Chuck Locklear
fascinating characters, impactful books and messages
Gone Fishing
I was never a fan of fishing. I wanted to rename the sport “Waiting.” That is how I remember it as a child on my Uncle Ed’s boat, waiting for fish to bite. My Uncle Ed liked company on his boat, during the summer. I don’t really know why. We didn’t talk. We had to maintain silence. At the time, I thought that was so the fish did not hear our conversations. We would do this all day, with only a break for a baloney sandwich. We were “gone fishing.”
I learned only after my son, Holland, was in his mid-twenties that he was disappointed because I never took him fishing as a child. Of course, I told him that there was an important reason for this. I hated fishing and didn’t want to impose on him the same torture that I endured growing up. I have since prayed that I would be given the opportunity to redeem myself in his eyes and take him fishing.
A House On the Ocean
Recently, I got this chance and my fondness of fishing changed on a trip to Marco Island. My daughter and son-in-law rented a house on an inlet to the ocean. I traveled there to mostly help her watch the boys, but while I was there I decided to buy my grandsons fishing poles and tackle. I made them walk with me the two-mile trip to the bait store and we purchased live shrimp. At first, I had to do everything, tie the tackle, bait the hooks, cast the rods . . . everything.
I was busy, but the first day turned incredible when they started reeling in fish, lots of fish. Having grown up fishing on fresh water lakes, I quickly discovered there to be a greater variety of fish than I had seen before. At one point, my grandson pulled up a large fish that looked to me like a baby shark. It had big teeth, so I cut the line and threw it back in. Only after he reeled in the second one, I Googled it and found it to be a Spanish Mackerel.
A Large Bucket Of Fish
After a few hours, we had a large bucket of fish and of course the grands wanted to cook and eat them. But these were not lake perch, so Rayshawnda (Holland’s girlfriend) and I decided to go to the fish market where she talked the owner into filleting the fish for us. He did and we watched. My youngest grandson’s eyes were glued to the man’s actions. The owner even cooked the fish for us. That night we had a feast.
The next day the action was not quite as good, but everyone pulled in fish. On the fourth day, when Lizzy, my son, and son-in-law joined us, the action was the best yet. Everyone caught fish. By then the grands were casting their reels like pros. I got to fish with Holland and he even reeled in the largest Spanish Mackerel of the trip. That evening I filleted the fish and Holland cooked them on the grill. It was amazing.
So, I’ve since been dreaming. Maybe, I’ll buy a boat and open “Chuck’s Pretty Good Fishing Charter Service.” Yeah, I can see it now, “Captain Chuck.”
A Bad Impression Of God
My purpose is not to convince anyone to become a fishermen. Some of you, however, may have a wrong impression of God, made from a bad experience, or from watching someone you thought was “supposed” to be a messenger from God. Perhaps, your impression of God is just as jaded as was my impression of fishing.
Today, if given an invitation to go fishing, I would accept it. I would gladly put out a sign that says, “gone fishing.” I now understand how much fun this can really be. With my blog, I plan to share many stories about Jesus. I also plan to provide an invitation to meet Jesus, the Son of God, and accept his love for you. Jesus does not call you into a relationship of obligation and dread, but of peace and joy. I pray that you accept my invitation.
Also see, Do Not Fear, God Is On Your Side.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Choose Kindness
Becoming lost or disoriented is a common experience. As we travel the roads of this life, we are forced to travel new paths. We sometimes feel we have lost our way, our perspective, and our connection to God… and each other. It provides great encouragement when someone chooses to show kindness. We can choose kindness.
Reality of Life
While the Bible provides clear direction, it is not always easy to apply it’s truths to our daily lives. There are moments, for all of us, when the reality of living can really jar our soul. Have you ever prayed for something, that was the most important thing to you, and God did not answer in a way that made any sense at all. I have.
Because we love Jesus, we are called to take care of one another. Just before Jesus parted with his disciples he had this amazing conversation with Simon Peter. Let’s read it together in John 21:17.
“The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’”
John 21:17
We are the hands and feet of Jesus. We can best show our love for him by caring for one another. The care that we provide for our community is a powerful, holy example of carrying others through the difficulties of life. Often our words are less important than the care given in a hug, in doing household chores, and spending time to visit. Just like Peter, we are all called to take care of one another because we love Jesus. We are all called to share kindness because we love him.
Kindness is one of the Fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22:23. By displaying this fruit, people will know that we are the children of God. In so doing, we are displaying a family resemblance and helping others find God.
Overcome Evil with Good
In Romans we are told, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Yes, there is evil in the world. We have all suffered, felt betrayed, been let down. And, we can all find ourselves closing our heart to doing good for others. We think, that’s people for you, you try to help and this is the thanks you get. So, you just quit. Or, you find yourself thinking I try to live a life for God, but only get disappointment in return.
So, you drift away. But, here is a truth, the evil is not God’s fault. We live in a world damaged by sin, because of the first man Adam. One day this will change. We will have new bodies and live in a city where the Son of God is the only light needed. But, until then we are to “…overcome evil with good.”
Kindness is a choice! Every day, we have a choice as to which type of person we want to be. Do we want to be part of an evil, hate-filled world, or do we want to be kind and loving? The more we choose kindness, the more our once-closed hearts are cracked open wide. We are adding to the kindness in the world. We are overcoming evil with good. Lord, help us to choose kindness.
Also, see Lost and Alone.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Lost and Alone!
Today I’m remembering a John Denver song from my youth. “Lost and alone on some forgotten highway, traveled by many remembered by few. Looking for something that I can believe in, looking for something that I’d like to do with my life.”
Easily Lost
Lost! We all get lost sometimes. Some more than others. I’m good with directions, but not my wife. For Lizzy, getting lost is easy. I’ve learned to enjoy experiencing this with her, because we can go to the same place, but for her it is a new experience. This characteristic seems to have been passed on to our daughter. As a young adult, Whitney coached a dance team. For me, this meant spending lots of time at dance competitions watching the girls on her team compete. We would visit cities all over the mid-west, and, in most years, we would end the season with a trip to Walt Disney World to compete at the national competition. But, there were many competitions to win before arriving at the nationals.
For her this meant, traveling. Often waking up very early, 4:00 a.m., to drive to the city hosting the competition. I remember one morning vividly, because I received a call waking me very early. Lost! She was traveling with her co-coach from our house to Port Huron, MI and they were lost. She had been driving for an hour before she finally called me. I asked her to tell me some roads or landmarks, guideposts that I could use to provide her with directions, to get her back on the path.
She told me what she saw out the car window, a few roads, a building. I quickly realized they were nowhere near Port Huron. They had missed a guidepost along the way, taken a wrong turn early in their driving, and were in downtown… Detroit. Sixty miles from their destination.
Don’t Miss the Guideposts
Sometimes, it is easy to miss the guideposts and get lost in life. Recently, in my morning devotional I read Jeremiah 31:21 and the word guidepost jumped off the page.
“Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take. Return, Virgin Israel, return to your towns.” – Jeremiah 31:21
Becoming lost or disoriented as a follower of Jesus is a common experience for most of us. As we travel the roads of this life, we are forced to travel new paths. We sometimes feel we have lost our way, our perspective, and our connection to God… and each other. Sometimes, it seems we have traveled a great distance without seeing a guidepost.
What have you prayed for that you feel God has not answered? Do you sometimes feel he is not listening? Do you feel he is not even there, so why pray? Perhaps, you are praying for a job, healing, a spouse, a child, a home, school, etc. and you have become discouraged and feel “lost and alone.” If that is you, Look for a guidepost, a sign to point you to the good things he is doing in your life and the lives of others. I pray that God sends someone to help share their story, the reason for the hope that is within them.
Our Story
Perhaps our own story is the most helpful thing we can give to others. We must share those moments when a guidepost appeared that sent us in a new direction or connected us to paths along the road that led us to God. Since, we are not yet ready to meet in person, because of COVID-19, and offer our testimonies face-to-face, I give you this challenge. I ask you to go on Facebook and respond to this message, writing a comment, sharing a testimony. And, take a moment to read the testimonies of others, and reply to them. I believe this will be a powerful experience for us all.
The Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men” ( 2 Corinthians 3:2). Let’s open our lives and be God’s epistles today, sharing the testimonies that He has given us.
I am not “lost and alone on some forgotten highway.” I am thankful for the many people who have shared with me their stories and placed guideposts on my path to point me in the right direction. Today, allow the love of God to work through you and demonstrate your care for someone, so the world may know the love of our father.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Do Not Fear, God Is On Your Side
Many of you will remember my struggles with the boss who hated me. At one very low point, my administrative assistant, a woman of strong faith, reminded me of a promise from Isaiah the prophet: do not fear, God is on your side. She gave me two verse on which to focus. I printed these scriptures and posted them beside my computer as a daily reminder
Promise One:
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).
Isaiah wrote this promise to the people of Israel as a reminder of the future glory of Zion. I was reminded that this promise is also for God’s people today. Truly, no weapon or instrument of persecution would be successful. Even though the outcome for me could be the loss of employment, this promise focused my attention on the fact that Jehovah Nissi, the Lord my banner, was fighting on my side.
If you don’t have the answer that you are looking for today. Look for evidence that God is fighting on your side. The promise from Isaiah doesn’t mean that you won’t have to fight, or that you won’t have to struggle. It does mean that God will work it out for your good. He is raising his banner over you. Do not fear, God is on your side.
Speaking about all of the terrible things that would occur before the end of time, Jesus said, “But there shall not a hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:18-19, KJV). Yes, we may have to endure trials, but have patience, keep your eyes open, God will show up and fight on your side.
Promise Two:
“So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41: 10, NIV).
This reminds me of something that happened to Lizzy. She offered to take our grandkids on an outing so my daughter could get some work done around the house. The plan was to get books at the library, and then have lunch, ice cream, and maybe some time in at the park. Lizzy borrowed my daughter’s car so she wouldn’t have to move car seats. What started as a fun day with Grandma quickly turned sour. The car was larger than Lizzy was used to driving and she scrapped the car against the side of the garage door.
It was a minor collision—really just a large scratch—but still upsetting. Lizzy pulled over and sat there feeling that the day was ruined. Just then, a tiny voice in the back seat began singing a song learned in kids church, “Praise ye the Lord, Hallelujah. Praise ye the Lord, Hallelujah …”
Two other voices joined in and within minutes of the accident, the entire car was filled with praises to God. Lizzy called to tell my daughter what had happened and continued on the outing to the Library, to lunch and ice cream, and a sunny afternoon in the park.
Don’t Miss the Blessings Of God
When they got home, my daughter asked, “How was it?” The answer, “We had a great day!”
Let us not miss the blessings the Lord has for us because we are focusing on the minor troubles of this life. Remember the promise of Isaiah: do not fear, God is on your side.
See Need Patiences for more about God’s promises during trouble.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Need Patience – Learn to rejoice in Troubles
How many of us need patience? If you need patience, learn to rejoice in troubles.
Patience or forbearance is the fourth fruit of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul in Galatians provides a list of the fruits of the Spirit.
“But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NCV).
I’ll let you in on a secret. I am not a patient person. This fact became visible this week as I played the “electronic” version of Battleship with my grandson. Interestingly, we had played the old fashion version without incident. You might remember this version. Each player gets a game unit with a target grid and ocean grid, five plastic ships, white pegs for misses, and red pegs for hits. The players take turns calling out letter and number coordinates for shot locations. If you call out a shot location that is occupied by a ship on your opponent’s ocean grid, your shot is a hit.
On the electronic version, each player pushes the grid coordinates on a keypad and the computer or “screen” as the grands call it, announces whether it is a hit or miss with the appropriate sound effect. For example, the computer plays a “Kaboom” sound, followed by the coordinate, Charlie for “C” and the number 4. After each sound effect, my grandson was so excited he would yell out, “It’s a hit.” I could understand his excitement, but his words would cover up the computer voice announcing the coordinates, and of course, he could not remember the coordinate he just targeted. Ugh!
I tried on multiple turns, to no avail, to get him to not yell out whether it was a hit or a miss, allowing me to hear the coordinates. My voice was raising and I was becoming frustrated. Luckily, Lizzy stepped in and took over, just in the nick of time, allowing me to step back and calm down.
Upon reflection, Lizzy was right, he is too young to be able to turn off his excitement so easily. Also, I think I should write the Milton Bradly Company with a suggestion. They should reprogram the game so that the coordinates are announced prior to the hit or miss sound effect. Yep, that would fix the problem.
So, am I the only person afflicted with a lack of patience?
How many, like me, are tempted to flip to the last page of the book to discover the ending? Or, find yourself saying, “Come on get to the point already?”
Curious about this, I asked a non “flip to the last page person” to explain why they did not do it. The answer was more obvious than I expected. “Flipping to the last page ruins the enjoyment of discovering what happens.” Let that sink in a moment.
I think that is how we are with God. We are so focused on skipping to the answer to our prayers that we don’t fully appreciate or enjoy the process of experiencing our lives.
Like with my grandson… I wanted him to understand how his actions were making it impossible for us to play the game with any accuracy. What I should have realized was that accuracy didn’t matter, but his excitement was special. He will not always get so excited about something as simple as a “hit” or a “miss.”
Have you ever wanted an answer from God so badly that you became so frustrated that you later regretted that you had missed the blessings along the way? I have.
Don’t miss the blessing
Let us not miss the blessings the Lord has for us because we are focusing on the minor troubles of this life. Let us do like the Apostle Paul:
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).
The King James Version uses the word tribulations instead of sufferings: “…rejoice in our tribulations…” Can we really rejoice in tribulations or troubles and wait patiently? I have to let you know that I have a difficult time with sitting by and waiting patiently. But, I think the message here is that we should not be surprised when we run into troubles. And, we can know that troubles will produce something good for us, which will make us stronger and help us trust God more.
The bottom line is this: troubles grow our faith. In turn, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens, knowing that we are more than conquers. No matter what happens, we will be able to have joy and peace, feeling the love of God within our spirits.
Now, that is something for which we can rejoice. So, if you need patience, like me, learn to rejoice in troubles.
See my 2020 New Year’s post: Godvidence.
Be Like Mary This Christmas
This Christmas I challenge you to be like Mary. During this season, we mostly focus on the baby in the manger and overlook the significance of Mary as God’s choice for Jesus’ mother. The angel Gabriel identifies the characteristic that put Mary at the top of the list. “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God…” (Luke 1:30). There it is. To be like Mary, we have to find favor with God. So, what is the formula for finding God’s favor. We can look to a beautiful and mysterious passage in Isaiah to discover the answer.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’
“At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’ Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’”
“And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:1-8)
How to gain God’s Favor
A lot of people try to make the answer for gaining the favor of God complicated. But, I have read the stories all of God’s favorites in the scriptures, and I have known many great servants of God. The one thing they all have in common is that they said, “Here am I. Send me!” When God gave them an assignment, they said, “Yes.” They may have resisted at first, like Gideon. In Judges 6, we learn that God called Gideon to deliver the Israelites out of the hands of the Midianites. I love Gideon’s reply, “Pardon me, my lord, but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15). Wow!
However, after much delay, Gideon agreed and said, “Yes.” Amazingly, he recruited an army of 32,000 men. However, God’s reply to Gideon is not what he expected, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands… They will say, ‘We did it of our own strength.’” You see God doesn’t care about our weaknesses. If you don’t have weakness, he won’t be able to properly display his power. Yes, Mary had weaknesses, she was just a girl, but a willing vessel. To be like Mary this Christmas, we must say, “Yes.” How often has God asked us to do something and we have offered excuses. Someone puts out a plea saying we need help at church and you say, “I can’t do that; I’m busy.”
God Uses Our Weaknesses
In the story of Gideon, God kept whittling down Gideon’s arm until he had 300 men, against the entire army of Midianites. God instructed Gideon and his small army to surround the Midianite camp at night and, at a signal, they smashed jars, blew trumpets, and yelled. Yes, yelled… which caused the Midianites to run, crying out as they fled. God used 300 men to route a great army of 135,000. All because Gideon said, “Yes.”
To be like Mary this Christmas, you must desire to please God. This desire will cause you to say, “Yes.” If this desire is not in your heart, ask God to align your desires with his. Then, you will want to do what pleases God. It is that simple. This Christmas make your answer, “Here I am. Send me.”
See The Majesty Of God At Christmas the miracle of the virgin birth of Jesus.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
The Majesty Of God At Christmas
During Advent, we can find the majesty of God at Christmas in the Gospel of Luke.
“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ —Luke 1: 26-28
Christmas Story
It is difficult for many to believe the Christmas story in the Bible. For example, Mary’s pregnancy creates a lot of skepticism for some. The Virgin Mary was told by an angel that she would become pregnant and would give birth to the Son of God. A virgin giving birth! Come on? And, to the Son of God! Give me a break. How do you explain that?
As a pastor, I’m supposed to offer prospective and provide answers. After all, I’ve lived a long time. I have a lot of education. I talk to God on a regular basis and study God’s word. Sorry, the truth is that I can’t explain it. I don’t have a logical answer for this one. Because a miracle is impossible to understand. All I can offer is my life story.
God Provided
As a young person, I prayed for a beautiful, loving wife and God answered my prayer. Thankfully, the bride of my youth still stands with me today. I prayed for a job to be able to support a family and God gave me a good one… and made me successful. I prayed for smart, healthy children and God gave me three. When my youngest daughter had multiple miscarriages, we prayed that God would heal her and God caused a curious ultrasound technician to find a bifurcated uterus. This was something that could be corrected, and now she has four children and I have six grandchildren. When my sister was diagnosed with leukemia, a disease for which people die, God healed her and she is still here today. Praise God!
I remember a time when I needed a new roof on my house… and God provided one… for free. I remember a time that I needed a new engine in my car… and God sent a Christian brother to install one. When I prayed for a family at church, who was facing homelessness, God gave them a home and a $30,000 interest-free loan. God has allowed us to give out 70 boxed-dinners on Sunday… for eight months straight. Where has the money come from? God put it in the hearts of people to donate.
Jobs, homes, babies, education, clothing, food, cars… God has provided more abundantly and above all that I could have hoped for or imagined.
God Performs Miracles
God still performs miracles, things that cannot be easily explained. He does it to display his power among the people. He desires to declare his majesty in our lives, so that others may see and know that he is God. Let me ask you this question, “Is the majesty of God at Christmas on display in your life?”
If the answer to my question is, “No.” Then, let me challenge you to be like Mary. “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God…’ (Luke 1:30). So, there it is. It is that simple. What, did you miss it? We have to find favor with God.
Say “Yes”
A lot of people try to make the answer for gaining the favor of God complicated. But, I have read of all God’s favorites in the scriptures, and I have known many great servants of God. The one thing they all have in common is that they said, “Yes.” They may have resisted at first, like Isaiah, saying, “Lord, I am a man of unclean lips.” Or, like Moses, “I’m a stutterer.” Or, how about the story of Gideon? I love Gideon’s reply to God, “Pardon me, my lord, but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15).
If you desire to please God, this desire will cause you to say, “Yes.” If this desire is not in your heart, ask God to align your desires with his. Do this and you will find the majesty of God this Christmas.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
The Impostor Syndrome Is Fake Fear
The “impostor syndrome” is fake fear. It is the fear that deep inside, you are not who you want people to think you are. That God knows it, and he doesn’t love you because of it. I think it is something we have all experienced. For example, people say that I am smart and hard-working, but sometimes a little voice inside says, “No, you are not! You fake being smart and you don’t work all that hard. You may have everyone fooled, but someday they will find out.”
The Voice That Bullies
That voice often drives people to drink or take drugs to cover up this feeling. It drives people to lie and even act unkind to cover up this feeling. That voice bullies us into behaving in ways for which we are not proud. It tries to whittle away at our self-esteem and undermines our identity. But, we can talk back with confidence… sharing that the Word of God says we are children of the king.
That voice tells us that we are unworthy of God’s love. But, how can that be true? Who knows us better than God? And yet, Jesus said, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid…” (Luke 12:7). Yes, we are known by God and loved by God. Even on our worst days, God loves us.
Lord, help us to shout down that little voice that tells us we are underserving. Keep us in your love, even when we do not love ourselves. Remind me that the “impostor syndrome” is fake fear.
Feeling helpless doesn’t mean everything is hopeless.
It is easy to trust in God when we feel great. It is easy to trust God when things are going our way. The secret to joy, however, is to trust in God more than our feelings. When we have a child or grandchild in the hospital, we must trust God. When our pay check is barely enough to make ends meet, we must trust God. When we have a big test at school, we must trust God. When our joints ache, we must trust God. Many things in our lives may not be good, but God is good. And, he is looking out for our good.
Fortunately, when you are feeling stressed because you can’t imagine a way out of a bad situation, God can open your eyes to his victory. Maybe, right now you can’t see a way. But, ask God to wake you up with new insight. And, he will wake you up to smell the coffee and see the light. Then, what felt impossible will feel doable.
When you can’t imagine a way out, God can open the eyes of your heart. Maybe, right now you can’t see a way, but ask God to wake you up with new insight. When you can’t imagine the possibilities, pray. You can have a victorious life. Victory is within reach!
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
See Victory Is Within Reach to discover that all things are possible with God.
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see you, I want to see you (Sonicflood)
This song reminds me of a story in 2 Kings. It starts when the king of Syria recognizes the prophet Elisha as an obstacle to his victory. His solution is to capture the man of God. So, he sends horses, chariots, and a strong force by night to surround Elisha.
When Elisha’s servant woke up the next morning, he saw an army surrounding the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” Sounds like how we often respond to troubles in our lives.
I wish that my response to trouble was always as cool as Elisha’s. He said, “Don’t be afraid.” Wow! When the odds seem overwhelming, don’t be afraid. When you don’t see a way out, don’t be afraid. When you are at your lowest point, don’t be afraid. Because Elisha continued, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Let that sink in a minute.
Then, Elisha prayed an amazing prayer, “Open my servant’s eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Really, open his eyes? Exactly, and God answered Elisha’s prayer and the servant looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around the enemies of Elisha.
Feeling helpless doesn’t mean everything is hopeless.
Open our eyes Lord, so that we can see your very present help in our times of trouble.
Also, see Victory Is Within Reach – Trust God.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Red and yellow – They Are Precious In His Sight
“Red and yellow, black and white, They are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”
I think too many Christians either didn’t go to Sunday school or have forgotten the important lesson that this song teaches. We learn from this song that God is love and he loves all people. It doesn’t matter the color of your skin, your social status, or the balance in your bank account. God loves you.
Sharing Thanksgiving Dinner
At Thanksgiving, our church gives out turkey dinners. I’ve got to let you in on something. I think doing this gives me more joy than those receiving the dinners. The same is true when we give out boxed chicken dinners on Sunday. I’m not sure who gets the biggest blessing, the receiver or the giver.
With each chicken dinner, there is a piece of fruit or maybe a cookie in the box. That fruit goes beyond wanting a hungry person to eat. The purpose is so that the hungry person will enjoy the meal. The purpose is to bring joy to their life.
We learn in Matthew, “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” Jesus did not just pass by this sinner. He looked Matthew in the eye… and saw a man that needed help. Later we learn that when the Pharisees saw this, they asked, “Why does your teacher eat and with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard their question and answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Jesus then said something interesting, “Go and learn what this means.”
Needy People
I think Jesus was saying his lesson was not just intended for health care professionals. His lesson applies to other needs as well, even to housing. It is not those with fine houses that need our help, but it is the homeless that need our help. It is not those in church that need our help, but those in our community, in our neighborhood. Jesus, then, confirmed this message with this final statement on the subject, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
On Sundays, When our church gives out boxed chicken dinners, it gives us the opportunity to share the Gospel and meet people in our community. It is a reminder to look deeper and see the humanity of that needy person that God has put in our path.
Your Challenge
I challenge you to look deeper and see the humanity of the needy person that God has put in your path. Look past the color of their skin, social status, and bank account. If you don’t see a needy person in your path, you aren’t looking hard enough. Look them in the eye, see deep within them, and discover what it is you can do to bring joy to their life. Then, love them like Jesus loves you.
Also, see Needy People.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
