk it alone. Jesus, who cleared the path before us, walks beside us, and He promises, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Today, don’t make the mistake of walking on shifting sands. Stick to the rocky way, follow the narrow path, holding tightly to Jesus’ hand and He will lead you safely Home.

One of the places Ana and I have enjoyed the most since our arrival in Kauai is the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful lighthouse stands 180 feet above the Pacific Ocean on Kilauea Point. A national historic site and refuge to the Red-footed booby, the Hawaiian monk seal, and many other types of wildlife, this is one of the most beautiful places on the island.

For 63 years the Kilauea Lighthouse’ 9000 pound Fresnel lens reflected light from it’s lamp across the ocean waves, warning sailors away from jagged rocks which lay below. We will never know how many lives were saved because of the way that lens faithfully reflected the light.

Jesus said, in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” Just as the lens in the Kilauea Lighthouse reflects the light of the lamp, so we are to reflect Jesus, the light of the world, to all we meet. By our words and actions we are to warn them away from the temptations which threaten to shipwreck their souls and point them to the safe refuge found only in the arms of Jesus.

In order to do this we must make our relationship with Jesus a top priority. The Kilauea Lighthouse required a tremendous amount of maintenance to keep it functioning properly. In fact, the pulley system which moved the lens had to be reset every 3.5 hours to keep the light pointing in the right direction.

Likewise, if we are to continue to properly reflect Jesus to the world, we too must reset are spiritual lives frequently, spending time daily in prayer and Bible study, realigning our lives with the light shining from the Cross. Then, as we “with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory,” we will be “transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The Kilauea Lighthouse no longer shines, a victim of the ravages of time and the advance of modern technology. Today, make sure your light never goes out. Spend time each day with Jesus and His Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to polish out the defects in your character, that you will, wherever you go and whatever you do, always do this one thing – Reflect the Light!

This morning, sitting in a lounge chair on the beach, well before sunrise, my attention was drawn to a particular star. There were thousands of stars scattered across the sky, but this one shone brighter than all the rest. It’s light cast a shimmering path across the ocean to where I sat.

As I watched, a cloud passed between me and the star, and suddenly the path across the sea disappeared. For a few moments, the darkness around me seemed deeper than it was before. Thankfully, the wind quickly blew the cloud away and the star once again lit the way across the waves.

Sometimes the storms of life may block your view of Jesus, the “bright Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16 NIV) Overwhelmed by the darkness pressing in on every side, you may be tempted to lose hope, to fear you’ve been left alone to battle the storm on your own.

It is at times like these you must cling to God’s Word. Claim His promises. Study the prophecies. Read the stories of Peter, David, and Daniel, of men and women, who have faced the storm and whose faith has carried them safely through the dark. Like a chart guides the sailor, God’s Word will keep you safely on course, “a lamp for [your] feet, a light on [your] path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Storms will come. Difficulties and disappointments, may obscure your view of Christ, but the Bible declares, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

When clouds hide the way, hold strong to your faith. Even in the darkest night you don’t need to be afraid. You can trust God’s Word to light the way. Make Scripture your guide, “a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)

Today, no matter how fearsome the storm, my friend, don’t worry about the clouds. Just open your Bible! Trust in the Light!

Yesterday Ana and I had a great time exploring Kauai. We’re on the east coast near Lihue and there is so much to see. We saw a replica of an ocean-going catamaran, a pond where Hawaiian royalty raised fish, and the beautiful valley where Jurassic Park was filmed.

What we enjoyed most were the Lava Tubes on the coast. Standing on the jagged old lava beds we watched as the waves crashed into the tubes, sending plums of water into the air. It was so cool! I could have stood there and watched the show for hours!

There was one spot where the waves would pour into this narrow channel. Each wave filled the channel a little more until an especially big wave would hit, forcing all that water down the channel until it hit the rock at the end, sending it shooting into the air. I could see the waves coming and the pressure building, so I had plenty of time to get out of the way, but one time I didn’t heed the warning signs and got totally soaked.

Thinking about yesterday’s adventure, I realized we all are in danger of making a similar mistake. Like the waves building in the channel, we can all see the signs our world is in trouble. There is a storm coming, “a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.” (Daniel 12:1). Yet, secure in our comfortable lives, we are failing to heed the warning signs and are in danger of being swept away when the waves of strife crash upon our shores.

I could have avoided getting wet yesterday if I’d just paid attention to the signs, but I waited too long. Don’t make the same mistake in your own life. The time to prepare is now. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Today accept Jesus as your Savior, make Him the source of your strength, because “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.” (Psalm 37:39).

This morning don’t make the same mistake I did. Heed the warning signs and take refuge today in Jesus Christ, the Rock of your salvation.

God bless and a have a wonderful day!

It’s about 5:30 AM here in Hawaii (yes, I’m an early riser, even on vacation). I’m sitting in the gazebo of our hotel’s beautiful garden, listening to the world slowly wake up around me.

I can hear water running nearby, a rooster announcing the new day, and, in the distance, waves breaking on the beach. My mind is quiet and my soul is at peace. All-in-all, not a bad way to start the day.

Granted it’s easy to feel at peace in a place like this, but circumstances do not have to determine your state of mind. No matter where you, no matter what you are doing, no matter what is happening in your life right now, remember “the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV)

Today, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this; He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:5-6).

Give Him your cares and your worries, your heartache and pain, and He will give you “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3).

Whether on a beach in Kauai or walking the crowded streets of Seattle, Jesus says to each of us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Put your trust in Him today, and “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).

God bless, have a wonderful day, and “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

This was a post I was hoping I wouldn’t have to write.

I was hoping to be able to tell you today about a miracle, that my cousin Benji had suddenly woken up, smiled his beautiful smile, looked around and wondered, “What’s going on?”

Unfortunately that didn’t happen. Instead, yesterday afternoon Benji passed away at 51 years old, leaving us with our grief, heartbreak and memories of a wonderful man who loved his family and brightened the lives of so many others.

My daughter still remembers when Benji rolled up to our house in New York in his big semi-truck for an unannounced visit. She remembers him swinging her in his arms, making her squeal in delight.

I remember wonderful times with him and his siblings playing in their backyard in Tennessee and swimming in a creek on a Sabbath afternoon.

Those are good memories. I just wish there were more of them. But, even through my tears, I find reason for joy, because there are more memories to come.

You see we “do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV).

A new day is about to dawn, a day when “sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 51:11) On that day “the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Someday soon we will see Benji’s big smile once again and hear his laugh fill the room. Soon “we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with [him] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Meanwhile we are left with our grief and our memories. We are left with our sorrow and our tears. But we are left with something more – Hope!

We have this hope of a better day to come, a day when death will finally be “swallowed up in victory.” (I Corinthians 15:54). May that day come soon, is my prayer.

Until then, rest well, Benji. We’ll see you soon!

We’re on vacation!

Today, after church, Ana and I head to Seattle to spend the evening with our daughter Rishana, then tomorrow we’re off to Hawaii! Nine wonderful days on Kauai, snorkeling, walking the beach, hiking in the jungle, and, most of all, just kicking back and taking it easy.

I can’t say I deserve this vacation, but I certainly need it. The last few days of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 have been a little stressful and I can use the break. It’s time for a little R & R and some one-on-one time with my one-and-only.

We all need a little vacation now and then, a time to put aside the worries and stresses of everyday life, a time to be reminded of the things which matter most – family, friends, and our God who loves us. I think God knew this, which is why He built a little mini-vacation into every week, the seventh-day Sabbath.

Many would say, “Oh, you don’t need to keep the Sabbath, because the law was nailed to the cross.” Well, I don’t know about you, but I NEED to keep the Sabbath!

I need that time each week when I can put aside my worries and cares and “Come aside…and rest awhile.” Mark 6:31 NKJV. I need that time with God and with friends and family to recharge my batteries and replenish my faith. Besides which, it’s so much fun!

Frankly, I don’t know how people get by without the Sabbath. They miss out on so much. The Sabbath is the best part of the week, a whole day just to spend with friends and family, worshipping God, eating good food, spending time in nature, helping others, and getting some much needed rest. Why would you ever want to miss out on such a wonderful time?

This morning you’re invited to join us on our vacation. Not the one to Hawaii. I’m sorry, but there’s only room for two on that trip. No, I mean the one God made especially for you and I, the Sabbath. Join us today and take a mini-vacation with God. Just “Come aside…and rest awhile.” I promise you’ll be glad you did! It’s going to be a great day!

I just finished registering our new car with the insurance company. It’s a relief to get that taken care of because now I know we’re covered if something should happen. Driving around without insurance is never a good idea.

I’ve been quite pleased with our insurance company, but, as good as their coverage is, I know it’s limited. They will pay me if the car has an accident, but they can’t prevent the accident. My life insurance policy will pay my family when I die, but it can’t help me live a better life in the meantime.

Psalm 118:8 tells us, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.” Unlike my insurance company, which is in business to make money, Jesus came that we “may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10.

If I have an accident my auto policy will help with the expenses, but the Lord promises to “watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8. My homeowner’s insurance will pay to rebuild my home, but God promises, “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you…” Psalm 91:, 9-10.

When it comes to life insurance nobody can beat God’s benefit plan, becauses Jesus promises, “The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…” (John 11:25) and “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life…”(John 3:36). Eternal life – now that’s a payout worth looking forward to!

Today, as you go about your daily activities, don’t worry about a thing. If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior and taken refuge in the Lord”, you’ve got a heavenly insurance policy. The premium has already been paid by the blood of Christ. So don’t be anxious or afraid. God’s got you covered and He will never let you down.

When faced with a loved one’s illness and the limits of modern medicine to heal, I often hear people say, “I guess all we can do is pray,” as if there is no hope.

However, prayer is not something we should use as a last resort, as a final desperate plea. No, prayer is the most powerful weapon in our arsenal, “the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence…” (Steps to Christ, p. 94).

In James 5:15 we are promised that if anyone is sick, “the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

Sometimes this healing is immediate, sometimes we must wait, and sometimes the Lord sees it’s best for them to rest until He comes. Either way, God’s promise is sure, “the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.”

This morning my extended family could use your prayers. My cousin, Ben, is in the hospital. He has had several strokes and is in a coma. The prognosis is not good, but God promises, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

Please pray for Ben and his family today. Pray for his healing and restoration to his family, but, even more importantly, pray that he, his family, and all the rest of us may be together on that day when God “will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

On that day, “There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4.

May that day come quickly! God bless and please pray for Ben.