Catch-Your-Attention Power!

Catch-Your-Attention Power!

I had flown to Michigan to coordinate some projects at our new house.  Amazingly the small airport most convenient to where I was going was also the cheapest one to fly into!  (Thank you, Lord!)  I had reserved a “mid-size” car to drive for the five days I was there.

When I arrived at the rental car counter, the nice young gentleman working there said I was his last customer of the day.  He proceeded to process my reservation.  When it came time to offer my options for rental cars, he listed a few of the usual “mid-size” choices.  “Or,” he continued with a smile, “we could send you out of here with a Ford Mustang GT.”

I’m sure my eyes got wide.  “Is that really an option?” I asked.  “For the same price?”

“Yes, it is.  Would you like it?”

“Hmmm.  Let me think about it. … SURE!”  He handed me the keys.

Afterwards, I had to take a moment to rearrange some of my travel accessories in my suitcase.  As I rolled my bag across the parking lot toward my “mid-size” muscle-car, the young man from the counter happened to be driving away.  He hung his head out the window.  “Enjoy your ride!” he called with a smile and a wave.  “I’m sure I will!” I called back.

And then there she was.  Sleek and silver, slung low, with black racing stripes running down the hood – the perfect picture of power.  (It’s the actual car at the top of this post.)  I couldn’t resist; I immediately snapped a picture and sent it off in a group text to my family.  “Check out my rockin’ ride for the next 5 days!”

I stowed my suitcase in the trunk, and settled into the drivers seat.  I took a deep breath and pushed the ignition button.  The vehicle shuddered as the engine roared to life, growling like a giant, angry beast.  (At least, it seemed like it shuddered.  It most definitely was growling!)  The power instantly available to me was tangible.  I could hear it and feel it!  I was enveloped in it! 

It was catch-your-attention power.

When I was young and fuel was cheap, cars were built differently.  Consequently, my father had some powerful vehicles.  Don’t tell my parents, but I raced some of those cars on the backroads of the little town where we lived.  Drove them fast.  But I never experienced anything like that Mustang GT.

Just to provide context, here’s some information on the typical Mustang GT: It offers the driver 460 horsepower, can jump from 0-60 in less than 4 seconds, and can reach the speed of 145 miles-per-hour!  Here’s how someone described the vehicle online: “Voted as the manliest car for several years, the Ford Mustang … was built for one thing and one thing only – power. The Mustang is a monster through and through!” 

The ticket price for one of those babies?  Probably about $40,000.

Just for the record, I didn’t personally research the acceleration or velocity capabilities of the Mustang while tooling around Michigan. But I did drive it into the church parking lot for the meet-and-greet with the members of my new congregations … arriving there with the rumbling, high-performance, “manliest car” possible.  (They weren’t quite sure what to make of that.)

Interestingly, it snowed much of the time I was driving that car, and the white stuff continued to accumulate the entire week.  I learned that though the vehicle is most certainly built for power, it is most certainly NOT built for slippery streets!  By the goodness of God, I managed to avoid any incidents and returned it to the airport undamaged.  Which was good for the rental company, good for my insurance company, and certainly good for me.

Sitting in the driver’s seat of that car, it was impossible to not recognize you were wrapped in sheer power.  It occurred to me while perched over 460 “horses” that as God’s children we are always wrapped in power.  And it’s a far greater power than any car … or any other man-made invention … can provide.

“Who among the gods is like you, LORD?  Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?  (Exodus 15:11)  “Who is like you, LORD God Almighty?  You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you”  (Psalm 89:8).

The Creator of the cosmos has our back, and is at our beck-and-call.  He knows all, sees all, controls all, can do all, and hears every single one of our prayers.  He certainly isn’t affected by snow or any nasty weather; in fact, he orchestrates it.  (Along with every other thing!)  And always in love for our good.

Now that’s the ultimate “catch-your-attention” power!

“Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, you his servants; praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?” (Psalm 113:1-6).

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Thanks-Giving!

Thanks-Giving!

On the last Thursday of November, our nation celebrates Thanksgiving.  People travel to be with loved ones.  Hugs are given; memories are shared; laughter is heard.  Families and friends gather around huge meals. 

Afterwards, some will settle in for a comfy nap on the coach or to watch football games, or both.  Others will go for a stroll, weather-permitting, to “walk off the extra calories.”  Groups will gather for cards or boardgames, or simply for pleasant conversation.  Some will check the store fliers to plan their Black Friday expeditions.  Still others will do something altogether different.  Every family and every person has their own Thanksgiving traditions, which is wonderful.

After all, it’s Thanksgiving!  It’s a national holiday … a day to relax and refresh.

But consider for a moment the name of the holiday.  The day isn’t called “Thanks-thinking.”  It was never intended to be a day where folks take the time for some self-ruminating on how good they have it.

Nor is it named “Thanks-gathering.”  That is, a day to get together with family and friends as a polite and pleasant acknowledgement of great blessings and a general nod toward gratefulness.

Rather, the day is named “Thanks-giving.”  That’s more than just reflecting about and rejoicing in one’s blessings, isn’t it?  The very name implies giving thanks to Someone, doesn’t it?  And there’s only One who has supplied us with all of our blessings.  It’s the Lord, of course. 

I wonder how many folks actually remember to thank the Lord on Thanksgiving Day.  It is the Lord who gave us life … and family … and a home … and food to eat … and clothes to wear … and vehicles to drive … and a place to live … and every single other blessing we enjoy.  And he’s even given us a Savior—the very best gift of all! 

The Bible informs us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. … He [even!] chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created” (James 1:17-18)

But in order to thank the One who gave all, a person has to know who that God is.  And they have to recognize how incredibly that God has blessed them.  Thankfully, you and I recognize both!

Which can only lead to one thing: giving thanks to our gracious God!

Happy Thanks-Giving, everyone!

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So Very Different, Yet All the Same

So Very Different, Yet All the Same

There is perhaps no better place for “people watching” than an international airport.  Folks from all around the country (and the world!) are cycling through these hubs.  I happened to be in four different airports in the past week, and I saw thousands of people in the process.

People are fascinating.  Everything about people is fascinating!  We are all unique with our own talents, experiences and perspectives.  In an airport, a person only interacts with a few others and learns perhaps a little about their stories.  But the outward differences are obvious!

Of course, there are the clear ones: male or female; taller or shorter; thinner or heavier; older or younger; traveling together or alone; business or casual; skin color, hair color, and such.  There is a vast array of all the aforementioned.

But the really interesting things, at least to me, are the personal choices.  How does a person choose to be seen?

Some opt for style while others opt for comfort.  Still others will strive for a blend of the two.  Those traveling for business will dress the part, wearing tailored suits or professional skirts or slacks.  Others gravitate toward trendy, sporting the latest accoutrements. 

Often the choice made is to represent a favorite sports team with hats, coats, jerseys, tee-shirts, sweatshirts, or even entire sweatsuits.  In Chicago, I must have been in a concourse where a plane from Dallas disembarked the day after the Packer game in Texas.  Every other person seemed to be wearing Packer’s gear, (much to my dismay!). 

Sometimes people rep a company … whether the company worked for or a “brand name” designer one.  The pilots and stewards and stewardesses are bedecked in their airline’s uniforms with their varied colors and styles.  Airport workers – whether security, cleaning personnel, or restaurant or store employees – are dressed for their positions.

The colors seen in an airport are catching as well.  Every hue on the spectrum makes an appearance in the suits, slacks, shirts, shoes, blouses, dresses, coats, hats … and even hair.  A carousel of color rotates through the concourses.

And, oh my, the accessories!  From heavy chains to huge crosses dangling from necklaces to oversized, gaudy eyeglasses to valuable rings and earrings – all are sighted.

Not to mention the variety of shoes.  I am astounded at what some people choose to put on their feet when knowing they will be trekking long distances in airports and going airborne in airplanes!  High heels.  Clogs.  Crocs.  Sandals.  “Five-fingered” shoes.  Cowboy boots.  You name it, it’s on somebody’s feet.

And we haven’t even discussed the luggage differences, or how some decide to wear fifteen layers and carry a stuffed animal (like the woman next to me on one of my connecting flights) and others opt to go minimalistic, wearing just a single layer.

Such a visual smorgasbord!  So many varied choices made!  So many differences! 

Yet every single person … regardless of their age or gender, or how they look, or what they are wearing, or the colors they are displaying, or their multitudinous differences … every single person has one thing in common. 

They have a soul that will spend eternity in one place or another – heaven or hell.  (Daniel 12:2-3, Matthew 25:46, John 3:36)

Thanks be to God, Jesus died for all!  But tragically not everyone knows it or believes it.  A striking contrast between the two perspectives (belief and unbelief) and the two destinations (heaven and hell) is shared by Jesus in his description of a beggar named Lazarus and an unnamed rich man. (Luke 16:19-31). 

So many people!  So few believers!  So much work for you and me to do!  And no, it’s not only the preachers’ job to do.  Not just other Christians’ responsibility.  It’s ours.  Yours and mine!

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all … God reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:14, 18-20).

The next time you are in an airport (or the mall, a concert, or anywhere there happens to be lots of people), consider how very different we all are … and yet how fundamentally the same.  One soul in every person; two potential destinations.  And consider how important it is that we somehow reach as many as we can with the message of a Savior who loves them.  Because he does, regardless of how they look!

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The Perfect Home

The Perfect Home

The house where we currently reside was almost the perfect home for our family of eight for three decades.  Large.  Roomy.  Creative layout.  Neat features.  A spacious living room.  Multiple bedrooms.  Multiple closets.  And perhaps most important: multiple bathrooms and showers! 

The house was probably the closest it could be to ideal for us, which is why we liked it so much when we were looking to purchase a home. And, I’m convinced, also why the Lord secured the house for us even after another offer had already been accepted by the sellers!

But this house is not perfectly ideal.  There are some aspects of the layout that we wish were different.  There have been various issues we’ve had to address in the past.  And there are still issues.  (Some of which we’ll have to resolve before selling it.)

Interestingly, now that we are relocating, we found another house that seems ideal for the next station in our lives.  One level.  Large.  Roomy.  Creative layout.  Neat features.  A spacious game room and large fireplace.  Multiple bedrooms.  Multiple closets.  Several bathrooms.  And perhaps best of all, it’s situated on a lake with a dock and a lovely view across the water!

Most interestingly of all, when we expressed interest, our realtor was astounded that the house was still available after being on the market for several months.  I informed him I believed the Lord had set it aside for us.  I am even more convinced of this after watching the Lord line everything up for the purchase.  Once again, our gracious God intervened and provided us with an ideal dwelling for our future days. 

But that house isn’t perfectly ideal either.  There are some issues we will have to address now that we own it.  (Which is why I’m flying back to Michigan this next week.)  Just as there are issues in our current home.  And in your home.  And in every home. 

Of course, we are fully aware that more situations demanding attention will appear in the future!  They always do.

Finally, there is no perfect home here on earth … no matter how thoughtfully designed, or carefully constructed, or meticulously cared for, or ideally situated it may be.  There are always some issues in every house, and there will inevitably be more.  

But a perfect home does exist!  A place with no issues.  No imperfections.  No faults or flaws.  Nothing lacking.  No deterioration (ever!), and no repairs ever needed.  The perfect layout with perfect dimensions with the perfect color scheme!

It’s a place with the ultimate location and constructed of the finest materials.  Residents arrive escorted by angels on streets of gold through gates of pearl set in walls of gemstones.   The entire city is pure and transparent gold.  (At least that’s the visual the Apostle John gives us in Revelation 21.) 

The glory of God illuminates everything – shining brilliantly through the transparent gold!  There is no darkness or shadow anywhere to be seen. 

The panoramas from the place are stunning; the views exquisite.  The company is divine.  (Literally!) 

The purchase price of this perfect home happens to be exorbitant, but is covered completely by the holy, precious blood of the Savior. 

It’s the place where our God lives, and the place he prepares for us to live as well.  All who rejoice in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice are brought there one day.

Jesus described that perfect home, and the path to arriving there, this way: 

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. … I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  (John 14:2-4, 6)

God the Father provided even more information on that wonderful home to the Apostle John:

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!” (Revelation 21:3-5)

The message of both the Father and the Son are the same; in heaven God’s people will live in the very presence of God.  Which finally is the ultimate reason it will be the perfect home.

Though the perfect home doesn’t exist in this world, thankfully God has prepared one for us in the next world!  All the more reason to not become too attached to our current residences, for the best is yet to come!

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Holding My Hand

Holding My Hand

I’m convinced that hands were meant to be held.  Consider how wonderfully two hands fit together, and how wonderful another’s hand in yours feels.

Generally, when a hand is held, it is held with good intention, bringing special blessings.  Sweethearts hold each other’s hands because they want to maintain contact.  Fathers and mothers hold their children’s hands when in a crowded or dangerous place, or when they want to lead their young ones somewhere.  Loved ones hold the hands of those they love when those they love are hurting.  Teammates clasp hands together in a power grip when a good play is made or a game is won.  We even shake hands upon the conclusion of an agreement, or when greeting or leaving people, both of those we know well and strangers.

Holding hands in one way or another is so common that we rarely consider how special it can be.

But it is special.  And especially for those like me whose “love language” is touch.

This is not lost on the Lord.  In his holy Word he gives us multiple examples of hand-holding.  And not just routine human-to-human hand-holding.  But God himself holding the hands of his beloved people.

Before we dive into that concept, it’s important that we establish another hand-related issue.  Illustrations of the “Lord’s hand” permeate the words of Scripture.  There are literally hundreds and hundreds of examples where “the hand of the Lord” is mentioned. 

It is a hand of limitless power.  The Lord declares, “My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together” (Isaiah 48:13).

It’s a hand that brings destruction to the enemies of God and God’s people, (Jeremiah 21:5), and it is a hand that brings profound blessings to God’s faithful. (Psalm 144:7).

Best of all, God’s hand is a hand that brought about forgiveness (Isaiah 40:1-2) and salvation.  “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” (Psalm 98:1).

Perhaps a sterling summary of this repeated illustration of “God’s hands” is contained in this marvelous psalm of praise:

“The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!’” (Psalm 118:14-16).

But the Bible goes beyond general references to God’s hand.  The Lord makes it much more personal in a number of passages.

The Lord refers to the deliverance he brought to his people when he led them by the hand out of Egypt (Jeremiah 31:32).  It’s a deliverance he still brings to his people. 

In a similar vein, Asaph the psalmist writes about the guidance God gives us by holding our hand, both through this life and ultimately into the life to come! “You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” (Psalm 73:23-24)

Isaiah shows us the Lord holding our hand to comfort us in our fears.  “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).  We need not be afraid because God’s strong hand is one that supports us, no matter the circumstances.  “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8).

And over-and-over-again, Jesus showed his love for people during his ministry by touching them or taking their hand.  The Savior actually touched an “unclean” leper (which nobody at that time did!) and cleansed him of his disease. (Mk. 1:40-42).  He took Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand, healed her of a fever, and helped her up to her feet. (Mk. 1:30-31).  He held a blind man’s hand in Bethsaida and led him outside the city to have a little privacy as he restored his sight. (Mk. 8:22-25).  He enfolded the hand of Jairus’ dead daughter and raised her back to life. (Mk. 5:38-42).

What incredibly comforting examples of the Lord Jesus actually holding people’s hands!  What a picture for us to treasure, for the Lord still holds our hands as we stumble our way through life. 

And then there’s this stunning revelation from our Savior: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).

Thank you, Lord, for holding my hand!  And thank you, Lord, holding me in your hand, and never letting go!

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

Isaiah 41:9-10, 13-14

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. … For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid … do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”

Psalm 98:1-6

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn — shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Psalm 73:23-26

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

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Keeping Things Under Control

Keeping Things Under Control

“Lord, help me!  Please help me!” Tommy cried out.  “Everything seems crazy and out of control!”

He was sitting on the edge of his bed following another frantic and frenetic day.  Tommy was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted; weary to the bone from the non-stop turmoil in his life. 

Tears flowed down his cheeks as he bared his soul to the Lord.  His heart was heavy; his mind burdened; his body drained.  He didn’t know how much longer he could continue to chase after orderliness in the disorder of his world.

“Everything is chaos, Lord!  Are you unaware, or are you too busy?”  Tommy wasn’t angry or accusing.  Just confused.  More tears dropped to the floor between his feet.  “I know you are supposed to know and control all things, but I’m really struggling here, Lord.  I’m feeling overwhelmed and all alone.”

A sob racked his body.  He clenched his eyelids closed, pushing more water out, and shook his head in sorrow.  He dropped his head to his hands, his elbows resting on his knees, utterly dejected.

Lost in his thoughts, he gradually became aware of a subtle shift in the room.  He sensed movement and felt a slight breeze.  The air seemed to bristle with subdued energy.  Startled, he lifted his head and opened his eyes.

His bedroom was gone, replaced by a sphere that surrounded him … the rounded walls barely discernable in the darkness.  That was strange enough.

But even stranger were the balls whirling through the air and circling around the interior of the sphere.  There was no uniformity to their paths; each ball’s direction of travel and speed unique.  Collisions were common, causing wild ricochets and changes of course.

Each ball was a different color: some red, some green, some blue, and so on, with many a hue represented. 

Tommy gasped.  “What is this?” he wondered, as he stared wide-eyed at this unexpected display.

There was a tiny flash of light, and the face of Jesus materialized on the wall across from him.  Jesus spoke.  “This, Tommy, is a view of all of the varied aspects of your life.  Each colored ball represents a unique feature.  Some colored balls stand for possessions; others for talents; others for activities; others for responsibilities; others for relationships; and still others for other things altogether.  I’ll spare you the specifics, and simply say … this sphere is your life, and the balls inside it are the details.”

Tommy didn’t know where to look.  He alternated between gawking at the circling balls and Jesus’ face, his mouth hanging open.  Jesus smiled warmly at Tommy’s consternation.

“There are so many, Lord!  So many balls!  So many colors!  So many different directions!  So many collisions!”

“Yes, I know,” Jesus replied.

Tommy exclaimed in exasperation, “I knew it!  I’ve felt it!  Everything in my life is clearly spinning out of control!”

“It does appear that way, doesn’t it?” Jesus stated.  He paused, then continued, “Tommy, I’d like you to take a moment to get these many things under control.”  Startled, Tommy looked at the Lord.  He raised his hands, palms upward, questioningly.  “Go ahead, Tommy,” Jesus instructed.

Tommy hesitantly began attempting to snatch some of the balls swirling around him.  He actually managed to catch a few of the slower ones, but when he set a seized ball down, it would roll away, pick up speed and return to orbit.  Exasperated after just a few moments, he exclaimed, “I can’t!  There are too many!  And they won’t stand still!”

Jesus smiled again.  “You’re absolutely right.  There are too many, and you can’t control them.”

“That’s what I said before, Lord.  Everything in my life is chaos!”

“And as I said before,” Jesus stated, “it does appear that way, doesn’t it?”  The Lord looked intently into Tommy’s eyes.  “But here’s what you need to understand.  What you see in this sphere right now – that’s your view of things.  What you see is chaos.  Now I will show you my view of things.”

There was a ripple that swept across the interior of Tommy’s sphere, a single wave of muted silver.  As it reached the swirling balls, they dove into position, forming a seemingly solid panel of balls to the right of Tommy.  The many colors were all aligned, forming lovely concentric borders around a maroon center panel.  And in that panel, white balls spelled this message from the Lord: “I’ve got ALL THIS under control.”

Tommy was overwhelmed with awe.  Joy, peace, and thankfulness flooded through him, filling his entire being.  Tears flowed anew.  This time, not of sorrow, but of profound gratitude.  “Thank you, Jesus, for showing me this.  Thank you for controlling the chaos in my life.”

“You’re welcome, Tommy.  But I have one more thing to show you yet.”

At Jesus’ words, Tommy felt himself expanding; his eyes slowly lifting beyond the boundaries of his life sphere. As they cleared, he took in an astounding view.  All around him were swirling spheres – unenumerable multi-colored spheres, traveling every which way and bouncing wildly off one another. 

“This, Tommy, is a representation of the cosmos … again, every different colored sphere a different aspect.  Some living; some non-living.  And again, this is your view.”

Jesus paused.  “Now let me show you my view.”

In similar fashion the ripple of silver swept over all the spheres, and they dropped into a gigantic, magnificent pattern.  And there, displayed in the center was another message from God – a humongous one!  “I’ve got ALL THIS under control TOO!”

Another ripple of silver swung over Tommy, the view dissipated and he was back in his room, sitting on his bed.  He felt refreshed; invigorated.  He felt hope.  What an incredible insight he had been given by his Savior.  He bowed his head and prayed fervently, “Thank you, Lord, for keeping everything under control.  I will trust in you.”

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

Proverbs 20:24
A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He 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.

Colossians 1:15-17
The Son 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.

Isaiah 45:11-12
“This is what the LORD says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.

Psalm 46:1-3, 7, 10-11
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. … The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. … He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Consider the Birds

Consider the Birds

It’s been a busy week, so I’m sharing a post I wrote way back when.  Folks seemed to enjoy it then; I pray they do again.

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The birds at our place have it pretty cushy.  We have multiple bird houses hanging from the eaves on the north side of our house.  There are also three different styles of bird feeders – all regularly stocked – in the back yard.  A birdbath is another provided amenity.  In addition, there is an abundance of trees and bushes for the birds to perch in.  Plus, we don’t own a cat, and we do own a large dog who effectively keeps cats away, but who ignores the birds.

Consequently, we have a fair share of birds flitting about our place.  We regularly notice Turtle Doves (not Mourning Doves, but Turtle Doves!) and various types of Blue Jays pecking up seed on the ground.  Towhees, Northern Flickers and Varied Thrushes are sometimes seen clinging to the feeders.  Grosbeaks make appearances now and then, as do Finches and even occasionally Goldfinches.  Chickadees and Juncos are regulars.  But the most common diners at our seed dinners, by far, are the sparrows.  They are also the boarders at our bird hotels, so it’s natural that they would be the most frequently sighted. 

But then, that’s what I expected when I started catering to the birds.  After all, sparrows are everywhere, right?  As a matter of fact, there are at least 35 types of sparrow species in North America, with 15 of the species living in most areas of the nation. There are sparrows everywhere.  They are the epitome of commonplace. 

Actually the sparrow population is declining somewhat.  No one is quite sure why, although there are many theories.  Nevertheless, house sparrows are still probably the most abundant bird in the United States, with a population estimated as high as 400 million. (Which averages out to 1.2 sparrows for every person in the nation.)  Declining or not, that’s a lot of birds! 

Realize that sparrows are found around the world.  I couldn’t find an estimate on what that number might be.  But if 400 million live in the United States, well … yeah, it must be a HUGE number. 

With that in mind, consider Jesus’ words:  “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”  (Luke 12:6-7).

Not one of the 400 million sparrows in our nation are forgotten by God.  Nor does one fall to the ground unless the Lord allows it (Matthew 10:29).  The same is true for the sparrows around the world, however many billions of birds that might be.  Now that’s absolutely astounding!

Jesus adds an interesting side-note in this discussion as well.  God even knows the number of hairs on our heads!  (For the average person, that would fall somewhere between 100 – 150 thousand strands!)  Now consider that according to Worldometer, our nation’s population on the day of this posting is 335,464,557.  That’s a whole lot of follicles for the Lord to keep track of, just in the United States alone!  But still, God’s got the exact count.

Let’s take this concept even further.  A while back two scientists decided to estimate the total number of birds on the planet.  The number they came up with was 200 to 400 billion individual birds.  Compared to almost 8 billion people on earth, this amounts to about 25 to 50 birds per person.  And not one of those birds is forgotten or falls without God’s direction either. 

Same goes for all the animals.  And all the insects.  And all the fish.  And all the people!

The point of sharing all these mind-boggling numbers is not to convince you that God’s got too much to handle.  Quite the opposite!  Rather the point is to demonstrate how magnificent our God is!  This keeping track of the sparrows … and everything else … is routine stuff for the Lord. 

Jesus makes the same point.  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?”  (Matthew 6:25-26).

One of my most dearly loved things is the sound of birds chirping in the quiet of the morning.  Whether home or away, a person can be confident that if he or she is outside, or can hear the outside, then they will hear the birds greet the morning with song. 

The sparrows are constantly chirping.  They are always fed and housed by the Lord, and their very existence is sustained by Him. They have nothing to worry about, so they don’t.  Instead, the sparrows praise the Lord, their Provider, incessantly. 

Consider the birds.  There is much we can learn from them!

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Better than Baseball

Better than Baseball

I’ve always been gleeful about the game.  From my first introduction to baseball when I was very young to this very day, I love the sport. 

Some of my favorite memories of my childhood were connected to baseball.  Game nights in the downtown ballparks.  Players in their matching uniforms.  Stands full of family and friends.  Grandparents honking horns from their vehicles parked around the ballfield when their grandson (or someone on his team!) did something good on the diamond.  The thrill of the at-bat, of banging an extra base hit, or of delivering the pitch or making a play.  The excitement of victory; the deflation of defeat.  Fruit-flavored snow cones after the game that turned one’s tongue a brilliant hue, purchased from the vender ideally situated a short distance behind the backstop. Championship trophies two years in a row – trophies I still treasure.

Then there were the late nights as a grade-school boy listening to the play-by-play of the Detroit Tigers games … enjoyed on ear buds (though we didn’t call them that then), so that I didn’t keep my brother awake.  Or as a teenager, watching the games on TV … even the very late ones on the West Coast … despite having to get up early for the summer job.

As a father, I was privileged to spend approximately twenty years coaching my children’s baseball teams.  Precious times, those years!  And our teams even won some games and awards along the way.

There has never really been a summer in the last fifty or so years without baseball in my life, and rarely a day without at least a sprinkle of a game listened to or watched here or there.  When we moved to Washington, it was only natural to begin following the Mariners.  They’ve had some great moments through the years, but unfortunately not many of them.  Of course, there was the infamous drought; 21 years of never making it into the playoffs.

Until this year!  And not only did they make the playoffs, they advanced out of the wildcard round!  (Much to the chagrin of one of my sons who is a fan of the other team.)

But as I write this and post this, the Mariners are one game away from elimination by the largely despised (due to a cheating scandal) but extremely talented Houston Astros. 

Of course, I can’t know what will happen.  The Mariners may be bounced out of the playoffs in the very next game, or they may win a game or two.  They may even, against all odds, win the next three games and advance to the next round.

Along with all the other diehard M’s fans, I was bitterly disappointed at their first two losses in this series.  Especially since they led the first contest the entire way, until the victory was cruelly snatched away from them with only one out left in the game.

But here is the lesson the Lord taught me this week: it doesn’t matter.  It doesn’t matter in the least.  It really doesn’t matter at all.

Those who know me will accuse me of being hypocritical with that sentiment, because they know how avidly I follow the team, and how long I (and all Mariners’ fans!) have been waiting to see the team play in and win meaningful postseason games. They also know that I will continue to try to watch the games as long as they are still “in it.”

But I mean it; winning playoff games, advancing to the next round, even securing a World Series trophy is completely inconsequential.  As is virtually any other earthly pursuit in whatever area a person’s interests may lie.

Sometimes one needs something to alter their perceptions.  Sometimes God gives many “somethings!”

Like people you care deeply about receiving extremely bad medical news.  Or God-fearing people being taken suddenly from this earth.  Or families imploding.  Or grown children branching out into new careers or lifelong relationships, or moving to new residences.  Or the purchase of a new house 2,000 miles away hanging in the balance.

And even these things, while significant, aren’t the most significant things.  No, there are much greater priorities – in the lives of individuals, as well as in the arenas of families, congregations, and church bodies.  Souls are at risk and being fought over in the spiritual realms; eternities hang in the balance; life with the Lord in heaven … or not … is being determined.

So the outcome of the Major League Baseball playoffs is really inconsequential.  There are so many things in life that are so much more important … yes, that are better! … than baseball. Like Jesus our Savior and the victory he has secured for us.  Like the abundant blessings the Lord pours into our hearts and lives, and the hearts and lives of our loved ones.  Like the simple things in life … and especially the spiritual ones. 

The Lord tries to impress this upon us through the words of the Apostle Paul: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —think about such things” (Philippians 4:8-9).

To me, baseball is great.  But God has recently reminded me that there are many things even better!  Thank you for the forced reassessment, Lord.

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Above It All

Above It All

The Washington State Fair happens to be, not only the largest fair in the state of Washington, but in the entire Pacific Northwest.  In fact, it’s one of the biggest fairs in the nation, drawing nearly a million people annually, making the three-week event in September the single greatest attraction in the state!  Unsurprisingly, the size of the fairground is significant, spreading out over 160 acres.

Each year, my wife and I try to spend an evening there … preferably the evening a Christian concert is being presented at the outdoor arena.  Due to the prestige of the fair, the organizers have been able to draw some frontline singers and groups to perform there.  Purchasing concert tickets includes the sweet bonus of free fair admission. 

Unfortunately, there was no Christian concert this year, so the two of us just ambled around the extensive fairgrounds one Sunday afternoon and evening.

As you might imagine, a walk at the Washington State Fair is an assault of the senses. 

Since we were there on a weekend, the fair was flush with people.  Which meant it was impossible not to accidentally jostle some … and equally impossible not to be jostled. (This certainly tripped the touch sense.) 

The tempting smells of burgers and fries, tacos and teriyaki, corndogs and bratwurst, scones and other such desserts, as well as the aromas of virtually any kind of food a person could desire, wafted throughout the grounds.  (My wife and I settled for the teriyaki, and it tasted terrific.)  Of course, one didn’t have to wander far from the food venders to find the more earthy smells of manure from the animals in the barns.

And, my goodness, the sights and sounds of the fair!  The brilliant, blinding, swirling lights on the carnival rides, accompanied by blaring music intended to accentuate the ride experience.  Not to mention the screams when certain “attractions” swung their riders rapidly around or  plummeted them toward the earth from great heights.

A walk around a giant fair is the epitome of over-stimulation of the senses.  Always something to smell, taste, touch, hear or see – a continual barrage of experiential information, no matter where a person happens to be.  It’s all a bit overwhelming.

The final thing my wife and I did on our visit was take a gondola ride from one side of the fairgrounds to the other.  The gondolas roll on cables up and over the fairgrounds.  (See the picture below.)  They are fully enclosed, and the riders are locked inside when the door is latched. 

It was there, in the seclusion of our gondola, gliding silently over the mayhem and surveying the scene below, that we finally found some serenity.  Why?  Because we were above it all!

It occurred to me then that life is a lot like a fairground – full of frenzy and distractions.  Our senses, (and therefore our attention) are drawn to so many things as we negotiate our way through the turmoil.  We’re navigating life in a perpetual state of overstimulation, which leads ultimately to exhaustion.

True peace, joy and serenity are found only in our God and Savior.  To capture them, it is necessary to raise our eyes above the craziness of the world.  The psalmists describe this very thing: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).  “I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven” (Psalm 123:1). 

And not only do we raise our focus, but we raise our attention and our devotion to a higher level as well.  Paul explains: “… Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2)

It is when our “eyes,” our minds and our hearts are centered on heavenly, spiritual matters (God and God’s Word!) that the Lord raises us above the hubbub of the world and settles us in the serenity and security of Him.  That’s a very good place to be, and the view is much more sublime.

Like in a gondola at the fair, high above it all.

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T R U S T!

T R U S T!

On August 15, I received a call to serve as pastor for St. John’s in Clare, Michigan and Faith in Harrison, Michigan.  That precipitated six weeks of agonized wrestling over where the Lord wanted me to continue my pastoral ministry.  On September 25, it was shared with St. Paul’s (the congregation I have been serving in Tacoma for over 30 years), and with St. John’s and Faith in Michigan, that I was led to accept the call to Michigan.  Due to multiple circumstances, I will be delayed in transitioning there, but as soon as possible that will be where I settle in as pastor.  Which leads to this week’s post.

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Life is full of radical shake-ups.  Everyone who walks this planet experiences unforeseen situations that rock their world.  The life-rattling occurrences can appear in any facet of one’s life, whether health, family, occupation, finances, possessions … or several or many of the aforementioned all at once!

For a pastor or a teacher, there’s nothing quite as “life-rattling” as receiving a “call” to consider serving the Lord in a different church or school than where he or she is currently serving.

For a pastor, that’s a situation and a decision that obviously impacts his entire family – especially if he decides he needs to accept the call.  The respective worlds of himself, his wife and their children are flipped upside down.  Even the family members’ co-workers and classmates, their extended family and their friends, are affected.  Not to mention the church the pastor has been serving, AND the church or churches where he will serve in the future.

That’s a whole lot of life-shaking happening!  A rather extensive sphere of upset!  (Not necessarily bad upset, but upset nonetheless.)

Significant questions that naturally arise are … how is this all going to work?  How will this affect our current congregation?  How about the other ones?  Not to mention the school where my wife teaches? 

Will the lengthy delay in transitioning bring greater blessings than challenges all around?  How can I best serve the congregation where I currently am during the delay, and how can I best serve the congregations where I’m going while 2,000 miles away?

What about my family members’ current lives and their future plans?  What about selling our house and all that entails?  What about buying a new one three time zones away?  Should we buy now or later, and when we do, how do we finance it?  How can we know the new house is a good choice – the right choice?

So many, many, MANY questions to consider!  And what questions should I be asking that aren’t even coming to mind?

Here’s what became glaringly apparent through this entire call process, and as I look to the future: I MUST trust the Lord.  And not only me, but everyone involved in this situation … whether involved significantly or minimally.  We must trust our gracious and guiding God.  Only he knows the path forward and has the answers in hand.  His attributes of omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all knowing), and love never had more profound implications!  The Lord will guide and provide!

Ultimately, the necessity of trusting the Lord goes well beyond a pastor or teacher considering and deciding on a call.  Trusting the Lord should be a Christian’s preset and default mode … a life-approach used continually and unilaterally every single day and regarding every single aspect of their life.

For we always need God’s assistance.

As my wife and I wrestled with what the Lord would have us do, we had to keep returning to this refrain: “We must trust God.” 

Being forced to fall repeatedly back on this truth recently, I couldn’t help but wonder if the word “trust” might form the basis (serve as an acronym) for a longer explanation of the word’s essence.  I thought about it, and here’s my proposal:

T – Total

R – Reliance

U – Upon our

S – Savior!

T – TOTAL!

I’d be delighted if you shared your thoughts on my suggestion, or if you have a different suggestion, in the comments portion of this blog.  In the meantime, I close this post with the dearly loved and very appropriate words from the Holy Spirit through Solomon:

“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).

In other words – Total Reliance Upon our Savior! TOTAL!

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