Amazing Love (November 5, 2024) (*adapted from In Touch Ministries)
This past Sunday a young woman came forward after our worship service to give her life to Jesus. How humbling and amazing to see someone so moved by the love of God that they say, Yes to His invitation, to new and eternal life.
God is love. Most likely, we’ve heard these words, but do we really understand what they mean? John 3:16 tells us: Because the Father deeply loves us, He sent His Son in human flesh to live on earth and to save us by dying. This is no shallow love.
Some people question Jesus’ sacrifice, though. They think, Certainly the Lord could have come up with a different way to offer salvation. He is God, so shouldn’t He be able to do all things? They fail to consider two of His unchangeable attributes.
First, God is holy by nature. This means He cannot look upon sin with approval. Second, He is just. As a result, all wrongdoing—without exception—must be dealt with (Romans 6:23).
We all fall short of God’s perfect holiness (Romans 3:23). But our heavenly Father desires an everlasting relationship with us, so He provided the solution by sending His Son Jesus here to live as a man and then die on the cross. This is the ultimate expression of love. As 1 John 4:10 states, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Have you accepted God’s free gift of salvation? How do you choose to respond to His amazing love?
Free From Guilt (October 29, 2024) 21 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 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. 24 “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.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” - 1Peter 2:22-25
Guilt can be defined as anxiety in our spirit over deliberate, willful sin. We can trace this emotion all the way back to the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they became aware of their nakedness and “hid themselves” from God in shame (Genesis 3:10).
In ancient Israel, people would “pay” for their wrong by sacrificing an animal’s life. Today we no longer need such a violent way to release our guilt; God Himself provided a better solution. He sent His Son Jesus to make a way for us to be redeemed and brought into a right relationship with Him. Jesus made atonement for us with His precious blood. And—praise God!—Jesus rose to life again, conquering death and sin.
The truth is, every one of us has sinned and become separated from God (Romans 3:23). However, we can be set free from the fear death and guilt by accepting Jesus’ free gift and committing our life to Him. Of course, in our imperfect human state, we won’t be perfectly sinless. But our loving heavenly Father will continue to forgive His children (Ephesians 1:7).
Jesus’ sacrifice gives us freedom from shame and death—plus the promise of eternity with God. Though we are promised forgiveness, gratitude and love for Jesus should spur us on to repentance, obedience, and service to God.
A Heart of Gratitude (October 15, 2024) *(In Touch) 1 “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”Psalm 100:1-5
The Bible says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). That might seem easy when life is going well. But when it’s not, expressing gratitude can be difficult.
It’s interesting to note that this instruction to thank the Lord in all things was written by Paul—the apostle whose loyalty to Christ earned him severe persecution. You might wonder how he was able to be grateful to God. The answer is that Paul knew His riches in Christ far outweighed any earthly discomfort.
Consider the blessings he so valued, which are available to all believers. First, we are invited to have a personal relationship with the one true God. Second, the Father loves us with an everlasting and unconditional love. Third, He sent His Son to die as payment for our sins so we could spend eternity with Him.
And the list of blessings keeps going: God adopts believers as His children and seals them with His Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). He has a plan for each of His followers—and bestows special gifts and empowerment to make it happen. He promises to meet every need through His limitless resources (Philippians 4:19) and provides His Word and indwelling Spirit to guide us.
No wonder Paul was grateful! Count his blessings as your own, and let God know how appreciative you are.
What Is The Church? (October 8, 2024) *(In Touch) “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” - Colossians 1:18
When most people hear the word church, the first thing they think of is a certain type of building. But it’s so much more than that.
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (KJV). He had something much greater in mind than a mere architectural structure. He was referring to the whole body of Christ, which is composed of all believers. The church began on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came and anointed a group of Jesus’ followers (Acts 2:1-47). And it has continued ever since then as the Lord has been adding more believers—“living stones”—to create “a spiritual house for a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5).
The church is not merely a place for social action or fellowship, though these are important aspects of its ministry. Rather, the church is the entire body of Christ, corporately and individually filled and enabled by the Holy Spirit to carry out the task designated by Jesus Himself. In other words, the church’s purpose is to bring people to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and to make disciples, instructing them and growing them up in the things of God (Matthew 28:19-20).
This week, spend some time asking the Lord what role you should be playing in the ministry of the church.
Some information—like a birthday or phone number—is easy to remember. Yet we tend to forget examples of the Lord’s goodness to us. Today’s verses suggest a way to counteract this.
After bringing His people safely out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, God miraculously provided another dry path by piling up the Jordan’s waters in a heap upstream. He knew the Israelites were about to enter Jericho and would, by His power, overcome that city. It was certainly compassionate of God to give that tangible illustration of His strength and presence before the battle. But He also knew how quickly they had forgotten Him before.
The Lord had a plan to help His people recall the miracle at the river. He told them to create a memorial with 12 stones, each representing a tribe of Israel that had passed safely through the waters (Josh. 4:7-8). Then they would have a lasting visible reminder of divine rescue.
We’re much like the Israelites: When God works in big, obvious ways, it’s easy to trust Him. But in time, we drift toward self-reliance until we’re reminded of our need for Him and repent.
How can you create reminders of God’s faithfulness? Whether it’s by journaling or creating a “thankfulness list,” make sure you have a way to remember the Lord’s involvement in your life.
Learning From Christ's Example (Sept. 24, 2024) *Grace to You “Take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"Eph. 6:17
To wield the sword of the Spirit is to apply specific Biblical principles to specific situations. Jesus gave us the perfect example of skillful and precise use of the sword of the Spirit. Following His baptism, "Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.'" (Matt. 4:1-3).
Satan was challenging Christ's trust in His heavenly Father's power and provisions. God had just announced that Jesus was His Son (Matt. 3:17). Would He now abandon Jesus to starve in the wilderness? Satan urged Jesus to take matters into His own hands and supply for His own needs. After all, Satan implied, doesn't the Son of God deserve better than this?
Jesus might have acted on His own authority or demanded that God give Him what He deserved. Instead, He demonstrated His trust in God and rebuked Satan for his evil intents: "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God'" (v. 4). That's a specific verse applied to a specific situation. Jesus responded the same way to Satan's other temptations (vv. 7, 10). Scripture gives many general principles for Christian living, but the sword of the Spirit is a precise weapon. We must learn to apply the appropriate biblical principles to any given situation. That's what the psalmist meant when he wrote, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. . . . Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee" (Ps. 119:9, 11). Do you know where to go in the Bible to defend yourself against sorrow, discouragement, apathy, lust, or pride? If not, you're attempting to do spiritual battle unarmed.
Responding to Conflict (Sept. 18, 2024) – (In Touch Ministries) A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute. Proverbs 15:8
When conflict occurs, what should our response be? Turning to the Lord in prayer is always the best way to respond in a crisis. By doing so, we can ask Him to provide …
Spiritual discernment. God knows and perfectly understands the source of the problem—and He can enable us to comprehend it, too. With the Spirit’s assistance, we will gain insight into the situation.
A quiet spirit. Our human nature will want to react quickly so we can defend ourselves or stand up for what we think is right. But before we act, it’s important to deliberately focus our attention on God and experience the inner peace that He promises (John 14:27).
Wisdom. The Lord told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would give them wise words to say (Luke 12:11-12). And He’ll do that for us as well. If we are tempted to speak hastily, we should ask the Spirit for guidance and the words to speak (Psalm 141:3).
God has called us to represent Him in every situation the same way Christ did—by depending on the heavenly Father. Next time someone speaks critically to you, focus your heart on God and let Him direct your response.
Building Trust When Faith is Unsteady (Sept. 04, 2024) - (In Touch Ministries) “21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” -- Mark 9:21-24
Since trust in God is foundational for Christians, the consequences of wavering faith can be far-reaching. Sometimes, after praying for direction, we might receive an answer that leads us to think, I can’t do that. So, instead of obeying and asking God to strengthen our faith, we may choose to postpone or compromise our obedience.
But partial obedience is actually disobedience, and when our faith falters, it can result in poor choices that prove costly. For example, the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert because the nation allowed unbelief to overtake their faith. Their wavering trust made them miss out on God’s intended blessings.
When we are spiritually unsteady, we can easily be shaken by little things. Instead of standing firm, we may find our confidence eroding. Then we become less willing to take a risk when God asks us to do so. Rather than acting with certainty, we question and doubt what we are hearing from the Lord. We may also find joy diminishing because our wavering faith has led us away from God’s will (Hebrews 10:23). The inner peace that we once enjoyed evaporates as our faith weakens.
No matter how unsteady our faith, God invites us to draw near so He can strengthen our trust in Him. When He does, accept His invitation and give Him the glory.
Hindrances to Prayer (August 20, 2024) - (In Touch Ministries) “14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love.” - Eph. 3:14-21
When you pray, are you confident that God is listening and will answer? Or do you feel doubtful that your words are heard?
Let’s consider some obstacles to a healthy prayer life. First, poor concentration can inhibit our communication with God. Human minds are prone to wander, but one antidote for this is to realize who it is we’re speaking with. The more we grasp God’s power, love, omniscience, and holiness, the easier it will be for us to stay focused.
Second, we may feel unworthy to talk with the God of all creation. Guilt over sin can tempt us to avoid time alone with Him, but He wants us to bring our wrongs into His light. On our own, we will never be worthy to be in the presence of pure perfection. But Jesus’ death and resurrection brought us forgiveness and acceptance, so we can come to the Father freely (Hebrews 4:16).
Third, fear can stand in our way. Some people worry, What if I don’t pray correctly? But God desires our heart, not perfect words. That’s why He gave us the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf.
Do you realize that the most powerful tool and greatest privilege is accessible to us? We can come before Almighty God in prayer. Our heavenly Father is waiting to listen to our praise, confession, and requests.
Songs in the Night (August 13, 2024) (by Chuck Swindoll) "By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life."- Psalm 42:8
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE SONGS OF the faith to help us live beyond the grind. Why else would God have inspired those age-old compositions? Surely, He realized the lasting value of each musical masterpiece and therefore preserved them to help us persevere. They drip with the oil of glory that enables us to live beyond the grind.
Who hasn't been comforted, when frightened and alone, by the reminder that "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1)?
Who hasn't gained fresh courage from "The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)?
Who hasn't felt strangled by the grip of guilt only to find soothing relief from "Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. . . . Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:1, 7)? Encouraging words.
And for those days when we feel forgotten, overlooked, shoved aside, there is strength in "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1).
And, again, no one can measure the oil that flows through "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. . . . For He knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust" (Psalm 103:12, 14). Great and glorious reassurance.
Few people have appreciated the uplift of a song like David, who exclaimed: "By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life." PSALM 42:8
God's Book is full of such songs; 150 of them. Songs of victory, affirmation, and encouragement . . . songs of confidence-giving strength, of hope to go on, of quiet compassion. Let's sing them frequently and allow their time-tested lyrics to oil our day especially in this season of celebration. By doing so, we'll live beyond the grind.
The Power of the Cross (August 07, 2024) (by Charles F. Stanley) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God - 1 Corinthians 1:18
The scene of the cross is a paradox. It demonstrates the power of God in what appears to be the weakest moment of His Son’s life. With hands and feet nailed to rough wood, Jesus looked helpless.
Strength isn’t always shown in dramatic ways; at times it’s seen in determined endurance. What power held Jesus on the cross, when all authority in heaven and on earth was His (Matthew 28:18)? Divine love is what kept Him there. With our eternal destiny at stake, He hung on the cross until our salvation was secured.
But the power of the cross didn’t end when Jesus died. His death thrust open the door of salvation to all people—those who accept it by faith are forgiven for every sin and ensured a place in heaven.
Yet even after salvation, the power of the cross continues in believers’ lives. Millions of people have been transformed as a result of the Savior’s victory over sin and death. He sets us free from sinful habits and addictions, empowering us to live victoriously in His righteousness.
Have you let the cross do its work in your life? The Lord does not force its benefits on anyone. Rather, He offers them freely to all who will believe in Him and walk in His ways. With each step of faith that we take, the mighty work of God in us increases.
It’s Time to Party (July 23, 2024) “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10
In May 1996 and May 1997, while living in Dallas, TX., I went to Lithuania to share the message of God’s love. This led many who had only recently left the system of Communism to accept Jesus as their Savior, which resulted in baptisms.
I can assure you that May in the Okanagan and May in Lithuania are very different. While the snow was gone, and the sun warm, the Baltic Sea was still frigid. As people emerged from the water, soaked to the bone, cheers and clapping erupted. Hugs were given all around as some onlookers were confused by what they were witnessing. They may not have exactly understood, but they certainly could tell that it was a time of rejoicing.
Jesus’ story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32) tells us that it’s cause for celebration whenever someone returns home to God. Anytime someone says yes to God’s invitation, it’s time to party. When the son who’d abandoned his father returned, the father insisted on showering him with a designer robe, a shiny ring, and new shoes. “Bring the fatted calf,” he said. “Let’s have a feast and celebrate” (v. 23).
The same thing happens in heaven whenever a lost child of God returns home.
Adversity From God’s View (July 16, 2024) (*loose;y based on an InTouch Ministries article from July 16th, 2024) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9
When adversity hits us like a freight train, it can easily cause discouragement. However, God’s purpose in hardship is not to destroy us, but to help stimulate our spiritual growth. In His perfect wisdom, the Lord can take a bad situation and use it to transform us more fully into the image of Christ--which is His ultimate goal.
Every adversity that touches us is an opportunity to draw closer to God. Not everything that happens is the will of God—bad things can happen because people have free will—however, even then God is able to use hardship for our good. Some of the suffering that we experience may seem senseless and awful because of the limited perspective we have. We do notalways see or understand what God is doing in the moment.
When we can’t understand what is happening, focus on the truth that God has perfect knowledge, wisdom, and power. Remember the the entire picture is clear to the One who loves you more than you can imagine. These crazy days we find ourselves in must be walked by faith, as perfect understanding will come only in heaven.
Heaven Awaits Us! (July 09, 2024) “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” - John 14:1-3
Last week I preached on the above passage (John 14:1-3). What a promise Jesus offers. *He is coming back to bring all who place hope and faith in Him … home!
My mom has been struggling with dementia for some time and is currently in a care home in Saskatchewan. During a recent conversation we talked of the hope of heaven. Despite the fog of dementia, she wanted to understand what heaven will be like. I shared with her, “Mom, Jesus tells us that it will be just like going home.”
Heaven isn’t just a distant concept; it’s our ultimate destination as believers. It’s a place where we’ll be reunited with loved ones, where every tear will be wiped away, and where joy will abound—but most wonderful will be standing in the presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we ponder heaven, we’re reminded that it’s a place of rest, refreshment, and perfect peace. It’s a home where sickness, pain, and death have no place and where we’ll experience the fullness of God’s love for all eternity. During life’s challenges and uncertainties, let’s hold fast to the hope of heaven. It’s not just a distant dream but a glorious reality that awaits all who trust in Jesus.
For every follower of Christ, heaven is simply going home.
Finding Our Rest in Jesus (July 02, 2024) 23 “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” – Matt. 8:23-27
While on earth, Jesus demonstrated how to have a healthy relationship with God. Everything He did flowed out of a restful dependence on His Father—even when such rest seemed foolish and negligent to those watching Him.
In the text above, we read how Jesus and His disciples were crossing the sea in a small boat during a violent storm, while Jesus slept. I imagine the disciples thinking: “How in the world can He sleeping at a time like this? Doesn’t He see the great danger we are in?”
The disciples saw Jesus’ resting as a sign of negligence (Mark 4:38). But the truth is, God sometimes delays responding to our fears so that we may see a greater display of His glory at work. Upon being woken, Jesus simply spoke to the waves and wind, commanding them to be calm (Mark 4:39), as the disciples witnessed the power of God.
The ability of God the Son to sleep during a violent storm, shows His complete trust in God the Father—something we as disciples are invited to experience, just as the men who were with Jesus. Why fear when the One who spoke the universe into existence is at our side? In times of difficulty and testing, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of our situation. When you find yourself facing such times, I hope you will never lose sight of the truth that God is with us. Always.
Believing God’s Promises (June 25, 2024) (*adapted from an article by Chuck Swindoll) “And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise.” (Hebrews 11:9)
In the book of Genesis, God called Abraham to move to a place where he didn't know a soul. He had no permanent place to live, no community to rely upon for support, and no one to call in times of trouble. When he left Ur, he left the security of a permanent place of residence. He was able to live apart from established and secure human communities only because he "was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations" (Hebrews 11:10).
He was also sustained by God's promise of a son. Many years after Abraham, Paul commented on Abraham's ability to endure difficult circumstances and to remain obedient through years of waiting: "Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah's womb" (Romans 4:19).
Whether living in a tent on foreign land or defying the odds of having a child, Abraham believed the promise. He took the Lord at His word.
Do you believe God? If He says something in His Book, do you look for ways to dodge the issue and rationalize your way around it, or do you see His commands as a personal opportunity to live by faith? Guard against letting the difficulty of a choice keep you from accepting the challenge of doing what He asks. Don't let the odds of any situation keep you from trusting God. The odds will often be stacked against you, or truth be told, you might find yourself blindsided by overwhelming odds. People who live by faith don't focus on actuaries and statistics. When God says, "Go!" people of faith don't waste time calculating the odds. They obey God's instructions and refuse to live on the edge of fear.
How do you respond when God says, "Go!"? What promises of God do you need to cling to today?
Amazing Grace (June 18, 2024) Luke 15:20-24 -- (adapted from an article in In Touch Ministries)
This past Sunday during Lumby Days we held our Sunday service in the park. I spoke on God’s amazing grace, which was demonstrated through His Son, who came ‘down’ to rescue us.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son portrays a beautiful picture of the grace God showers on us when we repent and turn to Him. In this story, the father has been greatly disrespected by his younger son but continues to wait patiently for him to come home. Finally, as the young man is returning, the father runs to meet him and orders the servants to prepare a feast. His eagerness to celebrate his child’s return exemplifies how God stands ready to receive us when we head toward Him. It also provides a perfect model for how we’re to show grace to the prodigals in our own lives.
This illustration of God’s character underscores Paul’s assertion to the Ephesians: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:7-8). When we turn to God, He showers His grace on us. He doesn’t forgive our sins begrudgingly or keep a record of our wrongs. He offers complete redemption that leads to new life.
Do you need that kind of grace today? Know that God stands ready to immerse you in it (John 1:16-17). Or perhaps you need to offer it to someone in your life. Let the image of the forgiving father in today’s passage be a reminder of the grace God calls us to extend every day.
More Than Pausing (June 04, 2024) * from In Touch Canada "2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."- James 1:2-4
Have you ever wondered howto wait? In yesterday’s reading, David said he waited patiently on the Lord. But how did he actually accomplish this? Did he sit around and twiddle his thumbs until he recognized God’s work? Or did he do something while he waited? And how can we best emulate the “man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)? It might seem counterintuitive, but waiting often involves action. The pause sometimes feels quite long, especially if you’re waiting for an answer before moving forward. But there are things both we and the Lord can actively accomplish in the interim. For our part, we should talk to God through prayer about our concerns, dreams, and desires. In the stillness and tension of waiting, we must also read His Word diligently to learn more about His character and love. While we seek the answers, care, and encouragement we need from Him, we develop patience and grow as our faith is strengthened and stretched. During this time of actively waiting, we begin to see what God does. Like David, we will be lifted from a pit, given a firm place to stand, and receive a new song to sing (Psalms 40:2-3). Yes, waiting is so much more than merely pausing—it allows us to experience God in a deeper and more personal way.
God Cares About the Vulnerable (May 08, 2024) Matthew 1:1-17 In light of the recent tragedy in our community, some may wonder if God cares. I offer the following devotion (In Touch Ministries) to show that He, very much, is concerned with the day-to-day struggles we all face.
Matthew mentions only five women in Jesus’ genealogy. That alone makes them remarkable, but their stories are more than mere curiosities. They reorient how we see and value the women among us.
Tamar was the mother of Judah’s sons Perez and Zerah. But Judah wasn’t Tamar’s husband; his son Er was. Er, however, was “evil in the sight of the Lord,” so his life was taken from him (Genesis 38:7). Tamar then married Er’s brother Onan, who also displeased God and died. Though Hebrew custom (and, later, the law) protected a widow by requiring a relative of the deceased to marry her, Judah denied Tamar because he was afraid to lose another son (Genesis 38:11). So, she took matters into her own hands.
Justice for widows is important in God’s eyes. The psalmist, in fact, calls Him “a father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows” (Psalm 68:5). And God’s ultimate judgment of Tamar is in her favor. She gave birth to Perez and Zerah—the twins Judah fathered and direct-line ancestors of Christ.
Psalm 68 also says God “makes a home for the lonely” (Psalm 68:6). We should participate in caring for those who are grieving or vulnerable. This is confirmed in James’ epistle when he calls the care of widows “pure religion” (James 1:27).
May our churches and homes be welcoming places for all who need help.
Jesus, Name Above All Names (April 09, 2024) (In Touch Minitries)9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:9-11
Jesus—God made flesh—didn’t insist on the position and privileges that were rightly His. Instead, He emptied Himself and became a servant. But He didn’t stop at token humility: He took this step all the way to death—in fact, the excruciating and demeaning death by crucifixion. This is a powerful statement of God’s character. What the Lord delights in is not arrogance but a servant’s heart. Jesus set aside power to serve in humility. As believers, we want to gain in Christlikeness, so shouldn’t humble service be our goal as well? To avoid losing sight of this calling, let’s keep in mind the lengths our Father went to: He reached into death and raised Jesus to new life--resurrection life. God highlyexalted the Savior, giving Him the name above every name. Even if we somehow miss the breathtaking scope of the Savior’s love and service during His life on earth, it will be clear when He returns. Philippians 2:10 says that every knee will bow before Jesus. The phrase “in heaven and on earth and under the earth” indicates that everything will worship Him as Lord. In God’s view, the way up is down. We don’t please or honor Him by exalting ourselves. Rather, we pour out what we have in service and humility, to the glory of God the Father.
Making God Our Priority (April 02, 2024) (In Touch Ministries) “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. 7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” - 1 Kings 3:5-14
Imagine if God showed up and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I’ll give it to you.” How would you answer? Most of us would ask for loved ones’ safety, enough money to meet our needs, or a long, healthy life. Solomon may have been tempted to name something similar—but he made a different request. What he wanted was an understanding heart so he could serve God’s people well.
Solomon’s life was full of personal needs and desires not so different from our own. But when given the opportunity to ask God for anything, he prioritized the Lord’s concerns. God was so pleased with the request that He gave Solomon not only wisdom but riches and honor as well (1 Kings 3:13)! This encounter foreshadows Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you” (Matthew 6:33).
God won’t necessarily give wealth, influence, or long life because we put His priorities first, but He will always be faithful to provide all we need according to His purposes. Solomon’s heart was set on seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, and the Lord honored that in a multitude of ways—both tangible and intangible. When we make God’s priorities ours, we too will have the chance to see Him work mightily in our life.
Resurrection Sunday (March 26, 2024) “He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and, on the third day, be raised again.”Luke 24:6-7
The resurrection of Jesus is more than just a day to remember; it’s a time to celebrate the belief that, with God, anything is possible. It's worth noting that while we are not told to remember Jesus’ birth, we are told to remember His death and resurrection. Once we see Jesus for who He is — the Son of God who died for our sin and rose from the grave — we are never the same.
Those who saw Jesus after He rose from the dead were willing to go to their own deaths, proclaiming the message that Jesus was who He claimed. They wrote the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). They started the global church and spent their remaining days spreading the message of the risen Savior. This event, and their belief in it, changed them forever.
In John 20:29, Jesus says that we are even more blessed than His original followers because we believe, without having seen Him face-to-face. Such faith puts an end to the power of sin and shame because we know that “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25). How amazing is that!?
Because Jesus defeated death and offers eternal life, we no longer need to fear persecution--or even death itself. “To live is to live with Jesus, and to die is to be united with Him. Either way, we win.” (Philippians 1:21).
All who have found new life in Christ, can rejoice through trials because we know that God will work in all things--even hardship and pain--to bring good to our lives (Romans 8:28).
May this Resurrection Sunday encourage your heart to trust that Jesus is alive. And through that faith, experience the eternal blessings of God’s love toward us.
Renewing Our Thinking (March 12, 2024) “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” - Romans 12:2 NLT
I don’t know about you, but I find life can be filled with distractions. I wake up intent on spending time reading my Bible, but my phone buzzes, and I pause to read the latest text or Facebook post. Before I know it, I’m out of time and have to rush out the door. So many things complete for my attention, and far too often, I wind up focusing on the temporary, rather than on the eternal.
There are over one hundred Bible verses that mention the importance of focusing on God. Having a right mindset is critical, because we know that how we think ultimately leads to how we act. So, if we're going to a godly life it must begin by having godly thoughts.
So, how do we keep our thoughts on God in a world overflowing with distractions? Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Ask God for help in fighting distractions and in staying focused on Him. Learn to love what He loves and hate what He hates. Of course, this is a lifelong process (and daily) struggle. It is not easy to always focus on the eternal because what is temporary constantly clamours for our attention.
As you struggle to focus on God be encouraged—He is patient and gives grace and mercy whenever we fall short. The Bible tells us that His ‘mercies’ are new every morning; each day is a new opportunity to become more Christ-like in our thoughts, speech, and actions.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Being Thankful (March 05, 2024) “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Our scripture text this past Sunday (see verse above) reminded us that Paul was continually thankful for the believers in Thessalonica for three things: their faith, their love, and their hope. In the New Testament, these three are listed as fundamental characteristics of those who know Christ as their Savior. One such example is in 1 Corinthains 13:13: “And now abides faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.”
Faith, hope, and love are words of action not mere concepts. As we come to know God more fully, we recognize how faith works, love labors and hope endures. The apostle Paul sums up the idea of the Thessaloninas work of faith (1 Thess. 1:9) when he mentions how they had turned from idols, to serve the living and true God. They did not merely come to believe differently, it led to different actions.
Faith leads us to turn from what is wrong to what is right. And faith will turn us from the worship of empty and meaningless idols to the living God who offers eternal life.
Not Luck, but Christ (February 27, 2024) *submitted by Marvin Williams
Discover magazine suggests that there are around 700 quintillion (7 followed by 20 zeros) planets in the universe, but only one like Earth. Astrophysicist Erik Zackrisson said that one of the requirements for a planet to sustain life is to orbit in the “Goldilocks” zone, where the temperature is just right and water can exist. Out of 700 quintillion planets, Earth seems to be one planet where conditions are just right. Zackrisson concluded that Earth somehow had been dealt a “fairly lucky hand.” Paul assured the Colossian believers that the universe existed, not because of Lady Luck, but because of the work of Jesus. The apostle presents Christ as the Creator of the world (Colossians 1:16). “For in him all things were created.” Not only was Jesus the powerful creator of the world, but Paul says that “in him all things hold together” (v. 17)—a world that’s not too hot and not too cold, but one that’s just right for human existence. What Jesus created, He’s sustaining with His perfect wisdom and unceasing power. As we participate in and enjoy the beauty of creation, let’s choose not to point to the random activity of Lady Luck, but to the purposeful, sovereign, powerful and loving One who possesses “all [God’s] fullness” (v. 19).
Safe In Jesus (February 20, 2024) “Neither give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27).
Until we learn to stand on the Word of God, we risk being used as pawns of the devil. One of the main weapons helping us stand firm is to know our identity in Jesus Christ. Time and again God’s Word tells believers they belong to Him, and, that salvation results in becoming a new creation.
Satan may challenge us; he may raise all sorts of questions about our identity, but he can raise no question regarding our worthiness or acceptance by our Saviour.
To be forgiven, is to stand on an altogether new ground with God; the ground of grace—given freely by Christ--to all who place hope in Him.
Oh, what a joy it is to know and have confidence in this ‘truth.’ “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.'" (John 8:32)
"Your great accuser, the Devil, is going about like a roaring lion to see whom he can devour. Withstand him, firm in your faith." (1 Pet. 5: 8-9).
“A Satanic Lullaby” (February 13, 2024) *This is a devotion by Tim Pippus: lead pastor, Hope For Life Christian Fellowship. “With God all things are possible.” Matt 19:26
An American man had married an Iranian woman. They’d served the exploding Church in Iran together. If you sat down for coffee with them, you’d hear stories of persecution, huge numbers coming to Christ, persecution, miracles, daring steps of obedience, and, did I mention, persecution?
The danger was extreme, eventually leading them to go to America. After several months, the wife begged her husband to take her back to Iran. She preferred the danger of persecution to the serenade of affluence, individualism, comfort, and control. She told him she sensed a “satanic lullaby” being sung over her, lulling her to a life of ease.
It’s hard to follow Jesus in the West.
The urge to lower our voices and not offend with the truth of the gospel is extreme. We are enticed rather than opposed. Jesus warned that worries, riches, and pleasures would suffocate the faith of many (Mark 4).
It’s hard to follow Jesus in the West.
We’re rich by any global standard, but most of us can’t find a way to tithe.
We have good news, but most of us are too busy, distracted or comfortable to share it.
We don’t see many miracles. We don’t see many conversions. We have little time for God or each other.
Disciples and churches alike go through moments and seasons of openness, hunger, and wakefulness. We know there is more and long for it. Yet we so easily and quickly fall asleep again.
It’s hard to follow Jesus in the West.
We read, “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). What if we wake up and seek Him together? What if we place our calendars, bank accounts, attachments and words at His disposal? What if we seek first the Kingdom and prioritize God’s mission?
Like a patient Father with a teenager, God is waiting for His Church in the West to wake from our Saturday morning slumber, join Him at His table, and then get to the work of the day with Him.
We rightly conclude that He’ll challenge our affluence, individualism, comfort and control. However, we shouldn’t fear this. He is the way, truth and life (John 14:6), not the wrecker of lives. He says, “I’ve told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).
Are you/we awake?
Prayer: Lord, help us to see ourselves, this world, and You in truth. Revive our churches and empower us to follow You where we are. Raise up a faithful people once again. Amen.
“Think on These Things.” (February 6, 2024) “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on such things.”Philippians 4:8
A Christian counselor once asked a small group: “If I told you to think about what you had for breakfast today, could you do it?” They all nodded affirmatively. Then he asked, “What if I told you to feel happy on demand? Or sad, or angry? Could you do that?”
Talk about a curveball!
The point is that we have greater control over our thought life than we do over our emotions. With the help of God’s Spirit, we can “set [our] minds on things above” (Col. 3:2). And when we do, our emotions often follow. But even so, we can’t just muster up joy on a moment’s notice.
On that point, it's interesting that Paul would say to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). How on earth were they supposed to do that? We must understand the difference between happiness and joy. Joy is a state or a condition that comes from God and is not dependant on what happens to us. Happiness is a temporary emotion that comes from external circumstances. We can have joy, even in difficult times, if/when we focus on the good things that God has promised.
Spend time today pondering what “right thinking” might look like in your life. What do you need to change to achieve that goal?
No Fear in Love (January 23, 2024) (from In Touch Ministries) “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” - 1 John 4:7-9
If you’ve ever enlisted in the military, joined a rescue team, or even given birth to a baby, you know people don’t take on dangerous tasks because they falsely believe the mission is safe. No, we agree to face potential peril because someone or something we love dearly is worth taking any risk.
This can help us understand why God so often tells His followers not to be afraid and then gives encouragement to boldly move forward in obedience, courage, and trust. While fear may spur us to action, love is a more powerful motivator. We will do out of love what we would never do out of fear.
So divine love compels us. God—who created this world, who took on flesh to walk among us and redeem us, who died to save us—has given us perfect love. And we demonstrate this love from God by loving each other. Even when we are afraid.
What a mission God has given us—to both receive His perfect love and demonstrate it to each other. In the process of carrying out that mission, we will find that where love abounds, there’s no room left for our fears.
"No Worries." (January 09, 2024) Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.”Luke 12:22
It is difficult not to worry sometimes—especially in the face of hardship or uncertainty. Even though we live in a world full of disappointment and frustration, Jesus calls us to trust God ... in everything. Why? Because, as Philippians 4:19 assures us, “… God will meet all [our] needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
In a world that gives the opposite message God’s Word reminds us that life is worth more than all the riches the world has to offer. Instead of worrying, we are encouraged to seek first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”), trusting that God not only knows our needs, but will provide for them.
As we begin 2024, I encourage you to put God first. As you do, you may just be surprised how the One who promised never to leave you is faithful. “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Be blessed—and be a blessing!
Here's to New Beginnings (January 02, 2024) “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.”Exodus 13:21
I like the idea of a new year. It’s an opportunity to say good-bye to past mistakes and get excited about the future. Which is great because we could likely all point to things we said or did in 2023 that we would just as soon forget.
Thankfully, God "goes ahead" guiding us into new opportunities and new beginnings. As the verse above says, He went before the nation of Israel (in the desert) and, He goes ahead of us, too, leading and helping us to learn from our mistakes.
Before we get too far into 2024, I want to encourage you to spend time reflecting on 2023. Go through your calendar and pray over the places, people, and decisions you can learn from. Then roll up your sleeves and ‘jump into’ 2024 with both feet.
What comfort it is knowing that God is already waiting for us in the future. Thank You, Jesus, for carving a path for us and covering it in Your protection.
Trusting God for the ‘Impossible’ (December 19, 2023) “Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.’” - Luke 1:34-37
Christmastime challenges us to think about Christ coming to earth. Some rejoice at the idea of God adding a human nature, while others scoff. Admittedly, this is a difficult concept to comprehend. However, it does not depend on full understanding in order to be true.
This is true of a lot of things. Most of us have no clue how a cell phone works. We know we can call people and do our banking with it. But if asked to draw a schematic showing its inner workings, most would be lost. There are things we don’t fully understand, yet we experience and believe them all the same.
In the passage above, Mary asks: “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” People say, “The Virgin Birth is a biological impossibility.” To which the angel responds, “Is there anything too hard for God? With God all things are possible.”
Many reject the idea of Jesus as ‘God in the flesh’ because it is hard to comprehend. So, how can we trust it?
I encourage you to spend time pondering difficult things you don’t comprehend, yet experience and believe nonetheless. Like, ... how can a brown cow, eat great grass, give us white milk, which we then churn into yellow butter. On a more serious note, think of what it means that the God of the universe stepped into time and space to save us from sin.
Biblical faith does not require a blind leap into the dark. However, it does include trust. Especially in areas where we still have questions. The good news is God has answers for our questions. Read His Word with an open heart, and He will reveal Himself. The amazing thing about Christmas is that God came as a baby, who would grow up to be Redeemer of all who place their trust in Him.
May you walk in faith each day. Especially on days where you do not, yet, fully understand a matter.
Living 'Ready’ (December 13, 2023) 9 “What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.”Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 (ESV)
North American culture seems intent on trying to postpone death. Eating right, exercising, and vitamins—we try them all to extend our lives. This is not a bad thing, but we need to consider the motive behind wanting to live as long as possible.
For example, knowing our body is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16), ought to motivate us to care for His dwelling place. On the other hand, if we’re trying to live longer simply because we’re afraid of dying, that is not of God because His Word teaches us that fear is not from Him (2 Timothy 1:7). Since Jesus died in our place, all who trust Him as Savior can trust that physical death only leads the believer home to be with God (2 Corinthians 5:8).
The first step in removing the fear of death is to ensure we know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Next, live a life that is according to His will. Since it’s inevitable that life on earth will one day end, it’s prudent to ask, ‘How can I best live in order to be ready to meet God, when my time comes?’
“Not Forgotten” (December 05, 2023)
by Chuck Swindoll
At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.Esther 2:5–7
God's presence is not as intriguing as His absence. His voice is not as eloquent as His silence. Who of us has not longed for a word from God, searched for a glimpse of His power, or yearned for the reassurance of His presence, only to feel that He seems absent for the moment? Distant. Preoccupied. Maybe even unconcerned. Yet later, we realize how very present He was all along.
Though God may at times seem distant, and though He is invisible to us, He is always invincible. This is the main lesson of the book of Esther. Though absent by name from the pages of this particular book of Jewish history, God is present in every scene and in the movement of every event, until He ultimately and finally brings everything to a marvelous climax as He proves Himself Lord of His people, the Jews.
Mordecai was a descendant of one of those exiled Jews. He was a godly man, and his most significant role was his relationship to Esther.
Esther, which is this young woman's Persian name, means "star." This seems appropriate, since she is truly the star of the show, the heroine of the story. The immortal, invisible, all-wise hand of God is working behind the scenes, hidden from human eyes. Only such a gracious and all-knowing Being would have His hand on some forgotten orphan, a little girl who had lost her mother and father and was left to be raised by her cousin Mordecai.
There is a beautiful message here for anyone who has ever experienced brokenness, for anyone who has ever been crushed by life, for anyone who has ever felt that his past is so discolored, so disjointed, so fractured that there is no way in the world God can make reason and meaning out of it. We are going to learn some unforgettable lessons from Esther. Here was a little girl who must have cried her heart out at the death of her parents, bereft and orphaned, yet who, years later, would become key to the very survival of her people, the Jews. God and God alone can do such things—He, in fact, does do such things, working silently and invisibly behind the events of history.
And he is working quietly behind the scenes of your life too.
Upside Down … for Jesus (November 21, 2023) 6 But when they did not find them (Paul and Silas), they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.Acts 17:6-9
The apostles were effective in their preaching and it brought them all kinds of opposition. An angry mob, looking for Paul and Silas settled for roughing up Jason and those found in his home. The mob brought them before city officials and charged them with “turning the world upside down.” The irony is, according to the bible, they should have been charged with “turning the world right side up” because the gospel heals all who come into a right relationship with God.
Jason and company were also accused of opposing Caesar by refusing to bow to him. What we see is early Christians refusing to go along rather than betray their allegiance to Jesus. Jason and the others were let go after posting bail but, along with Christians throughout all ages, they would daily count the cost of turning the world to Jesus Christ.
C. H. Spurgeon wrote: “If any of you would be saved your hearts must be turned upside down. I will now appeal to you, and ask you whether you have ever felt this---whether you know the meaning of it?”
Keeping God’s Word in Our Heart (October 31, 2023) “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”Psalm 119:9-11
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the whole Bible. It’s believed to have been written by Ezra during the time the Jews returned to Israel from Babylon (c. 458 BC). The entire psalm is about God’s Word. Each section begins with a Hebrew letter, and each verse in that section begins with that letter, with every verse mentioning the Old Testament in some form or another.
In verse nine Ezra asks an important question: How can a young man keep his way pure? Young people go through incredible change—physical, mental, and emotional—with no experience on how to deal with those changes. The world certainly does not help with respect to personal holiness, either. It encourages young people to sin against God without so much as a second thought.
What advice can we give young people who want to serve God? The Holy Spirit encourages us to spend time in God's Word, contemplating what it says. But that alone is not enough. We must seek God with all our heart, asking Him to give us the strength to be obedient to what we have heard.
Memorize what God says. Keep His words in our heart, like a hidden treasure, brought out to enjoy and examine often. Each day we have opportunity to spend time with God, thanking Him for the good things He brings us. Remember this simple thought: sin will keep you from His Word, or His Word will keep you from sin.
Young or old (with a young heart), I hope you will take time to reflect on God’s words. Make them part of you by committing them to memory.
Strong to the Finish Line. (Oct. 10, 2023) “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Have you ever been so discouraged that you felt like giving up? I have. And I’ve spoken with several people lately who find themselves in that place now. Whenever I think of such times, my mind goes to verses like the one above. These are not just mere words—these are God’s Word. His promise to never leave us can bring us peace and assurance in the face of hard times.
This past Sunday I shared the story of Florence Chadwick, who was the first women to swim the English Channel—both ways. Two years later, in 1952, she attempted to be the first woman to swim from Catalina Island to the coast of California, twenty-two miles away.
Florence set out that cold foggy morning, with her mother and others alongside in boats to guide and encourage her. After swimming fifteen hours straight, she begged to be taken out of the water. Her mother told her she could make it, but Florence simply gave up. When she was lifted into the boat, she learned they were just half a mile from the shore.
In an interview the next day Florence said, “I did not quit because I was tired—though I was. I did not quit because it was cold—though it was. I quit because it was foggy, and I just could not see the shore.”
Have you ever felt like giving up because you could not see your way to the end? Discouragement is strongest when we lose hope. In difficult times, holding on can seem impossible, but by placing hope in God, and trusting His promise (that He never leave or forsake us), we find strength that will carry us across the finish line.
I’d be remiss if I only told you half of Florence's story. Two weeks after begging to be lifted out of the water, she attempted the swim a second time. Once again, the day was cold and foggy. This time, however, she kept a clear image of the finish line in mind. With renewed confidence she attacked the waves and made it to shore—beating the men’s record by a full two hours.
I hope that whenever life surrounds you with doubt and fills your heart with discouragement, you keep a clear mental picture of God's promises and of the finish line ... all the way to the very end.
Looking For Faith in All the Wrong Places (Oct. 03, 2023)
Everywhere Jesus went He looked for faithful people. Instead of finding it where one might expect, He found it in the most unlikely places. And by pointing that out, He set the theology of the religious leaders on end. Jesus found faith:
In a packed room (Mt. 9:1-8) The crowds surrounding Jesus prevented any access to Him. But four men found a way to get to Him. They simply ripped open the roof and lowered their paralyzed friend down. What was it that led them to such drastic measures? "When Jesus saw their faith..." (Mk. 2:5; Mt. 9:2; Lk. 5:20). Faith … penetrated a crowd of unbelief, received healing from Jesus, and walked away forgiven, while the crowd left untouched.
At the side of a lake (Mk. 2:13-17) A crowd gathered by the lake to hear Jesus and were astonished to find He had singled out a tax-collector named Levi to follow Him. Levi then invited all his friends—"tax collectors and sinners"—to meet Jesus. It’s in this "unlikely" group that Jesus found faith. Remember … Jesus did not come "to call the righteous, but sinners" to Himself (9:13).
During a fast (Mt. 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22) John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and some questioned Jesus about not following the rules. Jesus responded by saying He had not come to rescue the old, but to implement the new: "No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved" (Mk. 2:21-22; Mt. 9:16-17; Lk. 5:36-38). Jesus came to do what the Mosaic Law could not—provide forgiveness and offer eternal life.
In a cornfield on the Sabbath (Mt. 12:1-6) When Jesus picked wheat on the Sabbath (because He was hungry) the Pharisees confronted Him—all for the sake of appearing to be religious. Jesus then used a familiar story about King David to rebut them, saying, "But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless'" (Mt. 12:7). It was the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, not the eating, that was the real issue.
Jesus destroys the self-righteous theology of anyone wanting to live like a Pharisee. He didn’t come to prop up a faith-less religion, but to replace it with a relationship—which anyone can have, simply by placing faith in Him.
A Good Name (Sept. 19, 2023) “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1
I just returned from the funeral of a nephew, and it was great to see the place packed. It seems he had a good reputation within the community. There is a lot to be said about living in such a way that people will miss us when we are gone. As the verse above suggests, having a good name is better than having great riches (Prov. 22:1), but a good reputation don’t always reflect what goes on inside us. We see this in the New Testament with the city of Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6). Sardis was built high up in the cliffs (1,500-feet up) and was thought to be impenetrable. But twice in its history Sardis was destroyed by invaders, and both times it was because pride led them to think they were invincible.
The church in Sardis had, apparently, adopted the mindset of the city. It assumed everything was good between them and God, and while they went through the motions, they had become indifferent toward God. Their gatherings may have made visitors think the church was on fire, but behind the lovely voices were cold hearts. The same can be true for us; the profession of faith we made years (or even days) ago can hide the reality of apathy toward God.
Jesus warned Sardis to be watchful and to strengthen their faith. So, while we can still feel the encouragement of His Word and Holy Spirit, we must remember to fan the flame. What we know to be good, do. What we know to be evil, stop. God gladly restores all who turn to Him, but we must not assume our relationship with Him is good based on a commitment we made 30 years ago. Don’t allow how others define your relationship with God deceive you. Instead, let your confidence be built on a daily, personal, walk with the living God.
Does God Know When We Struggle? (Sept. 05, 2023) Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. - Matthew 14:22-24
Everyone—even Christians—has problems. We can all share stories of how our happiest moments were spoiled by trouble. We often struggle to find joy because of things we go through. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Christ-followers know Jesus loves them. He demonstrated that love by going to the cross and removing our sin.
It’s when we struggle that Jesus steps into our turmoil and says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Even though He was not with the disciples, Jesus knew where they were and what their needs were. In a storm—unable to make headway in the strong wind against the waves, they struggled all night and were still three miles from shore. But even in the darkness and from that distance, Jesus knew exactly where His friends were. Impossible for the ordinary man—but not for the Son of God.
Be encouraged. Jesus knows where we are at all times. He knows the difficulties we’re going through. From the top of a mountain, He saw the disciples in need of help. And now, from heaven, He sees our every struggle.
When you cry out for help, don’t fear that He won't find you. He sees you, knows your need, and can reach you … wherever you are.
A Date With Death (August 29, 2023) Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. – Hebrews 9:27-28
You may recall the old saying that there are two things in life that are certain: death & taxes. Are you ready for the day your moment will come? It could be today; we simply do not know. Barring the return of Jesus, we will all, one day, breathe our last.
Hebrews 9:27 begins, “And just as it is appointed for people to die once...” The word “appointed” means “to be laid up” or “to be laid aside.” We can also translate it as “reserved.”
When you make a reservation at a hotel, it means that, for that night, a specific room has been laid aside for you and for no one else. The Bible says that every one of us has a reservation with death. We didn’t make it; God did.
Are you ready? Do you know where you will spend eternity?
How wonderful it is to know that we need not fear anything—not even death, so long as our hope is in Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Peace in the Face of Suffering (August 16, 2023) “Yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.” Acts 7:57-58
In Acts 7, we read about the first Christian martyr, Stephen, who just retold the story of God’s promise to Abraham—how God would “bless the nations” through Abraham’s lineage . Stephen explained how that promise to Israel found its fulfillment through the death of Jesus (Acts 7:2-50). Stephen then charged the high priest and ruling class of Israel with the murder of God’s “Righteous One,” Jesus Christ. The rulers became so enraged that they dragged Stephen outside the city walls and stoned him to death.
Let me suggest something amazing about the tragic death of Stephen. Even as he was dying, Stephen understood that the power of God’s presence with him, as he saw heaven open, and Jesus welcoming him “home.”
Tough times (even those that seem to serve no good purpose) can provide an opportunity to truly know the "peace that passes all understanding." Suffering can be difficult. Sometimes unbearably so. It can also provide the opportunity to draw us closer to Jesus.
Someone once said that, perhaps the best question to ask in hard times is not so much “Why?” as “What are You trying to show me, God?”
May you look for what God is wanting you to learn--in good and hard times alike.
Free To Love (August 08, 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…We love because He first loved us.” - 1 John 4:10, 19
Richard Wurmbrand spent 14 years in prison in Communist Romania, all for the crime of professing his faith in Christ. He was tortured and placed in solitary confinement for several years. Yet his love for Jesus did not waver, as not even the horrors of prison could prevent him from spreading the Gospel.
In his book, Tortured for Christ, he wrote: “Without fear we sang in prisons 30 feet beneath the earth. We were terribly hungry, beaten, and tortured. The Communists were good at torturing us. We would say to each other, ‘the Communists beat us very well – let us do our work well. Let us sing well.’”
How do you define freedom? Are you free today? Or do "unseen bars" hold you back from worshipping God?
Even in prison, Wurmbrand was free, in spirit. He was free to believe. Free to hope. Free to pray. Free to sing. He was even free to die for Christ. All because he trusted God’s amazing love. A love that sets us free from sin.
There is simply no greater freedom than that.
A Friend of the Highest Order (August 01, 2023) “Melchizedek king of Salem . . . was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram. . . . Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” Genesis 14:18-20
As is often the case, it’s not what you know but who you know that counts. The same can be said about our spiritual life: what matters most (for our salvation) is not what we know but who we know. For Christians, Jesus is Lord of all that we have and all that we are. As King and Priest, He is rightly seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven as well as being seated on the throne of our hearts.
In Genesis 14 (which is referred to in Hebrews 7) we read of Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek—a man who held a high position of authority in the ancient world. A mysterious figure in Scripture, Melchizedek was both a king and a priest of the highest order. And yet, being of superior status, he came with the intent to bless Abraham. And in response, Abraham responded by giving a tenth of his possessions to this great king.
On multiple levels, Melchizedek represents Jesus Christ, who is our great High Priest and eternal King. Mighty in power, Jesus came in grace to bless and forgive. In response, we acknowledge His rightful rule over us. It is only fitting that we express our gratitude by returning a portion of all that we have and all that we are to Him.
Praise God! Having this Friend, who is in the highest place, means that we can “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time[s] of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).
We CAN Trust God (July 11,2023) The Lord said to Abram . . . “All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.” Genesis 13:14-15
Do you remember the story of Abraham and his nephew, Lot, when they came into the land they would possess? I read that story many times before I saw something I'd missed. As the elder family member, Abraham had the right to choose which section of land he would take for himself. Yet, he surrendered that right, allowing Lot to choose first.
By setting his sights on greater things, Abraham was able to trust God to take care of him. By faith, Abraham handed his circumstances to the Lord rather than allowing his possessions to possess him. And doing so freed him to enjoy God’s blessings, rather than struggling to hold onto what will pass away anyway.
Have you ever struggled to hold onto something, rather than trusting God to provide for your needs?
By faith, Abraham held the things of this world loosely. And so, he received more than he gave up. God promised that one day all of the land Abraham around him would belong to him and to his descendants. All the land promises to Israel was fulfilled in the time of Joshua, "Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass." Joshua 21:45.
God will honor anyone who yields their personal rights and surrenders their resources for His greater purposes.
In Abraham's choice we are pointed to Jesus, who gave up His rights for a more glorious purpose. Philippians 2:6-9 explains that Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,” but instead “emptied Himself” for our sake. And in doing that, He received “the name that is above every name.”
You can trust that God will bless all those who offer Him -- not only their today, but -- their future.
“Trusting God in Bad Times” (June 20, 2023) “… do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matt. 6:13
There are many questions people have for God, such as:
“Why am I here?”
“Is Jesus really Divine?”
“Who created God?”
But the number one question I hear people ask is, “Why is there so much pain and suffering?”
When you consider the countless wars, the injustice and natural disasters that have caused so much pain and heartache, it’s easy to find ourselves questioning God’s character by asking, “WHY?
“If God is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet doesn’t stop evil, why should I believe in Him?” Or, “If He can’t do anything about it, then He can’t be much of a God, can He.”
God tends to get blamed for a lot of man’s evil because we forget He has given humanity free will. Ironically, the more victimized people are by man’s evil, the more they tend to blame God. Yet, we’re not mere computers that are programmed to do good or evil. Like God, we have the ability to make choices.
So, why does an all-loving and all-powerful God allow suffering and evil? The truth is there is no satisfactory answer. While we will one day have an answer, it seems for now that God wants us to trust Him amid our heartbreak and confusion.
To believe He really can bring good out of the bad.
There is no problem that He is not aware of, and that He will not make right. The question is, “Do we trust Him?”
The Valley of the Shadow of Death (June 13, 2023) “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” — Psalm 23:4
Years ago, I took my motorcycle into the hills above Kelowna, where I rode, hiked, and swam for the entire day. As I prepared to leave home that day my neighbor asked, “Is it safe to go into the hills all alone?” I was young enough to think it was a crazy question then, but, as an older man I understand the wisdom of that inquiry. Looking back on some of the things I did I suspect the only explanation for my existence today is divine intervention. That said I know I am never alone.
In Psalm 23, God promises to protect His people in the challenging, difficult circumstances of life. Among those promises is the assurance of His presence. God promises to walk with us through green pastures and along babbling brooks when life’s pathways are clear and smooth. He also promises to be with us through thorny stretches, and even through “the darkest valley,” where we may face “the shadow of death,” as some translations put it. Those are paths that we tremble even to think about.
Consider the assurance God gives concerning His protection. “I am with you.” This means that wherever we walk, and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we are never alone. Who is our Redeemer? He is Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
Psalm 23 doesn’t promise that our lives will always be easy—or even safe. But God’s promise of continued presence in our lives, means we can walk boldly with Him wherever we are.
“He Cares For You” (May 17, 2023) “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
It’s Wednesday at 11:00 am, and mom is resting. So, I decided this would be a good time to catch up on Weekly Musings. I travelled to Saskatchewan this past Sunday to take a turn caring for mom. My siblings and I decided after dad died (February 2022) that mom would not go into a care home, even though she is not able to be on her own any longer. That decision has led to juggling—a lot for some, less for others. I’m only here for three weeks, but already I see just how complex this journey will be.
I know God said He'd be with us "no matter what," but sometimes "no matter what" can be really big, dark, and consuming. As mom and I sat reading devotionals from a Max Lucado book last night, we were reminded that our circumstances don't dictate a change in His promise. Whether we feel like we are walking in circles in the wilderness, sitting life out in a prison cell, or waiting for God to crown us with His promises - our purpose is to find out Who He really is.
God showed Israel His power first and His character second. We can learn both no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
Today, I purpose to know God's character - what He likes, and what He doesn't. I want to know who He is, not just what He can do. I'll be content in this passage as I know it will lead me to His promise. And I'll be thankful that He doesn't abandon me in the process; He just continues to reveal His purpose and promise in me and for me. I believe I can trust Him for one more day. I encourage you to join me.
Look Above the Sun to the Son! (May 02, 2023) “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of all mankind.”--Ecclesiastes 12:13
By the time he wrote these words, Solomon was an old man. The book of Ecclesiastes is his final word to the nation of Israel. His conclusion is ... pursuing anything this side of the sun will only lead to emptiness: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of all mankind.”
Leading up to this Solomon tells his readers to remember their Creator “before the silver cord is severed and the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:6-7). These are images about decomposition; Solomon is talking about dying. Anything that is material will perish except for our spirits, which will return to God.
The writer of Hebrews says, “For it is appointed unto man to die once, and after that to face judgment...” (Hebrews 9:27). On that day, we will not have any good works to appeal to—only the righteousness of Jesus, accounted to us by the Holy Spirit. Solomon, the wisest man in the world, looked long and hard at his life—both with God and apart from God. In the end, he came this single conclusion: “Remember your Creator … for this is the whole duty of man.”
God has revealed Himself in creation, in Scripture, in conscience and in Jesus Christ. Abraham Lincoln wrote, “I never gaze at the stars without feeling that I am looking into the face of God. I can see how it might be possible for man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist because of all the mess of humanity, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the sky and say, ‘There is no God.’”
Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God has placed (awareness of) eternity in our hearts. There is more to life than our experience on earth. There is ‘something’ outside of ourselves we all need to connect with. For Solomon that something is “… your Creator.”
Only by looking above the sun--to the Son, do we find meaning and purpose.
“The Purpose of Signs” (April 26, 2023) John 11:1-45.
Signs call our attention to any number of places or things. We see them on highways; exit signs, directional signs, wildlife warnings, all pointing beyond the sign itself. Travel from one side of Canada to the other and you'll know you've passed from one Province to the next--not by the landscape but--by a sign.
Upon hearing that His friend was sick, Jesus intentionally waited before heading to Lazarus’ home, arriving four days after he died. When Lazarus' sister, Martha, met Jesus on the road, she said, “If only you had been here, he would not have died!” After a brief conversation about life and death, Jesus said, “I Am the resurrection and the life.”
By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus pointed beyond the “shadow” to the “reality” showing Him as the “resurrection and the life.”
It is interesting then, that the raising of Lazarus happens as Jesus is headed to Jerusalem to face His own death and resurrection. And while Lazarus faced death a second time, Jesus was the first to rise, never to die again. It's into this life that all placing their hope and faith in Jesus are invited.
“Living Hope” (April 18, 2023) "He has given us new birth into a living hope." 1 Peter 1:3
Well, it’s happened—the Vancouver Canucks once again failed to make the playoffs. I hoped my team would make a deep run for the Stanley Cup, but it was not to be.
The word hope can be a noun or a verb. When I “hope” for my team to win, with hope being a “verb” I want something to happen. But when I have “noun-hope,” I have the assured expectation that something will happen. For Christians, the hope Jesus gives us through His resurrection is not a wanting or wishful hope, but an assured expectation of what we know is to come.
Peter explains that Christians are given a “new birth into a living hope” (v. 3). It’s similar to what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that when a person places their trust in Jesus, they become a “new creature.” We are given a new life and a new identity. In verse three, Peter is using hope as a noun. It is so much more than a want or a desire. It is a joyful and confident expectation.
In verse four Peter says that the new birth also gives us an eternal inheritance. Unlike an earthly inheritance, the one God promies can “never perish, spoil or fade” (vv. 4–7).
Our hope in Christ is not wishful thinking, but an assured expectation of what awaits all who place their hope in Him.
Unexpected Responses At The Cross “The centurion … praised God … The people … beat their breasts … Those who knew him … stood at a distance, watching these things.” Luke 23:47-49
What a scene it must have been at the foot of the cross. The religious leaders were confident that they were in control. After all, there was Jesus—nailed to a cross. They’d mocked and beaten Him and now He was dead, having done nothing. Besides, what could He have done?
I sit here this morning, trying to imagine how the soldiers must have felt when they first noticed that the sun had stopped shining. I’d love to have seen the reaction of the Pharisees as they realized that the temple curtain was torn—from the top, to the bottom. How humbling it would have been to watch panic set in as they began to understand that they'd never really been in control at all.
In contrast, I think of the control Jesus showed, as in a loud voice and with His last breath, the Son of God offered His spirit to God the Father—thus fulfilling His purpose and mission with the simple words, "It is finished."
Imagine what it would be like as a witness, to suddenly realize what--exactly--had just happened. The Roman centurion, of all people, praised God and commented on Jesus’ righteousness. Did he even believe in God? The crowds beat their chests, as a sign of deep sorrow. Why so sad, now? Weren’t you mocking Jesus just moments before? And Jesus’ followers, standing off at a distance, with no idea what to do, now that their Messiah was gone.
All these unexpected reactions make me think of how I feel ... when I realize/remember that God is in control, always. How comforting it is to know that His purposes can never be thwarted.
May reflecting on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus fill you with gratitude, and a deeper understanding of what exactly happened at the cross.
“It Is Finished—Jesus Paid It All!” “Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” John 19:30
We're approaching that time of year when the world pauses (if ever so briefly) to acknowledge Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. It is worth noting that just before He died on the cross, Jesus uttered a single Greek word--a cry of triumph--which translates into three English words: “It is finished.”
The Greek word tetélestai also has three meanings, all pointing to Jesus’ completed work in saving all who place their faith in Him.
First, it was used when a task had been completed. For example, when a son finished work on a project, he would say to his father, “Tetélestai,” meaning, “The work you entrusted to me is done.”
Second, it was used to speak of paying off a debt. When a person paid off a debt the legal authorities would stamp the document “Tetélestai,” meaning, “The debt has been paid.”
Third, it was used to identify a person’s possession of a deed. When someone bought a piece of property and had paid for it in full, they received the deed with the inscription “Tetélestai,” meaning, “You have the right of possession.”
In offering His life on the cross, Jesus completed the work the Father had entrusted to Him so that we could be saved from sin and death. On the cross He paid our debt in full, opening the way to eternal life for us. This is what we celebrate: the forgiveness and salvation we are freely offered—all because of Christ’s finished work.
How amazing it is, that all who place faith in Him receive the right to take possession of eternal life.
Jesus—Our Perfect Savior (March 21, 2023) “You know that He appeared that He might take away our sin. And in Him is no sin.” 1 John 3:5
I suspect that at least once in your life someone has said to you, “I have good news, and I have bad news. Which do you want first?” If you are like me you said, “The bad news.”
Well, here’s the bad news. We all stand condemned before God because of our rebellion against Him. To make matters worse, there is nothing we can do to make ourselves right with God. We are all worthy of eternal separation from God.
Now for the good news. While it’s obvious that we desperately need help, the Bible makes it clear that Christ alone is qualified to save us.
Why Jesus only? It’s because God’s moral law requires perfect obedience. From His birth to His death, only Jesus was perfectly obedient to God’s law. So, only in Him can new life be found.
Here is more good news. While we were still ‘spiritually dead in sin’ the Father loved us enough to send His Son to restore us to God.
Even if you have known this good news for some time now, I encourage you to savor it anew this week. Let it wash over you each day, prompting you to love God and your neighbor, even more.
If you’ve only known the bad news, may the Spirit of God move your heart to see and confess the name of our perfect Savior, Christ Jesus, today!
Our Greatest Treasure (March 15, 2023) “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.” Matthew 13:44
I remember reading Treasure Island when I was 9 or 10. I don't recall how many nights I spent reading, under the covers by flashlight, well past the time mom said, "lights out." For a boy who grew up without TV, books were the medium that brought life to life. I was fascinated by Robert Louis Stevenson’s tale of pirate gold, stolen from Spanish sailors, who had stolen it from the Incas, who in turn had invaded the lands of others, who then built an empire in the Andes. Stevenson's story of pirates burying gold on a Caribbean Island, along with the map showing its whereabouts, that was lost , then found, and of the crowds from England setting off in search of the treasure, was simply mesmerizing.
In Jesus’ parable about hidden treasure, He doesn’t focus on where the treasure came from, who might have known about it in the past, and so on. That isn’t the purpose of the parable. The important points are that (1) the Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure worth more than anything we could ever discover, and (2) sometimes people stumble upon it unexpectedly.
It's relatively easy to get caught up in the struggles of life: getting an education, finding the perfect job, the right spouse, raising kids, keeping healthy, growing old, and, eventually, facing death. With all these demands it's tempting to dismiss the idea of eternal life as mere fantasy. Like those who stayed in England and never joined the search on Treasure Island, it can be appealing to write off the idea of eternal treasure awaiting those who place their hope in Jesus. What a joy, then, to discover that He came to show God’s love--not for just a few--but for all who disire it! Eternal life and the Kingdom of Heaven are so much greater than any treasure we could find, in any field, or on any island.
I encourage you to seek Jesus, ... the treasure, who longs to be found.
“He Touched Me” (February 21, 2023) “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. …” Revelation 1:17-18
I watched a video last week that showed two police officers on the side of the road talk a soldier out of committing suicide. After convincing the man to put his gun down and step out of the car, one of the officers asked if the man needed anything. In a shaky voice, the distraught man replied, “I could use a hug.”
There are times when we just need a hug. A touch. Anything to assure us that we’re not alone.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus touched the untouchable (at least in the eyes of society). People with leprosy cried out for healing, Jesus touched them. He touched the eyes of the blind. And that amazes me since Jesus did not need to touch them to heal them. He could have simply said, “Be healed.” Yet He touched them to assure them they were important, and they were not alone.
In Revelation 1:17-18) John the Apostle fell at Jesus’ feet in fear. Jesus responded by reaching out, placing His right hand on him, saying, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus is the ascended and exalted Son of God: He is the Lord of love and all compassion. And He comforts John with a touch.
God invites us to see ourselves in this picture. Jesus reaching out, placing His right hand on us, as we hear Him say: “Do not be afraid.”
I pray you are comforted by the assurance that Jesus (and His healing touch) is with all who call upon His name.
“Do Not Worry…” (February 14, 2023) “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” Matthew 6:25-34
This past Sunday we talked about worry. One of the things we mentioned was how useless worry is since it changes nothing. At least not for the better. It’s one thing to say don’t worry—it’s a whole other thing to follow through. Especially given the state of our world today where we are bombarded from every side.
So how do we not worry? Simply put, by trusting God's promises.
It’s helpful to remember that Jesus’ first disciples lived with war, violence, disease, and famine in a way that is foreign to most of us today. On any given day, they could lose a child or lose their harvest or be robbed by a Roman tax collector. And, unlike today, there were no safety nets. There were no social services, no food stamps, and no hospitals. Yet Jesus tells them, not to worry.
It’s helpful to understand that even in the harsh environment of that ancient world, Jesus had the audacity to tell His followers not to worry about their lives, because God had called them into a relationship with Himself. And if God watches over small details such as providing for plants and animals, then we can trust that He will provide for us.
Jesus tells us that trusting the promises of God can help put our worries and anxieties into perspective, no matter what those worries may be. If there’s something we need, we can ask God to provide it. If there’s a struggle we face, we can ask Him for help. If we feel lost or confused about what we should do, we can ask Him for clarity. And as we pray these things, we can trust not only that God can provide what He promises, but also that He actually will. Maybe not how we imagined. In fact, likely not how we thought or even asked. But according to His purposes, which we often do not see until after the fact.
Jesus calls us to trust God. Do we? Even nature itself tells us that we can.
Father, no matter what challenges I face, help me to remember Your love and Your faithfulness to me. Amen.
“Under His Wings” (February 07, 2023) I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”Psalm 91:2
The Midrash (an ancient commentary on the Old Testament) states that Psalm 91 was composed by Moses on the day he completed the Tabernacle in the desert. He is said to be describing the experience of entering the Tabernacle: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty".
If you’ve lived long enough, you know just how big and scary and difficult the world can be. So, thankfully, we read in this psalm that God is our shelter; He will cover us with His feathers spread wide, and under God’s wings we will find refuge.
By instinct, when a bird sees a threat, they spread their wings, forming a canopy of protection for their young to hide under until the danger passes. Moses offers this as an analogy of the relationship we have with God, in whom we can always find refuge.
But what about those times when threats don’t pass us by, and we don’t feel at all protected? The promise is not that pain and tragedy will always avoid us, but that ultimately nothing can separate us from the reach of God’s arms or love. We live “in the shelter of the most High”; we rest and find comfort “in the shadow of the Almighty.” We need not fear because He is with us, walking alongside and in front of us and behind us, like a mother hen that will never abandon her young.
How comforting it is to know that He is always with us.
Father, protect and shelter us. Gather us under Your wings and shield us. Be our refuge in every storm of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Promises, Promises!” (January 31, 2023) “Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace—and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with whitewash—say to those who plaster it with whitewash, that it will fall.”– Ezekiel 13:10-11 NKJV
In the time of Ezekiel (the prophet of God), words were being spoken by false prophets offering the people of Israel peace. Everyone was excited. The problem? The words were not true. Those speaking the lies may have been well-intentioned and themselves simply deceived. Or, they may have intended to mislead by offering pleasant sounding wishful thinking. Regardless of motivation, the words were not true, and the listeners were being misled.
This past Sunday we talked about speaking truth. Which is not always popular since many today find it possible and acceptable to “have your own truth.” Wishful thinking may help us feel good temporarily, but it will also distort our perspective. For this reason, God calls us to always speak truth that is always motivated by love (Ephesians 4:15).
A strong commitment to speaking truth, in love, demonstrates that our hearts are right and that we want to serve God more than anything else. Unless we focus our minds and hearts on truth, we can be vulnerable to deception. We can be deceived by well-intentioned statements, by well-meaning people, that are simply wrong.
This week, ask God to give you discernment to know what is true and help you not be deceived. Ask Him to help you stay sensitive to His Spirit, and be committed to speaking His truth.
“Living and Active” (January 26, 2023) For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to . . . the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. – Hebrews 4:12-13
When a person undergoes surgery, the physician takes a scalpel and begins the process by “opening” the patient up. This is done to see and correct whatever is going on inside. The book of Hebrews describes God’s Word as “sharper than any double-edged sword.” In our 21st Century, Western worldview, the imagery of a sword may be difficult to grasp. A scalpel is easier to understand—because a scalpel opens us up and reveals what’s going on inside.
The writer of Hebrews urges us to “make every effort to enter [God’s] rest,” then follows up with why it’s important—“for the Word of God is alive and active.” The all-powerful, all-knowing God knows us through and through, and there is nothing that “is hidden from His sight.”
Sometimes we try to cover our sin. But nothing is hidden from God, who reveals things in us—and to us—that we think we can hide. He shows us the truth for the purpose of drawing us closer to Him, and thereby, to His blessings.
Having been called to make every effortto enter God’s rest, let's be careful not to harden our hearts toward Him. Rather, as He reveals His goodness to you, rest in Him, and share that goodness with others.
Living 2023 Under Our New King (January 03, 2023) “Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king….” -- 2 Samuel 2:7
When the new king, David, spoke these words, Israel found itself in a precarious situation. They were surrounded by enemies. Their first king, Saul, had just died and they faced an internal struggle. Would they descend into chaos or become the nation God called them to be: a light to the nations?
With a prayerful and submissive heart, David welcomed the anointing of the people as king. Through him, God would unite a troubled nation, by giving them strong leadership. God would bring order out of chaos, and new life out of degeneration and death. However, for that to happen, the people of Israel must increasingly become ‘dead to Saul’ and ‘alive to David’ as king.
It is the same way, when we place our trust in Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we transfer our allegiance from our old life of selfishness and sin to a new life in Christ.
What does it mean to be a Christian? One way to describe it is to say that we live under a new King. Whereas we once lived under ‘king satan’ (Ephesians 2:2), we are now loyal to King Jesus.
My sincere hope for you, in 2023, is that it will be a “new year” with the “new (or renewed) King” – ChristJesus.
[I posted the following to Facebook a year ago. It came up as a “reminder” & I thought it fitting to end the year with] God’s Crowning Glory (December 27, 2022) Genesis 1:26 (ESV): “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Perhaps the most insidious teaching coming out of our Marxist-leaning universities has been that we humans are mere “stardust.” Believing we are the product of “random chance & time” has led generations to lose their identity—resulting in the degradation of morality and in a loss of hope & purpose.
My wish for 2023 is that we might know, instead, that we are the crowning glory of God’s creation -- “created in His image” -- and so much more than mere molecules in motion.
Just imagine how different our relationships would be if we lived like we believed we are God’s greatest act of creation—&—if we understood that we are commissioned by Him to reflect His love to one another.
How amazing, then, that God demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus to redeem us from the lie that we mean nothing & are nothing.
Be blessed—and be a blessing!
With Arms and Hearts Full… (December 20, 2022) Luke 2: 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
When Jesus was not yet two months old Simeon held him in his arms. After all, that's what we do. We love to hold those precious bundles of new life, and wonder what their lives will hold for them.
Simeon had high hopes for the Messiah. His expectation was that Jesus would shine as a light in the midst of the darkness his people, Israel, found themselves in. Not only would he provide the way out of darkness for Israel, but Jesus came as God's gift of salvation for all people.
These hopes and expectations, however, did not just come to Simeon out of nowhere. The Spirit of God had been speaking in his heart, giving him hope that he would live long enough to see the Messiah, the King of Israel. And when the Spirit prompted him, Simeon went to the temple, and there he held the promise of salvation in his arms.
The bible tells us Simeon rejoiced--which is the appropriate response, looking in the face of God’s rescue plan. This powerless infant, who could not yet talk or walk , was the answer to the world’s greatest need. And he still is the answer today.
Remember what they say about Christmas — “Wise men still seek Him.”
The Word Became Flesh (December 08, 2022) John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh.” To be precise, the Word became human, just like us. That sounds simple—until we know who the Word is. Then it becomes … simply amazing.
John the Apostle starts his gospel with the timeless existence of the Word: “In the beginning was the Word.” Then he connects the Word with God: “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Next, John connects the divine Word to creation: “Through him all things were made.”
The Word is also the source of human flourishing: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” And the Word is invincible: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” It is no small thing that this amazing, extraordinary Word became flesh, in the person of Jesus. The timeless, life-giving Creator becomes as ordinary as any of us. Talk about amazing.
Here is something especially amazing. When the Word became flesh, the glory of God became visible in a new way: “The Word became flesh…We have seen his glory...” Thousands upon thousands saw the Word of God—in the flesh! In all his glory! And that glory is what we celebrate—not just at%