By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Have you been grocery shopping lately?  If so, then you may have experienced “sticker shock” similar to what you experienced the first time you bought a car.  Well, maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit, but surely you have noticed how expensive everything currently is.

Take a look at this newspaper clipping from Atlanta, Georgia, in the mid 1930’s.  Twenty-nine cents for an entire dozen eggs.  That same amount of money might get you 2 eggs in today’s market, if they’re on sale.  It’s amazing to look at these prices from about ninety years ago and see how things have changed.

Regardless of our age, I think everybody sometimes thinks of days gone by.  We dream of simpler times, cheaper groceries, and gasoline.  We wonder what happened.  Maybe we are finally beginning to appreciate what we or our parents and grandparents once had.  It was a tough life for so very many of them, and yet it seemed to make them stronger and more resilient to this old world’s problems and difficulties.

I can’t speak for you, but I’m getting older every day.  I don’t yet consider myself old, but I’m certainly past the half-way mark.  I look like it, and I feel like it.  But I am also very thankful, more and more so, for the life lessons and experiences my parents and grandparents shared with me.

They taught us to appreciate a good deal, to look for the sale in the store, and to look for the best in people.  They shared the love of Jesus and their love for one another, and for us.  

No doubt some folks perusing those grocery ads in the 1930’s were thinking the same things we are.  Prices were higher than ever, and the struggle was real.  And yet they marched along like the Christian soldiers we are called to be, and better days were ahead.

We can believe the same.  For the Christian, there will ALWAYS be better days, brighter days, greater days in our future.  So, while we’re here, we continue to grit our teeth, buy what we have to buy, and keep on keeping on, because that’s what every generation before us has done.

Longing for the better days?  Turn around.  The better days are ahead.  Trust Jesus to provide.

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Is it worth it?  I suppose that would depend on what your “it” is.

The picture you see here is one of my “smarter-than-me” watch.  It likes to tell me what to do some days.  As a matter of fact, on more than one occasion, it has buzzed my wrist just as I’m finished preaching my Sunday morning sermon to tell me to “Get up and move!”  It can be rather insulting at times.

The numbers you see on my watch indicate that I walked over ten miles that particular day, but I only burned enough calories to make up for a single candy bar.  Ten miles.  That’s much more than I normally walk in a day’s time.  That was a very busy day that involved two airports, some shopping, getting to and from transport points, and making it to our nightly accommodations.  I was bushed, tired, and achy.  And I only burned a thousand calories?!  

Makes you wonder why folks walk for exercise if that’s all the benefit they get.  Is it really worth it?  Well, of course, walking and exercise provide much more physical benefits than just the burning of calories.  Our heart, lungs, and other organs benefit.  Our mind benefits.  And, face it, our minds need all the help we can get in this age of dementia-related illnesses.

There may be other areas of your life in which you raise that same question – Is it worth it?

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, endured a torture none of us will ever understand or comprehend.  Then He gave His life’s blood in a cruel death upon an old rugged cross so that we might experience everlasting life.  Was it worth it?  

Answer that question with this next question – Was I worth it?  He thought so.  

The next time you question the difficulties of this life and wonder if it’s worth it, just remember Who went through so much worse so you could have it this great.

You ARE worth it.  He said so.

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

You might be saying today that you’ve had a tough time lately.  Perhaps your job has been difficult.  Maybe you’ve been involved in entirely too many extra activities.  Your days just don’t seem to have enough hours in them, and yet you also can’t get to the end of the day fast enough.  You are tired.  You are worn down.  You are exhausted.

So, the question is – how do you relax?  Is it a quiet moment in your recliner?  A particular kind of music on the radio?  Indulging in a favorite meal or snack?  A long shower or soak in the tub?  What about spending a little extra time with God?

When you come home tired and worn out, toward whom do you direct your words, your disgust, your exhaustion?  Are you blowing and going at your family members and those nearest and dearest to you, or are you taking all your cares to the Lord?

Sometimes the best thing you can do is to sit in the quiet.  No music, no conversation, no electronic devices (especially the cell phone), and no agenda.  Just sit.  Listen for God’s voice.  Take off your shoes and socks, roll up your pants, and stick both feet into an icy cold pool of water.  That’s exactly what the youngest daughter and I are doing in this photo after a long day of walking blisters upon our blisters.  We expected the little pool to be nice and warm.  Instead we felt the shock of the very cold water.  And it felt so good!  What we least expected was exactly what we needed!

True, some days are more difficult than others, but every single day is only twenty-four hours long.  We may all have different responsibilities, but we all have the same amount of time.  What do you do with yours?  Communion and communication with the Lord may be the least of what you expect after a long hard day, but it’s highly likely that it’s exactly what you need!

Had we not stopped at the pool that evening, we would have missed the experience of the soothing cold water on our worn out feet.  If you don’t stop and listen for the Lord, if you don’t include Him in your day’s agenda, you’ll miss out on His soothing touch that could make all the difference for you.

Sit.  Soak.  Shhhh.  It’s worth it, and so is He!

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

I’ll start this by asking you to take a really good look at my picture here.  Are you sure you’re seeing what you’re seeing?  It’s a car.  It’s a boat.  It’s a carboat.  (I guess.)

My daughter and I were seated in a waterside restaurant awaiting our meal.  We were chatting and otherwise minding our own business when we both noticed this sight at the very same time.  Just beyond the wall of large windows near our table, a few folks were enjoying a boat ride.  Wait!  That’s not a boat!  It’s a car!  Everyone was watching by then.

I can’t explain that contraption except to say that if you are a Dick Van Dyke fan, then you quite possibly remember the old movie called “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” in which his character built a car that could float and also fly.  I didn’t see this car flying, but it was certainly floating.  Later, on dry ground, we saw the same car/boat and some of its counterparts sitting beside the dock like any regular car would.  Unusual, to say the least.  Interesting indeed.  And just plain odd.

Do you ever find the Christian walk to be somewhat of the same?  That is, unusual, interesting, or just plain odd?  I do.  

God is so good to me.  That’s not only interesting, it’s also odd.  I’m certainly not always good to Him.  He is patient with me, He never leaves me, He forgives me — and He does all this while I’m so very impatient waiting upon Him, I walk away from Him on a regular basis, and I can be so very unforgiveable.  How odd that He would care so much.

To walk the Christian walk is to sometimes feel as if you’re in a boat on a road or in a car on a lake.  You can’t explain it.  You see it, and it must be real.  Yet, it is mind boggling.  Nothing about being a blood-bought forgiven child of God makes sense to me.  But, it makes perfect sense to the Creator!

I’m sure that the person who dreamed up the car/boat was brilliant indeed and was focused on creating an unusual experience for tourists.  What an unusual ride this Christan life is.  But wherever it takes you this week, and whatever mode of transportation it entails, remember that the One Who died for you went through the most unusual, the most interesting, the most odd things for you.  He gave His life for you!  And if that’s not odd, I don’t know what is.  

Whether I’m odd or not, I’m thankful He’s driving my boat/car!

By Ryan Kelly

No doubt you have seen the turmoil and destruction caused by Hamas in Israel this past week, and the retaliatory response from Israel into Gaza to destroy the Islamic terrorists that have caused this deadly attack. Hamas leaders have declared a “Day of Rage” today against Israel and the West, which has included multiple protests and attacks worldwide.

There is no question – what Hamas has done and what they stand for is completely evil. And this evil must be opposed.

The valid question that should be asked is, what is the appropriate level of response and how do we as Christians respond? I’ll leave the first question to the Israeli military and leadership, although I do have my thoughts. The second is one that we can all share though.

We should be praying for all involved. This includes the soldiers and citizen soldiers fighting in Israel, for their protection, wisdom, discernment and safety. It also includes the innocent civilians in both Israel and Gaza, for them to escape harm and to see the Lord’s hand in all that is occurring. And I would add, salvation through Jesus for all involved. And, safety for everyone throughout the world who is in harms’ way due to these Islamic terrorists who desire death and destruction.

I have personally growth hesitant in the last few years on what I see on the news and what I believe is reported to us. No doubt, the attacks are real and the death toll is sadly growing as a result. I caution everyone on believing what we cannot prove, though. I will refrain from mentioning specifics, but there are many stories out there of what is occurring. Some are likely true, others likely not. Time will reveal what actually is occurring in Israel and with other nations at play, so just be patient and use your own discernment on what to believe at this time.

For the majority of us, the best thing that we can do it pray and prepare for safety and security. For each of us, be vigilant in our own lives and consider those around us. Don’t place yourself in a vulnerable position, and be ready to defend if there is indeed an attack. Also, be open and available for others to council with you…as this is hard on everyone (for both believers and especially non-believers). Share your heart with others and show how these attacks are part of what the Lord has told us will occur in Scripture. We may not know exactly what chapter and verse of Revelation is playing out at the moment, but I can assure you that we are seeing at least an element of what John wrote in the Bible’s final book.

We may not know what the future holds, but we worship a God who does. So don’t worry about tomorrow, rather focus on what you can do for yourself, for others, and for the Lord today.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

My wife and I recently enjoyed some vacation time with our grown children and spouses.  We walked blisters upon our blisters at that place in Florida that has been called “the most magical place on earth.”  Roller coasters were ridden, shows were seen, food was eaten, and a great time was had by all of us.  We posed with the yellow honey-loving bear and his striped tiger friend, with a duck, with a couple of princesses, and with that awesome mouse pair – you know – the ones with the big round black ears!

Three parks, two resorts, and plenty of laughter.  In a span of just eight days, I rode in cars, airplanes, buses, sky-lifts, boats, and ubers.  (An uber is just a fancy name for a taxi, except it’s a private vehicle driven by a total stranger whom you have employed completely randomly online with no previous contact or proof of identity!)  In other words, we had a ball.  And in the midst of every day, every ride, every place we went, there was something ‘hidden’ in plain sight – the ears of that famous mouse!

This picture is the back of a bench situated in one of the most populous areas.  There are those ears.  No explanation or reason.  Just there.  Those same ears appear on walls, sidewalks, furniture, transportation services, signs, beverages, and even foods.  (Chocolate covered ear-shaped icecream was a real treat one warm afternoon!)  There were many thousands of people all over the place.  Most were completely oblivious to one another.  Most were kind and considerate.  Every one of them had come to this part of the world to be entertained by anything and everything related to that famous mouse, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that his likeness appeared everywhere.  It wasn’t a surprise, actually, that he was everywhere.  The surprise was the different places we discovered him – having ignored his very presence until that one particular moment when the light bulb clicked on and we realized he was there again!

In the grand hustle and bustle of your weekdays ahead, as a Christian, you understand and know already that the Lord is everywhere in everything.  What may surprise you, however, is just how often you can recognize His touch, His work, His beauty, and His blessings if only you pay a little more attention to your surroundings.

God doesn’t hide from us.  Quite the opposite.  He is always there.  The question is, are you paying more attention to all the noise and ‘entertainment’ of this world instead?  Go about your business (busy-ness) of this coming week.  Do what needs to be done.  Go where you need to go.  But don’t forget He is already there, waiting for you to notice.  Look up from that digital device glued to your fingers and watch for the One Who should truly govern your time.

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Home.  Lovely word – Home.  They say that’s where the heart is.  This pretty street scene contains a row of town homes.  I’ve driven and also walked along many such streets, especially in larger cities.  They seem so nice and neat.  What very small “yards” they have are usually meticulously manicured.

This particular street is in downtown Baltimore, Maryland.  Common walls are shared with sometimes-unmet neighbors in order to experience the conveniences of city life.  If they own a vehicle at all, they must park in their one designated spot on the street in front.  I imagine this to be very similar to apartment living – close quarters.

As pretty as all of this looks, I can’t help but think how ironic it all is.  People pay unbelievable sums of money for these small homes (or for apartments), putting them in extremely close proximity to all of their neighbors.  And yet, the majority of the residents in such places will never even meet or know the names of those who live so very close.

From the outside, it’s so pretty.  But I can’t help but think of all the lonely people inside.  Of course, that can happen in any neighborhood anywhere else, too.  

At a program last night, I heard the old song, “People need the Lord.”  One of the phrases in it is this – “At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door!”  Yes, He is!  

When your world is so crazy you feel as if you are adding to the craziness, when your work schedule is so convoluted that you don’t know whether you need to “zoom to a meeting” or “go to a zoom meeting,” when your family members contribute to your anxiety, when the frayed ends of your rope seem to be slipping through your fingers, remember that He is all you need!

People in pretty houses.  Folks driving cars you only dream about.  People living lives that bring you to envy.  They may seem as if they have it all.  But do they really?  Do they know the Jesus you know?  When is the last time you talked with your neighbor about your faith?  Do they know you are a believer?

Your neighbors passing by your home may be wondering the same things about you this week.  People need the Lord.  Take Him to the people.

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

A few short years ago, my middle daughter and I were part of a group that spent several days touring parts of France.  On one particular day of our adventure into the Loire Valley, our bus brought us to the banks of the Cher River and deposited us in a parking lot on the far grounds of the Chenanceaux Castle.  We were to explore the grounds of that huge estate.

But, as we stepped off of the bus, nearly each one of us had the same reaction over the animals we were seeing just across the fence in the grassy pasture.  Several asked what the animals were.  Our incredible tour guide was amazed and laughed at us.  We were simply looking at donkeys.  But they were donkeys like no other donkeys any of us had ever seen before.  They were fuzzy!

Here we all were, about to visit the most famous chateau in France, built some 500 years ago, and every one of us stopped to see the fuzzy donkeys instead!  Those animals took our attention away from what was to have been the very point of our visit there.

In today’s world, we attend church services.  Some of us even get to visit other places of worship from time to time.  I’ve sat in silence inside some incredible cathedrals and worshiped in one-room bare-walled church buildings.  We are going to church to worship, to sing praises to the Lord, and to give of our time, tithes, and talents.  But too often, we get distracted along the way.

We catch up with neighbors.  We chat about the ballgames of the night before.  We slobber over the new babies being brought out for the first time.  We enjoy the flower arrangements on the communion table or altar.  We read the church bulletin or program and catch up on who needs to be where when.  All of those things are wonderful.  There’s not a thing wrong with any of them.  But they aren’t to be our focus.  They are the distractions to our real purpose in being there – to come before the Lord in worship.

Our tour guide in France that day was amused that we were amused by the fuzzy donkeys when we should have focused on the huge castle just down the path.  I doubt the Lord is very amused with us when we take our eyes off of Him and our focus away from worshiping Him.  

In the week ahead, and in all the things it brings to us, let’s be ever mindful of the greatness just down the path.  Stop and check out the things along the way.  Visit and catch up if you need to.  But don’t forget the real reason for our visit here — to Worship the King.  On what are you focused this week?

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

How observant are you?  Do you haphazardly drive the road or walk the areas of your life without much regard for what is happening around you?  Or, do you make it a point to pay attention to your surroundings, your world, and the people in it?  Do you proverbially take time to stop and smell the roses?

This flower obviously isn’t a rose.  It is, however, a beautiful flower with bright colors.  Against the backdrop of dried out leaves and sticks, it certainly stands out.  Because this flower was one of a very few blooming beside a walkway I was using, I noticed it.  I stopped and took this picture.  But I must confess that I wasn’t really looking at the flower itself.

Look closely and what do you see?  If you lean in to see the beauty, take a quick sniff, and enjoy the flower with no regard to what else is happening, you have a very good chance of being stung by a fat little bumblebee whose work you are interrupting.

We live in a world of God’s beauty.  We live in the greatest country on earth.  You may even believe your state and/or community is the best there is.  I have no intention of bursting your bubble.  I just want to remind us that the dangers of this world are just as prevalent as the benefits.

Satan is alive and well and looking for ways to attack us.  He sometimes hides in plain sight, perhaps in the very beauty around us, and we ignore him because we just aren’t paying attention.  Does that mean we have to walk around scared of what might bite us?  Certainly not.  But be aware.

I didn’t have to stand near those flowers very long before that bumblebee had finished his buzzing around and had gone on to another flower bed.  The danger had passed.  One of my most favorite phrases in the Bible is, “And it came to pass.”  Trouble didn’t come to stay.  It came to pass.

If in the beauty of your wonderful week a fat little bumblebee buzzes, be patient.  It came to pass.  Sometimes the best way to stay out of Satan’s plans for your week are to simply ignore him, his ugly work, and let him be.  Don’t swat at him and stir him up.  Remember that the flower upon which the bee perches is so much bigger than the bee itself.  God will prevail.

Don’t let Satan keep you from enjoying the Lord’s beauty.

Just a thought.