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Another Doorway

Another Doorway

June 11th marks my final day as the pastor at the congregation I have been serving for over 30 years.  The day will essentially be a passage through a doorway from one “place” into an entirely different one.  It’s a significant transition … and by no means an easy one.  But it is also a necessary and good one.

This story is dedicated to my family, to the wonderful people at St. Paul’s I’ve had the privilege of serving for over three decades, and to the wonderful people I will be serving at St. John’s and Faith … all of whom are currently transitioning through large doorways.

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Jordan paused and slid his hands in his front pockets.  He’d been focusing on the massive doorway before him for some time now.  Now it was close … too close for comfort.  Yet his pathway led to that door, and he knew he had to walk through it.  But that didn’t necessarily mean he was comfortable with the idea.

He stood at a distance, contemplating the significance of it.  On this side of the door was the life he knew and had grown comfortable with; on the other side waited an entirely different scenario.  New surroundings.  New people.  New situations.  New blessings certainly, but also new challenges. 

How could one not experience a bit of trepidation at so great a transition?  Who doesn’t hesitate when facing such a significant adjustment to their life?  Jordan stood and stared at the yawning portal of change.  An involuntary shudder passed through him.

“Yes, it’s a bit daunting, isn’t it?” said an unexpected voice from the shadows to his side.  Jordan started, and spun toward the sound.  There, seated on a bench beneath the mighty bows of a cedar tree, sat an elderly man. 

His legs were crossed and his hands rested comfortably on the top leg.  He was dressed in casual slacks and a buttoned flannel shirt … the muted colors of his clothes blending into the shadows cast by the tree.  His gray hair hung down to his shoulders; a shaggy beard obscured the lower part of his face.  Still, Jordan could see his warm smile.

“I’m sorry.  You startled me,” Jordan stated.  

“Yes, I generally do,” the old man replied.  “Most don’t notice me.  They are focusing on the large doorway before them.”  He smiled again.  “Just like you.”

“Who are you?” Jordan asked.

“Think of me as just an old man who has traveled through his share of doors over time.  You can call me Vance.  I’m here to help folks like you facing huge doorways like that one in front of you.”

Jordan raised his eyebrows and tilted his head.  “Really?  Did someone place you here or do you do this willingly?”

“Both,” the old man replied enigmatically.  He raised his hands and beckoned Jordan toward him.  “Why don’t you join me for just a little bit?”

Jordan hesitated, but Vance’s smile seemed warm and genuine, so he stepped over and took a seat beside the old man.  The scent of cedar surrounded them.

Vance let Jordan settle and relax.  The old man continued to face forward, looking across the path and humming a quiet tune.  Finally, Jordan spoke.  “How exactly do you help people here?  It seems to me that people simply have to forge forward through these different doorways … as substantial and as unsettling as that may be.”

“You’re right, of course.  Finally, that is what has to happen.”  Vance turned toward Jordan.  His warm smile returned, then he continued.  “I’m simply here to provide some perspective and to reassure.”

“I could see how that might be helpful,” Jordan responded softly.  “And I could probably use both.”

Vance nodded.  He waited a beat and then asked gently, “So tell me what you understand about the doorways of life.”

Jordan collected his thoughts before replying.  “Well, there are many, many doorways, and they are all different sizes.  Most are smaller and somewhat insignificant.  But some are larger.  Even very large, like the one before me now.  They are the life-altering ones.”

“Well said,” the bearded man responded.  His eyes narrowed as he continued.  “Why are the large doors so difficult?”

“Because you are moving from what you know to what you don’t really know.”

“Yes, that’s very true; that’s a significant factor.  We’ll come back to this in a moment.”  The grizzled gentleman lifted his arm and gently squeezed Jordan’s shoulder.  “But there’s another reason though, isn’t there?  A harder reason.  A reason so painful it’s difficult to state.”

The unanticipated words pulled a sudden wave of emotion to the shore of Jordan’s awareness, and he tried to swallow the sob that flowed from his heart.  Tears welled in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks.  Vance’s hand squeezed his shoulder yet again.  Jordan forced himself to say it, his voice breaking.  “It’s the people on this side of the door.  I care about them so much.”

“Yes, I know.”  Vance paused, his own brown eyes glistening.  “And the sad truth is that you won’t physically see some of those dear people on the other side of that door.  But they are in your heart.  They will always be in your heart, and your heart goes with you through that door.  So they go with you too.”

“The good news is that you will see many of those good people again on the other side of that door.  With the Lord’s blessing and just a little bit of effort, it will happen.  Furthermore, there are scores of other wonderful people eager to meet you on the path ahead.”

Vance grinned and even chuckled.  “And here’s the best news of all.  At the end of your pathway of multiple doors lies the last and greatest doorway of all.  It’s the one that leads you into the Lord’s Land … the heavenly home that you live for and long for.  And every Christian you know will arrive there one day, no matter how many doorways back you knew them on your life path.”

Jordan’s tears flowed freely now.  But they sprang from hope and not sadness.  Finally he managed to utter, “Thank you.”

Eventually, Jordan managed to collect himself.  Vance pushed off the bench with his hands and slowly raised himself to his feet.  “Come.  It’s time to pass through this door.  I’ll keep you company until you get there.”

Jordan stood and made his way back to the path.  The old man shuffled along beside him, softly humming a light-hearted song.  Their steps drew them inexorably to the looming gateway.  Jordan stopped and turned to the man.  “Thank you for encouraging me.  You really were very helpful.”  The aged man nodded solemnly. 

Jordan faced the opening, steeled himself, and began to take the first step that would usher him to the other side when he stopped and rotated back to Vance.  “Wait!  You said we’d come back to the part about entering a place that is largely unknown, but we never did.”

The bearded man broke into a grin.  “I was sure you’d bring it back up.”  He wrapped his arm around Jordan and gently turned him around.  There, immediately behind him, stood Jesus … barely visible, but clearly seen.  Jesus’ hands were clasped behind his back and he gazed at Jordan with boundless love.

Jordan gasped, and new tears streamed down.  “He has always been there with you,” Vance informed him.  “More importantly at this point,” the old-timer stated, firmly rotating Jordan so he looked through the opening to the other side, “look ahead of you.”  There stood Jesus yet again, with the same loving expression. “Just as he has been with you, so he always will be with you.” 

“Though you are transitioning to a new place in your life, God goes with you!”  Vance clapped him softly on the back.  “And that’s what makes the journey not only bearable, but blessed.  Go with God, Jordan.  All will be well.”

It was only after he had passed through the opening that Jordan realized with a jolt that he had never told the old man his name.

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Deuteronomy 31:6-8 (selected)  “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified …, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. … Be strong and courageous, for you must go … into the land that the Lord … [gives you] …. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

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Flying Blind?

Flying Blind?

This is a time that demands trust – in the congregation I’ve been serving for over 30 years, in the congregations I am going to be serving soon, and certainly in my personal life.  So this post from several years ago (modified and updated) seemed appropriate to reshare.

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Most of us probably don’t fret much about jumping on an airline flight.  Note that I wrote “most of us;” I know some fret a great deal if they have to fly somewhere.

Still, the majority of us don’t stress overly much in regard to climbing onto an airplane.  We might not look forward to all the extra hassles that accompany flying, like packing, transportation to the airport and airport parking, checking our bags and being checked personally in security, or the long hours that are typically wrapped into a day of air travel.  The flight itself, however, is generally relaxing – an opportunity to catch one’s breath, read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or take a nap.

However, have you ever stopped to consider what’s involved in a typical flight?  (Those who are generally squeamish about flying might want to skip the next few paragraphs!)

An average sized commercial plane (a Boeing 737) weighs approximately 45 tons.  When you add in the fuel (20 tons) and passengers, cargo and crew (22.5 tons), the weight climbs to almost 88 tons.  That’s a LOT of poundage to keep aloft!

Now consider that the average cruising height is between 31 and 38 thousand feet (6-7 miles high!), and the planes generally climb to that position in the first 10 minutes of the flight.  Once there, the airline settles into the modest cruising speed of approximately 540 miles per hour. 

And who is handling this monstrously heavy contraption 7 miles above the earth at an astoundingly high rate of speed?  Whose capabilities and actions are you, the passenger, dependent upon? 

The captain!  Though he or she has a copilot who shares some flight duties, the captain is typically the most experienced pilot in the cockpit and the one in command and control. 

And you rarely even see him or her, at least before the flight!  Maybe you hear their voice while in flight; maybe you don’t.  You know nothing about them or their experience or how they are feeling the day of your flight.  Yet you entrust your life to the pilot.

There are many details to attend to on a commercial flight.  The pilot has to constantly monitor other air traffic so there are no collisions.  Weather conditions, both on the ground and in the air, have to be considered.  He or she may have to climb higher to pass over a storm or detour to skirt around it, but everyone expects the captain to keep them safe.  

Furthermore, you expect your pilot to deliver you to the proper destination.  If you booked your flight to Chicago, you don’t even consider the possibility of arriving in Houston instead.  More trust on your part!  And again, you know nothing about the pilot.  (He or she might greatly prefer to set down in Houston rather than Chicago!)

Landing at your destination presents additional challenges.  For example, Seatac Airport in Washington State is the 11th busiest airport in America, and the 21st busiest in the world.  In 2022, there was an average of 1,100 flights departing per day, and about the same number arriving.  That’s approximately 46 flights departing per hour, and 46 more arriving, which makes for a congested sky around the airport.  The pilot has to navigate those busy skies.  But you and the other passengers expect that he or she will do so safely.

Some passengers might be a bit tense about the flight.  Most become at least a bit anxious if flying through a storm or experiencing turbulence.  But no one is pacing the aisle or crying out with emotion-packed exclamations.  (At least not usually.)  None are urgently demanding to speak to the pilot and inform them what needs to be done.  They trust the pilot will perform.  (Finally, they have no choice but to trust him!)

Of course, pilots are just people, skilled as they may be.  They simply can’t fly non-stop; they need time off to rest.  The safety of the passengers, and their own, demands it.  Recognizing this, the FAA regulates the number of hours commercial pilots can fly.  Pilots cannot exceed 100 hours of flight time in a month, or 1,000 hours in a year.  During normal circumstances, they average 75 hours per month in the air.

Our Lord is like an airplane captain, except the Lord doesn’t need to rest, he doesn’t need a copilot, and he doesn’t make mistakes.  Ever!  Furthermore, our God isn’t just the pilot of a jetliner with a few hundred people on board, but the captain in control of everything. 

The Lord is the Pilot of the cosmos, the universe, the world, our nation, our state, our city, our neighborhood and our home.  He is also the Pilot of our church, our work, our school, our friends, our family, and ourselves.  He is the unerring, almighty, all-knowing, ever-present, always faithful, constantly loving Pilot of all circumstances and every situation, always.  (Yes, even through our personal struggles and dilemmas!)

The Captain over all things lifts us off the earth at our spiritual births, carries us aloft across the miles and years with his Word, provides us with some glorious views along the way, guides us over or around (and sometimes through) the storms in his love, and sets us safely down at our destination (heaven!) at the end of our “flight.”  The Lord is a Pilot we can rely upon with absolute confidence, no matter what unsettling events may be currently affecting our “flight” though life.

The Lord is our Pilot.  Or to use another similar picture, he is our Shepherd.

“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).

We may feel like we are flying blind through life, but we never are.  Our Lord, our Pilot, and our Shepherd is carrying us and caring for us the entire way.  Though we may not see him on our “flight,” we can still trust him.  And be assured, we will most certainly meet him after we “land.”

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The One Constant

The One Constant

Change presently abounds in my little world (family, church, work and home!).  Chances are you have some changes occurring too.  Here’s a post I shared several years ago that is apropos. 

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Most people don’t care for change.  At least, not significant change.  A fair number of folks will even fight against change, perceiving significant change as significantly negative.

And while some adventurous souls actually enjoy mixing things up a bit now and then, everyone has their limits.  Radical change might be defined differently by different people, but everyone has adjustment boundaries they absolutely do not want to cross.

Ironically, despite our penchant for clinging to the familiar … everything is always changing!

In fact, the Second Law of Thermodynamics states that all systems, if left to themselves, move from a state of order to disorder.  This natural decline is called entropy.  (Also known as change!)  In other words, natural change isn’t just a happenstance; it’s a scientific necessity. 

Which is lousy news for all the hangers-on-to-how-it’s-always-been folks!  Because, let’s face it, change is everywhere, and it’s never ending.

Every four years in this nation we elect a president, whether the incumbent or someone new.  We’re now on the 46th person to hold that distinguished office in our nation.  That’s an ongoing stream of leadership change over our nation’s 247-year history!  But the rulers of this land, and the inhabitants of this land, were in flux long before the United States was formed.

Meanwhile the countries and borders on distant continents have been repeatedly altered as migrations and invasions and political upheavals have changed the face of nations.  And it’s not just boundaries that were changed, but style of government, laws of the land, local customs and language.  Over time even climates were transformed, and everything that climate impacts with them.

As the earth orbits the sun, the view of the night sky shifts and seasons are rotated.  The length of daylight and the average temperature changes.  The flora and fauna adjust.  People adjust too in regard to what they wear and what they do.  The seasonal hobbies and the sports seasons also change. 

Landscapes are altered.  Highways are adjusted.  Buildings are torn down and new ones built.  Companies begin and others end.  Restaurants and stores open while other close.  People change occupations and residences, and sometimes even states or countries.

Of course, just a few years ago COVID brought an unending cascade of changes … and related adjustments continue to occur.

Our bodies are in a state of unending transformation from conception to birth and all through life.  And the situations in our lives change too!  Even our relationships are being continually refashioned. 

Most significant of all, we experienced a drastic spiritual change when the Holy Spirit brought us to faith, which in turn drastically altered our spiritual destination as well!

Since our conversion, our faith in our Savior is always varying too!  It is never static but always dynamic.  Either our faith is growing, or it is shrinking.  (The results are directly linked to our exposure to God’s Word.)

There is no tiny fringe of our existence that is not impacted by change. 

Except one.  Our God doesn’t change.  Our God never changes.

God’s attributes (characteristics) haven’t changed.  The Lord is still eternal, almighty, and present everywhere.  He is still all-knowing.  He is still good and faithful.  He is still holy and righteous, but also merciful, gracious, loving and forgiving.

God’s promises haven’t changed either.  The unchanging God is still with us, and always will be.  The fact that God works everything for the good of his people won’t change either.  Nor will Jesus redemption of us, or his resurrection; those are unchanging facts.  Furthermore, God still has a special home prepared for us in heaven.  

God’s Word hasn’t changed, and God’s loving plans for us haven’t changed either.

The fact that our God doesn’t change … and isn’t changing … and won’t change is incredibly comforting at a time of incredible change and in a world overflowing with change.

The Bible reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.  (James 1:17-18)

How extraordinary to have a God who doesn’t change – who is untouched by the Second Law of Thermodynamics (because he created it!).   The way God was … is the way God is … and the way God always will be.

So it turns out there are actually two constants, two changeless truths: change is everywhere … except, that is, in our unchanging God.

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Something Good Today

Something Good Today

“I hope something good happens to you today.” 

I was out-and-about and I happened to see this message on two different window clings on two different vehicles within a matter of ten minutes.  I don’t remember seeing that message before, and I don’t think I’ve seen it since, but it certainly set my mind pondering that day.

“I hope something good happens to you today” sounds like a wonderful sentiment.  And I’m sure it is well-intentioned.  For one driver to share with the driver behind them that it is their wish that something happens today that brings the second driver joy sounds very magnanimous.

It’s not my intention to question another’s intentions, what they choose to share or how they choose to share it.  Let’s simply consider the words as ones springing from a kind heart. 

Rather, I would like to narrow our focus to the word “good.”  “I hope something good happens to you today.”  At this time of year, we could easily change the statement to “I hope something good happens to you this next year.”

What set my mind ruminating that day was this question: how does one define “good?”

Presumably, “good” is understood as something that personally benefits a person, and probably as something that most people would consider “good.”

Such as quality time with a loved one or dear friend, an unexpected gesture of kindness from someone, or a bit of joy-filled laughter.  Simple things such as these are clearly “good.”  Ideally, I suppose, the “good” could also be more extravagant: an occupational promotion, the purchase of a new car, or what most would consider the ultimate “good” thing – winning the Powerball Lottery.

But perhaps the promotion means less family time?  Possibly the new car is a poor investment? Maybe the major lottery score will bring more troubles than blessings?

And what about the not-so-good things that come along in a day?  The things that don’t seem to personally benefit a person and which most people would consider bad?  The car breaks down, sickness sidetracks the day, or someone demonstrates profound selfishness instead of kindness? 

When frustrations and setbacks occur instead of apparent progress, are they necessarily something “bad?”  Most in the world would say, “Yes.”  Our God says, “No!”

Are even difficulties “good?”  Most in the world would say, “No.”  Our God says, “Yes!”

God’s Word underscores this truth in a number of different places and a number of different ways.  Here are five applications regarding “something good” happening… regardless of its packaging:

Nothing can interfere with God’s love for his children

“Who [or what] 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” (Romans 8:35&37).

Consequently, every situation brings good gifts from God to his people

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights … ” (James 1:17).

And God is always working for the benefit (primarily spiritual!) of his own

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

God uses the “bad” to bring about good – drawing his children closer to Him

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71).

Which means God’s people can rejoice, no matter what … because it’s all good!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

All of which is extremely comforting to you and me … whether something “good” or “bad” is happening.  Understanding that it’s all good and always good when our loving Lord is in control makes for happy days and happy years!

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Two additional comments:

First, it’s bitterly ironic that on the morning of the day I am posting this I got a call from the wife of my dear cousin to tell me he had died.  It wasn’t unexpected; he had been battling cancer and taken a turn for the worse.  But it was still a blow.  Most would consider the news “bad.”  And it was bad news for me; it hit me hard.  But it was also wonderful news.  My cousin, a devout believer, is now with Jesus … beyond the suffering and enjoying the first day of an unending salvation.  Not a bad day for him, but a good day!  The very best day of his life actually.

Secondly, I don’t mean to infer in this post that people can do whatever they want, (embrace immorality, disobey God, cast aside love, ignore goodness, etc.) and still be automatically blessed by God.  Rather, my point is that as faith-filled Christians, we can have absolute confidence that our loving Lord is always working on our behalf … providing, protecting, guiding and blessing … even when it seems that not many “good” things, and perhaps even some particularly “bad” things, are occurring on a given day.

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Catch-Your-Attention Power!

Catch-Your-Attention Power!

I had flown to Michigan to coordinate some projects at our new house.  Amazingly the small airport most convenient to where I was going was also the cheapest one to fly into!  (Thank you, Lord!)  I had reserved a “mid-size” car to drive for the five days I was there.

When I arrived at the rental car counter, the nice young gentleman working there said I was his last customer of the day.  He proceeded to process my reservation.  When it came time to offer my options for rental cars, he listed a few of the usual “mid-size” choices.  “Or,” he continued with a smile, “we could send you out of here with a Ford Mustang GT.”

I’m sure my eyes got wide.  “Is that really an option?” I asked.  “For the same price?”

“Yes, it is.  Would you like it?”

“Hmmm.  Let me think about it. … SURE!”  He handed me the keys.

Afterwards, I had to take a moment to rearrange some of my travel accessories in my suitcase.  As I rolled my bag across the parking lot toward my “mid-size” muscle-car, the young man from the counter happened to be driving away.  He hung his head out the window.  “Enjoy your ride!” he called with a smile and a wave.  “I’m sure I will!” I called back.

And then there she was.  Sleek and silver, slung low, with black racing stripes running down the hood – the perfect picture of power.  (It’s the actual car at the top of this post.)  I couldn’t resist; I immediately snapped a picture and sent it off in a group text to my family.  “Check out my rockin’ ride for the next 5 days!”

I stowed my suitcase in the trunk, and settled into the drivers seat.  I took a deep breath and pushed the ignition button.  The vehicle shuddered as the engine roared to life, growling like a giant, angry beast.  (At least, it seemed like it shuddered.  It most definitely was growling!)  The power instantly available to me was tangible.  I could hear it and feel it!  I was enveloped in it! 

It was catch-your-attention power.

When I was young and fuel was cheap, cars were built differently.  Consequently, my father had some powerful vehicles.  Don’t tell my parents, but I raced some of those cars on the backroads of the little town where we lived.  Drove them fast.  But I never experienced anything like that Mustang GT.

Just to provide context, here’s some information on the typical Mustang GT: It offers the driver 460 horsepower, can jump from 0-60 in less than 4 seconds, and can reach the speed of 145 miles-per-hour!  Here’s how someone described the vehicle online: “Voted as the manliest car for several years, the Ford Mustang … was built for one thing and one thing only – power. The Mustang is a monster through and through!” 

The ticket price for one of those babies?  Probably about $40,000.

Just for the record, I didn’t personally research the acceleration or velocity capabilities of the Mustang while tooling around Michigan. But I did drive it into the church parking lot for the meet-and-greet with the members of my new congregations … arriving there with the rumbling, high-performance, “manliest car” possible.  (They weren’t quite sure what to make of that.)

Interestingly, it snowed much of the time I was driving that car, and the white stuff continued to accumulate the entire week.  I learned that though the vehicle is most certainly built for power, it is most certainly NOT built for slippery streets!  By the goodness of God, I managed to avoid any incidents and returned it to the airport undamaged.  Which was good for the rental company, good for my insurance company, and certainly good for me.

Sitting in the driver’s seat of that car, it was impossible to not recognize you were wrapped in sheer power.  It occurred to me while perched over 460 “horses” that as God’s children we are always wrapped in power.  And it’s a far greater power than any car … or any other man-made invention … can provide.

“Who among the gods is like you, LORD?  Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?  (Exodus 15:11)  “Who is like you, LORD God Almighty?  You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you”  (Psalm 89:8).

The Creator of the cosmos has our back, and is at our beck-and-call.  He knows all, sees all, controls all, can do all, and hears every single one of our prayers.  He certainly isn’t affected by snow or any nasty weather; in fact, he orchestrates it.  (Along with every other thing!)  And always in love for our good.

Now that’s the ultimate “catch-your-attention” power!

“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 113:1-6).

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Holding My Hand

Holding My Hand

I’m convinced that hands were meant to be held.  Consider how wonderfully two hands fit together, and how wonderful another’s hand in yours feels.

Generally, when a hand is held, it is held with good intention, bringing special blessings.  Sweethearts hold each other’s hands because they want to maintain contact.  Fathers and mothers hold their children’s hands when in a crowded or dangerous place, or when they want to lead their young ones somewhere.  Loved ones hold the hands of those they love when those they love are hurting.  Teammates clasp hands together in a power grip when a good play is made or a game is won.  We even shake hands upon the conclusion of an agreement, or when greeting or leaving people, both of those we know well and strangers.

Holding hands in one way or another is so common that we rarely consider how special it can be.

But it is special.  And especially for those like me whose “love language” is touch.

This is not lost on the Lord.  In his holy Word he gives us multiple examples of hand-holding.  And not just routine human-to-human hand-holding.  But God himself holding the hands of his beloved people.

Before we dive into that concept, it’s important that we establish another hand-related issue.  Illustrations of the “Lord’s hand” permeate the words of Scripture.  There are literally hundreds and hundreds of examples where “the hand of the Lord” is mentioned. 

It is a hand of limitless power.  The Lord declares, “My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together” (Isaiah 48:13).

It’s a hand that brings destruction to the enemies of God and God’s people, (Jeremiah 21:5), and it is a hand that brings profound blessings to God’s faithful. (Psalm 144:7).

Best of all, God’s hand is a hand that brought about forgiveness (Isaiah 40:1-2) and salvation.  “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” (Psalm 98:1).

Perhaps a sterling summary of this repeated illustration of “God’s hands” is contained in this marvelous psalm of praise:

“The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!’” (Psalm 118:14-16).

But the Bible goes beyond general references to God’s hand.  The Lord makes it much more personal in a number of passages.

The Lord refers to the deliverance he brought to his people when he led them by the hand out of Egypt (Jeremiah 31:32).  It’s a deliverance he still brings to his people. 

In a similar vein, Asaph the psalmist writes about the guidance God gives us by holding our hand, both through this life and ultimately into the life to come! “You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” (Psalm 73:23-24)

Isaiah shows us the Lord holding our hand to comfort us in our fears.  “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).  We need not be afraid because God’s strong hand is one that supports us, no matter the circumstances.  “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8).

And over-and-over-again, Jesus showed his love for people during his ministry by touching them or taking their hand.  The Savior actually touched an “unclean” leper (which nobody at that time did!) and cleansed him of his disease. (Mk. 1:40-42).  He took Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand, healed her of a fever, and helped her up to her feet. (Mk. 1:30-31).  He held a blind man’s hand in Bethsaida and led him outside the city to have a little privacy as he restored his sight. (Mk. 8:22-25).  He enfolded the hand of Jairus’ dead daughter and raised her back to life. (Mk. 5:38-42).

What incredibly comforting examples of the Lord Jesus actually holding people’s hands!  What a picture for us to treasure, for the Lord still holds our hands as we stumble our way through life. 

And then there’s this stunning revelation from our Savior: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).

Thank you, Lord, for holding my hand!  And thank you, Lord, holding me in your hand, and never letting go!

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

Isaiah 41:9-10, 13-14

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 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. … For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid … do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”

Psalm 98:1-6

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn — shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Psalm 73:23-26

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

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Keeping Things Under Control

Keeping Things Under Control

“Lord, help me!  Please help me!” Tommy cried out.  “Everything seems crazy and out of control!”

He was sitting on the edge of his bed following another frantic and frenetic day.  Tommy was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted; weary to the bone from the non-stop turmoil in his life. 

Tears flowed down his cheeks as he bared his soul to the Lord.  His heart was heavy; his mind burdened; his body drained.  He didn’t know how much longer he could continue to chase after orderliness in the disorder of his world.

“Everything is chaos, Lord!  Are you unaware, or are you too busy?”  Tommy wasn’t angry or accusing.  Just confused.  More tears dropped to the floor between his feet.  “I know you are supposed to know and control all things, but I’m really struggling here, Lord.  I’m feeling overwhelmed and all alone.”

A sob racked his body.  He clenched his eyelids closed, pushing more water out, and shook his head in sorrow.  He dropped his head to his hands, his elbows resting on his knees, utterly dejected.

Lost in his thoughts, he gradually became aware of a subtle shift in the room.  He sensed movement and felt a slight breeze.  The air seemed to bristle with subdued energy.  Startled, he lifted his head and opened his eyes.

His bedroom was gone, replaced by a sphere that surrounded him … the rounded walls barely discernable in the darkness.  That was strange enough.

But even stranger were the balls whirling through the air and circling around the interior of the sphere.  There was no uniformity to their paths; each ball’s direction of travel and speed unique.  Collisions were common, causing wild ricochets and changes of course.

Each ball was a different color: some red, some green, some blue, and so on, with many a hue represented. 

Tommy gasped.  “What is this?” he wondered, as he stared wide-eyed at this unexpected display.

There was a tiny flash of light, and the face of Jesus materialized on the wall across from him.  Jesus spoke.  “This, Tommy, is a view of all of the varied aspects of your life.  Each colored ball represents a unique feature.  Some colored balls stand for possessions; others for talents; others for activities; others for responsibilities; others for relationships; and still others for other things altogether.  I’ll spare you the specifics, and simply say … this sphere is your life, and the balls inside it are the details.”

Tommy didn’t know where to look.  He alternated between gawking at the circling balls and Jesus’ face, his mouth hanging open.  Jesus smiled warmly at Tommy’s consternation.

“There are so many, Lord!  So many balls!  So many colors!  So many different directions!  So many collisions!”

“Yes, I know,” Jesus replied.

Tommy exclaimed in exasperation, “I knew it!  I’ve felt it!  Everything in my life is clearly spinning out of control!”

“It does appear that way, doesn’t it?” Jesus stated.  He paused, then continued, “Tommy, I’d like you to take a moment to get these many things under control.”  Startled, Tommy looked at the Lord.  He raised his hands, palms upward, questioningly.  “Go ahead, Tommy,” Jesus instructed.

Tommy hesitantly began attempting to snatch some of the balls swirling around him.  He actually managed to catch a few of the slower ones, but when he set a seized ball down, it would roll away, pick up speed and return to orbit.  Exasperated after just a few moments, he exclaimed, “I can’t!  There are too many!  And they won’t stand still!”

Jesus smiled again.  “You’re absolutely right.  There are too many, and you can’t control them.”

“That’s what I said before, Lord.  Everything in my life is chaos!”

“And as I said before,” Jesus stated, “it does appear that way, doesn’t it?”  The Lord looked intently into Tommy’s eyes.  “But here’s what you need to understand.  What you see in this sphere right now – that’s your view of things.  What you see is chaos.  Now I will show you my view of things.”

There was a ripple that swept across the interior of Tommy’s sphere, a single wave of muted silver.  As it reached the swirling balls, they dove into position, forming a seemingly solid panel of balls to the right of Tommy.  The many colors were all aligned, forming lovely concentric borders around a maroon center panel.  And in that panel, white balls spelled this message from the Lord: “I’ve got ALL THIS under control.”

Tommy was overwhelmed with awe.  Joy, peace, and thankfulness flooded through him, filling his entire being.  Tears flowed anew.  This time, not of sorrow, but of profound gratitude.  “Thank you, Jesus, for showing me this.  Thank you for controlling the chaos in my life.”

“You’re welcome, Tommy.  But I have one more thing to show you yet.”

At Jesus’ words, Tommy felt himself expanding; his eyes slowly lifting beyond the boundaries of his life sphere. As they cleared, he took in an astounding view.  All around him were swirling spheres – unenumerable multi-colored spheres, traveling every which way and bouncing wildly off one another. 

“This, Tommy, is a representation of the cosmos … again, every different colored sphere a different aspect.  Some living; some non-living.  And again, this is your view.”

Jesus paused.  “Now let me show you my view.”

In similar fashion the ripple of silver swept over all the spheres, and they dropped into a gigantic, magnificent pattern.  And there, displayed in the center was another message from God – a humongous one!  “I’ve got ALL THIS under control TOO!”

Another ripple of silver swung over Tommy, the view dissipated and he was back in his room, sitting on his bed.  He felt refreshed; invigorated.  He felt hope.  What an incredible insight he had been given by his Savior.  He bowed his head and prayed fervently, “Thank you, Lord, for keeping everything under control.  I will trust in you.”

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

Proverbs 20:24
A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Colossians 1:15-17
The Son 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.

Isaiah 45:11-12
“This is what the LORD says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.

Psalm 46:1-3, 7, 10-11
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. … The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. … He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Isaiah 41:10
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.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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T R U S T!

T R U S T!

On August 15, I received a call to serve as pastor for St. John’s in Clare, Michigan and Faith in Harrison, Michigan.  That precipitated six weeks of agonized wrestling over where the Lord wanted me to continue my pastoral ministry.  On September 25, it was shared with St. Paul’s (the congregation I have been serving in Tacoma for over 30 years), and with St. John’s and Faith in Michigan, that I was led to accept the call to Michigan.  Due to multiple circumstances, I will be delayed in transitioning there, but as soon as possible that will be where I settle in as pastor.  Which leads to this week’s post.

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

Life is full of radical shake-ups.  Everyone who walks this planet experiences unforeseen situations that rock their world.  The life-rattling occurrences can appear in any facet of one’s life, whether health, family, occupation, finances, possessions … or several or many of the aforementioned all at once!

For a pastor or a teacher, there’s nothing quite as “life-rattling” as receiving a “call” to consider serving the Lord in a different church or school than where he or she is currently serving.

For a pastor, that’s a situation and a decision that obviously impacts his entire family – especially if he decides he needs to accept the call.  The respective worlds of himself, his wife and their children are flipped upside down.  Even the family members’ co-workers and classmates, their extended family and their friends, are affected.  Not to mention the church the pastor has been serving, AND the church or churches where he will serve in the future.

That’s a whole lot of life-shaking happening!  A rather extensive sphere of upset!  (Not necessarily bad upset, but upset nonetheless.)

Significant questions that naturally arise are … how is this all going to work?  How will this affect our current congregation?  How about the other ones?  Not to mention the school where my wife teaches? 

Will the lengthy delay in transitioning bring greater blessings than challenges all around?  How can I best serve the congregation where I currently am during the delay, and how can I best serve the congregations where I’m going while 2,000 miles away?

What about my family members’ current lives and their future plans?  What about selling our house and all that entails?  What about buying a new one three time zones away?  Should we buy now or later, and when we do, how do we finance it?  How can we know the new house is a good choice – the right choice?

So many, many, MANY questions to consider!  And what questions should I be asking that aren’t even coming to mind?

Here’s what became glaringly apparent through this entire call process, and as I look to the future: I MUST trust the Lord.  And not only me, but everyone involved in this situation … whether involved significantly or minimally.  We must trust our gracious and guiding God.  Only he knows the path forward and has the answers in hand.  His attributes of omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all knowing), and love never had more profound implications!  The Lord will guide and provide!

Ultimately, the necessity of trusting the Lord goes well beyond a pastor or teacher considering and deciding on a call.  Trusting the Lord should be a Christian’s preset and default mode … a life-approach used continually and unilaterally every single day and regarding every single aspect of their life.

For we always need God’s assistance.

As my wife and I wrestled with what the Lord would have us do, we had to keep returning to this refrain: “We must trust God.” 

Being forced to fall repeatedly back on this truth recently, I couldn’t help but wonder if the word “trust” might form the basis (serve as an acronym) for a longer explanation of the word’s essence.  I thought about it, and here’s my proposal:

T – Total

R – Reliance

U – Upon our

S – Savior!

T – TOTAL!

I’d be delighted if you shared your thoughts on my suggestion, or if you have a different suggestion, in the comments portion of this blog.  In the meantime, I close this post with the dearly loved and very appropriate words from the Holy Spirit through Solomon:

“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).

In other words – Total Reliance Upon our Savior! TOTAL!

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Advancing into the Unknown

Advancing into the Unknown

Dark, impenetrable fog enveloped Chase like swirling eddies in a muddy river; like thick, black smoke pouring from a roaring fire.  He could see nothing – nothing! – but the shifting and roiling banks of murk all around him.

That was disconcerting enough.  The pounding waves banging the bow of his boat relentlessly was also rather alarming.  But even that wasn’t the most troubling aspect of his situation.  The recognition that he was drifting swiftly and inexorably forward into the hiddenness ahead of him was terrifying!

What dangers awaited him in the unseen waters?  What challenges was he about to face with no advance recognition and no possible preparation?  Sharp and sturdy tree branches to impale him?  Partially submerged roots to puncture his boat?  Protruding boulders to upend him?  Tight twists of the river or fierce rapids to negotiate blindly?  Waterfalls to plunge over?  The potential risks were innumerable!

It hadn’t always been that way.  There had been times when the visibility was clear, destinations were discernable, water conditions were calm with the weather desirable, and Chase could direct his boat fairly efficiently and as he saw fit.

Or at least, so it seemed.  It was interesting how often he intended to arrive at one destination only to land at another!  He thought he was a proficient navigator and boatsman, but his past record indicated otherwise.  It was one of the more bewildering (and troubling!) aspects of his previous journeys.

But on this day at this time, things appeared dire and beyond dangerous.  Chase was completely discombobulated by the all-encompassing fog he was drifting through.  What should he do?  Which way should he go?  Should he actively paddle or actively “brake?”  If only he could see through the murkiness, he could orient himself!

The waves pounding and rocking the boat seemed to be increasing in intensity.  That would seem to indicate an approaching rapids with all its associated risks.  Rough water was disconcerting even when one could see the boulders and the drop offs.  Bouncing through “white-water” blind was madness!

Chase had never felt so helpless.  The cloying clouds left him feeling claustrophobic and vulnerable.  He wanted to beat visibility out of the invisibility, but sweeping his paddle through the air accomplished nothing.  It only accentuated his dilemma.

In desperation, he cried out to God.  “Please, Lord, clear the darkness!  Open my vision!  Show me what I need to see!”

To his amazement, Chase sensed a bright glow forming above him.  He lifted his eyes and watched in astonishment as a ray of brilliant sunshine knifed downward through the gloom, driving through the darkness, drawing ever closer.  It wasn’t the distilled light that one typically experienced in the fog.  Rather, it was clear and bright, and repelled the swirling darkness as the beam stretched toward him.

“The Lord has answered my prayer!” thought Chase.  “I’ll finally be able to see again!”

But his consternation rose as it became clear that the beam wasn’t cutting a path to the unseen before him.  Instead, it was descending to a place behind him.

Lower and lower the beam tore through the fog.  Still it was aimed behind him; it’s trajectory in line with the back of his boat.  Chase wondered what good that would do him, but still he watched in fascination.  He couldn’t take his eyes off the brilliant point of the approaching light.

And then he gasped!  Before reaching the deck of his boat, the beam illuminated something totally unexpected.  Jesus was sitting behind him, manning the rudder!

The Lord smiled.  “Hello, Chase.  And you were concerned?”

Tears rolled down Chase’s cheeks, and he gave a weak grin.  He sighed contentedly.  “No.  Not anymore.”  And for the first time since entering the bewildering fog of uncertainty, he relaxed.  He couldn’t see the waters ahead, but he knew who was steering him from behind.  And that was incredibly comforting.

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

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 48:14
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

Isaiah 42:16
I, [the LORD], will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Exodus 15:11, 13
Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? … In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Psalm 139:1-12
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

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Guarded and Guided by the One Who Never Sleeps

Guarded and Guided by the One Who Never Sleeps

I am not an early-morning person.  I have some family members who are, but that would never describe me.  I function much better late than early, so if extra time is needed to handle some responsibilities, I will tack the additional time at the end of my day rather than the beginning.

I can wake up early, if need be.  Say for a fishing or hunting trip, a hike, a metal-detecting excursion, or some other outdoor adventure.  But normally I would not choose to crawl out of bed before a seven is registered on the clock.

Consequently, it is always eye-opening when I am awake early and out-and-about to see how many others are up before the crack of dawn, and clearly are routinely early risers … often by necessity.

Earlier this week, my wife and I needed to be up in Seattle for a follow-up surgery on her eye.  (Her sixth – and God-willing, final – one!)  Her assigned check in at the hospital was at 6 a.m., so we were up and going at “0-dark-thirty.”

It’s remarkable how many people in a larger city are circulating in the wee hours of the morning!  On my caffeine run to a 24-hour convenience store before our commute, there was the clerk … AND a delivery truck driver … AND others getting their fixes before heading to work.  A police cruiser rolled by as I returned to my vehicle.  The freeway was filled with folks flying north or south to their jobs. (Not as filled as it would be later at a more decent hour, but filled sufficiently nevertheless.)  The hospital was buzzing with activity as personnel carried out their various responsibilities. 

There’s a lot of people up early doing what they need to do!  Those of us who prefer to sleep a bit later into the morning sometimes fail to recognize the many folks who start their days … or end their nights as the case may be, while we are embracing our ZZZs.

But they all have to sleep sometime!

Sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.  The human body must sleep.  It doesn’t take long for lack of rest to severely impact a person’s well-being.  Just 24 hours without it can result in irritability, altered perception, memory deficits, impaired judgement, vision and hearing setbacks, decreased hand-eye coordination, an increased risk of accidents, greater muscle tension, and even tremors.

Add just another 12 hours to that, (36 hours without sleep), and one’s body is significantly affected.  Appetite, metabolism, temperature, mood, and stress level all take hits, creating issues with hormonal imbalances, decreased motivation, inflexible reasoning, decreased attention and risky decision-making. Sleep deprivation can make routine tasks like driving exponentially more dangerous. (www.healthline.com).

Which is why we all sleep.  Why we all HAVE TO sleep.  In fact, we humans actually spend a third of our lives sleeping!

Consequently, the concept of our God never sleeping is challenging for us to grasp. 

But he doesn’t!  The Lord never crawls under the heavenly covers and “crashes.”  He never sneaks in a “cat nap.”  He never accidentally nods off for a moment.  He never intentionally “shuts it down.”  He never even closes his “eyes!”  Never, ever!  We’re told in Job that God “views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens” (Job 28:24).

Not only does our God never rest.  He never loses his concentration; his mood is never altered; his perceptions remain unphased; his perfect abilities continue unhindered. 

Furthermore, the Lord never ceases to be vigilantly watching over us and acting on our behalf!  God’s unwavering attention is riveted on his people; his loving heart, guiding hand, and providing and protecting arm are always engaged in the goings-on of our lives.  “The eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them …” (Psalm 33:18-19).

So while our Lord never sleeping is a challenging concept to grasp, it is at the same time tremendously comforting.  We are continuously guarded and guided by the Loving One who never sleeps.

The psalmist summarizes this truth beautifully!

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

The LORD watches over you — the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121).

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