OCTOBER 31, 2026: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Have you noticed that marketers and others seem to be going out of their way to avoid the term Merry Christmas?  It’s “This Holiday”, “Holiday gifts” and I have even heard the term, “Holiday tree” being used.  Holiday tree?  Really?  Does this bother or offend you, or perhaps even make you angry?  I have to admit, I do find myself getting a bad attitude if I’m not careful.  Each year our culture appears to push Jesus farther and farther away from Christmas.  For believers (and Jesus) this is disheartening.   Is it because Christ is dishonored?  Yes.  Is it that it also reflects a declining society?  Yes.  So now what?

Well, I am pretty certain that getting angry and negative is not going to help, believe me I have tried!  So many of our neighbors seem to only know what Christians are against.  Let’s ask God about it.  He says in 1 Peter 3:9, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”  I know that as a non-believer, I always thought that Christians, their smiles and their, “love” were insincere, like they were fake and plastic.  It wasn’t until I got close enough to see, that I realized that it was genuine.  The love of God was in them, and through that, I found the God of love. How about you?

So this, “Holiday Season” let’s not use phrases and perspectives that don’t include Christ as a means of disappointment and negativity, but as a sign of opportunity!  Unconditional love and Grace are hard to ignore when they become real in someone’s life.  Let’s get close enough to others so that they see the genuine love of Christ in us.  Not only might they see Christ in this Christmas, but also receive the best gift possible, Jesus Himself! Have YOU received Him? Something to think about…

David received a parrot for his birthday. The parrot was fully grown with a bad attitude and worse vocabulary. Every other word was an obscenity and those that weren’t expletives, were to say the least, rude.  David tried hard to change the bird’s attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music, anything he could think of. Nothing worked. He yelled at the bird and the bird yelled back. Finally, in a moment of desperation, David put the bird in the freezer, just for a few moments. He heard the bird squawk and kick and scream-then suddenly, there was quiet.  David was frightened that he might have hurt the bird and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out and said “I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions.  I’ll endeavor at once to correct my behavior. I really am truly sorry and beg your forgiveness.” David was astonished at the bird’s change in attitude and was about to ask what had made such a dramatic change when the parrot continued, “May I ask…what did the chicken do?”

OCTOBER 22, 2026: NECESSARY SACRIFICE

Do you remember in 2003, the hiker who had to cut off his own arm in order to escape death?   After five days of being trapped by a boulder, Aaron Ralston saved himself by severing part of his right arm.  Like you have heard it said, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”  Having no choice, he made the necessary sacrifice to save himself.  Would you?  I can’t imagine what it must have been like. 

Three hundred and forty three fire fighters and paramedics died in the Sept. 11^th 2001 tragedy.  Many of these heroes entered the buildings knowing that they might be sacrificing their own lives in order to save others.  To them it was considered a necessary risk and in their hearts, they had no choice.  Jesus said in John 15, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”  Do you agree?

You know, God saw a need for a necessary sacrifice.  Man was doomed as a result of our sinful nature.  He says that the wages of our sin is death.  WE were in the burning building and some of us still are!  God sent His Son as a sacrifice for all of us.  Jesus came willingly to suffer and die just so you and I might be saved.  He loves you that much!  Like the fire fighters and paramedics, in His heart He had no choice.  He says in John 10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  Jesus carried the burden of all our sins for now and forever.  He has lifted a burden much heavier than ANY boulder off us…if we let Him take it.  Have you acknowledged it in your heart and life and been set free?  Something to think about…

An Amish boy and his father were visiting a mall. They were amazed by almost everything they saw, but especially by two shiny, silver walls that could move apart and back together again. The boy asked his father, "What is this, Father?" The father responded, "Son, I have never seen anything like this in my life, I don't know what it is."  While the boy and his father were watching wide-eyed an old lady in a wheel chair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched small circles of lights w/numbers above the walls light up. They continued to watch the circles light up in the reverse direction. The walls opened up again and a beautiful 24 year old woman stepped out.  The father said to his son, "Go get your Mother."

OCTOBER 15, 2026: GET BUSY

Have you ever heard the saying, “If you want to get something done, ask someone who is busy?”  Perhaps you know someone, (possibly you) that fits the bill?  Two factors seem to fit the busy person, an inclination to serve and the willingness to say yes.  Often saying no will get the opposite effect.  Why ask someone if they are going to conjure an excuse, do a poor job or flat out say no every time?  (I purposely took my mirrors down while writing this).  I expect that most of us fall somewhere between too busy and never helping at all, so what, if anything does this have to do with our present or future?

Being willing to serve others is very much like being willing to serve God.  Not only do we have to be willing to serve and to say yes, we also must be able to hear what He is asking us to do.  The Bible gives us all general instructions, but those that know Jesus can also get specific direction via His voice, scripture, or through other people and circumstances.  No matter what, a good heart is always a great way to start.  Not only is it one of the greatest commandments to, “Love others as yourself”, but the rewards are great both here and in Heaven!  I have never felt bad after helping someone, have you?  It is also likely that serving others as a result of serving God will add to those promised, “Treasures in Heaven.”   Bring on the treasures!

I expect that God is more willing to ask and use those of us that will say yes!  I have heard it said that God is not so much interested in our ability, but more so in our availability.  He just wants to hear, “yes.”  When He trusts us to say yes and follow through, then He can trust us to do more for Him.  “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much…” (Jesus Luke 16:10).  Jesus was the example as He came to be a servant, (Phil. 2:7).  I guess that if I want to be like Christ, I need to occasionally check my, “busy” status for Him.  How willing is He to ask me?  Am I listening?  After all, “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Jesus Matt. 23:11).  Something to think about…

Three men were discussing aging at the nursing home.  “Sixty is the worst age to be,” said the 60- year-old.  “You always feel like you have to pee.  And most of the time, you stand there, and nothing happens!”  “Ah, that’s nothing’,” said the 70-year-old.  “When you’re seventy, you don’t have a bowel movement anymore. You take laxatives, eat bran, you sit all day and nothing happens!”  “Actually,” said the 80-year-old, “Eighty is the worst age of all.”  “Do you have trouble peeing too?” asked the 60-year-old.  “No, not really. I pee every morning at 6:00.”  “Do you have trouble having a bowel movement?”  “No, I have one every morning at 6:30.”  The 60-year-old then asks, “Let me get this straight.  You pee at 6:00 and poop at 6:30. So what’s so tough about being 80?”  “I don’t wake up until 7:00!”

OCTOBER 08, 2026: NEW HORIZONS

Nasa’s (our) New Horizons spacecraft reached Pluto on July 14, 2015.  Launched January 19^th, 2006, it took 9 ½ years traveling at 36,373 mph to get there!  Traveling 100 times faster than a jetliner, New Horizons journeyed about 2.96 billion miles.  To get some perspective, it takes about five hours for light from our sun to reach Pluto. It takes eight minutes to reach Earth. From Pluto, it takes about 4 ½ hours for a radio signal to reach Earth.  Attempting to view Pluto from Earth is like trying to see a walnut from 30 miles away.  It took almost ten years going 36 thousand miles an hour to get toward the edge of our little solar system.  That sounds far but…

Consider this:  Because of the great expanse of space, distance is often referenced in light years.  A light year is the distance light travels in space in a year’s time.  That is, about 5.88 trillion miles at over 186,000 miles per second!  That’s in just one year’s time.  Stop and think about that…  So, the light from star Hipparcos 5926 would have taken 16,308 years to reach Earth. There are stars farther away, but they are not visible to the naked eye.

The light from many of the stars you see at night has been traveling for 250-500 light years.  So the light cast hundreds of years ago, traveling at 186,000 miles/sec. is finally reaching you.  Wow.   Perhaps one star you look at tonight cast its light when Jesus walked on the Earth.  This same Jesus is the same God who spoke the entire universe into existence.  Did He know you would see it?  Yes.  Does He love you?  Yes.  Can this God who speaks universes into existence handle your problems?  Yes.  Does He want you to know Him?  Yes.  Do you know Him?    Something to think about…     

A big mouth college student challenged a senior citizen saying it was impossible for their generation to understand his world. “You grew up in a different world,” the student said.  “Today we have television, jet planes, space travel, nuclear energy, computers, the internet…” Taking advantage of a pause in the student’s litany, the senior said, “You’re right sonny. We didn’t have those things when we were young… so we invented them!”

Without God, nothing would be possible.  Come and meet Him!  

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026: LOST SISTER

I was at my family reunion when I was told about an amazing and head-scratching discovery.  My father’s cousin, (She is now deceased) had seven children who are now in their 60’s.  By all accounts she was caring and responsible, and her children the same.  I guess that one of them used one of the genetic testing and analysis services and the results revealed something quite remarkable.  They all had an unknown sister!  What’s so amazing about that you ask?  Well she had the same parents and was born right in the middle of them all!  Neither their mother nor their grandparents ever spoke a word of it.  They have given up trying to figure out why, but thanks to the sibling who got the test, there is now a new member of the family.  Have you been adding to the family?  What?

No one knew about the lost sister, but God did.  Are you part of His family?  Jesus instructed His disciples (you and me) to spread the gospel, (Good News!) everywhere.  This might not mean confronting everyone we meet with an ultimatum; it might mean to become all things to all people, (Paul 1 Cor.9).  This means to meet people, “where they live.”  For many of us, it took a number of people saying the right thing at the right time, along with patience and love to bring us into the family.  Aren’t you glad they did?!  God saw the end result but none of us did.  Am I trusting Him in what I am saying and doing today?

The sibling who took the DNA test did not know what the results were going to be, they just did it.  When we do or say something in love, we don’t know what the results will be, but God does.  Everyone we encounter is designed to be part of God’s, (our) family… some just don’t know it yet.  We give future family members God’s genetic information through our love and witness, and He gives them the results.  Am I asking God to give me opportunity and then acting on it when the time comes?  When I see everyone as a lost brother or sister, I can love them freely.  That love can have generational and eternal consequences.  Don’t be afraid to say it or show it, because some day you may meet many lost brothers and sisters!  Something to think about…

A man calls home to his wife and says, "Honey, I've been invited to fly to Canada with my boss and several of his friends to go fishing, for the long weekend.   This is a good opportunity for me to get that promotion I've been wanting, so could you please pack enough clothes for a three-day weekend.  And also, would you get out my rod and tackle box from the attic? We're leaving at 4:30 pm from the office and I'll swing by the house to pick-up my things. Oh! And please pack my new navy blue silk pajamas.”  The wife thinks this sounds a bit odd, but, being the good wife, she does exactly what her husband asked.  Following the long weekend he returns home a little tired, but, otherwise, looking good. The wife welcomes him home and asks if he caught many fish?  He says, “Yes! Lots of walleyes, some bass, and a few pike.” "But", he said, "why didn't you pack my new blue silk pajamas, like I asked you to do?”  The wife replies, "I did, they're in your tackle box".  Oh, by the way, “…be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026: GOD'S FILTER

Have you ever seen muddy or cloudy water go through a filter and come out clear and clean?  How about the difference between wearing and not wearing a dust mask?  Oil and air filters protect our car engines and a surgical mask can be the difference between health or illness and/or death.  Most filters keep the negative elements out and only allow the beneficial things in and many cases we can see the difference, if we use the right filter.  I might drink muddy pond water if it were passed through a carbon drinking water filter, but NOT if it were only strained through a window screen.  I bet you wouldn’t either.  Don’t you wish that there was a way to filter life’s circumstances, to allow only the good to come in, or at least to identify the difference?  Well there is…

Trying to handle life without God is like trying to filter muddy pond water through a window screen.  It is like trying to see life clearly through the muddy water. The bad will get through and affect us, and over time we may not even know the difference.  Have you ever used the term, “Well , under the circumstances…”  The truth is, we should be living above the circumstances.  Romans 8:31 says. “What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?”  Then 8:28 puts a bow on it, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Filtering life through God’s word means:  He is for you and He will make the circumstances, (even the bad) work out for your good.  Hmmm, that’s my kind of filter.

If you see things as, “Me against the world” then the bad will get in.  If you let God in past your filter, (or wall) then you will be able to see and adapt in a whole new way.  Filtering life through who God is and His word will help in letting the good in, keeping the bad out and in seeing the difference.  Something to think about…

I apologize in advance:  A family enters a large store. After browsing for several moments they purchase some goods and head for the large counter at the front.  They notice a robotic seal standing in a corner situated near the counter.  It is dressed in a tuxedo and each time goods are packaged the seal nods as if in agreement.  After the third purchase is made the father asks the counter assistant why the robot nods each time.  The assistant replies, "Isn't it obvious? It's our seal of approval."

Have you met God’s. “Seal of Approval?”  Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026: IN A MAZE

Hey there.  Have you ever seen, (or been in) one of those elaborate mazes made out of tall hedges?  How about one of those corn mazes that we have here locally? You can't see over the top and you are forced to find your way through by trial and error.  “Hey, that's my footprint, I was here before!”  Sometimes it takes a long time for people to stumble their way out. Have you ever had something that you had to assemble without the instructions?  I purchased a gas grill one time that was unassembled. Even with the instructions, it took me slightly less than a quarter century to put it together, (Use 2 hex head 1 3/8-inch carriage bolts and one slotted 15/8-inch screw etc.).  I can't imagine trying to assemble it without the paperwork. Again, no direction leads to wasted time and frustration, doesn't it?

It occurs to me that life is much like the maze or the gas grill. Making the decisions that guide us through the maze of life and trying to put the pieces together that make life, “fit” can be real challenging. what if you had someone in an elevated position that could see everything, directing you through the maze? What if you were given clear and proper instructions?  Wow, how much easier it would be!  It can be, you know. God IS in an elevated position and HAS given us the complete directions for life. If you know Jesus, and read His directions, (The Bible) He will lead you through and put the pieces together. Proverbs 3, 5 and 6 read: “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” God is the one who assembled you and has a plan for your life. Ask someone who knows. Knowing Him is truly, “A-maze-ing!” Something to think about…

Here's something to look forward to! Three elderly ladies live together. Maude was going to take a bath. She put her toe in the water and then brought it out, then yelled down the stairs, “Harriet, was I getting into the tub or getting out?”  “I don’t know, let me come up and see.”  Halfway up the stairs, Harriet stopped.  She called down to Esther who was sitting at the kitchen table.  “Esther, was I going up or coming down?”  Esther knocked on the table and said to herself, “at least I can remember what is going on, knock on wood!”  Harriet again yelled down the steps, “Well are you coming?”  Esther then replied, “I’ll be right up after I see who is at the door!”  “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…” Jesus in Revelation 3:20.  Open the door of your heart and let Jesus in.    

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2026: FOUNDING FAITH

Many of us are concerned about the direction that our country seems to be going.  No matter what our political ideology, we cannot deny that the national debt is enormous and growing, and we are continuing in a downward spiral of moral degradation.  Certainly, a changing and developing world has been part of this process, but I believe that the majority of our problems have been self-imposed.  Do you?  I think that we have forgotten what, (actually, who) has made us the most prosperous, successful and benevolent nation in the history of the world.

When President Obama was in office, he announced to the world that The United States was, “no longer a Christian nation.”  Sadly, in many respects, he was right.  The vast majority of our founding fathers were people of faith.  They not only acknowledged a creator and Jesus but also relied on Him and His word in their decision making.  For example, the preamble of The Declaration of Independence states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”  Prayer was held regularly before debate on forming our constitution and also prior to sessions of congress.  Most, if not all of our Federal buildings have the acknowledgement of God, and His laws and wisdom inscribed on them.

Many Americans are not aware of this God or His laws and some people want all of these references removed from the public domain.  Modern thinking claims that there are, “other truths” of equal value and the intent of our constitution is being questioned and misrepresented.  Well, even Benjamin Franklin, considered among the least religious of the founding fathers said this, “God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured in the sacred writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain those that build it.  I firmly believe this.  I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.”  Read THAT again and remember it when someone tries to tell you that our nation wasn’t founded with God and His principles.  Even more importantly, have we lost His concurring aid as a result of our faithlessness?  Will we? Something to think about…

Perhaps you have heard this one:  A minister told his congregation, “Next week I plan to preach on sin and lying.  To help you understand my sermon, I want you to read Mark, chapter 17.”  The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands.  He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17.  Every hand went up.  The minister smiled and said, “Mark has only 16 chapters.  I will now proceed with my sermon on sin and lying.”

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026:  BLIND FUTURE

Erik Weihenmayer lost his vision at age thirteen.  As an adult he has climbed to the summit of Mt. Everest and also to the tallest peak on every other continent, (the seven summits).  Skiing and sky diving are also some of his hobbies, wow!  I don’t do any of those things and I can see!  I wonder how he does it?  He must have confidence in himself and the ability to trust in what he DOESN’T see.  Believing that it will work out if he has faith and confidence and is willing to try.

We don’t know what lies ahead.  We have an idea, but things can change, (and often do) at any time.  We live in a time where the future seems uncertain.  Many believe that it will become more difficult to live.  For example, the national debt is currently at 40 trillion dollars, or 286,000 per taxpayer. We also have little control over our health, lifespan and the decisions our children make. There are many aspects of our lives where WE are blind.  Can we trust in ourselves to find the way?  Can we believe that it will be OK just because?  It sure would be nice to be able to see into the future, wouldn’t it?

God sees the end from the beginning.  He knows your future and is NEVER taken by surprise. He is far greater than any circumstance that we might be in and He is stronger than the rock foundation of Mount Everest.  “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer…”  Psalm 18:2.  So when I stand on God and His promises, I don’t have to worry about what I don’t see.  He sees it for me, and even when bad things happen, He will make it better!  Rom. 8:28 states: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  I may not know and see what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future, and that’s good enough for me.  How about you?  Something to think about…

The flight attendant announced to the passengers that the four-engine aircraft had lost an engine,  but she quickly assured them that the plane could fly with three engines.  “The only thing is” she said, “is that we will be about an hour late in arriving.”  A few minutes later she announced that the plane had lost a second engine, but again, it could fly with two engines, and that they would now be about two and a half hours late.  Later she announced that yet again the plane had lost an engine and that there was still no reason to be alarmed.  The plane was capable of flying safely with only one engine, only now their arrival would be delayed by five hours.  “Nuts!” a passenger remarked.  “With my luck we’ll lose that last engine and be stuck here all night!”

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 2026: HOUDINI COULDN'T DO IT

It has been said that Harry Houdini, the renowned escape artist told his wife prior to his death that, “If there is a way out, I will find it.”  I am guessing that since no one has seen him since his death in 1926, that he hasn’t been successful.  We have all heard accounts of people that were, “clinically dead” who came back to life…but in the end their time eventually ran out.  Have you truly come to grips with the truth that of the billions of people in human history, (with the exception of those currently alive) every single one of them has died?  Here’s an often avoided thought, you and I will someday be on that list!  Woody Allen said, “I’m not afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”   If you could change that, would you?  Why?

I need to apologize; I lied earlier.  Jesus was the only one of the previously mentioned billions, who came back to life and never died.  When He died by crucifixion, He acted as an offering for man’s sins of the past, but by dying alone, it did not change our hearts and lives.  “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still (dead) in your sins” (I Cor. 15:17).  We would still be, “dead” so to speak.  When He rose however...we are set free and given a new heart and desires.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17). So, with that…

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jesus Christ, John 3:16).  Giving our hearts and lives to Jesus means a new and abundant life and it continues after death!  So unlike Woody Allen, being there when it happens is not something to fear or worry about.  And here is the kicker, if Houdini is in Heaven, he certainly DOES NOT want to find a way out.  If he isn’t well…  Something to think about…

A blonde driving a car became lost in a snowstorm. She didn’t panic however, because she remembered what her dad had once told her. “If you ever get stuck in a snowstorm, just wait for a snow plow to come by and follow it.” Sure enough, pretty soon a snow plow came by, and she started to follow it. She followed the plow for about forty-five minutes. Finally the driver of the truck got out and asked her what she was doing. And she explained that her dad had told her if she ever got stuck in a snow storm, to follow a plow.  The driver nodded and said, “Well, I’m done with the Wal-Mart parking lot, do you want to follow me over to Target now?

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23: INSIGNIFICANT

Let’s see, you are one person in over 7 billion (7,000,000,000) people on the planet.  We are but a speck on this smaller planet that rotates around a smaller sun.  This smaller sun is one of at least 200 billion, (200,000,000,000) suns, (stars) in just our Milky Way Galaxy alone.  Two hundred billion!  Our galaxy is just one of over one billion galaxies in the universe. How small of a speck am I compared to the unimaginable enormity of the universe?  Really think about it.  Does this make you feel unimportant or insignificant?  It shouldn’t and here’s why.

The God who made this truly awesome and immense universe also made you.  Not only that, He knows you and loves you!  He knew you before you were born and is very concerned about you and your life and He wants you to know Him.  He has a plan and purpose specifically for you and your life.  Think about it.  A creator that can speak billions of galaxies into existence…thinks you are extra special and created you on purpose.  Don’t believe it?

The Bible, the number one best seller and most trusted book in in human history states:  You are made in the image of God, (Gen. 1:27).  He knew you before you were created, and everything about you, including your thoughts and desires, (Psalm 139). He also has things specifically for you to do here on earth, (Eph.2:10).  Here is the best news!  Nothing in the entire universe can separate us from God’s love, (Rom. 8:38-39).  Nothing.

It turns out that God made us pretty significant specks!  But it is only in and through God that we get and have this significance.  If we find our value and importance in what we have achieved on our own, we are missing the point.  Then we are indeed only a speck in an immense universe.  If, however we acknowledge God for who He is, what we mean to Him, why He made us and give Him our lives and futures, then we become an important part in His plan for the universe.  You were made in God’s image and He values you much higher than all the planets, suns, solar systems and galaxies.  It’s true.  How thankful/grateful are you and have you been?  Something to think about…      

A local bar was so sure that its bartender was the strongest man around that they offered a standing $1000 bet.  The bartender would squeeze a lemon until all the juice ran into a glass, and hand the lemon to a patron. Anyone who could squeeze one more drop of juice out would win the money.  Many people had tried over time (weight-lifters, longshoremen, etc.) but nobody could do it.  One day this scrawny little man came into the bar, wearing thick glasses and a polyester suit, and said in a tiny squeaky voice “I’d like to try the bet.”  After the laughter had died down, the bartender said OK, grabbed a lemon, and squeezed away. Then he handed the wrinkled remains of the rind to the little man.  But the crowd’s laughter turned to total silence as the man clenched his fist around the lemon and six drops fell into the glass.  As the crowd cheered, the bartender paid the $1000, and asked the little man “What do you do for a living? Are you a lumberjack, a weight-lifter, or what?”  The man replied “I work for the IRS.”

SATURDAY AUGUST 15, 2026: NON-CONFORMIST

When I was young, I had an attitude.  It’s funny how teens, when developing independent thinking, begin to believe that they have a corner on how things work, and along with that… an occasionally defiant and non-conformist attitude.  Can I get a witness?  I grew my hair long and dressed a certain way partly because I thought it was, “cool” but also as a message to, “the establishment” that I wasn’t willing to conform.  I was being defiant because I could and it felt right.  As I grew older and experienced more, I, like many discovered that many of my convictions were misplaced and that, swimming against the current was difficult and usually futile.  That is until I discovered something else.

Meeting God changed my thinking, (and my heart and life too!).  I realized that much like when I was young; my viewpoint was skewed, independent and misdirected.  I found out that non-conformity can be a good thing, when applied to God’s will in our lives.  Do you believe that God has a purpose and plan for YOUR life?  Well, His will is the purpose and direction that He wants each of us to take… for Him.  So how do we find out what His will is?   

He says in Romans 12:2, ^“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Meeting God, through Jesus, along with the reading of His truth to us in the Bible, will, “renew” our mind.  It is the final lesson in how we should see and react to the world around us.  No more skewed, independent and misdirected living! However…

God never said being a non-conformist would be easy.  Our cultural and societal thinking changes all the time, God and His ways stay the same.  After all, The Ten Commandments aren’t the, “Ten situational suggestions” are they?    In a changing culture, “going with the flow” is easy but ends up being futile.  Living God’s way is usually not the easy way, but it is always the BEST, (and empowered) way, both for now and the future.  Something to think about…  

Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When little Logan received his plate, he started eating right away.  “Logan, wait until we say our prayer,” his mother reminded him.  “I don’t have to,” the little boy replied.  “Of course you do,” his mother insisted, “we say a prayer before eating at our house.”  “That’s at our house,” Logan explained, “but this is Grandma’s house and she knows how to cook!”  

SATURDAY, AUGUST 08, 2026: MORE THAN CAPABLE

Do you remember during the Movie, “Bruce Almighty” when the main character, Bruce was given a brief opportunity to hear all the prayers being sent up from just his neighborhood?  It was just a short span from only a very small sample of the world, but for Bruce and many of us watching, it rapidly became overwhelming.  So many requests containing so much information, most of which wanting quick answers.  How many, if any could you properly analyze and appropriately answer?  I’m not sure that I could with 100% certainty answer any ONE of them correctly.  It has to be the right answer, for that specific person at the right time.  I’m not certain that I could get ONE right, yet God deals with millions of prayers, (without error, ever!) each and every day! 24/7, 365, around the world since the beginning of man. Think about that.

Truthfully, that is beyond my comprehension.  Yet it does not stop there.  God has complete control and understanding of EVERYTHING that happens in the universe, past, present and future.  Is it a perfect world?  No.  Can, and does God work around the bad and wrong decisions made by man?  Yes.  Try correcting a meal that has had several wrong ingredients added to it.  Good luck!  Yet God handles every situation, everywhere, every instant.  That does not mean that He corrects or changes all these situations, but He IS aware of them and has the correct answer and reason, EVERY time.  God is NEVER surprised and He is NEVER overwhelmed.  In fact, He is never even challenged.

God has infinite knowledge, wisdom and control.  There is nothing that He can’t handle, (with ease).  Perhaps you feel overwhelmed with situations in your life.  Maybe it’s finances or a relationship.  It could be low self-worth, addiction, employment, overwhelming responsibility or tragedy.  Like Bruce Almighty trying to handle a handful of prayers, we can quickly become overwhelmed with things in our lives.  Here’s the deal, what is overwhelming for man is NOTHING for God.  He is able to do, “exceedingly and abundantly above what we could ask or imagine” (Eph.3:20).  We can’t handle all of life’s problems but God can.  Have you given them and your life to Him?  Something to think about…

There was a manager of a company who was ready to retire, so he began training his replacement.  Just before he left for good, he took the replacement aside and told him that if he ever got really jammed up, he should look in the center drawer of his desk and he would find two envelopes. He told him to open envelope #1.  Well, time goes by and one day, a big project went bad and the new manager was in real trouble over it. He remembered the drawer and the envelopes and went and got envelope #1 and opened it.  Inside was a sheet of paper with just two words on it, "Blame me!"  A few months later, the new manager again found himself in hot water and remembered that there was an envelope #2.  He went and opened that one and found another note. This one read, "Go get two envelopes."

SATURDAY AUGUST 1, 2026: NO SHOES, NO SHIRT

Do you ever think like this?  If someone went into a store where it stated, “No shoes, no shirt, no service” wearing only shoes and a shirt, would they be obligated to serve them?  Well, at least before the police showed up?  Could they if they also displayed the, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone” sign?  The way I understand it, with a few personal exceptions, they can.  Maybe you know someone who has been turned away.   O.K. not such a big deal, shop somewhere else right?  I’m not a business owner, but I wonder who, if anyone, I would refuse service to.  How about you?  Now, after you get done with the visions of the bare shopper, we’ll move on.

You know, we all reserve the right to not serve…God.  For some of us, it seems rather odd that He, being God would allow us that privilege to begin with.  After all, He could easily make us do it, so why give us the choice?  It’s because He doesn’t want slaves grudgingly obeying Him, He wants family!  “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). 

God provides and cares for His offspring and He also delivers an awesome inheritance!  Therefore, good children obey their parents and GREATFUL children do it joyfully.  Yet it’s still our choice.  Do you still reserve your right not to serve?  That’s O.K., it’s your life and you can live it as you choose.  But please understand this…

Experts have determined that we all have a one out of one chance of dying, no exceptions.  God says this about it, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…”  Heb. 9:27. “No shoes, no shirt” no problem.  No Jesus, big problem!  God isn’t that concerned about what you are wearing, but He is very concerned about to whom or what you have given your heart. Please don’t be there when HE reserves His right not to...  Something to think about…

A 60-year-old billionaire was getting married and threw a big wedding reception.  The big day arrived, and he got married to his stunning 23-year-old bride in the vast garden of his 50,000-square-foot mansion.  Champagne was flowing and an enormous team of waiters was flitting about serving the finest hors-d’oeuvres in the land.  Naturally, the billionaire’s less wealthy friends couldn’t help but feel jealous.  In a quiet moment, one of them asked him how he landed such a young beauty.  “Simple,” grinned the billionaire, “I faked my age.’  His friends were really amazed and asked him what age that he told her he was.  “87!” he replied.

SATURDAY JULY 25, 2026: KNOW THE FUTURE

Are you concerned about tomorrow?  The moral, ecological and economical state of the world?  How about the future for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren?  Sometimes I catch myself thinking that I sound just like my parents or grandparents when I talk about where I think the world is heading, (Right down the tubes! Right?).  How about you?

Many believe that the breakdown of the traditional, God ordained family along with the continual decline of reverence and acknowledgement of God, at least here in America, is leading us down the path to destruction.  Around the clock media coverage with a godless world view coupled with technology that makes it easy to go down wrong paths seems to accelerate things considerably!  So like our grandparents, we have a right to be concerned, but I believe ours is even more legitimate.  So should we worry?  Only for those of us that aren’t saved.  Here is some information sent out by Dr. David Jeremiah that encouraged me, and hopefully you.

“We know “that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1), and there will be “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6). Just as the world reaches a crisis point, Jesus will come to rapture His people (1 Thessalonians 4:16). A man of evil will arise who will exalt “himself above all that is called God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4).  Just when this Antichrist seems about to destroy Israel, Jesus will return (Zechariah 14:4). Christ will reign on earth a thousand years (Revelation 20:4). Then God will welcome His children into the new heaven and the new earth, and the eternal city (Revelation 21:1-2). “Thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).” 

So there is the future.  We can move forward in the knowledge that as a follower of Christ, in the end, we win.  But in the meantime?  First, make certain that you have accepted Christ and have been, “born again” of the Spirit.  Second, make every day count and ask God to, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12. Something to think about…

A politician visited a remote little rural village and asked the inhabitants what the government could do for them.  “We have two big needs,” said the village headman. “First, we have a hospital but no doctor.”  The politician whipped out his cellphone, spoke for a while, and then said, “I have it sorted out. A doctor will arrive here tomorrow. What is your other need?”  “We have no cellphone reception at all in our village.”

Three Pastors were having lunch together at a diner.  The first Pastor said, “You know, since summer started I’ve been having trouble with mice in my church. I’ve tried everything–noise, spray, cats–nothing seems to scare them away.  The second Pastor then said “Yeah, me too. I’ve got hundreds living in the basement of the church. I’ve set traps and even called an expert to get rid of them, yet they still won’t go away.”  With a grin on his face, the third Pastor said, “I had the same problem, so I baptized all mine and made them members of the church… Haven’t seen one back since!!!

JULY 18, 2026: GARBAGE DROP

For some reason, going to the landfill is not my favorite job.  I assume that you agree that paying to experience an atmosphere of rotting garbage is not something to look forward to.  There are however two things I do like about it, unloading and leaving.  How about you?  After all, getting rid of the buildup of garbage is why you are there to begin with and leaving is like saying, “Good riddance!”  I have been told that even if you wanted to return to get something back, you can’t.  Once you unload it, it’s gone.  A clean garbage bin is a happy sight.  Mine is empty…for the moment.

This week I found myself dwelling on something negative in my past.  Do I regret that it happened?  Sure.  Have I asked the forgiveness from God and the offended party?  Yes.  So why am I still carting it around inside like some old can of garbage?  The way I see it, it is probably two things.  One:  The evil one in this world, (you know who he is) wants me to believe that I have not been forgiven and to feel condemned, and 2:  I am slow to realize what God has said and take hold of it as truth.  1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  It is his desire to separate, (or keep you separated) from God.  Are you letting him?  Realizing it?  It turns out, he doesn’t like you.   God also says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 and, “…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12.  So…

Don’t let the sins and mistakes of your past take part in your present.  If you have not asked God’s and the offended party’s (if possible) forgiveness, do so and get rid of the garbage.  God does not want you to live at the dump.  If you have received forgiveness, remember where the self-condemnation is coming from and tell him who sends it to go to…where he belongs.  God sent Jesus so that we can leave our internal garbage at His landfill where it is buried and forgotten.  Why do we want to go back and pick it up?  Something to think about…

A stingy old lawyer who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness was determined to prove the saying about money, “you can’t take it with you”, wrong.  After much thought and consideration, the man finally figured out how to take at least some of his money with him when he died.  He instructed his wife to go to the bank and withdraw enough money to fill two pillowcases.  Then, he directed her to take the bags of money to the attic and leave them directly above his bed.  His plan was to reach out and grab the bags when he was ascending to heaven.  Several weeks after the funeral, the deceased lawyer’s wife, up in the attic cleaning came upon the two pillow cases stuffed with cash.  “Oh, that darned old fool,” she exclaimed. “I knew he should have had me put the money in the basement.”

The only things you can take to Heaven are you and others.  Coming?  Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. 

SATURDAY JULY 4, 202: THE "I" IN THE MIDDLE

Do you know the difference between ignorance and apathy?  I don’t know and I don’t care.  Do you know that pride is at the root of all sin? Think about it.  Perhaps you didn’t know, but you should care. Pride and sin have something else in common, they both have, “I” in the middle.  Let’s face it, our culture has been developing a, “Me first” attitude for quite a while.  Let’s face something else; that, “Me first” attitude is sometimes found in me.  Right?  Ouch. Before long, if I am not careful, it starts becoming, “I deserve it, I am entitled, that is not fair to me, etc.”  Especially when I am not putting God first in my life, right?  Right?  Ouch.  Here is a quick fix, stay close to God and His people.  See, wasn’t that easy?

Putting others first may go against the grain of our culture and seemingly doesn’t seem natural.  That’s why it has to become…supernatural.  Christ changes hearts.  How?  He inserts His love inside of us, and then in turn, we express it to others.  The apostle Paul relates it this way, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Gal. 2:20).  In John chapter 3, a “religious” fellow asks Jesus about how to get what He saw in Him.  Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”  Have YOU been?

Connecting with God, through salvation (if you don’t know, ask someone who does) then via worship, prayer, His word and connecting with others who walk with His Spirit will bring us to a place where, “I” isn’t the center of our thoughts and actions.  Then pride and sin are forgotten and what God wants, which is loving and serving others becomes our nature. Then, “I” have nothing to do with it.  Something to think about…

Yesterday I was at my local pet store buying a large bag of my dog’s food and was in the checkout, when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog?  On impulse I told her that no, I didn’t have a dog, I was starting the Dog Diet again.  I added that I probably shouldn’t, because I ended up in hospital last time, but I’d lost 10 pounds before I woke up in intensive care with tubes coming out most of my body and IVs in both arms.  I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pockets with dog nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry.  The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)  Horrified, she asked me if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off the curb to sniff an Irish Setter and a car hit me.  I’m now banned from the store.

Strange things are happening in our world.  Isn’t it time to get connected to the one in control of it all?  He wants you to.

SATURDAY JUNE 27, 2026: IN SPITE OF MYSELF

An older gentleman once told me a story of a lesson that he learned and will always remember.  He was attempting to install a belt on a car engine and was having a bugger of a time with it.  Finally, after sufficient frustration, he paused and asked God for the wisdom to figure it out.  Then the belt went right on.  Afterwards he said to God, “Why didn’t I ask you sooner?”  Isn’t that the way?  So often we try to handle matters ourselves and only seek God when we figure that we really need Him.  Like, “I’ll call you when I need you.”   Or is that just me?  Thankfully, through the, “I can do this on my own” process, God can still teach me a lesson, in spite of myself.  Even if it’s just to remind me to go to Him first.  After all…

Jesus knows what we need and the best way to get there.  He may not give you a step by step diagram and the knowledge to repair your computer, but the understanding that it is beyond your ability and the direction to go to get it fixed might be provided.  Not only is the Bible full of advice and direction toward wise decision making, The Holy Spirit is also always on hand to direct us.  In fact Jesus encourages it, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:32).  Why do I often make Jesus my second or third option?  Sometimes it is not a simple, “black or white” choice.  What if you have to make a really difficult decision, then what?

Then, like my frustrated belt installing friend, just ask!  “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5).  You may not get the answer instantaneously, but that is only because God knows when it will be best applied.  When was the last time you told yourself, “If I had only known then what I know now!”  Well God already knows.  We just need to remember this truth, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  That way I don’t need to learn the hard way, in spite of myself.  Something to think about…

Speaking of seek ye first… The temporary Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet.  She had been told the combination, but couldn’t quite remember it.  She went to the pastor’s study and asked for help.  The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial.  After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment.  Finally he looked serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently.  Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock.  The teacher was amazed. “I’m in awe at your faith, pastor,” she said.  “It’s really nothing,” he answered. “The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling.”  Well we do know that God works in mysterious ways!

JUNE 20, 2026: HOSPITAL BED

Ever been stuck in a hospital bed?  As time goes on, you can feel trapped almost as if you were in prison.  You want to leave, but you can’t.  Usually you get forecasts for release like, “Possibly early next week” or “It looks like maybe…”  The truth is that we develop patience by understanding that the Doctor knows best and in the end we will be healed and then set free.  It is a necessary prison…right?

Do you see obeying God like being strapped to a hospital bed?  Like you would be strapped to a bunch of rules and, “do’s and don’ts?”  Many feel as if they would lose their freedom and choices and…fun?  Who wants that?  Based on this logic, you would have to guess that those who claim to believe, follow God and His directives out of fear, right?  Why would anyone want to give up, “Their right to decide?”  They haven’t and I’ll tell you why.

They still have the right to choose.  They have just exercised their right by choosing Jesus.  At some point, most who believe have come to the conclusion that they are sick, (by sin against God) and have sought Him out to be healed.  The problem is that many people, (you?) don’t believe that there is anything wrong with them.  The symptoms are not visible and/or are easily swept under the carpet.  How about, “I’ve gotten along this far without Him so…?”  I would wager that nearly everyone deep down knows that God exists and that they will meet Him some day.  Until then, they don’t want the hospital bed.  You?

Being healed by God means NO hospital stay.  In fact, you can be healed and released right away!  Surrendering your life to God is not a trap, but instead gives a freedom that many never experience.  This however is not to be taken lightly.  God takes YOU and His KINGDOM seriously, and so should we.  Real conversion requires real faith.  Jesus is, “The great physician” and like the Doctor in the hospital, He knows best.  Want to be admitted?  Something to think about… 

The other day, Nancy and I got into some petty argument. (I say it was petty. She would have said it was Armageddon.)  As is our nature, neither of us would admit the possibility that we might be in error.  To her credit, Nancy finally said, "Look. I'll tell you what. I'll admit I'm wrong if you admit I was right."  "Fine." I said.  She took a deep breath, looked me in the eye and said, "I'm wrong."  I grinned and replied, "You're right."

The teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a brief, fruitless search, he gave up. His mother took up the cause and within minutes she had found the lens.  "I looked everywhere, how did you do that?" he asked.  "We weren’t looking for the same thing," she explained. "You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I, on the other hand, was looking for $150!"

Are we seeking God for what He’s worth? Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. 

JUNE 13, 2026

Do you remember, “Tim the Tool Man Taylor?”  His many attempts at household repair would ultimately end up in disaster.  Funny, Yes.  Realistic for some of us…maybe.  Home repair shows are popular because most home owners either need or want to make things better.  For some of us, it seems to never end.  Either something is always rotten or broken or by the time you have finally remodeled the entire house, it’s time to start over again.  Sound familiar?

Having a nice, comfortable house is a good thing, but it is the family and people inside that make it a home.  A big fire place and fresh paint mean little if there is not love, commitment and structure among the people living there.  It might as well be a museum.  A nice place to visit, but…  What is the condition of the, “inside” of YOUR home?  Do the relationships need some minor repairs?  Major renovations?  Let’s face it, there are times when we all need a little internal, “home improvement.”  Personal repairs start from the inside, out and act as the foundation for our own stability and happiness.  Then when WE are stable and happy, we can help with the renovation of the relationships with those around us.  I.E. our family.  Make sense?

Summer projects are important, but they pale in comparison to the need for love and stability inside the home.  Tim Taylor may have botched home repairs, but if you noticed, he was pretty good at family.  Is that your priority?  Want a good Home Improvement project?  Take your family to church this Sunday.  Something to think about… 

A true story out of San Francisco…  A man, wanting to rob a downtown Bank of America, walked into the branch & wrote “this is a stick up. Put all your money in this bag.”  While standing in line, waiting to give his note to the teller, he began to worry that someone had seen him write the note and might call the police before he reached the teller’s window. So he left the Bank of America and crossed the street to Wells Fargo.  After waiting a few minutes in line, he handed his note to the Wells Fargo teller. She read it and surmising from his spelling errors that he wasn’t the brightest light in the harbor, told him that she could not accept his stickup note because it was written on a Bank of America deposit slip and that he would either have to fill out a Wells Fargo deposit slip or go back to Bank of America.   Looking somewhat defeated, the man said, “OK” and left. He was arrested a few minutes later, as he was waiting in line back at Bank of America. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026: GETTING SQUEEZED

Years ago, when I was young, I found myself in an unexpected predicament.  Some friends and I were outside, alongside many others, waiting to attend a rock concert.  It was very cold out, and we were all on a ramp walkway leading up to the main entrance of the arena.  It was a general admission concert, meaning that the first people in, got closest to the stage.  The entrance doors weren’t open yet and we were all in, “the starting blocks” waiting to get out of the cold and find a good spot.  Then someone temporarily opened the doors, making it appear as if we were being let in…  Then they closed them.  Well, the doors were open long enough for the crowd to begin moving forward in mass, thinking that the starting whistle had been sounded.  It got so tight that when I picked up my feet, I didn’t move, (and I have never been accused of being small).  Thankfully, the doors did not stay closed for long and miraculously, I did not hear of anyone getting hurt.  Is that what they mean when they say, “Getting caught in the crowd?”

As our culture and mainstream media grow increasingly, “humanistic”, the pressure to go along with the perceived majority opinion grows with it.  Do you have the feeling of being outnumbered and/or fear being confronted if you voice anything in opposition, or even different from the “politically correct” positions?  Like you are being squeezed into believing or thinking a certain way? You are not alone, but we should not be afraid or intimidated, especially if we stand on God’s word and position.  God and His truth never change and never will, and no opposing opinion can ever be shouted or pushed enough to change that.  Ever. 

So, we need to ask ourselves, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Gal. 1:10. Am I more afraid or what people think or what God does?  Am I, “Getting caught in the crowd?”  Here’s what Jesus says in Mat.5 about receiving opposition for standing up for His truth.  “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Bring on the persecution…and the kingdom!  Something to think about… 

Two men and a hillbilly were sitting naked in a sauna.  Suddenly there was a beeping sound.  One man pressed his forearm and the beeping stopped he said, “I have a microchip under the skin of my arm.”  A few minutes later a phone rang.  The second fellow lifted his palm to his ear, when he finished, he explained. “That was my mobile phone, I have a microchip in my hand.”  The hillbilly, not to be outdone, decided he had to do something just as impressive.  He stepped out of the sauna and went to the bathroom.  Having returned with a piece of toilet paper hanging from his rear, the others raised their eyebrows and stared at him.  The hillbilly finally said… “Well would you look at that I’m getting a fax!”

MAY 20, 2026: PART TIME FRIEND

I had a friend when I was young.  He was a good and talented guy, but unfortunately for him, he had a difficult upbringing.  When I knew him, he did not have a father in the picture and like many in this situation, his mom struggled financially.  We hung out and also stayed at each other’s houses a few times but after a while we drifted into different social groups.  My new friends who didn’t know him, used his poverty and appearance as an excuse to look down upon him.  I don’t know that I ever joined them in their ridicule, (I may have) but I know that I never intervened or defended my friend, nor was I as friendly toward him as I should have been when I was in the company of my, “new” friends. 

I know that peer pressure is powerful, but even then I knew that I should have behaved differently.   When I was with him, I was his friend, when I wasn’t, well…  Not many years later, the young man suddenly died.   I never came clean and apologized to him.  I had my chance and never took care of it and now I will carry that regret for the rest of my days.  It occurs to me that sometimes I might treat God this way.  Do you?

Most of us say and do the right things when with people who might expect you to, or when someone is watching.  How about when we are around people who don’t profess to believe in God and act accordingly?  Do my standards change?  How about when I am alone, when no one is watching?  Saying we believe in God and acting as if we do are two different things.  Perhaps there was a day when you said yes to Jesus and really meant it, but over time you have drifted away.  Maybe it’s a matter of acting the part when it’s appropriate, (at church or around certain people) but doing your own thing when there is opportunity.  Jesus says in Matthew 10:32 and 33. “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”

Even when I was disrespecting my friend, I knew it was wrong.  Are you having the same feelings about disrespecting God?  He is waiting for you to ask forgiveness and get right with Him.  I wish that I had gotten right with my old friend.  Don’t wait to get right with Jesus until it is too late!  The regret could be eternal.  Something to think about…

Joe was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business. When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sick father died, he decided he needed a wife with whom to share his fortune.  One evening at an investment seminar he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her beauty took his breath away. “I may look like just an ordinary man,” he said to her, “but in just a few years, my father will pass, and I’ll inherit his large fortune.”  Impressed, the woman took his business card and three months later, she became Joe’s stepmother.  Women are so much better at estate planning than men!

MAY 26, 2026: MOM SAID SO

Can you hear your mother’s voice when you think of these statements?  “Wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident. Look both ways before crossing the street. Do as I say, not as I do.  If you fall out of that tree and break your leg, don’t come running to me!” How about this one, “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?” Now I ask you, if something is OK according with the majority, does that make it so? What if the current culture recognizes it as normal and acceptable and even confronts you if you disagree? After all, it’s 2026; why not get with the times? Here’s why not.

The world has changed many times over it’s history, but God has not. What the majority or the culture says does not override His authority or alter the truth…even if we disagree. In fact, time and time again, civilizations who originally followed God, have decided their own moral truths away from God’s and ultimately met their demise, (see prov. 14:12). Usually after suffering from their mistakes, they look up and ask God’s forgiveness and He eventually lets them start over again. You would think that we would learn. Well, look around…

Much of our culture is blind, or apathetic to what God has directed. Even the upper leadership of some church denominations have changed their doctrines to accommodate cultural pressures.  Here is a paraphrase attributed to Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s minister of propaganda. “If you tell a lie big enough, and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” There is a constant drum beat of falsehoods from our culture, the media, and that wrong voice in our heads.  Am I refreshed in the actual truth, (God’s word and Spirit) often enough that I won’t eventually come to believe the lies? If all my friends jump off the Spiritual bridge, will I jump off too?  Something to think about…

A guy took his not-so-quick girlfriend to her first football game. They had great seats right behind their team’s bench. After the game, he asked her how she liked the experience. “Oh, I really liked it,” she replied, “especially the tight pants and all the big muscles, but I just couldn’t understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents.” Dumbfounded, her date asked, “What do you mean?” “Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it, and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was, ‘Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!’ I’m like, hello? It’s only 25 cents!”

MAY 20, 2026: BRB

“Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?”  Have you heard that one?  Said it?  Lived it?  Some things are very easy to put off.  Especially those things that involve expense, effort, commitment or anything else that isn’t absolutely necessary.   How about something that isn’t, “right” but still works?  “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” right?   Maybe… 

Some things we don’t put off or neglect.  We buy homeowner’s, auto, life and health insurances.  We try to put money aside for retirement and our children’s educations.  We lock our houses and cars.  There is wisdom in all of these preparations, right?   Let me ask you, if you knew that your house was going to be broken into, but didn’t know when, what would you do?  Install extra locks, surveillance, alarms, or a guard dog?  Many of us prepare this way with the notion that something only might happen.  What if we knew for sure?

You know, Jesus said that He is coming back.  In Matthew chapter 24, He says that He will come back in the sky with great power and glory and He will gather up those who have believed in and followed Him.  Some will leave with Him and some will be left behind.  He says that no one knows for sure when He is coming.  Only that He is for sure coming back!  And that in verses 42-44: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

In Luke chapter 18, Jesus says: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"  He doesn’t say, “if” He comes back, but when.  We KNOW He is coming.  Will He find faith?  This is NOT one of the things that we can afford to put off. Have you? Something to think about…

A Sunday school teacher asked her first graders.  "Where is God?"  The room was filled with children that raised their hands to respond. "Okay, Mary, Where is God?"  "He is everywhere,"  "Very good that’s right."  But still there were two children that didn’t put their hands down, so the teacher continued.  "Okay, Michael, Where is God?"  "God is inside me."  "Very good that’s right."  Now there was one boy sitting in the back of the class waiving his hand. He was the last child with his hand up, so the teacher called on him.  "Okay, Danny, Where is God?" "He’s in our bathroom."  Well the teacher just had to ask, "How do you know he’s in the bathroom?"  The answer came, "Every morning my father knocks on the bathroom door and says, ‘My God are you still in there!?’ "

MAY 09, 2026: HEARTS AND MINDS

Do you know someone who is just, “The best”, at least in their own eyes?  You know, either it’s never their fault or they can do it better than anyone else.  Most of the time, people who boast these things aren’t nearly as, “perfect” as they think or say they are, and their self-promotion gets old in a hurry.  Then there are others who have a very low opinion of themselves and have very little confidence in their abilities.  Perhaps they have been belittled by others and have believed the lies.  Either way, these people are not really who they think they are.  How about you?  How do you see yourself?  Who do you think YOU are?

The truth is, nearly all of us have at least a slightly distorted view of ourselves, whether good or bad.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just that sometimes a clearer perspective comes from the outside, looking in.  How do the people who know you best see you?  What would they say?  I wonder if I would agree with them, (Maybe I don’t want to know!).  Then again, much of who we are comes from what we think we are.  In other words, you are not what you think you are, but what you think…you are. 

A confident person moves forward, an angry person shows anger, a peaceful person shows patience and self-control, a negative person brings others down while a loving person brings love and forgiveness.  Life for all of us is a mix, isn’t it?  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could only portray    the positives?  Then how would others see us?  Perhaps you are, or know others who you see as displaying many of the desirable qualities in their lives.  How did/do they get there?  Certainly life experience plays a part, but what it really comes down to is what is in their hearts and minds.

God gave us an instruction manual to live the best life.  It begins by accepting that Jesus was sent to save YOU.  Letting Him into your heart and life changes everything, especially your heart.  “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.  So then  “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23. Once your heart is right, your mind will follow! When you walk with God, who you become is a really good thing.  Are you ready?  Something to think about…

Camping season is soon approaching.  Here are some words of wisdom:  When using a public campground, a tuba placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side vacant.  Old socks can be made into high fiber beef jerky by smoking them over an open fire.  You can duplicate the warmth of a down-filled bedroll by climbing into a plastic garbage bag with several geese.  A two-man pup tent does not include two men or a pup.  Bear bells provide an element of safety for hikers in grizzly country. The tricky part is getting them on the bears.  The sight of a bald eagle has thrilled campers for generations. The sight of a bald man, however, does absolutely nothing for the eagle.  Lint from your navel makes a handy fire starter. Warning: Remove lint from navel before applying the match.  And finally, the guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.  Hope this helps.  

MAY 2, 2026: HOW I FEEL TODAY

Have you ever been sold on something that you regretted later?  Like a product from an infomercial, a car or perhaps a time-share?  After all, “It felt right at the time.”  When I was younger, I held a certain political ideology and felt pretty strongly about it, then as I grew in experience and knowledge, my viewpoint changed.  Looking back, (at least in my mind) I realize that I was looking at things from the wrong perspective, but it sure seemed right then.  Feeling right from my perspective did not change how things were any more than believing that the world was flat ever changed its shape.  Sometimes how we want things to be, believe they should be or even believe that they are, does not change the reality of what truly exists.   Even if we feel good about it, rats!  Speaking of the IRS…

When filing your taxes, or filling an application for a driver’s license, or…they ask for your name, address, male or female etc.  Putting in the wrong name or gender might very well get you into trouble.  Feeling like changing your name today doesn’t go very far with them!  In reality, it really doesn’t change who you truly are anyway, does it?  Some things just, “are” no matter how we feel about it, like death and taxes.  So what’s the point? 

Do you look at a, “Higher Power” as what or who you feel good about them being or think they should be?  Is God someone who, “Feels right” at the moment?  The truth is we can’t just pick and choose the aspects that we agree with and throw out those that we don’t.  He made us, we did not make Him.  James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  Also Heb. 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  God does not change, no matter how we feel about Him today, but take heart, THIS IS A VERY GOOD THING! 

The God who is, is awesome and loves us all more than we love ourselves or anyone else!  He is all knowing, all powerful and all loving.  He has had a plan for you since before you were born and wants the very best for your life.  But you have to let Him in.  Start praying to Jesus as if He were right next to you, (which He is) and when you find The God who truly is, you will feel, “Very Right” about it!  Something to think about…

An old man was eating in a truck stop when three bikers walked in.  The first walked up to the old man, pushed his cigarette into the old man’s pie and then took a seat at the counter.  The second walked up to the old man, spit into his milk and then took a seat at the counter.  The third walked up, turned over the plate, and then he took a seat.  Onlookers were completely shocked at the men’s behavior; he didn’t seem to be bothered in the slightest.  Without a word of protest, he paid and quietly left the diner.  Shortly thereafter, one of the bikers said to the waitress, “Humph, not much of a man, was he?”  The waitress replied, “Not much of a truck driver either. He just backed his truck over three motorcycles.” For the record, this is NOT what Jesus would do…

Are you skeptical of God?  Come and let Him prove Himself.  

APRIL 27, 2026: FIRST LOVE

An adventurous friend and his daughter were doing some hiking in a somewhat remote area that they had enjoyed in the past.  It was a nice morning and they traveled well past where they had been before.  Using their internal compass, they hiked in the direction of the road on which they had parked their car.  So they thought.  Eventually they came to a seldom traveled dirt road, and  an intersection shortly thereafter.  Both had no idea which direction to go and knew that they had hiked a long distance and the exertion of the hike was catching up with them.   They knew that going the wrong way would make the already weary walk much, much longer. Have you been there?  What to do?

Pray, that’s what.  Wouldn’t you know it, along came a van containing several Amish folks!  (Not sure about the driver).  They knew the right way and kindly escorted my friend and his daughter to their car.  Ahhh relief!  Was it the result of prayer?  Good fortune?  Not sure, but the truth is they would not have required either if they hadn’t lost track of their direction in the first place.  Wandering can certainly be fun, and in this case the effects would probably not have been serious even if the van hadn’t happened by.  However losing our perspective and direction in life can lead to much more grave consequences.  Let me ask you something.

Have you ever lost track of where you parked in a large parking lot?  Admit it, you have, haven’t you?  One time it took me a long, long time and I was that person walking around trying not to make it obvious I was lost.  Now people just use their panic alarm.  A short bit of embarrassment beats an extended period of obvious confusion.  I guess it’s good to know that as long as you are within earshot, you are never really lost.  Finding your way to your car is one thing, finding your way back when you lose your way in life is another.  Ford doesn’t give key fobs with a life panic button.  How do we find our way back to what is right?

Do you sometimes feel lost inside?  Often?  It may very well be that you have wandered too far away from where you started.  Maybe you have even forgotten what you were looking for.  Jesus says in Rev. 2:4 “You have forsaken the love you had at first.”  Do you need to get back home inside?  God is easy to locate and He is ALWAYS within earshot.  Pray to Him and tell Him you want to come home.  Trust me; the relief is way better than finding your car.  Something to think about… 

A flight attendant for a major airline, watched one day as a passenger overloaded with bags tried to stuff his belongings in the overhead bin of the plane.  Finally, she informed him that he would have to check the over-sized luggage. "When I fly other airlines," he said irritably, "I don't have this problem."  The flight attendant smiled, "When you fly other airlines, I don't have this problem either." 

Where will you fly when your time comes?  Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Services start at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912. Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL 18, 2026: BUS PENNY

Do you know who Corrie ten Boom was?  She helped her parents hide Jews in their home in The Netherlands and aided them in escaping arrest by the Nazis in 1940.  After saving many, evidence was discovered in their home and her entire family was arrested.  She was eventually sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp where she endured unimaginable hardships including watching her sister finally die due to the conditions.  More amazing than being one of the few survivors of these camps, were her stories and testimonies of faith, life and forgiveness afterward.  Here is a short story that I have heard is credited to her.

One day while hiding Jews, she told her father that she was afraid that if she was captured and tortured that she would not be able to hold to her faith.  Her father then asked her, “When you were little, how did you get to school?”  “You walked me to the bus.”  “Yes and when did I give you the penny for the bus ride?”  Corrie responded, “Right before I got on.”  Her father then said, “That’s right, I gave it to you right when you needed it, and so will God.”  It held true for Corrie throughout her imprisonment and indeed the rest of her life.  Do you have doubts about your ability to handle things like…

Financial struggles, forgiveness, serious injury or illness, personal tragedy or…?  Corrie’s faith helped her get through trials far beyond what we are ever likely to face.  But it wasn’t just her faith, but more The God that she had faith in. Jesus carried her and He will carry you, if you let Him.  Jesus is NEVER late but always right on time.  Don’t believe me?  Well, for seemingly unknown reasons, Corrie was released from the concentration camp.  Afterwards, she was told that her release was due to a clerical error and that only a week later, all the women in her age group were sent to the gas chambers.  Have you questioned God’s ability to help you when you need it?  Do YOU have faith?  Something to think about…

Did you hear about the auto body shop that just opened? It comes highly wreck-a-mended.  Q. What's the difference between a hippo and a Zippo?  A. A hippo is really heavy, and a Zippo is a little lighter.  Correct punctuation: the difference between a sentence that's well-written and a sentence that's, well, written.  Q. Why can't you run through a campground?  A.You can only ran, because it's past tents.  Last night, I dreamed I was swimming in an ocean of orange soda. But it was just a Fanta sea.  An atom loses an electron… it says, “Man, I really gotta keep an ion them.”  I lost my job at the bank on my very first day.  A woman asked me to check her balance, so I pushed her over.  Someone stole my toilet and the police have nothing to go on.  And finally, I hate how funerals are always at 9 a.m.  I’m not really a mourning person.

Where will you be when people attend YOUR funeral?  Come and let God prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL 11, 2026: HIDDEN WEBS

Have you ever been up early and had the sunrise illuminate a series of dew laden spider webs? They are intricate, beautiful and impressive as the sun identifies this hidden and secret world. These occur regularly many places around the planet, yet we seldom notice or think about it at all. Have you ever considered the enormity of all the unseen occurrences and interactions transpiring everywhere all the time? How about just the constant exchanges within the trillions of cells in EACH of the billions of people on the Earth? Micro-organisms, insects, predator/prey relations, oceans full of unseen activity, decay and regeneration of plant life, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians….and much, much more than we can think of or even imagine! It can easily boggle the mind if you let it. There is more going on than meets the eye.

Getting a glimpse of a dewy spider web or some other, normally hidden thing helps to remind us of the many unseen things that go unnoticed or recognized. Do you believe in a spiritual world? One where there are activities that are unseen or recognized? How often, (If ever) do you think about it? Not only is there a spiritual battle going on within ourselves, (one which we might often acknowledge), there is also activity around us and beyond. Think about how difficult it is to fight an enemy that you don’t recognize, can’t see or even identify. What are the odds of winning THAT war? Here’s how you DO win.

Let God fight your battles. Letting God into your life means that He becomes part of you, (dwells within). Not only His Spirit within you, but His instructions, (The Bible) help to identify, and overcome these unseen attackers. If you do not already know, Satan knows that His day is coming. The only thing He can do to get back at God, (who loves us) is to deceive and take as many people as he can with him. Here’s how not to let that happen.

Drop your defenses. Open your heart to God and ask His forgiveness, (and mean it, this is between you and God). Acknowledge Jesus as God’s Son and sacrifice for you, (See John 3:16, Romans 10:9) and ask Him to come into your heart and life and to change you. Surrender and make Him your Lord and request that He save you. You may find that, like the sunrise showing a hidden web, that God Himself will be illuminated in YOUR life. Talk about beautiful, intricate and impressive! Something to think about…

An avid duck hunter was in the market for a new bird dog. His search ended when he found a dog that could actually walk on water to retrieve a duck. Shocked by his find, he was sure none of his friends would ever believe him. He decided to try to break the news to a friend of his, the eternal pessimist who refused to be impressed with anything. This, surely, would impress him. He invited him to hunt with him and his new dog. As they waited by the shore, a flock of ducks flew by. They fired, and a duck fell. The dog responded and jumped into the water. The dog did not sink, but instead walked across the water to retrieve the bird, never getting more than his paws wet. This continued all day long. The pessimist watched carefully, saw everything, but did not say a single word. On the drive home the hunter asked his friend, “Did you notice anything unusual about my new dog?” “I sure did,” responded the pessimist. “He can’t swim.”

Want to find God? Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL 4, 2026: FOUND MONEY

Have you ever found money lying on the ground? Let me guess, you looked around, picked it up  and put it in your pocket! Unless it’s a large amount or there is a reasonable chance of finding the owner, it’s finders keepers, right? I can’t remember any time when I found money where it

didn’t feel good! Sure wish it would happen more often, how about you? Wouldn’t it be great if you could go back to the same place and find it over and over again?! 

Hmmm….come to think of it, I haven’t checked the couch lately. In my daily work, I traveled around to various locations and some areas I visited pretty regularly. This week I found myself where I once found a ten dollar bill. I have been there several times since it happened and silly as it seems, each time I look down where I found it, half expecting to find more. Why? Because who doesn’t like finding something good and not want to find it again? But money isn’t the only good thing you can find, right? For years I tried to find true contentment in life, and time after time the things that I thought would be the answer only brought temporary happiness. Kind of like being given a check that bounces or finding money that looks real but really isn’t, they were dead end roads that did not bring that long term satisfaction. I guess after experiencing enough of this futility, I started

considering the possibility of God, (or something greater than myself). I was skeptical, and as it turns out, God didn’t mind; in fact the more I learned and experienced, the more He seemed legitimate. Then… I had my first personal encounter with Him! It was WAY better than finding money or anything else that I had tried, (by far), and unlike the bad check, it was real. I know because I have gone back and found it again and again and again. You can too. Look into Jesus, investigate for yourself with an open mind and heart. You may just make the, “find of your life”…and beyond. 

Something to think about… One of the company’s finest technicians was drafted and sent to boot camp. At the rifle range, he was given some instruction, a rifle, and bullets. He fired several shots at the target. The report came from the target area that all attempts had completely missed the target. He looked over his rifle, and then the target. He put his canteen over the end of the rifle barrel and squeezed the trigger with his other hand. The canteen flew away with a big hole in it, whereupon he yelled toward the target area, “It’s leaving here just fine, the trouble must be at your end!” The orthopedic surgeon I work for was moving to a new office, and his staff was helping transport many of the items. I sat the display skeleton in the front of my car, his bony arm across the back of my seat. I hadn’t considered the drive across town. At one traffic light, the stares of the people in the car beside me became obvious, and I looked across and explained, “I’m delivering him to my doctor’s office.” The other driver leaned out of his window. “I hate to tell you, lady,” he said, “but I think it’s too late!” 

Are you skeptical of God? His people? Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

March 28, 2026: GETTING STARTED

What is the hardest part of a diet, exercise plan, or an education program?  That’s right, getting started.  I’m not looking at my somewhat dust covered exercise bike right now… as far as you know.  We know that these things are important, but we also know that they mean effort and commitment.  It’s pretty easy to kick that can down the road, isn’t it?  Not only that, but the longer we kick the can, the more difficult it gets to get motivated.  Bummed out yet?  It’s O.K. there is some good news here.

I know that there have been times in the past where I have offered to help someone move or with some other activity and when the morning came to do it I’d say to myself, “Why did I say I would do this?!”   But you know, every single time I was more than glad that I did!  All it took was getting started.  The same is true with the exercise and education programs, and even cleaning the house feels good once you are done, right?  So if it always ends up good, then why do we struggle with starting and what other worthwhile things do we struggle with?

For a long time I thought that things like reading the Bible, pursuing God and going to church were worth, “kicking down the road.”   Again, the effort and commitment weren’t worth me getting involved and like exercise, I really didn’t need them, right?  Even though I knew that it was important and probably good for me, I put it off for a long time.  Is that where you are?  Have you even considered it?

I finally decided to look into this, “God” thing by going to a church.  I believe that it was not a regular service but what I called a, “safe” function like a picnic or music performance.  God and His people began to have an effect and I eventually found God, along with my purpose and so much more!  I now realize that getting started was the best and most important thing in my life, (and beyond).  It can be for you too, if…  Something to think about…

A young man saw an elderly couple sitting down to lunch at McDonald’s.  He noticed that they had ordered one meal, and an extra cup.  As he watched, the gentleman carefully divided the hamburger in half, then counted out the fries, one for him, one for her, until each had half of them. Then he poured half of the soft drink into the extra cup and set that in front of his wife.  The old man then began to eat, and his wife sat watching, with her hands folded in her lap.  The young man decided to ask if they would allow him to purchase another meal for them so that they didn’t have to split theirs.  The old gentleman said, “Oh no. We’ve been married 50 years, and everything has always been and will always be shared, 50/50.”  The young man then asked the wife if she was going to eat, and she replied, “I will in a bit; it’s his turn with the teeth.”

Are you not sure God is real?  Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

MARCH 21, 2026: FAITH VS. HOPE

“I wish that I…”   “I sure hope that…happens”  “What if…doesn’t pull through?”  Have you ever thrown money in a wishing well?  Somehow it’s a good feeling isn’t it?  Traditionally we are to make a private wish and then pitch in some change.  Then, magically we have a small amount of hope and confidence that the wish might come true.  If we throw a lot of change in, is there more confidence in the possible outcome?  Why?  Is it because we believe or at least hope that someone or something is aware of our offering and the sincerity of the wish?  A presence that knows our hopes and desires?  Of course we do.  Why else would we make a wish first?

If you agree that you hope or believe that there is, “something” out there, then who or what do you think or hope that it is?  Have you thought much about it?  Investigated?  There are many religions and theories about deities (Gods), scientific explanations, paranormal activity, aliens etc. Do you believe that there is probably only one true explanation?  If so, is there a purpose to life, our planet, the universe?  Your life?  Do our lives have meaning?  Is there something out there that really cares about us?  Cares at all?

The only figure in major religion that walked among men on earth and claimed to be God Himself was Jesus.  All other major religious figures or, “prophets” pointed toward something or someone else.  Did Jesus prove He was God?  Well none of the other figures performed ANY miracles, predicted future events (prophecies) with any accuracy or fulfilled many if any prior prophecies, (predictions) in their lives.  Jesus did, and with an exclamation point!  It’s not even close.  Thousands of people saw Jesus perform major miracles, (including raising dead people to life).  He also fulfilled literally hundreds of prior prophesies written in the Bible as to specifically where and how He was born, what He did in life and how He died.  Hundreds!  The odds are literally astronomical. And…hundreds of people saw Him after He rose from the dead himself.

What do you feel when you make a wish at a wishing well?  Jesus asked His disciples in Mark 8:29, "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"  Who do YOU say He is?  Is it about time to find out who He really is?  Those who have found this truth no longer hope or wish, but believe.  Something to think about…

A census taker walked up to a woman who was sitting on a porch. After introducing himself, he said, "How many children do you have?"   The woman answered, "Four."  The census taker asked, "May I have their names, please?" The woman replied, "Eenie, Meenie, Minie, and George."   Confused, the census taker said, "May I ask why you named your fourth child 'George'?"  "Surely, because we didn't want any Moe." 

This redneck was parked behind a trailer load of pigs near the zoo in Washington, DC. As the truck drove away--one of the pigs fell out. He walked over and picked the pig up and placed it in the front seat of his truck.  He was sitting there looking puzzled when a policeman walked up and asked what was going on. He told the story and the policeman recommended he take the pig to the zoo.  The redneck was sitting in the same spot the next day with the pig sitting up in the front seat. The cop said "didn't I ask you to take this pig to the zoo?"  The redneck replied "I did and he liked it so well--today I'm taking him to the movies!"

Church CAN be more fun than a pig in a movie theater!  Come and see for yourself. Impact Church is at 141 E. Main St. in Canton (across from Kwikfill  Mkt)  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

March 14, 2026: BRB

“Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” Have you heard that one? Said it? Lived it? Some things are very easy to put off. Especially those things that involve expense, effort, commitment or anything else that isn’t absolutely necessary. How about something that isn’t, “right” but still works? “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” right? Maybe… Some things we don’t put off or neglect. We buy homeowner’s, auto, life and health insurances. We try to put money aside for retirement and our children’s educations. We lock our houses and cars. There is wisdom in all of these preparations, right? Let me ask you, if you knew that your house was going to be broken into, but didn’t know when, what would you do? Install extra locks, surveillance, alarms, or a guard dog? Many of us prepare this way with the notion that something only might happen. What if we knew for sure? 

You know, Jesus said that He is coming back. In Matthew chapter 24, He says that He will come back in the sky with great power and glory and He will gather up those who have believed in and followed Him. Some will leave with Him and some will be left behind. He says that no one knows for sure when He is coming. Only that He is for sure coming back! And that in verses 42-44: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” In Luke chapter 18, Jesus says: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" He doesn’t say, “if” He comes back, but when. We KNOW He is coming. Will He find faith? This is NOT one of the things that we can afford to put off. Have you? 

Something to think about… A Sunday school teacher asked her first graders. "Where is God?" The room was filled with children that raised their hands to respond. "Okay, Mary, Where is God?" "He is everywhere," "Very good that’s right." But still there were two children that didn’t put their hands down, so the teacher continued. "Okay, Michael, Where is God?" "God is inside me." "Very good, that's right." Now there was one boy sitting in the back of the class waiving his hand, so the teacher called on him. "Okay, Danny, Where is God?" "He’s in our bathroom." Well the teacher just had to ask, "How do you know he’s in the bathroom?" The answer came, "Every morning my father knocks on the bathroom door and says, ‘My God are you still in there?!’ " 

God’s Spirit can be found at Impact Church. Come and feel it. We are located at 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt.) call 570-673-5912 or get messages and more at www.impactministries.life We start Sundays at 10:30. See you there? Until next time, look up and smile!

March 7, 2026: GETTING WANDED

I have a friend that used to be involved in the same church where a former Vice President attends. As you might imagine, there is extra security present and the church knows when he and his family are attending. As a result, everyone gets wanded upon entry. Isn’t that interesting? Imagine a security check upon entering a church, a store, your work or even your home. At first, for many of us, it might feel quite invasive, but after a while I expect it would become impersonal and routine, like the TSA line at the airport. Unless of course, you are carrying something that they are checking for…then it’s, “Step aside sir.” Would you be willing to be wanded in order to meet the vice president? Someone else? How about God Himself!? 

Well the truth is, whether you want to or have met God or not, wanding is going on. God is all knowing, (omniscient) and everywhere at once, (omnipresent), in fact, "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10). However unlike the TSA, the one who is checking knows you and loves you and is checking for the GOOD stuff too, and even finding the bad things ends up being good. Really. Once we realize, (and experience) that God has what’s BEST for us in mind, we can look at what He tells us with much more of a personal interest. Don’t you want what’s best for you? Even if it means being wanded? Playing with fire can be fun, but at the end of the day, we end up getting burned. God, through His word and His Spirit tries to warn us, so that it can be avoided. If we choose not to avoid it, then the results are on us, both now and later, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. 

Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13). When God shows us what He has found in His TSA examination, it is still up to us if we hand it over, or continue to carry it. If you knew that someone was smarter than you and really loved you, wouldn’t you listen to what they had to say? How about if they showed you how to make your life better? 

Something to think about.. P.S. Meeting God is way cooler than meeting the Vice President! Everyone had gathered around the big dining table, plates neatly arranged and the smell of a home-cooked meal filling the room. Soon, a warm, heaping plate was set down in front of little Logan. Without hesitation, Logan picked up his fork and eagerly dug in, clearly unable to resist the delicious food. “Logan,” his mother gently said, placing her hand near his arm, “wait until we say our prayer.” Logan looked up, slightly puzzled but still chewing. “I don’t have to,” he replied matter-of-factly. His mother raised an eyebrow. “Of course you do. At our house, we always say a prayer before we eat.” Logan swallowed his bite and gave her a confident little smile. “That’s at our house,” he explained calmly. “But this is Grandma’s house… and she knows how to cook.” 

Want to find God? Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

MARCH 1, 2026: GOOD SHOWER

A group of construction workers were taking a break on a hot, summer day when one of them noted, “Whew, someone’s deodorant isn’t working!” After a short pause, another worker added, “Well it’s not me, I didn’t use any.” Do you enjoy taking a shower? Bath? I can think of a few times in my past where it felt extra good. Either I was particularly filthy, or it was too long between washings. I guess whether it is an extreme situation, or just the routine daily shower, there is a certain level of satisfaction when you get out clean, isn’t there? A fresh start. How long has it been since you have had a good, God shower? Are you a little dirty, really filthy, or somewhere in between? Has it been quite awhile between washings? No matter the level of need, just like a thorough shower, there is a good feeling when you come out clean with God. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. Are you starting to stink? Is God asking about YOUR deodorant? 

Something to think about…  During their vacation, while visiting Jerusalem, George’s mother-in-law died. George went to the American Consulate Office to make arrangements to send the body back to the states for proper burial. The Consul told George that the sending of a body back to the States for burial is very, very expensive. To bury her locally would only cost $150.00. George thinks for some time and answers, “I don’t care how much it will cost to send the body back; that’s what I want to do.” The Consul, says, “You must have loved your mother-in-law very much.” “No, it’s not that,” says George. “You see, I know of a case years ago of a person that was buried here in Jerusalem. On the third day he arose from the dead! I just can’t take that chance.” Do you know the one who did? 

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. Each Sunday, the service is at 10:30 Visit www.impactministries.life It’s friendly and free. Until next time, look up and smile!

FEBRUARY 28, 2026: 

Did you know…The Bible was written over a 1600 year period, by 40 different authors, of varying ages, from different cultures, and walks of life? Did you know…The Bible was originally written in three different languages, from 3 continents and without contradiction? Did you know…The Bible is the number one selling book of all time and still sells over 100 million copies a year? Did you know…That there are more than 3,200 verses with fulfilled prophecy either within the Bible itself or since the Bible was written, with Jesus fulfilling over 300 Himself? All written hundreds of years before His birth with the likelihood of even one tenth of them being fulfilled regarded as a statistical impossibility. One tenth. So… Maybe you have heard that there are several paths to Heaven, or that all major religions should be considered as valid options. Maybe you believe that the Bible is just a book written by a bunch of men a long time ago. Perhaps you have heard Christians being laughed about and ridiculed. 

Read the first paragraph again and then consider what the statistical impossibility named Jesus said, long before He had risen from the dead, (BTW hundreds saw and touched Him afterward). He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. Shouldn’t the Bible and Jesus be something that you should seriously look into? Can you think of any other book written over a 1600 year period by 40 different people in three different languages from 3 different continents that never contradicts itself? Yeah, me neither. Something to think about… 

A few dad jokes: There’s a fine line between a numerator and a denominator. (…Only a fraction of people will get this). What do dentists call their x-rays? Tooth pics! Did you hear about the first restaurant to open on the moon? It had great food, but no atmosphere. What’s the difference between a hippo and a zippo? One is really heavy and the other’s a little lighter. My teachers told me I’d never amount to much since I procrastinate so much. I told them, “Just you wait!” I entered ten puns in a contest to see which would win. .No pun in ten did. I stayed up all night and tried to figure out where the sun was. Then it dawned on me. When does a joke become a ‘dad’ joke? When it becomes apparent. 

Ready to try church? No judgement, just friendly people that want you there. Try it; there is nothing to lose. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt). Each Sunday, the service starts at 10:30 Visit www.impactministries.life It’s friendly and it’s free. Until next time, look up and smile!

FEBRUARY 21, 2026: KEEP CALM & CARRY ON

Not long ago the term, “Keep Calm and Carry On” (and various derivations) were quite popular on tee shirts, window decals and bumper stickers. I guess that I didn’t get the memo because I didn’t understand what it was all about. Then I found out why and I find it quite interesting. It came from a motivational poster produced by the British government in 1939 in preparation for World War II. Impending air raids were predicted for major cities and the idea was that the nearly 2.5 million posters were to be placed in storage and then posted shortly after the raids, if any, occurred. Well as you may know, the air raids certainly followed, but very few of the posters were ever displayed. It wasn’t until the year 2000 that two of the posters eventually showed up. Do you think the posters would have helped? Would they help today? It basically says that whatever the circumstance, stay under control and don’t let it stop you from moving forward. Why? 

The way I see it, it was to give the idea that the civilian population was, “in this together” and that the government, and defense department were on the job, thus giving hope. Good thing we don’t have anything in our lives today that could make us lose our calm or our control, right? Right? Those posters are scarce, so now what? Are you worried about family, your job, money, health or your future? Overwhelmed? Having people and the government at your back is substantial; having God at your back is unstoppable, every single time. Do you know Him? Jesus told us, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). What does this mean? It means that if you have Jesus, (inside your being) that through Him, you can overcome the trouble of this world too. How? 

Jesus also says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4). You have to know Him and then connect with Him. Then you can keep calm and carry…God. Something to think about… A wealthy man died and went to heaven. He was met at the Pearly Gates by Saint Peter who led him down the streets of gold. They passed mansion after mansion until they came to the very end of the street. Saint Peter stopped the rich man in front of a little shack. “This belongs to you,” said Saint Peter. “Why do I get this ugly thing when there are so many mansions I could live in?” the man demanded. “We did the best we could with the money you sent us!” Saint Peter replied….Ouch. 

Are YOU skeptical of God? His people? Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

FEBRUARY 14, 2026: Being There

Some things in life need to be experienced.  A commercial can make a chocolate chip cookie look really appetizing, but compare it to the smell of them baking, or the taste and feel of a warm freshly baked cookie.  Then you truly experience it!  Recently there has been the smell of spring in the air, (well relatively speaking). It seems, fresh and different and…better, right? You can’t quite explain it or get the same feeling from a picture.  Someone can tell you what the Rocky Mountains are like or how it feels to be at the beach and swim in the ocean, but you will never truly understand until you are there yourself, yes?  You have to take it in.  I remember the best experience that I ever had.

It was the day that God literally entered my life.  Unlike just knowing about God or believing that there is one, this is something that inhabits you.  You take it in.  When it does happen, it blows away any cookie or ocean experience; it changes your life.  That is because you now have a direct connection with the creator, and controller of the universe!!  When you admit to God that you have failed Him (sinned) and ask His forgiveness, the weight of all that you have been carrying is lifted from your back.  He sets you free.  The weight and guilt of sin is NOT something that you HAVE TO EXPERIENCE.  “Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John chap. 8).  This is what it means to be, “A child of God.” 

This is something that you absolutely have to experience to be right with God and to spend eternity with Him.  Believing in Jesus (even the devil does), memorizing the Bible and “being a good person” are not enough.  God needs to be experienced by His Spirit entering you. 2 Cor. 4 says, For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”  Open your heart, confess to God, let Jesus in.  Only then will you truly experience Him and understand.  Something to think about…

Sam Silverman walks into his boss’s office. “Sir, I’ll be straight with you, I know the economy isn’t great, but I have over three companies very interested in me; they’re constantly calling, and I would like to respectfully ask for a raise.” After a few minutes of haggling the boss finally agrees to a 5% raise, and Sam happily gets up to leave. ” By the way,” asks the boss as Sam is getting up, “which three companies keep calling you?” “If you must know,” says Sam, “It’s the electric company, water company, and phone company.” 

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Each Sunday, services start at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  It’s friendly and it’s free.  Until next time, look up and smile!  

FEBRUARY 07, 2026:  Finding the Rumble Strip

Did you have to drive during the recent blizzard-like snow storm?  I was and as hard as the road crews tried, the snow piled up and the visibility was terrible!  If someone was in front of you, you trusted that they could tell where they were going, if you were in the lead or alone, well…  There were times when I could not be sure where the road was or what lane I was in.  Thankfully I was on a main road and was able to locate the rumble strip!  Sometimes I curse those darn things, but not on that day.  On that day, it kept me out of the ditch.  Do you sometimes feel that life is like driving in a blizzard, making it difficult to make the right choice(s)?   Is there a rumble strip for life?

Sure there is.  The fundamentals and basic truths of the Bible are solid guides to keep us on, “The straight and narrow.”  Even those who do not believe that the Bible is from God, (perhaps you?) agree that it provides solid wisdom for living.  I don’t know about you, but I need it.  Trouble can easily find me without my asking for it.  Many of the laws we live by were put into place for our benefit.  Either they are just common sense to protect us from ourselves, (like speed limits) or as a result of someone making a mistake and us learning from it.  The Bible may seem like a book of restrictions to you, but really it is a guide for living and understanding.  It was written by a God that understands us better than we do ourselves.  He knows what mistakes we are capable of and wants us to avoid them…if we choose.

Is there a system or means that you use in making major decisions?  In deciding a moral code?  In handling death or other crises?  Many self-help books have been written over time and very few of them have had any real staying power.  The Bible has for 2000 years plus.  The psalmist wrote in psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  And proverbs 3, 5 and 6 say, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

We all have the choice to make our own decisions.  Some choose to go their own way, but many have found that relying on God is the best avenue.  Why not consider placing your life and future on a proven winner.  No more weaving to find the rumble strip but instead a controlled, confident journey.  Something to think about…  

Here are some fun facts that my daughter found on her phone: Dueling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are registered blood donors. The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. Most elephants weigh less that the tongue of a blue whale. If you eat a polar bear’s liver, you will die of a vitamin A overdose (One more reason not to like liver!).Sugar was first added to chewing gum in 1869 by a dentist. A literal translation of a common road sign in China is, “Give large space to the festive dog that makes sport in the roadway.”

Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.).  Services start at 10:30 am.  

January 31, 2026: Driving Near The Cops

It’s surprising how our driving changes when there is a police car nearby.  We get all nervous and quickly focus on obeying all the traffic laws, especially if they are behind us!  Laugh all you want but YOU do it too.  We tell our kids to be, “on their best behavior” when it is important, but we can also be found telling ourselves the same thing in certain situations.  Our conduct is sometimes significantly different at home than it is at church or in a court room.  That’s just the way it is.  Why is that?

It is because there are possible consequences for good or bad behavior when someone in authority is present.  When there is no police car nearby, we often feel free to drive the way we want rather than to what the law instructs.  A lie or course joke might feel appropriate when you are out with your friends, but not at work, in the principal’s office or in the presence of a minister.  Are these things ok when it seems ok?  Are there situations when it IS proper, when there is no authority present to reprimand us?

Nope, we just think that it is, or at least rationalize that it is.  I have heard it referred to as, “situational ethics.”  I’ll behave when circumstances dictate it, but otherwise…  The truth is circumstances always dictate good behavior, both in thoughts and actions.  God is always there and sees and remembers everything.  Like it or not, He is the cop car that is ALWAYS behind us.  We just seem to forget that He is the present authority that we need to respect.  Either that or we don’t recognize Him as an authority at all.  Ouch.

We often fear when a state trooper is following us, but we sure would want one close if we were a victim of a crime!  In reality, law enforcement exists to protect us from ourselves and from  others.  It is a good thing.  The same is true of God.  We want Him close when we need Him, but when we don’t think we need Him, we want to do our own thing.  It doesn’t work both ways.  We know that the traffic laws are in place for our best interests whether we WANT to obey them or not.  So it is with God’s law.  We may get away with breaking some of the traffic laws, but with God’s laws…  Something to think about…  

Speaking of which: “What am I supposed to do with this?” grumbled the motorist as the police clerk handed him a receipt for his traffic violation.  “Keep it,” the clerk advises. “When you get four of them, you get a bicycle.”  There was a man who entered a local paper's pun contest.  He sent in ten different puns, in the hope that at least one of the puns would win.  Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.

God is a reality, no joke.  Come and meet Him, really! Impact Church is at 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.)  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!              

JANUARY 24, 2026: Altruism

Let me ask you: Does it bother you to see someone suffering? How about viewing the starving children shown on television? When someone next door or in the community needs a helping hand, do you lend one, or at least think about it? I would bet that at least some of the time, the answer is yes. What if you saw someone drowning? How about a child? I would like to believe that all of us would want to do something! Why is that? Is it because we are told that it is the right thing to do…or is there some inherent motivation inside of us that is part of who we are?  The word for this internal inspiration is altruism. Webster’s dictionary defines this as, “Unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. “A scientific viewpoint states, “Behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of the species.” Even those that believe that we have somehow evolved into what we are now, acknowledge the reality of altruism. So, if we are a product of, “Survival of the fittest” then why does a soldier dive on a grenade, sacrificing his life for others? Shouldn’t he care only of his own survival?  This doesn’t make sense, does it?  How about this…

The Bible tells us that we are made in God’s image, and that altruism is part of God’s nature. As man walked away from God, (sinned) we became separated from Him and His desires for us.  God saw a need for altruism for mankind. He made a sacrifice for us or, “an unselfish regard for our welfare.” He sacrificed His own Son so that we might again be in right standing with Him and have a future in Heaven after leaving this Earth. Jesus, “fell on the grenade” for you. Have you taken advantage of His act of altruism? Will you? Something to think about…

Here are some questions to ponder:  Can you cry underwater?  How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of murdered?  Since bread is square, why is so much lunch meat round?  Why do you have to put, “your two cents in”, but it’s only, “a penny for your thoughts?”  Where is the extra penny going to?  What did, “Cured Ham” actually have, and do I still want to eat it?  Why is it that people say that they, “Slept like a baby” when babies wake up like every two hours? If man, “evolved” from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?  What if there we no hypothetical questions?  Think about it…

Strange things are happening in our world.  Isn’t it time to get connected to the one in control of it all?  He wants you to. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. Each Sunday, the service starts at 10:30 It’s friendly and free. Visit www.impactministries.life to see what we are about. Until next time, look up and smile!  

JANUARY 17, 2026: Amish Grace

Do you remember the Nickel Mines school tragedy?   In October of 2006, before killing himself, a man for seemingly no reason, shot 10 Amish girls in their schoolhouse. Five died and five survived.  How would you feel if you were closely, or even superficially involved?  What would you do, or want to do?  Do you remember the response from the Amish community?  Here is some amazing information I’ve gathered.

In the hours after the massacre, as Amish parents still waited in a nearby barn for word about whether their daughters had survived, an Amish man named Henry arrived at the shooter’s parent’s home with a message: The families did not see the couple as an enemy. Rather, they saw them as parents who were grieving the loss of their child, too. Henry put his hand on the shoulder of the shooter’s father and called him a friend.

On the day of the killings, members of the Nickel Mines Amish community took food to the shooter’s widow, (the day of the shooting!). Six days after the shooting, families who had just buried their daughters attended his funeral. Money from funds that poured in from around the world was diverted to the killer’s family, even though many victims faced huge medical bills.

But the Amish did more than forgive.  They embraced them as part of their community. When Teri Roberts, (the shooter’s mother) underwent treatment for Stage 4 breast cancer in December, one of the girls who survived the massacre helped clean her home before she returned from the hospital. A large yellow bus arrived at her home around Christmas, and Amish children piled inside to sing her Christmas carols.

HOW or WHY in the world would, (or could?) they do these things!?  It is because it is not from this world that they get their motivation.  This is more than just outrageous, unbelievable forgiveness; it is what God calls grace. It is showing favor to someone who seemingly doesn’t deserve it. The Amish, as believers in Christ understand that.  Why?  Because they, (and all other Christians) have received it for themselves.  Romans 3:23-24 says, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”  God says that we all deserve the death penalty, yet instead He died to save us and give His children favor!       

Marie Roberts, widow of the killer wrote an open letter to her Amish neighbors thanking them for their forgiveness, grace, and mercy. She wrote, "Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need. Gifts you've given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe.” You can receive the indescribable love, healing and forgiveness that YOU need today…if you let Jesus give it to you.  Something to think about…

One day a college professor of Psychology was greeting his new college class.  He stood up in front of the class and said, “Would everyone who thinks he or she is stupid please stand up?”  After a minute or so of silence, a young man stood up. “Well, good morning. So, you actually think you’re a moron?” the professor asked. The kid replied, “No sir, I just didn’t want to see you standing there all by yourself.” P.S.  Students, this is NOT a good way to get good grades! 

Are you skeptical of God?  His people?  Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

JANUARY 10, 2026: Don't Ask

Hunting, like fishing is often a game of patience.  Sometimes you catch a whole lot of fish and it almost seems too easy and other times you may not get a single bite. You can ask one deer hunter how they made out and they will tell you that they saw too many deer to count and passed up on several bucks while the next one will say that they, “didn’t see a single tail all day.”  Yet again…sometimes perseverance does pay off.  I can remember many hunts where after rising early, sitting in the cold all morning and returning home for a warm and filling noon-time meal, my hunting companions and myself did not feel particularly motivated to go back out.  “Boy that couch sure looks good!”  Typically, at least one of us was inspired enough to encourage, (guilt?) the others into getting back at it.  Often it was by saying something like, “I never got a deer sitting in my recliner!”  Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

It is awfully easy to let life just go along and pass us by, isn’t it?  We get very comfortable in our routine.  If there was the prospect of something much better than what life offers you now, one that empowers you and shows that you matter, would it be enough to get you, “off the couch” to have a look?  God is real and is there for you right now.  Staying in the easy chair won’t make it happen.  “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deut.4:29).  If you need more to be convinced that it is worth the effort, God gets it.  Many a hunter has only been successful after hours of scouting and research, and there is more than enough evidence out there, (and in your heart?) to be successful in your hunt for God.  Start talking to God.  Read the book of John, (or more) in the Bible and/or talk to someone who knows.  Still, in the end, here’s the deal.

Getting the buck or fish of a lifetime is a great thrill, but it’s importance and impact does not compare to your choice between Heaven and Hell.  I never got a deer sitting in my recliner and you will never get Jesus unless YOU seek Him.  Something to think about…

There is a nine-year-old sitting at his school desk when all of the sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet.  He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened! The boy puts his head down and prays this prayer, “Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now!” He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher.   As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy’s lap.  The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, “Thank you, Lord” The sympathy is wonderful. But the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to Susie.  Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”  Susie whispers back, “I wet my pants once too.”  Let’s be like Susie. 

Strange things are happening in our world.  Isn’t it time to get connected to the one in control of it all?  He wants you to. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. The service is at 10:30 Check us out at www,impactministries.life  It’s friendly and free.  Until next time, look up and smile!  

JANUARY 03, 2026: Better Days Are Coming

Perhaps you already know, but pearls take years to form and are grown and perfected not by gritty sand, but either by a parasite or, “mantle tissue” that causes the future pearl to form protective layers called, nacre.  The thicker the nacre layer, the better the pearl.  The longer the process, the larger the pearl.  So generally speaking, the best pearls take time.  Good to know I guess, but what’s the point?

The point is that our lives are a lot like this.  Not only do we form protective layers against life’s issues, both physical and spiritual, we hopefully also learn and grow as a result.  “Live and learn” as they say.  The Christian term, sanctification means to grow more like Christ, (“Be holy for I am holy”, Lev. 20, 1 Peter:1).  This is a lifelong process of growth that requires both the pursuit of the believer and the help of The Holy Spirit.  Sometimes it doesn’t feel fun, or fair to be one of God’s pearls, does it?  Yet with our trust in Him AND with His help, over time we build better defenses against life’s parasites and, “grow in Him.” (2Peter 3:18).  In fact, God tells us that we should feel good about difficulties in life.  Really?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James1:2-4).   God knows that if we take the easy route, we will not grow and be more like Him.  Trials and perseverance are good for me!  Do I see it this way?  Am I growing?  Something to think about…

Three engineers and three accountants are traveling by train to a conference. At the station, the three accountants each buy a ticket and watch as the three engineers only buy one ticket. ‟How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?” asks an accountant. ‟Watch and you will see,” answered an engineer. They all board the train. The accountants take their seats but all three engineers cram into a rest room and close the door behind them.  Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the restroom door and says, ‟Tickets, please!” The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on. The accountants see this and agree it’s a clever idea.  So after the conference, the accountants decide to copy the engineers on the return trip and save some money. They buy one ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the engineers don’t buy a ticket at all. ‟How are you going to travel without a ticket?” says one perplexed accountant. ‟Watch and you will see,” answered an engineer. When they board the train all three accountants cram into a restroom and the three engineers cram into another one nearby. The train departs. Shortly afterward, one of the engineers leaves his restroom and walks over to the restroom where the accountants are hiding. He knocks on the door and says, ‟Tickets, please!”

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Each Sunday, We start at 10:30 (come early and hang!).. It’s friendly and it’s free. Visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!  

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2025: ASYMPTOMATIC

Here is a still relevant re-submission… The novel Corona virus and its consequences don’t seem to be going away any time soon.  Social distancing, mask wearing, and regular washing are almost becoming routine, although I still end up walking back for my mask from time to time!  Most people who get the virus survive it and many don’t even realize that they even had it!  Yet others may show symptoms, get extremely sick and even die.  I guess that if I happen to get it, I hope that I am asymptomatic.  The big issue is that anyone can be contagious, whether there is evidence or not.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have special, “Corona Ray glasses?”  But really, the point here isn’t about the virus.

It’s about being contagious as a Christian.  Unfortunately, someone can be a Christian and not show the symptoms.  I guess that if YOU don’t want to get the, “Jesus” virus, these are the safer people to be around.  However, if you are not an asymptomatic believer, you are far more likely to be a contagious carrier.  Then you will show the symptoms.  “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22,23).  So the question is, are you infected?  Asymptomatic?  Showing symptoms?  Infectious?  Something to think about…

An eccentric philosophy professor gave a one question final exam after a semester dealing with a broad array of topics.  The class was already seated and ready to go when the professor picked up his chair, plopped it on his desk and wrote on the board: “Using everything we have learned this semester, prove that this chair does not exist.”  Fingers flew, erasers erased, notebooks were filled in furious fashion.  Some students wrote many pages in one hour attempting to refute the existence of the chair.  One member of the class, however, was up and finished in less than a minute.  Weeks later when the grades were posted, the rest of the group wondered how he could have gotten an A when he had barely written anything at all.  His answer consisted of two words: “What chair?”

If you don’t think God exists, keep looking, because He is there. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. Visit www.impactministries.life  Each Sunday, the worship service at 10:30. It’s friendly and it’s free. Until next time, look up and smile!  

SATURDAY, DECEMER 20, 2025: THY WILL

Let’s see.  Some questions have quick and easy answers.  For example, do you like olives, liver, sauerkraut, or black licorice?  How about heavy metal, opera or rap music?  Math?  Horror movies?  President Trump?  Obama?  Usually with these things it’s either yes or no.  For most of them you probably had an answer right away.  Some things aren’t quite so easy.  Perhaps you like ice cream or pizza, but only certain flavors or toppings.  Maybe you like certain aspects of several political parties.  Most of us can answer some of the questions on “Jeopardy” but none of us can answer all of them.  But they do have answers.  Now try these.

How many drops of water are in the ocean this second?  How far is the east from the west?  Can God make an object so large that He can’t lift it?  How far is it from where you are right now to the end of the universe?  Are any of the questions I’ve asked a matter of life and death?  Nope.  How about these?  How long is forever?  What will it be like to stand in front of Jesus?  What will happen?  Have you told Jesus, “Thy will be done?”  Do it before it’s too late, because if not, nobody wants to hear from Him on that day, “O.K. you have made your choice, THY will be done.”  Something to think about…  

Did you know?  Mister Rogers always mentioned out loud that he was feeding his fish because a young blind viewer once asked him to do so. She wanted to know the fish were OK.  Guinness estimates that 93,000 liters of beer are lost in facial hair each year in the UK alone.  Bela Lugosi was buried in full Dracula costume, cape and all.   An estimated 1 million dogs in the U.S. have been named primary beneficiary in their owners' wills.  In Japan, letting a sumo wrestler make your baby cry is considered good luck. Neil Armstrong's astronaut application arrived a week past the deadline. A friend snuck the application in with the others. A double rainbow occurs when sunlight is reflected twice inside a raindrop. If you look closely, you can see that the colors of the secondary rainbow appear in reverse order.  And, before settling on the Seven Dwarfs we know today, Disney considered Chesty, Tubby, Burpy, Deafy, Hickey, Wheezy, and Awful.

The only things you can take to Heaven are you and others.  Coming?  Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025: WAITING FOR SANTA

Did you ever stay up late as a kid, waiting for Santa?  Remember the eager anticipation on Christmas eve?!  Something good is coming; I’m just not 100% sure what it’s going to be!  One of the absolute best joys of being a kid, yes?  And no matter what happened on Christmas morning, one thing was for sure…I wasn’t going to miss it!  As we grow older, the things that we look forward to change, but hopefully, there are still events, experiences and people that we are looking for, or forward to.  What are some of yours?  Does your list include…

Opportunities to connect with God?  After all, when was the last time you regretted praying (even with complaining and questioning), reading the Bible or worshiping Him with your heart?  Personally connecting with God, I.E. The Holy Spirit, even when He is telling us to get our act together is ALWAYS a positive.  Whether He is teaching, correcting or empowering us, it lets us know that: A. We are still connected and B. We are still His children!  And God loves His children!  Normally, the presence of God in us brings, peace, joy, security, love and….many other good things to look forward to.  So, shouldn’t this be on our, “anticipation” list?  How about...?

Asking for and looking forward to opportunities to be used by God?  Can you think of times when you have been used to help, heal or encourage others?  Even those times when I didn’t want to help or get involved at the start, I cannot recall that I ever regretted it or did not feel blessed in the end.  Not only that, isn’t it good to know that you are being used by Him to make things better and fulfill His plan just for you?  How available am I for His use?  Am I asking for an opportunity?  So…

Every day is not Christmas, but every day IS an opportunity to connect with God and to please and obey Him.  All of the good things that we get come from God, even those found under a Christmas tree. As it is written, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (James 1:17).  Shouldn’t I be eagerly pursuing and anticipating them?  Something to think about…    

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and as he was hanging it, he felt tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy. Mister, “I want to buy one of your puppies.” “Well,” said the farmer, “these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money. “ The boy dropped his head for a moment and pulled out some change from his pocket, “I’ve got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?” “Sure, Here Dolly!” he called. Out from the doghouse ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy’s eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, he noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up…. “I want that one,” the little boy said.”  The farmer knelt and said, “Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.” With that the little boy stepped back, reached down and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking up at the farmer, he said, “You see sir, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.” With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy. “How much?” asked the little boy. “No charge,” answered the farmer, “There’s no charge for love.”

Christmas is about God’s love for us. Have you accepted it? Come and check it out. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton, (Across from Kwik fil Mkt.). Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!  

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025: GET RICH QUICK

Do you remember some years back when Corning stock was ridiculously low?  There was talk of them going under, yet some folks took a chance, invested and were rewarded richly when it recovered. Rats!  I would have bought a whole lot of it if I had only known!  Imagine if you were on the ground floor when Apple got started, or Facebook, or Google or…  How about investing in acreage just prior to the natural gas boom?  It’s easy to say we should have now that we know, but the truth is we didn’t and subsequently didn’t do anything.  After all most, “Get rich quick” schemes fail, are risky or are just plain scams anyway, right?  Yet it sure would be nice to have the inside track just once, wouldn’t it?

Most of us never, “strike it rich” but rather live a slow but sure existence.  That’s OK because there is less risk and financial wealth, (quick or otherwise) does not buy true happiness or contentment.  In fact for some, it brings problems and a big bag of daily stress.  A wise man once said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”  (Jesus Christ, Luke 12:15).  That does not mean that you can’t get rich, or that you can’t get rich quick!

God’s riches involve internal joy and happiness that do not depend on wealth.  They come from God Himself and that means they are always available and no one can ever take them away.  Talk about low risk!  Not only that, but unlike that, “after the fact” stock tip, you now know in advance.  It’s still up to you to take advantage.  I can remember my dad saying, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”  Now you know the best way to take care of yourself.  Don’t be caught when it’s too late saying, “I should have invested when I had the chance.”  Something to think about…    

The Sunday school lesson for the first graders was on the plan of salvation. The teacher asked, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale, and gave all my money to the church, would I get into heaven?"  "No!" all the children answered.  "If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?"  Again, the answer was, "No!"  "Well," she continued, "then how can I get to heaven?"  One boy confidently answered, "You've gotta be dead!”

Don’t be caught dead without Jesus.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.) Services start at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025: EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF

What does it feel like when your child runs up and gives you an extra tight hug and maybe a wet kiss and says, “I love you” and sincerely means it?  Can you explain the sensation of your own marriage ceremony?  How about the feeling of looking into the eyes of your newborn son or daughter for the first time?  Try and think of the most heartwarming, life changing events that you have experienced.  What did it feel like?  Could you explain the sensation in a way that someone else could truly be affected by it the way that you were?  Not likely right?  These are very private and personal events that matter specifically to us.  The effects and experience can rarely, if ever be transferred into words.  Sometimes we don’t even understand what the big deal is when someone is telling us about it.  Like the saying goes, “It is something you have to experience for yourself.”  Then you’ll know.

Perhaps you have heard how Jesus changed someone’s life a hundred times.  Maybe you have just gotten tired of hearing how, “You need Jesus.”  How can someone be so excited and dedicated to something that seems so questionable and distant?  I mean, what’s the big deal?  What makes them so sure?  It is because they have, “Experienced it for themselves.”  As we have discussed, it is very difficult to internalize someone else’s life experience.  It is very real and significant to them, but to me…  Why do grandparents want to tell you about their grandchildren?  It is because the love they feel inside is something that they can’t contain.  Why do people want to keep telling everyone about Jesus? 

Maybe you don’t understand the joy and excitement of someone else’s experience.  Some things just aren’t meant for all of us to understand.  God wants EVERYONE to experience Him.  He is patient and keeps waiting for you . Jesus means life change.  YOU CAN, “Experience it for yourself.”  There are steps to take to position yourself for this.  Sincerely ask for God’s forgiveness. Begin putting Him first.  Surrender your life and ask Him to come in. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13. Then you will be able to internalize what everyone has told you so many times. Something to think about…   

Our teacher asked what my favorite animal was, and I said, "Fried chicken."  She said I wasn't funny, but everyone else laughed. My parents told me to always be honest. Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principal's office. I told him what happened, and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do it again.  The next day in class, my teacher asked me what my favorite live animal was. I told her it was chicken. She asked me why, so I told her it was because you could make them into fried chicken. She sent me back to the principal's office! I don't get it, I was telling the truth. Today, my teacher asked me to tell her what famous person I admired most.  I told her, "Colonel Sanders."  Guess where I am now...

Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.) There is something for everyone; services start at 10:30. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life   Until next time, look up and smile!