27

Jump Start # 4121

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

Jump Start # 4121

 

Luke 24:50-51 “And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into Heaven.”

 

Our verse today describes the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. Acts 1 continues with these thoughts, “And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.” No more Jesus on earth. No more Jesus to ask a question. No more Jesus to do miracles. No more Jesus to teach them. The Lord was now going to His Father’s house and the apostles would await the coming of the Holy Spirit upon them.

 

Tucked in our verse today is an interesting thought. Jesus led them out as far as “Bethany.” It was at Bethany where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. It was at Bethany that Jesus was anointed with very costly perfume. After the triumphantly entry, Jesus left Jerusalem for Bethany. The journey from Bethany to Jerusalem was very small. It seems that Jesus felt comfortable in Bethany. He was welcomed there. He had friends there.

 

Of all the places to ascend back to Heaven, Jesus “lead them out as far as Bethany.” He didn’t go to Heaven from the top of the temple. He didn’t go directly from the open grave. He didn’t ascend from Jerusalem. It wasn’t Nazareth. It wasn’t Bethlehem. It wasn’t the sea of Galilee. It wasn’t from Peter’s house. It wasn’t any other huge Biblical milestone places such as Mount Nebo, Mount Sinai, Mount Ararat, or Mt. Carmel. It was not from the center of the power, Rome. He took them to Bethany and from there He ascended. A familiar place. A place He liked. A place that He was comfortable. A place He may have felt like home.

 

Now, we won’t get a choice as to where we will be when the Lord calls us home to Him. But, can you imagine being able to go as far as your Bethany before you leave. The last place. The final place on earth. Your favorite place. A Bethany to you. Do you have a “Bethany?” Maybe it’s your home and there is no place like your place. Maybe it’s the town you grew up in. Going back there fills your heart with precious memories. Maybe it’s in the place of worship in the church building. So many wonderful hymns have been sung there. So many powerful sermons were preached in that room. There is something special about that room. It just has a wonderful feel of purity and righteousness about it.

 

Your Bethany. Some are there right now. You are so blessed. Others, it’s a place from the past. Others may still be looking for their Bethany. You may have moved often in your life and no place really feels like home.

 

But, more important than where we are leaving from, is where we are headed towards. Some have left pretty dark and lonely places. Those early saints dying in Roman prisons. Others, hiding in caves and catacombs. Some were upon crosses. But, where the righteous are headed to is a glorious home with our Father. Our journeys may not all be the same, but our reward awaiting us will be.

 

I go to prepare a place for you, is the promise of the Savior. We come from different backgrounds. We’ve had different experiences. We have had different opportunities and challenges. But, one day, because of the Lord, we will all have the same address: God’s home. It awaits the faithful of the Lord.

 

As far as Bethany…what a wonderful thought that is.

 

Roger

 

24

Jump Start # 4120

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

Jump Start # 4120

 

Acts 20:17 “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.”

 

It was a most unusual meeting that I had recently. The days of my time with the Charlestown Road church are quickly coming to an end. The current shepherds asked if I would deliver a “Miletus Meeting” with them before I left. I have never heard of such a thing in modern generations.

 

In the context of our verse today, Paul was on his way to Jerusalem. He had been warned by God that he would suffer and be bound. Multiple times, brethren tried to talk Paul out of going. But, he was determined. His life was nothing. The cause of the Lord was most important. So, he sets the sails towards Jerusalem. At Miletus, he sent for the Ephesian elders. He loved those brethren. There would be tears as he departed.

 

Walking through the book of Ephesians, then first and second Timothy, because Timothy was at Ephesus when he got those letters, then Revelation two, there is so much about the Ephesian church. There are many warnings about coming departures from God’s word. This was a valuable, heartfelt meeting. Paul didn’t sugar coat things. He didn’t speak in such generalities that nothing much came of it. He told them to watch and be alert. He warned that even among that body of overseers, some would not be satisfied with God’s way and want to change things.

 

So, I had my “Miletus Meeting” with my shepherds. Bibles were opened. Discussion was lively, personal and heartfelt. I shared my insights. I gave some recommendations. I told of some concerns. After nearly two decades with these people, I am in the place where I could say some things. The love of the kingdom and the desire for continual excellence and success is what this meeting was built upon.

 

I find it so rare that churches do not have “Miletus Meetings” more often when preachers move. It may be that the atmosphere with the leaving preacher is not healthy nor good. Many times the leadership is not on the same page and inviting such meetings would only lead to more trouble and more turmoil. Other times, shelpherds may not feel that such a meeting is necessary. We’ve got this is the mentality and there is nothing more that we could gain from such a meeting. That is sad and very unfortunate. All of us are growing and learning and the insights from one another can be very productive.

 

Here are some thoughts:

 

First, create an atmosphere where not only is such a meeting welcomed, but that it is a natural extension of many other meetings before this. A culture of excellence only invites the thoughts and insights from others. When we are suspicious of one another, always on the defensive, then critical conversations will never take place.

 

When the Lord revealed that one of the chosen among them was going to betray Him, they started asking, “Is it I, Lord?” I suspect when Paul told the Ephesian elders that “from among your own selves men will arise speaking perverse things,” they started looking around at each other.

 

Second, a Miletus meeting only works when love fills the air and kindness is the tone of the tongue. For a preacher to use the moment to put in his final parting shots ruins such an opportunity. And, it not only looks bad on that preacher, but he doesn’t realize that he has ruined it for any preacher who follows. Think about the kingdom and not yourself. Within these Acts 20 sentences, Paul would say, “I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord.” Don’t use a Miletus meeting preacher to complain about how you were treated, paid, or didn’t get your way. It’s not about you, preacher. It’s  about the continuation of the work. It’s about the future of that congregation.

 

Third, some preachers are so clueless that they wouldn’t know what to say in a “Miletus Meeting.” It makes me wonder, “What have you been doing all this time, preacher?” Some just want to stand behind the pulpit on a Sunday morning and then be left alone the rest of the time. Some have disengaged from the work that they don’t know what is going on. Shame on such men. Until the very end, get busy in the kingdom and work hard.

 

Departures can be golden opportunities for powerful Miletus meetings with elders. I’m thankful that I got to be part of one. Simply amazing!

 

Roger

 

 

 

23

Jump Start # 4119

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

Jump Start #4119

 

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

 

Throwback Thursday: an article written years ago

 

Attempts to Kill Jesus

 

One of the great truths that the Gospels reveal to us is the fact that Jesus Christ gave up his life. By this, we understand that the life of Jesus was not taken from Him, but rather He had a choice. He was in control. He offered up his life. Twice in John 10 Jesus makes this claim:

 

“even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep” (Jn 10:15)

 

“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again” (Jn 10:17)

 

We see this even further when we look at the many attempts to kill Jesus. Many tried to kill Jesus – but they never could. It was not until Jesus was ready, that He offered, or gave up His life as a sacrifice.

 

Attempts to stone Jesus: “Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple” (Jn 8:59).

 

– The Jews took up stones again to stone Him (Jn. 10:31).

 

Attempts to throw Jesus off a cliff: “and they rose up and cast Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff” (Lk. 4:29).

 

Attempts in Judea: “And after these things Jesus was walking in Galilee; for He was unwilling to walk in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill Him” (Jn. 7:1).

 

Plans Formed to Kill Jesus: “So from that day on they planned together to kill Him” (Jn 11:53 – after the resurrection of Lazarus).

 

– “And he was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy him” (Lk 19:47).

 

– “But the Pharisees went out, and counseled together against Him, as to how they might destroy Him” (Mt 12:14 – after the healing of the withered hand).

 

Jesus gave up His life – by choice, for you to have a righteous relationship with the Father. Jesus’ death was not by force, but a voluntary act of love. Jesus gave up His life as a sacrifice. God’s love and grace are amazing!

 

Roger

February, 1999

 

22

Jump Start # 4118

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4118

 

1 Peter 1:13-16 “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

 

Peter Drucker is known as the gru in buisness management. He authored several books on management skills. One of his quotes that I like is: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Instead of being a passenger going for a ride, be the driver that determines the direction and the destination that you are going.

 

In theory this sounds powerful and good. But, as Solomon reminds us, “the race isn’t always to the swift and the battle isn’t always to the warriors,” for time and chance overtake them all. But there are some action steps that we can take that can shape our future and often will prevent a lot of heartache and trouble.

 

First, Think things through. Prepare your minds for action, is what Peter said. Set your mind on things above is what Paul wrote. James said to be quick to hear and slow to speak. Don’t just react nor move on emotions or the moment, think things out. Our words and actions are witnessed by others, and if not careful, that witness can be rather disappointing and discouraging. Esau didn’t think things through when he came in hungry and sold his birthright for a common meal. Impulsive buyers often have buyer’s remorse. THINK…THINK…THINK

 

Second, don’t be satisfied with what is quick and easy. Peter says, “Like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior.” Being holy is not the same as doing holy things. “Be” is what we are. It’s becoming that. Be holy. Let that be your DNA. That happens when we learn to say “no,” to certain things. It happens when we purposely set as our agenda, the things of God. When we make it our ambition to please the Lord, then things begin to fall in place. For the strong, Sunday is a given. We’ll be at worship. For the weak, every Sunday is an unsettled choice. Do we go to church or stay home? What do you feel like doing? Be holy. That answers that question.

 

Third, put things into action. Prepare your mind. Keep sober in spirit. Fix your hope. Do not be conformed. Be holy. The disciple must get things out of his mind and heart and put some shoes on to those ideas. Let your light shine, is what our Lord said.

 

These three steps, think—become– do, won’t control all of your future, but it will certainly put you on a trajectory that is pointed towards the Lord. Many troubles will be avoided because of these three steps. And, in many ways, these three steps are generating a new direction and a new future for you.

 

Shaping your future…it’s in your hands.

 

Roger

 

 

 

21

Jump Start # 4117

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

Jump Start # 4117

 

Judges 8:4 “Then Gideon and the 300 men who were with him came to the Jordan and crossed over, weary yet pursuing.”

 

Gideon was leading the army of God. They were on the march. They were tired. They were tired, yet they were still going. They were pursuing. This verse seems to define my days lately. A lot of projects going on. A lot of people to see. A lot of shifting from here to there. A lot of road time. And, a lot of weariness.

 

Often in our classes and sermons we focus upon getting people involved. Get off the sidelines and into the game of life. Get busy in the kingdom. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and get about God’s work. But, on the other side of this, are those who are doing those very things. They are working hard. They are teaching, inviting and being busy in the kingdom. They are weary. We don’t say much about that crowd. They are the silent heroes of every congregation. Need a volunteer to teach, and once again, that wreary hand is raised. You can count on me, I’ll do it. Need some extra work around the church house on a Saturday morning. And, just who is it that shows up? Those that do so much.

 

It’s easy to develop a consumer type of faith. Here am I, serve me. Like a giant cruise ship, it’s easy to think, they don’t need me and I just park my talents and let the others do it. I just enjoy the ride. The men of Gideon were wreary, yet they were pursuing.

 

Here are some thoughts for those who are always serving:

 

First, it is not a sin to take a break. Jesus did. God did. God taught Israel to take a Sabbath rest. For the busy mind, rest seems like being lazy and we’d hate to be called that. So, we continue to push ourselves and often the quality of the work suffers because we can’t give it our full attention. We are tired. Resting the mind and the heart is as important as resting the body. Get yourself recharged. Preacher, it’s not a shame to use your vacations. Take them. Get out of Dodge, and slip in some place as a visitor. It will be good for you.

 

Second, our salvation is not measured by how much we do. If it were, then we are saved by works and not grace. We work because we love the master. We work because we want to add value to the kingdom. We work because we want the kingdom to thrive. Some have more talents than others. Some can do much more than others. Just do what you can. You are not going to lose your soul if you do not volunteer every time there is a need.

 

Third, we cannot change nor fix everything. Some things are not in our realm to fix. Some things do not want to be fixed. Sometimes the problem is larger than we are and we are not capable of fixing it. We try and we try, but we simply cannot fix everything.

 

Fourth, even though we are exhausted, we need to keep going. Now, some are tired because they stayed up too late. Others have worn themselves out in the pursuit of happiness and selfishness. But some are truly tired because they are teaching yet another class this quarter. They are busy having Bible classes in their home. It would be good to give your preacher a break now and then. Let him rest his mind. Burnout is a real threat among preachers. We are not superman, even though some may want to be.

 

There is a sweet rest awaiting those who are wearing themselves out in the kingdom. It’s the busy that God calls to duty. It’s the busy that will get things done. It’s the busy that won’t stop until a task is completed.

 

God bless the busy disciples in the kingdom. They continue to make an impact and a major difference in our lives and in the kingdom.

 

Roger