Category: In Search of . . .

God, my Example

If I could summarize the conversation between Jesus and a seeking young man in the Gospel of Matthew it would be like this: “Master, what shall I do to have eternal life?” 

Jesus— “What have you done for Me lately?” Young man– “I have never stolen, never lied, never coveted, never . . .” “Great”, responds Jesus, “But what have you done for Me?” The young man left saddened because the demands of doing good were too much. 

Are we like that young man— More comfortable counting the things we don’t do as “good Christians”? Christ wanted more from that young man and also from us.

As the hands and feet of Jesus, He would have us cheerfully share our time and means with those in need, speak words that build faith and confidence, forgive even the undeserving, and celebrate the success of others without concern for our own ambitions; for it’s in doing that we are gifted eternal life.”

As the song encourages, “If I can help somebody as I  pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”

Dear Lord, this week, help me to leave in my wake a trail of individuals touched by Your healing as I give of my time, patience, understanding, and acceptance. Amen

God, my Ideal 

What picture do I give of God? Does my “Christian” lifestyle say He’s vindictive, judgmental, self-consumed, and unforgiving? Could that be why many turn away from Him? 

At our best, our acts of acceptance and kindness are often motivated by thinly veiled self-interest. When that facade slips, it leaves observers confused and disillusioned.  The true picture of God cannot be our lives.  

So what’s the answer? We must invite others to look not at us but with us in the direction of Christ. He, the only perfect replica of God said, “If you have seen me you have seen the Father”. As together we gaze at Him we all will be humbled by His unfaltering acceptance, and amazed by His gentle caring and patient forgiveness. 

 Jesus said, “If I be lifted up I will draw all men to me” meaning, His willing sacrifice on the cross gave Him the authority and the power to call us His. Secondly, our act of pointing to Him gives an invitation that prepares hearts to respond in love to Him. 

Dear Lord, help me to resist the temptation to call attention to my occasional acts of kindness. Rather, let me point all to Your sustained and sustaining acts of sacrifice for us. Amen

God, my Shepherd

Sunday breakfast begins with a large bowl of mango and pineapple slices, followed by golden, crispy baked biscuits, plump grilled sausages, grits generously drizzled with a buttery sauce, and a mug of steaming chocolate exquisitely sweetened. 

At least, that was the plan. Going to bed, I pulled down the room-darkening shades, forgot to set the alarm, and overslept! I awoke to find everyone gone! They felt I needed the rest!

A modern-day twist to the Parable of the Five Foolish Virgins? Those individuals also had a plan that they failed to execute. Like them, we believe the Bible and its promise of Christ’s second coming, we recognize the prophesied end-time natural disasters, the social, economic, and political chaos, but distracted by the day-to-day, we yield to inertia. Like with our exercise plan, we procrastinate. 

Anticipating the inertia, “the Holy Spirit says, “Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks! “Do not harden your hearts . . . . But exhort one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” that none of you may become hardened by sin’s deception.” Hebrew 3: 7-13.

 Dear Lord, I wish to enjoy hope, peace, and belonging that a close walk with You brings. Please shepherd me into that relationship with You. Amen

God my Essence

Extremist or gullible? Pragmatist or purpose-driven? What kind of people “follow the Lamb wherever He goes”?  The above text says they are a people in-love with that Lamb. They are ordinary people who claim God as the Essence and Source of their lives and self-fulfillment. Away from Him, they miss His direction and authorship, and they yearn for His fellowship in the earth made new.

Paul describes this kind of relationship as a marriage. One where the love relationship is so strong the pair are inseparable, they share each other’s thoughts. Their relationship has long past the demands of the law stated in the marriage certificate and makes them engage in selfless, sacrificial acts for each other. 

This “following” entails a willing, daily walk in Christ’s sacrificial footsteps: Caring for the needs of others; forgiving those who malign us; providing words of peace and calm for fear and anger— as He did while on earth. 

Dear Lord, create in me a soft heart that loves You with such intensity that I will follow You in good times and bad, that I will perform acts of blessing that give You glory, and bring joy to those who receive it.  Amen

“NASA confirms 5,000 planets and counting.” It seems rather fortuitous that at this time when there are so many disasters being wreaked on Earth that our eyes are being drawn away to the wonders of deep space, other worlds— pristine, complex labyrinth of galaxies, and cosmic superlatives. 

According to NASA, their powerful telescopes are showing planets everywhere. What we are seeing though are “only a fraction of what lies in our galaxy”! They think the number of planets could be in the billions. Some are smaller than Earth and some several times larger! Some seemingly inhabitable and others too hot or too noxious for human habitation. All having galaxies hundreds of lights-years in width with trillions of stars! Mind blowing isn’t it!! 

2 Planets Orbit a Sun-like Star

But is it fortuitous— chance, mere coincidence, or accident? God, in times of difficulty has called men away from despair and caused them to look up to Him. He comforted Jacob, “I am with you! I will protect you wherever you go. . .” Genesis 28:15. 

He reminded Jeremiah, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? Jeremiah 32:27.

He assured Elijah, “There are thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal . . . .” and He challengedJob, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” Job 38: 4. 

To us during this deluge of storms, floods, droughts, famine, fires, pandemics, and wars; what does He say? It seems to me He is saying, “Look up! I am God, I am still here. This is what I have been able to do and am able to continue to do for you. These majestic worlds that you are now discovering are what I have created and sustained. If I can do this what more can I do for you?” 

These new discoveries call us to hope rather than despair, to energetic engagement rather than despondent lethargy, to optimistic excitement rather than dull pessimism, and above all to joyous worship and energetic preparation for what is about to break on this Earth. 

What is about to break? Well, if we are to believe Jesus words, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21: 8. 

I must believe that the return of the Creator of the Universe is near. I must faithfully heed His command, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25:13. 

I’m no scientist but I do believe there’s life out there!

I am blown away by the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) deep space pictures. The dimensions they show are represented by units of measurement that boggle my mind. The picture below is of the Cosmic Cliffs, a ‘small’ slice of the Carina Nebula. The Carina Nebula, located in our southern skies, was  discovered in 1756 but with none of the details shown today. The Carina is not as famous as the Orion Nebula but it is four times bigger and brighter. The picture shows a majestic cavernous area with its backdrop of numerous galaxies. Its wall is spangled with glistening stars while its center bubbles with wild activity from intense ultraviolet radiation, strong stellar winds, billowing celestial mountains of steam, and jets of dust streaming away from newborn star! All this happening a mere 7,600 light-years from Earth!

As I said, these details boggle the mind but let’s zoom in to a conversation on earth:

“But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless . . .?”. . . Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15: 2, 5, 6.

Abram must have been awe-struck as he looked up and saw the starry sky above him. But little did he know that he wasn’t able to see the nano-half, the femto-half of what God was showing him! His star-spangled-heritage would be trillions stretching down through time to us. Mind-blowing, right?

In the book of Revelation, John describes an equally unbelievable scene whose dimension throw into shade those of JWST:

“Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was standing in heaven with someone seated on it! And the one seated on it was like jasper and carnelian in appearance, and a rainbow looking like it was made of emerald encircled the throne. . . From the throne came out flashes of lightning and roaring and crashes of thunder. . . Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.” Revelation 4:2, 3, 6. 

But it’s not done yet:“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7: 9, 10. 

The Webb telescope blows our mind with new cosmic revelations, but shrouded behind these mind-blowing pictures lies an exquisite cosmos yet to be revealed equally unbelievable and surpassing in its wonder. It is the celestial city of the Creator of it all. Too mind-blowing to be true?

I’m no Scientist but this infinitesimal slice of a ginormous Nebula is for real, and so too is  Abraham’s heritage!

For the past few months we have together journeyed “In Search of . . .”  such ideas as peace, forgiveness, self-worth, grace, beauty, perfection, and tolerance. It is the most natural odyssey that humans can take— the pursuit of something more, something better, something fulfilling. Knowingly or unknowingly, this search has been for a deeper, fuller understanding of God because we instinctively know that in finding Him, we arrive at home. 

Home— that place where we can exhale, let our guards down, drop the façade, unclench our fists, and still be safe, loved, embraced, and valued. 

 My hope is that this journey strengthened our belief that there is a transcendent power or God who calls us into positive relationship with Him and with our fellow human beings. A life that He says results in living “more abundantly”. Understanding that He has a high calling on our lives but He is not pushy— He gives us room to grow into that potential that He has given us. 

Fundamentally, God’s plan for us is: to have a worldview that says all men are equal, all are valued, and are of one family headed by a living God; to willingly live peaceably with all, accepting our differences while acknowledging our common elements— the need for acceptance and a shared responsibility for the care of our earth. 

My hope is that as we journeyed we found out things about ourselves: that we are not accidents on this earth but that our lives, when seen in the context of God’s will, are meaningful and valued; that we all have gifts that release us from positions of control to positions of brotherhood and mutuality of  understanding and acceptance. I hope that we uncovered our potential, our gifts as tolerant peace-makers, cheer-bringers, support-providers, willing care-givers, empathetic listeners, thoughtful writers, and indomitable encouragers.

 My hope is that we will practice a willingness to forgive and to love because it frees us to smile despite the rain; to sing when a sigh would be easier; to laugh even in the face of despair; to believe even in the darkness; to hope when all others have given up; and to embrace hardship because it brings a fullness of life we would never want to miss. 

Beginning next week I will pursue a new focus. This new project entitled, “I’m Not a Scientist but . . .”, explores the mysteries of our universe, genetics, CRISPR babies, hawks that teach drones, and more! 

NASA scientists say they are awed by things they are discovering.  Job says, you haven’t seen anything yet, “Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, And how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?” Job 26: 14. 

Please join me!

Today’s Goal: To live peaceably and fully enjoying our fellow man and our world. 

“Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.” Jeremiah 9: 23, 24. 

As humans, we take pride in our accomplishments. Our expert knowledge in the arts and sciences are astounding. Our harnessing of technology, our understanding of the human body, our exploration of the mysteries of the universe are surpassing impressive! God did make us to take dominion of our world and our accomplishments show this. Here is where the problem sets in: we feel self-actualized— that our accomplishments are the result of our own might; and self-sufficient— we are in need of nothing, no one, no God.

Jeremiah spoke to a people similar to us. A people who felt they were doing well for themselves and needed little more— they had the knowledge, they had the power and influence, and they had the money. With their knowledge, power, and money they could influence and change anything they found unagreeable. Through Jeremiah, God called out to them saying, you may feel your success now but don’t get too boastful, those things are temporal. They can be lost. In a second, the brilliance of the mind can fade, fortunes can be reversed, power and influence lost. 

Those of us who have neither expert knowledge, power, or riches, listen and think with relief, “Phew, I have none of those things. He’s not talking to me.” But let’s not get comfortable and glory in our humility too quickly. God goes on to say, “But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me”

Whether we have knowledge, power, or wealth, God expects an abiding patient love and tolerance of our fellow humans shown in just and fair interactions. In other words, He expects a life aligned with His in right-living.  With or without expert knowledge, power, and riches we are expected to contribute patient kindness, fairness and love to our fellow human beings.

Jeremiah is calling out to all of us isn’t he? Those with knowledge, power, and money and those who in their humble existence feel they can change nothing. He calls us to be contributors of patience, tolerance, caring, fairness thus displaying the light and love of God. 

“‘For in these I delight,’ says the LORD.”

Today’s Goal: To be fair, honest, and merciful in our dealings with all people we meet.

“You are betraying our friendship”, she cried over and over as Shechem persisted. Breathing heavily, and repeating jerkily, “It’s OK”, he lowered her to the ground. His sweaty hard arms wrapped tightly around her made struggle futile, and descending into a quiet whimper she repeated, “You are betraying our friendship.” 

The weather was great, Dinah had completed her chores early and she decided to take a stroll into town to visit her girl friends (Genesis 34). The girls laid a blanket under the terebinth tree, brought out some snacks and drink to enjoy each other’s company. They chatted and laughed way into the evening when a group of eligible young men strolled by. Giggling, the girls quietly speculated about each, and spoke of their dreams of marriage, and their plans for children. 

As they chatted, Shechem strolled over and it was clear his interest was in Dinah. The other girls drifted away, each suddenly thinking of things they had to do. Dinah and Shechem were now alone. The conversation was relaxed and she agreed to take a walk. Looking back Dinah wondered where she had gone wrong. She may have seemed a bit eager but did that suggest that she was ‘easy’?

The pain of the memory and the heaviness of heart made her desperate. She had to tell someone. Her distraught father was gentle, sympathetic, and distractedly promised her all the support she needed. Her brothers erupted in loud violent threats that only increased the pain and self-loathing she felt. Storming away, they left her alone and terrified by their angry ranting. Their threats would end in murder and destruction.

Rape— A sharply barbed word to say, and an unbearable load to carry. What is our attitude to young women and men who live through this experience? Blaming them is not fair. Most of them already blame themselves. Offering words of solace is helpful but not enough. What are the emotional and physical needs of people going through that experience— Medical attention, counseling, social support, financial support, a patient non-judgmental ear? Do we know how to give support without judging?

RAINN, the nation’s anti-sexual violence organization documents that in America, there is an attempt at or completion of rape every 68 seconds. One out of every 6 American women has experienced the attempt or act of rape. One in every 33 American males has experienced rape or attempted rape in his life time. And 9 out of every 10 victims are females. The majority of those victims experienced this  at or near home. This data confirm that this peril is real and pervasive and should therefore receive serious attention by influential social organizations. 

Churches and community agencies are well positioned to provide such support but are often judgmental, daunting, and shrouded in shame. Needed are proactive programs that teach healthy, responsible gender interactions as well as promote self-agency among our young people. Programs that support victims in reclaiming their lives are also desperately needed. 

Today’s Goal: To be the non-judgmental support that someone needs as they navigate a devastating life experience. 

Today the Supreme Court in America overturned the law protecting abortion rights. Their decision sparked strong responses on both sides of the issue. The disenfranchised cried while the affirmed celebrated. Is it really that simple an issue? Is anyone the winner on this issue?

The affirmed were happy because the Courts made fugitives of those “breaking God’s law”. But is that sound argument? Can we find anywhere in the Bible where God forces anyone to live by His law? I think not. On earth, Jesus made very clear that He was saddened and even angered by intentional sinning, e.g., His capsizing of the money tables in the temple. However, Jesus clearly states that law-keeping is more complex: 

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5: 27, 28. 

Law-keeping begins in the mind— long before the act. True law-keeping cannot be mandated! 

So what is my position on the Supreme Court’s decision? I find it empty and vane. Enforcing outward compliance to the sacredness of life does not advance God’s will. God give us the freedom to choose His better way of life because by so doing we will have happiness. “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

So do we then leave people to continue to disregard the sacredness of life? No. But our responsibility is more complex than making laws.

“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!” Matthew 23: 23. 

 By adopting just and merciful behaviors we reveal a true respect for life: Provide safe refuge for those who are caught in this terrible dilemma; give emotional and physical support for those abused; provide counseling for those devastated by dismal futures; create financial and social structures that provide support through this experience; erase the judgmental, negative stigma for those reluctant mothers. Anything else is disregard for life and is but a camouflage of our own insensitive self-centeredness. 

Will some still chose abortion over help? Sadly, yes. But true respect for life means they, like us,  have that choice. When we alienate them with the law we are only throwing a tantrum in an attempt to get our way. . . Not God’s way!  True freedom is a difficult ideal is it not?!

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”John 13: 34, 35.

Today’s Goal: To revisit our position on choice and adopt behaviors that enhance the sacredness of life.