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What If …?

What If …?

The start of a new year has always been a logical time for people to reassess their lives, and recommit to beneficial personal goals.  According to online articles, almost 40% of people make New Year’s resolutions.  The most common ones are health related, followed by finances. 

Unfortunately, most commitments fall to the wayside – often quite quickly.  Almost 25% don’t even make it a week; the majority of the rest fall off in just a month or two.  Less than 10% actually keep their resolutions for the entire year.

Nevertheless, I thought I would toss out some possibilities for spiritual resolutions.  Though most people wouldn’t consider these at all important, as Christians we realize spiritual matters are actually the most significant … even if perhaps we don’t always properly prioritize them.

A few disclaimers, suggestions and significant points ahead of the list:

  1. It’s a long list! Some suggestions are more church related; others more people related.  All, however, are personal.  They relate to each of us as individual believers.

  2. No one can or will be able to fulfill all of these perfectly. Unfortunately, we’re all perfect sinners and therefore imperfect people. (Rom. 3:23).

  3. I certainly don’t have all these down, (not even close!), so I am in no position to claim superiority over anyone.

  4. This is NOT an exercise in guilt! Rather, it’s an opportunity to reflect and consider.

  5. All that being said, please don’t simply disregard the list offhand. Our Lord does want us to grow in our thankful living for him.  (Rom. 12:1).

  6. Perhaps a beneficial way to approach this list is for each of us to note the points where we are lacking and might want to improve. Choose a few (maybe even only one!), and strive to make the necessary changes to grow in these areas.

  7. Finally … thanks be to God! Through his grace, we are adopted into his family and made his children.  We are dearly loved and abundantly blessed by God himself!.  We are fully forgiven, people filled with peace and hope, and heirs of salvation. (Gal. 4:4-7).  This affects where we will live forever, and also how we live already now.  God’s profound love for us is our motivation to live for God.

So on to the list.  What if …

  • Every Christian read a portion of the Bible every day? (Acts 17:11)

  • Every parent faithfully taught their children God’s truths from little on? (Deut. 11:18-19)

  • Every believer was active in their prayer life? (1 Thes. 5:17)

  • Every church member actively prayed for their church and their fellow members? (Jms. 5:16)

  • Every member attended one of their church’s worship services every week? (Heb. 10:23-25)

  • Everyone sang all the hymns and worship songs with all their heart? (Ps. 9:2)

  • Every talent (musical and otherwise) was utilized to enhance worship?

  • Everyone regularly attended at least one Bible study offered at their congregation? (2 Pet. 3:18)

  • Every child regularly attended Sunday School?

  • Each believer’s spiritual light shone brightly all the time so all could clearly see? (Mt. 5:14-16)

  • Every person invited at least one person to church per week? (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

  • Every congregational member brought at least one new person a year into the church family?

  • Everyone made a point to talk with at least one new/different person a week at church?

  • Everyone greeted any new faces at worship, Bible study or church activities? (Php. 4:21)

  • Every adult member was making regular visits of some kind to other members?

  • Every person begged to have their gifts utilized in the Lord’s work? (1 Pet. 4:10)

  • Each of us tithed (gave 10%) of our income to the Lord? (Mal. 3:10)

  • Every member designated a gift to their congregation in their will?

  • Every member did at least five special activities of ministry (service) a year? (Eph. 6:7)

  • Every believer eagerly filled Jesus’ “new command” to love one another? (Jn. 13:34)

  • Each of us “clothed ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” as we deal with one another? (Col. 3:12)

  • We forgive one another as the Lord forgave us? (Col. 3:13)

  • Everyone made it their goal to encourage others in their walk with God? (1 Thes. 5:10-11)

  • Everyone perfectly understood and applied Christian freedom? (Gal. 5:13)

  • Everyone put the best construction on everything others said and did?

  • Every member was willing to lovingly rebuke a believing brother or sister where necessary? (2 Tim. 2:2)

  • Everyone was able to rejoice in and listen to a loving rebuke from another?

  • Everyone was comfortable enough to talk to others and seek godly advice about their life decisions?

  • We totally trusted the Lord regarding everything? (Prov. 3:5-6)

  • Each of us gave thanks in all circumstances, as God wills? (1 Thes. 5:18)

  • Everyone strived to glorify God in every thought and action they did? (1 Cor. 10:31)

  • We didn’t make excuses; we just did what we know is right?

Are there any items that should be added to this list?  Any that especially spoke to you?  I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts in the comments section. 

Thanks be to God for Jesus our Savior – for the atonement he made for us, the forgiveness he won for us, and the salvation he earned for us!  And thanks be to God that we are able to live for Jesus our Savior!

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

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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How Life Is Like a Deer Hunt

How Life Is Like a Deer Hunt

Here in central lower Michigan, deer hunting isn’t just a nonchalant fall hobby; it’s a die-hard year-long passion! 

The numerous whitetail deer in this area are pursued by people of both genders and of all ages.  From the very elderly to those barely strong enough to carry a gun, hordes of hunters head into the woods to try to harvest some of the hordes of deer.  Bucks are preferred, but does are also acceptable.  Venison is equally delicious regardless of whether antlers were originally attached or not.

To illustrate how “big” it is in this area, the local schools are closed on opening morning of the gun deer season.  (The Michigan opener is always on November 15, no matter what day of the week that may be.)  Too many students … and teachers as well! … would be missing that day to hold beneficial classes.  Bus drivers and crossing guards too!

It would be inaccurate to state that everyone around here deer hunts.  But almost everyone does, did, or is directly connected to some who do.

So in honor of the local folks who don hunters’ orange, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on the similarities between day-to-day life and deer hunting.  Hopefully this post is enjoyable and beneficial for both hunters and non.

How Life Is Like a Deer Hunt

  • Both carry some inherent risk.

  • Both demand trust in the Lord. The best plans, approach and effort are no guarantee of anything; finally only God brings success.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

  • Both are wonderful times to pray to and praise God. (Psalm 89:52)

  • Both begin in the “morning” and both conclude in the “evening” … in God’s good time. (Psalm 139:16)

  • Every new sunrise and sunset experienced are profound gifts from God. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

  • The experience can be done alone, but is most enjoyable when shared with loved ones. (Genesis 2:24, Psalm 127:3)

  • One never knows what the weather will be on a given day! But regardless the “show goes on.”  And regardless, there is beauty and blessing present.  (Romans 8:28)

  • Sometimes we’re cold; sometimes too warm. But feeling either means we’re alive.  It’s also a reminder to thank God when we are “just-right”–comfortable.  (2 Corinthians 9:8)

  • We all “stink” to some degree. Therefore, awareness of wind direction is always wise.  (Romans 3:23)

  • Being above “ground level” is always best. Typically, the higher the better.  Better views are found in the heights … and far less distractions and obstacles.  (Romans 12:2)

  • Sometimes the hunt – and life – is interrupted by turkeys. Sometimes a skunk makes an appearance.  I even had a bear show up once and shake things up!  One never knows what will invade one’s space.  (Romans 12:18)

  • Maybe most alarming, there’s cougars in the deep woods. I’ve heard of several occasions when hunters became the hunted, and were stalked by lions.  That’s more than unsettling, and certainly true of real life too!  (1 Peter 5:8)

  • Goals achieved are usually reached through much hard work, and goals achieved usually foster more hard work.  (1 Corinthians 10:31)

  • Whether “successful” in our endeavors or not, we are always winners with God! (1 John 3:1)

  • The commotion we hear might indeed be a deer, but it’s probably a squirrel. The desperately sought after moments are usually far less frequent.  Thankfully, squirrels are cute and entertaining too.  Enjoy whatever God sends your way.  (Philippians 4:11-12)

  • A related point: intense excitement and joy will undoubtedly occur, but humdrum monotony is much more common.

  • Realize, however, that things can change dramatically in seconds!

  • Typically, big moments seem to come when least expected, (and therefore when least prepared!) (1 Peter 3:15)

  • We always strive to take our best shot at our goal. With God’s blessing, it hits its mark.  But sometimes we still miss.  Misses are lessons learned.  (Romans 15:4, 1 Timothy 1:15-16)

  • Every blessing comes directly from God. (James 1:17)

  • The Lord is always with us! (Psalm 139:7-8)

I’d love to hear your thoughts on additional comparisons!  Please share them in the comments section.

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

Ecclesiastes 3
1     There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

… 11 [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.  God does it so that people will fear him.

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Moving Up!

Moving Up!

It’s a conundrum.  Why is it that most people are eager to sit in the front rows for a sporting event, a concert, or a movie … but routinely choose to sit toward the back in church services?

Now obviously, for multiple reasons the back pews are best for families with very young children.  Other clear candidates might be those needing more ready access to a restroom, or those having to duck out of church a bit early due to work obligations. 

But is being able to reach the refreshments or potluck first legitimate?  (Perhaps if you are hosting.  But otherwise?)  Is the opportunity to get out of the church a few moments earlier than others sufficient reason?

It’s been postured that perhaps some sit in back or church out of humility – not wanting to emulate the Pharisee who called attention to himself in the temple, but rather the penitent tax collector who stayed in the shadows.  (Lk. 18:9-14).  Not sure I buy it.  I suspect it’s much more a matter of habit than of humbleness.

Recognizing the reality of the situation, I thought it might be beneficial to provide reasons why moving up toward the front of church should be considered.  There are actually multiple reasons.  Some are legitimate; others less so.  I will provide ten of both.

Less Legitimate Reasons to Move Up in Worship

  1. When the pastor gives the children candy to share with the congregation in the children’s messages, those in front have a better chance to get some!

  2. If there is any question about who is in attendance, those sitting in front can pull up the video stream of the service and there they are!

  3. When sitting closer to the preacher, one can more easily tell if he is lip-syncing his sermon or not.

  4. The smell of the food at the potluck won’t reach you quite as easily.  Much less public drooling.

  5. It will be more obvious to everyone in attendance that you do NOT nod off during the sermon.

  6. If the balcony collapses, you will be clear.

  7. When a skunk darts into the Sanctuary, it will be the people in the back who are sprayed.

  8. Little Frankie won’t be able to flick the back of your ears anymore.

  9. The ushers are far less likely to accidentally drop bulletins on your head.

  10. And the most significant less-legitimate reason of all: The closer to the front of church one sits, the higher level of heaven they will reach.  (Really!  It’s in the Bible somewhere.)

More Legitimate Reasons to Move Up in Worship

  1. The grandparents, parents and relatives who always used to sit in those same back seats in the “old days” don’t care if you still sit there or not.  They now have much better “seats” in heaven!

  2. The further forward you sit, the more people there are who are singing directly toward you.

  3. It is much more difficult to get distracted by … well, anything.

  4. And a related point: it is much easier to stay engaged in worship in a general, all-encompassing manner.

  5. More specifically, your senses are more involved further forward.  You will hear the pastor and musical accompaniment better.  You will see easier, whether that be the Lord’s Supper on the altar, the hymn boards, the children’s sermon illustrations, or any slides that are shared.

  6. You will be able to interact with more people as you leave.  If a general dismissal, there will be more opportunity to chat with many; if a formal row-by-row dismissal, then smiles and warm nods to the people still seated as you pass.  

  7. Moving closer to the front as soon as your children are able trains them to think “front” instead of “back.”

  8. Moving up leaves more open seats in the back for visitors who tend to arrive last minute, and for those members who happen to arrive late on a Sunday.

  9. Sitting in new seats further forward can enrich the worship experience.  New place, new “feel.”

  10. If you move up, more people might actually follow!  Imagine a church that fills up from the front to the back! 

I would love to hear your thoughts on legitimate (and less legitimate) reasons for sitting in the front of worship services.  Please share them in the comments section.  I hope for a lot of feedback on this and look forward to reading the input that comes in!

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Right Here.  Right Now.

Right Here.  Right Now.

It’s a fairly common approach: write a letter or a song to one’s younger self. 

Now that I’m older, I better understand why it is commonly done – the older we get the wiser we become.  There are so many nuggets of wisdom I dearly wish I could share with my younger self.  (Not that I would have necessarily listened to my older, wiser self, mind you.)

Here’s one truth that my older self would beg my younger self to understand: enjoy every moment.  It won’t come again, and a person often doesn’t realize its preciousness until it’s over. 

In fact, this is a truth that I beg my older self to take to heart as well.  And every reader too!

Too many times I’ve squandered a priceless, unrepeatable moment by dwelling on the current challenges or worrying about the unpredictable future.  Or simply by taking it for granted.  By the time I realize my mistake, the moment is gone … never to return.

The list of such situations is lengthy, and would vary with each individual.  But here’s a few that come to my mind:

The carefree days of childhood.  Laying on the lawn and staring at the white clouds floating above, or the sweep of the stars at night.  The first day of summer vacation.  Outdoor games with relatives during daylight; hide-and-seek in the dark.  Telling stories in the tent at sleepovers.  Slushies in the park after the baseball game is over.

Birthday, Baptism, confirmation, graduation, wedding, and anniversary days.  Any family gathering … whether for an auspicious event or just because.

Your baby son or daughter falling asleep in your arms.  Cuddling your young children or grandchildren on your lap.  A toddler’s laughter.  Meals with all the youngsters scattered around the table.  Holding your child’s hand when they need extra stability.  Storytime, evening devotions and bedtime prayers.

Vacation … any vacation (even rained-out camping trips!) … with family members.  A back-packing, hunting or fishing trip with your sons.  A lunch out with your daughter.  A walk in the park with a loved one.  A quiet moment with a spouse.  A phone chat with a distant child, parent or relative.

Pre-outdoor-activity planning sessions with participants, and the post-adventure conversations that follow.  Casting a line into the lake; the thrill of a bite.  Opening morning in a deer stand.  Naps in a hammock surrounded by God’s great creation.  Games at the picnic bench in the campground; Euchre on a makeshift rock “table” after a day of backpacking.  Campfires at camp or in the backyard.

Watching your children compete in a sports event, perform in a play or sing in a concert or a worship service.  Holiday meals with dear ones.  Petting or playing with your dog.

Stepping onto a field or a court to personally participate in a ballgame.  Observing the boys you coach execute the skills you’ve taught them.  Playing in a formal softball game with your children.  Watching a professional game with family members.  Catching a batting-practice baseball.

A delightful conversation with a friend.  An evening together with pals.  Banter between buddies.

A gorgeous view the Lord has brought before your eyes; a moment of clarity and peace in the craziness of life.  Witnessing something spectacular, and the profound awe it brings.

The moment you realize that the Lord has intervened … yet again … and the seemingly unsolvable dilemma is solved.

Time in the Word … whether in formal worship or private devotions, and the comfort, understanding and insights the Holy Spirit brings through it.  Those moments when the monumental love of God becomes obvious yet again.  The view of the cross and the revelation of the empty tomb. 

The celebration of a life lived in Jesus and the eternal salvation that person is enjoying now that the Lord has called them Home.

A smile directed toward you from someone you care about.

Every single hug with a loved one.

This is far from a complete list.  But it is a list that fostered deep emotions in me nonetheless.  And it underscores the point – with God’s help, strive to appreciate every moment right here and right now.  There are magnificent blessings from God in each one.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. … ‘The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!’  … The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.  The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. … The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. …  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”  (Psalm 118:selected).

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God Lingo

God Lingo

If you do a quick online search for the definition of “lingo,” you’ll find something like this: “A language or vocabulary that is specific to a certain subject, group of people, or region; including slang and jargon.”  In short, “lingo” is specialized speech from some niche of society.

For example, one can sit in a mall in “big-city” America and hear a variety of lingos.  There’s distinct inner-city lingos, cultural lingos, and high school lingos, just to name a few.  And even those will vary based on the location from which the people speaking derived!  As discussed in a recent Bible study at the churches I serve, there are also gender lingos for both men and women.

The same is true of various sports, activities and hobbies.  For example, “ducks on the pond” means something quite specific to baseball players, and something totally different to most other people.

As a matter of record, I don’t speak inner-city lingo, though I am fascinated when I hear it.  However, my brother came up with a modified Scrabble game called “Red-necked Scrabble.”  A number of years ago when I played it, my wife was rather alarmed at how easily I slipped into the jargon … even winning my first game with some “hunkey-dorey dandified” words!

In that same vein, I wonder if we as Christians don’t sometimes slip into “God lingo.”  We use catch-phrase words which are absolutely Bible-based, but which have lost some of their impact to us.

This can work both ways.  We hear the words, but they don’t fully register in our minds and hearts.  Or we say the words at the right time and right place, but they have somehow turned into simply “the right words to say.”

I think the God-lingo list is long for many believers.  Here are a few words that come to my mind as perhaps lacking their proper punch to the average Christian:

“Triune” or “Trinity” – The words flow off our tongues so casually in worship – a creed, hymn or prayer.  Furthermore, “Trinity” is often part of a church or school name.  Asked to define the words, and God’s people can easily spout off, “Three persons in one God.”   But pause for a moment and consider this truth: three distinct persons making up one distinct God!  This is such a deep concept that we can’t even begin to wrap our minds around it!  An incomprehensibly complex God, yet one who is absolutely devoted to us.  (Which is the most incomprehensible aspect of God of all!)  The words should inspire the deepest of awe in anyone who “understands” them and the Lord they describe.

“God loves” – Not the generic “God is love,” but rather, “God loves me!”  How astounding!  We are well aware of how unworthy of God’s love we are.  Yet the unmistakable message of the Scriptures is that the Triune God … the Creator God … the holy God … the All-in-All and Everything God … does love us.  It’s a love so profound that he left heaven so we could one day go there to be with him forever.  A love so devoted that it abides with us even in our day-to-day lives here on earth.  “God’s love” are words that should never be taken lightly by any child of God.

“Paid for” / “Forgiveness” – As in, “your sins are paid for,” or “you are forgiven.”  The phrases are often spoken and often heard.  But don’t let their common usage empty them of the significance of the truth!  “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19).  The atoning payment for our transgressions, and the forgiveness it won for us, cost God’s Son dearly!  But thanks be to Jesus, he paid the price in full!

“Saved” / “Salvation” – These are perhaps two of the most commonly used words in “God lingo,” and understandably so.  They express the central message of the Bible; we are saved and headed to eternal salvation.  But please never let their frequent usage keep you (or me!) from ever being totally overwhelmed at the wonder of this truth.  We were spiritually lost, blind, and chained … dead in our sins and doomed to damnation.  And God saved us and made us heirs of salvation!  (Titus 3:7).  All of eternity will be too short to properly praise him for the blessing.

“Faith” – This is not a reliance upon good fortune or the ability of self, but a confidence centered on Jesus Christ, the Son of God … our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, and Savior.  It’s not self-manufactured, but a profound gift of the Holy Spirit produced through contact with God’s Gospel.  “Faith” is no small thing.  It never was and never will be.  In fact, faith in Jesus our Savior is the balm to our conscience, the gateway to our earthly peace, and our ultimate ticket to heaven.  “Faith” is never a word to be casually dismissed.

“Trust” – A frequently stated word about an incredibly important concept that many Christians struggle to self-apply.  “Trust” is not a wishy-washy hope that things will somehow work out, but a rock-solid confidence that our loving God will keep his promises to us and provide for our every need … in his way and in his time.  The Holy Spirit describes it this way: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  

“Providence” – This is a word frequently offered to encourage self or others.  “Providence” is not good fortune or the positive side of karma.  It’s the God of the Bible providing for us – typically in common ways, but sometimes in extraordinary ones.  The longer God’s people live, the more they can point back to God’s remarkable and repeated providential activity in their lives.  Which encourages trust.  (See the previous entry.) 

“Church” – For many, “church” describes a building that one attends now and then … at least on the holidays.  But “church” describes so much more.  The Scriptures refer to the church as the “Body of Christ” (1 Cor. 1212-27) and even the “Bride of Christ” (Rev. 19:7).  It’s not just a structure or a gathering place, but a living, spiritual entity made up of God’s people and empowered by God himself.  Somewhat dysfunctional because of sin, it nevertheless is the earthly family of God where his children can be encouraged, uplifted and spiritually blessed through his Word.

These are some of the “God lingo” words that came to my mind.  This is by no means a comprehensive list.  Do you have some others you think should be added to the list?  If so, please list them in the comments section of this blog. 

In the meantime, may we remember these Bible truths: “All Scripture is God-breathed …” (2 Timothy 3:16), and “these [words] are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

How to Interact on This Blog

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

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

No Way!

No Way!

What do all of the following have in common?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well … actually there are several.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No way!  Yes, way!

Thank you, dear Lord!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Prioritizing Priorities

Prioritizing Priorities

We’re just back from a wonderful post-Easter trip to Washington.  So this week I’m resharing a post from several years ago.  I pray it is thought-provoking and beneficial to you.  It’s certainly a great reminder to me!

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We all recognize that priorities are important, but few of us actually prioritize our lives.  At least, that’s the way it seems to me.  (And I count myself among the guilty!)

If asked what is truly important in our life, we could provide excellent answers: God, family, health, home, security, freedom, etc.  Yet often our day-to-day decisions don’t line up with the top items on our self-proclaimed priority list.

Why is this so?  We’re logical, practical people; why are those key items we deem critical so commonly neglected and even downright disregarded – overshadowed by so many lesser things?

There are many factors, of course.  But ultimately the root causes are brought on by the unholy trio of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature (flesh).  Satan enthralls our sinful natures with the wonders, pleasures, and responsibilities of the world, leading us effectively and easily away from pursuing the truly significant things.  Satan is the ultimate deceiver and distractor, and sadly we are easily dissuaded.

Consequently, we are constantly chasing after the “urgent” in our lives instead of devoting ourselves to the “important.”  Typically the “urgents” overwhelm us, receiving tremendous attention, while the “importants” quietly recede into the background.

Or to say it another way, we focus a tremendous amount of time and energy on “nick-nacks” rather than on true “treasures.”  And this leaves us frustrated and somewhat discombobulated.  We realize innately that our focus is misplaced and our emphasis off.

Thankfully, our Lord never mixes up his priorities.  And we are one of his top treasures!  The One who created the cosmos and orchestrates the world’s events – both great and small – made our salvation a top priority.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Furthermore, our loving Lord is with us every second of our lives.  He provides for us, protects us, guides us, and blesses us (Jer. 17.7).  How fortunate we are to be at the top of God’s priority list!

So how do we recognize the highest priorities in our lives?  And a more challenging question: how we do we live properly prioritized lives?

Here’s an exercise to evaluate our top priorities, and the order of those priorities.  It’s a variation of a process someone shared with me once.

Think of your priorities as personal treasures.  Now imagine yourself ruled by a king.  The king is powerful, and he is greedy.  He demands all your treasures … except for 10 items. 

What 10 treasures would you keep?  Take your time and think this out.  You must be specific, and you can only retain 10.  Recognize that treasures can also be spiritual or non-tangible.  Write your choices down.

Now imagine that this greedy king decides he wants more, so you have to give up another treasure.  Now you’ll be down to 9.  What will you give up?  Record your decision.

Repeat the process until you whittle your treasures down to one item.  (This process becomes increasingly agonizing as you go along!)  But after making your final decision, you are left with the top priority in your life!  The rest of the order of your treasures/priorities has also been established in descending order by the choices you made along the way. 

I trust that the Lord, his Word, and your faith rank highly on your list in some manner!  As Jesus himself reminded us, “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

If you don’t care for my suggested approach, do an online search for setting priorities.  You’ll find many other alternatives.  The key is that you identify what your top priorities are.

Well done!  Your priorities are established.  But now the real challenge begins.  How do you live your life properly reflecting your top priorities?  How do the treasures you identified receive the daily recognition they deserve?

Here are a few suggestions to maintain course:

1. Print your list of priorities and display it in prominent places where you will see it and be reminded of what is truly important to you.

2. Commit to necessary changes. Simply noting your priorities won’t automatically translate into keeping those priorities; deliberate adjustments are needed.

3. Organization and self-established structure will help safeguard your priorities. Ranked sub-categories under your main points will help clarify your focus even more.

4. Set a schedule and routine that incorporates and supports your top priorities. Set times for specific key tasks, and hold to them.

5. Routinely address the most important things (your “treasures”) first. If less important things don’t get done, they don’t get done.  But you will still have given due attention to what’s most important to you.

6. Share your priorities with others who will encourage you and will hold you accountable.

7. Recognize that priorities can change over time, so reevaluate occasionally.

Establishing priorities … and living according to them … really should be a priority for all of us.  Because our “treasures” need to be properly treasured!

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Here are some wise Biblical words from an exceptionally wise man named Solomon.  The point of sharing these words is not to demonstrate that everything in this world is meaningless, but that many of the things to which we devote our time and energy are actually not so important.

Ecclesiastes 1:12-14
I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-26
What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness …

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How Is Your Health?

How Is Your Health?

One of the many things one must do when moving to a new city in a new state in a different part of the country is to find local doctors.  My wife and I have finally gotten around to that, and we both have appointments set with our new docs to get acquainted.  Which sparked the concept for this post. 

Of course, we know what awaits us on our annual doctors’ visits.  We are about to undergo the usual poking and prodding, checking and examining, questioning and updating.  Much of it is innocuous; some is annoying.  But all I suppose is necessary.

As I “look forward” to my physical checkup, I began to consider what would be examined in a routine spiritual checkup … if there was such a thing.  It’s an intriguing question.  Here is the list that came to my mind:

SE Level – SE stands for “Scripture Exposure.”  How frequently are we hearing or reading God’s Word, and for how long?  The SE Level is the most significant indicator of, and contributor to, good spiritual health.

Senses Functions – Our five senses play significant roles in our spiritual well-being.  We hear God’s Word shared in Scripture, sermon and song; we see God’s truths as we read and sing them, as well as seeing the cleansing waters of Baptism of others (and perhaps feeling them if we are the one baptized); we smell, feel and taste the wafer and wine in the Lord’s Supper.  The more active our senses are in the spiritual realm, the more impact the Holy Spirit has, and the more spiritually healthy we probably are.

Heart Health – This is easily monitored physically, but not so easily spiritually.  But a mental assessment can shed some insight.  What fills our heart?  What do we love above all?  What are we living for?  Where is our primary focus and what drives us?  What excites our heart?  The answers to those questions can shed some light on our heart’s spiritual health.

Mental Acuity – This aspect of our spiritual checkup evaluates how much of God’s truths we know.  Not necessarily Bible history, (though this is extremely beneficial also), but rather the simple doctrinal teachings of God’s Word.  Such as, what is our most significant problem? (Sin!)  Is full atonement made?  (Yes!)  How?  (Through Jesus suffering, death and resurrection!)  Why would God do this?  (Because of his immense love for us and his astounding grace!)  How does forgiveness and salvation become ours?  (Through faith in our Savior!)

Temperature – Are we spiritually hot, lukewarm or cold?  To state it a different way, are we “on fire” for God, fairly ambivalent, or caught in a cold “could-care-less” place?  The hotter our spiritual temp, the healthier we are.

Blood Pressure – We recognize our many and deep-seated sins, and they weigh heavily upon us.  Are we relying upon our own sacrifices to make atonement for them, or on the holy sacrifice of Jesus, and the blood he shed?  The weight of guilt is extremely unhealthy, spiritually speaking, but Jesus’ blood alleviates that pressure, (thanks be to God!).

PT – No, no physical therapy, but “Prayer Time.”  How much time do we spend each day in conversation with our God?  Just as communication is a key factor in our earthly relationships, so it is with our most important spiritual one as well.  The more PT in our lives, the more likely our relationship with the Lord is strong

Activity Level – As in, how much spiritual exercise are we doing?  Are we active in worship?  Are we active in service in our church?  Do we carry out spiritual ministry in our personal lives?  Are we ambassadors of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:20) in our interactions with others?  Spiritual activity is often indicative of spiritual health.

TF Reading – Spiritually healthy people exhibit high TF (“Trust Factor”) readings.  That is, they trust the Lord and his promises no matter what is happening.  Though their physical eyes may see problems with no answers, their spiritual eyes envision the wonderful solutions their God is providing and/or the incredible blessings He is bringing through difficulties.  This significantly reduces stress and boosts emotional well-being.

The reality is that not a single person reading this list is as spiritually healthy as they could be or desire to be.  Don’t be discouraged!  Rather, go to the Great Physician named Jesus, and find help and healing in his care.  This is what he says to us:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Mark 2:17).  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  “The LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, … to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:1-3, selected).

So, do you have any suggestions for items that you feel should be included in our spiritual checkup?  Please share them in the comments box below!

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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The Best Is Yet to Come

The Best Is Yet to Come

December 21st is always highlighted on my calendars.  The Winter Solstice is extremely important to me.  No, not because it’s exactly a month before my birthday.  Rather, it marks the end of the shrinking amount of daylight and ushers in the beginning of the “days” growing longer. 

I celebrate the Solstice every year!  Not with some radical or unusual activity, but with a moment (or a number of moments!) of joyful reflection.  We are finally trending toward Spring!

I actually enjoy aspects of each of the four seasons.  There are unique activities to engage in and events to enjoy regardless of which page on the calendar is currently displayed. 

But of the four seasons, Winter is my least favorite.  This was true when we lived in soggy and seemingly sunless Western Washington at this time of year; it is still true now that we live in snowy and icy Michigan.

December 21st is a marker of change; a turning of a corner; a day of hope; a reminder that more desirable seasons (at least to me) are on the way!

Which got me thinking.  There are a LOT of similar situations in life – times when we endure less pleasant prelims with our eyes on the better things that are yet to come.  So much of our current existence consists of getting through the “less pleasant” so we can enjoy the more pleasant.

Here are a few examples that came to my mind:

I well remember the grueling, gritty task of baling hay … and the fantastic feast the farmer’s wife laid out which followed.  Similarly, I recall being sweaty and filthy from working in the fields for summer jobs … and the refreshing jump into the Sebewaing River off the local railroad bridge to cool off and clean up.

Other examples would be mowing the lawn or weeding the garden or flower beds … and the pleasure of looking on the manicured result.  Similar interior tasks might be vacuuming the carpets, sweeping the floors, dusting the furniture, washing the dishes, or doing the laundry … and the satisfaction that follows.

A more extreme situation might be cleaning the toilet bowls … and the fresh smell and nicer appearance afterwards.

Even edibles can offer some cons before the pros that follow.  I find peeling potatoes a pain … but I thoroughly enjoy tators with my meat.  Or how about the typically monumental pre-holiday meal prep … which culminates in the magnificence of tables covered with delicious food surrounded by loved ones?

Cleaning fish isn’t pleasant … but a fish fry of fillets is scrumptious!  Eviscerating a newly harvested deer is messy, and deboning and processing the meat time-consuming … but the steaks and sausage that end up in the freezer make for many enjoyable moments the rest of the year.

Also, I’ve never particularly enjoyed waking up early in the morning and walking into a forest or woods in the dark.  However, being there as the woods “wakes up” is priceless.  Not to mention the anticipation of what might happen shortly.

It’s even that way before vacations.  I know I’m not alone when I say it’s almost too much work to go away.  This is often true about most extended trips, but especially when preparing for a camping, fishing or hunting trip where extra gear is involved.  But then one catches their breath and experiences the joy and blessings of being gone!

This preliminary unpleasantness followed by satisfaction creeps into many (maybe most or even all?) life events.  Christmas decorating, shopping, and wrapping all happen before the celebrating.  Many hard years of education lead, finally, to graduation; much planning and preparation precedes the wedding; and a tremendous amount of time, work and stress are involved in moving … until finally getting settled.

Of course, I would be remiss not to mention nine months of uncomfortable pregnancy – and painful labor and delivery! – that the wonderful women in our lives endure before holding a newborn baby in their arms.

So much of life involves difficulties leading to blessings.  It could even be said that life itself is a challenging preliminary to what follows! 

Certainly God fills our lives with astounding blessings and allows us to enjoy incredible experiences.  Yet, sin is always with us, and our sinful lives lived in a sin-wrecked world carries a good share of hardships and heartaches. 

The Apostle Paul addresses this very thing, and suggests a very specific mindset about it.  “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Simply stated: Life is hard!  So lift your eyes off your temporary troubles and focus instead on your eternal home in heaven where there are none!

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him ” (1 Cor. 2:9) – THESE are the inconceivably wonderful blessings our Savior has waiting for us in his salvation.  We are comforted and encouraged when we concentrate on them while struggling in the here-and-now.

Even if perhaps someone dismisses the concept that life in this world is a struggle, I would think they would have to agree that the very end of life certainly is.  Death is no picnic.

But even there, the undesirable leads to the most desirable thing!  For believers in Jesus’ atoning suffering and death, and his victorious resurrection … death is but the doorway to life.  True life. A perfectly joyous, pure and unending life with Jesus – the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Yes, the best is yet to come!  As the name of this blog infers, by God’s grace we are “Heading to Heaven!”  And that indeed is the very best conclusion of all, making everything else easier.

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Did some different examples of unpleasant prelims leading to pleasant results occur to you while reading this post?  If so, please share them in the comments section below!  I’d love to read them.

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Revelation 7:14-17
And [the angel] said [to John], “These 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 21:3-7
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.”  He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. 

How to Interact on This Blog

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

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

All Good Things (from A – Z) Come from Above

All Good Things (from A – Z) Come from Above

In last week’s post, we discussed counting our blessings.  This week we’ll approach the same concept, only alphabetically.

For our Thanksgiving worship service way back in 200l, I enlisted the help of my three oldest sons, Christian, Craig and Caleb, to compile an alphabetical list of things we enjoy because of our generous God.  (They would have been ages 12, 10 and 8 at the time.)  I then pulled the list together into a prayer.  Here is that prayer:

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For apples, animals, and airplanes;  for the alphabet, athletics and all our abilities;  for America and for angels …. we thank you, Lord.

For buttons, blankets, bathtubs, boats and books;  for our bodies, babies, boys and brothers;  for the Bible, believers and the birth of Jesus …. we thank you, Lord.

For colors, computers, clothes and cars;  for courage and care;  for our cities and country and the clouds that float over them;  for church, Christmas and Christ …. we thank you, Lord.

For doctors and dentists;  for daylight and each new day;  for all Jesus’ disciples and true doctrine …. we thank you, Lord.

For exercise and the earth;  for our eyes, ears and everything you give us;  for Easter morning and the joys of Easter …. we thank you, Lord.

For flowers and forests;  for our flag and our freedom;  for food, friends and family;  for our forefathers, fathers and our Heavenly Father;  and for faith in our Heavenly Father …. we thank you, Lord.

For green grass and ripe grain;  for goodness and gentleness;  for grandparents, grandchildren and girls;  for God and God’s great grace …. we thank you, Lord.

For health and happiness;  for our houses and our homes;  for the Holy Spirit,  his work in our hearts, and our heavenly home …. we thank you, Lord.

For ice cream and islands;  for instruments and intelligence;  for injuries and insults that never occurred …. we thank you, Lord.

For judges and justice;  for joy and for jumping;  for Jesus and the justification he earned for us …. we thank you, Lord.

For kites, kittens and keys;  for kindness and knowledge;  and for the King of Kings …. we thank you, Lord.

For lakes and light;  for life and love;  for lips to praise our Lord …. we thank you, Lord.

For mountains, mouths, months and money;  for music, milk and memories;  for men, marriage and mothers;  for missionaries and for me …. we thank you, Lord.

For numbers and names;  for night and for neighbors …. we thank you, Lord.

For oceans and oxygen;  for obstacles through which you bring blessings;  for the open door into heaven because of our Savior …. we thank you, Lord.

For presents and pets;  for people and pastors;  for peace, praise and proper priorities;  for the Pilgrims who opened up a new land and celebrated the first thanksgiving;  for your fulfilled promises and your promises yet to be fulfilled, and for prayer …. we thank you, Lord.

For quickness, questions, and quiet …. we thank you, Lord.

For radios, responsibility and reflexes;  for rain and the roofs that keep it out;  for the resurrection of Christ and our own resurrections one day …. we thank you, Lord.

For the sun, streams and sky;  for seasons and sisters;  for sight, sound and smell;  for the Sabbath Day, Sunday School, our Savior and our salvation …. we thank you, Lord.

For television, toys, trees and trains;  for turkey on the table;  for tongues to talk and to taste and teeth to chew;  for teachers and truth …. we thank you, Lord.

For umbrellas and universities;  for the United States of America and for Us …. we thank you, Lord.

For voyages and victory;  for our voices and our vision …. we thank you, Lord.

For wheels and wagons, windows and walls;  for water, waterfalls, and women;  for the world and for Washington; [editor’s note: we lived there then!] and for your watchful care …. we thank you, Lord.

For Xrays, eXcitement, and all the eXtra gifts not mentioned in this Prayer …. we thank you, Lord.

For yesterday, youth and years;  for yummy things to eat;  and for You …. we thank you, Lord

For zippers, zebras and zest for the Gospel …. we thank you, Lord.

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

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

Psalm 100
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

How to Interact on This Blog

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

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!