Tag: Joy

Posted on

The Greatest Name in History (Repost from 02/201/22)

The Greatest Name in History was originally posted in February 2022. But as we close out the Christmas season, I thought it was important to revisit it. Here it is.

Who is the greatest name in history? In the western world, you acknowledge Christ’s influence on your life any time you write a date on something. Crazy, isn’t it, how one man 2,000 years ago could still influence everyday life for almost everyone.

According to statistics from Wycliffe International, Gideons International, and the International Bible Society, the number of new Bibles sold, given away, or otherwise distributed in the United States is about 168,000 per day. In addition, the research conducted by the British and Foreign Bible Society in 2021 suggests that there are between 5 and 7 billion copies of the Bible distributed in the last 1,500 years.

The History Collection, a website dedicated to teaching history to the masses, created its list of the 40 most influential people in history; Jesus was number one, beating out names like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Aristotle.

Steve Skiena and Charles Ward, in their book “Who’s Bigger,” created a complex combination of measures to establish their “significance” ranking; they assessed more than 800,000 names throughout history. Number one on their list was Jesus. Judging strictly on longevity and influence, Jesus was determined to be the biggest name in human history ever.

Jesus has two billion people following His teachings over 2,000 years after His death; that’s pretty influential.

Why Jesus?

Isaiah 53:4, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”

Jesus never penned a best seller or sang a top 100 song. He didn’t invent a game-changing product or create a Fortune 100 company. Jesus had no Twitter account or Facebook page; Jesus was not an influencer on TikTok. He had no title or education and no political affiliation. Rather, he was a homeless, itinerate, unemployed preacher. His ministry was only three years.

Whether you believe Jesus is the son of God or not, you can not get away from His influence on your life. Several years ago, a book was published entitled “A Case for Christ,”; written by Lee Strobel in 1998. Strobel painstakingly applies forensic anthropology to validate the historical events in the Bible. It is almost 300 pages of detailed analysis and interrogation into the authenticity of the writings about Jesus. He concludes that everything written in the Bible about Jesus is historically accurate: miracles, quotations, and resurrection included.

If Jesus walked the face of this earth, and the historic chronology about Him is accurate, why do we struggle so much with believing He is the Son of God? Better yet, why do we battle to believe what He says?

Time magazine in the June 21st, 1971 edition, quoted the journalist William Emerson Jr. “that in different centuries and cultures, people have always concocted ‘the sort of Jesus they could live with.’”

Non-believers will say that believers must have this make-believe miracle worker in their lives to overcome their insecurities and give them hope. To them, following Jesus is a cop-out to facing the realities of the world. We have to have a bigger-than-life superhero to make it through the day. Unfortunately, for some Christians, that is true; their faith does not know the truth; it wishes it were true.

2 Peter 2:20, “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.”

The reality of Christianity isn’t that it makes life easier; it makes us more accountable. But unfortunately, this accountability causes most of us to be uncomfortable. The Bible never said that we would not see pain and suffering; it said it would only last a little while. Eternity is a very long time.

The number one hurdle for most non-believers is not finding hope in greater power; it is being held accountable for their actions. Postmodernism allows everyone to be responsible for their version of the truth. They can be a good person based on their perception of good. On the other hand, Christians are accountable to one great truth: there is no sliding scale.

John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Jesus is the author of that great truth. That is why Jesus. Because Jesus is the light in the darkness, he is the horizon point that we use to guide our decisions. He is the most powerful and influential force in the history of humankind.

John 14:6, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Even before you feel the transformational impact of forgiveness, you have to acknowledge the importance of who Christ is and what He has done. Once you accept He is who He said He is, then you will start to experience the grace, compassion, and love inherent in His nature.

“Jesus didn’t come to tell us the answers to the questions of life; he came to be the answer.” Timothy Keller

Who is the greatest name in history? Knowing Christ and knowing about Christ are two different things. The world knows about Christ. Therefore, you must come to know Christ.

1 John 5:20, “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”
Posted on

Is the Prosperity Gospel What You Think?

Is the true prosperity gospel what we think? I cringe every time I hear someone imply that God will reward us for doing what is right. God created us, and He sent His son to die for us so that we might have eternal life. That is a gift we can never do enough to earn. Its value is beyond calculation. God is not a vending machine that rewards us for doing good. God expects us to do good. Nowhere in the Bible does God say, “Give your money to me, and I will double it back to you.” The scripture does not pertain to worldly treasure; it addresses the spirit. The Bible clearly states that God will ensure you have the resources you need to do His will, but He never promises that you will be rich by worldly standards.

Jeremiah 17:7, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord."

My understanding of God’s prosperity Gospel is that if you live according to His word, you will find peace, joy, and meaning no matter your circumstances. If you live according to worldly standards, you may obtain worldly prosperity but still battle anxiety, fear, discomfort, and emotional pain. God needs people at every level of humanity to share the Gospel with everyone at every level of humanity. He needs the poor to nurture the poor, the middle class to the middle class, sick to the sick, and the rich to the rich. He needs the craftsman to nurture the craftsman, the teacher to the teachers, and Kings to Kings. God will resource your needs according to His will.

HIS DESIGN

Revelation 1:3, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near."

The Prosperity Gospel is part of God’s grand design. He created everything, and in doing so, He created the right way to live. If we live according to His teachings, the natural outcome is spiritual prosperity. It is not a quid pro quo; it is His natural outcome. We may achieve success by worldly standards, or we may not. What we will achieve is meaning and purpose, and with that comes contentment and peace. We will be resourced according to His plan for our life, not according to the world. You will be without needs as you will not need anything you do not have. As flawed humans, we may want more than we need, but we will not go without.

Psalm 33:12, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance."

THE WORLDS DESIGN

When you live by worldly standards, not according to His will, you receive the natural results of your effort. Your display case is filled with trophies from a broken world. You will have trophies of broken relationships, fear of acceptance, failure or success, anxiety for the future, and a deep void of meaninglessness. You have all the trappings of prosperity without the joy. I know firsthand of this experience. Titles, positions of authority, power, houses, cars, and exotic vacations do not provide meaning. They are a way of distracting ourselves from our feelings. We convince ourselves we will be satisfied if we have a little more. It never comes. Every hilltop provides a view of the next hill; it is endless. Over time, it wears you down emotionally and sometimes physically. Stress kills.

Psalm 34:8, "O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"

I mentioned in an earlier post that Skye Jethani, in his book “With: Reimagining the Way We Relate to God.” talks about Christians who “Live from God.” They live to please God so that God will bless them. God has and will continue to bless you because He loves you, not because you found the right formula to please Him. He doesn’t have an exchange calculator that tells Him how many blessings you’ve earned based on your output. If someone tries to convince you that your obedience will earn you something from God, turn away from them. It is a false doctrine—God’s blessings are free and overflowing to all who will receive them.

Matthew 13:16, "But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear."

FAMILY

We are sons and daughters of the God most high, heirs to His kingdom, a priestly nation. We are blessed.

Matthew 5:2-12, "And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
•	"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
•	"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
•	"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
•	"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
•	"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
•	"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
•	"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
•	"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
•	"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Posted on

The Next Chapter of Stories to Tell

Each one of us has stories to tell. We are a collection of great stories waiting to be told. It is our choice to write these stories or leave them untold. Throughout our lives, we experience challenges, and each represents an opportunity to become a victim of our circumstances or the author of a new chapter.

God never said the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile. – Max Lucado

CHARACTERS

Let’s take a minute to understand the characters of our stories. There is the Protagonist and the Antagonist; neither are you. You are the object of the story. The Protagonist is Christ, and the Antagonist is Satan. The fairyland is a broken world called Earth. Throughout our lives, we experience the invasion of this broken world. Satan commands that invasion. He has several ways of attacking, none of which are head-on. He is the master of deception. Satan does not speak in lies but half-truths. He is good at manipulating us into situations that appear to be self-inflicted wounds or intentional violence perpetuated by another. Seldom does he show his face. He is a creature of darkness.

1 John 4:1, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

The Protagonist, Christ, is just the opposite. Christ is a creature of the light. He is the white knight who swoops in at just the right moment to save the day. Christ speaks the truth even when the truth seems counterintuitive. He acknowledges that we are not perfect and sometimes screw up, but he doesn’t hold that against us. He doesn’t dwell on the past but helps us visualize the future. The future is triumph and overcoming, filled with hope, compassion, and love.

John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

Where do you and I come into this story? We are the object of the Protagonist’s love. You and I represent the storyline. God created us to glorify Him, explicitly created for a unique purpose in His kingdom. The Antagonist’s job is to derail that purpose.

THE PLOT LINE

Plot lines are as varied as individuals are unique. We all have a line distinguished by time that flows from our birth into eternity. We are given specific skills, traits, passions, relationships, and opportunities along this line. The Antagonist’s job is to disrupt that flow. The Protagonist’s job is for us to experience the fullness of the path He has set before us. We have choices in this story. We make decisions that affect the outcome.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Now, at points upon this line, we have conflict. I have learned that you must look closely at the character development to understand the conflict better. As I have said, Satan never comes at you head-on; he sneaks in little by little until the moment is right. The conflict we experience at the moment can almost always be traced back to the small decisions we made in the past. That is one way the Antagonist rationalizes the conflict; it seems like the natural progression of events. There is no reason to involve the Protagonist, at least not until you are desperate.

Acts 16:31, “And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

CONFLICT

Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitudes toward life. The longer I live, the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it. – Chuck Swindoll

Conflict is any point in which life does not go as planned. We experience minor conflicts, deal with them, and move on. There are great conflicts that leave scares that last. We’re going to talk about the big ones. These are conflicts that make us question our existence and our future. They are the conflicts that keep us up at night and on edge during the day; they crescendo to a deafening roar with a force we can not repel. They make us wonder if the Protagonist lied. At this point, we choose to be a victim of our circumstance and allow the conflict to fester and infect us, or we see it as the genesis of another great story.

Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

That is a tough decision at the moment. It is a decision to give up or fight on. Does the white knight still exist? Does Christ care about me? Is the Antagonist too strong? Have I fallen too far?

THE OVERCOMING

Every great story has this dynamic, over-the-top, come-from-behind big finish. When there seems to be little or no hope, the Protagonist takes control. Sometimes, it is good for us to experience conflict. It is a teaching tool. But God will never give us more than we can handle. The situation is never outside of His control. The greater the crescendo, the higher the wave, the bigger the finish. It is one of the many ways God shows His love for us. He shows us His glory. The thrill and excitement of the finish make us forget the pain of the conflict. It changes the story from defeat to victory. We must choose to let Him take control. We are not the Protagonist; we are the object of His love.

THE LEGACY

Luke 12:8, “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God,”

All the stories of your life leave a legacy. It can be a legacy of overcoming or victimhood. The great stories are retold over and over. They are not only retold by the living but by the Angels themselves. Everyone loves a good story. When conflict strikes, and it will, what will your response be? Will you consider it an opportunity to write one of the greatest stories ever told, or are you a victim of your circumstances? What will your book look like on God’s shelf of life? It is thick and worn from much use, or more like a travel brochure that fell between the cushions on the couch. We have a choice; don’t let Satan ruin your book of life.

Posted on

Why it Happens or What Do I Do Next?

When faced with a difficult situation, do you ask why it happens or what do I do next? Why something happened is grounded in the past.  It is passive in that you can not change the past. It is blame-oriented. What you want me to do next is grounded in the future. It is active in that it requires me to do something to change the future; it is forgiveness-oriented. 

“You may be wondering why such difficulty has come into your life. However, the greater question is, “Lord, how do You plan to use this difficulty so I may serve You better?” ― Charles F. Stanley, How to Let God Solve Your Problems: 12 Keys for Finding Clear Guidance in Life’s Trials.

Proverbs 26:24 “Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.”

Why It Happens?

What to choose, why it happens, or what do I do next? Most people I know gravitate to why something is happening in their life. They want to know who said what, who did what, and who is responsible. Somehow, understanding who is at fault makes it more understandable. Unfortunately, that is not usually true; debating the past shrouds the present. The he said, she said, they said interrogation only leads to hurt feelings and a defensive posture. People do not remember exact words or actions. Personal bias taints repeated conversations; we remember what we want to hear. The discussion is personal.

Matthew 7:3-5, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

If we ignore the mistakes from the past, we will likely repeat them. However, learning from the past is all about making a better future. It’s about figuring out what we want and how to get there. What happened in the past doesn’t matter as much as what we should do in the future. To understand and solve a problem, we first must admit there’s a problem. Instead of blaming, it’s more important to focus on finding a good solution to prevent the same problem from happening again.

Proverbs 18:17, “Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight.”

What Do I Do Next?

Let me give you an example of why it happens or what do I do next collide. I was at a board meeting where one party thought we had overspent the budget; another party understood we had a surplus. Rather than accepting the problem that we had two different perceptions, the discussion went toward who did what wrong. This conversation went on for over a week via text and email. At no point did the discussion turn to what do we do in the future to avoid this happening again. Can we create one set of financials that is acceptable to everyone? It was more important to understand who was right and who was wrong. Egos became bruised, reputations were tainted, and relationships got strained.

Christ wasn’t that way. He didn’t quiz people on the situation that gave way to sin. He accepted that sin had happened; the question was what to do next. You didn’t read that Jesus reconciled relationships by allocating blame. His focus was on the desired state and how to achieve it. He told people what they had to do for salvation. Christ has forgiven the past.

What About People Problems?

What if the problem is that two people don’t like each other? Listening to them complain will not help get to the root cause of the problem. Asking each one what they would ultimately like to see to resolve the problem would be a better approach. Getting to the root cause is far more productive than listening to two people gossip and slander each other. Getting to the root cause requires getting the parties to get off their emotions and on to a more objective conversation.

This sometimes creates a paradox concerning why it happens or what do I do next.

Regarding personalities, it sometimes means that the solution is to help one of them find another path. Toxic personalities that do not seek positive change are unsuitable for any relationship. But they still deserve grace. You must use compassion and love when you pursue a solution.

Romans 12:14-21, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink’… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Desired State

“All adversity, every problem you face, is a gift of love given to you from the hand of God.” ― Charles F. Stanley, How to Let God Solve Your Problems: 12 Keys for Finding Clear Guidance in Life’s Trials.

Ultimately, good problem-solving relies on God’s guidance. It is trusting that God knows everything, cares about everything, and is not surprised by anything. You can not change the past; the future is malleable; it has many possibilities. God desires that we not live in the past but look forward to the future.

People all have baggage, flaws, and biases. Much of what people say at the moment is a product of something in the past. Previous conversations or events bleed over to current situations. Even our childhood experience raises their ugly head from time to time. We can not rely on what is said to determine what is wrong accurately. The root of the problem may not have anything to do with the situation. God would want us to set aside our need to be heard to focus on His need for us to show compassion and grace. When faced with conflict or disappointment, ask yourself, “Lord, what do you want me to do next?”

Posted on

Time as a Commodity in God’s Kingdom

We rarely consider Time as a commodity in God’s Kingdom. Time is the only truly scarce commodity. Time is the only element of human existence that cannot be acquired, reused, or stored for later use; It passes with a constant flow that cannot be interrupted. Every single moment of your existence is unique. It cannot be replicated. There are no givebacks, takebacks, or mulligans. Yet we live our lives as if time were endless.

Colossians 4:5-6, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

We do not treat time nearly as valuably as it is. How much time do we waste daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly? How many opportunities pass with the perception that they, or something better, will pass this way again? We live our lives without a true sense of urgency.

Ephesians 5:15-17, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

God’s Favor

Do we live with an eternal point of view? We should use every moment we have available to us to pursue God’s favor. Not just His favor on us but His favor on all we interact with. For we do not know the time left for ourselves or the people we interact with daily. There are seasons throughout our lives. Each season requires diligence; every season should elicit the utmost importance at the time.

2 Corinthians 6:2, “For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Kaki King once said at the Ted2008 convention (I’ll paraphrase), “As I was thinking about my place in the universe, if time can reach forward and backward infinitely, that means every point in time is infinitely small and therefore somewhat meaningless. We don’t really have a place in the universe. But nothing else does either; therefore, every moment is the most important moment there is right now.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Live Every Moment

We can glorify Christ in every moment of every day, but the noise and clutter of the world often rob us of those opportunities. We are to reflect Christ in every situation, but we lose that opportunity when we let the world creep in.  Intentional rest, crucial for sustaining life, holds paramount importance to the weary soul.  It is part of the tapestry of our lives, but only a part.

1 John 2:17, “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

There will come a time when there is no more time. We will face that moment with a ledger that chronicles what we did with the time God allotted us. It is at that moment that we understand the true value of time. It is then that we itemize lost opportunities and lost souls. The coulda, woulda, shoulda of our life will be on full display. We have an opportunity now to impact our eternal story dramatically. But it is to be done with intentionality.

John 9:4, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”
The Byrds TURN, TURN, TURN
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

God wants to blow us away.

Posted on

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.”
Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.”
Posted on

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."
Posted on

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.”
Purpose Driven Life Proudly powered by WordPress