Author: tommestevenson@gmail.com

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Would it still be Heaven?

Would it still be Heaven if Christ was not there? Is our perception of Heaven our “Happy Place,” or is it the dominion of all things good and righteous? It is a holy place on a hill where we show appreciation for all God has done, or is it the better of two alternatives? Would it still be Heaven if our creator and savior were absent?

If there were no hell, the loss of Heaven would be Hell. – C.H. Spurgeon

If a tree falls in the middle of the forest and no one is around, does it make a sound?

In this case, a falling tree would generate vibrations in the air that we perceive as sound if an observer were nearby. Some argue that sound is a phenomenon that exists independently of human perception, while others suggest that it requires a perceiving mind to interpret and define it.

If you could have all the attributes of Heaven, but Christ was not there, would you still want Heaven? You could have a life for eternity without pain, suffering, hunger, fear, disease, depression, or guilt. You would be in the eternal presence of all your loved ones, fully healed physically and mentally. But there would be no Christ. Would it still be Heaven? Does Heaven exist independent of human perception of salvation?

The first two legs of this stool are: is there a God, and does eternity exist?

Is There a God?

We have crossed this bridge many times. God makes His presence evident through His creation. Through His creation, we should seek Him, and in seeking Him, find Christ.

Job 12:7-10, "But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."

God makes finding Him very simple. Ask the animals, birds, and fish, and they will teach you. Those who read my posts know that I love the outdoors. It is where I feel the closest to God because I see tangible evidence of His existence. Try to understand the universe; you must expect at least a sovereign power.

Side note:  The observable universe, the part we can see and measure, is estimated to be about 93 billion light-years in diameter. There are 5.88×1012 miles in one light year.

Does Eternity Exist?

Eternity is a complex question for humans because of our limited knowledge. For example, the Hafele-Keating experiment placed precise atomic clocks on fast-moving airplanes or in high gravitational fields and showed time differences compared to clocks at rest. Even the Big Bang Theory does not deal with time before the Big Bang; it deals only with the time associated with the creation of our known universe.

So, does eternity exist? My uneducated answer is that we have yet to discover limiting factors to time. We don’t know what we don’t know, but we know that time extends longer than we can conceive. Weird question to ponder: what are the implications of time being finite? What would happen if time stopped? One of the critical aspects of time is that it measures movement. Would movement stop? If movement stops, does thought stop?

The bigger question is, does time stop for me? Is death the end of my time? Do I cease to exist in any form? God made this promise to us.

1 John 2:25, "This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life."

If you accept that there is a God, you should accept what he says as accurate. Any entity that can create the universe, and much more not seen by us, has no reason to lie to mere humans. It would serve no purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:18, "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Time is the invisible hand of existence. If you do not believe you have an eternal soul, then believing in salvation is impossible. What would God be saving you for?

What Were we created for?

Today’s last leg of the stool is: if there is a God and He saved me for eternity, why?

Romans 11:36, "For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever!"
1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

He created us to glorify Him. Plain and simple. Everything Christians achieve in life is a byproduct of glorifying God. You do good deeds to glorify Christ. Sharing the gospel is a form of glorification.

Would it still be Heaven?

“For the Christian, Heaven is where Jesus is. We do not need to speculate on what Heaven will be like. It is enough to know that we will be forever with Him.” – William Barclay.

The simple answer is No. You might be disappointed if you look forward to Heaven to avoid Hell. Heaven gets its value not in avoiding an endless dark void but in celebrating the glory of our creator and savior. Nothing else will do.

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Kingdom Impact – The Parable of Talents

Kingdom Impact is a cornerstone of our ministry; we use business sustainability to fund people impacting the Kingdom of God. From my time in third-world countries, I see how significant the Kingdom Impact can be when we invest very little money. We all have access to resources provided by God to sustain us. THe question is, how do we invest those resources? Do we trust God to meet our needs even when we are doing his work?

I hear and contribute to discussions concerning planning for retirement, college, weddings, investing in land, stocks and bonds, Gold, precious gems, and so on. What if we looked at the parable of the talents differently?

THE PARABLE OF TALENTS – Matthew 25:14-30

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them his property. To one, he gave five talents; to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

The Investment

He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his Master’s money.

The Reward

After a long time, the Master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His Master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.’

And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered two talents to me; here, I have made two more.’ His Master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.’

The Reckoning

He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’

But his Master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.

For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

BIBLICALLY WHAT IS KINGDOM IMPACT INVESTMENT?

What if the actual investment was in saving souls, not gaining material wealth? The first man invested in a city-wide rally for Christ, and 100 people came to know Christ. The second man invested in a mission trip to a third-world country where some people accepted Christ. And the last man bought stock or Gold or precious gems where no one came to know Christ. Does the parable make more sense? Does it take on more kingdom impact?

Proverbs 16:8, "Better is a little with righteousness than vast revenues without justice."

THE KINGDOM IMPACT CHALLENGE

God challenges us to balance our need to survive and our need to have an impact. Survival in the United States is almost an oxymoron. We are so far beyond survival. But still, this is the condition we know. This environment is where we spend our entire lives. We can not quickly reorient ourselves to seeing survival as less.

Matthew 6:19-21, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

These thoughts come to me directly because of a very dear friend of mine. He is always looking for ways to increase his income in his retirement years, like converting cash to Gold because he thinks it is a better return. He owns land that he wants to convert into a rental property, providing a monthly stream. A start-up company he invested in that has been trying to get traction for years. He is incredibly talented; he has written one Christian book and is working on another. He and a couple of his friends have started a non-profit. But they are just side projects—things he would love to spend more time on if he had more money.

“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.” – Hudson Taylor.

The Alternative

I’m not him; I am not giving advice. But what if he took the money he plans to buy Gold with and invested it into a marketing campaign to sell his current Christian book? What if he used it to promote his non-profit? What if he used it to help himself through the writing of his new book? Would God not find a way to keep him doing God’s work? Could the sale of the books surpass any interest income? Would the souls reaped justify the investment?

Philippians 4:19, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

I am not picking on him or anyone. We all have this within us. The challenge of caring for ourselves in this world and helping impact the next. It is a struggle; only God can tell us which road to travel.

“The way you store up treasure in Heaven is by investing in getting people there.” – Rick Warren.

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The Truth about the Silent Lie

The silent lie is the most dangerous lie of all. It allows us to pretend we did nothing wrong while deceiving another. The silent lie is passive; it takes no effort. In many cases, we congratulate ourselves for holding our tongue. There are around fifty-four verses in the Bible that directly address lying.

Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.”

We know when we have intentionally told a lie. It is called the black lie; we hate that term. We prefer to call it a little white lie. A little white lie sounds so much more acceptable. We know our words are not the truth the second they leave our lips. As we speak, we often wish there was another way to shed our guilt by telling the truth and still achieve our desired result. Lying is about achieving selfish results. At night, in the dark solitude of our bed, we pray for forgiveness.

“A lie that is half-truth is the darkest of all lies.” ― Alfred Tennyson

Lying by Omission

What about lying by omission, the silent lie? There are two broad categories of lying by omission. The first is when you say nothing when the other party draws a faulty conclusion in your favor. You watch them as they misinterpret your words, leading them to a conclusion. Maybe you intentionally crafted your words to mislead, feeling that their lack of comprehension is their problem. You spoke the truth in the exactness of your phrasing while knowing it would mislead. Lying by omissions can lead people to remember the true parts they heard while erasing the parts omitted or misrepresented.

Psalm 120:2, “Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, From a deceitful tongue.”

Politicians have popularized another silent lie; it is deflection. They answer a direct question with an irrelevant fact. The implication is that the “fact” somehow answers the question. A politician is asked if they think their employment policies are effective considering the current 8% unemployment. They respond that there were 800,000 new jobs created in the last quarter. The implication is that they think their policy works without going on record as saying it does. The deflection gives plausible deniability later if needed.

Psalm 12:2, “They speak falsehood to one another; With flattering lips and with a double heart they speak.”

Constant lying can take a toll on the person lying, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. Keeping up with lies can be stressful and may lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety. It can ruin reputations and minimize future potential. There is a whole list of adverse effects of lying, both physical and emotional.

The Biggest Silent Lie

“When truth is replaced by silence, the silence is a lie.” ― Yevgeny Yevtushenko.

The biggest silent lie is when a Christian sees a person on the path of destruction and keeps quiet. Somehow, it is not their problem that the other person is destroying their future. Saying nothing does not betray Christ; it just avoids telling the truth. The silent lie is not telling the truth when the truth matters. Deliver the truth with compassion and love, but deliver it you must. Not speaking up is lying by omission, the silent lie. Watering down the truth to save face or avoid ridicule is a silent lie.

Proverbs 26:28, “A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

We speak the truth if we genuinely care about those we say we love. We do not allow the lost to believe a faultshood.

Proverbs 14:5, “A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness utters lies.”

There are many studies about the number of times a person lies daily. The majority conclusion is that everyone lies at least once or twice a day. That is right, everyone. We live in a broken world. The sixty-four-thousand-dollar question has two components. Do you lie to yourself by omission, refusing to allow yourself to believe the truth about yourself, and, by extension, lie to God about who you are? Does the silent lie hide aspects of your life that need open and honest communication with Christ? Trust is often the first casualty of lying. God already knows; you might as well come clean.

Psalm 101:7, “He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.”
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God’s Underdogs

The most profound narrative ever told revolves around God’s underdogs. Storytelling holds a special place in my heart; I passionately root for the underdogs. I deeply admire champions and fervently desire those victories against all odds that only God can provide. Consider David versus Goliath, Gideon versus the Midianites, Moses versus Pharaoh, or Paul versus everybody. Don Quixote stands tall among my heroes, and I’ve carried a wooden statue of him since high school.

1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Being That Person

Within me lives a fighter, or perhaps more accurately, a tenacious, promise-keeping poet who embraces the road less traveled. It’s not about winning but about overcoming. Anyone can win when faced with a weaker opponent. However, can I go the extra mile? Can I make sacrifices for a noble cause? Can I humble myself for the sake of others? Can I be that person?

Isaiah 42:13, “The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes.”

When thinking about God’s desires for me, I envision Him at the edge of His seat as I grapple with adversity. I see Him cheering as I rise once more. He detests the pain but adores the effort. I belong to Him, and He beams with pride. God is prepared to fight for me and provides opportunities for me to grow stronger. He’s well aware that the path ahead is fraught with danger and disappointment, but He also knows the glory of victory that awaits those willing to persevere.

Deuteronomy 20:4, “For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

Vince Lombardi famously expressed, “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hours – his greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear – is that moment when he has worked his heart out in good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”

Countless stories of salvation and reconciliation exist, each a prized trophy in God’s display case. Each narrative moves God to tears. He points to each one with joy and pain and says, “They are one of mine.”

Luke 10:19, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

I believe the challenging part is that we must possess a warrior’s spirit to fulfill God’s potential. We don’t often view ourselves as warriors but as ordinary individuals. To be exceptional in God’s eyes can seem like a stretch, but it’s false.

Why do you think God painted this picture?

Ephesians 6:11-17, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.”

God repeatedly encourages us to “stand,”… “Take your stand,”… “Stand your ground,”… “Stand firm,”… “and after you have done everything, to stand.”

After we’ve done everything, the command is simple: stand.

We live within one of the most remarkable narratives ever written, the story of our lives as authored by God of the universe. We find ourselves in a battle against evil, not by our choosing, and we cannot win it alone. But we can play our part.

Be one of God’s underdog stories. That is all God asks of us.

2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
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Surviving the Act of Caring

Surviving the act of caring is exhausting. The Bible teaches us to care for those around us, but at what cost? Most of us tabulate the cost in time or money; what must I give of myself to advance the well-being of another? My experience is that the long-term cost is emotional. It is living with the knowledge that the world is not a fair place. It is coping with the knowledge that we are only making a small dent in an enormous injustice.

Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Surviving the act of caring requires us to rationalize suffering. I struggle with staying awake at night and replaying my conversations with people in need. I try to understand the genesis of their environment. Where did this dystopia start? Why does it still exist? How can we, as caring, feeling people, allow this to continue? I engage with individuals living in the 21st century who lack access to basic utilities like running water in their homes. In their environment, criminal groups operate with impunity, free from the constraints of law enforcement, leaving the population vulnerable to government abuses and the influence of power-hungry individuals.

I am Only One

“I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”. ― Edward Everett Hale

I am but one person. I ponder these questions in the dark of the night when my mind will not rest. Am I doing enough? Is what I’m doing even significant?

We learn from the Bible that we are to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. There is no magic number of who we weep or rejoice with. God does not set a specific quota for us to fulfill; our sole responsibility is obedience, which comes with a cost. It also has a reward.

Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

The reward is knowing we have done what God has placed before us. We have set aside our comfort to embrace those less fortunate. God requires that believers reflect His glory toward others. Christ suffered and died for us; what are we willing to do for others? The time I spend with these people is a great joy; it gives me hope for the future of humanity. In their present situation, they praise God for all they have. Most of my neighbors don’t see God in anything they claim as theirs. Who is worse off, the impoverished who rely on God or the wealthy with pride in their accomplishments?

Matthew 13:49, "So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous."

I am not God.

I lose sleep because I am not God, I can’t speak righteousness into existence. Because I am not God, I can not command the earth to provide for its poor. I must trust that all that is and will be is the providence of the creator of the universe. My place is to be obedient to His call. And in that obedience, I will be protected.

Psalm 91:11, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

I am debating a “Gap Year.” The emotional drain of knowing is exhausting. I have ghosts of people in desperate situations swirling in my head day and night. With limited resources and unlimited opportunities, I question my impact. I am Sisyphus pushing that rock up a hill only to have it roll back again.

I am not Alone

As I reflect on Esther, who was orphaned, forced into exile in a distant land, and compelled to enter a pagan king’s harem, I’m reminded of the life-or-death choice she had to make in order to aid her people. Mordecai’s words resonate: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Perhaps, you and I were also destined for a purpose during this very moment. It’s possible that we’ve been placed here and now to fulfill precisely what God has commanded. Mordecai added:

Esther 4:14, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place."

And if we don’t, God will raise another in our place. How do you survive the act of caring? Obedience and perspective. We do what we do because God has allowed us into His plan for another. It is a gift, not an obligation. We must understand that everything is under God’s purview. God leaves nothing to chance. Every action has meaning.

Ephesians 1:11, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."

Surviving the act of caring, we must have a great counselor, therapist, and guide. The good news is we do.

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The Elusive Pursuit of Joy

We all deal with the elusive pursuit of joy. Despite our firm belief that God is sovereign over all things, we find joy elusive. Many ask, “Despite my foundation in Christ, why does joy elude me?” It’s vital to grasp that joy and happiness differ. The absence of joy often stems from a deliberate choice rather than environmental circumstances.

Happiness, fleeting in our fallen world, emerges unexpectedly, concealing itself from plain view. It arises from unlikely sources while remaining distant from apparent ones. An adversary’s defeat yields happiness, while promotions or vacations may not. Unfortunately, brace for erratic, bewildering, and inconsistent gratification if you seek happiness.

James 4:1-2, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” You long for what’s absent, leading to conflict and quarrels. Failing to ask God contributes to lack.”

Distinct from happiness, joy can be summoned at will, irrespective of circumstances. Christians must differentiate between these states, recognizing that challenges persist but need not define us. Our responses define us—do we draw nearer to Christ or distance ourselves?

Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed to us.”

Two main obstacles hinder joy creation: chasing false gods and focusing on the right questions.

Chasing False Gods.

Psalm 16:4, “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply.”

These “other gods” often hide in plain sight. We passionately dedicate ourselves, unknowingly elevating them to god-like status. Be it family, noble as it is, Christ can be overshadowed. Does our happiness hinge on it, extending to our joy?

“If you love anything better than God, you are idolaters: if there is anything you would not give up for God, it is your idol: if there is anything that you seek with greater fervor than you seek the glory of God, that is your idol, and conversion means a turning from every idol..” – Charles Spurgeon.

Children, marriage, jobs, careers, school, hobbies—even church—can dominate, leading to exhaustion, mistakes, conflict, and separation from God. Though well-intentioned, the process can drain life.

Perspective Matters.

As Sheryl Crow’s song “Soak Up the Sun” conveys, “It’s not having what you want; It’s wanting what you’ve got.”

Perspective matters. Bruce Collie’s testimony exemplifies this. Bruce Collie started pursuing a Superbowl ring in Pee Wee Football. He played for Lee High School and the University of Texas Arlington before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. His lifelong pursuit culminated in two Super Bowl rings. But this accomplishment left him empty and without purpose until he encountered the Gospel through Reggie White. Christ offered purpose beyond material gain.

John 15:9, “Jesus loves us with the same love that the Father loves him.”

Shifting focus to rid our lives of idols demands faith in God’s care. He cares about everything—our children, jobs, lives. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him.

James 1:16–17, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

While we give God big things, we clutch to minor issues, causing stress. A choice arises: to pout over misfortune or accept God’s control. It’s about Him, not us.

Believing in God’s redemption when unseen requires faith. Faith that God cares, even about small matters. Joy’s choice looms—a tough, counterintuitive choice. The Creator of the universe cares about our bad days. His attention is astonishing; He cares deeply.

Psalm 37:4-6, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this.”
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How Great Thou Art

How Great Thou Art was initially written in 1885 by Carl Boberg in Swedish. The orgianal title is “O Store Gud”. It wasn’t translated into English until 1949. Carl Boberg wrote it after experiencing a raging thunderstorm followed by beautiful tranquility. How Great Thou Art is sung in churches all over the world.

Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

I spent this last week in the badlands of northeastern Montana. That is the part of the United States called “The Big Sky.” I am mesmerized by our Creator’s presence, the architect of everything. Witnessing the splendor He has crafted moved me to tears of joy. Yet, in these troubled times, such joy can prove challenging.

My engineering and programming background guides me toward structured plans and hard work. I believe that the same God responsible for the creation of the universe also authored the laws of science. If ever a contradiction arises between these realms, it is a testament to our incomplete understanding. I lack the understanding to pinpoint why conflict exists, but I possess the wisdom to acknowledge my limitations.

John 1:3, "Through Him all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made."

As we try to impress others, we reject simplicity and monotony. Instead, we push the boundaries of creativity, revealing the full extent of our capabilities. Gazing upon our achievements, we seek to evoke awe, declaring, “Look at what I’ve accomplished!”

Hebrews 3:4, "For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."

How Great Thou Art

An artist doesn’t depict a mere stick figure; they conjure images that stretch imagination and skill. These creations beckon viewers to look expectantly into their depths, exploring the intricate interplay of color, movement, and meaning. Admireres perceive the artist’s intent and unearth personal interpretations, enriching their connection to the masterpiece.

Psalm 33:6, "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."

Adorning my wall, a vast photograph of the Milky Way, captured at Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, stands as a testament to billions of luminous points against an abyss of darkness. Our human minds fall short of grasping the enormity of God’s creation. It overwhelms our senses with celestial grandeur while astounding us with life’s intricacies. When my eyes first met my newborn daughter, my world transformed. In her perfection, small and beautiful, I found enduring serenity, joy, and an unwavering hope for humanity.

Job 33:4, "The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life."

Nature’s allure beckons me to explore the outdoors, where God and I talk, shielded from worldly distractions. The ceaseless beauty of nature unfolds—vivid fall foliage, delicate spring sprouts, and the pristine grace of woodland creatures—all testifying to God’s craftsmanship. Remarkably, we invest vast sums in self-presentation, yet our efforts pale compared to the natural world. I cherish sunrises, sunsets, waterfalls, and unique trails, finding solace atop a forested crag, immersed in the symphony of wind and birdsong. In these moments, God feels palpably close.

Creativity Beyond Understanding

God’s magnificence radiates through creation—a manifestation of His complete dedication. He designed every facet to showcase His boundless capabilities. He contemplates His work, echoing, “Behold what I have accomplished.”

Amid this splendor, human imperfections mar the landscape. God granted us choice, and some chose unwisely.

A dear friend, Ron Gastin, encapsulated this perspective: Imagine standing on a vast, deserted beach. The expansive white shore stretches to the horizon, aqua-blue waves caress the sand, and azure skies gleam above. A gentle warmth grazes your skin, and seagulls’ cries faint in the distance. This panoramic vista is God’s macro view, infinitely cherished. Yet, kneeling to gather a handful of sand reveals individual grains. These grains signify acts of both goodness and sin, forming the breathtaking expanse. God despises sin but cherishes the culmination it becomes.

Where does darkness fit into this narrative?

We find ourselves trapped by a viral pandemic, media capitalizing on fear—adhering to the adage “Bad news sells.” Succumbing to this darkness is easy. Is this the tribulation’s dawn or another trial in a fallen world? To live each day as though it were our last releases us from the need for exact answers. Instead of fixating on the end, let us marvel at creation. Immersed in God’s handiwork, fear’s grip weakens.

Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
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26692 Opportunities

26692 mornings I have woken up

26692 oppertunities; this is my number as of today. Today I got up, did my mind puzzles, ate breakfast, read the BBC, and prayed. This routine is my regular practice these days. Today is one of the 26692 mornings I have woken up; 26692 chances to change the world, create a new adventure or slay a demon. Annie Dillard said, “How we live our days is how we live our lives.” I have been privileged to start afresh 26692 times.

Hebrews 13:16, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

The question that arises is, what have I done with those 26,692 opportunities? How many have you had? Set down and calculate them. Tell yourself how often God has blessed you with a new beginning. Today, will you be the tiny butterfly on the other side of the world that creates a tsunami on the nearby shore? Have you thought of a minor, barely perceptible change in what you do today that will significantly impact somebody’s life? Do you live as if everyone you meet is Christ?

“It is in the small decisions you and I make every day that creates our destiny.” – Tony Robbins.

A long time ago, I realized that the small daily decisions determine my options for the big decisions I must make in the future. Times when I thought I was the victim of circumstances, it proved to be the natural outcome of a previous decision. The breakup of a bad relationship started when I overlooked an incompatibility. The loss of a job opportunity starts when we decide not to pursue a specific education or experience. Most of the surprises in our lives are not surprises but the natural culmination of life decisions.

Badan

Romans 12:13, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

One of my favorite stories in life comes from Kyrgyzstan. I was helping Badan write his business plan for a photography studio. We help create Kingdom Businesses, not just ordinary businesses. Each Kingdom Business must have a Kingdom Impact element. Here is Badan’s Kingdom Impact statement:

“Today, I have a children’s outreach every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. In this outreach, I let children around the neighborhood participate in organized sports activities. They do not have to be Christian or even seek Christ. I minister to them through interaction during play. I share the Gospel and hand out pamphlets.”

Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

What is interesting about this is that Badan is a Christian in a Muslim community. Badan’s true nature emerged as we discussed how he started this ministry. He saw kids playing in a field in his village. They were disorganized and lacked leadership. Badan went out to help organize them so that more could play together. This activity grew into a makeshift soccer league. Badan walked out his back door, saw a need, and filled it.

Contrast

Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Here is the contrasting approach people would take in my neighborhood. First, we would form a committee to determine the best application of our resources. Then we would print T-shirts; no self-respecting benevolent activity would be recognizable without T-shirts. Next, we would raise funds, rent a soccer field, provide refreshments, and establish the rules of engagement. Then we would go out into the community.

As a side issue, our friends in Honduras recommend serving refreshments at halftime rather than before or after the matches; the player must hear the message to complete the match.

Use of a Good Day

My point is this; Badan woke up that morning and used his day to do something meaningful. He didn’t spend much time figuring the whole thing out before starting. What started as a seemingly small decision soon became a ministry. Badan helps his Muslim neighbors by understanding the needs of the children and helping when he can. His thoughtfulness brought him respect in his community. His acceptance in the community would not have happened if he hadn’t seen a need and filled it.

Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

You and I have a new opportunity every morning to expand God’s kingdom. I have had 26,692 of them. I have wasted the majority. Today is a great day to create a new habit. Make it a habit to find and make that one small decision that starts a tsunami. Carpe Diem.

“If you knew that only a few would care that you came, would you still come? If you knew that those you loved would laugh in your face, would you still care? If you knew that the tongues you made would mock you, the mouths you made would spit at you, the hands you made would crucify you, would you still make them? Christ did.” – Max Lucado.

I keep thinking that one day, all too suddenly, we have no more days. We have no more chances to make a meaningful contribution, share a laugh, right a wrong, or show compassion. We think that day is over the horizon, out of reach, but suddenly it’s upon us like a thief in the night. At the end of your days, regret is what you don’t want in abundance.

Hebrews 6:10, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
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When God Intervenes

When God intervenes. There are days when I am overwhelmed with activity. Over the next few weeks, I have two trips, one overseas, three speeches, a grant donor meeting, a couple of Board meetings, a paper to write, and organizational issues to resolve. I get overwhelmed with activity. I know it is seasonal, but it happens. It makes my prayer life difficult because I have so many blessings that lamenting self-inflicted wounds seems hypocritical. By the way, my boss is a slave driver. He insists that I complete any new activity immediately to not interfere with the existing schedule. Plan your work; work your plan.

“Self-reliance limits us to what we can do. But reliance on God enables us to attain more; through what He can do.” – Gift Gugu Mona.

When God intervenes.

It is not a shout but a whisper; it is a conviction. God’s intervention is an unsettling conversation concerning ego, priority, and commitment. It forces me to admit who my boss is; is it the task or God? Is what I am doing an extension of how I want to work within God’s plan for me, or how God wants me to work within His plan for Himself? Do I accept that God is sovereign over all things, or do I believe He needs me to achieve His goals?

What I am working on is all good stuff. It is not an issue that God does not think I should be doing it. The issue is that He wants to be involved throughout the process, not just when I finish or in trouble. God wants me to relax and enjoy the journey as God helps me navigate the process. He wants me to know that He works with me throughout the process, not just grades the result. He reminds me that this is a partnership.

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I had a Springer Spaniel, named Gracie, who was a beautiful dog. Gracie was a joy to be around. She always wanted to lead when we went on walks, even when she had no idea where we were going. Gracie would run ahead, stop, look back to see if we were following, correct her course when we were not, and run ahead to repeat the process. I think, at times, I am God’s Springer Spaniel. God decides to take a walk with me; I tear off ahead at lightning speed, stopping to see if I’m going the right way.

“It is the condition of the heart that will determine the direction and destination of our lives.” – William F. Kumuyi.

James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

God Opens Doors

God opens the door; I am so busy trying to impress Him that I don’t stop to think about Him. He opened the door for a reason. The reason most likely didn’t have anything to do with me impressing Him. He knows me intimately; I can’t impress Him. God knows when my obedience is more about ego than stewardship. He sees when I try to be independent of Him rather than reliant on Him.

Jeremiah 17:7-8, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

I grew up in a North American culture that respects hard work, independence, and drive. The term “all gas and no brakes” comes to mind. We teach this to our children, honor it throughout their education, and demand it to succeed in life—the idea that the world is full of great ideas but few accomplishments. I am not saying that drive and ambition are wrong; I’m saying that it is not an individual sport. God has to be your partner. Don’t get Him involved when you are in the ditch; get Him involved before you start and throughout the process.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus..”

Hands and Feet

Regi Campbell stated in his book “Radical Wisdom,” I can’t be the hands and feet of Christ if my feet are always running and my hands are always full of things, to-do lists, and calendar events He’s not involved in.”

He does care about the small things in your life. He cares about your dreams and passion. God wants you to enjoy the life He has given you. That is why He wants to help you live it. God wants you to relax a little bit more, laugh a little bit more, and enjoy the company of those He has put in your path. God is sovereign over all things. You can’t impress Him; He knows you better than you know yourself. Take his hand and allow Him to guide you. Still your mind and heart, allow Him into your situation.

Listen when God intervenes.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
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The Great Hunger

The bushman of the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa talks about “the two hungers.” There is the great hunger and the little hunger. The little hunger yearns for food, while the great hunger, the greatest of all, is the hunger for meaning. Comfort for the soul is more significant than happiness or unhappiness; it is a meaningful life.

Search for Meaning

There are callings and passions to be chased. Truths to be found. Mountains to be climbed. But all of it leaves us wanting if it does not have meaning. I was talking to a friend I had not seen in some time. He was young and still chasing his moment in the sun. He talked about his impatience and the opportunities that hadn’t panned out, stolen moments that seemed to rob him of his potential. You could hear the subtone of anger; with all his success, he was not content. He even thought of himself as a victim of his own life.  

“I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you’re grateful, you’ll see God open up new doors.” – Joel Osteen.

The best I could share with him was when he retired, all that he had accomplished up to this point would become meaningless. In retirement, no one wants to hear about your exploits as a working person any more than they want to hear about your exploits as a high school athlete. Life changes, perspectives change, and you have no future if you are still reliving your past.

Matthew 6:19 “Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.”

Most of the dysfunction we see in life results from people accepting more and more abnormal behavior in a quest for meaning. They believe that for their life to be whole, they must matter. And to matter means to stand for something, possess something, or achieve something. If what we know does not create the internal contentment we yearn for, we create a new distraction hoping it will be the answer. For most of us, it is a movement, a job, a relationship, a house, a car, a title, or inclusion in a group.

Genesis of Meaning

What is the genesis of true meaning? It is love. It is the love of life, self, and others. Love is the catalyst of all heroics. Living a life based on love overcomes the worldly fears that constrain us to mediocracy. We find freedom in endeavors that spring out of love. Love, by its very nature, is people-focused, not things.

Of all man’s inborn dispositions, there is none more heroic than the love in him. Everything else accepts defeat and dies, but love will fight no-love every inch of the way. – Laurens van der Post

1 John 4:8, “Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love.”

What is the genesis of love? The need to love and be loved is one of the most important gifts from God. Those in life who are genuinely evil feel betrayed by love; it is not the key to meaning but a weapon of control and abuse. The rest of us wander in a forest filled with love but are distracted from seeing any of it. Our worldly endeavors distract us from the people involved in those endeavors. Our drive steamrolls the opportunity to love and be loved. If we can achieve the perfect life, there will be time to sit back and smell the roses. In the moments between worldly chaos, we can connect with people, but first, we must push on; contentment is one task away.

Mark 12:29-31, “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

The Need for Meaning

1 Corinthians 13:7, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

I’m one of these weird guys who believes love conquers all. I believe the love of Christ that flowed down from the cross is the answer to meaning. God made us perfectly for His plan for our lives; we don’t need to fix that. We must take it and use it to expand His effort by showing the same love toward others. Our true triumph in life depends on our positive impact on others, not the fleeting recognition that fades away after our time has passed. The outward view of worldly success looks different for each of us. The inside view is the same; it is contentment in that we matter and have meaning. From an eternal perspective, we have left this world a better place. My greatest joy is through the people I have met, not my worldly achievements.  

“Love God, and He will enable you to love others even when they disappoint you.” – Francine Rivers.

I believe we will be truly content when we live this way. God will bless us with joy beyond our understanding. The trappings of the world will not make sense. We will be operating on a different level. In that moment, we know where we stand with God, the people we love most, and our truest selves.

As I have said, your life is a story God wrote that regales the angles. They look to you to help write the next chapter – make it good.

Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?”
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