Signs & Wonders Blog

In 1973, the Ad Council started releasing a series of public service announcements urging Americans to “Don’t Be Fuelish.” In one of them , actor James Garner complained of numerous cars on the highway with only one person in them because of a purported gas shortage. Fran Tarkenton made similar remarks in another TV ad. Although the Minnesota Vikings quarterback was my favorite player then, I disagree with this propaganda. We still have plenty of fuel fifty years later. Unfortunately, we have an occupant in the White House hindering American oil production in the name of “climate change.”  Those old PSAs came to my remembrance after an incident that happened two weeks ago. While walking home one night, a man parked at a gas pump asked if I needed a ride. Thinking this might be a blessing from the Lord, I answered, “Yes.” He then asked how far I live from there. I said, “About a mile.” He then requested a couple of bucks for gas. As I pondered what to do, this man suddenly asked ...

Evangelism is a continuing education. As long as we remain teachable, we can always learn new ways to approach people and respond to certain situations. I’ve written a book on the topic, but take time to read those by other evangelists like the one by my mentor Nick Kinn . This past week, I read another book about soul-winning. Last Monday, I went to a church service in Arcade, New York. Guest minister Kevin Riordan had a table filled with copies of his book “Street Fisher: Living on Mission for God.” At the end of the meeting, I asked Kevin if electronic versions are available to download. He offered me a complimentary printed copy. I soon learned from his book that we come from similar backgrounds. Kevin and I were 27 when we committed our lives to the Lord. Both of us received salvation in March (although his conversion happened nine years after mine).  Many tips shared in “Street Fisher” are similar to what I teach in my evangelism seminars. Kevin includes many of his exp...

For most of my life, I’ve lived in Minnesota. I grew up in Moorhead and moved to Minneapolis at 21. Eventually, I left the Twin Cities area when the Lord called me to travel as a full-time missionary. In recent years, I’ve returned to Minnesota for extended visits in the spring and summer. I prefer avoiding their brutally cold winters. Another thing I don’t like is the state’s political climate. Minnesota legalized same-sex marriage before the U. S. Supreme Court did. One of their congresswomen is Somalian-born Ilhan Omar, who supports the BDS movement, Black Lives Matter , and defunding the police. Current governor Tim Walz got reelected despite the lockdowns he imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some locals have called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” the “Land of 10,000 Taxes.” Minnesota has one of the highest taxation rates in America and ranks third on welfare spending per person. Minnesota has become known for protests, including the ones that erupted after the deaths of George...

This Saturday is Veterans Day (federal buildings will observe it by closing on Friday). Many Americans take their freedoms for granted. That includes celebrities making empty threats of leaving the country if Donald Trump becomes President again. Over the years, countless U. S. soldiers shed their blood so we can enjoy this prosperous nation God blessed us with. It’s tragic to see veterans begging on street corners. I go out of my way to minister to them as well as others wearing caps indicating they fought in specific wars. First, I approach these men by thanking them for their service. Then I mention my having spent time in the Army National Guard . If they’re hungry, I offer these veterans a snack and then a gospel tract explaining I’m now a soldier in the army of the Lord. One memorable encounter happened during a Living Word City Blitz in Brainerd, Minnesota. My team went shopping for souls at a Walmart in the nearby town of Baxter. One man I prayed with was a 99-year-old sur...

Every year around this time, Christians post numerous memes and rants against observing Halloween. I get somewhat tired of seeing those warnings. For me, it’s another day to share the gospel . Nevertheless, we should heed the Bible’s commandments in avoiding demonic influences. Ephesians 4:27 tells us not to give place to the devil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says,  “Abstain from every form of evil.” Among the characters associated with Halloween are witches. The world often tries to portray them in a positive light. A pastor’s wife I know once watched a school play by first graders called “Groovin’ with the Grimms.” It featured well-known fairy tale characters created by the Brothers Grimm. One of the songs performed was “Three Un-wicked Witches.” Here’s a portion of the lyrics: We’re three un-wicked witches, what trying times we’ve had. It really burns our britches when people say we’re “bad.” We’re three un-wicked witches, we try hard to be good. Of course, we have our glitches ...

Before I was old enough to drive, self-serve gas stations became popular. The days of attendants filling up your tank, checking your oil, and cleaning your windshield were fading into history. One summer, I briefly worked at a gas station that wasn’t self-serve. Despite being by the freeway, few customers stopped for gas because the prices were higher than at convenience stores. Full-service stations are now almost non-existent. Oregon recently lifted a ban on self-service stations. New Jersey is now the only state where customers cannot pump fuel for themself. It wouldn’t surprise me if similar laws get passed concerning self-checkouts at stores like Walmart. They have become more common during the last few years. As a result, I regularly see complaints about them on social media. Many gripe, “I don’t work there!” So? Didn’t these customers put their groceries in the shopping cart instead of an employee doing that? Whether or not a human cashier is available, they still have to take ...

As previously stated in this blog , I’m a regular coffee drinker. This past Monday, I posted this question on my Facebook page: “Do you approve of drinking coffee during Christian meetings? Why or why not?” It generated many responses on both ends of the spectrum. Some want to have their cup of Joe at church. A couple of my friends argued that Jesus drank wine during gatherings. Therefore, He would be tolerant of coffee. Others expressed opposition. Some called it a distraction from worship. I think it would be disrespectful raising your hands to the Lord with a coffee cup in one of them. One friend admitted to being “a coffee addict.” Just like other things, it can be an idol.  Another friend who attends my former home church pointed out coffee drinkers sometimes leave messes behind. During the mid-1990s, I briefly served as an usher at Living Word before they moved into their present building. Back then, they didn’t allow food or drink in the carpeted sanctuary. In recent yea...