Month: April 2022

One of the most challenging commands given by Jesus is the counsel on how we should behave towards people who seek to do us wrong. 

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:43-45.

By definition, an enemy is someone who is actively seeking my discomfort and/or downfall. So how can I love such a person? Jesus didn’t say ignore that person, which though difficult might be more achievable, but rather to love them.  Love is an action word. It doesn’t allow for a passive approach to our enemies. The action He suggested is that we “pray” for such persons. What should our prayer be— for revenge on the evil that they have done? Some people have sometimes in jest promised to “pray for”, meaning they will seek revenge through prayer. 

Paul affirms Jesus’s counsel,  “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:14, 15.

The action that Paul suggests is to “bless” and “rejoice with”. How do we pray for, bless, and rejoice with those who are hostile, unkind, unfair, and maligning us? Peter asked Jesus, how many times should we forgive a person, “Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18: 22. 

One way is to think of that person as a member of our family— and he or she is, since we share a Heavenly Father! As a sister or brother we will hate the things they do to us, we will clearly inform them of the pain that they have caused us, set new boundaries, then move away from that event still accepting that person as someone to love. 

Another way, is to recognize that person as the “middle man”, being used to derail our dreams, our careers, our happiness. As such the hate that we feel will be directed not to the individual but to the forces of evil working through them. 

“Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” Ephesians 6:11-12. 

The third and best reason is the one Jesus gave, 

““For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins. Matthew 6:14, 15. 

Today’s Goal: To forgive our “enemy”, release any grudges that we hold, and live joyously. 

Blaise Pascal was a 17th century scientist, philosopher, and theologian whose practical approach to religion was known as Pascal’s Wager. He stated that man has one of two choices: believe or not believe in the existence of God. If man chooses to believe and  God is nonexistent then no loss, he would still gain a joyous present life. However, if he chooses unbelief and God does exist then he may experience some present joy but will totally lose-out on the greater joys of life eternal. Pascal’s argument— man stands to gain a larger pay-off  from believing in and worshiping God!

But what if people accept Pascal’s Wager only to find the cup empty— that there is no special joy or uplifting experience but burden-laden people with sour faces, few interests,  little love for themselves or those around them? 

Can living as a believer really improve our quality of life? The Christ of the Christian promises that it is possible. He promises us anxiety-free lives because He will take care of our daily needs and concerns if we ask for His guidance in decision-making:

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?. . . your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33. 

Christ promises that if we treat our bodies as temples and are intentional about what we allow our eyes, our touch, our ears, our taste buds, and smell to experience; we will enjoy strong, vibrant physical bodies and minds:

“ . . .I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. 

He promises a rewarding, purposeful life if we are willing to be generous and caring in dealing with others. All people are deserving of acceptance, forgiveness, and empathy— quirks and all!

“Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You give a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you neglect what is more important in the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness! You should have done these things without neglecting the others.” Matthew 23:23.

He promises daily re-creation of spirit, calmer, more peace-filled lives when we take time to enjoy the serenity of dew-covered dawns, the beauty of sunsets, and the diversity of His plant and animal life.

“The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” Genesis 9: 16. 

That kind of life would truly make Pascal’s Wager worthwhile, wouldn’t it? And there is greater news! Christ promised one more thing:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. . . . I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3.

So make your wager– hit the

Today’s Goal: To live today intentionally, by loving others, laughing frequently, and trusting in God.  

When do our problems loom biggest? During the dark of night when we are enveloped by silence, and we feel all alone.  The same was true for Elisha’s servant. He was troubled and restless, he didn’t sleep well. 

A walk in the cool and calm of a new day would help clear his head, he thought. So out he went in search of peace. It was just before dawn, the air was still, and the velvety night sky was filled with stars. As he walked his eyes turned towards the hills. His heart lurched and he was gripped by terror because everywhere he looked in the soft light of this early morning there were soldiers on horseback. Instead of peace, his before-dawn walk brought him terror. 

He raced back into the house, and urgently shook Elisha to awaken him from his peaceful sleep. Breathlessly, he delivered the unsettling news, “We are surrounded by the enemy!” The response was not what the servant expected. Elisha seemed unmoved. The servant wondered if Elisha’s hearing was impaired by sleep. Didn’t he understand what he had just told him? He repeated, “We are surrounded by the enemy! There is no possibility of escape!” But Elisha who had slept peacefully, was alert and he had heard every word. He confidently rose and prayed for similar understanding, calm, and faith for his servant. 

When our problems loom large during the night-watch it is assuring to know that there is an army that encircles us. Elisha’s servant was unnerved by the presence of what seemed like a marauding army but Elisha, the man of God, saw them for what they were— an outnumbered, defeated band outflanked by the armies of the Omnipotent. The angels of Jehovah Sabaoth had encamped around His children.  He did it for Elisha, He has promised to do the same for us as well. 

You need not fear the terrors of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that stalks in the darkness, or the disease that ravages at noon. Though a thousand may fall beside you, and a multitude on your right side, it will not reach you. Psalm 91:5-7.

Hang in there and watch for the dawn! 

Today’s Goal: To trust God with our problems.

Spring is here! The birds are singing, the trees are budding, and work has begun in the gardens throughout my neighborhood. I look across at my neighbor and his brow shines from sweat as he works at removing the roots of a tree he had cut down. He is going for the roots to prevent new trees from springing again.  I too am feeling the ache of hard work. I am tilling my garden and I too am looking for roots! We commiserate with each other and this gives us encouragement to persist.

A few years ago I planted a peppermint bush in one corner of my garden anticipating refreshing cold drinks in the hot summer months,  and warm, invigorating teas in cold winters. However, the mint did not remain in its corner. Over the years, the roots have spread far and wide invading the whole garden and at times the lawn. The roots threaten to strangle the vegetables that share that area. So now in spring, I am working at ripping out those roots to make room for vegetables. 

My neighbor too had lofty ideas when he planted his tree. It would provide welcome backyard  shade for relaxing and entertaining. However, with time that tree became so big it threatened the foundation of his house and it also raised questions of damage to other property.

As I worked I thought about the spiritual connections. These plants were planted because of the immediate pleasure that we anticipated. We did not look down the years to think of the possible inconveniences or hardships that would result. Hmm . . . .  isn’t that also true of some habits that we form? They are developed because of the immediate pleasures they give, but with time we realize their deleterious effects. They are absorbing the time and space for positive family life, hindering professional development, limiting spiritual growth, and interfering with social obligations.

Back to the garden.  As gardeners, we went for the roots not just the tree above ground. We tried to get all the roots knowing that if any were left they would result in the reappearance of new trees. We removed the soil leaving them no nourishment. Also important, we recognized each other as engaged in equally important work, my neighbor’s problem was no worse than mine. We both shared the same problem— unwanted roots. Also important, we encouraged each other as we worked at removing the problem. 

Good approach for trees and equally good for bad habits wouldn’t you say? Recognize that they give some pleasure but that ultimately, they are not for our eternal good. Then proceed to get rid of them not just on the surface where others can see them, but down at the roots. Lastly, encourage and support each other recognizing that no one is better or worse, but that we are equal as we seek to live healthy, faith-filled, joyous, and productive lives.

What bad habits do we need to get rid of? The best time is now– we will be in good company!

Today’s Goal: To live a healthy, intentional life with positive habits.

We love telling stories— Joshua’s battle at Jericho, David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, Esther and the King— but if we are not careful, after a while they may become just pleasant entertainment which only sometimes teach about resilience and courage. We could lose our focus on the eternal core principle of trusting in the faithful, relational God who loves to be involved and participate in our lives. 

David of the Bible had a wide range of experiences with God. He began as a simple shepherd boy  and grew to a mighty warrior and king. What are his reminders to us about God?

§ – As a lowly herder with little prospects for advancement, David asked God for direction and support: 

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8

§ – Many a night David sat alone and lonely under the stars.  His comfort was that their Creator knew where he was and how he was feeling: 

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” Psalm 8:3, 4.

§ – David was appointed king of Israel, but it took years for it to happen. He patiently waited on the promise, trusting in God’s faithfulness: 

“Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalm 27:14.

§ – As king, David searched God’s word for encouragement, strength, and wisdom:

“When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.” Psalm63:6, 7.

§ – As warrior, David had his moments of doubt, terror, and fear: 

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3, 4

§ – David knew that God saw his weaknesses, heard his concerns, and continued to love him. This knowledge gave him confidence, even as he was being hunted by his enemies:

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8

§ – As leader, David felt the weight of responsibility to be a good example to his soldiers. He prayed for courage and wisdom to lead:

“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. . . . ” Psalm 34:1. “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing . . .” Psalm 141:3, 4. 

§ – King David accepted his responsibility to be a merciful and fair leader. He prayed to be a champion of justice and peace:

“Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.” Psalm 41:1-3.

§ – When David succumbed to temptation, at the scolding of Nathan his counselor, he immediately admitted his sin, sought and received God’s forgiveness: 

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1, 2.

§ – David learned spiritual and eternal lessons from the ordinary things of life: 

“You have made him (man) to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas.” Psalm 8: 6-8.

§ – David’s thanksgiving to God was never half-hearted, but vigorous and enthusiastic. He worshiped with all his abilities and all his strength:

“Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” Psalm 150:1-6.

Today’s Goal: To give God full and complete authority to lead in my life.

Behind my home was a flower bed that once had several rose bushes. They never did well and slowly they all died leaving just one. It seemed I had chosen the wrong place to plant roses. The one surviving plant was not doing well either. It was about two feet tall, straggly, with few leaves and definitely no roses. I guessed it would soon be gone as well. 

One day, exasperated by this sickly plant, I decided to try one more thing. I took an old mop stick, drove it into the ground beside the plant, and carefully tied the plant to the stick. As I worked, I got one or two pricks from the thorns on the bush. Each prick drew some blood and made me a little peeved since I scarcely believed that my efforts would be rewarded. Having completed the task, I went on my way and forgot about the plant. 

A few weeks later, I happened to the back of the yard and again visited the rose bush in its corner. I couldn’t believe the transformation! To my surprise and delight the sickly plant had been transformed into a bushy rose tree about five feet tall. The leaves were shiny green, the branches stood proudly facing the sun, and there were beautiful pink rose buds on the tree. Unbelievable what a simple mop stick could do! A sickly plant was now transformed into a healthy, beautiful rose bush!

Throughout the day my thoughts kept going back to that rose bush. All it needed was some support! Isn’t that true of us humans as well? In this journey called life, we sometimes get bombarded and battered by problems and hardships which leave us exhausted and in need of a bit of time-out. Just an opportunity to rest and recharge. Without that we may end up feeling dejected, discouraged, demoralized, and may even choose to give-up in defeat. 

At such times, like my rose bush, maybe all that we may need is a little support! Someone to lean on, someone who will listen, who will understand, will not judge but just allow for venting, and maybe a helping hand to get us back on our feet. 

This time of recharging may not always be an easy one however.  We certainly will not always be at our best. Like my rose bush, we may “draw blood” with  “pricks” of ingratitude, angry words, or thoughtless actions. Those times call for someone who is willing to overlook the barbs and understand that they are coming from a tired, crushed, and aching traveler. With the needed support, we may be strengthened, reinvigorated, and made ready to successfully return to those challenges of life.

With a little kindness and support our lives can be transformed from sickly, listless existence into ones of gratitude, hope, and purpose.

We are our brother’s keeper.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:2, 3.

Today’s Goal: To willingly go the extra mile to help someone during their time of difficulty. 

Is the church a special community of perfect people or is it a community that reflects the wider world with all its flaws, imperfections, and challenges? If we accept that it is a legitimate reflection of today’s world, how do we deal with that reality? 

As in the world at large, the church community has questions around such issues as faith, justice, LGBTQ, racial prejudice, and self-interest. These questions and the subsequent unrest, arise from the inner struggles that we all experience. We all are in search of rest and equipoise which the church declares, only comes from God. 

We can only achieve this rest if we honestly uncover and acknowledge our plight. The community in which we do this must be safe. It will be if its members realize that we are all flawed and are seeking the Source of healing. The problem comes when we dogmatically think that we have the answers to these human failings. We don’t! We are all sin-sick and must resist the temptation to compare and argue about who is sicker. Sick people must all look in one direction— to the place of grace. As we look we will be drawn together placing our hope in the same Person— not in sophistry or in church doctrines but in the bedrock of God’s Word. 

We must pray for the Holy Spirit and for the guidance that He provides. Pray for love to accept each other because we all come with heavy baggage— perplexing issues that require love and tolerance. The apostle, Paul counsels, 

“But we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not just please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good to build him up. . . . so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Romans 15: 1,2, 6.

The temptation is to reject the institution of the church— to roll with just me and Jesus. But even as there is a danger in community, there is the gift of strength. Together, we can encourage and strengthen each other to meet these challenges. Even as Eve, separate from Adam became more vulnerable, so we as individuals, become more vulnerable when we try to face life’s challenges unsupported.

Present social, economic, and political upheaval will shake the world and also the church but “We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll”, says the old hymn. The church must be the destination for the tide of people seeking refuge, solace, moorings, and something to which to cling. We cannot throw them out— it is not our place to do so! It is God’s house and He said it is to be “a house of prayer for all nations”. Ultimately, it will rise from the storm triumphantly carrying with it those of all nations, tongues and people who refuse to let go but, “who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.” Revelation 14: 4.

The storm is rolling in with wild sprays of discontent, disillusionment, and doubt. Let’s keep our eyes in His Word and our hands in His. Let’s love and accept each other as we seek God in our varied states of wellness. The time for controversy has passed, the time for holding to the Word is now. When the waves would overpower us He promises, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18: 10. 

Today’s Goal: To find a Bible-believing community, accept that we are there because we all need help,  and together look to God for strength and recreation in His image— He is able!

Sometimes we become so confused and paralyzed trying to choose between doing either this or that thing, that we end up doing neither this thing nor that! When the discussion of talents comes up, many people sincerely admit, “I don’t think I have a talent.” They muse, “I keep trying, but I don’t come up with anything.” 

It could be true that our talents are not easily identified, but what do we do while we wait to discover our calling? I suspect the answer is the same as that for tidying up a cluttered room— Start with what is nearest to you!

John MacArthur in his book, Twelve Ordinary Men, describes Jesus’ disciples as, “men with unexceptional talents and average abilities”. But despite being ordinary, those men became the vanguard for Christ. Jesus did not seek out the talented, He chose 12 ordinary fishermen and tax collectors with no special talents except a willingness to serve Him. We might see ourselves in one of these personalities: 

Simon Peter was a natural leader. He had a strong personality and the other disciples willingly followed him. His problem was his quick temper, impulsivity,  and a filthy mouth. Many times in the scriptures Christ had to scold him.  Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter, “Little Rock”, hoping to awaken him to who he could become.

James and John, “sons of thunder”,  also fishermen, were intolerant, hot tempered, social climbers, who often acted before thinking. Interestingly, John the older brother, after being with Jesus, became the “apostle of love” who wrote profusely about humility, love for God, and for man. 

Andrew was a quiet, introverted man who enjoyed introducing people to Jesus but was equally happy to step back into the shadows and let others shine. 

Phillip was a skeptic, slow to accept people, doubted everything, and had a wait-and-see attitude.

Bartholomew had strong prejudices and elitist ideas, and at first questioned Jesus’ worthiness to be the Christ. He enjoyed quiet times studying the scriptures.

Matthew  was a tax collector, a social outcast because he not only collected taxes for the enemy but he made sure to line his pocket by extortion. 

Thomas, was known for his pessimistic look on life. He was a worrier. The glass was always half-empty, and everyone was to be suspect. However, when he loved it was committed and loyal.

Little is known of James “the less”, except that he was an ardent follower of Christ and a humble servant.  

Thaddeus, a name that meant “breast child” was often seen as a “mamma’s boy”, maybe he was the youngest in his family and therefore pampered. 

Simon the Zealot was a political terrorist! He sought to overthrow the Roman government through violent means and he always travelled with his dagger close at hand for sudden use. 

Ironically, Judas Iscariot, meant “Jehovah leads”, but is remembered by the tragic appellation, “the one who betrayed Christ.” Despite Christ’s influence, his uncurbed ambition, greed, and love of money, brought him to a tragic end. 

These twelve disciples are portrayed as ordinary men, with wide-ranging personality differences. They had strengths and weaknesses of ordinary people but with time, became the foundation members of the Christian church and the voices that have penetrated two centuries to bring us the Gospel of salvation.

If we would learn anything from these ordinary men it is that talent is not what is needed to be of service but a commitment to Christ and the question, “What is there to be done?”

It was in their committed walk with Christ that the disciples uncovered their talent. These ordinary men, leaving Jerusalem, took the gospel to far-flung places. Thomas ended up in India!

Today’s Goal:  To submit my will to Christ, serve wherever I see a need, and allow Christ to reveal my talent.