"Kindness is Like Snow"

The Holy Spirit is continually working to produce kindness in the followers of Jesus. The Spirit desires kindness In relationships, moments of conflict, and seasons of trials. The Apostle Paul regularly wrote about kindness. Here’s a sampling of what he wrote. “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romans 2:4 (NLT) “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness …” Galatians 5:22 (NLT) “Love is patient and kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NLT) “God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility ...” Colossians 3:12 (NLT) “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Titus 3:4-5 (NLT) Are you letting the Holy Spirit produces kindness in your life? Are you growing in kindness? Are you asking yourself what kindness looks like in difficult situations? One last quote by the philosopher and author, “Kindness is like snow. It makes everything it covers beautiful.” Kahlil Gibran

Be Brave

As the time for Jesus’ capture and ultimate execution came near, He talked to the disciples about the coming trials they would face. He knew His arrest, trial, conviction, and execution were right around the corner. He wanted them to be prepared for the coming hardships. The Apostle John remembers Jesus saying: “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 (NCV) Jesus’ words to the disciples 2,000 years ago are just as applicable today as they were when He spoke them. Every follower of Jesus can have peace in Him even though everything around them seems to be coming apart. Jesus reminded them, and us, that in this world and life we would all experience trouble. The types of troubles people face are varied and too many to list. Jesus’ encouragement is to trust in Him. By trusting in Him we can have peace and can be brave as we face troubles. If you are not facing troubles right now, you were recently or will in the near future. Not to be a “downer” but it is true. Trust Jesus! He warned you so you could have peace. Be brave! He’s with you.

Though He Falls, He Will Not Be Overwhelmed

I’ve recently been thinking about a song I learned early on my journey of following Jesus. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord … though he fall, though he fall, he shall not be cast down.” The lyrics are taken from Psalm 37. “A man’s steps are established by the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD holds his hand.” Psalms 37:23-24 (HCSB) I frequently tear up when I see videos or read stories of a runner who stumbles or falls and gets back up and finishes the race. These stories illustrate the Psalmist’s word in Psalm 37. Every follower of Jesus has tripped and even fallen. The promise of the Psalm is that even when a Jesus follower falls, he will not be overwhelmed. She might have some “road rash” and pain, but she’s not out of the race. I also tear up when I see videos or read stories of someone coming to the aid of a struggling runner. Maybe they pick the racer up and help them to the finish line or run alongside the struggler and offer words of encouragement. Isn’t that how followers of Jesus are called to respond? To pick up a fellow runner and run alongside them in the tough part of the journey? The Psalmist said “he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD holds his hand.” Every runner has fallen either in training or in an event. Most runners (I wanted to say ALL but that would be exagerating) get up when they fall, brush off the dust and gravel, and get back to running. Every runner has also been helped by a fellow runner and if they are worth anything have helped other runners. I wish I could say the same for every Jesus follower! Some followers have tripped and fallen and then stayed down. Other followers have watched fellow followers struggle and looked the other way. We can do better! If you recently stumbled, get up and put one foot in-front of the other. If you’ve looked the other way when a fellow follower is struggling to get up and continue, don’t do it again! Help the struggling follower. Help her finish the race. “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1-2 (HCSB)

From Anxiety and Fear to Peace and Courage

Recently, a panel of medical experts recommended that all adults under 65 be screened for anxiety. The current state of mental and emotional health alarms medical and mental health experts. Troubling mental and emotional health is being played out in alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide. It’s not news to any of us that anxiety and fear are affecting the health of every segment of society. Dr. Jim Denison describes 2020 this way. The year 2020 “began like 1973 with impeachment, then became 1918 with a pandemic, followed by 2008 with the recession, followed by 1968 with nationwide civil unrest.” I would add a hyper polarized election cycle to the mix. Everything seems unstable and unpredictable. People are constantly thrown off balance by the shifting ground. Not only is the ground shifting, but there is little around to grab hold of. Uncertainty, tension, and fluidity of life fuels anxiety and fear. Fear and anxiety effects everyone’s sense of happiness and for most people, happiness is the top value in their lives. After all, everyone wants to be happy. Michael Horton has insightfully described the wrestle with anxiety and fear when he writes: “Perhaps all of our anxieties can be reduced to the fear of being unhappy.” Many people are not just unhappy, but they are afraid of being unhappy. Followers of Jesus do not need to live under the cloud of anxiety and fear. Jesus has called his followers out of anxiety and fear into peace and courage! Let these verses find root in your soul. Scriptures like these, when they find root, combat anxiety and fear. “The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” Psalms 27:1 (NLT) “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) “Don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT) I encourage you to read and meditate on these verses over and over throughout the days ahead. These truths will nourish and transform you.

The Storms Of Life

Regularly over the years, the weather experts have predicted high winds and stormy weather. It is not unusual, when the prediction is for high winds, that the local gas station will have cars lined up filling their tanks and others waiting in a queue to fill five gallon jugs for their generators. More often than not, the forecast misses the mark, and the storm doesn’t materialize or focus its fury somewhere else. There has been plenty of time when the wind whips up unexpectedly. The next thing you know, trees are down, roads blocked, and the power is out. Intersections with a traffic light become four-way stops and in every neighborhood, the drone of generators is heard. Anticipated storms don’t materialize, and unexpected storms blindside out of nowhere. Does that sound like life? We’ve all worried about a certain storm we think is coming our way, only to not have it materialize. Then out of nowhere a relationship turns sour, an unexpected house expense pops up to scare us, or what seemed like a minor annoyance turns out to be something serious. Storms are part of life. God never promises to calm every storm. He promises to shelter us in the storm. “Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘You are my place of safety and protection. You are my God and I trust you.’ He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you can hide. His truth will be your shield and protection. You will not fear any danger by night or an arrow during the day. You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark or sickness that strikes at noon.” Psalms 91:1-6 (NCV) “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you.” Isaiah 43:2 (NCV) God goes into the water and the fire with us. He has not abandoned you because you are in the midst of a storm. He is there with you. Chuck Swindoll offers encouraging words when he writes “Nothing touches us that hasn’t first passed through the fingers of God. Nothing.” I read a great quote by Emma Hayward, an oncologist said about death. “Death is not the end. Or even the beginning of the end. It is just the the end of the beginning.” For those who trust Jesus with their past, present and future, death is not the end but the end of the beginning. Life here is the beginning of what is in store for us. “No one has ever seen this, and no one has ever heard about it. No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NCV)

The All-Sufficient One

The Hebrew names of God reveal significant character attributes of God and how God works. The insights learned from considering the names of God feed and strengthen the soul. God revealed himself to Abraham when he was 99 years old, saying, “I am El Shaddai – ‘God Almighty.’” (Genesis 17:1 NLT) When God revealed himself as “El Shaddai” he promised Abraham he would be the father of nations. Abraham would be extremely fruitful. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. The Old Testament writers used the name El-Shaddai 48 times. El-Shaddai reveals God as “the All-Sufficient One.” God is sufficient to meet any need a person experiences. God provides, protects, guides, disciplines, heals, stabilizes, and anchors. Jesus’ brother James wrote, “God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens, … never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17 (NLT) God never changes AND HE is bigger than any problem, challenge, or need. The great Jewish prophet Jeremiah prayed, “O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT) Nothing is beyond God’s ability. Nothing is beyond God’s care. God is more! Psalm 91 records Moses’ words about El-Shaddai: “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1 (NLT) Moses declared, “He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” Psalms 91:2 (NLT) Living in the shelter of the Most High brings peace! Even amid stress, strain, and struggles, God can breathe peace upon you. El-Shaddai actually uses stress, strain and struggles to strengthen those who are resting “in the shadow of the Almighty.” My PRAYER for you. “El-Shaddai, God-Almighty. Reveal your power, your love, and your care to every person who reads these words. Heal, set-free, strengthen, encourage, lead, provide, guide, discipline, and give peace. El-Shaddai, nothing is too difficult for you. Help us and teach us to surrender to you, El-Shaddai. AMEN.”

The Lord Is Peace

I have been writing about the Hebrew names of God. The various names of God reveal God’s character and His behavior. People don’t address God by chance, they address God in line with his character and actions. Gideon, and the people of God, were under the constant stress and fear of the Midianite army. The Midianites were terrorizing the Jews with violence and plundering. Many of the Jews were hiding in seclusion in the mountains and caves around their villages. Fearful of terrorist attack, Gideon was threshing grain in a winepress, hidden from the Midianites. The angel of the Lord visited Gideon with instructions to lead the Jewish people in battle against the Midianites. The angel reminded Gideon that the Lord had been with them and delivered them throughout their history. The angel also assured him that the Lord was with him, and He would deliver His people. Gideon was beside himself with awe because of the angel and his instructions. He worshipped God and named the place “Jehovah-Shalom” – “The Lord is Peace.” This is the first time that the name Jehovah-Shalom – The Lord is Peace appeared in writing. The truth that God is Jehovah-Shalom became a constant source of strength and stability to God’s people. God is not just Jehovah-Shalom – The Lord is Peace. He is and does more than that. The Messiah, Jesus, was to be called “Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) God promises “perfect peace” to those who trust Him and focus on Him. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) David declared: “Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” Psalms 119:165 (NLT) The Apostle Paul gave these instructions to the believers in Philippi: “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) Life is full of turmoil, uncertainty, instability that all create stress. Jehovah-Shalom – The Lord is Peace, is the solution for the stress. The Lord is Peace – is the Prince of Peace who promises perfect peace, great peace, and peace to guard your hearts and minds. Jehovah-Shalom’s peace “exceeds anything we can understand!” So, turn your gaze towards the Prince of Peace. Focus in on Jehovah-Shalom – The Lord is Peace.

The Lord Who Heals

I have been writing about some of the Hebrew names for God. Each name reveals a facet of God’s character and of how God interacts with people. It’s not possible for mere people to understand the myriad nuances of God’s character! But we can understand aspects of His character because He’s shown certain details about Himself. He revealed to humans only what they could understand. As Israel escaped Egypt and traveled through the wilderness, they couldn’t find a source of drinking water. When they finally found a water source, the water was undrinkable because of its bitterness. God told Moses to throw a log in the water and God would cleanse the water. Moses obeyed, and the people had water to quench their thirst. It was at the water hole that God gave the people a rule for them to follow. God gave them the command to “test their faithfulness to Him.” “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you.” Exodus 15:26 (NLT) God revealed Himself as “Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals you.” In this context, God’s promise was to prevent the diseases the Egyptians had suffered if they (the Israelites) listened carefully to the voice of the Lord and obeyed. The Bible recounts various ways Jehovah-Rapha has healed people of sickness and disease (Psalm 41:3), mental affliction (Jonah 2:5-7), spiritual fatigue (Psalm 23:3), emotional suffering (Psalm 147:3) and anxiety or worry (John 14:27) A highlight of Jesus’ ministry was the healings and even bringing the dead back to life. The religious establishment was against Him because He was a “healer.” The mystery, of course, is why God heals who He heals and when He heals. I’d sure like to understand God’s thinking and actions. In the meantime, I will claim healing for myself, my loved ones, and the ones I lead. I will continue to “ask and keep on asking.” I will encourage anyone who is sick to have the church pray for them. Healing is in the hands of Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. Do you need healing? Turn to Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals.

My Glory And The One Who Lifts My Head High

I’ve been pondering and writing about the Hebrew names of God. The names of God reveal important character traits and ways that God works. After the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt, they ended up wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. One day, as they were wandering through the desert, they were attacked by the Amalekites. The Israelite men took up arms to fight against their attackers. Moses understood the Israelites would only prevail fighting off the Amalekites if God came to their rescue. Moses climbed to the top of a nearby hill, raised his staff and called on God. As long as Moses could keep his hands raised and interceding, the Israelites had the upper hand. When Moses tired and struggled to intercede, the Amalekites gained the upper hand. Ultimately, the Israelites overcame. Moses led the people to erect an altar of worship and declared: “Jehovah-Nissi – Jehovah is our banner!” A “banner” of the King or the tribe was carried in front of troops as they marched into battle. The banner was also carried before victorious warriors as they paraded through the conquered land on their way home. Jehovah-Nissi is a statement of God’s victory, a declaration that God is the victor. Jehovah-Nissi – The “Lord is our banner” - is a reminder that GOD IS THE VICTOR and overcoming in life only happens when God intervenes. God is ready to be the victor for his children. He doesn’t want His children attacked, taken captive, imprisoned, and suffering. He desires his children to overcome temptation, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. “Everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:4 – because God is our banner. “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 – because God is our banner! “You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory and the One who lifts my head high.” Psalms 3:3 – Because God is our banner! I encourage you, if you are in a battle or going through a struggle to turn to Jehovah-Nissi! He is your “Banner” and he will give you victory! AMEN?

The God Who Sees Me

Studying the names of God is interesting and enlightening. You ought to think about studying God’s names in 2022. Names in the Western world, rarely describe the characteristics of a person’s nature. Ancient languages often used names to describe a person’s nature and character, whereas the English language uses adjectives to describe or elaborate on a person’s nature and character. El Roi is one of many names used for God in the Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible. El Roi is the idea “the God who sees me.” Haggar, the handmaid of Sarah and concubine of Abraham, called God El Roi. Sarah could not get pregnant, and as a solution to her barrenness, she suggested Abraham use Haggar as his concubine. (Think surrogate mother.) Having Haggar as a concubine and surrogate mother would enable Abraham to have a son. Haggar became pregnant, and Sarah became jealous. Sarah demanded that Abraham send the surrogate away. Abraham obeyed his wife. Haggar became an outcast. Her relationship with Abraham was severed, and she felt abandoned by God. God came to her and her son’s rescue. He saw her situation and provided for her. He also promised great blessing upon Haggar and her son Ishmael. God truly is “The God who sees you!” Jesus spoke about His Father as the God who sees. Jesus pointed to the flowers in the field and told them, “God sees,” so don’t worry. When Jesus taught the crowds about prayer, He told them, “The Father sees and knows what you need before you ask.” He taught His closest followers “not a single sparrow falls to the ground without the Father “seeing it,” the Father “sees” every hair on a person’s head. God sees! God sees your difficulties. God sees your needs and your wants. God sees your struggles and successes. He is not like the gods made of wood, stone, or metal that have fake eyes and mouths. Father, thank you for “seeing.” Thank you for being the God who sees every detail of my life. Knowing that you see, gives me peace and sets me free from worry. Thank you.

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!

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.

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)

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.