Tag: Peace

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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?”

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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.

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Managing Spiritual Change in a Chaotic World

Managing any change in your life can be difficult. Managing Spiritual change is no different. Trying to become the person God made you to be is always a challenge. Change only happens when the pain required to change is less than the pain of staying the same. Many fail in this pain exchange when they say they want to change. We perceive the pain of making the change as more significant than what we are currently experiencing. We want to remove our current pain, but at what cost? Does managing Spiritual change have a return on the investment?

“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines the outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” – Warren Wiersbe

1 Peter 5:6-7 "And God will exalt you in due time if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you."

PUTTING YOUR TRUST IN HIM

One of the critical assurances we possess when pursuing God’s vision for our lives is that when we locate the space where we place our trust in God enough to draw closer to Him, we will discover a profound joy that surpasses any previous experience. I understand that this notion may seem unconventional for some because it remains hidden from our immediate sight. The initial step is acknowledging God gives this to us out of His boundless love for us. There are no conditions or exchanges; it’s a selfless love that goes beyond comprehension. It remains steadfast, unaffected by our actions or choices.

Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

God is not human. He does not have the same frailties as we do. God does not act according to the preconceived notions we have. It is not a whim when he says he has a plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11). It is a solid truth you can count on.

Numbers 23:19, "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"

WORLDLY PERSPECTIVE

When considering the cost/benefit (sorry for the business jargon, it just seems to apply) of changing our lives to pursue God’s plan, we have to look at two scenarios. The first is the worldly scenario, where we weigh the discomfort of our personal life. How does it affect the relationships we have, the financial stability we have, and the sense of accomplishment? This scenario is a short-term perspective. The world is ever-changing. Perspectives change, culture changes, and attitudes change. Trying to sustain happiness in a fallen world is almost impossible. The cost of change today might seem too high. The cost of change tomorrow may seem cheap. The return changes with the wind.

The other approach has an eternal perspective. How does it affect that first conversation we have with God when we meet Him face to face? What happens when we get to Heaven?

Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE

I would conjecture that the eternal perspective would win out every time if we believed in Heaven. The question is: Is Heaven real to us? If we believe that salvation will get us in, how bad can that be if we have no works? Do we want a true homecoming?

John 3:16," For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

We realize that our works or efforts cannot save us (Acts 16:31). The fact that we have accepted Christ as our savior gets us to Heaven. What does changing our life to mirror His plan get us?

THE PAYOUT

First, there is the submission issue:

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

This leads us to this sobering passage in Matthew:

Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven."

It comes down to this question: If I have genuinely accepted Christ as my savior and do not have a corresponding change in my behavior, have I truly accepted Christ in my heart?

As you contemplate your next move, consider this:

Deuteronomy 31:8, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
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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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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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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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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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We are Wonderfully Made

We are wonderfully made. I believe two things about all people. Firstly, God intricately and flawlessly designs us for a specific purpose in life. Secondly, we all possess a unique story to share. These principles form the cornerstone of our identity in Christ and serve as the bedrock upon which God shapes our destinies. While this concept resonates with me personally, it may vary for each individual, as we all have our own perspectives.

We are Wonderfully Made

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

We are the product of God’s workmanship. It was once said, “God don’t make no junk.” We are exactly who God wants us to be, warts and all. There is no single aspect of who we are that God did not design in us. In the very complex world of God, we have the power to decide what to do with it. Non-believers create great music, art, structures, and achievements. They took what God gave them in a different direction. That does not mean their talents are not from God. We hear tremendous stories of Christians overcoming disabilities to achieve great heights. These are the stories of people going in different directions but from the same source.

“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” – Leo Buscaglia

Even Paul had his thorn, but he said it was a calling. He saw it as demonstrating that God can overcome any obstacle. Paul wanted to demonstrate it to the people, not just talk about it.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

As I sometimes do, I pray that God will take away what I perceive as a weakness; that weakness might be physical, intellectual, or emotional. Instead, should I not pray that God will show me how to use it for His glory? We are wonderfully made as we are. It is not a potential we need to aspire to but a reality of what is.

Do not think you are inferior or need to be like others. Rejoice in who you are and embrace God’s future for you. Whatever you perceive as a weakness is a strength if you know how to use it. Let God show you the way.

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Wonderfully Made for What?

Psalm 139:16, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Wonderfully made part two. What is that purpose if we are perfectly and uniquely made to achieve God’s purpose? It is a quest, a journey, not a destination. Mother Teresa said it best.

“I am a little pencil in God’s hands. He does the thinking. He does the writing. He does everything, and sometimes it is really hard because it is a broken pencil and He has to sharpen it a little more.”

Mother Teresa, The Joy in Loving: A Guide to Daily Living.

God writes the story; we try to live it. As Mother Teresa said, we are broken, and living it can be really hard.

But you know what? Life is all about becoming the best version of ourselves, and that’s where the real rewards lie. Everything else that tries to lure us away from that path is just an illusion, trying to trick us into thinking it’s fulfilling. Like achieving huge success in the world, but if it doesn’t come with eternal salvation, it’s like chasing after a dream that fades away once reality sets in.

It’s like climbing a mountain, only to find another one waiting for us. Our achievements might not bring us the happiness and satisfaction we crave; instead, they just fuel our hunger to achieve more. We keep searching for peace, but somehow it always seems to slip through our fingers. Sadly, it’s often only when we’re nearing the end of our journey that we realize this truth. And for some, by then, it might be too late to make things right.

Proverbs 20:24. “A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?”

Do you know what’s awesome? Living the story that Christ wrote for us—it’s like everything in our lives is leading us to that epic conclusion. Every single gift we receive, whether it’s money, time, relationships, experiences, knowledge, or skills, comes from God, and they all have a purpose. They’re like arrows pointing us in a certain direction. Our mission is to figure out that direction and embrace it.

Don’t get caught up in chasing worldly fame, status, or wealth because they won’t bring true satisfaction. The real deal is finding that inner peace that goes beyond any understanding. That’s the stuff that truly satisfies the soul.

Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Heaven’s Response

Picture this: angels sitting around a campfire or maybe a cozy stove, reminiscing about the incredible stories of people’s lives as written by God. They regale with laughter when they recall the epic triumphs, and they can’t help but shed tears of joy when they talk about how people overcame their challenges. Each time a new story gets added, Heaven gets a little brighter and happier.

Furthermore, when God finally welcomes an obedient believer, He weeps. First, because He loves the stories that were lived out, and second, He knows that this person will not be part of any new ones. I don’t know about you, but I want God to wrap me up tight and weep. I long for God’s embrace to be so tight, so intimate, that it overwhelms me with His love and moves us both to tears.

John 6:27, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him, God the Father has set his seal.”
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A Fine Line Between Humble and Insecure

There is a fine line between humble and insecure. That line sometimes is almost invisible. God calls us to be humble but not insecure. I sometimes struggle with this. I don’t always know when I cross the line between humility and insecurity.

Proverbs 27:2, "Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips."

Humility

Everything you will ever possess, whether wealth, intelligence, influence, experiences, or relationships, is intricately woven into God’s grand design for your life. This divine plan extends even to the disappointments, struggles, detours, and dead ends you may encounter. Some of these obstacles result from our actions, requiring God’s rescue, while others serve as valuable lessons that contribute to our future. God reigns supreme over all circumstances.

We must understand that God loves us unconditionally, and His purpose for our life, encompassing all our imperfections, forms the very foundation of our existence. I consider myself fortunate to have had a father who consistently instilled humility in me. Despite his remarkable achievements, including receiving two Bronze Stars for his service as a seaman in World War Two, serving as the Superintendent of Highways, President of the City Council, and President of the School Board, he always emphasized humility.

I vividly recall a particular morning, as I was leaving for grade school and my father was heading to work when the garbage collector made his rounds on our street. My dad pointed toward him and asked me why the garbage collector didn’t have the same occupation as him. Dad’s response was simple: he had chosen his path, just as every individual can achieve great things by following their chosen pursuits. It’s worth noting that, in our small town, the garbage collector was highly respected and a shrewd businessman. His son even became a lawyer, serving the local community to this day.

Proverbs 30:7-9, "Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal and so dishonor the name of my God."

Insecurity

When is it that we cross the line between humble and insecure? We all do it at times. Mostly it happens when we start to compare ourselves to others. Rarely do we look at those less influential and take pride in our accomplishments; instead, we tend to fixate on those who are more influential, using them as a yardstick to gauge what we should do differently. When we fixate on others, we create a faults narrative. God uniquely created each of us for the specific plan He has for us. No two of us are created the same or have the same plan; comparison is irrelevant.

Even with this knowledge, I falter. My weakness lies in feeling I am not making a difference. I harbor insecurities that stem from believing the work I do does not have value. Being introverted, overly logical (sometimes to a fault), and exceedingly pragmatic contributes to this perception. I genuinely dislike—and that’s not too strong of a word—talking about myself. I cringe when someone says, “Tell me about yourself.” What I cherish about myself is my ordinariness. Sometimes, I mistake being common for falling short, being unworthy, or believing I do not have significance. But these are falsehoods. God uniquely crafted me as His child, perfectly designed for the great future He has in store for me.

Luke 12:6-7, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

I lose sight of that; forgetting that God cherishes me for being who I am. I have people who love me and care about me; I struggle to recognize it because of my insecurity. The world I paint is not the world that exists.

Life

Francis Chan, in his book “Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God” states, ‎”Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter unless it is about loving God and loving the people he has made?” He says, “We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.”

Our actual value lies in looking beyond ourselves. When we dedicate our lives to serving God’s people, we no longer define our worth solely based on our perceptions but on its significance to Him. Through service, humility naturally emerges as a byproduct. There is no room for insecurity or competition when the outcome rests solely in God’s hands.

Regi Campbell’s book “Radical Wisdom,” says, “Turn your knob to humble and watch as people are drawn to you, want to help you, have empathy for you and your situation.”

Humility harbors strength within. It exhibits confidence in who God has created us to be. It radiates an aura of invincibility, unaffected by the opinions of others. Others consider a humble individual confident in the face of adversity, holding authority over their circumstances without exerting power over others.

Insecurity is a product of our perception of a worldly view; it has no place in God’s world.

“When I am consumed by my problems, stressed out about my life, my family, and my job, I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God’s command always to rejoice.” ― Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

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