Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Twice in the Apostle Paul’s letters, he gave instructions regarding living a life of faith among those who lack faith. Embedded in a longer set of instructions, he used the same phrase. “Make the most of every opportunity.” His directive, “Make the most of every opportunity” is amid a description of attitudes, words, and actions that describe his directive. “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT) “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT) Making the most of every opportunity requires several things. Every believer must have their eyes, ears, and hearts open to sense “every opportunity.” It is easy in our fast-paced, divisive, mind your own business, to miss opportunities. Seeing, hearing and sensing” every opportunity often requires slowing down, listening, observing and empathy. Here is a list of the other attributes, attitudes, and characteristics necessary to “make the most of every opportunity.” Carefulness is living. Wisdom. Acting thoughtfully towards others. Understanding what the Lord wants. Gracious and attractive speech. Understanding the right response in each situation. Making the most of every opportunity is an enormous calling. It is not something I can do in my strength. When I try to make the most of every opportunity in my strength or thinking, I fall far short of “making the most.” Making the most of every opportunity requires dependence on the Spirit. In another of Paul’s letters, he gave instructions about relying on the Spirit. “I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:16, 25 (NLT) Holy Spirit, teach us, lead us and empower us to see, hear, sense and “make the most of every opportunity.” AMEN

Time

In preparation for teaching during the Christmas Season, I have been studying TIME. One of the common tools sailors used through the centuries was an hourglass. Hourglasses were reliable for measuring time during the day and night, in stormy and fair weather. Hourglasses come in different sizes and “time” measurements. Some hourglasses are 12 hour, some 6 hour and others 1 hour. The time measured is dependent on the amount of sand and the flow between the upper and lower chambers of the hourglass. The hourglass is a great picture of life. No two people have the same amount of “sand” in their hourglass, and the flow from the upper chamber and lower chamber of their hourglass varies in each individual. Moses in Psalm 90 wrote, from his observation and experience, “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.” Psalms 90:10 (NLT) Of course many live less than 70 years and some live more than 80 years. (My Mom is 91 and we have a woman in our church that will be 103 in February 2022) The writers of the books and letters in the Bible encouraged people to handle “time”and life wisely. Moses prayed “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 (NLT) Jesus’ brother James wrote: “Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’ Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.” James 4:13-16 (NLT) Solomon wrote: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.” Proverbs 3:5-7 (NLT) Jesus help us to trust you with every minute, hour, day, week, month and year. Help us trust you with the “sand” in our hourglass.

Mold Me and Make Me

One day, the Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah, saying; “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” Jeremiah 18:2 (NLT) When Jeremiah arrived at the potter’s shop, he found the potter working at his wheel, forming a jar. While he watched the potter working, the jar he was forming didn’t turn out the way he hoped it would. The potter squashed the lump of clay and began again to form a jar. Jeremiah’s visit to the potter’s shop and watching the potter at work illustrated God’s work in the lives of people. The Lord revealed to Jeremiah that He is the potter of Israel. Today, He continues to be the potter of Israel and He is the potter of the followers of Jesus. He is the potter of people’s individual live and corporately the church. I find the picture of God as the potter comforting. Some bristle at the idea that God is a potter, determining what kind of vessel He will make and the vessel's purpose. Who is God to determine people’s lives, future, and usefulness? I see the meticulous attention of the potter to the clay. The potters’ hands, sometimes gently, and other periods, forcefully working the lump of clay. The potter adds water, when necessary, varies the speed and intensity of the wheel and pressure on the clay to form the jar to his liking. The potter’s hands are closely engaged in every part of the process. His hands varying pressure and location on the clay. The master potter spins the wheel at variable rates to create the design of the jar. I am that lump of clay on the potter’s wheel. The wheel is the circumstances, pressures, and process God uses to shape and form me. The potter of my life is at work 24/7. I like His loving and persistent work on this jar. His work isn't always enjoyable, but I cherish it. The Apostle Paul wrote: “The Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) The potter is working the clay of my life to make me more and more like Him. When I was a young follower of Jesus, we used to sing a Marantha Music “Change My Heart, Oh God. One verse said: You are the potter I am the clay Mold me and make me This is what I pray This is my prayer, Jesus!

How Great is Our Lord!

I have been meditating on the truth that God is significantly different than the people He created. Recently on my blog I noted these truths. God doesn’t see things the way people see things. God doesn’t count time the way people count time. God has no needs. God can’t be tempted and tempts no one. God doesn’t think or act like people. Here’s a few more truths. “God cannot lie.” Titus 1:2 (NCV) “There is no darkness in Him at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NLT) He does not change. “I am the LORD, and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6 (NLT) “He never grows weak or weary.” Isaiah 40:28 (NLT) “Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.” Psalms 121:4 (NLT) God has no weaknesses. “How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!” Psalms 147:5 (NLT) You might be thinking – “SO?” God repeatedly reminded His people to “remember.” Over and over, through the prophets, He said “remember.” In the midst of topsy turvy world and as creatures who function by our senses, it is easy to forget He is not like us. I’ve heard our forgetfulness as spiritual Alzheimer’s. If not spiritual Alzheimer’s then definitely spiritual dementia. I find great solace in worshipping, loving and serving God who is consistent, honest, never changing and never sleeping. I find peace in my soul knowing I’m regularly praying to my Heavenly Father, who is above all of that is going on and who knows what is best. He’s GOD, we’re not!

What Comes into Your Mind When You Think About God?

Pastor and Bible teacher A. W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." The creation account in Genesis declares God made men and women in His image. Too often, people have reversed that truth. Instead, we’ve made God in our image. God differs greatly from people. We have some resemblances to God. Someone has said that the difference between people and God is like the difference between people and ants. Here are a few ways that God differs from people and that people differ from God. God doesn’t see things the way people see things. “The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) God doesn’t count time the way people count time. “You must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8 (NLT) God has no needs. “Human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs.” Acts 17:25 (NLT) God can’t be tempted and tempts no one. “God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.” James 1:13 (NLT) God doesn’t think or act like people. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) The Apostle Paul described God’s “otherliness” this way. “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” Romans 11:33 (NLT) People might be like God in some ways, but God is not like people. This is the truest and grandest reality in the universe. It has always been true, and it will always be true. He’s GOD, we’re not!

Working for the Peace and Prosperity of My City

Centuries before Jesus walked through Israel, the Babylonian army took thousands of Jewish people from Jerusalem and the surrounding region of Judea as captives to Babylon. The captives found themselves living in an unfamiliar culture. The language, food, dress, philosophies, music, and religious practices were all different. They were “strangers” in a “strange place.” The prophet Jeremiah, who was still in Judea, wrote a letter to the captives. The letter was “a word from God" to those strangers in a strange place. God could have used Jeremiah to pen a similar letter to me as a “temporary resident and foreigner.” Jeremiah’s letter has served as a guide for me. I’ve taken it to heart and tried to apply it to my life and leadership. I am a “temporary resident and foreigner.” (1 Peter 2:11 NLT) I’m instructed to “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.” 1 Peter 2:12 (NLT) This is what Jeremiah’s letter said: “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: ‘Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And 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 29:3-7 (NLT) One of the most salient parts of the letter for me is “work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you” and “pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” As a “temporary resident and foreigner” to Whidbey Island, I’m directed to work for peace and prosperity and to pray. I want Whidbey Island to prosper. I want Whidbey Island to experience peace. The welfare of Whidbey Island is perpetually in my heart. Applying and obeying God’s directive through Jeremiah is “Loving God” and “Loving my neighbor.” It is likely that many of you are also “temporary residents and foreigners” in the area in which you live. Will you join Jesus and the Holy Spirit and work for “peace and prosperity” and “pray to the Lord” for “the city where He has sent you?”

Worry Doesn't Pay

It is not news to anyone reading these words that life is stressful. I won’t waste a bunch of words and your time listing the sources of stress. Each of us has some common sources of stress and we also have different sources of stress. Jesus talked about stress and worry. One day he pointed at the birds flying and the wildflowers in a field and reminded the group of the Father’s care for them. He asked them, “Aren’t you more valuable than the birds?” He also declared, “If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers … He will certainly care for you.” Jesus instructed them, “Don’t worry about what you will eat, what you will drink, or what you will wear. … The Father already knows your needs.” Jesus’ instructions are easier to read than they are to do. We all know He’s right, and that worry doesn’t help us, but its hard to not worry. The Apostle Paul also instructed believers about worry. He wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) If people got paid for worrying, most of us would have a bunch more money in our savings account, but worry doesn’t pay. As a matter of fact, worry costs us. It costs us lost sleep, loss of time thinking, loss of relationship peace and stability. Paul wrote “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” He doesn’t direct people to pray because they need to convince the Father that the need is real. As Jesus said, “Your Father already knows all your needs.” We pray because praying reminds us He's in control and not us. We pray because it changes our heart, our focus, and eventually prayer changes our outlook. Whenever you start to worry, bow your heart and pray! “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand,” and “His peace will guard your hearts and minds.” Try it! You will experience a difference in your life.

Discernment in the Information Age

I have been giving a lot of thought to the practice of “discernment” the last while. We live in the “information age.” Each of us has at our fingertips more information in a day than our grandparents had in their entire life. The trouble with information is it isn’t always accurate. Information does not equal knowledge. People can have a wealth of information but, it is just a wealth of information. Information is easily confused with knowledge, expertise, or skill. Researchers at MIT studied 126,000 news stories tweeted 3 million times from 2006 – 2017. The researchers discovered that “false news” or misinformation traveled 6 times faster than truthful news or accurate information. Accurate news rarely reached more than 1,000 people. False news or misinformation regularly reached 1,000 to 100,000 people. One reason for the speed of misinformation is people’s desire to be “first” with novel information researchers concluded. People want to be “in the know” sooner than others and often are rewarded by people’s likes and retweets. “It’s easier to be novel and surprising when you’re not bound by reality,” commented Deb Roy of MIT. Frequently fake news and misinformation is “spicier” than accurate news and information. Unfortunately, unsensationalized news doesn’t spread very fast. Paul told the followers of Jesus that Satan is “the commander of the powers in the unseen world,” and “He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” Ephesians 2:2 (NLT) Jesus told his disciples that Satan “is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 (NLT) Knowing that Satan is the father and perpetrator of lies, the people of God should be the most cautious of all when swallowing information and passing it on. We are instructed to sift through everything, keeping what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Philippians 4:8 (NLT) Discernment is to be the believer’s way of life! “Be on guard.” “Test everything.” “Cling to what is good.” (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1Thessalonians 5:21; Romans 12:8) That includes what I just wrote!

Every Spiritual Blessing

As I’ve read over and over the first part of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in the Roman city and region of Ephesus, my heart and spirit have been filled with awe and wonder. Paul identifies, in vivid color, God’s rich blessing upon followers of Jesus. God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing,” and He “decided in advance to adopt us into his own family,” because “this is what he wanted to do,” and “it gave Him great pleasure.” (Ephesians 1:3-5 NLT) As the parent of adopted children (they are adults now) I understand what Paul wrote. When parents who have adopted a child meet other adoptive parents, there is a sense of camaraderie. A common response is “I have an adopted child too!” If you have adopted children, you know what I’m talking about. Think about it! God decided to adopt YOU into HIS own family, because it is what HE WANTED TO DO! And it gave him not just pleasure, but GREAT PLEASURE! And He has blessed you, his adopted child, with every spiritual blessing! Paul continues, God has poured out on his adopted children his “glorious grace!” Grace is the idea of undeserved help. God pours out his “glorious” help, even though we’ve done nothing to deserve it. Not only have we done nothing to deserve it, we’ve done plenty to motivate God to withhold His help from us - but he doesn’t! And there is more! Paul tells us that God is “so rich in His kindness and grace.” He has “showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” If you are following Jesus, Paul’s words are a description of what God has done for you, and to you. He’s done all these things because “this is what he wanted to do!” He wanted to! He wanted to, for you! Doing all these glorious things “gave Him great pleasure.” How can you not want to love, praise, and serve Him? After all, He’s blessed you with every spiritual blessing! I encourage you to open your Bible to the letter from Paul to the Ephesians and read it over and over. Your spirit will be eventually overflowing with thanksgiving and joy.

How to Live in a "Cancel" Culture

“Affirm” and “Cancel” are two words used in the cultural lingo of the day. We’ve all witnessed the way these two ideas have played out. I’ve been chewing on the idea that neither of these words and what they represent in culture are in line with the life that Jesus asks His followers to live. Last week (9.24.2021) I addressed “affirm.” This week I’ll address “cancel.” Cancel or “Cancel Culture” refers to a form of shunning or boycotting. Someone thinks something, says something, or does something out of step, or disagreeable to another and they are “canceled.” They are silenced, their opinion, thinking, and words are deemed unimportant and meaningless. The person canceled has nothing of value to add, they are shamed into silence. The practice of “cancelling” goes directly against the commandment of Jesus to “Love your neighbor” and “Love one another.” Below is Paul’s description of love from 1 Corinthians 13. As you read through the description of love, do you see anything that even closely resembles “cancelling?” “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures. Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NCV) Throughout Jesus’ three years of public ministry, the Jewish leaders continually attempted to cancel Jesus. Jesus challenged the Jewish leaders, sometimes forcefully, but he never cancelled them. They were often wrong in their views, opinions and practices and Jesus would confront them, but not cancel them. They were people he was going to hang on the cross and die for. Many of the Jewish leaders became followers of Jesus after his resurrection. He listened, he asked them questions in response to their questions and accusations, but cancelling was not Jesus’ way. His instructions were explicit. “Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you.” Matthew 5:44 (NCV) The Apostle Paul emphasized Jesus’ command. “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.” (Romans 12:14 (NLT) Jesus instructs us to love those who “cancel” us and to bless those who use cancelling as a weapon against us. Loving our enemies and blessing those who want to silence us is hard work; but it is the Jesus way.

What Is The Loving Thing To Do?

“Affirm” and “Cancel” are two words used in the cultural lingo of the day. We’ve all witnessed the way these two ideas have played out. I’ve been chewing on the idea that neither of these words and what they represent in culture are inline with the life that Jesus asks His followers to live. This week I'm addressing "Affirm." Next week I'll address "Cancel." Think about the two words and their interplay. If a man declares that he is actually not a man but a cat, culture expects a “loving” person to affirm them without reservation or question. When doesn’t affirm them as a cat, the person is viewed as “unloving” and in many situations is “canceled.” The reason behind the declaration is that the man doesn’t correspond with the features, nature and biological reality of a cat. The man declares he is a cat and expects affirmation because it is obvious he is not a cat. If he were obviously a cat, he wouldn’t need to tell anyone he’s a cat. Anyone who has tried to talk someone out of suicide has been loving by NOT AFFIRMING the suicidal ideation. Affirming the idea of suicide would assist the person in taking their life. Love, in that situation, for the person and their extended community, is to do everything possible to prevent suicide. This is true when of destructive behaviors and choices. The loving thing is usually NOT AFFIRMING the ideas, behavior, or choices. The loving action is to speak truth, confront wrong thinking, and prevent when possible destructive choices. The way of Jesus is to affirm people made in the image of God. Jesus’ way is to affirm they have purpose and destiny. Affirming a person is not the same as affirming their ideas, attitudes, behaviors, and choices. There are countless examples in the accounts of the life of Jesus when he confronted, challenged, and talked people out of destructive patterns. The woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, the “Rich Young Ruler” and Zacheus are a few examples. To the woman guilty of adultery, Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.” He didn’t affirm her sin. He called her to change and to reverse the course of her life. Loving is, at times, “NOT AFFIRMING.” Rejecting a person’s thinking, attitudes, choices, and behavior is not the same as rejecting the person. Don’t buy into the growing idea that love and affirmation are the synonymous. They are not synonymous unless they are synonymous. Be a truth teller. Affirm people not faulty and unhealthy thinking, attitudes and choices. The Apostle Paul said, “Love rejoices over the truth.” Remember, truth always corresponds with reality.

Listen

Jesus assigned the early church the mission of making disciples. He said, “Go into all the world and make disciples.” Jesus’s “Great Commission” can be understood to mean, “as you are going about life, make disciples.” Making disciples is the assignment of every Jesus follower. He intends that EVERY follower would talk about His work in their life when they are with their families, around the fire warming themselves, at the market, cleaning fish or selling their wares. Telling others about Jesus’ work should be part of the everyday flow of life. Imagine someone shares a struggle they are going through and as you listen to their words, heart, and frustrations, an opportunity presents itself for you to share how Jesus brought peace and wisdom to your own struggle. Listening is one of the greatest gifts a person can give to another. Listening does not come naturally to most of us. Listening is not the same thing as not talking. Listening is engaging the ears, heart, and brain. Listening takes work. Listening takes self-denial and a serving heart. Next time you are in a conversation, listen. Listen to the other person’s words, hurts, frustrations, and insecurities. When you listen, you send the message that you care. After you’ve listened, ask questions, and then listen some more. You will be surprised at the opportunities Jesus will create for you to share about how he’s worked in your life! The Apostle Peter told the first century disciples, “if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT) Pray that Jesus will teach you to be sensitive to the people he brings across your path. Listen to their story. Ask questions. When approappropriate, about Jesus’ impact, help and work in your own journey.

Hope in Chaos

Nearly 60 years ago, Bob Dylan released the song “The Times They are a-Changin” on an album by the same name. Bands and artists such as Burl Ives, Billy Joel and Simon & Garfunkel have covered the song. In 2004, Rolling Stones listed the song as number 59 in the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Dylan wrote the song as describing the turmoil of the early 1960s. 60 years later, we are in a significant time of turmoil. Yesterday September 11, was the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack. The anniversary of the unforgettable events of that day falls amid chaos in every community in America. The chaos our world faces is too vast to describe. The turmoil springs up in political, racial, religious, regional, medical, friends, work, families and finances. The turmoil has turned friends into foes, divided families, churches, businesses, schools, and nearly every community group. As a follower of Jesus, I find peace, assurance, and confidence anchored to Him. In the ancient letter of Hebrews, the author describes Jesus as “the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) God spoke through the Old Testament prophet Malachi saying, “I am the Lord, I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6) If “the times were a-changin” 60 years ago, the speed, nature, and breadth of change today in exponential in comparison. Weekly something new arises to challenge existing structures, forms and sensibilities. The nature and speed of the changes raises the stress level in almost every one of every age. The follower of Jesus need not lose hope, stability, or their footing. God neither “sleeps nor slumbers.” (Psalm 121:4) God doesn’t change. (Malachi 3:6) Jesus is the same today as he was 2,000 years ago will be 2,000 years from now. “The Times They are a-Changin” but Jesus is “a-samin!” You can trust in him!

Doing Life In My Own Strength

I have been reading through the Bible this year from the New Century Version (NCV). King Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, priests, and leaders of Israelite families to be judges. They were to settle problems between people who lived in Jerusalem. They were to serve as arbitrators and judges to settle disputes and conflicts. The king commanded the “judges,” “You must always serve the Lord completely, and you must fear him.” The king also commanded the judges, “Watch what you do, because you are not judging for people but for the Lord. He will be with you when you make a decision. Now let each of you fear the Lord. Watch what you do, because the Lord our God wants people to be fair. He wants all people to be treated the same, and he doesn’t want decisions influenced by money.” The king’s commands to the “judges” challenged me. I was challenged and reminded of the need each of us has for a Savior. I like to think that I “fear the Lord,” and I am “fair,” and “treat all people the same,” and I don’t let decisions about people and relationships to be “influenced by money.” But I know me! I can’t faithfully live out my role as a leader, without a Savior. I am prone to fear people and situations instead of fearing the Lord. I often fail to be “fair” and “treat all people the same,” and I have allowed money to influence decisions about people and relationships. I am prone to failure in each of those categories. My “prone” to failure nature is why I need a Savior. I need Jesus to save me and others from me, just as much today as I did 40 years ago when I first walked with Jesus. I need His forgiveness, power, grace, direction, and correction. It is only when His power and life are flowing in me, I can faithfully lead. I bet you have similar feelings and experiences. When you are leading in your strength, things are rough. When you are leading your family, a team at work, a community group or a local sports team, with Jesus’ strength, wisdom and grace flowing through you, leading is different and results are different. Jesus, teach me/us to lead in your power, life and strength. Remind me regularly – “Don’t do life alone, do it with ME!”

Control is an Illusion

“This is my Father’s World”, written by Maltbie Babcock in 1901, is a beloved hymn. The hymn declares the sovereignty of the Father over all creation. “This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.” “This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas – His hand the wonders wrought.” Too often people cling to the illusion of control. You realize that control is an illusion, don’t you? We don’t control, we can’t control the simplest aspects of life. The beating of a heart, breathing, digestion, healing from wounds, are all involuntary processes. Just try to stop your heartbeat, or breathing, or digestion by choosing to do so … you can’t. Jesus taught the disciples to pray “Our Father, who is in heaven.” He taught them to pray to the Father because this is the Father’s world. He also taught disciples to pray to our Father since “Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:8 (NLT) He taught the disciples to give up worrying (I’m not very good at this one!) because “Your heavenly Father already knows your needs” and “Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it” and “Your heavenly Father will give good gifts to those who ask Him.” Jesus’ brother James reminded disciples under his care that “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17 (NLT) You have a Father who knows your name, knows the details of your life, knows your fears, knows your needs and cares! You can call upon Him, rely upon Him and rest in Him. Remember, “Control is an illusion!” Embrace the Apostle Peter’s instructions: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Anxiety and Worry

Very few people travel through life without moments of worry and anxiety. Worry and anxiety are part of the human experience. If you are not a worrier, count yourself fortunate. Someone said to me recently, “If I don’t worry about these things, who’s gonna?” During Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5, 6, and 7) He challenged the disciples and the crowd about worry. “So I tell you not to worry about everyday life …” and “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” and “Why worry about your clothing?” and “Why do you worry about these things?” and “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.” Jesus’ admonitions and questions were for those that followed him physically and they are for us who follow him spiritually. The Apostle Peter knew about worry and he was familiar with Jesus’ teachings. He also knew worry was a struggle for the followers he led. In a letter, he instructed worriers to not just invite God into the circumstances that generate worry in person’s life, but to surrender or “give up” the act of worrying itself. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) King David wrote similar instructions in Psalm 55. “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you.” Psalm 55:22 (NLT) David’s word burden illustrates the weight of worry. Sometimes we say, “He has the weight of the world on his shoulders.” That statement describes the weight of worry. We are told to “Give your burden,” and “Give all your worries and cares,” to God. How do we do that? You might say something like this in prayer to Jesus: “Jesus, I give you the burden, worries and cares about my son or daughter or parent or job and finances. I give you them and ask that you intervene. On top of the situation, I give you the burden and worry and care. I can’t continue to carry this weight of worry. I surrender my worry to you. You worry about it.” Then every time you pick the burden back up and start worrying, say it again. Say it over and over and over. Pray it over and over and over.

Amazed by Grace

Recently, I read slowly through Galatians, the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia. Towards the end of the letter, Paul uses phrases such “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives” 5:16; “Directed by the Spirit” 5:18; “Living by the Spirit” 5:25; “Follow the Spirit” 5:25; and “Please the Spirit” 6:8. Galatians 5 describes the tension that we live in. We want to please the Spirit, but our sinful nature tempts and pulls at us. Living in the Spirit, following the Spirit, and pleasing the Spirit is life in the tension between sin and grace. Grace frees us from sin and calls us to live in, follow, and please the Spirit. Sin taunts us and pulls at us. Sin “wants to do evil, which is the opposite of what the Spirit wants” and the “two forces are constantly fighting each other” according to Galatians 5:17 Sinclair Ferguson describes the tension this way: “The spiritual life is lived between two polarities: our sin and God’s grace. The discovery of the [sin] brings us to seek the [grace]; the work of the [grace] illuminates the depths of the [sin] and causes us to seek yet more grace.” I’m thankful for grace. I’m thankful that when I sin, grace is available. I’m thankful that when grace illuminates the depths of my sin, it causes me to see yet more grace. Grace “teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:12 NIV The words of an old hymn are playing in my mind right now; “Grace, grace, God’s grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all my sin!” Jesus, thank you for grace, I’m still amazed by it!

My Truth, Your Truth and The Truth

Over the last few years, there has been considerable usage, discussion, and controversy around the terms “My Truth” and “Your Truth.” Oprah Winfrey’s use of the phrase “your truth” in her Golden Globe speech in 2017 moved the phrase from the sidelines and onto the playing field. Traditionally, “truth” has been thought of as a group of shared common facts. Society agreement on common facts is important for cohesion and peaceful living. Common facts were the ideas that correspond with reality and are true. Ideas and facts that don’t correspond with reality are not true. The terms and concepts behind “my truth” and “your truth” are most often used in “philosophical and moral” discussions. People can and do debate and judge philosophical issues, moral viewpoints and positions using my truth, your truth labels. Seldom are the terms used in practical life application. My truth/Your truth shifts the idea into a different arena. An idea, thought, perception, belief I hold, is my truth even if it doesn’t correspond with reality. It is my truth when it corresponds with my reality. It is your truth, but not mine, when it corresponds with your reality. When I pay my mortgage, purchase gas, or stop in to grab some donuts, I don’t argue about my truth and your truth. The businesses and I agree on “reality” for the product or service. I’ve never argued “My truth” tells me “Your truth” about the price of gas is too high. I’m only paying “My truth” for the gas! Here’s $X for the gallon of gas. My truth wouldn’t get me very far when the sheriff showed up for stealing. When I served on a jury for a criminal trial, the judge didn’t instruct the members of the jury to interpret the “victim’s truth” verses the “defense’s truth.” The judge instructed the jury to listen to all the evidence and testimony and then determine guilt or innocence based on the facts. Jesus said: “I am the truth.” John 14:6. Jesus, his life, the way he lived life, his teachings and his relationships reveal a way that corresponds to reality. No one has ever lived, died, risen and impacted the world like Jesus. He is TRUTH. S. Lewis famously said: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

Trust in Jesus

Boy, the world is in chaos! It seemed like 2020 was a once in a lifetime year. Now 2021 is just about as crazy as 2020. In the last two months, assassins executed the President of Haiti, American troops vacated Afghanistan, and the country slipped into absolute anarchy, a 7.2 earthquake rocked Haiti and then a tropical storm unleashed an unimaginable amount of rain, fires are burning across the Western United States, Greece, France, Italy, North Africa and Turkey. Conflict rages across the world. There are few regions of the world that don’t currently have conflict. There is civil conflict in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Israel and Palestine, Libya, Ukraine, Iraq, and Iran, just to name a few. In the US and other countries, the “Delta” variant of COVID-19 is creating new levels of uncertainty, stress, and division. This past week the Governor of Washington State mandated that all public, charter and private school teachers and staff must be vaccinated by October 18, 2021. A new statewide indoor mask mandate for vaccinated and unvaccinated people takes effect Monday, August 23, 2021. What a “fun” time! I keep going back to a line written more than 3,000 years ago by King David. He wrote the song during a period of strife, conflict, and uncertainty. The circumstances differed significantly from today, the stress and struggles were similar. David wrote: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalms 20:7 (NIV) In these stressful, uncertain, divided times, I choose to put my trust in the Lord our God. He knows the beginning from the end. He knows what I should respond to and how I should respond. Things may be uncertain to me, but they are not to Him who rules over all. 3,000 years ago, if you had chariots and horses, you were more powerful than almost any foe you could face. People who had chariots and horses trusted them to overcome all enemies and obstacles. People put their trust in chariots and horses. Don’t trust in chariots. Don’t trust in horses. Trust in Jesus!

Be Kind

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NLT) “Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude.” 1 Peter 3:8 (NLT) “It is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” James 2:8 (NLT) “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 (NLT) The letters of Paul, Peter, James, and John provide clear directives about how followers of Jesus should treat other people. The directives and principles apply in fair weather situations and stormy situations. Inexperienced pilots utilize visual flying and fly in good weather, when roads, rivers and other landmarks are clearly visible. Experienced pilots not only fly in calm conditions but when there is a cloud cover, the wind is blowing, and conditions are subpar. In stormy weather, experienced pilots read their instruments and gauges in the cockpit and respond appropriately. Following Jesus requires more than visual flying. Following Jesus requires reading, interpreting, and believing in the instruments of spiritual flight. We can tell if we are following Jesus in stormy weather by checking ourselves for the qualities of kindness, forgiving, being tenderhearted, humble, loving, demonstrating truth – these are the readings of our “instruments”. If the instruments reveal we are not acting in kindness, forgiving, showing compassion, humility, showing or living truth; we must adjust! Kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness, mercy, humility, gentleness, patience, sympathy, and obeying the royal law are crucial in stormy relationships and situations. Most people can follow Jesus when the conditions are favorable. Stormy relationships and conditions reveal healthy followers of Jesus. Jesus, teach us how to read the instruments and fly with you and for you in stormy conditions. Amen

Trust in the Lord

Proverbs is a 3,000-year-old collection of truths compiled by King Solomon. The short assertions in Proverbs, describe how life often works. Proverbs, has encouraged, challenged and instructed people in every corner of the planet. One truth that has been foundational to countless generations is Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) This verse has been instructional to so many because life is full of everything but “straight” paths. Life takes twists and turns, climbs and dives and at the most unexpected and inconvenient times. I’ve never experienced a season like I have the last 18 months. The path has been different continuously. The only constant has been uncertainty. Life is filled with twists, turns, lefts, rights, stops, goes, slow down, come, stay, uphill, and then downhill. My regular litany of questions goes like this: “Lord, do I go left, right or straight? Do I keep going or stop? Do I really need to stay? Climb again?” I keep going back to the same truth recorded by Solomon. The New Living Translation, which I often teach from, translates the Hebrew like this: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) I rely heavily, exceedingly heavily, on this truth. At this point in time, it’s easy to “do not depend on your own understanding” since I have almost no understanding. “Seek his will… and he will show me which path to take.” I’m relying on that truth. Show me the path Jesus!

The Father's Reward

Year after year, for 61 years, Gallup’s 10 Most Admired Men included the evangelist Billy Graham. Graham excelled in integrity, devotion and faithfulness. Graham also excelled in generosity. From his life of generosity Graham learned, “God has given us two hands—one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.” You have two hands. One is for working, investing, earning and receiving. The other hand is for giving. One hand is the inlet, and the other hand is the outlet. The Dead Sea in Israel is dead because there is no outlet. If a person doesn’t exercise their outlet hand, they will be a “Dead Sea.” In Jesus’ longest recorded teaching he said: “When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:2-4 (ESV) Jesus gave three instructions for giving. I want to learn these, and I hope you want to learn them too. Don’t toot your horn! Tooting your own horn for your generosity is hypocritical and praise seeking. Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Don’t let your inlet hand know what your outlet hand is doing, and don’t let your outlet hand know what your inlet is doing. If your inlet hand thinks your outlet hand is giving too much, your inlet hand will throw a tantrum. Don’t let your inlet hand know what your outlet hand is doing. Give in secret. When a person gives without tooting their horn, they open their outlet hand and keep it secret, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of anything better than the reward of the Father! I want the Father’s reward! How about you?

A Cheerful Giver

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously said: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I don’t know of a better description of the generosity God desires in the lives of those who trust Him than Churchill’s statement; “We make a life by what we give.” Jesus was a giver. He gave miracles, food, forgiveness, encouragement, healing, and purpose to people. The Apostle Paul quotes Jesus’ statement; “It is better to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 NLT) Paul encouraged the disciples in Corinth, writing: “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV) Generosity pleases the heart of God. God’s heart is pleased because people make a life by what they give. Preachers sometimes encourage followers of Jesus to live generously promising financial blessings in return. God often blesses generosity in monetary ways, but not always. Life is better because of the spiritual, emotional, and psychological rewards. A generous person’s life is better spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically than a stingy person’s life. The return on generosity is often peace, joy, fulfillment, and purpose because the spiritual truths are “it is better to give than to receive” and “God loves a cheerful giver.” Receiving might be good but giving is BETTER! I would rephrase “God loves a cheerful giver” as “God is pleased by a cheerful giver.” God loves. He can’t help but love. God doesn’t love a cheerful giver more than a grumpy giver. BUT HE IS DEFINITELY PLEASED WITH A CHEERFUL GIVER AS OPPOSED TO A GRUMPY GIVER. Giving is giving, but cheerful giving is better. When you are challenged to give, when you have the opportunity to give, when you decide to give, do it cheerfully knowing you are making a life for yourself and for others. Jesus, make us cheerful givers for your pleasure! Amen

Keep Talking

During almost every graveside or memorial serve I’ve officiated; I spend a few minutes giving my thoughts about “What do I do now?” I hope people will consider what they should do as they walk away. THOUGHT #5 - LOVE ONE ANOTHER. THOUGHT #6 - LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BUILD WALLS. DON’T BUILD WALLS. TEAR DOWN EXISTING WALLS. THOUGHT #7 – KEEP TALKING The idea of “cancel culture” is not new. People have been “canceling” others from the beginning of time. Walking away from others, breaking off friendships, not talking, and not listening is as old as humanity! People have “canceled” siblings. Remember, the first murder recorded in the Old Testament was Cain “canceling” Abel. Joseph’s brothers sought to cancel him. (Genesis 37-50) Aaron and Miriam, in jealousy, sought to cancel Moses, his leadership and speech. (Numbers 12) If we are honest, we too, have canceled people. Someone says something we don’t like so we give them the silent treatment. Someone disagrees with us, and we don’t invite them into future conversations. If someone doesn’t like an idea we have, we hide that idea from them. The better way is to listen, continue talking, invite those who disagree into the discussion, talk with the person who is angry and find out the source of the anger. This is the better way. “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:17-18 (NLT)

Don't Build Walls

At almost every graveside or memorial serve I’ve officiated; I spend a few minutes giving my thoughts about “What do I do now?” I hope people will consider what they should do as they walk away. THOUGHT #1 - DEATH IS THE DESTINY OF EVERY PERSON. WE WILL ALL FACE DEATH. THOUGHT #2 - LIVE AS IF TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY ON EARTH. THOUGHT #3 - ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AS IF YOU’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO ENCOURAGE THEM AGAIN. THOUGHT #4 - PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER. THOUGHT #5 - LOVE ONE ANOTHER. THOUGHT #6 - LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BUILD WALLS. DON’T BUILD WALLS. TEAR DOWN EXISTING WALLS. You and I both know that people get offended. I’ve gotten offended. You’ve been offended. One of the primary themes of Jesus’ teaching was forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, contains the line; “forgive us our debts as we forgive others.” Jesus expected the need to forgive others would be a regular occurrence in people’s lives. The only topic in that prayer that he revisited was forgiveness. “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) Rehashing each offense is like adding bricks to the wall between you and the person who offended you and the wall grows larger and more impenetrable. The walls create an emotional and relational barrier between people. Walls make life into a “maze” of confusion and misdirection. Walls of offense don’t come down without work. It requires serious effort to dismantle them. Dismantling walls can be terrifying, complicated, and unsettling. Don’t let the stress and strain of pulling the wall apart stop you. If there is a wall between you and someone else, pray for wisdom and get to work pulling the wall apart. It may happen one brick at a time, but with the wisdom Jesus promises, the wall can come down. Forgive. Don’t build walls. Tear down existing walls. Walls make a maze course what it is. Remove the walls and the maze will disappear. Life is too short to live a “maze life”.

Love One Another

At almost every graveside or memorial service I’ve officiated; I spend a few minutes giving my thoughts about “What do I do now?” I hope people will consider what they should do as they walk away. THOUGHT #1 - DEATH IS THE DESTINY OF EVERY PERSON. WE WILL ALL FACE DEATH. THOUGHT #2 - LIVE AS IF TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY ON EARTH. THOUGHT #3 - ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AS IF YOU’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO ENCOURAGE THEM AGAIN. THOUGHT #4 - PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER. THOUGHT #5 - LOVE ONE ANOTHER Jesus commanded his followers to “Love one another.” In the early evening before his execution, He told the disciples, gathered for their last meal, “I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT) Love is a verb. Love is choosing the best for your friends, neighbors and enemies. Love doesn’t mean you always feel good about someone else. Love means you want the best for them. Love is a sacrificial word. Jesus modeled love and then described it. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NLT) Tell other people you love them. You might not get another opportunity. Don’t waste your last chance. I remember a friend of mine whose son died after a long battle with cancer telling me about a conversation he had with his older brother. His older brother’s son had died instantly, with no warning. My friend’s older brother was jealous because my friend had time to tell his son goodbye and of his love for him. Don’t waste an opportunity. We express love by forgiving each other. You can’t love someone and hold a grudge against them. Forgiving is a sacrificial act of love. The other person doesn’t deserve forgiveness and you sometimes don’t want to give it. Make a choice for their best and your best and forgive them. A principle to live by: You reap what you sow! (Galatians 6:7) Take the time and effort to sow love. You will reap it in return. Love might not always reap love, but hatred almost always reaps hatred. Obey Jesus and, “Love one another!”

Pray For One Another

At almost every graveside or memorial serve I’ve officiated; I spend a few minutes giving my thoughts about “What do I do now?” I hope people will consider what they should do as they walk away. THOUGHT NUMBER ONE - DEATH IS THE DESTINY OF EVERY PERSON. WE WILL ALL FACE DEATH. THOUGHT NUMBER TWO - LIVE AS IF TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY ON EARTH. THOUGHT NUMBER THREE - ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AS IF YOU’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO ENCOURAGE THEM AGAIN. THOUGHT NUMBER FOUR - PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER. Every person in your life needs someone praying for them. What if you are the only one praying for someone in your circle? You might be the link between the person you are praying for and God’s work in their lives. There is a mystery to prayer. Jesus said, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8 ESV If your Father knows before you ask, why ask? Praying causes openness, receptivity, and an attitudinal change in a praying person. Prayer transforms the person who prays. Prayer also enables God to work in ways that He wouldn’t otherwise. Because of our prayer, God works in the lives of other people, families, and nations. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT) “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NLT) “We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15 NLT) Pray, pray, pray for the people in your life. It’ll change you; God will change them.

Encourage One Another

At almost every graveside or memorial serve I’ve officiated; I spend a few minutes giving my thoughts about “What do I do now?” I want people to consider what they should do as they walk away. THOUGHT NUMBER ONE - DEATH IS THE DESTINY OF EVERY PERSON. WE WILL ALL FACE DEATH. THOUGHT NUMBER TWO - LIVE AS IF TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY ON EARTH. THOUGHT NUMBER THREE - ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AS IF YOU’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO ENCOURAGE THEM AGAIN. Encourage one another. The English word encourage comes from a French compound in-courage. When you encourage someone, you are literally putting courage into them. You are speaking courage into their lives. What if your words that “in-courage” make the difference between healthy choices or destructive choices? What if your “in-courage-ment” gives someone strength to face a seemingly insurmountable challenge? The world is a discouraging place. It takes courage to live healthy, balanced, flourishing lives. As you know, it’s difficult to muster from inside oneself the courage needed to face life’s challenges. Jesus told the religious leaders they would be responsible for their words. “I tell you that on the Judgment Day people will be responsible for every careless thing they have said.” Matthew 12:36 (NCV) The Apostle Paul gave similar instructions. “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need--words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.” Ephesians 4:29 (NCV) I love the wording of the New Century Version “say what people need—words that will help others become stronger.” Paul is writing about “in-courage-ing” words. Words that “will help others become stronger.” “In-courage” people today. You might not get the chance tomorrow. Tomorrow might not come for them. Tomorrow might not come for you. “In-courage” today while you have the chance to “in-courage” and they have the chance to hear your “in-courage-ment.”

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

At almost every graveside or memorial serve I’ve officiated; I spend a few minutes giving my thoughts about “What do I do now?” I want people to consider what they should do as they walk away. THOUGHT NUMBER ONE - DEATH IS THE DESTINY OF EVERY PERSON. WE WILL ALL FACE DEATH. THOUGHT NUMBER TWO - LIVE AS IF TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY ON EARTH. No one knows how many years they will live. No one knows which will be their last year, their last month, or their last day. The thought that today could be the last day on earth is a sobering thought. Few people want life lived in the shadow of that thought. If today was your final day on earth, what would you do differently? Would you forgive someone? Would you apologize and reconcile with someone? Would you change any priorities? Would your words be more carefully chosen and spoken? Would you tell someone that you loved them? Would you tell them what they mean to you? I’m convinced if we knew today was our last day, we would do things differently. To often we get out of bed assuming that we have plenty of time. We slip into speech that has become comfortable. The same is true for attitudes, priorities, choices, and responses. The Apostle Paul wrote the church in Ephesus and Colosse “make the most of every opportunity.” Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5 What would it look like if TODAY and TOMORROW you “Made the most of every opportunity?” Don’t take today for granted. Don’t take tomorrow for granted. Don’t take the people in your life for granted.

Living for Eternity

Over the years, I have officiated dozens of graveside services. Many of the services have been for people I knew or had a relationship with. Some have also asked me to officiate at services for people from the community, and unless I have a conflicting engagement, I always agree to minister to the family. At almost every service, I spend a few minutes giving my thoughts about “What do I do now?” Memorials of any sort are difficult. There is a finality to a person’s life when their remains are placed in the ground and people say their “goodbyes.” I want people to think about what they should do as they walk away. After the most recent graveside service I officiated, I had the thought; Why not talk about these “What do I do now?” lessons more often? So here goes. I’m going to write about these “What do I do now?” over the next few weeks. THOUGHT NUMBER ONE Remember that death is the destiny of every person – we will ALL face death. Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.”. The death rate for people is 100%. Death is certain and unavoidable. Researchers are working intensely to extend our life expectancy, but they recognize death is inevitable. The author of the letter Hebrews wrote, “Everyone must die once and then be judged.” Hebrews 9:27 (NCV) Solomon wrote, “He has also set eternity in their [people’s] hearts.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NASB) Eternity is written into the human psyche. The first written accounts of belief in afterlife are 4,000-year-old texts from Egypt. Across cultures and centuries, people of all ages have a powerful sense that death is a transition, not an end. Existence doesn’t end with death. You will die. Are you prepared for what follows death? Jesus instructed Nicodemus, when he asked about eternity, “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NCV) Turn control of your life over to Jesus. His death forgives your past, his life ensures your future. Jesus is “the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

Loving God and Loving Others Well

If you are news reader or watcher, you know well that the church is the regular topic of the press, and it’s usually not good. I walked away from last Sunday’s memorial for Mark Brinkman so proud of South Whidbey Assembly and the other churches we work with on South Whidbey! The church was embracing the mission of Jesus to Love God and Love Others. I would say we were loving in technicolor! On Saturday, people from Island Church, Calvary Chapel and the community joined the set-up crew from SWAG. Sunday after the memorial, some of the same crew and others joined in to tear down and set-up the building for Island Christian Academy to jump into school again on Monday morning. We are the church! The church ministered to hurting and grieving law enforcement and first responders from Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mt Lake Terrace, Snohomish County, Island County, and WSP. The church ministered to students, family members, community members from South Whidbey as well as city employees and officials from Lynnwood. The day and the memorial were tough, but your “Love God and Love Others” ministry made the day a little less painful and stressful. I’m so proud to pastor South Whidbey Assembly and to be a part of the larger church on South Whidbey! Over the years, SWAG has often been asked to serve in difficult community situations and you have always risen to the occasion to Love God and Love Others. One of our theme verses for 34 years has been Jeremiah 29:5-7. “Build houses and settle in the land. Plant gardens and eat the food they grow. Get married and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons, and let your daughters be married so they also may have sons and daughters. Have many children… Do good things for the city where I sent you…. Pray to the LORD for the city where you are living, because if good things happen in the city, good things will happen to you also.” Jeremiah 29:5-8 (NCV) I am proud to serve and lead alongside you!

Are Things Going Sideways for You?

The winds of change have been blowing for months. Some days the winds are fierce, other days the winds are less intense. So much has changed in our world in recent years, and the speed of change seems to increase monthly. 2021 began with great hope. Hope the year would be different. Hope the political world would chill out, the conflict surrounding COVID-19, law enforcement, and racial tensions would decrease. People hoped for resolution surrounding relationships in countries like N. Korea, China, Russia, and Iran, Israel, Lebanon and the middle East region. Hope surfaced in many circles that vaccines would bring a new chapter in the battle against COVID and a reopening of the state, nation and world. It could be easy for people to wonder with all that is changing “who’s manning the store?” No one seems to be in charge. Life seems to be in the hands of the customer and not the store owner. Let me reassure you with a few scriptures. Though everything around is changing, it doesn’t mean there is no one manning the store. The store is not in the hands of the customers. “He who guards you never sleeps.” Psalms 121:3 (NCV) “Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:29-30 (NLT) “Your Father sees everything … Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:4, 8 (NLT) “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) “He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17 (NLT) Just because we may not understand the changes in life, or don’t like the changes, it doesn’t mean that no one is in charge or that things that happen are without purpose. The moments when we don’t understand, when we don’t like things, when life is hard, are when trust is most difficult to apply and yet most needed. Are things sideways for you right now? Let me encourage you to anchor to the one who never sleeps, watches over the sparrow, counts your hair, sees everything, knows what you need before you ask, never changes but is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Jesus Understands Grief

As you might imagine, I’ve been thinking about grieving this week. Loss is always emotionally difficult to process. All the theology and logical thinking doesn’t lessen the sadness and anguish. If only a person could think their way out of grief, life would be easier. Thinking doesn’t solve life’s struggles, losses and pain. Jesus understood grief. He understood it personally, and he understood it on other’s behalf. When word reached Jesus about the execution of his cousin John the Baptist, he sought to get away from the crowds that were following him. He didn’t want to be with people. He didn’t want to entertain them, pay attention to them or pour himself into them. He wanted to be alone. “As soon as Jesus heard the news, [about John’s execution] he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone.” Matthew 14:13 (NLT) When Jesus’ good friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept. He wept because Lazarus experienced the ultimate enemy of man. Jesus wept because he could see and hear the pain of Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, as they wept over Lazarus. He wept about Lazarus and for his friends, even though he knew Lazarus would walk out of the grave. Hope doesn’t remove grief. Hope changes grief and pain. The Apostle Paul declared: “We want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NLT) Grief is temporary for followers of Jesus. Followers of Jesus are merely passing through life to their final destination. Life for a Jesus’ person is a layover before their flight home. Some layovers last 25 years, others last 90 years. God is the one who determines when our flight leaves. “You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer.” Job 14:5 (NLT) Thinking about the death of loved ones, I’ve commented many times this week, “the only one who wins is the one who dies and joins Jesus. Everyone else loses, the wife loses, the kids and grandkids lose, co-workers, church family, community members and neighbors all lose.” The loss and pain are temporary. All followers of Jesus will enter into an existence where “there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

Is there an Idol in the House?

I’ve been pondering idols and idolatry. The subject might not be something you’ve considered, but idols are a regular feature in the Bible. The first of the Ten Commandments is “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.” Exodus 20:4 (NLT) In obedience to the first of the Ten Commandments, the Jewish people didn’t create statutes, paintings or make engravings. When you’ve traveled to other regions of the world, you’ve probably seen statuette “idols” in people’s homes, hotels, retail shops and on street corners. Statuette idols are an image or representation of a “god” or holy item, that is worshiped. Americans don’t usually worship statuette idols, but almost all Americans worship idols. Idols are admired, loved, celebrated and served. A person’s idol might be their identity, job, house, car, money, sex, comfort, entertainment, alcohol, or another person. “An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, and anything that you seek to give you what only God can give.” Tim Keller Jeffery Poor lists these four questions to check for idols in our lives. Where Do I Spend My Time? Where Do I Spend My Money? Where Do I Get My Joy? What’s Always on My Mind? The crazy thing about idols is they are never satisfied; idols constantly demand more and more. King Solomon made an observation about money that applies to every idol in people’s lives. “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!” Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 (NLT) Solomon’s observation can be re-written for any idol. I’ll use “bowling,” as a replacement for money. (I could just as easily use identity, job, house, sex, or entertainment). “Those who love bowling will never have enough. How meaningless to think that bowling brings true happiness! … So what good is bowling—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!” Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 (NLT) Idols prevent people from living the Greatest Commandment – “Love God with ALL your heart, soul, mind and strength.” My mission in life, your mission in life, is to “Love God with ALL!” Is there an idol that you need to get rid of? Don’t wait! The longer a person worships an idol, the tighter the hold it gets on their life.

The Day the World Changed

Jesus lived the most incredible life ever. No one has impacted and revolutionized humanity like him. Years ago, English cultural commentator G. K. Chesterton said the story of Jesus is “the strangest story ever told.” The story is not only the strangest but also the most unlikely of stories. Charles Colson observed, “A borrowed manger, and a borrowed tomb framed his earthly life.” What other world revolutionary figure entered the world in such humble circumstances? Born to a woman pregnant before marriage, in a time when that was scandalous. She conceived without intimacy with a man. Unheard of! His first bed in a borrowed feeding trough. Yet, visited by Magi, from far-away lands, led to the infant by a star. He was a traveling rabbi who performed countless miracles. Many hoped he was the promised messiah, and he disappointed them. Rejected and hated by the religious establishment and executed for treason. Laid to rest in a borrowed tomb, on the third day he rose from the grave. This weekend, starting at the international dateline in Kiribati (a small island country in the Pacific) and ending 24 hours later, 3 billion people will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Even in countries where Jesus and his resurrection are not celebrated, Easter is recognized as a holiday. People worldwide, who don’t celebrate Jesus, or the resurrection recognize Easter as a holiday. No where on the planet can a person get away from the day the world changed. I hope Jesus invades your heart and life uniquely as the world celebrates the Risen Savior.

Do Everything with Love

Many of you are aware of my love of basketball and the annual March Madness. This year the “Cinderella Team” is Oral Roberts University. ORU is only the second No. 15 seed team to advance to the Sweet 16. Everything is not rosy for ORU athletics, though. Some in the media and culture recently labeled ORU homophobic and out of step with the new thinking regarding all things queer. They are calling for ORU and other schools like them to be excluded from post-season play. The school holds a traditional Biblical view of gender, marriage and sexuality that are now culturally unacceptable. ORU is not the only school feeling the pressure. Catholics, evangelicals, Mormons, Muslims and many other groups hold traditional views. Last winter I read George Orwell’s “1984.” The similarities between the description of the future and our current cultural realities continue to intrigue me. The depiction of the “Thought Police” in the superstate of Oceania and the authority to investigate and punish thinking not approved of by the state is prophetic of our current “cancel culture.” The Apostle Paul warned Timothy, the leader of the church in Ephesus, that “in the last days there will be very difficult times … people will scoff at God … they will consider nothing sacred. … They will be cruel and hate what is good.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT) The pressure to agree with the views of “cancel culture” and adopt culture’s thinking will continue to mount. Those who disagree with current thinking will experience pressure and exclusion. How to respond to this cultural thinking will require great wisdom, leading of the Holy Spirit and courage. One of the most powerful quotes from “1984,” speaks to the bravery necessary to disagree with popular thinking and values. “Your worst enemy, [Winston] reflected, was your nervous system. At any moment the tension inside you was liable to translate into some visible symptom.” Winston’s thoughts accurately describe the tension experienced by those who are unwilling to bend to culture’s transient thinking. Paul encouraged Jesus’ followers to “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)

Take Responsibility

King Solomon noted an attitude that continues to control some people’s lives today. We can find the attitude in every age group, gender, nationality, political leanings, economic status, or educational experience. The attitude flourishes in proud hearts, unbelieving hearts, combative hearts, hearts that don’t take responsibility. “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3 (NLT) “People's own foolishness ruins their lives, but in their minds they blame the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3 (NCV) “People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does GOD always get blamed?” Proverbs 19:3 (MSG) King Solomon’s statement makes some people angry. The truth puts squarely on them responsibility for life’s consequence. Not all pitfalls, curveballs, struggles and suffering are self-induced. We’ve all experienced undeserved pain in life. But we’ve also all experienced self-inflicted pain through poor financial decisions, relational decisions, and misplaced priorities. We’ve failed to end certain habits and start other habits. Often, those who acknowledge their self-inflicted struggles are slowest to become angry at God and others. Those who will not recognize their responsibility are quick to become angry at God and others. Those who will not take responsibility for their lives plant a seed of bondage. While those who take responsibility for their life releases emotional freedom. Healthy Action Steps: Take responsibility for your life. Don’t blame God for your struggles. Release emotional freedom!

The BIGNESS of God

I have been thinking about the BIGNESS of God this week. When a person’s view of God is accurate, it impacts every other area of a person’s life. If I view God incorrectly, I cannot help but perceive my importance and the importance of others inaccurately. 3,000 years ago, King David wrote about his view of God. “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalms 8:3-4 (NIV) David was pondering the universe, galaxies, stars, and the moon, and he realized how insignificant people are. My paraphrase of the question David posed to God: “You are so big and what you’ve created is so vast, why would you ever think about us?” When I understand how big God is, it puts me in my place. He’s big, I’m little, and I’m the same size as everyone else. I’m no bigger than anyone else, I’m no better than anyone else, and I’m driven to see others appropriately. I’m driven to be “mindful” of others and “care” for them. If God is GREAT BIG and is mindful of others and cares for others, surely those made in His image should do the same. “Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11 (NIV) Is it any wonder the Scriptures describe Moses as “a very humble man, more humble than anyone else?” Moses’ view of the grandeur of God seeded humility in his life. I want a clearer view of the awesomeness of God! God, Help me see you clearly. Amen

Wisdom

Years ago, a family in the church gave me a needlework wall-hanging with the following Abraham Lincoln quote embroidered on it: “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.” Abraham Lincoln In recent months, I have found myself overwhelmed by the sentiment that Lincoln expressed. I find myself in dire need of wisdom. My own thinking is insufficient to respond to life’s challenges. The world is shifting so fast, life is approaching, what feels like “warp speed.” Ideas, philosophies, truth, error, conflict, confusion, regulations, mandates and challenges are flying in all directions and in no particular order. Things come so fast; I feel like I’m swatting at a swarm of flies! People have regularly referred to “new” circumstances and challenges as “unprecedented.” We are living in another one of those times when almost everything about life is different. Jesus told his disciples, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 NIrV) Followers of Jesus have always needed wisdom. I desperately need wisdom to respond and not react. I need wisdom to respond or not, depending on the situation. As a follower of Jesus, I am to respond the way Jesus would. I need wisdom to know when to speak, when to listen, when to change and when to stand firm. It will take every bit of wisdom that God provides for His followers to “love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength” and to “love your neighbors.” “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.” James 1:5-6 (NLT) If you are like me, the request for wisdom is constant. I’m leaning on the promise of God that He will provide it.

Eternity

As I’ve studied this week, wonder and excitement has infused my heart about what lays ahead for God’s children. The Apostle Paul encouraged the new church in Corinth about eternity. He wrote to them: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) People have written dozens of books over the last decade about near-death experiences and visions of heaven. I don’t doubt their experiences and visions. I think that the experiences and visions fall short of what eternity will be like. Paul said: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined!” He describes his own visit to heaven this way “I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.” 2 Corinthians 12:4 (NLT) The Apostle John, in his writing Revelation, described eternity. “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:3-5 (NLT) The wisdom of God and the power of God has prepared, for everyone who entrusts their past, present and future into Jesus’ care and control, ETERNITY THAT IS BEYOND YOUR WILDEST, WILDEST, MOST EXTRAVEGANT, OUTLANDISH IMAGINATION YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR HIS CHILDREN! Can I beg you, entrust your past, present and future into Jesus’ care and control! Don’t miss out on what God has planned for those who love Him.

Stay Alert

The Apostle Paul experienced many trials during his 30 years as a follower of Jesus. Some trials were the mistreatment by people, some attacks by spiritual forces of darkness, and some were both. Paul was wise regarding these trials, tribulations and suffering. In one of his letters to the church in Corinth he encouraged the church to forgive a wayward member “so that Satan will not outsmart us.” (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT) Paul knew that unforgiveness, grudges, and bitterness play into the hands of Satan and his desire to “kill, steal and destroy.” (John 10:10 NLT) Paul continued his instructions, reminding the church that “We are familiar with his [Satan’s} evil schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT) Satan and the kingdom of darkness have evil schemes to destroy people’s lives and to destroy Jesus’ work on earth. Paul and the Corinthian believers might have been “familiar with his evil schemes”, but I’m not sure that believers in the 21st century are. Let me clue you in or remind you of some of Satan’s evil schemes. Keep people from forgiving each other. If Satan can keep people from forgiving, unforgiveness grows unabated and eventually the fruit of bitterness ripens and sends out bitter seeds to everyone the bitter person encounters. Divide people so they can be conquered. If Satan can divide a person’s heart, divide them from their family, church family, and community; complete domination is not far behind! A primary strategy of war has always been to divide and conquer. Jesus taught “a kingdom divided cannot stand.” Induce fear. People who allow fear to creep in and grow become paralyzed. People living in the grips of fear make bad choices, push other people out of their lives, and hide in guilt, shame, and panic. Provoke anger. Satan will use any and every means possible to provoke people to anger. He uses, disappointment, hurt, confusion, frustration, and alarm. Anger gives the enemy a “foothold” to climb the wall of protection around a person’s life. (Ephesians 4:27 NLT) There are plenty of other “evil schemes” that Satan uses. The Apostle Peter reminded the early believers to pay attention to what is going on in their lives. “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT) Stay alert my friend! The enemy is marching at double speed to produce havoc in people’s lives. Stay alert!

Always Full of Grace and Truth

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (ESV) The Apostle John’s description of Jesus is profound. Jesus, “full of grace and truth.” He did not balance grace and truth. He didn’t measure out truth to make it palatable. He didn’t measure out grace. He is always “FULL” of truth. He is always “FULL” of grace. “Truth without grace is mean. Grace without truth is meaningless. Truth and grace is medicine.” Chris Hodges Jesus isn’t looking for followers full of truth but short on grace. Neither is he looking for followers full of grace but short on truth. Jesus is looking for followers who are “full of truth and grace.” Most people know the term intervention. An intervention is when family members, friends and others team together to help a person struggling with addiction, or destructive choices and lifestyle. An intervention is an act of grace and truth. Loved ones intervene by presenting the truth about choices, habits and addictions. They intervene because they love the one they are challenging. If they didn’t love, they wouldn’t speak the truth. They speak the truth, often painfully, because they love. The needs of society, the choices people are making, the ideas that are taking over mainstream thought and practice require that the church live “full of grace” and “full of truth.” Jesus has assigned his followers a mission. The Apostle Paul describes Jesus’ mission this way: God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NLT) Jesus’ mission of using His followers to reconcile people to God will only happen when His followers live and die “full of grace and truth.” Jesus, start with me. I want to live and die “full of grace and truth” pleading with people to “Come back to God!” Amen

Courage, Peace and Strength are like Adrenaline

Have you ever looked at someone going through one of life’s storms and wondered, “How can they have such peace?” or “Why haven’t they fallen apart?” God promises His followers that He will be with them in the trials and storms of life. God promises grace and peace when people need it, not before. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT) “When …” not before and not in the same way after. When you go through the deep waters, rivers of difficulty or the fire of oppression, then He will be with you. We see others in deep waters, rivers of difficulty and fires of oppression, and we doubt we could respond likewise. We see others from our position on dry ground, in shallow waters, or free from fires and assume we could not respond the way others respond. NOT TRUE. If you are walking with Jesus, if you are feeding on His grace and love, if you are calling on Jesus in prayer, when you go through deep waters, difficult rivers or fires of oppression, you will experience grace and peace, courage and strength. You might not need it now, so you don’t have it. When you need it, it will be there for you. All of us have experienced a rush of adrenaline during a frightening or stressful situation. One moment our heart is beating normally and the next it is pounding in our chest. Adrenaline is pumped into the body, when it is needed. When life is calm, adrenaline is a trickle. When life is stressful, adrenaline increases to meet the need. The grace, courage, peace and strength are like adrenaline, you’ll get it when you need it! Jesus will walk with you and provide the needed grace. Trust him and do not be afraid.

Moving Towards Greater Levels of Obedience

Eugene Peterson, the author of the paraphrase Bible “The Message,” described following Jesus as “a long obedience in the same direction.” I love his description “a long obedience.” Following Jesus is not a quick race, that starts and in a flash is over. Following Jesus is a long journey. Everyone’s journey is unique in the twists and turns and in length. The idea of “a long obedience in the same direction” connects with me because of my distance running. Every run is different. Every marathon or ½ marathon is different. They each have their challenges. Each one is a “long distance in the same direction.” Your journey with Jesus differs from mine. The obstacles and attitudes you face differ from mine. Only you can travel your journey with Jesus. Others will cheer you on. Others will journey alongside you, some faster and some slower, but your journey is yours alone. One similarity of every journey with Jesus is the journey is always “a long obedience in the same direction.” Every journey includes suffering. No journey with Jesus is void of suffering and pain. We can learn about “long obedience in the same direction,” by looking at Jesus. “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8 NLT) Jesus learned obedience when he submitted to the accusations, lies, suspicious attitudes, doubt of others, and rejection. He learned obedience when he submitted to execution on the cross. He famously said to his Father, “Is there some other way? Not my will but yours.” Paraphrase: I don’t want to go through this, but I will obey. Obedience is hard. “A long obedience in the same direction” is even harder! Don’t get discouraged. If you have to walk on your journey instead of run, walk. If you have to crawl instead of walk, crawl. Keep going in the same direction. Travel towards Jesus. Travel towards greater levels of obedience.

Invest Your Life

In the last few days before Jesus’ execution, his followers wanted to know what the signs of His return and the end of the world were. They had finally figured out that Jesus was leaving, but they didn’t understand that he was going to die and then return in the future. Jesus enumerated various signs and world events that would occur before his return. Because of the turmoil occurring in the world today, people are wondering and asking if the events are part of the signs that Jesus delineated. What I find interesting about Jesus’ talk with the disciples is the two parables that he taught while answering the disciples’ questions about the signs and the end of the world. Jesus was obviously trying to make a point through the parables. He was aiming to focus their attention. The first parable (Matthew 24:1-13) is about Ten Bridesmaids. There are details about Jewish weddings that are important for fully understanding the parable. Explaining the details would make this blog too long, and many would go on to the next thing on their FB page before finishing. The salient points are that the bridegroom took longer than the ten bridesmaids expected. Five of the bridesmaids were ready for the delay and five were not, they hadn’t taken enough oil for their lamps. (In 21st century lingo, the batteries died in their flashlights.) Jesus ended the parable with words you and I should take to heart: “Keep watch! You don’t know the day or hour of my return.” The second and longer parable (Matthew 24:14-30) is the Parable of Talents. In this parable, a landowner was going on a long trip. He gave into the care of three servants varying amounts of money. Two of the servants invested the money and earned for the master a return on the investment. The third servant hid the money left in his care in the ground, failing to invest and earn a return. Jesus interpreted the parable for the disciples with the line “to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given.” Combined, the message of these two parables is a challenge for every follower of Jesus. Be ready, you don’t know when I will return! While I’m gone, “use well” what I have given you. I’m expecting a return on my investment in your life. Don’t bury what I’ve given you in the ground, invest it!

The Otherness of God

In my personal Bible time, I’ve been reading through the book of Job. Job’s story has been an example and an encouragement throughout the centuries for millions. There are some tough events in the book of Job. Losing loved ones to calamity, losing life, property and health rock Job to the core. If you’ve never read slowly through the account of Jobs life, do so as soon as you can. Through the events and the subsequent wrestling with others and God, he gained a new understanding of the incomparable nature of God. There are no comparisons that clarify the otherness of God. Some have suggested that the otherness of God is like the difference between a person and an ant. Though a brilliant contrast, it falls infinitely short of the difference between God and people. Theologians use the word “transcendence” to describe God’s otherness. Transcendence describes the truth that God is not restrained by time, space, or physical laws. God is separate from His creation. He is not dependent on creation. God’s transcendence doesn’t mean that He is removed from creation. Theologians use the word “immanence” to describe God’s involvement in the lives of people. Though God is completely “other.” He is intimately involved in every aspect of His creation. He does not sleep, he knows the hairs on every one of the 7.5 billion people on the planet and He knows when a sparrow falls from the sky. As Job wrestled with the hardships of life and attempted to understand God’s actions, some of what he learned left him shaking. Job told a friend attempting to console him, “The Almighty terrifies me.” (Job 23:16 NCV) To a friend attempting to console him, he said, “I know that my Defender lives, and in the end I will stand upon the earth. … I will see him myself; I will see him with my very own eyes. How my heart wants that to happen.” (Job 19:25-27 NCV) Job was describing the tension of the “transcendence” and the “immanence” of God. He is completely “other” yet personally involved in our lives. God “transcendence” and His “immanence,” His otherness and personal involvement in His creation enables me to trust Him completely. As you read the Scripture in 2021, look for God’s otherness and His intimacy.

In God We Trust

After my morning run on January 6th, I joined with others from SWAG for a time of prayer on Zoom. Much of the time praying concentrated on the country, the rallies in Washington, DC and across the country. We prayed against violence, property damage and loss of life. We prayed that God would speak to his followers at the rallies to act and react honorably. Unfortunately, our prayers were not answered the way I had hoped. As the morning unfolded, my heart broke as I watched the events unfold in Washington, DC. Not since 1812 has the nation’s capital experienced anything like yesterday’s tragic events. Protestors defiled the space where every president has given their State of the Union address, laws have been made, wars have been declared and heroes of our country have laid “in-state.” Many of you have visited the Capital and experienced the sacred space that was violated. The debate over who the protestors were, and their motives will extend long into the future. In my mind, it doesn’t matter who they were or their motives, the desecration of the Capital yesterday is one of the saddest days our country has experienced in my lifetime. If God was involved in the formation of America, and I believe that He was, tears were streaming down his face. I believe God wept yesterday. Followers of Jesus must concentrate on obeying the truths of Scripture. We need to repent of shameful attitudes and, speaking words that bring death instead of life. We must focus on loving our neighbors and our enemies, praying for our leaders, our country, and standing against the forces of darkness that provoke evil. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalms 20:7 NIV) Follower of Jesus, will you turn from trusting in “red and blue chariots and horses” and trust in God? Will you live like you are trusting God? Will you speak like you are trusting God? Will you pray like you are trusting God? Will you love others like you are trusting God? The legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government will not redeem the shameful conduct of 2020 and the unimaginable events of yesterday. What “the enemy meant for evil, God can use for good.“ (Gen. 50:20: See the story of Joseph from Genesis 45-50, if you are not familiar with this verse.) God will only be able to work redemption if the followers of Jesus respond like Joseph the patriarch did almost 4,000 years ago. If Joseph had not responded as he did, with integrity and forgiveness, God would not have used what was meant for evil to bring about a good outcome. Jesus called the church the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The country will putrefy, and the world will continue to slide into darkness if followers of Jesus lose their saltiness and hide the light! Be as the salt, be the light, be Jesus to this lost and decaying nation. Matt