THERE IS NO ABSOLUTE FREE SPEECH!

        We’ve certainly seen a downturn in respectful public conversation these days. The adage, “If you can’t say something good about someone, then say nothing at all” has been lost, perhaps forever. With the choosing of a new Supreme Court Justice taking place today, many of us are holding our breath. The possibilities of who is going to say what about whom, whether in truth or respect or not, ought to make us shudder.

        It reminds me of a time thirty years ago when I met Supreme Court Justice Byron White in an elevator on the way up to the Denver Club for lunch. My host was Walter Koch, former president of Mountain Bell, and when Mr. Koch introduced me to Justice White, I believe I said, “It’s an honor to meet you, Justice White.” The doors opened and we got off, but Justice White remained on. Going to our table, I asked Mr. Koch, “Is he the one they called, ‘Whizzer White’?” My host said, “Yes, and thank you for not mentioning that to him. He hates the name.”

        Apostle Paul once wrote the Colossian Christians, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) If only public conversation today, especially on social media, would follow Paul’s advice! Sadly, wherever we turn, we get far too much “salt” and too little grace. 

        I don’t know the specific answer why this is. Perhaps it’s because modern people, both male and female, have come to think that crude, disrespectful language is not only part of free speech, it makes their comments more influential. Actually, the opposite is true. Most crude or inappropriate terms turn people off immediately. Hateful or ugly words betray a person’s intellectual ignorance and ineptitude. Those who think all free speech is their right, need to know there are no absolute rights. All freedoms carry responsibilities, and free speech is no exception. 

        Our Lord Jesus counseled us, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12) How would you like to be spoken of in today’s conversations? What would you like others to say of you or to you? Whether we agree with other people or not, we still owe them our respect. 

Lord, help us keep our conversation positive and helpful.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

KNOWING THE FUTURE

Ever since the Rockies Baseball Club came to Denver in 1993, I’ve been a fan. We were able to get two good infield seats for ten home games each year. It’s always fun to go to Coors Field, even when they lose. If the game is close, I may get a bit nervous and get up and move around. If they win, it makes me happy. The tension is all part of the fun of baseball.

Recently, though, I watched a game we played in the 2007 World Series. I was surprised at how much calmer I was watching it. Why? Because I already knew the outcome. The Red Sox beat us in four straight games, so the suspense of the game didn’t bother me. It was so relaxing that I fell asleep in my recliner watching it. But it was still fun to watch.

Life can be like this. There can be surprises and shocks, fears and frustration, high points and low points, mostly because we don’t know what will happen yet. But when we remind ourselves we are safe from eternal danger because of Jesus, we can take comfort, even in the midst of our struggles.

Apostle John wrote, “These things I have written to you who believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13) Life may give us lots of surprises, but with faith in Jesus, we can have peace each day.  Jesus has already shown us our eternal outcome in heaven.

Thank You, Jesus, for giving us Your peace.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
(From author's most recent devotional, EVERY DAY WITH JESUS)

CARING FATHERS

(From my newest devotional, Every Day With Jesus, November 19)

        In 1975, Mom and Dad sold the farm they’d owned for 40 years and moved into town. They bought a snug two story house near church and lived there 15 years before moving into the nursing home. Their marriage was a model of caring for each other. 

        The picture of them I carry in my mind is this: When it was time for bed, Mom would start up the stairs and Dad would walk right behind her, his arms spread wide as his hands held both handrails in case she should stumble or lean back too far. He’d had both railings installed to support her as she went up. Coming down, he would often walk slowly in front of her. 

        It reminds me of Solomon’s advice for us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. If one falls, the other will lift him up. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

        God seeks our good by giving us parents, friends and neighbors who can help. After creation, all was good for people except being alone. Thus He said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper for him.” (Genesis 2:18) 

        Fathers are God’s protective arms and hands for us as we go through life. God reaffirmed this when He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrew 13:5) Jesus was with His disciples in ministry but He was alone suffering for us on the Cross. He promises we will never need to be alone again. 

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for always being with us.

'EVERY DAY WITH JESUS" now in print

Dear Friends,
        I am pleased to announce that Every Day With Jesus, my next - and final - daily devotional, is now in print. As the cover states on the back:
        “This devotional gives you hope and direction for each day. It is the next edition with Rev. Tasler’s other devotionals: Daily Walk With Jesus, Daily Word From Jesus, and Day By Day With Jesus.
        "As a pastor in the Lutheran Church for 47 years, Rev. Tasler combines the skills of practical scripture application with true life stories that will assist the reader in dealing with all kinds of life situations.
        "These devotions will show you how God is faithful to His Word and promises. When you trust His Son Jesus, you will find strength, hope and peace amid life’s struggles. Seeing God’s love and mercy, you will find strength for Every Day With Jesus."
       PRINT EDITION: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1544619995/.  $14. KINDLE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLJNYRN/.  $4.99, DIRECT FROM THE AUTHOR: http://bobtasler.com/every-day-with-jesus/, 1-4 copies $13 each, 5-9 copies $11, 10 or more copies $10, all postage paid.
        If you order from me, books should come 7-10 days. If you have questions, contact me at pbt45@ecentral.com. All my books are at www.bobtasler.com. Next week I will return with my regular WEEKLY MESSAGE.
God bless you all,
Rev. Bob Tasler

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

How much should we plan for the future? That question must weight heavily on the mind of our nation if one pays attention to the media. Countless articles and ads warn us to have enough money for that future big event most of us will face – retirement. It’s almost as if the only reason we’re living now is to make sure we can live well in the future.

If planning for the future is the main reason for living, are we not missing the point of life? God has put us here to enjoy our time on earth and be good stewards of His gifts. He seeks our welfare by faith in Him. Faith gives us peace now and a bright hope for the future.

A man came to Jesus asking Him to judge a disputed inheritance. Jesus not only refused his request, he warned him not to make his possessions the point of life. He said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist of an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

We are to use what God has given us wisely, including time to plan for our future. But if preparing for the future overwhelms the present, we’re being foolish. Like the farmer who worked his children so hard that they didn’t graduate from school. “I’m doing all this for their future,” he said, assuming their future happiness depended on what they could earn, not what they could learn.

Lord, help us use what you’ve given us wisely.