27

Jump Start # 4022

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

Jump Start # 4022

 

Mark 5:3 “and he had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one was able to bind him any more, even with a chain.”

 

Our verse today is the opening introduction Luke gives to us of the demon possessed man. What a scary picture that is painted of this man. The Gospels tell us that he was naked, cutting himself with rocks and screaming day and night. He runs toward Jesus, loudly proclaiming who Jesus is and what He could do. The demons beg Jesus not to be cast into the abyss. They are taken from the man and put into pigs, which race toward the sea and drown. Two thousand dead pigs in the water. What a mess that would have been.

 

The demons were not sin. Demons were spirits. Sin is a choice that we make. This man would have never chosen to have demons dwelling in him. However, there is such a strong parallel between what sin does to us and what the demons did to this man.

 

First, sin makes us live where we wouldn’t live. For the possessed man it was among the tombs. No one would choose that. For us, sin makes us dwell in the filth of unclean hearts, minds and words. Sin leads us to living in guilt, misery and the consequences of terrible choices. Many live in constant fear, hoping their habits are not discovered. The joyous life that God wants us to embrace escapes those who dwell in sin.

 

Second, sin makes us do things we wouldn’t do. For the possessed man, the demons led him to disrobing and cutting himself with rocks. Bloody, dirty and disgraceful is how this man would appear to us. Sin doesn’t do any better. Sin has led some to tell lies to the people that they love the most and cherish. Sin has led some to steal from their own family. Sin has destroyed character and influence.

 

Third, sin makes us become what we wouldn’t become. Such is what the demons did to the possessed man. The people in town were afraid of him. They tried to chain him, like one would do to an aggressive dog. No father would wish his daughter to marry someone like that. Parents likely warned their children to stay far away from him.

 

And, what sin has done for us is destroy our reputation. Known as being a cheat. Understood to be a gossip. No one will believe you because you always tell lies. And, because of this, the best people, God’s people, won’t have much to do with you. The sin in your life has ruined you from serving as a teacher or leader of God’s people. Blameless is not a word that people would use to describe you. Rather, the charges and accusations are as long as your list of sins are.

 

Those painful terms are used of you: a drunk; a liar; a gossip; an adulterer; a thief. You would never choose those names for you, but this is where sin has taken you. Your life is a mess. You are running without a purpose or a direction.

 

And, for way to many, this is how their story will be told. It is not a good story. Sadly, this is how the story will end for some.  But, there is one more aspect of our man in Mark five that needs to be looked at. It is Jesus. Jesus changed this man. The demons were driven out. This man becomes decent, calm and clothed. He is no longer screaming. He has left the tombs. He stopped cutting himself.

 

And, the Lord can do the same for you. Your story doesn’t have to end in misery and pain. The Lord can forgive you, change you and lift you up. Faith in Christ will lead you to His amazing grace. Forgiveness awaits those who are willing to be immersed in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Those sinful tags that described you drop off because of a new and better life in Christ that you now seek. A blasphemer became an apostle. A liar can be a trusted disciple. A cheat can become an honest seeker of the Lord. An adulterer can be cleansed and pure in the Lord.

 

You can leave the dead and walk among the living. You can abandon the hopeless life for a life of purpose and joy. The Lord awaits. He’s looking for you, even now.

 

(could you share this with someone who might need help)

 

Roger

 

26

Jump Start # 4021

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4021

 

Psalms 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

 

Throwback Thursday: an article written from the Past

 

Who will remember you were here today?

 

After church services one Sunday morning, a dear sister drove home feeling quite alone. The dark clouds and misty rain only added to her despair. “I don’t think anybody even knows I was there today,” she thought.

 

There are times that many of us feel just like that lady did. We wonder if it’s worth the effort and what good it will do if we come to services. “Who’s even going to know that I was there” is the beginning of discouragement. There are times that the  preacher may not remember you where here. We wonder if even the elders realize we were at services. We may ask, “Who will even remember I was there?”

 

Consider who will remember:

 

  1. God will remember. God will see that you have remembered Him this day. God will gladly receive your praise and prayers this day. God remembers that you remembered the death of Jesus as you ate the Lord’s Supper. Who remembers? God does.

 

 

  1. The Devil will remember. He knows what we are doing. He knows that you are trying to do what is right by worshipping the Lord, associating with godly people and trying to make a difference in your life. The devil would love to have you become discouraged and stay home. In the presence of God and his people you are more likely to be encouraged to live righteously. Away from that influence and you are more likely to give in to temptation and become weaker. The Devil will remember you were at services.

 

  1. You will remember. You are doing what is right and good. You are establishing godly habits. Maybe something was said today that made a difference in your life. Maybe you said something to someone else that made a difference in their life. Months from now, you probably won’t remember the songs, prayers or sermons of this day, but like the gentle rain, each drop of goodness adds to our spiritual growth. It is good to be among those who worship the Lord.

 

  1. Those at home will remember. In some families, not everyone attends services regularly. They may have stayed in bed this morning as you left for services. They see that worship is important to you. They will remember you as one who worshipped the Lord. Your neighbors notice every Sunday you leaving for church. Even though they may not go, they admire you for doing so week after week, in good weather and in terrible weather. But when you stay home, they notice.

 

Don’t be discouraged! You are doing a great thing by coming each service. Keep it up!

 

Roger

November, 2008

 

25

Jump Start # 4020

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4020

 

Luke 9:23 “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.’”

 

The word sounds odd. At first one might think that it is an Indian word or even the name of a tribe of Native Americans. Some might think that it is one of those funny named towns. The thing is, without realizing it, or even saying this word, it is a major part of our lives. Spiritually, this word IS the key word to pleasing the Lord.

 

What’s the word? Yagottawanna. You won’t find that word in your dictionary. My spell check immediately puts a red line under it. Breaking this word down it means: YOU–GOT-TO-WANT-TO, or, squeezing it all together very tightly, you get, “YAGOTTAWANNA.”

 

Yagottawanna is the key to life. If you want to excel in sports, Yagottawanna. If you want to graduate from school, Yagottawanna. If you want to lose weight, save money, read a book, change your life, improve yourself, it all comes down to YAGOTTAWANNA.

 

Applying this spiritually, if you are going to seek first the kingdom of God, Yagottawanna. If you are going to forgive someone, Yagottawanna. If you want to go to Heaven, Yagottawanna.

 

Now, here are some simple thoughts for us:

 

First, no one can make you want something. This must come from within us. Someone can teach us. They can influence us. They can try to convince us. They can show us the upside benefits. But, in the end, if a person doesn’t want to do something, they won’t. They’ll find a handy excuse to hang their hat on. They’ll kick the can down the road as long as they can. They’ll talk about it, think about it, but until their heart engages their feet, nothing much will change.

 

This is a hard lesson for parents, teachers and shepherds. You see a person with great potential. They have a lot of talent. Oh, the wonderful things they could do. So gifted. But, they lack the Yagottawanna in them. They are content to sit on the sidelines of life, drifting along, doing as little as possible. Engaging that heart is one of the hardest things to do.

 

Second, many people never find that Yagottawanna spirit. They’ll complain about how miserable life is. They’ll talk about how others are doing so much better than they are. Neglect, indifference and apathy are the three ugly triplets that keep Yagottawanna from being a part of your life. Without some Yagottawanna, Paul would never press on. The early church would never have grown as rapidly as it did. Every achievement, globally, nationally, personally, all sprang from that Yagottawanna attitude. Cemeteries are filled with great ideas that merely stayed ideas.

 

It’s good to find leaders in the kingdom who manifest this Yagottawanna spirit. Great things will get done. Vision takes shape and hope becomes a reality.

 

Third, you get that Yagottawanna heart from understanding that God believes in you and says you can. The famed John 3:16 passage states, “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Whoever. There is a hymn, “Whosoever surely meaneth me.” ME. I can be forgiven. I can be a child of the King. I can walk with the Lord. I can please God. I can make a difference in my family, my congregation and my world. I can go to Heaven. This is the spark that flames the YAGOTTAWANNA spirit. You can. God said you can.

 

When a person declares, “I can’t forgive him for what he has done,” that’s not exactly true. You CAN forgive, because God said so. You won’t forgive because deep inside, you don’t want to. The YAGOTTAWANNA is missing.

 

Someone says, “I can’t break the sin cycle.” Yes, you can. God says you can. Yagottawanna.

 

Once you get ahold of that yagottawanna, great things take place. You can teach a Bible class. You can invite a neighbor to services. You can have a family to your home. You can do amazing things, once Yagottawanna.

 

Much too often, because of a lack of Yagottawanna, people are pressured into teaching Bible classes who do not want to teach. They don’t have the “yagottawanna.” No one else will, so reluctantly, they agree. Their heart is not in it. They don’t want to. They’d rather not. But, they will simply because no one else will.

 

We need preachers with a belly full of Yagottawanna. We need shepherds who understand Yagottawanna. We need moms and dads who gladly raise their children because they’ve got that Yagottwanna spirit within them.

 

Yagottawanna. It’s a fun word to say. It’s a better word when it becomes a part of our lives.

 

Roger

 

24

Jump Start # 4019

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4019

 

Ecclesiastes 12:12 “But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.”

 

It was a moment that I knew was coming. I’d been putting it off and even dreading it, but the time was upon me. It was time to part ways with some dear friends. We have been a part of each other’s lives for a long time. I had been friends with some of them longer than I have been married. Boy, the memories and the stories I had with them. We have gone through many deep, deep thoughts together. I had not always agreed with them, nor they with me, but they remained my friends.

 

But, now it was time to depart. I knew that they’d still be around, but it would never be the same again. There was no falling out between us. No words were said in anger. It was just an understanding that it had to be this way. The time had come for us to part our ways. Even as I write these words, I wish there was another way, but there isn’t.

 

The friends I am talking about are not people. They are books. My books. My library. I have spent a lifetime amassing a quality library that fills two rooms at the church building and a room in my house. With my coming retirement, I will be converting a bedroom in our new home into an office. There is no way I can squeeze three rooms into one. This library numbers in the thousands. It is time for me to divide up this library and pass it on to others.

 

What friends my books have been to me. I have collected them from all over the country. Especially dear was my reformation and restoration library. So many rare books. So many wonderful publications from 100 years to nearly 200 years ago. These “friends” have helped me learn so many truths about God’s amazing word. I have stayed up late into the night with these friends, pouring over pages and pages, learning insights and concepts that have helped shape me. The very nature of my writing, especially these Jump Starts, has been the result of being influenced by these friends, my books.

 

The heart of these books will go to my preaching son in Texas. What a treasure chest he will receive. I’m a little jealous because it has taken me a long time and a lot of money to pull all of this together. Other parts of the library will be given away. Some have suggested that I ought to try to sell these, but I don’t have the time, patience nor heart to do that. I’d rather someone who could benefit from these having them, than they sit in a box in a storage shed if I kept them. They have been such good friends to me.

 

I will keep a core section of books and some of my favorites from the history section, but never again will these books be all together.

 

As I look around this wonderful gathering of books that God has helped me collect, there are some thoughts I’d like to share:

 

First, indeed, do not judge a book by it’s cover. I have bought books just because of the title. Many times, the title was the best part of the book. Don’t ignore a book because it is old. Some of the best writing took place more than a hundred years ago. Understand, all books but God’s book are fallible. They can add color to the pages of the Bible, but one must search to see if those things are true.

 

Second, books on a shelf may look impressive, but they are only of value if you use them. The younger generation of preachers like things on electronics. There is value to that. It sure doesn’t take the space like all my books do and then when it comes time to part ways with the books, it is not such an emotional and hard task to do. Build your own library at home. What interests you? There are many great books in the line of evidence and science. There are great books that will help to understand the prophets or the parables. My passion has been church history. Tons of books fall under that category. Turn the TV off, grab a good book, not a novel, but something that will further your understanding of God’s way, and do some deep reading and deep thinking. It’ll do you a lot of good. Don’t lose the value of reading. Learn the names of good authors and collect their writings.

 

Third, because there is so little interests in books these days, one can pick up some great finds for a low cost. Often, older members in the congregation are wanting to downsize and part with some books that they have held on to for years. These can be amazing treasures. Ask your preacher for ideas.

 

Solomon in our verse today gives a double warning. First to the writing of many books and second to excessive devotion to books. There is truth to that. One must get his nose out of the books once in a while and be around people. Go outside and enjoy God’s creation. But, don’t forget the value of reading, learning and growing.

 

The imprisoned apostle asked Timothy to bring his books to him (2 Tim 4). Paul, the apostle, was not done learning. There was more he wanted to read. He needed his books. Bring my books.

 

Thank you, my library. You have been good to me. I hope others will enjoy and benefit from you as I have for these many, many years. I hope you, my books, will continue to help others grow and learn the way of the Lord.

 

Bring my books…you have been wonderful friends to me.

 

Roger

 

23

Jump Start # 4018

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4018

 

Matthew 9:10 “Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples.”

 

Baxter in one of his books states, “Often, in the Scriptures, there is a world in a word, in the color of an adjective, the tense of a verb, the turn of a preposition.”  Such could be said of our passage today. Jesus had just called Matthew, the tax collector, to come and follow Him. What an odd mixture of political differences Jesus brought together. Common fishermen, a religious zealot and now one who worked for the Romans, a tax-collector. So different and likely having very little interest in each other now joined together by the Lord.

 

Jesus comes to the home of the tax collector. He is there for dinner, something the fishermen, and the zealot would never do. Other tax collectors are there. Other social misfits are there. The text calls them “sinners.” Later our Lord would go to the home of the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus.

 

The little three word phrase, “in the house,” carries more than just location. It can mean, “at home.” We know what “at home” means. Gone on a long trip, even a vacation, there is no place like home. Coffee just tastes better from your own cup at your own table. Homes sweet home, we call it. Even though your home may need updating and there are tons of “to-do” projects, it is your home. The college student looks forward to coming home on Spring Break. Grandkids love roaming through grandma’s house and seeing all the treasures she has.

 

At home carries the idea of being comfortable. We understand the opposite of that. It is to be out of place, uncomfortable. Many years ago, I went to India for three weeks to preach. I was never “at home” there. The smells, the customs, the food, the music, the culture, the language was so different. I wasn’t comfortable. I wasn’t “at home.”

 

Jesus was comfortable in the home of a tax collector. He was “at home” there. And, in just about every setting, Jesus seemed to be “at home.” Being a carpenter Jesus was “at home” on the water. Being from tiny Nazareth, He was at home in Jerusalem. He was “at home” with crowds. He was “at home” with social outcasts such as Samaritans, tax collectors and centurions. He was “at home” with the diseased, crippled, hurting and hopeless.

 

Jesus coming from Heaven would have never dealt with the things He did on earth. Yet, He seemed comfortable. And, more than that, Jesus had a way to make others feel comfortable around Him. Unholy in the presence of Holy. Imperfect in the presence of the Perfect. Confused in the presence of the Truth. This is why we find all sorts of people coming to Jesus. The hurting. Centurion. Canaanite woman. Parents. Religious leaders. They could talk to Jesus. They wanted to be around Jesus.

 

Now, here are some thoughts for us here:

 

First, as comfortable as this world is, we must remember this is not our home. Becoming too comfortable here lessens our desire to be with our Father in Heaven. This is hard because this is the only world we have ever known. We have nothing to compare this with. But, there are constant things that plague us from being comfortable here. The wickedness of our times, the indifference to our God, the thirst for all things wrong, makes us cry, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

 

Second, it is very important that we make the guests to our worship services comfortable. For many, it’s so different than what they have ever witnessed before. Our worship is not a performance. Our God is upon the throne, not a stage. What we say to our guests, our expressions upon our faces, welcomes them or it says loudly, “What are you doing here?” Guests may not dress the way you think they should. They may come with drink bottles. They likely may not have a Bible in their hand. Help them. Give them one. Invite a guest to sit with you. Don’t smother them with thousands of personal questions that would make one feel uncomfortable. Remember, the goal is for them to be “at home,” with us. Smiles. Kindness. Helpful.

 

Third, we need to be “at home” with our Lord. Comfortable with God. Comfortable with talking to our Father. Comfortable with His word. Comfortable with knowing His will. Comfortable with His presence. Decades and decades of reading that Bible ought to make you feel very comfortable. You know where to find hope and promises. You know what pages will comfort you. You know how to find answers.

 

At home. One day we will be at home, Heaven. Jesus was “in the house” at Matthew’s place. Jesus was comfortable.

 

Roger