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.

Put Your Full Trust in Jesus

Things in our world are changing so quickly that people are feeling unsettled. What used to be normal is no longer so. Every day seems to reveal something new and different. What was once “true” is no longer seen as true. Someone commented, “My kids tell me ‘That’s not how it is anymore!’ And I don’t know how to respond.” It’s like we are living in a land where someone changed the names of the streets. The on-ramps and off-ramps aren’t where they used to be, and familiar buildings are now empty and new buildings have sprung up. I want to remind you God doesn’t change. God is the same day in and day out. God does not change because “that’s not how it is anymore.” God spoke to Moses and said, “God is not man, that he should lie or … that he should change his mind.” (Numbers 23:19) God declared through the prophet Malachi “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6) and Jesus’ brother James wrote “there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17) In a changing and often unreliable world, God is reliably dependable! You may look around and wonder who you can trust. You may be like many who are wondering if there are any institutions that can be trusted. People find it almost impossible to commit when, at every turn, trust has been broken. Why would anyone commit themselves to leaders, businesses, churches, schools, governments, or movements when the landscape is pocked with immorality, unethical and untrustworthy behavior? When there are few who can be trusted, there is one who can be trusted. His name is Jesus! “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) You can put your full trust in HIM! “Jesus, I need your wisdom, peace, and guidance to navigate this crazy world! Thank you, that you can be trusted and that you’ll walk every step with me. Amen!”

Who Has Your Trust?

The recent photographs of galaxies, solar systems, and stars from the Webb Telescope are fascinating. The images test the imagination of what exists in the universe. If creation is that amazing and immense, the Creator must be exponentially more! (Here is a link to the Webb Space Telescope Gallery - https://webbtelescope.org/news/first-images/gallery) By nature, the Creator must be outside of the creation in the same way an artist is connected to their art but is outside their creation. God is outside creation but is intimately aware and concerned about his creation. God did not create and then remove himself from creation. He has stayed intimately involved. Jesus told the crowds following Him, “The hairs on your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30 ESV) When he taught the disciples about prayer, he told them not to “babble on and on” because “the Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (Matthew 6:7-8 NLT) King David realized he could not hide his thoughts from God, since God knows our thoughts. “You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. … You know what I am going to say even before I say it.” (Psalms 139:2-5 NLT) The Gospels describe Jesus’ knowledge of people’s thoughts. “Jesus knew their thoughts …” and “Jesus knowing their thoughts …” and “He knew what was in a man …” Adam and Eve’s disobedience and rebellion against God could be described as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). They were told eating the fruit of the tree would open their eyes, and they didn’t want to miss out. Fear is one of the first emotions described in the creation account. But Jesus told the disciples to “Not be afraid …” because the hair on their head was numbered. God is grander than everything the Webb Telescope is revealing yet aware of every hair on your head. You do not need to be afraid. Nothing that happens in your life or in the universe takes God by surprise. Take a deep breath, grab God’s hand and tell him, “I’m trusting you! Thank you for caring for me.”

Fear Not

The chaos of the world has become a powerful breeding ground for fear. I get glimpses of fear in the eyes of men, women, young people, and children. People are in fear when they are alone and when they are in groups. People are fearful of the world financial situation, loss of freedoms, war in Europe, ability to get goods, the next court ruling and the political turmoil in Washington D.C. I talk to people that have no reason to fear. Life is up and to the right. They don’t have financial worries; their health is stellar, their family is healthy and beyond functional and yet they worry about some things or everything collapsing. Out of fear, people don masks and hide from each other. The mask keeps people from revealing their true feelings, opinions, and values. Relationships never become what they should be. God regularly commands His people to not be afraid but to be strong and courageous. God desires His people to be free from fear. Fear holds people captive and keeps them from becoming who He wants them to be and living the flourishing life Jesus spoke of. Jesus said, “I came to give life--life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 (NCV) The way to live the life Jesus plans is to focus on the greatness and sovereignty of God. Put your hand in His hand. Give Him access to your heart when you are afraid. He will breathe courage into you. Your circumstances might not change, but the grip of fear on you will loosen. “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” Psalms 23:4 (NLT) “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) “I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4 (NLT) God is the answer to your fears. Turn everything over to Him. Spend time focusing on everything God’s Word says about fear. You’ll be encouraged and strengthened.

Grief and Hope

I know I’ve written about grief and grieving at other times, but I’ve been thinking about grief again. Grief is a funny emotion. Grief has characteristics that make it unique. Everyone who walks through grief experiences it differently. For some, grief is very emotional, while for others, grief has a numbing effect. Grief isn’t just felt at the time of physical death. People experience grief over losing health, businesses, relationships, jobs, pets, homes, dreams and aspirations can all produce grief. Grief has multiple sub-feelings and mindsets that accompany it. Often swirling around grief is anger, regret, shock, and denial. As the grieving subsides, people move towards acceptance of the new reality. I have been thinking about a few different scriptures from the Apostle Paul. To the church in Thessalonica, he wrote: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV) Followers of Jesus grieve loss. God made people to grieve. God grieves losses, and He made us in His image so naturally people grieve. Mental health research has revealed the necessity of grieving losses and the toll failing to grieve takes on a person mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Followers of Jesus grieve, but not like those “who have no hope.” We have hope because God comforts those who turn to Him. “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) We also have hope because “death,” is not an ending. Someone has rightly said, “Death is not the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning.” Death is a move to a new chapter in a believer’s life with God. Paul also wrote, “We are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT) People often say to someone who’s loved one has died “I’m sorry for your loss.” Those who trust in God experience a loss, but the loved one is not “lost.” We know right where they are: “At home with the Lord.” Yet, we feel the loss, the emptiness, and the temporary disconnect. I’m telling myself, “Grieve, it’s good for you!” I’m at the same time striving to remember that buried below grief is HOPE and comfort.

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 Most Important Thing To Do Right Now

I woke up this morning thinking about the turmoil in the world. The thought crossed my mind, “The world has gone crazy.” Then my mind drifted to the various events of my lifetime and my time of pastoring. It seems the world has been crazy throughout my lifetime. From the beginning, the world has been crazy. The first murder was not a stranger jumping someone in darkness. It was a brother scheming to take the life of his sibling. Everything has been sliding downhill since then. The world situation deteriorated to when God said: “The LORD saw that the human beings on the earth were very wicked and that everything they thought about was evil. He was sorry he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.” Genesis 6:5-6 (NCV) Thousands of years later the Apostle Paul wrote: “Remember this! In the last days there will be many troubles because people will love themselves, love money, brag, and be proud. They will say evil things against others and will not obey their parents or be thankful or be the kind of people God wants. They will not love others, will refuse to forgive, will gossip, and will not control themselves. They will be cruel, will hate what is good, will turn against their friends, and will do foolish things without thinking. They will be conceited, will love pleasure instead of God, and will act as if they serve God but will not have his power.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NCV) Paul’s description sounds pretty crazy! The craziness of the world could generate and feed fear in a person’s life. What’s a person to do? Watch non-stop news? Wring hands ceaselessly? Worry, worry, worry? Nothing that has ever happened in the world and history has ever taken God by surprise. God was not surprised when Adam and Eve disobeyed and ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden. Nor was He surprised by the continual decline of the human race. No conflict, no war, no oppressive leader, or regime has ever taken God by surprise. God is never shocked into panic. God knows. He never sleeps, never nods off, is always on duty, doesn’t change and maybe most importantly, HE cares. What’s a person to do? Pray! “I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him. Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to know the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NCV) Notice Paul’s words – “This is good, and it pleases God our Savior.” Is anything more important at any time than to do “good and please God our Savior?” I think not! I encourage you to pray, pray, pray and then keep on praying!

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.

God Is Our Provider

If you’ve attended Sunday School, Young Life, a church or read through even a portion of the Bible, you’ve probably heard a few unusual Bible stories that made you scratch your head. One story that I have questions about happened to Abraham and his son Isaac. About 1,800 years before Jesus walked the earth, God gave Abraham and his wife Sarah a son. Abraham and Sarah could not conceive. In their old age “when they were nearly dead” Sarah conceived, and Isaac was born. Isaac was a miracle child. The story gets interesting and perplexing when Isaac was a young man. God instructs Abraham to take Isaac up on a nearby mountain and sacrifice him. Yep, you read that sentence correctly. Isaac carried the firewood up the mountain, while Abraham carried the fire. Isaac asked his dad where the animal for the sacrifice was and Abraham said Jehovah-Jirah, “The Lord will provide.” When they got far enough up the mountain, Abraham bound Isaac and prepared to kill him. At the last moment, God stopped him. In a nearby thicket there was a ram caught by his horns. I won’t try to explain what was going on. I can describe the event and details, but I struggle to make sense of what was going on. My list of questions would be substantial. I have way more questions than I have answers! But I do know one of the important lessons we can learn from this account. When Abraham found the ram in the thicket, he sacrificed it. Abraham named the place “Jehovah-Jirah” or “The Lord will provide.” Jehovah-Jirah is one of the important names of God. God was known as Jehovah-Jirah by the Israelites for 1,500 years and the name has been important to Jesus’ followers over the last 2,000 years. The Apostle Paul said: The “same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT) Jehovah-Jirah. Jesus said: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (NLT) Jehovah-Jirah. God has been faithfully meeting the NEEDS of His followers since He created Adam and Eve. What is your NEED? He will provide. You can trust Him to meet your needs. Provision doesn’t always come the way we anticipate, expect, or want…but He WILL provide!

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.

God Almighty

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. The English language uses adjectives to describe or elaborate on a person’s nature and character. But ancient languages often used names to describe a person’s nature and character. God revealed Himself as El-Shaddai — GOD ALMIGHTY! God is above everything and everyone! There is nothing too difficult, nothing beyond His purview, nothing He cannot do. “Is anything too hard for the LORD? No!” Genesis 18:14 (NCV) “I am the LORD, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me.” Jeremiah 32:27 (NCV) “Jesus … said, ‘For people this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 (NCV) “Jesus answered, ‘The things impossible for people are possible for God.’” Luke 18:27 (NCV) God Almighty knows about your stresses, struggles, broken relationships, needs, fears, anxieties, doubts and dreads. He is “ALL—MIGHTY.” He has ALL might. He has all MIGHT. His “almightiness” is what drives Him to work in every situation for those who trust in Him. The Apostle Paul wrote: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Romans 8:28 (NIV) God Almighty doesn’t make every situation happen, but God Almighty works “for the good” in every situation. God always has an eternal view. Trusting is not easy. Trust is where “the rubber meets the road.” Trust is relying on God to “work for the good” in every situation. A father once implored Jesus: “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief.” Trust is hard, but you can trust in God Almighty. “God, I don’t know what you’re doing, I don’t like what’s happening, I want the story to be written differently, BUT I’m putting my full trust in YOU and trusting that YOU are working “for the good” in this situation. YOU ARE GOD ALMIGHTY. 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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!