03

Jump Start # 4089

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4089

 

Luke 24:51 “While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into Heaven.”

 

Our verse today describes the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. It seems that we talk a lot about the resurrection but not so much about the ascension. As the apostles saw Jesus leaving their sight, a great loneliness must have filled their hearts. The Lord had promised not to leave them as orphans. The Holy Spirit would guide them and help them. Jesus promised to come back. But, for now, they were on their own. They wouldn’t have Jesus around to answer their questions. They wouldn’t have Jesus there to temper their spirits and to show them the way to walk in righteousness. On their own…

 

Life can be like that for us. It’s that way when a beloved family member passes away. The house seems empty and quiet. It’s that way when the last child moves out. A loneliness and an emptiness takes over. We can feel that way when a beloved friend, shepherd or preacher leaves.

 

For some, that emptiness pulls them into a deep funk. They don’t feel like doing anything. They wish things could return to the way it was before, but it can’t. It never will be.

 

So, what can we do? What would the Lord want us to do?

 

First, for the apostles, the Lord gave them a mission. They were to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. Then they were to be witnesses of Christ throughout the world. These apostles would soon preach. Another apostle would be chosen. And, in a short time, they would split up and go different directions throughout the known world.

 

And, for us it is a similar thing. There is the call of God that we must be about. While you may feel like staying in bed most of the day, you need to get up. You need to start your routine. You’ve got things to do. You have a kingdom that needs you. Your family needs you. Your church needs you. It’s one thing to hit the pause button on life for a moment, but some want to stop life all together. They exist but they no longer live. That’s not what the Lord wants.

 

Second, the Lord didn’t abandon the apostles. He had been preparing them for this moment and the Spirit of God would lead them and help them. And, in a similar way, we are not totally on our own. Aside from the obvious such as our immediate family and our church family, we have been instructed and prepared for this through the teachings of God’s word. We have examples throughout the Bible. We have the promises of God that comforts us. We have the blessed assurance that the Lord will be with us.

 

Third, all although some things will never be the same again, the new chapter in your life can be one of the best chapters. New people. New challenges. New opportunities. For that small band of apostles, they have been together day and night for three years. They had seen incredible things. And, shortly after this, they would spread out to the four corners of the planet preaching the Gospel. Did they stay in touch with each other? Did they ever get back together just to renew their friendships? Would they ever be together again? Historically, it is doubtful. But, they were off to new places, preaching God’s word to new faces, knowing that this is exactly what the Lord wanted them to do.

 

The loneliness of change and the emptiness we feel knowing that certain people may not be back in our lives again may bring a tear to our eyes. Quickly dry those tears and get busy doing what the Lord intended for you to do. Rejoice and be thankful for the wonderful intersections in life God creates with amazing people. They have encouraged us, helped us and been there for us. Learn from that and try to be that way for someone else.

 

I’ve known some who after the death of their mate, they walked the rest of their days with a cloud over their heads. Gloom and doom is all they would talk about. Their smile seems to have disappeared and they no longer wanted to be a part of anything that would bring joy into their hearts. Life stopped for them. The clock never moved past that sad event.

 

For the disciple, when a Christian dies, we have the grand hope of seeing them on the other side. It’s never “goodbye,” as my hero Dee Bowman would say. For the Christian, it’s “see you later.” There is hope in that because we will see you later—just as the Lord promised.

 

Fill that emptiness with joy and help others who are struggling.

 

Roger

 

01

Jump Start # 4087

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4087

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “ There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under Heaven.”

 

Our verse today opens up the beautiful section often called “the seasons of life.” Solomon contrasts a series of fourteen opposites. The good and the bad are placed side by side. Things we like and things we dread. There is a time for every event, we are told.

 

One of the seasons we are in right now, is the time of graduations. High school, college, grad school, they are wrapping up for the year and many students are at the edge of “what’s next” for them. Graduation is a season of transition. As the graduate heads off to college or trade school, he will no longer have mom and dad around reminding them of the things to do. Clean your room, take out the trash, get up and get ready, are the things that parents hope have been instilled in their child’s mind. Have you ever walked through a college dorm when the students are moving out? It’s like a war zone. Pizza boxes stacked up that have been kept for months. Clothes that haven’t been washed in a semester. Expensive text books discarded on the floor. Filth and dirt that would make most moms weep. On their own, some do well. On their own, some demonstrate that they are not ready to be on their own.

 

The season of graduating is a transition for parents. Your little boy is no longer ‘little.’ He stands taller than you and would rather be with his friends than stay at home and watch a movie with you. Graduating is hard on parents. You no longer rank as the most important in their lives. Friends and romance and sports and fun have now filled the spot you always held. Sure they love you, but you’re not the first choice anymore. That’s hard on parents.

 

Parenting, like farming, reminds us that there are certain seasons when things must get done. If they don’t, then what follows will become much harder. Around here, in Southern Indiana, the corn is already poking up through the soil. Farmers have planted. It’s going to take all summer and into the fall until that corn is ready to be harvested. A farmer who waits until summer to start all of this, is starting too late. He won’t get much of a harvest at all.

 

Parenting is like that. If parents wait until graduation time to start talking to their child about being responsible, having faith in the Lord and being a servant at heart, it’s really too late. Attitudes have formed. Character has been forged. Habits have developed. The planting season in parenting is when that child is very young. Over and over parents will repeat the lessons. They will illustrate those lessons through their own examples and lives. By the time some of us get ready, the child is long gone on his own way.

 

So, here are some thoughts:

 

First, use every precious moment to teach the big picture of life. God loves you. God loves you when you sin and make mistakes. The world can be evil. Be careful who you listen to. Talk about these things. Debate these things. In the home, in the church building, at the store, at the ball game, anywhere and everywhere one is plowing deep with God’s word.

 

Second, don’t expect perfection. You’re not. Your child will not be. The demands and pressure we place on young people can be enough to break their spirit. You want your child to try. Don’t quit because it’s hard. Don’t quit because you don’t like something. Stay with it. You want your child to be the best that he can be.

 

Third, build a relationship that is based upon the Lord and love. In the later seasons of life, your children can become your best friends. Precious memories have filled your hearts and brought you together. How special those generational family gatherings are. Stories are told. Lots of laughter. Lots of fun. All of these things are built upon the years of love and being there for one another.

 

Graduation…what a special time that is in your life. It’s a milestone event. But, the journey is not over. Not yet. New paths to follow. New challenges to meet. New people in your lives. As you face these decisions, having the Lord will you makes all the difference.

 

Roger

 

29

Jump Start # 4086

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4086

 

Revelation 1:10 “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet”

 

When is Sunday? Do you know how many days from now? I believe one of the core characteristics of disciples is that they are always “Sunday Aware.” Sunday is the best day of the week. It is the day that our Lord rose from the grave and conquered Satan. It is the day that Peter preached that amazing Acts 2 sermon. It’s the day that disciples gather. It is the day that we remember. Things are just different on Sundays. Our schedules on Sundays are different than the rest of the week. If every day was a Sunday, what a different world we’d have.

 

In our verse today, John receives the Revelation vision on the “Lord’s day.” I’ve had some tell me that Lord’s day refers to something other than the day of the week. They have shown me that it has to do with the coming judgment that the book talks about. That may be true, but to me, “the Lord’s day,” will always be Sunday. What better day to get this message than on a Sunday. And, when this message was to be read before the congregation, what better day than a Sunday when the church is gathered together.

 

Having a Sunday mindset is so helpful. It can get you through the darkest nights and the greatest troubles that you endure. Sunday is coming and that just has a wonderful way of lifting our spirits and putting a bit more fuel into our spiritual tanks.

 

Here are some thoughts:

 

First, the culture and the times have a way of dragging us down. More bad news. More negative spirits. More complaining. But, Sunday is coming. What a wonderful oasis that is. Sunday is coming and I will be refreshed, encouraged and made stronger. With others, praises will be sung to the Lord I love. God’s powerful word will be read. Prayers will be lifted up. I can get through today and even tomorrow because Sunday is around the corner. It’s not like waiting a lifetime. It’s not waiting months and months. Just a few days from now will be Sunday. Won’t that be awesome!

 

Second, Sunday has a way of getting my vision lined up and my priorities straightened up. God is on the throne. Nukes. Iran. Wars. White House news. Supreme Court news. State house news. On Sunday I remember that it is the Lord who removes kings and establishes kings (Dan 2:21). All will be fine because Sunday helps me. The things that fill my mind and heart often really do not matter. Sunday helps with that. The things that worry me and burdens me don’t mean so much on a Sunday.

 

Third, because of Sunday, I can face anything. That toxic co-worker, the noisy neighbor, the troubled family member, they are not going to drag me down. They won’t because of Sunday. Sunday is the Lord’s day. Sunday is all about the Lord. Our Lord faced the cross and I can face these people. The Lord shows me that I do not have to raise my voice or even reply to them. What an example from the cross. I can forget about that, but Sunday sure reminds me.

 

Become Sunday Aware. How many days until Sunday? My sweet dad and several others that were dear to me crossed through that door of death on a Sunday. What a great day to do that on. If I had a choice, that’d be the day I’d pick. The best day is always Sunday.

 

When one gets this in their heart, worship becomes incredible and meaningful. One won’t be dragging in at the last second. No, sir. They’d be one of the first ones down at the church building. Why? Because it’s Sunday. On a Saturday, they are thinking about the next day. Eager. Excited. Hopeful.

 

There are so many good things about Sunday. Don’t rush through the day. Don’t fill the day thinking of the other days of the week. Don’t ruin the best day by being tired, worried or discouraged. It’s Sunday.

 

Sunday aware! Love it. Can’t wait.

 

Roger

 

28

Jump Start # 4085

Posted on May 28, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4085

 

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word of deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

 

Throwback Thursday: an article written from the past

 

Baptism: Indian Style

 

James Mathes (1808-1892) was one of Indiana’s most productive and famous gospel preachers. He peached primarily in the Bedford, Gosport and Bloomington areas. He edited a paper entitled The Christian Record, for a period of 40 years.

 

Near the close of his life, he wrote his life story “for the use of his children when he is no more.”

 

The following section comes from Mathes’ autobiography:

 

“At this time (1821) the Indians were very plenty all over the country. The Delawares had sold their lands, and were preparing to go west, into what was then Arkansas Territory (now Kansas) where the government had given them lands in exchange for their lands in Indiana. We saw them almost every day, and sometimes dozens  at a time would come to our camp to get something to eat, or to shoot at a mark.  They were very friendly and harmless and I believe as a general thing very honest. In the fall of 1821, the large body of the nation (Delaware) with their principal chief whose name was “Silk Amos” on their way to Kansas encamped at the mouth of Indian Creek about a half mile above where Gosport now stands. Here they remained to hunt and rest for some two weeks. Their camp was only about a mile from ours, and we frequently visited each other.

 

One day while my father and I with several other whites were on a friendly visit to the Indian camp, the young chief “Silk Amos” proposed by signs, that we should wrestle. We were about the same size and age. I consented and in the presence of the multitude I threw him down every contest, until I had thrown him some six or eight times, without getting a single fall myself. Then his father, the old chief, proposed to my father that we should run a footrace. To this my father consented, and so informed me, and requested me to run. This I did not like so well, as I felt pretty certain that he could out run me. I had heard the other Indians speak of him, as the champion racer of the nation. I had run with several of their fast men, and had out run one of the best of them, but I rather dreaded this man. However, I consented to run with him as I was accustomed to foot racing, and could out run any one that I knew of. The day for the race was set some time ahead that the Indians might get in from their hunting excursions.

 

The day came, and several thousand Indians were present, and all the whites of the neighborhood who could to see the race, were on hand. The race course was two parallel paths 120 yards in length running parallel with White River, and near the north banks from the mouth of Indian Creek east and in sight of the bluff on which Gosport now stands. All things being in readiness, at the drop of the hat we started, he getting a little head at the start.

 

All that vast dusky crowd were silent as the grave, till we had run over half the distance, when I passed him, and even lost sight of him from my side. And I turned my head to look for him when he suddenly stopped and gave up the race. At this moment, that stable crowd, sent up the most unearthly shout that I ever heard, and which was head at our camp, for miles around. I had outrun this celebrated young chief and was therefore the lion for the time being. I was at once surrounded by the Indians who with their hands made a close inspections of all my limbs, and muscles; then taking me upon their shoulders they carried me in triumph around their camp.

 

The same afternoon, I was chosen to be a chief of the Delaware nations, and a committee went up to our camp to notify me of the fact and invite me down to the Indian camp to be adopted into the tribe. And as an inducement, the committee made me the following proposition: “If you will go with us and be our chief, we will make you much rich. You may select a tract of land and make your own. We will give you heap money and heap squaws.”

 

But this proposition I did not accept of course. And two other committees were sent up to confer with me, before they gave it up. I inquired of them what the ceremony of adoption was among them, and was informed that it consisted of the following acts:

 

  1. The person to be adopted must declare his intention of renouncing the pale face, and of becoming an Indian.

 

  1. He is taken down into the river, or some other place were there is much water and immersed. In this he puts off the pale face, and puts on the Indian character. He goes down into the water a pale face, but comes up an Indian. This ceremony with its significance has no doubt been borrowed from Christianity through the teaching of some of the early missionaries.” (Life of Elder James Madison Mathes, written by himself. Manuscript pg. 24-26).

 

It is very apparent that these Indians of well over a hundred and seventy years ago, understood some concepts about baptism that many today have denied.

 

Baptism requires much water. Bible baptism is an immersion or a burial (Rom 6:4 “Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into his death”; Acts 8:38 “and he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water.”)

 

Baptism is the transition from the old life in the new life. A believer repents and determines to end their sinful ways. They are baptized t wash away those sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16). They are raised or resurrected to a new person (Rom 6:4b “as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life”). One goes down into the water a sinner and comes up out of the water a Christian.

 

Baptism is necessary for entrance into Christ (Gal 3;27 “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”). Without baptism one is not in Christ.

 

Roger

September, 1995

 

 

 

 

27

Jump Start # 4084

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4084

 

2 Peter 2:14 “Having eyes full of adultery and that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children.”

 

In a perfect world certain things wouldn’t exist. We wouldn’t have nightmares, painful surgeries, pets that die, road rage, and evil. But this world lost perfection. Crime thrives. Wickedness abounds. And, false teaching tries to wreck every faithful congregation of the Lord.

 

Peter addresses the nature and the characteristics of false teachers thoroughly in this second chapter of his second letter. He bluntly reminds us, “There will be false teachers among you” (v. 1). And, sadly, the apostle foresees that “many will follow” and “the truth will be maligned” (v. 2). They are defined as “daring, self-willed” (10) and “reviling where they have no knowledge” (12).

 

And, then we come to our verse today. Peter holds nothing back. These troublemakers were not leading disciples closer to the Lord. Four things are said about them:

 

  • Eyes full of adultery. They see adultery  every where. Obsessed with adultery. They have become saturated with this. Their talk, their dress, their activities encompass adultery. People tend to find what they are looking for. These false teachers were looking for adultery. Satan always provides.

 

  • Never cease from sin. Never. Never a moment of righteousness. Never a pause to honor the Lord. Never a good moment. This isn’t an occasional fall. Their life is sin. They live in sin. They love sin. They want more sin. They never stop.

 

  • Enticing unstable souls. It’s not enough that their hearts are sinking deeply into Hell, they want others to join them. They attract those who are not strong. The unstable. The weak. The unsure. The uncommitted. And, what they see in these false teachers awakens their fleshly desires. Convinced, they jump in and become a part of this wicked pack that is terrorizing the people of God.

 

  • Having a heart trained in greed. They have learned to be this way. Where did they learn such wicked ways? They have allowed falsehood to grow within their hearts. They have surrounded themselves with other wicked people. Rather than being influenced by godliness, these have chosen to follow the path of evil and wrong. They are trained. They know their way around all things that are wrong. They are comfortable with wickedness. Their hearts are cold, calloused and closed. Hurting families, hurting congregations does not bother them. They no longer have a working conscience.

 

Now, there are some thoughts that we need to pull from all of this:

 

First, God has allowed these false teachers to survive. He could have destroyed them, but He didn’t. Peter is warning his readers that evil was alive and well and all around them. This may be a purging of those who are true believers and those who are playing a game. This may be a test to what one really believes.

 

We need to wake up and realize that evil and wicked and false teachers are “among us.” Paul told the elders at Ephesus that from “among you will arise salvage wolves who will not spare the flock.” We can be so innocent and so naïve that we refuse to believe that anyone “among us” would ever act this way. For too many, the false teachers are found among the mega church pastors of today. Wake up. Open your eyes. This is how the seeds of error are planted within the hearts of some.

 

A preacher stood in the pulpit and said that he had prepared no sermon. He declared, “Let’s just see where the Spirit leads us today.” Sounds wonderful to many. Sounds good to some. But, oh so wrong. So full of error. It is poison to our souls. The Spirit doesn’t work that way today. One ought to know better. Maybe he does…

 

Second, Peter was not writing these words to the false teachers. They wouldn’t read it if it was sent to them. He is writing to the faithful of God. He is sending up warning flares. Don’t be asleep at the wheel. Don’t put your faith on autopilot. What’s being taught in Bible classes? What’s being said in homes? The faithful of God will arise and not give any space to the false teachers. The faithful of God will use the Bible to destroy the fake ideas of these wicked teachers. The faithful of God will awaken those who are following the music of the pied piper and get them to see that this is not what God says.

 

Third, in our homes, in our congregations and in our hearts, we must always be alert and watchful. This is not a call to hunker down in fear. Be strong. God’s word will defeat anything and everything that the devil throws at us. Bless the Bereans who left us a mighty example of examining the Scriptures to see if what they heard was true. That’s what we must do.

 

We must not put up with error. There is no compromising or common ground with error. When it is “among us,” we must take action and remove it from “us.” Stand with God or get out of the way. There is no time for the wicked ways of error.

 

We are of the day, just like the Thessalonians. So, then, they were told, let us be alert and sober (5:6).

 

Roger