Help in the Storm

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Recently my daughter had her purse stolen at church. The thief then stole her car, drove to her house, and robbed it as well. I cannot tell you how upset I was when I heard about these events. I must admit I was a little angry with God, I even yelled at him saying, “Don’t you know when I pray for protection for my daughter, I also mean her possessions as well?”

Psalm 46:1 (NIV) says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” This verse is powerful and very clear when and how God will protect us. The Father never says He will keep us from troubles or calamity, He just promises strength, guidance and the ability to endure them. Jesus told his disciples in John 16:33 (ESV) “…In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Even as I read that verse I’m still a little jaded and want to say sarcastically “potato potata”. Sometimes God’s Word and His ways don’t feel fair and just. We want all of the benefits with none of the hardship. This unfortunately is not reality, nor the genuine nature of the God we serve. However, don’t think for a minute God is unaware of the hardships and sufferings of this world. On the contrary, He knows all, sees everything and is in supreme control of it entirely.

It is this knowledge that should give us comfort and peace. We should rest in the truth that at the right time God will repay justice upon those who perpetrate injustice. God’s command to us is to leave this to Him and love the world with His love.

(Prayer): God, deliver me from my vengeful thoughts and replace them with a heart of forgiveness. Let me love those that have wronged me with your love and learn to see them through your eyes. Thank you for your help in troubled times. In your mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Slow Down!

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It’s amazing how many famous phrases people think are in the Bible, which in truth are not. One saying I often hear people use when reassuring one another to give their problems to the Lord is “let go and let God.” Now, my point here is not to be critical but to take this opportunity to further emphasize this encouragement.

Now it’s sound advice to give over all of our worries and works to God. Psalm 55:22 proclaims, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;” and Proverbs 16:3 (ESV) instructs, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” This is essentially, what people mean when they say, “let go and let God.”

It’s kind of like when someone yells at a driver speeding down a residential street, they don’t say, “You are exceeding the posted speed limit for this type of road, please reduce your velocity,” instead they scream, “Slow down!” We use poignant phrases to communicate the essence of a meaning, and often these catchphrases become more memorable than the definitions they represent.

Regardless of how we say it, if anxiety is overwhelming you, give it to the Father. If you are at a loss for how to proceed, pray to God and He will reveal His will for you, and guide you in your steps until they are fulfilled.

(Prayer): Dear Lord, I thank you that I can go to you with both my burdens and my plans. Please help me to always seek you first, so that my footing will be sure and my path secure as you establish your will in my life. In Jesus, mighty name. Amen. 

The Wonderful Debt

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Now, I’m no fan of debt and have worked very hard to live without any outstanding bills, but, I must say, I love the liability Romans 13:8 (NIV) describes, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law”. What a wonderful dichotomy this verse extols about the only debt we each should maintain: the unending tab of compassion and lovingkindness toward one other.

This weekend, I read about the tragic life of actor Keanu Reeves (known for the Matrix trilogy and John Wick movies). As a child, his father left him and his mother. In his early career as an actor, a dear friend, River Phoenix, died, and years later, Keanu’s unborn child and wife also passed away (in separate incidents). In spite of all of these very heartbreaking events, Keanu shared that his heart’s desire is still to get married and have a family.

God provides this directive in countless scriptures like Romans 12:10 (NIV) “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves,” and Ephesian 4:2 (NIV) “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”, yet it is not so much a command as it is a heart calling.

In grained deep within each of us is the God given need to connect with one another and with the Father Himself. When we love one another we demonstrate to all that we also truly love God.

(Prayer): Father, I am overwhelmed by your love for me and so fulfilled when I share your love with others. Help me continue to pay the debt of compassion that was so generously lavished upon me and in so doing fulfill your law. In Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Imitation Admiration

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We often emulate those we admire. An old proverb (not from the Bible) proclaims, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. The Apostle Paul instructs us in 1st Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) to “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

When I was growing up my best friend and I would see a movie and then often find ourselves talking like the characters from the Film. When Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure came out in 1989 (Keanu Reeve’s first big role as a time-travelling teen) I walked around for weeks afterward talking like an airhead uttering phrases like “Excellent” and “Bodacious.”

At its core, imitation is simply a form of social learning, whereby we observe and replicate another’s behavior. A son watches his father and picks up phrases, body language and mannerisms. To this day, my sister and I can recall a memory of our late Mom by sharing a funny look she used to give us as kids. 

When the object of our imitation is someone we love, it becomes all the more easy to mirror their traits and qualities. Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

The easiest way to replicate Jesus is to love one another, for when we do the world will truly know that we are sons and daughters of the Living God. John 13:35 (ESV) confirms, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(Prayer): Lord may I be more like you. In Jesus precious name. Amen.

I'm Sooo Tired

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One of the most effective drug-free prescriptions doctors give to their patients is the directive to get lots of rest. A good night’s sleep truly can cure a host of things that plague us, from headaches to bad attitudes. Galatians 6:9 (ESV) encourages, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

This verse draws the foregone conclusion that we will grow weary (dare I say even “sick and tired”) in our pursuit of the noble walk of obedience. We are gently instructed to keep on keeping on and not lose the long haul, big picture perspective. In just the right time, our righteous endeavoring will be rewarded as long as we don’t give in and give up when the going get’s tough and we tire from the journey.

Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV) invites, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

You see the only cure for weariness is rest. Its simplicity often escapes us, leaving us a worn out empty shell of who we truly are in Christ. Our world was created with the cycle of rest built in every 7^th day (our Sabbath) so that we would make this a natural pattern of our living. Rest often, relax in His grace and He will restore our souls.

(Prayer): Father, thank you for making it so easy for us to come to you and find replenishment for our lives. Help me not to exhaust myself to my last energies but to regularly sit at your feet and soak in your presence. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.

Throw the Enemy Off Balance

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Matthew 4:43-44 (ESV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” This is not only good godly guidance but also strategic maneuvering to truly throw the enemy off balance.

When two combatants enter into a toe-to-toe, hand-to-hand fight they must size each other up and attack one another making use of each other’s weaknesses. When we respond to those that persecute us by loving and praying for them, we catch them off guard because this is not the expected reply. This action in many instances will cause them to let their guard down, thereby allowing even more of the goodness of God to flow through us to them.

The real enemy thrown off balance with such a move is the devil, not the person.

Ephesians 6:2 (ESV) clarifies, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

When we retaliate with loving-kindness’ and petitions for our foes, we powerfully attack our true enemy with a deadly knockout punch.

(Prayer): Lord, help me to see others as you see them, and love them with your love. Allow me to extend a heart of compassion to them as I embrace their situation and pray for them. In Jesus mighty name, amen.

Purpose in Pain

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We often accept discomfort in order to gain a benefit later. We run and workout to remain healthy or we wear braces on our teeth so we can have a beautiful smile. In Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV), Jesus models how to embrace pain to accomplish a greater purpose, “…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.”

I recently had surgery to remove an impacted wisdom tooth. After the procedure, I was in so much pain that it often robbed me of the ability to concentrate on the tasks at hand. Now, I’m in no way comparing my orthodontic discomfort to the agony Christ encountered. My condition just reminded me of how focused Christ was on securing our salvation that not even the tortures he faced derailed him from his path.

Luke 22:43-44 (ESV) demonstrates prayer’s power in dire times as Jesus cries out to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. “And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

Life is filled with harsh and hurtful situations. However, when we follow the Father we’ll discover purpose in the pain and strength to endure until our reward is secured.

(Prayer): Thank you Jesus for abiding the excruciating journey of Calvary. Give us clarity and courage so we too may overcome our challenges and take hold of the promised prize released at the end of our steadfast journey. In Jesus name. Amen.