"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Not to worry, this is not an enactment of the tune, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", but, rather it is entitled the "Kissing Clauses" because that's what it is! The Real Santa and his bride!

Friday is here. So quickly. That's part of the age thing I suspect, but, I welcome one and all to today's visit, on this March 27, 2026. The title quote struck me as something we all should think about. There are times, perhaps way too many times, when we underestimate the resources that are ours as a child of God. We think about our limitations as we compare ourselves to others, We don't have the talent they have. We don't have the financial resources they have. If. If only we had the knowledge, the capability, and, the opportunity. When we dwell so much on what we don't have we end up sitting out the opportunities given to us to accomplish things that bring honor and glory to God. I think we greatly misunderstand all the Apostle Paul covered when, via Holy Spirit inspiration, he wrote this: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) Now that verse is thrown here and there to represent all kinds of stuff and to me it often is misapplied and misused. It has nothing to do with name it and claim it and other foolish representations. It has everything to do with God's enabling for any and all things related to this life and our testimony for Him. How do we know that? Good question. Here's exactly what Paul wrote to the called out assembly, Church, in Philippi, Greece, (from the English Standard Bible, ESV), Philippians 4:10-13 ~"I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Here's my take: Wherever we are and whatever situation we are in, there is a sufficiency that comes from our Savior so that we can accomplish His will. Doing well, great, use it to honor God. In the ditch, He is still with you and you can honor Him in how you work through the challenges you face. That, to me, is the riches we have in Christ. We can't, but, He can and He wants to work through us in every situation. (Those who use that 'all things' verse to promote some kind of happy-go-lucky life have not read all that happened to the Apostle Paul, they need to read 2nd Corinthians, Chapter 11) I think I'm done. Okay. You Bible theologians are invited to dissect my simple assessment and be sure to use a lot of non-biblical words to explain why I am wrong. Ha!

 

Okay. Be thankful. I am not asking for any offerings today. Just send one dollar to cover the weight of the postal money order. As a teenager, I heard that piece of comedic material on an old record, (vinyl at 33-1/3 RPM), performed by a fellow named Dave Gardner. I know. You are thinking we must have been hurting for entertainment in those days, and, you would likely be right. The comedian actually enjoyed mocking radio preachers who were always selling stuff like an 8x10 glossy of themselves, or an anointed prayer cloth, and other such products. You might find that kind of humor offensive. Sorry. I thought it was funny back then and to tell the truth, not much has changed. I reheard one recently that was on TBN back in the Paul Crouch days. They were doing their big money raising program and a guest fellow was trying to whip up the giving. That guy said he wanted to correct everyone's understanding of the widow's mite.  He said the verse indicates she gave out of her want. "You see, she gave because she wanted something. She was trying to get it by giving." Since the want in that verse actually means she gave out of her dire poverty, his handling of that passage, well, I give it to you in the Greek language, it's absolute garbage! Okay. I'm not altogether certain how I got on that one, but, if you didn't like it, do what any of us can do, skip it, skip it, like Barney, "Skip it in the bud!" And, sadly, the people there in that studio crowd all shouted and clapped for his explanation. I can tell by the clock on the wall it's time to say farewell for now, and, I do wish each and everyone to have a blessed time until we meet again. May God add His blessings. Amen.