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Category: Encouragement

Beware the Hook!

Beware the Hook!

Earlier this week, two of my sons and I were able to break away for a day of fishing.  Fishing is generally regarded as one of those pastimes which can provide wondrous relaxation.  But if things are going well, the relaxation will be punctuated frequently by sudden excitement. 

All of which makes fishing so enjoyable … at least for the fishers.  For the fish, however, it’s literally a matter of life and death.  The wrong decision leads to some significant consequences.

Many factors weigh into whether a fishing expedition is successful.  Weather conditions, water temperature, time of day, the phase of the moon, and the particular place one is fishing (both the body of water and where one is fishing that water) can impact whether fish are caught or not.

But the most crucial element of all in a typical fishing excursion is the hook.  If one wants to catch fish in the traditional manner of fishing, they must use at least one hook.  And extra hooks are extra good, if legally allowed! 

It goes without saying, however, that just a bare hook will generally catch nothing besides seaweed.  Even the dumbest fish knows better than to impale itself on a bare hook.  Rather, the fisher-person adorns the hook with something that will (hopefully!) entice a finned fellow to bite.

Those hook adornments can take many different forms.  My personal favorite is meat of some kind: crawlers, minnows, maggots or fish parts.  Powerbait can be extremely effective for trout; smelly baits for catfish.  Gadgets made to look like fish or other critters (with treble hooks attached) can be retrieved or trolled to entice a strike from a predatory fish.  Finally, there are endless variations to the presentation of the catching apparatus called a “hook.”

Consider the names that refer to these fishing standards: attractants, lures, bait, and hooks.  And no wonder!  Their very purpose is to attract a fish, lure it to take the bait and get hooked!  When that happens, it’s great for the fisherman, but not so great for the fish.

As humans, we are familiar with the concept of predation.  Even if we don’t actively hunt or fish, we are aware that we are at the top of the food chain.  In the physical world, we are predators … if not actively, then passively.  However, it is crucial we recognize that in the spiritual realm we are the prey! 

The Apostle Peter paints this illustration for us: “Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”  (1 Peter 5:8).  That “someone” is you and me!

And just like the fisher does when pursuing fish, so Satan dangles baited hooks before us.  He will present the hook in different ways for different people and at different times.  (We are all pulled by our own unique temptations, and he will bring out what he knows works best on us.)  But be assured that under that enticing attractant or attached to that seductive lure is a sharp and potentially deadly barbed point.

Sometimes the fish don’t even recognize the hooks under the bait until it’s too late.  But there are other times that they DO know about the hook, but STILL come after the bait. 

Have you ever dipped your worm-covered rig in the water right next to a frequently used fishing dock?  If so, then you know that seasoned little fishees will quickly, adeptly and repeatedly strip the crawler off your hook while you watch, and as you futilely attempt to catch them.

That’s how we are too sometimes!  We know that Satan is trying to hook us on an attractively arrayed temptation, but we still bite.  Often eagerly!  Like the little fish, we think we can get away with it.  But sometimes those overconfident biters miscalculate and find themselves hooked.  The same can happen to us.  Bite on a temptation too often, and we could suffer far more than we anticipated.

This is what Paul was writing about to the Corinthian Christians:  “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ”  (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Attractive?  Alluring?  Absolutely!  But beware the hook!

We are so easily persuaded to nibble on “goodies” that aren’t good for us.  Thankfully our God is forever faithful.  Take to heart this sobering reminder and these encouraging insights from the Bible:

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

That’s certainly comforting to know.  But even more comforting is the knowledge that the Lord has also provided forgiveness through Jesus for those times when we bit on an alluringly decorated hook!  How good is our God!  How blessed are we!  All the more reason to swim by Satan’s temptingly tantalizing hooks.

Goodbye to Goodbyes

Goodbye to Goodbyes

I hate goodbyes.  But then almost everyone does, don’t they?  Goodbyes to loved ones are rarely “good byes.”  The word is the ultimate oxymoron.

This is a fresh and sensitive topic with me.  Recently I found myself saying goodbye to a number of family members. 

We had traveled back to Michigan just to see loved ones, and the good Lord allowed us to see many!  We spent time with both my parents and my wife’s parents.  We saw some of our siblings, their spouses and some of their children – our nephews and nieces.  In fact, the members of our entire immediate family (parents, children and grandchildren) were gathered together in one place for almost a week!  It was the first time in several years that this has happened.

All of which led to multiple and heartfelt hellos.  Every day of our vacation brought joyful greetings of one kind or another; warm helloes springing from the shared bond of faith and family.  Helloes that reflect blood ties and past experiences, and which anticipate the wonderful things that the coming moments together will bring.

I love helloes.  Especially helloes to those people embedded deep in my heart.  But every hello in this world ultimately leads to a goodbye, doesn’t it?

Of course, there are a multitude of things to which we sooner or later bid adieu.  Houses, cars, places, experiences, jobs, schools … even previous health and appearance … can all merit “farewells” as we meander on through life.  And then there are those gut-wrenching goodbyes to our pets.  Make no mistake, some of these goodbyes can foster high emotion. 

But the worst goodbyes of all are the goodbyes to people we love. 

Why are goodbyes to loved ones so difficult?  Well, we thoroughly enjoy our time together.  Consequently, goodbye means a pause in those joyful moments, and often bounces us back to the reality of our other responsibilities and less enjoyable activities. 

However, that’s not the fundamental reason we hate goodbyes.  The real reason is very simple; we abhor goodbyes because we don’t know if we will be together again in this world.  The uncertainties of our earthly existence are ever-present in our awareness, and we all recognize that sooner or later there won’t be another hello. 

This inescapable fact rocks us.  It makes farewells to loved ones we rarely see agonizing.  But it even lurks in our consciousness with our day-to-day goodbyes … as much as we try not to think about it.  One can’t live a few years in this uncertain world without recognizing the uncertainty inherent in goodbyes.

My purpose in writing about goodbyes is not to bring anyone down.  Rather I want to underscore a few key points that I have fallen back on as I negotiate painful farewells.

Here’s the first one:  The fact that a person has agonizing goodbyes means that God has blessed them richly with dearly-loved family and friends.  Every close relationship in our life is a precious gift.  Each difficult goodbye we must endure simply emphasizes how profoundly blessed by God we are.

The second significant aspect of painful earthly goodbyes is that they encourage us to eagerly anticipate the day when there will never be any more goodbyes, but only helloes forever and ever.  This is such a foreign concept to us earthlings that we can barely consider it or comprehend it. 

But the day when God ushers us into heaven marks the end of experiencing goodbyes and the beginning of an eternity of hearing only helloes!  “Hello” to the Lord himself and Jesus our Savior.  “Hello” to the multitude of angels.  “Hello” to the great men and women of faith from the Bible and history.  “Hello” to our ancestors who lived and died in Jesus.  “Hello” to our family and friends who preceded us to heaven.  And “hello” to every family member and friend who follows us there!  Never again will we say “goodbye.”  Only “hello” over and over again forever and ever.

The Apostle John was given a glimpse of this wonderful heavenly home where goodbyes are gone and helloes predominate.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look!  God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  (Revelation 21:3-5) 

A goodbye to goodbyes.  Now that really will be a “good bye!”

Majestic and Magnificent

Majestic and Magnificent

It’s 14,410 feet of majesty and magnificence.  On a clear day in the Puget Sound, it isn’t just visible; it’s prominent.  In fact, it dominates the skyline!

Situated just 40 miles Southeast of my home in Tacoma, Mount Rainier often appears as a giant hologram … startlingly vivid but technologically created.  Only it’s not.  It’s absolutely real!

Also referred to as Mount Tahoma, it certainly isn’t the highest mountain in the world.  At least 16 other mounts are supposedly taller … some by only the smidge of a few feet.  Nevertheless, Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington State and the Cascade Range, and as inspiring a mountain as can be found anywhere. 

The reason for its impressiveness is due to what scientists call “topographic prominence,” or how far a mountain extrudes from the surface around it.  In fact, of the 128 “ultra-prominent mountain peaks” in the United States, Mount Rainier is ranked third!  It has a topographic prominence of 13,210 feet.  Majestic and magnificent indeed!

Tahoma is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states.  Its 26 major glaciers and 36 square miles of permanent snow and ice add to the mountain’s striking view year-round.  These glaciers spawn five sizable rivers: the Cowlitz, Carbon, Mowich, Nisqually and Puyallup.

But under the cold and beautiful ice rages fiery lava.  Rainier is an active volcano.  While it hasn’t produced a major eruption in about 500 years, it is the source of frequent seismic activity (earthquakes). There is a high probability of future eruptions, making it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.  It’s sheer size, towering over 3-plus million people, as well as the significant mantle of ice adorning it, could result in massive lahars devastating huge swaths of populated countryside.  Not only is Mount Rainier majestic and magnificent, it is daunting and intimidating as well!

I’ve often thought that Mount Rainier is an apt symbol of the Lord.

The state of Washington is blessed with not just multiple volcanoes and multiple mountains; it’s blessed with multiple mountain ranges!  But none of the other many mountains can compare with Tahoma.  It clearly rises above all the rest.  As does our God.  There are many other “gods,” but none can compete with the Lord.  He stands above all.  He stands alone.

Interestingly, there are actually three peaks atop the mountain: Columbia Crest, Point Success, and Liberty Cap.  The Bible describes the One-and-Only-God as comprising three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  One mountain yet three peaks; one God yet three persons.  Certainly not a perfect illustration, but fascinating nonetheless.

There is no denying the hidden danger and potential ferocity of the volcano that is Mount Rainier.  It can surely bring destruction.  So too can the God of the Bible.  There is nothing more lethal than the Lord.  To ignore Him or reject Him inevitably leads to ruination.

Tahoma is gorgeous – striking to the eyes and stirring to the emotions!  But there is nothing more beautiful than our God in all his glory.  Nothing in all of creation, not even the shimmering angels, can compare.  Yet God’s greatest beauty, his ultimate glory, resides in the fact that he saved sinners.  God’s grace demonstrated by God himself taking our place and dying our death, is an act of unspeakable loveliness … and love.  It stirs our souls and pours joy into our hearts.

Just as Mount Rainier often appears to “float” on the horizon … suggesting an unreal presence, so the Lord can seem distant and unattached to our reality as well.  But just as Rainier actually exists, our God is also “Fact,” and intimately connected to us.  He is real, and really engaged in our lives.

On the rare non-overcast days in the Fall through Spring in Western Washington, the locals often state jubilantly, “The Mountain is out!”  Of course, “The Mountain” is always there, whether the weather allows us to see it or not.  And so it is with our God.  Even when we can’t lay our eyes upon Him, the Lord is still with us.  Then there are those times where God’s presence, providence and protection are obvious, and we exclaim, “The Lord is here!”

When my aunt was in Washington for my ordination, she nicknamed Mt. Rainier the “Silent Intruder.”  A person can be lost in thought driving or walking, just minding their own business, when suddenly Rainier pops into view and takes one’s breath away.  If we are looking through the eyes of faith, God does that often!  We recognize God’s appearances and activity repeatedly in our day-to-day lives.  He frequently leaves us in awe.  We certainly experience that when we focus our eyes on the cross.  Breathtaking indeed!

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

Mount Rainier is undeniably majestic and magnificent.  But the mountain doesn’t even come close to the majesty and magnificence of the Lord, our Rock and Redeemer!

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!  How awesome is our God!

Really?!?

Really?!?

I’m generally a fairly easy-going guy.  I’m usually pleasant to chat with.  I’m interested in listening and learning more about many things from people.  I try to be thoughtful in what I do or say.  I recognize that there are different strokes for different folks and am typically accepting of different points of view. And I wear a mask in public places and maintain an acceptable distance from others.  (Who would have thought that those last points would one day top the list of proper social etiquette practices?)

But I admit that there are some things that irritate me.  I’m a bit of a growly bear at times.

For example, if I could add an eleventh commandment to the Lord’s list, it would be … “You shall not litter!”  Not ever.  Not for any reason.  If a person can manage to carry the full, heavier package/wrapper/can/bottle to wherever they are when they use it, then there should be no reason why they can’t transport the emptier, lighter version with them until it can be properly disposed.

And please, I have absolutely no desire to see anyone’s underwear.  It’s called “underwear” because it is supposed to be under whatever else a person is wearing!  In my book, deliberately displaying one’s underpants is a rather distasteful fashion statement.

In the same way, intentionally blaring one’s music for everyone within a quarter mile to hear strikes me as incredibly rude.  (No matter what type of music it may be!)  And I’ll double down on that whenever the music is thumping from a car parked at a convenience store or at a gas pump in the gas station. 

Nor can I comprehend why anyone would embark on a beautiful nature hike miles from any city and then fill the forest air with the clamor of tunes from some modern technological device.  Isn’t one of the primary reasons for venturing into the wild to immerse one’s self into the stillness of nature, punctuated only with birdsong and the natural sounds of God’s creation?

I haven’t even mentioned conversing loudly on a cell phone in a restaurant or in the check-out line.  Or recklessly weaving through freeway traffic at a high rate of speed.  Or someone trying to finish my sentences for me.

When I observe these behaviors, one word flashes through my mind … and possibly even across my lips.  “Really?!?”

I know.  I know.  It’s clear I’m an old curmudgeon.  And the older I get, the more curmudgeonly I become.  However, I’m guessing that at least some of the behaviors I mentioned bother you too.  And I’m sure you have other irritants that weren’t mentioned. 

Here’s the thing that I try to remember when I’m frustrated at a behavior that strikes me as rude.  Difficult as it is to imagine, there are things that I do that irritate others and strike them as rude too.  (I can’t for the life of me think of what my failings might be, but I’m sure my family members or even others who know me, if they thought really long and hard, might be able to list off a few.)  The hard truth is that there are things that you do that rub people the wrong way as well. 

In fact, Jesus himself frustrated others.  The Bible shows clearly that he upset any number of people in his earthly ministry.  But do you doubt that even as he was growing up, he irritated a few folks?  There must have been times when his earthly parents were exasperated with him … even before and after the twelve-year old Jesus remained behind in the temple debating with the theologians.  Surely his siblings didn’t always appreciate their half-brother’s perfection as they were growing up together.

If even holy Jesus irritated others, then how can any of us expect to slide through life without ruffling a few feathers?  Sometimes we might upset because we are doing the right thing; other times because we aren’t being very thoughtful; still others where we frustrate because we are simply different than someone else.

All of which is why the Holy Spirit urges us in the Scriptures to prioritize love in our viewing of and dealing with one another.  The Bible is full of these encouragements.  Here is one of my favorites:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”  (Colossians 3:12-15).

Really?!?  Yes, really!  With God’s assistance, God expects us to live a life of love … reflecting to others the undeserved love he has shown us.

Solitaire for Two!

Solitaire for Two!

I often have trouble falling asleep at night.  It’s not that I haven’t typically worked hard that day.  It’s because I have a mind that refuses to shut down.  No matter how exhausted my body may be, my mind keeps churning.  It happens to be one of the more frustrating things in my life.

I’ve often wished I had an on/off switch for my thoughts.  Click on the brain first thing in the morning, and click it off when I crawl into bed each night.  But I suppose if one’s mind isn’t already engaged, a person wouldn’t think to activate it when waking up.  (OK, so that could be an issue.)

Fortunately, one of the things I’ve learned that helps my mind begin to disengage after a long day is Solitaire.  I began playing the card game when I was in elementary school.  But back then, I had to shuffle the cards after each game and lay out the seven rows.  In fact, the entire game was done manually.  It took a fair amount of time to play a game, and then as much or more to reset the deck after each “hand.”

But now my computer does it all!  And much faster than even the best card handlers in the casinos could.  There are even sound effects!  (I’ve often wondered about the psychological feel-good benefits of the “ding” of moving an ace up above, the “clack” of making a connection between cards, and certainly the electronic celebration following a win.)

Yes, I know that sleep experts advise avoiding staring at screens before going to bed.  However, Solitaire somehow soothes me.  I don’t pull up the cards every evening, but several nights a week isn’t uncommon.  In fact, Microsoft informs me that I’ve played over 6,600 games through the years, and I’ve won over 1,100 times.  (That’s a 17% winning percentage, by the way.)

The card game Solitaire can be a great approach to numbing the mind late at night.  (At least for me.)  The foundational concept of Solitaire is solving the card puzzle alone.  This works well in the card version.  However, it happens to be a lousy approach to life.

To some degree I think we all have the tendency to try to conquer life’s puzzles alone.  We want to be smart enough, strong enough, adaptable enough, determined enough, or whatever other characteristics one might toss into the mix to “win” the game of life.  We want to finagle the details so all our “cards” line up in four neat descending rows, and we want to accomplish the challenge ourselves.

Realize that I’m not referring to earthly relationships when I write those words.  Some prefer to associate with many people while others prefer fewer connections.  Some folks are happiest alone.  Some are quick to request assistance from other people; others rarely will.  As humans, we are all over the spectrum in regard to our affinity for earthly relationships.  How we tackle life, with how many and with whom, are separate matters.

However, we ALL need God!  We don’t just need him a little or now and then; we need the Lord completely and constantly … every day in all things.  He is our help and our hope, our strength and salvation, our rock, fortress, protector and provider.  Without the Lord, we are doomed, both now and forever.  With the Lord, we are conquerors and overcomers; people blessed beyond measure with significance and salvation.

Jesus summed up this concept beautifully in John 15:4-5:  “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Branches must remain attached to the vine to live and produce fruit.  It’s crucial that we stay connected to Jesus through God’s Word!

Solitaire is best known as a game for one.  Life however is best approached as Solitaire for Two.  Each of us individually … along with God.  That is a sure-fire formula to win at life!

So Easily Done! So Hard to Undo.

So Easily Done! So Hard to Undo.

Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain, and most fools do.” 

If only we weren’t that kind of fool.  But we all slide down that slippery slope of criticism too easily and too often.  And sadly, the people we criticize the most are almost certainly the ones we love the most.

The English Language Learners definition of criticism is excellent.  It states criticism is “the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing.” 

It’s been said that, “When we judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about our own need to be critical.”  Sadly, there is a lot of truth to that statement.  We’ve all been criticized, so we all criticize.  It’s a learned behavior that is especially appealing to our sinful natures.

All of us become critical sometimes, but some of us gravitate to it more frequently.  Sadly, those who frequently “express disapproval” will argue that they are simply offering loving and constructive criticism to others.  But most misunderstand the concept.  Instead of “constructive,” their words and tones are typically destructive.

Criticism is destructive to relationships when it is about personality or character rather than behavior, when the words are blame-filled, not focused on improvement, when they imply there is only one “right way” to do something, and when they are belittling.  (Dr. Steven Stosney, “What’s Wrong with Criticism.”)

A bit later in the article, Dr. Stosney writes, “At no time … does an obvious fact occur to critical people: Criticism is an utter failure at getting positive behavior change. Any short-term gain you might get from it builds resentment down the line.”

Let me share a few other nuggets from Dr. Stosney’s article:

“You’re likely to be the last to know whether you’re a critical person. … If someone says you’re critical, you probably are.  But there’s a better way to tell: Think of what you automatically say or think to yourself if you drop something or make a mistake.  Critical people will typically think, Oh you idiot, or curse or sigh in disgust.  If you do that to yourself, you most likely do it to others.”

I’m guessing the words in that last paragraph indict a lot of us. 

It is so very easy to run others down, to dismantle their self-esteem bit-by-bit with “well-intentioned” expressions of disapproval.  Once criticism is leveled, it can’t be taken back, and all that remains is the damage that the criticism produces.  It really does take multiple kind words to try to temper the destruction of unkind ones, and ultimately the kind words never undo the unkind.

Yes, some can use the criticisms of others to motivate themselves to excel.  But the vast majority of people wither under negative comments.  To prosper, most need encouragement.  That is, they need true encouragement … not negative-based “encouragement” to change, but kind, uplifting, invigorating, positive and pure words of encouragement.

Dr. Stosney contrasts criticism with “feedback.”  Criticism focuses on what’s wrong; feedback focuses on how to improve.  Criticism implies the worst; feedback is about behavior.  Criticism devalues; feedback encourages.  Criticism implies blame; feedback looks to the future and how things can be better.  Criticism attempts to control; feedback respects autonomy.  Criticism is coercive while feedback is not.

To further complicate this matter, yet another crucial factor in effectively encouraging others goes beyond just positive words.  Our tone as we talk is critical as well.

Daniel Goleman, the writer of a book on relationships, explains.  “The way leaders use positivity when communicating with employees can make a huge impact on their emotional well-being and their performance.  I was really surprised how big the impact of these interactions can be. … In one experiment, the emotional tone of a leader delivering news to an employee made more impact than the news itself.  When negative feedback was delivered with a warm tone, the employees usually rated the interaction positively.  On the other hand, good news, such as achieving a goal, delivered with a negative tone would leave employees feeling bad.”

Yikes!  We really do need to weigh our words, rein in our emotions, and consider our tone before speaking to others.

Charles Schwab summarized the concept in this way:  “I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism.”

Here’s what an even more respected and reliable source states:

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. … And we urge you, brothers and sisters … encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14-15).

Oh, that our gracious God would work in us so that encouragement of others becomes easier and more natural than criticism!  Clearly the Lord wants us to be people who build others up instead of tearing them down.

Just a Small Slice of Heaven?

Just a Small Slice of Heaven?

Of course, nothing in this world can even begin to replicate the world that awaits us.  But that doesn’t keep us from trying to find just a small slice of heaven here on earth.

It seems to me that those heavenly attributes we most desperately seek are rest, relaxation, joy and peace.  The reality is that these blessings are primarily delivered to us by the Holy Spirit in spiritual packages … through God’s Gospel wrapped in different and delightful ways.  And finally, that resource (the Gospel!) is where we all want to be actively abiding.

Otherwise peace, joy, rest and relaxation are difficult qualities to uncover in this hard-driven, stress-packed, muddled-up, uncertain, unsettled, and demanding society.  And especially all of them all at once.   Rarely will they be uncovered in one secular activity.

I have many hobbies I enjoy.  I enjoy them because they bring me a hint of the blessings I will experience fully in heaven.  Hiking and backpacking; hunting and fishing; metal detecting and gold panning; bird and animal watching; gardening and landscaping; cooking and grilling; traveling and exploring; reading and writing; watching a good ballgame or attending a concert … they all bring a measure of satisfaction.  But none of them foster complete rest and relaxation, peace and joy.

Obviously no non-spiritual activity in this life can or will.  But there is one thing that comes close … at least for me.  Camping.

Now I recognize that some of the good readers of this blog will cringe at the thought of residing for days in a tent with no amenities on the edge of a dirt-covered, smoke-filled campsite.  To be largely at the mercy of the whims of weather, wild critters and bugs would definitely NOT be restful and relaxing to many.  Nor would they find it peace-providing and joy-filling.

But it is to me.

Metal detecting?  (Enjoyable!)  Cooking a good meal?  (Satisfying!)  Observing wildlife?  (Delightful!)  Backpacking?  (Thrilling!)  Fishing?  (Potentially relaxing AND exciting!)  Reading a well-crafted book?  (Distracting … in a good way!)  Camping?  (Restful, relaxing, peaceful and joyful!)

I’ve wondered why I enjoy it so much.  Perhaps it’s because of the memories of camping with my parents and siblings when I was young, or with my wife and children when I was older.  The presence of loved ones is huge.  Undoubtedly my joy in camping also revolves around my love of the outdoors.  Being free from responsibilities other than “the very basics of life” (food, drink, and shelter) is another factor.  Camping allows me to unplug for an extended amount of time, along with the rest of my family who are with me.  And then there’s the added bonus of being able to easily participate in so many of my other enjoyable pursuits.  After all, we’re temporarily living in the outdoors!

Ah, there’s nothing like a camping trip to bring sweet rest, easy relaxation, deep-seated peace, and exquisite joy.  Nothing outside of spiritual elements in this world, anyway.  I recognize that it’s not for everyone.  But at least for me, camping is a small slice of heaven.

Imagine then what a large slice of heaven will be!  The complete, perfect and unending slice!  This is how an “elder” in heaven described salvation to John:

“These in white robes … are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  Therefore, “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 7:13-17).

In other words, the ultimate rest, relaxation, peace and joy will be found in heaven!  I can’t wait to “camp” there forever.

How Is Your “Yard” Looking?

How Is Your “Yard” Looking?

In the summertime, my wife and I try to take a daily walk.  Sometimes we drive to a local park for a change of scenery, but usually we simply stroll around our neighborhood.  We vary our paths so the “scenery” varies as well.

Inevitably we spot something interesting.  A decked-out vehicle.  Various projects or intriguing decorations on the homes.  Curious choices for house colors.  Fascinating plants in the yards.  There always seems to be something to see.  For example, just the other day we noticed that the automatic street lights were lit on one block but not the adjacent block.  Not sure why, but it certainly sparked some conversation among us.

As we walk by the many homes, one immediately evident thing is the state of the yards.  The majority of lawns receive a modicum of care; they are mowed somewhat regularly and look fairly presentable.  The yards may or may not have flower beds.  And if there are beds, they may or may not be weeded.  This is the usual.

But there are always some yards that stand out, either because of the great amount of care given to them or because of the complete lack of attention they receive. 

A few of the yards are impeccably groomed.  The lawns are weedless and the grass looks like a golf-course green.  The flower beds are delightfully arranged and immaculate.  Invariably there are some fairly exotic trees, bushes or flowers present.  Clearly someone who lives in those homes loves yard care, (or struggles mightily with perfectionism!).

Then there are other yards that haven’t seen a lick of care in quite some time.  The beds are overrun with weeds, and the grass looks like a prairie, standing tall as a person.  It’s usually impossible to see anything in those yards.  One might hesitate to wander into them for fear of the wild critters that might be encountered, or of getting lost and never finding your way back out again!  Although the other day my wife and I spotted a push mower barely visible in the midst of a jungle of grass.  We speculated that sometime in the distant past either the mower or the owner simply surrendered to the towering turf.  

Of course, there are a multitude of reasons why a yard could be neglected.  Finally, the way a yard looks just isn’t that important.  I know there are some who will disagree with that statement, but that’s the truth of the matter.  There are many matters much more important than the appearance of one’s yard.  

However, it did set my mind to pondering.  It’s very evident how much care a yard receives … or doesn’t.  What if the wellbeing of our souls was as evident as the health of our yards?  What if the amount of care we give to our souls was as obvious as the amount of time spent on our lawns?  How would our soul look?

If our soul was on display, would it be evident that we take good care of it?  Is it well-watered by God’s Word; well-trimmed by God’s Law and well-fertilized by God’s Gospel?  Are the weeds of sin largely removed, or are they sprouting everywhere?  Is the grass mowed and edged, or are worldly blades growing wild and unchecked?  Are the beds clean, or littered with trash and undesirable plants?  Are portions of our souls even dead?

I admit that this concept gives me pause.  I tend to take pretty good care of our yard; our place generally looks fairly-well kept.  But if my soul were visible for all to see, what would it look like?  How would it compare with my yard?

Jesus himself underscores the value of a healthy soul.  “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”  (Matthew 16:26).  In other words, the state of our soul is far more important than the state of our yard … or anything else on earth, for that matter!

Thankfully, we have a gracious, loving, and forgiving God … which prompts our hearts to join with David in words of praise! 

“Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5).

How is your yard looking?  Finally, it really doesn’t matter!  How is your soul looking?  Now that’s a much more important issue!

God’s Holy Sense of Humor?

God’s Holy Sense of Humor?

Platypus.  The name has to be among the strangest in the animal kingdom.  The animal itself, however, is even stranger than its name.

The platypus sports a bill like a duck, a tail like a beaver, and fur and feet like an otter.  The webbing on its feet is retractable for when it ambles around on land.  The males carry a venomous spur like a scorpion on their rear feet, and the females lay eggs like reptiles or birds.

When fully grown, a platypus is about 15 inches long, not including the 5-inch tail.  An adult weighs about 3 pounds.  They only populate parts of Australia.

Platypuses are graceful swimmers.  They paddle with their front webbed feet and steer with their hind feet and beaverlike tail.  The creatures have dense, dark-brown fur that helps them stay warm underwater.  Folds of skin cover their eyes and ears to prevent water from entering, and their nostrils close with a watertight seal.  They can remain submerged for several minutes.

The skin of their “duckbill” holds thousands of receptors that help the platypus navigate underwater and detect the electric fields generated by all living things.  They sweep along the bottom of rivers, streams, ponds and lakes using electrolocation to find hiding shellfish, insects, larvae or worms which they then carry to the surface to eat.  Electrolocation is a rare trait among animals in general, but especially so among mammals. 

The platypus has baffled scientists from the beginning.  When the first platypus specimen was sent back to England in 1799, zoologist George Shaw’s initial conclusion was that the animal was a hoax.  He actually attempted to pry the bill off the body in his search for the threads that held it in place. 

The platypus is such an aberration that it took taxonomists more than eighty years to classify it.  Though finally designated a mammal, its skeletal construction resembles a reptile, with pectoral girdles and splayed legs.  Laying eggs is certainly reptilian, and is certainly un-mammal-like.  Being an egg-layer lands platypuses in the extremely rare mammal class called monotremes, a characteristic they share only with spiny anteaters.  The additional matter of being venomous is yet another incredibly rare attribute for mammals.  (One can begin to see the challenges to classifying the platypus!)

In 2008, scientists were able to decipher the entire DNA of the duck-billed platypus and discovered that it shares genes with reptiles, birds, and mammals.  Not surprising based on its appearance and characteristics, but extremely upsetting to evolutionists.

Long before the troubling (to evolutionists) DNA information, biologists struggled with the complexities of the platypus.  In 1992, Australian biologist, Michael Archer wrote, “Indeed, evolutionary scientists are baffled about the ancestry of the platypus.”  A former Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, (Francis S. Collins), admits: “At first glance, the platypus appears as if it was the result of an evolutionary accident.”

Studying the platypus, Australian zoologist Dr. Susan Lee eventually developed a different hypothesis.  She postulates that a tear in the space-time continuum allowed extraterrestrial life to enter Australia, introducing a deluge of freak animals into the “Land Down Under.”  (She’s serious!)  The platypus was the animal that moved her to settle on such an unusual conclusion.  She states that the platypus “makes no sense from a biological standpoint.  It looks like a beaver and a duck had [an offspring].  It’s far too [ugly] to be a product of evolution.”  And if it couldn’t have evolved, then how else could it come to be except by extreme circumstances?

Interestingly, according to what he wrote while visiting Australia, it seems that Charles Darwin actually began to consider his evolutionary hypothesis while examining the corpse of a platypus.  The animal, along with some of the other exotic creatures he encountered in that country, sparked doubt in his mind that one Creator made all of the animal kingdom with its multiple and strange variations.

Of course, most evolutionists discount God altogether.  Charles Darwin, still a Christian when he examined the confounding platypus, clearly underestimated the capacity of the Lord.  Which is truly sad.

Elihu in the book of Job says this:  “God does great things by his power.  Is there any teacher like him?  Who can tell him which way he should go?  Who can say to him, ‘You did wrong’?  Remember that you should praise his work”  (Job 36:22-24 – God’s Word).  That’s wise advice. 

So what does the muddled-up, complex, and unique … but fascinating, wonderful, and delightful platypus show us about the Lord?  First of all, that the Creator is indeed creative!  He has unlimited imagination.  Secondly, he isn’t bound by the preconceptions of humans; God makes his own rules.  Additionally, he is exceedingly wise, and every creature created by the Creator is “good”  (Genesis 1:25).  And finally, that God has a holy sense of humor. 

I doubt that the Lord laughs at the futile and foolish attempts of humans to sound wise; it’s too tragic.  But he could.  I suspect that he at least smiles as biologists try to make sense of the platypus.