Someone has said, “Cat’s aren’t people, they just think they are.” Actually I wonder if they don’t think they are better than people. My friend Buddy thinks cats are better than most people. The other day he asked, “What’s the good word?” “God is good,” I replied. “Yes, but people aren’t. I prefer my cats,” he said. Buddy then told how he purchased a rare breed of cat that was sick and neglected. He spent hundreds of dollars in veterinary fees to get the cat well. The cat has become a treasured pet that they dote on.

As loving as cats are, they still aren’t people. It’s not always easy to love people is it?

Have you cast your vote? Sadly, too many Americans take their right to vote for granted. Multitudes throughout the world live under the rule of tyrannical governments. We have the privilege of living in a democracy, a country founded “by the people, for the people, and of the people!” To maintain that great freedom as American citizens, we must, among other things, exercise the right and responsibility to vote. We must pray and participate in government if we would protect our Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the United States of America.

Little did the little town realize the fame that Cana’s wedding would bring. Not because of the rich and famous who attended the wedding, but because of the lowly carpenter who graced it. Most of the town came to celebrate the week long festivities. Throughout history I’m sure there have been more elaborate and extravagant weddings. But Cana’s wedding had no equal in its distinguished guest or so notable a gift or such exhilarating glee.

In over 35 years of ministry, I can truthfully say that I have never seen an ugly bride. A bride radiates a certain glow about her face. The groom, though perhaps nervous, awaits his bride with joyful anticipation as she is escorted to the altar. Some weddings could be shown on “America’s Funniest Home Videos”.

When my grandchildren are around, I read several books and watch videos I normally would not be interested in. I have watched the same videos and read the same books dozens of times, simply because they love sharing them with me.

One such video is “Toy Story”. Buzz Lightyear is a toy astronaut. He is proud of himself and his imagined ability to fly. Woody, the stuffed cowboy doll, didn’t really appreciate Buzz’s self-confidence and exuberance. Woody chided Buzz and told him to face reality. “You aren’t a real astronaut. You’re just a toy! Don’t you know you can’t really fly?” (My paraphrase.)

Multitudes of Americans ushered in the New Year with celebrations of joy. Times Square in New York City has become known for its grand party on New Year’s Eve. We welcomed in the New Year 2008 with joy and anticipation. Eight is the number of new beginnings. God delights in new beginnings. He is the God of new beginnings. The Father is passionate about new beginnings. All earthly parties pale in comparison to the celebration of joy in heaven when one sinner repents and returns to the Father.

I once saw an interesting bumper sticker that read “This car breaks for garage sales and turtles.” If you have recently felt brain dead, stressed out, or just plain worn out, you need to break today. McDonald’s made this slogan famous – “You deserve a break today!” But you need more than a quick fix or a fast food or coffee break. You need a regular, deep, quality break. You need a time of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. For real rest break for Jesus each day.

Devious identity thieves are wreaking havoc in the lives of many Americans. There seems to be a plague of the illegitimate and counterfeit. We cherish the bona fide. The sound of the word has a certain ring to it. Webster’s Dictionary defines bona fide as, “ . . . done without fraud or deceit, genuine, real, or authentic.” The bona fide brings a sense of security and truth into our lives.

Many years ago the phrase “The Real McCoy” came into use. It was said to have originated from locomotive mechanics who discovered that only a certain wrench, made by a black man by the name of McCoy, would precisely fit a particular bolt. There were copies of the tool, but only “the Real McCoy” had the perfect fit. Locomotive mechanics asked for the real McCoy.

We were having a great time at Centralia’s Hot Air Balloon Fest this year. Our grandchildren were enjoying the activities in the children’s area. While we were waiting for the kids, we had a good visit with our friend Paul, president of a local bank. That’s when God used Paul to give me a serendipitous word.

Paul told us about giving his young grandson a ride on his Honda motorcycle. His grandson was thrilled. After they had returned home, his mother asked if he had a great time. “Oh, it was beyond great!” his grandson exclaimed. Sometimes there are just not enough superlatives to fully describe something, is there?

“Say it with flowers,” is the florist’s motto. There is just something about giving and getting flowers from that special someone that releases a romantic connection. Roses, for some reason, seem to be an elegant and sometimes extravagant expression of love and appreciation, especially on St. Valentines Day. But there is something better than roses that express what is on our heart. It is the open and loving communication whereby we make connection and our spirits touch. If that connection breaks down, it is only a matter of time before the whole relationship wilts and withers away.

It was a cold snowy day when Ben jumped down into the pit and killed the lion. Visibility was poor. His feet slipped in the snow. It was either him or the lion. Ben was a valiant man, one of David’s mighty men. The scriptures give us a brief snapshot of this great feat of courage, “He also went down and killed a lion inside a pit on a snowy day” (I Chronicles 11:22-25). The lion was not a circus lion nor was it like a lion in the zoo. This was a wild, ferocious lion. Even today in certain parts of the world people are mauled and killed by wild beasts.

Are we safer now than before 9/11/01? That is the question politicians and people are asking. We live in a world where terror and tragedy can happen at any moment. Many people are gripped by anxiety and fear. Devastating weather, war, criminals, crazy people, disease, death, fascists, famine, the devil, and hordes of demons seem to be unleashed in escalating intensity. Can we be safe from the “noonday destruction”? (Psalm 91:6)

Although we are not immune from the troubles that plague the human race, there is a safe place for those who will abide in the shadow of the Almighty and under His wings. (Psalm 91) There is a supernatural peace available even in the midst of the storms that rage.

My daughter had a startling revelation. It happened in her freshman year of high school. One day she came home in tears. After supper she tearfully asked, “Dad, why didn’t you tell me we were poor?” The question momentarily shocked me and grieved my heart. All normal fathers want to adequately provide for their families. I asked her, “Who said that we were poor?” “Some of my friends and classmates,” she answered while wiping a tear from her eye. “We are not rich but we are not poor,” I replied. “Have you ever gone hungry? Do you lack clothes to wear? Don’t we have a house to live in with running water, indoor plumbing, and electricity? It’s true, we are not rich, but we are not poor.”

Many cultures have differing versions of the myth of the Phoenix Bird. The Phoenix stood as a symbol of immortality, resurrection, and life after death. The Phoenix was said to be of breathtaking beauty and its feathers were composed of fire. It was also said to have lived from 500 – 1,461 years. Interestingly Hesiod said that the Phoenix lived 952 generations of 33 years each. When it neared death it built a pyre of myrrh and other spices and set its own fire and is burned by the fire. The new Phoenix arises from the ashes. Some legends tell of the Phoenix rising from the ashes after three days.

Why are Westerners some of the most resistant people to truly hearing the Word of God? It is hard to understand kingdom principles with a democratic mind-set. Democracy is fine for the nations of the world, but we must remember that the kingdom of God is just that – a kingdom. It is ruled by a king and there is rank, order, and authority. So ascertains author John Bevere in his book entitled Under Cover. The laws of God’s kingdom are not superseded by or subject to popular opinion, voting, or polls. Our culture refuses to accept this truth.

It’s a breathtaking experience when over 40 hot-air balloons light up the night sky in an evening balloon glow at the annual Centralia Balloon Fest. Vast crowds of people watch spellbound at the awesome sight. Joyful smiles spread across the faces of children and adults alike. I never tire of watching the glowing tear drop shaped balloons lighting up the darkness. Mankind was not made for darkness but for light. Why? Because “God is light.” This summer while visiting Florida, my wife and I enjoyed visiting a Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery.

What we need is an old-fashioned Christmas. Oh, I’m not advocating a nostalgic, picture post-card Christmas. But a real Christmas, where the focus is on the reason for the season – the birth of Christ Jesus, Messiah, Lord of heaven and earth. Many believers are opting out of the over commercialized, secular Christmas. The glitz and gifts galore have left them tired and empty. Instead they are getting back to a simple old-fashioned Christmas where there is time to reflect on why Jesus came to earth as a babe in Bethlehem and to give devotion and worship to the Holy one, the Christ of Christmas.

I like newness. New things give us a certain feel, a certain excitement. I like a new ink pen, a new notebook or journal, the smell of a new car, a new calendar, a new Bible, new potatoes, the wonder of a new born baby, and a brand new year, to name a few. What are some new things that you enjoy? Perhaps you have made some New Year resolutions or set new goals. Unfortunately many New Year resolutions are broken and new things wear off or get old. But the new things that God gives are eternal. Let’s consider some new things that God gives. They are inexhaustible.

Two of the most honored and revered men in American history are not known nor remembered as much for their statesmanship or great intellect as for their staunch character. As Americans to name two of the greatest Presidents in American history and the majority would undoubtedly name Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While in College, my history professor, like many professors, delighted in trying to blemish the character of Lincoln and Washington. But after reading extensively over the years about Washington and Lincoln, it is my belief that they were not only men of character but also men of prayer and men of destiny.

The group of giggling kids posed the question as they boarded the bus for their ride home, “Are you an alien?” After a moments thought I replied in the affirmative. “Yes, I guess I am an alien. I’m sure many have thought that.” A few months ago a teenage, who is into science fiction, shared his theory with me. “There are aliens among us!” he said. “They have invaded the earth and have taken on human form. Who knows, the person next to you may really be an alien disguised as a human.”

It’s been said that “the clothes make the man”. Joey would certainly have agreed. As he strolled down the street, he was aware of admiring looks from passers-by. His technicolor coat made him stand out in a crowd. The coat was more exclusive than an Armani. Joey would tell you how his father had it custom designed and tailored especially for him. Joey’s brothers saw him coming down the dusty road. His technicolor coat easily identified him. “Here comes that dreamer,” one of his brothers snarled disdainfully.

Sometimes a child’s understanding of things gets a little mixed-up. Such was the case of my grandson. The baby-sitter was looking through the family picture album and pointed out a picture of his cousin who lives in Seattle. She asked him his name. “We call him Taet, but I think his parents named him Satan,” he replied. It was later explained to the puzzled baby-sitter that his cousin was not named Satan, but Staeton. When I was in kindergarten I remember the teacher leading the class in a game where we would all hold hands and march around in a circle singing what I thought was a song entitled “Ring Around a Rosie”.

My son Chris lives in the state of Washington surrounded by majestic snow capped mountains and the splendor of God’s magnificent creation. But 70 miles away looms Mt St Helens and the threat of an erupting volcano. Scientist say that Mt Ranier will someday erupt sending an avalanche of molten lava and debris cascading down through the Seattle – Tacoma area into the Puget Sound. But the residents stay! Why? They hope that it will not happen – at least not in their lifetime.

John came to me depressed and hopeless. As he talked, he painted a bleak picture of unemployment, old age, ill health, and feelings of failure and helplessness. "Whatever I do and whatever I try, it always seems that I'm a day late and a dollar short," said John dejectedly. Perhaps you can identify with John in some aspect of your life. One day Jesus met a man at the pool of Bethesda. It was a famous pool. Multitudes of sick and infirm people came to the pool seeking healing.

It is intriguing that Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding in Cana. The Son of God reaffirmed his blessing on marriage. After all, marriage is God's idea, not mans. "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." (See Genesis 2:22-25) Jesus and his mother Mary were both invited to this wedding in Cana. It was a festive and joyous occasion. Jesus celebrated with the young couple. God celebrates the love and commitment found between husband and wife in marriage.

Political ads and commercials ad nauseam will continue to bombard us until elections in November. I’m undecided as to whom I will vote for. I was impressed with the Christmas ads from Senator John McCain. In it we see a young John McCain beaten, bruised, and tied to a cot in a dingy, dark cell as a POW in Vietnam. Senator McCain recounts how a guard came into his cell, untied him, and helped him out into the sunlight. The guard then took a stick and drew a cross in the dirt. That powerful vignette is the gospel of the cross.