Heading to Heaven!

Never-Failing Love

September 7, 2024 dbirsch

I knew it was somewhere around here. I just couldn’t remember where.

In my defense, a LOT has happened since our honeymoon. My twelve-month vicar (intern) year, my final year at the Seminary, at least six moves (two across the country – one westward and one eastward!) and six different homes, the birth of six children and one miscarriage, and 34 years of pastoral ministry.

I certainly remembered many of the wonderful things from that relaxing week following our wedding ceremony in my wife’s home church in Benton Harbor, Michigan. I had booked a five-night stay in a cabin on an inland lake in north-central Michigan. I remember being able to look out on the water from our cabin and thinking how very nice that was to be there with my new wife. Additional memories included rowing the boat out on the lake and the two of us catching a few panfish, a campfire on the beach, watching the Detroit Pistons playoff games in a local bar (there was no TV in the cabin), and eating at a nearby Ponderosa Steakhouse several times. (I enjoyed the steak; my new wife delighted in the all-you-can-eat ice cream bar.)

After our stay on the smaller lake, we drove West to Ludington and visited the very large Lake Michigan. There we hiked miles down the sandy beach to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, visited the Pere Marquette Shrine and the local marina, and walked through the local shops. (I purchased a duck-handled letter opener that has been on my office desk ever since.)

In short, I could recollect many things from that special week, but I couldn’t remember where exactly our honeymoon cabin had been.

Since we now live in central Michigan, I suggested to my wife that we utilize her Labor Day off and revisit Ludington, where we had gone following our cabin stay 36 years ago. During the course of that conversation, I mentioned that the cabin we had honeymooned at was also somewhere in this area; I just couldn’t remember where and I wish I did. This led my wife to retrieve our wedding memory book that she had compiled all those years ago.

Here’s where things got extremely interesting.

It turns out that the cabin we rented was on Crooked Lake in Lake, Michigan (not the Great Lake, but the unincorporated township settled firmly on solid ground). Lake happens to be about 15 miles from where we currently live. (A number of members of one of the congregations I serve actually live in Lake.) And that Ponderosa where we ate several meals? That was in Clare – a mile away from our new home! It also happens to be where we ate one of our first meals upon newly arriving in town a little over a year ago.

My wife and I marveled at how we had come full circle … and completely unbeknownst to us. As we began our marriage in central Michigan – just the two of us, so we enter our later years of marriage in central Michigan – our children on their own and just the two of us again. And now we’re not just visiting a lake, but living on one! Every day I look out on the water and often reflect upon how nice it is to be here with my wife of 36 years.

How faithful and good is our God! He loves us in the beginning; he loves us throughout our lives, and he’ll still be loving us and blessing at the end. And because of his love expressed in Jesus and Jesus’ all-encompassing atonement, there is no “end” to his blessings! Only an eternity to bask in his love in his very presence in heaven.

‘“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10)

It was an enjoyable Labor Day for my wife and me; a trip down memory lane. We drove through Lake on the way to Ludington. We walked the beach to the lighthouse again. We bought a few new souvenirs. And we reflected on how amazing God’s love is … ever present and always guiding. Sometimes all the way back to where things started.

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Psalm 136:selected
¹Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
²Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
³Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
⁴to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
⁵who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
⁶who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
⁷who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
⁸the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
⁹the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

²³He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
²⁴and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
²⁵He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
²⁶Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

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Power Outages Not Possible

August 31, 2024 dbirsch

My wife and I have experienced power outages before, but seldom and they were brief. A few hours at most.

So being without electrical power for 27 hours earlier this week was a new experience for us. The fierce storms that knocked our power out also knocked out the power of almost half of our county, as well as approximately 330,000 customers across the state.

If you happen to have had the misfortune of losing your electrical power for an extended time … whether this week, or at some other point in your life … then you know firsthand the inconveniences that come along with that. We take for granted that we are plugged in and powered up – until suddenly we aren’t.

As far as danger, my wife and I weren’t really in any. It’s August in Michigan, so temps were warm. And we have all the outdoor gear we need to endure even a significantly extended outage, if forced to do so. But that doesn’t mean it was pleasant or even easy.

If you have never been without power, you’ve probably never considered how many of your daily activities rely upon electricity. You don’t realize how often you automatically flip on light switches when entering a room, or how accustomed you are to having instant light at the flip of your fingertips. You don’t recognize the luxury of clicking on your television set, of working and playing on your computer, or of doing so with the comfort that air conditioning or even just fans can provide! Or worse, if in the winter, the warmth the furnace pumps out!

If you have never been without power at night, you’ve never realized how many little lights there are scattered around your house. The modem. The digital clocks on the stove and microwave. The power indicators on various appliances or miscellaneous conveniences. And you’ve never experienced how very dark your house (and your neighborhood) becomes without power. Everything looks different by battery powered, hand-held light.

Thankfully, we have our phones to provide information, communication and distraction. But wait! Eventually they have to be recharged – a difficult task if charge (power) is not available!

And I haven’t even mentioned the key role power plays in regard to food storage.

As the length of the outage continued, it seemed clear it would stretch past the amount of time it was safe to eat food stored in the refrigerator. (The time frame is 4 hours, if you’re curious.) As we approached the safety limit, there was a mad scramble to move what we could to the church refrigerator, which fortunately was still running. (Of course, it just so happened that we had a bounty of wonderful leftovers. We had to discard them all.) Later, I made yet another trip to transfer the food from our smaller freezer in our fridge to church.

A day later, I was making preparations to transition the food from our large freezer in the garage to the church as well. (Food in a full and unopened freezer can last about two days; in a half-full freezer just one.) Thankfully, the power was restored before needing to take that step.

How significant (and typically overlooked) is the blessing of electricity! What a powerful impact losing power makes in our lives!

Which caused me to reflect upon how wonderful it is that God’s power in our lives is never interrupted.

And not only is God’s power never interrupted, it’s never-ending! Boundless! The Lord describes himself to Abraham in this way: “I am God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1). King Jehoshaphat praised God by stating that “power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you,” and Daniel rejoiced that “[all] wisdom and [all] power are his” (Daniel 2:19).

The Apostle Paul was inspired to describe that power as “eternal” (Romans 1:20). In other words, there are no power outages in our God.

But God’s almighty and unending power is not just some abstract or esoteric attribute demonstrated only in wide-ranging ways (such as creation) and unapplicable to you and me. It’s a power shown to each of us personally and continually through his loving provision and protection. (Matthew 6:25-34).

It’s also and more importantly a power that impacts us spiritually. Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, “as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:3-4). Or to say it another way, Jesus’ authenticity and substitutionary victory over the penalty of our sin were proven when he, in power, rose from the dead.

Furthermore, our powerful God gave us his powerful gospel which has changed our hearts, our lives, and our destiny “because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

The electric company can’t and won’t keep us constantly in power. Thankfully, we have a Power Source in whom power outages are not possible.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

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Holding My Hand

August 23, 2024 dbirsch

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 out of Egypt by the hand (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, for holding me in your hand, and never letting go!

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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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A Joyful Jesus?

August 17, 2024 dbirsch

Some of my favorite portrayals of Jesus are of him smiling or laughing. When viewing Jesus like that, he seems to become more human … more loving … more approachable.

Yet, there are no mentions of Jesus smiling or laughing in the Gospels. Can we still assume that he did?

In my mind, there is no question about it. Undoubtedly Jesus shared light-hearted moments with his mother, stepfather and siblings growing up. Similarly, with those with whom he was close, like his disciples, and Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Furthermore, I can’t imagine the Lord looking at eager, bouncing, smiling children whom he loved dearly (Luke 18:16) and not smiling back at them.

But there is no reference of Jesus smiling or laughing in the four Gospels. I am convinced that this was not because it didn’t happen, but rather because the Holy Spirit moved the gospel writers to focus primarily on his key statements and astounding actions instead. Jesus’ kind heart was clearly portrayed, so the happy facial expressions that would naturally follow were a given.

Can I “prove” it? I think I can.

The proof begins with John 1:1&14, where Jesus is clearly referred to as “God” and as “the Word” who “became flesh.” That is, Jesus was the embodiment of the words that the Holy Spirit had given to the Old Testament prophets (and ultimately ALL of God’s words!). Jesus was the living fulfilment of them!

Therefore, when you read a passage like 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 rejoice over you with singing” – we can safely assume that the delight and rejoicing Jesus experienced over those who believed in him often brought him to smile upon his followers. He smiled because Jesus was the Word (the embodiment of God’s truth!), and therefore One who delighted in and rejoiced over those who were being saved.

Or in the words of the psalmist: “The LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns [them] with victory” (Psalm 149:4). This incredible “victory” he was winning would naturally lead to Jesus, (the Word!) grinning over and at his people.

And how could the loving Savior not smile as he spoke forgiveness to those clinging to him in faith? When he said to the paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5), would it not be natural for Jesus to be smiling warmly? The prophet Micah writes that the Lord “delights to show mercy,” so he “pardons sin” and “forgives transgression.” (Micah 7:18). As the Son of God embodied God’s Word during his ministry on earth, surely his delight in forgiving showed itself in smiles as he forgave.

Even on a simpler level, I have no doubt our Savior smiled at the beauty of creation that he, the Father and the Holy Spirit formed. A gorgeous sunset, a graceful deer, or a newborn baby likely … at least on occasion, and perhaps often … brought joy to his lips. “The Word made flesh” would certainly “rejoice in his works” (Psalm 104:31), as God’s word declares.

Yet I submit that the thing that brought the greatest joy to Jesus’ heart was likely the last thing that would come to our minds. Consider this remarkable passage from Scripture: “For the joy set before him [Jesus] endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Even in his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane while Jesus as true man begged his Heavenly Father to remove the burden of suffering from him, Jesus as true God rejoiced at what was about to be accomplished. Even amidst the torment of his body being beaten, torn and pierced, Jesus had joy. In the excruciating suffering of crucifixion, he had joy.

The work of saving sinners was being completed, and this filled Jesus with delight.

I doubt he smiled during those dark hours of suffering, but his heart overflowed with rejoicing nonetheless. And a few days later, surely Jesus smiled as he exited the tomb on Easter morning … the price paid, the victory won, salvation for sinners secured.

Finally, and perhaps best of all, we can be certain that it will be a smiling Jesus who welcomes us into heaven when God calls us home. (Isaiah 65:19). And we will be smiling too!

What a joy to know we have a joyful Jesus!

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Origin: Hell — Destination: Paradise

August 10, 2024 dbirsch

A few weeks ago, my wife and I were able to unexpectedly break away for a mini-vacation. We only had a few days, so our options were limited. We decided to head north and visit/revisit some popular locations in Northern Michigan.

While attempting to pull out of a convenience store north of the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge, we were forced to wait significantly longer than anticipated. We had the unfortunate timing of attempting to resume our journey while a convoy of over 400 motorcycles rolled past us. (Over 400!)

Consider that number for a moment, and the amount of time it would take for them all to pass by on a two-lane highway. And that didn’t include their multiple support vehicles which chugged along behind them with four-way flashers on. I was told by a gas station clerk further up the way that the actual number was about 440 bikes.

She also filled me in on why they were there. It was a ride organized by the “American Legion Riders” to promote veteran PTSD awareness among the general public.

The primary organizer was Scott Igo, who is the Director of the American Legion Riders at Post 3 in Sault Ste. Marie. Scott is a navy veteran himself, having served for five years on board the Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from 1993 to 1998. He also deals with post-traumatic stress himself.

A number of other organizations, companies and individuals recognized it as a worthy cause to support and added their resources to facilitate the event.

The riders’ route? From Hell to Paradise.

And yes, there is indeed an official community in Michigan named “Hell.” There is also a Paradise, Michigan. (In case you’re curious, neither place quite lives up to its name.)

The reasoning for the origin and terminus? Scott Igo explains: “When a person is battling PTSD you feel as if you are in your own personal hell. Each individual that is fighting is looking for that place they feel safe. A paradise of sort.”

The unincorporated community of Hell is located about 15 miles northwest of Ann Arbor in the “Lower Peninsula” of the state. There are multiple suggestions on how the place came by its startling name in 1841, but no one knows for certain. Paradise is also an unincorporated community on the northeastern portion of Michigan’s “Upper Peninsula,” situated on the western side of Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay.

342 miles separate the two communities. Well over 400 bikers made the trip, beginning in Hell and arriving eventually at Paradise.

If only it were that easy! Jump on a bike, point it north, rev it up and ride out of hell and into salvation.

And yet, because of the sacrifice of Jesus and through the work of the Holy Spirit, it is!

What does the Lord tell us in the Scriptures? “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned …” (John 3:16-18a).

Jesus himself said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

That’s the route from damnation to salvation; from hell to heaven; from doom to a reservation in a room in God’s home – hear God’s truth and believe God’s truth that Jesus, the Son of God, has saved you. When the Lord brings this about, a person’s spiritual itinerary has been rerouted! Hell is in the rear-view mirror and Paradise fills the view!

Both Hells are real places. The eternal hell is indescribably worse than the earthly one. Both Paradises are real too. The forever one is unimaginably better than Upper Peninsula one.

Thanks to the 400-plus bikers who made that journey for PTSD awareness a few weeks ago. But greater thanks to the gracious God who put us on the spiritual route from hell to paradise. The spiritual ride is often temporarily rough, but the destination is forever wonderful and worth it!

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Our Unchanging, All-Sufficient, Always-Providing God

August 3, 2024 dbirsch

It’s a bit disconcerting, actually. But it doesn’t matter how we feel about it, or how the simple truth can amp up our anxiety. None of that alters a thing.

This one principle always remains and never changes: everything is always changing. And it’s typically not changing for the better.

There’s even a scientific law that describes this process! According to the second law of thermodynamics, “systems” naturally change from order to disorder. The fancy, shmancy term for this is “entropy.”

There’s no shortage of examples of the second law of thermodynamics. Leave a building or a yard untended over time and observe what happens. A brand-new vehicle doesn’t improve in performance or appreciate in value through the years. Even our bodies and minds fade over time. As many will confirm, make it past middle-age and “it’s all downhill from there.”

I’m not trying to be negative or provide anyone with a “downer” today. I’m simply stating the reality that everything in this world is always changing. Everything in our lives is always changing!

Usually the changes are minimal or even unnoticeable, yet change is still occurring. Sometimes though the changes may be sweeping.

Now it’s certainly true that not all change is bad. Some changes can bring profound blessings. And we know that our God is always working “all things for the good” of his children (Rom. 8:28). However, often enough entropy rears its nasty head and the changes occurring aren’t so good. And even the positive changes are typically still stressful.

Like everyone else, I have certainly gone through many changes in my life through the years … some of them significant. Confirmation. Starting at new schools away from home, and ultimately graduating from them (3 times!). The death of loved ones. Marriage. The birth of our children. Health issues. Changes galore!

But as I write this, I stand (well, sit actually) between two of the most significant life-altering events in my life-story. These changes precipitated other changes, all rolling together into some of the most epic and stressful periods of my entire life.

On August 5, 1990, I was ordained and installed as pastor in a congregation in Tacoma, Washington. This necessitated a move across the continent. It also meant that I was no longer anticipating being a minister one day; I now WAS one for real!

Then, almost exactly 33 years later, on July 9, 2023, I was installed as the new pastor for two congregations in central Michigan. Which necessitated a move back across the continent! (But with a LOT more stuff this time around!) Not to mention selling a house and buying a house wrapped into the mix.

There are a multitude of lists suggesting the most stressful things in life, and there is a fair amount of variety on those lists. Nevertheless, selling and buying a house, financial uncertainty, moving, and starting a new job make most of the “most-stressful” lists, and usually rank quite highly on them. My wife and I checked them all off in two majestic life changes!

At those flashpoints of our lives, almost everything in our lives changed. Almost everything! And almost completely! Looking back on how our lives were altered in both of those situations leads me to stunned amazement.

However, reflecting on how the Lord worked everything out along the way leads me to absolute awe.

I can’t fathom how he managed it – other than that he is a great God, of course! – but both times the Lord provided for us wonderfully and completely. Our heads were spinning, (still are to some degree), but God had (and has) everything under complete control. There are still a few pieces that need to fall into place currently, but there is no doubt that our God will fit those pieces in at right time. He always has; he will again.

And that’s the most wonderful truth for you and me! Even when everything in our little world seems to be changing, and even changing dramatically … our Lord never does!

He is always … constantly and unchangingly … almighty, all-knowing, ever-present, eternal, and good. He is forever faithful. He is continually loving, merciful and compassionate. He is all-sufficient to us in every situation; always providing for our every need. And thankfully, this will never, ever change!

“The Father … who does not change like shifting shadows” (Jms. 1:17), and “Jesus Christ [who] is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8), personally assure us that the Triune God is unaffected by entropy! “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

There is immense joy and profound peace that comes from recognizing that our God is unchanging … AND all-sufficient … AND always-providing. Because in this ever-changing world, it is wonderful to have an Eternal Rock and Mighty Fortress who never does.

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Abounding in Thanksgiving

July 25, 2024 dbirsch

My wife and I are getting away for a few days, (something for which I’m very thankful!), so here’s this week’s post … a little early!

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I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I definitely don’t thank God enough for the blessings he has showered into my life. Perhaps you can relate, and can sidle next to me on my bench of shame?

I am so very, very blessed by God! And you are too!

It would be completely appropriate for me (and you) to be engrossed in an ongoing prayer of thanksgiving. But … that hasn’t been my custom.

The problems, the challenges, the obligations and responsibilities I hold, and the hassles, frustrations and busyness of life keep me distracted – and keep the words of thanks silenced in both my mind and mouth. Satan and my sinful, selfish flesh strive (effectively!) to keep me more focused on the negatives than the positives – which, of course, doesn’t encourage thanksgiving.

But thankfully, there are moments when thankfulness bursts from my heart; occasions when profound gratefulness overwhelms all the other distractions.

Like when I reflect yet again on the Lord’s love for me … a love that moved Jesus to step down to earth, not to be acclaimed by earth’s residents, but to be rejected by them. To be crucified by them for them – for you, for me!

And when I remember that though Jesus died, he didn’t stay dead. He rose off the cold, hard burial shelf, exited his tomb and ascended back to his heavenly home to prepare a place there for you and me.

Yet, his blessings aren’t only future blessings to be experienced someday when we transition from this world to the next. His love impacts us every day with his abiding presence, guidance, provision, protection and peace.

These spiritual truths move me to abounding thanksgiving!

As does a difficult, even impossible, situation resolved solely through God’s intervention. Or a close call where it was clearly God’s strong hand that kept me from being hurt (or worse!). Likewise, when someone dear to me was miraculously spared. These definitely elicit thanksgiving to a gracious God!

But day-to-day activities can sometimes prompt the same response. Nature especially has this effect on me. A hike in God’s creation, a spectacular view spread out before me, a glorious sunset, experiencing the woods waking up on a deer stand, or the lake easing into night on our dock – these elicit thanksgiving too.

Sometimes it’s just “normal” events. My latest experience of this was when our entire family was together at our new “house on the lake,” as we have come to call it. As I looked around me, seeing precious family members … as I listened to loved ones’ voices all around me … as we interacted in conversation and activities … I was overwhelmed with thanksgiving over and over and over again. How good is our God!

There are definitely circumstances that naturally pull thankfulness from our souls. But I want thankfulness to be a natural part of my everyday existence!

Even when something goes wrong. Even when the car breaks down, or the funds are falling low, or the stresses are mounting, or the body is struggling or failing. Because even then our God is good! Our God is always good! And his love and faithfulness to us never ever ends.

As I consider this, it seems to me that focusing on the word “always” might be helpful. The Lord is always faithful, so we can be always thankful.

In fact, sometimes God’s greatest blessings come through our greatest hardships. It’s difficult for us to see it that way. Especially in the midst of those challenging moments. But it’s true nonetheless.

When we recognize this wonderful truth even in the valleys … when we trust our good and gracious God even in the storms … then we are “not anxious about anything,” but have “the peace of God that transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:6-7).

It’s a peace centered on our all-sufficient Lord; it’s a peace that fosters abounding thankfulness … no matter the circumstances.

“… Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20).

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Undefeated Forever

July 20, 2024 dbirsch

No one stays undefeated forever. A team might manage it for a season (Miami Dolphins – 1972), or for several years (UConn women’s basketball – 111 wins in 2016-18). A reign of dominance might even extend for centuries (Roman empire).

But no one and nothing remains undefeated forever. Except, that is, for God!

Job described the Lord, the ultimate victor, this way: “But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases” (Job 23:13). The Lord himself asks, “Who is like me and who can challenge me?” (Jeremiah 49:19).

There has never been a time that the Lord was overmatched; never a situation where God lost control. In fact, there’s never been a situation where events began to slip even a smidge from the grasp the Almighty. The outcome on anything (and everything!) has never been even the slightest bit questionable for the Heavenly One.

No enemy has ever run roughshod over God; none have ever vanquished Him. Satan and the rebellious angels – spiritual beings of immense wisdom, power and abilities – gave it their best effort, and were cast from the heavenly halls as a result (Revelation 12:7-9). They didn’t defeat the Lord then, and though they’ve been trying ever since, they still haven’t managed it. Nor will they.

And if even the demons can’t overcome God, all the puny efforts of humans certainly won’t. Mortals have been opposing the Immortal since the beginning of time. Not a single one has come close to knocking the King from his throne; none have made the slightest advances against him.

This simple truth has profound ramifications – for the world, for our nation, for the Church, for our family, and for each one of us individually. History – all history – is “His story.” All of it is God fulfilling his glorious plans for the advancement of his Kingdom and for the benefit of his grace-blessed people.

“The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.’ … For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:24&27).

Even when it seems like God is losing, he’s actually winning! There are a multitude of examples of this in the Scriptures, but the most significant one can be seen by looking to the horrific suffering and death of Jesus. Jesus’ seeming defeat was the most glorious victory in all of history! (His story!)

The God who controls everything has never lost control. Never once. Not even a little. Nor will he!

God does not weaken or waiver. He does not get distracted or neglectful. He is never overwhelmed or overcome. He is never uncertain or uniformed; no one and nothing has ever “ambushed” God. No circumstances surprise the All-knowing and Almighty or are beyond his capability to control or conquer.

The Lord’s dominance is such that Satan has to ask God’s permission to afflict God’s people; nothing can or will be done by the enemies of God unless God allows it (Job 1:9-12, 2:4-6). Any evil that reaches us must go through the Lord’s protective barrier first (Ps. 18:2).

And if we are afflicted, it’s because God has a loving reason for it (Rom. 8:28) which we may or may not come to understand in this life. But we will someday (1 Cor. 13:12), and we’ll praise him for his love and wisdom (Rev. 7:9-17).

Why do bad things sometimes happen to God’s people? We usually don’t understand. But we know that our God knows, AND we know that he loves us beyond our comprehension!

We also know that our God is undefeated, therefore we are comforted that things … that we … will be OK because the Lord our Savior is on our team. That makes us victors too!

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Goodbye to Goodbyes

July 13, 2024 dbirsch

This post is somewhat of a biyearly tradition. I shared it four years ago and then again two years ago … both times after visiting family in Michigan. Almost exactly two years later, I am posting it again.

Things are somewhat different this time around as my wife and I now actually live in Michigan ourselves. All of our children and grandchildren (and almost every one of our children’s spouses), gathered in our new home in our new (old!) state this week. It was the first time in years we were all together.

The last of them just left. Which means we said a lot of painful goodbyes yet again, so it seems appropriate to share these thoughts yet again. As always, I pray they bring some insight and encouragement to you.

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

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

They arrived at different times and left at different times … providing a 2-day window when we were all together. (Because of various circumstances, these precious visits occur only very occasionally for our family.)

Naturally, this initially led to multiple and heartfelt hellos. Every new arrival brought joyful greetings of one kind or another; warm hellos springing from the shared bond of faith and family. Vibrant hellos and hugs that reflect blood ties and past experiences, and which anticipate the wonderful things that the coming moments together will bring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Simple, Unimaginable, Incredibly Comforting Truth

July 6, 2024 dbirsch

Usually I know what I will write about for “Heading to Heaven” when it is time to write it. Almost always it becomes clear as the week progresses. But this time around I drew a blank.

Not adding a weekly post certainly wouldn’t be the end of the world … for you or for me. Still, I wanted to follow through, if possible. As I contemplated the situation and the potential subject matter, I finally asked myself, “If you wanted to share the one most important thing in simple fashion, what would it be and how would you word it?”

Here’s what I settled upon: you are incredibly loved by God.

This is a simple yet profound truth. It is summarized beautifully (and simply) in the words of the children’s song: “Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so!” (And do not doubt that the message applies to adults as well!)

Simple enough. Simple even as can be.

But this truth plays out in so many different ways in our lives beyond the cross that the concept becomes complex. Incomprehensible even.

David delved into the reality of God’s active involvement and presence in our personal lives – for ALL of our lives. In the process, David was led to profound awe. Here are his words. Read them slowly and dwell on the magnificence of our God!

Psalm 139:1-18
¹You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. ²You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. ³You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. ⁴Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. ⁵You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

⁷Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” ¹²even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

¹³For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

¹⁵My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

¹⁷How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! ¹⁸Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

Do not miss the love of God embedded throughout those words!

The Lord has been intimately involved in our lives from the moment we began to exist inside our mothers. He knit us together fearfully and wonderfully in the womb, and he already knew then when he would call us home to him.

In the meantime, he knows our every thought, the very words we will speak before we speak them, and what we are doing at any given time.

But so much more than that! Our Lord surrounds us with his presence – hemming us in “behind and before.” He is so close that he lays his hand upon us, holding us fast in in his powerful hand … strengthening and stabilizing us, comforting us and guiding us.

And he never leaves us. Wherever we may go and whatever situation we may find ourselves in, his loving presence remains with us.

The Apostle Paul describes that abiding love in poetic and majestic fashion:

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … 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” (Romans 8:35, 37-39).

It’s a love so extensive that the Son of God took our place on the torturous cross so we could join him one day in eternal salvation.

Why does God take such a personal approach in our lives? Simply because he loves us!

This simple fact – and all the complex ways God weaves it into our existence – is unimaginable! Yet Scripture is always true, so this unimaginable concept is undeniable. Which also makes it incredibly comforting.

“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” (Isaiah 41:10).