Search This Blog

Monday, December 21, 2020

Wisdom in the Middle of Trials

One of the last books in the New Testament is a letter written by Jesus’ brother James. He wrote to a group of Jesus’ followers who were experiencing the spectrum of life’s hardships. The Jesus followers had scattered to the corners of the Roman world because of ongoing conflict in Israel. The second sentence of James’ letter sets the tone for the rest of the letter. “Count it all joy, … when you meet trials of various kinds,” and “blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trials.” I don’t know about you, but I feel that “counting it all joy,” and “remaining steadfast,” are MUCH easier read about than done! There are a variety of trials addressed in the letter. Some were relationship trials such as partiality and preferential treatment. Some trials were rooted in disobedience to the principles laid out. Some had to do with the interchange between faith and “works.” Misuse of the tongue, fighting, not praying, or praying with wrong motives, jealousy, boasting about plans, and the behavior of the wealthy, round out the roster of trials. How does a Jesus follower “count it all joy” and “remain steadfast” under trials? One word – WISDOM. James encourages those who he commands to “count it all joy” and “remain steadfast” under trial to ask for WISDOM. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 ESV) Every one of us is “UNDER” a litany of trials. “Trial” could be the 2020 word of the year. James encourages and commands those under trial to ASK GOD FOR WISDOM. Start today, start right now, while you are reading this - ASK GOD FOR WISDOM. You might have heard me or someone else say, “Each of us is either just coming out of a trial, in the middle of a trial or headed into a trial.” That is the nature of life! ASK GOD FOR WISDOM.

Monday, December 14, 2020

Defeating Hopelessness

As I’ve been studying hope, I’ve come to see that hope and the lack of hope (hopelessness) are linked to and fed by what a person focuses on. Prisoners in the concentration camps and prisoners of war experienced and wrote about focus as a tool of hope. Their experiences and those of their fellow prisoners reveal that those who focused on the future suffered differently than those who focused on their circumstances. In the first century, a church leader wrote a letter, known through history as “Hebrews”, found in the New Testament. The letter was written to encourage a group of Hebrew followers of Jesus. This group of disciples were suffering persecution. The hardship and suffering were enticing them to denounce Jesus as the Messiah and to return to traditional Jewish practices. Their leader encouraged them: “We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2 ERV) The church leader encouraged the disciples to focus on Jesus. Jesus, the leader and completer of their faith. The author of the letter points to Jesus as the model of focus. Jesus “accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing,” because of what he could see out in front of Him. Jesus didn’t focus on the circumstances of his arrest, trial, beatings and execution. He focused on the joy waiting for him. Jesus was full of hope because of the joy he could see awaiting him on the other side of the events he was about to endure. On the other side of His arrest, trial, beatings, execution, death, and burial was the resurrection and the birth of the family of God, the church. Look beyond your trials, testing and hardships. Look beyond the instability and uncertainty of these days. Look out on the horizon. Look to Jesus. “We must never stop looking to Jesus.”

Monday, December 7, 2020

The "First Blow Against the Enemies Schemes"

2020 has been a crazy year filled with all sorts of twists, turns and “I didn’t see that coming” events. The stressors on people have left many in relationship turmoil. People feel isolated, fractured and confused. Uncertainty abounds. I have watched people avoid interactions with others in stores and community settings. As I talk with people I find them reticent to enter into conversations because of an uncertainty of where the conversation might lead. I have found myself asking the question “Is this conversation going to lead to conflict and disagreement.” If, as Jesus said, “a kingdom divided cannot stand” then one of the tactics of the enemy is to divide and conquer. The enemy hasn’t conquered yet but he’s definitely at work dividing. King Solomon warned his son to guard his heart. Obviously it was a warning to guard against giving in to temptation and corrupting influences. His warning is applicable to relationships, emotional wounds, rejections, and conflict. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Solomon’s first three words “above all else” have always grabbed my attention. Before anything else, the first thing to do, the number one priority is to “guard my heart.” John Eldredge combined Solomon’s words and the Enemy’s tactics when he wrote: “Caring for your heart is the first blow against the Enemy’s schemes.” Forgive, be generous, give the benefit of the doubt. When you take this attitude you send the “first blow against the Enemy’s schemes.” The Apostle Paul wrote, “We are not ignorant of the enemy’s schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11) Don’t give in to the enemy’s scheme of dividing and schisms. Don’t just be on the defense against the enemy. Go on the offense. Guard your heart, forgive, be gracious and generous. Don’t give the enemy a foothold. (Ephesians 4:27)

Monday, November 30, 2020

What is the Target in Relationship Struggles?

The last few weeks, I have been reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s instructions to Titus. Paul visited Titus in Crete after a brief visit. He sent Titus instructions to help him establish and strengthen a community of disciples on the island. Crete, like many other places where churches started and sought to take root, was a target of teachers presenting an array of “lies and heresies.” Paul wrote strong, even harsh words about some who were causing trouble in the community. “There are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers ... They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” (Titus 1:10-12 ESV) Paul coached Titus and commanded him about how to manage oneself during conflict and strife. He commanded Titus to pass on the coaching to the community. Paul understood that self-control is difficult in relationship struggles. He also understood how difficult it is to coach toward godly living when relationship storms are brewing. The verse I’ve been contemplating is Titus 3:2. What Paul commands is, as we say, “Easier said than done!” “Speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:2 ESV) WOW! Really! Can that be done? No one? Avoid quarreling? Gentle? Show perfect courtesy toward ALL people? Give me a break! Get real! It may be way out there --- BUT IT IS OUR TARGET!

Monday, November 23, 2020

God, What are You Doing?

Early in 2020, I wondered what God is doing. Churches across the world ceased for a time to meet in person. Government measures to contain COVID-19, hamstrung world economies. Travel and tourism ground to a halt. The last time a pandemic impacted the world in this way was 100 years ago. I’m pondering a couple of verses while asking: God, what are you doing? What do You want the outcome to look like? In what ways are you wanting to change me and change the church I lead? In the middle of world turmoil, the prophet Habakkuk asked God what He was doing. God responded, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” (Habakkuk 1:5 NLT) What God spoke to Habakkuk is true for me, I “wouldn’t believe even if someone told [me] about it.” God is doing something so big and so grand that it is global. I heard from people in SE Asia, Amsterdam, Nigeria, Uganda, Germany and Liberia this week. The story is the same. Virus, people sick, government restrictions and economic hardship. It is easy to judge what is happening in Washington State, but people are suffering and government restrictions are changing life around the world. God spoke to the Jewish people who were also experiencing turmoil. “Do not forget this! Keep it in mind! Remember this, … Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. ... Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.” (Isaiah 46:8-10 NLT) I take comfort and assurance from God’s voice through Isaiah when He says: “For I alone am God, and there is none like me. … Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.” I for one am practicing surrender every day. Most of life is out of my control, but I trust the one who alone is God and everything He plans will come to pass. “I trust, help me when my trust wavers.” AMEN

Monday, November 16, 2020

Love Does

Five years before the Apostle Paul’s execution in Rome, he wrote to the church in Corinth. He provided them with instructions about living a God honoring life. Paul’s expectation was that the believers in Corinth would become imitators of Jesus and follow the ways of Jesus. The central trait that concerned Paul was imitating and following Jesus’ way of love. Love motivated everything Jesus did and said. Love for his Father and/or love for humanity. Love should be the motivating factor of everything that a Jesus follower does and says. “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT) If I could correct every lie of fake news, if I could combat the injustices of vote counters, if I could set straight every wrong by BLM protestors or by corrupt police, but didn’t do it from a motivation of love, my actions would not be beneficial for me or society. If I could foresee election results, policy outcomes and legislative shortcomings, but did not act and speak in love, I would be nothing. If I stood between every protestor and police officers on behalf of protestors or on behalf of the police, If I added my voice to the cacophony of sounds against injustice, but if love didn’t my actions and speech, I have gained nothing and others have gained nothing. The actions and speech that Paul described are good things, superb things, but only if the motive is love. Nothing is accomplished from speeches and activity motivated by self-righteousness, hatred, vengeance, jealousy, or revenge. What is said and done without love only adds to the darkness, pain, and suffering. Paul clarified love this way: Love is patient, kind, not jealous, boastful or proud. Love does not demand its own way, doesn’t get irritated, and doesn’t keep score. Love does not rejoice at the sight or sounds of injustice, but rejoices when truth is the winner. Love keeps trying, keeps believing, keeps hoping and striving. Actions and words rooted in love will last forever. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Matt's paraphrase)

Monday, November 9, 2020

Anchor Your Life to Jesus in a Constantly Changing World

For people inside and outside the church world, election week has been a roller coaster! As I write “Matt’s Thoughts” the election for President is still undetermined. The continual uncertainty is wearing on people. Enraged people across the country have taken to the streets. Other enraged people have taken to social media. A passage in the Psalms, written by King David 3,000 years ago, continues to turn over in my spirit. David, the skilled warrior and for forty years the king of Israel knew stress, anguish, and uncertainty. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalms 20:7 NIV) Every generation experiences stress, anguish, and uncertainty. The circumstances might be different, but the emotional roller coaster is nothing new. I have re-written David’s words in my mind to fit different scenarios. Some trust in Democrats and some in Republicans, but I trust in the name of the Lord. Some trust in governments and some trust in economies, but I trust in the name of the Lord. Some trust in preparedness and some in munitions, but I trust in the name of the Lord. People, political parties, government structures, economies, preparedness, and munitions all are insufficient and cannot answer the challenges of life. Often the mechanisms people trust in only lead to further stress, anguish, and uncertainty! I am convinced that the only sure place to anchor our trust is Jesus. As the writer of the letter to Hebrew believers stated, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV) Anchor your life to Jesus. He never changes in a constantly changing world.

Monday, November 2, 2020

Is it Possible to Please God and People?

Every person has wrestled with “people pleasing.” Adam was interested in pleasing Eve. The Apostle Paul, describing the average husband and wife, said, “A married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:33 NLT) and “A married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:34 NLT) Paul describes the reality of married life. The husband or wife who doesn’t care about pleasing their spouse will be miserable, and their spouse will be even more miserable. “Happy Marriages” comprise husbands and wives who seek to please each other. People pleasing is not a bad thing. Parenting is often about people pleasing. A doctor’s “bedside manner” is likewise about people pleasing. Customer service is about people pleasing. People pleasing is not bad, but it can go too far and slip into fearing people. King Solomon wrote, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25 NLT) People pleasing, when it goes too far, slips into fearing people and fearing people is a NO WIN proposition. When I wrestle with “fearing people,” I ask myself “Who am I going to please? Which group am I going to please?” For example, When I started pastoring, the dress code for pastors was a jacket and tie. A pastor didn’t need to worry about “people pleasing.” As society became more casual and “casual Fridays” became the trend, pastors wrestled with pleasing the jacket and tie people or the casual Friday people. “It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.” [Marcus Aurelius] Why do we care so much about other people’s opinions? Jesus’ follower’s primary aim must be to please God. Pleasing people is often also pleasing God, but sometimes “displeasing people” equals pleasing God. Paul stated it this way: “Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10 ESV) Here’s the principle: Please people when it pleases God, displease people when pleasing them, would displease God. Stated another way: Always please God, even when it displeases people.

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Hard Work of Humility

Since I pastor a local church and have been in church leadership for 40 years, I follow the church world fairly closely. During times of crisis or transition and around elections, Christians often quote 2 Chronicles 7:14. The setting for the oft quoted verse is the completion of Solomon’s Temple. Solomon prayed a dedication prayer over the Temple and prayed for God’s favor and blessing. He then petitioned God to show mercy and forgiveness, when the people of God sinned against God and other people. One night following the dedication of the Temple, God appeared to Solomon in the night and spoke to him. “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:12-15 NLT) God spoke the promise to Solomon regarding times when God might bring and allow hardship on His people. “At times I might shut up the heavens and no rain will fall; I might send grasshoppers and plagues.” It is under those conditions that God gave Solomon, his descendants and the people of God the if/then promise “IF my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, [THEN] I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” My experience is that Christians emphasize the middle part of the verses, “pray and seek my face,” but not so much on the beginning, “humble themselves,” and the end “turn from their wicked ways.” Prayer and seeking God’s face are the convenient and simpler portion of the verses. Humbling ourselves and turning from wicked ways is inconvenient and hard to do. The humbling process is hard and painful. Who of us enjoys admitting that they are ignorant, selfish, self-centered, and wrong? God requires humility AND turning from wickedness for him to hear our prayers. “Know-it-all” attitudes, pettiness and judgmentalism expose the sins of pride and arrogance. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 I’m on a crusade to humble myself! I depend on God’s grace, so I must humble myself.

Monday, October 19, 2020

Quick to Listen - Slow to Speak

A couple of months ago, I wrote about trying to “listen” more. I have been trying to listen to the various sides of the issues that are plaguing society. One reason I’ve been trying to listen is because I know so little. The professor in the first class I took at NWU started his lecture saying: “When you are done with this class, you’ll know how much you don’t know. You might not know much else.” My immediate thought was, “What am I paying all this money for? I’m not here to learn ‘how much I don’t know.’ I’m here to learn, so I know more!” The professor was correct, then and correct now. Every month that passes, I realize how much I don’t know. I realize how much I don’t know about what has occurred in history. I realize how little I know about science, relationships, and communication. I realize how little I know about God and His ways. I must admit I am constantly humbled by my ignorance. I have often said, “there are too many books and too little time!” I recently heard someone describe taking the position of a juror instead of an attorney. The idea struck a cord, and the light went on. Too often I slip into attorney mode and argue my point with vigor. What if instead of slipping into attorney mode, I sat in the jury box and listened to all the facts and both sides before coming to a conclusion? A few years ago, I served on a jury for an assault case. When the prosecution was done with questioning, it was apparent that the assailant was guilty. That is, until the defense was done with their case. The assailant had clearly acted in self-defense and the jury found him innocent. King Solomon put it this way “The first to speak in court sounds right—until the cross-examination begins.” Proverbs 18:17 (NLT) Jesus’ brother James instructed disciples to listen first and speak second. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:19-20 (NLT) I’m striving to sit on the jury more and wear the suit of an accusing and defending attorney less. I confess, I know so little about what is actually going on in the world BUT I do know the one who knows everything about everything!

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Resilience and Perseverance

I have been thinking about the resilience, perseverance and endurance that you and I need in our life. Every day something happens that threatens to deflate us emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. In my almost 40 years of leadership and ministry (33 years at SWAG,) I have never experienced a prolonged season like we are in right now. Resilience is the quality of “bouncing back.” Resilience is taking a punch and getting back up. Resilience crashing your bike and getting back on. Resilience is “getting back on the horse.” Resilience and perseverance are more than “simply holding on to the end.” (Oswald Chambers) Resilience is one reason Job has been an example over the centuries for those in a season of trials. After losing his children, property and health, he declared: “Even if God kills me, I'll still put my hope in him. ... No matter how things turn out, I'm sure I'll still be saved.” (Job 13:15-16 NIrV) Job was convinced that his life was in God’s hands and that ultimately, he would see God face to face. He understood that God is sovereign, and that life’s future is in God’s hands. It was his trust in God that he could bounce back from one blow after another. Resilience and perseverance is developed over time and through trials. Jesus’ brother James encouraged early believers who were in the midst of a long season of trials. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NLT) This is a once in a century opportunity to allow resilience, perseverance and endurance to grow in our lives and even be “fully developed.” Rejoice in this season of hardship. Don’t give in. Like Job, declare “even if God kills me, I’ll still put my hope in him.

Monday, October 5, 2020

A Surrendered Life

Countless men and women throughout history have impacted and transformed their generation and culture. A list of those men and women might include politicians, business leaders, professional athletes, entertainers and social activists. Every few years “Time” looks back at those who were at one time important influencers. Where are they now? What are they up to? Has their influence continued? The review of influencers has included people like Madonna, Bob Dylan, Elvis, Bart Simpson, Ric Flair and Einstein. Some of these people are familiar to you, some may not be. Most influencers influence dies with them. Jesus' influence over humanity has never stopped. Jesus’ influences steadily grows exponentially. Every day people around the world speak Jesus' name. His name is spoken more than the name of any other person, dead or alive. People speak Jesus’ name in the hills of Indonesia, the jungles of Myanmar, the streets of Copenhagen, the remote regions of the Amazon and the islands of the South Pacific. “I am a historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus is easily the most dominant figure in all history.” H. G. Wells. “When the drama of history is over, Jesus Christ will stand alone on the stage. All the great figures of history … will realize that they have been but actors in a drama produced by another.” Helmut Thielicke There has never been anyone like Jesus. A life surrendered to politics, sports, fame, money, pleasure, entertainment and education can end up a waste. A life surrendered in repentance to Jesus, no matter how long or short, is never a waste. Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.

Monday, September 28, 2020

Choosing Growth and Freedom

Viktor Frankl, a survivor of the Terezin concentration camp (Theresienstadt) authored 39 books. He dictated to a team of assistants “Man’s Search for Meaning” over a 9-day period. His life and writings have inspired countless throughout the years. “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lie our growth and our freedom.” Viktor Frankl We each find ourselves between stimulus and response. We live in that “space.” We find ourselves in the “space” between many forms of stimulus. “The stimulus” could be relationship struggles, health challenges, the countless aspects of the pandemic, the nation’s economic situation, racial tensions, protests, riots, political wrangling and division. What will our “response” be to the “stimulus?” That “space” is where I have the God given power to choose my response. My response carries with it the nucleus of growth and freedom. When the people of God that Joshua led were in the “space” between survival and destruction, he challenged the crowd. “So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols …Serve the LORD alone… as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15 NLT) In the “space” they could throw away their idols and serve God or continue to serve their idols. What is the “stimulus” bearing down on you? What “response” are you considering? The “space” is where you have power to choose growth and freedom or shrinkage and bondage. Jesus always wants his followers to choose growth and freedom. Exercise your power to choose. Choose growth and freedom!

Monday, September 21, 2020

The Mission of Reconciliation

Two thousand years ago the Apostle Paul described what societies and the world would look like when people continue to walk away from God, God’s revealed character in nature and God’s spoken revelation through the prophets and New Testament writers. If someone didn’t know where this sketch of humans in rebellion against God came from, they could assume that the picture was written last week. The characteristics described describe life in the western world. “Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1–4 ESV) It is into that environment that God has called his church (you and me) to engage in the mission of reconciliation. There is no greater opportunity and privilege in life than working towards reconciling rebellious people to God! “God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NIV) Pray for those in your life circles who need reconciled to God. We live in tough times. Every sign is that life will get more difficult in the weeks, months and even years ahead. Do not surrender to fear. Surrender your fear to God. Pray and work to see as many people as possible reconciled to God through Jesus.

Monday, September 14, 2020

Do Everything without Grumbling and Arguing

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi about not grumbling and arguing. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:14-16 NIV) What is grumbling and arguing? When does addressing issues in a relationship, in a job, a church, a community, or nation become grumbling and arguing? Grumbling and arguing is pointing out faults, problems, and obstacles without offering and working towards a solution. It is easy to point out faults, problems, and obstacles -- it is more difficult to suggest and seek solutions. People are grumbling and arguing in every stratum of society. People’s standard of living, their level of education, their faith background, or their political leanings, seem to be irrelevant. They all grumble and complain! They grumble and argue about COVID-19, BLM, the environment, the economic situation and outlook, and the fiscal policies thrust upon them. This grumbling and arguing are testing social structures and revealing the cracks at every level. Couples see the other person as a foe. Instead of working together to determine how they are going to get their boat through the rapids, they fight each other with the paddles. Children grumble and argue with parents and vice versa. Politicians and political parties grumble and argue, when they could collectively seek solutions that benefit the whole. They stonewall and blame each other, ignoring tested social structures. They are tasked with building a bridge to lasting change and solutions, but instead they grumble and argue about the bridge that is crumbling. What did Paul say? “Do everything.” Everything is a big word! It is only 10 letters but encompasses all of life. Everything means everything. Where does “do everything without grumbling and arguing” start? With me! With you! With us! With Jesus' followers! Jesus wants US to be the ones shining in our society like stars in the sky as we hold firmly to the word of life.

Learning to Live in the Awkward Silence

I have been reading about a practice that fleshes out for me, one directive given by Jesus’ brother James. James wrote: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19 NIV) James might have heard Jesus teach about being quick to listen and slow to speak. He was probably aware of the words of Solomon in his collection of Proverbs. Solomon wrote: “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:28 ESV) “The Rule of Awkward Silence” is the practice that I’ve been reading about. The Rule of Awkward Silence or being “quick to listen, slow to speak” requires time. Too often in the rush to feed “instant gratification” we waste time giving answers that are incomplete, shallow, not thought through, and not helpful. But we swim in the pool of instant gratification. Everyone is looking for Immediate responses. People expect an answer to their email the same day, and they expect texts answered immediately. The person who texted is likely looking for the “ellipsis” showing that a response is being typed. (What about when the “ellipsis” goes away? It’s as if the other person started responding and then changed their mind…what’s up with that?!) People don’t connect the dots of life well when they don’t think critically. Critical thinking involves pondering, studying, and analyzing. Critical, deep, reflective thinking requires time. Time to consider subjects, ideas, and concepts. “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (Proverbs 18:2 ESV) I’m trying to slow down and think. I’m trying to understand. I don’t want to be the “fool” who is only concerned with “expressing his opinion.” Silence can be awkward. I’m trying to learn to live in the awkwardness of silence so I can learn, understand, and think.

Monday, August 24, 2020

The Second Mile Way of Living

Jesus often taught counterintuitive truths and principles: “Give and you will receive,” and “Keep your life and you’ll lose it, lose your life and you’ll save it,” and “If you want to be the greatest you must become the servant of everyone.” I’m convinced that most of Jesus’ teachings caused the hearers to scratch their heads in confusion. One of the counterintuitive principles that Jesus taught is “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:41 ESV) I bet there were more than a few raised eyebrows from angry, frustrated, and irate people who heard Jesus' teaching. “Really Jesus? Someone FORCES me to go one mile, and I’m supposed to volunteer to go two miles with him?” Jesus' statement requires some details to understand what he was saying. In Roman occupied Israel, a Jewish Roman law required someone to carry the belongings of a Roman soldier who demanded it but only for one mile. Jesus multiplied the one-mile requirement to two miles. Jesus was saying, “If a soldier demands you to carry his pack one mile, carry it two miles.” Refusing to carry the pack, even one mile is intuitive, volunteering to carrying a pack two miles is counterintuitive. Fully committed followers of Jesus are “second mile people.” Jesus’ way is to travel the extra mile unless the first mile is immoral, unethical, or disobedient to God’s way. If it would be wrong for a person to go one mile, then obviously the second mile would also be wrong. If authorities demand that a Jesus follower, pastor, or teacher stop speaking against abortion, that would violate God’s standard and the demand would call for civil disobedience. It would be wrong, disobedient, and immoral to help a woman abort her baby. If one mile is wrong, then the second mile is also wrong. If in the current context, wearing a mask and social distancing is the required one mile. What is the second mile? Wearing a mask without complaint? Are you seeking to live as a “second miler?” The first mile is obedience. The second mile is the Jesus’ way.

Monday, August 17, 2020

Living in the Messy Middle

Over the last few months, I have written some thoughts out about an area of thinking I’m concerned about. I have deleted a few rough drafts. I’ve started over and then trashed my work. I will try it again. Contradictory and polarizing ideas and philosophies are unavoidable and are found in areas such as commerce, environmental struggles, race, family structures, conservative and progressive politics. It is difficult to live a healthful life on the excesses of ideas. An honest and healthy thinker can comprehend a variety of levels of thought and ideas in their mind concurrently. Unhealthy thinkers struggle to hold different levels of thought at the same time. They are unsettled by the tension two opposing thoughts create. A popular story line regarding “Black Lives Matters” and “Blue Lives Matter” is that a person can only be for one of the statements and not both. Why? Are people so superficial that someone must be a supporter of one or the other? The two statements are not mutually exclusive and are only contradictory when people are unable to live with the tension. People of color have been discriminated against, legislated against, “red lined” and slain. History is full of injustices against people of color. The truth is unavoidable, it is uncomfortable to admit, and it creates tension. The only way to deny the tension is to deny the truth. “Black/Colored Lives Matter.” Deep down, no one wants to live in a world without law enforcement. A culture without law enforcement erodes towards lawlessness, chaos and anarchy. Without law enforcement innocent people suffer, inequity is carried out on the powerless, and fear becomes the ruling emotion. “Blue Lives Matter.” Colored Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter are not in conflict except when people want to generate conflict. Those two thoughts are not mutually exclusive except when people’s thinking can only hold one thought and therefore choose one or the other. Two opposing thoughts describe the tension of life. The area of tension is sometimes referred to as the messy middle. Jesus described living and thriving in tension when he told the disciples ““Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 ESV) We are instructed to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Monday, August 10, 2020

Why are the People and Nations of the World In Turmoil?

As history unfolds and one thing after another shocks the world, I often think of words written 3,000 years ago. “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (Psalms 2:1 ESV) Why do countries continue to fight against countries? Why do people conceive and plan vain solutions to world problems? What is the root of these conflicts? What is the point of one idea piled upon another idea until the weight of these ideas squash people? The psalmist answered the question: “The kings of the earth set themselves … against the Lord.” They cry out: “Let us free ourselves from the slavery to God.” Have you heard any of these ideas? “We don’t need God.” “God is a myth created by cultures in an ignorant time.” “The belief in God is a cultural construct for weak people and used as a tool of oppression.” “Belief in a moral God involved in human affairs is an invention to regulate people.” A Google search: “Is god a social construct” displays 68 million returns! Sounds like “Let us free ourselves from the slavery to God.” The belief that people can do whatever, whenever, with whoever, for any reason or no reason and not answer to anyone is not a new idea. The Apostle Paul mentioned a famous saying “Let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” as an excuse to “party on” in A.D. 60. A social construct is a social construct, and every social construct has more holes than a slice of swiss cheese. The social construct of a transcendent god is as pointless as the social construct of the “rule of law.” If people only answer earthly rulers, everyone is ultimately free to determine for themselves what is “right” and “wrong,” “moral” and “immoral.” Why are the people and nations of the world in turmoil? Because humanity is crying out, “let us free ourselves from slavery to God.” The psalmist instructed the rulers of nations: “Kings be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.” Psalm 2:10-11 Personal turmoil arises when people say to themselves, “I will free myself from the slavery to God.” Personal peace comes to those who “Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.”

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Spiritual Face Covering and Spiritual Social Distancing

I bet you are tired of social distancing and face coverings! Social distancing and face coverings are not natural. At times, both seem pointless and contradictory. I’ve been thinking about “information and idea viruses” and I’ve been thinking about “spiritual, emotional, psychological and mental social distancing” and “face coverings.”

“Information viruses”, or ideas or posts that aren’t true, or the veracity of which isn’t verifiable, originate with “liberals”, “conservatives”, people of “faith” and “atheist” and they thrive on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram and other social media posts. Information viruses discuss COVID-19, BLM, Blue Lives Matter, face coverings, restrictions on churches, should school open, should school be remote or a hybrid, do children spread COVID-19, etc., etc.

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 NLT) Paul’s instruction describes “spiritual, psychological, mental and emotional, social distancing.” Too often people social distance their thinking but do not socially distance what they adopt. Too often if something is “viral” and emotionally tugs at the heart the post gets shared. Discerning what is true and false is a missing practice in people’s lives.

Discernment is asking the questions, “Is this true? Is this honorable? Is this right and pure? Spiritual, emotional, psychological, and mental social distancing should be the response to information viruses. Keep your distance from non-sense! Research the source of the post. Sift through the post. Accept what is acceptable and reject what is questionable, or that comes from a questionable source.

We are also directed to use face coverings, or filters, for our speech. Face coverings protect the other person from my germs; they are not for my protection. “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT) Spiritual, emotional, psychological, and mental face coverings on my speech are for protecting the other person.

Put on your “spiritual face covering,” and practice “spiritual social distancing.”

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Licensed to Love

Timothy Dalton starred in the 1989 James Bond film “License to Kill.” I don’t know why, but the title of that movie came to mind recently. The thought “license to kill” (I know not a politically correct idea) prompted me into thinking how Jesus, and the Gospel, gives Jesus' followers the exact opposite license to James Bond’s. Jesus gave his followers “a license to love!”

Jesus commanded the disciples to love. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” (John 15:12 NLT) Jesus followed his command saying, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13 NLT) Jesus commanded us to “Love your neighbor.” (Mark 12:31) And to “Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44)

The Apostle John wrote about the expectation of Jesus’ followers. “Let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7 NLT) “Since God loved us, we surely ought to love each other.” (1 John 4:11 NLT)

The Apostle Paul emphasized the “license to love” in his letter to Jesus’ followers in 1 Corinthians 13. This passage is popular at weddings; but the love between a husband and wife is not the emphasis here. Paul writes that without love; spiritual talk (explaining spiritual truths and mysteries), generosity to the poor, grand feats of faith, and even sacrificing of one’s life are pointless. Love must be the motive behind the words and actions of Jesus' followers!

If you are a follower of Jesus, you are “licensed to love.” You are commanded to love. And you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to love. “The fruit of the Spirit is love.” (Galatians 5:22 NIV)

You have a “license to love” - look for ways to put your license to use!

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Some Thoughts about Change

I dug up “Matt’s Thoughts” from March 2016. Some of these thoughts come from my 2016 post.

Throughout most of history, CHANGE happened at a snail’s pace. People could go their entire lives and experience less change than you and I experience in just a matter of days! Since 2020 began the speed of change is happening even more rapidly. There is more change happening at this moment than many experienced in a lifetime. CHANGE is our way of life. And change is hard because change can cause a loss of control over things we desperately want to control.

Each of us has dozens of areas where minor changes could lead to improvement in life. Diet, exercise, sleep, kindness, patience, where we spend spare dollars, who we spend time with, and who we allow to influence us - these are all areas where minor changes can yield significant benefits.

There are also countless areas in life that we have almost no capability of impacting the change that is taking place. The COVID-19 virus, the economic fallout, much of the BLM issues, what the start of school will look like, are a just a few of the circumstances we have little or no control over.

There are things we can control and there are things that we can’t control. We often become stressed, worried, and frustrated about the change happening that we have no ability to control. On the other side, we take a ‘laissez-faire’ attitude towards the areas we could and should control.

We fret over what we can’t control, all the while not controlling the things we can. Why not control the things that we can and relax and trust Jesus with what we can’t control?

The Apostle Peter instructed believers about control when he wrote: “Prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control.” 1 Peter 1:13 NLT












Tuesday, July 14, 2020

The Uncertainty About "What's Next"

It is surprising to interact with someone who is NOT feeling the pressure of what is happening in the world. Married couples, singles, young people, kids, older people, employed, unemployed and business owners are all feeling stress and anxiety. Uncertainty about “what’s next” is partially to blame for the stress and anxiety everyone is feeling.

I’m reminded of Paul’s words to “pastor” Timothy and the believers in his congregation who were under pressure, stress, and anxiety because of the culture of the Roman Empire and the difficulties of just surviving. “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. … Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:3-7 NIV

Those were tough words by the Apostle Paul 2,000 years ago, and they are tough today! No one wants to get up in the morning and say to themselves “get ready to suffer.” Trials, pressure, stress and anxiety is not on the “favorite” list of most people. We’d like to avoid trials, pressure, stress and anxiety “at all cost.” But, for servants of Jesus, that is not an option.

None of us should make it our mission to seek trials, pressure, stress, and anxiety, they will all come our way. Paul’s instruction to Timothy and the believers in his care was to respond to these situations, “like a good soldier” seeking “to please his commanding officer.”

Paul’s last line of instruction is foundational to pleasing our Commanding Officer. “Reflect (on the idea of suffering like a good soldier) for the Lord will give you insight.” If we reflect and ask our Commanding Officer for insight, He will provide it.

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Peter's Pep Talk

Pressure continues to bear down upon humanity. The complications of the COVID-19 virus would be pressure enough to raise everyone’s stress level more than a few notches. Throw in financial hardship, unemployment, loss of businesses, questions about school in the fall, and travel restrictions, protests, locusts, conflicts in China, Hong Kong, India, Ethiopia, Yemen, North Korea, Libya,– I think I’ll stop there! You get the idea.

You know stress and pressure, but now that I’ve written out some issues facing the world, it probably raised your anxiety level even higher! It is easy to lose sight of fundamentals of following Jesus when pressure is bearing down. I’m reminded of a “pep talk” the Apostle Peter gave to believers he was responsible to care for, lead and coach. He wrote during a trying period in the Roman Empire, and just prior to his execution:

“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:11-12 NLT

I don’t know the application of Peter’s words to your situation, but I’m sure something in his “pep talk” applies. I see three applications for me.

I should be asking, “What does good look like in this situation?”
How can I work to maintain and foster peace?
I should seek to do “right.” (I want the Lord to watch over me and His ears open to my prayers.)

Jesus, help me “do good” “work to maintain peace” and “do right.” I want your watchful gaze on me and your ears open to my prayers. Amen.

Saturday, June 27, 2020

The Hard Work of Forgiveness

Relationships are hard work! They are fraught with disappointment, hurt and confusion. Communicating is hard work. Listening is hard work. Understanding others requires emotional savvy that rarely comes naturally. Hurts, anger and frustration are more than just toppings in relationships. Sometimes they are major ingredients.

Jesus had reams to say about forgiveness. Forgiveness is one core, if not THE core component of Jesus’ teaching. One of the last lines that Jesus spoke, dying upon the cross was, “Father, forgive them [those who had demanded and carried out his execution] they do not know what they are doing.”

Forgiveness is difficult because it is counter-intuitive. We tell ourselves lines such as “If I forgive someone, then I am ‘letting them get away’ with the wrong” and “If I forgive, they’ll just hurt me again.” But forgiving someone for a wrong does not mean that the offender gets a pass. Forgiving someone means I won’t make them pay. The law, consequences, and ultimately the judgement of God may make them pay. By forgiving the offender, I am released from being responsible for justice and payback and that transfer responsibility to God.

My forgiving or not forgiving has no bearing on whether someone will re-offend. You and I both have forgiven people, and the offender never hurt us again. We have also NOT forgiven and then the offender hurt us again.

Unforgiveness will make you and me into “mutants.” The hurt we hold on to while not forgiving mutates the inner person of the victim. The mutation continues to multiply and consume until eventually bitterness fills the person. The odd reality about the mutation is the offender may not know they hurt the person, or eventually forgets about the victim, leaving the victim to suffer while the offender goes on with life mutation free!

Forgiving others is an enormous deal. Jesus said, “If you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15 NLT

Jesus, teach us how to forgive, and give us the strength to forgive and the courage to forgive! Amen.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Careless and Useless Words

As a student and teacher of the ancient writings found in the Bible, there are statements in the writings that frighten me. I’m not referring to the historical accounts found in the Jewish Scriptures (the Old Testament) about Sodom and Gomorrah or Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt. I’m referring to some of Jesus' words.

Jesus said, “If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15 NIV84) The thought that my unforgiveness would prevent my own forgiveness scares me because I have SINS! Or, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NIV84) Jesus is encouraging people to not let the “fear of man” control their lives but instead to let the “fear of God” control them.

The teaching of Jesus that terrifies me is about the things a person says. Most of the people Jesus taught communicated only through speech. We communicate in a variety of ways. In the 21st century his teaching applies to every way that we use words; the spoken word, written word, social media posts, shares, and likes. And about our communication Jesus said, “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. … I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-37 NIV84)

The words that come out of my mouth and from the end of my fingertips, come straight out of what is in my heart and I will be JUDGED by those words. That scares me and sometimes terrifies me!

Jesus, I need continual surgery done on my heart so that my words are not “careless” and useless. Help me! Amen

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Quick To Listen and Slow to Speak

I’ve spent hours listening over the last few weeks. Listening to preachers, politicians, reporters, farmers, athletes, and many others concerning the protests and race issues our country is swimming through. I’ve been looking over my shoulder, both left and right, because I realize I have “blind spots.” I only see what I see, and I only understand what I understand.

By listening, I’ve learned about the “red line,” “Juan Crow Laws,” “In-groups” and “out-groups.” I’ve learned about the difference between bias, racism and discrimination. I am in elementary school about these issues. I’m learning about “espoused theory” and “theory in use.” I’m listening to descriptions of “white girl hair,” and learning that every person is 99.5 percent identical in genetic makeup. I’ve learned that saying “I don’t see color” is divisive, even when said with or from the motive of inclusiveness and love.

Jesus’ brother James wrote: “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19 NLT) Too often when I face trials and struggles, I am quick to speak and too slow to listen. In the struggle our society is facing, I am intentionally closing my mouth, opening my heart and listening intently. I have an incredible amount to learn about the issues we are all facing.

Micah, the prophet who spoke for God 700 years before Jesus said: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 ESV)

What is good? What does the Lord require? Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

Jesus, teach me. I want to live justly, practice kindness and walk humbly with you.

Monday, June 8, 2020

Confessing The Sins of America

I have been considering an example from the Jewish Scriptures, when one of the leaders of God’s people confessed the sins of the Jewish people. Daniel had not participated in the sin, but he was part of the people group or nation that perpetuated it.

As a POW in Babylon, Daniel was reading the words of the prophet Jeremiah. As he read, understanding of their situation and the seventy years they were to spend in Babylon broke his heart. Daniel recorded his actions: “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.” Daniel 9:3 NLT

Daniel had not been part of the sin, rebellion, and disobedience, but he was Jewish, and these were the sins of the Jewish people. Daniel Chapter 9 is the record of Daniel’s repentance and confession of the sins of Israel. Daniel saw it as his responsibility as a member of the Jewish nation to confess the sins of his nation. “I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: ‘O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! … We have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. We have refused to listen … as you see, our faces are covered with shame. … O LORD, we … are covered with shame because we have sinned against you.’”

Daniel 9:4-11 NLT

I am an American and therefore I am responsible for injustice and need to do my part to bring about justice. I have spent time this week confessing the sins of America. As a nation we have oppressed people and continue to oppress people. We are guilty and we are responsible. I’ve been praying that God will have mercy on America and Americans. I have been praying that God would raise up leaders who can show the way through the racial darkness.

God, have mercy on America and move us forward in racial equality. Amen

Friday, May 29, 2020

Where Does Division Begin?

There is an enormous volume of discussion in our society about the divisions that exist. The divisions are racial, political, economic, age, location… the list could go on for paragraphs. Everybody is talking about division, but unfortunately division is always seen as someone else’s fault.

Abraham Lincoln famously spoke about the division among Americans during the Civil War.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand." I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.” Abraham Lincoln

America, the country that God decided to be our home, (Acts 17:26) is in greater damage from inner forces than from foreign forces.

The natural response of many is “That’s right … they …” The problem of division never starts with “they.” The trouble of division starts with the division in every heart.

President Lincoln’s memorable speech gets its foundation on the words of Jesus. “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Jesus - Mark 3:25 ESV

Jesus’ and President Lincoln’s words describe the human heart. The divided heart of any person will ultimately end in chaos. The divided relationship of any couple will collapse. Division between parents and children will destroy a family. “A house divided against itself cannot stand” is true in every area of life.

Any time I contribute to the division, in any area of life, I become a tool of the primary “divider,” the destroyer of man’s souls, the Devil. We cannot put on the uniform of the kingdom of darkness.

“Jesus, deal with my heart so I appear not seed or feed division in any area of living. Teach me to love those who think differently than I do. Amen,”

Monday, May 25, 2020

Loving Our Neighbors

I have been thinking about how you and I can love our neighbors during the crisis moment. It is important to love your neighbor not primarily because they need to be loved but because Jesus said the second commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus taught that the second commandment to “Love your neighbor” is equal to the commandment to “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.”

If I’m mostly “staying home and staying safe,” HOW do I love my neighbor? (Your neighbor might be people who live around you, but your neighbor is also the cashier at the store, the barista at the coffee stand, the person you pass on the street or trail when you are walking, the cleaner that used to visit your house, the landscapers who care for your yard, the UPS delivery person, etc.)

Pray. What if you are the only one who is praying for your neighbor?

Be kind. Everyone you encounter is experiencing stress in unprecedented ways.

Greet and Talk. When you pass someone on the road or trail, greet them and talk to them – DO IT.

I regularly run similar routes. I regularly encounter an elderly widow woman I’ve known for years on my runs and I stop and take time to talk with her and often pray with and for her. Two years ago, she commented on my bright yellow running jacket, so I bought her a jacket and took it to her home. The jacket was the wrong size, so I returned it and got her a larger size. I often bump into her wearing the jacket. This woman is not a church person, but I’m determined to love on her and hopefully to love her to faith.

Ask Jesus to guide you and show you opportunities to love your neighbor. Then listen and, when prompted by the Spirit, act on that prompt.

You’ll be surprised how Jesus wants to use you to love people.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Trust and Obey

What is God up to? That is the question that has been bouncing around in my heart. There is no mystery to some what God is doing; He’s always working to reconcile people to Himself! God wants to be your friend. He is not out to harm you. He is working on hard hearts, closed minds, and broken spirits. He is working in the lives of those who are mad at Him and others who deny His existence. He wants people to understand that He loves them.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so you will change your hearts and lives.” (Romans 5:4 NCV)

What else is God up to? What is he up to with nations? What is He up to in world economies? What is He up to with the church?

There are plenty of prophesies and conspiracy theories floating around in social media these days! But do they help you understand what God is up to, or what He wants from you?

Let me tell you how God expects you to respond to the current world situation. I’ll use the lines from an old Gospel hymn, as true today as when John Sammis wrote them in 1887. Let the lyrics encourage, instruct, and challenge you.

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way,
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

I know for certain that God is trying to teach you and me to “trust and obey!”

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Walk Away from the Comparison Game

Someone has said: “Everything in life is easier when you don’t concern yourself with what everybody else is doing.”

I have experienced and observed the truth of this statement. When a person compares themselves or their life against others usually one of two detrimental results happen. (There are probably other outcomes but there are two biggies.)

One result is to respond, “WOW is me! Wow, look at how much bigger, better, faster, richer, sleeker and newer I am.” When people compare themselves to others and assume that they are better than others, pride sends out roots that begin to grow deep in the soil. Social Media is laced with “WOW is me.”

The other result, on the other end of the spectrum is “WOE is me! Woe, look how rotten my life is!” WOE is me can be heard in statements like: “I don’t have what they have, I’m not as good as them, I’ll never have what they have, I’ll never be what they are.” WOE is not pride; WOE is self-pity.

Many of life’s emotional, mental, and spiritual pitfalls are a result of comparing. Eve could have eaten any tree from the Garden. She saw the fruit on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, compared it to the other fruit and had to have it. Cain compared his gift to God to his brother Abel’s gift and ultimately killed his brother.

Consider Apostle Paul’s wise words to the believers in Rome and Philippi, who were playing the “comparison game.”

“Do not think you are better than you are.” Romans 12:3 (NCV); “Let nothing be done out of … conceit, but in humility let each esteem the other better than himself.” Philippians 2:3 (MEV)

It takes tremendous intentionality to walk away from the “comparison game” but it is one of healthiest and freeing endeavors you will ever take on. I encourage you to end the compare game.

Saturday, May 2, 2020

God is up to something BIG

One of my core beliefs in life is that God is sovereign over all that occurs. That means only what He determines or allows takes place. With that as the foundation of my thinking, I’ve been pondering what God is up to. Why has He established certain things? Why has He allowed other things? Is God superintending circumstances and world affairs to direct history corresponding to His design?

I’m absolutely persuaded that God is up to something BIG. The pandemic has now affected practically the entire earth and the economic impact will be felt by every individual. He must be superintending something BIG.

Is He seeking to humble humanity? Is He trying to reconstruct political, social, economic and power structures across the globe? What is He seeking to say to humanity? Is He trying to get us to listen? Is He seeking to remodel the 2,000 year old church?

On a personal level I am learning traits about myself that I might not have seen without these new factors. I am being pressed to think outside the box I’ve produced over the last 30 years. I’m being stretched to think about a future that He might prefer look different than what I’m used to.

" He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is the Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs--for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything. ...From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.

His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps find him--though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist." Acts 17:24-28 (NLT)

Let your faith grow as you relax in the God who is “Lord of heaven and earth.”

Friday, April 24, 2020

Jesus is Building His Church

Throughout history Jesus has used circumstances and troublesome seasons to strengthen disciples and expand the church. The early months and years of the church were filled with turmoil, suffering and martyrdom. During the first few centuries of the church’s existence, the world endured a multitude of pandemics.

Throughout the centuries one hardship after another hit the world, but the church continued to grow and prosper. Through plagues, famines, fires, earthquakes, wars and persecution the church continued to grow. Decade after decade more and more people found hope in the life, death, burial, resurrection, teaching and example of Jesus.

During WWII and the Korean conflict, the church continued to grow. Many of the largest churches in the world are in Korea, and Korean churches rank among the top missionary sending churches in the world. The revolutions and persecutions throughout the 20th century of Chinese believers didn’t weaken the church - the church in China grew in strength and number.

The Apostle Peter wrote to mid-first century followers of Jesus: “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.” 1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)

The church will come out of the current pandemic, and financial crisis strengthened. Jesus declared: “I will build my church and the Gates of Hell will not stop me!” (Matt’s paraphrase)

Let Jesus strengthen you as your trust and faith are tested.

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Allowing People into our Circle of Conversation

Businesses, yoga studios, athletic trainers, physical therapist, schools, churches and organizations have flooded the web with Zoom meetings and activities. Zoom, an online video conferencing tool has been overwhelmed by usage over the last 90 days. Like any other popular web program, hackers have had fun with the security holes in Zoom.

Zoom has developed new patches and fixes to stay ahead of the hackers. I was scheduled to take part in a Zoom meeting led by a pastor in Renton and before I joined the meeting someone had joined the meeting and flashed pornography on the screen. Such is the world of the internet.

One safeguard now in place is that the moderator of the Zoom meeting must allow a person to enter the meeting and join the conversation. In the middle of the night last week I started thinking about the parallels in real world relationships and conversations.

Each of us respond as the moderator of meetings and conversations. As the moderator we either allow a person to enter meetings and conversations or we prohibit them. Our response signals to the other person whether they are welcome or not. Sometimes it is a look, a phrase, a vibe that we give off that signals to the other that it is OK to enter or not OK.

Jesus “allowed” people into his circle, conversations, meals, and life whom others had rejected and prohibited from relationship.

Luke recalled one of those moments in his account of Jesus’ life. “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’”

Jesus let people into his "Zoom Meetings" that others forbade. He welcomed undesirables to eat with him at "Zoom Dinners". And, that is the hospitality that Jesus wants to reproduce in our lives.

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Happy Easter

For centuries Christians around the world have celebrated Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, preparing for the ceremony on Easter Sunday. What about Saturday? Why is Saturday not recognized? Why have believers been silent about Saturday? Poor lowly Saturday gets no recognition during Easter week.

Maundy Thursday – Maundy is from an Anglo-French term for command. On Thursday of Easter week Jesus gave his followers a “new command” to “Love one another as He loves.”

Good Friday – “Good” because on that day Jesus suffered and died on the cross for the forgiveness of all mankind.

Easter Sunday – The day that Jesus rose from the dead and permanently changed all human history.

Saturday – This was a bad day for the followers of Jesus. He was gone. Their Rabbi, physician, and promised Messiah was laying in a tomb. Jesus was lifeless, and they were hopeless. This was a bad day for the Romans. The troublemaker Jesus was in the tomb, but they feared someone would remove the body, so they positioned guards at the tomb.

Was anything going on that day? Of course, something was transpiring. God was going on. God never cease acting. Even in the minutes and days when it sounds like God is silent and "still,” He is not. He is constantly acting.

God proclaims in the Psalms:

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalms 46:10 (NLT)

On what appeared to be a quiet Saturday, “I am God.” On Easter Sunday, “I am God.”

In your circumstances yesterday, today and tomorrow, “I am God.”

Your hope is found in Jesus, the Son of God, who lived, died and rose for you!

Happy Easter!

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Find Peace

I have been thinking about a statement by Corrie ten Boom, a Nazi concentration camp survivor, that is pertinent to what we are currently going through. I hope that her statement will encourage you and give you a needed nudge in the direction of Jesus.

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.” Corrie ten Boom

The 24-hour, minute-to-minute, news cycle makes it hard to not look at the world. Just going to the grocery store and seeing everyone waiting in lines to get into the store, wearing masks, and avoiding each other is enough to cause distress.

“Sheltering in”, not interacting with people you work with, play with or share life with can lead to depression and loneliness. Especially for those who live alone!

Twenty-seven hundred years ago, the prophet Isaiah wrote of peace that comes from focusing on Jesus. He wrote: “You, LORD, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NCV)

Push away the view of what is happening in the world, push away the view from the inside, look to the Lord, depend on him, put your trust in Him and peace, “true peace” will be yours.

Jesus, teach us to depend on you and trust you! AMEN

Monday, March 30, 2020

God is Faithful

This week I have been thinking about parallels between Noah and his family climbing onto the Ark and what everyone of us is experiencing. I don’t want to make too much of the comparison because “The Flood” was a God ordained judgment on humanity for their evil. The COVID-19 virus and the calamity springing from it results from living in a world damaged by the effects of sin.

When Noah was told to get ready for a flood, build a boat and then get aboard the boat with his family, the experience was new. None of them had ever experienced rain, water rising, currents and waves, darkness because of the land being shaded by clouds, and people dying in the flood. They were in the ultimate season of having no control and complete uncertainty as to the end of the events unfolding!

They were told that it would rain for 40 days and nights. That is all they were told, that is all they knew. It wasn’t until day 150 that the waters began to recede from the land. In the seventh month the Ark landed on dry ground. After ten months the mountains were finally visible. Forty days later Noah sent out a raven and a dove. The raven never returned. The dove found no dry ground to land on. Seven days later Noah sent out another dove, and it returned with an olive leaf. He sent it out again after another seven days and the dove did not return.

Fifty weeks had passed, and the family’s “Ark” ride was finished. Now it was time to rebuild.

Again, I don’t want to make too much of the idea, but it frames a few thoughts.
God is faithful! He will take care of us throughout this “Ark” ride. Noah and his family entrusted their lives and future to God because they had no other choice and they knew that there was something better ahead.

“Seeing then that all these things are to be destroyed, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, while you are waiting for and desiring the coming of the day of God … according to His promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:11-13 (MEV)

Monday, March 23, 2020

Surrendering and Trusting in the Sovereignty of God


Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 NLT

Several years ago I started taking time to focus, worship and thank the Lord for his sovereignty. Merriam-Webster defines sovereignty as having supreme power, supreme excellence and controlling influence. I remind myself the Lord has supreme power, supreme excellence and controlling influence. Supreme means above all others.

The complexity and uncertainty of life often causes serious stress to the soul. Complexity and uncertainty have become part of everyday life. They are unavoidable. Those that try to control complexity and uncertainty find themselves even more stressed by attempting to live with the illusion of control.

I have found that surrender to the sovereignty of the Lord is the healthiest position I can take. Nothing complex for me or for humanity confounds the Lord. Nothing uncertain for me or humanity confuses or takes the Lord by surprise.

Like David’s words above say, “Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours … the one who is over all things.”

Things take place in life and on this planet I don’t like. I can get all worked up over those things and get angry at God and others, but my response doesn’t change reality. There is only one Sovereign.. I trust Him with the complexities and uncertainties of life.

I invite you to do the same. Surrendering and trusting in the sovereignty of God is the way to peace.

Monday, March 16, 2020

Eight Things the Coronavirus Should Teach Us - Mark Oden

The Gospel Coalition had a great post by Pastor Mark Oden, in Italy. The post is called “8 Things the Coronavirus Should Teach Us.”

Here’s his list of thoughts and some of my comments.

1. Our fragility. Humans are weak against a little bug! “Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here.” Psalms 103:15-16 NLT
2. Our Equality. It infects people of all ages in every corner of the planet. The virus has infected people in 134 countries.
3. Our Loss of Control. People love to control. We are captains of our own destiny, masters of our fate. NOT! Control is an illusion, it always has been and always will be.
The Pain We Share in Being Excluded. His point is about those in quarantine and isolation.
4. The Difference between Fear and Faith. Our reaction to any crisis reveals faith or fear. Is the crisis in control or is the Sovereign God of the Universe in control?
5. Our Need of God and Our Need to Pray. “Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 NLT
6. The Vanity of So Much of Our Lives. I have to admit it bummed me when I heard about the cancellation of March Madness. Do I need to say anything else?
7. Our Hope. God’s story is about the hope found in Jesus invading earth to heal from the virus of sin and death.

Monday, March 9, 2020

A thought about judging others in a "Call-Out Culture"

You might have heard the term “Call-Out Culture” used over the last year. Wikipedia describes “call-out culture” as a “form of public humiliation that aims to hold individuals and groups accountable for their actions by calling attention to behavior perceived to be problematic, usually on social media.” The terms “outrage culture” and “cancel culture” are variations of the same idea.

Jesus taught about judging others in the “Sermon on the Mount.” “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” - Matthew 7:1-2 NLT

Most people, who know these words, think Jesus was giving a blanket statement about NOT JUDGING. Mainly because they don’t know the rest of what Jesus said. He followed those “famous” words with instruction about judging true prophets (teachers) and false. The standard of judgement was to be their fruit or judging them by how they live and how they treat others.

It is impossible to live a healthy life without judgment. Every day we judge doctors, lawyers, teachers, bosses, politicians, judges, preachers, etc., etc., etc., as to their performance and merit. Rightly so! Only a fool would get treated by a physician without judging. BUT when a person judges, they must judge by the same criteria that they would want to be judged by.

That is not how it works in the “call-out culture” and especially in social media. People judge others by what they post and judge themselves by their motives and intentions. What would happen if every person who posted on social media would judge others by their motives (giving the benefit of the doubt) and judged themselves by what they post?

Monday, March 2, 2020

Counter-Cultural is the Jesus Way

It seems like the teachings of Jesus become more counter-intuitive and counter-cultural with every passing day. Jesus said crazy things like:

“If you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment.”
“If you look at a woman with lust, you have committed adultery with her in your heart.”
“Love your enemies!”
“When you give to someone in need, give your gifts in private.”

Almost every culture would say that anger, lust, hating your enemies and making a big deal out of helping others is normal, right and maybe even necessary. Culture says; “People need to get angry, it is normal. There is something wrong with you, if you don’t get angry. Lust is just part of life. It’s harmless and often beneficial. Lust sells things. No one would love their enemy. That’s warped. More people give to the needy when they know who is giving and how much they are giving.” Intuitive and cultural thoughts don’t jibe with the way Jesus described life.

What are the counter-intuitive and counter-cultural situations that you bump up against?
Don’t get mad, get even!
Stand up for your rights.
Get all you can get out of life, YOLO!
You are the most important person.
We find the answers within us, look inside.

The Jesus way might not always be the easiest way, the intuitive way or the cultural way, but it is always the best way. Jesus calls to us: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.” Matthew 11:28 MSG

Monday, February 24, 2020

Humility

One desperately needed characteristic today is humility. The age of superstars, celebrity brands, selfies, and social media feeds pride, the opposite of humility.

While writing about humility and pride C. S. Lewis wrote, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”

Long ago, Friedrich Nietzsche observed that the “will to power” is the basic drive in human nature. There is no need to teach a child to exert their will in a power play. Grasping for power runs through people of every age and every level of social strata. Pride is both the fertile soil where the “will to power” grows and the fertilizer that boosts its growth.

Three thousand years ago Solomon included these words in his collection of Proverbs. “Pride comes before destruction” and, “humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 15:33) The Apostle Peter commented on the juxtaposition of pride and humility when he wrote, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 ESV.

Rick Warren shortened a definition that C. S. Lewis wrote of humility by saying; “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. Humility is thinking more of others.”

Jesus, work humility into my life and into the lives of those that I influence. Amen.

Friday, February 14, 2020

"THINK" before you speak or post

The practices of social media posting by famous, infamous and average people is, at times, troublesome and shocking. I try hard to think through what I post on social media. I use a variant of an adage when I’m writing “Think what you will say but don’t say everything that you think.” I changed it for my purposes to “Think what you will write but don’t write everything that you think.”

I also refer to the acronym “THINK” that my daughter shared with me to use when posting on social media. (It’s a great filter for face-to-face conversations and relationships.)

T … Is it TRUE?
H … Is it HELPFUL?
I … Is it INSPIRING?
N … Is it NECESSARY?
K … Is it KIND?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 ESV

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Compassion From Our Current Location

Moved with compassion … He had compassion on them … His heart overflowed with compassion … (Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:41; Luke 7:13—as a few examples)

Jesus showed compassion on crippled people, blind people, and lepers in need of healing, He showed compassion to the woman at the well who yearned for acceptance or the woman caught in adultery that needed forgiveness.

One option when looking up directions on your smartphone is to “USE CURRENT LOCATION” as the starting point. “Use Current Location” is an excellent description of how Jesus expects us to live our compassion. He wants us to start right at our CURRENT LOCATION. Jesus doesn’t want us to get ‘more spiritual’ and then show compassion. Jesus expects us to show compassion from our CURRENT LOCATION, to show compassion now, right where we live, work, and play. He doesn’t want us only to give our money to someone else or an organization that can show compassion for us. He wants compassion from us in our CURRENT LOCATION.

Who in your CURRENT LOCATION needs to be accepted just as they are, needs a friend, needs you to be praying for them, needs a helping hand, or someone to lean on?

Jesus, give us eyes to see the needs in our CURRENT LOCATION! Amen.

The Fundamentals of a Jesus Honoring Life

When I was 10 to 12 years old, I would show up at our Jr. High gymnasium every Saturday during the winter to take part in the YMCA basketball program. I loved every minute we were on the court! Whether we were running lines, learning the correct way to throw different passes, learning how to dribble the ball without looking, shooting layups, pivoting, screening out…I loved every drill!

The coach, Mr. Rhodes, was big on fundamentals. His philosophy was if you learn the fundamentals, you don’t need to “think” about them in a game situation. The fundamentals become part of who you are, second nature, natural actions and reactions. Mr. Rhodes’ philosophy was like the former, unmatched, UCLA coach John Wooden. These great coaches were not hoping their players would know about the fundamentals. Their goal was that the fundamentals would become a part of who a player was.

I see parallels between basketball fundamentals and living a Jesus honoring life. If a disciple learns the fundamentals of a Jesus honoring life and practices them, the fundamentals become part of who they are, second nature, natural actions and reactions. The goal of a disciples’ experience is not “knowing the fundamentals” of living a Jesus honoring life. The goal is doing and living the fundamentals like forgiveness, love, telling the truth, generosity, praying, and learning everything Jesus taught.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 ESV

Serious Times Require God's Wisdom

In July 1813, John Adams, the 2nd President of the nation, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the nation, wrote, “My Friend! You and I have passed our Lives, in Serious Times. I know not whether We have ever Seen any moments more Serious than the present .” [sic]

Two phrases in that statement caught my attention. “Serious times” and “any moments more serious than the present” could easily describe the tumultuous times we are in. Conflict and division abound. Natural calamities and significant challenges face our country and the world. There are no simple answers to the challenges mankind faces. Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”

I’m reminded of words written by King David in Psalm 20, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalms 20:7 (NIV) These are times to trust in the Lord and not chariots and horses. God gives creative solutions and the wisdom needed to solve the problems of the world. Serious times require serious wisdom and serious solutions!

Another great leader, Abraham Lincoln, said; “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.”