Steve Sikes Blog  

Sometimes when my daughter is feeling her worst and weeps for long periods of time – I forget about the unrelenting agony of my Savior on the cross.

Sometimes when I feel my prayers are going no higher than the ceiling in my room – I forget about Gethsemane where Jesus heard three times, “No” “No” “No!”

Sometimes when I feel there is a better way to run this planet than how it’s being run – I forget about the Friday Jesus’ world turned upside down in darkness for me.

Sometimes when I just can’t bear life any longer and am in desperate need for an answer…and it gets worse – I forget about Jesus’ frantic fight for air so He could cry, “…forgive.”

Sometimes I’m ready to trade my birthright in heaven for a pain-free family and a bowl of beans.

Sometimes I would do it all so differently.

Sometimes….no, many times I plead…

Lead Me to Calvary!
(Words by Jen¬nie E. Huss¬ey)

King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.

Chorus
Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share,
Thou hast borne all for me.

Chorus
Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left (Luke 23:33).”

God is good all the time and all the time God is good! 

Mr. Steve

When was the last time you wrote a song to the Lord….a song of thanksgiving?
Here’s mine from this past Thursday:

LORD, I met Mike Buchannan for breakfast and a Bible study this morning;
          THANK YOU for Your Holy Spirit greatly influencing and leading his spirit.

LORD, You allowed me to minister to several people in my office today;
          THANK YOU for Jesus who holds all things together-Colossians 1:17.
               
LORD, I connected with Christians, via email today, from Jersey to all over the world.         
          THANK YOU for being every where at the same time-Psalm 139.     
       
LORD, I went to see Marcel Pierre-Jacques’ grave site today;
          THANK YOU for all 23 years of his life, his servant heart, welcoming smile.

LORD, I studied Acts 17 again today;
          THANK YOU for creating me to seek You and find You-in and through Jesus.

LORD, I ate a late lunch with Devon Westcott today;
          THANK YOU for Devon’s hard-work ethic and his desire to make a difference.
       
LORD, I talked with Brenda Peoples on the phone today;
          THANK YOU that when she’s in pain, she prays for my Jessica.

LORD, I texted my daughter, Crystal, today – several times;
          THANK YOU for her sense of humor and her love for You, our family and S.S!

LORD, Patti kissed me goodbye this morning and THANKED YOU FOR ME!
          THANK YOU for giving me such a godly best friend and wife.

Psalm 28:7 “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.”

God is good all the time and all the time God is good! 

THANK YOU!  Mr. Steve

Two weeks ago Sunday, when the power went out at the beginning of our morning service, God was already at work speaking His plan, His way and in His timing.

Brian Kleineweber, our worship leader for the day, informed us that the school’s generator had gone out and since there was no power for microphones, power point, lights, etc. we should all move up and sing loudly and listen closely.

From there we sang songs from the heart, prayed light into darkness and communed together with our Lord.  In fact it was during Brian Mansdoerfer’s communion talk that the power and lights were restored and microphones made hot… at just the right time.

The verse that Brian was reading by flashlight when the power came on was Romans 5:6-8 “You see, at just the right time, when we were still POWERLESS, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I’ve had one person ask me if all of this was planned; it was just too perfect.  The answer is YES!  Our perfect God planned our time together two weeks ago in advance and carried it to completion!  IT WAS HIS WORK, HIS TIMING AND HIS REMINDER THAT WITHOUT CHRIST WE ARE POWERLESS! 

We had many visitors attend our “power-shortage-Sunday” from all over our region.  Whatever else was said and done, I pray all of us heard God’s message loud and clear!

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21).

God is good.  Mr. Steve

For over 30 years Fred Rogers opened his children’s TV program, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” with the following welcome:

“It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...

I’ve always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So, let’s make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we’re together we might as well say:
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?
Won’t you please?
Won’t you please?
Please won’t you be my neighbor?”

While reading the above limerick – did the music of Mr. Rogers’ song come back to memory?  For me, the music and the visualization came back.  I can imagine Mr. Rogers donning his cardigan sweater and slipping on his “comfy” and quiet sneakers!  Ah… those were the days of the Neighborhood Trolley, King Friday XIII, and Mr. McFeely, the character who ran the Speedy Delivery Messenger Service!

To me, the words, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” set the tone for the entire show; a warm invitation open to everyone, no matter what!

As I think back over the years, one of my favorite neighbors comes to mind.  She was a Christian widow in her 70’s named Margaret.  Margaret reared 5 kids of her own and by the time we moved in across the street from her, they were all grown.  We found our neighbor spending her time taking care of infant babies being put up for adoption.  Margaret was a strong prayer warrior in our church family; she was a servant; she prayed with Patti every morning during their daily walks in our neighborhood.  She also provided babysitting for our children on a number of occasions, allowing Patti and me to go out on dates.  Margaret was a righteous widow who encouraged and strengthened Patti and me on a daily basis. 

Thinking about our widow neighbor who cared for orphans brings me to two truths (of many) about God:

1.    GOD HAS ALWAYS HAD a heart for the widow, orphan, alien, stranger, and any oppressed and/or poor person in the neighborhood!  His desire is to serve, take care of, feed, shelter, protect, and see after the best interests of all “considered” underdogs in the neighborhood!

Deuteronomy 10:17-22 “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.  So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.”

2.    GOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN (INTIMATELY ASSOCIATED HIMSELF WITH) the widow, orphan, alien, stranger, and any oppressed and/or poor person in the neighborhood!

Matthew 25:34-40 34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;  naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’  “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?  ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?  ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’  The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ 

Deuteronomy 10:17-22, invites us to join God in being neighborly – especially to widows, orphans, aliens, etc., and Matthew 25:40 gives us insight of a God displayed as even the least in the neighborhood!

And so I believe, in Texas – in a very real way, God lived across the street from us for five years.  We got to see Him live through the life of a widow who had a heart for widows, orphans, strangers…. unwanted babies.

“WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?” is more that a line of a song sung by Mr. Rogers.  It is an invitation from God to not only be neighborly (to everyone) but to be His neighbor as well.  Who knows…. GOD just may be the orphan in Haiti needing help, or the exhausted single parent living next door, or the stranger sitting behind you this morning! 

“WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?” 
Today is “Orphan Sunday” – PLEASE SAY, YES!

God is good.  Mr. Steve

This weekend is a very special weekend for Patti and me because it was forty years ago on November 7, 1970, we experienced our first date!  I was 18 and had never dated anyone in my life.  To say I was extremely nervous is an understatement!  What to say?  How do I talk to a girl who’s not one of my seven sisters?  Do I open the door for her…pull back her chair at the restaurant?  After the banquet should I take her bowling or just out for a coke or both?

Marvin, my college dormitory wing-supervisor, showed me how to shave on the Friday before the banquet; Rob, who had a room next door, helped me with my tie; and Dan, calmed me down and gave me tips on conversation initiatives.  Plus, one month before our scheduled appointment, I convinced my older brother, Stacy, who was visiting York College during Homecoming week, to ask Patti out on a date and see what he thought of her.  When he returned he affirmed that she was quite the young lady and that I should indeed date her! Thanks, Stacy!  Good call!!

I picked Patti up in my 1965 Ford Galaxy 500 – both the car and I were completely washed, waxed and shining!  I don’t remember saying anything to Patti at the banquet besides “pass the rolls” because there were others around us who carried the conversation.  Afterwards, I did take her bowling and she beat me both games.  Bummer.  However, our first date was in the books and the rest is history: 40 years of dating; 37 years of marriage next month; 4 children; 3 grandchildren; and no loss of words for conversation!  I love you, Patti!

God is good and pass the rolls!

Mr. Steve

(Note: Steve and Patti are in Boyertown, PA this weekend speaking at a marriage seminar and celebrating their 40th.)

It was August, 1971, York College, York, Nebraska, that my first memory of “freshman” Roger Collins took hold.  I was a club president looking over the new “crop” of young men on campus, trying to make the wisest of decisions possible on whom to invite into our group.  Some clubs were looking for athletes, some for personalities, etc.  I distinctly remember looking for men with a Christ-like character and Roger Collins topping our list. 

After joining our club, Roger became my pledge for a week and for the next 39 years Roger called me pledge-master and reminded me how easy I had been on him.  We’d chuckle and then go on to other conversation.  I learned pretty quickly I had a lot to learn from Roger.  From 1971 till his death at 11:34 p.m. last night, (10/25/10), Roger consistently emanated humility, genuine transparency and concern for others.  Over the years, Roger became one of my rocks in the faith—so accountable, so stable and unwavering in his faith and so at peace within himself. 

After leaving York College as students, Roger and I crossed paths again at Harding University and then later at York College as fellow teachers.  I was so proud of Roger when he married Debbie and so proud of them both as they proved again and again how Christian parents are to bring up their children in the Lord—faithful to the end.  Roger was a runner (spiritually and physically) and over the years his children followed in his steps.  This morning I read (again) a scripture that has reminded me of Roger for several decades:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Thanks, Roger, for continually running in such a way as to win!  I love you and thank God for you and already miss you terribly.  Till we meet again, my brother and friend. 

God is good.
Steve Sikes

Dr. Collins (YC class 1973) was in his 29th year teaching at York College, and served as chair of the college’s Elijah A. Levitt School of Business. From 1997-2007, he coached the cross country and track teams and was himself an avid runner. He served as an elder at the East Hill Church of Christ in York, Nebraska.

You probably almost skipped this article because of the title.  Thanks for hanging in there!  The title may be disgusting but I believe my point is worth your continued reading.

Last Sunday I preached on becoming a suffering, servant, slave.  My topic came from the Gospel of Mark and the words of Jesus.  I even included a 2002 video clip of Stanley Shipp (in our home) saying these same words, “We must become suffering, servant, slaves.”

Now, let’s fast-forward 18 hours to my day off.  It’s Monday morning and my wife is combing her hair in our downstairs bathroom and asks, “Steve, when was the last time you cleaned our toilets?”

Just hearing my wife’s question gives you a little information about where I am in my quest to become a suffering, servant, slave!  OH, MY!  According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8), and after Patti’s question, I sure wasn’t convicted of righteousness!

What to do?
1. My first thought was to ask Patti when she last cleaned the toilets.
2. My second thought was to say I didn’t think they were so bad.
3. My third thought (you can tell I’m a thinker first and doer second) was to turn to our daughter Jessica who has continual migraines and ask her the same question!

So there you have it: My initial (thinking) response was: 1) Reaction; 2) Rationalization; and 3) Relative Distribution!  I’m glad all of my thoughts aren’t put up on a big screen somewhere for everyone to read.

However, my point is: WE DON’T HAVE TO BECOME A SLAVE TO OUR THOUGHTS AND EGOS!  WE ARE CALLED TO BECOME SUFFERING, SERVANT, SLAVES OF JESUS INSPITE OF OUR SELFISH THOUGHTS!

So, I ‘let go my ego’ and said…
“They’ll be clean when you come home from work today.” 

Hmmm…toilets are clean, and as always…God is Good! 

Mr. Steve

Bear with me for a few minutes.  I’m in one of those times where I am being drawn to look at the waves instead of the Christ.  I know I’m in dangerous territory because Peter sank rather quickly when he took his eyes off our LORD. 

It’s a few minutes after 4 a.m. and for “some reason” I’m reading (again) my notes on one of Stanley Shipp’s lessons back in February, 2002:

“I do not call you to be like me – but in our own uniqueness to be like Jesus.”

“We need to see people in a way we’ve never seen them before.  We’ve been trained by Satan and by the world to make distinctions.”

“Every human being is equally great (whether in prison or a drug addict, whether they hate Jesus, or are rich, poor, in a nursing home, etc.).  Being a servant is the greatest identity on earth.  We need to become suffering, serving, slaves.  That’s what Jesus did.”

“What we are talking about has nothing to do with your personality, age or looks.  All that counts is love and care to the glory of God and to the good of the people.  Share the gospel!  Say to them, “God sent me to you.”

“But we feel inadequate.  You are inadequate!  That’s why you feel that way.  Just love God and love people and mentor someone while you’re doing it.  You’ve got help from God, from Jesus, and from His people.”

“Who cares for people nobody else cares about?  US!  We like the people that aren’t nice, not cool….as God’s child you get to love everybody and help them – for their sake!”

“WE CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING ON EARTH AND WE DO IT BY SERVING!”

Stanley Shipp was killed in a car crash on Sunday, August 24, 2002, but God is still using his words to “RIGHT MY SHIPP!” 

God is good. 

Mr. Steve

Something’s first in your life.  What is it?

My “FIRST” has changed over the years:
I remember my “first-FIRST” was horses.  Riding horses – I loved it!  At a young age, I can remember riding Shetland ponies through the tall grass, weaving in and out of imaginary traps and battlegrounds!  I loved the wind blowing in my face and the feel of a fast steed under me, from Shetlands to Appaloosas to Quarter Horses.

My “second-FIRST” was basketball.  As a teen, basketball was indeed my true love!  After all my chores and homework were done, I remember playing basketball daily in the children’s home gym – pretending to make the winning shot over and over again.

My “third-FIRST” was school.  I poured myself into my studies.  I took classes just to take them because I found them interesting.  Reading and learning have always been a joy.

My “fourth-FIRST” was family.  O how I love my extended and immediate Sikes’ family!  Years ago Patti became my best friend and God blessed us with four children and two grandchildren.  Even now as I’m writing this article, I’m waiting expectantly on our oldest son, Jordan, to call us from MO and announce the birth of our 3rd grandchild and Dad and Mom’s 82nd grand & great-grandchild! 

Somewhere along the line, however, and I can’t tell you when or where – I fell in love with Jesus and my “FINAL FIRST!”  “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).” 

Ah!  Jordan just called!  Jacqueline and daughter are doing fine!  Praise God!  Our new granddaughter’s name is Kaleah Faith Sikes; 20 ¾ inches; 7 lbs 14 oz; born at 1:21 pm (10/7/10).  Kaleah means “bright.”  Bright Faith Sikes! 

God is good. 
Mr. Steve

A week ago Saturday, Patti and I saw a lot of beautiful Pennsylvania countryside – more than we had planned to see, that’s for sure.  We got lost (my fault) on our way to Lancaster, PA, to join the rest of our church family for the musical production of David’s Psalms at the Living Waters Theatre.  Plus, after the show, our bus had to wait on us to get gas in our truck (my fault again) before going on.  I hate people having to wait on me - but alas. 

However, something happened at the end of our trip that redeemed any trouble or embarrassment we might have experienced!  Patti and I both agreed driving back home to Pitman, NJ, that the highlight of our trip was the hour or so we got to spend with a certain couple over supper at Shady Maple Restaurant.

They’re a quiet couple yet quite a couple!  He opens the door for her and helps her find a place to park her wheelchair.  She’s served him over the years and now he’s reciprocating in kind.  I’ve watched him on more than a few occasions help her in and out of their van, buckle her up or unbuckle her, get her something to drink, or meet whatever need she may have.

This past Friday was their 50th wedding anniversary and today one of their grandchildren has officially been married one day!  What a weekend!

So, if you are a married couple and you’ve lost your way, my advice would be to stop by Ted and Pat Schuehler’s home and ask for directions!  They’ve been successfully traveling this road called marriage for 50 years (and 2 days), and THEY KNOW THE WAY!

Congratulations, Ted and Pat! 

God is good. 

Mr. Steve

I received an e-mail this past week informing me that one of my “teens” from my youth group in the 1980’s had passed.  Chris was only 40, but he suffered a massive heart attack and lived only a short time thereafter.

During his last 48 hours before passing, Chris shared the following: 
“I want to be used as an example to those that are using drugs.  When you’re young you think you’re indestructible and nothing will happen to you.  Nothing bad will happen if you take one pill or one sniff of a drug; you won’t get addicted – not you.  But it does happen.  Drugs ruined my marriage and my life.  Plus, if you suffer from depression, go to the doctor and get the right kind of help; don’t try to fix yourself with illegal drugs.  Turn your life around before it’s too late and you damage your heart so bad that you die.”

Chris was a professional musician – extremely talented and able to play almost anything by “ear”.  However, during his last year of life he had quit playing in bands altogether stating, “I don’t need to be in that environment, too many temptations.  Besides, I don’t want anything to get between me and my relationship with Christ.”

Last week I sent Chris a message encouraging him that there was someone in NJ who loved him and was praying for him – not only for his health but for his resolve to not let ANYTHING get between him and his relationship with Christ.  He smiled.

He’s still smiling because NOT EVEN DEATH got between Chris and Christ!
“O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?  O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:55-58).”

God is good all the time and all the time God is good.  Mr. Steve

I spent time with one of my favorite teachers this past week!  He’s only 13 years old but he taught me a lot (again) about Jesus – especially joy and purity of heart.  He tried to teach me yodeling but it didn’t take!
• He sang to me.
• He prayed for me.
• He spoke Scripture to me.
• He thanked me, hugged me, laughed with me, held my hand, and saved me from being run over by a bus!

Someday I’ll tell you about that last part, but suffice it to say that my nephew, James, was a Godsend to me this week, as were his parents, Kent and Sharla Sikes Marcum, visiting from Quito, Ecuador.

James has strong glasses because his eyesight is failing him.  Other special needs and body ailments may be more obvious, but he loves to sing, help where and when needed, and spill out the most honest comments, whatever situation he’s in – such was the case this past Wednesday night.  After yodeling for us, one of our elders told James what a good job he had done to which James quickly replied, “I speak two languages and usually get paid for this.”  Complete honesty!

Ephesians 5:18-21 is a scripture text that “we” generally enclose a church building around, but I found it both refreshing and encouraging to witness this passage come to life through a 13 year-old – wherever he was!

“… be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father…”

Today I praise God because of James (Gal 1:24)! 

God is good. 

Mr. Steve

Special thanks to Dan and Katherine for their hospitality in opening up the “Cooper’s Bed & Breakfast” for the Marcum family!

I brought home a surplus of prized memories from my recent LIFE Group trip to Canada with Charles Peterson: great fellowship; gorgeous scenery; a snug cabin; and the awesome feel of a small-mouth bass tugging on the end of my fishing line!  However, the sound card that plays and replays in my mind is the haunting call of the Canadian loon wafting across the still waters of Charleston Lake.  Amazing!

I heard the loon’s call for the first time in our cabin last Thursday evening while I was unpacking and quickly asked, “What was that?”  Charlie told me it was a loon and eagerly pointed out two of them early the next morning, one adult and one juvenile, as they were floating some twenty yards from our boat.  My first thought was how can such a daunting and magnified sound come from something so small and duck-like?  Amazing!

I video -taped “our” two loons several times over the next three days but never captured its call.  No worry.  It’s locked deep in my psyche and I can hear it anytime I choose on YouTube! 
There’s something else locked in my heart, much deeper than the call of the loon.  It’s the word of the Lord!

It’s been there since I was a young boy; God was doing His writing on my heart as my mother and father read to me from His word.  Although I didn’t always obey – sometimes far from it – the words kept being written and transformation continued to happen.  Amazing Grace!

What’s being written on your heart?

“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, ” I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people (Jeremiah 31:33).”

God is good! 
Mr. Steve

Blessings: During the last two weeks of August, I safely traveled 3300 miles – from New Jersey to Kansas City to York, Nebraska, to Springfield, MO and back.  I definitely had a lot of time alone in my Dodge truck to think, to pray, to listen to westerns on tape, to be quiet before the Lord.

Blessings: I got to spend quality time with two of my sons and their families, two grandchildren (one grandson I had never seen before), and a 2 and ½ day visit with Dad and Mom, whom I hadn’t seen since May, 2007.  Blessings upon blessings!

Patti stayed home with Jessica and finished up her summer school grading for Rowan University and also prepared for her upcoming fall semester of teaching – both at Rowan and our children’s Bible program.  I missed my wife and daughter greatly, but was blessed with a much-needed break to head west and see more of my family.

Two things that were made clear to me again this trip:
1. How blessed I am to be a part of a congregation of God’s people who love God and love one another and show it!
2. How blessed I am to have parents who love God, love His people, love their 13 kids and 80 grandkids and great-grandkids – and show it!

One of Psalms’ fifteen “Pilgrim Songs” or road songs is Psalm 128.
“All you who fear GOD, how blessed you are!
  How happily you walk on His smooth straight road… 

Your wife will bear children…
  Stand in awe of God’s Yes.
    Oh, how He blesses the one who fears GOD!

Enjoy your grandchildren… Peace (Shalom)…!”  (The MESSAGE)

My road trip west found me counting my blessings – from New Jersey to Nebraska and back home again! 

God is good!  Mr. Steve

Last week I was walking down the hallway of a local nursing home and was (apparently) recognized by an older lady in a wheel chair not quite ten yards away.  Once she caught my eye, she quickly began motoring toward me with a toothless smile and an announcing voice, “It’s Santa Clause everybody!  Santa Clause is here!”

When she stopped at my feet and grinned up at me, I couldn’t think of anything else to say, but – “Have you been a good girl this year?” 
She gleefully nodded her head up and down and seconded it with a “yes” and merrily wheeled on down the hall.  The entire event took less than a minute but my nine-day contemplation has yielded the following truths:

1. I look like Santa Clause (SC).  There is no doubt about it.  Plus, I was carrying a sack of goodies to one of the residents!

2. I may look like SC but I assure you – I’m not SC!  Identification by recognition is NOT always 100% accurate.  Dental records, fingerprints, and DNA can prove my identity.

3. My given name is Stephen Charles (SC).  Having the first and middle initials “SC” is just coincidental in this matter.  My parents live in Nebraska (NE), not the North Pole (NP).

This experience has led me to think more about when neighbors and strangers observe me, what do they see?  Who do they think I look / act like?  More importantly, do I leave behind the fingerprint of Jesus wherever I go…the Spirit-living and Christ-likeness fingerprint of Jesus?  Now that’s an SC worth dying for!

“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).”

God is good! 

Mr. Steve