September 23, 2024

                                    Be the Light

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:43-45a

How do you respond to hatred? How do you react to bigotry? How do you combat lies engineered to fuel unrest?

Haitian migrants have moved to our community. No one seems to know exactly how many but the numbers are small. They’ve been here for about 10 months. And now certain people have decided to use the migrants as a political agenda based on hate.

The migrants haven’t caused trouble. They haven’t “drained” our resources. For example, one elementary school in our town has ONE Haitian child. They are working people who are trying to build a new life.

This has caused some people to react in anger. Their hostility mirrors the hate they are attacking. Their loud voices will not change the opinions or hearts of those who attack people they don’t even know. It will just create an escalation that does no one any good.

It came up before and after church yesterday. While some were focused on what we can do to help integrate the Haitian migrants into our community, others were more focused on lashing out at those who have unfairly attacked the migrants.

I am all about freedom of speech and freedom to express your opinion. I am an editorial columnist after all. But there is a way to make your point without inflaming an already bad situation.

Martin Luther King, Jr. put it this way:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.

I would go a step further and say that hatred begets hatred.

How much more powerful to simply love on the people who are now facing such vocal cruelty? How much better to SHOW how to live a life of faith than to try and argue with people who are filled with hate?

I know. Many of the people who are behaving so ugly are also people who are in church most Sundays. But do we allow them to drag us down or do we, by our own behavior, lift them up?

Jesus told us to love our enemies. He went on to ask what it will accomplish to love those who are good to us? The power, if you will, comes from loving people who aren’t behaving in a loving manner.

We are to be the light. It’s in the Bible. Read it for yourself. Let go of the darkness and pray for those who would do harm. God can do anything if His people will only seek from the depths of their hearts.

January 19, 2022

 

Destruction

 

“Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.” – Luke 11:35 (ESV)

 

Where is your line? At what point do you destroy relationships rather than accept what you cannot understand? What, and who, are you willing to give up in your quest to be right?

 

We are great at pointing out what we see as the sins of others. We throw Bible quotes out to prove our point. Being a homosexual is a sin. It’s unacceptable and unforgiveable. It’s a “choice,” we spew. Change and be healed, we demand. But what if God allowed this to change our own hearts?

 

It’s amazing how we pick and choose which Bible verses to quote. We all do it. I did it up above. But when those quotes are meant to harm, to condemn, to push forth our views rather than the views of Jesus, perhaps we need to look inward rather than focus so keenly on our target.

 

We gloss over the passages that condemn divorce. We slide past the words that tell us to welcome immigrants, give to the poor and bring strangers into our homes. We don’t want to share. We don’t want to extend grace. We don’t want to be inconvenienced.

 

Yes, we have to be careful. Our world is filled with people who would harm us. There are multitudes who would take advantage of our generosity. But do we use those excuses to refuse God’s will? Do we demand that we not be made uncomfortable when Jesus again and again did things that would make us uncomfortable?

 

I have watched a sweet family be torn apart by a homosexual child. The hardness, the ugliness, has broken so many hearts even as it has splintered what once seemed to be a happy, loving family. Is love only available to those who do as we demand? Does love end when people make us uncomfortable?

 

Where does your light end and darkness begin? Be careful. Sometimes darkness masquerades as light.

November 12, 2019

Prepare for Darkness

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

Winter arrived today, its wind blowing furiously as the temperatures dropped. Yesterday was a picture-perfect fall day. Temperatures in the 70's with the sun shining brightly. What a difference a few hours can make.

Isn’t that just like life? We’re going along enjoying our days and basking in the merry-go-round of daily activities. Then, in what seems like a moment, everything changes. The illness, the car wreck, the shattered relationship, the job loss. Where light once had free-reign we see nothing but darkness.

Yesterday, while the light of fall rang true, we prepared for today’s freezing temperatures. We covered pipes, unhooked hoses, carried plants inside to safety. We prepared for the darkness and gloom of today. Why? Because we knew it was coming.

It’s the same with life. The time to prepare for the onslaught of tragedy and grief and out-of-control lives is when everything is fine. We know life is filled with ups and downs, good times and bad times. So we build our foundation on the rock who is Jesus Christ. That way, when the storm comes, He will be our secure and safe place to ride it out.

What are you doing today to prepare for an uncertain tomorrow? Do you read and study God’s Word? Do you pray, thanking God for His amazing blessings and asking for guidance? Do you do good where you can? Do you prioritize people, build relationships, give graciously to build His kingdom?

Life gets so busy sometimes. Too busy. We always think we’ve got another day to make that phone call or watch that flag football game. We think we’ve got ample chances to read the book or rock the baby or attend church. But sometimes that day in the future never comes. And sometimes our lives are so devastated that those wishes are destroyed forever.

Prepare for the coming darkness. Lay your foundation on Jesus. In light or darkness, cling to the One who knows the way.

December 29, 2018

There Is Hope

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. – Lamentations 3:21-26

Some days throw you down, stomp all over you, and lead you to a path you never planned to take. It doesn’t have to be a bad path. Sometimes change is good. But change isn’t easy. In fact, it can be hard and scary.

Have you ever known fear? Have you felt that racing heart, the sweaty palms, the frantic mind that threatens to consume you? It comes to most of us, whether we admit it or not.

Some people are consumed with fear at the thought of giving a speech. Others turn clammy during a job interview or a first date. Some people panic when they board an airplane. For others it’s a roller coaster or talking to a friend or co-worker about a disagreement.

When life seems more like a whirlwind that will consume us, we can take a deep breath and remember that God’s faithfulness never ends. No matter what else is going on, He stands with us. Our hope is found in Him, not the circumstances of our day.

We live in a frantic-paced world that tells us we must have it all right now. There is no pause button. There is no time to take a deep breath and just be. We have to keep moving forward or, surely, we’ll slide back to where we don’t want to be.

His compassions are new every morning. What does that even mean? God is sympathetic. He shows us pity and concern. He cares about our sufferings and misfortunes. He wants to help us. And therein lies our hope.

It’s that hope that reminds us good always follows the bad if we’ll only trust in God. It’s that hope that assures us God cares about our suffering and will carry us through until the light dawns again. It’s that hope we cling to in the midst of what sometimes seems like a never-ending storm.

Then one day the world shifts and hope dawns. Change comes. It’s scary and right and we are at once determined to grasp it mightily and to turn away from possible heartbreak. It’s that bridge between hope and fear. God is there.

We are not called to fear. We are not called to second best or the leftovers of someone else. We are called to the light, basking in God’s glory as His privileged children.  He is faithful.

I don’t know your story but I do know this: God can be trusted. When the darkness threatens to consume you, when fear gives you pause, look toward the light. That’s where you’ll find your hope.

December 18, 2018

Light Exposes Darkness

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” – Luke 8:17

But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them. – Ephesians 5:13 (NLT)

Each of us has darkness that lies inside of us. We pretend it’s not there. We ignore the truths rather than face it and let light destroy it. But in the end, it still finds a way to reveal itself.

We are sinners. There’s just no way to get past that on this earth. We can’t ever be good enough, wise enough, blameless enough, to enter God’s Presence on our own. That’s why we so desperately need Jesus.

We try to pretend that we’re good enough. God knows our hearts. He knows we’re trying. Except we somehow find a way to pick and choose where we’ll do better and where we’ll keep on being who we are.

Sometimes the sin is great. Sometimes the sin is gathered together with many parts, none of which seem too bad, until the great multitude reveals a pattern of darkness. We don’t blame ourselves. It’s this society, this world, this media, that leads us to things we wouldn’t otherwise do, see, or hear.

Except we are to blame. We make choices, then attempt to justify ourselves. We allow our sin nature to control us and that, in turn, leads us places we never really intended to go.

It’s the excuse pattern that allows us to fudge a little here or a little there. It’s that wink that lets us think we’re sliding by without any consequences for doing what we know is wrong.

I’m always amazed at how we do what we know is wrong. We watch a movie or television show that we know has inappropriate content. We blame Hollywood for our choice. We listen to music with lyrics that idolize drinking and wild parties and sex without marriage and we blame the record labels. We do whatever we can to get that raise, even if it means telling lies or putting someone else down. It’s a game we didn’t create but we participate in it just the same.

After all, it’s all about us. It’s about what we want. It’s about what’s best for us and for our family. It’s about making choices that entertain us and help us get ahead. It’s about looking at the world through eyes that only see what we want them to see.

Except the light has a way of penetrating through the darkness, exposing the heart of an issue. It reveals our true motives. The light tells the world, and us right along with it, what we truly believe. What do you believe?

Do you truly believe God loves everyone? Then why do you put others down in a vain attempt to build yourself up?

Do you truly believe all people are equal? Then why do you think you’re better than people of other nationalities?

Do you truly believe things don’t matter? Then why do you race to keep up with or surpass the things your friends and family purchase?

The light exposes darkness. It tells the real story of your values and your faith.

December 6, 2018

What Does Your Life Say?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:3

It’s high school football championship week. The top teams have gathered to play for the titles in each of the divisions. It’s an exciting time in this football obsessed region.

The games are televised, so we all have the opportunity to see the games unfold. One team won by a significant margin. I was thrilled because I know one of the coaches and his family. It was a well-deserved state championship win for a man who has been through a tough time.

You know how it goes. The team doesn’t win and somebody has to take the fall. He and several other assistants were shown the exit door. It was sad. It was done in a horrible way. And, well you probably already guessed, the team didn’t win again this year. But this godly man went to another team and helped that team win a state championship.

It was a tough journey, one filled with tears, as his family had their lives uprooted. They were active in our church. They were kind and giving. They lived their faith and it drew others to Jesus. Then he lost his job.

What I admired so much is that his faith didn’t falter on this hard journey. He didn’t badmouth his bosses. He didn’t get angry at God. Instead, he handed it all over to God. He trusted that God would provide something even better. And He did. God gave this coach a state championship.

I contrast that with another man who was also happy with the win, though for an entirely different reason. He didn’t like the other team because the quarterback is the little brother of a player on the college football team he detests. You may need to read that again. Yes. It really is that ridiculous.

He’s entitled to his opinion, of course, but his ugly comments really contrasted so much with the coach and his situation. This man also is an active volunteer at his church. He does many good things and has spent much time and money on relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. But it’s easy to forget those things when hateful words come out about people he doesn’t even know.

Which man do you think shows the love of Jesus the most? The one who refused to badmouth those who harmed him or the one who badmouthed people he doesn’t know? Yeah. It’s easy to live our faith when things are going our way and we can give without cost to ourselves. But it’s when life gets hard, when it’s unfair, that people really learn who we are. It’s in that dark place where true faith can shine brightly.

The coach never lost his faith. He never doubted God’s goodness. He dealt with a situation he didn’t create, his soothed his wife’s anger and his children’s tears and unease. And he trusted God to give them all something better. And He did. Because God always gives His children more than we could ever dream.

No one is better or less because of the team they support. We forget that sometimes in our heated emotions of the moment. Watch your words. Live like Jesus when the days hurt and you don’t understand. People notice and they want to know why. Let your life point them toward Jesus.

November 30, 2018

Be Different

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” – Matthew 5:13

We want to be like everyone else, don’t we? We want to fit in. Even if we long for attention and accolades, we want to get along with others. We want to be liked.

But we weren’t created to blend into the crowd. We weren’t created to shine for ourselves. We weren’t created to look the other way.

If you make no effort to affect the world around you, you are of little value to God. How can the world see Him unless you are different from what it sees in everyone else?

What does that look like? It doesn’t have to mean selling everything you own and traveling to another country to be a missionary. Though it can look like that, often being different is something we do right where we are.

It can mean that we are simply kind to people. Encourage others. Offer grace. Smile. Look someone in the eye. Refuse to participate in gossip.

Being the salt can also mean refusing to remain silent when we should speak out. Do you voice your opinion when you see someone being mistreated? Do you speak up for the poor? Do you defend the single Mom struggling to work and care for her children? Are you quick to criticize or are you quick to help?

We don’t do God any good when we are more interested in going along with the crowd than in doing what He has called us to do. We also don’t help Him when we’re so focused on our own political views, our own bank accounts, our own lives, that we miss what His Word clearly says.

How often do your actions deny Him? Think about it. When you gossip, you’re denying Him. When you refuse to show mercy, you’re denying Him. When you cling to His gifts, you’re denying Him. When you make excuses for not doing what He has called you to do, you’re denying Him.

We also sin when we don’t share our faith with others. Is it because we truly don’t know what to say or because we don’t want to be bothered? What if we didn’t try and make it so complicated? What if we merely told people our story? What if we simply shared our faith with others without judging or criticizing? And what if we just started with an invitation to an event, a service, a gathering?

There are so many hurting people in the world. People are hungry. I’m not talking about people who live in other countries or who refuse to work. I’m talking about the elderly or those working two or three jobs and trying to support themselves, their children and sometimes their parents. Do you know how expensive a major illness can be? Insurance only covers part of the cost. What are you doing to help?

When we go along with the crowd, when we refuse to be bothered by the lost or hurting, we’ve lost our effectiveness as God’s chosen people. Stand out. Stand up. Live boldly for Christ. Dare to be different.

July 13, 2018

Do You Reflect Jesus?

“They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.” – John 16:2-3

When someone slays their children and claims they were doing the will of God, we know they are mentally ill, evil or both. But how many times do we “slay” others through our words, actions, motives, and claim we are doing God’s will?

How often do we offer opinions that aren’t from a place of love? How often do we judge as though we somehow have authority from above?

Don’t be so quick to think this doesn’t apply to you. It does. It applies to all of us. We use God and His Word as an excuse to judge others, to look down on those who have stumbled, to condemn what we don’t understand. We want to be comfortable and because of that we pull away from anything or anyone that isn’t like us.

Have you ever sat next to a homeless person during a church program? It isn’t always a pleasant smell. But it’s exactly what Jesus would do.

Do you seek out the recovering drug addict, the scarlet woman, the man who stole from his company? Do you welcome them to a place of grace and mercy or do you continue to shun them long after they have repented of their sins? Be careful how you answer. God just might challenge you to your lofty ideals.

Do you know that one of the loneliest places you can ever be is at a church service or at a church event? While you’re merrily visiting with friends and family, while you’re sitting with your people at your table or pew, there are others searching for a place to fit in. Do you call them over? Do you welcome them? Or do you assign that task to a pastor or staff member? Jesus would seek them out, include them, ask them about themselves. Do you?

We are a diverse group, we Christians. We come in all colors, shapes and sizes. We come with a wide variety of income levels, from barely getting by to beyond affluent. We come with a diverse set of skills and education, some acquired more from life than school. Yet we still seek to put people in a box labeled “like me” and, when we can’t, we shun them as being less and unworthy.

We are the ones who are unworthy. Jesus said that those who wanted to be first, must be last. He said that those who truly sought to follow Him would be servants. But we don’t want to be servants. We want to be leaders and judges, comfortable in our little cliques. Jesus wasn’t in a clique. He welcomed everyone.

It takes so very little to offer a smile and words of kindness. It doesn’t cost anything to invite someone new to your table or pew. How blessed we might be if we quelled our judgmental attitudes and really loved someone as they are. We are not called to be judges. We are called to love others, whether they are “loveable” or not.

Do we truly know and love God or are we merely using Him as an excuse to do evil, to tout our own agendas, to bring power and glory to ourselves? Live your life as though Jesus truly is walking by your side. Would your words, actions and attitude make Him praise you for reflecting His light to a dark world? Or would He condemn you for slaying those who are desperate for a living Savior?

July 1, 2018

Which One Are You?

“The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop – some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” – Mark 4:14-20

Glance around the congregation at your church. What do you see? There are those who show up on Sunday when it’s convenient. There are those who are faithful, welcoming the pastor’s words and enjoying the service. And there are those who take those words to heart and then go into the world to share what they’ve learned.

Which are you? Are you a pew sitter who goes to church because you are a “Christian”? Some people are raised with the label and they know how to behave. They know the rules. In their world, people go to church. They are affiliated with a building. It’s necessary for weddings and funerals, for baptisms and forms.

They know exactly what to say when asked but, well, there’s nothing about their heart that indicates they truly know Christ. Memorizing answers to salvation questions doesn’t mean you are saved. They miss that somehow in their eagerness to do their duty, then get on with real life.

Maybe you’re one of those who come to services and listen intently to the pastor. You soak up his words with all you’ve got. You can name many people who need to heed the words spoken from the Bible. Unfortunately, you’re not one of those people.

Real life has no place for faith. You’ve got too much to do. There are bills to be paid, workplace politics to navigate, and issues that God just can’t help you with. You love Jesus. You do. But this is 2018 and times have changed from those days when Jesus taught His disciples and healed people everywhere He went.

There is joy in church. Sometimes you even feel hope. But real life quickly drowns it out and you go back to how you’ve always lived, facing life’s burdens alone and trying to “win” at all costs.

Maybe you’re one of the fortunate few who actually soaks God’s Word in. Maybe you actually believe His promises and build your life on His foundation. Look around. There are others like you but the workers are few and the harvest is plentiful.

There is a light about those who truly believe in the power of the cross. It doesn’t mean life is always easy. It isn’t. But it does mean you’ll never walk alone. It means that miracles happen. It means that Satan has already been defeated and you are just a traveler on your way home.

Spread that news everywhere you go. Let others look at you and see peace and joy, comfort and wisdom. Let them seek what you’ve got. Give Jesus credit and encourage them to get to know Him as Lord and Savior.

There are many different kinds of people who show up for church on Sunday morning. But they all hear differently. Be the one who soaks it in and then goes on to share it.

June 15, 2018

Jesus Gives Us Hope

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

– 2 Corinthians 4:5

We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

– 2 Corinthians 4:10

It’s all about the ministry. We need volunteers. Everyone needs to pitch in. There are never enough people to do the work. As a Christian, we must participate in Kingdom work.

What exactly does that look like? Does it mean you must serve on two or more committees? Does it mean you must volunteer to pass out bulletins, rock babies in the nursery, be a chaperone on a youth trip? Maybe all of those and maybe none of them.

We can get so caught up in the busyness of serving Christ that we forget it’s not really about us. It’s about Jesus. It’s not about how many hours we volunteer or how much time we spend in Bible study. It’s about how we live our lives as we go about our daily activities.

There are so many people around us living without hope. What do they see when they look at us? Are we part of the chorus condemning them or are we kneeling beside them, offering them a lifeline called Jesus?

Or maybe we’re struggling under the weight of our own burdens. We’re worried about health issues, finances, wayward kids, job insecurities or any number of other things. We forget that it’s not up to us. Surely, we’re to do our part. But it’s the power of Christ within us that makes the seemingly impossible, possible.

We say we believe that, but do we really? We worry and stress about things we can’t control. It’s as though we don’t really trust God to make a way. We’re so busy scrambling that we miss His voice, His outstretched hand, His guiding light.

And we lose hope. We know it isn’t possible to do life on our own. We need something, someone, who can be depended on to help. Jesus. We need Jesus. And we need to share Him with this hurting world.

The message of Jesus, of hope, of light when all around us seems dark, is far bigger than we could ever be. God loves us. Really. Truly. He loves us. So much that He sent His only Son to die for our sins and to be resurrected so that those who believe could live with Him forever. How awesome is that?!

Your life is your ministry. It’s not about committees or church attendance. Those things are great but what matters most is your heart. Do others – your family, co-workers, neighbors, friends – see the light inside of you reflecting outward? Are you sharing your hope?

And do you realize this earth isn’t your home? That’s a big one. Because we act sometimes like we’re going to live forever, like we believe all those things we possess are more important than anything else. Or anyone else. That’s just sad.

Jesus is coming back one day. Those of us who believe in Him will live forever with Him. That’s our hope on dark days. That’s our guarantee no matter what this world brings. Share it. Every day live a life that shows others the light of Jesus. That’s your ministry.

June 13, 2018

Stand Out

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

Most of us don’t like to stand out in a crowd, as the cliché goes. We want to fit in, to belong, to be like everyone else.

Think about it for a moment. We want to wear the same brand of shirt as all our friends. We want to drive a new car like our neighbor’s do, whether we need it or not. We want our kids to participate in sports and dance and all those things other kids do. And we want them to do it well, I might add.

If we stand out, we want it to be because we excel at things everyone else is also doing. We don’t want to stand alone, either because we have voiced a different opinion or because we have made a different choice. Yet, that’s exactly what we are called to do.

How can we be a light in this dark world when we’re trying so hard to fit in to the darkness that surrounds us? We can’t. Because when we do that, the darkness slowly extinguishes the light. It’s not supposed to be like that. We’re to use our light to slowly illuminate the dark.

It’s never easy to be the person who says no, is it? We don’t want to miss out. We tell ourselves this one time won’t matter. So we go with the boys to a rowdy bar. Or we have a gossip-filled lunch with our girlfriends. Or we scream at a child who makes a mistake on the ballfield. We become one with the world.

We never consider that refusing to go to that movie might cause someone else to hit pause and rethink their choice. We don’t imagine that offering positive encouragement to a child who made a mistake might bring more of the same from other parents. We assume that our voice won’t matter.

That’s what we tell ourselves anyway. We make so many excuses. The truth is we don’t want to make the hard choice. We don’t want to face ridicule or be labeled prudish. We don’t want to defend our beliefs. It’s just easier to stand on the fence. God didn’t call us to stand on the fence.

We are to be part of the world but, at the same time, separate. We are to stand out and let our light show people a different way. We’re to use Christ’s strength to remain strong when the attacks come. And they will come. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. He also reminded us that He has overcome the world.

However, don’t be misled to believe your way is always the only way. Or even the right way. Be careful not to condemn, to criticize, to twist God’s Word to fit your own agenda. That pushes so many people away from Christ. Love people and trust that He will show them a different way.

It is possible to rightly walk with Jesus in this fallen world. It’s hard. The attacks are brutal. Spiritual warfare is real. But we don’t walk alone. We have Christ with us and the Holy Spirit within us. We have resources to fight back.

I don’t know what you’ll face today. I do know that you’ll likely see temptation everywhere. You’ll have choices to make, sometimes with little time to weigh it all out. God knows. He’s right there. He will help you.

Use your light to make a difference. Sometimes it only takes one voice to prompt a change that turns the multitudes toward Jesus

May 31, 2018

Break the Chains of Doom

Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains.

– Psalm 107:10

But if people are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction, he tells them what they have done – that they have sinned arrogantly. – Job 36:8-9

Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.

– Luke 1:78-79

He is a most negative person. I’ve stopped inquiring about how he’s doing. Honestly, I don’t want to hear it. Do you understand what I’m saying? Do you have someone like that in your life?

It’s not that I don’t care. I do. It’s just that his total lack of hope, his inability to see anything good in his world, directly contrasts with the faith he claims lives in his heart. That bothers me. It really does.

He’s a good person. And, yes, he’s had stuff happen that has been hard. But he’s also had a lot of good too. Sometimes I think he misses that because his focus is on the bad.

Aren’t we much the same? We obsess over what’s gone wrong and brush off all that’s gone right. We hang on to mistakes and problems and hurt long after we should have given them to God and moved on.

We can’t count our blessings because we’re too busy looking at all that’s missing. We focus on what we can’t change, what we can’t fix, and miss what we can control. Like our attitude.

Satan loves to bind us in chains of despair. He loves to tell us again and again how awful our lives are, how others have wronged us, how futile our attempts to change can be. Satan wants to steal our hope.

But he can’t. Not unless we let him. Because Jesus is our hope. Jesus came to pay for all the wrongs we’ve committed and make us right with God. Jesus sent His Spirit to guide us. Jesus walks with us every step of every day.

We are not only to live in the light, we are to be the light. How can we do that when all we see is darkness? How can we show others Jesus when we can’t see Him ourselves?

This man is quick to tell others about the wonders of this beautiful world. But when it comes to his own life? Well, he doesn’t see anything good in it. I see his beautiful wife. Yes, she suffers from an illness but she is sweet and kind. I see the son who has made wrong choices but I also see the son who is excelling at the college of his dreams. I see the nice house, the good job, the fishing trips and other good things in his life. He sees the lack. I see the abundance.

That’s something else that’s true in our own lives. You don’t think so? Are you lustful for the new car your neighbor got? Do you want to remodel your kitchen like your co-worker? Do you long for the latest gadget, the promotion, the dream vacation someone else just took?

It’s great to have dreams but not when those dreams of tomorrow keep us from enjoying the blessings of today. Jesus came to break the chains of doom and set us free to live in His light. Why can’t we see that? Why can’t we live our lives basking in the light of His love? We can. If we will.

April 22, 2018

Trust God

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

A few days ago I wrote down a very specific prayer request. I’d prayed in general for this thing to come to pass but this time I got specific. Two days later, God answered my prayer.

I don’t know what surprised me more: That He answered my prayer so quickly or that He answered it at all. I was shocked at my reaction. I know God answers prayer. He does it all the time for me and for others. It’s something I talk about again and again. But this prayer was just so specific and He did it – for me.

What I prayed for doesn’t matter. I will tell you that it wasn’t something major. It was something much smaller. I know that God cares about the details of our lives. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. God has numbered the hairs on our heads. He cares about the little things. But He cared about my little thing and I was just so amazed.

Isn’t that just like God to show up when we really aren’t expecting Him? This is one of those things that had gone on for months. I’d really given up hope. My prayers had been general and maybe a little half-hearted. Did I really expect success in this? But when I got specific, when I really turned it over to Him totally, God showed up in the most glorious way.

Sometimes I think I hold back on my prayer requests because I am so aware of all that God has done for me. I have no right to ask for anything else. He has carried me through the worst of storms. He soothed my battered flesh and lifted my spirits with hope. I am just so very grateful. I didn’t deserve all He has done for me and I certainly don’t deserve anything more.

Yet, God shows up again and again. I implore Him to guard my steps so that I follow His light and not my own desires. I am so thankful for all the times He has told me “no” or “not yet”. Have you ever looked back and thanked God for His protection from something you thought you wanted? He is just so wise!

I am not a trusting person. Life has taught me that the people closest to you can and will betray you in the worst possible ways. Trust is something earned over time. Betrayal can come in an instant, slamming the foundation of what you thought you knew and battering it into tiny pieces.

But God. How trustworthy is He? I am just so grateful, so thankful, that He is always by my side! God loves us with a love we can never fully comprehend. He always wants what is best for us. He always tells the truth. And He never leaves us alone to deal with whatever heartbreak or mess we are facing.

God also celebrates with us. He draws us close as we tell Him our joys, as we smile at the beauty of today. He is never consumed with jealousy or envy. God loves that we are happy. God laughs with us and rejoices on all the good that comes our way.

I don’t know what the days ahead will bring. I have no map that shows the future. But I know that God is with me. I know that whatever comes – the good and the bad – God will guide me through it. My goal, my part, is to stay focused on Him and to trust in His light to show me the way.

April 17, 2018

Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

She is our own little Good Will Ambassador. She is just past three, with soft brown curls bouncing on her head. Who could possibly resist her smile?

She welcomes everyone to Wednesday night dinner. She is quick with compliments. “I really like your outfit,” she recently told an older gentleman. She doesn’t meet a stranger and is friendly to everyone.

I’m sure her mom could point out the rest of the story. She’s of the age for meltdowns and stubbornness and all those things that will push a parent’s last button. But to the rest of us, she is a fresh, breath of joy wandering amongst us.

I don’t know too many adults that I could say that about. Most of us are quick to grumble about any and everything. We are too focused on ourselves, our friends, our own agendas to notice others. We look for the negative and that’s what we find.

Maybe God put this little girl in our midst to show us what it means to genuinely encourage people. Maybe He wanted us to see that there’s good in everyone if we’ll just open our eyes. Maybe God wanted to show us what it truly means to view life, to see faith, through the eyes of someone so small.

The other day bad weather was predicted. Fortunately, in our area the storm never became anything other than wind and rain. One woman lamented on Facebook that she sure wished the weather forecasters would stop making dire predictions. She was furious that they’d gotten the forecast wrong – again.

I couldn’t believe the venom from her mouth. I know she’s a Christian with a deep faith but no one could see it in her grumblings. I am thankful we didn’t have a tornado. Have you ever seen the aftermath of one of those? I prayed fervently for God’s protection and I am grateful that the storms never got worse. Other areas weren’t so fortunate. Did local weather forecasters get it wrong? Or did God hear our prayers and spare us from the storm’s fury? I guess it’s all about perspective.

The sad truth is that when you look for the bad, you’ll likely find it. And when you look for the good, you’ll find that too. When we encourage people, we see them blossom. When we criticize, we see them whither before our eyes.

This world can be hard sometimes. It’s filled with hurt and disappointments and unrealized dreams. Be the light. Smile at someone you don’t know. Give a sincere compliment to a person God places in your path. Offer hope for a better tomorrow to someone who has had a bad day.

Children can teach us so much if we’ll only notice. I’m so thankful for that little girl who is a bright light, reminding us that the gift of encouragement makes all of us smile.

March 27, 2018

Do Others See Jesus in You?

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” – James 2:17-18

How many people do you know who are really just good people? You know the type I’m talking about. They always seem to lend a helping hand, to offer up a kind word, to give money to a good cause.

How many of those good people know Jesus as Lord and Savior? Have you ever tried to talk with one of them about salvation only to have them tell you – kindly, of course – that they’ll just take their chances?

It’s just so sad. Because no matter how much good you do in this life, you’re still a sinner. We all are. And the only way past that, the only ticket if you will to heaven, is through the blood of Jesus Christ. You can’t earn heaven. We aren’t worthy to go. But Jesus paid the price. It’s so simple, maybe too simple for some.

That said, the opposite is true as well. When we finally realize, deep inside, what Jesus did for us, we want to do good in His name. We want to glorify Him with our lives, flawed though those lives might be. We seek to do His work, to be His light, in this dark world.

You also probably know someone who professes faith in Jesus Christ. They’re probably good about attending Sunday services when it’s convenient. Maybe they even participate in a Sunday school class or other small group. Just don’t ever ask them to do anything else. They’re just too busy.

They don’t have time to reach out to their child’s friend who can’t participate in activities because he doesn’t have a ride. They can’t take a meal to someone who is homebound because they frequently have to work late. And certainly don’t expect them to volunteer on a weekend. When the weather’s good, you’ll find them at the beach or the lake. Priorities, you know.

There doesn’t seem to be any evidence of faith in their lives except for the words that come from their mouths. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

Our church recently hired a young man to become the new youth director. He served at another church in that same position. He’s in seminary. He definitely feels called by God to serve Him.

This man is also engaged to a woman who grew up in our church. Her family, as you might imagine, is thrilled. Her mother commented that the whole family has had to really pay attention. How so? They watch their words, they are called to action, they are attending church more and finding excuses less. Why? Because this young man lives his faith and that influences all those who are living their lives beside him.

Do people want to live better lives, to serve Jesus more and more, because of what they see in your life? Why not? It takes all of us bonding together to serve and be His light. Do your part. Let others see Him in you.

March 12, 2018

What Are You Teaching Your Children?

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

– Deuteronomy 11:18-19

It was one of those days. The rain was pouring down and I was sitting in a veterinarian’s crowded waiting room. A woman, her grandson and her little dog (in a small kennel) came in not long after me. The boy was restless as most almost-four children would be. Waiting is hard.

He decided to get a book. He selected the Bible. His grandmother wasn’t pleased. As the little boy sat down in a chair and started turning the pages, she snatched it away. “No,” she admonished. “You don’t want that one.” She handed him a child’s book on animals.

Another woman suggested a children’s Bible. “It’s probably on the other table,” she said. “I know they have one here.”

“No. This book is fine.”

The little boy soon grew tired of that book and turned to Hot Rod magazines and such. The woman made no effort to engage the child. Maybe she couldn’t read. I don’t know her story. But I do know that she seemed determined to keep that little boy from Jesus.

Sadly, the boy didn’t talk. The most that came from his mouth was the beginnings of a tantrum because I refused to let him play with my phone. I remained calm and offered to read a book with him. When he realized that a tantrum wouldn’t work with me, he moved on to something else.

Never once did he show the woman any respect. Never once did he do as she asked. I know. He’s not quite four. It was still sad.

I don’t know if his environment has created the issues already so obvious to all of us in that waiting room. I don’t know if there’s underlying medical issues we can’t know. But I do know that little boy needs Jesus. So does his grandmother. Why is her heart so hard?

Our nation now is focused on school shootings and how to prevent another tragedy. We are becoming more aware of the need for counselors and mental health intervention. But shouldn’t we also consider getting involved before there’s a serious problem? This little boy could have a different life. His reaction to me when I refused to be swayed by his outburst clearly showed he is capable of listening and changing his behavior. His grandmother can’t control him at this young age. What will his life be like in 10 years?

I wish I had engaged the little boy more. Honestly, I just didn’t want to. I wanted to wait my turn and keep my ailing dog calm. I didn’t have the energy to insert myself into someone else’s life. Conviction hurts. Have you ever been there?

I should have spoken up. I should have drawn this emotionally hungry and needy child toward me so that I could show him the Jesus his grandmother had rejected. I hope next time I’ll reach out. I hope next time I’ll speak up. I hope next time I’ll allow Jesus to use me to nurture those He places before me. It takes all of us to change the world, one child at a time.

January 6, 2018

Does Your Life Reflect Light?

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

We like to think of ourselves as the light of the world. We pat ourselves on the back when we hold the door for someone, encourage someone, put an offering in the plate at church. Yes. That’s us. The light of the world.

But how do we hide our light? Oh, we don’t want to think about that part. We don’t want to consider how we might dim the light of Jesus by our words or actions. Except how can we ever change if we don’t look at ourselves from a realistic place?

Sometimes we hide our light by remaining quiet when we should speak. Just as we should measure our words carefully, speaking truth with kindness and compassion, so should we speak even when it might be uncomfortable. So often we’re so busy getting along that we blend in rather than stand out.

This doesn’t mean we should fight God’s battles. That’s a different thing. It simply means that when we see wrong, we should speak up.

That goes right along with the crowd. We don’t want to be different. We want to fit in. We want others to want to be around us, to include us. Except we are different. We aren’t meant to fit in. And sometimes the best way to shine your light is to step away from a crowd that isn’t following Jesus.

We also hide our light when we deny it. Oh, you would never do that! Are you sure? How many times have you taken credit for something that came from God? Yeah. Ego and pride don’t mix well with God. You have to choose. Do you choose Him?

In the same way, we sometimes let sin extinguish our light. People are watching all the time, just waiting for the Jesus follower to mess up. And we don’t disappoint them. We are quick to get angry at the other driver, we excuse dishonesty on our taxes because “everyone does it,” we laugh heartedly at the off-color joke. We watch television shows, listen to music and play games that we know aren’t things that go along with the teachings of Jesus.

We also dim our light when we don’t tell others about the wonderful gift of Jesus. We don’t talk about our faith. We don’t invite people to church. We’re so busy trying not to “offend” anyone that we don’t share the most important gift we’ve ever received.

And we ignore the very real troubles of others. We throw out promises to pray but do we? We know we should help but we’re just too busy. We have loads of excuses – frequently blaming the very person we should help. We always should ask Jesus to guide us. People see Him through our actions, not by hearing empty words.

Does your life point people to the light of Jesus? Think about it.

January 5, 2018

Don't Tell Anybody

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”

– Luke 8:17

“Don’t tell anybody,” she said desperately. “I don’t want my son to know.” I agreed, though a part of me wanted to seek her son out and tell him all. What good would it do? The knowledge would create a riff in an already fractured relationship.

Her great sin? Taking yet another person into her home to help him. This time it was a relative. The results were the same. This kind woman who couldn’t support herself was helping support others. Being duped, her son would likely say. Being taken advantage of is what I called it.

What bothered me most was how easily she lied. Her life was a fountain of secrets cascading down and destined to mire her in a thick mud from which she couldn’t extricate herself.

Isn’t that the way with lies? They slide so smoothly from our lips. They seem easier at the time than dealing with the consequences. Sometimes we tell the lies so often that part of us actually begins to believe our own words.

But lies don’t become truth, no matter how many times you tell them. And what we do in the dark is destined to eventually be revealed in the light.

I’m not sure why she continues on this self-destructive road. Is she afraid of being alone? Does guilt from a past she cannot erase motivate her to help others? Is her self-esteem so low that helping someone else makes her feel better about herself?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for helping others. I believe in opening the door and sharing food and all those things Jesus taught us to do. I also believe that we can make a situation worse by enabling someone who refuses to get their own life together.

When I asked questions I learned too much. This man, who at least works, is saving money for his own car. He’s been there a year and still doesn’t have enough money saved. Except that he loves to shop online. He has money for a vacation she could never afford to take. The list goes on. Does anybody else see what I see? Red flags everywhere but she refuses to take a stand.

Her son would take a stand. He would kick the man out of his mother’s apartment. If she got upset, he would walk away from her. Sins of her past have damaged their relationship in ways that can never be fully healed. It is fragile. He is not a bad man. He has made a life for himself and tries to do good where he can. But his mother’s self-destructive choices anger him. I understand. They would anger me too.

Did I mention that she is a strong Christian? At least that is how she sees herself. Her faith has carried her through trauma and the deaths of loved ones and a battle with addiction that she finally won several years ago. But the struggle continues. The lies reveal that.

I’m not sure how to help her. She won’t listen. She won’t seek Godly counsel. She won’t change her course. So we walk side by side with her, trying to help where we can. I bite my tongue more times than I like. I pray for God’s wisdom in what I say and do.

We are not so different, you and I. We make excuses for the “little” lies. We defend poor choices and a path we refuse to admit is the wrong one. We can’t seem to completely leave the darkness behind, choosing to believe that somehow it will avoid the light. It never does.

Maybe this is a lesson for all of us. Be careful of the “small” sins. Ask the Holy Spirit to point out ways we have and are sinning. Because it’s those “little” sins that will morph in to something huge and take us down a road we never planned to go.