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May the Source Be with You

May the Source Be with You

I happen to be one of the few adult citizens of the United States who has never watched a Star Wars movie.  Yes, I realize this is nearly unthinkable to many.  Some would even say inexcusable.  But the storyline never held much appeal to me.  My children, on the other hand, are all huge fans.  Even my wife has seen most or all of the movies.

Star Wars, of course, is the creation of George Lucas.  The first movie was released in 1977, and it became an instant hit and worldwide phenomenon.  Many more films have followed, as well as multiple Star Wars’ offshoots, including even theme park attractions.  Star Wars has generated billions upon billions of dollars.

Part of the premise of the stories revolves around a mystical power referred to as “the Force.”  The Force was described in one of the movies as “an energy field created by all living things [that] binds the galaxy together,” and it can be used for good or evil. Those few individuals who find themselves with strong abilities in the Force are able to do remarkable things.  Some of these folks utilize the Force for good; others for evil.  Both sides vie for the ultimate control, which sets the stage for a number of Force-filled battles.

In the movies, the phrase “may the Force be with you” is invoked as a blessing to protect or guide another.  Consequently, May Fourth (“May the Force” – get it?) has come to be known as Star Wars day.  And in case you didn’t notice earlier this week, there were Star Wars’ references everywhere on that day!

Of course, the theology and the science behind the concept of the Force leaves much to be desired.  So as Star Wars references abounded on “Star Wars Day,” I wondered if there might be a better, more theologically accurate, motto.  And it came to me immediately: “May the Source be with you!”

What do I mean by that?  Simply this: the Source of every good thing is the God of the Bible, and when that Source is with us, we have everything we need – rich blessings and sufficient solutions.

James summarizes this truth beautifully.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights …” (James 1:17).  In other words, the Source (the Lord!) provides for our every need. 

Consider what “the Source” tells us in his ultimate source of truth, the Bible:

Afraid?  “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

Anxious?  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Bereaved?  “Jesus said…, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die’” (John 11:25-26)

Bound in the chains of addiction?  “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Depressed?  “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Discouraged?  “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).

Feeling Unloved?  “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).

Guilt-ridden?  “In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

Lonely?  … God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).

Needing Guidance?  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).

Tempted?  “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Threatened?  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. … The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:1&11).

Troubled?  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles …” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Weary?  ‘“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’” (Matthew 11:28-30).

All of which underscores the accuracy of our motto, “May the Source be with you!”  But an even better, more accurate motto would be, “The Source IS with you!”  In the Lord, the Source of every blessing, our every need for now and forever truly is provided.

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Hope Springs Eternal

Hope Springs Eternal

I am almost giddy with joy. 

Baseball is beginning!  Major league players are reporting to their spring training facilities, and practices are under way.  Games will follow soon.  Along with the amount of daylight increasing daily and the daffodils stretching from the ground, baseball is one of the wonderful harbingers of Spring. 

When “the boys of Summer” report for duty, it’s a sure sign Summer isn’t far away!

And after the last year, who of us isn’t ready for some fun in the sun?  Some enjoyable distractions on the ballfield; the sounds, sights and smells of a ballgame; some social gatherings at the ballpark?  (Well, hopefully anyway!)

On top of just the exaltation that baseball is back – and it seems it’s back for a full season this go-round – there is the added excitement that this is the year my favorite team, the Seattle Mariners, are going to win our American League West division!

At which any of you who are even a little informed about the Seattle Mariners are probably rolling your eyes, shaking your heads, and possibly even guffawing out loud.  The Mariners have the distinct dishonor of being the only MLB team that has never even played in the World Series.  The only one!  In addition, they currently own the longest playoff drought of any major professional team.  Not just the longest drought in baseball, but the longest drought of any team in MLB, the NFL, the NBA, or the NHL!

Consequently some (most? all?) will take exception to my prediction of the Mariners winning their division and breaking their playoff absence.  To which I reply with the aged and sage proverb, “Hope springs eternal!” 

And nowhere is that expression more true than in regard to one’s favorite baseball team!  (Especially if one’s favorite team happens to be the Mariners!)

“Hope springs eternal” is actually an abbreviation of a line written by Alexander Pope in “An Essay on Man” in 1732.  The entire phrase was originally “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.”

The concept, of course, is that humans long for, search for and even manufacture hope.  We need it, want it, and have to have it.  Our tendency is always to somehow, somewhere, in some way uncover some kind of hope.  We will cling tenaciously to hope against all odds because existence without hope is a shallow existence.

Unfortunately, this sin-shattered world excels at undermining hope.  Perhaps that’s why we are so desperately and constantly seeking a semblance of hope?  We recognize that hope tends to be frail, finicky and fleeting.

Which is why, I’m convinced, the Bible speaks so adamantly and repeatedly about hope.  Not about the uncertain hope this world offers, but rather about the certain, immovable, unchangeable, persevering, everlasting, rock-solid, count-on-it-no-matter-what hope that God gives.

If God says it, God must do it.  If God makes a promise, God must keep it.  If God offers words of hope, he must stand behind them.  Which makes the hopes that God gives us absolutely reliable.

The list of God’s hope-giving promises is long!  His assurances encompass his love for us, his redemption accomplished for us, his daily care of us, and his eternal reward for us.  And so much more!

 “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).  To which the writer to the Hebrews adds this encouragement, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

Wherever the Bible addresses the hope that God gives us, we should add the word “certain” to it.  Not because it sounds more encouraging that way, but because it’s true! 

Let’s try it and see what that sounds like.

“We wait in (certain!) hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our (certain!) hope in you” (Psalm 33:20-22).

Now that’s a (certain!) hope that truly springs eternal!

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Walking in Son-shine

Walking in Son-shine

I love to walk.  I will walk at any time of day and in any conditions, if responsibilities allow.  (Though I admit to being less fond of strolling through a downpour.)

The other day I had a narrow window between obligations, and the sun was shining.  Blue skies and sunshine in Western Washington at this time of year are exceedingly rare.  There was no hesitation; I went to a nearby park to amble around Wapato Lake a few times. 

Cedars reflected off the still lake surface.  White waves of altostratus undulatus clouds flowed in striking fashion across the blue background of the sky.  Mallards and coots paddled lazily across the lake surface.  An eagle plunged into the water to pluck an unfortunate fish from its leisurely swim, then soared back to the raucous uproar of its eaglets in a nest atop the tallest tree alongside the lake. 

People were smiling and amiable.  Walk-buddies carried on deep discussions.  Children deliberately careened their scooters through standing puddles.  Best of all, none of the many leashed dogs tried to bite me or even bark at rival canines.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting experience.

It struck me midway through my hike that one of the main reasons the hike was so delightful, for me and for others, was directly associated with the sunshine beaming down on us.  Walking in the light of sunbeams generally makes for a pleasant disposition!

Now this is no astounding insight.  Most understand the benefits of sunshine.  Studies show that just 10-15 minutes of sun exposure a day can boost one’s health.  Sunshine provides both a mood boost through the release of serotonin, as well as an increase in production of the crucial vitamin D.  In addition, absorbing just a bit of sunshine can actually assist in sleep, as it helps regulate our circadian rhythm (our internal clock).

This is understood innately by folks who reside in our neck of the woods where overcast dominates from October to May.  Many folks west of the Cascade Mountains wrestle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression.  For much of 8 months, there is no sunshine in which to bask.  Consequently, when the glowing rays of the sun break through the clouds in western Washington, doors bang open and people flood outside to immerse themselves in sparkling, glorious sunshine!  (Trust me, that is not hyperbole!)

I already recognized all these things before setting out on my stroll.  But I did have this sudden epiphany.  On my saunter in the sunlight, it occurred to me that there are emotional and spiritual parallels to the light of the sun.

If I asked you to visualize the sky based on current events, what does that view look like?  Or if you prefer, visualize it based on the words you are hearing or reading.  I would argue both are closely related.  How does your personal airspace appear?

My guess is that most would describe their skies as gray, overcast, rainy and gloomy.  There seems to be precious little sunshine in our world these days!

To which I reply, “It’s time for you and me to walk in the Light!”

Now I’m not suggesting that we’ve been walking in the darkness.  But most of us have definitely been hanging out in the dreary dusk.  Let the Son-shine in!

The Apostle John begins his gospel with this beaming description of our Savior:  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. … The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:1-5, 9).

Just reading through those words is like throwing open the shades to find and feel the sunshine on our faces.  Or rather, Son-shine!  We need more Son-shine in our lives!

How might we break free from the gloom?  Here’s my suggestion: carefully screen what you are seeing on your screens.  There is an abundance of negativity fogging viewpoints.  The news is full of downers.  Social media is rife with conflict.  Attitudes abound in society.  Even families are in conflict.  If that’s what we are looking at and what we are listening to, the low-hanging clouds will continue to hang low around us.

Of course, it’s important that we are at least minimally informed on current events.  But being minimally informed demands minimal time! 

Much better if we are perambulating in the light of God’s Word and the Son-shine of our Savior.  Much more beneficial if we are immersing ourselves in the words that our Lord shares, and the wonders our Savior has done … and is still doing. 

The Holy Spirit addresses this very thing when he inspired the psalmist to write, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).  Because just like the benefits that exposure to the rays of the sun bring, so time with the Son boosts our mood, increases our vitamin D-elight, and enables us to sleep more soundly.

So walk in the Son, and soak up the spiritual benefits!

How to Interact on This Blog

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

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.

Searching for Treasure

Searching for Treasure

I am a treasure hunter.  I search for treasure.  I even find some!

From the time I was young, I always loved to embark on treasure expeditions.  No, I didn’t travel to exotic locations in my quests, but I did set out on a fair amount of searches nevertheless. 

I explored the old brewery in the town where I grew up looking for old Sebewaing Beer artifacts.  (Found some too.  Still have them!)  I wandered carefully (so as not to fall through the floors!) inside a few abandoned houses as well, seeing what might have been left behind.  (Rather slim pickings.  Other treasure seekers had been there before me.)   Native Americans used to inhabit the area where I lived as a boy, so the farm fields all around us held ancient artifacts.  (Found some of those also!) 

But there were treasure hunts and discoveries even closer than that!  Before the days of dumps, my ancestors were in the habit of burying their trash on the property.  Much of what was trash to them, old bottles and such, are now treasures.  When my father dug up the yard to begin building a new house in my teen years, the dirt piles he created were literally littered with his grandparents’ discards.  It was a veritable treasure trove for a treasure seeker like me!

I’ve always kept my eyes peeled for dropped money.  I’m regularly finding coins, and even occasionally a bill.  Even more occasionally a larger bill!  And I never pass a Coinstar without inspecting the coin return.  People regularly forget to grab the coins that didn’t get processed, some of which are silver coins – rejected because they are heavier than the usual “clad” coins.

I’ve even panned for gold and sluiced out a bit of “color” from the gravel.  Washington State isn’t as prime for gold as some other states, but there is some to be found in the right spots.

These days my preferred approach in my treasure hunting exploits is with a metal detector.  What amazing machines they are!  Not only do they easily detect metal objects underground or under water, but the better-quality ones can give the handler a very good idea of what might be below the coil by virtue of a number readout.

 Through the years I’ve found all kinds of treasure with my handy-dandy metal detector.  Lots of coins (some silver and some quite old), rings of all kinds (even toe rings!), military buttons and Boy Scout badges, old toys and antique tools, and plenty of unique items have found their way into my treasure pouch.  I never know what I will find, but I always know I’ll find something interesting!  In fact, there has never been a time when I didn’t uncover something worthwhile on my metal detecting hunts.

There’s another form of treasure hunt I regularly embark on as well.  It’s a treasure hunt in the extravagantly rich pages of the Bible.  I never know exactly what the Holy Spirit will reveal to me on each journey inside the cover, but I always know I’ll find something awesome!  Sometimes the discovery is a precious gold or silver truth; sometimes a gleaming new spiritual insight; sometimes a practical discovery; sometimes a lovely reminder of earlier times; sometimes a treasure to share.  In fact, there has never been a time when I didn’t uncover something worthwhile on my treasure hunts in God’s Word.

I’ve never gotten rich from my regular treasure hunting efforts, and I probably never will.  But I have become a wealthy man indeed from my treasure searches in the Scriptures.

Regular treasure hunts?  I discourage them.  (That leaves more for me to find!)  But treasure hunts in the Scriptures?  These are treasure hunts that all should embark upon, and frequently, because there is an unlimited amount of priceless riches to be found there.  And all who seek will find!

“But where can wisdom be found?  Where does understanding dwell?  No mortal comprehends its worth. … It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.  It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.  Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold.  Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.  The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold.  Where then does wisdom come from?  Where does understanding dwell? … God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells” (Job 28:selected verses). 

On Vacation

On Vacation

Are there any words that lift the spirit quite like the words “on vacation.”  As in, “It will be wonderful when we are on vacation.”  Or, “I have our plans made to go on vacation.”  Or best of all, “Finally, at long last … we’re on vacation!”  

I suppose that’s hyperbole.  I’m sure there are other words more uplifting.  But, I would argue, not many!  And especially perhaps now, after enduring so many restrictions recently and being housebound (for work, school, church, shopping, recreation, and many other things!) for so long, the words “on vacation” sound magnificent!

Perhaps you already have some plans in place for a vacation or two.  Or maybe you are just beginning to consider the options for some getaways.  If so, good for you!

Undoubtedly most of us reach a point where we recognize we need some vacation time.  But did you realize that taking a break can actually keep us from “breaking?”  Studies have shown that vacationing generally reduces stress levels and stress related symptoms, as well as heart disease.  (The positive results in cardio health are actually quite significant!)  Other benefits of time away include a decrease in depression, an increase in productivity, and better rest.  And, of course, there are always the memories.

So by all means, if you are able, make a point to go on vacation.  But not from everything.

“Wait a minute,” you might respond.  “You just showed how beneficial vacation time is!”

Let me explain.  Being on vacation from work and other responsibilities is indeed beneficial.  It is restful for body and mind.  However, being on vacation from God’s Word is not.  In fact, taking a break from the Scriptures actually brings unrest for the soul.

There is this fascinating juxtaposition between body and soul.  Breaking from working at our occupations benefits our bodies; breaking from working through God’s Word negatively impacts our souls.  Undying dedication to time in the Bible benefits our spiritual health; unending dedication to time at our jobs brings physical problems.

Consequently, one should definitely provide the body and mind a prolonged rest now and then.  But it is never a wise decision to take a vacation from God’s Word.  Not when one is on vacation.  Not when buried under responsibilities.  Not when relaxing and not when busy.  Not in good times or bad.  Never!

In fact, just the opposite is true.  The more stressed and busy we may be, the more we need the spiritual rest that the Holy Spirit brings us through God’s truths.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words to his fellow pastor, Timothy, about the importance of remaining steadfast in God’s Word:  “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of!  … The Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  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 3:14-17).

Vacation time for the body – definitely good!  Vacation time for the soul – definitely not good!  So by all means vacation, but do so selectively!

What to Write? Powerful Words!

What to Write? Powerful Words!

How did I get here?  I don’t mean how did I arrive in this world or how did I end up in Tacoma, Washington.  (I know the answers to those questions!  The Lord brought me here.)

Rather, how did I get HERE … writing a blog on a website I hackled together?  I can only presume the answer is the same; the Lord, through unexpected and unprecedented circumstances, brought me here.  It’s certainly nothing I was ever inclined to explore.  Yet here I am.

OK, Lord.  Now what?  (I’m serious, Lord!  Now what?!)  Like … how do I go about this?  And what should I write about in my inaugural post?

Well, I considered writing about how I hope that I don’t make a fool of myself with this hair-brained (but God-guided?) venture.  While this is an actual concern, it’s a personal one; it’s a dear topic to me but not a particularly interesting one to anyone else.

I could write about the theme of this blog – heading to heaven, and how I hope this site is a rich resource of encouragement to many and to me until “we get where we are going.”  Though I know we’ll address that, both directly and indirectly, in this post and others, that topic didn’t feel right either.

Well, what if I write about words?  I’m sure many bloggers have begun their posting careers by focusing on words.  Write words about words.  That’s logical and practical.  Beneficial even.  Promote your words by promoting the power of words in general.

We can all attest to the power of words.  They are seeds that, once planted, almost always sprout into something … sometimes weeds and sometimes flowers.  Hatred.  Love.  Anger.  Peace.  Sorrow.  Joy.  Comfort or upset.  Contentment or discontent.  Discouragement or encouragement.  All can be fostered by words.

Many is the occasion that words have pulled tears from our eyes … sometimes tears of acute pain; other times of sublime joy.  Some words have crashed violently through our ears, stormed around our minds, and dove past the lump in our throats to settle into a roiling ball of anxiety in our guts.  Others have glided into our hearing, fluttered pleasantly about in our consciousness and brought a lasting smile to our lips.

We’ve all felt the power of words firsthand as we process things we hear or read.  We’ve also seen their power as others process the words we have spoken and the seeds we have sown.

The Bible book of James (chapter 3) offers some fascinating illustrations of our tongues and the words they speak and the power they wield.  It was the case in James’ day; it’s the case still today.  Organizations are being formed and entire ad campaigns are being waged to try to increase awareness on the power of words.

So what’s my point?  Read this blog because it’s got lots of great words?  Powerful and potentially life-changing words?  No, that is NOT my point.  (Though I do hope you come back and read and comment often!)

My point is that God imbued words … regular, people-spoken and people-written words … with power.  Impressive power even.  But our words are nothing compared to God’s Words!  Friend, if you want truly power-packed words, look to God’s Word!

The words of God radiate power.  Radiate not in the sense that one can see their power, but radiate in that they blossom and expand and surround and envelope and enliven.  The power in the Scriptures is unseen but unbridled.  Often unsought but always experienced.  Seemingly innocuous but ever-effective.

In the book of Hebrews, God himself describes his words in this way:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  (Hebrews 4:12)

Living words!  Active words!  Words that pierce hearts and revive souls; words that revise perceptions and adjust attitudes.  Ultra, super-duper, incomparably powerful, life-changing, destiny-altering words.  That’s how God fashioned his Word – to be power-filled.  In reality, God’s Word is living, active and powerful because God himself lives in it and moves through it!

As a pastor, I’ve been privileged to regularly see that power on display.  God’s Word impacts!  I’ve seen sinners grappling with the realization of how far they have drifted from God, hearing God’s plea to return and repenting.  Hardened men weeping as they realized that Jesus covered even their sins and they are truly forgiven.  Long-time unbelievers transitioning to believers.  Believers transitioning to greater service to the Lord.  Mourners finding peace in their grief.  Bed-bound Christians filled with joy amidst their pain as they recognize they are almost home.  Finally, every single conversion … each of us! … is a miracle of the living, active and powerful Word of God.

In short, the very best encouragement I can give you (and me!) for these days “before we get where we’re going” is to tap our weary and weak selves into true, top-tier power.  Read God’s Word.  Hear God’s Word.  Sing God’s Word.  Reflect on God’s Word.  Do it daily!  Be immersed in God’s Word, and revel in the power that is present – both in the Scriptures and in the power the Holy Spirit bring us through the Scriptures.

So not only do we want to “mind” the words we say.  We especially want to pay avid attention to the words that God says.  That, dear reader, is where the real power lies!

I’m eager to hear how the power of God’s Word has impacted you or your family at various times.  Or do you have a Bible passage that is especially meaningful (empowering) to you?  Please share!