My grandchildren like the movie Cars. I love old cars. A first car is usually very special. I’ll always remember my first car. It was on old ’55 Ford – sky blue in color. I remember the day my dad took me to buy it. I proudly drove it home. Once a week I would wash, wax, and clean it. Even though my dad helped me get it, I had to fulfill my responsibility to keep gas in it and maintain it. It had power under the hood. But, unless I engaged the engine, put it in gear, and accelerated, I would go nowhere. When I engaged all of my responsibilities I could enjoy the ride. I didn’t have to push or pull the car; I simply engaged my responsibility and enjoyed the journey.

Why do so many Americans promulgate the myths of the tooth fairy, Santa Clause, and the Easter Bunny but do not believe in miracles nor emphasize the most important miracle of all – the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead? Could it be that to believe and admit to the resurrection would then require an acknowledgement and accountability to the living Christ as Savior and Lord?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He is who He claimed to be – the Son of the Living God – deity. Salvation and eternal hope stand on that bedrock.

Every person has a story to tell. We are the richer if we take the time to listen to them. I have been blessed, delighted, and humbled as I hear of the grace and hand of God working in the lives of people.

My friend and brother in Christ, Hugh Blair, went to his eternal reward a few years ago. He had many years of faithfulness to his Lord when he began attending our church with a dear friend. Hugh was a healthy, active farmer for most of his life. He never married and, for almost 91 years, served and trusted God. His last few years were a severe trial for him. Failing eyesight ended his farming and several strokes eventually confined him to a health care center.

Ralph was mentally handicapped but basically harmless. He loved to dress in army fatigues and play soldier. A highlight of his career was the day the National Guard rolled through his small Kentucky town in a long convoy of trucks, jeeps, and equipment. Already dressed in his uniform, Ralph thought he would help out by directing traffic. Unsuspectingly the lead vehicles followed Ralph’s directions until they came to a dead-end with nowhere to turn around. Angrily the sergeant relieved Ralph of his duty and slowly began to back the convoy up.

Not everyone who dresses as a soldier is one. Not everyone who wears a suit is a success. Not everyone who wears a clerical collar can preach or necessarily knows God.

Many years ago one of the leading citizens of Centralia, Dr. J. Carl Hall, donated a beautiful and treasured legacy. The land that was donated to the community has been added to and improved by other generous benefactors. This area became known as Foundation Park. The Centralia Foundation endeavors to keep the acres of rolling hills, meadows, woods, ponds, and bubbling streams as close to its natural setting as possible. It is a blessing to able to walk through the park enjoying the Creator and His creation.

There was a popular jingle that helped sell millions of packs of chewing gum. The commercial told us that we could double our pleasure by chewing “Double Mint Gum”. God gives us commands in His Word that brings double the blessings. If you want to double your pleasure, “Give respect and honor to whom it is due” (Romans 13:7). To some of God’s servants we are to give DOUBLE HONOR! Paul instructed, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (I Timothy 5:17). Paul said “double honor”, in other words – twice the honor you’d give someone in a place of secular authority. In the context, it includes the way we financially honor ministers.

By 1977, Kerry Livgren had achieved superstardom. His rock band, Kansas, had achieved international acclaim. Livgren had wealth, fame and a good marriage, yet he felt empty on the inside. Although confirmed in a church as a child, he had no relationship with Christ, only a knowledge of Christianity which he rejected as a religion for extremists. Livgren’s despair was summed up in his classic song, Dust in the Wind: “Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea/ All we do crumbles to the ground, but we refuse to see/Dust in the wind; all we are is dust in the wind; all we are is dust in the wind/ Don’t hang on; nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky/It slips away, and all your money won’t another minute buy/ Dust in the wind; all we are is dust in the wind.”

We were filled with sadness that searing hot summer’s day as we stood around the grave of Mitzi our little Shih Tzu. As we conducted a simple funeral, my grandson asked, with tears trickling down his face, “Grandpa, do all good dogs go to heaven?”

Many heartbroken pet lovers have asked a similar question. I confess that over the years I have somewhat changed my view concerning the question, “Will animals be in heaven?” In the Millennium the lion will lie down with the lamb. Much is written about horses and eagles. The Bible mentions animals many times.

Super rock star Madonna and a few other rock musicians have recently depicted themselves hanging on a cross during their concerts. I don’t know their motives or the reasoning for this. But for many followers of Christ it seems to demonstrate profane disrespect for the holy cross of Jesus Christ.

Some people wear crosses as jewelry. For them it is a reminder of the love of their Savior who willingly gave his life to suffer and die on an old rugged cross as the substitute for our sins.

Something was bothering Jan. Her mother noticed the anxiety and hesitancy when she was asked about the upcoming father – daughter banquet. “Jan, did you ask your father to take you to the banquet?” her mother asked. Jan looked down at the floor as she slowly replied that she had not.

“But why not, Jan?” her mother asked. “You know that he would love to take you.” “I know,” stammered Jan, “But when kids see daddy they stare and ask me what’s wrong with him.”

I often noticed the battered pick-up as I’ve driven down the road. It would be interesting to know the driver. The other day I noticed the truck was in front of me again. What got my attention was the decal/sunshield that covered the back window. It read – COW-BOY UP. I think I needed that reminder at the time. Instead of giving in to sickness, self-pity, or depression, I needed to “cow-boy up”.

Cowboys are known for their toughness. I read about a rodeo cowboy who, over the years of competition, had broken his arm, wrist, and leg, had a ruptured spleen, and concussions. When cowboys get hurt they remind one another to cow-boy up – to be tough, suck it up, persevere, get back on the horse and keep going. If you have taken some hard knocks – don’t give up – cow-boy up.

We all face a daily cosmic battle with temptation and the tempter. The tempter knows the weakest link in our armor and usually aims his arrows at the Achilles heel of our humanity. It is not a sin to be tempted. After all, even the Son of Man, Jesus, was tempted by the tempter. Jesus knows what it feels like to be assailed by the tempter. But Jesus conquered temptation and boldly routed the tempter. That is why the Scriptures encourage us to look to Jesus. “For we do no have a priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence, to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in the time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16, NASB).

This spring yellow daffodils pierce winters gloom and song birds arrive to sing their songs and build their nests. Relay for Life committees plan and execute their annual fundraising events to help those fighting cancer.

As one among eight million cancer survivors, I would like to share some lessons in conquering cancer.

First – LIFE IS SHORT – ETERNITY IS SURE. In Christ we can be more than a survivor. We can hang onto God’s promise, “Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT). The King James Version says, “We are more than conquerors.” Paul goes on to say, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t and life can’t” (Romans 8:38 NLT).

God is a God of love and occasionally surprises us with serendipitous moments to remind us of the wonder of His concern and involvement in the details of our lives. Such was the case as my wife and I did a “walk-through” of the house we were considering renting. We sincerely wanted God’s direction. I had shared with Cyndi that I had prayed for God’s confirmation as to whether this was the house and community where He wanted us to live. Cyndi excitedly called me to come and look in the closet that was in the den. There on the shelves were three eagle statuettes. Was this a mere coincidence that I had a keen interest in eagles and had entitled my new ministry Eagle Life Ministries and finding these statuettes?

In just a few short weeks we will be observing Valentine’s Day – a day we express love to our sweethearts with candy, cards, and flowers. A favorite icon for the day is Cupid’s heart with an arrow through it. But what kind of heart does the greatest lover in the universe look for? What kind of heart pleases God? Is your heart pierced by God?

One of the greatest love stories in all of literature is the story of David. The life of David is a great character study of a heart that pleases God. (I and II Samuel) David was called a man after God’s own heart. What a great distinction to be known for.

My grandson’s response brought back memories of my childhood. Maybe that happens more often the older you get. My wife and I like to have some of our grandchildren’s favorite cereals on hand when they spend the night. When Elijah was asked what kind he wanted, he answered, “Cheerios, but the honey-nut kind.” He got his honey-nut cheerios. But I remembered how that was my favorite cereal when I was his age. Cheerios have been around a long time. I never did think much about the name until now. I just remembered how the advertising promoted the formation of muscles and strength for those who ate iron fortified Cheerios. Elijah is right though, now I also like Honey-nut Cheerios the best.

Each year it seems that God speaks to me in a unique way concerning Christmas. God does speak to us if we keep our ears, eyes and heart open. In the past, God has given fresh insight and revelation. Sometimes through a Bible passage, perhaps a sermon, or a musical production like “Young Messiah,” or through books like Lew Wallace’s Ben Hur or Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, or some special serendipitous happening.

This year a warm light flooded my soul as I viewed again the video, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” at our Kid’s Club Christmas party. The old worn out VCR malfunctioned just like a lot of things in Charlie Brown’s growing up.

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”.

Have you seen the quirky television commercials sponsored by a wireless company? A young man walks through the swamp, over mountains, and rides a burro through a far flung, arid Mexican region with a cell phone in hand and up to his ear, he is in constant touch with the home office and repeatedly asks, “Can you hear me now?” “Can you hear me now?” I suppose the message is that this company works hard so that you can stay in touch wherever you go.

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.

The old west owes much to the horse and the cowboys who rode them. Before the west was tamed man learned how to tame and use the horse. The horse was so essential to a man on the range that horse thieves were summarily hung. When we lived out west it was amazing to see many children ride horses with ease and expertise. What enabled them to have so much control over a horse which outweighed them by hundreds of pounds? They learned how to use the bridle and bit to direct the horse.

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.