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Author: dbirsch

Who Gives It?

Who Gives It?

There’s nothing quite like being nearly completely incapacitated for two weeks to provide the opportunity for some introspection, which in turn delivers some special insights to a person.

For someone who has been able to remain almost completely independent for well over fifty years, to suddenly become almost completely dependent is jarring. I couldn’t go where I wanted to go or do what I wanted to do.  I couldn’t cook a meal or even hit the fridge for leftovers.  (Which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing!  But still …)  Initially I couldn’t climb into or out of bed without assistance.  Couldn’t even put my own socks on.  (I couldn’t reach my feet!)  Walking without support (like a walker) was out of the question.  Stairs were an uncrossable barrier.  I was essentially a prisoner in my own bedroom. 

When one finds themselves in such a position, it quickly becomes evident just how very dependent upon the goodness, kindness and care of other people one is.  And I am so grateful for all who assisted me during that time!

But then there’s the bigger picture.  When independence is gone, it becomes crystal clear upon whom we are ultimately dependent, (the Lord!), and how completely dependent upon him we are.

It’s my point of view that most of us will verbally acknowledge that everything we are, have and accomplish are because of God’s blessing.  But we don’t really … I mean, really … appreciate that truth until we experience some deprival.  When we are incapacitated, when extreme hardship infects our lives, when crucial situations hang in the balance, when the realization sinks in that we actually have no control over anything, then our utter dependence upon God is highlighted in dramatic fashion.

And it shouldn’t be this way.  We should fully recognize the principle that we are completely reliant upon the Lord. The Bible emphasizes this fact throughout its pages, from God’s creation in Genesis through Christ’s redemption in the Gospels to our heavenly home in Revelation. 

We need God.  We don’t just kinda need him.  We don’t just need him a little bit, sometimes. We need him for everything all the time.  It is only because of our gracious God that we even exist and have anything good at all, much less the abundant blessings we enjoy every single day.

Who gives every good blessing, both the obvious and the oft overlooked? The Lord asks this very question in dramatic fashion throughout Scripture.  And he provides the clear-cut answer. 

Who gives us life itself, along with our wonderful bodies, our many talents, and our souls (Ps. 139:13-15)?  Who gives us our senses (Ex. 4:11), wisdom (Jms. 1:5), power, strength, wealth (Dt. 8:17-18), endurance and encouragement (Rom. 15:5)?  What about the rains, plants, seasons and harvests (Zech. 10:1, Jer. 5:24)?  Who gives us food to eat? (Ps. 136:25)?  Who gives us provision, protection (Ps. 23), prosperity, safety, future and hope (Jer. 29:11)?

Who gives us the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16)?  Who gives us his own Son and salvation through Him (John 3:16, Rom. 8:32)?  Who gives us the Holy Spirit (1 Th. 4:8), spiritual life (Rom. 4:17), faith (Eph. 2:8-9), and forgiveness (Eph. 1:7)?   Who gives “the peace of God which transcends all understanding” (Php. 4:7)?

Who gives it?  Who gives us all these things in bountiful mercy, grace and love?  Who is it that blesses us even in great difficulties?  Who infuses every single aspect of our lives with loving gifts?  Who pours extreme abundance into our already abundant lives, even though we scarcely give those treasures, or the God who provides them, a second thought? 

The One who gives it all is our God!  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights …” (James 1:17).

Who gives it all?  The answer is obvious, though obviously often overlooked.  But may we bear it in mind, take it to heart and hold it fast; our God gives us everything we have.  And everything we have is quite a lot!  “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever.  Amen” (Philippians 4:19-20).

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Lessons Learned from Tumbling Down a Staircase

Lessons Learned from Tumbling Down a Staircase

As many of you know, I derailed last Sunday morning for my congregation, my confirmation families, my own family and myself by taking a header down the bottom part of our balcony stairs before the first worship service. 

The repercussions were both immediate and lasting.  Immediately, or nearly so, I ended up in the Emergency Room at a local hospital.  Diagnosis: no broken bones but severely strained upper leg muscles.  (A miracle that things weren’t worse!)  The longer term ramifications: extreme pain and the inability to support myself with my legs.  Treatment: rest and muscle relaxers until the muscles heal and regain strength.

So it seemed practical to share some of the lessons I have learned, and am still learning, from this experience in this week’s blog.  I’ve broken them into two distinct categories.

Category One:  Simple lessons learned.

Don’t do it!  By whatever steps you must take, (pardon the pun), be certain you never skip the last four steps of a stairway!

Be assured that the stairs and landing below are less giving and more punishing to your body  than your body is to them.

Utter disaster can occur in an instant.

The theme for my message to the Confirmands was going to be “Hold on Tight.”  As someone pointed out to me afterward via email, I should have heeded my own advice.

A little extra caution is a good thing, especially if one is a little extra older.

Ambulance rides are overrated.

If you think you’ve already felt the worse pain mishaps can bring your body, think again.

Legs can swell a lot larger than one realizes!

Sometimes we have to slay our pride and let others help us.  We just do.

We all sometimes need tools (like a walker), people (like family and friends), and, most of all, the Lord to lean on.

God is faithful and good – always!  And he always protects and provides … according to his purposes.

Miracles still happen.

God’s got some awesome angels guarding over us.  It’s not a joke; it’s a fact.

God’s timing definitely is not our timing.  His always trumps ours!

We are totally insufficient; the Lord is totally sufficient.

We are fragile; the Lord is a Rock and our Rock.

The Lord is always working and accomplishing, even when we are “shut down.”

A person can only do what a person can do; they cannot do what they cannot.  (I recognize this sounds simplistic and even cheesy, but it’s a significant truth nonetheless.)

Perhaps the most important simple lesson of all: I have taken so very much for granted my entire life!  (Which leads me to our next category.)

Category Two:  Things for which I’ll always be thankful and will never take for granted again.  (Or at least I shouldn’t!)

The guiding, blessing hands of our loving God.

The powerful protection of God’s guardian angels.

The professionalism of medical responders.

The kindness and caring of God’s people.

The blessing of gracious, giving friends.

The unselfish love of family.

The applicability of God’s Word to all situations at all times.

The significance of a little bit of human encouragement in difficult situations.

Self-sufficiency.

The blessing of personal freedom.  Such as roaming the house at will, stepping onto the deck to grill, ambling around the yard to look at the flowers, running out on a whim of an errand or attending my son’s ballgame.

The importance of leg muscles in almost everything one does, and the necessity of a strong base.

Legs that don’t constantly ache.

Walking!  Walking upright.  Walking without pain.  Walking around.  Taking a walk.  Just walking.

The ability to take stairs.  (I say this in reference to mobility, not negotiating them!)

Taking a shower.

Working from my desk.  (As opposed to working from a card table while sitting on a walker.)

The capability of standing up unassisted after falling down.

The ability to get into and out of bed without help.

Sitting down, and rising back up again, without pain. 

Stooping down to put on socks or pick items up off the floor.

WIFI, television and a restroom in our remote bedroom in the house.

Godly leaders and workers who don’t hesitate to step up and into the gap for God.

Leading worship on Sunday, and the privilege of preaching God’s Word to God’s people.

The preciousness of time, and how quickly it can potentially be taken from you.

“Wake up calls” from God, teaching us lessons we should have already known.

All of which seems to be summarized beautifully by the Apostle Paul.  “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

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Take Care of Your Soul

Take Care of Your Soul

This post is dedicated to the St. Paul student confirmands of 2021.  For that matter, to all those who have publicly confessed their faith at our congregation through the years, whether students or adults. 

But no, that’s not sufficient either.  This post is dedicated to all Christians everywhere.  May it encourage each one of us to take wonderful care of our souls.

It all happened so suddenly.  One moment Mike and Tom were discussing the fish they expected to catch that day at the lake; the next an SUV was slamming into their truck at an extremely high rate of speed. 

An explosion of white!  Instantaneous and intense pain!  Darkness!  Then the hurt disappeared as their spirits floated out of their bodies.  They hovered for a brief moment and gazed down at the destroyed vehicle they had just exited, before they were pulled inexorably heavenward, increasing in velocity until they were rocketing at an unimaginable speed.

At first it appeared to be a distant star.  But the gleaming grew rapidly brighter and bigger until a massive city came into view, beaming and breathtakingly beautiful.  Their transit slowed as they approached the glorious kingdom, where they swooped gracefully through a massive gate of pearl and glided high along a wide street of gold. 

The buildings of the city appeared to be formed from various gems, each structure a different stone of a different color, so that the view consisted of a thousand different hues.  Arrayed in precision were numerous golden streets, all converging on the magnificent mountain in the center of the city from where a beaming brilliance emanated, even brighter than the city.  Perched on the peak of the mountain stood a triple throne too stunning to describe.  And perched on the interconnected thrones sat the three persons of the Triune God, ablaze in glory, rays of iridescent color rippling around them like a billion brilliant laser lights.  Surrounding them were ranks upon ranks of angels in splendorous armor.

Mike and Tom’s spirits slid to a halt on the golden landing below the thrones.  They dared not look up.  They wished to clench their eyes shut, but spirits are ever-seeing.  If they were still in their bodies, they would have been trembling violently.

A thunderous voice shook the entire mountain.  “Greetings, Mike and Tom.  This is your allotted time.  Your life on earth is over; your life in eternity is just beginning.”

Of course, the men had recognized this already.  But to hear it stated in such a way was beyond disconcerting.

Shocking as it may seem, neither had any thought of what they had left behind.  There was no concerns over their plans and projects on earth; no lingering on what they had still hoped to do; no deep regrets over leaving spouses and children behind.  Not because they didn’t dearly love their families, but because eternity hung in the balance, and that was all-encompassing. 

The Lord’s voice thundered again.  “So how will we find your souls?  Are they living … or not?”

The magnitude of the moment registered on them.  This was it.  Nothing else … nothing else … mattered but this. There was no going back.  No second chances.  No more opportunities to reprioritize.  No different decisions to be made.  No changing of circumstances.  No altering their final destinations. 

What would the Lord find in their souls?

Mike and Tom watched in stunned amazement as two ornate silver boxes took shape on the platform – one resting before each of them.  Inscribed on the side facing them were golden crosses.  A multitude of holes covered the rounded covers.  The lovely boxes seemed both delicate and sturdy at the same time, and they glowed.  They were like nothing the men had ever seen.  What were these?

The all-knowing Lord answered.  “Those are your souls.  You don’t see them or feel them on earth, but you always carry them with you.”  The men’s attention was now riveted on the containers.  “We are about to open them,” stated the Lord.  “What will we find there?”

The ramifications of this revelation shook the men.  Fearful uncertainty engulfed them.  What would the Lord find there?

Mike and Tom had been best friends all their life.  They had both been born into Christian families and had been raised in the same Christian church.  They had sat through the same Sunday School lessons, Catechism classes, and worship services.  They were confirmed in their faith on the same day in front of the entire congregation.  Their parents and pastor had been so proud and thankful.

But then came high school and college, and then jobs and homes and families and responsibilities.  So much to do; so many distractions.  While Mike and Tom continued to stay close, they fell into very different spiritual life-styles. 

Tom continued to treasure God and God’s Word.  He relished his time in worship; he eagerly attended Bible studies; he faithfully read the Scriptures and shared devotions with his family; he discussed God’s truths with Christian friends; he delighted in listening to Christian music.  The Gospel of his Savior held a preeminent place in his life.  In short, Tom poured copious amounts of “Living Water” on his soul, and provided generous amounts of Son-shine to his soul.

Mike, on the other hand, wrapped himself up in the world.  He immersed himself in work and play, in hobbies and highlights.  Gradually he drifted away from the church, eventually even opting to skip services on the Christmas and Easter holidays.  Though he owned a number of Bibles, he never opened them.  God rarely crossed his mind anymore.  In light of living life, God’s Word seemed wholly unimportant to him.   Of course, Tom tried to encourage Mike spiritually.  Mike always replied that he would get back into it someday when he had more time.

Now Tom and Mike’s spirits were prostrate before the Lord.  Now their souls would be opened, and what was encased inside displayed before the Triune God.

“It is time to see,” rumbled the voice, the vibrations rolling through the mountain and reverberating through the city.  Suddenly the nail-pierced feet of Jesus stood before them.  They were still for a moment, then they stepped to the box before Mike.  The Lord leaned over and placed his hand lightly on the box.  The lid popped open.

Mike’s view was riveted on the scene.  Jesus was staring into the box.  Then Mike realized there were tears falling from the Lord’s face, dropping silently into his soul.  Jesus lifted his gaze to Mike, and said sorrowfully, “There used to be life here, but there is none now.  I’m sorry, but this soul cannot stay here.”  Mike’s spirit convulsed in horror. 

Jesus wiped the tears from his face, and then moved in front of Tom’s box.  He stooped down and touched it.  As the cover swung open, a blooming bouquet of flowers of every hue and shape burst forth, and a delightful aroma wafted free.

A great smile filled Jesus’ face.  He beamed at Tom.  “There is abundant life here.  It is thriving!  This soul belongs in this place.”  Jesus stepped forward, lifted Tom’s spirit from the platform and embraced him warmly.

Overwhelming exuberance swept through Tom.  He was in Jesus’ arms!  He was welcome here in heaven!  His time in the Lord’s presence was just beginning, but it would last forever.

An agonizing cry arose.  “No-oo-oo-oo!  Please, no!” … but it faded quickly as Mike’s spirit was swept away.  At the same time, a heartfelt “Yes!” was heard as the Savior hugged Tom and wiped his tears of joy away.

One important aside: The Bible makes it clear that a believer can actually turn away from God and lose their faith.  (See 2 Peter 2:17-22, Hebrews 6:4-6, and Hebrews 10:26-27).  This should be a sobering realization to every Christian, and a situation that no believer ever wants to experience.

As for the story above, I hesitantly took some liberties with describing the initial appearance before the Lord following death.  I do not think that this is how it actually transpires.  However, I pictured the scenario in this manner for dramatic effect … to make a point in a way that is hopefully effective.  I pray it encourages all of us to pay careful heed to our souls our entire lives.

As Jesus himself pointed out, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”  (Matthew 16:26)

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We Can’t Be Grateful Enough

We Can’t Be Grateful Enough

What does a soldier think about the night before a battle?

Maybe he (or she) is “fortunate” to be so exhausted from transitioning to the position of attack that they are predisposed toward sleep.  But even so, with conflict looming the mind must race.

Being a soldier, he is aware of the goal, and the importance of their mission.  The unit is trained to attain its objective, so a soldier must review in his mind their personal assignment and make every effort to be mentally prepared for it.  But undoubtedly, a warrior wonders, “Will we accomplish it?  If so, how high a toll will we pay?”   And he understands that if they don’t succeed, the toll will be even higher.

Yet I can’t help but believe that for most soldiers on the night before a battle, their thoughts are primarily circulating around deeply personal things.

How could one not reflect upon the loved ones back home?  A wife or girlfriend: “Will I ever smell her perfume, feel her touch or kiss her again?”  The children: “Will I ever see their smiles or hear their laughter?  Will I ever hug them close again?”  The parents, siblings, and dear relatives: “Will I ever engage in another conversation on the porch or in the living room with them or sit down to a holiday feast together?”  The close friends: “Will I enjoy their company one fine day?” Even one’s dog probably shambles through the thoughts with tail wagging.  “Will I pet him post-battle or post-war?”

“Will I walk into my home once more?  Travel to my favorite vacation destination once more?  Spend a day on my favorite hobby?  Watch a ballgame?  Attend a concert?  Take a leisurely nap in a recliner?  Enjoy a hot shower or a cold chocolate shake?  Feel the sun warm my skin on a sunny beach, or huddle comfortably under the blankets in my bed on a rainy night?  Sit in church, sing some hymns and soak up a sermon?”

“Will I see the sunset tomorrow?  Will my buddies?  How many of us and who?  What does it feel like to die violently?  What happens to me if I’m wounded?  What does tomorrow hold for me?”

And how could one just hours from deadly conflict not reflect upon past mistakes and ruminate on future possibilities.  Regrets must be abundant; heartaches achingly painful; melancholy predominant; fear ever-present; prayers unceasing.

With the offensive beginning at o-dark-early, and the thoughts roiling, how does a soldier sleep at all?

But eventually the battle is joined, and warriors are thrust into the hell-on-earth that is warfare.  And just as they feared, many of them fall.

We can’t be grateful enough for their sacrifices … for leaving behind family and often country, for their hard training and dedication, for the sleepless nights before attacks are launched, and for dying so young so we can typically live to be so old.

Memorial Day encompasses so much more than an extra day off from work, sleeping in and sales at the stores, a baseball game, a barbecue on the deck or a camping trip.  It’s a day dedicated to men and women who literally gave it all so we could have it all.  We dare not forget them.

There was another warrior who didn’t sleep at all the night before battle.  There was no uncertainty for him; he knew that if he entered the conflict, he would suffer and die horribly.  He begged God the Father to find another solution, but there was no other solution.  So Jesus resolutely entered the fray.  And he did suffer horribly, and he did die.  But in giving his life he gave life to us.  By his sacrifice we are saved.  Through his death (and resurrection!), he brought us victory over Satan, sin, death and hell.  The war was won by our Warrior Savior!

The Apostle Paul writes about Jesus’ battle assignment in Romans: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. … God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”  (Romans 5:6, 8-9).

Or as Jesus himself said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).  This is certainly true of our Savior.  It’s also true of many a soldier.

As for us, we can’t be grateful enough.

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What Am I Doing, Lord?

What Am I Doing, Lord?

You’ve been there.  Somehow you find yourself in a situation where you literally don’t know what to do or what’s going to happen next.  Generally these times are fraught with uncertainty, anxiety, and abundant and heartfelt prayer.

In our church body, every new pastor and teacher experiences just such a time.  Of course, they experience many times of great uncertainty during the course of their ministries.  But they also experience such a time before they even begin their ministry. 

It’s referred to as “Call Day,” and the uncertainty of that day is acute.  There are actually separate Call Days for teacher and pastor candidates, but both events work essentially the same.  On their respective Call Days, future servants of the church enter a worship service with no idea where in the world (literally!) they will be starting their ministries.  During the course of the service, however, they find out.

I’m not aware of anything quite like it.  Perhaps the closest example would be the NFL draft.  The top prospects know exactly where and when the draft will happen, but most have absolutely no clue which team will select them.  Their immediate and potentially long-term future depends on the announcements that are made from the podium, and until they are drafted, they are awash in uncertainty.

Just as great research is carried out by teams before an NFL player is drafted, so a lot of prayer, consideration and discussion occurs among church-body leaders before a teacher or pastor candidate is slotted for a school or church.  What talents does the church or school need?  What gifts do the candidates have?  Are there any extenuating circumstances? 

I’m over-simplifying the process, of course.  But the end result is that every future pastor and teacher is assigned to a church or school.  However, those future workers don’t know where that assignment is … until it is announced in the Call Day worship service.

They, and their spouses and children, and their parents and extended families, enter the worship area on that momentous day completely unaware of what the next hour holds for them.  “What am I doing, Lord?” is prominent on their minds as they squirm in their seats and attempt to concentrate on worshiping the Lord. 

Is there uncertainty?  Definitely!

Anxiety?  Undoubtedly!

Abundant and heartfelt prayer?  Yes, in abundance!

But also excitement and eagerness.  It has been a long, challenging road to that day, that service, and that announcement!  And these are men and women of God who are dedicating their lives to serving God and God’s people.  They have absolute confidence that the Lord is going to work through the process to settle them into the exact church or school where He wants them to be.

I have experienced Call Days on many levels.  I sat through the service that relocated my wife, my oldest son and myself from the State of Michigan to the State of Washington.  Many years later I listened intently at Call Days for my two oldest sons.  Ironically, their calls moved one son from Washington to Wisconsin and another son to Michigan.  And I was at the service where my new associate pastor was announced, which moved him from Wisconsin to Washington.  And just a few days ago I viewed online as my nephew received his pastor call to Wisconsin.  His move will be shorter, from Michigan to Wisconsin.

The uncertainty, anxiety, excitement, and abundant and heartfelt prayers are always present leading into those services.  But afterwards, there is awe; awe at what God has done, is doing, and will do.  Finally, it could all be summarized in the word “trust.”  The future pastors and teachers of God’s Church trust that the Lord of the Church will insert them in the right place at the right time.  Which results in the sincere prayer lifted to the Lord afterwards, “OK.  Now I know what I am doing, Lord.”

There’s nothing else quite like a Call Day in our church body.  The uncertainty going in; the answer coming out.

As I reflected on this entire process this week, it occurred to me that every single one of us has our own “Call Days,” whether we are pastors, teachers, or anyone.  We all have those days where we haven’t a clue about what we should be doing.  We’re on a path and we’re uncertain it is the correct path; we can’t see the destination.  We’re at a crossroad in life and we wonder which way to go.  Or we can’t begin to discern the answer and we wish we were so fortunate as to have a few obvious choices.

“What am I doing, Lord?”

And just as the future pastors, teachers and families do on Call Days, we have but one course of action.  We pray, and then we trust.  The Lord of the Church is also the Lord of our life.  He always knows what he is doing.  He always has the answers.  He never makes mistakes.  He loves us beyond our comprehension and will show us, nudge us, guide us, or even carry us to where he wants us to go.  Sooner or later, our Good Shepherd will make our path clear and settle us into green pastures.  Then in a quiet moment he whispers to us, “This is what you are doing, dear one.”

The Lord’s words to Joshua as he took over the leadership of Israel from Moses must have been extremely comforting to Joshua.  They are also wonderful and comforting words when we wonder what to do.  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

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Floating Down the River of Life … with No Paddles!

Floating Down the River of Life … with No Paddles!

Do you remember Mark Twain’s story of Huckleberry Finn?  In the book, Tom Sawyer’s friend, Huck Finn, sets out with his friend, Jim, on a raft down the Mississippi River. 

Now to me as a boy who loved outdoor adventure, that was exciting stuff!  Riding down a huge river on a raft.  Fishing off the side. Observing the other travelers on the water. Experiencing all kinds of adventures along the way with nothing to worry about but the moment.  That would be fine living!

Well, to create a metaphor from Twain’s story, every one of us happens to be floating on a raft in the middle of a huge river.  In fact, everyone who lives in the world is rafting down that same waterway.  The river’s name is the “River of Life.” 

And not a single one of us has oars! 

But everyone does have a helmsman; that is, someone who is steering their raft.  There are only two options for helmsmen; either a person’s personal raft is being directed by Jesus … or by Satan.

Sadly, the majority of rafts on the river are under Satan’s guidance.  Satan is steering, and his goal is to maintain control of all of those rafts until river’s end.  He skillfully maneuvers those skiffs into currents on the River of Life that benefit his cause and better enable him to continue to control the inhabitant of that raft.

What are those nasty currents?

The first is the current of disregard.  Rafts on this current carry their riders down the river in a state of inadvertent, and sometimes deliberate, oblivion of God’s Word and therefore of God himself.  Where there is disregard for God’s Word and God, there the evil helmsman’s control is easily maintained.

Another nasty side-stream Helmsman Satan delights to drift on is the current of disobedience.  This is an attractive one for floaters because every human-being has a sinful nature, and so is naturally inclined to disobey God’s laws.  And the more Satan can keep peoples’ rafts on the current of disobedience, the longer he can keep distance between them and God, the simpler it is to keep them distracted by the allure of sin, and the easier it is to bring about complete despair of God’s love and forgiveness.

Yet another preferred current by the devil is the current of difficulties.  This current flows naturally from the current of disobedience because whenever someone is floating outside of the streams God suggests for people’s own good, then difficulties are sure to follow.  But difficulties don’t only arise from disobedience; they are part and parcel of life in a sinful and broken world. 

Regardless of how it got there, when someone’s raft is flowing down the River of Life in the current of difficulties, Satan can better create spiritual complications.  He can cause distraction from the things of God as people become absorbed in solving their problems.  He can foster discouragement, sometimes even to the point of despair.  He can ramp up stress, which then leads to even more difficulties.

Then there’s the worst current of all, the current of death.  It’s the current on the River of Life that Satan loves the best.  For many on this river, the current of death is a horrifying thing.  They view death as the end of life.  And the end of pleasure, possessions, prestige, and all that they know.  Consequently, death is something to live in terror of, to avoid at all costs, and to refuse to face.  Yet they all know deep down that death is inevitable.  Helmsman Satan can bring about a whole lot of issues while scooting down the current of death.

Of course, all of these unpleasant currents are intertwined to a great degree.  Which suits Satan well.

Truth be told, every single raft is under the devil’s control at one time.  Ours was too!  But then somewhere along the way God intervened.  The Gospel of our Savior drifted across the waters, wafted into our ears or eyes, and seeped into our hearts.  The Holy Spirit lit the light of faith within us.  At that instant, Satan was thrown over-board and a new helmsman named Jesus took over our raft. 

Jesus steers us onto different currents; currents named faith, awe and honor, obedience, opportunities, blessings and life.

Yes, we still find ourselves in bad currents sometimes.  Unfortunately, our sinful natures still ride along on our rafts.  We won’t be rid of our inborn sin until we arrive in heaven.  Consequently, we still reach over the side of our rafts and doggy-paddle ourselves into currents where Jesus doesn’t want us to go sometimes – dangerous and destructive currents such as disobedience.  Jesus doesn’t steer us there; we pull ourselves there.

But then the Gospel rings out again over the waters, and Jesus, our helmsman, reminds of his love and his death.  He reminds us of the forgiveness he secured for us.  And when we remember all that Jesus endured for us and accomplished for us, he steers us once again onto a more pleasant slipstream.  Our faith is revived and our eagerness to obey him is renewed.

Of course, the current of difficulties is unavoidable as we float down the River of Life.  We encounter sandbars, fallen trees, and dangerous rapids in the river.  Our rafts get rocked by hardships and assaulted by waves.  As we see the obstacles around our little raft on the River of Life, we are constantly tempted to despair of our safety.

But here’s the key!  When we find our raft on the rapids, heading toward rocks in the River of Life, we must not focus on the rapids and the rocks!  Rather, we turn our eyes to our helmsman, to the one who is steering your raft.  We lift our eyes to Jesus; we look to our Heavenly Helmsman.

Helmsman Jesus has a perfect record.  His rafts have never been swamped.  His boats on the River of Life have never been capsized.  He always leads his people through the rapids to the still and quiet waters.  Our rafts are in good hands

Yes, the currents of the River of Life will eventually carry us to physical death.  But because of Jesus, the River of Life which is carrying our bodies day-by-day closer to death is also carrying our souls day-by-day closer to eternal life in heaven.

Wow!  Now that’s something to celebrate!

Sadly, unbelievers live terrified of death because Satan is their helmsman.  But our helmsman is Jesus, so we recognize that physical death is just the beginning of eternal life.  We recognize that death is not the ultimate defeat, but the ultimate victory.  Because when we die, we die with Jesus as our helmsman, and he will lead us Home.

Which reminds me of another metaphor, a biblical one.  The picture is different, but the message is the same.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23).

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.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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May the Source Be with You

May the Source Be with You

I happen to be one of the few adult citizens of the United States who has never watched a Star Wars movie.  Yes, I realize this is nearly unthinkable to many.  Some would even say inexcusable.  But the storyline never held much appeal to me.  My children, on the other hand, are all huge fans.  Even my wife has seen most or all of the movies.

Star Wars, of course, is the creation of George Lucas.  The first movie was released in 1977, and it became an instant hit and worldwide phenomenon.  Many more films have followed, as well as multiple Star Wars’ offshoots, including even theme park attractions.  Star Wars has generated billions upon billions of dollars.

Part of the premise of the stories revolves around a mystical power referred to as “the Force.”  The Force was described in one of the movies as “an energy field created by all living things [that] binds the galaxy together,” and it can be used for good or evil. Those few individuals who find themselves with strong abilities in the Force are able to do remarkable things.  Some of these folks utilize the Force for good; others for evil.  Both sides vie for the ultimate control, which sets the stage for a number of Force-filled battles.

In the movies, the phrase “may the Force be with you” is invoked as a blessing to protect or guide another.  Consequently, May Fourth (“May the Force” – get it?) has come to be known as Star Wars day.  And in case you didn’t notice earlier this week, there were Star Wars’ references everywhere on that day!

Of course, the theology and the science behind the concept of the Force leaves much to be desired.  So as Star Wars references abounded on “Star Wars Day,” I wondered if there might be a better, more theologically accurate, motto.  And it came to me immediately: “May the Source be with you!”

What do I mean by that?  Simply this: the Source of every good thing is the God of the Bible, and when that Source is with us, we have everything we need – rich blessings and sufficient solutions.

James summarizes this truth beautifully.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights …” (James 1:17).  In other words, the Source (the Lord!) provides for our every need. 

Consider what “the Source” tells us in his ultimate source of truth, the Bible:

Afraid?  “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

Anxious?  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Bereaved?  “Jesus said…, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die’” (John 11:25-26)

Bound in the chains of addiction?  “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Depressed?  “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Discouraged?  “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).

Feeling Unloved?  “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).

Guilt-ridden?  “In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

Lonely?  … God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).

Needing Guidance?  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).

Tempted?  “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Threatened?  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. … The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:1&11).

Troubled?  “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 …” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Weary?  ‘“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’” (Matthew 11:28-30).

All of which underscores the accuracy of our motto, “May the Source be with you!”  But an even better, more accurate motto would be, “The Source IS with you!”  In the Lord, the Source of every blessing, our every need for now and forever truly is provided.

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.  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.

And the Winner Is …

And the Winner Is …

Last week, to commemorate the one year anniversary of beginning this blog, I hosted a celebration contest with a drawing. Many thanks to all who participated.  It was great fun!

The winner of a snazzy “Heading to Heaven” tee shirt is … Lee Hunt

Lee is a long-time subscriber, and made his comment to me in person after church last Sunday (as he often does).  So I entered his name in the drawing one time for one comment … and his name was drawn!!!!

Congrats, Lee, and thanks!

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.  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.

The One Year Anniversary of This Blog: Let’s Have Some Fun!

The One Year Anniversary of This Blog: Let’s Have Some Fun!

A year ago almost everything was shut down, at least here in Washington State.  Of course, our ministry at the congregation I serve continued … but in a drastically different manner than ever before.  Though I continued to make many personal visits and even more phone calls, essentially ministry became an online one.  Sharing God’s Word and carrying out the business of God’s Church were largely handled on the worldwide web.

It was at that time – a year ago in a society which was homebound – that I began this blog.  I never anticipated ever doing anything like it, and the entire concept was incredibly intimidating to me.  But with traditional ministry so limited, it seemed worth a shot.  So with abundant prayer and significant unease, I ventured forth.  And here we are, a year and 57 posts (counting this one)  later!

My initial goals were simple.  First of all, it was my prayer that God might use what I wrote to encourage people in a time of great discouragement.  Secondly, it was my hope that my posts would encourage some online Christian banter with the comments feature.  I felt that this might provide some beneficial attraction to the Lord and his Word, as well as some distraction from the current challenges of “life.”

Based the feedback I received, I think the first goal was achieved to some degree at least.  But I was clearly naïve in regard to the second goal; a few comments would be shared, but never enough to foster a meaningful dialogue.  (Great thanks to everyone who did take the time to comment! Your insights were certainly encouraging to me and, I’m sure, to others as well.)

Well, one out of two isn’t bad.  And the first goal is undoubtedly the more important one anyway.

So a year later, with society still impacted by COVID, I thought I would acknowledge the first anniversary of Heading to Heaven with a bit of a celebration.  And I invite you to participate!  (Maybe I’m still being naïve regarding responses, but let’s give it a try and hopefully have some fun!)

I will actually hold a drawing for all who participate in this anniversary blog.  The winner will receive a special gift.  If enough people participate, I’ll provide several gifts.

Here’s how it will work:

Everyone who participates in one way or another will have their name added to the drawing. Different types of participation will generate different numbers of opportunities for the gift/s.  (Note that there are multiple ways to tally opportunities, and a person can accumulate a number of entries, depending on the amount of their participation.)  Here’s the breakdown:

Leaving a comment = 1 entry

Being the first to leave a comment = 2 entries

First comment from someone who HAS commented before = 2 entries

First comment from someone who has NOT commented before = 2 entries

First comment from a new subscriber = 3 entries

Most entertaining comment = 3 entries

Most beneficial comment = 4 entries

Most encouraging comment = 4 entries

Beginning to follow the blog* = 5 entries

Recruiting someone to follow the blog** = 5 entries

Wondering what to comment on?  To facilitate replies, here are a few possibilities:

Based on responses, these are the top five posts from this past year.  (To read them, just click on the link.)  Which is your favorite?

Even Me?  (April 30, 2020)

The View from the Top  (May 20, 2020)

Consider the Birds  (June 2, 2020)

The Special You  (January 30, 2021)

Look! Look! Look!  (February 27, 2021)

Other possibilities for comments might be:

If your favorite post wasn’t on the above list, which one was it?  (You can access all the posts through the archive feature on this page.)

Do you have a suggestion on the focus for a future blog post?

Why do you appreciate this blog?

Do you have any suggestions on how this blog could be better?

I will be fascinated to see what kind of response this post generates.  A large response would be very encouraging to me. (I wonder sometimes if this is what the Lord wants me to do.)

In conclusion, I’ll repeat that I never imagined I would be writing a blog.  It’s difficult to fathom that the Lord let me get it off the ground in the first place, and astounding to me that God has allowed me to post at least one article every week since.  Even more astounding is that anyone would be willing to read what I write!  But truly I am doing it for the Lord and his people.  If any blessings are produced by it, all glory goes to God.

(Psalm 67)  May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us — so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.  May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.  May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.  May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.  The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.  May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

* Following the blog is easy.  Information on how to do so is at the bottom of this post.  Once following, every new post will be automatically sent to your email inbox.

** If you recruit someone to subscribe to the blog, you will have to email me their name ([email protected]).  When I confirm they have subscribed, you will gain the entries for the drawing.

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.  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.

The Little Things

The Little Things

We are well aware of the big things.  They are frequently on our mind and seared into our consciousness.

We are very cognizant of our significant bills (mortgage, auto payments, etc.).  We know our financial picture … the money coming in and the money going out, and how those two factors relate to the other.  Health issues have a way of upending our day-to-day lives.  Strained familial, educational, occupational, congregational and social relationships impact us.  Technology goes haywire and vehicles or other mechanized conveniences break down and have to be repaired or replaced.  Big things, all.

But the big things that demand our attention aren’t always negative.  There is an abundance of positive things as well.  A visit with dear family members or friends.  A long-awaited vacation.  An unexpected windfall.  Accomplishing an unpleasant task that has hung over our heads indefinitely.  A new job begun or a financial debt resolved.  A new addition to the family.  These are also big things, but good things!

Typically we spend a lot of time focusing on the big things in our lives.  Those are the things we think about and pray about; the issues we devote our energy and personal resources toward.  Those are the matters that we seek or want resolved, and the ones that we are convinced will provide us with the greatest joy when resolved favorably.

And this point of view is normal and good.  It is also probably true.  However, the older I get the more I am learning to focus less on the big things, and reflect more upon the little ones.  I am convinced we would all be happier if we took more time to appreciate the small blessings. (Which really aren’t smaller blessings at all, even though we tend to look at them that way.)

James reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights … (James 1:17).  In other words, both the “big” blessings and the “little” blessings are wonderful blessings from our gracious God!  We would be wise to recognize this.

The list of “little blessings” is a long one!  Here are just a few that come to mind:

Another sunrise.  Blue skies punctuated with fluffy white clouds.  A lovely sunset.  Rain that waters the land and lulls us to sleep at night.  Flowers, shrubs and trees that burst into bloom.

A butterfly fluttering across the yard; a hummingbird hovering over blossoms; sparrows greeting the morning with song; an eagle gliding on wind currents; deer sighted in the distance.

A hug from a loved one.  A smile.  A kind word.  Time spent together with family and friends.

The smell of a baby; the sound of a toddler’s laughter; the sight of children playing; the feel of a young son or daughter’s (or grandson or grand-daughter’s) hand in yours; the taste of ice cream shared with youngsters.

A dog who is always happy to see us, no matter our mood.  A cat who purrs contentedly in our lap. 

A relaxing sit on the deck with an intriguing book.  Or even better, a nap in a hammock.  Naps in the recliner qualify too!

A simple task accomplished; a good meal enjoyed; a fun game played; a favorite show or ball team watched; a hobby pursued; a walk with someone dear.

A friendly card in the mail; an encouraging email; an unexpected but uplifting phone call; a warm greeting.

A memory remembered; a favorite song heard or sung; laughter and light-heartedness; the scent of your wife’s perfume.

The gift of sleep, and the gift of waking up again.  The lack of pain.  The use of our five senses.

Most would probably agree that these are “little things,” or at least things that we tend to take for granted.  But hopefully you also agree that they are big blessings as well … even if we don’t usually recognize them as such.

The Lord floods our lives with “little” blessings, and he gives us this encouragement: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

In other words, recognize and treasure even the little things.  Maybe especially the little things!

I pieced together a partial list of little blessings.  What are some of the little things that bring you joy?  Please share!

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.  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.