10

Jump Start # 3000

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3000

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

CELEBRATION!!! MILESTONE!!! A NEW RECORD!!! This is Jump Start number 3,000! Unbelievable. Our verse today talks about the endless writing of many books. It seems our Jump Starts have become just that, endless. We started this journey in January, 2010. It was intended to be a 30-day experiment. Now, a dozen years later, our Jump Starts have become international, the number of subscribers are at an all time high, and a total of 27 theme books have been published from these writings. On Mondays, I read one of the Jump Starts from the past. It’s called, “Jump Start Rewind.” It’s part of the Heaven Bound podcast family that our congregation broadcasts. I estimate from a typical Jump Start size that I have written 2.7 million words. The Jump Starts began as a simple reflection from a verse—a devotional type of style. But, through the years, it seems that the writings have become more personal and almost like a diary. I’ve written about my daughter’s wedding, the birth of grandchildren, travels, preaching experiences, the death of friends and preaching heroes and the passing of my father. I have focused heavily upon worship, elderships and preaching.

My ole’ friend Jim Babcock would be calling me about this one. Jim was one of my finest early supporters of Jump Starts. Jim is on the other side now but what a great encouragement he was in those early years. David Parr in Alabama has taken Jim’s place as being one of my best cheerleaders. He even made me a Jump Start polo shirt with our logo on it. When David calls, he doesn’t say, “Hey, Roger,” he calls me “Jump Start.”

I can not celebrate this milestone alone. There is a host of people that without them, Jump Starts would not exist. First and foremost is the wonderful Charlestown Road congregation and their shepherds. It takes both finances and personnel to get these out to you. The leadership of this church has always supported me in this and have graciously allowed me to take this journey. Beyond this congregation, of which the Jump Starts are a part of our work, you the reader must be thanked. I have thought that if the number of readers starts to fall off, then it will be time to stop this. But so far it hasn’t. So many of you have shared these and talked about these and have your own group of people that you send them to. We have some special media people who make this possible to be presented to you. I don’t know what they do, but they do it well. I also need to thank Amy who takes care of all the mailing of our Jump Start books. She has saved me an enormous amount of time and she does such wonderful work in this.

Writing every day, Monday through Friday, has become a daily part of my life. I’ve run into folks who have told me, “You must never stop writing.” That’s sweet and I appreciate it, but I do know the end will come. I’m thankful to have had this unique period in time where we could encourage, share and help one another through this avenue. I truly doubt there will be another dozen years for these Jump Starts, but who knows. I would have never expected it to go as long as it already has.

So, here are some things I’ve learned from a dozen years of writing every day.

First, don’t be afraid to open your heart, share your story and be honest. I have sent a few Jump Starts out that I later thought was just a bit too much about my life. However, we all have a story. You have a story. Sometimes outsiders may think that we are all perfect, we never have a bad day and Satan never bothers us. That’s not the way it is. Creating an image of perfection may hide our flaws but it also can become an obstacle for others. “I can’t be like you,” is something that may keep some away from Christ. Be honest. Be real. Be yourself.

Second, pushing yourself is a good thing. I generally take no more than 30 minutes to write a typical Jump Start. I really do not have any more time than that. There are sermons to prepare, class material to write, and lots of people to engage with. I write in one setting. Most times, I read it over one time and send it out. Later on, I find typos, mistakes and other things that should have been edited out, but there just isn’t time. There are days when the well is dry. Just not sure what to write that day. I’ve had some who have even encouraged me to write less or even stop because of the work load I carry. But I push myself. I find something. I write.

And, so it is for you. There are days that you may not feel like going to worship. There are days you may not feel like preaching or teaching another Bible class, but people are counting on you. You step up and you do it. I think about the apostle who was dragged out of town, stoned and left for dead. Acts tells us that he got up and went right back into that town. Unbelievable. We must push aside excuses and reasons to stop.

Third, one never realizes the good that he does. This is so true with these Jump Starts. I write what I feel like. I don’t know if the readers will read this stuff or even like it. Then I will get an email or a card from someone. They will tell me about a death in their family or a prodigal in their home and how my words helped them so much. I’ve had people tell me that they have used these writings for invitations, sermons and Bible classes. All of that amazes me. But you are just like that. Your smile at services, the kind words you said to a young preacher, the food you took to a family that was experiencing a hard time, those little blessings from you are not forgotten and they have made a huge difference. We do things not to get a “thank you,” from someone, but rather, we want to do our part. We want to help others.

Fourth, one never knows what he can do until he tries. A dozen years ago, if someone had told me that I would be writing a devotional five days a week and it would be read worldwide, that likely would have caused me to run the other direction. So many have asked, “How do you do that every day?” I just sit in front of a keyboard and let the words flow. These come from years of reading, studying and thinking. Sermons have found their ways into Jump Starts. And, Jump Starts have found their ways into sermons. But to say, “I could never do that,” really isn’t true. There are other very good blogs being written today. I follow them. I use them. I do not feel that there is a competition among us. We are on the same side, just wanting to help others. Find what your talent is. Try it. Use it. Develop it. Expand it. Don’t go about trying to make a name for yourself. Honor the Lord in all that you do.

If you are not familiar with our Jump Start website (www.Jumpstartsdaily.com), you can find all the Jump Starts posted there. There is a search engine in which you can look up key verses or even words. One can search by dates as well. Also, we have 27 Jump Start books. The first one was on Psalms. The latest one is on the Land that Jesus Traveled. These are always free. Just send me an email (Rogshouse@aol.com) and your mailing address and Amy will take care of these for you.

If a history of our times is written, I’m thankful that Jump Starts had a small part in the lives of so many. Most of all, I’m thankful to the Lord who has given me this talent and put me in a place where it can be most effective.

God is so good…He is so good to me!

Thank you,

Roger

07

Jump Start # 2999

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2999

Matthew 17:4 “And Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’”

Our passage today comes from the amazing transfiguration of Jesus. Moses and Elijah appear. The Father speaks. The scene causes great fear upon the three disciples who witness this. Jesus is shown in His glory. In essence, He is showing what God looks like. Bright. Glorified. Gleaming.

In our verse, Peter offers to build three tabernacles. By doing this, he was making Jesus equal to Moses and Elijah and making Moses and Elijah equal to Jesus. They all get the same. Equal. No one is better than the others. But this wasn’t the case. Jesus was superior. The Father said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; hear Him.” Not, hear THEM.

Our Peter got many things messed up and sideways that day. He was trying, but he just wasn’t right. But there is one thing that he said that was right, “It is good for us to be here.” It was. John would later say, “We beheld His glory.”

It is good for us to be here. Let’s consider that statement.

First, it is good for us to be here on the planet. This world would really be dark if there were no Christians. Yes, we are outnumbered. Yes, evil prevails. But all over this planet are those who refuse to bow to Satan and they hold the Lord in honor. Throughout this world, on Sundays, God’s people gather. Prayers are lifted upward. God’s word is preached. Souls are saved. Lives are changed. Serving and sharing takes place. Yes, it is good that we are here. We are making a difference.

Second, it is good for you to be in your family. Now, your family may be dysfunctional, broken and mess and you may wish that you had another family, but those people need you. They need to see Jesus. They need to see what Christianity looks like outside a church building. They need to see Christianity in attitudes, in right speech, in choices. They need to see hope. They need to see forgiveness and grace. They need to see unselfish serving. They’ve seen the other side of things. In fact, that’s where many of them dwell. They live in selfishness and arrogance. They live with misery, complaining and negativism. They gossip about others. Their minds are in a gutter. They watch endless TV shows that are not fit for pigs. They do as little as possible. That’s their world. And, you, you show them the other side. It is good for you to be there. It might be stressful. It might get on your nerves. There are days that you are ready to scream at them, but you don’t. They need you, even if they don’t realize it. It is good for you to be there.

Third, your school and place of work really needs you. This both can be the worst toxic dump of attitudes, sinfulness and indifference. In the summer, between college I worked for a landscaper. Predominately we mowed the yards in apartment complexes. The name of the company was “Pro-Care.” The motto was, “Professional care by professionals who care.” That was the official motto. The workers had their own motto. It was, “Professional care by professionals who careless.” And, many of the workers demonstrated that. I saw one guy run his mower purposely over a leaf rake so it would mess the mower up. He called the boss. He went home. I saw others sitting behind the apartment buildings smoking dope. And, all these years later, the work force hasn’t improved. Far too many offices have allowed a bully to run the place. The bully is loud and demanding. The bully bends the rules and does whatever the bully feels like. For the Christian, it’s hard to go to work. School isn’t much different. Classes are being taught that the students have very little interest in. So, they play around. They talk about others. They make fun of those who are not like them. School can be hostile and destructive to one’s self esteem. Yet, as Peter said, “It is good for us to be here.” They need to see different. They need to see someone standing up for the underdog. They need to see quality work. They need to see Christ. It is good for you to be there.

Fourth, your congregation needs you. It is really good that you are there. Someone who brings their Bible, takes interest and engages and connects with others. Someone who sings to the Lord. Someone who loves worship and loves to honor the Lord. Your smile. Your presence. Your involvement. It is an encouragement to others. It helps others. It reminds others. It is good for us to be here.

Someday, we won’t be here. We’ll finish school. We’ll take another job or retire. Eventually, we’ll move to the next room in God’s house and our presence and our example will no longer be seen. What will the work place look like without you? What will the family look like without you? What will the congregation look like without you?

It is good for us to be here. That’s one thing Peter got right that day!

Roger

06

Jump Start # 2998

Posted on January 6, 2022 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2998

Romans 1:23 “and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.”

My friend Kenny is both a preacher and an author. He has written a wonderful children’s book. A person from India contacted him about this book. In conversation, Kenny asked this woman what they do for Christmas. Her words were, “we worship cows.” That thought seems funny to many of us. Over here, we eat cows. Over there, they worship cows.

And, that takes us to our verse today. An exchange took place. It wasn’t an even exchange. It wasn’t even a good exchange. Paul, writing about the Gentiles, reveals that they traded God to worship an image. That image came in many forms, such as a man, a bird, a four-footed animal, and something that crawled. This wasn’t a good deal. This wasn’t something in which a person walked away thinking that they got a bargain. They were ripped off and they didn’t even know it. They gave away the best for the worst. Esau traded his birthright for a common meal and the Gentiles made even a worse trade. Lest we think how shallow and dumb these Gentiles must have been, remember it was Aaron and Israel that first made a golden calf—an image of a four-footed animal that they worshipped.

They exchanged the incorruptible God for that which is corruptible. Others phrase this:

  • Immortal God for that which is mortal (NIV)
  • Glory of the eternal God for an imitation image of mortal (Phillips)
  • Glory of the immortal God for images that look like mortal humans, birds, animals, reptiles (CEB)

I keep thinking about that response that woman gave to my friend, Kenny, “We worship cows.” Which cow? Cows are not eternal? Cows don’t do much other than eat grass. I’ve heard of old timers plowing with horses, oxen and even mules, but never a cow. What history do we have with cows? Have they ever answered a prayer? Have they ever gotten someone through a tough day? Have they ever sent a blessing? And, eventually, the cow dies. Then what? Does that mean you god has died? Do cows transfer “godly” powers? Throughout the prophets, God mocks the foolishness of idolatry. A person cuts down a tree and with part of it he uses it to burn and make himself warm. The other part he carves and fashions into an idol in which he worships. Wonder how he knows which end of the log to burn and which end to worship? The idol, the prophets tell us, cannot hear. It cannot see. It cannot speak. It must be carried about. It has no powers. Yet, people will bow down to it, pray to it and make sacrifices to it. I expect if the cows could really talk, they’d say, “Leave us alone and let us eat grass.”

We Americans are so much smarter than that. We’d never worship a cow. Yet, are we? We worship health and fitness. Nothing wrong with exercising, however, good looks and a fit shape can be our cow that we worship. Some hit the gym and would change everything in their schedule so they wouldn’t miss a workout. This has become their church. For others, it’s money. The love of money has replaced God. They are obsessed with making money, talking about money, following money trends and reading all they can about money. Yet, for others, it’s sports. They know the ins and the outs of their favorite teams. They can tell you everything about the players, the coaches, the schedules, the rankings, the history. Sports has become their god. Others still, have replaced Jehovah with political agendas. Climate control and environmental politics have become what they worship. They are passionate about these things. They talk constantly about these things. They are obsessed with these things. And, even among brethren, there are those who leave the impression that they worship the church building. A congregation dwindles in size. No one new ever comes in. Another funeral, and the church gets smaller and smaller. They don’t have enough money to do anything,, even pay a preacher. But they hold on and hold out. Nearby are larger congregations. They have elderships, preacher, lots of kids and lots of opportunities. Would the small dwindling church thing about closing the doors and merging with the larger church? Never. NEVER. NEVER, EVER. They will hold on until the last person is taken to the funeral home. And, why? Why heat and cool a building for less than ten people? Why? Could it be that some are worshipping the building? There is no life there. There is no strong teaching there. There is no fellowship there. Yet, they hang on and wait. And, what are they waiting for? The end, I suppose.

Worshipping cows—no we don’t do that, but we have our own cows that are just as useless, hopeless and helpless when it comes to our salvation and eternal life. Common sense and Biblical principles teach us that putting your trust in horses, money, or even self is always a losing combination.

It’s about time we made another exchange. It’s time to dump all these fake and false ideas that Hollywood and our culture wants us to follow and put our trust in the One and True God of Heaven and Earth. Even in this Roman passage, Paul states, “His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” There is proof for Jehovah. There are fingerprints of God everywhere. Our own lives are a testimony to the goodness, the blessings and the love of God.

We worship cows…I’ve been to India. I’ve seen cows walking in busy streets. They are allowed to go where they want to. The doctrine of reincarnation and the worship of cows has led a multitude of people into the blindness of unbelief. Lest we think we are too smart, we must think about our own sacred cows.

Let’s get back to putting God first in our lives.

Roger

05

Jump Start # 2997

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2997

Matthew 16:18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.”

Here is something to consider. The Lord changes the name of Simon to Peter in our passage today. The name ‘Peter’ stands for rock, not THE rock, that’s Jesus. Peter is a stone, a pebble, a piece of gravel, nevertheless, a rock. He’s not dirt, a leaf or a twig. The church is built not upon the bumbling, clumsy, out spoken, misspoken, more times wrong than right Peter. What a messy foundation that would have been. The church is built upon the confession that Peter made, that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. Eternal. Enduring. Powerful. Holy. Perfect. Sinless. That’s Jesus. That is THE ROCK. That’s what the church is built upon.

But do your realize, other than here in our passage, the Lord calls Peter ‘Peter’ only one other time? The text will tell us that it’s Peter speaking or that the Lord said to Peter, but actually saying this new name, Peter, that only happens here and in Luke 22:34. There, the Lord tells Peter that he will deny the Lord three times before the cock crows. Jesus calls the disciple, ‘Peter.’ Be a rock. Be strong.

The rest of the times Jesus uses the name ‘Simon.’ In the garden, Jesus said, “Simon, are you asleep?” In Luke’s Gospel, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.” At the end of John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

How interesting. Your name is Peter, but most times I’m calling you Simon. Now, was that because Peter was accustomed to the name Simon? He had grown up with that name. Or, was it because Jesus hadn’t changed any of the other names among the apostles and He didn’t want to cause some problems with jealousy and envy? Or, was it that using the name “Simon,” was a subtle reminder that he wasn’t acting very strong at the moment. You are not being a rock. You are being Simon.

We are not told why Jesus refers to the name “Simon” more than “Peter.” After the Gospels, his name is consistently known as Peter. Throughout Acts, it’s Peter. If the preacher was to say, “Open your Bibles to the book of First Simon,” most of us wouldn’t know what he was talking about. I wouldn’t. We know him as Peter. Peter who was bold in Acts. Peter who confidently stated that he will continue to preach the name of Jesus. Peter in prison. Peter going to Cornelius. Peter writing two epistles. Peter…Peter…Peter. Yet, most times, Jesus called him Simon.

Here are some thoughts for us:

First, like Peter, or Simon, our faith has to grow. In those moments when our faith is young, undeveloped and immature, we make a lot of mistakes. We say things backwards. We make choices that are safe, selfish and not fully thought out. We act like Simon.

It takes both time and effort for faith to grow. There are some positive steps we can take that will accelerate that process. The more one attends, the more one engages in Bible classes, the more one is reading God’s word on his own, the more one is purposely putting the kingdom first the faster his faith will grow. Some have been Christians for decades, yet their faith remains in the second grade. They have not move beyond the basics. And, in their walk in life, they have many “Simon” moments. Simon denying. Simon grabbing a sword. Simon not understanding.

Second, Simon’s name doesn’t remain Simon throughout the Bible. We know this disciple as Peter. And, it is the inspiration of God that led Luke to refer to this disciple as Peter in the book of Acts. He changed. He grew. He became courageous, bold and active. He was no longer sleeping on the sidelines of life. And, like that, we too change. Some will call us Simon the rest of our lives. Some will not allow us to be who we are today. But God knows.

Third, the good that we can do comes from a heart that is set on the kingdom of God. It is Peter who tells Christian wives how to win their unbelieving husbands. It is Peter who warns of false teachers. It is Peter who tells us what happens when Jesus comes. It is Peter who displays the role of the shepherd in the church.  What is commonly called the “Christian Virtues,” comes from Peter. It is in Peter’s letters that we understand that Paul’s writings were considered “scripture” long before any council made that decree.

Peter the rock. Peter the courageous. Peter, a long way from that man Simon. God saw something in that disciple. Jesus knew what He was doing when He called Simon, “Peter.” And, as you and I continue our journey with the Lord, we ought to put some distance away from the times we were “Simon.” It is time for us to be strong, courageous, confident and busy in the kingdom. The call is not for more Simons, but more Peters.

You are Peter. You are Peter, now act that way. You are Peter, now believe that. You are Peter, because I have called you that.

Simon-Peter…interesting thought, isn’t it?

Roger

04

Jump Start # 2996

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2996

Luke 12:4 “Now I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.”

These words are shocking to us. Death is often perceived as the worst thing that could happen. When the medical tests reveal that a person has “Stage 4” or that it is necessary to call Hospice, gloom and doom seem to fill the atmosphere. What possibly could be worse? That’s a thought.

Jesus was reminding His followers that this journey they were on wasn’t a trip to the theme park. Persecution, abuse, ridicule, abandonment, and even death is what follows those that follow Jesus. The life of the apostles illustrated this. But what the Lord was telling the disciples was even the worst isn’t that bad. There is no greater weapon than death. Someone can end your life here, but they can’t touch your soul. Your life can end here, but your life never ends. You simply move to the next room where the Lord is.

So, what possibly could be worse than death?

First, living a life without God. This is where many are today. They hide behind smiles and empty pleasures and sin that they believe satisfies. But without realizing it, they ware living without hope. They walk this world as enemies of God. They are on their own and a time will come when no one will be able to help them. They have gotten themselves into situations in which only the Lord can change, but they don’t realize this. Life without God is what Hell will be like.

Second, living a life of constant criticism and negativism. Nothing is ever right for such a person. One is never pleased. Always unhappy. Always upset. Always focusing upon what’s wrong and never counting the blessings in life. Sour. Miserable. Raining on everyone else’s happy day. No joys. No positive footprints left for others. Rather than being thankful, helpful and appreciative of the blessings and joys of God, this one is living as if they were already dead. What a waste to miss the beauties of the Lord.

Third, a life without any friends. Some would rather be friends with their TV and tablets and have people at a distance. God made us to fellowship. We need connections and interactions. We benefit from one another. We help each other. We gain accountability when we are connected to others. We encourage and serve when we are with others. God said it was not good for man to be alone. Alone in a crowded world. Alone in a crowded church building. Alone in a crowded house. Alone, because one has chosen to be that way. Alone, with nothing to share. Alone, with no one to discuss things with. Alone invites discouragement, depression and unhealthy thoughts. What’s worse than death? Walking through life without a friend.

Fourth, living a life worrying about death. Some are so focused upon death that they can’t see anything else. It’s more than trying to be healthy, it’s a fear of death. That fear leads to one chasing every fad imagined to keep one alive. What’s missing in this person’s life is faith. Because of Jesus, the fear of death has been conquered. God gives us the victory through Jesus Christ. What likely happens is that a person who fears death will invite death by worrying so much about it. Live freely in Jesus. God has this. You’ll be ok in Jesus. Death is merely a door into the next room in God’s house. To get to that room, you must go through the door. But it’s only a door. It’s not the end. Faith, hope and a good knowledge of Scriptures will push that worry out of a person. It will help them to see what really matters.

Fifth, living a fake life of hypocrisy. That’s worse than death. One tries to fool others. One isn’t tries to please everyone except the Lord. No one really knows who this person is, because he is always wearing masks. Is he worldly? Is he righteous? He doesn’t know. And, this doubled minded person is miserable. He has too much of the world in him to be righteous. He has just enough of the Bible in him to make him feel guilty for being worldly. Not content. Not joyous. He tries to serve two masters at the same time and the Lord has said no one can do that. The sad thing about the hypocrite is that he has fooled everyone, including himself, but he has never once fooled the Lord. God knows the heart. God sees our motives. The hypocrite is trying to gain advantage by fooling others. Usually it catches up with him and he is exposed. Then his house of cards will come tumbling down upon him.

Death isn’t the worse thing that can happen. Paul described some worldly minded as “Being dead while they lived.” They were dead in purpose, motives, faith and heart. What’s worse than death? A failure to live.

For the Christian, the call of death is nothing more than the bell ringing for us to come home. Home, it’s where we need to be. Home is where we belong. Death isn’t the worst…not by a long shot.

Roger