APRIL 26, 2025: SOCIAL SECURITY

Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the more you use it, the faster it goes! Do you agree? It seems like not long ago, I was going to my friend’s house to play and watching Walt Disney on television. Now I am looking at retirement numbers. What does retirement look like for you? Do you have a pension, 401K, or money buried in the back yard? According to a Time Magazine report from a few years ago, 1 out of 3 Americans have saved nothing for retirement and 75% of people over 40 are woefully behind in retirement savings. Other reports showed the situation as even worse. That leaves many of us counting on Social Security to sustain us, and even that system has been eroding. At least it is SOMETHING we can count on…right? Right?

The truth is, the stock market, a company pension and even Social Security are out of our hands. We hope, plan and count on them to be there when our time comes, and they probably will be, but they are not an absolute certainty. We have to have faith in the people responsible to take care of the future. Some of those responsible have put our nation in about 36 trillion dollars of debt. How’s that working out for us? I don’t say this as a means of worrying anyone; in fact I know plenty of people who are in absolute peace about their future and I am one of them. Absolute peace.

God is responsible for all things, including my financial future. Those who know and believe in Him have committed not just their retirement to Him, but everything. Does this mean financial security, health and trouble free living? No. Does it mean that I can be irresponsible and do nothing to live today or in the future? Certainly not. God expects us to use what He has given us to care for ourselves and for others as well. Simply put, we do what we can, and God does what we can’t. We can save for retirement, eat right and exercise, increasing our chances for a better and healthier future, but we can’t say for sure it will be. So where does this absolute peace come from?

It is because if I lose my job, God is there. If my retirement savings disappear, God is there. If my health fails, that’s right, God is there. Psalm 37:5 says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” I don’t know for sure what the future holds, but I DO know who holds my future, both here and forever and that’s more than good enough for me! How about you? Where is YOUR future invested? Something to think about…

Speaking of getting old… One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother has several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was? The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like." Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

One day we will all see Jesus face to face. Will He know you? 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. Check out, “Church done different.” Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL 19, 2025: CAUGHT IN THE SAME TRAPS

Have you ever tried to trap a rat? If you don’t get him the first time, then good luck! They are very wary and are not easily fooled, especially after experiencing something once. The opposite is true with some other animals. I have fished certain ponds where you can catch the same fish about every time you go there. You know where he lives, what lure to use and how to use it. For some reason, (hunger, poor memory, foolishness), without stopping to think they fall for the same old trap. Every time!

I might laugh at that foolish fish, or admire that crafty rat, but do I regularly stop and wonder where I fit between the wise and the foolish in my life? What traps do I often fall into? Do I go for the same lure over and over? Getting reeled in and taken places I don’t want to go? Do you get caught in the trap of, anger, gossip, lust, criticism, dishonesty, drugs, alcohol…? These things can seem right at the time but often leave us with a bad taste in our mouth and result in negative consequences and dissatisfaction. Have I learned to recognize a, “fake” when it is presented to me? Am I even aware? Do I care?

This needs to be seen as a spiritual battle. There is evil in our world, (perhaps you’ve noticed) and it is derived from Satan. God refers to him as the, “tempter” or the “deceiver.” Seems to fit him perfectly, don’t you think? He also has helpers, known as demons, (these are fallen angels with power to influence us!). They are vigilant and always ready to encourage us to fail. In fact, it’s their job. Proverbs 14:12 states wisely, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Satan knows where you live, what lures that you like and how to use them. It is up to us to evaluate, recognize these fakes, and like the wise rat not just to react but respond. Something to think about…

Here is something, (attributed to Larry the Cable Guy) from a recent email. “They keep talking about drafting a constitution for Iraq. Why don’t we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over two hundred years, and we’re not using it anymore. The real reason that we can’t have the Ten Commandments in a courthouse is this: You cannot post, “Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not commit adultery”, and “Thou shalt not lie” in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment.”

Want an environment filled with God’s love? Impact Church is at 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.) Call 570-673-5912 and hear messages and more at www.impactministries.life Services are Sundays at 10:30 am and there is something for EVERYONE. Check us out! Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL  12, 2025: WEAK ANIMAL

I am sure you have seen the nature documentaries that show how the lion herd (or other predators) attempt and often succeed in taking down and killing some prey animal. The commentator usually explains how the predator looks for the young, sick or very old animal that is falling behind or is somewhat isolated from the herd. That is because, A. they are weak and more susceptible to attack and, B. not surrounded by the security of the herd. Only the foolish lion tries for a healthy animal inside the herd. If I am a wildebeest, I want to be the healthy adult on the inside! How about you?

Does it make sense that those in our world that are spiritually weak and isolated are more likely targets for spiritual predators? Here is what God, (The Bible) says about it. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8). That means that we need to be healthy and protected. Being part of a church family is one element of it, and regular nourishment from God is another part of good spiritual health. Regular nourishment cannot be just, “church on Sunday.” Try eating one meal a week and see how that works out. When God provided manna for Moses and the Israelites in the desert, they had to gather fresh supplies every day. If kept for more than a day, it grew rancid and inedible. God, (Jesus, “The bread of life”) and His word are our manna today. Doesn’t it make sense to gather it daily? When we don’t, it sets us up as a more likely target, right?

God doesn’t say that if we are healthy that Satan will not attack. In truth, Satan sees healthy Christians as a threat and doesn’t like them, (Aww…too bad!). It’s kind of a left-handed compliment. The good news is that healthy Christians are best prepared to defend themselves. See Ephesians chapter 6:10-17 about the, Armor of God.” Satan is no match for the power of God, His word and His people…when they are healthy and together. Insufficient nourishment and isolation set us up for successful attack. How many of us want that? Something to think about…

A first grader came to the ophthalmology office where I work to have his vision checked. He sat down and I turned off the lights. Then I switched on a projector that flashed the letters F, Z and B on a screen. I asked the boy what he saw. Without hesitation he replied, “Consonants.”

Two small boys met during their first day at school. “My name is Billy. What’s yours?” asked the first boy. “Tommy,” replied the second. “My daddy is an accountant. What does your daddy do for a living?” asked Billy. Tommy replied, “My daddy is a lawyer.” “Honest?” asked Billy. “No, just the normal kind,” replied Tommy.

Impact Church,141 E. Main St. Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Each Sunday, adult lessons start at 9:00 am followed by the worship service at 10:30 Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life. It’s friendly and it’s free. Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL 5, 2025: THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE

Isn’t America great?! We have rights and freedoms that much of the world has never known. Generally speaking, our wealth allows us the choices of what to eat, where to live, and what to wear. Our form of government and its laws gives us the right to vote, own property, and pursue, “Life, Liberty and Happiness.” Man it is great to be an American! That doesn’t mean, however, that we make perfect choices with those rights and freedoms, does it? I have a right to buy a house, but that doesn’t mean I that I will like it or agree with the price or even be wise in buying it. The government makes laws that they think are best, but we don’t necessarily agree with all of them do we? So how do WE know what rights are right? I’m glad you asked!

Slavery was a right, but was it right? How did we really know that it wasn’t? It was mainly a heart and conscience issue, right? Would you need a law to believe that it was wrong? Is it that God has put a moral code in each of us and that our conscience and sense of right and wrong come from it? Our parents can tell us what to do, but in the end it is our choice whether to steal that candy bar or not. Is it more that the threat of getting caught that keeps us from doing it? We just know it’s wrong inside. What if a whole lot of people kept telling you it was O.K. and were doing it themselves? Does it become acceptable then?

Over time, many of the things that were historically considered wrong, unethical or immoral have turned into rights. I bet that you can think of several issues right off the top of your head. Why is that? It is probably because you know it is wrong to begin with. There is power in our culture, peer pressure and, “political correctness” but do THEY change what is right? In YOUR heart? The apostle Paul states in Col. 2, “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding…in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.”

Yes, the law says we have the right to choose. We also have the right to believe in Santa and The Easter Bunny. God is the ultimate author of truth. Respecting the law does not mean the obligation of agreeing with it. What laws are written on your heart? How strong are your moral convictions? Something to think about…

Once there was a little boy that lived in the country with his father. They had to use an outhouse, and the little boy hated it because it was hot in the summer and cold in the winter – and stank all the time. The outhouse was sitting on the bank of a creek and the boy determined that one day he would push that outhouse into the creek. One day after a spring rain, the creek was swollen and the little boy decided that that was the day to push the outhouse into the creek. So he got a large stick and started pushing. Finally, the outhouse toppled into the creek and floated away. That night his dad told him they were going to the woodshed after supper. Knowing that meant a spanking, the little boy asked why. The dad replied, “Someone pushed the outhouse into the creek today. It was you, wasn’t it son?” The boy answered yes. Then he thought a moment and said, “Dad, I read in school today that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree and didn’t get into trouble because he told the truth.” The dad replied, “Well, son, George Washington’s father wasn’t in the cherry tree.”

Want to hear from 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 25, 2025: UNCERTAIN TIMES

Some people have been referring to all that is going on as, "these uncertain times." I think that we all understand why they say this, but are things really that uncertain? Perhaps you are familiar with the saying, "There are only 2 things that are certain in this world, death and taxes." Well, I can't argue with that! The truth is, uncertainty has been with man from the beginning. We have no personal control over many things, from the weather, the economy, politics…a pandemic. If we are not careful and lose focus, fear, worry, anger and frustration might rule the day, and eventually…our lives. So, how do we deal with this, "uncertainty?" Is there anything really to worry about? What is the proper perspective?

The answer is to trust in God for those things that are out of our hands and to also trust Him to give us direction, peace and wisdom in addressing those issues that are. When we understand that in the end, there is nothing here on Earth that can or will thwart God's ultimate plan for us as individuals and indeed for all mankind, (Which is eternal life for those that believe, and for evil to eventually be cast out forever) then we can view our lives as His and not our own. Trusting in God's unfailing love and complete sovereignty can give us a peace that overrides any fears about the here and now, (see Phil. 4:6-8). Worry is faith that hasn't said its prayers, think about it. Does that mean that we should not be concerned and do nothing? Of course not. God has given us His word to direct us through life's issues and His Holy Spirit to inform, comfort, direct and empower us! He provides everything…if we let Him. Some people say, "We do what we can, God does what we can't." There is another time proven reference that perhaps you are familiar with called, "The serenity Prayer." It goes, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." How are you dealing with these, "Uncertain times?" Are you looking around us, or up? Something to think about…

A guy is driving around the back woods and he sees a sign on a broken house, “Talking Dog For Sale.” He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice-looking Labrador retriever. “You talk?” he asks. “Yep,” the Lab replies. After the guy recovers from the shock, he says “So, what’s your story?” The Lab looks up and says, “Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.” “I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running…I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.” “I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I’m just retired.” The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. “Ten dollars.” the guy says. “Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?” “Because he’s a liar. He’s never been out of the yard.”

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: www.impactministries.life, 141 E. Main St. Canton. Each Sunday, adult lessons start at 9:30 am followed by the worship service at 10:30. It’s friendly and free. Until next time, look up and smile!

March 22, 2025: EXCITING CHANGE

Have you noticed it? There seems to be a quiet excitement amongst the people concerning the new direction of our nation. The president is moving, “Full speed ahead” in actions consistent with his campaign promises. I believe that the people elected him in hopes that he would be different and make changes that were both positive and long overdue. It appears that much of the media and established political leadership don’t appreciate his unorthodox approach, but many of the people sure do. Why do you think that is? Is it because he is addressing what most Americans feel are priorities and that he says and does things that we strongly agree with? Doing and saying things that up until recently we were afraid to do or admit publicly? It almost feels like we have been set free. What do you think?

You know, Jesus had a similar effect when He walked the Earth. He was not politically correct for the day and offered a radically different approach. He displayed a genuine love and concern for each individual person and still does. He represented a freedom from much of the difficult living required to be in good standing with God and offered a direct relationship between the people and God Himself! The established leadership of the day was so firmly entrenched and threatened that many of them closed their hearts and minds to Him and His movement. So much so, that they captured and killed Him, (or so they thought…). Perhaps you have noticed that some people are NOT happy with the election results! I am NOT putting our new president at the same level as Jesus, however you have to admit that he has changed the atmosphere and caused a stir.

Were you one of the many who thought that there we needed long overdue necessary changes, but didn’t feel like you had the freedom to act or say anything? Until we privately spoke it in the election booth, then there was change… Are you one of the many who deep down knows that there are long overdue, necessary changes needed in your life for God? Have you been putting Him off because you felt you were unable or afraid to do or say anything? Well you can, and now is the time. Your voice and heart can be heard right now, privately, just like in the voting booth. What is holding you back?

Jesus wants to be both President and resident in your life. Let Him in and see how it changes everything. Those things that you have long knew were needed will give you that peace and satisfaction that you have been missing. Let go and let God. You will find He is the positive change of direction that your life needs. Something to think about…

Four retired ladies are playing bridge. One of them looks across at her partner and says, “I know we’ve been playing bridge every week for two years, but I can’t remember your name. Could you please tell me again? Her partner looks at her for a long moment and finally replies, “How soon do you need to know?”

An elderly couple was attending church services. About halfway through she leans over and says to her husband. “I just let out a silent one. What do you think I should do?” He replies, “Put a new battery in your hearing aid!” God was still happy she was there and wants YOU there too. Don’t put Him and church 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!

March 17, 2025: EVERYONE IS DOING IT

"But mom, all the other kids are doing it!” Remember saying that? Do you remember this response, “Well if they all jumped off a cliff, would you do that too?” What the kids wanted to do might not have been as extreme as jumping off a cliff, but it still needed to be filtered through reason and experience by the parents. Perhaps it is a matter of not enough information like, “Can I go to the movies with some friends?” The normal parental response would be…”Who are you going with, do I know them and/or their parents, whose driving, what movie are you seeing, when will you be home etc. , right? We try to keep an eye on what our kids are learning and what their influences are, but are we monitoring ourselves? Is it really necessary now that we are, “adults”?

It is easy to become a product of our environment. What we see and hear through cell phones, T.V., the radio and computers has always, in some way shaped our culture and as a result, some of us. Now that we have media 24/7 in the palm of our hand from thousands of sources, there is literally a world of opportunity for our children and ourselves to be affected. When our kid’s grades slowly decline, we usually notice it and try to identify the cause, right? What not long ago might have been an “R” rated movie is now, “PG 13”. What are we watching, listening to, and filtering? Do we have or take the time? Can we trust, “The world’s” filter? Have we allowed a media with a big microphone to implement things that at one time would not have passed our own personal, “filter” to become acceptable? I am bringing this up because I wonder, if our filters have become clogged, allowing us to slowly, “Jump off the cliff.”

God has from the very beginning had a plan for us and principles by which we should live, successfully! His filter does not change or get clogged. The truth is, our nation was founded through His filter and He, (along with effort and obedience on our part) is the reason we have been as prosperous and successful as anyone in human history. Have you recognized the downhill change? It’s not too late to live your life as God intended you to. Look into what He says, and learn from the best. Like for example, Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Something to think about…

Moses, Jesus, and an old man were enjoying a friendly round of golf together. Moses stepped up to the tee and hit the ball. It went sailing over the fairway and landed in the water trap. Moses then parted the water and chipped the ball onto the green. Jesus stepped up to the tee and hit the ball. It went sailing over the fairway and landed in the water trap. Jesus just walked onto the water and chipped the ball onto the green. The old man stepped up to the tee and hit the ball. It went sailing over the fairway and headed for the water trap. But, just before it fell into the water, a fish jumped up and grabbed the ball in its mouth. As the fish was falling back down into the water, an eagle swooped down and grabbed the fish in its claws. The eagle flew over the green where a lightning bolt shot from the sky and barely missed it. Startled, the eagle dropped the fish. When the fish hit the ground, the ball popped out of its mouth and rolled into the hole for a hole-in-one. Jesus then turned to the old man and said: “Dad, if you don’t stop fooling around, we won’t bring you next time.”

Are you skeptical of 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 09, 2025: Jr. High Thinking

Wasn’t puberty great? Can you remember what was important to you when you were in Junior High? If you can, how many of those things still matter today? I know that it was an age of, “sorting things out” but as life changes, those priorities now seem silly and misdirected, don’t they? I wonder if some of the other, “important” things of our past now also appear senseless in today’s light? I’m not saying that they weren’t relevant and significant at the time, but things change, don’t they? What’s important now? Will it be in the future?

How about the distant future…like eternity? Eternity is hard to grasp, all I can say about it is that it is a long… long…time. If I knew in Junior High what I know now, I might not have taken things so seriously. In the end, it didn’t really matter so much, did it? The question is, do I have, “Junior High” thinking today? Do you? Let’s see.

Jesus says in Matthew 6, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What does this mean? It means that if you are living for yourself here today, then your heart is in the wrong place (Jesus also said to love God first and others as much as yourself Matt. 22). Having a car, a house and a bank account aren’t bad things, but they aren’t as important to God as having a heart that wants to share and give to others is. So…

Our money, our time and our talents were given to us by God and meant to be shared. For many of us, this doesn’t come easy; after all, I come first, don’t I? Not if your heart has been changed… and Jesus changes hearts. That’s one of the reasons He came. The heart of Christ shows us what is truly important here and now AND in the future. It is so that while we are here that we don’t have, “Junior High” thinking. So remember, do your giving while you’re living so you’re not crying when you’re dying. Something to think about…

Little Johnny had a cussing problem and his father was getting tired of it. He decided to ask his doctor what to do. The Dr. said, “Since Christmas is coming up, you should ask Johnny what he wants Santa to bring him. If he cusses while he tells you his wish list, leave a pile of dog poop in place of the gift or gifts he requests.” Two days before Christmas, Johnny’s father asked him what he wanted. “I want a @&*)_!$ teddy-bear laying right beside me when I wake-up. When I go downstairs I want to see a +)*&#@ train going around the tree. And when I go outside I want to see a new #<:{+&! bike. Christmas morning, little Johnny woke up and rolled over into a pile of dog poop. Confused, he walked down stairs and saw another pile under the tree. Scratching his head, he walked outside and saw a huge land mine by the garage. When Johnny walked back inside with a curious look on his face, his dad smiled and asked, “What did Santa bring you this year?” Johnny replied, “I think I got a *?<+*%! dog but I can’t find him.”

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!

FEBRUARY 22, 2025: A Diamond Inside

Have you ever given or received a gift where it begins looking like a big present in a big box, only to find when you open the box, there is a smaller box inside? Then another and another, and another until… I expect that it is usually more fun being the giver than the recipient. How many boxes do you open before you think, “This isn’t funny anymore!?” What if, (and maybe you have been there) there is an enormous diamond, stack of money or something else of great value inside the final box? Suddenly the effort and angst of opening all the boxes seems unimportant. “If I only knew, I wouldn’t have complained!”

God never promised that life as a Christian was going to be easy. In fact He said that it wouldn’t, but 1. He would be with us when it gets tough, “…. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). And 2. That enduring life’s hardships and the effort that it takes to remain faithful will be rewarded in the end. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Cor. 4:17). Here is a problem that I have sometimes.

I forget that He is with me when I am opening life’s, “boxes.” The truth is that there is no trial in my life that is bigger than God. It’s even quite possible that the trial is intended for my benefit, even if I don’t like it or appreciate it. (See James 1:2-4). I also need to remember that no matter how many boxes I have to open or how difficult they might be, that in the end, the present will be so special that any difficulty getting there would be immediately forgotten. Much like a mother soon forgetting the pains of childbirth the instant her baby is in her arms. Even better…

Heaven is forever, and the experience there will be more rewarding than anything we have talked about here. Think about it. Perhaps your life has felt like opening box after box hoping that eventually there will be a gift. Maybe you have given up even looking. If you don’t know Jesus, many gifts for here and now are available, if you make Him lord of your life. If you do know Him, the best gifts are yet to come! Something to remember and something to think about…

A Chinese doctor can’t find a job in a Hospital in the US, so he opens his own clinic and puts up a sign outside. It reads: “GET TREATMENT FOR $20 – IF NOT CURED GET BACK $100.” An American lawyer thinks this is a great opportunity to earn $100 and goes to the clinic. Lawyer: “I have lost my sense of taste.” Doctor: “Nurse, bring medicine from box No. 22 and put 3 drops in patient’s mouth.” Lawyer: “Ugh, this is kerosene!” Doctor: “Congrats, your sense of taste is restored. Give me $20.” The annoyed lawyer goes back after a few days to recover his money. Lawyer: “I have lost my memory. I cannot remember anything.” Doctor: “Nurse, bring medicine from box no. 22 and put 3 drops in his mouth.” Lawyer (annoyed): “This is kerosene. You gave this to me last time for restoring my taste.” Doctor: “Congrats. You got your memory back. Give me $20.” The fuming lawyer pays him and then comes back a week later determined to get back $100. Lawyer: “My eyesight has become very weak I can’t see at all.” Doctor: “Well, I don’t have any medicine for that, so take this $100.” Lawyer (staring at the note): “But this is $20, not $100!!” Doctor: “Congrats, your eyesight is restored. Give me $20.”

Don’t put church and God off another week. Come and experience something good this Sunday. Check out, “Church done different.” 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!

FEBRUARY 15, 2025: Resistance & Capacitance

Have you ever looked at and tried to figure out an electronic circuit board like the ones you find in a computer or radio? Most of us would probably describe it as a maze of silver trails connecting a lot small unidentified plastic parts, (Perhaps an aerial view of a housing development?). Somehow it all works together to make the computer work and the radio play. Each of the small plastic components has a specific purpose so that the right amount of current or voltage gets to where it needs to be, some more, some less. Here is how it works…sort of.

The component designed to oppose the flow is called a resistor. They come in a variety of strengths, from very little to stopping almost everything, like how much you pinch a garden hose. Then there are also units that work to prevent any change in the flow and even store energy for when it is needed. They are called capacitors. I don’t know about you, but there are times when I wish I had a pocket full of capacitors in my life! (Excuse me while I go take a nap). Perhaps we are made more like circuit boards than we realize. In life, resistance and capacitance can be used together to help make things work and run smoothly.

For example, James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Sin in our lives restricts the flow of God’s Spirit. The afore-mentioned devil knows our specific weak points and tries really hard to take advantage of them. If we are not prepared with the adequate strength resistor, as in, “Just say no”, then he gets in and clogs up the flow. It is hard to be strong when our energy has been reduced, and the more he gets in, the weaker we become. We need capacitance!

Capacitance comes from God. Being close to Him, along with proper preparation make it difficult if not impossible for Satan, (the great resistor) to restrict the power flow. The, “Armor of God” is explained in Ephesians chapter 6. We do need to truly apply it to our lives in order for it to be effective though. Regular connection with God, through prayer, worship, His word and His people charge our systems and help prevent any change in flow, just like a capacitor. It sounds easy, but it is something we need to continually work at. So resist the devil and charge up! Something to think about…

In a land far, far away, there was a Christian parish that had many attendees. There was a priest who was part of it that used to give out miniature crosses that he made by hand. One Sunday, he announced that he would be giving them out. The congregation in the church that day reacted with glee. “Put this cross in the room where your family argues most,” he advised. “When you look at it, the cross will remind you that God is watching.” When the parishioners were leaving the church, a woman walked up to the priest, shook his hand and said, “I’ll take five.”

God’s love is, “On the house”. Have you accepted it? He wants you in His house. A house that makes you feel welcome and at home. Impact Church, 141E. Main St. in Canton (across from Kwikfill Mkt.) Services are Sundays at 10:30 am. There is something for you, your friends and your whole family. Call 570-673-5912 and hear messages and more at www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

FEBRUARY 08, 2025: Market Value

On May 14th, 2019, a painting by Claude Monet sold for 110.7 million dollars at auction. The last time the painting was auctioned was in 1986 and sold for…2.5 million. Why was it worth 44 times more in 2019? The answer is, its market value. What it really means is that what something is worth comes down to what someone is willing to pay for it. That is its true value. Consider what holds the most value to you in your life? What would be the limit, if any of the sacrifice that you would be willing to make to save it, or them? Have you ever wondered what YOUR market value is? Are you worth more or less than a Monet? Let’s see…

Jesus loved us/you enough that He left His position in Heaven to come to Earth and live as just a man. He loved you enough to be ridiculed, beaten and whipped and scourged within an inch of His life. He loved you enough to suffer the excruciating, long and tortuous death that was Roman crucifixion, and His Father, God, loved you enough to send Him. That is YOUR market value to God. Say that out loud…

Jesus came to buy us back. Man was destined for eternal Hell until the Son of God sacrificed Himself to save us/you. His extraordinary love hasn’t changed, and I believe that He would do it again just for you if it were necessary. Read the following passage in John and insert your own name where it says, “the world.” “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.” Let me ask you…

Do you think that the person who bought the painting for 100.7 million dollars forgot about it and left it behind? Jesus paid more for you and loves you more than anything on Earth; don’t you want to go home with Him? Something to think about…

A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop. The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage: “Hey, Doc, want to take a look at this?” The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, “So Doc, look at this engine. I open its’ heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I make close to minimum wage and you get the really big bucks when you and I are doing basically the same work?” The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic. “Try doing it with the engine running”

God can do surgery on YOUR heart. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.) Check it out at www.impactministries.life Each Sunday, adult lessons start at 9:00 am followed by the worship service at 10:30. Something for the kids too! It’s friendly and free. Until next time, look up and smile!

FEBRUARY 01, 2025: Book Album Cover

Two of the things that I enjoy doing in my leisure are reading and listening to music on vinyl records. I’m not sure, but I believe that, in part, these practices have contributed to larger belt sizes recently…uh pardon me, I digress. Call me, “Old School” but I still prefer to read the traditional paper books and most of my musical interests are from decades ago. This means that when I want to add a book or record to my collection, I am shopping for used condition copies. Normally descriptions include separate condition ratings for both the outside, (cover) and then the inside. I buy books to read and records to listen to and generally not as financial investments. The readability of the book and the sound quality of the record is where the value is. A pristine album cover with a scratchy record or a new looking book with missing pages are nearly worthless to me. God feels the same way.

About people that is. When the prophet Samuel was sent to identify God’s chosen king, (the shepherd boy, David} he dismissed seven of his older brothers first. When the oldest brother, Eliab, (the first born) was presented to Samuel’ 1 Samuel 16:6 and 7 says…When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” It’s true isn’t it? Historically, cultures have placed great value on appearance and birthright, and in many places they still do. If we are not careful, that influence can rub off on us…can’t it? Hey there’s nothing wrong with a great appearance, but from God’s viewpoint, (and hopefully ours) the cover isn’t the important thing. The good news is..,

If our hearts have some scratches and are playing poorly, of if they are missing some pages, God can fix it. God has been cleaning and changing people from the inside-out for thousands of years and that can mean you right now. He says in 2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” When God’s love enters YOUR heart, suddenly you become more attractive to others! Something to think about…

An American businessman goes to Japan on a business trip, but he hates Japanese food, so he asks the concierge at his hotel if there’s any place around where he can get American food. The concierge tells him he’s in luck, there’s a pizza place that just opened, and they deliver. The concierge gives the businessman the phone number, and he goes back to his room and orders a pizza. Thirty minutes later, the delivery guy shows up to the door with the pizza. The businessman takes the pizza and starts sneezing uncontrollably. He asks the delivery man, “What the Heck did you put on this pizza?” The delivery man bows deeply and says, “We put on the pizza what you ordered, pepper only.” Sorry…

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. It doesn’t matter what you wear, just come. It’s friendly and free. Each Sunday, adult lessons start at 9:00 am followed by the worship service at 10:30. Try www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

JANUARY 25, 2025: Grave Epitaph

Here are some real world grave stone epitaphs for amusement and consideration, “Stranger tread this ground with gravity, dentist Brown is filling his last cavity.” “Here lies Ann Mann, who lived an old maid, and died an old Mann.” “Here lieth Mary, the wife of John Ford, We hope her soul has gone to the Lord. But if for Hell she has changed this life, she had better be there than John Ford’s wife.” (Stone of a young man fond of motor cycles), “He sped himself to an early grave, never to enjoy the time he saved.” “First a cough carried me off. Then a coffin, they carried me off in.” “Here beneath this stone we lie, back to back my wife and I. And when the angel’s trump shall trill, if she gets up then I’ll lie still!” “Under the sod and under the trees, lies the body of Jonathan Pease. He is not here, there’s only the pod; Pease shelled out and went to God.” “Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake, stepped on the gas instead of the brake.” And finally, here lies john Yeast, “Pardon me for not rising.”

Have you ever wondered what you want your stone to say? How about what others might write on it? Some recent markers identify what people did for a living, hobbies or the people and things that were important to them. I hear that the newest thing is a video remembrance on the stone itself. Leaving a positive legacy and being remembered are good things, but no matter how well we live or what we are remembered for, we all will leave the world that we are in now. Here is one from a stone in Cornwall England, “Here lies a man who left the world never knowing why he was brought into it.”

Sadly, many in the world die in the very same state. Is that where you are? Is there a purpose and a plan to your life? Something greater than yourself? Hebrews 9 says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” There were many eye witnesses to the miracles of Jesus and to His being alive after being confirmed dead. It was also Jesus who said that He was the ONLY Avenue to Heaven, (John 14:6). Isn’t that enough to at least consider the Bible as truth? After all, a great epitaph won’t be much solace if you are viewing it from Hell. Something to think about…

It was three o’clock in the morning, and the receptionist at a posh hotel was just dozing off, when a little old lady came running towards her, screaming. “Please come quickly,” she yelled, “I just saw a naked man outside my window!” The receptionist immediately rushed up to the old lady’s room. “Where is he?” asked the receptionist. “He’s over there,” replied the little old lady, pointing to an apartment building opposite the hotel. The receptionist looked over and could see a man with no shirt on, moving around his apartment. “It’s probably a man who’s getting ready to go to bed,” she said reassuringly. “And how do you know he’s naked, you can only see him from the waist up?” “The dresser, honey!” screamed the old lady. “Try standing on the dresser!”

You don’t have to stand on the dresser to meet with God. Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwik Fill 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 18, 2025: Heaven & Reality

What do you imagine Heaven to be like? In your mind, is it the way you would like it to be? Many of us know it’s not really about naked angels in the clouds playing harps or, “St. Peter at the pearly gates” but what is it really? Perhaps you are one of the many that believe that it will be what gives you the most pleasure here, only better, or it’s free reign to do whatever you want. Maybe it’s the time when you were happiest here, continually? The Bible does not give specifics on Heaven, but it is clear that it is NOT what you personally want it to be or even think it should be. In fact, the main focus in Heaven will be about God, not us. So then why is it so great?

It is because at the very least, there will be no more pain, sorrow, disease, worry, guilt or evil there. We will be in the presence of an awesome God and He IS love, (1 John 4:8). I’m not sure that we can comprehend how good it will be, in fact 1 Corinthians 2:9 states, “But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” God showed the apostle John a vision about the future including Heaven, (The book of Revelation) and John had a very difficult time trying to describe what he saw in terms we could understand. It was beyond his description. We are not intended to completely understand, but one thing for sure, IT WILL BE AWESOME!

In our limited thinking, we can’t believe or understand that something could be better than the best things we have now, but it will be. More importantly, it’s not about US anyway, both here while alive or in Heaven. God is in charge and knows and wants what’s best for us now AND then. We need to focus on our standing with Him now and let Him and His good hands take care of the future. If not, the future is, well…Hell. Something to think about…

Two robins were sitting in a tree. "I'm really hungry," said the first one. "Me too," said the second. "Let's fly down and find some lunch." They flew to the ground and found a nice plot of plowed ground full of worms. They ate and ate and ate until they could eat no more. "I'm so full I don't think I can fly back up to the tree," said the first one. "Me neither. Let's just lay here and bask in the warm sun," said the second. They plopped down, sitting in the sun. No sooner than they had fallen asleep, when a big fat tomcat snuck up and gobbled them up. As the cat sat washing his face after his meal, he thought, "I just love 'Baskin' robins!”

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!

JANUARY 11, 2025: Shipped!

“Your package has shipped!” Sound familiar? Online shopping and home delivery have become a regular part of life for many of us. The cyber world provides many options, is convenient and can even save money. And who doesn’t like getting a package in the mail? “Oh boy, it came!” Waiting, in our instant gratification, get it now world can become challenging if we let it. After all, we don’t have to, “wait for Christmas” anymore. We can get express overnight shipment if we really want it. Do you sometimes track your packages? (Guilty). How about when they say that your package has been shipped, but when you check on it later, it states that a shipping label has been created, but in truth it is just sitting there waiting to be entered into the delivery system, sometimes for days. It’s no big deal, just tell me when it really HAS been shipped, OK? This got me to thinking.

Has your shipping label for Heaven been created? How do you know? Many think that believing in, “A god” and being a good person, (God knows my heart and I help others, give etc.) will mean going to Heaven when we die. This feels right, but is it true? Not according to God. In fact, He says that none of us can earn our way no matter how good we are and no matter how much we do or give to others. These are all good things that God tells us to do, but they mean nothing, unless…you believe that Jesus died for YOU and your sins against God as a sacrifice in your place (See Eph. 2:8-9). It is also imperative that you make Him the Lord (Commit to His direction and Spirit as taking first place) in your life. We need to let Him take control. You might think that you, “have been shipped” but you’re not. He is not who we think He should be, or the one we want Him to be. He is God and we are NOT. This is good because He knows better than we do and what is best for us, even if we don’t agree or understand. So…

Contemplate what it means in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Take seriously what Jesus says In John chapter 3, Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ God can make you a new person when you sincerely ask His forgiveness and ask His Spirit to enter your life. Then…you won’t be in the warehouse just wearing a shipping label, you will be in the delivery system!! Something to think about…

Some groaners just for you: Just got attacked by 6 dwarves. Not Happy. A priest, a minister, and a rabbit walk into a blood bank. The rabbit says, “I believe that I am a type o.” A friend of mine is an agnostic, dyslexic insomniac. He stays up all night long wondering if there’s a dog. Plateaus are the highest form of flattery. What did they give the guy that invented the door knocker? A No-bell prize. When does a joke become a dad joke? When it’s apparent. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, “Dam.” What does a thesaurus eat for breakfast? A synonym roll. And…You can’t explain a pun to a kleptomaniac. They take things, literally.

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