01

Jump Start # 4045

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

Jump Start # 4045

 

John 4:22 “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.”

 

Our verse comes from the Lord’s conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. Her life was a mess. The very idea that she was at the well at noon likely points to the idea that she didn’t want to be around others. The gossip may have been thick. She had been through five husbands and was currently living with someone who was not her husband. When the disciples returned from town, they had the thought that many of us would have, “Why do You speak with her?” But the Lord did. He always does.

 

Built within our verse today is a contrast. You, meaning the Samaritans, worship what you do not know. We, meaning Jesus and the Jews, worship what we know.

 

Have you ever stretched that thought out? Worshipping what you do not know? Consider:

 

  1. Do not know what God is like. Is He kind? Is He oppressive? Is He merciful?
  2. Do not know what God expects. Are we doing what we are supposed to be doing? Who knows?
  3. Do not know how to worship God. Does He want sacrifices? Human sacrifices? Animal sacrifices?
  4. Do not know how to serve Him. Are we to bow? Are we to argue with Him? Does He hear us? Does He care? Does He speak to us?

 

What a strange and odd relationship that must have been. No revelation to know. No words to guide you. No understanding of what is right and wrong. It must have been a religion that was made up by those who were in charge. Inconsistent. Incomplete. Human based. Shallow. That’s the outcome.

 

And, as strange as this is, this is where modern thinking has led many. They have rejected the revealed God of the Bible. They worship what they do not know. They worship what they have made up in their minds. They worship what they want. Pleasure, ease and little commitment have become the new trinity of the modern culture. “Oh, we love Jesus,” many say. But, what Jesus? The Jesus of the Bible? The Jesus that says, “Why do you call me Lord and do not do what I say?” Or, their Jesus. The one that winks at sin, doesn’t care how you worship and understands that money, power and fame come before He does. You worship what you do not know.

 

What a blessing that our God is not far from us. He has revealed Himself through nature and especially His word. We can know Him. We can love Him. We can understand Him. We know what He expects. We know how to worship Him. We know what He desires. We know right and wrong because of Him.

 

And, all of this comes from drinking deeply from the word of God. Our children, as well as we adults, must spend time in God’s word. We must read it thoughtfully. We must look at concepts, doctrine and principles. We must connect the dots that the Lord has placed there.

 

Teach the Bible. Read the Bible. Know the Bible. In so doing, we come to know the One who gave us the Bible.

 

What a joy it is to worship what we know. To know that our worship brings joy to God. To know that our worship can be right with God. To know that our worship is meaningful and has value.

 

We worship what we know…what a great thought that is.

 

Roger

 

31

Jump Start # 4044

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4044

 

Luke 8:22 “Now it came about on one of those days, that He got into a boat, He and His disciples, and said to them, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake.’ And they launched out.

 

 

Readers of the Bible know this story. Mark gives us insight as if he was a weather man. He tells us that a fierce gale of wind arose. The waves were over the boat. The boat was filling up with water. Frantic, scared and losing all hope, the disciples awaken Jesus with the plea, “We are perishing.” In our words, we’d say, “Jesus, we are about to die!” This is not something that could be dealt with later on. In a few moments, that boat would begin to sink. Water inside a boat is not good. Waves above the boat is not good. The storm they faced was greater than they were.

 

And, such is the nature of storms. They are greater than we are. We can’t see into tomorrow. We can’t fix everything. Out of money and the bills keep coming in and things keep needing fixed. What to do? What seems like a typical day at work ends with you carrying out a box of your personal possessions because you have been let go. The words “Stage four” are attached to your medical results. You thought it was just a sore muscle. Now the discussion turns to surgery, chemo or even hospice.

 

Our storms can come very suddenly, just like they do on a sea. Our storms change our plans and can upset our world. There are times when the only place to turn to is the Lord.

 

Three lessons to learn from the Storms of Life:

 

First, Jesus knew all about the coming storm. How often we may say, “I never saw that coming.” That may be true. But, God did. The story of the farmer who was going to tear down his barns and build larger ones never saw that his life was coming to an end that very night. No tomorrow here. No next week. That very night his soul was required. God sees the storms that we don’t.

 

Second, the storm may be exactly the place that God wants us to be. I think that is true of Jonah and his storm. I think that is true here in our Luke passage. This section ends with the disciples amazed and afraid because even the wind and the waves obey Jesus. His voice is all that it takes. He commands in ways that are so beyond us. Feeding the pigs is what it took for the prodigal to come to his senses and come home. As scary, violent, and helpless storms make us, they can do wonders for our heart. They can lead us to praying like we have never prayed before. They can enrich our fellowship with one another in ways like it never has before.

 

We do all we can to avoid storms. Sometimes it’s the storms that lead us to trusting the Lord deeper than we ever have before.

 

Third, the disciples were never alone. They had Jesus. Jesus in the boat is all that they needed. And, that’s exactly what we need. Jesus with you in the medical test. Jesus and you looking for another job. Jesus and you having a conversation with your troubled teen. Jesus and you in working that budget.

 

Hopeless and helpless are not the words when Jesus is with us. God may call upon us to do hard things. Changing our ways, apologizing to others, becoming patient, learning humility—tough lessons, but lessons of faith, as the disciples had to learn.

 

When Peter was chained in a prison and the Lord sent an angel and the doors opened up. Do you think Peter was shocked and amazed? The Lord that can stop a storm can open prison doors. The Lord that can shut the mouths of lions, part seas, make fire come down from Heaven, can calm your scared heart and give rest to a weary soul.

 

Paul told the Thessalonians, in everything be thankful (1 Thes 5:18). For everything, be thankful. It’s easy to thank the Lord for sunshine. How about the thunderstorms? How about the storms in your life? Thankful because it brings me closer to the Lord. Thankful because it opened my eyes to what really matters. Thankful for His enduring love.

 

Storms…learn from them. They can make you better.

 

Roger

 

 

 

30

Jump Start # 4043

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4043

 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

 

Our verse today contains three absolute affirmations: Christ died. Christ was buried. Christ rose on the third day. This is, as the apostle put it, “of first importance.” Without these three absolutes, there is no foundation for hope. Christianity is not about being nice people. It’s not about helping our fellow man. It IS all about the Christ. Without the Christ there is no forgiveness. Without the Christ the Scriptures are useless and helpless. Without the Christ we are on our own.

 

Our verse fits together, as Baxter calls it, “The Trinity of Truth.”

 

First, there is the statement of fact: Christ died. This is a fact.

Second, there is the meaning of the fact: For our sins. The “why” of the fact. Why Christ died.

Third, there is the background of the fact: According to the Scriptures. The “proof” of the fact.

 

The Cross is not to be viewed as the end, but rather the beginning. Christ died so we could live. Wrapped up in those three statements are moments in time. Between the words of the prophets and the time of Christ, time passed. The world had to wait. Between the Cross and the open tomb there was time that passed. The world had to wait.

 

One of the troubles we have is waiting on the Lord. God made time, but man made haste. We pray and nothing happens. We wonder if it is God or us who has the problem. Was there a connection issue with my prayer?

 

We can have the concept of prayer like a vending machine. You put in some money and you know what you’ll receive. If you don’t something is wrong with the machine. God is a relationship with us. Often there is nothing wrong with either one of us. I must learn to wait.

 

Here are some lessons we learn about waiting upon the Lord:

 

First, God has perfect timing. In His time, not only a wonderful hymn, but a grand reminder that God has it under control. In the fulness of time, Jesus came to the earth. Our impatience gets us into trouble. Why won’t God do something right now, we wonder. Why is it taking so long? God has perfect timing. Further along we’ll know all about it…

 

Second, Waiting is more than just sitting around. What are we doing while we wait? Are we living godly in the meantime? Do we continue to trust God? Thomas had some doubts and questions. When Jesus showed up a week later, Thomas was there with the apostles. Great lesson for us. Are we hanging in while we wait? Are we feeding our fears or feeding our faith?

 

Third, sometimes waiting is the best.  Change takes time. Seasons take time. Growth takes time. Being in a hurry isn’t a virtue. In the context of being anxious or worrying, Jesus said, look at the birds and observe the lilies of the field. Notice. Reflect. Think. Slow down.

 

This is good wisdom when it comes to reading the Bible. Don’t speed read. Notice words. Notice word order. Notice repeated words. Walk slowly through the Scriptures.

 

This is good wisdom when it comes to worship. Don’t be in a hurry to leave each other. Sing more. Have impromptu Bible studies in the pew. Fellowship. Pray. Take time to be holy.

 

Teach me, Lord, to wait. Good things can happen when we wait.

 

Roger

 

27

Jump Start # 4042

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

Jump Start # 4042

 

2 Corinthians 11:9 “and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from Macedonia, they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so.”

 

I’ll be honest. It’s hard for me to like the Corinthian church. First, they were a mess and all over the map spiritually. Nearly every page of the first letter to them, addresses some serious problems. These problems were so great that it would cripple many churches. Now, in the second letter, the Corinthians didn’t think much of Paul’s preaching. They challenged his validity as an apostle.

 

You don’t find the deep affection toward the Corinthians like you find with the Thessalonians or the Philippians. Yet, Paul kept going. He lived the words, “endure hardship,” as he would later encourage Timothy.

 

There is a little statement tucked within our verse that needs to be looked at. The passage is addressing financially supporting Paul. The churches in Macedonia took care of Paul. Actually, God took care of Paul. But, there in our verse we find, “I was present with you and was in need.”  I was in need. Did anyone notice how Paul was doing? Did anyone care to ask? Were the Corinthians unable to do anything or was it that they didn’t want to do anything? Were they so consumed with themselves that they couldn’t see anyone else?

 

Those little words, “I was in need,” speaks volumes. It reminds us of what our Lord said, I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat. Thirsty and you gave me no drink. Naked and you did not clothe me. Sick and in prison and you did not visit me. I was in need. Did you notice?

 

Let’s put some thought to that expression:

 

First, many will come running if you ask them, but they must be asked first. We need to open our eyes and see. Paul was in need. Couldn’t someone invite him over for a meal? Couldn’t someone offer to let Paul stay with them. Was there no one who could give Paul some money?

 

His words, used twice, not being a burden, implies that Paul wouldn’t ask. He didn’t want someone to feel obligated or that they had to do something. Paul would rather suffer than ask. He was not going to have someone go out of their way for him. He was not going to be a burden. And, sadly, that happens today. Rather than asking, someone will just suffer in silence. They don’t want to be a bother.

 

  • Consider the young family that is struggling. Mountains of health bills. Between the mom and dad, they may be working three or four jobs, doing all that they can. They’d never miss a service. They are always there, encouraging and helping others. Does anyone notice? Does anyone care? Will anyone do anything?

 

  • Consider the new widow. She comes home to an empty house. There are piles of paperwork that she must work through since the death. There are so many decisions to be made. She is overwhelmed but doesn’t want to bother anyone. She doesn’t want to throw a pity party. She works through it but it is so hard.

 

  • Consider the preacher. Week after week, new sermons, busy teaching and encouraging as many as he can. How is he doing? Does anyone ever ask? Is he tired on the inside? Is he stretched thin? Emotionally, mentally and even spiritually, does he need a break? Does anyone notice?

 

Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.” This is the role of shepherds in the church and dads in the home. How is everyone doing? Are they tired? Are they worried? Jesus felt compassion for the multitudes because they were “distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). Jesus noticed. Jesus cared.

 

In the pew you will find:

Parents that are burdened because of their prodigal child

Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren because if they don’t…

Singe parents facing double duty

Brethren struggling with secret sins and failing again

Smiling faces hoping to hide their depression

A childless couple facing disappointment again

Families dealing with cancer and fears

Parents who have buried a child

Couples who have done everything they know to keep their marriage going, but failed

A brother who has been hurt by the judgmental attitudes of others

A guest who is so confused by the religious propaganda of our times. He just wants to find Jesus.

A widow who sits down as one at a table for two

Wives who harbor the secret of being a battered wife

The lonely, scared and hurting

 

Every week they gather with the people of God to lift their voice to the One hope that they believe in. Brushing away tears, trying to muster courage to walk into the church building, they come to encourage and help others. These are the people in the pew. And, funny, they look just like me and you.

 

Does anyone notice?

 

Roger

 

 

26

Jump Start # 4041

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

  Jump Start # 4041

 

Ecclesiastes 7:2 “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart.

 

Throwback Thursday: an article written from the past

 

Today someone I knew died. He had listened to me preach many times. His passing has caused me to wonder…

 

  I wonder if he knew today was going to be his last day? His death was sudden. His death was unexpected.  Did he have a sense that today was different than other days? This is a very humbling and sobering thought. Everything that we do today may be the last time we do it. Does this cause me to count my blessings and thank my Lord?

 

  I wonder if my preaching did him any good? He had heard many sermons. Sermons are vehicles that can instruct us and move us closer to the Lord. Many of us have heard hundreds if not thousands of sermons in our lives. I have preached over 2,000 sermons. I wonder if they have done me any good. Preaching can help us if we allow it to sink deep into our hearts. Preaching can change a person. We are preaching to people who are racing toward eternity. Preachers need to remember that!

 

  I wonder if he was ready to meet God. I think he was. I want to hope he was. There are always things that need to be done. There are always words that need to be spoken. There are always rays of sunshine that we can send to sad and broken hearts. Our work is never over. But a person can live day by day with the Lord. His relationship can be such that he is ready to meet God. We sing, “Are your ready, are your ready…” I wonder if he was ready. I wonder if I am really ready.

 

  I wonder what his family is going through today. All of their plans have been interrupted and changed today. A death has occurred. Funeral arrangements have to be made. Decisions must be made. Important papers have to be found. Phone calls must be made. Flowers must be ordered. Plans must be coordinated to get everyone to the funeral home and cemetery. The family is very busy today. The sun is still shinning and the birds are still singing for the rest of us, but for this man’s family, they won’t notice because their thoughts are with their loved one. I hope they remember to pray today. I hope they thank the Lord for being blessed to belong to such a good man. I wonder what my family would do at my death? I will say a prayer for this family.

 

  I wonder what he is doing right now? I wonder what it is like to be carried by angels? I wonder what he saw the first five minutes after he died? I wonder what “comforted in Abraham’s bosom” really means? I wonder who he has met today? I wonder if he has seen my Mom. Don’t you think he is so glad that he believed in Christ? I wonder if he is singing? If he is, I wonder what song he’s singing? I expect he wishes he could scoop up his wife and bring her up there to show her all the wonderful things he is now seeing. I’m certain that he is so glad that he is with the Lord. He has probably not thought much about his death. His attention is upon the heavenly scene that is before him. Finally home, what a wonderful thought!

 

Do you ever “wonder?” It does a person good to wonder now and then.

 

Roger

May, 2008