Month: January 2021

Hope on the Horizon

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And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 ESV

Some of us may feel hopeless as we see a political scene where the value of an unborn child is worthless, the purpose of a family is useless and freedom to worship God is considered dangerous. But God sees things differently than us. Because if politics could have changed a single heart, Jesus would have run for office. If money could give happiness and contentment, He would have built a business and lived in a mansion. If entertainment could soothe away fears and calm a world at war, He could have multiplied bread every Monday, walked on water on Tuesdays and turned water into wine for the rest of the week!

But instead Jesus came and gave His life so we could be forgiven. He sent His Spirit to fill us and teach us to love our enemies, wash the feet of our friends and give our wealth to the poor.

Then – not because we deserve it but because He loves us, we find ourselves in a kingdom whose ruler never leaves office. We receive an inheritance of contentment and an eternal home. And most of all we begin to experience true peace as we discover that through the blood of Jesus; God has adopted us as His sons and daughters. So I see real hope on the horizon, because Jesus is still in charge and has a job for us to do. Now what could be more hopeful than that?

Jesus Knows Our Name!

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“Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” John 9:2

Does it bother you if people forget your name? Are you offended if people point and say, “Hey you over there, come here!”?  It is interesting that though our blind man receives a longer and more detailed story than anyone else in John’s gospel (except of course Jesus), yet we are never told his name. The disciples asked if he were a sinner and his neighbors just referred to him as the blind beggar. His parents came closest when they confessed him as their son but the Pharisees named him; someone born in sin.

Maybe this blind man felt invisible, anonymous and rejected. But no matter whether we know his name the most important part was that Jesus knew. In the following chapter as Jesus begins explaining what it means to follow him I can’t but believe that the blind man was still sitting at his feet. Just as Jesus had individually come to meet him, he now learns that Jesus was calling his name.

And today, just like that blind man we can know that no matter our sins or weaknesses Jesus has come for us. In spite of the denial and rejection of others, Jesus wants to spend time with you. If not even one single person on earth remembers us, Jesus has not forgotten. He is calling our name. If you can hear His voice trust Him because He leads us to green pastures and makes us rest by quiet waters.

Photo by Valeriia Miller on Pexels.com

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  John 10:3 NKJV

What is Your “All Things?”

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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV

My dad was a quiet, yet amazing guy. I learned lessons from my him about finances, faithfulness and keeping a humorous humility about ourselves in the face of difficult circumstances. But what I remember most of all the things he taught me was how to trust in the strength of the Lord.

Dad with our firstborn

In the last week of his life as he lay in the ICU unit, dad didn’t complain much. Instead he seemed most concerned that I understand how to handle the affairs of his home and if I was getting enough rest at night. During that time he often asked to hear the New Testament or Psalms read aloud, and most of all he loved quoting the verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He did not repeat those words with desperation through gritted teeth but with a calm confidence that his Good Shepherd had come to lead him on the last mile of his pathway on earth.

In fact, this verse is a favorite of many of us as we face challenges. Maybe we are starting a new job, wondering where the money will come from to pay the bills or are about to take a final exam. Interestingly, the Apostle Paul gives us these words, not as a skill he was good at, but as a lesson he had learned after experiencing a laundry list of crazy circumstances. He looked back and remembered his successes as well as failures. He talked about his hunger pains from when the cupboard was bare, as well as the wonderful home cooked meals at the homes of friends. But more than any one kind of challenge Paul faced, he shows us that trusting in Christ is something he learned to do and that we can too.

The key is remembering that overcoming whatever we face is in Christ. Got temptations? Then we need to remember that we are crucified with Christ. It’s not about us anymore. It’s about Him. Are we in the middle of confusion, and the pressure of unrelenting demands? Then we must bring to mind that we are buried with him in baptism. Nobody bothered Christ once the stone was rolled over the face of the tomb. He rested in perfect peace – though not for long! Are we crossing a storm tossed sea that is about to sink our boat? Then we can joyfully recall that just as we are crucified and buried with Jesus, so we are also raised with Him. Going forward is no longer just about our power – it’s about His. What are the “All things” that you face today? God’s got this! He’s not just in control on the outside of our situations, He is at work on the inside of us as well and will help us finish the job He gave us to do. Then we will be able to say with my dad,” It really is true! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”