A LOOK AT THE LIVING WORD
by Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Booth

May 31, 2024

“So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They told him, ‘Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.’ Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, ‘I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.’” Genesis 45:25–28 (NIV)

The modern family dramas presented in movies or television shows cannot even hold a candle to the intrigue, twists, and turns found in the family stories of the Bible. Jacob’s family tree was clearly a vital part leading to the root of Jesse and ultimately to Jesus, but it was one troubled tree. His twelve sons were in constant turmoil. They even sold their brother into slavery while telling their father, Jacob, that he was dead. Imagine what those family holidays were like. Eventually, however, there did come a family reunion in which he was able to see Joseph again. You can imagine the joy and excitement as he prepared to go see his son once again. Despite all the betrayals and lies, the family still found its way back together. God’s love is powerful enough to help us find a way toward reconciliation and forgiveness. It is not an easy journey. Yet if you are willing to travel that road, you may get to experience a family reunion of your own.

May 30, 2024

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:20–21 NIV).

I once heard about a prank in which a person gave someone an onion disguised as an apple. The reaction resulting from the first bite can be predicted. It would not be the first time, however, that an ill-chosen fruit caused a serious negative reaction. The prophet suggests that we have a nasty tendency to confuse things that are sweet and sour which seems to be rooted in an arrogance that clouds the judgment and the senses. Our topsy-turvy way of mixing up good and evil and light and darkness seems almost ridiculous on the surface. However, it is so predicably true that it forces us to accept this indictment. I imagine that our pride and our desire to find quick fixes or solutions urges us to seek shortcuts to get to what is good and beautiful. God freely offers us a loving relationship that will lead us to goodness and beauty, and yet we think we can find a different way. God’s way takes time and humility which seems too high a cost for most of us. Perhaps the prophet’s warning will remind us to seek God’s wisdom and to not rely on our own ways of thinking.

May 29, 2024

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:26–27 NIV).

Life has taught us all that there are some moments so painful that mere words cannot express them. I have been in situations where the sobs and moans of others have spoken volumes. I am comforted to know that God’s Spirit speaks the language of my heart. When my words fail me, the Spirit serves as my interpreter before the Father. Some of the most profound prayers I have uttered have been the simple words such as help, please, I’m sorry. God reads between the lines and the sobs to know cry of my broken heart. That is precisely where God is willing to meet us and to lift us into His arms of grace and mercy. I am so grateful for the gift of God’s Spirit. The work of interpretation goes both directions. The Spirit not only shares my heart with God, but it also presents me with direction and understanding from God’s own heart toward me. When I spend time pondering that truth, the only thing I can say to God is, “Thank You,” and I am assured that this is enough.

May 28, 2024

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:26-29 NIV).

This is one of the passages that speaks of the dramatic entry Jesus made into Jerusalem just prior to his death. Those who lined the streets that day rejoiced with this song of praise which had been taught down through the generations as a visual representation of the priests leading the people to the altar where the sacrifices were made for the forgiveness of sins. Waving the offering of harvest in an act of thanks to God, the priests brought the first fruits to the altar. The people cried out in thanks and sought God to bring them ultimate forgiveness and freedom. And yet, on this particular day in Jerusalem, there was Jesus—the Lamb of God who came to wash away our sins. They said the right words, but they failed to fully understand what they were saying. Their lack of wisdom, however, did not take away from the truth, nor did it stop Jesus from fulfilling the prophecy of being the Messiah. We offer thanks to God in our day even though we cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of God’s blessings offered to us. This lack of understanding, however, should never stop us from singing, proclaiming, and living out our thanks to God.

May 24, 2024

“I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice” (Ezekiel 34:15–16 NIV).

I found great comfort as a child in the images of Jesus as the Great Shepherd. Sometimes He would be pictured as carrying a lamb in His arms or at other times on His shoulders. It gave me a sense of security and peace to think about Jesus caring so much for His sheep. The Old Testament prophet relates to us God’s word in which He presents Himself as the shepherd of the people. Not only does God care for the sheep, He also searches for the lost sheep to bring them back to the fold. He tends to the injured sheep to bring to them to healing and safety. All of these actions stem from the loving and righteous nature of God. Justice is the characteristic of how God leads. This stirring presentation points toward a place of peace and rest found under the protection and care of this faithful shepherd. By the time Jesus picks up this mantle as the Great Shepherd, we are clear that God is our protector and provider. This is not some disconnected landlord; this is the personal and present Savior who entered our world and our hearts to bring us home.

May 23, 2024

“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father” (John 16:25–28 NIV).

I had a unique experience several years ago as I attempted to upgrade my work computer by adding more memory. I had ordered the part I needed and then went to install it myself. It was not working, and so I called to get assistance from the company. I spent about forty minutes on the phone with a tech until we finally found a solution. In the end, it turned out that I had failed to push the memory chip into the motherboard firmly enough. I was grateful for the help I received and the patience of the technician, and so I decided to send a note to the company to thank them. It was only then that I realized that it was actually one of the vice presidents of the company who had assisted me that day. Jesus told His disciples that they could speak directly to God. They did not need anyone else to do that for them; they could talk to God personally. He was preparing them for His own death and resurrection. For when He was back in heaven, the disciples would need to carry on the faith without Him physically being there. We, too, can go directly to God, and we call this prayer. We also have the promise of God’s presence with us. So even when we feel alone, in truth, we are never alone. Our loving heavenly Father wants to hear from us. This fact alone encourages me to pray.

May 22, 2024

“Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph” (Psalm 77:13–15 NIV).

God is holy. God is great. God is powerful. God is awesome. The writer of this praise hymn wastes no time in extoling God’s virtues. You can almost imagine the conversation where the writer boasts about how great the One True God is as compared to the other “gods” worshiped by others. Yet there is no contest, because there is only one God. Clearly, we would affirm this statement. Yet, I fear we do not always act as if we believe it. We fail to give praise to God for His love and faithfulness. We are quick to question God’s power or care when things do not go as we would like for them to go. We even set up idols within our hearts of things that we allow to come between us and God. Maybe we could all use a refresher from the psalmist. We can turn our attention and focus on the holy, great, powerful, awesome and loving God who has redeemed us. We can pause and simply say thank you for His mercy and grace. In so doing, we can become more focused on who God is and what it means to be called His children.

May 21, 2024

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34 NIV).

Have you heard the term “borrowing trouble?”  I have understood it to mean searching out trouble that was not necessarily searching for you. I know that many of us are a bit overactive in the worrying department. Upon close inspection of our growing list of concerns, we can find some entries that border on the “not really very likely to ever happen” category. This “borrowing” from the fringes may feel like an attempt to be prepared yet is often masking a deeper anxiety. Jesus says that if we focus on the kingdom of God first, then everything else will fall into place. This is not a pious pseudo-promise of everything being easy. It is instead a solid trustworthy statement that living in God’s will is the best place to be. It is not suggesting that there will not be things which cause anxiety. It is however a vivid reminder that anxiety does not get the final word. Our confidence in God gives us hope and encouragement. The more we focus on God and His Kingdom, the more we can put our lives and the world into a proper perspective.

May 20, 2024

“God’s Message: ‘I’ll pour robust well-being into her like a river, the glory of nations like a river in flood. You’ll nurse at her breasts, nestle in her bosom, and be bounced on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I’ll comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem’” (Isaiah 66:12-13 MSG).

God is describing a joyful return for the people in exile to a land that He will pour out blessing upon. It is interesting how God uses the image of a mother nursing her children to represent His care for His people. This is not only a beautiful and powerful image. It is yet another reminder that is God is beyond our mere conceptions of male or female. We are once again confronted with the truth that even our best language falls short of encompassing the full glory of God. It is further humbling to realize that this awesome God chooses to engage us in an intimate relationship. What a blessing to know that God’s care for us is as personal as a mother’s care for her children.

May 17, 2024

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12–14 NIV).

Having two daughters meant buying multiple dresses for several events. Their formal events of their junior and senior years alone kept us busy shopping for the perfect outfits. The struggle arose from their desires for style and uniqueness and my criteria of affordability and appropriateness. In the passage above, the image of finding the right clothing is used to speak about the Christian life. We are to be clothed in compassion, kindness and humility. Forgiveness should drape our hearts since Christ has surrounded our hearts with forgiveness. Above all else we should be adorned with love which holds the whole Christian outfit together. It is the look that will always be in style as Children of God. This representation of ourselves is going to be appropriate for all occasions, and we really cannot afford to be dressed any other way. For when others look at us, they should see Jesus within us.

May 16, 2024

“Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation, before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord’s wrath comes upon you. Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger (Zephaniah 2:1–3 NIV).

This is not a very cheery word from the prophet. The people are being called to account and reminded that a day of reckoning will come. The righteous and just God of the universe will indeed set all things right which will include a time of accounting for sin. While we are forgiven and washed in the blood of Christ if we have sought His forgiveness, we must continue to confess our ongoing struggles with sin. We act as if there will not be a day to stand account. This should serve as a reminder that we have things to take care of now. That broken relationship that needs mending. That apology we keep avoiding to make. Those habits we keep saying we will get around to fixing. Why do we hesitate to attend to these things?  There is no time like the present, especially since we don’t know how much time we have left.

May 15, 2024

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “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 25:37–40 NIV)

I heard a song once that described Christ’s “distressing disguise.”  The songwriter clearly had Matthew 25 in mind. For of all the places in the world where we would look to see the image of God, it probably wouldn’t be in a homeless encampment or even a prison cell. Yet the startling revelation Jesus presented to the “righteous” was that when they reached out to the “least of these,” they were actually serving Christ. This causes us to reexamine our own attitudes towards those in the greatest need of help. Clearly, we need to find effective ways to help empower people to find sustainable places of health and security, but this does not allow us to be judgmental or negligent in our service and care. Christ entered our greatest need—redemption—through the incarnation. We live out our incarnated faith when we love everyone in Christ’s name. We will see those around us differently when we look for Christ in everyone.

May 14, 2024

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5 NIV).

Have you ever been told that you have your father’s eyes or your mother’s smile? It is a common compliment given to honor both you and your family. Timothy is told he has his grandmother’s faith and his mother’s belief. That is also a grand compliment to both Timothy and to his family. Paul is acknowledging the foundational training in faith that Timothy has received through the words and actions of his mother and grandmother. What a powerful legacy is represented as generation after generation learns to trust God as they see that trust put into daily practice. I wonder how effectively we are passing our faith forward from generation to generation. I wonder how you see traces of your own faith journey from key individuals in your life. Clearly some of those influences were outside your own family, however, we must realize just how powerful our families influence continues to be in our lives. It is my hope that I am faithfully passing along what my parents and grandparents have taught me about trusting in God. I hope my daughters have seen that faith alive and well within my wife and me. I also hope that they continue the chain of sharing their faith. I have already seen evidence of that, and it brings me great joy.

May 13, 2024

“Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he” (Deuteronomy 32:1-4 NIV).

This is a beautiful hymn of praise to God. It is found in Deuteronomy of all places. On second thought, this is an excellent place to pause for a heartfelt song of praise to God. God has delivered the people from their bondage and guided them to a place of promise. God provided instruction for how to live together as God’s chosen witnesses to the world. It is only fitting that we hear an appeal to all the earth to pause and acknowledge the goodness and greatness of God. Perfect and just. One who does no wrong. This is the kind of God that is worthy of praise. This is the one true God who shows us the way. Let’s add our voices to this song of praise and may our words fall like rain bringing refreshment and life to all who hear.

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. 

March 28, 2024

For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord— the remnant of Israel; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. Then they will pasture and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid” (Zephaniah 3:12-13 NRSV)

The prophet is painting a picture of what Israel would look like if a faithful remnant of the God’s people would be true to seeking and serving Him.  These people would be humble which is unlike the accusations of arrogance and pride leveled against Israel in the previous verses.  These people would seek their shelter and safety from God without trying to create their own peace through violence.  They are described as a people who will do no wrong.  I find it interesting that for the prophet this means they will tell the truth and not be deceitful.  Clearly this was a big problem in his day.  When such a people gather, we are told that no one can make them afraid.  This promise tells us what will take place after the “Day of the Lord” which is the day when judgment and righteousness are poured out on the nations. This all sounds good, but unrealistic. However, the Kingdom of God has already begun. Jesus says that He saw to that.  While we will need to move toward the time when all is fulfilled, we do so in confidence because of God’s promises and His presence.  Perhaps we could start living like the faithful remnant even now.  That would give people of the world something to talk about.

March 27, 2024

“Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost’” (Luke 19:8-10 NRSV).

There is a difference between making a showy gesture and making a big commitment. We have all seen and heard people making grand promises in a dramatic moment. The real question is, though, was their commitment real. When the moment passes and the crowds are no longer looking on, will they follow through or not? Zacchaeus felt like he had a lot to prove. He had already turned his back on his own people by becoming a tax collector who worked for the occupying Romans. He added insult to injury by getting wealthy off of the sweat and tears of his fellow Jews. It is hard not to at least understand the wariness of the crowd toward Zacchaeus and even harder to have sympathy for a man who seldom showed compassion to others. Yet something had changed. In that brief encounter with Jesus, a transformation began. As if to demonstrate the radical nature of his own metamorphosis, Zacchaeus showed that the love of Jesus had reached even into his wallet which most would have guessed as the closest thing he had to a heart. This was no symbolic gesture; it was a costly restitution. Jesus already saw the change and declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house. I am grateful that Jesus can see right to the core of our hearts. Even when our actions are slow to follow, the transformation continues.

March 26, 2024

“At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: ‘Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again’” (I Kings 18:36-37 NIV).

The prophet Elijah had a showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and there was a lot at stake. The false prophets of the false god Baal were oddly enough sponsored by the corrupt and wicked King Ahab and his despicable wife Jezebel. Elijah was, therefore, confronting both an idol and a corrupt ruler of Israel. The covenant made with David was that the kingdom would follow God’s law. Now the covenant was broken, and the kingdom was divided. While the fireworks from heaven and the ferocious response of the king and queen capture our attention in this lively passage, we should not overlook the prayer that proceeds it. The prophet’s prayer before the dramatic display of God’s power was intended to be a summons to the people to turn their hearts back to God. Elijah drew a line in the sand, actually a trench in the ground, and called on God to remind the people that He is the only one true God, and the dazzling message was delivered. I am struck with the question of whether or not I would have been bold enough to follow God’s command as Elijah did. I guess the better question is are we all willing to turn our hearts toward God and to follow His command to love each other.

March 25, 2024

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?’ Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word’” (John 8:31-37 NIV).

For the Jews to debate with Jesus by claiming they had never been slaves was shortsighted at best and blatantly misleading at worst. Never mind the captivities by the Babylonian and Persian empires, but to forget about the exodus event which sits squarely in the middle of the Jewish understanding of being delivered by God from slavery in Egypt, is unimaginable. They were so desperate to refute Jesus that they were willing to mangle the truth to do so. Jesus counters by saying He was going to bring the real truth which had the power to set them free. Through that freedom they could become the true heirs along with Abraham, not through biology, but by faith. We have been adopted into the family by the grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus. Those Jewish leaders had no room for His saving word. I hope we make room in our hearts to receive the Word of God.

March 22, 2024

“On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, ‘Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.’ Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, ‘There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.’ The Lord answered him, ‘You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?’ When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing” (Luke 13:10-17 NIV).

“Please call us if you are having any difficulties with your phone service.”  The irony of the statement seemed to allude the company which included this in a letter sent a customer.  It had the “sound” of being helpful, yet the substance was lacking. I wonder if the people in the synagogue felt the same way about the synagogue leaders’ instruction to drop by any other day to be healed as if they were experiencing these miraculous events on a daily basis. I mean, what is the rush anyway, just come back tomorrow. It is not surprising that the religious leaders were left red-faced with embarrassment in the end. Jesus offered not only healing, but also hope and meaning. The regulated religious, on the other hand, offered only rules and restrictions. Something amazing was happening. The people rejoiced. The religious leaders cowered. There may just be a lesson here for all of us.”

March 21, 2024

“So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:43-45 NIV).

I know that I cannot claim to have kept every promise I have ever made. I feel rather confident that you cannot claim this either. Joshua encouraged the children of Israel to settle into the land of Canaan, the land promised to them, because God had indeed kept every promise He made to them. He promised to build their nation to be a light and blessing to the whole world. He promised to deliver them from slavery and bring them to a land of promise. He promised to help them settle this new land. God was faithful to keep each and every promise. Unfortunately, the people of Israel could not say the same. Time and again this rebellious nation broke their side of the covenant agreement with God. We cannot cast too many stones their way, however, because we also have a rather dubious track record of keeping our promises to God as well. I know that I do, and perhaps this is your story as well. Thanks be to God that He continues to be faithful even when we fail to do so.

March 20, 2024

“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Deuteronomy 8:10-14 NIV).

One attitude that I found particularly grating in my daughters’ lives was ingratitude. Though, in all fairness, this was not their predominate trait, I found myself especially reactive to this sleight whenever I perceived it in our interactions. My wife and I worked hard to provide in every way what our daughters needed to develop into the adults God was preparing them to become. Therefore, I took great offense when they seemed unappreciative or took our provision and direction for granted. In a similar way, the people of Israel were warned about not taking God’s provision and direction for granted. After reaching the land of promise and settling in, they could easily forget how God delivered them and brought them to this place of belonging. Like the Israelites, instead of remembering to give thanks when things are going well, we can also become complacent and forgetful. We take credit for what God has graciously done, and that is never a good idea. It should be our hope to remain grateful and joyful for God’s loving provision and faithful guidance.

March 19, 2024

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’ For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (I Peter 2:23-25 NIV).

Among the many torturous things that Jesus endured on the cross, the crowd’s insults must have been particularly painful. He, the perfect One, suffered ridicule from the very ones He came to save. The pettiness and outright falsehood of those taunts would have put any of us over the edge, yet Jesus endured them willingly. My own ego and self-righteousness would have caused me to want to rail against the crowds. Jesus was so in line with the Father’s will and so driven by compassion and love for us that He chose to endure not only our insults but also our sins. Oh, the wonderous mystery of the depth of God’s love for us demonstrated on the cross. Oh, the joy and relief of being saved by the Good Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

March 18, 2024

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17-18 NIV).

Being a peacemaker in this world filled with violence appears to be a daunting task. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the problem and thus feel that our efforts are small and insignificant. James says a better way to approach being a peacemaker is to accept the wisdom that comes from heaven. James tells us this wisdom is accompanied by several wonderful qualities beginning with purity. While our motives are mixed, God always operates from a position of genuine love. The list continues with attributes such as consideration, submission, mercy, and impartiality. This gives us a much stronger starting place when trying to confront hatred and violence, because we can point out the fear and anger that often underlies such acts of aggression. We live in contrast to those passions with our hearts focused on the love of God and others. When enough people are willing to choose love instead of hatred, we will begin to see the seeds of peace take hold and multiply.

March 15, 2024

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NIV).

“I would never brag but…” is a phrase that usually precedes a lengthy list of bragging. Jeremiah says that if we are planning to do some boasting, we better think carefully. Riches and strength will only get us so far. There are always people who are richer and stronger. Wisdom can also be tricky since it does not take long to encounter someone who is even smarter than us. Boasting about our piety can get us in trouble as well. Instead, the prophet says we should follow God’s example of kindness, justice, and righteousness. Then there would be no need to boast because our lives would tell our story for us. 

March 14, 2024

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV).

Money is emotional. The first time I heard this assessment, I was a bit skeptical.  However, I have come to realize the truth behind this phrase. Our habits of spending and saving are all rooted in our hopes and fears. Our willingness, or lack thereof, to take a risk often stems from how secure we feel about our safety and well-being. The promise that God will never abandon us or forsake us goes a long way towards providing a secure place for us to be at peace with Him.  Knowing that the Lord is our helper reduces our anxiety as we face everyday challenges.  We don’t need to try to buy security, and we certainly cannot buy peace or joy. Those can only come from knowing that we rest secure in God’s loving care. Therefore, we can say confidently with the writer of Hebrews, “what can mere mortals do to me?”

March 13, 2024

“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred” (Proverbs 15:16-17 NIV).

I have often wondered why so many non-British people are obsessed with the British royal family. The drama makes for good stories and movies, yet the fascination still baffles me. Perhaps, it is the allure of wealth and power that captivates the attention of so many. Seeing the trauma and pain, even from a distance, however, should serve as a warning that all that glitters is not gold. The wisdom offered by the writer of Proverbs says as much in the above passage. It is far better to be in humble circumstances surrounded by those who care about us than to be in the lap of luxury engulfed in hostility and hatred. It is easy to be envious of the affluent lifestyle of others while not seeing the trouble that often accompanies wealth. The lasting value of love and friendship far exceeds the worth of royal jewels.

March 12, 2024

“I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adversities, and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place” (Psalm 31:7-8 NRSV).

I remember seeing a photo years ago of several construction workers sitting on a steel beam of a skyscraper that was being built far above the city below. As they sat there, they were casually eating their lunches from their respective lunchboxes. I thought those guys are just crazy. They moved around on those beams the same way we would on a sidewalk. When the Psalmist says that God will set our feet in a broad place, I think about the confidence those workers must have had to work so skillfully in such a dangerous environment. God is not saying that we will always walk on broad streets, but instead, we can move with confidence even in the tight spots because we never walk alone. God’s steadfast love surrounds us and guides us. He is aware of our challenges and chooses to walk with us in the midst of those challenges. This a reason to rejoice. God will never abandon us or forsake us.  We rest in His loving hands, and that gives me great encouragement.

March 11, 2024

“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (Luke 10:25-29 NIV).

The expert wanted to test Jesus, but soon finds himself being quizzed. His question is skillfully redirected right back to himself, and he gives a good answer. Yet he realized that Jesus turned the tables on him and feels a need to further justify himself. So, he wants to parse out the meaning of the term neighbor. Perhaps this was his attempt to dazzle Jesus and others with his profound thoughts on the subject. It could be that he was already looking for a loophole to this broadly encompassing command. Whatever his motivation, he is about to learn in vivid fashion that God’s definition of “my neighbor” is much larger than our definition of neighbor. I too find myself wanting to hedge my bets as it were with God. I might seek deeper meaning or insight simply as a way to avoid or put off doing the simple things I know to do. A lack of knowledge is not always my problem. Sometimes it is lack of will that gets me in trouble.

March 8, 2024

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18 NIV).

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers” (James 2:8-9 NIV).

The roots for the idea of loving your neighbor as yourself is found in the Old Testament. God’s people are taught how to live in connection with God and one another. Jesus elevates this by adding the command to love God with our whole hearts. James encourages the early church with this same command and adds a bit of clarification. He reminds us that merely speaking about loving our neighbor is not good enough. We must actually put this command into practice. A sure sign that we are not quite there is when we show favoritism. This is a clear indicator that we are not taking Jesus at his word. Showing partiality exposes our own biases that prevent us from seeing others as made in the image of God. Perhaps we could all use a refresher in living into this “Golden Rule.”

March 7, 2024

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV).

 The phrases, “Straining to reach the goal” and “forgetting everything that had happened before,” paints a rather dramatic scene. Paul is not, however, using exaggerated terms here. If anyone was qualified to say they had strained to meet the goal of following Jesus, Paul definitely was. Through persecution, imprisonment (which is what he experienced when he wrote this letter to the church at Philippi), beatings, poverty, illness, and criticism, Paul truly strained to be a faithful follower of Christ. Needing to put his past behind him not only included the previous list, but also included his transition from a hard-core Pharisee who was persecuting the church to now the most prolific missionary for the church. Paul sees the prize as lying before him, and he will give his total effort to remain faithful to the very end. We can learn a lot about how to deal with our own difficulties and setbacks by looking at the life and witness of the Apostle Paul.  We too can focus on the future while living faithfully in the present.

March 6, 2024

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. ‘Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth’” (Isaiah 54:2-5 NIV).

 It must have sounded a bit odd to hear the prophet make this bold proclamation. The people, having spent about half a century in exile, were surely wondering if they would ever get back home. God, speaking through the prophet, said that the people should be thinking about enlarging their tents and not shrinking them. While the natural response would have been to “circle the wagons” and double down in their despair, God tells them to lift their eyes and their expectations because He was not only bringing them home but also expanding their community. It was time to put their humiliation behind them and to trust in the Redeemer who was going to set them free. Notice that God is called the “God of all the earth.” This means that God is expanding the tent of the Kingdom of God and welcoming in anyone who seeks forgiveness and grace through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

March 5, 2024

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:14-19 NIV).

I don’t remember much about our family trip to the Grand Canyon when I was a child, but I do remember thinking, “This thing is really big.” It was a profound thought for me to have, and I was not alone in thinking it. I have heard others share similar remarks about their experiences with this natural wonder. I believe it is helpful for us to encounter such places because they force us to consider the vastness of God’s creation. Paul wanted his friends in the church at Ephesus to have a similar experience when they contemplated the love of God. It is so high that it helps us reach out to the heavens. It is so deep that it is able to find us even at our lowest places. It is so wide that it can overcome any obstacle, hatred, or barrier that we could ever create. Yes, this is a wonderful and mysterious kind of love that is perhaps impossible to fathom, yet remarkably easy to accept. I would echo Paul’s prayer for us as well. May we immerse ourselves completely into God’s love. Only then will we able to love others as God loves us.

March 4, 2024

“On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it “a den of robbers.”’” (Mark 11:15-17 NIV). 

I feel like the passage above is one of those sections of scripture that makes us a bit uncomfortable. The image of a furious Jesus wielding a whip is unsettling at best. It might help to dig a bit deeper. The practice of bringing sacrifices to the temple was deeply ingrained in the religious understanding of the Jewish people.  This was a system given to the people by God as a reminder of the need to strive to be holy and that sin needed to be atoned for. Jesus was coming to be the ultimate sacrifice who would take away the sins of the world. What Jesus witnessed when he came to the temple was a system that had decayed into a ritual that was being exploited by a select few and putting extra burden on others. The sellers at the gates were manipulating the people under the pretext of providing the appropriate sacrifices according to the law. They were basically swindling and making a profit by being the only ones who could offer the official items needed. This left people at the mercy of their fees and caused a real burden especially to those who were poor. This travesty of justice would not continue as the Lamb of God was coming to freely offer God’s redemptive love and forgiveness. The arrogance and greed of the vendors and temple officials stood in stark contrast to the humble Jesus who had come to forgive our sins. It was time to tear down the restrictions and boundaries that separated the people from God.  For the Kingdom of God had come near in Jesus. Remember that after Jesus’ death on the cross, the very curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was torn apart. God was opening a way. Now we must choose whether or not we will walk in that way.

March 1, 2024

The Fear-of-God builds up confidence, and makes a world safe for your children. The Fear-of-God is a spring of living water so you won’t go off drinking from poisoned wells (Proverbs 14:26-27 MSG).

I have had the opportunity to do a good bit of traveling and have learned a few things along the way. One thing I learned is to be very mindful of the things you eat and drink when in a new setting. Our bodies are very good at dealing with things we encounter on a regular basis, but in our travels, we become exposed to unfamiliar organisms that can create some troubling side effects. On one trip, I remember being very careful about drinking only bottled water. However, we ran out of our supply, and I was offered water that had been boiled.  What I did not account for was that the fact that the glass itself hadn’t been cleaned with boiling water. Twelve hours later, I swore to myself that I would not make that mistake again. A touch of caution comes with a little wisdom. By respecting God’s Word and His commands, we learn how to live in the best way possible and to avoid the “poisoned wells” that tempt us to get off the path. The living water from God will satisfy our souls if we are willing to be filled with God’s Spirit. A knowledge and respect for the dangerous things we should avoid in this life will keep us healthy both physically and spiritually.

February 28, 2024

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:6-8 NIV).

I remember playing the game of tag as a child. Aside from selecting the person to be “it,” we would also choose a safe place we called “home base.” While standing on home base, you were safe from being tagged. The game stirred our emotions and imaginations while still providing us with a safe place. Making our way cautiously or perhaps recklessly, while considering the person who was it, we had to avoid dangers and pitfalls that stood between us and safety. You can see how this game may have influenced the way many of us look at life. The writer of our Psalm is also aware of a world that can be difficult and dangerous. That awareness serves to heighten the sense of relief that comes from knowing God is ultimately our refuge. The images of a rock and a fortress help reinforce the secure nature of God’s protection. This promise does not mean that we will never face danger or even harm. It does mean that God is always with us, and we can trust our lives and our souls to Him. Trusting in God at all times is not always easy.  However, God will always choose to be trustworthy, and this assurance should bring us much comfort.

February 27, 2024

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades’” (Revelation 1:17-18 NIV).

John’s vision is both astonishing and alarming. When he encounters the Son of Man, the Risen Christ, in all of His glory, he falls to the ground as though he is dead. Paralyzed by fear in the awesome presence of God, he is speechless. That is when Christ reaches out and picks him up. He then reassures John to not be afraid. He provides John with a reason to be calm. Why? Because He is the One who was from the beginning and will be forever. He is the One who offered Himself as a sacrifice and yet now is alive. He is the One who holds the very keys of death and Hades. In other words, He is not only worthy to be praised but also to be trusted.  He has conquered death and Hell. There can be no better guide for John through his vision. There can be no better guide for us in life.  We come into the awesome presence of God to hear the words, “Don’t be afraid.”

February 26, 2024

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (I Peter 2:21-23 NIV).

 I find it is really difficult to not get defensive when we feel like others are criticizing us. I am quick to internalize a comment and then I have to sort through the emotional baggage in my mind and heart to sift out the truth of the comment.  The passage above presents how Jesus handled criticism and far worse. He chose not to argue or even try to defend Himself. Instead, it says He entrusted Himself to His Father who is the Righteous Judge. That kind of trust and confidence astounds me. I want to be more like Jesus—able to not react and live a proactive life of trust and faith. That kind of confidence can only come from a deep and abiding love. That is the kind of relationship that I want to have with the Heavenly Father. Time and perseverance are required on our part to achieve that level of relationship. God is already doing His part.

February 23, 2024

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV84).

When we read Paul’s admonishment to Timothy reminding him to pray for everyone including kings and others in power, we need to keep Paul’s own troubled relationship with those in power in mind to appreciate it. After his conversion, Paul quickly found himself in a contentious relationship with both secular and religious leaders. The Jewish leaders claimed he had betrayed his faith and heritage, and thus, they sought to imprison him and ultimately have him killed. This brought him into the crosshairs of the Roman officials. He then claimed the rights of a Roman citizen in his appeal to Caesar which ultimately cost him his life. The Romans were occupiers of the land of Israel and the whole region. Paul was being both spiritual (pray for those who persecute you) and pragmatic (see his thoughts in Romans chapter 13 where Paul says God puts leaders in place to keep the things in check). His primary concern was to be a witness for Jesus and not to be distracted or side-tracked. It can be difficult to genuinely pray for our leaders. Yet, Paul understood that God’s love compels us to pray for everyone. There are no exceptions.

February 22, 2024

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord…You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lord, you have seen the wrong done to me. Uphold my cause!” (Lamentations 3:25-26, 58-59 NIV).

In a book entitled Lamentations, you expect to hear some bad news and perhaps a sorrowful tone. While indeed those can be found in this Old Testament book, you will also find words of hope and life. Above the light shines in the darkness as we are told of a God who recognizes those who are willing to wait on His help in His time. We hear that God will take up our case and rally to our aid. This requires both faith and patience on our parts since God’s ways and timing are beyond our full grasp. Yet, this hope is available now for those who are willing to believe and trust. There is no better place to be than in God’s care.

February 21, 2024

“Then Jesus cried out, ‘Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say’” (John 12:44-50 NIV).

I remember clearly having the “talk” with both of my daughters. No, not the talk you are thinking about. This is the chat pastors have with their own children (who are often referred to as PKs or preacher’s kids).  I told them that what they did and said reflected on their father, the pastor.  Likewise, I reminded them that those same actions and words would be reported to me in some manner in a relatively short period of time. Therefore, it was preferable to go ahead and tell me first.  Jesus recognized that His words and actions reflected on His Heavenly Father. He clearly owned that truth. As a matter of fact, He said this was partly why He came, to show us the Father. He was so in tune with the Father that His life was a clear representation of the Father. I realize that Jesus is also God—welcome to the mystery of the trinity—and therefore had a real advantage in mirroring the Father. However, Jesus was also human (see note above about the trinity), and therefore made a decision to live in such a manner as to show us God’s love. We are called to make these same kinds of decisions with our lives. Of course, we will not be perfect, but that should not stop us from doing our best to be like Jesus. And when we are really focused on living in that way, we will have less time to spend trying to judge others. Besides, that is God’s job and not ours.

February 20, 2024

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts” (Psalms 103:13-18 NIV).

We have enjoyed hiking in the Smoky Mountains National Park, especially with some good friends who are avid hikers. They have taken us to some amazing places we would have never ventured to on our own. We have seen some beautiful wildflowers in the spring, and then returned to the exact location in the fall and winter to a drastically different experience. When the Psalmist speaks about the flowers that come and go quickly, it is an image to which we can all relate. We all come to an understanding that our lives are relatively short when compared to the larger history of civilization. Yet even more pointedly, we realize how quickly life can seem to pass us by.. This could be something that concerns us, yet the writer of this song of praise finds comfort in knowing that God both sees and cares for us. Furthermore, we can trust in this God precisely because He is eternal, and God’s love and faithfulness are eternal as well. We still have a part to play in this eternal drama. We are called to remember and to obey. These tasks are made easier because we remember the faithful ways God has provided and cared for us, and we obey a loving Heavenly Father whose love for us is also eternal.

February 19, 2024

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me“ (John 17:20-23 NIV).

People are always looking for proof. I find this interesting because people also seem to gravitate toward the “facts” they chose to believe. The Gospel of John says that the world is looking for proof that we are truly followers of Jesus. He goes on to say that one of the best ways to give them that proof is by being unified in Him and with each other. Jesus and the Father are one, and Jesus says He wants us to have this same kind of relationship with Him and other believers. This unity does not mean complete uniformity. It is not that we should all look or even act the same. It means that we are connected at a deep and powerful level which holds us together in unity. We are all part of God’s family, and therefore, we are connected within the body of Christ. The love of Christ welcomes us and sustains us. When the world sees us unified despite our differences, we want them to draw the conclusion that only the love of God could bring us together in that way. I believe that our witness for Jesus in the world will hold far more credibility when we are able to truly love one another has Christ has loved us.

February 16, 2024

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.’ And, ‘But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.’ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved” (Hebrews 10:36-39 NIV).

Steadfastness is character trait we don’t seem to talk about much anymore.  Addressing believers who were no strangers to persecution and hardships, the writer of the above passage issued a call to be steadfast. To persevere. To hold on to their faith. The writer pulls from a passage in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk that contrasts a faithful person who is willing to wait on God and the faithless person who gives up. The context of the passage is calling out a group of people who chose to quit showing up in worship.  The writer encourages everyone to keep being faithful even when it is hard. We are not the ones who shrink back, says the writer, instead we are faithful and are saved. When I think of the challenges many of these early Christians faced to “show up” for worship, I am humbled to realize just how easy it is for us to gather as a community of faith.  Yet still so many take this privilege for granted while others see little benefit in it at all.  We forget that we are commanded to gather to worship and praise God as part of His family.  Occasionally, it helps to be reminded and encouraged to make worship a priority.

February 15, 2024

“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:16-18 NIV).

 Have you ever felt all alone? Paul did. He says so in the above passage. He tells Timothy that he stood alone before his accusers with no one to come to his defense. I imagine most of us can relate to sometimes feeling like we are all alone and that no one seems willing or able to come to our defense. While clearly our situations would not rank up there with Paul’s predicament, we too have felt isolated and alone. Paul is very gracious to say that he does not want this lack of action to reflect poorly on those who abandoned him. I may not always be so gracious in my inner thoughts. He goes on to say that he is aware that God has not abandoned him. He says that ultimately God will save him even if that means taking him to heaven. Now that is some kind of confidence. I would do well to be as trusting and gracious as Paul was in his isolation. I imagine this kind of attitude did not come easily to Paul either. He developed it over years of exercising his faith and learning to trust in God.  Thus, there is hope for us to develop in this area as we exercise our faith and trust in God.

February 14, 2024

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:1-5 NIV).

 I rarely use the phrase “glory in my sufferings.” It sounds just plain wrong.  Why should I find anything but concern or even contempt for my suffering. Yet, Paul encourages us to look at things from a different perspective. He says that our suffering or struggles produce perseverance. That perseverance he says leads to character which in turn yields hope. This sequence shows how our struggles help build within us the strength and character we need to be more Christlike. Jesus did not shy away from His own burden, but He endured the cross to demonstrate God’s complete and unconditional love for us. That is the source of our hope. So, I can trust that even as I struggle through this life, I never do so alone. I also know that God is refining me to become fully who God intends me to be. This is not an easy truth. Yet it is still truth.

February 13, 2024

“Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, ‘It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.’ The second son he named Ephraim and said, ‘It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering’” (Genesis 41:50-52 NIV).

A name can be a very powerful thing. This is especially true for many Hebrew names which carry a meaning rooted in the Hebrew language itself. Joseph employs this method as he names the two sons born to him while he was awaiting the predicted famine in the land of Egypt. He had been sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned and now he was elevated to the second position of leadership in all of Egypt. It is here that he reflects on his unusual journey and sees God’s hand at work. He named his first child Manasseh which at its root means “making forget.” He named the second son Ephraim which originally spoke of a “fertile land.” Both of these names carried the message of God’s leadership and provision for Joseph even during his most trying times. As Christ followers, we have been given a new name, child of God. This reminds us that we have been adopted back into God’s family. Our sin separated us from God, and Christ’s love brings us back into the family. Next time you are feeling overwhelmed or down, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you are a child of God.

February 12, 2024

“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Abraham, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob. He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac” (Psalm 105:5-9 NIV). 

My memory is certainly not what it used to be. I do, however, remember key events and stories that have shaped who I am and informed me where I am going. These memories are shared with my family and paint a portrait of my journey. Likewise, the shared stories spoken of in scripture tell the journey of God’s work to redeem and reconcile with us. Just as Israel recounted being chosen when God called Abraham and of being delivered from captivity in Egypt and later from Babylon, so we too can recite God’s gracious acts toward us in the sending of His Son, Jesus. We can also tell the story of our own personal journey of faith and the many ways God continues to show up in our lives. Notice that the passage in Psalms 105 states that God remembers His covenant forever. In other words, God remembers His story and our story as well. So even if my memory gets a bit fuzzy, I am confident that God still remembers me and His faithful promise to never leave or forsake me.

February 9, 2024

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV).

The image of Scripture being God-breathed is a powerful one. The word for breath is closely related to the word for spirit, and therefore, points toward the activity of the Holy Spirit. In the Genesis account of creation, God breathes life into humanity. The prophet Ezekiel has a vision of the valley of dry bones in which the skeletons are reconfigured and reformed yet still lifeless until the wind of God fills their lungs with life. Here Paul encourages Timothy to hold to and cherish the Scriptures because they are alive with the Spirit of God. These living words teach and correct us. They train and equip us. They prepare us to do the good work God has called us to do. Next time you are reading your Bible, pause and take a deep breath and remember that the breath of God is pouring from the book and into your heart and life. That is, if you allow it to do so.
 

February 8, 2024

“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord” (Zechariah 8:16-17 NIV).

A list of things God hates should be required reading. The prophet says that on that list are such things as: lying, plotting evil, and offering false testimony.  Conversely, we are told that God wants us to speak the truth and to render true and sound judgment. I find it interesting to note that God’s list does not always mention the things that make the top of my list. It appears that God is interested in core character traits such as honesty and respect. Yet it seems to me that we often populate our lists with actions that are usually symptoms of deeper issues. A root sin such as dishonesty can present itself in many forms. Yet at its core, it highlights a selfishness and a distrust for God. We take matters into our own hands since we do not trust God to work it out the way we want it done. These actions stand in contrast to the perfect, loving character of God. When we spot such contrasts, it is time to repent and ask God to forgive us. We have confidence that God will forgive because that is in line with God’s amazing love.

February 7, 2024

“He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. They asked, and he brought them quail; he fed them well with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert. For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham. He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy; he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for—that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 105:39-45 NIV).

This Psalm is a bit of a history lesson and travel log. The writer recounts the miraculous way in which God liberated His people from Egypt and brought them to the Promised Land.  I dare say most of our travel logs would pale in comparison to the journey the children of Israel took to arrive at their destination.  Not only was the journey filled with the wonder of God’s gracious provision, but the land they entered was also already prepared for them. The writer acknowledges that others had already toiled over the land before they possessed it. In return, the people were tasked with keeping God’s law. This hymn of praise gives thanks to God for His promise and provision. God guided His people from beginning to end, and He provided them with food and water. The very least they could have done was to offer God praise. We also have a great deal for which to be grateful. We have many reasons to praise God. Perhaps if we make a list of the ways God has helped us on our journey through life, we could refer to it when we offer our thanks to God.

February 6, 2024

“Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us” (Romans 8:35-39 MSG).

I find myself returning to this passage over and over again.  In the Message Bible, we hear a fresh approach to this classic promise of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. The writer is unfazed by the circumstances that surround him because he is absolutely convinced of God’s powerful, relentless, and persistent love. The writer is not oblivious to the dangers that are present, nor does he try to pretend they don’t matter. Instead, his confidence is so great in God’s promise to never leave or forsake us that he can stand firm. In addition to our exterior challenges, we face inward struggles as well. Yet, even here, the love and forgiveness of God can overcome our worst sins. This passage stays near and dear to my heart, and I hope it brings you comfort and strength as well.

February 5, 2024

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:31-34 NIV).

This legal image depicts the defendant standing before the judge and the question is asked, “Who brings charges against this person?” The defense attorney rises to emphatically state that no one can bring charges, because there is one who has paid the debt that was owed. He goes on to say that this same one continues to intercede on their behalf. Wow! When the text says that God is for us, we can hardly believe it to be true. There is a reason we call it amazing grace.  Not due to our merits, but according to the riches of God’s love are we forgiven.  This is a reason for celebration. This is a reason for gratitude. Our debt forgiven.  Our sins cleansed. We are declared not guilty. We are set free from our bondage to sin. We have been forgiven at a great cost; therefore, let us be greatly thankful.

February 2, 2024

“I lay prostrate before the Lord those forty days and forty nights because the Lord had said he would destroy you. I prayed to the Lord and said, “Sovereign Lord, do not destroy your people, your own inheritance that you redeemed by your great power and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overlook the stubbornness of this people, their wickedness and their sin. Otherwise, the country from which you brought us will say, ‘Because the Lord was not able to take them into the land he had promised them, and because he hated them, he brought them out to put them to death in the wilderness.’ But they are your people, your inheritance that you brought out by your great power and your outstretched arm” (Deuteronomy 9:25-29 NIV).

Moses is pleading with God not to wipe out the rebellious Israelites who are building idols at the base of the Mountain of God. It is a dramatic scene. Moses has not yet seen it with his own eyes, and yet he gets the gist of the blatant anarchy that is erupting in the valley below. He reminds God of who the people are, the ones He had chosen. He reminds God of who God is, the powerful and faithful One. He hints that this action would look bad on everyone involved. I have often wondered if years later, deep in the wilderness wanderings, he had second thoughts about God’s proposal to wipe out that whole crew and start over. Still, within the context of the whole testimony of God’s words and actions, I have to believe that Moses was actually speaking well within the character of God. What an amazing God who keeps on forgiving and leading us even when we choose to rebel against Him. What an amazing leader was Moses who loved his people enough to plead on their behalf. Perhaps that was the point. Moses needed to be totally committed to be able to endure the struggles ahead. This causes me to do a gut check. As a spiritual leader, do I love God and all of His people enough to plead on their behalf? I know there are days when that is true, and I know there are days when that is less true. I need to work on closing the gap between those days.

February 1, 2024

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:38-42 NIV).

With her to-do list close at hand aching to have all of its tasks checked off, Martha storms into the lounging crowd and demands some help and perhaps a bit of well-deserved praise, but if not, at least some respect. Jesus turns the situation around. His insistence that we get our priorities straight jumps right off the pages of the text and sinks deep into my own heart. So many times, I get frustrated and agitated when I feel underappreciated or even neglected. Here I am “doing” the work while others don’t seem to even notice, let alone help.  Then Jesus holds up the mirror of truth, and I realize my priorities are out of whack. I need to stop, take a breath, and ask myself what is most important in my life. It all begins with knowing that I am a beloved child of God who has been invited to sit at Jesus’ feet. From here everything else will sort itself out. I don’t think Jesus chastised Martha or us for that matter. Instead, He longingly reminded her that her worth was not the sum of her activities, but rather the character of her being which was made in the image of God. She was and we are loved and cherished by God. I need that reminder often, especially when I am anxious about not doing enough for God.

January 31, 2024

“This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be blotted out nor destroyed from before me’” (Isaiah 48:17-19 NIV).

The words “if only” can be haunting. If your experience is like mine, you have used this phrase more than once. It can be regrets about actions we wish we could take back. It can be about paths or choices not taken. God says to the people of Israel, “if only” you had listened to me and followed in my ways, and He gave them vivid images of what that choice would have looked like. Unfortunately, they chose a different path which led to their being exiled from their home. Yet, even then, God promised to bring them back. God’s steadfast love refused to give up on His people. We have a choice before us as well. We can listen to and obey God, or we can try to do things our own way. Obviously, the better choice is to follow God.  It amazes me that I still need to remind myself of which is the better way since in my stubbornness I still tend to cast off in my own direction. I am grateful that God continues to be patient with me.

January 29, 2024

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11-28-30 NIV).

My daughter, who is currently serving as chaplain and teacher at a Christian school, reminded me that some biblical words and concepts need extra explanation. Her students have no idea what a yoke is much less what Jesus was saying in the passage above. Most people today have little context to understand that a yoke was a common item. It was the wooden harness that kept two animals connected while they worked together to plow a field or pull a wagon. It is often used in the Bible to describe being bound under oppression or slavery. Above, Jesus says that His yoke is easy and light. We know that He endured much hardship and even death, so clearly, He is not saying His journey was easy.  Instead, He is promising to accompany us on our journey and to help share the load. In gentleness and humility, He offers to share our burdens. This is a promise of help and companionship. We do not walk this journey alone, because He promises to go with us all the way.  This is indeed an encouraging word.

January 25, 2024

“We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift. We got the basics from Moses, and then this exuberant giving and receiving, This endless knowing and understanding—all this came through Jesus, the Messiah. No one has ever seen God, not so much as a glimpse. This one-of-a-kind God-Expression, who exists at the very heart of the Father, has made him plain as day” (John 1:16-18 MSG).

Scripture tells us directly that to see Jesus is to see God. Peterson’s creative wording of John calls Jesus the “one-of-a-kind God-Expression.” I love this powerful description. We have never seen anything like Jesus. He amazed and sometimes confounded those who encountered Him. Yet, they never left those meetings unchanged. Some left heading towards belief. Others left those encounters heading toward hatred. Either way people were changed. When you encounter God, you will not leave unchanged. Yes, Moses and John and many others pointed the way. But Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man, clearly showed us the face and the heart of God. So, my hope is that when people see me, they also see Jesus as plain as day.

January 24, 2024

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16 NIV).

The term “a sacrifice of praise” is very intriguing to me. The writer of this passage is speaking to a crowd of people who are well-acquainted with the concept of a sacrifice. The Temple worked by a system that offered sacrifices on a regular basis, and the Jewish people were trained to bring these sacrifices to the temple at certain times. It was a big part of their religious practice. Now Jesus has offered the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, essentially ending the need for the ritual offerings. So now we are told that the new sacrifice we offer is our praise and our lives. By living as generous and caring people, we demonstrate God’s love for the world. By praising and proclaiming the name of Jesus, we point others toward the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. These are the kinds of sacrifices that please God according to this text. God prefers we show our love and devotion through acts of mercy and kindness. These sacrifices can change the world.

January 23, 2024

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:7-9 NIV).

I remember an experiment we did in science class years ago. We were given seeds, soil, and a cup. We planted the seeds in the portable planter cup and were instructed to water and wait. The waiting was the hardest part. Each day I would impatiently check on my project and all but will it to get moving. It seemed like forever before anything happened. Then all at once the plant burst from the soil.  During those early days, I remember the teacher reminding to us to be patient for the plant would grow in its own time. God reminds us to be patient and trust Him, too. Our job is the planting, and His is the growing. When we get confused about that, we tend to grumble and complain which causes strife and dissention within the body of Christ. James not only encourages our faith in God, but he also reminds us that God is listening and watching. He says the Judge is standing at the door. Knowing this should motivate us to modify our attitudes and actions so that they are pleasing to our Heavenly Father.  We should want Him to approve of how we love one another in our community of faith.

January 22, 2024

“Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.’ But I said, ‘I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God’ (Isaiah 49:1-4 NIV).

The prophet Isaiah powerfully speaks to various groups through imagery within the story of the text. Often the prophets set the stage as if the people were on trial before heaven. In the passage above, God reminds the wayward people that they have been called to be God’s chosen messengers. In stark contrast, the people responded at the end of the passage with disappointment and confusion as if somehow God had let them down. They so easily forgot that their own sin and rebellion caused their exile. They failed time and again to be the witness to the nations as they had been charged to be.  I am reminded that often when I suffer the consequences of my own sin, such as anger or greed for example, I am quick to blame God for my troubles. How quickly I forget my own actions and attitudes. I forget my need to repent. It is helpful to be reminded that God not only created us, but He also chose to redeem and forgive us. He calls us by name. Are we ready and willing to answer? Are we ready to repent?

January 15, 2024

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (I Peter 2:1-3 NIV).

 When a baby is hungry, they will let you know. That is because the need for food is a basic human requirement, and the urgency to meet this need is at a primal level.  We are admonished to be more like those urgent infants when seeking the spiritual food our souls need to grow. We need God’s Word and the Spirit’s guidance in order to keep growing in our faith. Our hunger to be closer to God motivates us to seek and learn all we can about Him. It is a shame that we lose that sense of urgency that we had as new believers. We can rediscover it if we simply remind ourselves of how dependent we are on God. A great old hymn says, “I need Thee every hour” and a more modern praise song says, “You are the air I breath.” Both are expressing our desire and need to be in a close, loving relationship with God. Not only are we seeking God because we need Him, but also because we have tasted and realized that the Lord is good.  We have found joy and peace in our relationship with God, and these blessings drive us to keep seeking Him.

January 12, 2024

“These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence. No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it” (I Corinthians 10:11-13 MSG).

 Cultivating God-confidence.  This is how Eugene Peterson’s The Message renders the central point of the above passage. With enough wisdom and humility to recognize that we need God’s help every day and in every way, we dare not become arrogant. Conversely, we have a bold confidence in God to be with us and to guide us each day. We trust that He will never leave us or forsake us. Therefore, we never face any challenge or obstacle alone. He is faithful to stay with us and to provide options and resources to help us. If we chose to ignore those resources, then that is on us and not God. The more we exercise our faith by trusting God and following the path where He leads us, the greater our God-confidence will grow. 

January 11, 2024

“Then the word of the Lord came to me: ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians. My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart”’” (Jeremiah 24:4–7 NIV).

The prophet speaks to the people in their exile and reminds them that God has not forgotten them, but He is still watching over them even in that foreign place.  God will bring them home from their exile when they seek God with their whole hearts. The truth is that God is with us wherever we are when we decide to invite Him into our hearts.  We don’t have to go to a particular place to be at home with God because we are already at home with Him in our hearts. Jesus said there would come a day when we worshiped God in Spirit and in truth.  When we worship God wholeheartly, we are truly at home with God. 

January 10, 2024

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you’” (Ephesians 5:8-14 NIV).

Wake up! We are all familiar with these words. As I have mentioned before, I am not a morning person, and so it takes time and effort to kick me into full gear in the mornings. Thus, I have had more than enough strong encouragements over the years to wake up.  In our passage above, we are being strongly encouraged to wake up.  There is darkness all around us and we are being lulled into a type of sleep. Christ shines light into our dark world and our dark hearts bringing healing and hope. We are now children of the light and should live accordingly. We also get to reflect that light and point others toward Christ. We are told that fruit of the light will be goodness, righteousness, and truth. The world will be reluctant to receive this light, but hopefully people will be drawn out of the darkness and into the loving arms of God.

January 9, 2024

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day” (Genesis 1:3-5 NIV).

God turns on the light to begin our story. It is the first act of creation as told by Genesis. The God of Light chased away the darkness before creating. Although we long to live in the light of God, we seem to be surrounded by shadow and darkness in a world heavily covered by spiritual darkness. The Light of the World, Jesus, came to us in darkness and showed us the heavenly light. Over and over again God shows up in the midst of our darkness to bring the light. When we ask Jesus to forgive us and to be our Lord and Savior, then the light dwells within our hearts. The Spirit of God resides in us and shines light on our path. We need to embrace that light and let it shine freely. We do so by loving as God loves us.  We do that by confessing our sins and living redeemed lives. The story began with light and will end with the Light of God filling heaven and earth. In the meantime, let us live and walk in the light of God.

January 8, 2024

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:15-16 NIV).

The human body is a miraculous thing. When we consider the complexity of all the systems required to sustain our lives, it helps us appreciate the majesty of God’s creation. We are called, as Christians, to be part of one body—the body of Christ. This body already has its head—Jesus.  So, our responsibility is to determine where we best fit in the larger body. We use our gifts to build up the rest of the body and to do the work of the Kingdom of God. As we grow and mature, we find ourselves exercising our gifts and abilities with love. This is a beautiful image of the church. For when the world sees the Body of Christ functioning in a healthy way, they are compelled to see Jesus, and they have the opportunity to join his followers by accepting Him. They then can find their own place in the Body of Christ.

January 5, 2024

“You are right, O God, and you set things right. I can’t argue with that. But I do have some questions: Why do bad people have it so good? Why do con artists make it big? You planted them and they put down roots. They flourished and produced fruit. They talk as if they’re old friends with you, but they couldn’t care less about you. Meanwhile, you know me inside and out. You don’t let me get by with a thing! Make them pay for the way they live, pay with their lives, like sheep marked for slaughter. How long do we have to put up with this— the country depressed, the farms in ruin— And all because of wickedness, these wicked lives? Even animals and birds are dying off Because they’ll have nothing to do with God and think God has nothing to do with them” (Jeremiah 12:1-4 MSG).

 The prophet has a complaint or concern depending on how you view it. He sees the wicked and how they seem to flourish. They pretend to know God but clearly do not. Their actions and words make a mockery of faith in God and yet they seem to prosper. Meanwhile, the faithful prophet says that his every misdeed and mistake is punished. He can’t seem to get by with anything. This does not seem fair. He wants to know when God will correct this tragedy. At this point, we should acknowledge the fact that at the very beginning of the passage the prophet says that he knows that God is right and will set all things right.  This shows us that it is alright to ask God our questions. Our faith and trust in Him do not have to be derailed by our questions and concerns. When doubt is allowed to take root in our hearts, then we are in trouble. Expressing these doubts and concerns to God allows us to turn them over to Him. Then our faith can be strengthened, and our hearts encouraged.  We may not have all the answers, but we can trust in the One who does.

January 4, 2024

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire” (Isaiah 9:2-5 NIV).

The light brought more than just sight to the people in captivity in Babylon. It meant that freedom and a return home were coming. The Great Light the prophet spoke of was a signal of God’s grace and forgiveness at work. Redemption and restoration would glow in their midst. We also find ourselves in days of darkness.  The oppression of hatred and injustice threaten to leave us in total darkness. Yet we know better. The light has dawned, and a new day has come. The Light of the World is shining, and we can reflect His light to this dark and dreary world. Rejoice, for the light is alive and well.

January 3, 2024

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too’” (Luke 2:25-35 NIV).

 Something about having a child in tow seems to elicit comments from total strangers. While most of those unsolicited remarks are of the “what a cute child” variety, occasionally they venture into unwelcome territory.  Once a lady nearly accosted my wife and told her that she should be ashamed to have taken that baby out in public so soon. In truth, our daughter was several months old at the time. Mary and Joseph were also met with a running commentary when they took Jesus to the Temple. Two prophets, Anna and Simeon, felt compelled to declare publicly that Jesus was no ordinary child. Simeon even took Jesus into his arms and announced that this child was the hope for whom he, Israel, and the whole world had been waiting. That must have been an amazing and awkward moment.  While most people were clueless as to the true nature of who Jesus was, the Spirit of God was actively revealing the truth and spreading the news. The prophets were faithful to share the good tidings which had to be a source of some confusion for Mary and Joseph but also served as a word of confirmation for them. Christmas gives us the chance to take on the role of the prophets and boldly declare that the promised Child has come, and His name is Jesus.

January 2, 2024

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him’” (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV).

 I must confess that the story of the Magi has captivated my imagination for a long time, and I know that I am not alone. These mysterious wise men from a far-off country who strolled in and out of the story very briefly have generated much speculation and debate. It is unclear as to when they showed up to visit Jesus. (Remember that Herod had all boys two years-old and younger killed just to be sure he did not miss this upstart king the Maji predicted). Yet, many of us have a crèche with shepherds and wise men crowded around the manger. One clear takeaway from their dramatic cameo appearance is that the birth of Jesus demanded attention even if those closest seemed to miss the significance.  We read in the Bible that Jesus came to His own and yet His own did not receive Him.  I am often astonished to hear how those with little to no belief can spot the working of God in the world while those of us who are “religious” seem to miss it.  Perhaps we are too preoccupied with trying to cram God into the “box” of our own understanding than to see the amazing ways in which God’s Spirit surprises us. Let’s be honest, grace is a wonderful gift, but it is hard to fully comprehend.  One reason we call grace amazing is because we are amazed at who and how God chooses to forgive.

January 1, 2024

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (Luke 2:4-7 NIV).

It seems to me that hugely significant events tend to happen at the most inconvenient times. When the decree came down for the census to take place, it did not seem that the Romans even considered the many problems it would create. Families were forced to travel and find accommodations. Many would have had valid reasons not to go, but that was not an option. Clearly Joseph and Mary had a very evident reason not to make the journey. Yet they were forced to go and then stay in the meekest of accommodations in a humble little town. While much fuss has been made over the years about the stingy nature of innkeepers, we should realistically acknowledge that this community was crammed to the brim because of the forced decree. Besides, a humble beginning had been predicted. Maybe instead of casting our ire on “those people” who turned their backs on Jesus’ family, we could focus instead on how we often overlook the miracles that happen all around us especially those that happen at inconvenient times. God’s timing is always perfect, even if we cannot see it at the present moment.

December 29, 2023

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:22-23 NIV).

 The Bible is an amazing book. It is a unified story from beginning to end. It tells of God’s love overflowing, first with creation and then through redemption and reconciliation. The living words of scripture speak across the ages and cross every border. Even within its own pages, the Bible connects and expands the promises of God. The eighth century prophet Isaiah spoke to a troubled kindred and nation about God’s imminent provision and protection. These words would also carry a future fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. From beginning to end, God continues to weave the story of our redemption throughout history. This story matters. It is our story because God chose to include us. I am grateful that God included me in His book of life by drawing me near to His Son Jesus.

December 28, 2023

“When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, ‘No! He is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘There is no one among your relatives who has that name.’ Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, ‘His name is John.’ Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, ‘What then is this child going to be?’ For the Lord’s hand was with him” (Luke 1:57-66 NIV).

Nine months of silence. I wonder if Elizabeth had prayed for a peaceful pregnancy.  Zechariah was a priest who was serving in the temple when an angel appeared and gave him the good news that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son whom they would name John. Both he and his wife were childless and old, however.  So, he questioned how this could happen. Gabriel, the angel, said that not only would this take place, but that Zechariah would be speechless until the child was born. The news alone could have rendered him speechless, but in the end, it was his doubt that held his tongue still. I love the image of him having to write the name on a tablet to confirm it before he could speak again. Then he just wanted to praise God for this miracle. This might serve as a good lesson. Words of praise and joy free our spirits and our tongues. Words of doubt and fear can burden our souls and restrict our voices.

December 27, 2023

“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:39-45 NIV).

An awesome experience many families have in common during pregnancy is feeling the child move in the womb for the first time. “Do you want to feel the baby move?” a mother may ask her husband. The movements steadily increase in frequency and intensity as she nears the end of her pregnancy. One of our daughters seemed to be practicing her gymnastics early, because she was always jumping around in the womb. Mary watches in wonder as John the Baptist “leaps for joy” in Elizabeth’s womb. This miraculous pregnancy brought amazement continually. Elizabeth, a woman past the age of childbearing who declared she would never be a mother, now shouts for joy at the miracle of a child on the way. Not just any child, but the one who is to be voice calling in the wilderness to make ready the way for Jesus. She recognized that her son was to be the forerunner to the Anointed One. Her joy overflowed for herself and for Mary.  Certainly, in the years ahead she would tell this story often and frequently remind John of his significant role in pointing toward the Messiah.

December 26, 2023

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’ ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.’ ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her” (Luke 1:26-38 NIV).

 A visit from an angel is probably the last thing anyone would expect—certainly not a teen girl from a small community. Maybe powerful or important people in the eyes of the world should deserve such a visit but definitely not Mary. Who was she? In God’s eyes, she was exactly the right person. The angel tells her she has been chosen. If the shock of the angel itself was not enough, to be told that God had chosen her for some great task had to be overwhelming. But wait, there is more.  She was going to give birth to the Son of God. At this point something clicked in her mind, and she said, “How can this be, I am a virgin.”  In the midst of this fantastical, significant encounter, Mary raised her wall of doubt about this detail. The angel, undeterred by this doubt, continued to lay out God’s plan which even included her cousin Elizabeth. God’s promises and the new life seemed to go hand-in-hand.  This was enough information for Mary. “Let it be so,” she said.  There is no way she could have fully comprehended the magnitude of that decision. However, she would grow over time to understand the tremendous joy and burden that would fall upon her family and particularly her son. For this moment, it was enough to say yes. That is where the journey begins—with a yes and with trust.

December 25, 2023

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins’” (Matthew 1:18-21 NIV).

The angels must have put in a lot of overtime during the whole Christmas event.  Their appearances to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and several shepherds surely kept them busy.  I wonder how the assignment to talk with Joseph got handed out.  This had to be a tricky conversation. Joseph was confused, frustrated, and at least, a bit angry. His plans and his future had been cast into turmoil, and yet there seemed to be reasonable explanation. When the angel confirmed that Mary’s amazing story was indeed true and that he had a role to play in the larger narrative as well, he must have been overwhelmed. Even if they knew the whole story, others would not, and few would believe it anyway.  He was beginning to see that his family’s story would take an incredibly different path than he had ever imagined. Despite the angel messenger, this bit of news was a challenging word to hear.  It took an act of faith on his part to agree to move forward.  I think we fail to give enough credit to Joseph for his willingness to be part of a much larger drama than he had bargained for.  At least they did not have to debate about what to call their child. His name would be Jesus and at that name the whole world would rejoice.

December 22, 2023

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.’ Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home” (Luke 1:46-56 NIV).

 There are two themes that run throughout Mary’s song of praise: power and humility. She recounts the amazing power of God displayed in His actions toward her and all of Israel. She acknowledges her own humble state and that of her people as well. God lifts those who are willing to be humble while casting down those who in arrogance attempt to elevate themselves. God’s mercy reaches us in our lowly place and then lifts us toward Him. Jesus came meek and lowly to be raised up as a sacrifice and then elevated to the right hand of God. Mary’s song of rejoicing is a lesson about the awesome power of God and our need to approach Him in humility. Then God will lift us up by His grace.

December 21, 2023

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NIV).

 The incarnation has served as a touchstone of our faith story. The Word becoming flesh to dwell among us. Jesus born in a lowly manger. Jesus living an exemplary life. Jesus calling his disciples and teaching them about the Kingdom of God. Jesus healing hearts and bodies. Jesus dying on the cross to take away our sins. Jesus rising from the dead and conquering sin and death. Yes, the incarnation of Jesus is at the heart of our faith. Therefore, we, followers of Jesus, have an opportunity to share our faith in an incarnational way. Whenever we live out His command to serve and love the least of these, we are making our faith tangible. Whenever we forgive others as we have been forgiven, people see Jesus alive and well within us. The incarnation is not just an event that happened a long time ago. It is an ongoing process in which the Spirit of God continues to transform us into the image of Christ. The more others see Jesus in us, the more the Word is made visible and tangible in the world.

December 20, 2023

“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:10-13 NIV).

My wife and I have been known to watch the occasional episode of a show called Undercover Boss. The premise of the show is that the head of the company shows up in disguise to work in various jobs and at various stores within the company. The idea is to see jobs from the employees’ perspective and to see the customers’ experience when dealing with the employees. The only disguise Jesus assumed was to take on flesh. He came to experience this life alongside us. He came to point the way toward God. His life was an example of how to love God and each other perfectly. God, Himself, had moved into the neighborhood, and we failed to recognize or welcome Him. Yet, some did catch a glimpse of who Jesus was. They chose to believe in spite of not fully understanding. Those people were called the children of God. That is still the title given to anyone who chooses to believe in Jesus and accepts Him as Lord and Savior. We become the sons and daughters of God. Adopted back into the family that we willfully left. This family includes everyone who proclaims Jesus as Lord. I am grateful to be part of God’s family.

December 19, 2023

“’To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God?’ Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:25-31 NIV).

The ending of this passage is well known to many. It is a source of great comfort to think about soaring on eagle’s wings having confidence in the Lord to carry us. I am also intrigued by the beginning of this section where God is challenging us to realize the awesome wonder of creation itself. He calls out His own people for doubting Him. They said to themselves, He has left us on our own. It is in this context that God reminds them and us that we have never been forsaken or abandoned.  He has sought to walk alongside us and to even carry us when needed. We just need to lift our eyes and hearts and seek His help.

December 18, 2023

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist” (Isaiah 11:1–5 NIV).

The image of justice is often portrayed as a blindfolded woman holding an old-fashioned measuring scale in her hand. The idea is that justice weighs out evidence and is not prejudiced by any other factors.  A unique characteristic of the shoot who will come from the root of Jesse, who is Jesus, is that He will judge with righteousness and justice. In particular, it says that He will fairly judge the poor and needy. This clearly suggests that the rulers in the prophet’s time were not nearly so fair and just. Bribery and corruption were rampant. This description sounds rather familiar.  It appears that Jesus is still working to bring about righteousness and justice. We would do well to look to His example and try to act accordingly.

December 15, 2023

“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken’” (Isaiah 40:3-5 NIV).

Our home in Vinton, Virginia, was in a lovely neighborhood. The garage was situated under the house, and so our driveway, though short, was rather steep. That is why when snow came, regardless of how much, I had two tasks. First, I had to park one vehicle at the top of the driveway. Second, I had to shovel the driveway and do it repeatedly when it snowed heavily just to stay ahead of it. This was the only way to ensure we could get out of our driveway. The prophet says that someone had to come and clear a path for us. The valleys raised; the mountains brought down. A straight path leading us directly to God was made and cleared of obstacles. God removes the barriers that separate us, and through Christ, we have a way to forgiveness and reconciliation. The Way of Life is before us. Choose the path God has prepared. Say yes to His offer of grace.

December 13, 2023

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15 NIV).

Using vivid images, the Genesis story portrays a battle that is yet to come. The writer of faith focuses our attention on a dramatic scene in which the promised child is attacked by a snake. In the confrontation, the snake lands a strike on the child’s heel, but the fatal strike comes when the head of the snake is crushed under the child’s foot. The clear implication is that this is a battle between good and evil, between Jesus and Satan. Jesus’ death on the cross is equated to the bruised heel, since in three days, He would rise from the dead victorious. The resurrection symbolizes the complete defeat of Satan which sealed the ultimate fate of the Evil One. Even on the night of Jesus’ birth, we see the signs of the trauma and the triumph that awaited Him. The story contains both, and that is why we can relate so well. Our lives also contain trauma and triumph. These are only temporary however. Our eternal victory is found only in the One who conquered death and the grave.

December 12, 2023

“Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” (John 7:42 NIV).

 My dad grew up in Wallins Creek in Southeastern Kentucky. There in the mountains of Harlan County, coal was king and the people were Appalachian to the core. A common question upon meeting someone was, “Who are your people?” While not strictly speaking about clan communities, family names carry much of the same weight. Knowing your family gave someone a snapshot of where you came from and even your place within the community. To say that Jesus was of the house and line of David pointed to a heritage and birthright of kings. It also fulfilled God’s promise to David and God’s people that the Messiah would come from David’s descendants. We should remember this particular promise went back even further. God told Abraham that through him all the peoples of the earth would be blessed. This was also a promise about the coming Messiah. God continues to keep promises. How grateful I am that God remains faithful, even in the small details.

December 10, 2023

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2 NIV).

During my college days, I spent a summer as a youth minister at a Baptist church in Raleigh, North Carolina. While there, I took the youth from that church on an overnight trip to a camp in a neighboring community called Fuquay-Varina.  It was a running joke in the area that this town was considered a “backwater” or remote community.  A local radio station remade a popular hit song from that era and called it “One Night in Fuguay.” All the locals got the joke. 

I wonder if those who read the prophet’s words about the birth of the Messiah to take place in Bethlehem thought it was some kind of joke. The rural town was hardly a blip on the radar just a mere five miles north of Jerusalem. Now that would be fitting place for the birth of a king. Once again God challenges our expectations and causes us to view the Messiah from a different perspective. Not as an earthly conquering warrior, but instead as the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Not born into a royal family in some posh palace, but rather born to a humble family in stark circumstances. The Creator of the World lay in a crèche in the shadow of capital. Yet from these humble beginnings, the Prince of Peace would love, teach, and live out the presence of God in our midst. Then, as the Light of the World, He would cover the world in His light from the cross and the empty tomb. 

December 8, 2023

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Gal. 4:4-5 NIV).

Even though Lisa and I have never been through the adoption process, we have been around folks who have. We have seen how costly, complicated, and emotionally taxing the process can be. I understand why there must be regulations and guidelines; however, I have seen competent and willing parents delayed or denied. I have also seen amazing stories unfold when children have found a place of welcome and love, and their lives were transformed by loving parents who embraced and nurtured them. We are those adopted children. Having turned our backs on God, God chose to pay the price to open the door for us to return. We are brought back fully into the family. We are renewed and restored as sons and daughters of God. This also makes us joint heirs with Jesus. God has gone to great lengths to call us His own once again. If that does not make you feel special, you are not paying attention.

December 7, 2023

“But with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake” (I Peter 1:19b-20 NIV).

With their lives revolving around worship at the temple, the Jews were very familiar with the image of lambs being sacrificed. What challenged their understanding, however, was Jesus’ suggestion that He was the ultimate sacrifice and would bring forgiveness once and for all. God, at just the right time, entered our world through Jesus Christ who lived and died to demonstrate God’s amazing love. In the book of Revelation, we read about visions of Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, reigning victorious over all. From the beginning of time to the end of time, God continues to seek our redemption and reconciliation. He does this because our need is so great and His love for us is even greater.

December 6, 2023

“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV).

As a child I remember my family traveling to several well-known national monuments and parks. While I loved these amazing sites, I must confess, I also enjoyed the ever-present gift shops. I once found a bookmark that told me the meaning of my name. It said I was “the protector from the peninsula.” I wasn’t even sure what a peninsula was, but I had to have that bookmark. The prophet says that a special child was coming, and His name would be Immanuel, which means “God is with us.” If I am being perfectly honest, I am still struggling to fully understand that meaning as well. I absolutely believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world, and I believe that He was 100% God and 100% human. I believe it, but I cannot explain it. I know that God’s sacrifice to save us began with God’s willingness to enter our existence and to walk in our shoes. Thus, the name of God carries a great deal of meaning. I will gladly keep pondering this mystery until such a time as God chooses to bring me into His presence and enlighten me. In the meantime, I will keep trusting in that powerful and beautiful name.

December 5, 2023

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:9 NIV).

I do love a good flashlight. I always seem to gravitate toward them when we are in a hardware or outdoor equipment store. I find comfort in having a dependable light just in case I ever need it. When John’s Gospel refers to Jesus as the Light that is coming into the world, he intends it to be both comforting and confronting. This light brings hope and truth. It shines into the darkness chasing away those things that wish to remain in the dark. It points the way safely forward for those seeking a path. This true light points us toward a relationship with God. It highlights the ways we, in selfishness, have obscured the true light of God’s love from shining in our lives and hearts. We should be grateful that the true light has come. Now may we seek it out and follow the path it sets before us.

December 4, 2023

“You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young” (Isaiah 40:9-11 NIV).

I was the last hold-out, but I finally gave in under mild protest to get a dog. So naturally, our new dog seemed determined to win me over. We clearly had our ups and downs over the ensuing years, but she found a way into my heart. I remember vividly the final day I carried her into the veterinarian’s office. Although she had several medical issues, I sensed this was different. I left the house knowing her condition was serious, and I left the vets office without our extended family member. When I read the passage above, I am reminded of how I carried our dog into the clinic and held her gently. The techs finally had to take her from my arms so she could be examined. The image of God as our shepherd who holds us wayward sheep in His arms brings me great comfort. It is the combination of the strength of His arms and the exceeding depth of His gentleness and compassion. This Great Shepherd gathers us close by His amazing grace and love. Now that is good news!

December 1, 2023

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10 NIV).

Perhaps you have heard a conversation in which two people are debating who has the greater love for the other. This may seem cute or endearing to many, but I am not so impressed. I hate to sound like a curmudgeon, but the whole conversation seems to miss the point. Love is not a contest. If you must prove your love to feel secure about it, then you might need to reexamine it.  Sometimes we even try to play this game with God. If not overtly stated, we still seem to think that God should be sending rewards and blessings our way, because we have been “good, loving children.” While on the other hand, we certainly want God to grade on the curve when we realize the ways we have fallen short. The Bible tells us clearly that there is no contest. God loved us first and loves us perfectly. This means we do not need to earn God’s love.  It also means that the more we grow in our love toward God, the more we willingly obey and follow Him. We are the children of God because He created us and redeemed us. God gets both the first and last word. 

November 30, 2023

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-20 NIV).

Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it.  We are indeed free in Christ, yet we still need to acknowledge the law of God that teaches us to live in relationship with both God and others.  We do not become legalists who attempt to bury people under rules and restrictions.  However, we live lives that honor God by obeying His commands.  With Jesus as our example and guide, we serve and love with integrity and stive to be holy.  This is a tall task.  The Bible gives use the resources we need to seek and follow God.

November 29, 2023

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12 NIV).

The Jesus way of doing things challenges our way of doing things. To be great in the Kingdom of God, Jesus says one must become a servant. The world scoffs at this notion; yet Jesus not only said it, but He also lived it. When He took the towel and water basin and washed his disciples’ feet, He was living out this profound teaching. These upside-down kingdom ethics taught by Jesus are actually a corrective to a world that has been flipped over by sin. The Kingdom of God is setting things right and reversing the consequences of the Fall (Genesis 3).  Those who humble themselves will be exalted by God. Those who exalt themselves will stumble due to their own pride. It is time for Christ-followers to remember that we are called to be humble servants who are sharing the message of God’s love.

November 28, 2023

“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me” (Psalm 119:1-8 NIV).

I played on the basketball team in high school. It was not due to any real talent, but it was because my small, private Christian school needed players. I enjoyed the sport and certainly had a great deal of enthusiasm. I can remember being in practice and wanting to work hard to show the coach that I was a team player and willing to learn. I did learn a great deal. I learned the basics and how the coach wanted us to defend and to run offence. I hear a similar zeal in the Psalmist’s words. A desire to learn and obey God’s law. I sense the writer eagerly wanting to please God and demonstrate faithfulness through obedience. There is a wholehearted commitment being offered. I guess I wonder how often I give a wholehearted commitment to following and obeying God? These words challenge me to buckle down and become willing to learn and do as God instructs. Obedience is a clear sign that we are fully committed to becoming who God wants us to be.

November 27, 2023

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV).

Wasting away is a vivid description of our life cycle especially as we approach our older years. While clearly the passage is broad enough to include those outside pressures that wear upon us, it is also speaks plainly to the fact that we do feel the ravages of time. Every year this becomes more evident to me. It is frustrating to encounter the ways my body deteriorates over time. The writer is not deterred, however. He suggests that our eyes should be focused on the unseen, those things only seen with the eyes of faith. We know that these things are eternal. The hope and love we experience as the children of God brings us encouragement in the face of our present difficulties. The writer is not trivializing our current pain. He is saying that in light of eternity, we need to find a new perspective. That is why we fix our eyes on God. He is our rock and our salvation.

November 22, 2023

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:44-48 NIV).

These difficult words from Jesus challenge us. How can we really love our enemies? How can we pray a kind prayer for those who persecute us? Jesus goes on to make some very practical observations. Namely, we are all basically the same in regard to being made in God’s image and living in this world. Sunshine and rainfall affect us all. Everyone encounters blessings and challenges in this life. Likewise, Jesus calls us out in how we are prone to show kindness to those we know and like, while we withhold it from strangers and those who offend us. Yes, these are hard words, and yet, they are truthful words. The gospel will always turn our world upside down or perhaps turn it right side up. In our sin, we have distorted God’s beautiful creation. Only grace and mercy can bring transformation. We cannot experience a different result unless we are willing to try a different approach. The Jesus approach is tough, but life-altering. I pray that God will give me the grace and strength to live differently in this world, so that others can see Jesus in me.

November 21, 2023

“He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (Job 9:8-10 NIV).

On a trip to California, we visited Joshua Tree National Park. As we were leaving the park that evening, we stumbled across a group of amateur astronomers who had set up their telescopes. Their telescopes were each set on different stars and planets. The astronomers explained their equipment to us and told us what they were looking at in the night sky. Because the area was so isolated, it was free from most light pollution, and therefore, the view was spectacular. It was so fascinating to learn about the constellations and the position of the stars in the heavens. It is no wonder that people have for centuries looked to the sky with awe and wonder. The vastness of the universe spreading out before us can indeed cause us to feel rather insignificant within the vast cosmos. Yet Job saw God’s hand at work. Even though he could not fathom how God could create such a world and universe, he affirmed that God did indeed create it.  Knowing this gave him the courage to face his many challenges.  Sometimes I think we all need a good dose of awe and wonder to remind us of the amazing God we serve who chooses to love us.

November 20, 2023

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 131-3 NIV).

This unusual passage talks about encountering angels and not knowing about it.  It reminds me of a story about a monastery that had just a few monks. They feared they would soon have to close. Within a year, they had people lining up to join. What changed? A friend of the Abbot told him one day that he believed that Jesus had come to visit them and had disguised himself as one of the monks. When this rumor spread, everyone started treating one another as if they might be Jesus, and that changed everything. Perhaps this passage is reminding us of a similar truth.  When we can see Jesus in others, even those in great need, we will treat one another with love and respect. We will walk alongside those in hard places just like Jesus walks with us.

November 17, 2023

“The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory” (Psalm 97:1-6 NIV).

 I was once very close to a tornado. It touched down near our house and caused damage in our neighborhood. It was a terrifying moment. However, it was also awe-inspiring to realize what the force of wind alone can do. The Psalmist is equally amazed and terrified of the awesome power of God. The vivid images in the passage above show the majesty and power of God. Fire, lightening, and melting mountains are just glimpses of God’s glory which all point toward His righteousness. It is good occasionally to be awestruck by God’s immense power.  The writer says this gives us cause to rejoice, because this amazing God is filled with steadfast love and faithfulness. The righteousness of God is good news to all who seek to love and follow God.

November 16, 2023

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV).

There is clearly a time to speak up. The writer of Proverbs says the time to speak up is when we see the rights of those on the margins being abused. We are called upon to be fair and to defend the rights of the poor and needy. It seems like people today feel as though they need to speak up and out all the time. Everyone has an opinion and feels compelled to share them everywhere and to everyone.  Deciding when to speak out and when to remain silent can be a real challenge.  This wisdom literature gives us the guidance we need to determine the times it makes the most sense to raise our voices. Whenever we can speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, it is time to speak. Whenever we see the poor and needy being unfairly treated, it is time to speak. If more of us spoke up for the marginalized people of the world, we would begin to see the world change in positive ways. Besides, this is God’s command to us and not merely a suggestion.

November 15, 2023

“Then Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God’” (I Samuel 2:1-2 NIV).

 Hannah had prayed for years to be able to have a child.  She was one of the two wives of Elkanah. The other wife had children, and Hannah grieved that she could not help continue the family line which was a matter of great importance in their culture.  She came to the temple and poured out her heart to God, and He answered her plea. Samuel was soon born. When she prayed in the temple, she made a commitment to dedicate this child to God, and so when he was old enough, she brought him to the priest and offered him to be a servant of God. We know that he became a great spiritual leader for the people of Israel. In her prayer above, we see her rejoicing over the gift that God offered in her son. She indicated that she felt like God had vindicated her in the eyes of those who had belittled her. Clearly there were many complicated feelings that Hannah was working through. I take comfort in knowing that God treats us with compassion and is able to wade through the messiness of our mixed motives to bring about what is best. I rejoice in a God who sees and hears and loves enough to act.

November 14, 2023

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (James 1:21 NIV).

My adventures in gardening are limited and with mixed results. Somehow both Lisa and I were skipped when the “green thumb” genes were distributed in our respective families. I am grateful that the “Master Gardener”, God, has no such limitations. James says that the word of God is planted in our hearts as believers. God is faithful to bring that planted word to life within us. However, we can slow that process down by putting hindrances in the path. James suggests that moral filth and evil create “weeds” and “rocks” in the gardens of our hearts. Our task is to clear these obstacles and allow the Spirit of God to produce the fruit of righteousness in our hearts. It takes humility to recognize that our heart gardens need weeding and that only God can actually produce the fruit.  When we begin there, however, we’ll see God at work in our lives transforming us into the likeness of Christ.  This fruit is well worth the investment of our time and energy.

November 13, 2023

“Look at that man, bloated by self-importance— full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive” (Habakkuk 2:4 MSG).

 I love the way Peterson, the author of The Message translation, words this passage showing the contrasts between the arrogant, self-important person who is ultimately soul-empty and the humble, loyal, and steady believer who is truly alive. The self-absorbed person finds themselves shrinking into a vortex of isolation—cutting themselves off from the world and from God.  On the other hand, the humble believer opens themselves up to be filled with God’s love and therefore will be able to love others in a deep and meaningful way. We can only experience being “really alive” when we are in relationship with God and are “born again” through God’s grace.

November 10, 2023

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:15-17 NIV).

I used to remind my daughters when they were young that their actions would reflect on me as their father who also happened to be a pastor. The church family and the larger community were watching, and thus, we were all held to a higher standard because of my role as a church leader. While this may seem a bit unfair, the truth is that every believer is held to a higher standard. We are called to live in such a way that everything we do is done in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God. The passage above suggests that when we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, we are far more likely to live in such a way that brings glory to God. The community of faith that lives like this is characterized by words of wisdom and songs of praise. It is a great to imagine faithful followers of Jesus living at peace with God and one another. I know that I want the peace of Christ to rule in my heart. I also know that I need to turn control of my heart over completely to Christ for that to happen. That turns out to be easier said than done for me. I will be praying that God helps me let go of my need to control everything and to trust Him more.

November 9, 2023

“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands. I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you” (Psalm 119:165-168 NIV).

There is a nightmare that virtually every student has, and that is one in which you show up to class and realize that it is test day and you had somehow forgotten and are unprepared. I have had this dream myself. The Psalmist seems to understand this primal fear and suggests the remedy rests in knowing and following God’s law. There is the promise of peace for those who love God’s precepts and statutes. Basically, all who desire to love and please God so much that they study and apply God’s word in their lives are the ones who will find hope and peace. We are ready to face any challenge or test that life throws at us if we are confident in how we are following God’s plan for our lives.  Walking in obedience produces peace with God.

November 8, 2023

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (I Peter 4:10 NIV).

 I enjoy receiving gifts, and I am sure you do as well. Have you ever received a gift that for some reason you failed to use? I know that I have had that experience.  I remember once as I was doing some cleaning, I found a bookstore gift certificate that I had completely forgotten about. I remember being so excited when I received it but setting it aside because it would be a while before I could use it.  Then when I rediscovered it, I remember the sinking feeling I felt when I realized it had expired.  I wondered how the person who gave it to me would feel if they knew I had failed to use it. How do you think God feels when He see us set aside the gifts He has given us as we fail to put them to use in building up His Kingdom?

God’s grace gifts are given for the building up of the Body of Christ. As believers, we have all been promised gifts by God’s Spirit. When we fail to discover and develop these gifts, it is like an insult to God who chose those gifts for us specifically. It may take some work. We may not be thrilled with the gift God has given us. However, we have an opportunity and an obligation to the family of God to use those gifts for God’s glory. Maybe it is time for some of us to do some discovering and doing.

November 7, 2023

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’”  (Acts 16:25-28 NIV).

When my girls were very young, they took part in a musical program at church that was based on the book of Acts. One of the songs was about the above passage. It had a wonderful song which included the line, “that jailhouse rocked, as they sang praises to the Lord.” What a fun way to envision the heavenly tremors that shook those shackles loose and opened the prison doors. I think sometimes we get our sequence of events out of order. We are prone to sing our praises after the miracle happens. In the case of Paul and Silas, they pre-praised God for the miraculous event. In other words, it was in the midst of their praise to God that the spirit moved to confirm their praise. I am convinced that it would greatly change my perspective to go ahead and praise God for the help and provision He will supply even if I don’t know what that will be or when it will happen. Imagine how confused and yet captivated those other prisoners were by the faith and trust demonstrated by Paul and Silas. These guys refused to let their circumstances dampen their joy and enthusiasm. As a result, not only were the doors of the jail opened, but the doors to many hearts were opened that night as well.

November 6, 2023

“When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, ‘This is how your slave treated me,’ he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did” (Genesis 39:19-23 NIV).

I know that whenever I am unjustly accused, I take it very personal.  I want to tell my story and make sure everyone understands my innocence. This is one of the reasons I find the story of Joseph so challenging. At many junctures we saw him suffer mistreatment from his brothers (although, to be honest, he did set himself up for some of that), saw him imprisoned by Potiphar, and neglected by those he had helped. Still, the scripture says that God was with Joseph and brought him success along the way. Somehow, even those unjust situations provided a divine path that allowed Joseph to save many lives. He would, of course, interpret the Pharaohs’ dream, and thus, prepare the people for an upcoming famine.  He would later reconcile with his family as well. It is hard to see that even in our worst moments, God can be at work to bring about redemption and reconciliation. I need to learn to complain less about my unjust trials and to trust more in God’s ability to help me find a blessing and become a blessing to others even amid those trials.

November 3, 2023

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (I Corinthians 13:1 NIV).

This passage from the great love poem in 1 Corinthians 13 provides a vivid image of a clattering, showy spectacle that is devoid of any real meaning. Think of a store with several wind chimes strung across their front porch. One strong breeze will create a true racket that will overwhelm the beauty of any one windchime. Likewise, noise makers at a ball game can quickly move from motivating to annoying. Paul says that mere speech, devoid of love, is just an annoying racket of sound. How many times have we glibly offered words that have bordered on meaningless because our hearts were simply not in them? I am convicted by Paul’s words to mind my own words. I need to be sure I am speaking from the heart and not just filling the airwaves with meaningless sounds. This can be a challenge. A challenge worth undertaking.

November 2, 2023

“What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears. Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, I killed you with the words of my mouth— then my judgments go forth like the sun. For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:4-6 NIV).

“What am I going to do with you?” It is a phrase that has been used about me over the years and a phrase I have used about others.  It clearly contains a sense of frustration and disappointment. Actions and attitudes are being called into question considering one who should know better. Why are you doing the thing that causes yourself and others pain? Why are you pretending to care while all along you show contempt rather than love for your neighbor? God is chastising His people for “playing at” religion while not living out their faith through kindness and compassion. Offerings at the temple were flowing, and yet the hearts of the people remained unchanged. The people were described as a morning dew which seemed to promise the needed moisture for the crops and fields yet was quickly dried by the early sun leaving a dry and parched earth. How often are we like these people? How many times do we “play at” religious gestures like worship or even giving while all along refusing to allow our hearts and minds to be transformed in God’s presence? I am grateful that God answers the above question with the response of forgiveness. God could easily just give up on us hard-hearted people. Instead, He chooses patient and persistent grace. This Father will never give up on His children.

November 1, 2023

“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed” (Isaiah 61:8-9 NIV).

What marks a people as ones blessed by the Lord? The passage seems to tie it directly to their living as a blessing to others. The attribute of God’s loving justice not only identifies who He is, but also serves as a marker of those who claim to be God’s people. When we live justly in the world, we show our likeness to our Heavenly Father. We should be grateful, however, that this covenant God makes with us is dependent upon Him and not on us. We fall short. We fail. God forgives. God gives us strength to rise and move forward by faith. When the world sees us as the forgiven ones who strive to live justly, they will take notice that we belong to God. We are His people. Blessed to be the children of the Living God.

October 31, 2023

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV).

Jesus claimed this prophecy as He got busy proclaiming the good news, setting captives free from sin, and talking about the year of the Lord’s favor. For John the Baptist, at least, this was a confirmation of the identity of Jesus as the Messiah. However, there is more to this passage than just the power of these particular words. Thus, we should not overlook the next few verses as the Good News continues. We are promised comfort and healing. Our pain and grief are to be transformed into something of beauty.  Our despair and uncertainty are to be converted into hope and confidence—as rock-solid as the mighty oak.  God’s promise of Good News begins with salvation and transitions to total transformation. This is a message worth sharing. This is news worth shouting from the mountaintops.

October 30, 2023

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3–7 NIV).

I was taught early on in my pastoral care classes not to use the phrase, “I know exactly how you feel.” Not only is this statement untrue because each persons’ life experiences are unique to them, but it also tends to shut down a conversation rather than open it up. The commonalities in our life experiences give us a place to begin sharing with one another. Our similar events and feelings give us some common ground. Yet, there are limits to our ability to enter into someone else’s experiences, and we need to honor those boundaries. Scripture tells us to walk alongside each other and to offer comfort in the same way God comforts us through kindness and compassion. We know that Christ suffered on our behalf and is the only one qualified to say He knows exactly how we feel. We have an opportunity to point others toward Christ as the ultimate source of comfort and healing. His promises give us a firm hope.

October 27, 2023

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:6–8 NIV).

 This passage reminds me of a story about one of my sisters. Shortly after graduating high school, she moved to a nearby city, got a job, and launched herself into an independent life. One day her car got a flat tire while diving on the interstate. A kind motorist stopped and helped put her spare tire on the car.  She realized that she had no money with her at all, and she wanted to do something for the good Samaritan. So, she asked him if she could share her faith with him. She had recently reengaged with a faith community in her area, and it was a very powerful experience for her. She could not think of anything better to offer someone than that kind of experience. The gentleman smiled and assured her he was already a believer and said that is why he wanted to help in the first place.

 I imagine Peter looking into the expectant eyes of the lame man who was hoping for some type of monetary treasure. Instead, he received something far more valuable—hope.  This hope was accompanied by the miracle of healing, and yet, the hope in Christ was to be the eternal treasure. Although we may not be able to offer people some miraculous healing, we can, however, share the forgiveness found in Christ as the most profound miracle of all. We need to become less reluctant to share this good news with others.

October 26, 2023

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:12–17 NIV).

Numbering our days comes easier for some than others. Some folks are list-makers, and they like to check off the various tasks and events that mark their way throughout a day or a year. However, that extensive level of detail may not be exactly what the Psalmist had in mind. I think the idea is to examine ourselves and take stock of the value of our days and not just the activities that fill it.  This deep dive is not just needed because our purpose lies much closer to our attitudes and motivations behind them than the mere actions themselves.  It is also needed because in our lives we will encounter difficulties and setbacks that will try to derail us along our journey. We seek God’s presence and His provision to help us through. The writer does not shy away from asking God to add value and meaning to the work of his hands. This is not a selfish request, if we are indeed seeking to bring glory to God in our life and work. We can also pray this because God wants to establish our work in accordance to His will. Our Father in Heaven loves us and wants us to experience this life to the fullest.  That does not mean that all will be easy. However, it does mean that everyday can be filled with a sense of purpose if we seek to follow God’s will.

October 25, 2023

“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good” (Psalm 25:7 NIV).

There are some memories that seem to morph over time. Sometimes they shift toward the darker images and become more dramatic.  Other times they shift toward the lighter images and paint a very pretty picture. The psalmist is asking God to look back upon our lives through a very particular lens: God’s lens of love. The writer knows he has failed and fallen short, and still there is a desire to be lovingly seen by our heavenly Father. The beauty of the Gospel story is that this request has come true. God views us, the ones who have asked for forgiveness, through the lens of Christ’s sacrificial love poured out on the cross which washes us white as snow. We are renewed, reformed, and reborn in Christ. Now would be a good moment to stop and thank God that He views us according to His love.

October 24, 2023

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (I John 5:13-15 NIV).

We all need some encouragement from time to time. We all need to be reminded of commitments and the promises we can count on. As Lisa and I were celebrating our anniversary with a nice meal, I made the joke, ‘I’m not sure if people should congratulate you or console you for putting up with me for all of these years.’ It was a weak attempt at humor, but perhaps it was also a subtle request for assurance that she did not feel like it had been a huge waste of time. I know how much marriage means to me. And, yes, I know it is important to her as well, but it is still nice to hear it. The passage above is a word of assurance on behalf of God that we can know that we are saved. God is a faithful promise keeper, and if He said he forgives you than He really means it.  This is no casual statement. It is a deeply held truth that fortifies our assurance of spending eternity with God. This is the kind of promise we will want to keep close to our hearts through frequent scripture reading and memorization.”

October 23, 2023

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:3-4, 9-12 NIV).

Some high praise indeed for the Colossian Christians! They are praised for the way they show love to all of God’s people. Clearly, part of the underlying meaning in that phrase is the tension that existed between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians. Paul recognized that God was calling on him to expand the Gospel message’s reach, even to the pagan Gentiles. It was a hard bridge to cross for some people, yet the Gospel plainly came to bridge that divide. Paul prayed that his fellow Christians would have the endurance and patience to live together in unity just as Christ asked. This would be evident through their kindness and caring toward one another. The unity of the church is intended to be a witness to the healing and transformative power of the Gospel. I fear we are often a rather dim example since our light is often obscured by our fussing and fighting. I pray that we can take Paul’s words to heart for our community of faith and shine brightly for Jesus.

October 20, 2023

“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor? The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name. I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand— I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people’” (Isaiah 51:12-16 NIV).

 Bullies are real. They cause real damage, both physical and emotional. The people of Israel encountered many bullies over the generations. In the case of Babylonians, the prophet Isaiah suggests that God allowed the people to be dispersed from their homeland due to their own sinfulness. This did not excuse the cruel actions of the Babylonians, but it did explain why God allowed the exile to happen. Yet, even in the midst of this painful experience, the prophet wants the people to know that God still loves them and will bring them home. And he reminds them that we need not fear mere mortals. Or as Jesus said it in the Sermon on the Mount, why do you fear those who cannot touch your eternal soul? This helps us put our fears into the light of eternity.

October 19, 2023

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (I John 4:16-18 NIV).

 God, by very definition, is love. So says the writer of 1 John. This is a very powerful statement. Of all of the amazing character traits of God, love stands at the top of the list. This means that all the attributes and characteristics we see in God are all guided and fueled by love. Of course, the love of God is larger than our own conception. We struggle to practice loving each other, let alone understanding what love truly means. One clue we get is the statement that there is no fear in love.  Perfect love, we are told, drives out all fear. I must confess that this almost sounds too good to be true. Who of us has not experienced fear and anxiety in our relationships? Yet, I think the point is that when love is genuine and pure, it eliminates the need for fear. We know we are loved and embraced by God, who promised to never leave or forsake us. This knowledge goes a long way toward driving away our fears.

ctober 18, 2023

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).

 Saying that we should not be anxious sounds great, but doing it is the real challenge. There are plenty of anxiety-producing things in this world that create real challenges which produce real issues we need to address. These cannot merely be wished or thought away. However, that is not at all that these verses are saying.  Instead, we are commanded to take the proactive action of bringing these concerns to our Heavenly Father. When we do so from a standpoint of trust and faith, we will experience a peace that passes all understanding. This is not wild-eyed optimism. It is rather a gritty, determined, active faith that chooses to trust in God, no matter what. The reason this peace is so amazing is that is can only be produced by the Spirit of God at work within our hearts and minds. Therefore, it is powerful enough to carry us through whatever we may face. I could sure use more of that peace in my life. Maybe, I should go ahead and ask God for that right now.

October 17, 2023

“Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:3-4 NIV).

When our girls were very young, we would sometimes travel late at night when we had a long trip to make. It made the journey more peaceful as they would sleep most of the way. The real trick came when we arrived at our destination, and we had to transfer them from the vehicle to a bed. I can remember carrying them one at a time while being very careful not to awaken them any more than necessary.  We would settle them into a waiting bed and hoped that they would snuggle back in for a few more hours. It usually worked, though not always. That memory came to mind when I read this passage where God says that He has carried His people since birth. I think of the care and compassion of a loving Heavenly Father who embraces us in His arms. God says that not only did He make us, but that He will also sustain us throughout our lives. Though we have not talked about this much, I hope that my daughters have some recollection of waking up at the grandparents’ home, having arrived safely and securely. I hope that it is an encouraging memory for them just as the above passage is an encouraging promise to me.

October 16, 2023

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15 NIV).

 I recently downloaded an app on my phone that allows me to identify birds by their song.  I simply open the program and hit the record button and the microphone listens for all the birdsong it can collect.  Then it compares it to a database and gives me possible birds that match. When Jesus says that He is the good shepherd and that He knows the sheep, I think about His ability to identify us uniquely. Despite the vast numbers of people who are living now and who have ever lived, Jesus knows us each personally. Likewise, He suggests that the sheep know Him as well. I envision the shepherd calling to his sheep, and the sheep recognizing and responding to His voice. I am completely convinced that the good shepherd knows me. I do think that some days I need to do a bit of work on hearing and obeying His voice.

October 13, 2023

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

The classic definition of faith found in Hebrews 11 begins with the words: confidence and assurance. The writer then goes on to give us several illustrations of people of faith found in scripture. Over and over again, we see how their confidence in God brought them the assurance of His guidance and help. A diligent determination to place yourself in God’s hands brings the resolve to hold on to His promises. Faith does require us to fix our belief on God. We do not do this, however, without a history and precedent of God’s faithful activity in the past. God has always gotten the first word and action, and those words and actions have proven Him to be faithful. Our choice is to accept that testimony and make it our own. This is the place from which confidence and assurance are born.

October 12, 2023

“I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:22-23 NIV).

The sun and the moon have dictated our rhythms of work and rest for centuries. When we harnessed the ability to reliably generate our own light, we began to alter our patterns of life. This energy offered a type of freedom, yet it also came with its own set of challenges. Aside from the logistical issue of power consumption and needs, there is the prevalence to abuse or ignore our need to rest. Our solutions often come with both great potential and great danger. Conversely, we are told in this glimpse of Heaven that God has a unique solution for how to light the holy city. It says that Christ will be the lamp to show the glory of God, and all will bask in its glow. This beautiful image reassures us of God’s presence and provision. We will live in the holy light of God’s glory. That will be a sight to behold!

October 11, 2023

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:14–16 NIV).

If you have had the opportunity to visit a remote location far away from the bright lights of any city or town, then you know how vivid and amazing the stars can truly be. Without the distraction of “civilization,” the stars form a dazzling lightshow in the night sky.  In a similar way, we are told to be like shining stars in a world of darkness. However, things like grumbling and arguing can cause the kind of distraction that prevents others from seeing the true light reflected within us. There are already so many hindrances blocking the view of God’s light in this shadowy sphere. Why would we allow our lights to be dimmed by such trivial and petty things? The call to shine bright is clear. Only we can decide if we are willing to remove the “smudges” from our lives to allow for a clear reflection of Christ.

October 10, 2023

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13 NIV).

This business of working out our salvation with fear and trembling leaves us with mixed feelings. We know, for instance, that we are saved by grace and not by works. So clearly this passage is not contradicting that principle. It is reminding us of the grand mystery of salvation. God offers us the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord—not because of our actions or merit, but solely based on the divine love and forgiveness of God. This should generate humility within us as it is a recognition of God’s work in our lives. We must trust the results of this process to God. I hear in these verses a healthy warning to be humble and grateful for God’s amazing gift. As the verse says, this is God’s purpose being worked out in our lives.

October 9, 2023

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you” (Isaiah 42:6-9 NIV).

New things were coming, and God was making them known. The blind would see. The prisoner would be set free. And if that was not amazing enough, God said that light would reach even to the Gentiles. This must have been a hard word for the early Jews to hear. They were, after all, the chosen people, and the Gentiles had been the source of most of their troubles. How could God show mercy on those outsiders? 

This would be a good time to remind ourselves that we are those aforementioned Gentiles who were brought into God’s mercy and grace by His own hand. How grateful we are that God chose to include us!  This might be a good time to also remember that the amazing grace of God will reach out to the outsiders we might wish to exclude. Perhaps we should let God have the final say in such matters. Remember that there was a time when some would have left us out in the darkness as well.

October 6, 2023

“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs” (Isaiah 41:17-18 NIV). 

If you have ever spent any time in a desert environment, you can understand just how critical the need for water is. In the above passage, the prophet relays the words of God which offer hope to the poor and needy. The bringer of life will bring streams of water to the parched desert. Imagine the joy and relief that would come with life-giving water! God brings joy and relief to those who feel lost and abandoned in the same way. Just when it seems like they will die from thirst, water gushes forth. I love this exuberant image of water rushing into the wastelands and making them an oasis. I need to adjust my vision and attitude to see that God will bring the help that is needed. We can count on God to keep His promises.

October 5, 2023

“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:9-10 NIV).

At a play my wife and I were attending, the stage manager came out at the beginning to make some announcements and warm up the crowd.  He asked who had come the farthest to attend the performance.  People offered many state names in response, including a woman seated near us who shot up her hand and replied, “Russia.” Game over. She clearly won the contest that night.  

God says to the people of Israel, “I have gathered you from the very ends of the earth.” They were chosen and not forsaken, regardless of where they may have wondered. Distance is no barrier to the creator of the universe. Yet even so, God crossed the great chasm of our worlds when Jesus became flesh and lived among us. God has actively created a way for us to be reconciled and to be in relationship with Him through the forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ. That is why there is no reason to be dismayed or afraid. God has come to help us and continues to offer that help when we are willing to ask for it

October 3, 2023

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19-20).

 Here is another passage that is often misunderstood, if not outright misused. Some try to suggest that it says all you need to do is get two or three people together in agreement (good luck with that), and then God will be forced to give you whatever you want.

 This passage talks about our getting into alignment with God first. When we ask according to God’s will, then yes, God is ready to fulfill His plan. The hard part for us is becoming humble and open to God’s leadership and listening to the Spirit’s leadership. The promise is that God is right there with us, and so when we ask, we know that we are heard. Finding agreement only comes when we are willing to say to God, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”  That puts us into the position of seeking and following God’s will.

October 2, 2023

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 NIV).

Paul reminds his friends in the church at Thessalonica that they should be grateful for those who serve in the church. He calls for a high level of respect and love. Now, lest you think I am being too self-serving in this observation, I will quickly add that this includes not only church staff, but also other leaders who step up to serve and work in the church. His concluding thought in this verse about living in peace with one another provides a good clue as to why he has made this statement. When we love and respect each other, it goes a long way toward helping us live at peace with one another. Likewise, if we were to pray for and respect our leaders, imagine how much more effective they could be in using the gifts God has given them in leadership. So, don’t take my word for it, just ask Paul, and he will tell you.

September 29, 2023

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11–14 NIV).

When was the last time you were truly eager to do something? I had the opportunity not long ago to take part in a guided fishing trip with a friend. We had to be up very early that morning to drive to meet our guide on the river. I was barely functioning, but my friend was wide awake and ready to go. It turned out that he was so excited about the day that he had not slept at all. When the passage above talks about being eager to do good, can you imagine the same kind of enthusiasm demonstrated by my friend? What would it look like for Christians to be that joyful and willing to choose good and live godly upright lives? If we were so eager to love and serve that it showed in our attitudes and actions, the world would certainly take notice. Maybe that is exactly how God’s very own people should look.

September 28, 2023

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17 NIV).

One of the great hymns of the faith has a verse that says, “immortal, invisible, God only wise.” Clearly this is taken from our passage above and from other key texts. I remember singing this hymn as a child in church and thinking two things. First, what an awesome and incredible God this must be to be described by these big words which were way beyond my comprehension. Second, I thought it would be great to someday be as smart as the adults around me who seemed to understand it so well that they could sing the words with gusto. Now I understand that the adults did not fully understand all those words either. However, this did not stop them from believing them. Yes, our God is awesome and beyond our ability to fully comprehend and explain. Yet our God chose to come to us in Christ to ensure that we could be connected forever. That is clearly one reason to ascribe honor and glory to His name.

September 27, 2023

“A good and honest life is a blessed memorial; a wicked life leaves a rotten stench” (Proverbs 10:7 MSG).

You may not see it, but you will definitely smell it when you drive past the remains of a recently deceased skunk! For days, if not weeks, the pungent odor persists. My wife and daughter once fell victim to a skunk’s angry spew, and it became a rather intensive ordeal irradicating the foul aroma. This is the image that comes to mind when I think about what the wisdom writer says about a wicked life leaving a rotten stench. These are the people whose very presence seems to foul the air. Wickedness leaves a stain and a stench. Conversely, the good and moral person is said to leave a blessed memorial. The very memory of such people fills us with good thoughts and encouragement. It is an easy choice to see which of these two I would like to be. I want to be a person whose presence is a blessing and not a bane.

September 26, 2023

“Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:9–12 NIV).

The writer of Hebrews has a lot to say about faith. Through his skilled use of illustrations, we learn about what to do and what to avoid. He tells his audience that God has been paying attention to their good work and love shown. It is interesting that he says these actions are taken toward God when they are done for one another. We love God by showing love to each other. We are gently reminded that it’s not just an occasional activity, it is a way of life. That is why we are told not to become lazy but to remain faithful and patient. Some days that is easier said than done. Remember this race is a marathon and not a sprint. There will be moments when we need to rest, however, that does not mean we should quit the race.

September 25, 2023

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).

Perfect peace sounds nice. I would like to live in that state of being.  Isaiah says that we can achieve this feat if we are steadfastly focused on and trusting in God. Again, this sounds wonderful, yet I confess it is not easy to accomplish. We might mistakenly believe that the prophet lived a carefree life and therefore had no difficulty trusting God. Reading the powerful and often painful words he had to share from God about judgment and exile quickly dissuades us of any false notions of an ideal life. Yet, amid that difficult reality, he could say that trusting in God is possible. Why? Because God is faithful. The same one who spoke of judgment also spoke words of forgiveness and restoration. The same prophetic words that told of exile also held a message of return. God can be trusted. Our peace comes from knowing that the steadfast faithfulness and love of God are real. That is how we reach a place of perfect peace.

September 22, 2023

“But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap” (Malachi 3:2 NIV).

Perhaps you have heard the old expression “washing someone’s mouth out with soap.”  It sounds very unpleasant and downright dangerous.  I once came in contact with a product that had a high concentration of lye (sodium hydroxide) in it. I thought it would take the flesh off my fingers, which it could have done in a raw state. Although lye is a base ingredient in most soaps, it has been rendered safe through the process used to make soap. Yet it reminds us that soap means business when it comes to cleaning.

The prophet says that when God comes to judge the earth that it will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. Both images speak to the need of getting to the heart of the matter by removing the dross and grime.  God means business when it comes to cleansing us of our sins.  The promise is that God will be thorough. We are also promised that God’s grace and mercy will cover our sins and will wash us white as snow. The answer to the question of who can stand before God’s judgment is the person who is forgiven and covered by His grace.

September 21, 2023

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19–22 NIV).

On our way home on the corner of two roads, we pass two small houses that sit side by side almost touching. The houses are clearly abandoned and have been in the process of falling apart over the last several years. My wife and I have commented often on how sad it is to watch these homes collapse in slow motion. A few months ago, however, we saw some activity around the homes that gave us hope that transformation was coming. We could see evidence of someone intentionally cleaning them out. A large pile of lumber appeared on the site, and we were more hopeful that a significant change was coming soon. Alas, our enthusiasm was premature. Shortly after the initial flurry of activity, everything came to a grinding halt. The building materials now sit unused and presumably on the brink of ruin.

The passage above says that even though we were once foreigners and strangers with God, now we have been welcomed into the family.  Furthermore, we join with others in the family of God to build the church. There have been amazing moments when we have represented Christ well in the way we loved and served our neighbors. We have been the church, made up of living stones, in our community of faith. There have also been moments when we have become too busy with our own concerns and have fallen short of being an authentic image of the love and grace of Jesus. I encourage all of us as a church to faithfully reach out to meet the needs of those around us.

September 20, 2023

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:4-10 NIV).

This classic passage is etched deep into my heart and mind. Knowing that our salvation is dependent totally on the work of Christ and not on our own merits indeed keeps us humble. Yet, these verses are not saying that we shouldn’t demonstrate good works. The end of the passage makes it very clear that we have been created and called by God to do good works. We understand that those works do not save us. This balance of grace and good deeds is how we live our lives of faith. The transformative power of the Gospel compels us toward loving actions, which serve as a witness and example to others. Thanks be to God that we are saved by grace!

September 19, 2023

“Hear me, my people, and I will warn you— if you would only listen to me, Israel! You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not worship any god other than me. I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:8-10 NIV).

God has recently made me more aware of passages like these. This single-minded devotion to the one true God leaves no room for other gods. From the Great Command to love God with all of ourselves, to the Ten Commandments telling us to forsake false gods, I have heard and attempted to live into these words.

While reading a book on prayer recently, I discovered the last part of this passage. The writer says that we should open our mouths wide so that God will fill them. This image suggests that when we are totally focused on following God that we can expect to be filled and blessed by Him. God brings provision to His people. The Bible is filled with this promise and with the stories of God’s faithful care for His people. It is both humbling and reassuring to know that God desires to love and bless us. This is not about wealth or riches; it is about peace and joy. God is willing and able to meet our needs if we are willing and able to ask.

September 18, 2023

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).

Rejoice when you feel like it. Pray when you are in real trouble. Give thanks when circumstances are working in your favor.  WAIT!  That is not how the passage goes. Instead, it suggests that we put so much faith in God that our joy, prayer, and gratitude are not dependent on what is happening in the moment. No, these are built on a sure foundation of the promises of God. We take courage from knowing God is always present with us and will never leave or forsake us. We pray, knowing that God hears and cares. We show gratitude even in the tough times because the Faithful One is just that, faithful. No wonder we are called to a continual state of joyful, prayerful gratitude. Now if we can just stay true to what this verse says, instead of allowing fear and doubt to cloud our attitude, we will experience true joy.

September 15, 2023

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” (Psalm 103:1-5 NIV).

We have many reasons to praise the Lord. Mercy and grace top the list. God’s willingness to forgive our sins and redeem our lives is worth shouting about from the roof tops. The peace and joy that come from being forgiven is amazing. The comfort and assurance of God’s faithfulness gives us confidence for each day. Being set free from our sins is like soaring with the eagles, says the Psalmist. That is a great image. Safe and secure in the arms of our Savior is the best place to be. From head to toe, pour out your praise to the One who loves and forgives you. That will give you a whole new perspective on your day and on the world.

September 14, 2023

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12 NIV).

There are sayings in our culture which come directly from scripture such as “by the skin of your teeth” (Job), “the handwriting on the wall” (Daniel), and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This phrase, often called the Golden Rule, comes straight from the teachings of Jesus. This pragmatic yet powerful statement speaks about setting a standard of conduct that we would choose for others to use in regard to how they treat us. Treating others well is not just the right thing to do, it is also a practical thing to do. When we show kindness, for example, we are more likely to receive kindness. This teaching likewise echoes the Great Command given by Jesus, which is to love God and others. We all might do well to pull this gold nugget of wisdom out and polish it. The world would certainly be a friendlier place if we all lived by this rule.

September 13, 2023

“The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees” (Psalm 119:64 NIV).

The psalmist cannot help but to burst forth with praise. The whole earth is filled with the goodness and love of God. With eyes informed by faith, he sees evidence of God’s grace and mercy all around. All of creation shouts the greatness and majesty of God! Still the writer is careful to ask for help in learning God’s law and decrees. It is precisely because he has seen the faithfulness and glory of God, that he wants to learn what commands God has for him. He wants to know and obey, because God has proven Himself to be trustworthy and true. Take a look around and you will see the greatness of God. Now let’s ask for His guidance as we seek to follow and obey.

September 12, 2023

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 NIV).

 As a child, I remember hearing a story about an exotic discovery made by some archeologists. They found a temple somewhere in Asia that had been long forgotten. Inside they found a room with a scaled replica of the ancient city that once existed outside. They also found that the ceiling was a very intricate painting that mirrored the replica city on the floor. They surmised that the builders were trying to represent a type of heavenly city that was like the earthly one.

 The model prayer of Jesus calls for us to seek to build an earthly kingdom that matches the heavenly kingdom. In other words, we are living as Kingdom of God citizens in this kingdom of the earth. Living like that should indeed have a strong influence on how we act, what we say, and especially how we treat our neighbors. Jesus is very clear about how He wants us to love God and our neighbors. When we live into the fullness of those commands, this place starts to resemble heaven. I think the world could sure use some “Heaven on earth” these days.

September 11, 2023

“But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten. LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause” (Jeremiah 20:11-12 NIV).

I mentioned earlier that the prophets can tend toward the dreary. In today’s passage, Jeremiah is working from the darker shades of his artist pallet as he paints a picture of God’s justified vengeance. Just prior to this passage, the prophet had been beaten and imprisoned by the high priest because of the message of judgment he had delivered on God’s behalf. We might be a bit raw in such a circumstance as well. The very one who was to stand as a guide for the spiritual well-being of the people of Israel, namely the high priest, was unwilling to hear the voice of God, and therefore, was leading the people astray.

Part of Jeremiah’s passion was focused on the hurt being caused to the people of Israel and not just his own personal injury. He loved his people and felt God’s anger and pain in seeing them deceived. He would speak the truth, no matter the cost. Still, he wanted to know that it was not an act of futility. He wanted to know that God would still show up and set things right, even if he did not know when that would happen. He decided to trust God and paid a price for that decision. He also reaped the reward of peace and hope that only God could provide. On my darker days, I hope that I can trust in the Mighty Warrior to stand beside me and that I can find the courage to stand and speak the truth He has given me to share.

July 31, 2023

“For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Psalm 71:5-8 NIV).

I have collected a great many t-shirts over the years. Ministry in general and youth ministry in particular have generated a whole lot of themed shirts. From VBS (or VBX as we now call it) to youth retreats and mission trips, I have stacks of these colorful printed wearable billboards. Each tells a story about some event or a message to be shared about the meaning of an event. They also serve as a great way to keep track of a large group in an amusement park or on the mission field, and they also help us tell our story. The Psalmist says that others are aware of his life story and how God has been his strength and refuge. He states boldly that his life is a sign to many. What story does your life tell? When people spend time around you, do they see your faith shining a light on God’s love and faithfulness? If you were to ask a few friends to create a custom tee-shirt for you with a message that sums up your life, what would it say? I will ponder that question myself, perhaps while I spend time organizing my trove of t-shirts.

July 28, 2023

“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Psalm 71:5-8 NIV).

I have collected a great many tee-shirts over the years.  Ministry in general and youth ministry in particular generate a whole lot of themed shirts.  From VBS (or VBX as we now call it) to youth retreats and mission trips, I have stacks of these colorful printed wearable billboards.  Each tells a story about some event or a message to be shared about the meaning of an event.  They also serve as a great way to keep track of a large group in an amusement park or on the mission field, and they also help us tell our story. The Psalmist says that others are aware of his life story and how God has been his strength and refuge. He states boldly that his life is a sign to many. What story does your life tell?  When people spend time around you, do they see your faith shining a light on God’s love and faithfulness?  If you were to ask a few friends to create a custom tee-shirt for you with a message that sums up your life, what would it say?  I will ponder that question myself, perhaps while I spend time organizing my trove of tee-shirts.

July 27, 2023

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need” (Acts 4:32–35 NIV). 

The early church was living into what it meant to be the body of Christ. In many ways their need to create structure along the way made it an exciting and vibrant season. Because the simply did not know what to do, they had to rely on God and trust God’s guidance. Among the truly impressive things that were happening in the early church was the way in which they cared for one another. The account in Acts said that there were no needy persons among them. What an amazing story! This was not because they lived in an easy time with few challenges or needs. Neither was it because of some capital endowment that helped launch the church. The reason they could meet every need was because they chose to give sacrificially to meet the needs of others which has always been the model within the church. Following Christ’s example of sacrifice, they felt it an honor to give of their lives and resources. Perhaps the “rebirth” of the church will come when we decide just how much we want to be like Jesus.

July 26, 2023

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19-20 NIV).

This is another one of those passages that so often gets misused. Some will boldly claim that because they followed the formula, namely at least two people asking for the same thing, that God must meet their demands. This understanding is not in keeping with the larger testimony of Scripture and demonstrates a bad theology where God is some type of cosmic vending machine that we can manipulate or control. No, this passage is about us aligning ourselves first with God. When we are seeking what is according to God’s will, then yes, God will move to accomplish His will. It is important that we find common ground in our unity in Christ and that we seek God together. We fail to realize the power of prayer in which God is communicating with us as much as we are communicating with Him, the presence of God will always bring about miraculous change even if is primarily the aligning of our hearts and minds to the will of God.

July 25, 2023

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV).

This beautiful prayer found in the book of Romans is bursting with meaning. God is identified as the God of hope. This is not merely a title, but an attribute of God’s character. Paul continues by asking that his friends would be filled with joy and peace to the point of overflowing. These attributes mark the work of God’s Spirit within us. Thus, he is asking God to keep working in their lives to bring about a complete transformation, and this can only happen when God’s Spirit is already actively working within them. So, part of the prayer is an encouragement to Paul’s fellow believers to allow the Spirit of God to do its work within their lives. I lift this prayer to God on your behalf. Feel free to do the same for me.

July 24, 2023

“Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So, we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NIV). 

Confidence and judgment are not often viewed as being equally positive things. However, Paul seems to hold them with equal exuberance. His desire to meet Christ face-to-face is balanced with his commitment to live by faith until such a time as he is called home to Heaven. His insights about life are spiritual in nature. He knows that God is willing and able to redeem us and to bring us into His Kingdom. He also knows that we must stand accountable for our own actions. The faith part of Paul’s bold statement is rooted in the mercy and grace of God. The judgment will be an accounting, yet by faith, we are assured of acceptance by God through the blood of Christ. This may be a mystery, but it is also a faith-held conviction. Living by faith is trusting that God will give us the eyes to see even when our earthly eyes fail to capture such heavenly truth.

July 21, 2023

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 5:1-5 NIV).

Over the years I have visited with many people who have been seriously ill. One of the things that no amount of training can prepare one for is to be present when people are in tremendous pain. Their groans and cries can be gut-wrenching and overwhelming. I hear an echo of this in Paul’s words about our groaning in this earthly frame while waiting for the time when God will remake us. Paul even suggests that in the meantime, we have a guarantee that God will complete this work. The Holy Spirit serves as a deposit of God’s work of salvation in our lives, ensuring that God will make us a new creation. The work has already begun. The faithful One remains faithful now and will do so in the future. One day we will be clothed in His righteousness as we stand before Him spotless and clean.

July 20, 2023

“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend” (Proverbs 22:11 NIV).

Think about some of the people you have most enjoyed spending time around. My guess is that they are people who make you feel good about yourself and the world. There are some people who just seem to light up a room when they enter it. These people offer words of encouragement and support. They listen and engage with others. It should be no surprise that our writer says these are the kind of people who are sought out as friends. A person who speaks truth with grace and love is the kind of person that even the leader of a country would like to meet with for a consult. The only thing that keeps us from being like that person is whether we are willing to ask God to make our hearts pure and to fill us with His grace. This sounds easy, yet it takes vigilance to guard our hearts and mouths. Only God can do this miraculous work, and we must ask God to do this work daily. Have you asked Him for help in guarding your heart and mind today? I need to go ahead and do that myself.

July 19, 2023

“May those who say to me, ‘Aha! Aha!’ turn back because of their shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, ‘The LORD is great!’” (Psalm 70:3–4 NIV).

When is the last time you were heckled? With no teenage children currently residing in our house, you might think the chances of this happening are small. Yet, people in our culture today have a fondness for talking back. Social media has provided a platform that makes it easy for people to “shout” at one another and to bully those with whom they disagree. This is not a new phenomenon, even though technology has provided new ways to distribute the hate. The Psalmist knew what it was like to be the object of someone’s scorn. His prayer was that the truth of his life and faith would, in the end, put their mockery to shame. He goes on to say that seeking after God will bring joy. Putting our trust in God allows us to put our cares and even our enemies into God’s loving hands. No wonder it caused the writer to say, “The Lord is great!” That sounds like a phrase I need to practice more often. I believe seeking and trusting God is the place to begin.

July 18, 2023

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).

I grew up hearing this passage quoted often. It has been both a great source of comfort and a crushing challenge to parents over the year. The comfort is easy to understand. Knowing that God will guide your child forward and never give up on them is a very hopeful truth. The challenge comes from countless parents who feel as though they have “lost” their children. Choices made by adult children can cause concern and conflict. I try to keep a few things in mind when I read these words. First, wisdom literature often speaks in broad terms. They are designed to be pointers on the path and not absolute prescriptions. Secondly, the passage speaks about setting a solid foundation for growth. When that foundation is set, it provides the best opportunity for healthy growth. Third, God has given us all the gift of free will and therefore we must make our own decisions. God honors our freedom and never forces us to choose Him. Finally, God loves each of us personally and will never quit pursuing us and offering forgiveness and grace. This is a hopeful and helpful promise from a loving Father who promises to never leave or forsake us and a Father whose heart has also been broken by rebellious children and by the painful sacrifice offered to redeem them.

July 17, 2023

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14 NIV).

With his first letter to the church at Corinth coming to a close, Paul seemed to take a moment to recount his words and to think how to best summarize his previous conversation. Just before his final greetings, he rolls out a list of commands in a staccato fashion. It was almost as if he were dropping the last items from his bag of advice onto the table. He says they should be on guard. He encourages them to stand firm, even during trials and persecution. Paul suggests that courage and strength come from trusting in God. Lastly, he says that everything should be done in love. This is an impressive list. One could spend a great deal of time just working on these commands. Perhaps they are a good place for us to start in the church today.

July 14, 2023

“Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 15:32–33 NIV).

A certain degree of self-loathing is a struggle that many of us experience. We have been told or shown that we have limited value or worth. However, the Gospel tells us a different story. It says we are children created in God’s image and loved by God. Yes, we stumble, we sin, and yet we are still loved by God. The passage above talks about another type of disregarding ourselves. It says that when we fail to listen to and learn from discipline and correction, we are only hurting ourselves. This disregard stands in the way of our growing and maturing in our faith. In humility, we can receive discipline as a means to being transformed. Only then we will be open to allow God’s Spirit to be fully at work within our lives.

July 13, 2023

“Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me” (1 Corinthians 16:1-4 NIV).

Paul tells his friends in the church at Corinth that he wants to collect money for their fellow Christians in Jerusalem. A drought and persecution combined to cause real hardship for the believers living in Jerusalem. Paul wants to help. He also wants to help bridge the gap between the predominately Jewish Christians living in Jerusalem and the growing Gentile Christian population spreading throughout the world. He also offers a sound plan to help them in their generosity. He encouraged them to start setting money aside the first day of each week, so that when he arrived, he would not have to start a campaign to raise the funds. This simple act of faithful obedience would provide critical aid to their fellow believers and would demonstrate the Gospel’s power to bring unity to the church. Perhaps we could all learn a lesson from both the Corinthians and the Galatians dedicating ourselves to a few small sacrifices so that a much larger gain may be achieved.

July 12, 2023

“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred” (Proverbs 15:16–17 NIV).

Would you like a side of misery with your gourmet meal? Perhaps a cup of contention to pair with your fine dining experience? The vivid image conveyed in this couplet is that of having rich abundance, which is being spoiled by conflict. It is better to live modestly and respect God than to bask in opulence while enduring constant hatred. The fear of the Lord, or complete respect and honor of God, fills us with understanding, wisdom, and peace. To disrespect God and His commands is a sure recipe for chaos and indigestion. If you look below the surface, you will often find conflict and discontent in places which seem impervious to pain due to extreme luxury. This is not to say all wealthy people are miserable. Yet the wisdom literature is asserting that the absence of a healthy respect and love for God will ultimately lead to trouble. Next time you see all those smiling faces on social media or in the ads, remember there is always more to the story than what you initially see.

July 11, 2023

“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil” (Proverbs 15:28 NIV).

To say that someone is running off at the mouth is not a compliment. We all know people who have the propensity to pour forth unfiltered speech, or one could say they speak before they think. The writer of this proverb seems to think this is a bad idea. I tend to agree. How many times have we spoken hastily and wished earnestly that we could withdraw those words? While we all tend to do this occasionally, I am amazed that some people do this habitually. One would think that a few painful experiences would modify their behavior, yet somehow it does not. In contrast, we are presented with righteous people who weigh their response in both heart and mind before sending it out of the mouth. This is not a guarantee that one’s processed words will always be clear and accurate. However, it is almost certain that unfiltered comments will lead to confusion and conflict. Perhaps I will need to ponder this a bit further before I say anymore.

July 10, 2023

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24 NIV).

We used to say sticks and stones could break us but not words. That is what we said, but even then, we knew that was not totally true. Plenty of words have broken us. Many unkind words spoken to and toward us have left their mark. The verse above approaches this reality from the other side. What can good, loving, kind words do? They can bring life and healing. The timely word can change the course of a life. The well-placed compliment can restore a person’s sense of worth and self. Sweet as honey are the gracious words that we all long to hear. When is the last time you tasted such words?  When is the last time you offered them?

July 7, 2023

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV).

It was a test. Did Jesus know His doctrine? Was He well-trained? Was He properly prepared? It is never a good idea to test Jesus. Somehow, He always turns the tables and makes it a test for us. “What is the greatest commandment?” they asked him. He replied with the classic Shema, taken from Deuteronomy declaring love and allegiance to God. Yet He did not stop there. He pulled another reference from Deuteronomy saying that loving our neighbors ranks right up there with loving God. “All the law and prophets hang on this,” Jesus said.

Wait, what just happened? Jesus’ orthodoxy—what He believed—was under the microscope. Now our orthopraxy—how we choose to live—is being examined. In other words, merely saying we love God does not carry much weight if we cannot love our neighbor. Jesus boiled it all down to loving God and loving others. It may sound simple; yet it is anything but simple. That is because truly loving God and others requires a willingness to sacrifice and put the needs of others ahead of our own needs. I wonder if that guy wished he had not asked the question?

July 6, 2023

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22 NIV).

A common understanding is that men hate to ask for directions. I think this truism may hide a deeper meaning that would suggest that men do not take direction well. Whatever the saying or intent, the wisdom literature offers the sage advice that it pays to seek good advice. Many times our plans crumble because we failed to gather some useful input. I think it is implied that we should seek good counsel, and it clearly is not saying we need everyone’s opinion. Instead, we are encouraged to seek wise counsel from trusted sources acknowledging that our thoughts alone may not be sufficient. The writer offers this suggestion to us as sage advice. Now we must choose whether or not to listen.

July 5, 2023

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30 NIV).

For several hundred miles, while traveling out West, we saw signs for the free, cold, clean, refreshing water at the Wall Drug Store. This mega-store of touristy trinkets and food that would never make a healthy eating list was almost impossible to resist after so many miles of enticing advertisements. Yet, the experience did not live up to the promise. Conversely, when Jesus says come to me and I will give you rest, we find it is all we could ever hope for and even more. Forgiveness, redemption, and transformation are all offered to us in Christ, Jesus. His offer comes freely, and yet it requires a response. God does not force His gift upon us. However, we must choose to receive it. It will call for a total commitment, yet it will never be a burden.

July 4, 2023

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 NIV).

This tidbit of wisdom goes way back in my memory as a phrase that I heard early and often. Now you might suspect that I heard it so often because I needed to hear it. While that may be true, I think it was just assumed that children and especially boys needed to be well grounded in this particular adage. I have certainly seen its truth played out repeatedly. I have held this mirror of truth before my own eyes on a few occasions. 

Pride gets us in trouble. It blinds us to the truth and dulls us toward the very humility we need. Hubris led Adam and Eve into rebellion against God, and we clearly have inherited this terrible trait. The Bible reminds us to humble ourselves before God and He will lift us up. It is a good thing that I rarely ever struggle with pride. Oh, wait! I think I just fell again.

July 3, 2023

“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you (Luke 10:5-6 NIV).

Jesus was instructing the seventy-two disciples He was preparing to send ahead of Him on mission. They were to spread the word and to demonstrate the power of God. As they came to a new town, they were to find a place to stay. Thus, they were to look for a person of peace—a person who was receptive to their message and willing to be a bridge to their community. These peaceful people not only opened their doors to provide hospitality, but also opened the doors of the community so the Good News could be proclaimed. I fear we underestimate how vitally important these people of peace really are. I fear too few of us have considered the ways we can be those people as we bring the Good News of hope and reconciliation to those around us. You may indeed be able to serve as a bridge or door to make straight the path for the Gospel. After all, one definition of sharing the Good News is one friend telling another friend about the best friend you could ever have. That is something more of us need to be willing to do.

June 30, 2023

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations” (Isaiah 65:1–2 NIV).

The image of a jilted lover who hopelessly pursues an ambivalent love interest is downright pathetic. For this reason, we should sit up and pay attention when God chooses to use this type of image to describe the way He has pursued Israel. God fashioned humanity and yet we turned our back on God. God called, rescued, led, fed, and protected His people, yet they rebelled time and time again. The story is expanded when He brings the message through the witness of these chosen people and through the Logos, the Word. God calls out to us with redemption and healing, seeking to restore our broken relationship. We scoff and ignore; yet God is persistent and patient. How grateful I am that God loves me enough to become vulnerable to sacrifice everything in demonstration of His love. How indebted we are that God continues to pursue us and forgive us even as we continue to reject Him and rebel. What an amazing God who says, “I am here for You.”  May we have the courage to say thank you and “I am yours.”

June 29, 2023

“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy (Proverbs 14:21 NIV).

It is amazing how powerful a simple sentence can be. The book of Proverbs is filled with these wonderful insights strung together to form an instructional manual about how to seek God’s wisdom. Here we are reminded, in no uncertain terms, that despising our neighbor is a sin in God’s eyes. We are called to love our neighbors. When we show kindness, we are modeling the loving compassion of God. When we serve and care for the needy, Jesus said we were doing it to Him. When I remember that how I treat my neighbor, who is made in the image of God, it says a great deal about how I view God. To love God is to love my neighbor. No one said it would be easy, but it is the right thing to do.

June 28, 2023

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10-12 NIV).

 This powerful prayer from David comes on the heels of his greatest moral failure. Adultery, lies, and murder provided lots of material for him to plumb the depths of his soul and to cry out for forgiveness and mercy. Not only does he seek compassion, but he desperately wants to restore his relationship with God. The pain is not only from broken laws but also from his broken heart and the broken heart of God. “Restore the joy of my salvation,” David calls out to God. He wants the shame and isolation to end. He wants to experience the weight-lifting, chain-breaking, soul-cleansing power of forgiveness. This wholehearted confession is seeking a whole heart again, and not the broken and misshapen heart ravaged by sin and despair. David wants to experience the love and closeness between the Great Shepherd and His sheep. His sadness is mixed with hope, because he knows that this Shepherd will never forsake the flock and will never forsake him.

June 27, 2023

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12 NIV).

I can remember hearing this proverb even as a child. Though the passage clearly says that God shows us the right way to live and to go another direction is not in our best interest, as a child, I heard it a bit differently. It always seemed like the adults who shared it were communicating that they knew what was right and we, as children, did not. While I knew there is truth in that statement, as a very compliant kid, it felt a bit heavy-handed in its application. As I began to gain more life experiences, I started to see just how devastating wrong decisions and choices could be. I began to realize just how much God loves us and wants the best for us. This warning is intended to be instructive and not punitive. It is so easy to rationalize or justify our actions, but in the end, there is one path that follows God and one that does not. Choosing the latter is dangerous, and God loves us too much to not let us know. I find myself often seeking God’s wisdom and direction.  I want to do what God wants me to do rather than what just appears right.

June 26, 2023

“Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land” (Psalm 68:4-6 NIV).

Sing praises to God. We are encouraged to lift our voices in praise to the God as He is worthy of our honor and adoration. Not only is God worthy and holy because of who God is, but also because we have seen the loving actions God has taken for us, which should also spur us on toward praise. God has become a father to the fatherless. God is the defender of widows. God brings the lonely and isolated into a community to become a family. God brings freedom to the captives and places a song of rejoicing in their hearts. We can see the hand of God all around us. The rebellious, however, are living in a scorched earth. They can only see destruction and pain. They utter moans of despair and not songs of joy. The people of God have much to rejoice about. We have a God who sees and acts on our behalf and for our good. I feel a song arising in my heart even now.

June 23, 2023

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

I claim this passage as my life verse, and so it often makes its way into my prayers. However, in reality, it often sounds more like the following.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Even as the words come out, Lord, the struggle has begun. My heart is so conflicted within me. Claiming that I can give you my full focus and attention with an undivided heart is a tall task on some days.   

“And lean not on your own understanding.” You know, God, how much I do love ideas and learning. I have all kinds of clever plans and ideas that I am certain You would find interesting or perhaps entertaining, but somehow, I seem to digress. 

In all your ways submit to him.” Of course, I submit completely to you, Lord. I made that decision many years ago. However, could I get some clarification on the meaning of “all your ways” since there may be a few areas we could negotiate about? 

“And he will make your paths straight.”  I am so grateful for your guidance every day, yet if it is not asking too much, could you shine the light a bit further down the road? I really do like being able to see the whole journey whenever possible.

“Amen.”  Wait, doesn’t that mean I am in complete agreement with what you have said Lord. Would it be okay if I start this prayer over again? Thanks.

June 22, 2023

“When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’  Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy” (Matthew 8:1-3 NIV).

Jesus had just finished delivering one of His most well-known teachings, the Sermon on the Mount, when He was immediately pressed into service. A man with leprosy came and kneeled before him and asked to be healed. Several things about this incident strike me. The man was very clear about what he wanted and who he wanted it from. He came directly to Jesus and got directly to the point. In some of the other healing stories, Jesus was compelled to ask the person what they were seeking even when it seemed obvious to us already. Jesus was helping these folks clarify their true intentions. This man did not need that extra step. He wanted to be healed of his leprosy—a terrible disease that left him not only sick but also isolated from his family and community. This man also acknowledged that Jesus had both the power and prerogative to heal. It was up to Jesus if healing was God’s will for his life. The man’s statement opened the door for the possibility that the answer could be no. It takes a great deal of faith to believe that God can heal us. It takes even more faith to acknowledge that God’s plan may be different than our plan. I will have to rest with this story awhile longer as I eagerly wait to hear Jesus say, “I am willing, be clean!”

June 21, 2023

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV).

When I was a teenager, my family visited Mexico. I got a silver cross necklace in a small town called Taxco, known for their silver smithing.  While I wore it for a few years, at some point. I just quit wearing it. It was a bit large, and I became self-conscious about it. What began as a symbol of faith became conflicted with a symbol of style. I guess I thought people would misunderstand the symbol and me, not that I was very clear on the understanding of the me part at that point in my life either.

The wisdom writer tells us there is something that we should wear around our necks—love and faithfulness. These should be worn with pride for others to see and engraved on our very hearts to ensure they come from the inside out. What an incredible image for us to show the world! Our love and faithfulness help define who we are as children of God. We model a loving and faithful heavenly Father. This is not merely some kind of “Christian bling.”  This is the very character of our lives being displayed in word and action. Some people try to just “visit” Christianity and leave with a souvenir. However, a true encounter with Christ is transformational and allows us to walk forward, forever changed because a Savior lives in our hearts. I hope others can see Jesus in me without my having to advertise Him with jewelry or a sign.

June 20, 2023

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV).

This conversation has been ongoing throughout the whole letter regarding Paul’s understanding of the Gospel as it is being spilled out to his friends in the churches in Rome. He reaches a crescendo in the narrative when he asks how we should respond to all of this. How do we respond to creation and the fall?  How do we respond to both fellowship with God and betrayal of God?  How do we respond to the conflicted battle within our own selves that pulls us both toward and away from God?  In response to all this, Paul says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  Set off the fireworks and begin the celebration! The matter is settled once and for all. God says, “You are Mine, and I am for you and with you.”  While this does not mean the struggle is over for now, it absolutely means we can have confidence in the One who holds us and the future in His hands. Thanks be to God!

June 19, 2023

“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I am has sent me to you.”’” (Exodus 3:14 NIV).

What’s in a name?  It is more than meets the eye, especially when we are talking about God. Moses asked for the name to offer as proof of this divine encounter. This is more than asking for a business card; this is asking for a resume. That is why God answers with the powerful and perplexing statement, “I Am Who I Am.” This action-oriented response speaks to a God who is, and was, and evermore shall be. This eternal one, who is evermore in the now, promises to be with His people. The powerful presence of the Holy One will lead the people out of bondage and slavery and into freedom and eventually to a new home. The covenant name for God is a reminder of the faithful, steadfast love with which He will always treat His people. This name tells us not only who God is, but also who we are—people created by and for fellowship with the One Who Is. Now that is a powerful name.

June 16, 2023

“After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, ‘I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.’ So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the Lord told them; and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer” (Job 42:7–9 NIV).

Here at the end of the book of Job is a sequence that I think is often overlooked. God shows up an speaks to Job, yet he does not condemn Job. God then turns to the “friends” and calls them out for misrepresenting God.God says that despite Job’s angst, he did not speak false. The friends on the other hand, in their efforts to defend God, end up defrauding God by their statements. They are commanded to offer a sacrifice for forgiveness and Job is asked to pray for them.  The very ones who have accused him of terrible things and of lying are now asking Job to pray for them to be forgiven.  What a powerful reversal. The accused becomes the intercessor.The condemned becomes the confessor.  Here again God surprises us by defying our expectations and exceeding our wildest imagination.  Only by God’s grace can we be instruments of hope and forgiveness to others.  Only in offering forgiveness do we truly sense the full power of release offered to us in our own redemption.

June 15, 2023

“Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers” (Psalm 55:11–14 NIV).

Psalm 55 is clearly on the darker side of the emotional spectrum. The writer is under attack and is crying out to God for help and even has a few suggestions for how God could handle such troublemakers. Amid this complaint, we find an interesting section that shows that the worst part of this personal attack is that it comes from a friend. A betrayal from someone close to our hearts is the betrayal that cuts the deepest. This companion who once walked along side of the writer now stands in opposition. The pain of the attack is complicated by the grief of the broken friendship. We have all experienced this type of heartbreaking betrayal in our lives. The psalmist cries out to God not only because he believes God is listening but also because he believes God is trustworthy. This is the Friend who will never betray us. This the One who provides help and healing. We can call out to God as well, knowing that God both hears and cares. God chooses to be our faithful Friend even though we often fail to be as faithful in return.

June 14, 2023

“Yes, God’s Message: ‘You’re going to look at this place, these empty and desolate towns of Judah and streets of Jerusalem, and say, “A wasteland. Unlivable. Not even a dog could live here.” But the time is coming when you’re going to hear laughter and celebration, marriage festivities, people exclaiming, “Thank God-of-the-Angel-Armies. He’s so good! His love never quits,” as they bring thank offerings into God’s Temple. I’ll restore everything that was lost in this land. I’ll make everything as good as new.’ I, God, say so” (Jeremiah 33:10–11 (MSG).

Planning for two weddings in one calendar year presented a host of challenges for our family. It became a sort of marathon event of planning and preparation. On the other hand, it also brought us immense joy, as only such celebrations can provide. Gathered with family and friends and looking hopefully toward the future, we celebrated the present and honored the past.  Milestone moments such as these serve, in a way, as points along the journey that encourage and strengthen us. The prophet had to remind the people of Israel that even though there were some very difficult days ahead of them, God would never forsake them. He shared God’s promise to restore the people and to return them to a place of joy, a time when they could celebrate as family and friends the faithfulness and forgiveness of God. The sound of laughter would resound through the desolate streets. Shrieks of awe would replace cries of pain. This was because the “God of Angel Armies” would make it so. God made a promise, and God would keep that promise. In our world of chaos and crisis, we desperately need to hear these reassuring words once again. We need to know that God has not forgotten or forsaken us. We need to trust the One who promises to make all things new and who is more than able and willing to fulfil that promise.

June 13, 2023

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NIV).

If a piece of clay could talk, I wonder what it would say to the potter just before being placed in the kiln. Would it speak of the heat and intensity of the kiln?  Would there be a conversation about all the molding and sculpting that had already occurred and wasn’t that enough?  In truth, shaping the clay is only one part of the process. Without the firing in the kiln, the pottery would not be completely ready for the task for which it was created. Whether it is a mug, dish, or even a sculpture or piece of art, it is unfinished until it is fired. Only then is it strong enough to be useful. In our lives we encounter conflicts that can both define and refine us. By God’s grace, we find His faithful presence in the “fires” of our life. We can trust that God will never leave us or forsake us. We can trust that God will refine our lives and lead us to the place where we will be made perfect and complete. Trusting the potter can be challenging. It takes eyes of faith and a willingness to trust God even when we cannot see God at work.

June 12, 2023

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV).

I was taught growing up, that if you are a guest, you should be respectful to the people and the place you are visiting. I realize that not everyone holds to this idea; yet it seems like this is what is being hinted at in the letter to the Christians at Corinth. Paul says that Christ paid the price for our very lives, so we should act accordingly. Our bodies are not really our own, but instead belong to our Creator and Redeemer. This should give us a new perspective on how we treat our bodies. I should be reluctant to take for granted and certainly not wish to harm something that belongs to God. The way I care for my body and the actions I take are all viewed from the perspective of a guest who has been granted a privilege. Our bodies are a gift from God. How we treat them is a reflection of what that this truth means to us.

June 9, 2023

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

I confess that I have a strange relationship with the concept of a nickname. I grew up with my sisters calling me by a nickname that I did not much like and will not now share. On the other hand, I remember other people having “cool” nicknames that I found impressive. I secretly wondered if I could be given just the right moniker, by just the right group, would that make me feel like I had arrived?  Luke’s Gospel refers to the people of God as “little flock.”  This of course means they were being likened to sheep. This is both a beautiful image and at the same time a less than flattering comparison. Sheep are not the sharpest tools in the toolbox as it were. They really needed a shepherd. Here we are told to not be afraid, because we have the best shepherd there could ever be, Jesus Christ. Not only are we assured of the protection of the shepherd, but we are also promised a kingdom. God provides a place for the sheep to call home. A place of security. A place to thrive. A place to be at home forever with the Good Shepherd. I guess when you look at it that way, I am alright with being called one of God’s sheep.

June 8, 2023

“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:12–15).

There is an old expression, “saved by the skin of your teeth.” We use it to speak of narrowly escaping some terrible fate. It is found in the book of Job in the Old Testament where Job says he has just barely survived all his calamities. A similar sentiment is expressed in the passage above where one’s actions are put to the test to see what is of lasting value. The fire proves the “metal” of our actions and only the most precious of things will come out in the end. We are also told that some will be saved “even as escaping the flames.” This seems to be saying that, despite producing lesser works, they will be saved. In the context of the larger passage, Paul is talking about those trying to work in the church and that they are secure in God’s grace, even if their actions fall short of the golden standard. I find a challenge in this passage to evaluate my own work for the Kingdom of God to be sure that it is my best. I also find assurance that God’s grace can hold me even when I stumble. This amazing grace both encourages us to strive for our best while also assuring us of God’s faithfulness.

June 7, 2023

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10–12).

We were on vacation one summer with some friends whose family owned a home near Beach Mountain, North Carolina. It was primarily used in the winter so their families could enjoy skiing at the nearby slopes. During the summer, the home was mostly unoccupied, so they let us poor young couples with a few children each use it for a few days. One day we ventured out and found the remains of an old amusement park based on the theme of the Wizard of Oz. Lisa had been there as a child and had fond memories. As we worked through the remains of the buildings and walkways, I could sense in Lisa a nostalgic mood as she was carried back to a simpler time in life. Those powerful memories from childhood took her to a place of wonder and adventure, a place of security and connection. As the Psalmist cries out for God to cleanse his heart, I also hear a call to be restored. The writer wants to experience afresh the joy of being forgiven. He wants to recover the thrill of entering a relationship with God where we are called beloved children. While it may not be possible to turn back time, I am confident that God can and will restore our relationship with Him. It does not mean that things will be exactly like they were before, however, they can be equally powerful as we grow and mature in our faith. This scripture is a prayer we should want and need to lift more often.

June 6, 2023

‘Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV).

We live in a culture that is constantly asking us to prove ourselves. From school to work, we are judged by various standards and expectations. While this not entirely bad, since it does motivate us to work to be our best, it does have a dark side. This perpetual state of judgment can cause us to feel inadequate and stressed. On the other hand, it can also create a false sense of pride where we think we are totally self-sufficient and do not need any help. The passage above reminds us that our competence comes from God. We are indeed God’s wonderful creation, and we are encouraged to fully use the gifts God has given us. Yet, we should humbly acknowledge that these gifts and abilities come from God and give Him thanks for them. When we begin with this understanding, we can confidently live into the fullness of the abilities God has given us, giving all the glory to God. This reduces the pressure to perform since it is not all about us. With God’s help, we can continue to seek fulfilment and growth.

June 5, 2023

“Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1–3 NIV).

While it has been many years since my children were infants and could only receive milk for nourishment, I have a more recent memory of not being able to eat solid food. I had just undergone some extensive oral surgery and spent close to a week in the hospital recovering. It was several days before I could make the transition from liquids to pureed food and finally back to solids. Paul’s vivid image serves as a rebuke of the Corinthian church. They were not living into spiritual maturity but had reverted to infantile ways. Jealousy and quarrelling had taken root and was causing division within the church. He was concerned for his friends and for the witness they were presenting to their community. As the people of Christ, we are called to be one in Christ. A mark of our spiritual maturity is our ability to build unity and peace within our fellowship. This does not mean there will never be disagreements. However, it does mean there is a way to resolve our differences with love and respect and to be united in our common mission of loving God and others. Paul’s admonition to the church of Corinth is a helpful reminder to me as it should be for all of us lest we become guilty of the same childish behavior.

June 2, 2023

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely, I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place” (Psalm 51:1–6 NIV).

A cry for mercy is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the depths of our souls where our pain and shame intertwine to generate a desperate plea for help. This is exactly where the grace of God meets us. It is here that we come face to face with the One we have most grievously wronged. It is where we realize that this same one offers forgiveness and hope. Only in the light of truth can we see both who we are and who we are intended to be. Our cry for mercy is met with a divine pronouncement of atonement. We are cleansed, forgiven, and embraced by the love of God. Now that is what I call unfailing love!

June 1, 2023

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV).

Fear is pervasive in our world today. All of us know how terrifying and immobilizing fear can be. We get frozen in place because we are afraid to move. What if I make a wrong choice? What if people will not like or accept me? What if bad things should happen? We can play the “what if” game forever, and we will never win. Instead, if we remember that we are children of God who have been made in God’s image and are loved by God, then we don’t have to live in fear. We can claim a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Funny how that last trait seems to have been slipped into the list. Yet, knowing who we are as God’s children and that God created us for a purpose should give us a strong desire to live up to God’s expectation. This means we will be glad to pursue some self-discipline as we stive to grow closer to God. It all begins by realizing how much we matter to God. This gives us the courage to set aside our fears and to move confidently into the future God is preparing for us.

May 31, 2023

“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ” (I Corinthians 2:12-16).

Having the mind of Christ is the goal. Being filled with and guided by the Spirit of God is how we achieve the goal. We need God’s help in understanding spiritual truths. The world cannot show us the way; only the Spirit of God can. Fortunately for us, God’s Spirit is actively at work within our world, pointing the way to God. When we seek God and ask for His leadership, the Spirit is available and willing to help. The Bible tells us if we lack wisdom to ask and God will provide the wisdom we need. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit. You may just be amazed at how you begin to see the world differently.

May 30, 2023

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19).

If you have had the opportunity to visit a foreign country, then you know what it is like to be a foreigner. It can be an exciting adventure, yet it can also be challenging and even terrifying. Paul is talking about the division that existed between the Jews and the Gentiles. He states that Christ has opened the door, allowing both to enter God’s household. He destroyed the barriers that separate us and brings us together by his love and sacrifice. This same principle holds true for anyone seeking God. We enter through the door or gate as Christ called Himself in John’s Gospel. We tend to create barriers to make ourselves feel safer. God chooses to build bridges to create a way for all of us to be part of His family. It helps to remember that we were all foreigners and aliens due to our sin. God has called us home through Christ where we find forgiveness.

May 26, 2023

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (I Corinthians 1:27-30 NIV).

Foolish and weak do not sound like compliments, yet Paul seems to indicate they just might be. He says that God has chosen the foolish and weak things of the world to serve as a counterbalance to a society that is obsessed with the rich, powerful, and beautiful. Those worldly criteria have been twisted to cause division and gain control. Jesus came humbly into the world to show a different way and because of Him, we can experience righteousness, holiness, and redemption. May God grant us the wisdom to see that true beauty and power are found in love and service.

May 25, 2023

“I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine” (Psalm 50:9-11 NIV).

The Psalmist is making a strong point. The people of God had been bringing their sacrificial animals to the Temple as if they were doing God a favor. Instead, they are reminded that God does not need their bulls or goats or even their riches for that matter. It all belongs to God ultimately anyway. The reason for giving is to remind us that it really is God’s. We are merely stewards of God’s good gifts. Our model for generosity is God who richly provides. Our motive to be generous is that God has loved us first and has been generous towards us. It sure helps me to put these things into perspective.

May 24, 2023

“’The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6 NIV).

Just before this section of the passage, the prophet speaks about false shepherds who did not care for their sheep. In contrast, Jeremiah says that God would be sending a true shepherd one who would be in the line of David. You will recall that David, the shepherd boy who became king, is credited as being a man after God’s own heart. He was a good shepherd who learned a great deal about how to care for those in his charge. Following in David’s footsteps and in his linage would come the Good Shepherd, Jesus. This promised one would care for the flock and even lay down His life for them. This is the one who earned the title, ‘The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’  Only Jesus is worthy of this title. Even the great David could not be the Righteous Savior, only the sinless Son of God could do that. He will bring peace, justice, and forgiveness. Our Savior has come!  Now we can live as the redeemed who are seeking peace, justice, and forgiveness.

May 23, 2023

“Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (John 14:19-20 NIV).

 “Like Father, Like Son” is a phrase with which many of us are familiar. This can be used as a compliment or a criticism. We can embody the best traits of our parents or their worst. Jesus told us that God was not only our heavenly parent because God created us, but also because God chose to redeem us and bring us back into relationship with Him. Jesus drew a line of connection that showed how He and the Father were in relationship and that Jesus was in relationship with the disciples. Therefore, Jesus said He is the bridge between them. This beautiful illustration shows our connection with God through Jesus. We are alive in Him. We are in relationship with God through Him. As we live out our lives in this world, we represent the presence of Christ in the world through our relationship with Him. The way the world sees Jesus now is by seeing Him alive within our hearts and lives. What an awesome responsibility. What an incredible truth!

May 22, 2023

“As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the Lord Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever. Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness…For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end” (Psalm 48:8-10, 14).

Hearing and seeing are two criteria in which we place a great deal of faith. However, we live in a time when it is difficult to believe what you hear and see, because words and images are so easily manipulated through technology. The faith-filled writer of this song of praise is not concerned about being “fooled.”  That is because of a rock-solid belief that God is real and truthful. The mighty words and actions of God only confirm this deeply held conviction. Our experience of God’s work of grace and forgiveness is part of our testimony of faith, and no one can take that away from us. We boldly say we have heard God’s word and have seen His faithfulness acted out in our own lives. I am transformed by God’s mercy. I am confident that this same faithful God will never give up on me and will never abandon me. I can trust in God even to the end.

May 19, 2023

“Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood’” (Luke 22:19-20 NIV). 

Jesus took the bread and cup and transformed them into a powerful symbol of His own life given as a sacrifice for us. The Passover meal was already a deeply symbolic event reminding the Jews of God’s deliverance and provision. Now Jesus brings the story to its glorious fulfilment as He becomes the bread of life broken for us and His blood is shed for the remission of our sins. I wonder if the disciples were so familiar with the story and the ritual that they were barely paying attention. However, later as they reflected on what happened that night, it must have been so obvious that Jesus was telling them what was about to happen and what it all meant. May our time at the Lord’s Table never become so routine that we fail to experience the power of God’s love willingly given on our behalf.

May 18, 2023

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8 NIV).

Our daughters were married six months apart in the same year. I remember the process of helping our daughters prepare for their weddings. There were dresses to be selected, venues to be secured, and caterers to be chosen. My wife was far more invested in this marathon of decisions than I. At one point, they had samples of various delicacies from caterers to help narrow down the selection. Somehow, I missed out on that part of the process. The proof would be in “the pudding” as the old saying went. Just looking at photos of the food was not enough. We had to “taste and see” that it would be good. I love that the Bible encourages us to do the same with God’s promises. We can experience the goodness God provides all around us and we can know that our loving God does indeed bring good gifts. From the beauty of creation to the joy of our relationships, God’s goodness is all around us. Sometimes you just have to pause and reflect or should I say, “taste and see.”

May 17, 2023

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4 NIV). 

What is your focus? It seems like a simple question, but it is far more complex than it first appears. We are driven from three main sources in our lives: our minds, our hearts and our will or intention. In broad strokes, this sums up our motivations that propel us forward. We are guided by our thoughts and ideas. We are influenced by our emotions and feelings. We ultimately put action to this mix through our choices. Since we have been raised with Christ, as the previous passage reminds us, we are encouraged to focus on things above. In other words, we are able to fix our minds, hearts, and our will on seeking God’s Will. Our life is now intertwined with His life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. The passage says we are ‘hidden with Christ in God.’  That image is not only beautiful, but it is also amazingly comforting.

May 16, 2023

“’Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:55–58 NIV).

I have stood beside many gravesites and uttered the above words. I do so because I believe them to be true. I do so because I want to offer comfort to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. I do so to remind myself that the work I do and the life I live matter to God. In the face of death and the searing pain it brings, we can easily be overwhelmed. There is reason for gratitude even here. God refused to let death have the final word. God’s love overcomes death and the grave. God brings forgiveness and life. This affirmation of hope provides a solid place to stand even when it feels like my entire world is vanishing beneath me. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He says, “I will be your resurrection and life if you will trust in me.”

May 15, 2023

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging… The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth’” (Psalm 46:1-3; 7-10 NIV).

I have heard many a parent tell their child to “hush.”  I have done the same to my own children on more than one occasion. My experience tells me that this simple command can range from rebuke to reassurance. Perhaps all the above is included in the pronouncement, “Be still and know that I am God.”  The writer speaks about nations being in turmoil and the very earth shuttering in the midst of the chaos. Yet God speaks and brings order to the world. His voice brings peace midst the chaos. How amazing it is to realize that God is an ever-present help in trouble. These are the words of a loving Parent who calms the anxious child with the admonition, “Be still.” We can find rest for our souls when we heed God’s voice and trust in His love.

May 12, 2023

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1 NRSV).

On one of our trips to Africa, I had the opportunity to be part of a safari. It was awe inspiring to be so close to so many exotic and majestic animals. There was a clear division within the animal kingdom with the mighty predators at the top of the chain. However, there was one thing that equalized the great savannah—water. All the animals, no matter their size or place in the grand order, needed water to survive. The watering hole became a gathering place for all living things. Jesus tells us that He is the water of life. Only in Him can we find the streams of living water. Just as the deer longs for life-giving water, we seek to be filled with God’s Spirit.

May 11, 2023

“If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

God is always true to God’s own nature. The Bible tells us that God is love, and therefore, God will always act in a loving way. Likewise, we are told that God is faithful and remains faithful, although we are not as faithful when it comes to our relationships even with God. We seek to follow God and we want to do what God asks, yet we struggle with our tendency toward sinning. Time and time again, we fall short and break our word and God’s heart. Even so, our faithful God remains faithful toward us. God forgives us and gives us strength to move forward on our journey of faith. Day by day, I strive to be bit more faithful with God and others as I move toward spiritual maturity. This is only by God’s grace and with God’s help.

May 10, 2023

“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7 NIV).

These words in Isaiah clearly are pointing toward Christ. We see the “suffering servant” portrayed as one who was unjustly accused and brutally treated. However, his confidence in God is not shaken. This image of setting his face like flint speaks to a steely resolve that will not be broken. Jesus uses that image himself in the Gospels when he says he is moving determinedly toward Jerusalem and toward his crucifixion. We can learn from Christ’s determination to follow God’s plan. When is the last time you set your face like flint as you headed resolutely to do what God has called you to do?  May we find the courage and resolve to follow Jesus with just such determination.

May 9, 2023

“Let us look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV).

Having spent most of my life in and around the Appalachian region, I am keenly aware of the pioneer spirit that brought settlers from distant shores and kept compelling them onward to find a place to call home. They often endured much as they blazed a path for others to follow. Jesus is described as the pioneer and perfector of our faith. Not only did he blaze a path through his actions and teaching, he also demonstrated what a perfect life could look like. He showed us the power of sacrifice and what true love looks like. That is why we fix our eyes on him. That is why he is our ultimate role model. May we keep our gaze steady and our heart open as we learn to walk the “Jesus Way.”

May 8, 2023

“Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43 NIV).

The feeling of being rejected is very powerful and very hurtful. To feel like the world has turned against you can lead to a place of hopelessness or even bitterness. The writer understands these feelings well. This passage does not “sugarcoat” the situation. There is even the uncomfortable question, “Why have you rejected me?”  However, the writer quickly asks for God’s help and even claims God to be a stronghold amid trouble. I am reminded that God can handle our concerns and even our complaints. Faith is not a guarantee against such feelings. It is, however, the assurance of God’s care and involvement in our lives. The Psalmist cries out precisely because he believes there is a God who hears and cares. The end of this passage is a reminder to lift our heads and look to God our savior, for we will yet praise Him again.

May 5, 2023

“Moses said, ‘See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God’” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28 NIV).

I grew up with the expression, “running into a brick wall.”  As I understood it, this phrase not only spoke to the obstacles we could encounter in life, but it often also spoke of our tendency to keep plowing headfirst into those obstacles. I have been guilty on more than one occasion of running full steam into the “brick wall.”  Moses tells the people of Israel that they have two clear paths before them. One leads to life and blessing, the other to destruction and a curse. We were created by God and designed to be in relationship with God. When we follow that path, we experience the blessings of hope and peace. When we choose to go our own way and move away from God, we encounter the consequences of sin and rebellion and feel the weight of the curse of disobedience to God. Therefore, it seems wise to obey God by following the path that keeps us pursing our relationship with God.

May 4, 2023

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7 NIV).

Experience has taught me that it matters where I “cast my cares” or anxieties. We live in a world where it seems everyone has a venue to share their thoughts and opinions, yet even so it is rare that any genuine conversation takes place. Instead, people tend to “dump” their views and concerns, while others either attack those concerns or regurgitate them with little thought or processing. Conversely, scripture reminds us that the first place we should take our concerns is to God. God cares for us and wants to be in relationship with us. God cares enough to listen and to act. This does not mean God will follow our “wish list,” but instead, God will actively help us grow in our faith so we can trust Him and seek His will. It is helpful to share our thoughts and concerns with others. However, if we begin by sharing them with God first, He might shape the way we tell others. This way is the only way to seek God’s Kingdom first.

May 3, 2023

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:9–13 NIV).

When I think about the word confession, I immediately imagine some kind of legal setting. Whether that is a courtroom scene with someone testifying or perhaps an interrogation room where someone is spilling out their story to law enforcement officers, these are the kinds of images that quickly come to mind. The passage above envisions a different type of confession. It is a heartfelt and thoughtful expression of our intention to trust in Jesus. We proclaim our belief that He is the Son of God who has come to forgive our sins. We pledge our very lives to follow Jesus and to be transformed into His likeness. Now that is a powerful confession, and that very confession opens the door to our journey of faith with Christ. Perhaps we should pause for just a moment to restate that confession and then thank God for saving us.

May 2, 2023

Hear my prayer, Lord,
    listen to my cry for help;
    do not be deaf to my weeping.
I dwell with you as a foreigner,
    a stranger, as all my ancestors were” (Psalm 39:12). 

I was in a conversation with a minister who had been born in another country. He told me about when God called him into ministry, which led to his moving to America to serve in a church that served an ethnic community. He talked about how different it was to come to a place where he was clearly a minority and the challenges that it had created for him. I was reminded of how difficult it can be to be the “stranger” or “outsider.” Yet I am also reminded that God’s chosen people, Israel, were constantly reminded that God found them as a group of strangers and brought them in. The prophets often reminded God’s people to be kind to the outsiders for that had once been their own story. Perhaps it would not hurt for all of us to remember that it was while we were enemies of God through our sinfulness that God found us and made us part of His family. I know I need that reminder often.

May 1, 2023

‘‘’King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.’ Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’ Paul replied, ‘Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains’” (Acts 26:27–29 NIV) 

I grew up hearing these verses quoted from the King James Version where Agrippa says, “Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian.” I clearly remember hearing one preacher say these were some of the saddest words in the Bible, meaning that Agrippa was close to a decision but walked away. I think some other translations are closer to the meaning when they indicate that the king was perhaps incredulous and felt like he needed more time to even consider such a major decision. Paul counters by saying his hope is for all to make the decision to believe in Jesus as soon as possible. I must admire the confidence and persistence of Paul who even used his time of being imprisoned to carry out his mission of spreading the Gospel. It was precisely his imprisonment that gave him an audience to several powerful and influential people. He did not waste a single opportunity to tell the story of how Jesus had changed this life. I hope that I can be as focused as Paul to not allow even difficult circumstances to stop me from being an active witness to my faith in Christ.

April 28, 2023

I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
(Psalm 40: 1-2 NIV)

One of the odd jobs I had during my seminary years was working with a construction crew.  We were tasked with renovating a very old building.  I was part of the crew dropped into a dirt cellar under the building, which they wanted to turn into a more usable space.  They poured wet concrete through the one opening in the room. We did our best to spread it around and smooth it out before being lifted out.  They chose to build a staircase after the floor was set.  When reading this Psalm, I am reminded of being mired in the wet concrete, feeling like I was not only accomplishing very little but also literally stuck.  How relieved I was to get out of that mess and to stand again on solid ground.  Waiting patiently is not one of my strongest gifts, yet it is often required.  God promises to deliver us.  That promise does not work on our timeline.  It is comforting to know that our solid rock never abandons us.  It helps me to remember that God always holds me in His love, so even when I am in the pit, I am never alone.

April 27, 2023

“Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:12-18 NIV).

How comforting to know that God is close to the brokenhearted. There is no lack of that condition in our world today. Everyone can relate to feeling “heartsick” about something. From our conflicted personal relationships to the complex and chaotic world around us, there are countless reasons to be “crushed in spirit.” Yet God promises to be close to us at precisely these lowest of points. This is not just some platitude spoken lightly. This is a promise from God that demonstrates His commitment to love us. The writer reminds us that we can make good life choices that help us experience the fullness of life which God intends for us. The list includes controlling our tongues, turning from evil, and seeking peace. We are assured that God is attentive to those who are seeking to live as righteous followers of Him. It does not mean that we must be perfect. It means that we are continually striving to seek after God and live according to the standard we have seen in Jesus, God’s son. As the Bible says, draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

April 26, 2023

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16–17)

Shame is a powerful emotion.  For many of us, it is an unwelcome companion that refuses to leave.  Its shadowy presence creeps into our lives and clouds our thoughts and feelings.  The Gospel brings the wonderful news of freedom from our shame through forgiveness.  What a peace and joyful release we can experience when we experience the mercy and grace of God.  Paul warns us that even after receiving this amazing gift of grace, we could still battle with shame, even being ashamed of the story that sets us free.  We could be ashamed because it confirms that we are indeed sinners who needed forgiveness.  We could be reluctant because we think others will dismiss the story of the cross.  Whatever the reason, Paul reminds us to find courage in this life-giving story of the Good News of God’s plan of redemption.  Only here do we find the peace and joy of being set free, even from our shame.

April 25, 2023

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.  (Psalm 33:18–22)

The unfailing love of God is clearly at the forefront of the writer’s mind as this psalm is being written.  These are not merely flowery and sentimental remarks, but instead represent a deeply held conviction tested by the trials and difficulties of life.  The writer is aware of the unpredictable nature of the world and of people.  In contrast, God is shown to be one who can be trusted to be loving and faithful.  Putting our hope in the Lord is an act of faith, yet it is also a recognition of the many ways that God has already proven himself to be trustworthy.  Focusing on God’s love gives us the courage to face each day with hope.

April 24, 2023

He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38–39 NIV)

Jesus is on the road to Jericho.  There is a blind man beside the road who realizes that a crowd was passing by.  He asked what was going on and they said that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  He started to call out for help from Jesus.  Those who were leading the procession took it upon themselves to try and silence this man who was being a nuisance.  They did not want Jesus bothered since he clearly had important things to do.  Yet the man was undeterred.  He cried out all the louder.  Jesus called for him and asked what he wanted.  “I want to see,” the man answered.  Jesus said, “Then you will see,”and he did.  It needs to be noted that many referred to Jesus as the Son of David.  That was a Messianic title.  These “significant” people surrounding Jesus were blind to who he really was.  The blind man on the side of the road “saw” that Jesus was the anointed one.  This reminds me that I need to pay attention even to the voices on the edges because perhaps I could learn something.  It also encourages me to cry for help when I need it, even if others try to discourage me from doing so.

April 23, 2023

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15 NIV). 

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 NIV).

When we were children and wanted to make a promise very secure, we would do a “pinky promise.”  We had to interlock our pinkies with that of another and solemnly swear to keep the promise we were making.  I never really understood this ritual.  Aside from having to get up close and personal to make our pledge, I didn’t understand how this ritual instilled trust that both parties would keep their word. 

 In the passage above from Genesis 28, we see God appearing to Jacob and making a promise to him. The promise was that God would be with him and bring him back home. The passage from 1 Thessalonians tells us that God is faithful and will keep His word. What a great comfort it is to know we have a God who is faithful, even when we are not. God is true to His word and His promises are true. These are truths that I need to take to heart and use as a model for how I stay true to my own promises.

April 20, 2023

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18–19a NIV).

There are a whole lot of metaphors going on in this passage.  Not only do we have a heart with some eyes, we also are using the term heart to speak about the seat of our emotions and will as opposed to the powerful muscle that runs our circulatory system.  We all understand the image and are most likely to speak of the heart in the same manner.  This text, however, takes it a step further to suggest that our hearts could use some spiritual glasses to see more clearly where our true hope lies.  Jesus has called each of us to be his.  He offers us forgiveness and a relationship with God.  All we have to do is believe.  Yet, believing at this level will require some enlightenment about who Jesus is—the Son of God, and who we are—ones created in God’s image but who rejected God through disobedience and pride.  When we see Jesus and ourselves clearly, we can seek God’s forgiveness and grace and find our place back in the family.

April 19, 2023

“’Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,’ says the Lord. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’ And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times” (Psalm 12:5–6 NIV).

Psalm 12 falls in the category of a lament. The writer cries to God for help because all around are people whose words are deceitful and hurtful. The prayer describes the false and flattering words used to oppress the needy while elevating the proud and arrogant. In clear contrast stand the words of God, which are as pure as the finest silver and gold. God promised to “arise and protect” those who needed help. The writer wants us to know that God’s words are completely honest and true.  Therefore, we can take hope in knowing God has promised to act on our behalf.  This is a good reminder not only to put our trust in God’s words, but also to pay attention to our own words to see if they are truthful and helpful or if they are deceitful and hurtful.  A daily word check would be a good thing for me.  I wonder if there is an app for that

April 18, 2023

“The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed…’ Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.’ And his servant was healed at that moment” (Matthew 8:8, 13 NIV).

Jesus had just entered Capernaum, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This is a place where Jesus performed many miracles. It was home to Peter and Andrew and to a tax collector turned disciple named Levi (Matthew). It was a place Jesus himself referred to as his “own town.” This is where a Centurion, a Roman commander, approached Jesus and asked for healing for his paralyzed servant. Several things about this incident stand out. For a Roman military leader to come to a Jew for help is very unusual, let alone to come for such an amazing request. He demonstrated both courage and humility in seeking help. He said he was unworthy of Jesus even entering his home, but that he knew that Jesus had the authority to bring healing by simply saying a word. Such faith even impressed Jesus who commended the commander for his belief. I fear that I do not approach Jesus with that same mixture of courage and humility to believe that a single word from Jesus can change everything.

Lord, help me to believe more, to trust You more and to boldly enter Your presence.

April 17, 2023

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (Psalm 33:6–11 NIV).

I wonder how many jars it would take to contain all the waters of the sea. This graphic image is a way for the Psalmist to attempt to express God’s power and control over all of creation. The vastness of the seas is but a drop in the bucket to God the Creator. Even so, this Creator God is also the redeeming God who does not think of us as insignificant. Instead, God’s “heart purpose” is to love and forgive us. The plans of the nations may come and go, but God’s plan will endure forever. God’s love stands firm amidst the chaos of this present age. The Eternal God loves eternally, and God chooses to love us forever.

April 14th, 2023

“Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, ‘Peter is at the door!’” (Acts 12:13-14 NIV).

Peter had been arrested and was being well guarded.  An angel of the Lord came and set him free.  He went to a home where a group of believers had gathered to pray for his release from prison.  When a servant girl went to the door as Peter knocked, she recognized his voice and ran to tell the others that Peter was at the door, yet she left him standing outside.  I love this detail from the story.  The others were reluctant to believe her testimony that Peter stood at the gate and after much debate finally went to see for themselves as Peter kept pounding on the door.  It just makes me wonder how often God has brought an answer to prayer to my very door and I have been reluctant to open the door and receive it?  Maybe this has happened to you as well.

April 13, 2023

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13 NIV).

It is a big question. What does God ask of us? Naturally the answer seems very large as well. We are asked to show respect for who God is. We are encouraged to walk in obedience. We are asked to serve God with all or our heart and soul. Yet, you could boil it all down to loving and obeying God. Yes, that is easier to say than to do; however, it is what God is asking us to do. Sometimes I think we make it all more complicated than it needs to be. To really love God is to want to be in a relationship with Him and to obey Him. That sounds like a really good place to start.

April 12, 2023

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6 NIV). 

Prayer was important to Jesus. He taught his disciples how to pray. He also gave instructions about prayer in his public teachings. Among them is this admonition in Matthew 6 that we need to take our private prayer life seriously.  He did not say that praying in public is wrong, but rather that public prayer should follow private prayer.  In those personal moments with God, we can be open and honest. In those moments, we can be open to listen.  Making private prayer a priority shows our desire to grow in our relationship with God.  How’s your private prayer life?

April 11, 2023

‘But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain’” (Exodus 3:11-12 NIV).

Moses had a few doubts. He also had a few questions. “Who am I?” was right at the top of the list.  Perhaps we have asked the same of ourselves and of God. “Who am I . . . and then we add whatever thing really scares us to do.  We find an easy out by disqualifying ourselves as being either able or even worthy to do what we think needs to be done. Yet God simply said, “I will be with you.”  This brief sentence contains a profound truth. God has promised to go with us on this journey of life. Not to be a spectator from a distance, but to be present, through the Spirit of God dwelling in us. This powerful truth reminds us of God’s faithful and steadfast love which will never let us go or let us down.  I need to be reminded of this promise often.  And like the people of faith who preceded us, this will lead us to worship God.

April 10, 2023

“Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure— you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts”  (Psalm 7:9 NIV).

We all seem to be hard wired to desire to see justice. While we might sometimes be a bit more lenient when it comes to our own offenses, we still want things to work out the right way. The biblical writer appeals to God, the truly Righteous One, to be the ultimate judge to bring about real justice.  Bringing an end to the violence of the wicked and securing the righteous will be part of that process according to the passage. It is good to know that God will indeed put an end to all the “wrong” in the world today.  In the meantime, we can trust Him to be faithful, and we can concentrate on being more like the righteous ones that He promises to secure.

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