25

Jump Start # 4142

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

Jump Start # 4142

 

1 Thessalonians 4:1 “Finally then, brothers and sisters, we request and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel even more.”

 

We are looking at the final 10 sermons I preached at Charlestown Road.

 

# 4 Cultivating a Culture of Excellence

 

Before the first hymn is sung. Before the preacher steps up to the pulpit. What do people feel when they walk into the church building? Many don’t think about it. Developing a culture of excellence reminds us why we gather and what is most important.

 

Imagine being one of the four Levites who carried the ark of the covenant. What a special role that would be. Or, the father of John the Baptist, going into the temple to serve. Do you think he had someone reminding him that he was scheduled that week? There were so many priests that he may had one opportunity in his lifetime to serve as he did.

 

By culture we mean attitude, atmosphere, vibe, feel or a spirit of doing things. Every organization, every team, every school, every home, every church has a culture. Some places may feel like sitting in the BMV waiting your turn. No one talks to anyone and no one really wants to be there. Culture is developed by leaders but must be embraced by everyone to be effective. Some cultures are not healthy nor right. A culture can change.

 

By excellence we mean bringing your best to the Lord. Passages like Philemon 21; 1 Thes 4:1 are examples of this. In Malachi’s day, the spirit of excellence was lost. The people were content in giving God what no one else wanted, the crippled and diseased animals. The problem wasn’t just the animals, it was the spirit of the people who thought God wouldn’t care. Giving God the left-overs.

 

God deserves the best because He is the best. God deserves the best because He always gives the best. We bring excellence when we do the best that we can. That carries over to mowing the church yard, cleaning the building, leading singing, teaching a class and preaching. You may not be the best that there is out there, but you are certainly doing the very best that you can.

 

The spirit of excellence begins in our hearts and our homes before it carries over to our worship. Being the best dad that you can be. Being the best teenager that you can be. You do this for the glory and honor of the Lord.

 

  By cultivating we mean seeking the best in all that is done. Culture is shaped by repeated expressions that are believed, practiced and communicated. It’s more than catchy slogans and mottos. This becomes who we are. Believing that Sunday is the best day of the week will change how people view worship. Once that becomes the culture, you’ll find folks arriving early for worship and sticking around long after it’s over. They want to be there and they want to be around one another. Other expressions such as: face the direction you are headed, leave the place better than you found it, live life the way it was meant to be each has a way of changing our thinking.

 

A better culture. Song leaders who have the songs picked out and practiced by midweek. They are already thinking of Sunday. The man giving the Lord’s Supper discussion has put on paper weeks ahead what he wants to say. He’s been thinking about that. Bringing the best. Guests will notice that. Members will notice that. God will notice that. It becomes catchy. Others will want to do their best and one by one, the culture is changed.

 

To keep a culture of excellence requires both forethought and effort. It won’t just happen. You have to work and work at it. The four common enemies to excellence are: comfort (we’ve always done things this way); complacency (it’s good enough); carelessness (it doesn’t matter); consumerism (what am I getting out of this?).

 

But when a congregation develops a culture of excellence, servants grow in number. Men become leaders. Young families become pillars. People begin looking for ways to serve instead of reasons not to.

 

Long after the sermon is over, the lights have been turned out and people have gone home, the vibe, the culture, the warmth, the love is what people will remember.

 

Don’t settle for substandard service. Cultivate a culture of excellence.

 

Roger

 

24

Jump Start # 4141

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

Jump Start #4141

 

Psalm 124:1-2 “Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel say, “Had it not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us”

 

We are looking at the final sermons I preached at Charlestown Road.

 

# 5 Every Mile with the Master

 

In this Psalm, as the chapter opens, David talks to the nation. As the chapter ends, David talks to the Lord. There is something big that David wants the nation to remember. Twice in the opening words David repeats, “Had it not been for the Lord.” This is something David knew personally. Had it not been for the Lord, the lion would have devoured him, the giant would have crushed him and Saul would have killed him. Had it not been for the Lord.

 

But this Psalm isn’t David’s personal story. It’s the story of Israel. Had it not been for the Lord the Egyptians would have killed Moses and Israel. Later, had it not been for the Lord, Haman and the Persians would have exterminated the Jews. Had it not been for the Lord, Jonah would have been lunch for the giant fish that swallowed him. Had it not been for the Lord, prison doors would not have swung open for Peter.

 

Had it not been for the Lord: five windows which we see things. Like walking around in a house, each window gives you a different view.

 

Window one: Looking back: we realize what God has brought us through and how far we have come. God has never hidden His people from scary moments. The pressures were intense. The stress was unbelievable. The temptations were strong. And, yet today, here we stand. The storm passed. At the time you couldn’t see God working. All you could see was the darkness and the pain. Yet, years later you realize that prayers were answered, doors were opened and the Lord put people in our lives to help us. Had it not been for the Lord we likely would not be here today.

 

Window two: Looking upward: recognize that it is the Lord who deserves the credit. David in this Psalm never gives a shout out to his commanders, his army, their strength or even himself. It was the Lord. Had it not been for the Lord, Israel would have sunk. Every baptism, every faithful shepherd, every diligent teacher, every restored marriage points directly upward to the hand of God. Thankful. Grateful. Clinging to His side, blessed be the Lord.

 

 Window three: Looing inward: God still delivers. There are more giants to be defeated. There are more enemies in the land. There are more challenges awaiting us. We may face things that we never have before. Covid was like that. There was nothing to fall back on to see as a templet as to what to do. Kids off to college. Getting married. Empty nesters. Driving for the first time. Dealing with aging parents. Every turn in the road presents new and unique challenges. How do we navigate those? It is the faith that reminds us that the Lord continues to help, guide and be with His people. Had it not been for the Lord.

 

Window four: Looking ahead: leaving the next generation with confidence. Every generation wonders, “Will the church survive?” Every generation has had its worries and challenges. Yet, the church has outlived kings, empires, depressions, wars, pandemics, persecution and cultural change. It survives not because of us, but because it belongs to the Lrod.

 

Window five: Looking around: the Lord has brought us together. Had it not been for the Lord, most of us would not know each other. Many would not be married to who they are married to. Deep friendships would not have been formed. Powerful and amazing fellowship that is demonstrated by love, acceptance and support would not be experienced, had it not been for the Lord.

 

Author Alex Haley, who authored Roots, had a picture on his office wall of a turtle sitting on the top of a fence post. It was a reminder that the turtle did not get up there on its own. It had help. And, this passage reminds us that we would not be where we are “Had it not been for the Lord.”

 

Had it not been for the Lord…

 

Roger

 

21

Jump Start # 4140

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4140

 

Philippians 4:22 “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”

 

We continue our countdown series, looking at the final ten sermons I preached at Charlestown Road.

 

# 6 Bloom where you are planted

 

In the Lord’s parable of the sower, some of the seed was eaten by birds (Mt 13:4). Sometimes birds drop the seed. Other times the wind blows the seed. And that tiny seed ends up in the most unusual places. Given enough soil and sunlight, that little seed blooms. It blooms where it was planted. Throughout the hilly Ohio Valley, one sees trees growing out of rocky ledges along the highway. No one purposely planted a tree there. It happened that a seed landed there and it bloomed where it was planted.

 

Spiritually there is a valuable lesson in learning to “Bloom where you are Planted.” Life doesn’t always turn out like we had planned. Our Plan A is often not God’s Plan A for us. And, when things are not the way we intended, some become bitter, miserable and spend their life living “what might have been,” rather than blooming where they are planted.

 

The seed never gets to choose where it lands. Its choice is whether it will grow.

 

Joseph didn’t plan to be sold into slavery. Moses didn’t plan to spend forty years of his life in Midian. David didn’t plan to hide in a cave.

 

Our verse today mentions the “household of Caesar.” Within the palace of the most powerful man on earth was New Testament disciples. Was this servants? Was this some of the immediate family? Was it distant relatives? Somehow the seed of God’s word got into that palace and it Bloomed where it was planted.

 

There are some wonderful lessons for us to learn from this:

 

First, there are always things that you can do. We often look at what we cannot do. We are quick with that list. “Well, I can’t preach,” someone declares proudly. Maybe not. But you can encourage that preacher. You can support that preacher. You can bring friends to come hear that preacher.

 

For Paul, while in a Roman prison, he was limited. There were things he could not do. He wasn’t free to travel as he once had. He didn’t have a congregation to preach to. Yet, he found ways to bloom where he was planted.

 

Second, you are here for a  reason. God has made you the way you are and put you in this generation for a specific reason (Acts 17:26). God doesn’t make mistakes about time, gender or talents. So, why this family? Why this congregation? Why this stage of life? Why this health challenge? We so often are looking for answers, when God is looking for faithfulness and productivity.

 

When young David brought lunch for his brothers on the front lines of battle, he never realized by the end of the day he would have killed a giant. David was ready for opportunities. Had he left his sling shot at home, the story would have been different. David was ready. The opportunity to serve, light shine, help others may come very suddenly and unexpectedly for you. It is those who see the opportunity and are ready that make a difference. David bloomed where he was planted.

 

Third, God is counting on you. If not you, then who? Esther found herself in a position to make a difference. It was challenging. She bloomed where she was planted. Many of the greatest Christians never preached a sermon, led a congregation or stood before a crowd. Yet, they became the backbone of a congregation. They prayed. They encouraged. They visited. They invited. They welcomed. They gave a cup of cold water and Heaven noticed (Mt 10:42).

 

Send your roots deep into Christ. Reach upward toward Heaven. Bear fruit where you are. Bloom where you are planted. Make a difference in your family. Make a difference at school or on the job. Make a difference in the congregation.

 

Bloom where you are planted.

 

Roger

 

20

Jump Start # 4139

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4139

 

John 15:4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.”

 

We are looking at the final ten sermons I preached at Charlestown Road.

 

# 7 The Enduring Factor

 

The word “Abide” is used nine times in John 15. To “abide” means to remain, continue, be connected, dwell. Jesus shows us something positive, productive and attractive when we stay with Him.

 

First, we become productive. The pulled weed dies. The cut tree branch withers. But, when connected to the source and the roots, nourishment from the rain and soil brings fruit. Flowers in a vase look lovely, but they don’t last long. Connected to Jesus we bring forth a character that helps others, is kind and is beneficial to be around.

 

Second, we find strength. Jesus said, “apart from Me you can do nothing.” Paul found strength in the Lord after others had abandoned him. The strongest Christians are those who depend upon the Lord. It is amazing the things we can do because of the Lord. There are times when we think that we cannot forgive. There are times when we think that we can not go on one step more. There are times when we feel the troubles and burdens are more than we can handle. But, in the Lord and through the Lord, we find that strength to push through the storms and carry on as God wants us to. We realize that the Lord is with us. We are not alone. We learn that nothing is too great for the Lord.

 

Third, we experience His amazing love. There are times when no one fully understands what you are feeling or going through. The Lord understands. There are times when others are so busy that they don’t have time for you. The Lord always has time for you.

 

And, what we find is that enduring with the Lord helps when life is difficult. And, we come to learn that the Lord has always been there for you. He has answered so many of our prayers. He has blessed us in ways we do not deserve. He has forgiven us more times than we can remember. He has opened doors that we thought were closed forever. He has put people in our lives that have helped us and changed us for the better.

 

And, what we find is that God’s word remains true. Every generation must discover this for itself. Promises fulfilled. Absolutes that are absolute. God’s word comforts. God’s word can be trusted. It becomes your guide, your friend, your comfort. The more you dive deeply into God’s word, the greater your faith grows.

 

When culture changes, stay with Jesus. When your life changes, stay with Jesus. When friends change, stay with Jesus. The enduring factor is not based upon where you are but who is with you.

 

We sing, “Hold to God’s unchanging hand.” Stick so close to the Lord that you could reach out an touch him.

 

Endure. Endure when others have stopped. Endure when others claim there is a better way. Endure when it’s hard. Endure when you don’t feel like it. Endure when you want to stop.

 

Stay with Jesus until He brings you home.

 

The enduring factor.

 

Roger

 

19

Jump Start # 4138

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4138

 

 Revelation 2:2 “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false.”

 

We are running a little series on the final ten lessons I preached at Charlestown Road. “Ten final things I wanted to say.”

 

# 8 What Matter the Most

 

There are many things in life that are important. They matter. If you want to do well in school, grades matter. Health matters. Ask those who don’t have good health. Paying your bills matter. In Revelation two, the church at Ephesus, reminds us of what matters spiritually.

 

We learn that it is possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons. Ephesus tried those who claimed to be apostles but they weren’t. What was their motive? The love of the Lord? No. They had left that first love.

 

Ephesus also shows us that one can look good on the outside but be empty on the inside. Much like those hollow chocolate Easter bunnies that the children get. Empty on the inside. Nothing on the inside.

 

Ephesus also shows us that one can know all the right answers without really knowing Him.

 

And, in these verses we find the three things that are important.

 

First, remember (2:5). John writes, “Remember have fallen.” Remember why you became a Christian. Remember the joy of forgiveness. Remember the passion of prayer and the joy of worship. Remember the excitement of reading God’s word. Life has a way of getting in the way and we forget. We become so busy with the here and now that we forget about the eternal.  Remember. Do this in “memory” of Me, the Lord said. Peter wrote, “ I will always be ready to remind you of these things” (2 Pet 1:12).

 

Second, repeat what you did at first (2:5). The Ephesian problem was that they stopped doing what they had done at first. Hanging around and enjoying the company of fellow Christians. Asking questions. Looking deeply into God’s word. That’s what we did at first. Did we outgrow that? Do we feel that those things are no longer necessary? Do what you did at first. Are you doing that?

 

Third, repent (2:5). Do better. Do what is right. What matters? It’s not what you know, but what you are doing with what you know. It’s not a matter of just going to church. It’s a heart that longs for the Lord.

 

A church of joy will attract others. A church that loves will love each other. A church that walks with the Lord will be forgiving, compassionate and full of grace.

 

What matters? Not the paint on the wall. Not the attendance on Sunday morning. But, a community of followers and believers who fervently love and trusts the Lord.

 

What matters most

 

Roger