Is He the Same God?

Is He the Same God?

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The God of the Bible is a God of mighty miracles.

The six days of creation filled with God’s creative wonders stand as exhibit number one.  But there is a running tally of miracles throughout Scripture’s pages. 

For example, the rescuing of Noah, his family and the animal kinds from the worldwide flood, or a bit late in history, the forced introduction of new languages at the Tower of Babel.

Then there was the impressive ten plagues poured onto Egypt, the pillar of fire and cloud that led the Israelites out of captivity, the dry path through the Red Sea and the collapsing waters that wiped out Pharaoh’s army, the daily manna from heaven and water springing from a rock that nourished God’s people will traveling en masse in the barren wilderness.

The tumbling walls of Jericho might also come to mind.  Or the miracles God performed through (and for!) Elijah and Elisha or the other prophets.  Dead people raised back to life; poisonous water made drinkable; an Aramean army struck blind on a sneak attack; fire pouring down from heaven to burn up a sacrifice and the altar it was on. 

Shutting the mouths … and the ravenous hunger … of lions in a lions’ pit for Daniel is also memorable, as is the sparing of the three men in the fiery furnace.  The hand appearing and writing on the Babylonian King Balshazzar’s wall is also noteworthy.  (See what I did there?)

Then comes the cavalcade of Jesus’ miracles!  Turning water to wine, walking on the waves and silencing storms.  Healing a host of sickness (some seemingly incurable!), bringing sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the mute and bringing corpses back to life.  Revealing the hidden thoughts of peoples’ hearts. 

Tremendous miracles, all!  The miracles pop off the pages.  And perhaps we wonder if the Lord has changed his approach in more modern times.  Does God still do mighty miracles in our world and in our lives?

Recognize first that the spectacular miracles the Holy Spirit shares with us in the Scriptures typically (but not always) affected only a few in the entire realm of believers.  (In other words, isolated incidents.)  Recognize secondly that there was often … even usually … a considerable amount of time between the accounts.  (Though there may only be a few paragraphs or Bible pages separating them.)

God did fantastic things when fantastic things were called for to accomplish his purposes – whether on a personal or a larger scale. And that remains the Lord’s approach still today.

That is NOT to say that the miracles recorded were the only spectacular miracles God did in Bible times, OR that God only does miracles now and then in our times.  The fact of the matter is that all of creation is an ongoing, self-perpetuating miracle.  In addition, every living person is a miracle.

God’s miracle of creation occurs every time a new life is formed.  Not to mention the miracles of the body – such as functioning organs and self-healing built into every person.  We tend to take these blessings totally for granted, but we are experiencing incredible wonders in our bodies every second of every single day … even if we don’t recognize them or acknowledge them.

Furthermore, every Christian is actually also the embodiment of multiple miracles!

Conversion to faith in the Lord is a profound miracle.  The spiritually dead are brought to life by God.  (Ephesians 2:1-10).

Becoming a new person in Christ is yet another one.  (2 Corinthians 5:17-18).

Being endowed with the “fruit of the Spirit” – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – can be added to the miracle list.  (Galatians 5:22-23).

Then there is God’s gift of at least one special spiritual gift to every believer for the advancement of the God’s Kingdom.  (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).

And don’t forget the fact that the almighty Lord also hears and answers our prayers … all of them!  (Matthew 7:7-8).  Miraculous!

Though primarily spiritual, these are all profound miracles worked lovingly by God in his children.  And the ramifications of each spill into the physical realm!

Then sometimes our God does something truly exceptional and unexpected.  I’m confident every reader can point to at least one astounding miracle experienced in his or her life that could have only been brought by God.  Undoubtedly you can probably recall multiple such miracles!

All of which demonstrates that our God is the same God of the Bible, and he still does incredible things for his people.

As the Apostle Paul assures us, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Which is why the Lord encourages us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

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Psalm 46:selected verses
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. …  7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 91:selected verses
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

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Power Outages Not Possible

Power Outages Not Possible

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Here’s a post I shared several years ago … modified and updated.  It seems pertinent to many of the folks in our central-Michigan congregations and community who recently lost power through several storms which brought freezing rain and high winds.  But hopefully it is a good reminder and encouragement to all!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My wife and I have experienced power outages before moving back to Michigan, but seldom and they were brief.  A few hours at most. 

Since we moved to Clare, we have had a number of power losses now.  Recently it happened again.  Twice!  Once for 17 hours (with company and a baby grandson staying with us), and then a few days later for 14 hours.  And we recognize that we didn’t lose power for nearly as long as many others. (Whom we felt for and prayed for!). 

As far as danger, the house got rather chilly overnight, but we would have been fine for quite a while.  We have warm clothes, plenty of blankets, winter gear, and even a camping cooking stove, if needed.  But that doesn’t mean it was pleasant or even easy … especially in the heart of the Midwest winter.

If you happen to have had the misfortune of losing your electrical power for an extended time … whether over these past few weeks, or at some other point in your life … then you know firsthand the inconveniences that come along with that.  We take for granted that we are plugged in and powered up – until suddenly we aren’t.

If you have never been without power, you’ve probably never considered how many of your daily activities rely upon electricity.  You don’t realize how often you automatically flip on light switches when entering a room, or how accustomed you are to having instant light at the flip of your fingertips.  You don’t recognize the luxury of clicking on your television set, of working and playing on your computer, or of doing so with the warmth and comfort the furnace provides!

If you have never been without power at night, you’ve never realized how many little lights there are scattered around your house.  The modem.  The digital clocks on the stove and microwave.  The power indicators on various appliances or miscellaneous conveniences.  And you’ve never experienced how very dark your house (and your neighborhood) becomes at night without power.  Everything looks different by battery powered, hand-held light.

Thankfully, we have our phones to provide information, communication and distraction.  But wait!  Eventually they have to be recharged  – a difficult task if charge (power) is not available!

And I haven’t even mentioned the key role power plays in regard to food storage.

As the length of the first outage continued, it seemed clear it would stretch past the amount of time it was safe to eat food stored in the refrigerator.  (The time frame is 4 hours, if you’re curious.)  As we approached the safety limit, there was a mad scramble to move what we could to alternate cool storage options.  Still, there was much we were forced to discard.  36 hours later, we were scrambling again.  

We were also prepared to transition the food from our freezers to suitably cold storage.  Thankfully, the power was restored both times before needing to take that step.

How significant (and typically overlooked) is the blessing of electricity!  What a powerful impact losing power makes in our lives!

Which caused me to reflect upon how wonderful it is that God’s power in our lives is never interrupted.

And not only is God’s power never interrupted, it’s never-ending!  Boundless!  The Lord describes himself to Abraham in this way: “I am God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1).  King Jehoshaphat praised God by stating that “power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you,” and Daniel rejoiced that “[all] wisdom and [all] power are his” (Daniel 2:19). 

The Apostle Paul was inspired to describe that power as “eternal” (Romans 1:20).  In other words, there are no power outages in our God.

But God’s almighty and unending power is not just some abstract or esoteric attribute demonstrated only in wide-ranging ways (such as creation) and unapplicable to you and me.  It’s a power shown to each of us personally and continually through his loving provision and protection. (Matthew 6:25-34).

It’s also and more importantly a power that impacts us spiritually.  Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, “as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:3-4).  Or to say it another way, Jesus’ authenticity and substitutionary victory over the penalty of our sin were proven when he, in power, rose from the dead.

Furthermore, our powerful God gave us his powerful gospel which has changed our hearts, our lives, and our destiny “because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

The electric company can’t and won’t keep us constantly in power.  Thankfully, we have a Power Source in whom power outages are not possible.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

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Simply Unbelievable … But Absolutely True!

Simply Unbelievable … But Absolutely True!

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What can a person believe anymore?

Different news outlets present “facts” in the framework of their own pre-conceptions and according to their particular agenda.  For that matter, political parties do too!  This is even the case in the history, science, biology, and social studies literature utilized in our public school systems.

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it possible (and common!) to generate false images and fascinating accounts of “factual” events, places, people and creatures.  Social media is chock full of AI-spawned features which grab people’s attention.  In fact, the common approach and ultimate goal for many seems to be to post articles that generate excitement … not share facts.

Consequently, the running joke has become, “It must be true.  I saw it online!”  And everyone understands the implication: the fact is that the factuality of internet information is dubious at best.

All of which fosters even more skepticism in already skeptical people.

Now consider that three of the most implausible events in the history of the world involved a single individual, AND that the makeup of this individual was beyond believable.

Who in his or her right mind is going to believe that a fully human person would also be fully God?  Sure, in books and movies we root for superheroes who have abilities beyond human parameters.  But in real life?

Yet, that is how the Bible describes Jesus.  Truly God and truly Man – miraculously intermingled in a single human body!  “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity (God!) lives in bodily form …” (Colossians 2:9).  Seems pretty preposterous to many.

Which leads us to the first of the most remarkable and almost unbelievable events in history.  After a miraculous conception inside a young virgin named Mary, (Lk. 1:34-35, Mt. 1:20-22), “Immanuel, which means “God with Us,’” was born in a barn in Bethlehem. 

Now honestly, if God was truly going to come to earth, this would seem to be the least likely way he would arrive!  Just the concept of a god entering our realm through childbirth seems inconceivable. (Pun intended.)  Yet the Bible tells us this is exactly how Jesus, the Son of God, arrived. (Lk. 2:11).

Which makes Jesus’ birth one of the three most remarkable events in history.

But the second remarkable event raises the implausibility level even higher.  This God-Made-Man named Jesus was not only born … but born specifically to grow up and die an excruciating death.  For God to be born so that he could die is already a ridiculous reach of logic (at least to a human way of thinking!).  For God to be born to die a brutal, bloody and agonizing death seems beyond preposterous.

And doubly so when one considers that the Bible tells us that Jesus died this death deliberately so that he could be the sinless Substitute for sinful human beings.  Human rationale concludes that no real god would do this!  But the Bible tells us that the real God did exactly this!  (Isaiah 53:5).

Which makes Jesus’ death the second most remarkable event in history.

The second led directly to the third most remarkable event – a human body which was thoroughly dead for days came back to life. 

Once again, it was Jesus who accomplished this.  His resurrection sent spiritual reverberations through the world and throughout eternity.  It meant (and still means!) that every single sin of every single sinner … which Jesus was born and died to address … has been fully atoned for! 

Now all who believe in this almost unbelievable Jesus – his birth, death and resurrection – have “a living hope” and a “never perishing inheritance” in heaven.  (1 Peter 1:3-4).  It’s something that no sinful human has a right to expect from the sinless God.  Yet, our God Jesus provides it for us through absolutely astonishing historical events.

Yes, it all seems simply unbelievable.  But it’s all absolutely true!  And thank the Lord that it is!

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Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

1 Corinthians 1
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

20 Where is the wise person?  Where is the teacher of the law?  Where is the philosopher of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 

… 23 we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block … and foolishness to [many], 24 but to those whom God has called, … Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

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Who Is Christmas For?

Who Is Christmas For?

I’ve heard it said that Christmas is for kids.  Maybe you have too? 

I certainly understand the sentiment.  Who is least burdened with pre-Christmas responsibilities?  Children.  Who is most excited for the “magic” and wonder of Christmas?  Who is most eager to discover the contents of stockings and wrapped presents under the tree?  Kids, of course!

The older we get, the more jaded we can become about the holidays; the more hassles and the less luster Christmas seems to hold.  So the perception that Christmas is primarily for little ones seems to make sense. 

But it’s simply not accurate.

Christmas … at least the real reason for Christmas … is for everyone!  God’s first and greatest Christmas Gift happens to be a Gift for all people.  Every single person desperately needs a Savior … the One who earned forgiveness for the countless wrongs they commit against the holy God and their fellow humans.

Transgressions don’t miraculously get transferred into the ether.   They can’t be secretly stashed away and hidden in a remote corner of the earth.  They can’t be disposed of in drastic or creative fashion.  Every indiscretion demands the proper penalty be paid.  That payment was beyond every flawed human.  But it wasn’t beyond the Son of God.

Which is why Jesus entered our world.  Why he was born, why he lived, why he died, and why he rose back to life.  Yes, it was for children.  It was also for teenagers and adults!  It was for you and me and everyone, regardless of age, gender, skin color, nationality, education, abilities, or financial or social standing.

We all need redemption; we all need to be ransomed; we all need to be wrested from the wages of sin, the doom of spiritual and eternal death, and the dire control of the devil.  And only God himself could provide the sufficient cost to secure our freedom. 

Therefore Christmas – Christ’s birth as a prelude to his atoning death – is definitely for everyone!

Christmas is for the guilt-ridden who despair of God’s pardon – because Christ secures it.

Christmas is for the physically, emotionally and mentally hurting (and even broken!) – because Christ is the path to perfect healing, if not in this world then the next. 

Christmas is for the disconsolate and depressed who long and look for help and hope – because Christ provides it.

Christmas is for the sorrowful – because Christ produces a joy that surpasses any circumstances.

Christmas is for the anxious and stressed – because Christ is the Peace-bringer … the One who fosters spiritual calm even in the midst of chaos.

Christmas is for the ones who mourn a loved believer who is no longer with them – because Christ prepared a special room just for them in heaven.

Christmas is for the weary, burdened and dying – because Christ brings rest, relief and life.

Christmas is for the poor and disenfranchised – because Christ makes all who love him spiritually wealthy and heirs of salvation.

Christmas is for the proud and privileged – because Christ, the almighty God-made-man, demonstrates a humility that speaks to all.

Christmas is for the young, strong and beautiful – because they will learn soon enough that everything is fleeting except for Christ’s faithfulness.

Christmas is for the elderly who remember the way it used to be – because Christ will make everything forever new for them one day soon.

Christmas is for the lonely and unloved – because Christ proves his love by his advent and promises his eternal presence to those who know him.

Christmas is for the imprisoned and persecuted – because Christ brings freedom and relief, sometimes now but ultimately forever.

Christmas is for the educated and uneducated – because Christ provides a Truth that can be learned and treasured by anyone.

Christmas is for people of all nations and all languages – because Christ’s eternal Kingdom includes some from every continent and country regardless of skin color or speech, bringing them to the place where all present speak the same heavenly, holy language.

And yes, Christmas is for kids – because Christ is the single best Gift they will ever receive.

The list could go on and on.  But you perceive the point.  The Christ of Christmas really is a Gift for everyone!

That’s exactly what the Holy Spirit stated through the prophet Isaiah; Jesus offers something to all.  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given … And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

It’s also what the band of angels shared with the shepherds the night Jesus was born:  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

There is no one Christmas is not for – because we all need the peace that Christ brings in some aspect of our lives.  Usually in many aspects!  So no matter your age, be a kid at heart again this Christmas!  Because Christmas is most definitely for you!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

Reminders from the Animals

Reminders from the Animals

I have always been a lover of nature … a lover of God’s creation.  Consequently, I’ve always loved God’s creatures.  I find them fascinating, wonderful, and beautiful in their own right.

I also find God’s animals instructive.  There is much they can teach us!  As I considered sharing a Thanksgiving blog built around God’s animals and the lessons they can impart, it was not surprising to find that the Lord himself used animals to illustrate many things in the Scriptures.

As we prepare to celebrate another Thanksgiving, we can learn a few lessons from God’s creatures.  They offer some great reminders to us humans of the blessings we enjoy.

Mountain Goats Move Us to Appreciate Our Birth

“Do you know when the mountain goats give birth?  Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn?  Do you count the months till they bear?  Do you know the time they give birth?  They crouch down and bring forth their young; their labor pains are ended.  Their young thrive and grow strong in the wilds.” (Job 39:1-4)

All the animals in the world today trace their lineage back to Creation.  Through all those thousands of years God has preserved their species since he created them.  Year after year the animals have bred and given birth, and they are still here today.  What an amazing gift from God!

And when we consider where mountain goats live – along steep cliffs and on treacherous terrain – it’s all the more amazing that they should still be here.  And that they are able to deliver their young in such precarious places.

When was last time we gave thanks that we were born?  It’s not an automatic, you know.  A lot could have happened to keep us from entering this world.

Of course, we have our parents to thank for that.  But also the Lord, for he made it happen.  He gave us life and preserved us already in our mother’s wombs.  He brought us safely into the world … and that’s no small thing!

But more than that.  Our gracious God sustains our lives every single day.  There was no guarantee we would wake up this morning, or that we would make it this far through the day.  Yet here we are.

Our entrance into this world, our very existence, our general health – we tend to take these all for granted.  Yet they are all wonderful gifts from God.

The mountain goats remind us to be thankful for our births … and our lives!

Birds Remind Us That God Provides Food

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  … Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?”  (Matthew 6:25-26)

Not too many of us would do well as a bird. 

Besides the fact that we aren’t very proficient at flying, there’s also this: How would we like waking up in our nest each morning, and not knowing where our food for ourself and our young was going to come from that day?  And yet, this is a daily occurrence for the birds.

As humans, we want our pantries, refrigerators, and freezers full.  And for most of us they are!  If we are lacking something, we probably have the luxury of going to one of multiple stores within a few miles of our house to quickly and easily pick up what we want or need.

Think about our Thanksgiving meal.  There is undoubtedly no question whether we will have food that day, or even what specific foods we will have.  We’ve known for weeks.  For months even!  And that food was probably safely stored away well in advance.

Why can we be so confident about our Thanksgiving meal?  Why are our pantries, refrigerators, and freezers stocked? Why do we have such an abundance of food?  Is it because we are such good planners and providers?  Or because we live in a land of bounty?

No.  It’s because our gracious God provides for us so richly!  He provides so much food that we can’t begin to relate to the birds who gather their food day-by-day … and yet are provided for by the Lord just as richly.

We are so blessed!  God gives us our daily bread … and all the additional edibles we could ever want or need!

The birds remind us to be thankful for the rich abundance of food God gives us.

Foxes Remind Us We Have Homes

Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests … ”  (Matthew 8:20)

God gives all of his creatures a home, and the fox is no exception.

A fox den is typically 30 or more feet in length … and can be as long as even 90 feet.  It has multiple entrances and multiple rooms inside.  It’s a pretty simple, yet very functional, place for a fox to live.

We all have homes too.  They might be large or small, newer or older.  They might be houses, apartments, or condos.  They might not be all that attractive, or they might be quite appealing.  They might have long lists of things that need to be done, or they might not.

It doesn’t matter; we all have a home, and our home is a wonderful gift from God.

How cozy it is for the foxes when they crawl in their den.  And how cozy for us when we walk into our own home. 

We have embedded our personal touches everywhere throughout our homes.  There are the pictures of our loved ones and our many mementos.  In the closets and dressers are our clothes; around the house our possessions.  There is our favorite chair and, in our bedroom, our own bed.

And God gave it all to us, just as he gives the foxes their dens. 

The foxes remind us to be thankful for our homes here on earth.  But even more importantly, for our homes in heaven … which Jesus secured for us by leaving his home in heaven and coming to earth to redeem us so we could one day transition from earth to heaven to be with him in our “forever home.”

Deer/Ibex Demonstrate the Guidance God Gives Us

For who is God besides the Lord?  And who is the Rock except our God?  It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.  He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.  (Psalm 18:31-33)

If you have ever watched a deer in the woods, then you know how nimble they are.  They weave through brushy tangles, step over fallen logs and broken branches, and leap larger obstacles with ease. 

In these verses, David is almost certainly speaking about the Nubian ibex, which are native to Israel.  (The picture at the top of this post is an ibex.)  They scramble up and down mountainsides, and jump from boulder to boulder.  God has made them amazingly sure-footed on the most precarious of perches. 

In the same way as deer and ibex, we have all kinds of obstacles in our paths.  Spiritual challenges.  Health issues.  Monetary concerns.  Relationship struggles.

And yet God promises to guide us through.  That doesn’t mean that he always fixes everything or does things exactly the way we want him to do things.  But he takes us step by step through the low times, around the obstacles, and ultimately into the heights of blessing.

Sometimes we are convinced the path is too long or too steep.  Sometimes we just want to give up.  Yet the Lord stays with us, gives us endurance, guides our steps, and leads us forward and upward.

And then suddenly we realize that God has brought us to the heights.  With his help we’ve overcome; we’ve conquered our challenges.  (We’ll see the ultimate fulfillment of this truth when God guides us into heaven!)

The deer and ibex remind us to be thankful for God’s guidance of our steps through life … and into Life.

Eagles Encourage Us That We Are Secure

Does the eagle soar at your command and build his nest on high?  He dwells on a cliff and stays there at night; a rocky crag is his stronghold.  (Job 39:27-28)

Eagles, of course, build their nests in the highest heights.  In the rocky crags of cliffs or in the tops of the tallest trees.

They build their nests in places that are completely exposed to all the elements.  Imagine being on a cliff-side while the snow and sleet are coming down, or in the top of a tree amidst a howling wind and pouring rain.

Yet the eagles feel absolutely secure there.  There in the heights they are closer to God, and further away from predators. 

Unfortunately for us, this world these days feels anything but secure. There are problems upon problems all around us.  Personal problems, as well as societal, national, global, spiritual and moral ones. 

It feels like we are extremely exposed to the elements of the world and the enemies of God.  Storms are raging about and upon our “nest.”

Yet, like the eagles, we are secure because God is in our foundation, our stronghold.  The almighty, all-knowing, loving and gracious God has us wrapped in his protective care.  The ever-present, eternal Lord is always taking care of us.

How wonderful to know that no problem, no predator, no difficulty, and no enemy will ever reach us unless God allows it.  And if God allows it, he is bringing us blessing through the difficulty!  How wonderful to know that the undefeatable, indefatigable God is holding us up … and holding us together. 

The eagles remind us to be thankful for our security in the Lord

Wild Donkeys and Oxen Remind Us of Our Freedom

“Who let the wild donkey go free?  Who untied his ropes?  I gave him the wasteland as his home, the salt flats as his habitat.  He laughs at the commotion in the town; he does not hear a driver’s shout.  He ranges the hills for his pasture and searches for any green thing.”

“Will the wild ox consent to serve you?  Will he stay by your manger at night?  Can you hold him to the furrow with a harness?  Will he till the valleys behind you?  Will you rely on him for his great strength?  Will you leave your heavy work to him?  Can you trust him to bring in your grain and gather it to your threshing floor?”  (Job 39:5-12)

When Job speaks about the “wild” donkeys and oxen, he is talking about the ones who are “free.”  They aren’t tied and trained; they aren’t harnessed or put to work by humans.  They are free.

Free to go where they want to eat.  Free to drink from whatever water they choose, and whenever they choose it.  Free to sleep when they want and wake when they want.  Free to do as they choose.  

This is no small thing!

When was the last time we thanked God for our freedom?  For freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom to vote, freedom from unfair punishments, freedom from oppression, and freedom to bear arms.  For freedom in so many ways and of so many things!

Besides forgiveness and salvation in Jesus – (which, by the way, is spiritual freedom!) – national freedom is one of the greatest blessings God could give to us.  And he HAS given it to us!

The wild (the free!) animals remind us to be thankful to God for our freedoms here in this great country.

Sparrows and Swallows Show Us a Love for God’s House

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!  My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.  Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young — a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.  Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.  (Psalm 84:1-4)

The Sons of Korah who wrote this psalm noticed birds nesting in the eaves of the temple. They were literally living near the altar of God.

And the birds rejoiced in going there!  They rejoiced in staying there.  They felt safe there.  They were comfortable and secure there.  Their needs were supplied there.  They were in the presence of God there.

And so it should be for us.  How blessed we are to be able to gather regularly in God’s House around God’s Word and Sacraments!

We rejoice in going there and staying there.  We feel safe there, and are comfortable and secure there.  Our needs are supplied there, because we are in the presence of God there.

In God’s House God heals our hurts.  There he comforts the sad, strengthens the weak, energizes the weary, guides the unsure, inspires the despairing, and gives hope to the hopeless.  There he soothes our souls.

Of course, God does all these things wherever his Word is present.  But God’s Word is always present in God’s House.  Therefore, we are so blessed to be able to gather there

The sparrows and swallows remind us to be thankful for the opportunity to worship God regularly in God’s house

Eagles Teach Us to Trust

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Eagles are amazing, majestic birds. 

Have you ever seen an eagle soar high in the air on the air currents?  They can do so at up to 15,000 feet or higher! 

Instead of fighting against the winds high in the air, the eagles simply glide upon them.  They rarely flap their wings when soaring high above the earth.  They simply glide, soar, and float on the winds.  They don’t need to flap their wings; the air currents keep them aloft.

In the same way, God holds us aloft.  Consequently, we probably want to follow the example of the eagles.

Instead of frantically beating our “wings” against the wind to try to get to where we want to go, we would be wise to simply glide on the currents and let the troubles of this life lift us higher by relying upon the Lord.  The prudent thing is to simply trust him to keep us aloft and trust him to blow us where he wants us to go

Obviously, this is easier said than done.  Yet the more we fly through life, God-willing the more we learn to simply let God lift us and carry us.  Trusting in God is far less work, far more relaxing, and a far more productive way to live than relying upon ourselves.

And not only does God lift us above the temporary difficulties we face, but one day he will lift us all the way to heaven.  There we will truly be above and beyond all the troubles of this world.

The eagles remind us to be thankful for God’s loving care, for both today and always.

Calves Urge Us to Be Joyful

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.  And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.   (Malachi 4:2)

When calves who have been cooped up for a long time in a barn finally get out, they leap and run and frolic. 

And so it should be for us.  We have been freed from unbelief, sin’s penalty, Satan’s power, and spiritual and eternal death. 

Besides these spiritual blessings, we have also been freed from so many things that the rest of the world is burdened with.  We have life, family, food and a home.  We have God’s guidance, and security through the Lord.  We have freedom and the opportunity to gather regularly in worship.

We have a God who cares for us, who loves us, and who saved us.  Therefore, we have hope, confidence, peace, worth, self-esteem, a purpose and a destiny. 

We have everything we could ever need, and so much more.  We have it all because our gracious God has given it all to us … freely and abundantly … through his love.

Which means we have every reason to be leaping with joy at all of God’s blessings!  And not just at Thanksgiving, but every day!

The calves remind us to be thankful, and to be joyful.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Psalm 148:1, 7-14
Praise the Lord.

… Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord.

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The Weather Forecast is … ?

The Weather Forecast is … ?

It’s not all that unusual.  Undoubtedly, you’ve experienced it yourself.  But it’s still rather … weird.

The other day I was driving home on the freeway with my wipers swinging to clear the raindrops from the windshield … while just a few miles ahead beamed bright, blue skies. 

“That’s Michigan for you,” the locals will say.  Nevertheless, it’s disconcerting to be navigating a rain shower while having to reach for one’s sunglasses.

And isn’t that rather like life?

There are almost always dark clouds and rain drops hovering over us.  Meanwhile, there are also always blue skies – blessings! – to be seen if one only takes the time to look.

With our sin-infected lives existing in this sin-permeated world … “bad weather” of some kind is a constant.  Yet, as God’s children richly loved and abundantly blessed by Him … Son-shine is also always present.

The storm clouds may dominate our view at times, but they cannot stifle the brightness of God’s love, goodness and faithfulness.  Both are constants; it’s just a matter of degree.  Sometimes it seems as if the storms dominate; sometimes we rejoice in predominately beautiful blue skies.

Yes, it’s weird.  And both unfortunate and fortunate too.  But it’s the reality of life in a broken world. 

Yet, our God is working – always working – though we may struggle to understand his ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9).  We may sometimes wonder why certain downpours are occurring.  Nevertheless, the Lord has his own holy and perfect reasons.  And he doesn’t owe us an explanation.

God makes it clear.  “I am the Lord, and there is no other.  I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things” (Isaiah 45:6-7).

Jesus himself said, “Your Father in heaven … causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:44).

This is true, both literally and metaphorically.  Of course, we have no issue with the sunshine in our lives.  But we could do with less storms.  Which may cause us to wonder, “Why doesn’t the Lord cut us, his believers, a break?”

The Bible is packed with insight on this very thing.  Believe it or not, our struggles may be God’s greatest blessings to us! 

Besides the fact that sin negatively impacts everything in this world, here are just a few reasons why our loving Heavenly Father allows “bad weather” to affect his children’s lives:

Our Heavenly Father is disciplining us as children he loves

Hebrews 12:7&11 – Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.  For what children are not disciplined by their father? …  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

God is using our struggles to build our spiritual character …

Romans 5:3-5 – Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

… And refine our faith …

1 Peter 1:6-7 – In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

… And make us spiritually stronger and more firmly anchored

1 Peter 5:10 – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

The Heavenly Father knows that hardships move his children to turn to his Word and cling to his promises …

Psalm 119:67, 71 – Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.  … It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

… And rely upon his holy Son, Jesus

John 16:33 – [Jesus said,] “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.”

After God has comforted us in our troubles, we are able to comfort others

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 

The Lord knows that earthly storms make us long for the peace of our heavenly home

Romans 8:18 – I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

The Father allows storms to come to his children so he can deliver them …

Psalm 34:19 – The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

… If not in this life, then ultimately in the life to come

James 1:12 – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Black storm clouds and blue skies simultaneously?  That’s life in this world for Christians.  But we do not despair, for our God gives us some wonderful, all encompassing promises that give us confidence.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that “… in all things God works for the good of those who love him …” (Romans 8:28).  And our Heavenly Father himself assures us, ‘“I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

So yes, there are always some “storms” in our lives.  But the blue skies of God’s love are also always present, which makes the nasty “weather” much more bearable.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Romans 8:35, 37–39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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A Perfect Home

A Perfect Home

Almost exactly three years ago, my wife and I purchased our perfect home.

We had always dreamed of living on a lake someday, but didn’t seriously consider it could ever happen.  Yet, as I type this post, I can look out the window in my home office and see Shamrock Lake just over 70 feet from our back door.  (And just over 40 feet from our large “game room” back window!)

From either of those windows, I can also see our dock.  (And literally just a moment ago I witnessed a monster bass leap out of the water not 10 feet in front of that dock!  It makes me seriously consider postponing the writing of this post and casting a few lures instead.)

But that’s one of the reasons this is our “perfect home.”  Virtually every day I see bass leaping and fish surfacing in the water.  And if I have the time and inclination, I can walk out my back door and be fishing in minutes. 

The lake is also a huge draw to waterfowl.  Canada geese (in large flocks), ducks (a great variety), as well as loons, cormorants, blue heron, osprey and even bald eagles are commonly seen on or over the water.

Turtles abound, of course.  And one day I walked out the back door to discover a huge water snake resting on our back lawn.  (One of the less appealing appearances!)

There’s no shortage of mammals to view either. Virtually every evening a muskrat swims under our dock.  Gray squirrels of all different color schemes, ground squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits are prolific. I’ve also seen a few woodchucks waddle across the back yard.  Deer are all around the area, but don’t tend to reach our yard too often.  (Which is beneficial for our flower beds.)

Cardinals, blue jays, finches, grosbeaks, chickadees and various woodpeckers are regularly spotted at our bird feeder.  In the summer, Orioles swoop in to enjoy the grape jelly in the special feeder for them

It’s a wildlife mecca.  Yet we are inside city limits, and only a few miles from virtually any resource (shopping, dining, health, entertainment, and etc.) we might need.

As for the house itself, it’s a spacious one-level, ranch style layout, with only a few steps to navigate.  A blessing now to our elderly parents when they visit, and undoubtedly a blessing someday to my wife and me as we age.

There is a roomy garage that my wife can park inside during the winter, and where I can take on various woodworking projects, as well as clean fish and process venison.

The best feature of all from my point of view has already been mentioned: the lakeview windows.  But they aren’t just in my office and our game room.  All along the north side of the house – the side facing the lake – are large picture windows offering exceptional views of the water.  I’m convinced the views do wonders for my state of mind.  (The cover picture of this post is taken from the dock behind our house.)

Plus I built a backyard patio and a smaller lakeside patio that provide lovely lake views.  The back patio contains a picnic table and the lakeside one a gliding bench and additional chairs.  We love to sit outside when time and weather allows.

Perhaps the best feature of all from my wife’s point of view is the gas fireplace in our living room.  Turn a nob and real flames appear.  She loves to sit close to it and soak in the warmth during the cold and windy winter evenings here in central Michigan.

Oh, and one more thing.  In our new home we are just hours away from our parents, many siblings and their families, as well as some of our children and grandchildren … instead of living clear across the continent from them.  (Though now unfortunately we are 2000 miles away from other children.)

One other interesting sidenote: My wife and I greatly enjoy travelling.  We have family and friends scattered around the country, and we love visiting them as well as seeing new sights.  But a strange thing has been happening lately to my perspective – I find myself less inclined to leave here.  I am more and more content to just stay home … because it feels so comfortable and right.  It feels like “home.”

It’s crucial that I make a few significant points here.

First, I am not going on-and-on about our perfect house because I am proud, haughty or arrogant.  Quite the contrary!  I am absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude to God.  I know full well that our house is entirely a gift from him; it has nothing to do with my wife and me.  Which is why there is literally not a day when I don’t utter a sincere prayer of thanks to the God who gave it to us.

Secondly, I did not accept the call to come and serve the two congregations I shepherd now in order to secure the house we had always been dreaming of.  Rather, I accepted the call because I was convinced it was where God wanted me/us to be for ministry … and then the Lord provided our new home.  Which tells me that this is indeed where we need to be at the moment.

Finally, while a lot of words have been used on my earthly home, this post is NOT about my earthly home.  It’s about our heavenly one!

Here’s the reality: our earthly house is actually not perfect.  Before we even moved, my wife and I had to put a lot of money into the building.  It needed a great deal of attention.  (Also, a member of one of our local congregations was instrumental in assisting us on many projects.)  After we arrived, we’ve done even more.  And there is much more still to do!  In fact, we’ll never get everything done.  And the cold reality is that someday we will leave our house behind. 

Therefore, it will never truly be a “perfect home.”  But heaven is!

We can’t even begin to comprehend that truly perfect home … because we can’t even begin to comprehend perfection.  Yet that’s what awaits us in heaven.  Absolute perfection.

Try to imagine the view there.  The crucified (for us!) and risen back to life Lord Jesus, consumed in glory, (Rev. 21:23), and surrounded by countless angels and innumerable believers from every part of the world and portion of history worshipping him.  Every soul around that throne recognizing that the only reason they are there is because of the Lamb who was slain for them. (Rev. 7:9-14). 

And the layout is absolutely ideal.  Not only in regard to efficiency and ease, but in regard to aesthetics.  No inconveniences there!  Gorgeous beauty!

John was given a vision of that sacred place and describes it in this way: “The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. … The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.” (Revelation 21:18-21).  Whether that’s a literal or figurative description, it’s clear that it is a place of exquisite splendor.

Furthermore, it’s a place of complete and unending comfort.  In his vision, John is informed that those there are experiencing eternally the promises God gave through the prophet Isaiah:

“They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.  ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.  The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat.  For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” (Revelation 7:15-17).

As for family and friends, the Lord keeps adding to the number waiting to greet us into that sacred place one day!  Everyone whose faith and trust is centered on Jesus and everything he accomplished as our holy Substitute end up before Jesus’ heavenly throne and become a part of our welcoming party when the Lord calls us home to him.

“Only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return.  They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.  Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 35:9-10).

What an incredible home the Lord has waiting for us who are his!  And that’s the point.  Heaven really is our perfect home.  And it really and truly is perfect! 

No flaws.  No problems.  No discomfort.  Only complete peace and joy forever in the very presence of our God.

Which is why we’ll never want to leave that place once we arrive.  And, thanks be to God, we’ll never have to.  (Heb. 13:14).

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A Seat with a View

A Seat with a View

One of my favorite things is to be safely settled into a tree stand before first light, and quietly experience the awakening of the woods.  There’s nothing else quite like it.

After settling into the blind, it’s usually the nocturnal animals you will hear first … the raccoons and opossums making their way to their bedding area for the day.  Next, the birds greet the morning with their various chirps, squawks and calls.  Then the squirrels begin making their appearances, climbing nimbly through the trees, scooting quickly along fallen trees (which tend to serve as their lower-level highways), or rustling noisily in the leaves on the ground.

And if one is deer hunting and is fortunate, the soft sounds of a deer or two browsing nearby might catch your ear as the morning sky slowly brightens.

Recently as I enjoyed the arrival of another day in one of my tree stands, I marveled at how much I was able to observe while being largely unobserved.  The view from above provides much greater visibility of the animals while providing much greater invisibility for the viewer.  Instead of trying to see through the tangles of brush on ground level, one enjoys a much better vantage point when higher up.

Since I deliberately build my blinds in areas that provide wide-ranging views – with a bit of special “forest management” on my part (clearing brush, trimming branches, etc.) – I typically can look over almost 360 degrees of the woods immediately around me.  So I see a lot of wildlife.

But I know that I don’t see it all.  On a recent hunting trip, on two different occasions I had deer approach quite close before I spotted them.  (One of the drawbacks of having to watch 360 degrees!)  I imagine some have ghosted by without me even noticing.  I know some deer have moved past … in the brush within hearing but just out of sight … because that’s what deer do.

And while I see a lot of the wildlife around me, I certainly don’t see it all.  Not only do I miss some larger animals, but I miss nearly all of the smaller ones.  The chipmunks, mice, and snakes go largely unnoticed.  They usually maneuver below the ground canopy.  I certainly don’t see the many insects going about their business under tree bark, inside dead logs, or on the ground.  I don’t see ANY of the critters below the ground, yet there are many present there.

So while I certainly do see a lot, there’s a lot that I don’t see as well.  It turns out my view is actually rather limited, even when up in a tree with cleared area all around.

But here’s what I find astounding: The Lord does see it all!

Every creature around every one of my blinds … large, small, and miniscule.  In the air, in the trees, in the brush, on the ground, and in the ground.  Brightly colored or brilliantly camouflaged. Moving or still; sleeping or eating; seen by me or not seen by me – they’re ALL seen by God!

And not just in the little woods I hunt in.  But every creature everywhere!

Nothing escapes his notice; nothing sneaks past the all-seeing God.  While he’s unobserved, he observes all.  “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him …” (Hebrews 4:13).

This is tremendously comforting to those of us who know Him, and who recognize that He loves us.

Consider how immense, supreme, unfathomable, awesome – (I struggle to find a sufficient adjective!) – our God is!  He sees all, knows all, and understands all.  (How can he possibly do that?  We can’t even keep track of the immediate circumstances in our personal lives!)  But God does.  And not just the circumstances in our own lives, but the circumstances in the entire world! 

Furthermore, the Lord guides and controls everything in his almighty power and according to his loving will.  There are no secrets kept from the Lord, and no surprises to him.  What happens is allowed by God to happen, and what he allows to happen is always motivated by his all-encompassing love. 

We may not understand (or like!) God’s plans all the time.  But then our view is limited; we don’t see the whole picture like God does.  Scripture assures us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Our God also sees the evil intentions of those who might wish us harm.  “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).  Our enemies … whether personal, spiritual, societal, occupational or even international … can do nothing to us that the Lord doesn’t allow.  And if the Lord allows it, he has a loving purpose and is bringing blessings through it.

One other sobering application of this truth that God sees all … is that God sees all of our sins as well.  We humans might be able to hide things from other humans, but we can never hide them from God.  Perhaps that elicits shame, sorrow and fear from us.  And rightfully so.  God has given us very clear instructions on what is right and what is wrong in his eyes.

But here’s the great news: because the Lord sees our every mistake, that means that there are no mistakes missed through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and death on the cross. “Jesus Christ, the Righteous One … is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

Because of Jesus, our every sin seen by God is no longer seen by God because Jesus removed them from our record.  “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Isaiah 43:14&25).

How comforting it is to know that our good and gracious God sees everything in our lives and in our world, and is actively involved in providing for and protecting us in his immense love for us.  How comforting to know that as He sits on his throne in heaven, it’s a seat with the ultimate view!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Psalm 139:1-10
1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Romans 8:35, 37-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

Some Thoughts

Some Thoughts

My previous English teachers and journalism advisors would cringe at such a bland and boring title.  Still, that’s probably the best heading for this post.  In it I will share some of my observations regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk. 

They aren’t all of my thoughts on the matter.  And maybe they aren’t the most important or even the most valid thoughts in the big picture.  But they are “some thoughts.”

Let me state up front that I don’t agree with all of Charlie Kirk’s political statements in the past, all of the arguments he made, or all of the theology he iterated.  But I wholeheartedly agree with the passion and commitment to Jesus that he demonstrated.

I’m not nearly as eloquent as many who have already shared their perspectives and offered their tributes.  And I’ll certainly repeat some things that have already been said.  Nevertheless, here are a few thoughts I’ll share:

People have tossed around different terms for what occurred – some calling it murder, others an assassination, and still others martyrdom. It was all of the above.  A man (a son, husband, and father) was murdered, a political activist was assassinated, and a passionate advocate for Jesus was martyred.  No matter how you describe the event, it was horrible and deplorable.  (Exodus 20:3).

How has America become a place where someone … anyone! … can draw the conclusion that it is OK (or even necessary) for one person to kill another person who happens to hold a different point of view?  It seems as if it is because of the very thing Charlie Kirk was arguing – that much of our society has lost their moral compass because they have abandoned God and God’s principles.  (Matthew 22:29).

From what I have learned about the man, he definitely cared a great deal about politics, and obviously was extremely involved in the political scene. But by his own statements, repeatedly made, he cared even more about his Savior.  He wanted to be known and remembered as a devoted soldier of the Savior.  (Philippians 3:8)  I commend him for this.

I greatly admire his courage. To repeatedly put oneself “out there” in front of thousands of people and unapologetically argue – adamantly yet calmly, logically and effectively – for Jesus is beyond admirable.  (1 Peter 3:15).  Especially in this divided society.

Scripture clearly teaches that it is the Holy Spirit that brings faith and changes hearts through the living and powerful word of God.  (Romans 1:16, Hebrews 4:12).  This is the only way to be converted.  (1 Corinthians 12:3).  But sometimes logical arguments can break down mental and emotional barriers.  Charlie was very gifted at demolishing arguments against Biblical truths.  (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).  AND he often quoted God’s Word.

It seems clear that Charlie recognized he was a target … spiritually, figuratively and literally. He knew he was at risk, and that in our current culture of violence, some would go to great lengths to silence him.  But still he continued to openly share Jesus and God’s principles in front of thousands of people (both those who supported and opposed his views) – almost like he was compelled to do so.  (Jeremiah 20:9).

Some would call him foolish.  Others would call him brave.  Perhaps he was just “called.”  Perhaps he was God’s chosen instrument to reach and spiritually awaken many of the youth of our nation?  No one can deny the draw he had and the impact he made … especially with the college-aged generation.

Why would the Lord allow such a passionate, articulate, knowledgeable and Godly man … a man who had the ears of many of the younger generation, and who argued so effectively for the cross and Godly principles … to be taken out? Who can know the mind of God (Isaiah 55:8-9), other than knowing God is always acting in love (1 John 4:16) and with the larger spiritual picture in view.  (Romans 8:28).

Maybe it was because Charlie Kirk’s death will do more to influence America than his influential living would have done?

Will this spark the spiritual revolution that so many of us have been longing for?  Will this fan a spiritual flame that has been dwindling and even dying out?  There may well be a spiritual army that arises from this horrific event – an army inspired by one man’s courage and devotion to Biblical truths – an army that refuses to acquiesce to the lies of the Enemy any longer.  Perhaps Evil miscalculated when it thought removing a great advocate for the Lord would quiet the godly uprising.  Perhaps instead a huge mass of believers will be newly inspired to stand up for the God of the Bible.  (Psalm 85:6).

Regardless, this feels like a turning point in our nation’s history. I can’t help but think that this is a precursor to something much greater.  Either a spiritual army for the Lord will be raised to take a stand and push back against the lies, or evil will overwhelm.

Make no mistake; if God’s people in the United States don’t arise in righteous and outright dedication to the Lord, (more like Charlie Kirk), the spiritual and moral climate of our nation will only get worse.

Furthermore, there will come a time … perhaps much sooner than expected … when it won’t only be the well-known, public and adamant advocates of Jesus who will be killed in this nation, but quiet Christians too.  (Matthew 24:9).  It’s already happening in other places in the world.  Do not doubt that Satan has the same goal for here. The persecution level has already been rising exponentially.

I believe our country is heading toward a civil war. We are already well on our way to that sad reality.  It’s a war … not over land, position, prosperity, education level, skin color, nationality or even politics … but over basic morality.  Right and wrong.  God’s Ten Commandments.  AND over the identity of the true God (the Triune God of the Bible!), how he feels about us (he loves us!), what he has done for us (he’s saved us!), and what he expects of us (to live in thankfulness for him!).  (John 15:18-21).

And even if more and more of us do boldly stand up for our faith, the time may still come when we face martyrdom as well. But for me, if that’s the way the Lord is going to bring me home to him, I’d rather go on to him while boldly proclaiming him than meekly hoping I’m not noticed.  (1 Peter 2:19).  Heaven is my home; I’m just a “foreigner and stranger” here.  (Hebrews 11:13-16).

Finally, do not doubt for a second that we are in the “final days.” Jesus himself told us that things would go from bad to worse to almost unbearable in this world before he returns.  Satan will be allowed to have more impact as the Last Day draws closer.  We are seeing it.  We are living it.  Spiritual forces of evil definitely seem to be gaining more victories lately.  As we get closer to the end of this current world, they’ll win even more of those battles.  (Matthew 24:6-14, 21-22).

But don’t stop spiritually fighting for Jesus!  Because when the Lord is on our side, we will win the war.  (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Heaven awaits.  Fight boldly until the Lord brings us there.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ephesians 6

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. 

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

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Raised Hands

Raised Hands

Have you ever witnessed a zoomed back replay on TV of a baseball player hitting a homerun?  If so and you watched the fans behind home plate, you would notice a common reaction throughout the crowd … simultaneously and almost to a person.  They raise both hands in exuberant exaltation!

This scene plays out in the seats or bleachers of every sports event.  And not only is it a common reaction of the observers; it is also a common reaction of the athletes themselves.

Furthermore, raising one’s hands in joy in moments of high emotion extends well beyond the athletic arena.  It occurs in virtually every aspect of life when any victory is achieved.  The higher the stakes, the quicker and more widespread the gesture when success is realized. 

David Matsumoto, professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, drew this conclusion after studying Olympic athletes in 2008. “Triumph has its own signature expression that is immediate, automatic and universal across cultures.”  It is seen in one’s face, in one’s posture, and typically, in raising one’s hands high.

Raising one’s hands is a common symbol of victory, triumph and success.  It expresses feelings of joy and excitement, especially during moments of great achievement or overcoming great odds. And according to anthropologists, the gesture is “hard-wired” into humans – regardless of gender, ethnicity, culture, or place in history.

Secular researchers speculate that evolution embedded the reaction in humans from the earliest times.  For example, Margaret J. King, director of the Center for Cultural Studies and Analysis in Philadelphia, suggests that traditional victory stance may have been exhibited when the earliest humans celebrated their first conquests, such as successfully hunting prey … and consequently it was deeply deposited in the emotional base of our brains.

I don’t doubt that the gesture is part-and-parcel of the human psyche, and goes way back into our earliest history.  However, I know that our origins are not a result of a random evolutionary process, but rather through a wonderful, well-planned act of creation by a loving God.

Therefore, I wonder if hands raised in triumph doesn’t have another lineage. 

It seems logical to me that the Lord would make humans naturally inclined to raise their hands in victory and triumph toward the Lord who has blessed them with any and every good thing.  Even if they don’t understand why they are doing it.

Many Christian congregations regularly raise their hands in worship to God.  It symbolizes surrender, submission, and supplication to God.  It also expresses worship of God and triumph in and through God.  Attend a Christian concert, and you will witness thousands of people raising their hands to the Lord.

This is biblical.  David summarizes the truth beautifully in his song to the Lord: “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” (Psalm 63:3-5).

Of course, it not un-biblical to practice a worship style that doesn’t raise hands.  Nevertheless, the Bible often refers to lifting one’s hands to the Lord.  Which means that it is a good thing – even a natural thing – for God’s people to do.

As a human being, you will raise your hands when you feel triumphant joy regarding some earthly activity.  As a believer, raise your hands – literally and/or spiritually – in triumphant joy to a God who loves you, forgives you, and blesses you in so many ways.  Oh, and by the way, he’s also the God who has saved you. 

There is nothing more triumphant and joyful than that!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!