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A Perfect Home

A Perfect Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Seat with a View

A Seat with a View

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Some Thoughts

Some Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ephesians 6

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

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

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

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

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Raised Hands

Raised Hands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is nothing more triumphant and joyful than that!

How to Interact on This Blog

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

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Blest Be the Tie that Binds

Blest Be the Tie that Binds

It all came together at 9 a.m. on August 17 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.  Also accurate would be to say that we all came together.

That morning my parents sat in the front of the church where they had exchanged their wedding vows 63 years ago almost to the day.  On that auspicious day, my mother’s father – the pastor of that church at that time – officiated at the ceremony.

On this equally auspicious day in 2025, his grandson (me) baptized my grandfather’s great-great grandson (my son’s son) in the very church where he pastored … likely at the same ornate marble baptismal font where his daughter (my mother) was baptized.

My grandfather baptized my mom and me; I baptized my son and now my son’s son.  Incredible!

In the center front row of that beautiful church on that special baptismal morning sat 4 generations of believers from the same family.  Later our family took a picture that included the pastor portrait of my grandfather, making a line of 5 generations.

And I dare not forget to mention that in the pew immediately behind our family sat my wife’s brother, and two of my Birsching cousins – all devout believers as well – who had made special trips to be there. 

As I sat there in the worship service that morning, next to my father and in front of my brother-in-law, and heard them sing praises to our God with me … it was beyond moving.  It was transcendent. 

Which leads me to the point: the closest bond possible here on earth is NOT a shared interest in a sports team, a favorite hobby, an outdoor passion, or a political or ideological principle.  It’s not even marriage, a common last name or the same blood line.

The closest bond possible between people is one formed in Jesus and his truths.  It’s a connection that bypasses all other earthly differences and supersedes secular prejudices.

Speaking of the invisible church – those people who know their Savior and will be in heaven one day – Jesus described our close connection with him and each other in this way: “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5).

Paul pictures those intimate ties in another striking manner: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. … Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:12&27).

John Fawcett had it right when he wrote his dearly loved hymn, “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.”  That “tie” is Jesus and his love.  His love for us, and his love in us … a love that connects us to both Him and to others who love Him.

And it’s an even closer and more special tie when shared between family members.

To God be the glory and great praise!

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

Blest Be the Tie that Binds

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.

When here our pathways part, we suffer bitter pain;
Yet, one in Christ and one in heart, we hope to meet again.

From sorrow, toil, and pain and sin we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity. 

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Light in the Darkness!

Light in the Darkness!

The other evening while sitting on our small lakeside patio and reveling in the quiet and calming view, I was delighted to realize I was in the presence of a number of fireflies … their beacons beaming brightly.

What an amazing insect!  Amazing, but actually quite common.  At least in more rural, lower-light areas.

Fireflies – also referred to as lightening bugs – are beetles that use bioluminescence during twilight to attract mates or, in some species, prey.  There are actually over 2,000 firefly species worldwide, existing on every continent except Antarctica.  They are a diverse group of insects that inhabit various habitats.  Their preferred habitats are temperate and tropical fields, forests and wetlands.  Though fireflies are also found in more arid areas, most species thrive in warm, humid conditions ideal for their visibility.

The glowing beetles …

“… have a short lifespan characterized by distinct life stages. Adult fireflies typically live only long enough to mate and lay eggs, often not requiring food during this phase. While adults live a mere two months, their larvae can exist for about one to two years before reaching adulthood. During the larval stage, which is where they spend approximately 95% of their lives, fireflies predominantly dwell underground, maturing through winter and spring.”

“Fireflies exhibit varied diets based on their life stages; larvae predominantly prey on soft-bodied insects like snails, slugs, and worms, while adults tend to consume nectar and pollen, with some species skipping feeding altogether.” (https://blog.entomologist.net)

In the United States, adult fireflies will emerge from the ground in the spring and summer, depending on the species of bug and the location of the state (the southern states seeing them earlier).  Of course, the best time to see their bioluminescent flashes are at dusk and dawn, when they are trying to display their charm to potential mates.

I’ve never thought of it quite this way before, but we are the fireflies – the lightening bugs – of the world. 

About himself, Jesus stated, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

About us, he said, “You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Why do we have spiritual light?  Because of Jesus, our Savior!  We are loved, forgiven, saved and resided in by Jesus, the Light of the World. 

What do we do with the light of Jesus living in us?  We let it shine! 

There are actually some interesting parallels between physical lightening bugs and spiritual ones.  (You and me!)

  • Both beam lights that stand out in the dark. Fireflies in literal darkness; Christians in spiritual darkness.  The deeper the darkness, the brighter their light appears and the more obvious it is.

  • Both fireflies and believers are created by God to shine.

  • Both only have a brief time to shine.

  • With both, their lights attract others – fireflies to physical results; Christians to spiritual ones.

  • Sadly, the numbers of both the literal and the spiritual “fireflies” are diminishing due to environmental (and spiritual) factors.

  • As my children discovered many years ago while we were visiting the Midwest, lightning bugs put into jars end up dying – their lights being extinguished. Neither physical nor spiritual fireflies are intended by God to be put in or under containers. Rather, it is God’s intention they shine freely and brightly.

Watching a firefly display at dusk is mesmerizing.  Lights of faith in spiritual darkness also catch attention, and may be the first step in turning someone’s attention to the Savior. 

So, brothers and sisters in the Lord, let your lights shine! 

More than that.  Beam brightly and boldly!

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Life’s Better with …

Life’s Better with …

Life’s better with a boat!

At least that’s what the electronic sign at one of the boat dealerships between my place and my parent’s place suggests.  And, of course, an operation that exists specifically to sell people boats would love to convince us that our lives are lacking if we don’t own a boat.

The fact of the matter is that boats, boating, and boating-related activities are HUGE in Michigan, where we now live.  Michigan is, after all, known as the “Great Lakes State.”  It is truly surrounded with water on nearly every side – both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.  Furthermore, on the land between all that “big water” are more than 11,000 lakes!  Which ultimately results in the little-known fact that Michigan contains the most freshwater coastline in the entire United States.  Almost 3,300 miles!  (TravelAsker.com)

So yes, boats are big here.  Both figuratively and, often enough, literally as well.  And many Michigan residents would subscribe to the statement that “life’s better with a boat.”

Many residents, perhaps … but not all.  Others would substitute another word into the sentence, “Life’s better with a _______” 

Another popular choice might be the word “cabin.”  It’s remarkable how many folks who live in bigger cities have getaway places around us in central Michigan, or even further north.  (Of course, since many of the cabins are on lakes, many of them also have boats!)

There is actually a great number of words to insert into that “Life’s better” statement.  Each of us would have our own personalized version. 

And most of the options aren’t evil.  Even the statement itself isn’t necessarily wrong.  Life can be better with many things.  Health, home, family, friends and financial security being just a few examples that come to mind.

Unfortunately though, this hints at a larger issue.  Sadly, sinful people are quick to raise up gods in their hearts and minds, and to lose sight of the ultimate and only true God.  To which the Lord reminds us:

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.  With whom will you compare me or count me equal?  To whom will you liken me that we may be compared? … I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.”  (Isaiah 46:4-5, 9).

So what is the ultimate answer to a better life – to the best life?  What’s the word to drop into that blank that trumps all other words?  The item, the idea, the concept above all others?

It’s this: Life’s better with a Savior!

There’s really only one proper “Answer” to the best life possible.  It’s Jesus!  As the Lord himself reminds us in the Scriptures:

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. … God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.  (Romans 5:6. 8-11).

What does the fact that Jesus died for us and lives again mean for our lives?  How does it make our lives better? 

It’s simply this: No matter what else is going on in our personal world.  No matter what our circumstances may be.  No matter whether we have a boat or not, or a cabin, or any other spectacular earthly possession.  Through Jesus, we have forgiveness from God, peace with God, and an eternity in God’s heavenly home.

Therefore, we have hope.  And we have joy.  And our lives are infinitely better!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you …” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Yes indeed, life is better with a Savior.

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Blessings through the “Quiet”

Blessings through the “Quiet”

The fishing experience wasn’t ideal that evening.

It wasn’t because I didn’t catch any fish.  (I did.)  And it wasn’t because the view was lousy.  (It was as lovely as always.)  Nor was it due to the heat or humidity.  (The comfort level was actually wonderful.)

Rather, I struggled to fully enjoy the experience due to the roar hammering across the lake.

The lake we live on, (Shamrock Lake), is being dredged.  We thought the dredging process was completed last year, but apparently they are wrapping it up this summer.  Which means there are large dredging pipes floating on the surface, and the nearly unending bellowing of the large dredging boat.  (The company works day and night when in full swing.)

The dredger sounds like a semi-truck laboring up a mountain pass at full throttle – but at three times the volume.  Even at a distance, the roar rolls belligerently across the water.  Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to ignore.

Normally, evenings fishing off our dock are peaceful and relaxing; the sounds normal, nature-based and soothing.  The shriek of an osprey or eagle.  The quacks of ducks and the honking of geese as they fly in and splash to a rest on the water.  The good-night birdcalls as they settle into their resting places after another day.  A muskrat swimming quietly to his feeding spot.  Bullfrogs bellowing their unique call.  The splash of fish feeding aggressively on the surface.

But that evening, I could hear none of it.  Just the blaring of a very large motor sucking up the silt that had settled on the bottom of our lake.

I do understand that the process will produce a better lake for us to enjoy.  But if only it could be done quietly!

Sitting there that evening, missing the blessings of the quiet, it occurred to me that the world produces a prodigious amount of “roaring” that is also difficult to ignore.  The opinions of influential and “highly knowledgeable” people, the overabundance of information on the world-wide web, and the nearly constant audio input from our phones, radios and televisions (which we ourselves typically opt to listen to!) can create a lot of “noise.”

Sometimes we need to quietly soak in the peaceful voice of our God.

Where is it that our Good Shepherd “refreshes [our] souls?”  David was inspired to write that it is when we are “lying down in green pastures” and when we are “beside quiet waters.”  (Ps. 23:2-3).  In other words, in peaceful places where there are soothing sounds!  Namely, where we hear our Good Shepherd’s voice, and his alone.

Another psalmist was inspired to write these words: “[The Lord] 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” (Psalm 46:10-11).

The prophet Jeremiah encourages the same approach: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:25-26).

The quiet voice of our Savior informs us that he is real, that he really loves us, that he forgives us and that he has saved us.  It reminds us that he is with us, that he will provide for us and protect us, and that he has wonderful plans for us.  And so much more!

Cacophony is all around us.  Some we can’t avoid.  (Like a dredging boat on the lake!)  Some we choose to hear, or at least passively accept. 

Seek the quiet.  Pursue peaceful time to hear God’s speaking.  Be still and listen to your Lord. 

He speaks to us in public worship and Bible studies at our church.  He also speaks to us in our private devotions as we read his Word, as we listen to and sing his truths-put-to-song in Christian music, and as we personally reflect upon his messages.

The roar of the world will be here as long as the world stands.  Thankfully, the quiet voice of the Lord will also be here that long … and well beyond.  (Mt. 24:35). 

The key is finding quiet time to hear the quiet words.

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1 Kings 19
11 The Lord said [to Elijah], “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.

After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 

12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.

And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

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The Benefits of Being Selective

The Benefits of Being Selective

I love to watch the birds.

Our God was so creative in his creating process!  Like every aspect of God’s animal kingdom, birds come in multiple sizes and shapes – most with distinctive features and coloration. 

Some diehard bird watchers chase after the birds, going wherever they need to go to hopefully see different species.  I prefer to bring the birds to me.  Of course, the best way to do that is to hang a bird feeder or feeders in a conveniently observed place.

I have two feeders in easy view from our front windows.  One is an oriole feeder with a very specific food unique to drawing in the black and orange birds.  (Grape jelly!) 

The other is a traditional platform feeder with cages on each end for seed blocks, which the woodpeckers like to peck at.  (I thoroughly enjoy watching them!)  In the main part of the feeder, I pour the seed in from the top, and it spills out on both sides of the platform.

The frustration I ran into with the main feeder was that the birds I really don’t care to feed or watch, (especially grackles and red-wing blackbirds), would bully the rest of the birds away while they gorged themselves.  I’d fill the feeder with common birdseed one day and gangs of those piggy black birds would have it completely cleaned out by the next!

One Sunday afternoon my brother-in-law and my nephew stopped over to fish off our dock.  Not only did we catch a few fish and have a great conversation, but my brother-in-law (an avid bird feeder himself) clued me in to safflower seeds.

I had seen bags of safflower seeds for sale in the birding sections of local stores, but I didn’t really know much about it.  After our talk on the dock, I did some quick research on it.  Turns out that grackles and blackbirds don’t like safflower seed!  Squirrels either!

However, cardinals, bluejays, finches, grossbeaks, and chickadees – some of my favorite birds – love them! 

How did I never hear about this before?

So I purchased my first bag of safflower seed and began to mix it in with the regular seed.  Sure enough, the black birds still came, but they pushed the safflower seeds out of the feeder.  After the typical seed was gone, so largely were the bullies.  But the cardinals and finches still came to eat the leftover safflower seeds!

It didn’t take long until I transitioned completely to the new seed. Now I don’t get nearly the quantity of birds at my feeder, but the visual quality of the those who come, and the frequency of their visits, has improved significantly.

It occurred to me that there is a spiritual application to this.  Simply stated, the things that we choose to “feed” our hearts and minds will correlate with what we see in our spiritual lives.

If we are primarily feeding on the usual “seed” that the world ingests, our hearts, minds and lives will probably be rather common – looking much like the rest of the world.  By the same token, if our spiritual diet is elevated to a higher level, so also will our spiritual well-being.

Stated differently, the more we focus on worldly things (wealth, possessions, position, power, success, and etc.), the more worldly we will be tempted to become.  The more we focus on spiritual things (God’s Word, God’s love, God’s forgiveness and salvation, God’s promises, God’s blessings – both now and forever, and etc.), the more Godly we will become, and the more spiritually stunning we will appear.

Being selective in what we feed the birds can provide great dividends.  Being selective in what we feed ourselves can provide even greater ones!  And much more important ones!

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Where Is Peace to Be Found? Part 2

Where Is Peace to Be Found? Part 2

In the congregations where I serve we recently worked through a special Bible study called “The Keys to a Christian’s Peace.”   This is such a pertinent and important topic that I’m sharing some of the “keys to peace” here.  I pray they are a blessing!.

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

Most would agree that finding personal peace in this chaotic world is challenging.  And keeping it, even more so!

There are so many things that seem to impact our peace.  So many people, problems, situations, and uncertainties that tend to rob us of the peace we long to have – for the peace that God longs for us to have.

But the shocking truth of the matter is that the peace-stealing culprit in our lives is actually … ourselves!  Or more specifically, our own minds.  (Our thoughts!)  We rob ourselves of the peace God wants us to have by how we mentally process things. 

In his book, “Finding Peace: God’s Promise of a Life Free from Regret, Anxiety, and Fear,” Dr. Charles Stanley writes about this very thing:

On a number of occasions through the years when I have felt troubled, anxious, or frustrated, I blamed other people for “stealing” my peace.  I was wrong.  The truth is, nobody else should ever have been blamed for my loss of peace.  In each and every case, I was the one who laid it down.

Hear me carefully on this point.  Nobody can take your peace from you.  If you have lost your peace, you have lost it for one main reason – you surrendered it. … The truth is that no circumstances, situation, person, or organization can steal your inner peace.  We lose our peace because we lay it down.  We give it up.  We concede it.  We abandon it.  (pp. 34-35).

Where our personal peace is undermined, it is undermined by none other than ourselves.  The Lord didn’t remove it.  Circumstances didn’t ruin it.  Other people didn’t pillage it.  We blew it up ourselves!

This goes back to last week’s post where we discussed “The Simple “P” Summary:

The Simple “P” Summary

Where we should NOT focus … but often DO: 
our Problems

Where we SHOULD focus … but often do not:
God’s Promises of Provision and Protection

How we think about things affects how much … or how little … peace we feel.  If we are focusing exclusively on our problems, peace will be far from us.  If centering our thoughts on God’s promises, peace will be much more present.

Again, quoting Dr. Stanley:

You have the control mechanism for determining what you will think.  Every person has the ability to say, “I will think about something else” and then refocus the mind on a new topic, task, or problem to solve.  Every [Christian] has the ability to say, “I choose to trust God,” or conclude, “I choose to be overwhelmed.” (“Finding Peace” – Charles Stanley, p. 92).

I have come to recognize that the way we mentally process things matters a great deal.  Furthermore, the way we mentally process things tends to be deeply ingrained in us.

If unexpected events in the past have brought on personal anxiety, unexpected events in the present and future will do the same.  If we have naturally gravitated toward perceiving things in a negative manner in the past, we will continue to perceive things negatively going forward.  If crises have caused fear previously, they will also cause fear in the future.

That is, if we don’t alter our thought process!

Changing how we think is absolutely possible.  However, some necessary components must be in place to do so. 

First, we must recognize that we sometimes (even often?) struggle with “stinking thinking.”  Our thoughts aren’t always as positive as they could be or focused where they should be focused – namely, on our loving God and his all-encompassing promises.

Secondly, we have to want to mentally process matters differently.  That is, we recognize the peace robber our negative thinking is and wholeheartedly desire to be done with it.

Finally, it is crucial that we are committed to a new mindset.  We don’t hope it happens; we make it happen!  We embark on a deliberate and intensive process of evaluating our thoughts, exchanging poor focuses for more peaceful ones (the promises of God!), and training ourselves to think differently.

Even secular counselors recognize that this is possible, that it is often beneficial, and that it is sometimes necessary.  They lack the source of ultimate peace (the Lord), but they still encourage adopting a different, more positive mindset and maintain that people can indeed train themselves to think differently.

The Apostle Paul actually addressed this very thing in the Scriptures.  “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Whether the opposition to God’s truths arise from the world in general, our personal environment or our own sinful natures, we “demolish [those] arguments.”  Instead, we corral our thoughts inside the peace-providing promises of our Savior.  Our almighty, all-knowing, ever-capable God really does love us, and has assured us he will work everything out for our good!  (Romans 8:28).

Embrace the truth that our God will always take wonderful care of us, no matter how alarming our situation may seem at the moment.  This is called trust, and it is not only suggested by our God … but commanded repeatedly by him in the Bible.  And why?  Because the Lord knows how important trusting him is for our personal peace!

The path to inner peace?  It actually meanders through our minds.  The more we walk in God’s promises, the more peace we experience.  Which makes it a path worth walking!

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

(John 8:46-47)  [Jesus said,] “If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.”

How to Interact on This Blog

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

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