I Saw Jesus Smoking A Cigarette

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

Each week I join in with a handful of men from around the country for a one-hour meeting on Zoom. I really look forward to these meetings and enjoy the conversation. I have learned a lot about these men, life, love, family, and God. I think it is so imperative to surround yourself with Godly people to help position yourself to hear from God. I am convinced that God uses each of us to speak His words to each other.

The host of the meeting is a long-time dear friend of mine that lives in St. Francisville, La. In the Wesleyan style of a good Methodist, he asks each participant two questions. First, “how is it with your soul?” Second, “When were you closest to Christ this past week?” These are two fundamental questions from the The Class Meeting. Historically, Class Meetings “made sure that every Methodist was connected to other Methodists, so no one was left out, ignored, or overlooked,” notes the Rev. Kevin Watson, a United Methodist elder and Assistant Professor of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies at Candler School of Theology. “They relentlessly focused every Methodist on the current state of their relationship with God. And they connected people to others who were at different stages of the Christian life.”

Last week when the host asked me the two questions, I struggled to formulate a coherent answer. I did not want to lie and tell him everything was great, but like most men I did not want to burden the group with my struggles. He gently asked a few more questions, and I told the truth that I was frustrated with several things and the pace at which some things were moving. I am not a big fan of procrastination or going slow.

The wives of one of the men was listening in to the Zoom meeting. She contacted me later and said she wanted to help. Naturally, my inclination was to thank her and politely decline. This is known as pride. As she asked a second time, I responded with humility and agreed. She asked for my grocery list, and I sent it to her. The next day the doorbell rang. I had forgotten about my friend’s wife and assumed it was a delivery person. I went to the door and there she stood with my groceries and a smile.

I was overwhelmed with her kindness and offered to pay. She refused payment so I tried again, and she declined again. I thanked her, prayed for her, and sent her a hand-written thank you note. I was depressed and in mourning, but her presence brought comfort. Isn’t this what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

Like many of you I have seen hundreds of paintings of Jesus over my life. Some are Him with children, praying, preaching, or walking the road to Emmaus. That day I saw Jesus on my front porch with a smile and some groceries. I realize it might sound strange, but Jesus was smoking a cigarette. Her name is Lynda Jenkins, and she is the wife of my friend Ed. They live in St. Francisville, La.

Prayer: Dear God, Help us to understand the blessing of giving and receiving to those in need. Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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When You Walk Through The Fire, You Will Not Be Burned

When You Walk Through The Fire, You Will Not Be Burned

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2 NIV).

Please closely read the Scripture at the top of this blog. Hopefully, everything is going great for you in your life right now. However, if you are not in a period of adversity now, you will be sometime in the future. More about that later.

As I think about Isaiah 43:2, my mind thinks of situations in which God has delivered His people from water and fire. I can remember as a child in Sunday School listening to the story of the parting the Red Sea as Moses lead his people out of Egypt. Exodus 15:4 states: “Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea.”

The reference to fire in Isaiah 43:2 may be particularly relevant to many people today. We don’t often have a 100-year rain event, but it sure does seem that we often have some sort of “fire.” There is an old expression, “The heat is on” when the pressure gets high.

Daniel 3 describes the story of three friends of Daniel that were literally subjected to heat and fire. Daniel’s friends would not bow in worship to a statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. So, the king had them tossed into a fire and had the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual.

The LORD was with Daniel’s friends, and they were not harmed. They actually lived out the last sentence of Isaiah 43:2. “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2).

How did this happen? The furnace was seven times hotter than usual. The men should have been instantly consumed by fire. The answer is in Daniel 3:24-25: “Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, ‘Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?’ They replied, ‘Certainly, Your Majesty.’ He said, ‘Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Jesus was with them in their actual fire. He was the fourth man. Jesus is also with us in our “fires” when the “heat is on.” How do we know that Jesus also be with us in our “fires”? We can take comfort that He will be with us because He tells us, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Now go back to the top and read Isaiah 43:2 again. Notice that it does not say if you pass through the waters or if you walk through the fire. It states when you walk through them. Scripture is promising that it will happen, but when it does God is also promising that He will be there with us and we will survive.

One more promise – the fire, water, or other problem will ultimately result in good. God promises that in Romans 8:28. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Prayer: Dear God: Thank you for never leaving or forsaking us. Please draw us close to You in both good times and bad. Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist under the direction of the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is currently in training to become a Lay Minister under the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He enjoys writing inspirational Christian blogs at ToddShupe.com and Todd-Shupe.com .

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Recipe for Joy

“I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (Philippians 1:18-19 NLT).

I love to cook. As any chef will tell you, the key to a good dish is the proper ingredients. Sometimes if I cook something good, I wonder what can I add to make it great? God is known by many names but is seldom referred to as the “master chef.” However, He provides all the ingredients we need to regain our joy.

Sometimes in life things are simply falling apart and as men we try and try to put the pieces back together and get more and more tired and frustrated. We cry out and ask, “Where is God?” when the fact is the He is right next to you waiting for you to trust in Him and let Him take the pieces of your old life and transform them into a new life that is centered in Him.

We all reach a defining crossroad at times of great adversity. Our options are to worry (depend on yourself) or worship (trust in God). Paul modeled for us the value of choosing worship. His ministry in Philippi was grueling. When Paul went to this city to start a church, he was whipped, falsely arrested, thrown into prison, and survived an earthquake. Despite these obstacles, Paul gave thanks. “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (Philippians 1:3). Paul had learned the “secret of being content in any and every situation (Philippians 4:12).

Paul reveals several “ingredients” for strength for being joyful in tough times. Paul says in Philippians 1:18-19, “I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.” Paul keep his perspective on God and not his problems. I like how Paul writes “For I know.” In times of trouble we fall back on what we know to be true. Paul was falling back on the promises of God that he knew to be true.

Paul knew that he had people praying for him. He also knew that “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16). Paul also acknowledges “The Helper” (John 14:16) and received support from the . The passage ends with “This will lead to my deliverance.” Paul had faith that God would work out his problem for good (Romans 8:28).

Paul had God’s perspective, the prayer of righteous men, the Holy Spirit, and faith. Paul had all the necessary ingredients to “continue to rejoice.” We also have the same ingredients. So, do we choose to worship or worry during hard times?

Prayer: “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (Psalm 103: 1-6).

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A Ministry Making a Positive Impact – The KINGDOM Group!

A Ministry Making a Positive Impact -
The KINGDOM Group!

I want to bring to your attention to a ministry that is making a positive impact in locally and nationally. The KINGDOM Group International, Inc. is a Baton Rouge based organization that is successfully addressing racial and cultural divisiveness. For the past 3 years this ministry has held meetings and special events that have resulted in very positive changes in the area of unity and reconciliation.

Giving a SINGLE GIFTin any amount; or
Becoming a MONTHLY DONORof $10, $25, $50, $100 or any amount; or
By giving an “IN-KIND GIFT”(office space, equipment or supplies, volunteering, other donations, etc.)

Always remember to give to your local church first. Then, prayerfully consider how God would like you to partner with the KINGDOM Group.

Giving to the KINGDOM GROUP is easy. You can visit Kingdom Group website and click the GIVE NOW button. Or, you can mail your donation to KINGDOM Group, 8733 Siegen Lane, Ste. 141, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. You may also call Rev. Elmo Winters at (225) 305-3006 for additional information. The KINGDOM Group is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.

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Making a Difference in the Lives of Men

I encourage you to prayerfully consider joining me in donating to Rev. Mark Lubbock’s ministry – Gulf South Men. Please visit Gulf South Men’s website and GSMen.org to get a glimpse of the scope and impact of this ministry or give Mark a call at (225)252-3331. Mark’s ministry helps men become Disciples that are servant leaders as modeled by Jesus. His work cuts across boundaries of denomination, race, age, etc. His goal is to raise up Godly men that bring Christ into their homes and families and then out into the world. There have been dramatic impacts on men, but the ultimate beneficiaries are wives and families.

I have been blessed to have worked alongside Mark in ministry for several years and have seen the Holy Spirit work through him. If you have any questions or suggestions about the ministry, financial plans, etc. please give Mark a call (225)252-3331. I know he will be happy to chat with you.

To donate please go to — Donate.. Most importantly, I ask that you pray for God’s provision and protection for Mark and his wife, Vickie, and his ministry. Please ask God what amount He would have you contribute and whatever amount He puts on your heart is certainly the right amount, even if its zero. God bless!

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Put Down the Phone and Truly Engage with People

“Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others” (Philippians 2:4 NCV).

Everybody is busy. Anytime I ask somebody how they are doing the response is always “busy” or “really busy.” Americans are over worked and over stressed. Work has become the number one focus for many, family second, and God third (if time permits). This is not Biblical nor healthy. Our priorities need be examined.

I remember when smart phones were introduced into the market several years ago. I thought they would be great to help stay connected with work when out of the office. The problem is they are very effective at keeping us connected with work. We are always accessible. Many of us check our work emails at night and weekends when we are home with our families. We check and update or social media status all day and night.

When I go out a restaurant or a meeting, I am always surprised how many people that are sitting in a group are focused on their phones and not the group. We are checking voice mails, emails, texts, playing video games, or listening to music. Our friends are sitting right next to us, but we are more focused on our social media friends, some of which we have never met.

Today most of us are a slave to our phones, and we no longer pay attention to the people around us. As Christians we are to live in community and are taught, “Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others” (Philippians 2:4). How can we show interest to others when we are always on our phone? We can’t.

On-line communications is nice and necessary, but it won’t lead to relationships that feed your soul. To have happy and deep relationships, we need to learn the lost art of paying attention. We need to be present when we are present.

This is counter intuitive for many of us. Our flesh seeks the spotlight. We want the focus on us, and we desperately want to be liked and for others to know we are liked. To do this, we are very active on social media and treasure our followers rather than our real friends.

I have heard it said that people will not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. People feel good when you give them your attention. You honor someone by giving them your time. One of our most precious commodities is time because it cannot be restored, and we all have an unknown, finite amount of it.

So, next time you are with your family for a meal, ball game, movie, etc., give them your time and be mentally present, and just physically present. Put the phone down and model for them what it means to be truly present. Use active listening. when talking with friends, family, and colleagues. The other party will then know that you are seriously listening and interested in the conversation.

Years ago, Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a best-selling book “The Five Love Languages.” One of the five is “Quality Time.” We have quality time when we are truly present and actively listening to the other person. Quality time is a lost love language that can help transform your relationships and help you live a happy life.

Prayer: Dear God, There are so many voices competing for our attention. We know that your spirit is in all of us and we honor You when we when we show sincere interest in others. Help us to examine our priorities in life. Amen.

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Present but Absent

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 ESV).

Many men are inherently competitive. We want to be the best at what we do. It pushes us to harvest the largest buck deer, catch the biggest fish, or grow the largest tomato. We even compete in fantasy football. A competitive nature helps us climb the ladder at work. This inner drive has helped us to be financial providers for our families. However, many men do not realize that they have other roles in the family besides financial.

I have talked to many men over the years that feel torn between responsibilities at work and home. They struggle to find a balance between the two. I have also talked to many men that have expressed an inner emptiness. Life is boring and seems to have no real purpose. Many of these men are very successful businessmen and want for no material items

Today’s professional demands are tough. Young professionals are traveling more for work today than any other time in history. The competition in the market is tough both within your own company for promotions and from competitors for sales. Many men will embrace the competition, either willingly or unwillingly and spend evenings and weekends at work to get ahead.

Sadly, these men are often absent when they are present with their families. Their minds are preoccupied with work, their fingers are busy texting on their phones, or their phone is glued to their ear. They are conformed to this world. The Apostle Paul teaches us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). I think it is admirable to do your best at work. Paul also instructed, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Working hard at work is admirable and good, especially if you are working as if for the Lord. However, remember the old adage, “On their death bed, no one ever wished they had spent more time at work.” I am not suggesting that you spend less time at work or more time at work. I am suggesting that you not only use your natural competitive spirit at work but also at home. Try to be the best father and husband that you can be. I saw a recent episode of Dr. Phil where he encouraged men to be a provider, protector, leader, and teacher for his family. I suspect that Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin would agree since they are both saying essentially the same thing. So, continue to do your best at work but remember to do your best at home too!

Prayer: Dear God: We want to provide for our families. Help us remember that all we have now and in the future is a blessing from you. Help us to do our best at work and at home. Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist under the direction of the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is concurrently in training to become a Lay Minister under the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He enjoys writing inspirational Christian blogs at ToddShupe.com and Todd-Shupe.com .

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

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Defeating Fear

“There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.” (1 John 4:18 GNT)

I have two dear friends that have no worries. They are not financially rich, but they are rich in the Spirit. I admire their love of God. They have absolute confidence in Him and His provision for them and their families. I love God but, I also have worries. I have a son with autism that will likely never speak complete sentences or have a job to support himself. I worry about his future when I am gone. I do not want to put a large burden on his sister, and I am very hesitant for him to be in a group home where he may be abused.

I have to remind myself of the endless love that God has for all of His children. My son will truly always be a child at heart and mind and as such I know he will one day enter heaven. Matthew 18:3 tells us “And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

My son has an inner innocence and kindness to him. He has no fear. He only gives and receives love. His vocabulary is limited so he has never professed Jesus as his Lord and savior, but I know that Jesus wants the children to come to him – children of all ages.

We can all take our fears and cast them on God. Once we focus on thoughts on God and His love for us, we become confident of our present and future. I realize how much God loves me and my son and in turn it is my joyful response to share His love with others. There are many opportunities and ways in which we can share God’s love. For some, it may be to join the choir. For others, it may be to help maintain and beautify the grounds of the local church. For me, it is to write and speak about my challenges and how I have yoked myself to Him to share my burden. I was comforted during my divorce by older men that had already gone through a divorce. I was comforted during the flood of my house by a close friend that quoted Isaiah 43:19 to me. I will always believe that God was speaking to me but was using my friend’s tongue.

God is love and wants good for all of us. His light will always conquer the darkness in our hearts and minds, if we let Him in. Faith and trust are essential to opening our hearts. If He loved us so much to send His son to die for our sins, He certainly loves us enough for us to leave our burdens with Him and then walk away with confidence that we are in His hand and there is no better place to be. Consider the words Jesus left with his disciples immediately following the Last Supper. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). We are His disciples. Let our hearts not be troubled and let us not be afraid.

Prayer: Dear God we live in a fallen world and we have so many worries about ourselves and our loved ones. Help us to give these worries over to you and to not take them back. We know that You have plans to prosper us and not to harm us. We know that You have plans to give us hope and a future. We thank you for your tremendous love which we cannot even begin to fully comprehend. Please help us cast out the fear in our lives and replace it with the confidence that can only come from your love.

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Dealing With Your Own Judas

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Getting To The Heart Of The Issue

Over the years, I have spoken with many Christians and enjoyed having the opportunity to hear their testimony. Some are “intellectual Christians,” so to speak, and believe that science has proved the existence of Christ and therefore they also believe. Many have provided me with compelling arguments for their Christian faith. I also believe in Jesus and in science.

However, at the heart of the issue is our heart. Do you believe in Him in your heart and seek him with your whole heart? Jesus taught us in Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (italics added).”

God gave us a brain and He certainly wants us to use it to better understand Him. He also seeks a relationship with us and a true relationship must come from the heart. Below are five Biblical themes that emphasize the importance of your heart in your Christian walk.

1. Trust: Trust is probably the most fundamental component in any relationship. We may not always understand His ways, but we are called to trust and obey. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, (Proverbs 3:5).

2. Love: Any meaningful relationship must be built on love, says Baton Rouge’s Todd Shupe. This is especially true with God because God is love, (1 John 4:8). Jesus replied, “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” (Matthew 22:37). Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” (Mark 12:30).

3. Seek: Jesus asks us to seek Him. He is asking for us to daily die to our sinful ourselves and live in Him. To do so, we must daily seek His face. “But if from there you seek the Lord, your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul,” (Deuteronomy 4:29) ^“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart,” (Jeremiah 29:13).

4. What Comes Out of the Heart: Jesus was making a new covenant with the people who were unable to maintain the Mosaic law. Food preparation was very important under the old law and was considered necessary to earn your salvation. [Jesus] said, “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart,” Mark 7:14-15.

5. Guard your Heart: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,” (Proverbs 4:23). Our words and opinions first originate in our heart. If we guard our heart and only allow love to enter our heart, then love will flow out of our mouths and will be the basis of our action and ministry. Be blessed as you bless others.

Prayer: Dear God, Create in us a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us.

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I Saw Jesus Smoking A Cigarette

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When You Walk Through The Fire, You Will Not Be Burned

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Recipe for Joy

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A Ministry Making a Positive Impact - The KINGDOM Group!

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Making a Difference in the Lives of Men

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Put Down the Phone and Truly Engage with People

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Present but Absent

Defeating Fear

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Getting To The Heart Of The Issue

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A Ministry Making a Positive Impact -
The KINGDOM Group!