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Abounding in Thanksgiving

Abounding in Thanksgiving

My wife and I are getting away for a few days, (something for which I’m very thankful!), so here’s this week’s post … a little early!

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I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I definitely don’t thank God enough for the blessings he has showered into my life.  Perhaps you can relate, and can sidle next to me on my bench of shame?

I am so very, very blessed by God!  And you are too!

It would be completely appropriate for me (and you) to be engrossed in an ongoing prayer of thanksgiving.  But … that hasn’t been my custom.

The problems, the challenges, the obligations and responsibilities I hold, and the hassles, frustrations and busyness of life keep me distracted – and keep the words of thanks silenced in both my mind and mouth.  Satan and my sinful, selfish flesh strive (effectively!) to keep me more focused on the negatives than the positives – which, of course, doesn’t encourage thanksgiving.

But thankfully, there are moments when thankfulness bursts from my heart; occasions when profound gratefulness overwhelms all the other distractions.

Like when I reflect yet again on the Lord’s love for me … a love that moved Jesus to step down to earth, not to be acclaimed by earth’s residents, but to be rejected by them.  To be crucified by them for them – for you, for me! 

 And when I remember that though Jesus died, he didn’t stay dead.  He rose off the cold, hard burial shelf, exited his tomb and ascended back to his heavenly home to prepare a place there for you and me.

Yet, his blessings aren’t only future blessings to be experienced someday when we transition from this world to the next.  His love impacts us every day with his abiding presence, guidance, provision, protection and peace.

These spiritual truths move me to abounding thanksgiving!

As does a difficult, even impossible, situation resolved solely through God’s intervention.  Or a close call where it was clearly God’s strong hand that kept me from being hurt (or worse!).  Likewise, when someone dear to me was miraculously spared. These definitely elicit thanksgiving to a gracious God!

But day-to-day activities can sometimes prompt the same response.  Nature especially has this effect on me.  A hike in God’s creation, a spectacular view spread out before me, a glorious sunset, experiencing the woods waking up on a deer stand, or the lake easing into night on our dock – these elicit thanksgiving too.

Sometimes it’s just “normal” events.  My latest experience of this was when our entire family was together at our new “house on the lake,” as we have come to call it.  As I looked around me, seeing precious family members … as I listened to loved ones’ voices all around me … as we interacted in conversation and activities … I was overwhelmed with thanksgiving over and over and over again.  How good is our God!

There are definitely circumstances that naturally pull thankfulness from our souls.  But I want thankfulness to be a natural part of my everyday existence! 

Even when something goes wrong.  Even when the car breaks down, or the funds are falling low, or the stresses are mounting, or the body is struggling or failing.  Because even then our God is good!  Our God is always good!  And his love and faithfulness to us never ever ends.

As I consider this, it seems to me that focusing on the word “always” might be helpful.  The Lord is always faithful, so we can be always thankful.

In fact, sometimes God’s greatest blessings come through our greatest hardships.  It’s difficult for us to see it that way.  Especially in the midst of those challenging moments.  But it’s true nonetheless.

When we recognize this wonderful truth even in the valleys … when we trust our good and gracious God even in the storms … then we are “not anxious about anything,” but have “the peace of God that transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:6-7). 

It’s a peace centered on our all-sufficient Lord; it’s a peace that fosters abounding thankfulness … no matter the circumstances.

“… Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.  Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20).

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Undefeated Forever

Undefeated Forever

No one stays undefeated forever.  A team might manage it for a season (Miami Dolphins – 1972), or for several years (UConn women’s basketball – 111 wins in 2016-18).  A reign of dominance might even extend for centuries (Roman empire).

But no one and nothing remains undefeated forever.  Except, that is, for God!

Job described the Lord, the ultimate victor, this way: “But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?   He does whatever he pleases” (Job 23:13).  The Lord himself asks, “Who is like me and who can challenge me?” (Jeremiah 49:19).

There has never been a time that the Lord was overmatched; never a situation where God lost control.  In fact, there’s never been a situation where events began to slip even a smidge from the grasp the Almighty.  The outcome on anything (and everything!) has never been even the slightest bit questionable for the Heavenly One.

No enemy has ever run roughshod over God; none have ever vanquished Him.  Satan and the rebellious angels – spiritual beings of immense wisdom, power and abilities – gave it their best effort, and were cast from the heavenly halls as a result (Revelation 12:7-9).  They didn’t defeat the Lord then, and though they’ve been trying ever since, they still haven’t managed it.  Nor will they. 

And if even the demons can’t overcome God, all the puny efforts of humans certainly won’t.  Mortals have been opposing the Immortal since the beginning of time.  Not a single one has come close to knocking the King from his throne; none have made the slightest advances against him.

This simple truth has profound ramifications – for the world, for our nation, for the Church, for our family, and for each one of us individually.  History – all history – is “His story.”  All of it is God fulfilling his glorious plans for the advancement of his Kingdom and for the benefit of his grace-blessed people.

“The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be,  and as I have purposed, so it will happen.’ … For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:24&27).

Even when it seems like God is losing, he’s actually winning!  There are a multitude of examples of this in the Scriptures, but the most significant one can be seen by looking to the horrific suffering and death of Jesus.  Jesus’ seeming defeat was the most glorious victory in all of history!  (His story!)

The God who controls everything has never lost control.  Never once.  Not even a little.  Nor will he!

God does not weaken or waiver.  He does not get distracted or neglectful.  He is never overwhelmed or overcome.  He is never uncertain or uniformed; no one and nothing has ever “ambushed” God.  No circumstances surprise the All-knowing and Almighty or are beyond his capability to control or conquer.

The Lord’s dominance is such that Satan has to ask God’s permission to afflict God’s people; nothing can or will be done by the enemies of God unless God allows it (Job 1:9-12, 2:4-6).  Any evil that reaches us must go through the Lord’s protective barrier first (Ps. 18:2). 

And if we are afflicted, it’s because God has a loving reason for it (Rom. 8:28) which we may or may not come to understand in this life.  But we will someday (1 Cor. 13:12), and we’ll praise him for his love and wisdom (Rev. 7:9-17).

Why do bad things sometimes happen to God’s people?  We usually don’t understand.  But we know that our God knows, AND we know that he loves us beyond our comprehension! 

We also know that our God is undefeated, therefore we are comforted that things … that we … will be OK because the Lord our Savior is on our team.  That makes us victors too!

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The Simple, Unimaginable, Incredibly Comforting Truth

The Simple, Unimaginable, Incredibly Comforting Truth

Usually I know what I will write about for “Heading to Heaven” when it is time to write it.  Almost always it becomes clear as the week progresses.  But this time around I drew a blank.

Not adding a weekly post certainly wouldn’t be the end of the world … for you or for me.  Still, I wanted to follow through, if possible.  As I contemplated the situation and the potential subject matter, I finally asked myself, “If you wanted to share the one most important thing in simple fashion, what would it be and how would you word it?”

Here’s what I settled upon: you are incredibly loved by God.

This is a simple yet profound truth.  It is summarized beautifully (and simply) in the words of the children’s song: “Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so!”  (And do not doubt that the message applies to adults as well!)

Simple enough.  Simple even as can be.   

But this truth plays out in so many different ways in our lives beyond the cross that the concept becomes complex.  Incomprehensible even. 

David delved into the reality of God’s active involvement and presence in our personal lives – for ALL of our lives.  In the process, David was led to profound awe.  Here are his words.  Read them slowly and dwell on the magnificence of our God!

Psalm 139:1-18
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.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

Do not miss the love of God embedded throughout those words! 

The Lord has been intimately involved in our lives from the moment we began to exist inside our mothers.  He knit us together fearfully and wonderfully in the womb, and he already knew then when he would call us home to him. 

In the meantime, he knows our every thought, the very words we will speak before we speak them, and what we are doing at any given time. 

But so much more than that!  Our Lord surrounds us with his presence – hemming us in “behind and before.”  He is so close that he lays his hand upon us, holding us fast in in his powerful hand … strengthening and stabilizing us, comforting us and guiding us. 

And he never leaves us.  Wherever we may go and whatever situation we may find ourselves in, his loving presence remains with us.

The Apostle Paul describes that abiding love in poetic and majestic fashion:

“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” (Romans 8:35, 37-39).

It’s a love so extensive that the Son of God took our place on the torturous cross so we could join him one day in eternal salvation. 

Why does God take such a personal approach in our lives?  Simply because he loves us!

This simple fact – and all the complex ways God weaves it into our existence – is unimaginable!  Yet Scripture is always true, so this unimaginable concept is undeniable.  Which also makes it incredibly comforting.

“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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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!

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The Master Planner

The Master Planner

I like to think that I’m a fairly practical person who is proficient at making fairly good decisions.  I can plan projects and even anticipate extenuating circumstances.  At least, generally.  I may not be the sharpest hook in the tackle box, but I’m not the dullest either.

By nature, I’m an organizer, thinker, and scheduler.  A planner, and a pretty good one.  Or so I like to tell myself. 

Then the Lord humbles me once again. 

A while back on this very blog, I was lamenting the lack of birds visiting my new bird feeder.  I had erected it in what seemed to me to be the perfect spot – the backyard between the lake and the house.  It was a location that was private, sheltered, and in ready view of all the large windows on that side of the house. 

But the birds seemed reluctant to visit it.  Oh, sure, some came.  But not in proportion to all the birds in our area, or with the variety represented around here either.  “Why not?” I wondered (and I wrote).

Then things took an extremely negative turn.  Canada geese couples with their broods of goslings discovered my “ideally located” feeder, and began swimming right up to our shore and waddling the entire family under the seed-packed outfit.  Yes, it was cute at first.  Until I discovered how many “deposits” multiple goose families leave behind on the lawn!  AND they scared away the limited and more desirable smaller visitors.

After chasing away the geese multiple times a day … no doubt to the supreme entertainment of our neighbors … I began to realize I may need to switch plans.  But I’ve never been a quitter, so I researched ways to keep geese out of one’s yard.  I promptly strung lines with multiple reflectors attached across our entire shoreline.  Pleased with myself, I resumed my other planned activities for the day. 

Remember that expression about the best-laid plans?

30 minutes later, I was chasing a family of 8 geese away from the feeder, across my goose-dropping-peppered lawn, and back toward the lake.  They nimbly stepped over the line and reflectors and splashed into the water … honking their annoyance with me the entire way.

My plans changed immediately.  Not only in regard to where the birdfeeder should be mounted, but also about how I would be spending my next free moments.

I moved my fancy feeder to the front yard.  There are smaller viewing windows on that side of the house, but there are more trees in the vicinity, which definitely makes the smaller birdies more comfortable.  And the geese aren’t bold enough to travel that far away from the lake.  (Although two drake mallards are regular visitors.)

The transition has been a smashing success.

The expected sparrows, finches, and chickadees now make appearances … as well as the colorful bluejays and cardinals.  The regulars from the back still swoop in – grackles, red-wing blackbirds, and mourning doves.  We’ve even spotted pileated woodpeckers clinging tenaciously to the apparatus, popping aggressively away at the woodpecker blocks mounted on both ends.

Additional critters routinely seen scouring the grass below are the requisite squirrels, as well as chipmunks and even rabbits.  It’s not uncommon to view a vast smorgasbord of wildlife gorging themselves together on and under the feeder.

Who would have known?

Well, certainly not the “great planner” that is me!  However, the Great Planner that is God knew exactly what was needed and where.  And he guided the entire process.

Perhaps you will argue that the Lord does not involve himself in such mundane aspects of our lives like the proper placement of a birdfeeder.  I am convinced that he does! 

I have personally experienced God’s guiding and blessing hand too many times … certainly in significant matters, but even in the simplest ones!  Sometimes especially in the simplest ones!  I believe that these are the Lord’s loving reminders to us of how astonishing he is, how aware he is, and how present and providing he is even in our day-to-day lives.

Zophar posed these searching questions to Job: “Can you fathom the mysteries of God?  Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?  They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?  Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea” (Job 11:7-9).

In other words, our God is astounding and completely beyond our comprehension! 

We consistently short-change God by underestimating his abilities, and his involvement in our lives.  Like him making it clear where the bird feeder should be placed.  And so many other incidental and monumental details in our complicated (to us, but not to God!) lives.

Solomon makes these points: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).  “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

Which is why the wise king urges us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

So certainly make your plans with prayer, to the honor of God and to the best of your ability.  Sometimes God moves us immediately into his planned path.  But also be ready to pivot if your plans implode, because sometimes the Lord lets us struggle a bit to remind us who is really in control. 

And thanks be to God that He is, and not us!

All of which underscores how we can and should rely upon our all-knowing and almighty God.  His plans are always perfect … even if they initially seem far from it. 

The more we learn to lean upon our God and his loving plans, the more profound our peace.  And that’s just another blessing the Lord brings us when we trust him, the true Master Planner.

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!

An Invisible Reality – A Story

An Invisible Reality – A Story

It was a typical spring day – somewhat hazy with a threat of rain.  Bobby was making a quick run to the grocery store to pick up some dinner supplies.  He was 43 years old and married, with three children he adored … a son and two young daughters.   He was also active in his Christian church, both in attendance and service.

But Bobby’s “luck” that day was bad and his timing “poor.”  At an intersection a half-mile from his destination, a garbage truck’s brakes suddenly failed.  The frantic driver had little opportunity to react; he tried to activate the emergency brake while desperately honking his horn as the 20-ton truck blew through the stop sign and into the intersection.

Bobby saw it coming … but too late.  In that dreadful instant, he knew he was about to be broadsided by a massive amount of steel.  “Why, Lord?!” flashed through his mind before the brilliant explosion of lights that led to darkness.

How long he drifted in that state, he didn’t know.  But eventually his mind’s eyes came into focus upon a being of exquisite splendor. 

Man-like in appearance, he was tall, muscled, and … commanding, would perhaps be the appropriate adjective.  His hair was brown, wavy and hung loosely over his shoulders.  His eyes were a piercing brown and his clean face presented a handsome but rugged cast.  Two beige wings were folded tightly behind him … their tops framing his head.  He was dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting, white linens.  A golden glow emanated from his entire being.

“I am Jonrus,” he stated.  “I’ve been sent by the Exalted One to make visible to you what is usually invisible in the physical world.”  His piercing eyes stared at Bobby.  “Most who ask ‘why’ don’t get an immediate answer.  However, the Lord wants you to understand and to share.”

The angel continued to stare.  Bobby gulped.  What could he say?  And dare he even speak at all?  Finally, he stammered, “I’ll be honored to see whatever you reveal to me.”

“I will show you the simple view.  When you include all the other Christians, this becomes extremely complex and would be too difficult for you to glean anything from it.  So we’ll limit your observation to one person.  Her name is Sally.  She’s a real person in the real world.”

The angel stepped to Bobby’s side and swung around to face the same direction.  There before them was a middle-aged woman walking briskly.  Her surroundings were undefined, though they altered as she moved along.  Sally always remained in focus, but what was around her appeared blurry. 

Bobby was intrigued to see silver, cross-shaped lights gleaming from her chest and her head.

“This is the first view,” the angel said.  “You are about to witness a series of spiritual attacks on this godly woman.  They’ll be pictured as animals to better enable you to grasp their size and seriousness.”

Suddenly, a circle of light appeared near Sally.  There, illuminated for Bobby to clearly see, was a large gray rat.  It was skittering its way to the poor woman; the two were clearly on a collision course.  The views converged and Sally screamed in her shock at the sight of the rodent.  Shifty and quick, the rat dashed around her several times, and then dodged back and forth in front of her.  Sally recoiled in horror.  And suddenly the rat was gone.

The woman took a moment to recuperate, breathed deeply, and resumed her journey.  Little did she know that her path was about to intersect with a skunk.  It waddled into her view where it settled on its haunches before her and eyed her suspiciously for the longest time.  She didn’t move, other than to cover her mouth and nose with her hands.  The noxious creature stood on all fours, and haughtily spun around.  “No!” the woman cried out.  And suddenly the skunk disappeared.

No sooner was the skunk gone when a coyote skulked into her presence … his fur bristling and snarls pouring out of his toothy mouth.  As Sally backed away, the coyote took threatening steps toward her.  This dance continued for some time, the besieged woman backing away and the nasty creature boldly advancing, drawing closer and closer to her.  Then the inevitable happened; the coyote lunged forward … and he was gone.

Poor Sally was shaking.  Eventually she gathered herself and began walking (somewhat unsteadily) again.  Bobby gasped; he saw the hyena coming.  “Jonrus, no!”

“Watch,” the angel replied.

The hyena trotted toward Sally in the strange gait produced by its longer front legs.  Clearly, it had bad intentions for the Christian woman before him.  When the ugly brute burst into her bubble, Sally shrieked.  “Oh, Lord!  Please not this!”  Aggressively, the animal lunged at her again and again.  Sally was terrified … her eyes wide and her mouth screaming at every new approach.  Even so, she was astounded that she wasn’t feeling the hyena’s teeth.  And then the hyena was no more. 

Sally collapsed to the ground, sobbing.  “Lord, no more!  Please!  I don’t think I can take any more!” 

That’s when the grizzly stepped into view.  Huge and ferocious, it towered over the cowering woman.  Not content with that, the massive bear stood up on its back legs, rolling its head back and forth as it roared its defiance and challenge.  Sally curled into a fetal ball, anticipating the devastation about to ruin her life.  “Help me, dear Jesus!  Please help me!”  The bear dropped to all fours and brazenly approached the huddled woman.  This would be easy pickings.  He nudged her roughly with his snout, then opened his mouth to tear into her, saliva dribbling down.  And he vanished.

Bobby was crying along with Sally.  “That poor woman!” 

Jonrus answered, “She is just experiencing the spiritual attacks that every believer endures sooner or later.  Including you.”

He paused.  “Now I will show you the second view.  Look.”

The initial view of the walking Sally reappeared.  However, this time the view was expanded to include a wider area and to reveal what had previously been unseen.  Angels surrounded Sally!  And not just immediately around her, but ranks upon ranks as far as Bobby could see!

In astonishment, Bobby watched as the spiritual attacks approached Sally.  The lines of angels separated seamlessly around the animals … opening before them and closing immediately behind them!  The aggressors were constantly surrounded by countless sword and spear-bearing warriors.  Not only did the angels keep them in place, but they effectively pushed the attackers toward Sally. 

“Why?” Bobby demanded. 

“The why question again?  You should close your mouth and open your eyes and you will see and understand,” Jonrus stated, not unkindly.  “All will be made clear soon.”

As the attackers entered Sally’s presence, the angels continued to maintain their close presence to both the aggressors and the woman.  The attack continued unabated until the angels’ weapons flashed a brilliant gold.  Immediately the warriors acted.

The rat was dispatched with a lightening quick foot stomp.  The skunk was flipped into the air by a sword and swatted away by other swords down the line with amazing coordination until it was finally skewered.  The coyote was clubbed simultaneously by every spear handle within reach.  The hyena was pinned to the ground by multiple spear points. 

Bobby observed it all in awestruck wonder. 

Finally, it was time for the bear attack.  He watched as the grizzly was herded toward Sally.  It tried repeatedly to break away from the angels, lashing out repeatedly.  The angels deftly deflected his blows and remain unmoved from their positions.  The bear advanced until it was face-to-face with the distraught woman. 

Suddenly, with a brilliant explosion of light, Jesus appeared at Sally’s side.  Bobby gasped.  “He’s always present for the fiercest attacks,” Jonrus stated, with clear adulation in his voice. 

Jesus stood over Sally, smiling lovingly.  As the bear opened his mouth over the huddled woman, Jesus’ unsheathed a gleaming sword and decapitated it in a blindingly fast manner.  Jesus knelt down and kissed Sally gently on the forehead.  With another flash, he was gone.

The immensity of what he had seen settled over Bobby.  Both he and Jonrus were quiet for a moment.  Finally, Bobby said, “I’m sorry.  I know I’m not supposed to ask …“

“But why?” Jonrus finished for him.

“Yes!”

“It is time for the third view.” Again, everything was repeated.  Sally, the angels, the attackers … it was all visible.  But now Bobby noticed something that hadn’t been revealed before.

During each attack, varied-colored spheres drifted down from heaven … the size comparable to the size of the attacker.  Bobby recognized intuitively that these were God’s blessings.  Some settled in Sally’s head; some in her heart; some rested on her shoulders for future blessing.

And each one produced a greater, brighter cross-light wherever it landed.  

Jonrus spoke.  “These attacks rise from the very pit of hell.  Sometimes the Lord allows them to reach his children.  But only the ones that the Lord knows that person needs … and only because the Lord in his love is bringing spiritual blessings through them.  Sometimes believers come to recognize the blessings on earth; sometimes they don’t recognize them until they arrive at their heavenly home.”

The angel turned to face Bobby.  “This is why spiritual attacks occur – so the Lord can bring blessings that wouldn’t be realized otherwise.  And the Lord does not allow his people to ever face these attacks alone.”

Bobby was speechless; tears of wonder and joy poured down his cheeks. 

“One more thing,” the angel stated.  “You will be spared from great harm because of your accident.  Just some of the blessings the Lord is bringing through it is that the doctor who worked on you is astounded you weren’t more seriously injured, and is reconsidering his view of God.”

“Also, precautionary tests taken following the crash revealed a medical issue you need to know about.  It’s not serious now, but it would be later if not discovered.  And it wouldn’t have been discovered if not for the accident.”

“There are many other blessings being brought to you through this attack as well … not the least of which is that you were given a view of the invisible reality.  Treasure it.  Share it.  Celebrate it!”

Jonrus was gone, as was Bobby’s view of the unseen spiritual world.  His eyes opened to once again see the seen, but his view of it was never the same.

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2 Kings 6:10-17
So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”

“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

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Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)

Chris Tomlin

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still
Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear (whom shall I fear)
Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I’m holding on to Your promises
You are faithful, You are faithful

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

Songwriters: Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Scott Mctyeire Cash.

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!

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Not Asking for Much

Not Asking for Much

“Lord, give me answers, and give them to me NOW!”

I know that’s not the way the expression goes.  But it seems to me that “answers” could definitely be substituted for “patience.”  We may actually be more insistent on getting answers than gaining patience.  In fact, we are typically extremely impatient when we don’t have the answers we seek.

I’m not referring to doctrinal or theological answers.  My observation is that most Christians active in their churches are comfortable with most of the tenets of their congregation and/or church body.  The Bible is quite straightforward and clear.  If one knows the Book, they also know the true God and the truths He shares. 

It’s generally not God’s essence and divine characteristics that trip up believers. Nor is it matters such as morality, conversion, redemption, forgiveness, providence and salvation that causes God’s devout people issues.  Even those areas where God’s Word doesn’t provide more specifics don’t usually cause us problems. Nor do we typically obsess about the distant future.

Rather, it’s the uncertainty of tomorrow! 

It’s all the immediate unanswered questions that plague our lives.  What will happen in this situation?  What will he or she or they do?  What should I do?  What should I say?  How will this huge unresolved unknown play out?  And when?  Where will things stand in a week?

“Lord, I’m not asking for much.  Just give me the answers.  And give them to me NOW!  Then I can finally find peace.”

No, friend!  The path to true peace is not found in answers to the immediate dilemmas.  It’s found in the faithfulness of our good and loving God!

This is precisely what Jesus told his disciples and what he tells us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives [which cannot provide true peace!]. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Keep in mind that when Jesus spoke these words, it was the very day he would be taken away by the mob.  It was a highly emotional time when the disciples had multiple and significant unanswered questions.  The Lord had been preparing them for his suffering, death and departure, and the eleven had no idea how this could be or what this meant for them. 

So Jesus showed them the source of peace; “my peace I give you.”

Not that the apostles understood this truth at that moment or were able to apply it properly.  Nevertheless, Jesus gave them the key.  The Answer to the unanswered questions is … Jesus!  That is, trusting Jesus to take care of the uncertainties in their lives and their future. 

And Jesus is the Answer to our unanswered questions too!

Most Christians will verbally acknowledge this as truth.  However, saying something doesn’t automatically mean believing something.  There is often a disconnect between words and actions.  Especially in regard to trusting the Lord.  And especially when there is so much uncertainty in our lives!

Our approach to the unknown is typically similar to Thomas (whom we typically castigate for doubting that the Lord was risen!) … “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

But that’s not believing at all!  That’s merely documenting the visible and physical facts.  The Bible defines faith (trust!) in this way: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do NOT see” (Hebrews 11:1).

Having confidence and assurance that the Lord will work out the details of our tomorrows is extremely challenging for us who want tomorrow’s details today.  (Which we maintain would give us peace, but it wouldn’t because there will always be more uncertainties on the horizon!)

Again, peace will only be experienced regarding our life questions when we trust Jesus, the Answer, to provide them.  The more we trust Him, the more peace we have!  Regardless of the number or immensity of our unanswered questions.

It’s no accident that the Holy Spirit gives us this encouragement through Peter: “Cast all your anxiety on [the Lord] because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).  The illustration is striking!  The act of casting something causes it to leave our person.  And the heavy and burdensome item God urges us to cast upon him … the almighty, all-knowing and loving Lord … is our anxiety!  Because when we do, the burden is lost and peace is found.

Is this easy?  No.  Is it necessary?  Yes.  Is it beneficial to our frame of mind and our view of the future?  Absolutely!

The degree of difficulty in doing this, and the blessings in doing so, are attested to by the incredible volume of passages in the Scriptures which urge us to trust in the Lord.  So give your unanswered questions to God … and don’t take them back again!  He can (and will!) handle the uncertainties much better than us, because there are no uncertainties for him, and there is nothing beyond his capabilities to handle.

As the father of the demon-possessed boy said to Jesus when asking him to free his son, so say we: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).  Because the more we trust our Savior, the more we will find ourselves freed as well.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).  “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

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Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,  and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 37 – selected
3 Trust in the Lord …. 4 Take delight in the Lord,  and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord;  trust in him and he will do this … 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

Joshua 1:9
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.”

 Romans 8:28 & 32
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him … He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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!

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No Way!

No Way!

What do all of the following have in common?

The 2020 pandemic, rioting in the Pacific Northwest and in Washington DC, the presidential election, and war in Ukraine.

Garbage removal, yard care, snow shoveling, obnoxious music blaring loudly from car speakers, semi-truck drivers, commercial airplane pilots, championship trophies and cell phones.

Fishing, hunting, hiking, vacationing, flying in a plane, treasure hunting, and driving a Mustang GT.

The cosmos, mountains, oceans, lakes, sunshine, rain and snow.

Wolverines, dogs, giraffes, rabbits, rats, eagles, crows and hummingbirds.

Falling, tearing muscles, homesickness, an escaped dog, stolen plums, priorities, goodbyes, moving, unpacking and settling.

Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Lent, Good Friday, and Easter.

Christian numerology, spiritual warfare, spiritual health, self-esteem, faith, trust, hope, peace, joy, providence, angels and heaven.

What could all these disparate items have in common?  There’s no way there could be a connection between so many different things!

Well … actually there are several.

The first connection is that over the past four years I have written about each of these at least once in this blog. 

Monday, April 22, marks the 4th anniversary of Heading to Heaven.  It seems incomprehensible that four full years have passed since I timidly and tentatively began this venture.  In complete honesty, there was no way that I ever would have imagined beginning such an endeavor!  It wasn’t even “on my radar.”  I only tackled it because the Lord laid it on my heart to do so during the many restrictions of COVID. 

And there’s absolutely no way that this blog continues to exist and prosper.  No way I’ve covered so many different topics.  Yet this is my 212th post – a new offering almost every Saturday over the past 48 months.  Almost 20 of the posts were original stories on spiritual matters.  (If interested in reading or re-reading them, you can find them in the sidebar of the site under the Archive category called “Allegories and Stories.”  In fact, all of the posts can be found there under various categories.)

The other connection … the much more important connection … that all the different topics mentioned at the top of this post share is this: our God is over them all and in control of them all.

This is no small thing!  Our loving Lord is fully aware of and actively involved in every detail of our personal lives – physically, materially and spiritually.  And not only our lives, but our family’s lives, our church’s ministry, and our city and world’s welfare!

“The Son [Jesus!] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him …” (Colossians 1:15-19)

There’s no way we can wrap our minds around this, but it’s true nonetheless.  And it demonstrates the magnificence of our God.  This fosters awe in us.  This is also the source of tremendous comfort.  The awesome, unimaginably supreme and magnificent God loves us, died and lives again for us, and is intimately involved in our day-to-day well-being.

No way!  Yes, way!

Thank you, dear Lord!

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It is my prayer every week that “Heading to Heaven” will bless someone somewhere at some time in some way.  As the byline states, my goal is that the words shared provide “encouragement now until we get where we’re going.” 

I pray this blog has blessed you at some point.  I know I have been blessed through my preparation and writing each week, and I have been encouraged by everyone who has read a post, and especially by those who have subscribed and those who have commented.  A sincere thank you to you all.

And thanks be to our gracious God.  Truly, all glory goes to Him for anything good that has come from this endeavor!  There’s no way this blog exists or encourages anyone without Him and his comforting truths. 

If you don’t already subscribe to the blog, please consider doing so.  Subscribing is free, and brings each new post directly to your email box.  Perhaps something I share will arrive at just the right time and encourage you?  Every new subscriber really is an encouragement to me.  If you are inclined to follow this blog, I would be honored.  The info on how to do so is immediately below.

Embarking on year 5?  No way!  But yes, here we go.  I invite you to share the journey with me.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Psalm 89:1-2, 5-8
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?

Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.

Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds 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!

Who Is Like Our God?

Who Is Like Our God?

The text was unexpected, as was the question posed in it.  I was stunned when I read it.  It was from my son, a new father for the fourth time. 

Here’s a paraphrase of his message: 

“Hey Dad, I’m catching up on things and saw that the blog you shared on February 24 was titled, “Hope Springs Eternal.”  If the date on it is correct, it would have been released on the day Hope (his newborn daughter) was born.  Was that coincidence or deliberate?”

And here was my reply:

“That was providential!  I knew you were at the hospital, but Hope wasn’t born yet.  Nor did I even know that was your chosen name for a girl.”

In fact, I didn’t even know she would be a girl!  Nobody but perhaps a few medical personnel who saw the ultrasounds knew the gender – by special request of my son and daughter-in-law.  The new parents wanted to be surprised.

And surprised they were.  A girl after three boys!

Then the wonder was compounded when it was discovered I inadvertently used her name in the title of that morning’s blog … AND discussed the very meaning of her name in the article!

Perhaps even more startling, no one made the connection – not even me! – until Hope’s father finally had a chance to pull up his email. But when noticed, it was striking.

God had done an extraordinary God-thing once again!

The internet isn’t big enough to contain all the examples of the Lord doing incredible things for me … and sending incredible messages to me … during my stumbling stroll through life. 

Like the miraculous events – multiple times! – that kept me from inadvertently injuring myself seriously or snuffing out my life altogether during the false security of my youthful conviction that I was immortal.

Or the out-of-the-blue phone call offering me my dream summer job when I was a teen, which I subsequently worked multiple summers.

Or the time I nursed a struggling car into the first parking lot available on a trip many states from home, only to discover it was the parking lot of a mechanic who just happened to be there on a Saturday when he normally wasn’t, and who fixed the car in only hours.

Or the unsolicited phone call from a dear lady in the congregation made simply to thank me for being her pastor and to tell me I was doing a great job at a time when I was privately quite discouraged.  (Clearly she was moved by God to punch in my number and pass on that message that day!)

Not to mention the countless times the Lord sent me just the passage I needed … or an unexpected visual during the normal routine of life … to reassure me that He was with me and working for me and that all would be well.

The list could go on-and-on.  And I am confident that your list of similar experiences could too! With minimal thought, every believer can look back on a long list of God’s interventions – of times of miraculous provision and protection, of unexpected epiphanies and astounding blessings. 

It’s what God has already done for us; it’s what God will continue to do for us!

Which leaves us praising our Lord in awe, as did Moses, Miriam and the Israelites after the Lord brought them through the Red Sea on dry land, only to have the waters come crashing down on the Egyptian army pursuing them: “Who among the gods is like you, Lord?  Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11)

Are you discouraged; disheartened; even despairing?  Exhausted to the extreme; weak and worn down?  Uncertain in current circumstances and searching for clarity?  Unsure how to proceed?  Feeling isolated or even abandoned?  Relationship quandaries?  Health issues?  Financial challenges?  Struggling in life in any way?

You have a wonder-working God who is always with you, who always loves you, who is always fighting for you, who is always working everything for your good, and who still does miracles!  Even today.  Even in your and my life! 

He’s a God who created and controls everything in the cosmos, yet who knows you personally and fully.  A God who is aware of every minute detail in this busy world, yet who is actively engaged in your life and who is intricately involved in caring for you … someone whom he loves with all his heart and blesses in infinite ways.  Sometimes even … (especially!) … through incredibly tough times!

Who is like our God – the God who brought Baby Hope into the world and the God of our hope?  The God who sees to it that an article about hope is unknowingly shared on a day Hope is born?

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, [a poetic name for God’s people], who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:26-27).

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Isaiah 44:6-8
“This is what the Lord says — Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. … Do not tremble, do not be afraid. … Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”  (Isaiah 44)

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.  (Micah 7:18-19)

Psalm 89:1-2, 5-9
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. … The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. 

Psalm 113:1-6
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?  (Psalm 113)

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!

A Thoughtful Reflection at a Significant Time

A Thoughtful Reflection at a Significant Time

This weekend marks my 60th birthday AND my 199th Heading to Heaven post. 

Neither of those events are probably all that significant to you.  But they are to me.  I’m honestly not sure which is less likely: to have reached 60 years old or to have shared almost 200 posts over the past 3 ¾ years. 

Those who know me well know that I was a wild one when I was young.  Not immorally wild, but risk-taker wild.  It is not an exaggeration to state that I should have been killed multiple times due to some of my adventurous and impetuous decisions.  Yet, here I am.

Nor was it ever an expectation of mine to share a weekly blog for almost four years.  Not in my wildest dreams.  Yet, here it is … with great thanks to all who follow this website and read its posts.

Neither of these significant (to me) events would have happened were it not for our faithful God. 

And as I considered what to share in this post to mark both (significant?) occasions, I really wanted to share something … significant.  I prayed about it and pondered it.  The conclusion I drew crystallized quickly and clearly: our awesome Lord is always faithful. 

You nod your head and think, “Well, of course he is!  I already know that.”  But when was the last time you really considered this attribute of God?

The Lord is many wonderful and incredible things, certainly.  But perhaps the very best of them (at least in regard to his dealing with us) is summarized with that all-encompassing adjective “faithful.”

It’s a description of God that is used often in the Scriptures … and especially in the hymns of God’s Old Testament people (the psalms).  Over-and-over-again the Lord is praised for his faithfulness.  In fact, one of the refrains used repeatedly in the psalms are these words: “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies” (Psalm 36:5).

Not only is the concept of God’s faithfulness rejoiced in, but the extent of the concept is as well!  The Lord’s “faithfulness reaches to the skies” (Ps. 36:5), “continues through all generations” (Ps. 100:5), and, in fact, “endures forever!” (Ps. 117:2).  He is “a compassionate and gracious God, … abounding in love and faithfulness” (Ps. 86:15), and “faithful in all he does” (Ps. 33:4).

Of course, the ultimate example of God’s faithfulness was literally embodied in the incarnate Jesus. 

In his birth: “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” (Galatians 4:4-5).

In his death: “… [Jesus] was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6).

In his resurrection from the dead: “God … raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:24-25).

And in his ascension, resuming his heavenly reign, and his ultimate return … as Jesus himself said: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

Faithfulness throughout!  From the Lord’s first promise of the Savior in the Garden of Eden to the fulfillment of that promise in Jesus to the moment when God’s believers are ushered into heaven … God is faithful.  Always faithful.  Were he not, we would not be saved.

This is incredible!  But God’s faithfulness isn’t reserved only for our redemption and salvation.

It extends to our physical lives as well, impacting us on a daily level.

We wake up each morning, our heart beating and our body functioning, because God is faithful.  We climb out of our beds in homes God has provided, get dressed in clothes God has given, and eat breakfasts God has supplied … all because of his faithfulness.  And our day is just beginning! 

If only we open our spiritual eyes, we see the bounty of God’s faithfulness all around us all day long, every single day.

Even in the confusion of our uncertainty and the deep dark of our difficulties, our Lord is faithful.  His inspired Word assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).  And who doesn’t need that comfort now and again?

Many were the times I floundered through the dreary valley of extreme challenges – wondering, struggling, seeking, longing, praying – only to emerge in the Son-light and find Jesus smiling at me, and to realize in astonishment that he had been faithfully holding my hand and leading me all along (Mt. 28:20).  I suspect you have experienced the same.

Our God is eternally and extraordinarily faithful.  It’s who he is!  This is true in hugely important things … and in seemingly insignificant ones.  The events of our lives are all tied together in a lovely and loving chain of God’s faithfulness.

60 years.  199 posts.  Those benchmarks occurred only because the Lord is faithful.  The same is true of every other “accomplishment” and blessing I … or you! … have ever experienced.

Indeed, “your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies” (Psalm 36:5).

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Psalm 89 – selected verses
1 I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

5 The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. 6 For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? 7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. 8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

13 Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. 17 For you are their glory and strength …

52 Praise be to the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.

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!

Future Good Fortune!

Future Good Fortune!

A few months ago I put out a request for suggestions for topics to address in this blog.  Here is one of the suggestions that came in.  I pray it brings blessings to you!

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It wasn’t really a part of either my wife’s or my upbringing in the Midwest, but while out in the Pacific Northwest we learned to enjoy Asian cuisine.  We’ve brought that appreciation back to the Midwest, and make a point to stop in now-and-then at a (relatively) nearby Chinese buffet.  

Any readers who share a similar appreciation for this type of food know that one of the bonuses of such a meal is having “fortune cookies” delivered to your table along with your bill.  It’s always mandatory to break your cookie open and discover the interesting message delivered to you regarding your personal life.

Perhaps surprising to American consumers, fortune cookies aren’t typically found in Japan or China.  They seem to be a distinctly American tradition which has now transitioned to some other countries … but generally not Asia.

There is great debate on the actual inventor of the cookie as we know it.  The concept apparently originated in Japan, but the cookie took a different form … both in ingredients and presentation of the messages.  The originals were called “fortune crackers” and had the message tucked into the fold on the outside.

It seems Japanese immigrants brought the fortune crackers to California in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  There is great debate on exactly where and who originated the fortune cookie as we know it, with immigrant-based companies in both San Francisco and Las Angelas claiming the honor. 

Ironically however, it was during World War 2 that the cookies began to gain popularity.  In the sad chapter of American history of mandated Japanese internment, Chinese American entrepreneurs jumped at the opportunity to capture the fortune cookie market. 

And capture it they did!  Today “fortune cookies remain a massive business.  New York-based Wonton Food, the largest fortune-cookie producer, manufactures more than 4 million of them daily, with an estimated 3 billion cookies produced annually” (www.history.com). 

This might also be a good time and place to share with you the proper fortune cookie etiquette. When your table is served cookies, it is said that one should always pick the one that is furthest away.  After reading the fortune inside, never tell anyone what it says and never rip it.  (Supposedly, either action voids the “prophesy.”)  Rather, to lock that fortune in … burn it!

I doubt too many people take fortune cookies predictions or advice too seriously.  Most seem to regard the messages in the cookies as an enjoyable but temporary diversion.  However, the temptation is always there to somehow, someway gain special, seemingly unknowable insights into one’s life.

I was initially glad to read an online article on fortune cookies which stated that the likelihood of the “fortunes” in the cookies coming true was rather dubious.  But I was immediately deflated with the advice that followed which suggested that horoscopes or professional fortune tellers might be more reliable sources to discern one’s future.

The Lord speaks strongly in his Word about seeking hidden knowledge – that is, information about one’s present or future that God has not revealed to us – from nefarious sources.  He also shows us where we are to look for wisdom – God and His Word!  (Deut. 18:14-15, Is. 8:19-20).

There are things that the Lord does not reveal to us; things we are simply not meant to know.  However, there is a Bible-full of truths that God does want us to know and to treasure.  God’s “fortune messages” are much more comforting, encouraging and important than anything to be found in a cookie!

Here are a few “fortunes” promised by God that mean a great deal to me:

“I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34).

“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”  (Romans 8:32).

Then there is Jesus, the Son’s, promise: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26-27).

And yet another promise from our Savior: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The almighty Lord also assures us that “… in all things God works for the good of those who love him …” (Romans 8:28).

Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

There are so many, many more!  But here’s perhaps the most encompassing and comforting promise of all from our God: “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).

Looking for future good fortune as we begin a new year?   Opening God’s Bible will always be a far better source of advice, assurance and truth than opening any hollow vanilla-flavored cookie!

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Here’s a few fun fortune-cookie messages regarding fortune cookies:

Help! I am being held prisoner in a fortune cookie factory.

It’s about time I got out of that cookie.

A foolish man listens to his heart. A wise man listens to cookies.

Some men dream of fortunes, others dream of cookies.

Person who eat fortune cookie get lousy dessert.

You will live long enough to open many fortune cookies.

The fortune you seek is in another cookie.

Here are a few interesting fortune-cookie suggestions for life:

Atheism no fun. No holidays.

Do not mistake temptation for opportunity.

Your reality check about to bounce.

A conclusion is simply the place where you got tired of thinking.

He who throws mud loses ground.

Probability of being seen directly proportional to stupidity of act.

Easiest way to find lost object is buy replacement.

When marriage outlawed, only outlaws have in-laws.

Smart husband buys wife fine china. Then she not trust him to wash it.

He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.

If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving not for you.

The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

He who dies with most toys, still dies.

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