Month: December 2024

“So we were greeted very warmly when we entered the restaurant. We have never been treated so well!”

“What do you mean?” Our friends, Jake and Sally, shared their experience of one of their best meals ever at a 2-star Michelin restaurant in Spain. Jake grew up in Spain and easily passed as a native while his wife grew up in the Philippines. Together they have dined at some of the best restaurants in the world. To hear them speak so enthusiastically about a restaurant riveted our attention. 

“We were treated like royalty! The head chef and sous chef came out of the kitchen. They introduced themselves and informed us that they would do their very best to make this a very special meal for us.”

“Really? I wonder if they do that for everyone?”

Jake nodded. “I don’t know but it certainly appeared as though we were being treated like royalty. And then the courses were served. Oh my! At the end of the meal, I told the maitre’d, ‘I am sure you will get your third Michelin star!’ They were ecstatic and the head chef once again came out of the kitchen and profusely thanked us.”

“Wow! That’s quite an experience!”

My friend nodded. “But that’s not the best part! A few weeks later, Sally was reading an article about that restaurant in the paper. ‘Jake! They got their third Michelin star!’ I was elated. But then we began reading about some of the behaviors of Michelin inspectors. They almost always come in pairs, particularly if the restaurant already has at least one star. One is usually foreign while one is usually local and speaks the language. When initially seated, one of the inspectors will excuse themselves to go to the washroom to survey the restaurant. Meanwhile, the other inspector asks for a full wine list, including off-menu items. We were doing all of this and more. Everything the article stated that Michelin inspectors do, we were doing! They must have thought we were Michelin inspectors!”

It was a humorous example of mistaken identity; our friends were the happy recipients. What about our relationship with God? Do we ever feel that God has mistaken us for someone else? When we undergo trials, do we question why God allows it to happen? When we are blessed, do we wonder if we truly deserve it? What does God say about this?

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

1 John 4:18 ESV)

We are all sinners. By our efforts, we are condemned to spend an eternity separated from God. God knows this and reconciled Himself to His Creation by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross for our sins. In doing so, He received the punishment we justly deserved and His resurrection proved that if we confess and repent of our sins and call upon the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, He will grant us salvation and eternal life. 

God has chosen us, not because of our efforts, but by His grace and mercy. All trials we face are allowed to happen so God may mold us into the image of Jesus Christ. All blessings we receive are to encourage us to turn to Him in gratitude. There is no mistaken identity. God loves us as His children. We are treated like royalty, like His Son, Jesus Christ. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Praise God!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

“Happy New Year!”

As we celebrate the end of another year, our home has been celebrating it for an entire year. The sign pictured above is in our kitchen. We diligently updated it by the season and holidays first purchased. Happy Valentine’s Day. Happy 4th of July. Happy Thanksgiving. Merry Christmas. As the years passed, we celebrated a New Year, then never updated it again. As the adage states, even a broken clock is correct twice a day. Our sign is correct only once a year, but it is the right time!

For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.”

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)

God created the universe and every living creature. He created time and all of the physical laws. Thus, God is outside of time and is not limited by it. He has eternally existed and always will. Time is a physical law for our sake, not His. He uses it to teach us the brevity of life. What do we do with our time on earth? Many pundits and scholars have debated for centuries what defines a good life. Family. Education. A good job. Wealth. Fame. All of these are important but this is not what God says. We exist to recognize that our sins have separated us from our Creator. Nothing, no good works, not even going to church will reconcile us to God. Only by confessing and repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, can we receive salvation and eternal life. This is the most important responsibility that we have. This decision cannot be put off. Our eternal destiny depends upon it. 

The right time. It is not once a year as in our home. In God’s Kingdom, the time is always now. 

Happy New Year! May God bless you, your families, and your loved ones!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

“This dish is amazing! Where’d you get the recipe?”

“Got it online.”

“Where did you find the manual to repair the dishwasher?”

“Got it online.”

“How did you know which car dealer would give you the best deal?”
“Got it online.”

It is one of the most common answers to life’s questions. The companion answer is, “Send me the link!”

Information is king, and the Internet provides answers nearly instantly. However, as important as the answers are, the source must be vetted. For every correct answer, dozens more give incomplete answers or are completely wrong or misleading. One source provides all the answers to our most important questions. Why am I here? Why do I exist? What happens when I die?

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)

All the answers to life’s questions are found in the Bible. God speaks to us through His written Word. Why can we trust it? God sealed His promise by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect and sinless life on this earth. When He was crucified, He took upon Himself all of the sins that have ever been committed and will ever be and received the punishment that all of us rightly deserve. Three days later, He was resurrected, proving that only He has the power to conquer sin and death. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will receive salvation and eternal life. 

Why am I here? Why do I exist? What happens when I die?

The internet can give us answers to many questions in life. However, the only trustworthy source is the Bible and placing one’s faith in Jesus Christ. 

Amen.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

“Thank you for your order. And would you care for any wine this evening?”

My friend and I glanced at each other and our wives and nodded. “We would love to try a bottle of this one. You have a half bottle so we will have that.”

“Very good.” The server gathered our menus and quickly returned with the bottle. As he prepared to open the bottle, my friend stopped him. “Wait. We ordered a half bottle, not a full bottle.”

The server smiled and continued opening the bottle. “Yes sir. We do not have half bottles so we simply ask you only to drink half the bottle and leave the unfinished bottle when you leave.”

We looked at each other in disbelief and then at the server. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

“Ok. Thanks.”

As the server left, we all stared at the open bottle of wine. “Wow, that’s a first!” Laughing, my friend’s wife said, “But what if we drink only slightly more than half?” She held up her thumb and index finger leaving a small space between them. “Maybe just a few ounces? How will they know?”

We enjoyed our meal, doing our best to estimate what was a half bottle, and left the restaurant. We still all laugh when we recall the incident, particularly when we dine together and see half bottles of wine on a menu in other restaurants.

The request to leave the half bottle of wine was a humorous example of the honor system. There are many situations in life when one is asked to abide by the honor system. While most do their best to abide, violations can easily be found. It may be as simple as ignoring the proper receptacle for recycling or as complex as plagiarizing a report. An honor system is only as effective as its participants’ honor. If one does not honor or respect the system giver, it fails. Knowing this, why do some still believe they can still sin and not be found out by God?

Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth? says the LORD. 

Jeremiah 23:24 (NLT)

God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present. Adam and Eve attempted to hide their first sin from God. Cain denied knowing about the murder of his brother Abel. In each situation, they did not respect or fear God. It continues for all of us. What is the solution? We need God’s grace and mercy through faith and belief in His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us of our sins.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

“A critic is a person who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

Anonymous

I remember reading this quote over thirty years ago, and it rings more true today. Social media has allowed anyone to become a critic and remain anonymous. Twisting words, innuendos, cancel culture. The descriptions may change over time but the intentions are the same. Hurt and shame the targeted individual or group. 

As Jesus was leaving, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees became hostile and tried to provoke him with many questions. They wanted to trap him into saying something they could use against him. 

Luke 11:53-54 (NLT)

Even before printed media, critics abounded. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, was no exception to their attacks. He was subject to the most severe criticism and questioning of any leader. Despite their attempts, Jesus never succumbed to their vitriol but answered their charges by challenging them and using them to teach His critics and followers to remain focused on His mission. A memorable example is the following encounter with the Pharisees.

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” 

Matthew 9:10-13 (NLT)

Critics. 

They will always be with us. When we are the focus of their attacks, let’s remember the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Focus on the mission and allow God’s Holy Spirit to guide your answers.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Thomas Keller is one of the world’s top chefs. Two of his many restaurants have achieved a Michelin 3-star rating-The French Laundry and Per Se. His cookbook, “The French Laundry Cookbook” is a best-selling cookbook. Within the pages is an interesting last chapter dedicated to family meals. Surprisingly, it was perhaps the first mention in print of this term which has been a common tradition in many restaurants for hundreds of years. 

Also known as staff meals, it probably began in the 19th century in restaurants where chefs in training would apprentice for a famous chef. These apprentices would not be paid so the chef was responsible for their boarding, meals, and welfare. The family meal evolved from this arrangement. The family meal is usually a simple meal that can be quickly cooked. The duties usually rotate amongst the kitchen staff and even non-chefs like servers are sometimes chosen to showcase their skills. Leftovers are often used and meals are frequently dishes that are not normally served in the restaurant but reflect different comfort foods from the culture of the person preparing it. It also allows some to try new recipes or concepts that may be used in future dishes. The end result is a unique bonding and learning experience. Is God’s love any different?

By faith, we enter into a relationship with God by confessing and repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Like the apprentice chefs who were adopted by the master chef, we became a part of God’s family. We become a part of the Church, the Body of Jesus Christ. God cares for us as He cares for His Son, Jesus Christ. We learn from God as He takes care of us. He feeds us with spiritual knowledge and quenches our thirst. All of our needs are satisfied in Him.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

John 6:35 (ESV)

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Beef cheeks are a favorite cut of meat in many different cultures. Mexicans traditionally use it in barbacoa as the main protein in tacos. French and Spanish love to cook it in a rich wine sauce. BBQ and smokers love it as it is a source of great sandwiches. In all of the many preparations, one aspect remains the same. Beef cheeks need a great deal of time to cook. It is a muscle that is rich in fat and collagen. Thus, one must cook it low and slow to break it down and render it tender and juicy. Smoking and/or braising are ideal methods and can easily take 6-12 hours. However, there is another method, high pressure.

The chef can access newer cooking appliances that can replace old-style, clunky pressure cookers. These devices can produce nearly identical results with braising in a fraction of the time, sometimes in as little as 45 minutes. I have tried traditional braising and pressure cookers and can attest that the results are the same.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

In our spiritual lives, God uses challenges to help us to grow. Some are high-pressure situations such as car accidents or natural disasters. Others are low-pressure, like a traffic jam or a bout with the flu. Whether the challenge is over in a few hours or a few years, if we have faith in God, the result is the same. God is in control. 

But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.

For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.

Job 23:10-11 (NLT)

When we cling to God, we will always be assured 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Warren Buffet. The Oracle of Omaha.

He is one of the richest people in the world because of his shrewd investments. All serious investors listen and study his advice and decisions. His wisdom extends to his estate planning as well. Recently, he updated his will. He designated his three children as trustees. Buffet wrote, “I have one further suggestion for all parents, whether they are of modest or staggering wealth. When your children are mature, have them read your will before you sign it. Be sure each child understands both the logic for your decisions and the responsibilities they will encounter upon your death,” he continued. “If any have questions or suggestions, listen carefully and adopt those found sensible. You don’t want your children asking ‘Why?’ in respect to testamentary decisions when you are no longer able to respond.”

Source: Foxnews.com

Buffet’s life experiences showed him many tragic examples of families being torn apart over petty details of the will. Thus, he focused on the benefits and wisdom of this advanced planning. 

Excellent advice. 

Before my father passed away, he met with me and my sister to discuss his will and funeral plans. Although we were both sad to listen to my father share his plans with us, a few years later, when he unexpectedly passed, we were both grateful for his hindsight and reassurance.

They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him. “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.”

Mark 10:32-34 (NLT)

Before Jesus Christ was crucified, He told his disciples on several occasions that when they entered Jerusalem, He would be betrayed, suffer, be tortured, mocked by many, and be killed before being resurrected after three days. This is a very stark revelation and left nothing to misinterpretation. Despite this careful planning and reassurance, His followers did not believe Him and most fled when He was crucified. After His resurrection, He appeared to two of his followers and admonished them. 

Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:25-27 (NLT)

In this life, we should be grateful if our parents can prepare us for their passing. God did this for His followers, His children. He still does. We also need not fear when it is time for our passing. Our heavenly Father gave us the greatest reassurance by giving us His only Son, Jesus Christ, as our Redeemer and Savior. 

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NLT)

Praise God!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

On our recent vacation to Spain, my wife and I dined at a unique restaurant, Sa Taula. The two chef-owners were childhood friends from the Catalan region and always dreamed of opening a restaurant together. However, their funds were limited. When a small space opened in the gastronomic city of San Sebastian, they seized the opportunity and rented the space. However, the zoning did not permit a full kitchen. Thus, all cooking was performed with a toaster oven and a cooktop. Next to this is a sink and dishwasher. On the other side, a prep area with several shelves above it, containing a variety of pickled vegetables, fruits, and spices. The seating was a communal table, able to accommodate 12 guests. As the prix fixe dinner commenced, we were amazed that the two chefs were the only employees. Working in perfect combination, the duo served 10 mind-blowing tasting dishes. With the completion of each dish, one efficiently removed the plates, placed them in the dishwasher, and readied the next dish. It was like watching a cooking competition where the chefs were tasked to create amazing meals under extreme conditions and limited resources. As we easily conversed with the two chefs doing the final platings in front of us, we learned that the prep begins early in the day for the daily dinner. Some ingredients, such as cured meats and pickled fruits and vegetables, take weeks to months of preparation. Depending upon the season, one may see the meats hanging off the wall. 

These seeming limitations did not hinder this creative duo from presenting some of the most imaginative dishes we have ever eaten. The esteemed Michelin guide agrees and has given the restaurant a strong recommendation. It is booked months in advance and we were fortunate to get a reservation. It was a lovely reminder that a memorable dining experience can be created and served with limited resources, stripped down to the bare essentials.

The Church, the Body of Jesus Christ, has grown since the first day of Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On that day, three thousand souls were added. As the Church grew, magnificent churches built hundreds of years ago, inspired generations of worshipers. Today, many of these same churches contain dwindling numbers of worshipers and many have closed, becoming converted into restaurants or office buildings. The most vibrant churches are found in small villages and homes within countries where Christians are actively persecuted. No grand facades. No elaborate stages, sound, or lighting systems. No childcare programs. No parking lot attendants. Only preaching and studying God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship amongst its members. 

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 

1 John 5:4-5 (ESV)

Like the restaurant in Spain, stripped down to the bare essentials, the Church will always be a family of believers worshipping Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Elaborate buildings and programs are wonderful but only true faith in Jesus Christ will save us. 

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.