25

Jump Start # 4020

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4020

 

Luke 9:23 “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.’”

 

The word sounds odd. At first one might think that it is an Indian word or even the name of a tribe of Native Americans. Some might think that it is one of those funny named towns. The thing is, without realizing it, or even saying this word, it is a major part of our lives. Spiritually, this word IS the key word to pleasing the Lord.

 

What’s the word? Yagottawanna. You won’t find that word in your dictionary. My spell check immediately puts a red line under it. Breaking this word down it means: YOU–GOT-TO-WANT-TO, or, squeezing it all together very tightly, you get, “YAGOTTAWANNA.”

 

Yagottawanna is the key to life. If you want to excel in sports, Yagottawanna. If you want to graduate from school, Yagottawanna. If you want to lose weight, save money, read a book, change your life, improve yourself, it all comes down to YAGOTTAWANNA.

 

Applying this spiritually, if you are going to seek first the kingdom of God, Yagottawanna. If you are going to forgive someone, Yagottawanna. If you want to go to Heaven, Yagottawanna.

 

Now, here are some simple thoughts for us:

 

First, no one can make you want something. This must come from within us. Someone can teach us. They can influence us. They can try to convince us. They can show us the upside benefits. But, in the end, if a person doesn’t want to do something, they won’t. They’ll find a handy excuse to hang their hat on. They’ll kick the can down the road as long as they can. They’ll talk about it, think about it, but until their heart engages their feet, nothing much will change.

 

This is a hard lesson for parents, teachers and shepherds. You see a person with great potential. They have a lot of talent. Oh, the wonderful things they could do. So gifted. But, they lack the Yagottawanna in them. They are content to sit on the sidelines of life, drifting along, doing as little as possible. Engaging that heart is one of the hardest things to do.

 

Second, many people never find that Yagottawanna spirit. They’ll complain about how miserable life is. They’ll talk about how others are doing so much better than they are. Neglect, indifference and apathy are the three ugly triplets that keep Yagottawanna from being a part of your life. Without some Yagottawanna, Paul would never press on. The early church would never have grown as rapidly as it did. Every achievement, globally, nationally, personally, all sprang from that Yagottawanna attitude. Cemeteries are filled with great ideas that merely stayed ideas.

 

It’s good to find leaders in the kingdom who manifest this Yagottawanna spirit. Great things will get done. Vision takes shape and hope becomes a reality.

 

Third, you get that Yagottawanna heart from understanding that God believes in you and says you can. The famed John 3:16 passage states, “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Whoever. There is a hymn, “Whosoever surely meaneth me.” ME. I can be forgiven. I can be a child of the King. I can walk with the Lord. I can please God. I can make a difference in my family, my congregation and my world. I can go to Heaven. This is the spark that flames the YAGOTTAWANNA spirit. You can. God said you can.

 

When a person declares, “I can’t forgive him for what he has done,” that’s not exactly true. You CAN forgive, because God said so. You won’t forgive because deep inside, you don’t want to. The YAGOTTAWANNA is missing.

 

Someone says, “I can’t break the sin cycle.” Yes, you can. God says you can. Yagottawanna.

 

Once you get ahold of that yagottawanna, great things take place. You can teach a Bible class. You can invite a neighbor to services. You can have a family to your home. You can do amazing things, once Yagottawanna.

 

Much too often, because of a lack of Yagottawanna, people are pressured into teaching Bible classes who do not want to teach. They don’t have the “yagottawanna.” No one else will, so reluctantly, they agree. Their heart is not in it. They don’t want to. They’d rather not. But, they will simply because no one else will.

 

We need preachers with a belly full of Yagottawanna. We need shepherds who understand Yagottawanna. We need moms and dads who gladly raise their children because they’ve got that Yagottwanna spirit within them.

 

Yagottawanna. It’s a fun word to say. It’s a better word when it becomes a part of our lives.

 

Roger

 

24

Jump Start # 4019

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

Jump Start # 4019

 

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

 

It was a moment that I knew was coming. I’d been putting it off and even dreading it, but the time was upon me. It was time to part ways with some dear friends. We have been a part of each other’s lives for a long time. I had been friends with some of them longer than I have been married. Boy, the memories and the stories I had with them. We have gone through many deep, deep thoughts together. I had not always agreed with them, nor they with me, but they remained my friends.

 

But, now it was time to depart. I knew that they’d still be around, but it would never be the same again. There was no falling out between us. No words were said in anger. It was just an understanding that it had to be this way. The time had come for us to part our ways. Even as I write these words, I wish there was another way, but there isn’t.

 

The friends I am talking about are not people. They are books. My books. My library. I have spent a lifetime amassing a quality library that fills two rooms at the church building and a room in my house. With my coming retirement, I will be converting a bedroom in our new home into an office. There is no way I can squeeze three rooms into one. This library numbers in the thousands. It is time for me to divide up this library and pass it on to others.

 

What friends my books have been to me. I have collected them from all over the country. Especially dear was my reformation and restoration library. So many rare books. So many wonderful publications from 100 years to nearly 200 years ago. These “friends” have helped me learn so many truths about God’s amazing word. I have stayed up late into the night with these friends, pouring over pages and pages, learning insights and concepts that have helped shape me. The very nature of my writing, especially these Jump Starts, has been the result of being influenced by these friends, my books.

 

The heart of these books will go to my preaching son in Texas. What a treasure chest he will receive. I’m a little jealous because it has taken me a long time and a lot of money to pull all of this together. Other parts of the library will be given away. Some have suggested that I ought to try to sell these, but I don’t have the time, patience nor heart to do that. I’d rather someone who could benefit from these having them, than they sit in a box in a storage shed if I kept them. They have been such good friends to me.

 

I will keep a core section of books and some of my favorites from the history section, but never again will these books be all together.

 

As I look around this wonderful gathering of books that God has helped me collect, there are some thoughts I’d like to share:

 

First, indeed, do not judge a book by it’s cover. I have bought books just because of the title. Many times, the title was the best part of the book. Don’t ignore a book because it is old. Some of the best writing took place more than a hundred years ago. Understand, all books but God’s book are fallible. They can add color to the pages of the Bible, but one must search to see if those things are true.

 

Second, books on a shelf may look impressive, but they are only of value if you use them. The younger generation of preachers like things on electronics. There is value to that. It sure doesn’t take the space like all my books do and then when it comes time to part ways with the books, it is not such an emotional and hard task to do. Build your own library at home. What interests you? There are many great books in the line of evidence and science. There are great books that will help to understand the prophets or the parables. My passion has been church history. Tons of books fall under that category. Turn the TV off, grab a good book, not a novel, but something that will further your understanding of God’s way, and do some deep reading and deep thinking. It’ll do you a lot of good. Don’t lose the value of reading. Learn the names of good authors and collect their writings.

 

Third, because there is so little interests in books these days, one can pick up some great finds for a low cost. Often, older members in the congregation are wanting to downsize and part with some books that they have held on to for years. These can be amazing treasures. Ask your preacher for ideas.

 

Solomon in our verse today gives a double warning. First to the writing of many books and second to excessive devotion to books. There is truth to that. One must get his nose out of the books once in a while and be around people. Go outside and enjoy God’s creation. But, don’t forget the value of reading, learning and growing.

 

The imprisoned apostle asked Timothy to bring his books to him (2 Tim 4). Paul, the apostle, was not done learning. There was more he wanted to read. He needed his books. Bring my books.

 

Thank you, my library. You have been good to me. I hope others will enjoy and benefit from you as I have for these many, many years. I hope you, my books, will continue to help others grow and learn the way of the Lord.

 

Bring my books…you have been wonderful friends to me.

 

Roger

 

23

Jump Start # 4018

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

Jump Start # 4018

 

Matthew 9:10 “Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples.”

 

Baxter in one of his books states, “Often, in the Scriptures, there is a world in a word, in the color of an adjective, the tense of a verb, the turn of a preposition.”  Such could be said of our passage today. Jesus had just called Matthew, the tax collector, to come and follow Him. What an odd mixture of political differences Jesus brought together. Common fishermen, a religious zealot and now one who worked for the Romans, a tax-collector. So different and likely having very little interest in each other now joined together by the Lord.

 

Jesus comes to the home of the tax collector. He is there for dinner, something the fishermen, and the zealot would never do. Other tax collectors are there. Other social misfits are there. The text calls them “sinners.” Later our Lord would go to the home of the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus.

 

The little three word phrase, “in the house,” carries more than just location. It can mean, “at home.” We know what “at home” means. Gone on a long trip, even a vacation, there is no place like home. Coffee just tastes better from your own cup at your own table. Homes sweet home, we call it. Even though your home may need updating and there are tons of “to-do” projects, it is your home. The college student looks forward to coming home on Spring Break. Grandkids love roaming through grandma’s house and seeing all the treasures she has.

 

At home carries the idea of being comfortable. We understand the opposite of that. It is to be out of place, uncomfortable. Many years ago, I went to India for three weeks to preach. I was never “at home” there. The smells, the customs, the food, the music, the culture, the language was so different. I wasn’t comfortable. I wasn’t “at home.”

 

Jesus was comfortable in the home of a tax collector. He was “at home” there. And, in just about every setting, Jesus seemed to be “at home.” Being a carpenter Jesus was “at home” on the water. Being from tiny Nazareth, He was at home in Jerusalem. He was “at home” with crowds. He was “at home” with social outcasts such as Samaritans, tax collectors and centurions. He was “at home” with the diseased, crippled, hurting and hopeless.

 

Jesus coming from Heaven would have never dealt with the things He did on earth. Yet, He seemed comfortable. And, more than that, Jesus had a way to make others feel comfortable around Him. Unholy in the presence of Holy. Imperfect in the presence of the Perfect. Confused in the presence of the Truth. This is why we find all sorts of people coming to Jesus. The hurting. Centurion. Canaanite woman. Parents. Religious leaders. They could talk to Jesus. They wanted to be around Jesus.

 

Now, here are some thoughts for us here:

 

First, as comfortable as this world is, we must remember this is not our home. Becoming too comfortable here lessens our desire to be with our Father in Heaven. This is hard because this is the only world we have ever known. We have nothing to compare this with. But, there are constant things that plague us from being comfortable here. The wickedness of our times, the indifference to our God, the thirst for all things wrong, makes us cry, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

 

Second, it is very important that we make the guests to our worship services comfortable. For many, it’s so different than what they have ever witnessed before. Our worship is not a performance. Our God is upon the throne, not a stage. What we say to our guests, our expressions upon our faces, welcomes them or it says loudly, “What are you doing here?” Guests may not dress the way you think they should. They may come with drink bottles. They likely may not have a Bible in their hand. Help them. Give them one. Invite a guest to sit with you. Don’t smother them with thousands of personal questions that would make one feel uncomfortable. Remember, the goal is for them to be “at home,” with us. Smiles. Kindness. Helpful.

 

Third, we need to be “at home” with our Lord. Comfortable with God. Comfortable with talking to our Father. Comfortable with His word. Comfortable with knowing His will. Comfortable with His presence. Decades and decades of reading that Bible ought to make you feel very comfortable. You know where to find hope and promises. You know what pages will comfort you. You know how to find answers.

 

At home. One day we will be at home, Heaven. Jesus was “in the house” at Matthew’s place. Jesus was comfortable.

 

Roger

 

20

Jump Start # 4017

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4017

 

Psalms 10:18 “To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.”

 

Among the troubles and worries in the world is the presence of the wicked. Their mindset is evil. They no longer have a working conscience. They are a god only to themselves. The righteous are many times the innocent victim of the evil that comes from the wicked. Sometimes the wicked mingles around the righteous. They are found as co-workers and neighbors. Sometimes they pop up within the family. Here in our passage, he is labeled as “that man who is of the earth.” He is not of God. He is not of righteousness.

 

This Psalm is a prayer for protection from the man of the earth. The majority of this Psalm is a detailed description of the man of the earth. His heart, his attitude, his words, his thinking are all corrupt and evil.

 

Within this chapter, there seems to be a progression of thought. Notice this:

 

First, the man of the earth begins by boasting that there is no God. “All his thoughts are, ‘There is no God” (4). Such is foolishness because God’s fingerprint is all over His creation. By saying this, the man of the earth feels that he is accountable to no one. He doesn’t have to go by the rules. When he dies, he believes, it’s all over. His life is encased in grabbing as much fun as he can.

 

Second, there seems to be a subtle shifting that takes place. In verse eleven, the man of the earth declares, “God has forgotten; He has hidden His face; He will never see it.” He has moved from thinking there is no God, to there is a God, but He doesn’t see what we do. God is too busy to be concerned with things here. Once, again, this allows the man of the earth to do whatever he wants. If God doesn’t see, then the wicked can never get in trouble for the evil that is done.

 

Third, there is yet more shifting that takes place. The man of the earth now says, “You will not require it” (13). There is a God. God has a law. But, it’s just words. God doesn’t really mean it. The man of the earth can get around what God says. He’ll find a loophole, an exception, a way in which he can continue doing what he wants to do. God is all talk and no action. There is nothing to fear because God won’t do anything. Such is the twisted thinking of the man of the earth.

 

Although there seems to be a progression in his thinking about God, it doesn’t change the man of the earth. His life without God has allows him to “curse the Lord” (3), speak evil (7), and plan wickedness against the innocent (8).

 

The man of the earth believes that he is at the helm of life and has the world by its tail. In his boasting, mocking and ridicule of the Lord and oppression upon the innocent, he has made the world darker and more broken. Because of the man of the earth, the innocent are left wondering why God doesn’t intervene and do something. The prayers of the innocent and righteous seem to go unanswered. The man of the earth ridicules and laughs at the righteous. Nothing, he believes, will stop him. On he goes, deeper and deeper into the darkness of Satan and evil, leaving a path of destruction and tears.

 

He can say what he wants, but it doesn’t disprove the existence nor the will of the Lord. By the time the man of the earth learns his lessons, it will be too late for him. He will see on the other side that God is righteous and just. His sins will catch up with him and his cold heart will condemn him.

 

What this Psalm doesn’t address is what should we, the righteous do? The man of the earth seems powerful, unstoppable and uncaring. He seems to crush those who stand for what is right. He takes. He flaunts. He answers to no one.

 

Here is what the righteous will do:

 

First, as this Psalm addresses, the righteous will pray. This chapter is not directed towards the man of the earth. It is pointed to Heaven. It is a plea to God for help. God hears. One of the greatest actions we can do is to take it to the Lord in prayer.

 

Second, we must continue to walk righteously with the Lord. The man of the earth would love to see the righteous slow down. Stop being so righteous is what he wants. But, we can’t. We won’t. It may be hard and even pains us, but this is what we do. Our lights shine the brightest when all around us is the deep darkness. Continue to worship. Continue to practice the golden rule. Continue to pray. Don’t let the hurtful words of others, especially family, slow you down.

 

Third, know that one day all will be right. One day there will be a separation between the sheep and the goats. One day the man of the earth will  reap what he has sown. Until then, we must carry on.

 

Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear. Jesus is coming soon…

 

Roger

 

19

Jump Start # 4016

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4016

Acts 2:47 “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

 

Throwback Thursday: an article written from the past

 

Rule of Thumb

 

Recently, I received a publication called, Ministry, which is published by the college of Biblical Studies at Oklahoma Christian University. This publication is devoted to church growth and finding ways to get congregations more active in the Lord’s work.

 

The summer issue of this paper contained an article called, “Rules of Thumb.” It was based upon  Win Arn’s The Church Growth Ratio Book. Listed in the article were several factors to see “How does your church measure up to these church growth ratios?”

 

Included in the list were:

 

Auditorium capacity rule of thumb: 80% occupancy is the point at which U.S. churches tend to plateau in growth.

 

Classroom space rule of thumb: 80% occupancy is the point at which classes tend to plateau in growth. Regarding classroom size, young children need 25 sq ft. per child. Youth needs 12 sq ft each and adults need 10 sq ft each.

 

Parking rule of thumb: 90% occupancy is the general maximum for U.S. churches.

 

Acreage rule of thumb: One acre of land for every 100 members.

 

Ministerial rule of thumb: One full time minister for every 150 members.

 

Elder ratio rule of thumb: One shepherd for every 40-50 adult members.

 

Deacon ration rule of thumb: One deacon for every 25 members.

 

Giving rule of thumb: for an urban church, $20.00 per member per week.

 

Conversion rule of thumb: For every 100 members, there should be 10 baptisms per year.

 

  Evangelism rule of thumb: For every baptism, 100 contacts must be made.

 

Now let me share a few of my own observations about: Rules of thumb.

 

  1. The above list of rules are lacking Bible verses to support these claims. This is a serious matter.

 

  1. These rules of thumbs smell of a denominational business model stench that is built upon the premise that Wall Street marketing is better than the old Jerusalem model. Rules of Thumb may work in business and school but not necessarily the kingdom of God.

 

  1. Our only rules, whether thumbs or big toes, ought to be the word of God. We do not need rules, guidelines or creeds to set forth our direction or pattern. God’s word is able to provide all that we need (2 Tim 3:16-17).

 

  1. Can you imagine the apostles in Acts 2 looking to buy 30 acres of real estate because 3,000 souls had been baptized? In Acts 4:4 when 5,000 more were baptized, the apostles would have to find another 50 acres of land. The Bible says they were devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word and not the acre/member ratio. They were in the preaching business not real estate business.

 

  1. What if a church did not measure up to these rules of thumb? Would that mean the church was dead? Would a church be considered less than faithful for not having 25 sq ft. per child in a classroom? Rules like these would pronounce Noah a failure and Paul as ineffective because they did not produce great results.

 

These Rules of Thumb will not help us. Congregations that want to grow should follow the plans of the N.T. Ephesians 4;11-16 is God’s rule of thumb, and that is for every member to actively do his part. This, inspiration tells us, causes the growth of the body.

 

The early church turned the world upside down and that was without any real estate.

 

Roger

October, 1994