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Lent – A Time for … Rededication

Lent – A Time for … Rededication

For the majority of the weeks during the church season of Lent, I will share a few thoughts on some of the various approaches Christians might take at this time of the year when we reflect upon the suffering Jesus endured in order to redeem us.  There are many appropriate actions and reactions for a believer as he or she contemplates Jesus’ crucifixion … and thankfully also his resurrection. 

These posts during Lent will form the basis of our Wednesday evening worship discussions.  I pray they provide wonderful food for thought, and blessed encouragement to all of us!

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Dedication.  It’s an important word; an important concept. 

A word commonly used to define dedication is “commitment.”  Perhaps an even better option, especially when referring to our key relationships, might be “devotion.”

There are many things worthy of one’s devotion.  Our spouse.  Our family.  Our homes.  Our friends.  Our jobs.  Our churches.  And certainly our God.

There are many other things less worthy, but which sometimes seem to garner equal or even greater dedication.  A hobby.  Hollywood.  A ball team.  Personal popularity or success.  Possessions.  Social media.

Sadly, sometimes we sinners devote ourselves to downright sinful things – to selfish pursuits of matters clearly denounced by the Lord.

It’s one of life’s great conundrums; those treasures most worthy of our devotion so often receive the least of our focus while the most unworthy pursuits pull in the most!  We tend to be riveted by those items that least deserve it.  We probably even realize this tendency yet make no moves (or only half-hearted ones) to correct it.

The most striking example of this is our dedication to God’s realm.  Or perhaps more accurately, our lack of dedication to the Lord. 

Why is this the case?  Why do we neglect what we recognize to be the most important things?  How do so many unhealthy focuses occur in our hearts and minds, and how do our priorities become so out of whack?  And why does it seem so difficult for us to readjust?

Chalk another one up to our sinful nature.  (Or our sinful flesh.  Or our Old Adam.  Or however you prefer to refer to the sin embedded in us and influencing us so profoundly every second of every day.)  We are continually impacted by this powerful adversary to the Lord, his word and his ways. 

If you doubt this, consider how easily we are dissuaded from anything connected to God.  It’s not uncommon for us to have to aggressively fight against excuses to neglect spiritual activities. (Such as reading the Scriptures, attending worship, praying, or serving the Lord.)  Our sinful natures consistently pull us away from our God, and we are generally inclined to follow their lead!

In short, our dedication to the Lord typically leaves much to be desired.

Thanks be to God that Jesus’ dedication to us never wavers!

“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)

The proof of this love?  Look to the atrocities in the judgement hall, the horror at the whipping block, and the agony of the cross!  That was devotion to you and me.  Extreme devotion.  Ultimate devotion.  Complete devotion.  Perfect and saving devotion!

The Lord Jesus knew exactly what awaited him … all the brutality and all the agony … yet he resolutely continued on that torturous path because of his devotion to you and me.

When we consider Jesus’ dedication to us – when we read or hear the passages that describe this dedication and which prove the immensity of it – the Spirit motivates us to rededicate ourselves to our Savior.

The simple reality is that the more we are in God’s Word, the more the Word is in us … and the less sway our sinful nature holds in our lives.  A dedication to God’s Word leads to repeated rededication of our hearts and minds and lives to the Lord. 

Which makes the season of Lent a fine time to dedicate and rededicate our all to our all-giving Savior.

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Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

1 Timothy 4:13
… Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Titus 3:8
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

How to Interact on This Blog

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

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Lent – A Season of … Renewal

Lent – A Season of … Renewal

For the majority of the weeks during the church season of Lent, I will share a few thoughts on some of the various approaches Christians might take at this time of the year when we reflect upon the suffering Jesus endured in order to redeem us.  There are many appropriate actions and reactions for a believer as he or she contemplates Jesus’ crucifixion … and thankfully also his resurrection. 

These posts during Lent will form the basis of our Wednesday evening worship discussions.  I pray they provide wonderful food for thought, and blessed encouragement to all of us!

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Who doesn’t love the renewal that spring brings?  Who doesn’t need that renewal after a long winter?

Spring is such a fitting name for the season as a multitude of things spring forth at this time of year.  Day by day the sunlight shines a bit longer and the temperatures slowly ramp higher.  The grass greens and gradually resumes its growth.  Deciduous trees pop their leaves and early season annuals burst from their beds.  Soon the flowering trees and shrubs will be arrayed in all their blooming splendor.  Thoughts, dreams and plans for summer activities and vacations start to materialize and are eagerly anticipated. 

So very many wonderful things spring to life in the renewing atmosphere of spring!

We’re all different in our approach to life, in the gifts we have been given, in the energy levels we sustain, and in how long we can go until we hit the proverbial wall.  But sooner or later the wall wins with everyone.  It is inevitable.

We all need physical, mental, emotional and spiritual renewal.  The wise recognize this; the foolish sprint foolishly forward until they slam face-first into the bricks.  Those who are really wise “intentionalize” their renewal to soften damaging collisions or even avoid them altogether.

The season of spring is naturally imbued with renewal, which is wonderful and certainly beneficial to one’s general well-being and uplifting to their overall attitude.  This is good!  Any boost to our physical, mental and emotional welfare is a blessing!

But what the season of spring doesn’t renew is our soul.  That comes through contact with the Gospel.  (Romans 1:16).  Which leads us nicely to a season that can renew us spiritually – the season of Lent.  The truly wise understand that the most crucial renewal is a spiritual one, and they actively seek it.

Traditionally the 40 days of Lent are regarded as days of self-sacrifice and denial, and extra devotion to the Lord.  (The number 40 being in recognition of the Israelites struggling in the desert for 40 years before the Lord brought them into the Promised Land, and Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and temptation before beginning his earthly ministry.)  Consequently, in the early history of the Christian Church fasting of some fashion for the season was commonplace. 

Today Lent is still regarded as a time of repentance and solemn reflection; a time when believers spend a little extra time focusing on Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion and death.  And so it should be!

Jesus didn’t allow himself to be nailed to a cross simply to undergo a new experience or a grand adventure.  He deliberately went to that agony to offer the only atonement his Heavenly Father would accept for your and my transgressions.  If he didn’t, we were lost.  Doomed.  Damned.  There was no other solution.  So in unimaginable love Jesus – God himself! – sacrificed himself.

For believers who recognize this profound truth, it must elicit a reaction.  Repentance surely.  Awe and wonder undoubtedly.  Believing disbelief that the Lord would go to such great lengths to rescue me.

And renewal of our souls.  A new rebirth springing in our hearts each Lenten season like a blossoming bud brought forth by the life-bringing light of the Gospel.  The wilted remains of doubt and discouragement replaced by new growth of faith,  hope and joy.

Jesus loves me.  Jesus died for me.  Jesus lives again.  Jesus saved me.

That’s great news to the soul – the ultimate renewal!

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Psalm 51:7-12
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Titus 3:3-8
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

This is a trustworthy saying.

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

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

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Lent – A Time for … Reflection

Lent – A Time for … Reflection

For the majority of the weeks during the church season of Lent, I will share a few thoughts on some of the various approaches Christians might take at this time of the year when we reflect upon the suffering Jesus endured in order to redeem us.  There are many appropriate actions and reactions for a believer as he or she contemplates Jesus’ crucifixion … and thankfully also his resurrection. 

These posts during Lent will form the basis of our Wednesday evening worship discussions.  I pray they provide wonderful food for thought, and blessed encouragement to all of us!

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Reflection.  It’s defined as “serious thought or consideration.”  If I could suggest my own definition, I would describe it as “solemn remembrance.”

Reflection is something everyone does to some degree.  Yet this formula seems to hold true: the older a person becomes, the more he or she reflects on the past.  A related formula would be: the more one’s life is changing, the more reflection that occurs.  (I’m finding that both formulas hold true for me!)

Everyone spends some time reflecting, regardless of their age or the amount of transition currently intruding into their lives.  Retrospection is part and parcel of the human psyche.  We pause now and then and remember.

Perhaps the solemn remembering is brought on by a date or event; maybe by a sight, sound or smell.  Regardless, something triggers the mind to reflect, so it does … leading us through the mists of memories.  Some are happy; some less so.

Typically those moments of reflection revolve around the physical.  A loved one who is no longer with us.  A car we used to drive, a home we once lived in, or a place before it was altered.  An activity that was flagrantly fun, or a verbal exchange that was riotously funny.  An event that was significant or especially meaningful.

The physical tends to dominate our reflections, which makes sense since we are physical creatures driven by our senses.  Yet those physical remembrances are highly charged emotionally.  We recall … often vividly … how those events made us feel at the moment.  And they still spark emotions – sometimes the same ones originally experienced; sometimes altogether different ones – as we think about those past happenings in the present.

All of this is natural and ordinary for us humans.  We routinely remember past physical situations and then relive the emotions tied to them, perhaps even unwrapping some new ones.

Yet here is my question: how much do we reflect upon spiritual matters?

I submit that this is not so natural and not nearly as commonplace.

The Scriptures repeatedly emphasize the concept of remembering the great things God has done.  Moses farewell speech to the Israelites (the book of Deuteronomy) is filled with encouragements that the people never forget how God had blessed them.  “Remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:18).  Yes, this is a reminder of a physical deliverance, but with the emphasis placed on the Spiritual One (the LORD!) who brought it about.

The psalms are a treasure trove of spiritual reflections.  The Old Testament prophets repeated the refrain.  The New Testament writers did the same.  Jesus himself urged reflection for those receiving the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-26).  The angels in the empty tomb reminded the women to remember what Jesus had said, that he would be crucified but rise back to life on the third day (Luke 24:5-8).  These are but a few examples; the Scriptures are overflowing with the concept.

Therefore, it would be wise on our part to spend more moments in spiritual reflection.  That is, reflecting upon the incomprehensible love of God’s Son who endured so very much for you and me.  Consider who Jesus is, and what Jesus did.  His many sacrifices encompassing his ultimate sacrifice bear remembering.  This is the only reason we are forgiven, the only reason we are children of God, and the only reason we are heirs of salvation.  Hence, we solemnly remember.

As the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write, “Remember that … you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13).

All of which is cause for spiritual reflection.  Not only during the Lenten season, but every single day of our lives.

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2 Timothy 2:7-8
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,

How to Interact on This Blog

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

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Lent – A Time for … Repentance

Lent – A Time for … Repentance

For the majority of the weeks during the church season of Lent, I will share a few thoughts on some of the various approaches Christians might take at this time of the year when we reflect upon the suffering Jesus endured in order to redeem us.  There are many appropriate actions and reactions for a believer as he or she contemplates Jesus’ crucifixion … and thankfully also his resurrection. 

These posts during Lent will form the basis of our Wednesday evening worship discussions.  I pray they provide wonderful food for thought, and blessed encouragement to all of us!

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

If someone were to ask a Christian to define repentance, most would probably reply with an answer along these lines: “Repentance is being sorry for one’s sins.” 

In fact, doing a quick search online provided a very similar secular interpretation: repentance is “the action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse.”  At its simplest level, this is an accurate definition.  And certainly in a non-spiritual context.

However, the Bible shows repentance to be a bit more complex, describing multiple facets of this spiritual activity.  It’s worth exploring and understanding these various nuances. 

The first aspect is the most obvious one, and the one already mentioned: repentance is sincere sorrow over one’s sin.  It is personal horror and profound grief over disobeying God’s will.  (It’s often referred to as “contrition.”)

The Lord describes this attitude beautifully through King David, who wrote in repentance after his sin of adultery.  “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

The second aspect of repentance flows naturally from the heart-wrenching agony of the first one: it’s the ardent desire to never, ever … ever! … repeat that mistake again.  “Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit” (Ezekiel 18:30-31).

These first two elements are easy to grasp, as they seem logical to our minds and intuitive with the concept.  And while they are both incredibly important, the third aspect of repentance is equally important. Perhaps even more important.

Yet, it’s a concept that many believers don’t grasp – at least in relation to repentance. But it’s crucial that they do!

The third aspect of repentance is faith in God’s forgiveness … despite how despicable a personal sin may seem or how wracked with shame or buried under guilt a person might feel over it.

The Holy Spirit moved the Apostle John to share these comforting words with us: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. … This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts …” (1 John 3:16, 19-20).

The Apostle Peter summarized it this way to the crowds who mobbed him and John after healing a lame beggar. He boldly informed the people that they were guilty of crucifying the Lord and Messiah, Jesus.  He went on to urge them to repent, and informed them of the incredible result of doing so.  “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord …” (Acts 3:19).

In other words, where there is sincere sorrow over sin, the determination to do everything possible to abandon that sin, and the yearning of the soul to turn to God in faith – there is also absolute forgiveness – because forgiveness for every sin was secured by Jesus our Savior.

If you doubt that this third aspect of repentance is significant, consider two disciples who wronged Jesus in his final days before dying.  Judas betrayed the Lord to Jesus’ enemies.  When he saw Jesus arrested, tortured and condemned, was he sincerely sorry?  Yes!  Would he ever want to make that same mistake again?  No!  (Mt. 27:3-5).  But he lacked faith that he could be forgiven for what he had done, so he tragically took his own life.

Peter denied Jesus three times, despite the Lord’s dire warning that he would.  Did Peter feel profound remorse afterwards?  Was he determined to never repeat that offense?  Yes, on both counts!  (Lk. 22:61-62). But Peter held on to hope and clung to faith that somehow he could still be forgiven by God.  And, of course, he was! (Jn. 21:15-17).

There’s yet another aspect of repentance.  It’s an additional area that is often overlooked, but is a natural component of a faith-moved repentance.  God-guided repentance longs to restore everything that a person’s sin has tarnished or broken. (Like Zacchaeus promised to do in Luke 19:8!)  Sometimes this can be done, at least partially; sometimes sadly it cannot.

Ultimately, our Lord desires that we are continually processing through the repentance cycle in our day-to-day lives.  After all, we daily sin, so we daily have reason to repent.  But if there was ever a time to give repentance some additional personal attention, it is during the season of Lent.

One wide-eyed look at our bloody Savior is reason enough.  But view him not only through the despairing eyes of a sinner.  View him also through the rejoicing eyes of a believer!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus …” (Romans 8:1).

Thank you, dear Lord Jesus!

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The Ultimate Trophy

The Ultimate Trophy

As I write this, the world is gearing up for Super Bowl LVII (57) in Arizona.  While it’s not the most watched sporting event in the world – events such as the Olympics and the world soccer championship which include athletes from many countries understandably rank higher – the Super Bowl IS the most watched American sports championship. 

And it isn’t even close!  45 percent of U.S. households will tune in.  Well over 100 million viewers worldwide are following the action. (Or at least the commercials!)  No other American sporting playoffs draw even 20 million viewers.

An interesting sidenote regarding Super Bowl Sunday: it is the second-highest food consumption date for Americans!  The only day of the year when more food is eaten is on Thanksgiving.

Of course, the immensity of the attraction makes the event a high-money one.  According to Fox, which is airing the game, this year’s Super Bowl commercials cost as much as 7 million dollars for a 30-second spot.  Tickets to the game started at $6,000.  (Astounding when one considers that tickets to the first Super Bowl in 1967 cost only $12, and some tickets went unsold!)

Those players fortunate enough to play in the game benefit monetarily as well.  The ones on the winning team will receive $83,000 each, as well as a unique Super Bowl ring worth between $30,000 – $50,000.  But the losers aren’t left out; they’ll still earn a cool $42,000.

Naturally there can’t be a championship game without a championship trophy.  The Super Bowl version is named the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  It’s made by the New York jewelry giant, Tiffany & Company.  The award is constructed of sterling silver and valued at more than $10,000.  However, should a winning team put the trophy up for auction, the purchasing bid would undoubtedly be exorbitant. 

For some … perhaps even many … the Lombardi Trophy is the ultimate trophy on earth.  For others, they might prize the NBA, NHL, or MLB trophies greater.  Though it’s hard to argue that the FIFA Soccer World Cup isn’t the most valuable one of all.  Made of 18-carat gold, it’s worth is estimated to be 20 million dollars.

As monetarily valuable and as sentimentally treasured as these trophies might be, in the end they are nothing.  Because in the end, everyone dies, and their earthly trophies never make the journey with them.  And in the Final End …  the Last Day when the Lord Jesus returns … all earthly awards will be dissolved when the whole earth is made new.  (Is. 65:17, 2 Peter 3:10-13).

Which is why the Scriptures repeatedly encourage us to focus on spiritual victories.  On heavenly glories.  On eternal awards.  On honors that the Lord bestows, and not people.  These are the ultimate trophies!

It is so challenging for humans to see past the physical and focus on and treasure the spiritual.  Our five senses seem much more present and pressing than our silent souls.  Our bodies aggressively demand attention but are temporary; our souls quietly reside out of sight but will exist forever.  Where they eternally exist will depend on God’s grace, of course, and on the attention we give them in this life.  Food for the body is rarely neglected; food for the soul (God’s Word!) often is but never should be!

The Apostle Paul’s inspired words fit well in this discussion.  He used physical competition to picture spiritual striving, and contrasts earthly awards with the heavenly one. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

Jesus summarized this same truth in his message to the Church in Smyrna in Revelation: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). 

The writer to the Hebrews shows us how this is done.  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

One of the football teams will hoist the coveted Lombardi Trophy into the air this Sunday.  Good for them and for their fans.  I’ll certainly be watching.  But God grant that our focus will always be on receiving the ultimate trophy of God’s crown of life.  It’s the only trophy that really matters.

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(Matthew 6:19-20)  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

How to Interact on This Blog

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

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But for the Grace of God Go I

But for the Grace of God Go I

Due to the location of our church near down-town Tacoma, the congregation finds itself dealing with homeless folks and the issues they bring fairly regularly.  And there are definitely issues – many of which aren’t positive.  But not all of them are negative either.

It is not my intention with this post to mount my high horse and take a stand one way or the other on homelessness, or push a personal opinion or agenda on the matter.  Rather, I simply wish to make a few (hopefully helpful!) points to perhaps foster some healthy introspection.

I’ve had multiple conversations with folks living on the streets – usually after they have slipped into the church during a worship service or other activity.  This is one of the blessings of being in an area where the homeless inhabit.  Different congregational members and I have had many opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with folks struggling on the street, and to reflect Jesus’ love to them … many of whom don’t experience much wholesome love in their day-to-day situations.

Here’s my first observation: one cannot lump every homeless person into a generic category.  They are not all drug addicts or alcoholics.  They are not all mentally unstable.  They are not all choosing that lifestyle.  They are not all uneducated.  They are not all inconsiderate litterers.  They are not all criminals.  They are not all unbelievers.   

And they are certainly not all worthless.  (The Lord Jesus loves each one of them and died for them!  There is no higher value possible than that!)

Each individual is an individual with their own individual story. 

While transporting a soaking-wet woman to a safe place … a woman who walked in the church doors after the Christmas Day service, I asked her how she got in this situation.  She replied, “It’s a long story with many reasons, but it started with the death of my daughter.”  She also made the comment, “I wish more people asked that question instead of assuming the worst.”  Then she returned to singing along with the Christian Christmas songs playing on the radio.  She said, “I wish I would have gotten to church in time for worship this morning; I love the message of Christmas.”

The man who stepped into the Sanctuary this past Wednesday after worship had a different story.  After buying him a hot Pho meal (his choice!), he confided that he had to leave his home because of his abusive uncle.  When I asked if it was worse than living on the street, and could he go back there, he responded that if he did, his uncle would probably throw his mother out on the street.  He couldn’t live with himself if that happened.

While most who pop in end up asking for help of some kind (usually money), it is not at all uncommon for some to simply stay for worship.  The logical assumption might be that they are there because it’s a warm, dry place.  And that’s true for some, but others clearly relish the opportunity to hear God’s Word.  A gentleman who joined us recently actively participated in the service, and then afterwards asked me some theological questions that showed a clear mind and keen grasp of the Scriptures.  He never asked me for anything else.  He only wanted the Word.

While there is no doubt that many living in tent-cities are there because of significant personal issues, and a good share of them really do choose to live that way, there is also no doubt that there are some who do not.  They simply fell into it somehow, and desperately desire to crawl back out of it. 

The unfortunate reality, however, is that once one “gets down on their luck,” their “luck” is exceedingly slow to change.  Once dirty, disheveled and smelly, it’s pretty difficult to catch breaks … no matter how hard one may try.  The homeless shelters try to help, (God bless them!), but they have shortcomings as well. 

Between bites and gulps of his Vietnamese soup the other night, the homeless man in my truck confided that he had totally taken for granted the simple luxuries of life.  A hot meal.  A bed to sleep in.  A roof over his head.  A shower.  Comfort.  Safety.  He said he desperately wanted those things back, and if God gave them to him, he would never take them for granted again.

It is always sobering to have a heart-to-heart with someone on the street.  When it happens, I always find myself wishing I could do more for them, and I’m always astounded at the gratitude most have for the little I do.  It’s also impossible to fail to recognize how blessed I am … no matter my personal trials.  Furthermore, it’s impressed upon me that if a few things had gone differently in my life, I could be out on the street myself.  The same is true for you.

Which puts a whole different perspective on the matter.

But for the grace of God go I.  But for the grace of God go you. 

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Lamentations 3:21-25
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

James 1:17-18
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.

Psalm 146:1-2, 5-6
Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. … Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them — he remains faithful forever.

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Incomparable and Unequaled

Incomparable and Unequaled

Is there anything else in our existence quite like the cosmos?  On a clear night away from the city lights, the view of the night sky is breathtaking.  Stars upon stars upon stars.  Too many to count and too spectacular to comprehend!  We are enthralled by the brilliance of the view.

We are also stunned by the immense distance between us and them.  Even with just our naked eyes, we easily discern the vast space in space.  But we don’t even begin to comprehend the width, breadth and depth of God’s cosmos. 

Astronomers believe that the diameter of the observable universe … the part we can see … is at least 93 billion light years in distance.

Astronomers also tell us that there are probably more than 10 billion galaxies in the observable view of the night sky.  And each of those 10 billion galaxies have on average about 100 billion stars in them.  That’s approximately 1 billion trillion stars!  (1 billion trillion stars!!!)

And that’s only in the observable universe!  There’s even more beyond what we can see with just our eyes.

Wow!  Doesn’t that rattle your brain a bit?  Doesn’t that fill you with wonder?  Doesn’t that stretch your comprehension beyond its limits?  How immense are the heavens!

Now consider this: the Bible describes God as “marking off the heavens with the breadth of his hand”  (Isaiah 40:12).  In other words, the Bible pictures God as using his hand to measure the entirety of the cosmos.  That puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?  That sheds some light on the magnificence, superiority, and immeasurable greatness of our God!

And that’s the point.  The star-filled view of the night sky illustrates the magnificence of our God.  The stars show God’s superiority over everything and anything else anywhere.  They show us God’s immensity.  They powerfully demonstrate how God is infinite.  Just as we can’t begin to comprehend the immensity of the cosmos, so we can’t begin to comprehend the infinite God

No wonder David was inspired to write the words of psalm 19.  “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world”  (Psalm 19:1-4).

In other words, no matter who a person is or where they happen to live, one thoughtful look at the night sky should convince them that there must be a God.  The stars are a night-by-night testimony to the glory, power, wisdom, and general magnificence of God.

The heavens don’t reveal who the real God is, but they make crystal clear that there is one.  Only through the Scriptures will anyone find that God … the real God, the only God, the magnificent God who made heaven and earth.

Which is why the Lord inspired Isaiah to write these words:    “To whom will you compare me?  Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.  Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?  He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.  Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing”  (Isaiah 40:25-26).

We read these words and our awe increases.  Not only did the Lord create the heavens and all the trillions and trillions of stars in them, but through his “great power and mighty strength,” he preserves them.  And then there’s perhaps the most mind-blowing truth of all; the Lord knows every single star by name!

We struggle to remember where we left our phones or put our car keys.  Yet the Lord has a name for every one of the estimated 1 billion trillion stars that we can see.  And he has a name for all the billions of stars that we can’t see, as well!

Our God truly is incomparable and unequaled.  And here’s the best part of all: this magnificent God loves us magnificently, and has personally intervened to save us!  How awesome is our God!

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Unexpected Treasures

Unexpected Treasures

After the busy holidays and around my birthday, I enjoy breaking away for a few days and glamping (glamorized camping) in a cabin or a yurt in a state park.  (I am perfectly fine with staying in a tent normally, but in January temps are chilly and rainfall likely.)  I always find it wonderfully refreshing to walk out the door of my temporary residence and be surrounded by trees.

Thankfully, a number of Washington state parks allow metal detecting in certain areas, with proper registration.  So my January destinations have been parks with walled accommodations and an openness to metal detecting.  This year I stayed at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park near Enumclaw.

When one metal detects a state park, the good news is that there are a lot of coins lost there.  The bad is that the likeliest finds (besides the usual trash) will be small-value, modern coins – mostly pennies.  But it’s still enjoyable for me, and I always hope to find a few unusual items.  (I always do.  This time, for example, an old fishing reel and a steak knife.  The reel was unusable; the steak knife is.)

The goal is to stumble upon a few older coins (I keep 1960’s and earlier), perhaps a few tokens (Chuck E Cheese are common!), and if truly fortunate, a ring or two.

What one definitely does not expect to uncover is a 100-year-old “Barber” silver dime!  But that’s what happened earlier this week.  (See the picture above.)

I’ve found older coins and more valuable coins in previous hunts.  Whenever I do, I always wonder who lost it and how.  What did the surroundings look like when it happened?  What were the circumstances?  And how much did the loss impact the person?  (Coins carried much more value years ago than they do today.)

But finding this dime where I found it was about as unlikely and unexpected as possible.  It was just a foot-and-a-half off the paved drive, a few inches deep, and it was likely there or near there for almost 100 years.

Which absolutely intrigues me.  How did it get there?

You see, Kanaskat-Palmer State Park came into being in 1983 – just 40 years ago.  That’s 72 years after this coin was minted! 

Rafters and kayakers have been coming to the area long before the park was formed, since the Green River which flows through the park offers some of the best rapids in the area (class II – class IV).  Was it dropped by a “river rat” early in the century when he or she stumbled through the woods carrying their kayak to the river?

There’s also a rich history of mining in the immediate area.  Both coal and cinnabar (the base ore for mercury) were extracted in the region.  Did a miner happen to live nearby, and the coin popped out of his pocket?

Or maybe it was a logger, who in his exertions of cutting down a mighty cedar or Douglas fir, accidentally knocked the coin from his clothes?

Perhaps it was dropped by a hunter or fisherman, working his way through the forest seeking food for the family? 

Just before the turn of the last century, the Northern Pacific Railway opened a new rail line through the area, with Kanaskat serving as a water stop and scale for the steam-powered locomotives of the time.  The trains carried coal and logs harvested from the area.  Did an engineer take a walk in the woods, pull out his handkerchief and dislodge the dime with it?

I suppose another possibility is that someone in more modern times had the old coin in his or her vehicle for some reason, and inadvertently (and undoubtedly with great regret!) somehow transferred the dime from inside the truck to outside it.

We’ll never know how that “Barber” ended up in the soil at the state park where, with God’s blessing, I happened to uncover it.  But it is definitely one of the most unexpected treasures I have ever found.

As I reflected upon this remarkable discovery, it occurred to me that just as the Lord blessed me with uncovering that coin, so he inevitably blesses all his children with unexpected treasures. 

There are various ways this occurs.  One of the most common is through his Word.  I know you have experienced this.  You are reading the Bible or a devotional, listening to a sermon, a Bible study discussion or a Christian song … and there it is!  An unanticipated insight, a profound assurance, an extraordinary comfort supplied out-of-the-blue by the Holy Spirit.  That’s unexpected treasure!

Which only underscores how important it is that we are frequently hearing God’s truths. The more we hear, the more treasures the Lord shares with us.

Another way this plays out is in our lives in general.  I’m confident you have experienced this as well.  We are simply “doing life” when God sends us a precious moment.  We weren’t looking for it; it just happens.  And we recognize that this is something extraordinarily special.  Perhaps a tender moment with a loved one, a chance encounter with someone we haven’t seen in years, or an exceptional experience – a miracle even.  And there it is – another unexpected treasure.

How very blessed we are to have a loving God who gifts us with unexpected treasures here on earth! 

And just wait.  There’s the greatest of unexpected treasures still ahead of us.  Yes, you are expecting it, but heaven’s treasures are beyond our wildest expectations!

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Isaiah 45:3
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

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When Things Settle Down (WTSD)

When Things Settle Down (WTSD)

Here’s a post I shared several years ago in the heart of COVID when everything was topsy-turvy.  COVID issues have settled down somewhat, but life in this world is still catawumpus. (It always is!)  So it’s an excellent topic to revisit. 

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I’m not old yet, but I’m older than I used to be.  (Yes, I recognize that we can all make that claim.)  What I’m trying to say is that there’s some wear on the tires.  My body isn’t as spry and sleek as it used to be, but along the many miles I’ve traveled in life my noggin has accumulated a bit of wisdom.  Not a lot, mind you, but a little.

For example, I’ve learned that you absolutely should not leave the large tarp you purchased to cover the camping tents at home because there is no rain in the forecast.  In addition, I strongly advise that you do NOT attempt to slip your fishhook past the tree limb … even if you are an expert caster.  I definitely recommend that you clip your toenails before heading out on a long hike, especially if there are elevation changes.  (You may think this to be strange advice, but the day may come when you realize the profound wisdom in those words!)  And you never say never.  Never ever!  That’s just a small sampling of the hard truths I’ve learned through the years.

I’ve learned something else as well.  I’ve learned there is no such thing as “When things settle down.”  The context for the phrase usually sounds like this: “I’ll work on my marriage issues when things settle down (WTSD).”  Or, “I’ll spend more time with my children WTSD.”  Or, “I’ll get back in shape WTSD.”  Or, “Yes, something is definitely not right; I’ll go to the doctor WTSD.”  Or, “I’ll do something fun and relax WTSD.”

Where this nasty phrase really impacts negatively is when it’s used in a spiritual context.  Such as, “I’ll start reading my Bible WTSD.”  “I’ll get back to church WTSD.”  “I’ll work on my prayer life WTSD.”  “I’ll get more involved in ministry for God and more generous in my giving to God WTSD.”

You get the idea.  Only when we arrive in heaven will things finally (and forever!) settle down.  But here on this world, “when things settle down” is a lousy approach to life.

First of all, if one doesn’t set proper priorities, our sinful natures in conjunction with Satan and influenced by the world, will set them for us.  And we can be certain they won’t be in line with what the Lord encourages.

Secondly, there will never be a time when things settle down in our lives. 

Think about it.  From birth … to toddler … to child … to teen … to adult … to middle-aged … to elderly … to death, we are always changing.  As are the realities of our lives.  From nursing … to eating … to walking … to school … to puberty … to higher education … to moving … to occupations … to marriage … to home-ownership … to children … to health issues … to grandchildren … to retirement.  We all meander different paths and experience varied challenges in our lives, but we all share one common trait: our lives are always unsettled.

“When Things Settle Down” is an extinct beast; it died off when sin entered the world.

I spent far too many years and waited way too long for WTSD in my life.  I let improper priorities dominate.  I expected to reach the point “one of these days” when life would finally calm down.  I expected circumstances to stop changing sooner or later.  But, of course, life never really calms down and circumstances are constantly changing.  As a result, I missed wonderful opportunities and forfeited peace and joy because I was dealing with unsettledness.

Obviously I’m not advocating we turn a blind eye to significant issues that must be addressed or abdicate our responsibilities.  There are simply times when we must bear down in life.  But my observation is that these times aren’t as prevalent as we tend to think, and our priorities are frequently skewed.  We are typically slaves to the urgent instead of masters of the important.

“When things settle down” is one of Satan’s most common and most effective lies.  He’s used it to coax plenty of souls to their doom.  And he will utilize all his impressive power to ensure that things stay as unsettled as possible in our lives, because he knows how spiritually distracting this can be for Christians.

Our Savior has a different message. His counsel was this:  “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [that have you so unsettled] will be [taken care of for] you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34). 

Yes, that’s a bit of a paraphrase.  But I believe it still fits the context of Jesus’ advice and promise.  So here’s the key: when we settle our hearts and minds on God and the promises of God above all else, then the unsettled won’t unsettle us quite as much. 

And we will make wiser decisions on what to do and when to do it!

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An Unfathomable Existence

An Unfathomable Existence

My dear cousin, Paul, recently took a trip.  It’s a trip he had been anticipating his entire life.  His destination was exquisite; his preparation complete.  Nevertheless, he wasn’t expecting to depart quite so soon.

But when his angel escort arrived, he was on his way.  His Lord in his perfect and loving wisdom had determined it was time, and was waiting to welcome him home to heaven.

I’ve spent a fair bit of time reflecting on his departure … and his arrival … since Paul embarked on life’s most significant journey.  I miss him tremendously, but I truly rejoice for him. 

It’s the ultimate bitter-sweet.  My great loss; his great gain.   How can I not be happy for him?  How can I not be devastated myself?

This is also the ultimate conundrum.  So often, we sinful mortals cling desperately to a sin-impacted world with all its struggles instead of longing for the perfect place Jesus has prepared for us. 

I believe the reason is simple: we understand this earthly existence with all its issues.  Consequently, we are relatively comfortable here, even with the hardships we endure here (and know we will have to endure).  Conversely, we understand precious little about our eternity of salvation and are much less comfortable with the unknown … even though God promises us it is wonderful.

It’s interesting that much of what the Lord shares with us about heaven is what it is not.  No hunger, thirst, or discomfort of any kind.  No sorrow, pain or death.  No night.  I suspect the reason the Lord describes heaven this way is simply because we can better grasp what heaven isn’t than what it is.  This flawed world is our standard.

Which means eternal salvation is unfathomable.  Not only is it impossible for us to comprehend eternity; we can’t even begin to grasp the wonders there.  Or the God who in love sacrificed so very much, and intervened to such a great degree in our lives, to bring us into heaven’s holy halls!

As I’ve thought about my departed cousin this week, I’ve wondered what he is experiencing.  How wonderfully overwhelming is that place?  What is it like to be continually and fully in the very presence of God?

The Lord tells us in his Word that at death the soul (spirit) of believers transitions immediately to God’s eternal care while the body remains behind (Ecclesiastes 12:7).  When the Lord Jesus returns in the skies at the heavenly trumpet blast on the Last Day, the body will be resurrected and rejoined to the soul (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-57).

So already there is a profound difference for a Christian at death!  An existence without a body.  A newly perfect spirit in a perfect place in the immediate presence of the Triune God in perfect peace and joy!  For ever and ever and ever!

The concept is unfathomable for us who are still entrenched on earth!

In this world we rely on our 5 senses to evaluate information.  How does a holy soul free from the limitations of a sinful body process input?  And what kind of “input” does salvation put out?

Does the soul “see” the brilliant colors of the Lord’s infinite glory?  Does it “hear” the songs of praise to the Savior sung in hundred-part harmony?  Does it join its “voice” in the songs and shouts of acclamation to the Lord?  Does it “feel” the embrace of Jesus?  Does it “taste” the bounties of the victory feast in the throne room of the Lamb?

Certainly yes – somehow! But undoubtedly the soul experiences and participates in salvation’s activities in some incredible and incomprehensible way to us who are still stuck in the entry line.

Again, it’s ALL unfathomable for us now.  Yet it’s wonderful nevertheless!

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— [these are] the things God has prepared for those who love him!” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

I am so happy for you, Paul.  And I look forward to the day when you, along with Jesus, welcome me to that unfathomable but glorious place.

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Philippians 1:21-23
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far …

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