A LOOK IN THE LIVING WORD
by Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Booth
May 10, 2024
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate” (Isaiah 15:21-24 NIV).
The classic painting The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt is a masterpiece of storytelling in art. The son, wearing tattered clothes and only one shoe, kneels in contrition before his father as a sign of complete brokenness and repentance. The father leans over to embrace the son as a show of forgiveness and acceptance. The older brother stands at a distance with arms folded in a disapproving look upon his face. The father’s look of joy conveys the relief he feels to welcome back this wayward child. The loss had been tremendous for the father, and now the reunion was pure celebration. How sad it is to note that the older brother, who never left home, was still “lost” in his bitterness and anger and could not celebrate the return of his brother. We too get lost in our own self-righteousness and fail to celebrate when the wayward ones seek to come home. May our hearts be opened to the joy of the Father, and may we join in the celebration of all who choose to come home.
May 9, 2024
“The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest” (Isaiah 32:16-18 NIV).
What a wonderful picture the prophet paints as he tells the children of Israel the plans God has for them. They will dwell in peace and safety. They will be calm and at rest. Yet, the people are experiencing none of these things. They are in exile in a foreign land, and those who were left behind are in constant fear of threats from all around. The vision must have sounded like a dream and an unrealistic one at that. Still, Isaiah boldly spoke about how the peace God would be restored to the people. It was not a wild fantasy that Isaiah dreamed up, but rather, it was a promise that he knew would take place in God’s time. It is easy for us to be so focused on the troubles of our present that we fail to see the possibilities and promises God has prepared for us in the future. Even so we now have the promise of God’s presence, and therefore, we can experience peace and rest knowing God is always with us.
May 8, 2024
“And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him” (I John 2:28-29 NIV).
There have times over the past several years when Lisa, my wife, has to travel and be gone for a few days. Inevitably, I find myself scurrying around in the last few hours before her return to accomplish the list of things I was planning to do during her trip. Procrastination and distractions tag team to sideline my best intentions. John reminds his friend to not be sidetracked in doing the good work God has called us to be doing. We know that a day is coming where we will stand to give account for our actions and attitudes, yet that is always going to be “sometime later.” Therefore, we become lazy and avoid doing what we know we should be doing. John says we should be prepared so that we will not be embarrassed upon His return. Confident and unashamed sound like the kind of things I would love to experience not only at Christ return, but now while I am anticipating His return.
May 7, 2024
“Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have not been true to me, and have neither remembered me nor taken this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me? I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you. When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain” (Isaiah 57:11–13 NIV).
What an interesting question. God basically asks His own people who they feared more than Himself. We have to remember that “the fear of the Lord” is described as a good trait. It basically suggests an awe and wonder at the power and majesty of God. It also includes a sobering reality of the justice and righteousness of God. So, God was wondering who the Israelites found that could compare to Him. Who else made the universe and all that it contains. Who else stretched out the heavens and formed the earth. Who else made all living things including humans. Instead, He reminds them that their idols are just stone and wood and that a good stiff breeze could blow them away. How silly it is to set anything above God in our own hearts. Our idols could be money, power, security, relationships just to name a few. Yet they all pale in comparison to the One True God. When we get that straight, the rest of our lives tends to fall into order. Our help comes from the Awesome and Amazing God of All Creation. Why would we ever settle for something less?
May 6, 2024
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’” (Romans 8:15 NIV).
We had friends who adopted a rescue dog from a shelter. The dog had clearly been in an abusive situation and would cower in fear whenever a new person entered the home. It was a pitiful thing to see. Over time with great love and care, we could see a marked improvement in the dog's behavior. As trust was restored, the fear diminished. That would be true in every relationship. The greater the trust, the less we have to fear. Paul says that we have been given a spirit of confidence and connection that allows us to call God our Father. That is a great privilege. As adopted children of the King of Kings we stand confidently in His presence as His beloved children. We are both encouraged and empowered to live as God’s children. Take time today to call out to your Heavenly Father and thank him for choosing you to be his child.
May 3, 2024
“Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back” (Isaiah 38:17 NIV).
The prophet speaks a truth that many of us overlook. It is in our struggles and hardships that our most powerful spiritual growth and transformation takes place. I know that my own journey of faith proves this principle. I could recount many times of great struggle during which I needed to rely upon God. This is the crucible in which my own character has been refined and continues to be refined. While I never look forward to such times, I have to admit they have been foundational in my own spiritual formation. It is also telling that the prophet is grateful for the love and forgiveness offered by God. The mercy and grace of God give us the motivation and hope we need to endure our struggles. I am sure that God is not finished working in my life. I know that there will be challenges ahead. Yet, I celebrate that I am forgiven and in the process of being transformed. That sounds like real encouragement to me.
May 2, 2024
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV).
Here we have another verse that is often misappropriated by those wishing to say that the life of a Christian will be an easy road. They fail to look back even one verse to see that Paul is saying that it is precisely his ups and downs that remind him of God’s faithful presence. His ability to be content in all situations is directly related to his confidence in God. He knew that Jesus promises to never leave or forsake us. He sensed God’s presence whether he was in a palace or a prison. He knew that following Christ would have its share of troubles and tribulations. He knew that he would never have to travel that journey alone. Paul’s confidence in God led to a contented heart and mind. In that context, we truly can do and endure all things with the faithful, loving presence of Christ dwelling within us.
May 1, 2024
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 NIV).
This is the verse that my senior class chose to represent us at Calvary Christian School. It was a tradition, even though we were only the fifth graduating class, for the senior class to select a passage of scripture as a theme for their final year in high school to prepare themselves to head off into the larger world. As senior class president, I got to lead out as we recited this passage at graduation. Thus, it has always held a special place in my heart and my memory. The fear and uncertainty of what was lying ahead was greatly reduced knowing God would shine a light on the path and would hold us secure on the journey. I still find myself returning to the pivotal passage over and over again. How grateful I am for God’s promises which emboldens us to live out our faith without fear. Maybe this would be a good verse to add your collection of favorites etched in your mind and heart. I know it continues to bring me comfort and strength.
April 30, 2024
“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us” (Acts 16:13-15 NIV).
I was in Ghana, West Africa, on a mission trip. A few of us were dropped off outside a village and were commissioned to “preach the Gospel.” We found the center of the village which was occupied by a very large tree and the well was also located there. After some brief introductions from the interpreter, we began to tell Bible stories to whoever would listen, which turned out to be most of the village. When we finished several people said they wanted to follow Jesus. Then the local mission workers organized them into a group and a new church was birthed. We saw 13 such new churches created during our week-long mission. Paul and Silas entered a town without a synagogue, and so they went outside the city gate near the river expecting to find people praying and worshiping God. There they met Lydia, a prosperous businesswoman who was also seeking God. After hearing the Gospel, she and her household were baptized. Next came a church. I think we often fail to realize just how powerful the Gospel message is. We also overcomplicate the process. When hearts are converted, new communities of faith are born. I pray that God grants me the courage to keep telling the story and that God’s Spirit would open hearts and minds to receive God’s Word with great joy.
April 29, 2024
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away” (Isaiah 50:4-5 NIV).
Some years ago, I saw a movie called “The King’s Speech.” It told the story of a member of the British Royal family who suffered from a terrible studder when he spoke. He employed a speech coach who helped him find ways to work through this struggle. Our tongues could use a coach. We need the Spirit of God to instruct our speech so we can speak truthfully with God and about God. The prophet said that God would awaken him in the morning with teaching. Have you ever been greeted in the morning by bird song or even a rooster’s crow? Instead of being annoyed at the intrusion of your sleep, you could hear it as the voice of God reminding you that He has created all things both great and small. Instead of letting your overflowing calendar threaten to sour your outlook on the new day, you could see God’s hand at work giving you opportunities for service and witness. Yes, I could use some coaching on my attitudes and speech. Maybe it would be helpful to you as well.
April 26, 2024
“He told them still another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough’” (Matthew 13:33 NIV).
Yeast is not only versatile when it comes to baking, but it is also apparently rather agile as a metaphor as well. Scripture uses it to talk about both virtue and vice. Here it is used to describe the powerful influence that just a few people can have on the multitudes. In other places, it represents evil or sinful attitudes and actions. In the Passover preparations, all yeast is to be removed from the home. In either case, a little can go a long way. As with the parable of the mustard seed which proceeds this parable, we see that even a little faith can accomplish amazing things. Instead of focusing on the things we are lacking, perhaps we should thank God for the resources we have and then entrust them to Him to bless. Then we will see the Spirit of God unleashed to usher in the Kingdom of God. Our faith, no matter how small, is transformed into something incredible when we place it in God’s hands.
April 25, 2024
“I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:1-3 NIV).
The church at Colossae and the church at Laodicea were about 11 miles apart. Paul intended for these letters to the churches to be shared with one another. It is worth noting that the church of Laodicea also appears in the book of Revelation as one the seven given a scroll. In that scroll, they are called out for being “lukewarm.” It does add some context to the urgency with which Paul labored to share the Gospel message with them. His call to love Christ and each other with their whole hearts was to lead them to unity and understanding. One can only surmise that this wise counsel fell on deaf ears. I hope and pray that we, as a body of believers, are more receptive to this life-giving message.
April 24, 2024
“Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: ‘May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions” (Daniel 6:25-27 NIV).
The story of Daniel in the lion’s den is one we learn early on in life. Many a children’s Bible study lesson has contained dramatic images and possibly even skits reenacting the story of God delivering His faithful servant. We may not spend much time talking about King Darius, however. Yes, we point out how his pride allowed him to be tricked into putting Daniel in danger, but we don’t usually take the time to see his response to God’s deliverance. He praises God. Then he suggests that his whole kingdom should praise God as well. Notice that well beyond the act of keeping Daniel safe from the hungry lions, God used the event to demonstrate His power and faithfulness to an entire kingdom. We should also note that this witness would later have an impact on the people of Israel being allowed to return to their own land from which they had been taken. God’s provision not only helps the person in need, but it also encourages others to see the His goodness. If God has provided for you in a special way, then give Him thanks and be sure to share it with others who can then praise God as well.
April 23, 2024
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2 NIV).
Perhaps you have seen someone use the technique called the “fireman’s carry.” It, as the name suggests, is used by fire fighters to carry a person who is unresponsive or otherwise unable to walk. This technique has been adopted by others such as law enforcement and the military. The image of carrying someone out of harm’s way and toward help and healing is very compelling. In the passage above we are admonished to carry one another’s burdens. We don’t have to travel this journey of faith alone. We have a community that walks alongside us and occasionally can help us carry our load. This is a reciprocal activity. We help carry the load of others when we are able. Notice that one type of burden is our own sin. We are called to condemn one another, but instead to point them toward forgiveness and redemption in Christ. Then we offer to walk the journey with them. This is the image of a Christ-like community that loves each other another enough to both confront in love and to help carry the burden.
April 22, 2024
“Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death” (Proverbs 10:2 NIV).
We are bombarded with images of success which are all tied to economic means, and then we are coaxed toward “get-rich-quick” schemes so that we can enjoy the “good life.” This vicious cycle leads to frustration and futility. Most of the schemes are scams, and the stuff we want so desperately will not bring lasting satisfaction. Instead, we are called to live a life of righteousness. Here we discover that the real treasure in life is working on aligning our hearts with God’s heart. When we see and value the world as God encourages us to, we begin to find meaning and value in different places. We will value our relationships, our community, and the world God has graciously given us. So instead of running on the treadmill of seeking riches, we can be enriched by trusting God.
April 19, 2024
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV).
On our farm, there were the remnants of an apple orchard. Just a few scraggly trees remained. Lots of dead branches covered the ground, and the few apples that were produced were hardly worth eating. Due to neglect and a lack of watering, the trees had mostly died off. We had a few ponds on the property, but this section was well-removed from them. I guess they needed more water than they could readily reach. In the passage above, we see a different picture. We see strong and healthy trees which are close to the source of water. They have extended their roots so that they will always be able to draw from the source. Drought did not frighten them, because they were connected to the life-giving waters. We are told that trusting in God is a similar kind of experience. We can stay connected to the source of living water and therefore we can always be able to produce healthy fruit. While God draws near to us, we also need to reach out to God. God does not force us to tap into the river, we must make that choice on our own. The river of living water will always be available. Will we reach out and drink deeply?
April 18, 2024
“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent” (Exodus 33:22 NIV).
The kind of intimacy depicted in the relationship between Moses and God is enviable. Think about the people who are on your speed dial list. Those with the most direct access to you would be on it, and probably a short list of family members and close friends. Moses made God’s list. There was a connection and communication that was evident to all the people of Israel. For most, this earned him respect. For some, it engendered jealousy and resentment. Notice that Joshua is noted as being in the former category. He was a faithful aid to Moses and would later be a faithful leader of the people of Israel. He sought to model the close relationship with God he saw in Moses. He did that through prayer and obedience. We can do the same. God desires to be in fellowship with us. God is open to being in dialogue with us as well. We just need to learn how to listen to God speak. Perhaps that begins when we enter that conversation as we would with a close friend. Open and honest conversation is built on trust. God is willing to enter that kind of conversation. Are you?
April 17, 2024
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:1-4 NIV).
When we were children and someone called us a name, we may have retorted with the witty reply, “It takes one to know one.” Hopefully we have matured a bit and don’t say that anymore. However, there is actually a thread of truth to that old zinger. We are warned that passing judgment on others is a risky business. Primarily because none of us are perfect. God is the perfect and righteous judge. He is worthy to pronounce judgment. We rush to categorize and condemn others without passing by the mirror of truth. This tendency elicits cries of hypocrisy from those outside the church. This is not intended to say that we do not exercise sound judgment or that there is no truth to use as a standard. It is, however, to point out that we do so with humility and grace. Likewise, in our urgency to condemn, we show contempt for God’s longsuffering kindness. We forget that God has been and continues to be patient with us.
April 16, 2024
“I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence” (Psalm 140:12-13 NIV).
When we read that God secures justice for the poor and upholds the needy, we ask how He is doing that when there is so much poverty and injustice all around us. I think the better question is, “Why are we not doing our best to secure justice for the poor and uphold those in need?” Clearly God has commanded us to love our neighbors and to show hospitality. We know that God is just and would have us seek out justice for everyone. God has given us the opportunity to be a part of this ongoing mission in the world. We are the agents of hope and change that can bring glimpses of the Kingdom of God into our fallen world. God gives us the reason and the resources to make a difference in the world. We just have to decide how to best bring our gifts to the table and to put our hands to the task. We do this together—with each other and alongside God. Yes, God is at work and a big part of that is the work being done in our hearts to transform us into His compassionate community.
April 12, 2024
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV)
The instructions for the church given in the passage above sets a pretty high standard. We are to practice peaceful living, loving compassion, and forgiveness. This is over against, bitterness, rage and anger. Of course we would prefer the former list. Yet that is often easier said than done. Living in community is hard. We experience pain as our selfish desires interfere with our attempt to live in unity. I find it interesting that the one caught in the middle of this conundrum is the Holy Spirit. As our seal of salvation and God’s presence in our lives, the Spirit experiences the turbulence of our lives and grieves the way we treat ourselves and each other. When I think about what my poor choices do to God’s Spirit within me, it causes me to reconsider my choices and actions. Maybe that is a good reminder for us to focus on how God wants us to live each day.
April 11, 2024
“If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:9-12 NIV)
What a beautiful word of encouragement and support. However, we do need to take a step back and look at it more closely. This passage may sound familiar to you because it was also mentioned in another story in the New Testament. When Jesus is being tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days, we hear some of this passage being repeated. Yet it is Satan and not Jesus quoting the Psalmist. He is twisting the words to try to tempt Jesus to put on some dazzling show or performance with His power when he compelled Jesus to jump from the pinnacle of the Temple. Jesus reminds Satan that he should not put God to the test referencing passages from Deuteronomy. If we are not careful, we too can twist this wonderful promise and fail to realize that is not intended to say that you will never face difficulty as a faithful follower of God. Instead, it reminds us that God will never leave or forsake us, and that God will ultimately set all things right. For now, we trust in His presence and promises.
April 10, 2024
“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous’” (Luke 14:12-14 NIV).
I sometimes get some strange ideas. Having grown up in church, I am no stranger to a potluck meal, and I have enjoyed more than my share of them. Occasionally I’ve wondered how wonderful it would be if I could handpick all the dishes from my potluck hall of fame. However, I know that my dealing with the fallout from the dishes that did not make the list would undoubtedly end up giving me heartburn. Jesus challenged His dinner host to expand his horizons. Why just invite the same people over and over again who would then feel obligated to invite you in return? Instead, why not be really radical and invite the people who could never afford to pay you back. That way your feast would be truly appreciated by those who knew they would not have previously made the list. That is what God’s grace looks like, suggests Jesus. It invites freely to the banquet of God’s mercy with no regard to status. God, the most generous host, freely invites us to come to His table. This is pure altruism and completely a gift. Now that will be an exciting potluck, and we are all invited.
April 9, 2024
At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:34-35 NIV).
This very interesting story told in Daniel 4 is about the mighty king Nebuchadnezzar who had a dream that only Daniel could interpret. The dream said that the king would be humbled for a period of time due to his unwillingness to acknowledge God. He then spent some time in a state of madness grazing about like a beast of the field before his sanity was restored and with that came some much needed humility. He praised God and declared His power and majesty to everyone who would listen. He had come to see that all his idols were useless and empty. God, however, was powerful and just. No one could control God. That had to be a hard thing for a powerful ruler, who thought of himself as part divine, to say. Yet he told everyone about the awesome and only true God that Daniel served. It is not a bad idea to occasionally remember just how truly awesome and awe-inspiring God really is. In fact, I believe one would have to be a touch crazy to not see God at work in all of creation. He is worthy of our praise.
April 8, 2024
“Help me, Lord my God; save me according to your unfailing love. Let them know that it is your hand, that you, Lord, have done it” (Psalm 109:26-27 NIV).
One of the most famous of Michelangelo’s sculptures is called the Pietà. It depicts Mary holding Jesus’ dead body after being removed from the cross. It is a remarkable piece of art and has inspired countless people who have seen it. It does have one unique feature missing from all his other incredible works. It bears his signature. This was not a common practice at the time. The legend surrounding this oddity says that he overheard some visitors admiring the piece and suggesting it was the work of some other artist. He supposedly returned in that night and carved his signature on a sash that draped Mary’s body. I can understand why he wanted to receive credit for this masterpiece. I can also understand the urge to correct any misconceptions pointing praise toward others who did not deserve it. The writer of the Psalm above is crying out to God for help, and clearly help is needed. It is boldly stated that God will help out according to His unfailing love. The writer is also clear that God deserves all the credit. There is no attempt to claim any part of a victory. This is all God’s doing. I can learn a thing or two from this writer. I need to be a better job of giving the credit to God. That helps keep me humble and it helps to proclaim the greatness of God.
April 5, 2024
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV).
The speaker said, “We want to do well, so we can do well.” It was a clever way to phrase his point. He was suggesting that as faithful followers of Christ who want to make a difference in the world, we could do far more good if we had more resources with which to do that good. I still feel ambivalent about such logic. It is not that there is no truth to the statement. Indeed, a great deal can be done when sufficient resources are put to good use. However, it causes me to question the motives of the gainer/giver if the gaining is more important than the giving. Likewise, I find that many people struggle to be generous with their little, and what makes him think having more would somehow change that. The passage promises the ability to abound in every good work which is not solely dependent on financial resources. Cheerfulness in giving comes from gratitude for the grace and mercy God has lavished upon us. That kind of generosity is contagious as it encourages others to do likewise. Before we know it, a host of generous people sharing their resources can add up to a significant outpouring. God will provide. Our part is to trust and obey, and part of obeying is to give cheerfully.
April 4, 2024
“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start” (Luke 22:31-32 MSG).
Don’t give in or give out. That is the way the Message Bible sums up Jesus’ encouragement to Simon (Peter). Jesus knew the ordeal that was not only He was about to face but also that of His followers. The horrific events surrounding the trial, death and burial of Jesus would threaten to scatter the disciples. Jesus said they needed to hold on to their faith and to one another. The One who offers all of us a new beginning by making us new creations in Him was telling His good friends that they would be able to endure this hardship. They would experience a kind of new beginning with a clearer understanding of who Jesus really was and is after the resurrection. It was critical for them to keep trusting in God’s plan and in the community He had created with them. It is easy to get discouraged in this world of difficulties. Our tendency is to pull away from one another out of fear or pain. Jesus said we need to be drawn closer to Him and to each other. He has formed us into a new family, His family. When we face our fears and work to find healing for our pain, we can discover the joy of being rooted in a community of faith. I know Jesus would give us the same encouragement to not give in or give out.
April 3, 2024
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6 NRSV).
I was at Christian school awards banquet which meant I was prepared for a very long evening filled with celebrations and certainly a few awkward moments. There was a student at my school who was a few years older than me, and we happened to have the same last name though we were not related. He was a very popular kid who was also a really good athlete. As the night went on, his name was called many times for various accolades crossing several sports teams. People near my parents kept asking if I was their child. At long last, the evening was almost over, and I was ready to leave because my name had not been called even once. Then the Administrator took the stage and said there was one more award to be given. It was a newly established honor to be given to a student of excellent Christian character who was selected by a vote of all of the faculty and staff. He then proceeded to call my name. I sat frozen for a minute. Did I hear that correctly? Finally, my friends urged me toward the stage. Later, my dad recounted that it was at that moment that he turned to the other parents around him and said, “That is my son.” Although I had endured an evening of reminders that I was not the most popular or athletic student in the school, I was recognized for my Christian character, and that meant more to me than I could ever express. I did then and still do want to be like Jesus, and so it was nice knowing that at least a few people saw my desire and acknowledged that I was heading in the right direction. It is easy to be drawn into seeking the praise and attention of others, but it is my hope that I keep seeking to honor God. I cannot imagine any honor greater than being lifted up by God as I hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
April 2, 2024
“But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:30-31 NRSV).
The thought of swimming lessons evokes some mixed and mostly unpleasant memories. I can’t remember how old I was at the time, but I do have vague recollections of having lessons with a group of other children who all seemed to be born for the water. I, on the other hand, seemed destined for dry land. After much struggle and determination, it was time to finish the class which meant jumping off the “high dive.” I am sure it was not that high, but it looked like a skyscraper to me at that time. I finally hurled myself off the precipice and landed awkwardly with a thud and splash. I then did some combination of a skittish dog paddle and a wounded frog kick to get over to the ladder. The instructor called out, “what was that?” “Surviving,” I sputtered. Perhaps Peter did not create such a commotion, yet I have real sympathy for his perilous path on the savage sea. The fear of going under the waves can be terrifying. He began with such gusto and vigor, yet it did not take long for him to become distracted and lose sight of his goal. Often that is all it takes to sink us. Fortunately, Jesus was close at hand to lend a hand, and He is close at hand for us as well. All we have to do is call out to Him and trust in His love for us. He will hold us firmly in His grip of grace if we ask. The trouble is we are so easily distracted, and sometimes we fight the very one who wishes to save us. At least Peter got out of the boat and took a few steps. That is more than some of us can say.
April 1, 2024
“For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled” (Isaiah 25:4-5 NRSV).
I have not spent much time tent camping, but I have experienced it enough to know that camping in the rain can be a real challenge. I was once camping at a state park with a friend and his family, and a bad storm hit during the night. At one point, we were all standing in the rain holding onto the corners of the main tent so that it would not blow away. The rain pelted us as the wind roared all around us. We later realized that a tornado had passed nearby. The prophet knows something about the feeling of grasping at a flimsy shelter in the midst of a terrible storm. He said that God would provide a shelter that was secure and safe with protection from the rain, wind, and heat. Our security rests in placing our trust in Him. He is the rock on which we stand. The winds may howl, and the storms of life may assail us, but our God is trustworthy and has promised to never leave or forsake us. I will choose to trust in the faithfulness of God no matter how ruthless and relentless the storm may appear to be.