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Thank God for Safety Features!

Thank God for Safety Features!

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We don’t own new vehicles.  It’s not something my wife and I can afford.  However, we do travel a bit, and when we do, we typically arrange for rental cars.  Those vehicles are generally on the newer side.

Recently we were in Texas for a ministry conference in San Antonio with most of the rest of my Seminary classmates.  (It was absolutely wonderful!)  After the conference, we spent a little time driving a rented Nissan Altima around west Texas and southern New Mexico, seeing sights and relaxing.  We logged about 2,200 miles in that zippy, black car.

And it was filled with all kinds of new-fangled safety features!

If a car approached alongside us, a light lit up on whichever side the vehicle happened to be on.

If our blinker was clicked on indicating a change of lanes when a car was beside us in that direction, a nasty warning buzz occurred.

If we drifted onto a lane marker, a different buzz was heard, a unique flash popped onto the dashboard, AND a vibration was felt in the steering wheel.

Special notification happened when entering a slower speed zone.  If moving too fast for the car’s liking coming into that lower zone, a different flash appeared on the dash.

When the cruise control was activated, the car adjusted to the speed of the car in front of us … never approaching closer than a set distance.

On a few occasions when the vehicles ahead of us came to rapid halts, our car did too (on it’s own … though I was braking too!), squawking mightily to alert us of the danger.

If traveling with the brights on in the dark Texas nights, our rental took it upon itself to automatically switch to dims when the lights of an approaching car were detected.  (Or, annoyingly, when it detected a bright enough reflection off a road sign.)

I don’t know of a specific time that these safety features spared us from calamity.  But they well might have!  At the least, they gave me (the driver) some added security that safeguards were in place.

“How very like God’s Word,” I thought multiple times on our trip.

Of course, the Bible reveals to us the one true God and his attributes.  It also shows us our Savior and all he did to make atonement for our wrongs.  And it supplies us with the origin of creation (God made it!), the origin of our own lives (God gave them!), and our ultimate destination (heaven!). 

These aspects alone make the Scriptures profoundly important.  However, they also are filled with “safety features” for believers.

What are some of those “safety features” God’s Bible provides?  The list is long!  Here are just a few that come to mind:

Absolutes in regard to right and wrong.  (Ex. 20)

Truth.  Absolute truth.  (Jn. 17:17)

Saving power.  (Rom. 1:16)

Guidance to spiritual and eternal life – as well as in our physical life.  (Jn. 14:6)

Wisdom, knowledge and understanding – both spiritual and practical.  (Prov. 2:6)

Illumination.  (Ps. 119:105)

Foundation in life’s uncertainties.  (Mt. 7:24)

Protection, both offensive (Eph. 6:17) and defensive (Prov. 30:5).

Spiritual sustenance and joy. (Jer.15:16)

Endurance, encouragement and hope in an often discouraging world.  (Rom. 15:4)

Revelation of things to come.  (Rev. 1:1-3)

Some have described the BIBLE as … Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.  It’s an apt description, given all the “safety features” God has built into it.

Which underscores the importance of actively being in God’s Word!

The more we are in the Word, the more the Word is in us.  And the more spiritual safeguards become ours. 

As the Apostle Paul reminds fellow pastor, Timothy: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The longer we were in our little rental car, the more safety features we noticed and appreciated.  Praise be to God, the same is true of our time in the Scriptures!

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Psalm 119 – selected verses

97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.

 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. 102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. … 129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

159 See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love. 160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

169 May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. 170 May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. 171 May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.  172 May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. 173 May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

174 I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight. 175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. 

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The First Valentine

The First Valentine

As I begin writing this post, it’s Valentines Day.  Consequently, I was curious to explore the origin of the holiday. 

It actually goes back a lot further in history than most realize.  The roots of Valentines Day reach way back into the 3rd century when the then Roman priest (and now Catholic Saint) Valentine was martyred and buried on the Via Flaminia on February 14.

The exact reasons for Valentine’s death, and even the manner of his death, are lost in the mists of time.  However, tradition states that he was imprisoned for ministering to and providing care for persecuted Christians. (The Dictionary of Christianity, J.C. Cooper).

Bede’s Martyrology contains this fascinating addition to the story: It states that Saint Valentine was personally interrogated by the Roman Emperor Claudius II.  The emperor was impressed by Valentine and attempted to convert him to the pagan gods of Rome in order to save his life.  The priest wanted nothing to do with them, and instead tried to convert the emperor to Christianity.  This resulted in his death sentence.

Supposedly, before his execution, Valentine healed the jailer’s daughter, Julia.  This resulted in Julia’s father, Asterius, Julia herself, and their entire household converting to Christianity and being baptized. 

An interesting addition to the story – almost certainly an embellishment, (though apparently shared nonetheless by both “The History Channel” and “American Greetings!”) – suggests that Valentine, on the evening before his execution, wrote the first Valentine note to Julia and signed it as “Your Valentine.” (Wikipedia.com).

Despite the very early origins of the day, it wasn’t until the late 1700’s that the concept of paper valentines blossomed in England.  They became so popular in the UK that by the early 1800’s the cards were assembled in factories.  With the invention of the postage stamp in 1840, the numbers of valentines mailed in England exploded to 400,000 in just one year!

Here in the United States, the valentine card business was begun by Esther Howland in 1847 in Massachusetts.  She imported the decorations she needed from England and proceeded to produce valentines in the States.  Just a few years later, Valentines Day was essentially a national holiday. 

“The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the US. Half of those valentines are given to family members other than husband or wife, usually to children. When the valentine-exchange cards made in school activities are included the figure goes up to 1 billion, and teachers become the people receiving the most valentines.” (Wikipedia.com).

Of course, that doesn’t even count the electronic messages shared via modern technology (texts, e-cards, emails, etc.). 

All of which is interesting and hopefully informative.  However, I maintain that the first “Valentine” was actually given by our God.

Now exactly when that happened is open to debate.  Not only do we not know the exact date, but which was the first and most meaningful is certainly subjective.  Here are just a few love notes from God to consider:

It could be argued that the first was God’s promise to Adam and Eve to send a Savior who would make things right again after they brought sin into the world.

(Genesis 3:15) “And I will put enmity (bitter hatred) between you (Satan) and the woman, and between your offspring (those who follow you) and hers (those who follow me); he (one of her descendants) will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Then there is this astounding statement of our God’s unending love for us:

(Jeremiah 31:3) “The Lord … [says], ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’”

Or maybe it’s this remarkable passage that God’s love for us moves him to sing joyfully over us?

(Zephaniah 3:17) “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Perhaps you feel God’s best “Valentine” passages don’t just share loving words, but show loving action?  Like the love of our Heavenly Father in this famous passage:

(John 3:16) “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.”

Or these passages that express the love our Savior showed us with his intentional sacrificial death:

(John 15:13) [Jesus said,] “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

(Romans 5:8) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Or the love note that describes the saving work the Holy Spirit did inside our souls:

(Ephesians 2:4-5) “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

Then there is one of my personal favorites.  (It’s actually framed and hanging in my church office.)

(Romans 8:37-39) “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

But one could argue that the greatest love message from our God is one that will be spoken to us personally at a future date when he calls us home to heaven, and repeated again to us on the Last Day:

(Matthew 25:34)  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”

Of course, God’s love for us fosters our love for God … AND our love for our fellow human-beings:

(1 John 4:19) “We love because he first loved us.”

(John 13:34-35)  [Jesus said,] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

So, I maintain that the first “Valentine” message actually came from God.  But which is the greatest?  Is it one of the above passages, or do you have another suggestion?  If so, please share it in the comments section of this blog.

How blessed we are to be loved by God himself!  It is the deepest and purest love possible, and it literally lasts forever!

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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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!

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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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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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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.

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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!

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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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

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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.

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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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 …

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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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!

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!