These Three Remain–Love!

I’ve been exploring the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians; specifically chapter 13, verse 13. Paul states that there are three virtues that remain, after all else has passed away or been lost: Faith, Hope, and Love. And, while the other two are great and necessary, the greatest is Love.

So much has been written about Love– poets and prophets, songwriters and storytellers. most would agree that Love is the greatest virtue. But they wouldn’t all agree on what “Love” is. The Greeks have three different words for love– in fact most languages have more than one word– English has dozens of synonyms: Love, adore, desire, passion, enamored, infatuated, devoted…you get the idea. Except there are several ideas, so how do we know which kind of love remains? What kind of love endures beyond life and time and against every obstacle?

Human love is fallible; it is temporal (and sometimes even temporary). It doesn’t last forever– in spite of poetic promises and sacred vows. People “fall in love” and they fall out of love. Human love grows deeper; but it can also grow cold. It can be conditional, and manipulative; selfish, and shallow. Human love is often based on feelings that change with the seasons. We “love the whole world” when we are feeling good–we love mankind, but can’t stand our next door neighbor!

God’s love is eternal and unconditional. It never depends on His “mood.” It never depends on who we are or what we have done. God loves because it is His nature. He IS Love. He is the definition of enduring, everlasting, boundless, endless LOVE. This is the Love that endures. It is the Love that changes us from the inside out, and changes the world around us. It is this Love that infuses our Faith, that inspires our Hope, and allows us to approach a Holy God and share His Mercy and Grace with those we might otherwise deem “unlovable.”

We are living through chaotic times, filled with raw and dangerous emotions– anger, hatred, pride, despair, resentment, greed, grief, and fear. God’s love is more than just another emotion. I cannot love my enemy with human emotion– nor does God ask me to. God loves through us– it is His Love that we need to access and carry with us into the darkness. I want to bring Love into the world– and I want to be seen as a Loving person. But God asks me to Love even when it is rejected; even when I am seen as the enemy; even when I get hurt in the process. That doesn’t mean that I invite or tolerate abuse because I think it makes me more virtuous or because I think I somehow deserve it. But it does mean that I continue to pray, I continue to have Faith and Hope that God will turn even the smallest acts of Love into seeds that will return a harvest in His time and in His way.

When I look at the life of Jesus Christ, that is just what He did. He had the power to destroy the corrupt Temple system– He demonstrated just a particle of His passion when He drove the money changers out of the Temple courtyard (Matthew 21:12-13). He could have led a rebellion against the oppressive Roman Empire. (In fact, that is one reason He was rejected as the Messiah. He chose not to use His power for political or economic gain– even for the benefit of His own people.) He had the power to wipe out leprosy, or blindness, or demon possession– He could have been the most powerful man on Earth, and single-handedly put an end to poverty, injustice, and so much more. If solving those issues for His people in His lifetime would have been the most loving thing– He would have done it. But He spent His time listening to and helping individuals in need– those who had lost hope, those who needed healing, those who were carrying guilt and doubt and grief. He spent His time, not just talking about Love, but demonstrating Love– personal, unconditional, life-giving Love. Jesus spoke to crowds, yes, but most of His time was spent in small groups or one-on-one– teaching, eating, listening, caring–Loving.

Loving this way takes time– it takes effort, and it comes with risk. Jesus, loving in just this way, was misunderstood, rejected, hated, even killed. But His Love conquered death, and brought life and victory. I may not be asked to become a martyr– but will I seek to Love like Jesus? Will I pray for people I don’t know; or people who have opposed me, or rejected me? Will I continue to love those who have hurt me in the past, or rejected my help? Will I reach out in Love to people who are in rebellion against God? People who mock Him, cry out against Christians, persecute us–even kill us? Will I pray for and support those who are in danger because they are showing God’s Love in this way? Because whether I do or not– Love Remains. Will I be Faithful? Will I reach out in Hope? Will I risk Loving as Christ Loves?

We live with the same brokenness that Jesus faced during His ministry. People around us are hurting– we are hurting! But our Faith tells us that God hears our prayers. Our Hope tells us that God has a plan for the future. And our Love compels us to share the burdens of others as we wait for Christ’s return.

Jesus WILL someday “fix” the brokenness of this world. He WILL Reign and Rule for Eternity. But He asks us to live with the three virtues that ensure that we will overcome the darkness of our own world– that will cause us to shine a light in the darkness–Faith, Hope, and Love!

June 21, 2024 0

But Even If He Does Not…

¹⁶Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us^[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. ¹⁸But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)

I hear a lot of American Christians complaining about the “dark days” in which we live. And indeed, they are dark. There is great evil in the world– wars, famines, injustices, hatred, division, greed, and immorality. But, along with complaints, I hear a note of whining. Isn’t God supposed to deliver us from just such evil? Isn’t He supposed to clear the way for us to love one another in peace and harmony? Surely, it can’t be His will for us to be laughed at, spit upon, misunderstood, and treated with contempt?!

The ancient nation of Israel was conquered and sent into exile. Israelites who had abandoned their faith, as well as those who had steadfastly served the Lord, were ripped from their homeland and marched to Babylon. Worship in the Temple of Jerusalem ceased. The Temple itself had been destroyed. There were no tabernacles, no festivals– none of the systems and structures of worship left available to God’s people. Yet some still worshipped– in homes, isolated from their fellow Jews, or in secret groups. They were not surrounded by reminders of when “their” religious beliefs were considered the cultural norm. Nor did they live in a culture that practiced religious “toleration” as we understand it today.

In the book of Daniel, the commitment of s handful of exiles is detailed as it comes in conflict with the oppressive control of the Babylonian (and later the Persian) Empire. Daniel and his three friends are challenged by the pressure to compromise and adapt to their surroundings. They are tempted and bribed by the promise of power in the court– if they can compete with other Babylonians. But they secretly hold fast to their “old” diet, and religious practices. They refuse to eat the rich food of Babylon– or bow to its gods.

In Chapter 3 of Daniel, the three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refuse to bow to a golden statue of Nebudchadnezzar, the megalomaniac for whom they worked. Even though he had appointed them to high offices, he refused to “coddle” them in their worship of a foreign god. He demanded that they bow to his statue– something God had commanded them NOT to do.

It might have been easy enough to secretly meet in homes and celebrate Passover without alerting those around them. It would have been possible for them to hide scrolls containing the ancient words of their historians and prophets, to be read or studied. But they were being asked to publicly bow to a statue of their King– to acknowledge him as a “god.” And they refused. As court officials, their refusal was not just a minor snub, but a scandalous insult. Yet they stood firm.

Shocked and angered, Nebuchadnezzar, a notoriously cruel and impulsive king, gave them a generous “second chance” to save their careers and lives by obeying his orders. Amazingly, the three did not even spend a moment considering their options. They answered, boldly, courageously, and graciously, that they would not bow down to the statue. And God rescued them from the fiery furnace, so that not even their hair was singed by the flames– even though their captors were killed in the very act of pushing them into the furnace! God not only rescued them– He appeared WITH them in the midst of the flames. This so astonished Nebuchadnezzar, that he ordered them released and proclaimed that no one should say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego–an incredible act of religious toleration for that culture and time.

The story of The Fiery Furnace is well-known. I’ve used it before in my posts. But today, I’d like to focus on just one little phrase that stood out to me this week. When brought before Nebuchadnezzar the first time, the three men said, “we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter…” (v. 16).

How tempting it might have been to have defended their refusal– to give Nebuchadnezzar a lecture on God’s Law and His past miracles. But they refused to explain or defend their actions. They merely gave testimony of their faith that God COULD save them, and that, “even if He does not..” they were willing to die rather than dishonor Him. And Nebuchadnezzar SAW the proof of their faith in a way that their words and arguments could not have accomplished!

Most of the time, when I hear Christians talking about this story, they focus on the miraculous deliverance of the three men from the flames. The lesson is that God will be with us, no matter what. He can deliver us FROM the flames, but often, He chooses to deliver us THROUGH the flames. And that is a wonderful lesson and a true promise.

But that deliverance should not overshadow the quiet dedication of the three men. Before God joined them in the fire, they were already committed to dying in silence to obey God rather than their earthly king. They stood to lose everything– their lives, their legacy of faith, their service, their families (who might have been left destitute or even subject to punishment)– all of it was riding on their willingness to suffer injustice and torture. We know that God “showed up”– literally– in their defense. And they certainly knew that God COULD save them. But they also acknowledged that “if He does not..” they were still willing to die. And they were willing to do so, not acknowledged as martyred heroes, but as convicted criminals.

Centuries later, Jesus Christ would appear before Pontius Pilate, who asked Him to give a defense. Astonished at Jesus’ refusal to argue and plead for His life, Pilate came to the conclusion that “I find no fault in Him.” (John 19:4) Jesus willingly accepted an unjust sentence of Death, offering no argument or defense, except the Truth. No one came to His rescue. And God did NOT spare His life! The Son of God died as a criminal on a Roman cross, betrayed by Jewish leaders. Yet, Jesus’ obedience; His willingness to die brought US life, and forgiveness and peace!

There are millions of believers in Christ today who must be prepared to face a “fiery furnace” moment–maybe it involves death or torture. Perhaps it only involves being teased or despised by a neighbor or a classmate at school. And we may pray for deliverance–that is natural. But how often do we give up the chance to argue, and justify our diligence, our “right” to worship “our” way? How ready are we to be seen as foolish, or even rebellious to the culture of the day? We long for God to come to our physical rescue– to join us IN the fire– but are we willing to let Him be our defense? Are we willing to be humble in the face of obvious injustice, and let God speak up on our behalf? And what if He does not?

The Apostle Paul also faced this dilemma. Not only were there Greek and Roman officials who thought him a fool, there were Jews– his own people– who were going around defaming him, denouncing him, and spreading lies and rumors. Paul (never one to let a good argument go unargued!) spent much of his time in letters writing out his defense of the Gospel. But, in his own defense, he downplayed his position and his great knowledge of the scripture. He was not defending himself “in these matters”– he was defending the Truth of the Gospel! He also acknowledged that God could use even detractors and tormentors to spread the Gospel. And he often urged fellow believers to live in peace with their unbelieving neighbors, even those who taunted them!

It is tempting in Western Culture, where Christianity has been normalized, to think that when we defend ourselves, we are defending Christianity. But what if, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we let God be our defense– in the flames, in the courtroom of public opinion, in our own families? What if we followed Jesus’ example and remained calm and confident, even under duress? What if we lived humble and quiet lives of integrity, ready to submit even to the flames or the cross, serving even those who would stoke the fires or pound the nails? God might just “show up” in ways we never could have imagined! Courage is often seen as boldness and speaking up in our own defense. But, sometimes, it takes greater courage to stand silent and let our actions– even when they are disparaged and misinterpreted– speak as a testimony of God’s power.

March 15, 2024 0

Praying Like Daniel

The Bible tells a story of Daniel, and when I was a child, I always focused on the dramatic part of the story. Daniel was “set up” by some of his rivals, and he ended up being thrown into a den of lions. But God shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel was rescued. Indeed, his accusers were later given the same sentence and the lions gobbled them up in short order! (See Daniel 6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%206&version=NIV) Daniel’s miraculous rescue astounded even the king who had sentenced him! And it has served as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and His power to save those who love Him.

But, as in most Bible stories, there is much more going on behind the scenes. Daniel’s enemies were able to set him up because of his very public habit of praying three times a day to the God of Israel. Morning, noon, and night, Daniel fell to his knees, right in front of his open window, and prayed. We don’t know if his prayers were said aloud, shouted out for all the world to hear, but his habit was visible– it was well-known among his neighbors, friends, and enemies and it was unvarying. Daniel did not brag about his habits, or “force his beliefs” on others. But it was clear that his success and his wisdom were directly related to his devotion to God. Daniel’s enemies could find no other way to bring about his downfall, so they resorted to a trick.

Daniel’s enemies devised a clever scheme. While his habits were well-known among most people, they were not known or respected by the new king. Darius had just taken over the land, after the disastrous regency of Belshazzar (see Daniel 5). He was a wise ruler, and he had appointed 120 satraps (officials) to administer the various regions in this kingdom. Over these 120 officials, he had three special administrators, one of whom was Daniel. But Daniel had so distinguished himself, that Darius planned to put him in charge over all the others– second only to the king. Darius knew that Daniel was a brilliant administrator. But he didn’t know about Daniel’s devotion to God. And so, Daniel’s enemies capitalized on this one aspect of Daniel’s character.

Darius was approached by a group of his officials and convinced into signing an edict making it illegal (and punishable by death!) for anyone, anywhere in the kingdom to pray to any god or human being — except King Darius–for an entire month. Like so many such schemes, the object here had nothing to do with honoring King Darius, stamping out religious extremism, or any of the other so-called “reasons” they gave. And nowhere in the text does it mention that anyone else in the kingdom was “charged” under this new edict. In other words, their sole purpose was to “eliminate the threat” of Daniel being given power over them (and, possibly, their corrupt practices).

How easy it might have been for Daniel to avoid getting “caught” praying during that time. In theory, he could have shut his window. He could have taken thirty days “off,” trusting that God would know the circumstances. He could have simply prayed in a different part of his house– standing up, or walking around– and silently, surreptitiously changed his habit every so slightly. He could even have lied, saying that he was following the new law and praying to the King. But he never offered an excuse or tried to justify his disobedience of the corrupt law.

Why did someone as brilliant as Daniel not take a few simple steps to avoid the lion’s den?

The answer to this question requires a look at the context of Daniel’s life. This incident takes place near the end of Daniel’s life. He was likely in his eighties or nineties! He had been in captivity since he was a teenager. He had been ripped from his homeland, and sent to a place with a completely different language, culture, and religion. And he had served at least four different kings over several decades. He had survived other attempts to force him to compromise, blend in, and be like others around him. He had seen other schemes to corrupt worship of the One True God. He had survived other threats to his life. And through all those years, we have every reason to believe that Daniel’s habit of prayer had grown stronger, not weaker. The same teen who prayed fervently that God would allow him to return to his homeland was still on his knees– every day– praying for deliverance. Even while he faithfully served his captors, he prayed. At no time did Daniel ever experience this deliverance. For all we know of the Bible story, Daniel died in Babylon– still a captive.

But Daniel’s prayers reached Heaven. Later in the book that bears his name, Daniel tells of extraordinary visions he received about Babylon, Israel, and other nations and empires that would arise in the future. Daniel’s faithfulness and devotion serve as examples, even for our own age. But Daniel prayed all those years without seeing his hopes fulfilled in his lifetime.

Do I have the courage and conviction of Daniel? Oh, what we might experience if more of us were “guilty” of praying like Daniel prayed! If someone tried to “set me up” like Daniel’s enemies did– would there be enough evidence to convict me of being a Christian? Would someone be able to “catch” me praying at home every day? Without fear or compromise? Would I give up after a year in captivity? Would I stop praying if I were being laughed at? Arrested? Persecuted?

Do I give up when I don’t get an immediate answer to my prayers? Do I decide it’s just too difficult to keep praying for “my impossible?” For unsaved relatives, or unresolved health problems? For peace in war-torn areas, or relief for famine-ravaged regions?

I love Matthew West’s song about this issue, and I have attached a video. I hope it inspires you as it has inspired me to keep praying– knowing that God has “heard every single word you’re sayin’.”

Let’s resolve to pray like Daniel– Don’t stop! Don’t compromise! Don’t give up!

March 11, 2024 0

Prayer and Fasting

I had to fast overnight for some bloodwork I had done this morning. No food for 12 hours; no water for 8 hours before the blood draw. It shouldn’t seem like such a difficult thing, but at 9 or 10 p.m., I imagined I smelled food. My mouth watered– and then it felt dry. I felt woozy and weak. Surely I could have just a cracker or some orange juice, right? But no, I finished the fast and rejoiced to eat breakfast after the blood draw was complete. And simple scrambled eggs tasted sooo good! Oddly, I have often gone several hours without food and without all the imagined side effects I felt last night. The actions were the same, but the focus was on what I was doing, not what I was missing.

Fasting has become popular in recent years. I know several people who practice intermittent fasting for weight loss and other health benefits. Others fast for religious reasons (other than prayer); some people give up certain foods ritually, for Lent or other festivals. Some even fast in dangerous ways (anorexia, etc.) Fasting is usually about our relationship (sometimes an unhealthy relationship) with food.

Prayer, on the other hand, is all about our relationship with God. And when the Bible speaks of Prayer and Fasting, it is also about our relationship with God. The Bible gives many examples of fasting– even “extreme” fasting. Moses, King David, Jesus, and the Apostles all practiced it. Sometimes entire groups (churches), cities (Nineveh–see Jonah, chapter 3), and nations (Israel/Judah) fasted. The Bible also gives us many reasons to do fasting, including repentance of personal or national sin, deep personal struggles, and focusing on a single issue, such as the unsaved, the persecution of fellow Christians, seasons of famine, or ongoing injustices. But the Bible isn’t specific with guidelines and rules about fasting, because, like prayer, it is primarily a pursuit. It’s not about the extremes or the number of days, or the amount of food we “give up.” It is about the pure pursuit of God’s sufficiency. God is not impressed by whether we fast for one day or forty; He does not count the number of calories we might have consumed or the amount of weight we lost. He doesn’t measure the strength of our will power or our “success.” He isn’t impressed by posturing and virtue signaling. What He does ask is that we pray with complete focus and integrity, without the distractions that food, entertainment, and even sleep can sometimes become.

We can fast for hours or days– miss one meal or fifteen–and still “miss” the blessing of prayer, because we are focused on what we are doing (or not doing) instead of focusing on what God is doing. We can also “fast” in ways that have nothing to do with food– turn off the TV or phone, retreat from crowds and busyness, even “fast” from sleep! The point is not that WE are “better” for fasting, but that fasting is “better” for US!

Today, consider a small “fast”– replace a coffee break, snack, meal, hour of social media, or that extra 15 minutes of sleep with some time alone and wholly abandoned to God. Not only will we come away refreshed and not “missing” whatever we traded, but we will more fully enjoy those same activities or foods when they take their rightful priorities. Remember, prayer and fasting is not a contest or a ritual, it is a pursuit and an adventure! Enjoy it!

Some thoughts:

1) Fasting is as individualized as praying. There is no perfect “formula.” But there are several helpful suggestions. You can set a time limit (one day; 12 hours, etc. without food or a certain activity) or a food/activity limit (only one meal a day for seven days, only one television program per night for a week). You can plan days or weeks ahead to fast for a definite period, or you can decide spontaneously to start fasting until you feel led to stop. One caveat– Fasting is not a game. It IS a commitment, and shouldn’t be done without a real desire to get closer to God.
2) Having said that, fasting isn’t about your will power, or success/failure. Sometimes, circumstances will prevent you from completing a planned fast. Certain health issues or family situations may prevent you from fasting for a day or more. Sometimes you will fall short of the goal you set. Don’t let that stop you from trying again, or trying differently. God isn’t about perfection on your part– He IS about helping you grow stronger and more complete as you continue to walk with Him.
3) Fasting is personal. It isn’t about looking virtuous, posting about your struggles, or comparing yourself to others. (See Matthew 6:16-18) That doesn’t mean it can’t be done as a group. But group fasting should be about a single focus or topic, not about making everyone in the group conform to a preconceived expectation. There is great encouragement to be found in praying as a group, and some encouragement in fasting as a group, but remember, fasting is between you and God, not you and the group, or you and all your Facebook friends.

NOTE: At least once a month this year, I want to offer some practical suggestions on how we can better pursue a life of Prayer and living the Christian Life. I hope this post gives each reader something to consider.

November 10, 2023 1

How Can You?!

¹⁴But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, ¹⁵but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
1 Peter 3:14-16 (ESV) via biblegateway.com

I was approached years ago by an angry non-believer, who asked me in disdainful tones how I could possibly believe in God, Jesus Christ, heaven and hell, and other Biblical tenets. At the time, I was taken aback by the vehemence and anger. I stammered an answer, heart-felt and, I hoped, theologically “correct”–I think I quoted scripture and gave a short version of my personal testimony. The other person was not impressed or convinced. I felt like I had failed. The other person sneered at my belief–and at God!

I spent weeks going over in my mind what else I might have said. I came up with clever arguments, gripping counter-questions, self-deprecating “homey” zingers, I read books on apologetics, and studied the words of great thinkers…I would be ready next time. I would not be left looking or sounding naive and unprepared. I would have the tools to “win” the argument, and God would be proud of me.

But in the years since, I have done more thinking (and reading, and praying!) And this past month, as I’ve been reading through the Old Testament prophets, I have found a new perspective. Prophets like Isaiah, Habakkuk, Amos, and Malachi spoke the very words of God to people around them. They spoke to ordinary people, and to the religious and political leaders of their day. And almost none of them listened! In fact, the prophets were hated, sneered at, smeared, imprisoned– some of them were even killed.

These prophets were prepared. They were not being ambushed with “gotcha” questions, because they were the ones presenting and challenging people with the truth. The truths they spoke were often harsh and offensive. They were truths about coming judgment and destruction, followed by restoration and revival. There was nothing “welcoming” or attractive about their message. But the people remained stubborn, sinful, and unimpressed.

We live in the post-Resurrection age. Our message contains warnings about judgment and destruction– but unlike the prophets of old, we have a message of immediate and eternal Hope and Salvation. We have centuries of prophecies that have been fulfilled; of testimonies to the power of a risen Christ and the Holy Spirit. Yet even Jesus warned us that “..in the world (you) will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b ESV)

We often feel that if we cannot “win over” those who challenge us–if we cannot prove to their satisfaction that we are “right” in our beliefs–that we have failed. Yet we have so many examples of faithful witnesses who suffered and died without seeing the results of their faithfulness. God does not ask us to “win” every battle in convincing and decisive fashion. That’s HIS job! What He does ask is that we should be prepared to give an answer– and that we do it with gentleness and respect.

I don’t have to silence the critics. I don’t have to have “mic-drop” moments. I don’t have to “win” every debate. God calls me to be faithful, honest, and humble. My words may not change someone else’s mind. But my changed life and God-honoring attitude may plant a seed that someone else’s words and life, and the power of the Holy Spirit will cause to grow into faith– even if I never live to see it!

In answer to the question, “How can you believe?” The answer often lies, not only in what we say about our belief, but how we live it out!

September 29, 2023 0

Fitting In

(Today, I am revising a post from a couple of years ago.)

Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV via biblegateway.com):

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ²and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

No one likes to feel “left out.” We have a deep desire to be accepted, liked, loved, respected, and needed. We want to “fit in.” But sometimes, acceptance and inclusion are not possible. Sometimes, they are offered, but at a price too steep. Sometimes, we make unhealthy compromises in our efforts to avoid conflict or to win respect.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us at least seven principles/actions that will bring us blessing. But they are in opposition to human nature– NOT designed to help us “fit in” with most of society. Elsewhere in scripture, we are told to stand apart from what others are doing or saying. God wants people who will follow HIM, not the world.

People who are poor in spirit— this can be taken at least two ways: those who consider themselves poor in a material sense, and hold their money and possessions lightly; or those who are aware of their spiritual poverty, knowing that they need guidance and wisdom from above. Such people are humble–not pushy, not arrogant, not greedy, not spending time proving how clever or wealthy they are. Such people will “possess” the kingdom of heaven– not by fighting and straining and striving and grasping for sole ownership–it is God’s gracious gift to be shared by all who are poor in spirit.

People who mourn–not people who are eternally gloomy and depressed, but those who mourn the loss of innocence, the injustices of the world, the suffering and grief of others. Such people also rejoice at the sight of a glorious sunrise, or laugh to see children playing– but they do not deny or circumvent the realities of a fallen world. They face facts–even when those facts are convicting, grievous, and painful. And they do not react with denial or distraction, with outrage or disinterest. They mourn. Such people will be comforted, even in the midst of mourning, by God’s sovereignty and righteousness.

People who are meek –there is a difference between being meek and lacking confidence or being a stooge or a fool. Meek people still have boundaries– and they respect the boundaries of others. They stand up for what is right, but they don’t insist on always being “right.” Such people will not stake a claim on the earth or try to grab their “fair share.” Instead, they will inherit all that God has in store for them! Notice the parallel with those who are “poor in spirit.” Meekness and humility are despised by the proud and the loud. But they are respected and honored by God, and sought out by people of discernment. Some of the greatest leaders are not bombastic and dictatorial, but humble and wise in creating success for everyone around them– not just themselves!

People who hunger and thirst for righteousness–hunger and thirst are natural and ongoing processes. There are people who want “justice” or “righteousness.” They want it NOW. They want it to be retroactive. They want it to be a foregone conclusion. And they want it to be eternal. But they don’t long for personal righteousness, and they don’t want to feel hunger or thirst for it. They don’t want to seek after true righteousness; they just want the results. They just want the world to spin righteously all around them. But for those who hunger and thirst– Jesus is both the Living Water and the Bread of Life. He brings a daily portion of all-sufficient Grace, wisdom, and forgiveness to keep us filled.

People who are merciful–I was struck as I read this again by the term merciful. We spend a lot of time and energy talking about God’s Grace– the fact that God gives us untold blessings that we don’t deserve. But here, Jesus is talking about the merciful– not giving others the condemnation or punishment they deserve. I find it much easier to be Graceful than to be Merciful. It is easy to bless others; to be charitable, or charming, encouraging, or bountiful. It is much more difficult to bite back an insulting or critical retort, to forgive a debt, to let go of a grudge, or keep from passing on a juicy morsel of gossip. It is easier to focus on the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would like them to do unto you, than to Love your enemies. Jesus asked us to do both– but the blessing here is for those who show Mercy!

People who are pure in heart–not just shiny on the surface. I can say all manner of spiritual-sounding things; I can do all kinds of good deeds; I can even write blog entries on scriptural truths– but God looks on my heart, to see if it is pure. And if I haven’t covered my heart in posturing and false rituals, justifications and excuses, denials and rebellion, I should be able to “see” God– to have a clearer picture of who He is, what He is doing in the world around me, what He wants me to do and say and become…And other will be able to see God reflected in my words and actions, as well!

People who are peacemakers–not just people who “go along to get along,” but people who are willing to help bring about peace, and who will create an atmosphere of unity and respect–at home, in the workplace, and in their neighborhoods. When we bring peace to a chaotic relationship, or create a peaceful atmosphere, we are doing the work of reconciliation, and we are showing others the nature of our Father.

When we cultivate (or allow God’s Spirit to cultivate) these characteristics in our lives, we will not “fit in” with the world around us. We will stand out and stand apart. And that will make us targets for persecution, abuse, misunderstanding, insults, and false accusations. But we can be encouraged, not only because of the blessings Jesus promises in the Beatitudes, but in the reminder that we stand in very good company. We may not fit in at the office; we may be ostracized by our family; we may be targeted in our community– but we fit in with a host of prophets, apostles, saints, and with Christ Himself!

September 18, 2023 0

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said—
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

fire fighter wearing black and yellow uniform pointing for something

“How can you believe in a God who lets bad things happen?”
We live in perilous times; dangerous times. Fires have swept through Canada and Hawaii (and elsewhere); massive heat waves have caused drought and death in many parts of the world; hurricanes have hit California and and the Caribbean, and another threatens Florida even as I write this. Wars rage in Ukraine and elsewhere; crime seems rampant in major cities on every continent. Diseases– even those we considered eradicated or “tamed” are making a comeback. Waste and pollution devastate our oceans, rivers, woodlands, and even the air we breathe. Often, it seems as if God is absent or powerless–sitting on the sidelines and letting bad things happen. Those of us who claim faith in an omnipotent, loving, and gracious God are mocked and challenged. How can we believe in the face of such evil, disaster, and injustice? How can we offer the empty comfort of prayers and assurances?

It can be very difficult to face such challenges– there are no easy answers and “mic-drop” moments for us in this world. But that doesn’t mean that there are no answers or that our faith is “blind” or without merit.

The Bible is filled with examples of people who followed God in extraordinary circumstances, often in the face of great evil and with little logical expectation of God’s blessing or help. Abraham traded a wealthy, safe, and honorable life in his native land to live as a stranger and a nomad among foreigners. Even after God seemed to fulfill the promise of a son, he tested Abraham’s faith, asking him to sacrifice his only son Read the complete story here... Many people see this story as a horrific example of injustice and cruelty– and if Abraham had been required to go through with the sacrifice, it might seem even more unjust and cruel. However, there are two points to consider:

God clearly planned to rescue Isaac–there was a ram in the thicket all ready and waiting. Abraham may not have known God’s purpose in asking such a thing, but he had faith that “God will provide for himself the lamb…” God may have been “testing” Abraham, but he already knew the outcome. The “test” was not for God–perhaps not even for Abraham–the test was for Isaac and all who would follow and experience the blessings that came through this amazing act of faith.
The story of Abraham, like so many others, is given to illustrate difficult truths– sometimes about God’s character, or OUR character, or the nature and consequences of Sin. These stories also often form patterns of allegory, foreshadowing, or illustrations of key principles and events. Abraham was told to sacrifice his only and very beloved son– a horrible prospect for any father. But God provided a substitute sacrifice– a lamb– allowing Isaac to live and become the father of many nations. God’s plan for the salvation of the world was built on the same pattern. God sent his only and very beloved “son” to be the substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all mankind– a horrible prospect for a loving Heavenly Father. And this time, the son willingly gave His life to become the fulfillment of the promise acted out in Abraham’s story.

And, of course, there are hundreds of other stories– throughout the Bible, and throughout history– that demonstrate the blessings that come through radical and even tiny acts of faith in God.

Hebrews, chapter 11 lists several examples. And a key verse in the chapter points out:

¹³These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13 (KJV)

These great examples of faith died without seeing the end results..but the end results are there for US to see! Faith in humanity– faith in Science– faith in ourselves– these are doomed to end in disappointment. Not because we don’t believe enough; not because these things are “bad”– but because faith needs an unshakeable, immovable, solid, and eternal foundation. Our faith in Christ is not a blind faith, an empty faith, or a desperate faith– it is a Faith that is firmly rooted in history, in observable facts, and in revealed truth. And even in the fiercest storms, the worst of disasters, and the overwhelming flood of hatred and evil in the world, our faith stands firm and sure– not because it is “our faith”, but because it is built on Him who is before and above all things–yesterday, today, and forevermore.

Our very firm foundation may seem invisible to the world, but that doesn’t change its reality or its power. We pray to the ONE who calms storms, who tears down and builds up kingdoms, and who holds all of eternity, including our future, in His hands. Fires, floods, trials, and terrors cannot overwhelm those who put their trust in Jesus. We may still get wet, singed, singled out, persecuted, and knocked down, but we will never be abandoned or defeated, or forsaken. Even if it seems like God is holding a knife to our neck– remember how the story ends! There is a lamb who has taken our place. God will not put an end to our hope. Even death cannot separate us from His Love and His Purpose for eternity. It’s all there– in His Excellent Word!

August 30, 2023 0

Influence…

This is how the Lord responds: “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!
Jeremiah 15:19 (NLT via biblegateway.com)

I’ve been reading in Jeremiah for the past week. Jeremiah was given a thankless task of delivering a prophecy of doom for the people of Judah and Jerusalem. God, in His righteous anger even told Jeremiah that he should no longer pray for his own people. Their doom was inevitable, brought about by their continuous idolatry and arrogant disobedience. As Jeremiah received the visions, he grew discouraged. Why should he continue to preach to those who were never going to listen? Why face the ridicule, the persecution, and the death threats? Why bother? Instead of drawing closer to God, He was being influenced by the continued rebellion of the people he was supposed to be warning!

But the Lord responded with a rebuke to Jeremiah–“Don’t give up! Don’t walk away from your mission! Turn around and focus on ME! Don’t let them influence you–You must influence them!” Those are difficult words to read. And even more difficult ones to put into practice. It is very easy to feel discouraged when it seems that you are alone in your beliefs; alone in your commitment; alone in your grief and distress. Jeremiah was torn and broken by his mission–no one wanted to hear his message. No one responded to his calls for repentance or his warnings of God’s judgment. In fact, his complaint was that other “prophets” were saying the opposite– that God would rescue Judah from her enemies; that all would be well. How could Jeremiah stand firm in the face of such opposition?

God’s answer may seem a bit harsh on the surface–“Stop whining! You WILL be my spokesman, and you must influence them and not let them influence you.” But look closer, and you will see an amazing and hopeful message in God’s rebuke. God has not set Jeremiah up for failure and discouragement. God’s promise is to strengthen and protect Jeremiah in spite of the opposition– if he will stay the course. Against the worst odds, against the threats of his enemies, God will be with Jeremiah as he speaks the truth–no matter how difficult; no matter how grievous; no matter how unpopular. Moreover, God will give Jeremiah the power to influence his enemies– not just with his words, but in spite of them–by his faithful, courageous commitment to the truth.

We live in a world where people make a career out of “influencing” others– advertising, advocating, lobbying, arguing on social media, creating memes and soundbites and slogans. We are surrounded by voices and billboards and pop-ups demanding our attention and invading our thoughts. And it can be very easy to be swayed by the overwhelming noise and distraction offered up all around us. Just like Jeremiah, we can be discouraged, and even silenced, by the crowds of others, speaking fear, doubt, anger, and lies. And, in our own voices, we cannot drown out their “influence.”

God does not call us to shout louder, or change our message to be more “palatable” to the masses. God does not call us to “win” every argument or convert all of our neighbors. But God does call us to be faithful in speaking the truth– more, He calls us to live out the truth in obedience and humility. It may seem thankless at times, but living with integrity and solid faith influences others in ways only God can know. We need to continue to speak truth. “Worthless words” may rule the airwaves, or glut our newsfeeds. But truth whispers in consistent, loving action, and humble service. May we be known more for our prayers and our steady confidence than for persuasive tongues or arrogant arguments. In the end, actions really do speak louder than words.

Prayer is the exception to this rule. Prayer taps directly into the heart and mind of God as we pour our own hearts and minds out to Him. Jeremiah’s heart was tender– he wanted mercy, even for those who were far from God. The same people who were taunting Jeremiah and plotting his death were the ones he was asking God to spare! Jeremiah’s prayers reflected God’s heart and character– God delights in giving Grace, and in restoring relationships. But God’s purpose in sending Jeremiah dire prophetic messages had far greater scope than what Jeremiah could imagine. Jeremiah’s prayers WERE effective, even if he couldn’t see the answers. His prophetic message made it crystal clear that Israel (and everyone else) NEEDED a Messiah– the one God would send at “just the right time” (see Romans 5:6) And right in the middle of Jeremiah’s messages of doom and destruction, God sends him a hopeful promise and great assurance :

This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:10-11 (The Message)

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ “This is what God, the God of Israel, has to say about what’s going on in this city, about the homes of both people and kings that have been demolished, about all the ravages of war and the killing by the Chaldeans, and about the streets littered with the dead bodies of those killed because of my raging anger—about all that’s happened because the evil actions in this city have turned my stomach in disgust. “But now take another look. I’m going to give this city a thorough renovation, working a true healing inside and out. I’m going to show them life whole, life brimming with blessings. I’ll restore everything that was lost to Judah and Jerusalem. I’ll build everything back as good as new. I’ll scrub them clean from the dirt they’ve done against me. I’ll forgive everything they’ve done wrong, forgive all their rebellions. And Jerusalem will be a center of joy and praise and glory for all the countries on earth. They’ll get reports on all the good I’m doing for her. They’ll be in awe of the blessings I am pouring on her. “Yes, God’s Message: ‘You’re going to look at this place, these empty and desolate towns of Judah and streets of Jerusalem, and say, “A wasteland. Unlivable. Not even a dog could live here.” But the time is coming when you’re going to hear laughter and celebration, marriage festivities, people exclaiming, “Thank God-of-the-Angel-Armies. He’s so good! His love never quits,” as they bring thank offerings into God’s Temple. I’ll restore everything that was lost in this land. I’ll make everything as good as new.’ I, God, say so. “God-of-the-Angel-Armies says: ‘This coming desolation, unfit for even a stray dog, is once again going to become a pasture for shepherds who care for their flocks. You’ll see flocks everywhere—in the mountains around the towns of the Shephelah and Negev, all over the territory of Benjamin, around Jerusalem and the towns of Judah—flocks under the care of shepherds who keep track of each sheep.’ God says so.
Jeremiah 33:2-13 (The Message)

God’s words are powerful. And they are backed by His actions! His Faithfulness and Compassion outweigh His punishments. His final words are Victory and Peace! May we be influenced by the Truth, and may we hold fast and be an influence that lasts longer than a soundbite or a meme!

August 14, 2023 0

Cautious or Courageous?

Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and writer who ended up sacrificing his life as he protested the Nazi regime in his homeland. Many of the things he wrote are uncomfortable for modern Christians to read. Sometimes, we want to coast along, joyfully celebrating our own Salvation, and ignoring the evil around us. After all, the ultimate victory is already won in Christ, isn’t it?

I write a lot about the power of prayer. And I stand behind what I write. But a life of prayer and Bible Study that doesn’t result in actively living out and spreading the Gospel is a life of lukewarm and selective obedience. This is not to say that we should skitter around trying to earn our Salvation with random acts and self-righteous crusades. But we must have the courage to “come out of the closet” as Christians in a dark and unfriendly world.

What does this look like? Does it mean wearing a badge or getting in people’s faces with “the Truth.” Perhaps. But mostly, it means every day living out the kind of love and truth that Jesus demonstrated. Jesus didn’t march in protests, hand out pamphlets with convicting messages, or start arguments to humiliate atheists in front of crowds. But He didn’t back down in the face of arguments and tough questions asked by His opponents. He ate with sinners– but He didn’t wink at their sin, or send them away reassured that they were “good enough” to please God. He went where God sent, spoke God’s Truth, and DID God’s work.

Jesus wasn’t a writer; He wasn’t a professor of Theology, or an elected official. The Pharisees were constantly frustrated with His lack of “credentials.” But their frustration came because Jesus spoke with the kind of authority they could never achieve– Jesus was authentic. He spoke, not from cold and lofty intelligence, but from wisdom and love. And Jesus didn’t just speak. He served. He listened. He lived out all that He spoke. He “courageously and actively” DID the will of the Father.

Jesus prayed and studied scripture. Jesus spent time alone communing with the Father. He spent time in rest. He spent time being social with His family and friends. But in every activity, He wove in the Truth of God’s word. And crowds followed Him. They wanted to listen, even as He spoke uncomfortable truths. And some of them came to love Him. Others came to hate Him, and even kill him.

We can’t be true followers of Christ and not risk being mocked, and hated. We WILL be misunderstood, laughed at, persecuted, ignored, and inconvenienced. We should not invite this with obnoxious or arrogant behavior. But we must not shrink away from it when it comes at us, or try to avoid it by being silent in the face of evil and injustice.

One of the recent charges leveled against Christians is that we meet evil with “thoughts and prayers” but little action. We must be wise and careful with such charges. Often, the taunt is thrown at us in an effort to get us to take a specific, ungodly “action” INSTEAD of praying. But we must honestly examine ourselves and ask what Godly actions SHOULD I be taking to make a difference? What actions should I be denouncing as ungodly, even if they are popular and seem to be “right?” And what must I do to defend the power of prayer in the face of ridicule?

One of the other charges leveled against Christians is that we are “intolerant.” Again, we need to be wise and careful in answering this charge. Are we quick to judge others, while giving ourselves a “pat on the back” for merely avoiding a particular sin or sinful lifestyle? What is if about our life and work that makes others see us as “intolerant?” Are we exclusive and prejudiced in our interactions? Or are we humble in presenting the truth of God’s word? Do we speak from a need to defend our own actions or from a desire to help others? Are others offended by our words and actions, or by the truth of God as it convicts them?

I pray today that I would be courageous and active in LIVING the Christian life, and not merely writing about it.

February 6, 2023 0

You’ll Never Pray Alone!

I attend a mid-week prayer meeting. Sometimes we have a dozen or two in attendance. The other day, we had just five. But God shows up every week! There is a mystical, spiritual quality in communal prayer– voices raised in praise, thanksgiving, and intercession; voices raised in agreement, in harmony, and in support. We spend nearly an hour in prayer; some stay after to pray longer, some stay silent for most or all of the hour, just listening and giving spiritual support by their presence. We also spend some time reading scripture, sharing updates on missionaries and community outreach programs, or updates on requests from previous weeks. And, in listening to others pray, we can “hear” their hearts and get to know them a little better. But this is not meant as a social hour. We are there for one purpose– to pray. It is a commitment to pray faithfully, to pray consistently, and to pray humbly and gratefully.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

We are blessed to have the opportunity to gather publicly and freely to pray. But what about those who cannot? Not everyone has the freedom in their weekly schedule to attend our prayer meeting (or other meetings that might be scheduled throughout the community). Not everyone lives in an area where public prayer is safe and encouraged. Some people are shut in. Some face persecution for their faith– public gatherings increase the risk of violence and arrest.

Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com

Most prayers happen in seclusion and isolation. And sometimes, this can lead us to believe that personal prayer is a small thing. One silent prayer in a room somewhere in Michigan may seem tiny and frail. It can seem puny and ineffective. And praying in isolation or under threat can feel even smaller and lonelier. We trust that God hears us, but we can feel so weak, so ineffectual. We long for support and communion. Praying in a group “feels” stronger, and more “important,” surrounded by fellow believers and hearing the voices chiming in with praise and heartfelt requests.

I value and appreciate meeting and praying with other believers, but most of my prayers are personal– said in silence in my own home. I pray by myself, often with my Prayer Journal in front of me; sometimes, just lying in bed, or sitting at my workspace. Yet, I never pray alone! Jesus, in The Lord’s Prayer, taught His disciples to pray to “Our Father.” But He must have known that they would also pray personal prayers. He did not teach them to say “My Father,” or “My God.” Surely, when we are alone, we can use those terms (as Jesus Himself did in the Garden of Gethsemane). But I think Jesus was acknowledging that God “inhabits the praise of His people” (Psalm 22:3)– and that when we pray, we are mystically and spiritually joined with God– Father, Son, and Spirit– and also with the family of other believers. And their prayers join with ours. When I pray, alone in a darkened room or closet, I may be physically separated from believers in Pakistan or Colombia, but I am spiritually linked with them (and they with me) in ways I don’t fully comprehend. I can’t hear their prayers; I can’t understand their language, and I don’t know their needs. Nor do they know mine. But God knows them all, and knits them all together in ways that bring Glory and Honor to Him! Praying with our Wednesday group (or any time I pray with other believers) helps me better feel this connection, but it goes beyond what we experience in corporate prayer. None of my “puny” prayers is lost in the fugue of a hundred thousand other prayers prayed in that moment– instead, they blend in with other silent cries and unspoken expressions of praise from all over the globe. They rise up like the notes of a never-ending symphony!

Prayer is so much more powerful and deeper than we imagine! Today, let’s pray–together–knowing that whatever our situation or circumstance, we will never pray alone!

October 28, 2022 0

Tag: persecution