From the Home Place

August 16, 2025

Good morning dear friends. Here we are at the end of another week. Allow me to bring a bit of summation to these writings thus far. We started our visits by looking at the step-by-step process of remodeling the structure of this ‘ol house. Then we sat aside talking about construction of the house to look at the construction of our spiritual journey by developing seven essential spiritual disciplines. How does all of this fit together?

May I suggest that you look at your spiritual life in this manner: We each begin by taking care of structural issues – working on the inside, on the outside and on the covering. We then work on disciplines that will help us to move forward at a consistent pace.

We have spent months getting the structural elements of this house in place, and this last two weeks we have worked on cosmetic elements. Things like new windows, new doors, brick on the front of the house along with a new porch. All things that do not really improve the “structure” of our home, but things that make it more usable, and things that improve the appeal of our home.

Hopefully your spiritual life is structurally sound, built upon a solid faith in Jesus Christ. Because of that faith, you have made significant biblical improvements to your life by developing spiritual disciplines. Your life, and your testimony, are becoming a beautiful display of what it looks like to follow Jesus Christ!

Remember, you need to rebuild your life (house) in accordance with the vision the Holy Spirit has given to you. There will always be folks who will drive by and take a long look at what you are doing, the “lookie-loos” of life. They may even think that the cheese has slipped off of your cracker, but you must continue to build your life. Sometimes you will need your community members to help you in that process, other times you have to do the hard work all by yourself, always remembering that progress is progress.

Yes, remodeling our soul is a life-long process. Sometimes you work had for long periods of time with little to show for your labors. But then on one day, all of a sudden you will step back, look to God and exclaim, “Look at what we have done together!” In the words of our great grandson, you too will exclaim, “Oh WOW!” At that moment we get to see what faith and hard work have produced within and through our lives. At that moment, we will realize that it has all been worth it, “Well done My good and faithful servant.”

Walking by faith with you, Neal

August 15, 2025

Today, we will discuss that last of our Spiritual Disciplines – Hospitality.

In today’s culture, most churches are either digressing or dead. Why? Well, we don’t have the time, nor the space to go into all of details behind this issue, but may I suggest that the number one issue is because we have made the local church a club where the “Frozen Chosen” gather on a regular basis to continue our spiritual life as we feel comfortable.

The discipline of hospitality will cause us to step outside the comfortable walls of the local church, and start inviting people into our homes. As you read through the gospels, note how often Jesus shared a meal with someone. If we are to be Christ-Followers, we must share meals with those who are presently outside of the church family.

Note of extreme importance: “Do not allow the condition of your home to keep you from having guests into your home.” Sure, clean up a bit, but do not go on a three-day cleaning spree just to invite someone over for a meal. After all, you are inviting people into your home to get to know you and your family, it’s not about how clean your house is. Be real with people, be who you are and invite others to join you there.

Your home, your life, your family dynamic do not have to be perfect, just presentable. You do not have to be a gourmet cook, simple is fine. Serve a meal you would usually serve your family, in the environment you usually live, with the focus of connecting lives. Don’t pretend, be real; be who you are inviting your guests to be the same. Laugh and enjoy, it will be good for all involved.

Food has the amazing ability to break down barriers. Sharing a meal with someone else is a great way to get acquainted. Yes, it is acceptable to take your guests out for that first meal, but your home is usually quieter and more personal. Remember, the goal of hospitality is for people to get to know you, not your favorite restaurant. Ask polite questions about who they are: their interests, hobbies, work, family dynamics and individual lives – childhood and education are safe topics. Allow them to carry the conversation, this time is about them, not just you.

Of the seven Spiritual Disciplines we have discussed, this last one is usually the most difficult, yet it is often the most rewarding. Forget the stress, deal with the mess however you must, but don’t allow the Devil to keep you from being hospitable. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation, enjoy a special opportunity to see Him at work within and though your life – It is FUN!

Practicing hospitality with you, Neal

August 14, 2025

Allow me to start with a bit of honesty, my human flesh prefers to receive way more than it wants to give. I’ll take a wild guess that your fleshly nature is probably closely aligned?

Yet when we become followers of Jesus Christ, we realize that our Heavenly Father loved us so much that He gave us His most precious gift ever, His Son. “For God so loved the world that He gave.” Please stop for a moment and think of all of the things, and all of the people God has given to you. He’s a very gracious God isn’t He?

It is from God’s love for us that I draw this analogy, “It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving!” For you, or I, to say that we love someone we automatically become compelled to give to and for that person. That’s why Ephesians 5 challenges all married men to love their wife by following Jesus’ example, giving even unto death.

Not only are we to give of our finances, (fact – the average professing Christian gives less than 2% of their total income), but we are also to give of our resources and time. Why? Because that is exactly what Jesus has done for us. He gave everything for us so that we can know God, and have the opportunity to spend eternity with Him in heaven! That’s what real love looks like, giving all for another.

Have you ever marveled that God only asks us for a portion of what He has given us. Even if I were to give 10% of my earnings, He is still allowing me to keep 90%. I’m willing to bet that no other king would ever treat us so kindly?

Another way to look at it is that God gives me 24 hours each day. Is it too much that He request I spend a few minutes of each day alone with Him? If God gives 24 hours each day for six days, that is a total of 144 hours each week. Then when He asks for an hour or two on Sunday, we often are too busy to go to church. Wow! Contemplating our own death has a way of helping us really understand just how gracious God is with this thing called time. In one moment time stops for each of us and eternity begins. Are you ready for THAT moment?

During Old Testament times, the Israelites were required to give from their best – the unblemished lamb, the first of all crops, the perfect bull or heifer. Today we too are to give of our best, not of our leftovers. It is quite simple: God has given us His best, He deserves the best we have to offer Him from our time, talents and finances. Simple equation: “God’s best = my best.” We want nothing less, He deserves nothing less.

Generosity is amazingly fun. May we each be challenged to try to outgive God. You can’t do it. He will always give more than we do, but may we each die trying. Praise God!

Practicing generosity with you, Neal

August 13, 2025

Hopefully you have noticed that for the last few days we have been discussing “spiritual disciplines.” I am very much of the opinion that learning to walk with Jesus is a life-long experience, and as such, we need to develop a hand full of disciplines that we live out on a regular basis. After years of Bible study, it seems to me that there is a list of seven or more disciplines developed from the life of Christ.

Thus far we have looked at some of these disciplines: Solitude, Prayer, Fasting, Scripture and today Community. I have absolutely no doubt that the Christian life is to be lived within a community – the community of your small group, the community of your church and the community surrounding you.

Let’s start with your small group. This can be a study group, or it can be your small group of close friends. This group usually consists of less than ten people. These are the folks that you share large portions of your life with. I have always said that my close friends are the people whom I laugh with, and cry with.

Community number two is your church family. No, you do not have to be extremely close to every person who attends your local body of believers, however the Apostle Paul does state, “In as much as it is possible with you, be at peace with all people.” Also, Jesus came to draw us together in oneness.

The last community I will mention is the community we live in. It doesn’t matter if you live on a Wyoming ranch 40 miles away from the nearest town, you are still part of a larger community. A community that is watching you live out your faith in Jesus. A community that has value in your life, as you have value in the lives of your community. As I always say, “No contact, No impact!”

When you were led to salvation in Christ, you became a part of community. Christianity never was intended to be lived alone. I once heard Pastor John Ortberg say, “We tend to sin alone, but we heal together.” When our life hurts, we need others to come along side us and help us heal. It’s within community that we are forged and formed into the person God intends us to be. Iron does sharpen iron.

Please remember, according to God’s plan: “We can accomplish much more than just me.” Oh I agree, it is often easier to work alone, but the real value comes from allowing others to sharpen who we are. We may die alone, but we are intended to live together. Celebrate your community!

Traveling across this ball of dirt with you, Neal

August 12, 2025

Why is it that the best things for me seem to be the hardest things to do? I think it goes back to the battle between my flesh and God’s Spirit, a battle that has plagued every human who has ever walked across this ‘ol ball of dirt (except Jesus that is). We all know what we want to do – take the easy way.

I need to lose weight, but I don’t want to diet and exercise. I need to save money, but there is this thing I want to buy. I need to become more Christ-like, but I want to be me. I need to develop spiritual disciplines, but I want to live wild and free.

Perhaps this is all remedied with the thing the Bible tells me I need to do: I need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. (Romans. 12:2) How is this possible, by reading and applying Scripture. Yes, I may be good about reading Scripture, but Jesus stated that I am to “do” the things the Bible tells me to do. Our American culture usually elevates knowing above doing.

Why is it that making time to read my Bible is so difficult? Because that is the single most effective method for transforming my mind. Yet to be truly transformed, I must make the necessary changes in my lifestyle to obey that which I read during my daily study of Scripture.

I’m often asked, “How should I read my Bible?” To which there a variety of methods: You can read the Bible from cover to cover in one year; You can read the Bible alone, or you can read it with a friend, or even in a larger group – it appears that this method was the primary one used during biblical times; You can read the Bible aloud, or quietly; You can read the Bible for personal or group study.

For me, Bible reading is most effective in four steps: 1) May I suggest that you daily read less of the Bible. Yep, that’s right, read less of the Bible, and really study what you do read. I suggest that we no longer read a chapter of Scripture each day, but that we read a few sentences or perhaps a paragraph, and then we dig deeply into the meaning of individual words. To me, reading my Bible is like really enjoying a good meal – take smaller bites and chew them well (this method is proven to aid in digestion), also true with Scripture.

2) The second step of biblical renewal is to journal what you have just learned from your study. Sometimes this will involve a paragraph in your journal, other times it will take pages to state what you have learned and how you plan to apply those lessons. Suggestion – Your journals will make beautiful gifts to your older children or grandchildren. They will be able to connect with you in a way far beyond the normal family dynamic.

3) The third step to all Scripture reading is to apply what you are reading. Jesus didn’t suggest that we are blessed for our reading, or for sitting in a classroom under a teacher, or in church under a preacher, we a blessed when we apply what His word tells us to do. And yes, application is the hard part that my flesh hates.

4) Memorize Scripture. “Thy word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.”

If we as His followers want to have the mind of Christ, we must fill our minds with His words, and allow His words to fill us. As the old preacher stated so well, “We don’t need to get more people into the Bible, we need to get more of the Bible into people.” Always – After reading – application!

Doing the hard part with you, Neal

August 9, 2025

All day yesterday, we cut angles on heavy-duty steel roofing. Because of the steep angle, we can’t use a sheer, so each sheet has to be cut by hand. Between difficult cutting, climb back up the ladder, exact fitting each piece, climbing back down the ladder and starting the process again and again and again.

Does that sound like your Christian life? Sometimes it is difficult to maintain a healthy Christian walk. You know: devotions, prayers, reading, serving, worship, up the ladder, down the ladder, this activity, that activity, again and again and again. Sometimes we just need to step away.

That’s what the Bible calls solitude. I’m sure that on occasion God wants us to step away from the day-to-day and just sit with Him. No, I’m not talking about skipping church to go fishing or play golf. I’m talking about taking a day away from the normal and being alone with God.

Throughout the Gospels we read of Jesus going away to an isolated place and praying. Read Mark 1:29ff. Jesus spends the night healing all sorts of folks (v.34), but in v. 35 we read, “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”

Why did Jesus go away to pray? Verse 37 tells us that there were still plenty of people seeking healing back in town. Why would Jesus, leave “ministry” opportunities, walk away and pray? It seems to me that there possibly two elements to the answer: 1) When the woman with the “issue” touched the cloak of Christ, His response was the He “felt the power go out of Him.” 2) Jesus knew that it was possible to get so involved in ministry that He could easily lose the “why” of life. To say it simply, Jesus went to a “secluded” place to recharge and reconnect.

Verse 38, “He said to them, ‘Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.’” There will always be ministry and demands upon your Christian life. How do you keep those demands in proper priority? By getting away, visiting with God and being reminded why you were called to salvation, “Go and make disciples…”

If your salvation was the main point of Christ’s death, then wouldn’t He have taken you to heaven the moment you bowed your knee to Jesus? Salvation is the entry point, making disciples is the purpose! And I can’t say exactly for you, but it is very easy for me to get so busy doing good things, that I forget the most important thing – spending quiet time away from everyone and everything with GOD!

Practicing solitude with you, Neal

Here I sit at 4:30 a.m. on Friday, 8/8/25. I’ve read Scripture, I’ve prayed and now I write. Yesterday our friend Jeff helped us put in a new window on our ‘ol house. Oh, we had a plan: We were going to pop the window in right quick and then put a door in on the east side of the house. A good day’s effort for three old folks, but we felt quite confident that we could get it done; and then we started.

The first thing we noticed was that there was old, wood, lap siding underneath the tarpaper on the side of the house where the new window was to go. Hum, do we spend the better part of the day removing that old siding, or do we shim and adjust to attempt to make the wall reasonably flat for our new window? We chose the first. So for the rest of the morning we painfully removed layer after layer of the very old wood siding that was “full” of nails.

Lunch, and then we began with new insulation, moving electrical lines and then sheeting with OSB.
Finally, with the better part of our day behind us, we were able to install the window! The new window looks great from the inside and the outside of the house looks really nice as well. But, we didn’t get to install the new door – Suprise!

What’s the old saying, “The best laid plans of mice and men…” Though things didn’t go according to our original plan, we now have a new window in our dining room, installed correctly – Praise God! Life has a way of changing our plans, but God is faithful to help us do the better part. We saw no need to get angry and pitch a fit about the trials of the day. Just take a deep breath, pray and readjust.

How was it that Jesus spoke of such situations, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Life is full of troubles, yet God’s grace if more than sufficient to deal with the troubles of each day. Jesus never promised that everything would always be full of sunshine, but He does promise to walk through the storms with us. Remember Jesus said, “And lo, I am with you always.”

So today, we hope to get the steel on the new roof. But if God has a better plan, we will go with it. Yep, “One day at a time sweet Jesus.” I encourage you, no matter what this day holds for your life, remember Who holds your life. Take His hand and walk into this new day, as soon as the sun comes up.

Dealing with daily surprises with you, Neal

Today’s forecast is for 98 degrees, with wind and 14 percent humidity. Hot, dry and windy- the perfect recipe for quick spreading fires! A fire today is an extremely dangerous prospect.

I awoke long before daylight; read Scripture, prayed and then decided to write. You see friends, these little notes that I write on a daily basis are intended to stretch each of us to be better at serving our Lord. It is my prayer and my hope that each of us will be challenged to grow, go and glow for His glory, and for the good of those around us.

With that said, today our area of Wyoming is under a Red Flag Warning – hot, dry and windy. Part of my reading this morning was from Matthew 16:18, “and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” I have no doubt that Jesus is fulfilling His words even today, He is building His church.

However, it is also possible that many churches in America are under a Red Flag Warning, as they too have grown “hot, dry and windy.” I believe it is our Lord’s desire that His church is to be red hot with passion for the lost and the least of our communities. Yet as I have stated before, whatever God has intended for good, Satan will imitate for evil. As such, many churches are no longer hot with the passion of Christ, they just appear to be what today is called “a hot mess.”

Many churches have lost their purpose. They lack a Christ-centered vision, spend too much on processes instead of meaningful goals, allow division among members, and focus on easy topics in sermons instead of deeper teachings.

Oh for the Holy Spirit to be free to work within and through the local church! Red Flag fires are always out of control, causing much damage. While the fire of the Holy Spirit seems to be well controlled and causes healing and strength!

Could it be that we are in the time spoken of by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires.” That sounds like a Red Flag Warning to me.

Lest we run amuck, may we once again remind ourselves that Jesus is still building HIs church. Jesus continues to do that which Jesus does best – change lives. Here’s the deal, Jesus wants to change my life and your life to be more like His life. Are we willing to allow Him to complete His work within us so that He can then work through us? Perhaps we should pray as the missionary prayed, “Oh Lord, light my soul on fire so that people will gather to watch me burn!” Now that’s a “good” fire.

Please, do not give up on your church and walk away. Instead, PRAY for your pastor and leadership to be ignited by the Holy Spirit, PAY with your finances and time, and PARTICIPATE in keeping your local church warm and friendly, true to the word, and on fire for the cause of Christ, and then PRAISE Jesus for the work He is doing – changing lives, starting with ours.

Let’s join Smokey the Bear and do our part to in preventing Wildfires, as we join Jesus Christ in spreading the fire of the Holy Spirit across our communities.

Doing my part with you, Neal