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Tuesday, April 1st, 2025
I can remember as a kid taking advantage of April 1st, aka April Fool’s Day. Playing tricks on people until they realize what day it is always brought laughs (or being beat up). 🙂 Because I was so lovable and kind I was able to avoid the latter. Seriously, most people, when they realize the day lay aside their frustrations and join in the fun.
But being a fool or being called one is not anything to brag about. Below are just a few of the verses from Proverbs that have a very common theme: fools.
“Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me (wisdom)- to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.” (1:31-32)
“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” (12:15)
“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t-and even brag about their foolishness.” “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” (13:16,20)
“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” (17:28) Abe Lincoln: “It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”
“The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.” (18:7)
“Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” (23:9)
There are more. Here is something for you to consider doing. Beginning today, read a chapter of Proverbs a day. By the end of the month you will have read through all of Proverbs. Take a pencil, pen, or highlighter that won’t bleed, and underline as you read. Find one verse each chapter to highlight for that day. When you read through the book again, use a different color highlighter and look for a new verse. Oh…look for the verses that talk about fools. Happy reading! Happy growing! And while you are at it, determine not to carry today’s joke beyond April 1.
Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: Christian Living, Foolishness, Fools, God's Word, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Speech, Story
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
I have two thoughts on my mind this morning. I have toyed with writing about one and holding off on the other until clarity (and a calm spirit) comes. But I decided to divide this post into two parts and do them both. 🙂
My first is about the significance of today. Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I grew up in a tradition that did not observe Lent. I can remember being in a high school class and noticing the teacher had a black smudge on his forehead. I almost went up and told him, but didn’t. Now I know it was the fact he went to a Catholic church that morning before school and the priest had “blessed” him. I didn’t know that until years later. Truthfully, I never really heard of it nor knew what it was all about until sometime within the last 19 years or so. I decided to study its history and significance to satisfy my own curiosity. I found out it began on Ash Wednesday and was observed during the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. For some it was a time of fasting and praying, of giving up something for the purpose of discipline. And as is typical, for others it was simply a religious observance you did “just because.” There were several years I quietly observed giving something up for that period of time-caffeine (no Diet Dr Pepper), chips, chocolate, even ice cream one year. For me, it was a discipline to be able to gain control over something that I needed to give up. Honestly, it snuck up on me this year. In spite of what were probably plenty of signs, I missed it until just two days ago. I haven’t decided what to do, if anything, this year. Guess I’ll contemplate that and then decide.
My second thought is on respect. Growing up my parents taught me the importance of valuing others. I learned to say, “Yes ma’m” and “No sir” and other terms used to show respect. I was taught how to open doors for women and to help older folks. I was taught to value other people and their opinions. I haven’t always done it right. I now realize that word I used about another race-despite the fact I grew up near Pittsburgh and had friends of that race and played on the same team as them-was wrong. I refuse to use that word today, even though I hear them use it about themselves all the time. I was always taught to respect my elders and to not speak over others, to give them their due. I did not watch the address President Trump gave last night. I get up at 3:30 and 9;00 is my bed time. Besides, I figure I can always read about it today and will hear plenty about it as well. While I was not a fan of the previous administration, especially due to their war against faith-based organizations and people (among other things), I had to remind myself I was to respect the office and the rulers. As a pastor, I refuse to invite politics into the pulpit. While I might preach on abortion or life (I consider that a moral issue not a political one), I still tried to handle it respectfully, realizing “more flies are caught by honey than vinegar” as they say. The antics and vitriol of some toward the previous administration were uncalled for, as were the antics and vitriol spewed last night and will be today and in the days to come toward the current administration. Will all things be done right? Of course not! Since when are humans infallible? But it’s time to calm the (vulgar) language (by the way: thanks for teaching our kids words they should not know or say). It’s also time for civil discourse, to listen to what the other is saying or trying to say. As my daughter, Tami, says to her kindergarten class: “it is time to put on your listening ears.” I might add that it is also time to clothespin the mouth.
I know what I have said might ruffle some feathers. Personally, Idc, and besides that, I’m tired of the hate and garbage that passes for speech. I once read that “Profanity is the effort of a feeble mind trying to express itself forcibly.” I’m tired of adults acting like spoiled-brat children. Try adulting for a change. That goes for all of us, not just the politicians.
Off soap box. Sorry this post has gone on so long. Thanks for listening.
Posted in InTheShadow | 10 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Humility, Kindness, Leadership, Love, Mercy, Opinion, Reflection, Speech, Story
Tuesday, February 25th, 2025
Politics or not? Racial shots or not?
I have pondered writing this since last night, but decided to sit on it. I’d like to preface it with these words from the Apostle Paul: “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God…When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness-timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” (I Cor. 1:18; 2:1-5 NLT)
With those words in mind, please allow me to share my thoughts. While waiting for a delivery late yesterday afternoon, my wife had the TV on and featured was an African American “pastor” ranting and raving and hyperventilating this past Sunday morning from his pulpit. He was using racial slurs that if I had used them would have led to demonstrations and calls for me to be cancelled. It was, in my opinion, a disgusting display from the pulpit- the place where God’s Word and God’s Word only should be preached. I have NEVER in my 72 years and 50+ years of ministry ever preached politics from the pulpit (and I won’t start now), nor have I ever displayed the disgusting speech I heard from Sunday’s “sermon.” I will not give the man’s name since I don’t want to give him any press. I won’t call him a “pastor” because pastors are shepherds who feed sheep, not incite or beat sheep. Now, maybe his people are used to that type of carrying on. But I do not see that as anywhere close to what the Apostle Paul says ought to be our main focus: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (2:2). How anyone could have walked away from that display and said, “Christ was preached and honored today” would be beyond me. Nor could anyone walk away saying, “I heard the Gospel of Jesus and how much He loves me and I want Him as my Savior and Lord.” All they would walk away with would have been hatred and vitriol and incitement to riot.
I’ll get off my soap box. I’ll close with more words from Paul: “You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.” (2 Cor. 2:17 NLT). I will continue preaching the Word of God and only that. Not politics. Not incendiary garbage. Christ crucified and raised and coming again.
Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: Church, God's Word, Jesus, Leadership, Ministry, Opinion, Politics, Preaching, Reflection, Scripture look, Sermon topic, Speech, Story
Wednesday, February 19th, 2025
Anger. Bane or blessing?
Well…depends on whom you ask. Ask a hot-head and he will say, “It is good.” You see, in their minds losing their cool brings about what they want. Operative words: what. they. want. Yep. You heard it from me. A hot-head generally gets what they want. Unless you consider, losing friends, losing future good impact, getting kicked out of games, looking like a fool, etc a good thing. (Please notice tongue firmly in cheek).
Ask the victim of anger and there is no way the battered (physically or mentally) spouse, child, employee, fellow student would say it was good. In fact, they would tell you it is downright harmful and the toxic relationship should end (if they are not too afraid to say so).
This morning I was reading Numbers 20 and read where anger got the best of someone and it didn’t turn out well for him. The people of Israel were complaining (so what else is new?) about not having water to drink, among other things. So Moses and Aaron left them and went to the Tabernacle where the presence of the Lord appeared to them. Moses was told to take his staff and to speak to the rock and it would pour out water. So Moses takes his staff and goes to the rock. So far so good. But instead of speaking to the rock he spoke to the people of Israel. In anger he called them rebels. Then he struck the rock. In anger. Twice. Water gushed out but if you read that passage again nowhere does it say to speak to the people and no where does it say to strike the rock.
Anger got the best of Moses. But the consequences of his anger were swift and deadly. “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” Talk about devastating consequences for anger! This was not a lifetime of PTSD from abuse. This was not bruises covered up by clothing and makeup. This was not cowering in fear. All of those are legitimate results of unbridled anger toward someone (the victim). Sadly, Moses’ anger at the people of Israel had an eternal consequence. After leading the people for 40 years he would not step foot into the Promised Land.
Let’s get a handle on our anger. Let’s see the consequences we leave in the wake of our unbridled passionate response to something we don’t like. It hurts our testimony, maybe even destroying it. It hurts those we supposedly love. It leaves marks and scars on the recipients of our anger. We are admonished in several Scriptures to not let anger reign. Check out Pr. 5:22-23; 12:16; 14:17, 29; 25:28 to name just a few.
GET. CONTROL!!!!!
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Tags: Anger, Choices, Christian Living, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Self-control, Speech
Tuesday, February 18th, 2025
Don’t you just love being around negative, griping people? (In case, you can’t see it I have my tongue fully in my cheek).
You could be having a fully alive morning and then meet someone whose very presence seems to put a damper on it. You walk through the door into your office or a meeting and immediately you can tell “that person” is in the room. The joviality and ease of the room is missing. Or worse, you may already be in the room, laughing and having a nice relaxing moment with colleagues and then “that person” walks in and it seems like something has sucked out all the air in the room. Gone is the joviality. Gone is the ease of conversation. Gone is the sense of anticipation of a good and productive meeting.
I’m not very tolerant of negative, griping people. I avoid them like a plague if possible. I hate to admit that I will sometimes take the long way around rather than come face to face with a “Debby Downer” or a “Frowning Fred.” Neither of them seem to have a good thing to say and seem to only cling and hang on with helpless rambling.
Numbers 16-17 is one of those passages of Scripture which makes perfect sense and we can relate to. Several of the men (Levites) decided they didn’t quite like Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They couldn’t understand why they had to listen to and do what Moses said. So they rebelled. Bad thing to do. Moses was God’s appointed leader and to take this approach was not going to turn out well for them. Long story short: it didn’t. The earth swallowed them up. Even after that show-and-tell, the very next morning they began muttering against Moses and Aaron again. What is wrong with those people? They just had a vivid demonstration of God’s judgment as He reacted to their rebellion and now they are at it again. Needless to say, it did not turn out well for them either.
There are several lessons to be learned in these two chapters. One is the stupidity of complaining against God’s work. Perhaps the most prominent is that God’s grace is seen as Aaron stands between those being destroyed and those kept alive by his actions. It is a great picture of a future time when someone who would be on a hill called Calvary and He would stand in the gap and take God’s judgment for sin on His shoulders.
Now THAT is amazing grace!
Posted in InTheShadow | 6 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Complaining, God's Plan, God's Word, Griping, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Sin, Speech, Story
Wednesday, January 15th, 2025
I began reading a leadership book by Jon Gordon called The Energy Bus yesterday. I haven’t been able to get very far into it since I was at a doctor’s office waiting and got interrupted. (How rude!) 🙂 So far the gist of the book is Positivity vs Negativity. As I thought about that and then as I listened to the confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth while I ate my supper, I couldn’t but see that many of those lawmakers needed a good dose of what this book appears to be about. The vitriol, negativity, hypocrisy and downright nastiness was a big turn off to me.
The Bible speaks about doing all things without grumbling and complaining (Phil. 2:14). To use another word: whining. I remember as I was growing up one of my grandfather’s favorite expressions was “Oh, stop your belly-achin'” Even as I type those words I can hear him saying them. (Not to me, of course, because I never complained). 🙂 Seriously though, he was on the money. No one ever made their situation or attitude better-or those around them-by grumbling and complaining. When I think of someone whining I think of a little child who is not getting his/her way and let’s everyone know. That little whiny voice just grates on my nerves. Well…sadly, many never seem to grow out of that stage of life. Oh, their bodies grow. And yes, their minds grow (least we hope). Their vocabulary grows. But they just don’t seem to grow out of that whininess (and yes, I know that is not a word. Maybe it will be the 2025 Word of the Year!).
This morning in my daily Bible reading I read the following verses. I share them with you because I do believe that our attitude plays a lot into the way we see our day and others. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:8-10). Then from Proverbs 15 I read the following verses: “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (v. 2). “A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” (v.13). And one more: “Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.” (v.16)
We all have a choice. We can allow our circumstances to dictate our attitude, or we will allow our attitude to dictate how we see our circumstances. The latter makes more sense for the one who is a follower of Christ because we know the ONE who controls everything! Make a positive difference today with your attitude. Pull people up not drag them down. You’ll be glad you did and your friends and colleagues will thank you.
Posted in InTheShadow | 6 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Friendship, Grace, Humility, Kindness, Leadership, Love, Mercy, Opinion, Positive/Negative Attitude, Reflection, Speech
Thursday, September 26th, 2024
Have you ever noticed how we grade sins? Let’s, for the sake of argument, just grade our sins.
- Grade 1- the really bad ones. Adultery. Murder. Homosexuality.
- Grade 2- Cheating. Lying (as far as its not a “little white one”). Theft.
- Grade 3- Division. Lying (little white ones). Laziness.
Granted, that is not an exact science. I’m only using it as an example of the way we grade our sins: some are really, really bad; some are so-so; some not so bad. We could even add a category of justified sins if we want. And, of course, there are many more sins we could list.
I left one out…on purpose. That’s because it is not seen as a really, really bad one and is even overlooked or simply forgotten. Let me give you a hint:
“Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.” Pr. 26:20
“Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.” Pr. 26:22
Okay…so I guess that is not so subtle, is it? The “respectable” sin, the “acceptable” sin, the one not graded harshly is G.O.S.S.I.P. On a scale of 1-10, gossip might hit a “3” on the Sin-o-Meter. That’s tragic though. Gossip has killed more people that we could count. While some would never consider carrying a firearm to take someone’s life, they have very little qualm about using their mouth to snuff out someone’s reputation, good name, future, friendship, etc all in the name of “passing along” some information.
Let’s get it through our heads-and hearts-that gossip is a deadly sin, capable of destroying lives, taking out families, even companies. Let me close with a thought from Proverbs 26:
“If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead. A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin.” (Verses 27-28)
Just those two verses should sober us up real quickly. Let’s stop the GOSSIP.
{All Scripture from the New Living Translation}
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Gossip, Harmful words, Kindness, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Sin, Speech, Story
Thursday, September 12th, 2024
Abe Lincoln is credited with saying, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” That is actually an echo and restatement of Proverbs 17:28-“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut they seem intelligent.”
My reading in Proverbs today was chapter 13. As I read it struck me how much of it talked about the mouth/tongue/speech. I thought it would be fun to list them for you:
- Verse 6- “The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.”
- Verse 13- “The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.”
- Verse 14- “Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.”
- Verse 15- “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.”
- Verse 17- “An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.”
- Verse 18- “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”
- Verse 19- “Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.”
- Verse 22- “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”
- Verse 26- “The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.”
There are references to listening, being quick-tempered (which often includes the mouth shooting off), jealousy, and others. Maybe it is time for us to seriously stop and consider what we say and how we say it before Abe’s advice is found to be true in us.
{Note: All Scripture is from the New Living Translation}
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Speech, Truth Telling
Tuesday, August 13th, 2024
Random thoughts from my early morning reading to get you thinking:
I wish I did it more often: As a pastor I speak a lot of words-some unsolicited (Hmmmmm), some as part of a conversation, and some much-needed and appreciated. Words of encouragement. Words of guidance. And sometimes…sometimes…words of wisdom. 🙂 It goes without saying that I don’t always have the right answer or, in fact, the right anything. But sometimes I say the right thing to fit the occasion or the person’s need. Proverbs 25:11 says, “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” (NLT) The ESV translates that verse as “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
Will my words be remembered for the hope, direction, encouragement and wisdom they gave? Now THAT is something to think about!
On faith: I’ve always been intrigued by the story in Mark 9 of the father with the demon-possessed son and his encounter with Jesus. When Jesus comes on the scene, His disciples have been unable to cast a demon out of a young boy. The father than asks Jesus to do it. The exchange is what intrigues me:
- Jesus: “How long has this been happening?”
- Father: “Since he was a little boy…Have mercy on us and help us, IF YOU CAN.” (emphasis mine)
- Jesus: “What do you mean ‘If I can?’ Anything is possible if a person believes.”
- Father: “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Jesus then heals the boy by casting out the demon. The issue is not casting out the demon but the man’s faith. My way of seeing this is like the man is saying (using a ruler as an example), “I have 5 inches of faith. Make it 12 inches.” Simplistic I know. But the man is simply saying, “What I have I bring. Help me have greater faith.” Jesus obliged.
Warning: this is not a name-it claim-it example. It is simply an example of Jesus’ ability to do the miraculous even if all we have is a mustard seed of faith. Bring what we have and trust.
There is more from Mark 9 to chat about but maybe another day. I’ll simply say, “Think on these things.”
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Tags: Christian Living, Faith/Feelings, Faith/Trust, God's Plan, Mercy, Ministry, Opinion, Perseverance, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture look, Speech
Thursday, July 18th, 2024
I am posting this later than I usually do. I got to the office at 5:00 as I normally do and all the power was out-all the businesses, stoplights, etc. So I went back home until I called the business next to us and she said they had full power. I apologize for being late.
I have written often about our speech and the power of the tongue. I think we all know of that danger. While I had another idea percolating in my head this morning, I was overwhelmed by what I found in Proverbs 18. I’ll write the Scripture out for you here in order to make it easier, but I’d like to suggest that you read your own Bible and highlight the following verses:
“Wise words are like deep water; wisdom blows from the wise like a bubbling brook.” (verse 4)
“Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.” (verse 6
“The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.” (verse 7)
“Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.” (verse 8) {Note: we all know how rumors get passed on}
“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” (verse 13)
“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” (verse 20)
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (verse 21)
“The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.” (verse 23)
And then to top if off I also read from Matthew 12 this morning: “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (verses 34-37)
That just closes the book on the seriousness of our words. Listen up! Be careful today (and always) of the words you say.
{All Scripture from the New Living Translation}
Posted in InTheShadow | 6 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Christian Living, God's Word, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Speech, Weighing Words
