Wise Guy

It was around 6pm on the Wednesday before the Independence Day holiday. Bobbi and I walked into the Polaris Destination XL Men’s Apparel to solve a work related problem I was experiencing at Staples. During our hot, humid summer, I was having male “hot flashes” constantly due to the the thick black cotton pants I wore as part of my work uniform.

I have always struggled with finding the right-sized pants. My waistline seems to always be in a constant state of change. Since I have no waist or back end to speak of, I have consistently dealt with the “downward slide” after a couple hours of wear (no matter how tightly I maneuver my belt).

In the past, I have spent a good part of my work day pulling up my pants (multiple times). In my job at Meijer’s as a Greeter, suspenders worked. (I don’t seem to be having, but that doesn’t seem to be having the “downward slide” issue as a Cashier.  (My sixty-five to seventy pound weight loss hasn’t hurt either.)

My red-headed sales person (also named Robert) helped me to find a pair of black pants made of wrinkle resistant, cool and dry microfiber. My wife purchased them (along with a nice striped collarless shirt that was on sale). Bobbi is always looking out for me.

Across from the dressing room, I noticed this plaque (see the picture below). It said, “Clothes make the man. We make them fit. Ask about our on-site tailoring.”

I definitely agree that proper clothing, grooming, and hygiene can make a man feel more confident wherever he is in his world. It can also make others see your worth. Below are points from the Bible about what the Almighty sees as a valuable, worthy, and wise man.

1.  A wise man becomes more valuable as his knowledge is increased in whatever form that takes. (Proverbs 1:5)

2.  A wise man calmly considers what he will say (in any situation) before he speaks. (Proverbs 29:11)

3.  A wise man doesn’t purposely look for for many complements from others on his value or performance. He allows others to naturally do that in conversation if it happens at all. (Proverbs 27:1-2)

4.  A wise man minds his manners when he goes out to eat a meal with others. (Proverbs 23:1-3)

5.  A wise man should be certain of what he wants when he asks the Almighty in prayer. (James 1:6-8)

6.  A wise man should go beyond what they have to do, and show selfless love for their wife just as Jesus does for His bride, the church. (Ephesians 5:25)

7.  A wise man will not run up huge debts for the sake of getting more stuff that he is unable to pay for (in a timely manner). (Proverbs 17:18)

8.  As a wise man, the Heavenly Father desires for you to be loyal and kind to others. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

9.  God values honesty in a wise man. (Romans 3:4)

In my opinion, one of the best songs on the topic of being an authentic man is performed by Clay Aiken. Read the chorus of Measure of a Man below. Men, can you honestly answer the questions this song asks? Women if you have this kind of man in your life. Thank God for him right now.

Will he walk on water?

Will he run through fire?

Will he stand before you when it’s down to the wire?

Will he give his life up to be all he can?

Is that, is that how you measure a man?

The inspiration for this post.

Misplaced

It was a Saturday, June 25, 2016 (somewhere between 4:30 to 5:15pm), Bobbi and I were returning home from The Brain Injury Summer Movie and Talk series. We had viewed and talked about the 2015 film called Concussion starring Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu, who discovered Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in football players.

On the car ride home my daughter texted me the first picture below. Once home, the story that unraveled would eventually involve the entire family, instantly turn my emotional female Chihuahua into a search and rescue dog, and place Allena in the position of immediately becoming a substitute mother.

About the time things were coming to an end for Bobbi and I at the Dempsey Center in Riverside Methodist Hospital with our movie event, Allena had decided that she needed to get some exercise. A walk down Woodmark Run (with the dog that enjoyed these strolls the most) sounded like the healthy and smart thing to do.

Lola loved all the smells in a journey like this that tended to be different from what was available scent-wise in her own back yard. She was straining at her harness to smell and tinkle on everything.

Midway through the walk, she pulled up to the base of a tree to get a good sniff at a dark chirping ball of feathers that was on the ground. Looking closer, Allena realized immediate that Lola had discovered a baby robin that had tumbled out of its nest.

She looked to the top of the tree, and saw the home where it had tumbled from. Did the mother robin not notice, realize, or care that one of her children had been misplaced?

Allena quickly scooped the bird up before Lola mistook it for a chew toy or a dog treat. The only advice the veterinarian could offer was to attempt to put it back in the nest. Since that wasn’t an option, Allena placed the bird back where Lola discovered it.

Both she and her mom would come back, and check on this robin she was calling “Beau.” Besides liking that name, the bird faintly resembled the team member (by that same first name) from her six month mission’s experience with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) in Akron. Anyway, Allena had no idea whether this bird was a male or a female, but “Beau” was now this robin’s permanent bird name.

Later, the two went back to check on Beau. He had moved from the safety of being underneath a tree to the dangerous location of the middle of this busy road. How was Beau still alive? Allena quickly scooped Beau up, and the three proceeded home.

A quick search on the Internet revealed the empty shoe box (from the new tennis shoes she’d recently purchased) would make a suitable “home away from home” if she filled it with hay. Water was not advised at this age. For nourishment, worms were the best food source.

Dog food softened with water would also work as a substitute. With three dogs, we had plenty of that in supply. The box was placed on a kitchen countertop far away from canine eyes and mouths.

Beau was a lot like Lola in that he was always hungry. The whole family got to feed him by putting the softened food on our fingertips, and placing it directly into Beau’s opened beak. (See second picture below.)

If Beau was to survive till Sunday morning, an all-night vigil was needed feeding Beau every hour and a half. I didn’t stay up as I deemed my sleep more important than Beau’s existence. (Sorry to be so selfish.) With a cup of coffee, Allena was out within thirty minutes of this intended plan. Though Bobbi was exhausted, her strong maternal instinct could not allow any kind of a baby to die (if she had any control over the situation).

The next morning, Beau was still alive. A trip to a local wildlife preserve proved there was no room for Beau there. A nest was given to Allena to place back in the tree (with Beau) as close to the mother’s nest as was possible. This was done (on a lower branch).

After Bobbi got several hours of sleep, both her and Allena went back to check on Beau. The nest was empty. They assumed Beau had flown away.

Just like my daughter found importance in her short experience with Beau, so God values life in every creature He has fashioned (that includes you).

At any time, He always knows exactly where you are (no matter where you are emotionally or physically). He won’t lose you (in the rush of today’s electronic age). Luke 12:6-7 (MSG) makes this proclamation. (It is repeated almost identically in Matthew 10:29-31).

“What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail – even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk.  You’re worth more than a million canaries.”

#1 What I saw on my cell phone.

#2 Hungry Beau in the shoe box.

Genie in a Bottle

In the church you currently attend have you ever heard the minister say that God will reward your faithfulness to Him with good health and prosperity? Are you sure that the above is true?

The above mantra does a great job of combining this Christian message with the American dream, which makes it quite believable as supposed truth. Unfortunately, it puts the emphasis on what the Almighty can do for us rather than who our all-knowing Heavenly Father is.

God is not your magical genie in a bottle that obeys your every desire. In reality, we should be the obedient children available to do whatever God desires of us.

In Luke 15:11-32, we read the Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son, which can be seen as a tale on parenting. A father’s younger son has left home with his inheritance, and very soon has squandered it all on wild living.

The young man eventually returns home completely impoverished. The father is so overjoyed to have his lost child back that he spares no expenses for a welcome home celebration. The older son is quite angry about the whole situation. He feels his faithfulness to his father has been ignored.

Who do you relate to in the above story? Are you happy when others prosper? Are you the type of person that gets angry when the Heavenly Father makes a decision (in His wisdom) to abundantly bless someone you consider you inferior (in any way) instead of you?

When our mind is set on attaining wealth or prestige (of any kind), we forget to be thankful for what we already have, and instead are in the “I got to have that” mindset. (I Timothy 6:5-10, Mark 10:25, Ephesians 1:3).

The Christian life can be joyful, but also may be marked at times by suffering and denial. Jesus never promised that a servant faithful to Him would live easily (and prosperous).

Your true wealth (not of a temporary nature) can’t be acquired with any means of currency. It includes such eternal things as genuine love, peace of mind, the forgiveness of sins, and the assurance of a home in Heaven (one day).

There are some things that you can do to not get caught up in the excitement of “the gospel of health and wealth.”

Watch out for false teachers that try to convince you that Jesus alone is not the true source of your happiness. (Galatians 1:6-8) Be careful not to allow anything else in your life to become an idol, and take the place that rightfully belongs to the Heavenly Father. (Matthew 6:24)

This could include a job, a pet, people, a hobby, or material objects. If God has made it possible for you to have luxuries, make sure to give back to organizations that honor Him.

Always check your motivations as they relate to God. Are you serving Him for the blessings, or because you truly love Him? Like a perceptive parent (or spouse), He knows the difference.

When it comes to prosperity, Proverbs 30:7-9 (NLT) is the final word on that topic. Where do you stand in relations to this verse? O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

*Inspired by the sermon “The Mythbuster Series, Installment Six: The Prosperity Myth,” Pastor Dave Jansen, June 26, 2016, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH

Happily Ever After

Thirty-eight years ago on Saturday, June 24, 1978, it was a muggy, eighty-one degree afternoon in central Ohio. My younger siblings and I had just completed our paper route. The three of us were sweaty and dirty.

We pleaded with our father (42) to take us wherever he was going on his adventure. Cleanliness was his requirement, and in our present state none of us was making the cut for his trip. My dad had recently arrived home from his job as a barber (in Bexley). He was traveling to an antique clock auction in Washington Court House (about an hour away).

At around 5:20pm, my mother (37) and Kim Jim, and I (13, 11, 14) were enjoying Putt-Putt; as my father’s car was about to slam into a tree on the east side of U.S. Route 62 South.  Dad, Robert E. Kinker, maybe traveling too fast (possibly distracted by his C.B. radio) had to make a choice to hit another driver (pulling out on the road in front of him), or safely zoom across a four-lane road in his car to hit a tree.

He chose to save someone else’s life at the expense of sacrificing his. (I call that a hero.) The severe head injuries dad sustained from this crash would kill him before arriving at Mount Carmel West Hospital for help.
I assume dad was deceased or unresponsive by the time the police discovered him. Identification of him would have been made by his driver license.

All these years later, I wish I had been given the opportunity to gently hold dad’s hand as he took his final breath, and walked into eternity. I am certain my sister, Kim, (Daddy’s Girl) feels the same way as I do.

My father’s car wreck brought about a whole chain of events for two police officers. They were first dispatched to my Bexley home to relay the unpleasant news to my mother. When she wasn’t home, the neighbors told them where we attended church.

At our family’s church, Dr. Dinoff was pulled out of a men’s prayer meeting. He was given the somber news of my father’s passing by law enforcement. Several men and the pastor knew where to find my family. (We have no idea how this information was known by anyone these many years later.)

When the church men and Dr. Dinoff greeted my mother with their grave news, it was a shock, but in no way a surprise. Mom thought she was absolutely crazy with all the messages her Heavenly Father had provided her with throughout the day that dad’s earthly life was coming to an end that night.

In the midst of my mother’s grief of identifying her husband at the morgue, the only thing she says she remembers is that his face was missing its dentures. (Had his teeth been lost in the accident?)

On our way to the Dinoff’s home, where we three children received the news of dad’s passing, my sister remembers asking one of the church men present (John Alexander): “Is my dad OK?” His response was “Everything will be fine.”

That statement has been prophetic in the life of my family. We’ve been through some horrible stuff through the years (too numerous to name here). With the Almighty’s guidance, we’ve come through it all better, more empathetic people on the other side (of the storm).

We were at the Dinoffs for quite awhile before we got the news that night. There were a lot of tears shed during our time there. I’m told I even screamed in desperation. This night reminds me a great deal of someone seeing their first terrifying movie. The horrifying memory is always lurking around somewhere in the hidden places of your mind. It’s always ready to scare you when you least expect it (over and over again).

On the ride home, being the oldest son I remember all the questions swirling around in my head on how this family would survive without a father figure at the helm of our family ship. (At this age, there is no way I was ready to take over that job.)

According to mom, a good friend of our family’s spent the night with us all just to be there for us our time of immense sorrow. (It was Judy Matheny, a mother and wife. Her husband served with my father on the bus ministry at the church that was currently providing our emotional support, Fellowship Baptist Church.)

I’m sure everyone has had their own challenges. They have shaped (and changed) everything about you. Because of them, you are the unique individual God created. I am satisfied with where I am in my life now, but I’m always willing to improve for the better.

God (has placed and) needs me to be right where I am. There have been many unexpected twists and turns (both positive and negative) in my unfinished journey.

Proverbs 3:13 (NKJV) cleverly states what I want to achieve for the remaining time that I have left here in this world. “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.” We can all use more compassion and understanding.  Can you live with a “happily ever” based on this verse?



*Thanks to both my mother (Janice Zarbaugh) and sister’s (Kim Graham) memories (that I had forgotten) of this shocking family event.

Growing up Kinker

In God We Trust

After over two decades of marriage, the similarities Bobbi and I share are more evident each passing day. In the scheme of our lives, our few differences don’t seem to be that important anymore.

One area of our existences that both my wife and I have difficulties revolves around the area of trust (faith). The older we both get the more our belief tends to waver (at times) with family members, our work associations, and even our relationships with the Almighty.

One song Bobbi has on her Spotify playlist is by the Christian artist, Lauren Daigle. The chorus creates so many questions in my brain (even with all the many answers the Heavenly Father has given to me consistently time and time again). How do these lyrics affect you (in your heart)? Do you agree with them?

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

Trust is something we can all use more of. Here are a few important reminders to take with you on your spiritual journey:

1.  Don’t be timid, but more courageous (than you thought was ever possible). Trust God with every decision you make in life. He will never fail you. (Joshua 1:9)

2.  A life devoted to earthly things is dead, but a life devoted to the Almighty is flourishing and alive like a babbling brook. (Proverbs 11:28)

3.  Faith in God can do the impossible (or what you thought could never happen in a million years). (Luke 1:37)

4.  Our walk in life has to be by faith in God, and not by what we think needs to happen in solving a challenge. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

5.  Sometimes it’s best to take a deep breath (and a step back) to allow the Almighty to do what He does best, the miraculous. (Psalms 46:10) 

Have you ever prayed for your Heavenly Father to trust and believe in you more (instead of the reverse)? When the Almighty asks you to speak to someone does he know (for certain) that you will follow through with His request?

To your Heavenly Father is your promise as good as money in the bank? If you are not always reliable in your earthly relationships, your divine association needs to be the exception.

A Royal Life Saver

Every decision in life that one makes (on such things as romance, spirituality, and work) leads them down a particular path in life (that ultimately determines the quality of their existence).

Have you ever wondered what your world would have been like if you’d chosen the other road (instead of the one you ended up picking)? Poet Robert Frost vocalized this mystery in his poem, “The Road Not Taken.” Do you agree with the conclusion (below) that he ends up at?

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

In the midst of your daily life, have you ever realized that you may be exactly where you need to be for the Almighty to use you (as much as is possible) for His ultimate glory?

The biblical Hadassah/Queen Esther (of Persia) was put in a position to ultimately have the power to save her people, the Jews, from annihilation. (You can view Esther’s turbulent story in such DVD’s like One Night with the King and The Book of Esther.) Her cousin (and guardian), Mordecai, made this wise assessment about her situation in Esther 4:14 (MSG). His advice applies to us today. (What does it mean to you?)

“If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.”

The “Robert Kinker” translation of this verse is as follows:”If you don’t do as God asks you to, He will find some other willing servant to obey His will (and receive His divine blessing that you will miss out on). The Almighty has placed you in your current situation to minister to those in your circumference.”

I’ve often experienced the Almighty’s persistence when there is something He desires for me to do. God always gets what He wants because the Heavenly Father doesn’t give up until I give in.

As with many things, you have to live with all the choices you’ve made throughout your life.  When it comes to the Almighty, what decision will you come to?

A photograph of the young poet, Robert Frost.

Depiction of what the beautiful Queen Esther may have looked like.

Healing the Wounded

Whether you are present at a church every Sunday; only attend a service on special holiday (or family) occasions; or seldom darken the doors of a house of worship (for a variety of reasons); a variety of today’s churches can often be translated as being intolerant (and judgmental). Is this entirely accurate?

One of the best biblical analogies for the climate of the church is the story of the adulterous woman found in John 8:1-11 (ERV). Please read it below:

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he went back to the Temple area. The people all came to him, and he sat and taught them.

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought a woman they had caught in bed with a man who was not her husband. They forced her to stand in front of the people. 

They said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.  The Law of Moses commands us to stone to death any such woman. What do you say we should do?”

They were saying this to trick Jesus. They wanted to catch him saying something wrong so that they could have a charge against him. But Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. 

The Jewish leaders continued to ask him their question. So he stood up and said, “Anyone here who has never sinned should throw the first stone at her.” Then Jesus stooped down again and wrote on the ground.

 When they heard this, they began to leave one by one. The older men left first, and then the others. Jesus was left alone with the woman standing there in front of him.  He looked up again and said to her, “Where did they all go? Did no one judge you guilty?”

She answered, “No one, sir.”

Then Jesus said, “I don’t judge you either. You can go now, but don’t sin again.”

Many of us metaphorically-speaking have either played the role of the adulterous woman (“Antalya”) or the Pharisee (“Phidias”) in a church environment.

In the above scripture, it is evident Antalya was scared, ashamed, betrayed, and exposed. Chances are she was dirty, messy, and was partially covered by a thin sheet (from her bed).

The man she loved had deserted her when she needed him most (as he is nowhere to be found in this account). She could soon be stoned for her crime of passion. Antalya’s lover may have left because Jewish law (Deuteronomy 22:22) said that he was subject to the same death as her, stoning.

More often, churches resemble a chaotic war zone (where lots people are turning into battle casualties in an assortment of ways) rather than a hospital (where true healing is in order). 

Have you ever felt any of Antalya’s emotions in a house of worship you have been a part of? Like many of us today, this was probably not the first time Antalya had fallen short of God’s standard of perfection. (Romans 3:23)

On the other hand, Phidias the Pharisee wanted the law enforced completely with Antalya. He was a self-righteous hypocrite that most assuredly ignored all of his own sinful shortcomings like having compassion for others.

How many people have you met in church that makes sure you know clearly that they you are spiritually inferior to them? Instead of bringing you closer to a needed relationship with God the opposite happens as the distance widens with their actions.

Jesus chose to accept Antalya as she was. (John 8:10-11, Matthew 22:36-40) He chose to defend her basic right of worth and respect to those that doubted (and were trying to trick Him with their questions). As you know, Jesus cannot be fooled because He always knows the real truth of a situation.

At the end of His time with Antalya, Jesus chose to leave her with a gentle reminder (rather than a harsh condemnation). In love, He called Antalya to a higher purpose. (John 8:11, Romans 6:1-2, John 10:10)

At times, it might seem the best way to bring someone to Christ is to throw at them every Bible verse that speaks against what they are doing wrong. That will instead build a lot of resentment from them towards you (and ultimately towards the Almighty).

Ignore their imperfections (like you do yours), and instead be devoted to others as much as you feel a duty for your own well-being. (Matthew 22:39)

God will use your genuine love to facilitate the true changes He wants made in that person’s life. (Another great service you can offer is prayer to Heaven for this individual’s growth. Change will happen.)

*Inspired by the sermon “The Mythbuster Series, Installment Five: The Acceptance Myth,” Jon Jansen, June 19, 2016, Father’s Day, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH

Ataxophobia

Has your life ever felt completely out of control, and there seems to be enough time to complete everything on your rather extensive to-do list. The late Jim Rohn (entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker) made this timely observation. “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.”

The scripture provides important principals in accomplishing tasks and reaching one’s priorities.

“But be sure that everything is done properly and in order”

I Corinthians 14:40 (NLT)

“It’s obvious isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, [will be] the place you will want to be, and end up being.” (Matthew 6:21)

Our Heavenly Father wishes your life to be organized. God also knows that human beings only make time for what they really want to do and, is the most important them.

You’ve probably met the friend (or family member) that says something like: “One day I’ll write a novel, organize my car (house), and settle down (with a wife and kids)” or numerous other things.

As we all know, tasks in life don’t get finished unless you do them (or pay someone to do them). If you’ve been lucky enough to find your life partner (like me), it may seem that whole meeting time happened by chance. Is that really true though?

In your Heavenly Father’s ultimate diagram for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), I believe everything is organized (and predestined), and nothing is left to chance. The Almighty placed you in the right place at the exact time (whether that happened to be work, church, a dating service, or numerous other places) to make that special connection.

Many have grown-up hearing this required maternal cliché, “cleanliness is next to godliness.” This phrase was first recorded in a sermon by John Wesley in 1778. It refers to cleanliness being connected to spiritual integrity as in “It makes God happy when you bathe regularly.”

Though great hygiene is an admirable personal quality in the U.S.A., what the Almighty really finds of value is when His children are serving Him as found in Romans 12:11 (MSG). “Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and a flame.”

Your Heavenly Father does not want you to be afraid of allowing Him to molding your life into what it needs to be no matter how long this adventure of a lifetime takes. The Almighty wants you in a relationship with Him for the long haul (or the rest of your life).

Did you know there are people that struggle with an illogical (to others), enormous, possibly lifetime fear of disorder or chaos? This is known as” Ataxophobia.”(See Fear Factor)

Many doubts (or dreads) about anything in life often vanish as one involves themself (in small controlled amounts) of the practice of that aversion. (Psychologically, this remedy is known as “immersion therapy.”)

I Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) is the Christian version of the above practice. “So, my dear brothers and sister, be strong and immoveable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

Fulfillment

With all the many choices a person makes in their life, their definitive goal is to find happiness. God’s ultimate design is for you to glorify and please Him. (2 Corinthians 5:9)

When all is said and done, you live to delight the Heavenly Father (and not yourself).  Make it a purposeful (not a carefree) pursuit. Reasons to do the above today include one day being judged by Jesus. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Matthew 25:21, Luke 16:19-25)

Life can have deeper happiness when our purpose revolves around the Almighty. (John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Philippians 3:8) Christ’s love requires us to do this. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

When sang in sang the choir (at the church I grew up in), I remember the chorus of a song (with lyrics by Rev Albert B. Simpson and tune by Mary L. Stocks.) The words say:

What will you do with Jesus?
Neutral you cannot be;
Someday your heart will be asking,
“What will He do with me?”

Similar to the above chorus, Jesus heard the words of Matthew 27:22 (MSG) about Him addressed to an angry crowd by Pontius Pilate at the trial that would result in His death (and eventual resurrection). “Then what do I do with Jesus, the so-called Christ?” 

Unlike the elections coming up in November, you cannot remain undecided when it comes to Jesus. The way you live your life, will announce your choice loud (and clear) to those around you. (This is important because your true happiness depends on what you do.)

*Inspired by the sermon “The Mythbuster Series, Installment One: The Happiness Myth,” Pastor Dave Jansen, May 22, 2016, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH

**Note: On posts based on a sermon series, you will notice the church and pastor have changed to the new house of worship I am currently attending. We never know when, where, and how often God may bring change in our lives to ultimately honor Him as we obediently do His will.

The Pearly Gates

I have occasionally heard this at a funeral (or viewing) about the deceased. “He (or she) was such a good person. I know they’ll make it past the pearly gates straight into Heaven.” Is this belief actually true of anyone who has made that trip over to the other side?

The above statement (given in a time of sadness) is based on a false assumption. Let me summarize the message behind the verses Romans 3:10, 23, 7:18-19 Galatians 5:17, Mark 10:17-22, and I John 1:18 say that no one is completely “just right” in the eyes of the Almighty. (This does not change His “undying” love for you.) The truth hurts at times, but that doesn’t change what it is.

The good version of each of us is constantly in battle with our darker side. Our Heavenly Father is the only entity with absolute sinless perfection. Would you agree?

A second false assumption is that Heaven can be acquired by one’s goodness. We all know that every person whether they are an innocent child, a selfless volunteer, a wonderful parent, or a saintly senior are all born into sin (and stay sinners) during their residence here on planet Earth. (I Peter 1:15-16, Matthew 5:48, James 2:10-11, Romans 6:23) Eternal life with God is available as a free gift from Him and not based on one’s own self-worth. (See Salvation by the Book)

Besides being an action of divine love and protection (by the Almighty) to an undeserving individual, GRACE can also be an acronym that stands for “God’s riches at Christ’s expense.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 4:16, John 6:29)

I’ve said this many times before, but God cherishes you, and is intently pursuing you for His kingdom. Why make Him wait any longer. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Revelations 3:20 (MSG) states it this way: “Look at me. I stand, I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you.”   

*Inspired by the sermon “The Mythbuster Series, Installment Two: The Eternity Myth,” Pastor Dave Jansen, May 29, 2016, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH

I’m a Survivor

In the Valpak (of Central Ohio) envelope of coupons we received in our mail regularly was a message from the Ohio Department of Health (on a check-size piece of paper) that I was one hundred percent in agreement with. 

The slogan (in large purple letters) was “Stop Cancer {before it stops you.}” The young African American woman (in the stylish sleeveless striped shirt) next to the words looked rather concerned about the topic on this flyer.

On the back of this slip of paper, the following “Did You Know” information was provided. “One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in the United States.  Regular breast and cervical cancer screenings can find cancer early, when treatment works best.

Talk to your doctor about what screening options for breast and cervical cancer are best for you. Thirty-three women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day in the United States.  To learn more or to see if you qualify for free cancer screenings, call 1-844-430-BCCP.”

There is a lot of my cancer experience in 2009 that my mind has chosen to forget (for the sake of my survival then and my mental sanity now). My post, Blessed, was my attempt to dredge up that story for the attempt of others. My wife has been an invaluable asset in helping me to remember the correct facts as they were at that time.

The book I had made of my electronic CaringBridge journal (kept for family and friends) records my feelings as they were at that time. At this time I was fighting as hard as I could to not becoming a celestial citizen in a heavenly realm.

Of course, one when it is time for me to enter Heaven, one of the things that I will look forward to the most is described in Revelations 21:4 (MSG): “He’ll wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good – tears gone, crying gone, pain gone…” (See Out of This World and Heaven: A Guide for Travelers)

One thing I am thrilled God does for me daily (instead in Heaven one day when I no longer need it) is described in Psalm 103:12 (MSG): “And as far as sunrise is from sunset, He has separated us from our sin.”

Our Heavenly Father expects us to give the same forgiveness to others that have wronged us as when He pardons us for our many transgressions. Mark 11:25 (MSG) boldly declares; “If you have anything against someone, forgive – only then will your Heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”

Sincere forgiveness can be a monumental sacrifice (at times) where other people (who have wronged us) are concerned. We have given up the anger so we live the best version of our life now. How are doing in accomplishing this important goal? Do you need help? If so search for this assistance immediately.

The inspiration

The Ugly Duckling

Throughout time, discrimination has made its hideous opinions known on matters like race, gender, religion, ethnicity, gender, weight, intellectual disabilities, sexual orientation, and educational level just to name a few life areas.

In today’s “equal opportunity” society, prejudice does exist with unwelcome gestures, unfair hiring practices, hurtful (non-funny) jokes, and many other examples that come to your mind or experience (that are not a part of my repertoire).

In Romans 2:11(MSG), true believers of the Almighty are told this about His character: “God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up His own mind.” The Heavenly Father sees value in everyone (whether other people agree or not).

The term “ugly duckling” is the title of a story by Hans Christian Anderson. Generally, the term refers to an individual initially considered unpromising, but through some process to later to prove admirable (and of great worth).

Acts 10:34-35 (MSG) reminds me somewhat of the above expression. “God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are, or where you’re from – if you want God and are ready to do as He says, the door is open.”  

The Heavenly Father is often unpredictable (by us). Many times He will take an individual that society deems of little significance (an ugly duckling). The transformation that God uses to turn this soul into a costly asset (a swan) is truly miraculous.

No matter what differences you may have with those you come into contact with, John 13:34-35 (MSG) describes exactly how God wants you to treat the variety of individuals you get in touch with throughout your day (or night).

“Let me give you a new command: love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.”

NOTE: The topic for this post was inspired by a request from my adult daughter, Allena. If there is something you would like me to discuss on ENCOURAGE ME, please e-mail me at robert3chis@gmail.com. Thanks, and secretly bless someone today. You will be glad you chose to.

Like a Good Neighbor

It was a hot humid Sunday afternoon at around 3pm on June 12, 2016. Allena’s work shift was done. The temperature was around 84 degrees as she walked out the front door of her place of employment. On the other side of the parking lot, Allena thought what she heard was one of the many a seagulls that scavenged for food in the parking lot of her store. 

Getting into her car, Allena listened to the sound again. It was definitely loud, and not the voice of a seagull. She drove around until she discovered the maker of that noise. Inside a blue Chevy pick-up truck was a distressed black and brown Dachshund. Each car window rolled down a bit had not lessened the soaring heat index inside the vehicle.

Obviously the owner(s) of this car didn’t know (or care that) dogs can sustain brain damage, or even die from heatstroke in just fifteen minutes. Beating the heat is extra tough for canines because they can only cool themselves by panting, or by sweating through their paw pads.

Allena was estimating this Dachshund had been inside this heat trap for at least thirty minutes (or maybe longer). Maybe the dog’s owner had got sidetracked from a quick errand with all the many distractions her store had.

If needs be, she’d bloody her fist, and break one of the car windows to save this precious pooches life. She felt this canine was counting on her for help. (She wondered how many others had ignored this bark for help.)

She wondered if pouring her bottle of cold water on this overheated Dachshund to cool it down would be the right thing to do once the animal was safely out of the car.

Her job had never provided her with any instruction on what to do. As a co-parent of three Chihuahuas, her heart knew exactly what had to be done very quickly.

If you wouldn’t intentionally leave a human baby inside a car, Allena wondered why would one leave a dog (that is like a family member) to deal with this heat. Allena wondered why the owners had not chosen to take the Dachshund inside since the store allowed that.

My daughter tried calling me at home for advice, but I was on the phone with the library, and didn’t wish to interrupt my call. (In my defense, I assumed that the situation was not dire.)

Allena spoke with her mother (via cell phone at work in the same building), and took her advice to call the police. She did this. When the police arrived, they requested immediately that someone in the store make an announcement for the owners of that vehicle to return immediately to the parking lot.

Allena was not present for the outcome of this rescue mission that would involve a policemen waiting at this car. In her heart, my daughter is happy to know she did exactly what she’s sure Jesus would have done in this situation. Maybe Allena was the only human that stood between life and death for this darling dog.

If this true life event sounds like a familiar version of something you’ve read in the scriptures, you would be right. The story of the Good Samaritan can be found in Luke 10:30-37(CEV). It can be read below:

Jesus replied: as a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, robbers attacked him and grabbed everything he had. They beat him up and ran off, leaving him half dead.

A priest happened to be going down the same road. But when he saw the man, he walked by on the other side.  Later a temple helper came to the same place. But when he saw the man who had been beaten up, he also went by on the other side.

A man from Samaria then came traveling along that road. When he saw the man, he felt sorry for him and went over to him. He treated his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them.

Then he put him on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.  The next morning he gave the innkeeper two silver coins and said, “Please take care of the man. If you spend more than this on him, I will pay you when I return.”

Then Jesus asked, “Which one of these three people was a real neighbor to the man who was beaten up by robbers?”

 The teacher answered, “The one who showed pity.”

Jesus said, “Go and do the same!”

Allena would be the first to let you know that she isn’t a saint. My daughter is a good person that allowed her compassionate heart to assist her in doing the right thing at the time it was most needed.

In moments like this, my pride in being her dad is enormous. Obviously, her mom and I did something right in parenting her among the many, many mistakes we made

Little did Allena realize, but my daughter was inadvertently obeying the mandate of Philippians 2:4 (MSG): “Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.”

I need to ask you if God can depend on your willingness (in unusual situations) to be used by Him for His glory. He desperately needs the talents and abilities that only you have to offer. Your response will reveal a great deal about your relationship with the Almighty whether it is sickly or healthy.

Allena and Bobbi at work

A reminder

Hot dog