Not Always Happy, But Continually Joyful

Not Always Happy, But Continually Joyful

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Maybe you realize this; maybe you don’t.  Happiness and joy are not the same thing.

Many use the words interchangeably.  The meanings are similar, but definitely not identical.  In fact, there are some fundamental differences between the two concepts – differences that many don’t understand.  Not even some Christians.

To quote the AI definition that popped up when I did an online search contrasting the terms:

“Happiness is typically a short‑term, externally triggered emotion, while joy is a deeper, longer‑lasting state rooted in inner meaning, values, or connection. Happiness often rises and falls with circumstances, whereas joy can persist even during hardship.”

Happiness can change quickly like the weather, while joy is more stable like the climate. 

Happiness is like the feeling a child experiences when a parent gives them a gift.  Joy is the indwelling and ongoing recognition that they have a parent who loves them enough to give them gifts. 

It is crucial that we understand these fundamental differences between the two.  If we don’t, we will actively pursue transient happiness while potentially missing out on enduring joy.

Sadly, most people are frantically chasing after happiness, and whatever they believe will provide them with happiness.  When they happen to catch a sliver of it, they cling to it desperately … only to mourn when it inevitably slips away.  And then their happiness is replaced by sadness.  Which causes them to long for happiness again and hunt it anew.

For example, the morning I finished writing this post, I tackled some tasks in the yard that I’ve been wanting to address for some time now.  I was happy when they were done.  But then I remembered all the other tasks that were still waiting for me … and the happiness evaporated.

So it is with the shifting emotion that is happiness; it’s there for a while … until it’s gone.  Happiness exists until circumstances impact it.  And sooner or later they always do.

Joy, on the other hand, goes deeper.  It is rooted in fundamentals and embedded in our being.  Joy rises from recognizing we are deeply loved, we are abundantly blessed, and our lives have greater meaning – that we are crucial parts of something bigger and better.  When one recognizes these truths, gratitude (and joy!) arise.  And difficulties, which can and do strangle out happiness, cannot kill joy. 

Happiness is temporary; joy is transcendent.  The Apostle Paul lays out the distinction: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking [which brings happiness], but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit … (Romans 14:17).

Understanding the difference between happiness and joy, is it at all surprising that the Bible focuses so much attention on joy?  The principle permeates Scriptures pages!

Why?  Because the Lord wants us to embrace permanent joy instead of chasing temporary happiness.  And because the Lord knows that He and his truths are the ultimate source of human joy!

The Lord shows us that we are deeply loved by Him, that we are abundantly blessed through Him, and that our lives have greater meaning in Him.  When we recognize these truths, gratitude (and joy!) arise within us.

As Christians, we are joyful because God changed our earthly situation and our eternal destiny.

… Giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.  For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:12-14).

We are joyful because we have ongoing peace through a certain hope and a God to trust.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13).

We rejoice even in troubled and anxious circumstances because we are secure in the Lord’s powerful and loving care.

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.  When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. … But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. (Psalm 94:18-19, 22)

God’s encouragements to be joyful, and the reminders and reasons to be joyful … foster joy in his children.  The list of “joy passages” is long.  But perhaps the words the Holy Spirit shared through Paul are an ideal summary, and make for an appropriate life theme:

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

There is no doubt that in this life we won’t always be happy.  However, because of and through our loving Lord, we can be continually joyful.  Not only now, but forever!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1 Peter 1:3-9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

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Fully Trusting the Driver

Fully Trusting the Driver

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It’s something she has done through our entire relationship, even back to when we were dating. 

If my wife and I are on a long drive, (several hours or more), it is inevitable that she will eventually fall asleep.  Generally, we chat quite a bit.  But if there is a lull in the conversation, it’s almost a certainty that I will glance her way, and she has quietly drifted off.

Now she works incredibly hard, putting in long days and rarely relaxing, so it’s not surprising that, when stationary for a while, she sleeps.  I certainly don’t begrudge her the rest.

However, I have marveled at the extreme trust she has in me … first, to drive safely, and secondly, to stay awake myself! 

Generally, before a longer trip, there are always many details to wrap up in regard to leaving, and in regard to going.  In regard to leaving, things need to be buttoned up with work and home responsibilities.  In regard to going, there are preparations to attend to … reservations, arrangements, packing, and etc.  So both of us are tired even before climbing in the cab of the truck.

Yet, my wife apparently has full confidence that I will manage to “keep the rubber on the road” and “the shiny side up” on our excursions.

It’s both humbling and scary.  If I started drifting off and drifting over, there would be no one to catch me.  But she trusts that I won’t.  And I never want to let that trust down.

However, that doesn’t automatically mean I will always keep us safe.

The reason nothing unfortunate has occurred yet is because of a greater, a tireless, and a perfectly reliable Driver other than me.  That Driver, of course, is the Lord.  He is never-resting, ever-seeing, ever-protecting, all-knowing, and all-powerful.  (That’s a pretty solid resume’!)

Not only is the Lord our Driver while traveling down the road.  He is our Driver while traveling through life!

Heaven knows – and we should too! – that we need a completely reliable Driver through life.  After all, the greatest certainty about life is that it is chock full of uncertainty.  We flawed and limited mortals really can’t control anything.  (Though we like to tell ourselves we can … at least a little.)  The reality is that circumstances can spin sidewise at any moment in any aspect of our lives.  We’re comfortably cruising along when suddenly we’re careening toward a crash. 

That’s why we must fully trust the Driver!  There is no uncertainty in our God.  There are no unknowns to him.  Nor can anything occur that is out of his control – nothing that is beyond his ability to handle

This is all magnificent.  But here’s the capper: He loves us! 

Therefore, he transports us safely to our best possible destination – both in this world, and ultimately to the wonderful “world” he has waiting for us in heaven.  This doesn’t mean the ride is always pleasant; only that our Driver knows exactly what He is doing, precisely where He is driving us, and confidently and lovingly why.

He calmly reassures us from the driver’s seat as we travel long-lasting lanes, rough-riding roads and high-stress highways: 

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)

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. (Isaiah 41:10)

My wife and I have an understanding; if I am dangerously tired and at serious risk of falling asleep, I will tell her she has to help keep me awake.  In those situations, she always does because she recognizes she can’t fully trust me at the moment.

The Driver of our life never tires and is never at risk of drifting off.  He is never distracted and never disconnected.  He always has everything under complete control.  So we can and should trust him.  We must!  Because finally he’s the One and Only who is always trustworthy.

Which is why Solomon the Wise was inspired to write this crucial encouragement: “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.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

The streets of life in this world are teeth-rattlingly rough.  But we have the ultimate Driver who can safely navigate them all the way to the streets of gold in heaven.  So let’s tilt our seats back, relax and rest.  We can fully trust our Driver.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

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Please!!!

Please!!!

Recently I was reminded again of the sheer boldness and brazenness of children.  In fact, I’m reminded of it every time I attend a major league baseball game. 

Before the game starts the youngsters will gather along the edges of the ballfield, especially where they can gain relative proximity to players, and they will beg incessantly and loudly for either autographs or baseballs.  Sometimes both.  “Please!!! Can I get your autograph?”  Or “Please!!! Throw me a ball!”  The more astute ones include players’ names in their cries.  “Please, [insert player name]!!! Please!!! Throw me a ball!

And it’s not just an occasional child or a sporadic request; the cries clamor from the mouths of multiple children at once.  And they are relentless!  Some kids will even beg for baseballs from half of the ball field away.

What’s remarkable is how many players DO toss baseballs to kids.  The responses from the recipients are priceless.  Sheer exultation!  At the game I attended recently, some young teenage gals on the first level were both tossed balls.  The squeals they let out could be heard in the upper deck.

As I have witnessed the bold, loud, incessant requests from children at a ballpark, I have often thought, “That is how we should pray.”  Not necessarily loudly, but certainly boldly and incessantly. Like children begging for baseballs at the ballpark.

Yet, I can’t help but wonder if our prayer life isn’t more like the casual, callous adults sitting around the stadium who make minimal effort to be noticed and often don’t bother to even ask.

It seems children are not only our example for how to believe (Mk. 10:15), but also for how to ask untiringly.  Children at ball games get far more baseballs than adults … not just because they are cute, but because they beg for them!  It’s interesting to note what happened immediately after Jesus made the statement about receiving “the kingdom of God like a little child.”  In the very next verse, Luke writes: “And [Jesus] took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” (Luke 10:16).

Many a Christian can (and will!) recite Jesus words about prayer.  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7).  For many, they see the Savior’s emphasis as being an encouragement to us to pray.  (Actually, it’s more than a encouragement; it’s a command!)  Nevertheless, what many remember are Jesus’ words, “Ask … seek … knock.” 

What we dare not lose sight of are the follow-up statements.  “Ask … and it will be given to you; seek … and you will find; knock … and the door will be opened to you.”  While the initial words are commands, the follow-up statements are promises from the almighty God to answer our prayers! 

If that weren’t enough, Jesus reemphasizes the point in his very next sentence: “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8).

Try to wrap your mind around this astounding truth: our God … the almighty, transcendent Lord over all things … commands that we bring our requests to him and he promises to answer them!  Jesus stresses this truth elsewhere as well.  He says, “Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 16:23).

Since that’s the case – to borrow the illustration from earlier – why wouldn’t we be jumping up and down with our hands outstretched, pleading loudly and unceasingly, and expecting that the Lord will throw us a ball?

Which is exactly the Holy Spirit’s point, expressed through the Apostle Paul: “In Christ Jesus our Lord and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12).

And here’s an even more astounding truth: even when we don’t know what to say to or request from our Lord … the Holy Spirit translates our words into the correct words!

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27).

Then the very next verse is that well-known and dearly loved one which assures us that in everything – including our prayer requests! – the Heavenly Father is bringing blessings to his children.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28),

Which means that even if the Lord gives a “No” or “Wait” answer to our requests, that answer is the very best answer he can give us.

How incredible is our God.  He created us.  He loves us.  He saved us.  He provides for and protects us.  He listens to us, and he answers us! 

Why wouldn’t we carry on a running conversation with our Heavenly Father?  Why wouldn’t we be begging him “Please!!!” … and why wouldn’t we be telling him “Thank you!!!” over and over again?

Essentially, that is Paul’s encouragement to us: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

It’s great advice.

By the way, at that recent game I attended I stood up and begged for a baseball too.  The starting pitcher for my favorite team threw me one.  Turns out it does indeed pay to ask!

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Catch-Your-Attention Power

Catch-Your-Attention Power

After accepting the call to the dual congregations I now serve as pastor, I had flown to Michigan to coordinate some projects at our new house.  Amazingly the small airport most convenient to where I was going was also the cheapest one to fly into!  (Thank you, Lord!)  I had reserved a “mid-size” car to drive for the five days I was there.

When I arrived at the rental car counter, the nice young gentleman working there said I was his last customer of the day.  He proceeded to process my reservation.  When it came time to offer my options for rental cars, he listed a few of the usual “mid-size” choices.  “Or,” he continued with a smile, “we could send you out of here with a Ford Mustang GT.”

I’m sure my eyes got wide.  “Is that really an option?” I asked.  “For the same price?”

“Yes, it is.  Would you like it?”

“Hmmm.  Let me think about it. … SURE!”  He handed me the keys.

Afterwards, I had to take a moment to rearrange some of my travel accessories in my suitcase.  As I rolled my bag across the parking lot toward my “mid-size” muscle-car, the young man from the counter happened to be driving away.  He hung his head out the window.  “Enjoy your ride!” he called with a smile and a wave.  “I’m sure I will!” I called back.

And then, there she was.  Sleek and silver, slung low, with black racing stripes running down the hood – the perfect picture of power.  (It’s the actual car at the top of this post.)  I couldn’t resist; I immediately snapped a picture and sent it off in a group text to my family.  “Check out my rockin’ ride for the next 5 days!”

I stowed my suitcase in the trunk, and settled into the driver’s seat.  I took a deep breath and pushed the ignition button.  The vehicle shuddered as the engine roared to life, growling like a giant, angry beast.  (At least, it seemed like it shuddered.  It most definitely was growling!)  The power instantly available to me was tangible.  I could hear it and feel it!  I was enveloped in it! 

It was catch-your-attention power.

When I was young and fuel was cheap, cars were built differently.  Consequently, my father had some powerful vehicles.  Don’t tell my parents, but I raced some of those cars on the backroads of the little town where we lived.  Drove them fast.  But I never experienced anything like that Mustang GT.

Just to provide context, here’s some information on the typical Mustang GT: It offers the driver 460 horsepower, can jump from 0-60 in less than 4 seconds, and can reach the speed of 145 miles-per-hour!  Here’s how someone described the vehicle online: “Voted as the manliest car for several years, the Ford Mustang … was built for one thing and one thing only – power. The Mustang is a monster through and through!” 

The ticket price for one of those babies?  Almost $50,000!

Just for the record, I didn’t personally research the acceleration or velocity capabilities of the Mustang while tooling around Michigan. But I did drive it into the church parking lot for the meet-and-greet with the members of my new congregations … arriving there with the sleek, rumbling, high-performance, “manliest car” possible.  (They weren’t quite sure what to make of that, OR of the guy who would be their new pastor.)

Interestingly, it snowed much of the time I was driving that car, (it was mid-November), and the white stuff continued to accumulate the entire week.  I learned that though the vehicle IS most certainly built for power, it is most certainly NOT built for slippery streets!  By the goodness of God, I managed to avoid any incidents and returned it to the airport undamaged.  Which was good for the rental company, good for my insurance company, and certainly good for me.

Sitting in the driver’s seat of that car, it was impossible to not recognize you were wrapped in sheer power.  It occurred to me while perched over 460 “horses” that as God’s children we are always wrapped in power.  And it’s a far greater power than any car … or any other man-made invention … can provide.

“Who among the gods is like you, LORD?  Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).  “Who is like you, LORD God Almighty?  You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.” (Psalm 89:8).

The Creator of the cosmos goes before us, walks by our side, has our back, and is at our beck-and-call.  He knows all, sees all, controls all, can do all, and hears every single one of our prayers.  He certainly isn’t affected by worldly circumstances; he’s far above them all.  That all-powerful, irrepressible, invincible God can handle every difficult and dicey situation we may find ourselves in.  And he has promised to always handle every single thing in love for our good. (Romans 8:28).

Not only that, but he pours blessings into the lives of his children … providing for and protecting his loved ones.  It all streams from his love and is manifested through his power.  The same love that sent us our Savior and the same power that the Savior demonstrated in defeating sin, death and the devil.

The almighty God’s power – that’s the ultimate “catch-your-attention” power!  Even better, (far better!), than a Mustang GT.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Psalm 113:1-6
Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, you his servants; praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

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When the Wrong Way Seems Right

When the Wrong Way Seems Right

It is one of the most stupidest things I’ve ever done.  (Yes, I recognize “most stupidest” is improper grammar, but it seems the most appropriate way to phrase it.)

When my youngest son flies to Michigan, he usually flies into Detroit.  It’s a logical flight destination because of the large airport (and therefore cheaper flights).  Also, two of his brothers, a sister-in-law, and his nephews and a niece live locally, offering family time with loved ones.  Landing in Detroit also means there are multiple options for picking him up and taking him back to the airport, as well as several options for bunking overnight upon arrival.

Then when he wants to transfer the two-and-a-half hours north to our place, Detroit family members shuttle him to our meeting place halfway between there and Clare.  They drive north-west, and I drive south-east.  It’s a convenient arrangement.  At least usually.

For me, the route is quite simple.  Going there, I drive Highway 10 East to I-75 South to Birch Run.  Coming back, 1-75 North to 10 West.  Like I said, simple.

Too simple!

The last meetup went as planned.  Greetings and goodbyes were said between transporters, then my youngest son and I headed north to catch the Highway 10 intersection.  And we drove clean past it!  Not an oopsy mile or two, but twenty full miles!

For the sake of my ego, I will attempt to offer a few reasons for the grievous oversight.

First, I hadn’t seen my son in quite a while, so I was enjoying his company.  Secondly, he is studying to be a pastor and loves to talk ministry with me.  We were engaged in a riveting theological discussion as I drove.  Thirdly, as mentioned, the route is super simple, so I didn’t need to be overly concerned about missing exits.  I only had one key turn to make (which I obviously missed!).  And finally, the scenery along both freeways is largely similar – mostly wooded with occasional buildings, fields and exits – so there was nothing to alert me I was on the wrong road.  In fact, it was only when the trees began to appear more stunted that we both recognized something wasn’t right.

The shock, embarrassment, and frustration I felt when I realized my mistake was significant.  All those wasted miles and minutes!  (Though we talked the whole way, so it wasn’t entirely wasted.)

Believing one is on the right physical path while actually being on the wrong one is indeed shocking, embarrassing and frustrating … but only temporarily.  Believing one is on the right spiritual path while actually being on the wrong one will have eternal ramifications, if not discovered in time.

The bottom line is that everyone is on a spiritual path, whether they know it or think about it or not.  Their personal spiritual path may be one of their own devising, or one that was impressed upon them by others. 

In one way of looking at it, there are many, many different spiritual paths.  In a simpler definition, there are only two spiritual paths – the right one and a wrong one.

Perhaps you’ve heard the expression, “Everyone wants to go to heaven, but few want to go now.”  A related phrase might be, “Everyone wants to go to heaven, but few know the only way.”

Jesus made it clear.  He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father (i.e. goes to heaven) except through me.”  (John 14:6).

The flip side of that truth was shared by Solomon.  “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”  (Proverbs 14:12).

The one wrong path can be taken via many avenues.  Concluding that there is no god, or following the wrong god, are obvious ones.  These wrong ways can be followed by openly devoting one’s heart to a false god, or by unknowingly loving something of the world more than the true Lord.  (1 John 2:15).

Another incredibly common wrong way is trusting in one’s own good actions, or some kind of “karma,” to pull oneself into heaven.  (Galatians 2:16).

There is but one true God: the Triune God … Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 29:18-20; 2 Samual 7:22; Isaiah 40:25).  And there is but one way to heaven: faith in Jesus, the Son’s, redeeming work on our behalf.  (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9; Acts 4:10-12; Romans 5:6-11).

So how do we know we are on the correct path?   How do we remain on the right path; how do we avoid wandering onto the wrong path? 

Here’s the key: we immerse ourselves in God’s words!  All the road signs are there.  The Scriptures are our unerring spiritual GPS.  As the psalmist reminds us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105).  The Bible not only provides us with unfailing guidance, but with everlasting confidence and comfort.

Many are the wrong – and ultimately destructive – spiritual paths people wander blissfully down … completely unaware.  It’s one thing to lose an hour because of missing a freeway exit; it’s far more tragic to lose an eternity because of being on the wrong spiritual route.

Gracious God, keep us all on the right path!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

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The Special You

The Special You

Have you ever stared in amazement as you observed someone performing some spectacular feat? Whether on an athletic field or court, on a stage, or in another medium, we’ve all observed with awe the abilities of others. In fact, each of us personally knows some incredibly talented folks — people who possess talents we can’t begin to duplicate. Whether it be knowledge, an acquired ability or an inherent skill, there are many at whom we marvel.

Maybe the one you admire is a coworker who has proven to be exceptional at her work; perhaps a classmate who excels at athletics; possibly an acquaintance with unearthly technological know-how; a family member who is a natural conversationalist; or a church member who sings like an angel. Chances are it’s not just one you admire, but many! The list of talented people is long.  As is the list of talents you clearly don’t have.

And the temptation is always there to feel profoundly inadequate, boringly normal, stunningly average and spectacularly un-special.

All of which is profoundly incorrect!

Actually, the Lord has created you to be completely adequate for whatever special tasks he wants you to do. You happen to be fascinatingly unique; your personality, experiences, interests and abilities all intertwine into a wonderful you. In fact, you are exceedingly special!

At the risk of sounding like a life-coach, let me share a few reasons why you are indeed special.

The first reason you are a very special you is because of the personal talents that you possess. While you may be in awe of the skills that others have, be assured that others are in awe of yours! Those things which come easy to you, that you take for granted, and that others often compliment you about … those are unique gifts God has given you. Perhaps you aren’t even aware of the talents you display, but those close to you certainly see them. Undoubtedly you have other gifts that you haven’t even discovered yet. But rest assured that God has built you with some very special abilities.

Not only does the Lord endow you with unique physical or mental talents, but the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit blesses every single believer with at least one, and often several, spiritual gifts. The Apostle Paul writes, “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. … There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. … He distributes them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:1, 4, 11).

There is great variety in the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit brings, but every Christian has been given at least one. (Including you!) Yes, you are indeed special!

There’s a reason you were given your spiritual gift. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). In 1 Corinthians 12, the Lord provides a striking illustration of this truth. He shows how every believer is a unique part of the body of Christ, (the Church) and thereby serves a unique and vital role for the Body. None of us is the whole body; however each of us is a significant part.  (1 Corinthians 12:27). Without our special contribution (ability!), the body is lacking. With it, the body prospers. This is no small thing!

Then there is that mind-boggling truth that all Christians have Christ living in them. So not only are you connected to the Body of Christ, but Christ is embedded in you. (Galatians 2:20). How incredible! How wonderful! Jesus only lives in his followers, which sets his followers (you and me!) apart from the vast majority of the people in the world. This alone makes you wonderfully special!

But I’ve saved the best for last. You are special because you are dearly loved by the Lord. Yes, it’s true that he loves everyone. While that’s a key point, it’s not the key point in this discussion. 

Rather, I want to impress upon you that the Lord loves you! Yes, you! You personally! As a matter of fact, he loves you dearly. If you happened to be the only sinner on earth, the only existing person on the planet, Jesus still would have given his life to redeem you. God doesn’t do something like that for just anyone; he only does it for special people.

Listen and take to heart these words from Scripture: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

And we haven’t even discussed that as a Christian you are also blessed with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the fulfillment of all the wondrous and comforting promises of God (2 Corinthians 1:20), and the fact that the holy, almighty God “rejoices over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

All of which makes it clear; you are indeed incredibly special. You are unique and wonderful.

David marveled at his (and our) specialness and was moved to praise God because of it. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

Don’t let Satan or anyone try to tell you otherwise; there is no one else on earth like the special you!

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Got Enough Stuff?

Got Enough Stuff?

I was chatting with the copier repair tech in my church office when a loud knocking sounded on the door frame and a tall, elderly stranger stepped into view.  Usually when non-members stop in at church, they either want to sell me something, or they want me to give them something. 

But not this gentleman.  He wanted to give me something.

Turns out he was working through the personal effects of a deceased relative who had been a Lutheran pastor, and there were several containers containing some of his pastoral books. The relative wasn’t comfortable with simply throwing them away and asked if we might be able to make use of them or find good homes for them.   I said, “Sure!” and thanked him for the generous offer. 

It took me a few weeks before I could tackle the containers, but I finally dove into them.  Inside were Bibles, hymnals, worship service planning and reference books, and theological books.  There were also some lovely Christian knick-knacks that now reside on my church office shelves.

Most striking though were the well-used Bibles and hymnals carrying the personal inscriptions of the names of the pastor and his wife on the front covers.  Also found in the containers were documents of some of his pastoral installations and pictorial directories of congregations he had served.

These all were articles that carried either sentimental or practical value for a former pastor.  Yet there came a time when a stranger was going through them.  Furthermore, one of the containers was a cardboard box which had been exposed to water, and most of the books inside had sustained severe water damage.

Consequently, much of what was once valued by an individual had to be discarded.  Though I never knew the man, I still found it rather sad.  If you’ve ever had to process a loved one’s possessions after their passing, you’ve experienced a similar situation and sentiments … only undoubtedly magnified due to your connection with them. 

We have so much stuff!  Every single one of us has … so … much … stuff!

When my wife and I moved a few years ago, we got rid of a LOT of things.  But after all our “purging,” we still had a LOT!  Since we’ve moved into our new home, we’ve accumulated even more.

We all are abundantly blessed by our God – certainly spiritually, but also materially.  Simply living in the United States positions people for prosperity.  Consequently, most have a pile of possessions.

If you doubt this, consider the booming storage business in our country.  The United States has more than 52,000 storage facilities containing over 2.1 million individual self-storage units.  (And more are always being built!)  The estimated rentable storage of all those facilities equals 2.1 billion square feet. 

Why all that space?  Because 1 in 10 households rent storage.  And that doesn’t include the stuff crammed into our closets, attics, spare rooms, garages, sheds, or barns.

Yup, we have a LOT of stuff!

The wild thing about this is that we can’t take any of it with us!  Everyone acknowledges this truth, yet it seems to dissuade few from accumulating more.

The simple truth is that one day after we are gone someone will be wading through our ocean of possessions, having to make difficult decisions about what to do with them … and it won’t matter even one bit to us.

What will matter after the Lord calls us out of this world is NOT how much stuff we have piled up in our lives, but what is (or isn’t!) in our soul.

Jesus specifically addressed this matter with these powerful, thought-provoking and sobering questions: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

That’s quite a contrast: “The whole world” versus one’s “soul.”  To state it another way, it’s the physical versus the spiritual.  As physical creatures in a physical world, the physical is powerfully attractive.  But Jesus reminds us that the true treasure is the spiritual … faith in our Savior in our souls.

As Jesus stated so clearly to Martha after her brother, Lazarus, had died, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26).

As Christians, we recognize what should be our proper priorities (the Lord, his word, and our souls), yet “life” so easily and often distracts us with things that, in the end, really don’t matter.  In the end, the only thing that will matter is that we transition from life to Life.  That is, from life in this physical world to eternal Life in heaven with our Savior. 

And the only way that happens is if there is life (faith in Jesus!) in our souls.

That spiritual life in our souls is created and nurtured through the living, powerful, and life-changing word of God.  The Gospel is the good stuff. 

No.  More than that.  The gospel is the greatest stuff of all in this world because the Holy Spirit uses it to lead sinners to salvation in the next world.

Which means that, regardless of how much or little physical stuff you own, if you have saving faith in your soul, you have more than enough!

So, if you are inclined, certainly keep, store and treasure your physical stuff.  But never lose sight of your greatest treasure – the only one that really matters when you die and the only possession you can take with you – that is, faith in your Savior in your soul.  Do everything possible to ensure that treasure is always safely stored and actively cared for.

As Jesus himself urges, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Philippians 3:7-9
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

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Eating – Boldly and Eagerly!

Eating – Boldly and Eagerly!

As many years as a person may live, every now and then the Lord still allows us to experience new things!  And this was certainly a first for me.

A few weeks ago on this very blog I shared how the birds around our place, after cleaning out the birdfeeder, wait and watch for me to refill it. That very scenario rose to new heights at my last refilling.

While I was prepping the feeder for a new supply, I had a plastic, gallon-sized ice cream container filled with seed resting on the ground just a few feet away.  To my utter astonishment, a white-breasted nuthatch landed on the rim of the container and proceeded to pluck out a seed. 

And it wasn’t a snatch and dash scenario, as one might expect.  It took its sweet time, picked up a seed in its beak, and was completely content to perch there while I loomed over it.  Only when I stated, “Aren’t you a bold one,” did it decide to take flight.

It’s not unusual for birds to begin to swoop in towards the feeder while I’m there.  But the usual response, once they recognize I’m present, is to make a rapid and extreme adjustment in flight and divert to a nearby tree. 

Not this nuthatch.  It saw readily available food, and it was eager to eat it!  So eager that it boldly settled down on the feed container before I even had the opportunity to transfer it to the feeder, and began helping itself.  Meanwhile, I’m only steps away!

My immediate thought was, “How cool is that!”  It was followed almost immediately with, “If only we were as eager to eat up God’s word as that nuthatch is to eat seeds!”

The Lord uses this very metaphor in his Scriptures, often describing God’s word as a necessary and delicious “food” to devour.  It’s necessary because it feeds the faith in our souls; it’s delicious because it strengthens our relationship with our Lord, filling us with joy and peace.

As Moses informed the Israelites: “… man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3).  You’ll undoubtedly remember that Jesus quoted these very words when Satan tempted him to create physical food while Jesus was fasting in the desert.

The words of God are not only necessary for the soul, but delicious and delightful.  (Yes, even when they point out our sin, because they also point out our Savior from sin!)  The psalmist states, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103).  And the prophet agrees! “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” (Jeremiah 15:16). 

The concept of feeding our souls through Scripture carries over into the New Testament as well.  Including from the Savior himself, who said, “ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” (John 6:27).

Or, in the words of Peter, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3).

I wonder if we don’t sometimes regard our time in God’s word as “snacking.”  We nibble on it now and then when it appeals to us.

Or perhaps we think of it more as an obligation.  “We have to eat something,” so we try to arrange for a meal now and then on a Sunday morning … if there isn’t something that sounds more “appetizing” that day.

But those are NOT the pictures God gives us in the Bible!

Rather, the word of God shows us that the words of God are life sustaining and strengthening – spiritually speaking.  They are enduring.  They are also “sweet,” therefore they bring joy and delight to our hearts.

So God’s people want to devour God’s words eagerly, often, and boldly (resolutely).  Like a certain nuthatch in my front yard does with safflower seed.

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A Danger Unknown

A Danger Unknown

I had absolutely no idea.

For my entire life I was blissfully ignorant of the truth.  Then one day recently I was reading a devotional written by an outdoor enthusiast who happens to live in Michigan, and he mentioned encountering a rattlesnake in the state.  I immediately began to question his credibility.  But to make sure I was right, and out of an abundance of curiosity, I did some research.

And there ARE rattlesnakes in Michigan! 

The formal name of these venomous reptiles is “eastern massasauga rattlesnake.”  A medium-sized snake, adults can stretch from 18 to 30 inches.  They typically inhabit wetland environments, though they will sometimes move into higher upland areas in the summer.

It’s not surprising perhaps that I was unaware of their presence.  The massasaugas are timid and secretive, and most residents of the state have never seen one.  (Even many of those who spend a great deal of time in nature.)  The snakes prefer to hide by remaining motionless under vegetation or woody debris.  Their coloration serves as highly effective camouflage. 

Furthermore, they aren’t commonly encountered because their numbers have been steadily declining across their range.  (They inhabit parts of all the other Great Lakes states and provinces as well.)  Loss of habitat, fragmentation of the population, persecution, and illegal collection being the primary factors.  Because of their drastically decreasing numbers, massasaugas have some level of official protection in many of the states in its range. Michigan’s Lower Peninsula  seems to hold the greatest number of these rattlers, so the state is integral in its well-being. 

The eastern rattlers feed primarily on small mammals, but they will also eat frogs and other snakes, and occasionally even birds.  In regard to their diet, they are opportunistic.

Though classified as non-aggressive, they will on rare occasions strike humans.  Approximately 16 people are treated per year for massasauga bites.  Even though their venom is highly toxic, human fatalities fortunately are rare due to their shorter fangs.

Their “rattle” is reportedly more of a “buzz.”  It’s been likened to a bumblebee stuck in a spider web.  Sometimes they “buzz” before striking at humans; sometimes they don’t.

Talk about a danger unknown!  I’ve been completely oblivious to the presence of a rattlesnake in my home state!  I wonder how many I’ve walked by in my forays in the woods, or perhaps especially at the marshy wildlife refuge I used to work at while going to college and the seminary.  

I naively believed there were no venomous snakes to threaten my safety.  And while the risk was obviously low, it was still present … and it was definitely unknown.  At least to me!

Turning from the physical to the spiritual, I can’t help but wonder how many people have no idea that there is another “snake” who threatens everyone’s well-being.  Some are completely oblivious to the danger.  But even Christians who are aware tend to downplay the risk.

Consider these fascinating – but also sobering! – words from Revelation regarding the spiritual viper named Satan:

7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.  He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say … 12  “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you!  He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”  (Revelation 12)

“That ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray” is similar to the eastern massasauga rattler in that he likes to stay hidden.  He loves to wreak havoc from the shadows.  Sometimes he teases people with some buzzing; but often he strikes suddenly and silently to unleash his toxic venom into their hearts and lives.

Satan is also radically different than the non-aggressive massasauga in that the devil is extremely aggressive.  “He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time [before Jesus returns] is short.”  He will stalk believers’ souls relentlessly; he will never, ever give up the attack until souls are removed from his reach through death.

Most alarming, he knows exactly which methods, temptations, and assaults will be the most alluring and effective … AND he perceives the most advantageous times to “strike.”

Is it surprising therefore that Paul would share this concern with the Corinthian believers?  “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”  (2 Corinthians 11:3).

The apostle recognized the risk!  But he also recognized where safety was found.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  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. (Ephesians 6:10-13).

If you read the verses that follow, Paul describes the spiritual armor we are to wear quite extensively.  But the voice from heaven in Revelation 12 summarizes it magnificently with these words: “The [believers] triumphed over [the ancient serpent who was hurled to earth] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11).

In other words, Satan may lurk and hide and scheme and strike … but the Lord Jesus shed his holy blood so Satan would be defeated and we would be redeemed and victorious.  And that his what he is … and that is what we are!  Thanks be to Jesus!  Furthermore, God’s Word which tells us God’s truths is far more powerful than Satan’s lies.

Nevertheless, do not let Satan the snake be a danger unknown, unnoticed or ignored.  He is a powerful and treacherous enemy.  Recognize him and his diabolical ways … and his ultimate goal of pulling us away from God.

But even more important, recognize your victorious Savior …  and the safety and salvation he provides us.  As the Lord promised Eve, Jesus did indeed “crush the devil’s head” (Gen. 3:15) at his crucifixion.  His resurrection three days later was the ultimate triumph – a triumph for Jesus, and a triumph for us.

The key to our safety is staying close to our Savior.  The more we are immersed in God’s Word, the more Satan will hate us and attack us … but the more alert and aware we will be, and the more shielded we will be!  As the Lord himself states, “You triumph over [the serpent] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of testimony.” (Revelation 12:11). 

So be watching for the Snake.  But even more importantly, keep your eyes on Jesus, our Victor!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Wait … and Watch

Wait … and Watch

They are always waiting and watching.  No, not the boogeymen.  The birds!

Twice a week I refill the birdfeeder in front of our house.  In three days, the feeder is essentially empty.  And when it is, a few finches will still land with high hopes … only to have their hopes crushed.  They’ll peck a few times, but with nothing but seed husks to grab, they fly away disconsolately. 

And then they wait, and they watch.

They’ve learned that the feeder isn’t empty for long.  It’s just a matter of time until they can gorge themselves again.  When I approach their feeding station with my ladder and my container, their little birdy hearts flutter with joy.  I’m convinced that the birds … who have been waiting and watching! … begin chirping happily. 

Seriously!  I can hear them making a racket in the nearby trees every time I refill the feeder.  The singing seems much more pronounced than usual.  Whether their chirps flow from joy, or they are a dinner call to other birds, I couldn’t say.  Maybe it’s a bit of both?

By the time I have made the short stroll back into the garage to store the ladder and meandered into the living room, birds are already settled in for their next meal.  Before long the feeder is being swarmed!

Three days down the road, the birds will be waiting and watching again, and we’ll repeat the entire process.  It’s not surprising; they need to eat and they know I’ll provide the food.

It seems to me that, when it comes to our life needs, we should be more like the birds – waiting and watching.  Specifically, waiting confidently on our God’s timing and watching for his bountiful provision.

Instead, in regard to the challenges and uncertainties in our lives, we tend to approach them in just the opposite manner.  We ignite and we ignore.

Rather than waiting patiently for our loving Lord to do his thing, we anxiously ignite our emotions, minds, and bodies.  We take action.  We rush and run and ram forward … because how else are we going to resolve this situation unless WE resolve it?  We charge and chase the solution, because we think we need to find it immediately.  We ignite all of our personal resources like the Orion spacecraft of the Artemis mission, convinced the only way to new heights depends on our firing up, and firing up NOW.

After igniting (and because we’re ignited!), we tend to ignore the great things GOD can bring about in his own time.  Unfortunately, we also often fail to see what God IS bringing about!  And twice the tragedy, our “igniting” may even interfere with God’s solution or the immediacy of God’s solution.

This approach to difficulties and dreams (igniting and ignoring) is directly contrary to God’s prescription for life.  Over and over in the Scriptures our Heavenly Father urges his children to wait and watch.

The psalmist, inspired by the Holy Spirit, states the concept clearly: “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.  I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” (Psalm 130:5-6).

In another psalm, David reminds us that waiting and watching finally is a matter of trust – something we sinners struggle with, but we believers want to excel at!  Because the more we trust our Lord (who loves us dearly!), the greater our peace grows, and the less we feel the need to ignite and ignore.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  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 … Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7).

Now don’t misunderstand.  I’m not suggesting that God wants us to simply relax in our recliners and ignore our responsibilities and refuse to address our challenges.  No, the Lord expects us to be active, and even aggressive, in regard to dealing with difficulties.  But he also expects that as we do, our confidence is completely based on him and his actions, and not ourselves and our own!

In other words, we don’t ignite and ignore; we wait on the Lord and we watch for his resolutions.  Because God’s timing and God’s answers are always best.

This is nothing new.  The Lord had his Old Testament people wait and watch for thousands of years for the promised Savior.  “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Galatians 4:4-5). 

And that was certainly worth the wait!

So wait and watch … like the birds in my yard.  In fact, I would point out that Jesus used the illustration of the birds in regard to this concept long before I did!

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:25-27).

So don’t worry.  Trust your loving Lord.  And wait and watch for him to bring about great things in his always-perfect timing!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Lamentations 3:24-26
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Psalm 27:13-14
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!