23

Jump Start # 4098

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

Jump Start # 4098

 

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

 

As our kids grew up and moved out, we saved many of their toys. More than once we gave serious thoughts to tossing them. But into tubs they went and they moved with us, including this latest move. Now, the grandkids play with those toys. GI Joes. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Action figures. Matchbox cars. The game of life. And, of course, Mr. Potato head.

 

What an interesting life Mr. Potato has. Don’t like his nose, you can change it. Wouldn’t it be great if we could do that. But more than that, you can put his feet where the ears go and change him from being a boy to a girl. Just move the parts and Mr. Potato has a whole new identity. And for generations, modern culture has tried to play Mr. Potato with the values and morals of God. We see this especially in the story of Babylon’s fiery furnace from Daniel three.

 

The Babylonian culture attempted three changes:

 

First, Rename you. The Babylonians changed the Jewish names to Babylonian names. It wasn’t a matter of Bob’s name in Hebrew is changed to the equivalent in Babylonian. Notice what took place. The name Daniel, ending in “el” refers to Elohim, the name of God. Ezekiel, Joel have similar endings. Daniel’s name was changed to Belteshazzar. “Bel” was the name of the Babylonian god. Belteshazzar means, “Bel, protect the king.”

 

Hananiah ends with “iah” the name for Yahweh. Nehemiah. Isaiah. Jeremiah. Obadiah. Zephaniah. Zechariah. The name Hananiah means, “God has been gracious.” His name was changed to “Shadrach” which means, “I am afraid of God.”

 

Mishael, with the ending “el” means “who can compare to my God.” His name was changed to Meshaach, which means, “I am despised and humiliated.” In other words, forsaken and forgotten by God.

 

Azariah, with the “iah” ending means “God has helped.” His name was changed to Abed-nego, which means “the servant of Nebo” another Babylonian God.

 

Every time their Babylonian names were called, they were insulted and God was blasphemed. And, today, our culture wants to redefine and rename us. It is an attempt to get us to accept that which is wrong.

 

Second, Tame you. That is the next step in the culture play book. Offering food that would be offensive to Jews. You have to eat. You are away from home. Just one time. That’s how culture begins to capture you.

 

Third, claim you. Once you have compromised so many times, you have lost your distinctiveness. Your light has gone out. The salt is no longer salty.

 

Three simple steps: Rename, Tame, and then Claim. And, we are witnessing this transition among us. Wrong doesn’t seem so wrong anymore. Many do not want hard hitting sermons about how the Lord’s church is different and unique from everything else. Less doctrine and more relationship type of lessons. And, out of this some are saying, “I don’t see what’s so wrong with what others are doing.” Or, “basically, we are just like what you read in the Bible except for…” Rename. Tame. Claim. Straight from the Babylonian playbook on how to change the thinking and culture of someone.

 

What do we do?

 

First, we must keep teaching and preaching the word of God. That is the distinctiveness of Heaven. Rather than trying to find ways to compromise, teach the Gospel to change hearts.

 

Second, build conviction and faith in each of us. Those three Jewish young men in Babylon didn’t have their priest standing behind them. They didn’t even have mom or dad with them. But they knew. It didn’t matter if they were in Jerusalem or in Babylon, God was to be served and followed. It’s the same for our young people. At home or away in a university, God is to be served and followed. While everyone else is bowing down, you stand up for the Lord.

 

You’ll notice, those three were not told to denounce their faith. They were not to deny faith in God. They were told simply to bow. How many would do that while saying to themselves, “I still believe in God.” No compromise here. No half way. No middle ground. We stand come what may.

 

Third, recognize that often what seems innocent isn’t. What is popular does not mean it is good. Everyone was bowing but these three. That didn’t matter. They knew. They knew what they had to do.

 

Rename. Tame. Claim. That’s what our culture is trying to do to you. Will you allow it to happen?

 

Mr. Potato Head is a fun toy to play with, but that’s all he is, a toy. When culture plays Mr. Potato Head, souls get hurt and God is mocked. Keep the toys in the box and keep your Bibles open.

 

Roger

 

22

Jump Start # 4097

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

Jump Start # 4097

 

2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”

 

A very progressive female pastor who advocates same sex relationships recently used the resurrection of Lazarus as a proof text for her liberal agenda. In the Gospel account, Lazarus has died and been buried. The Lord calls Lazarus to come forth, to come out of the grave. He appears bound in grave clothes. The Lord orders others to unbind him and free him from those things. Powerful miracle that shows Jesus has power and authority in the other world. Dead Lazarus heard Him. Dead Lazarus obeyed Him. Not all the dead in that cemetery came forth, only Lazarus. Our Lord can do anything.

 

Taking that great Gospel message, this female pastor twisted it, turned and abused it. She used Lazarus coming out of the grave as the Lord calling homosexuals to ‘come out of the closet.’ And, not stopping there, she referred to the bound Lazarus as culture’s prejudice and binding upon homosexual marriages. And, just like that, she painted a picture of the Lord approving of same sex marriages. The context has nothing to do with what she said. She has taken a passage and misused it.

 

Couldn’t I then say, Lazarus coming out of the grave is a symbol of a Kentucky race horse coming out of the gates at the Derby? And, the bindings, well that’s the restrictions of the government on gambling.

 

Or, could I say, Lazarus coming out of the grave is a high school student graduating and the bindings are the freedom that comes from the opportunities in his life.

 

If we start reading anything we want into the Scriptures then we make the Bible fit us rather than we change and fit what God says.

 

Our verse today reminds us to “handle accurately the word of truth.” Now, put some thought to that.

 

First, accurately carries the idea of fact checking and being right. The Bereans searched the Scriptures daily to see if those things were so. “Were so,” means, “were right.” One cannot close their eyes to the rest of the Scriptures when studying one specific passage.

 

To our example above, approving of homosexual relationships doesn’t fit in the context of the resurrection of Lazarus. It also ignores what God says about holiness and righteousness. And, it completely closes it’s eyes to what the Lord says about adultery, marriage and homosexuality. Yes, the Lord has spoken about those things.

 

Second, we must not come to the Bible with our minds made up about things. If we do, we will find what we want. We will twist and bend the Scriptures to suit our liking. In that way, everyone is right and sin doesn’t exist.

 

As we come to the Scriptures, our minds will change. Our motives will be explored. The will of God shapes and changes our hearts. In this way, the Bible is the same. It is the same for all of us. It is the same for all generations. It is the same here as it is there. One Lord. One faith. One body. One baptism. When two people do not see the Bible the same way, the issue is not the Bible but rather one or both of the people who are looking at it.

 

Third, handle accurately. Handle it carefully. We understand that in moving. I’m up to my eyeballs in moving. Some things I just toss in the back of the truck. We had movers for our big stuff. But when it came to my wife’s grand piano, only professional piano movers were called in. There is no way that piano was going in the back of a moving truck. Handle it carefully.

 

There are things in life that I may not handle carefully. I may look over the internet news so quickly that I don’t get the story correct. I may not handle some tools carefully, just tossing them in a tool box. But, we are careful with the American flag. We are careful that it does not touch the ground. There is something special about that flag. We may handle some rare heirlooms carefully, realizing how they have been passed down through the family for generations.

 

And, when it comes to God’s word, handle it accurately. Read it slowly. Look at the words. Look at the order of the words. Bring in other passages that are connected to the one you are reading. Know the context. What’s going on? Put yourself there. Let the Bible speak to you. Leave you opinions on the floor.

 

Shame on that female pastor who butchered God’s word and misled her audience. There are layers of things that are wrong with this picture, such as the misuse of the word ‘pastor,’ to a female being in that role, to being part of a denomination rather than seeking to return to the N.T. way.

 

May we do better with God’s word.

 

Roger

 

12

Jump Start # 4096

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4096

 

1 Corinthians 15:51 “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.”

 

Special Note: There will be no Jump Starts posted next week. I will be moving to Noblesville and getting things set up there in our new home. After that I will be commuting back and forth for a few weeks until my last day in August. Jump Starts should resume the week of June 22. I plan to continue to write Jump Starts for some time still. You can always find past Jump Starts at: Jumpstartsdaily.com

 

As I write today from my office at the church building, I’m looking at empty bookshelves that once held my collection of books. Many are in boxes ready to head to some new bookshelves in Noblesville. I am beginning the process of moving out before the next preacher moves in. And, all of this brings us to the lesson of change.

 

Let’s just be honest, change can be hard. Some do better with change than others. We get used to things. We become very comfortable. Same schools. Same job. Same house. Same church. There is something really good about that. But one thing about life is that it is constantly changing.  Like a river, constantly flowing and moving and changing, so is life. We out grow one house and move to a new neighborhood. CHANGE. The kids graduate from elementary school and move on to middle school and then high school. CHANGE. Co-workers leave and new people are hired and they are not the same. CHANGE. The preacher moves and a new preacher takes his place and he is different from the former one. CHANGE. The kids graduate from college, get a real job and move out. CHANGE. The neighbors move and the new ones aren’t very friendly CHANGE. The time comes to put your spouse in assisted living after all these years together. CHANGE. The Lord calls one of you home. CHANGE.

 

We look at those things and want to scream: STOP IT. We don’t like change. We didn’t ask for change. But, that river life continues to flow.

 

Here are some thoughts:

 

First, we can fight change, get upset by change, become bitter about change or prepare for it. We realize it’s going to happen. A ten year-old doesn’t stay a ten year-old for twenty years. He is ten years old for only one year. He grows. He changes. Knowing that the river of life never stops, it makes us learn to enjoy the moment. Enjoy that year with the ten year-old. Enjoy the friendship with the neighbors. Enjoy the fellowship with your preacher. Be thankful and grateful for what you have.

 

For my wife and myself, this house we are leaving has been very special to us. This is the longest that we have ever lived in one house. We’ve loved the scenery, the gardening, seeing the wildlife and having the space for family and friends. It’s been a real joy living here. It’s been our favorite place. Is it hard leaving? In some ways, but, we understand what the next season in our lives brings and it’s time.

 

Second, while change can be scary and uncertain, it can bring more opportunities and adventures. We’ve seen that in our lives. Leaving one city to move states away was tough. All of our kids wanted us to move back. However, in time, they all excelled in different ways that probably would not have happened had we not moved.

 

Mistakes are often made, especially in the church, when we try to duplicate one congregation to another. You can have the same classes and programs, but people are different. It won’t be the same. Rather than trying to copy one place into another place, use the talents, vision and resources that are available at the new place.

 

Third, the only place where we won’t find change is in Heaven. We won’t be aging. We won’t pass on and leave the presence of one another. No one will be moving. And, what a blessing and comfort to know that and to look forward to that.

 

Sometimes within the fellowship of a congregation, some fight change, because they are wedded to tradition. Always done it this way is not always a good standard to go by. What worked in the past may not work today. As long as it is Biblical, give the new idea a chance. Don’t shoot things down simply because it’s something new. You may find that you actually like the new idea and it may even help you to grow closer to the Lord.

 

Change—it’s coming. For me it’s coming real fast.

 

Roger

 

 

11

Jump Start # 4095

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4095

 

Galatians 5:26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”

 

Throwback Thursday: an article written from the past

 

The Greener Grace Syndrome

 

People often envy the very people who envy them. A preacher sat back in his chair listening to the man seated across from him complain about the difficulties he had in his life. The prominent businessman was regretting that he had chosen the line of work he was in. He knew he should be grateful. After all, since he had bought the majority position in the company, the stock had split twice. He had excellent year end bonuses. He and his wife had enjoyed visits to Europe, Australia, the Orient, and most recently, the Iron Curtain.

 

But he fought a lot of guilt. He had once pursued the pulpit, but took a side road in college that placed him in secular work for good. He went on to outline how much he envied the preacher’s knowledge of the Bible and his grasp of spiritual insights. He wished that he had the time to explore the treasures of the Bible and could have such an impact in the lives of people as the preacher had. Furthermore…

 

The preacher looked past the businessman’s tailored suit to the window through which he could see the two cars parked outside his study. They were the same color, but that was as far as the comparison could go. As soon as the appointment was over, the preacher would have to take his aging Pontiac home so that his wife could borrow it to run her errands. The odometer broke at 178,000 miles two years ago. The businessman drove the latest luxury sports car.

 

As the businessman rambled on about what a spiritual loser he was, the preacher studied the picture framed on the corner of his desk. His two children smiled so broadly and so proudly. They were too young to be self-conscious. But in a few years, they’d realize what the preacher already knew. Their teeth needed elaborate orthodontic work. But it wasn’t going to happen on his paycheck. He kept thinking of all the times the businessman had said to him, “Preacher, with your skills, you could have knocked ‘em dead in the business world.” The businessman never knew that money was one of the biggest temptations in the preacher’s life. How the preacher envied the businessman. He knew that he could never live in a house like the businessman did. He could never travel like the businessman did. The preacher had often thought of quitting preaching and going to work in a company similar to the businessman’s. Both men envied each other.

 

Changing positions wouldn’t solve either one of these men’s problems. Both men were ungrateful and unaware of the great roles that they played. Their dissatisfaction was not in what they didn’t have, but in a  failure to see what good they could do where they were. Both men were talented. Both men felt that they were missing out. The businessman felt he was a failure spiritually. The preacher felt he was a failure financially. Both men were measuring themselves by each other. They were both unhappy.

 

The more we measure our significance by other people’s accomplishments, the less we’ll be able to feel at rest in our daily lives. So often, we wish we had the other person’s job, or lifestyle.  Coveting, greed and jealousy are sins (Gal. 5:19-21). We need to be content. We need to be ourselves. We need to do all that we can with our abilities. Wondering what might have been, only makes us lonely and depressed. It makes us feel like failures. It makes us worry. Both the businessman and the preacher need to realize that God has gifted them and given them unique opportunities to serve Him in their own worlds. The businessman with his resources could do much good for the kingdom financially. With his many contacts, the businessman is given opportunity to reach many people for the Lord. The preacher with his abilities could change lives and enrich them for the kingdom. Both men are needed. Both could do a lot of good.

 

Don’t waste time wishing you were doing something else. Find ways to serve the Lord right where you are.

 

The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence, but it still has to be cut just the same.

 

Roger

April, 2009

 

10

Jump Start # 4094

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4094

Acts 12:10 “When they had passed te first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street and immediately the angel departed from them.”

 

Our verse today details Peter’s escape from prison. This wasn’t a daring picking the locks, overcoming the guards and taking hostages, like the scenes from a movie. In fact, this wasn’t Peter’s idea. He was deep in the prison, chained with two guards on either side of him, asleep. There were guards at the door keeping watch. There was no escaping, except when God gets involved, there is no stopping Him. An angel was sent. There was a light in the dark prison. The chains instantly fell off. They walked past the guards, and came to an iron gate. The gate opened up for them and Peter walked out. So many miracles tucked in this deliverance from God. The Lord wanted Peter out and Peter got out.

 

But, this is much more than just a powerful historical section that shows the power of the Lord and the answer to fervent prayers. There is a parallel symbolically to our salvation. Notice four aspects layered in this section.

 

First, God loosens the chains that bind us. The chains of sin. The chains of addiction. The chains of guilt, shame and failure. We may think that there is no hope. We may believe that we will be chained forever. But, God can break us free from these chains. It’s the Gospel message that will do that. The angel told Peter to get up quickly and to put on his sandals. There was something Peter had to do. The angel could open locked doors, release chains and get by guards, but he didn’t put on Peter’s shoes. He had to do that himself.

 

It may be that the reason we still are chained to our past and our sins is that we are expecting God to put on our shoes and carry us out. God can do what we can not. But we must do what we can. You can get down to the church house and worship. You can open your Bible and believe. You can pray. You can change the circumstances that get you locked up and tied up in sin.

 

Second, God opens gates that have been closed to us. The freedom, peace and joy that God intended to dwell within our hearts has been shut out because of the dungeon we have gotten ourselves into. Moments of laughter don’t last. Vacations end. That deep satisfaction and joy can only be found when the dungeon gates are opened by God. There is a peace that surrounds our hearts that comes from God. Worry, fear and doubt stay in the dungeon once we walk out. God’s in charge. God’s got it. God’s already into tomorrow. I don’t have to try to run the universe, God will. I don’t have to solve every problem, God can. I don’t have to straighten everyone up, the Lord has that.

 

Can you imagine how fresh that night air was to Peter when he walked out. Dungeons stink. Dungeons are dirty. And, the dungeon’s of Satan are just like that.

 

Third, God can guide us through the darkness. The angel left when Peter got out into the streets of Jerusalem. Dark, Peter must have wondered at first where he was. The NAS wonderfully words this passage as: “When Peter came to himself, he said, ‘Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth is angel and rescued me…” Peter came to himself. We remember the Prodigal coming to himself. Peter knew for sure that the Lord was guiding him. And, when we are sure that God is leading us, through His word, we’ll find ourselves through the dark streets of culture. A lot of things are said. Not all of them are true. What we do know is true, is God’s word.

 

How fitting, long before this, the Psalmist declared that God’s word was a “lamp unto his feet.” Jesus is described as the Light of the world. There is a way that is clearly marked. There is a path that the Lord wants us to follow. God will get you through the darkness of grief, the darkness of loneliness and the darkness of trouble. In the dark, we don’t know which way to go. In the dark, it is easy to stumble and fall. But with a light on, we know.

 

Fourth, Peter was restored to the fellowship of God’s people. Out from prison, Peter didn’t run away. He didn’t hide in the forest. He made his way to Mary’s house. There with others, joy and happiness was restored. Prayers were answered. Peter was safe. Peter was home where he belonged.

 

Salvation in Christ will not only unite us back with the Lord, but it will connect us once again to God’s people. Sometimes it’s the uniting with God’s people that is difficult. Too many questions. Too many tongues wagging. Not enough hugs, tears and joy. Locked up Peter, once again was freed by the power of God.

 

We too are freed by the power of God.

 

Roger