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Sorting Through the Thoughts

Vol. 21 No. 36 | September 9, 2019

It’s one of those days when thoughts and emotions move faster through my mind than I can process. Ever had a day or night like that, when you can’t sleep or focus?

I think of an opportunity that looks and sounds good, and at the same time, I can’t help but think of all the drawbacks and negatives that might come with it. I think about decisions I need to make and wrestle with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

I think of people in my life, some experiencing exciting life-changing events, others, devastating ones.

I think about all the people reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Dorian, or a random shooting, or serious illness, while others are anticipating the change of seasons, or listening to the ocean waves or enjoying a visit with friends and family.

As I try to sort through all of life’s complicated contradictions, the Lord reminds me of these words.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7, NIV)

I find these truths (which all just happen to start with “r”) help me find some peace in the midst of all the chaos.

Rejoice. Rejoice. Rejoice. And rejoice again. Of course, there are many things you can be sad about. But there are countless more you can be grateful for. You’re safe, you have people who love you and you’re breathing, so rejoice.

Remember. The Lord is near. He is with us and will not leave us alone. He protects and empowers us. With that, you can relax and let your peace and gentleness be felt and enjoyed by all. That’s another reason to rejoice.

Relinquish. Relinquish your desire to control the world. Deciding how everything is going to go and what everyone should do isn’t your responsibility. So relax. God’s on top of it He’s got your back.

Relish. Relish in the peace that comes from rejoicing, remembering, and relinquishing control.

You have four tasks this week: Rejoice. Remember. Relinquish. Relish.

When you do those four things, I am confident that all those troubled thoughts and emotions colliding with each other in your brain will settle down, and some will even disappear. Let me know how it goes.

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Opportunity is Here, and the Time is Now.

Vol. 21 No. 35 | September 2, 2019

In a letter Paul wrote to Christ’s followers, he reminded them that living as a Christian comes with the opportunity and responsibility to make a positive impact on the people and world around them.

^“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV)

“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick.

Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” (Colossians 4:5-6, The Message)

Make the most of every opportunity…

Although I’ve probably read and shared these words a hundred times, this time, more than ever before, I felt like Paul was talking to me. I’m a follower of Jesus, which means I have the opportunity and responsibility to make a positive contribution to the people and world around me.

As I reflect on the past week, I realize I had countless opportunities to positively impact the world around me. There was the conversation I had with the customer service representative, who was clearly misinformed and mistaken…I’m not sure I made her world any better that day.

There were other conversations- with insurance agents, baristas, social media connections, family, friends, and co-workers. I wonder, did I help make their day or world any better? Did my words, attitude, and demeanor bring out the best in them?

Deeper reflection reminds me of the countless opportunities and tremendous responsibility we have to improve the world around us, even if it’s in the smallest way.

We are surrounded by people who are afraid, discouraged, and hopeless. Are we doing anything to relieve their fears, lift their spirits, and give them hope? Or are we letting our own fears and hopelessness consume and paralyze us.

In the same letter referenced above, Paul also wrote, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

The society we live in seems to exalt arrogance and pride. But are these qualities we would use to describe Jesus? If Jesus resides within us, should these be qualities we exalt and praise? I don’t think so. So instead, we have to seize the opportunity to demonstrate humility and grace.

We can remain silent or complain about the hatred, discrimination, and violence we see around us. Or, we can invite the Spirit of God to work in and through us and act with peace, love, and tolerance.

On any given day, we will have dozens of opportunities to say something encouraging, lend a helping hand, share something inspirational, or just be kind and gracious. These opportunities are gifts, both to have and to share.

Friends, we can no longer afford to be complacent. We can no longer be so consumed with our own needs and agendas that we pass up opportunities to make the world a better place.

We can do better. We must do better…the world needs us.

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Out of our Element

Vol. 21 No. 34 | August 26, 2019

Recently, I ventured into one of those large outdoor “man” stores in search of that one basic item to I could buy with my coupon.

The banner hanging above the entrance read: “Fall Hunting Classic. It’s your season!” That should have been a clue, but I went in anyway.

I wasn’t there long before I realized I was totally out of my element.

You see, I’ve never purchased a fishing license, so I have all the fishing gear I need (which is none). And the only time I’ve ever been in a deer stand was with my brother, and all I did was drink coffee and talk to my brother.

I have one pair of cargo shorts wear occasionally to do yard work, so I wasn’t tempted by the wide selection of cargo shorts and pants.

And I’ve never thought camouflage clothing was exactly appropriate for preaching, teaching, writing, counseling, or visiting hospice patients.

The only firearm I’ve ever owned was a bee-bee gun I had as a kid. Although I did notice a pretty cool pistol holster on sale. But I decided my iPad wouldn’t fit in it, so I moved on.

After wandering aimlessly for fifteen minutes or so, I gave up, chuckling to myself. Why in the world am I here? With that, I left the Fall Hunting Classic behind, unused coupon still in hand.

Fortunately, my experience was harmless, but there are times when feeling out of our element is not so innocent.

It’s becoming increasingly common to hear about people being bullied or physically harmed simply because they were out of their element and vulnerable.

Some of us have left church assemblies because we sensed someone like us or with our circumstances, wouldn’t be welcomed. Or we may be attending a church where the culture has shifted. and we now feel uncomfortable and disconnected.

And victims of discrimination, abuse, or oppression may wonder if any place will ever feel comfortable and safe.

In some cases, we can laugh at ourselves and move on. But, there are other times when we need to remove ourselves from a place or community for our highest good, regardless of what other people say or think.

But the truth is, even when we feel alone or abandoned, there is always a place where we will be welcome, safe, and love: wherever Jesus is…which is everywhere, s

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

(Matthew 11:28, NIV)

He will give you rest and show you that you belong.

Oh, by the way, that, that hunting season sale ends soon.

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Can I Live This Prayer?

Vol. 21 No. 33 | August 19, 2019

“Two things I ask of you, Lord;
    do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
    give me neither poverty nor riches,
    but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
    and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
    and so dishonor the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:7-9, NIV)

On more than one occasion, I’ve prayed these words, followed by another prayer: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13, NIV)

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a habitual liar, (although I may have just lied), and I always strive to tell the truth. But I’m human. There are times when I say I’m fine, and I’m not; when I tell someone I’m happy to see them, and I’m not; when I promised to pray for someone, and I didn’t; and when I allowed my silence to imply approval, when that’s not what I felt.

As far as money, wealth, and poverty go, I’ve tried to strike a balance. We’ve been very blessed throughout the years- never gone hungry and always had a place to live. But in truth, there is always an underlying desire to have more.

That said, I still do my best to practice contentment, and I know a balance of possessions is the best approach. But as my friend recently said, “Hit me up in an hour, and I may have already caught the 10 o’clock to Wantsville! But for now, I am content and at peace. God is good.

I think this prayer and my desire to live it can be summed up with my favorite line in O Sacred Head, Now Wounded: “Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.” (Bernard of Clairvaux)

I hope you’ll join me this week as I try to refocus my thoughts and daily living to reflect this ancient prayer- to live truthfully and to truthfully live with gratitude by trusting that the Lord knows what I need and will graciously provide.

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Words That Build and Benefit

Vol. 21 No. 32 | August 12, 2019

Each week, when I sit down at my computer to write, I try to remind myself of these words:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)

I’ve never had a problem with using “bad” language (Around other people, that is, alone in my car is a whole different story). But I do have to work to keep my critical and judgmental comments in check, so I often repeat this prayer:

Lord, give me words that are helpful for building others up according to their needs and will benefit those who listen.

Lately, it feels like words that “build up and benefit” are in short supply, doesn’t it? Instead, words meant to demoralize, vilify, and dehumanize seem to be the norm. I fear too many people have become fluent in a common language that incites hatred, rage, and violence, and I believe it’s killing us- body, mind, and spirit.

Let’s do our part to change this. Let’s make a commitment to be intentional with one of the most powerful resources we have: our words and the ability to build others up according to their needs [and] benefit those who listen.

Here’s a useful tip that helps me:

When you read a comment on a social media page that makes you want to take a hammer to your computer screen, go ahead and respond: type exactly what you’re thinking and feeling, but DO NOT SEND IT! Copy and paste it somewhere safe and walk away. Wait a few hours (24 is best) and read it again. Then ask yourself these two questions: Does it build up the person according to their needs? Is it going to benefit those who see it?

Sometimes the person on the receiving end needs to be confronted, and you may be just the person to do it. But, you may not. Let your words marinate for a while before you hurl them out into the world for all to see, permanently.

It’s sometimes too easy to be negative, to judge and criticize. And it’s sometimes very challenging to keep things on a positive track. But when you’re in a group setting and the conversation starts to turn in a negative direction – whether about politics, religion, politics in religion, or how much milk costs – say something to shift the conversation to a more positive tone.

Because, when we choose to use language that helps and heals, we’re not only benefiting others, we’re demonstrating wisdom, kindness, and courage. But when we choose words that hurt and demoralize, we are inflicting pain on others and proving we’re weak-minded, cruel, and insecure.

And trust me, you’ll be much more popular and appreciated making people feel better and the room feel brighter.

So that’s my challenge for the week: share words that build others up according to their needs [and] benefit those who listen.

Remember, you have the power to lift others up, and by doing so, you too, will rise.

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Taking My Hands Off the Wheel

Vol. 21 No. 31 | August 5, 2019

We were cruising up the freeway when a silver Tesla pulled up beside us. I noticed his hands weren’t on the steering wheel, even when we started moving again. I watched as the car followed the curves of the road, changing lanes and adjusting speed as needed. But the driver never touched the wheel.

The car finally exited the freeway and quickly disappeared. We drove on, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the car.

I thought about how amazing technology is, and how it also kind of freaked me out. I’m not sure if I could do it, give up control and trust I would be safe.”

I somehow doubt I will ever have a self-driving car that forces me to trust technology. But I do know I make decisions whether to trust or not several times a day.

When I go to a restaurant, I trust the people preparing and serving my food have followed proper regulations to assure my food is safe to eat.

When my mechanic tells me not to worry, he will take care of everything, I have faith that he knows what he’s doing and he will take care of everything.

I trust the doctor when he or she tells me what I need to do to maintain good health.

When I deposit money in the bank, I trust that it will be in my account the next time I use my debit card.

When I say goodbye to my wife, children, and grand-girls. I trust they will be well, and I will see them again.

We all have to trust people and things like technology, don’t we? Even those who struggle with trust, have to on some level.

There are times when I also struggle with giving up control. It makes me uncomfortable when I sense the Lord is asking me to let Him drive. What if He drives faster or slower than I want to go, or misses a turn, or doesn’t stop when I want Him to?

These are the times when I have to remind myself of His promises and remember, He can be trusted.

Take delight in the Lord,
and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in Him and He will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37:4-6, NIV)

Don’t be surprised if this week, you may hear the Lord say, “Let go of the wheel, I’ve got you. I know the future is uncertain and you’re afraid, but I’ve got you. Trust me.”

If you need help responding to the Lord when you hear Him, the words from this old song might help.

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Saviour
I surrender all (Israel Houghton)

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Standing At a Crossroad

Vol. 21 No. 30 | July 29, 2019

I sat down to watch TV with my wife just as the movie Cast Away was starting. As soon as I heard the soundtrack, I felt the same emotions I had the first time I saw Tom Hank’s amazing performance. As I watched his character, Noland, attempt to find relief from his desperation, I felt anxious, confused, frustrated, and disappointed. I couldn’t help but think how futile it all seemed.

Those emotions felt so real because, although I have never been trapped on a deserted island, I have lived through times of anxiety, frustration, disappointment, and futility.

I remember waking up in a cold, dark room in a small Ukrainian village realizing I was seriously ill. I found out 5 days later that I had an adult version of Chicken Pox. But during those first 5 days, the isolation and uncertainty I felt made me wonder if my end had come.

I remember the utter horror and futility I felt when our house caught on fire. My two neighbors and I stood in the cold watching my house engulfed in flames as the firemen tried to save as much of it as they could.

I remember the frustration and helplessness I felt when I couldn’t fix someone’s problem, improve a church situation, help a couple desperate to fix their marriage or give hope to a man who was paralyzed by depression and wanted to die.

Those are just a few experiences that came to my mind as I watched Noland try to survive four years marooned on an island, only to return home and discover his former life no longer existed.

But in the final scene, Noland arrives at a crossroad, and his desperate situation is transformed into one of opportunity and hope. He has a choice- he can be a victim of his circumstance, or he can face them with courage and forge on.

We know that feeling too, don’t we? Before, during, and after times of confusion and futility, we stand at a crossroad that could permanently change the course of our lives.

So what will we make of this day? Will we take the opportunity to offer a word of encouragement to someone in need, or will we find the courage to seek out the encouragement we need from someone else? Will we live this day to please God, or will we choose to focus on our own pleasure instead?

I am confident and grateful that God is with me at each crossroad, reminding me of His presence, listening to my concerns, and assuring me that, whichever road I choose, He will be with me.

We don’t know what this week will bring. We may experience feelings of desperation and isolation. And we may be faced with disappointment and futility.

All we can do is make a choice- be victims of our circumstances or face them with courage and forge on.

My prayer for you this week is that you face the day, or even just the next hour, with courage and as much joy you can, allowing God to walk with you and light your path.

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For the Unseen Heros

Vol. 21 No. 29 | July 22, 2019

How do they do it? What compels them to go without sleep, sacrifice their time, and go the extra mile? What keeps them from throwing in the towel?

The police officer who is constantly scrutinized and criticized by the public.

The single parent who sacrifices everything for his or her kids.

The divorced man or woman who gets up alone and goes to bed alone every night.

The broken-hearted lovers who feel a pain as relentless and it is unbearable.

The middle-aged man who realizes his life-long dream is never going to happen.

The teacher who is overworked, underpaid, and disrespected.

The small business owner who continues to scrape by, struggling to keep the doors open and hoping to make it to the end of another year.

The ones who are oppressed because of their gender, skin color, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or for just being different from the status quo.

How do they do it? How do they keep going?

I see them, am amazed by them, and want to be more like them.

I don’t know if they believe in Him or share His beliefs and convictions. But when I watch these people, I cannot help but see Jesus in them, reminding me of His words:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19, NIV)

Like Jesus, these people understand who they are and why they’re here. They are determined to forge on, to fulfill their purpose, no matter the cost.

Or maybe they haven’t figured out who they are or why they are here, but they still choose to live authentically, with conviction, integrity, love, and compassion.

To all of these people who live with such courage and grace, thank you. You are seen, admired, loved, and respected.

May I be a mirror so you can see all that you are, may you accept all that you are, and may you thrive.

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Pancakes & Strawberry Popsicles

Vol. 21 No. 28 | July 15, 2019

Our oldest granddaughter, Isabel, is on her way home after spending the past week with us. Although she has stayed with us before, it was always with her parents. This was the first time she would be spending an entire week with us by herself and her first time away from home for this long. It was also the first time we would be spending an entire week alone with one of our grandchildren.

I think we were all a bit nervous. What if she got homesick, or worse, physically sick? What if she asked for something we can’t allow? What if something happens to her while she’s with us? How will she do when she wakes up and her parents are gone?

But we were also excited and planned a week packed full of activities- pancakes and strawberry popsicles, sleeping on the sofa, sleeping in a fort, spending the night with cousin Norah, a trip to the donut shop, a trip to Aunt Laura’s shop, swimming, watching movies, eating watermelon, ordering pizza, burgers on the grill, a trip to the mall, more swimming, camping in the backyard (which was abandoned for an air-conditioned room without the flies), FaceTime with the family (that included lots of laughter and some moments trying to hold back tears), more swimming, and more pancakes.

We got through the week with only some minor hiccups- a couple of cousin squabbles; a few gentle reminders that “We don’t do that.” Constant requests for a snack, followed by and an equal amount of “I’m still hungry.”

But, thanks to her dad, who had packed a bag of “just in case” items, there were no complaints about being bored.

As the week comes to an end, the memories are already filling up my mind, along with hopes for the future…

I hope the silence in our home from the absence of little voices and laughter won’t be too deafening.

I hope the memories made this week will be the first of many. And I hope they will continue even when she grows up and prefers spending time with her friends over visiting Papa and Yei-Yei.

I hope that she will always know that we love her more than she will be able to understand until she has a grandchild of her own.

I hope I’ll never forget the look on her face when she stepped off the subway at her stop, inhaled deeply, and said, “Mmmmm. That smells good.”

And I hope our home will always be a place she wants to come back to, a place she knows she will find love, joy, peace, pancakes and strawberry popsicles.

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A When-Will-This-Happen-Again Event

Vol. 21 No. 27 | July 8, 2019

It was one of those “when-will-this-happen-again” family events.

Scheduled around the 4^th of July, we were able to get my two brothers and our spouses; our four sons and one daughter and their spouses; and our thirteen grandchildren, all together in one room.

It took a good amount of effort to schedule, time and money to travel, and gracious hospitality. But it was worth it. For a few hours we were all together for good food, heartfelt conversations, and fellowship of the richest kind.

I came away with these reflections.

Family gatherings take effort. A few weeks earlier, none of us would have thought a gathering like this was even possible. But someone had the idea, shared it with the rest of us, and everyone agreed to make it happen.

Modern technology and transportation offer us opportunities and adventures that make it easy to keep in close contact with our loved ones. But to be face-to-face with them requires intentional action.

Time passes quickly. Some of us had not seen each other in years, and some of the children are almost unrecognizable compared to the younger images that were etched in our minds. It’s feasible that some of them will be adults and have children before we see them again. Time passes quickly and we have to take advantage of these opportunities when we have them.

Family gatherings also remind us of those who are missing. We try not to dampen the spirit of being together or drift into nostalgic melancholy, but it is difficult to avoid. As I watched our children and grand-girls interact with my siblings’ children and grandchildren, I could not help but think that our sister would have enjoyed this. I also thought of my parents and wondered if they had any idea what would evolve out of their union so many years ago.

I love my family. I have been blessed by my family. Memories like we created this weekend motivate me to live in a way that reflects the values and traditions of our family. I realize that not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have grown up with and enjoy the family I have.

I also know, for those who don’t have a close family, that it may not be too late. I believe it is possible to develop and nurture your own healthy, happy family if you are intentional and invest in doing what it takes to cultivate one.

This is my hope, that one day you will see your family flourish and enjoy one another. It takes effort. It takes time. But it will be worth it.

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Shape Your Worries into Prayers

Vol. 21 No. 26 | July 1, 2019

I search for words, and You send these: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7, NIV)

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7, The Message)

Do not be anxious about anything. Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray.

Right, no problem. But how do I do that exactly? My brain is full, my head is spinning, and my heart is restless.

Please, tell me, guide me.

Present your requests to God. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.

Thank you, God, here are my requests. One by one, I lay them out before You. I praise and thank You for life, health, family and friends, a home, food and clothing, freedom, love, and forgiveness. Please hear my concerns and give me wisdom, direction, protection, good health, joy, love, and forgiveness.

Please, assure me, guide me.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Thank You. I believe You, I will follow You.

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Stay in Your Lane, Bro

Vol. 21 No. 25 | June 24, 2019

One by one, they came to learn about Jesus, and one by one, He challenged them with an invitation: “Come. Follow me.” (John 1:35-51)

And one by one, they accepted.

Through times of confusion and clarity, doubt and faith, and fear and great courage, they followed the One who showed “abundant life” (John 10:10).

Some followed Him all the way to the cross, while others temporarily lost their way and distanced themselves.

Regardless, all of them were scrambling after His death, wondering, “now what.”

Peter, still reeling from denying the Lord, announced, “I’m going fishing.” And the others followed.

Side note: Most of us do this when we don’t know what to do; we go back to what we know and feels comfortable. I tend to pull out my journal, take a walk, or rearrange my study.

Their fishing endeavor proved unsuccessful until Jesus appeared on the shore. He revealed where the fish were and invited them to breakfast.

After the meal, Jesus engaged Peter in a momentous conversation about his future. Jesus assures him that in spite of his failures, he still has a very important role in the Kingdom.

Side note: This scene always reminds me of the many meaningful conversations our family has had sitting around the table during and after the meal.

Then Jesus repeated His invitation, except now it was a command: “Follow me.”

Peter looked around at another disciple Jesus loved and asked, “Master, what’s going to happen to him?”

I often do the same thing. As I try to live my life and fulfill my roles, I tend to look around and see what others are doing. Such comparisons are usually not very healthy or helpful, but I do it anyway. I have come to appreciate the advice from a former employer and the wisdom of a tattoo artist on a TV commercial, “Stay in your lane, bro!”

That’s basically what Jesus tells him: “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22)

You must follow me.

We can’t worry about what others do or don’t do, how they serve or don’t serve, what they have or don’t have. That’s not our job. Jesus will handle them. Our job is to follow Him.

John’s version of Jesus’s story ends with these words: “There are so many other things Jesus did. If they were all written down, each of them, one by one, I can’t imagine a world big enough to hold such a library of books.”

The invitation/command that the Lord gives us is the same as the one He gave His disciples:

You must follow me.

Those disciples (as recorded in the rest of the New Testament) became living examples of what is possible when we accept that simple challenge. And the story is amazing!

Regardless of who you are and what you do in your life, Jesus continues to extend the same invitation: Come and follow me.

Which lane will you choose?

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Now What?

Vol. 21 No. 24 | June 17, 2019

Reading through the gospels (the four New Testament books that tell the story of Jesus), I often find myself wondering what Jesus’s disciples were thinking as they watched Him bring a little girl back to life, or heal a blind man, or make a crippled man walk. What did they think when He rebelled against long- standing traditions, cultural norms, religious leaders, and keepers of the law. What were they thinking when He died on a cross.

They had to be constantly asking themselves, “Now what?”

Now what is He going to do or say to upset people? Now what will the authorities do to Him? Now that we have lost Him…what are supposed to do?

At the end of John, chapter nineteen, the disciples had either scattered in fear or watched as Jesus’s lifeless body was laid in a tomb. And then, chapter twenty opens with the shocking news that the tomb is empty and Jesus has risen from the dead.

Attempting to process what they’ve heard, His disciples gather together to try and figure out what to do next.

And then Jesus appears. He confirms who He is, breathes the Spirit into them, and answers their question…

Believe. Believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it…Believe. Believe and live. Believe and live like I’ve shown you how to live.”

We ask the same question, don’t we? Our children have left the nest. Now what? The cancer diagnosis is confirmed, now what? I’m pregnant, he left me, I lost my job…now what?

Jesus offers us the same answer that He gave His disciples:

“Believe. Believe and live. Believe and live like I’ve shown you how to live.”

Believing doesn’t mean we will no longer have problems, or the ones we have will suddenly disappear, or we will miraculously be transported to the land beyond.

Believing means that we realize we aren’t alone and that our troubles are temporary. Believing means that when the future is uncertain and failure seems inevitable, there is always a way out. Believing means that in the face of danger, we have the One who achieved the seemingly impossible by our sides.

Jesus will help us, not only to survive, but to thrive once again.

Can you do that? Can you believe?

This week, if you face another “now what” situation, remember to do what Jesus recommended:

Believe and live.

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It’s Done…complete

Vol. 21 No. 23 | June 10, 2019

A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit. (John 19:29-30, The Message)

I cannot imagine how Jesus felt at that moment, to know He had accomplished what He’d come here to do and letting out a deep sigh, saying “It’s done…complete.”

I can only mildly relate to how He might of felt when I think of mowing my lawn back in the day- those hot humid summer afternoons, sweating through my shirt, my ankles covered with dust and blades of grass. I would shut the mower off, take a big drink of sweetened iced tea, looked around say, “It’s done…until next week.”

On a more profound level, I can remember how I felt when I finished high school- walking across the aisle to receive my diploma, shaking the superintendent’s hand, and celebrating with family and friends, thinking, “It’d done…now off to college.”

Then I finished my college degree, celebrated with my wife when she finished hers, and with our children when they reached comparable milestones. “It’d done…until the next big thing comes along.”

You’ve probably known a similar feeling- when you walked down the aisle, crossed the finish line of a race, held your baby for the first time, dropped her off at school for the first time. “It’d done…for now.”

This is one of the differences between Jesus’s words and ours…what comes after. For Him, it was “It’s done…complete.” With us, there’s always one more thing to do- another child to rear, project to complete…more milestones to pass.” But for Jesus, His work was done.

Paul, who wrote most of the books in the New Testament, said it like this:

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NIV)

What enabled them to say these words? They could do so with confidence because they had lived fully, loved graciously, served willingly, and trusted wholeheartedly.

Our day will come too, if we follow their lead. I look forward to that day, when I can say I have completed my mission here. And hopefully, I will take one last deep breath and say, “It’s done . . . complete.”

What a day that will be!

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After You Pray

Vol. 21 No. 22 | June 3, 2019

The Jesus story grows darker as He moves closer to the cross.

John 18 begins with these words:

When He had finished praying, Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side, there was a garden, and He and His disciples went into it.

Chapter 18 is action packed, but the action that intrigues me most is this:

When He had finished praying, Jesus left…

Violence, arrest, ridicule, hatred, torture, pain, suffering, death on a cross- that is what He was facing. He knew that, and He left. He went toward it.

What do you do after you pray?

Occasionally after I pray, I do nothing. I just wait. I lay it all out before the Lord and do nothing, waiting to receive a directive, confirmation, affirmation, or a clear answer. His responses would vary.

Of course, there are times when doing nothing is the wise thing to do. We often remind each other: “Be still and know I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

But then sometimes, I rush into action. I pray and claim it. My reasoning being, I prayed, God heard me, it’s time to move. It’s time to make the change. I’m tired of waiting, and I know God is going to do what I want, so off the cliff I go.

Sometimes that turns out well. At other times, I am dependent on the Lord to protect me from my actions.

And then there are times, after I pray, I second-guess myself. Is that really what I want or need to happen? What if the Lord answers that prayer? Am I really willing to make that commitment? So, for His gentleness and mercy that allow me to clarify my motives and true desires, I am thankful.

As you follow Jesus’s path toward His fate, there were times when, after He prayed, He waited to hear from the Father. For example, in Matthew 4, when He was in the wilderness, He relied on God to provide Him guidance on how to handle temptation by the enemy.

Then, there were times when He knew the Father’s will and acted immediately- to heal the sick, comfort the brokenhearted, and revive the dead. But there were also times when He wondered if what He was doing was the right thing (Mathew 26).

But in the end, after Jesus prayed, He had perfect peace and absolute conviction that the Father had not only heard Him, but was paving the way for what would lead to the cross and the ultimate victory of His resurrection.

After Jesus prayed, He left.

As you pray, there will be times when you need to wait for clarity before you move. There will be times when you will want to do the opposite and attempt to leap tall buildings. And there will be times when you will wonder if you are hearing Him correctly because it seems too big or difficult.

But after you pray, listen for His direction, trust that He is already there, and once you find peace, know that it is time to leave and follow His lead.

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Jesus Prayed for Unity

Vol. 21 No. 21 | May 27, 2019

John 17 is Jesus’s prayer about unity.

Many Bible translations divide the prayer into three parts: Jesus prays about Himself and His relationship with His Father; Jesus prays for His disciples; and Jesus prays for all believers.

As I read the prayer, I couldn’t help but think of the lack of unity that exists in our world today. Nations are spouting threats of violence and war against each other. Our political leaders are spewing destructive words toward the opposition, both treating the other as their enemies. Ongoing battles rage in the streets and all over the media by activists with opposing views on abortion, women’s rights, sexual preferences, war, peace, racial unity…on and on.

But Jesus prayed for unity.

One of the saddest things for me is the daily news that another church has, or is on the verge of, falling apart. One group wants a certain type of worship, while another group wants a different one. One group thinks the leadership is too lenient, another group thinks it’s too rigid. One group insists there is only one “right” Bible translation…on and on.

I drive through various cities and see church after church popping up, some because they want to share Jesus with the community, but many because the members got angry and started their own church. And all the while, most people just want to know God. And we wonder why our kids leaving church.

But Jesus prayed for unity.

It’s easy for us to point fingers at a particular church group, political party, or individual and blame them for what is wrong with the world. But when Jesus prayed in John 17, He was praying for all of us to unite and practice tolerance for others’ perspectives and conventions.

As I read through the prayer again this morning, this song started playing in my head: If We’ve Ever Needed You (Casting Crowns).

“Lord, we do need You, and we need you now to help us be the people we claim to be. Help us to remember what You said.”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.

The second is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

And additional commandments follow the same theme:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John17:3)

Remember Jesus prayed for unity. We owe it to him to practice tolerance and stand together…instead of falling apart.

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Knowledge is Power

Vol. 21 No. 20 | May 20, 2019

When our first child was small, someone gave us a parenting tip: whenever possible, prepare him for what he’s about to do or experience.

So, if we were going to the doctor and he might get a shot, we would explain to him that it might hurt for a bit, but he will be okay. And I would

Tell him he could squeeze my hand as hard as he needed to while it was happening. That usually worked well, at least I hope it did.

When we were going somewhere or doing something new, we tried to do the same thing. This is where we are going. This is who we will be seeing. This is how long we plan to be there. This is what we expect of you. If there is a problem or you feel uncomfortable, come to us and tell us.

None of us like to be surprised or caught off guard if we can avoid it. I think most of the time it can be avoided if we take the time to practice empathy and consider what someone might need.

When illness strikes and medical treatments are being addressed, the doctor wants the patient to know about any procedures, possible risks involved, and expected outcomes. And patients want to know they can trust the doctor to provide any additional information they want or need.

When I have the chance to counsel a couple before they get married, I try to help them understand what might lie ahead (as much as a dreamy-eyed man and women can). There are multiple assessment tools that can help spot potential problem areas and offer guidance to counter hot spots before they blow up. I also make sure they know there is someone who cares and someplace they can go for help if trouble does arise.

I even try to integrate this approach into my initial counseling sessions to avoid surprises that might disrupt my client’s progress. I explain what clients can expect from me and what I expect from them, such as the cost per session, time involved, and whether or not I think I’m the best person to help them.

That is what Jesus was doing with His disciples in John 16 as He prepared them for His imminent arrest and death.

All this I have told you so that you will not fall away…I have told you this so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them…I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:1, 4, 33)

He didn’t want them to be caught off guard or lose hope and forget His promise to never leave them. And He wanted them to know that the sadness and disappointment they would experience would end in joy. Although this took a while to sink in, eventually His guidance and preparation paid off. (Read the book of Acts to learn more.)

His words of encouragement and preparation didn’t end with His disciples. He still wants to prepare us for times of struggle and disappointment. And He still wants us to know that joy will return, and He will be with us through it all.

I have no way of knowing what dark cloud may be moving in your direction, what heartache may be looming in the distance, or what bombshell might throw your world into chaos and confusion.

But He knows. And He will be with you through it all. You may not know He is there, or you may even refuse to acknowledge Him. But He is there, always, to stand by you, crawl with you, or carry you when you need it.

And you can squeeze His hand as hard as you want and know He will never let go.

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Until Then, I Trust

Vol. 21 No. 19 | May 13, 2019

Earlier this year, the gentleman who takes care of our lawn told me the trees along our back fence would eventually need to be trimmed. So when the time came, we set a date and then I didn’t think much more of it.

I got home right as his employee was finishing up, so I went out back to inspect his work. Apparently, the look on my face showed my surprise and disappointment because he immediately began apologizing.

I quietly expressed my frustration, but there was nothing else I could do. The work had been done. He assured me they would grow back and fill out quickly, even fuller than before.

These trees are important to us. They provide valuable shade as the sun sets in the west and also help buffer the sound of traffic coming from the road behind us.

Although his reassurance provided little consolation, it did remind me of an important lesson from the teachings of Jesus that both encourages and haunts me.

As His disciples were processing Jesus’s comments about His impending departure and the treatment He, and eventually they, would be subjected to, He assured them:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes (The Greek for he prunes also means he cleans.) so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1-2)

I imagine the gardener (just like the landscaper) going through the vineyard examining each branch, gently trimming some and leaving others. I also imagine the plants watching carefully, feeling the gardener’s gentle but strong hands as he cuts each branch.

I imagine the plant weeping a bit when a branch is cut and falls to the ground. Then the gardener saying, “I understand this is a painful process. But it is only for a time. Because of what I am doing now, you will grow stronger and healthier and bear even more fruit than before.”

I am no gardener. I’m the guy who once completely destroyed a Mimosa tree. People marveled at my ability: “I didn’t know you could actually kill a Mimosa tree.” So, I have to trust the landscaper. He’s the expert.

There are times when our branches need to be trimmed so that we can grow stronger and healthier. It hurts. It’s unpleasant. We don’t like it or understand it at the time. But we have to trust that the master Gardener knows what He is doing. We have to trust that He loves us, knows us better than we know ourselves and is doing what’s best for us.

I check the trees on a daily basis, usually at sunset, to see if the landscaper’s prophecy is accurate. The process is slower than I prefer. But it reminds me that growth- real and meaningful growth- takes time.

I look forward to the day when the trees are full and beautiful again…fuller and more beautiful than before. Until then, I trust.

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Don’t Let This Throw You

Vol. 21 No. 18 | May 6, 2019

“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you?” (John 14:1, The Message)

Those were the words Jesus shared with His disciples as He was preparing them for the changes to come.

Let’s look at the statement in two parts.

Don’t let this throw you. Other translations say, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.”

Jesus’s disciples had been following Him for the better part of three years, listening to Him teach. Now it was time for Him to show his love by encouraging them to not be thrown by His departure.

I smiled as I typed that because I know how many times I have said or heard similar words.

As a husband and father: “We’re moving to another city, a different neighborhood, a different school, a different church, and different community, but don’t let this throw you.”

As a church leader: “What I’m (we’re) suggesting is a major change in how we have thought about and done things, but don’t let this throw you.”

As a relationship counselor: “What I’m suggesting is going to take a lot of work and will not always be pleasant or easy, but don’t let this throw you.”

To myself: “This decision is going to change your whole world, but don’t let this throw you.”

A common response from the listener might be: “That’s easy for you to say!”…to which Jesus would respond, “You trust God, don’t you?”

Ouch!

But that’s the key, isn’t it? Trust. Real trust in the One who can be trusted. Confidence that He will do what He says He will do- send a guardian to comfort us, prepare a place for us, never leave us, provide us wisdom and insight to live the life we were created to live.

But change can be hard, even when we initiate it, and trusting God is not always easy. There are times when life hits us hard and we do get thrown or knocked off balance. Loss and grief do that to us. Health issues, financial upheavals, accidents, and disappointment does that to us.

But, these experiences don’t have to destroy us. That’s what Jesus was trying to get His disciples to understand and trust.

So if you find that your heart is troubled or you’ve been knocked off balance by one of these sneak attacks, take a deep breath (or two or three), admit where you are, get help if you need to, and then muster all your strength and say, “Yes, Lord I trust you. I know You are the way.”

And you just might hear a whisper, “Don’t let this throw you. I’m with you.”

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No Logo Required

Vol. 21 No. 17 | April 29, 2019

Our identity is important to us, isn’t it? We like to know who we are and where we belong?

We wear shirts and hats to identify as fans of our favorite sports teams. Organizations hire design teams to establish and promote their identity. People get tattoos to express their style or what they believe in, on and on.

Our identity is important to us.

As Jesus prepared to finish his time here, He wanted to give His followers a philosophy to identify with as they carried on His mission.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35, NIV)

It is simple, no logo required. Just love each other. That’s it.

I’ve done my share of trying to distinguish the churches I’ve served from all the others. I’ve also spent time trying to find a creative way to stand out in the crowd. Some of it has helped, some of it has not.

Jesus’s words serve as a good reminder to me. If I want my family to be recognized as a family of God, we must love each other. If I want my church to be recognized as God’s church, we need to love each other. If I want my company to be recognized as a Godly company, then I need to develop an atmosphere where people love each other.

It’s simple, isn’t it?

So why do we have such a difficult time with it? Why do we find it so hard to, and why do we try so many other things to make it happen? Why can’t we love each other?

I suppose that’s why Jesus gave the instruction. It’s almost like He is saying, “If you miss everything else I’ve said and everything I’ve done remember this one thing: Just love each other.”

Even if we can’t control how others chose to live, we can choose how we do. We can define ourselves as agents of His Word and act with love and compassion.

This week, let’s make a commitment to approach each person we encounter with love. Let’s just start there and see what happens…

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I Want To See Jesus

Vol. 21 No. 16 | April 22, 2019

A group of people went to one of Jesus’s disciples with a request. They wanted to see Jesus. That disciple told another and together they went to tell Jesus about the request. Jesus basically said, “Okay, it’s time. It’s time to show them who I am and why I am here.” And from that point on, Jesus spread the news about what was about to happen: He was on His way to the cross.

I find myself with the same desire: I want to see Jesus. So, I start looking around for Him.

I look to education to see Jesus. The education system provides knowledge for those who want to learn. There are good men and women doing their best to share their knowledge in hopes that students will make good decisions and become good people. So yes, sometimes I see Jesus in education.

I look to politics to see Jesus. Occasionally, I will see or hear a politician whose words sound similar to the teachings of Jesus. But most times, corruption of power and money tarnish the political system, making it hard to see Jesus.

I look to entertainment to see Jesus. There are stories that often reflect the compassion and gentleness of Jesus, and there are actresses and actors who will give God glory for their accomplishments. So yes, sometimes I can see Jesus in the entertainment industry.

I look to sports to see Jesus. I am grateful when I hear an athlete or coach speak of Jesus as their Savior and acknowledge the One who gave them the gift to do what they do. This still isn’t the norm, but I am glad to see Jesus is trending.

I look to nature to see Jesus and see Him everywhere- by the ocean, in the mountains, in a sunset or blue sky that provides the background to the trees swaying in the fresh spring breeze.

I look to these places and into these faces to see Jesus. Sometimes I am delightfully surprised and sometimes I walk away disappointed, so I repeat my request, “I want to see Jesus.”

And this is what I hear:

“Tom, I know you are always looking for me and trying to help others see Me and my Son Jesus, and for that I am grateful. But here’s what I want you to know: I want you and others to see Jesus in you. I want you to see Me in the words you write and others to see Me in your words. I want you to hear Me in the words you speak and others to hear Me in your words. I want you to hear Me when you have no words and others to hear Me in your quiet presence.

But Tom, more than anything, I want them to see Me in you. When you focus on that, when your goal is to allow Me to be clearly visible in your life, your actions, your words, and your love, you will begin to see me even more clearly in every aspect of your life. Will you do that?”

“Yes, Lord, I will. Because, more than anything, I want them to see Jesus in everything.”

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He LIves

Vol. 21 No. 15 | April 15, 2019

“Jesus wept.” John, 11:35.

When asked to recite or memorize a Bible verse in Sunday School, we immediately chose the shortest verse in the Bible- John, 11:35. But there is more to these two words than just being short and easy to remember.

When Jesus learns of His dear friend Lazarus’s death, He waits two days before going to visit Lazarus’s family. When He arrives, Lazarus’s grieving and disappointed sisters challenge Him, insisting He could have healed him if He’d come earlier. When Jesus sees the sisters and those who had gathered to support them “Jesus wept.”

There are countless interpretations of why Jesus wept, but these are the three reasons I believe might have inspired His tears.

He wept because the people He loved were weeping. Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters and knew they were heartbroken. He felt their loss and their pain and wanted to comfort them.

He wept because the people did not understand who He was. Despite the miracles Jesus had already performed, the prophesies about Him, and His efforts to explain His true identity, no one understood who He was and what He was capable of. He wanted them to know how much He loved them, and their lack of faith saddened Him.

He wept because He knew what was about to happen. He may have felt like we do when we know something extraordinary is about to happen to someone we love, but we can’t tell them. Maybe this is one of the reasons He wept. He was happy because the people He loved would soon know death is not the end.

Jesus wept then as we do now- when we are sad, confused, losing hope…or overcome with joy. Find comfort in that. As we move through this holy week of remembering and reflecting, weep when you need to, but remember, death is not the end.

He lives!

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We Have a Good Shepherd

Vol. 21 No. 14 | April 8, 2019

In John, Chapter 10, as Jesus continues His journey toward the cross, He makes a point to remind us that we all need someone to watch over and protect us in times of trouble…that we all need a good shepherd.

Jesus identifies Himself as the good shepherd and explains to us what that means:

A good shepherd is someone who is willing to sacrifice for us.

Paul describes Jesus in a similar way in Philippians 2. “The welfare of the sheep is more important to the good shepherd than personal welfare.”

Do you have a good shepherd in your life, someone who would give up their time, energy, and money for you if you were going through a tough time? I shudder to think where my family and I would be without the shepherds God has sent to guide and protect us.

But this isn’t just about receiving, we must also be a good shepherd to those God places in our care- a son, daughter, friend, co-worker, or young couple from church. Where might they be in the years to come if you or I fail to walk alongside them? They may need our guidance and support just like we have needed it from others in the past.

A good shepherd is someone who knows us and allows us to know them.

Do you have someone in your life who knows you, really knows you, as you do them? I mean, someone who knows the good stuff in your life as well as the bad. It could be someone you may not see face-to-face for months, or even years, but you are still able to pick up right where you left off. We need people like this, and we need to be this person for others.

But not everyone needs to know all the grisly details of our lives. We need only to share our stories with those we trust and connect with, who care about us enough to listen, as we do them. Inevitably, we will realize we are helping them as much as they are us. We can offer them reassurance that they aren’t the only one with a messy life…and that they too are strong and worthy of sharing their story.

We all need and are worthy of a good shepherd, and we all need to be a good shepherd to someone else. It’s really that simple. The truth is, when we realize someone is watching us, guiding us, we experience love, feel fulfilled, and our lives are simply better. And when we are watching and guiding others, we experience love, feel fulfilled…and our lives are simply better.

And if there is ever a moment when we forget this or feel alone, we must always remember…we have THE good shepherd who loves us, sacrificed for us, knows every intimate detail of our life, and wants us to know Him as well.

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All I Know for Sure

Vol. 21 No. 13 | April 1, 2019

Before you read the next sentence, stop and close your eyes for thirty seconds.

What did you see? Maybe nothing? Perhaps total darkness?

Now, try to imagine that’s all you’ve ever seen, all you’ve ever known. As a child, when you heard someone ask you to look at something, you could turn your head toward the voice, but could see nothing. Decades would pass and you would never see a tree, or cloud, or the faces of those you loved most.

Then one day, someone comes to you, puts mud in your eyes, and tells you to go to a specific place and wash it out of your eyes. And when you do…you can see.

People understandably question you about how this happened. But all you can say is that a man you don’t know cured your blindness.

The main concern for religious leaders of the time is that this miracle happened on the Sabbath. Doing any work on the Sabbath is against Jewish law. They downplay the miracle, ignore the opportunity to celebrate with him, and bring in your parents to demand an explanation.

Your parents try to explain that they don’t know how it happened. And all you can do is watch their faces like it’s the first time you’ve seen them…because it is. They continue to be interrogated, but you are distracted with trying to understand all the curious and beautiful things you see around you.

In frustration, the leaders demand an explanation from you, but all you can tell them is the truth: you know nothing more than, “I was blind…and I now see.” (John 9:25)

Sometimes our need to understand blinds us from the miracles of God that are in plain sight. In the process, we miss opportunities to celebrate His goodness.

There is a real possibility that in the next seven days something will happen to you or someone you know that can only be explained by, “All I know is it was God’s work!”

Let that be enough. It’s okay if you don’t know or understand the details. Just say what you know to be true. And when He is ready, if He thinks we need to know, God will make sure we see…

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Don’t Miss Him

Vol. 21 No. 12 | March 25, 2019

John 8 opens with Jesus being incriminated by a group of opposing religious leaders. They were preparing to stone a woman caught in the act of adultery, using her as a reason to bring charges against him.

The chapter closes with those same leaders aiming their stones at Jesus instead. Jesus refused to bow down to their authority, continuing to claim He was the Son of God.

“That did it — pushed them over the edge. They picked up rocks to throw at him. But Jesus slipped away, getting out of the Temple.” (John 8:59, The Message)

There is an underlying message woven into these scenes, and the Scriptures as a whole, that is easy to “miss.”

Don’t miss Him.

God wanted the man and woman to know, “I made you in my image. I am with you. I am for you. You are my crowning accomplishment. Don’t lose sight of me.”

Throughout the Old Testament, the message from the prophets to the people of Israel was the same, “I am with you. I will walk with you. I am Your Father and you are my people. Do not forget Me. Do not turn away from Me.”

And again in the New Testament: “God with us. I am with You. Don’t miss me.”

But they did miss Him. And we continue to make the same mistake today.

They missed Him when He showed compassion and mercy to the woman. And Jesus said to them, “You’re looking right at me and you don’t see me.” (John 8:19, The Message)

He later said, “Then he went over the same ground again. ‘I’m leaving and you are going to look for me, but you’re missing God in this and are headed for a dead end. There is no way you can come with me.’” (vs. 21)

Later he reiterated, “You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You’re at a dead end. If you won’t believe I am who I say I am, you’re at the dead end of sins. You’re missing God in your lives.” (vss. 23-24)

This week, I encourage you to pay attention. Don’t miss Him.

Don’t allow your intellect, knowledge, doubts, or confusion to cloud your vision. Don’t miss him in the mundane, or when you are struggling, or even when you are experiencing joy.

Because when we fail to see Him, to follow Him, we are sure to arrive at a dead end.

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He Just Knew

Vol. 21 No. 11 | March 18, 2019

The tree outside my window that is just starting to show the first signs of renewal after a longer, barren winter. The brown grass in the surrounding fields is transitioning back to its rich, green color. And the birds that have been relatively silent for months are once again singing in full chorus.

It never ceases to amaze me how nature just knows when the time is right. There is nothing we can do to rush or delay the seasons- force flowers to bloom when the ground is too cold or coax animals out of hibernation before the time is right.

Nature just knows what to do when the time is right.

We too, have this gift that is as inherent in us as it is in nature. It’s starts in the womb- infants instinctively know when the time is right to come into the world, just as new mothers know what to do to care for them.

And our instincts aren’t just restricted to physical aspects. If we allow ourselves to listen, truly listen, we will receive guidance on how and when to act (or not to) when the time is right- whether it’s the moment we realize our true calling or that deep sense of knowing when we have found our life partner.

Yet even though our instincts (or intuition) are natural doesn’t mean the process of trusting and action on them is easy…to the contrary.

No matter what phase of life we are in, knowing when it’s time to make a change or go in a different direction can be nerve-wracking. But actually taking the first steps in that new direction can be terrifying.

We have to relinquish our control, risk making mistakes, or worse, failing. We have to resist letting our insecurities and fears take the reigns. They will inevitably leave us paralyzed, stuck in the place we know we no longer belong.

But how do we know for sure? How do we know if we should trust our intuition?

When I find myself doubting myself- struggling with important decisions and anxious about taking action- I remember how Jesus responded when he was pushed to reveal his true identity.

“This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.” (John 2) “It’s not the right time.” (John 7) But later, He knew it was the right time.

On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.” (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.) (John 7:37-38, The Message)

But how did He know?

I think the explanation is obvious, just as it is in nature.

He was listening. He was attuned to what the Father was telling Him and trusted He would know what to do when the time was right.

And He did.

He knew when it was time to speak, and He knew what to say and how to say it. He also knew His actions would lead Him to the cross…and He trusted this was all a part of God’s plan.

I don’t know who deserves credit for these words, but they describe the person I long to be:

“A spiritual person is a person who does the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, with the right spirit.”

I’m not there yet…but know I will be.

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Here’s What I Have, Lord

Vol. 21 No. 10 | March 11, 2019H

You are grappling with a problem that has no apparent solution. You feel like you’re up against a wall with no place to go. God is calling you to do work that feels beyond your reach. And you keep repeating to yourself, “This is impossible. I can’t do this. I don’t know what to do.”

When you find yourself stumped and wondering what to do, let me offer three suggestions based on a story of Jesus from John, chapter six.

Trust that God is aware of your circumstances and already has a plan.

In what appears to be a playful manner, Jesus asks his disciples to feed the thousands of people following Him. The disciples scratched their collective heads trying to think of a way to accomplish a seemingly impossible task.

But Jesus already knew what he was going to do. His request was His way of testing Philip’s faith.

When I find myself in what appears to be an “impossible situation” (as Chuck Swindoll calls them), it helps if I pause long enough to remind myself of a few important facts.

I am not in this alone. God has not abandoned me. He knows exactly what is happening and is already working on a solution…even though I cannot see it.

Reminding myself of these facts doesn’t change my circumstance. But it helps calm my fears and reduce my anxiety.

However, I do still have to remind myself of these truths more than once and remember that God could be testing my faith as well. For this reason, I hang these words on the wall above my desk: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Take what you have to God and say, “Here’s what I have, Lord.”

One of the disciples—it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter—said, “There’s a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that’s a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this.” (vss. 8-9)

It seems that God enjoys it when we take seeds of faith to Him to see what He can do. “Lord, I’ve got these words, but I don’t know if they will mean anything to anyone else.” “Lord, all I have is a little money and a burning desire to help people.” “Lord, I’m scared, but I believe You are bigger than my fears.” “Lord, help me please.” “Here’s what I have, Lord.”

Acknowledge that God has been at work in you.

The people realized that God was at work among them in what Jesus had just done. (v. 14)

When you are going through a difficult time, as well as when you finally get through it, I think it’s very important to acknowledge that God was part of it and share what you learn with others. You don’t have to understand what has happened or why it happened the way it did. You just have to have faith that it is and was always a part of His plan.

I’m sure the disciples and Jesus’s 5,000 followers were more than astounded when the bread and fish kept coming in quantities that defied logic. The only “explanation” was that, “…God was at work among them.”

As you go through your week, chances are you will be faced with a situation that you won’t know how to handle. Just remember, God is there with you. Take whatever you are struggling with to Him and say, “This is what I have, Lord.”

And when you experience God working in your life, enjoy it, learn from it, and share it with others to help restore their faith as well.

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Get Your Head Out of Your Bible

Vol. 21 No. 09 | March 4, 2019

Some people stopped reading when they saw this week’s title. So since you’re still here, let me explain.

Fairly early in Jesus’s ministry, it became clear that most of His teachings were directly opposed to the laws and beliefs of the times. Jesus was spreading a way of understanding and following God that was new and different… words that don’t sit well with those imposing strict rules and traditions.

The way Jesus treated people was vastly different than the other leaders of his time. He was kind, compassionate, and loving, demonstrating that the people being ruled mattered more than the rules themselves. And, He was criticized repeatedly for it.

We read about one such occasion in thefifth chapter of John. Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, which was “against the rules.” And so the drama began… The man was questioned and criticized, and then Jesus was questioned and criticized.

So, Jesus decided to play along, criticizing them for not recognizing who He was.

You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. (John 5:39-40, NIV)

I enjoy the message inherent in His words:

“You constantly have your heads in your Bibles, thinking you’ll find eternal life there. But you are missing the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are about me– the person standing right in front of you who could give you the life you say you want.

Sometimes I read this and want to jump up and shout (in my self-righteous voice), “You go Jesus! Put them in their place!”

Then, I remember the time when…

I was preparing a sermon and someone came to my door needing to talk. I explained to her that I was busy doing God’s work and didn’t have time to solve her problems too. She understood, of course, and apologized for bothering me.

Then there was the time…

I was preparing for an important meeting and a co-worker came to ask if I could help him with a problem. I reminded him that I was leading a discussion that could determine the future of our church. Mending his discouraged spirit would have to wait. Of course, he understood and said he’d pray for the meeting.

And one time…

I was scanning emails to see if there was anything urgent I needed to deal with. I came across a message from a woman concerned about her husband’s health. I quickly replied that she was in my thoughts and prayers and moved on to next. I’m sure she appreciated me taking the time out of my busy schedule to respond.

These are just three of many examples when my head was so buried in my Bible, I forgot to actually use it (both my head AND the Bible).

Of course, I’m not encouraging you to stop studying your Bible. But I am encouraging you to do more than just read the words inside. Stop reading for long enough to ask your friend sitting across the table how he is really doing, or talk to the widow who comes to church every week, or reach out to the family you haven’t seen for awhile and tell them they are missed.

The Bible contains the very words of life. But if we don’t give them life, then that is all they will ever be.

So this week, let’s bring the word of God to life.

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Come Out of the Shadows

Vol. 21 No. 08 | February 25, 2019

The following is based on a true story.[1]

There was a woman who had lived a very difficult life. She had made so many mistakes and poor choices that most people, including herself, had written her off as a failure, casting her aside like a broken piece of pottery.

She mainly kept to herself, only going out when she had to and doing her best to get lost in the crowd to avoid being seen.

This is how she existed, living in the shadows, ashamed, disappointed, and alone.

One day a man interrupted her routine by engaging her in conversation and making a request. She was shocked, almost offended, that someone was actually talking to her. Who was this man and why was He making an effort to talk to her?

Annoyed, she answered his question, hoping He would leave her alone. He didn’t. He began inquiring about her life, but He already knew all about her- all her mistakes and poor choices. Yet he did not judge her. They continued to talk. He asked questions. She answered. And He talked some more.

She got lost in the conversation. He answered many of her questions before she even asked them. She felt safe with Him, comforted, and started to feel the burden of her guilt and shame lift off her shoulders. The more they talked, the more alive she felt. By the end of their conversation, she felt revived and filled with hope…feelings she had never felt before.

When she turned to go, she didn’t return to the shadows. This time, she went to where the people were. She spoke freely about a man she had just met who knew everything about her and still loved her. She told the crowd how He pulled her from her tortured past and gave her a future, one filled with hope and peace. The crowd acknowledged her, listened to her, and wanted to know more…

Does this story sound familiar? Is this perhaps your story?

Is your life a mess? When you think about your past- the one that haunts your present and taints your future- do you wish you could go back and change it? Do you wish someone could see you and appreciate you for who you are, instead of judging you for what you’ve done or not done. Do you wish you could come out of the shadows and into the light?

You can. There is such a person. His name is Jesus.

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[1] John 4

Roll Your Sleeves Up When You Must

Vol. 21 No. 06 | February 11, 2019

There is a story in the gospel of John that describes a time when Jesus attended a wedding. During the celebration, Jesus’s mother comes to inform Him that the host is almost out of wine. Mary knows this will embarrass the hosts, so she nudges Jesus to do something about it.

Jesus said, “Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.”

She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.” (John 2:1-5, The Message)

A couple of observations from this short exchange:

First, Jesus’ mother was a classic mother. By this I mean, she had expectations of her son. But she also had confidence in Him. She saw a problem and knew He had the ability to solve it.

An aside. This also brings to light an age-old question. Did Mary know her son had special powers? I suspect she did, and perhaps had witnessed Jesus experiment a time or two…Hey, Mom, watch this!

But to the point, when Mary realized the host was on the verge of humiliation, she turned to Jesus, knowing he would do what needed to be done.

Second, Jesus respected His mother. The reasons why he seemed to dismiss her request aren’t clear. Was he resisting revealing His identity, or was He just teasing her?

Regardless, despite Jesus saying “Not now”, Mary knew He would grant her request.

The story reminds me of a very practical lesson:

Sometimes we just do what needs to be done.

You’re exhausted and looking forward to sleeping in. But your wife and kids what to you to fix pancakes. So you get up and fix pancakes.

You had planned on retiring at fifty-five, but illnesses and college tuitions changed your plans. So you keep showing up and punching the clock.

Your kids can be demanding, lazy, and selfish. You’d like to go on strike to teach them a lesson. But you keep showing up and trying to be the best parent you can.

It seems that most of our lives involve just getting up every day and doing what needs to be done. We cook meals. We work long hours. We do more than our share when others don’t do their part…

Why? Because we care. We care about doing things the right way and not cutting corners. We care about people, about doing what we can to help others in need.

Mom: “Son, they’re running of wine.”

Son: “That’s none of my business, Mom.”

Mom: “Listen to him. He’ll do what needs to be done.”

Maybe you are facing a situation that you wish you didn’t have to. Take a step back and look at your options. Ask for guidance, make changes if you can, and have faith that everything will work out exactly as it should.

And then, go do what needs to be done.

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Difficult to Fathom

Vol. 21 No. 02 | January 14, 2019

I’ve read The Sheep and the Goats from Matthew 25:31-46 more times than I can count. I’ve studied it during retreats and devotionals, taught it in classes, and written about it in articles.

I admit, I’ve used it to scare people, manipulate them, and make them feel guilty. And I know it has been used to do the same to me. I’ve also been in conversations where we joked about who we thought were the sheep and who we thought were the goats.

The story of The Sheep and the Goats was spoken to the religious people of Jesus’ day as a warning to those who claimed to be righteous, yet failed to put their words into action.

I believe its application is more relevant and important now than it ever has been. And I feel powerless to do anything that will make a difference.

I watch the news coverage of children being separated from their parents on our southern border, hours from where I live, and I am stunned. I listen to the justifications and promises and threats. I watch the talk shows, disgusted by the political pundits who continue to interrupt, dismiss, and disrespect the opposing side to make their point.

I watch, I listen, and my heart breaks.

But then I am reminded of these words:

With what shall I come before the Lord
    and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
    with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
    with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:6-8 NIV)

These words remind me that I do my best to act justly, love mercifully, and walk humbly with my God. And I do what I can to help those in need, regardless of who they are, where they are from, or what their skin color is.

You Seem So Holy

I was hungry, and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.

I was imprisoned, and you crept off to your chapel and prayed for my released.

I was naked, and in your mind you debate the morality of my appearance.

I was sick, and you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless, and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.

I was lonely, and you left me alone to pray for me.

You seem so holy, so close to God

But I am still very hungry — and lonely — and cold.

[Anonymous]

And so I pray.

Lord have mercy on me. Help me do more than just think, listen to and speak words of hope or despair. Instead, from this day forward, give me the courage to take action and live as you would live- with courage, compassion, and above all, with love.

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