Afraid of the Unknown

The Air Force in all its wisdom decided I needed to spend a couple of years in California. That being said, assignments sent me to Travis Air Force Base just outside the San Francisco Bay Area. While it is a beautiful area, I was struck with how dry it was. All the grass was brown. For me it turned out to be the dust bowl of allergies. If you didn't have any when you got there you had plenty when you left.

Arriving at the base I discovered there was turmoil within the chapel staff. The Wing Commander had fired the Senior Protestant Chaplain, an appointed a Latter-Day Saint Chaplain as the new Boss. In my judgement he was a great chaplain, faithful to his calling and took care of all the faith groups who attended chapel. But the diehards weren't having. The rumor went out he wasn't following Christian principles. The few who think they had power wanted him replaced. Administratively, we dealt with that. On the other hand we had a chaplain on the staff who's son had contracted AIDS while in China doing mission work. He wasn't allowed on the base because of the unknown, people thought it might be contagious. Why do we allow the fear of the unknown drive us to make rash decisions? In both cases, the LDS chaplain was promoted to a well-deserved headquarters job and the chaplain's son was not contagious at all. Even when we follow in the foot steps of Jesus we are uncertain of the unknown.

I have to admit I get excited when I am faced with the unknown. I am always wondering what Jesus has in store for me. Fear is human nature. Don't be afraid of fear. Overcoming   fear is divine inspiration that maybe, just maybe God will take care of you in thick and thin. Jesus has brought me to this point in my life. I have been blessed with longevity, and I still have my wits about me most of the time. Our job in our faith walk is to take care of others who are not as fortunate. Our task today is to help others continue to walk with Christ. As someone once told me we are all in this together. God Loves You!

There are only two things that will make me get up in the middle of the night, barking dogs and someone saying to me, "You want to go fly fishing?". If a neighbor's barking dog wakes me up, I will get up and go to the neighbor's door and wake them up. Fly fishing is another story. My fishing equipment is at the ready, a moment's notice, I am in the car on my way.

My very first assignment in the Air Force I was sent to Washington State. Didn't know much about it at the time, but fell in love with being out there. We were assigned base housing. The next door neighbor's (George and Trish) became very good friends. George was a C-130 pilot and of course I was one of the Chaplains on the base. As I came out my back door one morning George was playing with a fishing pole. As we greeted each other, he looked at me and asked me if I had ever been fly fishing. My response was, nope, never. I didn't know what fly fishing was. George introduced me to one of the greatest gifts of our friendship. The very next morning we got up at 4 am to be on the river by daybreak. His favorite fishing spot was on the Cowletz River, a tributary of the Columbia River. I fell in love with it immediately.

There are few things greater than watching dawn break being waist high in a flowing river with a one-two rhythm of casting with a fly fishing pole. There is a certain peace that comes over you that says, "All is well with my soul". When I attend church each Sunday, I will occasionally arrive early. In the stillness of the morning I will enter the sanctuary and sit, pondering the silence and the peace of a darkened room. It's the peace I get from knowing God is present. The experience is not earth shattering, but calm. I don't expect you to be a fly fishermen but I know you desire to find a place where God's presence lifts you up and prepares you for the flow of life. Find a place, try it. It will change your life as you walk with God along life's path.

Matthew 1 is the genealogy of Christ. Real light reading, NOT, but it is there. We are have families for better for worse. What Jesus wants you to know. He has been there. One of my all time favorite books by Max Lucado is called, "Next Door Savior". Max Lucado writes, "Most families keep their family secrets a secret. Included in chapter 1 of Matthew are the bad apples of Jesus' family.

A couple of years ago we were privileged to take a trip to Israel. For Ann and I it was a trip of a lifetime. I was asked by the leader if I would serve communion near the Garden Tomb. There were 43 pilgrims in the group. They came from FL, OH, IL, NJ, CO, AR, GA and CA. But where we were from didn't tell the whole story of how they got there. We had 3 ladies from South Africa whose histories spoke of of Apartheid and becoming Christians by the Grace of God. So the question of the day, the same question that I asked before giving Communion to new friends. "What did it take for you to be here, in this place? Give yourself a moment of silent reflection as to the important events in your life, the important people, things that allowed you to arrive here. As Jesus says, "I've been there. As Max Lucado says, "We all are apart of the tilted Halo Family". In Matthew 9 Matthew was complaining to Jesus that he was going to have to give up all his friends. Some of them were very questionable. Jesus’ response was, “Matthew, Matthew

I am not here to quarantine you. Following me doesn’t mean forgetting your friends, just the opposite. I want to meet them”. Matthew’s response was, “But Jesus, these guys. . .half of them are on parole. Josh hasn’t worn socks since his Bar Mitzvah. Sinners and saints in the same room.

Another question of the day is, which side of Matthew’s table do you sit on? Discipleship is sometimes defined as being normal. It is anything but normal. Be a disciple of Christ today, doing something simple for someone else today can make all the difference in the world. God Loves You.

I am so thankful for God’s Grace and Mercy. It is hard to find with everyday people, sometimes impossible. We all stand in the need of Grace that Christ offers us because He loves us. I am always in the need for Mercy because of stupid decisions that I wish I hadn’t made or the mistakes I constantly make.

When I was a senior in high school my father got me an old beater of a car. A 1955 Pontiac Chieftain. A tank of a car. I would drive it to school everyday. As a senior I had the world by the tail or so I thought. One school morning, I got in my car, pulled out of the driveway and sped down the street. We lived in a housing project I called row houses. Out from nowhere, a dog darted in front of me. I was going too fast and hit the dog, killing it. The father came rushing out, yelling at me. I heard words like reckless, irresponsible, going too fast and you killed our dog. The father picked up his pet, and carried it to their backyard. I followed after. The father had taken a shovel and was digging a hole, continuing to yell at me while I watched. There was nothing I could say as he buried his pet.

The story doesn’t end there. A few days later we got a knock on the door. A little boy was standing in the doorway. As he looked at me he said, “You killed my dog.” Over the next few weeks he would show up, knock on the door, and proceed to tell me I killed his dog. It is a mistake I have carried with me all these years.

I know I am not forgiven by the little boy. It’s an emotional scar I carry. It is only through God’s Grace and Mercy that I feel any source of forgiveness. A forever mistake.

We all carry forever mistakes. We can’t take them back, we can’t make them go away. We certainly learn from them. We all have those in our lives. I am thankful that I can walk each day knowing through God’s Grace and Mercy, I am forgiven. Trust me, I carry the memory as we all do when we make mistakes in life. But I also carry the assurance that God’s Grace is sufficient for me and His mercy allows me to live following in His footsteps. God loves you today!

It goes to reason that you don't want too many failures in life. Nothing worse than being referred to as a "Failure in Life". I have always been able to stay one step ahead of the failure label. There is proof that
failing at something can also be a success. I am living proof of that.

What child in the world would have to repeat second grade? This child! Academically I was not the brightest kid in the bag. I was placed in each grade on a trial basis until the fifth grade. School was not my bright spot. When I took my senior high placement test I scored 125 points. The average score was 600 points. I distinctly remember the school counselor inviting me into her office. She went over my scores with me and suggested that perhaps I was not college material and that I should find a trade that I would like doing. I ignored her because I had a dream of going to college.

I have failed at many other things. OK, so maybe I have to repeat things but you know my failures have brought me to this point in my life which I deem a success. Along the way I have graduated high school, received 2 masters degrees. I graduated from Air Command and Staff College and Air War College (US Air Force). Oh by the way, I flunked Air Command and Staff the first time I took it.

I only share this information with you because in all my failures I have been successful. We all have failures in our life and what we do with them is important. Don't let failures define you.

My success comes through the Grace of Christ. Whether it is living life or going to school or falling down, Christ is there to pick me up. Christ is there for you also.

Recently, I was visiting a wife and her husband in the hospital. She was faithfully attending and loving him in his last hours of life. She asked me if I would say a prayer. I felt inadequate and told her I wasn't sure if I
had the right words for a prayer. She looked at me and said, "Chaplain you are not called to successful but you are called to be faithful, WOW!

If you are in the midst of a failure, if you find success hard to find, Christ has enough Grace to cover you. All of us are called to walk with Him.

Our success is found in these simple words, "Thank You Lord for being with me today. If you say these words, the Son will come out today. I promise you and oh by the way God Loves You!

I have just returned from another mission trip to Pignon, Haiti. A little village North and East of Cap Haitian. Driving time is about 4 hours.

There is a man who lives in Pignon by the name of Begone. My first encounter with Begone was about 20 years ago. He was known as the Water Man. He delivered water to the residents of the village. You might say, What's the Big Deal?" Well, Begone's delivery system is a 55 gallon drum.

Each day Begone would take that drum and roll it down to the river which ran through a gorge where Pignon sits near the edge. He would fill the drum with the water, turn it back on it's side and roll it up hill to the streets of the village. He would roll it through the village selling the water to residents who needed water for the day.
What made this so special to me is, Begone is a wirey little man, maybe 4 ft 3 and skinny. He shared his story with me one day stating he has been in Pignon all his life. He doesn't know how old he is. He never knew his mother or father and was raised by other family members who took him in.

Begone has become my friend. I look forward to seeing him each trip I make to Pignon. He has nothing to offer me except his friendship. He helps with various projects and is constantly doing things to make my work easier.

Begone reminds me of the 12 disciples who were everyday ordinary men but most of all he reminds me of Peter. Peter was a hard worker, a fisherman who spent long hours providing for his family and loved ones. Peter never asked for anything in return. He was a follower of Christ.

In all the years I have known Begone, he has never once asked me for money, or favors or special treatment. That is rare in Haiti. Begone embodies the character of Peter: dedicated, hard working and loyal. Begone knows of Jesus; Is he an active Christian? Probably not. ( Meaning he goes to church every Sunday). I love Begone
because his walk is faithful to those he loves. He lives without pretense. I would take him with me anywhere I go. He possesses the quality of Jesus who reached out to others wanting to change their lives fort ever.

Knowing Begone has changed my life for the better. He has given me focus to be more Christ-like in loving others. In that regard Begone has taught me a lot by being who he is. “Made in the image of Christ. Just think if we could do that for our friends but for many of us it is like a rolling a barrel of water up the Hill. Do we have enough
strength in Christ? I hope for all of us we do.

When is a dog just a dog? Never! That’s the way in my household. There are other names for a dog. Mickey, Tess, Penny, Bo and of course the fan favorite today, Honey Bee.

According to Paisley and Lola, Honey Bee is the best dog ever. Just recently Honey Bee pulled off one of God’s small miracles. I am pretty sure Honey Bee had nothing to do with it but the girls named the puppies, Rain, Hail, Lightening, Thunder, Windy and Sunshine. Six little puppies. One was born one day, the following day four more were born and on the third day, a sixth surprise was born. Six little miracles in the making. I am sure Honey Bee is a proud mama.

We don’t give it much thought when animals give birth but it is a pure God-given event. No mid-wives, no maternity hospital. Then what do we do after the puppies have grown for a few weeks? We up and give them away or sell them to strangers. Honey Bee started a family, her first litter of babies, only to lose them.

That is kind of the way with children. Our daughter Kaitlyn was born in 1991. She was a cute little tyke, but a lot of work! Feeding, bathing, changing diapers, tending her when she was sick. Then finally after a few years it was time for her to fly the coop. No, we didn’t sell her or give her away, she just left. She became a young lady who wanted to care for herself.

I am sure when Honey Bee had her pups she didn’t realize they would be leaving. They were her family. The nature of things includes growing up, leaving home. For Rain, Hail, Lightening, Thunder, Windy and Sunshine they will find their way with people who love them.

God continues to bless Honey Bee with good health and giving her the experience of being a mother. There is no greater gift than to be a part of God’s family on this green earth. The Lord has blessed Honey Bee, Paisley and Lola with miracles of life. Let’s do our best to protect what God has given us.

There is a sign that sits in a school yard not far from where I live that says, "BE KIND TO ALL KINDS". There was as time in my life I would have ignored that sign. Growing up in a narrow-minded family, being kind to all kinds, was not acceptable. My father believed black men were used for work, day labor. We didn't talk to foreigners. I grew up with a very narrow view of others that were not of my "Kind".

When did I change? When I left home. Trust me, the change didn't come overnight.

Joining the Army, going through basic training, receiving my first assignment overseas, being single, I arrived in my unit in Germany. I lived in the barracks, two to a room. My room mate was black. I thought to myself, this is not going to work. I requested a change, the First Sergeant said not only No, but H..... No! So first-time in my
life I had to talk to someone different. I carried that experience with me for many years.

The first time I was invited into a black home for a meal I was involved in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) as a student. Another student invited us to dinner one evening. Being narrow-minded I was apprehensive, I didn't know what to expect. A little bit of fear crept into my mind. Well to my narrow-minded me, I was surprised to a normal meal, with laughter, stories and good food. Where had I been all my life? Locked in to a narrow-minded life!

I knew that God Loved me enough to place other kinds of people in my life. I didn't like it but that is beside the point. God wants us to do things that we don't want to do. He leads us to the edge of life-changing events then nudges us to jump.

There is no one in this world I would not talk with. I taught myself there are three people in any conversation. Myself, the other person and then, there is God.

The Lord wants us to BE KIND TO ALL KINDS. We are a part of that statement. Perhaps the Lord is a needed third party in order for someone to say hi to you! God Loves You!

There are always horror stories about the In-laws. If you don't know what an In-law is get married. You may get to take one on your honeymoon. Just kidding? I will say up front I had the best in-laws.

Ann's (wife) parents were the best. Her mother was a farm girl raised in northwestern Ohio with 3 sisters and a brother. I use to tease her about milking the cows, feeding the chickens and sloping the hogs. On one our visits to the farm she took me out to the barn and gave chores to do. I was exhausted by the time I went back to the house. I didn't tease her anymore.

Ann's father on the other hand was a role model to me and even though he has passed, his influence is still very much a part of me. He was a MENTOR to me. I actually met Fred (father's name) before I met my wife, Ann. Fred was an Army Pilot flying Medevac. He served in Vietnam twice, rescuing soldiers from the battlefield. He had stories
but he would never fully tell them, I think because they were too painful to tell. He lost his co-pilot on one of his missions and I don't believe he ever got over it.

Fred taught me how to fly as well as his granddaughter who now flies with the Air Force. Of all the things he did, his faith in Christ is what stood out to me. He became my mentor, teaching me it was OK to love Christ. He would attend Chapel every Sunday he was home. I thought, If a warrior like him could have a relationship with Christ it can't be all bad. He was instrumental in my Christian walk. As an added bonus he introduced his daughter to me. Offered me 500 dollars to elope.

I am keenly aware that we are flawed human beings and the grace that God offers us is found in Christ. In this world today we need to be more Christ like. I am sure you have had mentors in your life. What did they teach you? What do you remember? What has become a part of you.

As we make our way through this world, we are not alone. Of all the decisions I have made in life, choosing Christ as a mentor was the best. He is always with me no matter what I do. If you choose Christ as a mentor you will never be the same. That is why God loves you.

I am pretty good at taking other people's advice. I am not very good at taking my own advice. I trick myself into thinking, "I know better".

I wasn't very good at taking care of things my parents gave me. For example, I received a new bike for Christmas one year. I decided to spiff it up. I painted it with house paint, a bright orange as I remember. It was ugly, I didn't want the bike anymore but I was stuck with it. My father told me not to paint it. I did anyway. From there the bike went down hill. I didn't bother with it. I bent the spokes in the wheels, I messed around with the brakes until I didn't have any. The bike became a wreck but I still had to ride it.

I was out one day riding around a construction site and came upon a sewer hole that had been lined with concrete. I rode up to the edge of the hole thinking I could stop but I didn't. My front tire hit the lip of the concrete and I went head first over the handlebars into the hole. The hole was at least 7-8 feet deep.

I remember picking my self up at the bottom dusting myself off. My hands and arms were bleeding from the scrapes and cuts I received on the way down to the bottom. There were medal prongs sticking out of the concrete which I snagged on the way down. I used the same medal prongs to climb out of the hole I accessed the damage to my body and decided it wasn't all that bad. I rode home . I never told my parents what happened. I figured better left unsaid. It was a hard lesson I survived.

Now as I look back in my old age, I realize that we give ourselves hard lessons because we don't listen to others, we know better or we just plow ahead not thinking. I now realize God had a hand in this somewhere. He saved my life that day in spite of my stupidity.

I want you to know God has a hand in our lives as He does His best to guide us. We seem to be determined to make our own way and it becomes a hard lesson. If I had listened to my father that day, if I had been a little more responsible for my bike, I wouldn't have scars on my hands reminding me of what happens when I go our own way.

With Jesus choosing the Cross he was willing to bear the scars of life for us. We end up making His love a hard lesson because we think we know better. Thankfully, Jesus offers us grace hoping our hard lessons become life saving, not only for ourselves but for others we love. It is the least we can do to listen and learn from God's example of unconditional love. God wants us to avoid the hard lessons of life. God Loves You!

The things I did as a kid. They wouldn't fly today. Of course they wouldn't fly any day, but I didn't think about that at the time. When I was a tyke I lived in west Dayton, I attended Residence Park Elementary school. I and a buddy hung around together on weekends finding things to do, not necessarily good things, but things.

Walking in the neighborhood by the school we decided to break in. We walked around the back of the school and I took a big rock and broke one of the windows. The sound of glass ricocheting off the school walls surprised me. My buddy lifted me up and I crawled through into the empty room. I went around opened a side door so he could come in. We searched and pilfered not knowing what we would looking for.

I remember being scared, excited, afraid of being caught. But that didn't stop us. So what loot did we grab? Thumb tacks mostly. We left and ran all the way home. So on the way home since we had nothing else to do we took the thumb tacks and threw them out on the street. Our thoughts were, Let's cause flat tires on cars going by. Duh! What else could we do? We didn't have time, we had to go home, it was getting dark.

Today, every time I hear glass breaking it takes me back to the window that I shattered in the school. Somewhere in my life I finally realized it was way wrong what I did. I am fortunate the law didn't catch up with me. I escaped punishment. I was too immature to think about the consequences of my actions. I didn't care unless I was caught.

I have discovered as I have grown into old age maturity, we deal with different kinds of broken glass. The broken glass of failed relationships, the broken glass of being fired from your job, filing bankruptcy, loosing a child, the death of your spouse. While all of this is happening, I am keenly aware I stand in the need of forgiveness by God. My prayer each night starts with asking for forgiveness. Lord, forgive me for the broken school window, trying to cause harm to other people, forgive me for being me.

We all need a prayer of forgiveness. A prayer that turns into thanking the Lord for the Grace that He provides me daily because He knows I am going to be me. We all could use a little more Grace because of who we are. God Loves You.

Noooo, I am not talking about the hit song by Billy Joel although it is worth a listen. I am remembering a man in my life who had a lot to do with influencing me to allow Jesus to hang around with me.

I am not sure I would call it a love/hate relationship but I have always been in a wrestling match with Jesus. That is until a met Keith Tonkle. I was attending a weekend Methodist Youth Retreat because that was where my girlfriend was. It turned out to be a great weekend for a whole other reason.

On Sunday afternoon before we returned home we had a bit of a concert. Keith Tonkle was introduced. When he started playing I was immediately struck with how great his music and voice sounded. I loved it. I didn't even care if it was religious. It was cool and I decided he was a cool man. I found out later he was a preacher man. He introduced me to a whole different Jesus that I have never forgotten. Some 4o years later, I am still in awe of Keith Tonkle, his music and introducing me to the Jesus I wanted to know. His profound influence helped me find my way in a world that felt cold.

I hope there is someone in your life that makes the idea of Jesus in your life more acceptable. For me, the man named Keith made Jesus acceptable as Jesus became my friend. You never know the affect you you may have. Because of Keith and his music it became ok for me to give my heart to Christ. No fanfare, no major announcements, no
boasting. I am the same but different inside. It brings a smile to my face.

I hope you can smile today because Jesus is waiting. God Loves You.

 This Lent we reflect on the words of Christ from the cross. Continue to explore last week’s message with these scripture passages and questions that offer a meaningful way to deepen your faith.

Going Deeper
"Paschal Family"

1. Standing at the Cross

Read: John 19:25–27

Who is present at the cross, and what does their presence reveal about devotion and courage?

Most of Jesus’ disciples had fled (Matthew 26:56), yet a few faithful followers remained near the cross.

Reflection:
Why do you think these individuals stayed when others ran?

Life Application:
Where in your life is Jesus inviting you to remain faithful even when following Him is costly or uncomfortable?

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2. Jesus Builds Family in the Middle of Suffering

Read: John 19:26–27

Even while dying, Jesus creates a new family connection between Mary and the beloved disciple.

Theological Insight:
Early church fathers like St. Augustine saw this moment as symbolic of the church being born at the cross.

Reflection:
Why is it significant that Jesus’ concern in His suffering includes relationships and community?

Life Application:
How can suffering sometimes deepen our relationships with others rather than isolate us?

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3. The Cross Redefines Family

Read: Mark 3:31–35

Jesus expands the definition of family beyond biological ties.

Reflection:
How does Jesus redefine belonging in the kingdom of God?

Life Application:
How can the church today become a place where people truly experience spiritual family?

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4. The Meaning of “Paschal”

Read: Exodus 12:1–14 and John 1:29

The word Paschal comes from the Hebrew Pesach (Passover).

Theological Insight:
In the Passover, the lamb’s blood protected Israel from death. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the ultimate Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Reflection:
What connections do you see between the Passover lamb and Jesus’ sacrifice?

Life Application:
How does understanding Jesus as the Paschal Lamb deepen your appreciation of the cross?

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5. The Church as a Household

Read: Ephesians 2:19–22

Paul describes believers as members of God’s household.

Reflection:
What does it mean for the church to function as a family rather than simply an organization?

Life Application:
What practical steps could help your church grow into a stronger spiritual family?

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6. Caring for the Vulnerable

Read: James 1:27 and Acts 6:1–7

The early church organized systems to care for widows and the vulnerable.

Historical Insight:
Roman historians noted that Christians were known for caring for the poor and abandoned children when others would not.

Reflection:
Why do you think caring for the vulnerable became such a defining feature of early Christianity?

Life Application:
Who are the “widows and orphans” in our society today?

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7. The Cost of Real Community

Read: Romans 12:9–16

Real family requires humility, patience, and sacrificial love.

Reflection:
Why is authentic Christian community often difficult to maintain?

Life Application:
Which of the commands in Romans 12 do you find most challenging in relationships?

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8. Healing Broken Family Systems

Read: Romans 5:6–11

The gospel reveals that Christ entered a broken world to restore relationships.

Insight from Psychology:
Family systems theory notes that change in a family often begins when one person chooses a healthier response rather than repeating old patterns.

Reflection:
How does the cross empower us to break destructive relational cycles?

Life Application:
What is one relational pattern in your life that God may be inviting you to change?

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9. The Witness of Love

Read: John 13:34–35

Jesus said the world would recognize His followers by their love.

Reflection:
Why is love such a powerful testimony to the reality of Christ?

Life Application:
How might sacrificial love within the church become a witness to those outside the faith?

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10. Choosing What Kind of Family You Will Be

Read: Joshua 24:14–15

Joshua calls Israel to make a clear commitment: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Reflection:
Why is intentional commitment necessary for building a Christ-centered family?

Life Application:
What would it look like for your home, friendships, or church to intentionally become a Paschal family centered on the cross and resurrection?

I grew up hating the words, "Making Do". My memories tell me I was always making do with the things that I had. Kids grow up wanting to be like their friends, having the same things. When my buddies got a new bat, a new glove, a new baseball cap or new clothes I would go home and tell my parents. I wanted the same thing. Usually their
response was, "You're just going to have to "make do with what you got".

For me "Making do" became synonymous with being poor. My parents would often say, "we can't afford that" or "we don't see any sense in that". Even today I cringe when I hear a parent tell their child, "I don't see any sense in you getting that". Bam! how awful. That is just how I react.

"Making Do" is not a compatible phrase when it comes to my faith. My father would tell me, "you should "make do" with just reading scripture and not fill your head with all these other educated thoughts. "You will end up not believing in anything"

The whole "making do process" feels very narrow minded to me when it comes to my relationship with Christ. I have come to believe the more I know about Christ and His life, the deeper my faith.

You may not agree with this, but Christ hated religion. Promoting religion begets narrow minded thinking with a making do attitude. We end up defending what we believe. My faith in Christ Jesus is ever flowing, changing, expanding, being inclusive with people who are different than me.

My challenge to all of us today is, don't settle with just "Making do" with where you are in life. God presents us with a whole world that is worth exploring. The exciting thing is, "you never know where you will end up with God". God calls us to step out, don't settle with "making do", be God's explorer. At the end of the day, you will say, How did I get here? You are here because God loves you!

One of the men hanging on the cross next to Jesus asked that he be remembered when Jesus comes into His kingdom. Jesus promised on that day that the man would be with Him in Paradise. One of the most important requests in life, to spend eternity with Christ, to be remembered. Nobody wants to be left behind.

I called a friend in Arkansas just to say hi. He remembers me as Chaplain David. He stated, I remember you chaplain, "you're the one who rebuilt the chapel here at Little Rock AFB. Not quite true, I had a lot of help. It's nice to be remembered for something positive I did.

I renewed a friendship with a mother who had lost her son to leukemia. She remembered me as being there in her darkest hour. She said, "I will always remember you". It is great when you can help others.

We all strive to be useful, to be good to others, to make a difference in someone's life. To be remembered. I strive to live my life in such a way that I remind them of Christ's promise. Jesus calls us to make a difference in this world. There are many people in my life that I want to remember.

Today Jesus provides us hope even if we feel we haven’t done much in life.

I have a friend who makes bad decisions. He can’t seem to get ahead. He can’t keep a job. He owes money that he can’t pay back. He goes from one disaster to another. He drives with expired license plates. The list goes on and on.. It’s costly to be his friend. He deserves to be where he is, Rock Bottom! The cross he bears is one of depression, loneliness and desperation. But he goes to church, he believes in Jesus as his savior. Even as he carries his cross of bad decisions be pleads with Christ to remember him. Somewhere in his life he is waiting to hear the words, “young man today you shall be with Me in paradise.” Jesus assures us that we will be with him in paradise where we are in life. All we need to do is ask. God loves you.

On my faith journey I have discovered that there are 10 words that are central to my relationship with Christ.

When I finally heard the call to go into ministry I didn't realize I needed to learn more. So to seminary I went. 3 years of biblical studies, preaching courses, language course in Latin, religious education courses and field placement for experience. While all of these requirements were important they have made me an over-educated cleric.

At this point I will make an honest confession. "I Don't Care". I have not read the Bible all the way through. I purposely have not memorized scriptures. I don't care to get into heavy discussions about the meaning of scriptural passages. I have not read many works by our church fathers. I have not read the Methodist Discipline completely. I am not particularly interested in how religion is structured. What I am interested in is how people live out their faith as they look toward the cross.

Pastor Alistair Begg preaches a sermon about the Cross. He tells the story about a man who approaches the gates of heaven. The angel stops him and asks, What are you doing here? The man responds, I don't know. What do you mean you don't know? I don't know said the man. Well, said the angel, what are you qualifications to get in? The man again responds, I don't know? The angel asks, Have you been to a bible study, have you been baptized, have you been sanctified by grace? The man says, I don't know what you are talking about. The angel is speechless. Well then, what makes you think you can come in? I don't know said the man. All I know is THE MAN ON THE MIDDLE CROSS SAID I COULD COME!

10 words that will change your life. It changed my life. Yes, I know all this religious stuff that the seminary taught me. But there is nothing more important than those 10 words. Regardless of where you are in your faith journey, take those 10 words to heart.

I have listened to a lot of religious lectures, learned men who have a deep understanding of scripture and theology. But nothing is more clear about my acceptance of Christ and His acceptance of me. THE MAN ON THE CROSS SAID I COULD COME. That is all we need to know. God loves you today!

Authority was a bad word for me as I grew up. It seemed I was constantly in trouble with authority figures. A teacher slapping me in the face because I wouldn't listen to her. A school principal I would visit on a regular basis for violating rules. As a result I would have to bend over and receive 5 swats with a strap which would make
me smile because it really didn't hurt.

My most feared authority figure was my Phy Ed teacher. I got in trouble during one of my P.E, periods for running up behind other boys and pulling their shorts down. That earned me 2 wacks with a wooden paddle. Now that hurt, I didn't do it again. There are other examples but I sure you got the picture.

I never saw myself having authority. I was always the victim. So you might wonder, why did I ever join the military (AUTHORITY)? I don't have an answer other than, I didn't know what else to do. I felt rudderless, going no place fast. I had no clue. God had a clue.

While I was ignoring him He put me where I needed to be. It wasn't long after I had joined the Army I was introduced to 2 concepts of authority. Vested Authority and Earned Authority. Vested Authority is what is given to you because of your rank or position. The title, boss comes with Vested Authority. You are the decision maker, write evaluations on people who work for you and you can spend money. Then there is Earned Authority. Authority given to you out of respect and display of character. Leadership, listening, sharing, giving respect to others. As it has been said to me, "It's a two way street".

Christ came into this world as a humble child, poor, and a nobody. It was His Father who provided Him with Vested Authority, "The Son of the Living God". Christ earned authority with loving and caring for those He came into contact with. There was no beating over the head with a hammer approach. Christ offered what His Father had given Him. As one without authority Christ came into this world to touch you.

Do you have trouble with authority? Try Christ, He will surprise you. You can accept Him, reject Him or just walk away. But He will be quietly waiting for you when you decide. God Loves You.

The Air Force in all of its wisdom decided I needed to be assigned to a northern tier base, so I was sent to F.E. Warren AFB, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. There is a saying in the Air Force, "There is no such thing as a bad assignment". Don't mention that to my wife, Ann. She thought we were being sent to Siberia. It turned out to be one of my best assignments according to me.

F.E. Warren is a missile base. It managed missile silos in and around the region. The chaplain's responsibility was to visit the personnel assigned to the silos. Our travel could be as close as Sheridan, Wyoming or as far away as North Dakota, out in the middle of nowhere.

While the visits were routine, they were nothing but routine during the winter. We were required to make a visits with teams of 2. We were required to have winter gear with us. Winter parkas, winter boots, extra heavy duty gloves, and blankets. We were to have enough food and water to last us a week. The thought was you didn't want to get stranded in the middle of a blizzard without an emergency survival kit. In my pea brain I thought, "Who is going to get stranded?". And Oh by the way, it was before the use of cell phones.

On one of our winter trips we did get stranded about 30 miles from Fortuna, North Dakota. My first prayer was, "Oh God what are we going to do now?" The temperature was hovering around 15-20 degrees below zero. No houses, no gas stations, no towns.

God had a way of getting my attention. I wasn't a praying person until then. Since I am writing this I did survive.

This winter has been an especially cold winter. It has brought back memories of nearly freezing to death near Fortuna. Fortunately we had what we needed to survive. We were required to be prepared.

In my faith I don't leave home without being prepared spiritually. I take God with me. Whatever mess I get myself into, with the help of God I find a way out because I allow Him to lead me.

If you find yourself stranded, remember God provides survival gear, in His promise, His faith in you, and a never ending love that is always with you. You can rely on Him for that. Because He loves us we are never stranded.

One of the least favorite things to do while I am in Haiti is to walk the road at night. Between villages there are no street lights. Except for the occasional car that might pass by, the road is pitch black. Other than the light from a full moon you must make your way in total darkness. In all the years I have been traveling to the country, I have never gotten use to it. It scares me to be walking along the road and not knowing who I am going to meet on the road.

That is the way it is with my faith. I take to heart the scripture, "Christ is the light of the world. In Him there is no darkness".

My family gets upset with me sometimes because I will turn all the lights on in the house, even if I am not in the room . Why? I just do. Am I afraid of the dark? Not really, unless I am in Haiti.

Once you experience the light of Christ, darkness is not a friend unless you want to hide. As a boy for punishment my mother would make me sit in a dark closet. It wouldn't be for every long but it was long enough that I would be grateful when the door was opened.

In walking with Christ, I am rest assured that He will show me the way. I might wonder off the path occasionally but Christ leads me back through the light that He shines to show me the way. I am like others, sometimes I think I can find my own way back but end up getting lost. I then wonder around until I give in and ask Christ to help me find the way.

Whatever you might be facing today that brings darkness to your life rest assured Christ will help you find the way if you ask. He will always get you where you need to be. You can trust him for that because God Loves You!

One of the things Ann and I enjoyed doing while traveling the world be to go site-seeing. One of our favorite places to go was London, England. There, we would head out to the "Eye". The Eye is a huge Ferris Wheel that sits on the bank of the River Thames. As the wheel would turn, you would reach the top and you could look out over all of London and the surrounding countryside. A panoramic view of God's creation and handiwork.

There is a verse in Ephesians chapter 2, that tells us, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do". God has charged us with a purpose. The challenge for me is to make my life meaningful. To make it worthwhile. To make a difference.

I was privy to a midnight conversation between 2 Drill Sergeants when I was a young recruit. They were having a discussion about me. The 1 Sergeant thought I wasn’t smart enough and I was not going to make it. It was the other sergeant that spoke up for me, saying, “Give him a chance, he’s going to be Ok”.

It turned out I was ok, and I was smart enough. The sergeant who spoke up for me made a difference in my life. I am where I am today because of his belief in my potential. Never sell someone short, the world is full of surprises. Remember, “We are God’s Handiwork and He wants us to do good works.

As I write this thought I am looking out the window watching my neighbor plow my sidewalk and my driveway. He just shows up and does it. He makes a difference in my life. He is a kind and thoughtful soul who makes a difference in the neighborhood.

You are God’s handiwork, God calls you to find a way to make a difference in someone’s life. Our purpose in life is to answer God’s call, “To love one another as He loves us. I am going out to thank my neighbor so I leave you with these thoughts. God Loves You!

With just one shot, I killed a turtle. It was a long, long time ago but the memory still lingers.

Being a typical boy I would take my 22 rifle out in the woods and pretend to be the great white hunter. I would shoot meadow larks in the fields, I would ping black birds at the garbage dump near home. I would shoot anything that flew out of trees, thinking I was a great shot. I've come to realize that killing is pure evil. I didn't know that at the young age of 11.

The events of today's world constantly remind me of how people can do bad things. The protesters fighting in Minneapolis, the existence of ICE, the killing of a young mother. Where does it stop? I shot the turtle for no apparent reason. I happened upon it, it was hissing at me, I shot it. End of story!. But I didn't realize the story just started. I didn't think about it much while I was young. Since then, I have gotten older and wiser?

There is not a week or sometimes daily I don't think about that turtle. What I did was ended an innocent life. I carry regret and I have asked God to forgive me. I am sure He has but I haven't found my way there yet. I asked the question, Where does it all stop?

It stopped for me at the foot of the Cross. I discovered the Prince of Peace, the man who forgives, the man who loves regardless of what you do.

Over time I gave away all my weapons. My shotguns, my trusty 22, my BB gun. To this day I will not allow a weapon in my home.

If you find you live a life with regret, there is a Prince of Peace out there waiting for you to discover Him. I can't undo what I did, I live with it every day. I use it as a reminder of how badly I need to place my soul in God's hands. That is where I find redemption, forgiveness and most of all love. We can use a little more of that in today's world don't you think?

God Loves You.

I get bored easily. I am aways needing a project, something to do. Sitting around one day I decided to learn to fly. I was living in Columbus at the time. I was between quarters as a student attending The Ohio State University. I got the phone book out, looked up a flight school. I enrolled and started ground school the next week.

Ground School was learning the mechanics of flight, regulations, medical qualifications and certification. When ground school was done, the practical side kicked in. I went flying with an instructor, learning the characteristics of the airplane and practice, practice, practice.

The day came as I and the instructor were taxiing to the runway. The instructor told me to stop short of the runway, got out of the plane and said, "You are ready to solo. Fly the plane and do 3 take offs and landings."
An incredible feeling of responsibility. My first thought was, "I am going to die”. Well, I am still here, I received my license and still take care when I fly.

I thought it would be good to get my instrument rating. That was a whole new ball game. As I and the instructor took off from the airfield, he familiarized me with the instruments, especially the horizontal indicator which tells you if you are flying level in reference to the ground. I was instructed to fly into a cloud bank. Of course I had no reference to the ground. I had this sensation I was upside down. The instructor made an important statement. "Learn to trust your Instruments no matter what your mind tells you." Following that advise saved me on more than one occasion.

Our faith in Jesus is like that. Learning to trust Him no matter what our minds tell us. All our religious training prepares us for TRUST. Going to church, being taught scripture in Sunday School, what Jesus says on the cross. Like anything else our Faith needs practice. Not only to be hearers but Doers until it becomes second nature.

My advice this day, if you need something different in your life, enroll in God’s flight school. Learn what it is to fly with Christ, learn to trust Him and if you do He will see you through to the other side.

Yesterday, when sitting in church, it occurred to me that when it comes to people, "I am Colorblind". I thank God for that. Here is how it happened...

I grew up in the south. I lived in a little southern bubble. I went to a segregated school, segregated church, ate in segregated restaurants and lived in a segregated neighborhood. My father, when he needed
extra help on his construction job, would go over to the black side of town and pick out one or two boys looking for day work. For me, at that time, that was the way life was. "It was normal".

One of the smartest decisions I ever made was to leave home. I didn't want to live in a "nowhere town becoming nobody". My parents had already moved back north to Ohio.

One morning out of the blue, I decided to join the U.S. Army. God was shaking my tree and old rotten fruit was falling to the ground. While the Army was a hard adjustment for this immature boy, God was hard at work opening my eyes to the rest of the world. I remember most of the time being afraid. Afraid of strange people, strange places and not knowing what I was really doing. "I was just doing".

Couple all of this with the fact I wanted noting to do with God I had been forced fed most of my young life with conservative judgmental religion. God finally got ahold of me and showed me a much better way to live. Part of that was to make me colorblind to people. I don't see people of color, I see people who belong to God just as I do. There is so much others have to offer me as I experience the Holy Spirit in relationships. This didn't happen just overnight. It is something that has just evolved over time.

If you are questioning why God doesn't make things better in your life, allow God to make you colorblind. See the world in a whole new different way. Enjoy life, God's way. I left home not knowing what was going to happen to me but I was open to change. I know for a fact God wants to make you a better person. We all need to be better people in this world. It is God's world because he loves you.

I have not given much thought about being in a Community until recently. Ann and I live in a really nice community. We have lived in this Community since 2005. It's the longest place we have ever lived having moved constantly in the military. Obviously we like our Community. It is safe, it is quiet, neighbors mind their own business but we support each other if someone is in need. I call this a living Community. A place to call home.

I recently was reminded of another Community. A Community that provides love and care, a Community that provides acceptance. One of the most important things about a Community is how people live out their faith-walk.

I have a close friend who often reminds me of a scripture in the New Testament book of James. "Be doers of the word, not just hearers". Personally, I believe that faith without
works is an empty faith. I am surrounded by people of faith who demonstrate how faith directs their lives. I also live in a faith Community. I have friends who sit with me during dark times. People of faith who send cards of support and good wishes. Food that shows up on my door-step from people who are doers. Even faithful people who leave me alone when I need to be
by myself.

A long time ago there was a faithful Community led by a prophet named Jesus. His love and care and sacrifice changed the world.

Because of this man called Jesus, he changed my life. While I live in a Community that provides life, I also live in a Community where Christ comes alive. A Community of prayer, of hope, a community that welcomes everyone. The bottom line is I have come to rely on this Community to provide me the connection I so much need in Jesus Christ. When I am with this community I feel the presence of Christ, not so much in what they say, but what they do.

In the name of Jesus do something for someone today. You can change a life.

Each Christmas my daughter, Kate, and I have a discussion as to what I want for Christmas. My response is always, "nothing sweetheart, I have everything I need." I tell her if she is home for Christmas and mom is there that is all I need. Kate’s response usually is, “Get serious Dad”. Then we go back and forth arguing.

This year I want it to be a little different. For my readers out there, if you are a parent, a grandparent or a great grandparent, I want you to give your children a hug and tell them you love them. I have always thought that is the perfect Christmas gift. Do it now, even if it’s over
the phone or letter.

I am a little sensitive this year. As a pastor/chaplain I don’t always get to see the good stuff. I was on duty at Dayton Children's last week and received a page to respond to a Alpha-trauma event in the emergency room. I will not go into the details but the outcome was not good. An
in-home accident took the life of a child. As a chaplain, I was there along with Patient Service, Social Work and Medical Staff. There was nothing we could do other than to be present. The young parent’s grief was deep and inconsolable. All I could offer was my presence. In the midst of her tears, the mother asked me to pray for her daughter. I did.

I have come to believe that there is no perfect gift other than giving yourself. Yes, I know, we have presents under the tree, but that is not the same. I have read somewhere that what children want the most is the attention of a loving parent or grandparent. All else falls away.

So if you are not sure of what to give this year, give of your time and tell your family your love them. Write a letter, hang it on the tree, and read it on Christmas Eve/morning.

Even though we suffer through devastating losses in life, Christ still comes in the morning. He comes for you, He comes for me and He comes for all of mankind. He comes for these young parents to share in the grief, to provide His Holy presence.

Hug/tell your children, grandchildren or those you love. Make Jesus come alive this Christmas season.

God Loves You!