Like many of you I enjoy watching the Olympics. This past week I saw a short documentary on some of the athletes preparing for their moment on the world’s stage of sport in Paris, this summer. The runners begin by wrapping weights around their ankles. They run and run with those weights. Then, as their leg muscles strengthen, they remove the weights. Wow! They run like the wind!
There is a wonderful, encouraging passage in Hebrews 12:1-2, “Since we are surrounded by such a huge cloud of witnesses (Christians in the past whose lives have been an example to us) of the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up, and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (NLT words in parentheses mine, bold print added).
All of our life is a training period of walking close to Jesus, letting His light shine though us. We may feel slowed down by weights of discouragement, or grief, or anger, or lost hope and fading peace. In the above verse we have the secret to run our life’s race successfully — by keeping our eyes on Jesus. In His Word we find all the encouragement we need. We find joy in singing His praises, in reminding ourselves of past blessings. We are lifted from depths of sorrow when we meditate on the truths of His Word. The world’s weights can be heavy, but focusing on the joy and hope found only in Jesus, removes the weights that hold us back from pursuing our goal with confidence and joy found only in Jesus.
Weights of this world may slow us all down, but they cannot knock us off course when we remember to lift our eyes to Him, filling our thoughts with words of His love. When we are focused on God, through whom all things are possible, then strength will come, and like the runner in the Olympics, “we will run and not be weary; we will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
It’s a simple verse in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice” (KJV), but the command can be confusing. How does anyone rejoice when bad things happen? When a loved one dies, rejoicing is to take place? When a job dissolves, financial crunch happens, kids are bullied at school, divorce is in the works, health is failing, friendships are broken, church splits happen, the car breaks down, we are to rejoice? How in the world are we to be happy when deep sadness and frustration occurs? God’s Word doesn’t say to be happy when bad things happen; it says to rejoice in the midst of it. Let’s look at how.
In I Samuel 15:22 we are told, “…Obedience is better than sacrifice” (NLT). When grief grips us and worries weigh heavy, we can still choose to be obedient in rejoicing. We are not happy something terrible has happened, but we can praise God that although we are shocked, nothing takes Him by surprise. When we feel we have lost control over our situation, we can rejoice that God is always in control, and that He uses every bad thing to work together for our good. (Romans 8:28) That is a promise from God and we know God does not lie.
In the midst of our broken heart, we can thank our Heavenly Father that He is with us; we are not alone. He holds our tears, wraps His comfort around us, whispers words of love into our deepest hurting places. When we run out of plans, God always knows what to do next. He gives us His wisdom, His comfort, His direction.
Jesus has known grief, rejection, false accusation. He lived a most humble life sleeping many nights on the ground. He was jeered and despised, but He never ceased trusting His Father and praising Him. Jesus wept, but He always rejoiced, and found inner strength in doing so.
We are not told to be happy in sadness, but to rejoice in the midst of every grief. Often we make the mistake of waiting until, “we feel like it.” We may tell ourselves that we’ll surely praise God when we feel better; but wait, that’s not how it works. Praise God in the midst of every painful moment, and then you will feel like it. As we choose to rejoice in the love of God our Father, we come to know His peace that passes all understanding, we come to know the joy of the Lord is our strength — no matter the depth of grief or the weight of worry.
We have a good friend who loves to keep our dog, Jack, for us whenever possible. Earlier this week my mother and I had some things to do away from home. We asked our friend if she would like to have Jack for a little while. She happily agreed. “May I take him on the bus?” she asked. Well, Jack had never been on a bus, but this particular friend is excellent in training dogs, so if she wanted to take Jack for a bus ride, that was okay with us.
Later in the day she sent a photo of a smiling Jack sitting on the bus. She told us he sat nicely at the bus stop, and was a perfect gentleman while on the bus, greeting the other passengers in a calm manner. They ended up at a sidewalk cafe where they enjoyed tea and sausage rolls. All was going well, then Jack let out a little whimper. “Are you cold?” our friend asked Jack, as she quickly pulled from her backpack a small square of warm fleece. Jack curled up on it and all was well. Must have been chilly laying on the cold, brick walk.
I couldn’t help but think this is how it is when you and I find ourselves in situations we’ve never been in before. We might move homes, start a new job or school, find ourselves with a group of people we’ve never met before. We suddenly travel a road we never saw coming: a path of grief, illness, financial worries, the list goes on. Perhaps all was going smoothly. You were handling the newness of your situation, when all of a sudden, you’re laying on cold bricks. It’s not comfortable. Perhaps you suddenly want to leave, but instead of struggling to run away, you cry out to the One whose eyes are always on you. You let out a whimper and your Heavenly Father hears. His backpack is plenty big, holding warm fleeces of comfort, peace, and hope, to wrap around you. From the smallest concerns to the biggest trials, your Heavenly Father is ready to provide whatever you need. “The eyes of the Lord are on those who do what is right and good. His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:16 NLT).
Have you ever watched any of the extreme makeover tv shows? Sometimes it’s a house or a room, a garden, or a work space that gets the makeover, making it more functional and pretty, too. Sometimes it’s a person getting the makeover: new hairstyle, new clothing and shoes, different makeup. When the makeovers are complete — presto! Something new and better than the old. It’s the same in our spiritual worlds.
One of the first verses I memorized as a teen when I became a Christian was II Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (NKJV). It thrilled me then, and still does today, the idea that the Holy Spirit is continually molding me into the image of Christ. He doesn’t give up even when I have my “blow it” moments. He forgives and we press on together because He never leaves or forsakes (Hebrews 13:5). We’re not perfect until we see Jesus face to face, but until then, the journey is taking place, the molding into Christlikeness grows sweeter each day.
A home, garden, or personal makeover gradually begins to fade. There will come a time when you need another makeover; not so in Christ. When our hearts and attitudes are for Him, then nothing fades; instead, we are stronger, filled with greater faith, know peace that passes all understanding in the most fearful of situations, and joy quietly bubbles within, reminding us with a holy hope that one day — all sorrow will pass, death will be no more, sickness is non-existent, problems are all gone. Heaven is our destiny. Oh what a day that will be!
Until then, each morning is the gift of a new day to become more like Jesus. It’s a makeover that only grows sweeter with time. We need only to keep focused on Him, meditating upon His Word and His ways, surrendering our hearts to His, full of love and perfect, will for our lives. Keep eyes on Him and bask in the joy of the journey of our Father’s holy makeover.
On the night Jesus was arrested, He had been praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. This event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22. In remembering this time in history, we must also bear in mind that while Jesus came to earth 100% God, He also came 100% man. The Bible tells us that He was tempted just as we are tempted, but He never succumbed to sin’s persuasion.
Think of that night. One of His disciples had gone away to betray Him to the authorities. The other eleven went with Him to the garden; three were nearby while He prayed. The Scripture tells us that Jesus bowed face down. What a picture of humility, but also of pleading desperation as He cried out, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.” Try to image the glee of Satan. He believed he was about to win; he was going to succeed in killing Jesus. Perhaps he even believed Jesus might turn away from His Heavenly Father. Try to envision all the evil unleashed on Jesus that night. You and I have never, nor will we ever, be tempted as Jesus was in those few hours before he was arrested and led away to be executed by crucifixion.
Writhing in agony, Jesus sweat drops of blood. Then, interestingly, three times He went to His nearest three disciples. Each time they had fallen asleep. There are many sermons about staying awake in times of peril to pray. Yes, that’s a must, but I’m thinking of the human side of Jesus here. The Bible says He felt everything we have ever felt. So that night, He needed friends, just as we do in our own times of great distress and sorrow. He longed to know someone understood, that those closest to Him truly cared. Is that why He went to see them on three occasions? The God side of Him understood. We know this, because He said as He looked at them the third time, “Watch and pray so that you will not give into temptation, for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
The Scripture also tells us that an angel was sent to minister to Jesus whose comfort strengthened Him. This consoles me, too, in knowing the Bible says that angels are sent by God to come to our aid at His command. (Hebrews 1:7) As Jesus prayed in His deepest moment of anguish, God sent help. God does the same for us. His help to withstand any temptation is always a prayer away.
As we contemplate what Jesus went through to willingly die for our sins in those agonizing moments of cruel execution, and of taking upon Himself every sin ever committed by you and me, let us, in the deepest part our hearts whisper, “Thank you, Jesus. You didn’t have to do this. You didn’t have to suffer for me. My sin is my fault, but you paid my penalty. Thank you for loving me that much. Thank you, Jesus.” When those moments of remembering are done, then whisper, “Holy Spirit within me, keep me strong when I face temptation. Make me a light that shines so others may see The Light of Jesus and receive Him into their lives, too.”
Satan unleashed the terrors of hell against Jesus that night — but he didn’t know something most crucial — Sunday was coming!
Wishing you all a Hallelujah Easter!
It’s one week until we celebrate Good Friday followed by Easter Sunday. A week before this actual event took place, Jesus was making His way to Jerusalem. He knew His mission — to die for the sins of the world as we are reminded in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life.”
Years later there was a man named Saul, educated and zealous. He was making his way to Damascus. He knew his mission — to arrest Christians and bring them to trial. Saul did not fulfill his mission, because Jesus met him along the way and changed his life for eternity. Saul, who changed his name to Paul, also had a changed heart. His new mission was to follow Jesus, telling everyone he met that — “God so loved the world He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life.”
This is what Jesus does. He meets you along the road of your journey, and gives you a new heart, a clean heart, a heart filled with the Holy Spirit to guide you along new roads, the best roads for you. He forgives your every wrong, wiping the slate clean. He replaces your fears, distresses, and feelings of hopelessness, with His own peace, no matter outward circumstances. He fills you with the joy of eternal hope for all your days on earth, and for life beyond in the eternal City of God.
We all travel different roads. They are sometimes happy, sometimes grievous, sometimes frightening, sometimes tranquil. When Jesus meets you along your road, and you allow Him into your life, receiving His forgiveness, letting Him guide you on new paths, permitting the Holy Spirit to mold you into the magnificent ways of Jesus, it all leads to peace of heart that is found in no other. “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).”
I wish you peace and joy today as you reflect on the truth of, “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life.” May you be blessed with great joy and peace on the road you travel with Him for all your days.
You’ve no doubt heard that expression in regards to someone who seems to continually get him or herself into some trouble time and time again. Well, yesterday our sweet dog, Jack, has been his own worst enemy. He lacks a certain digestive enzyme that creates tummy troubles when he eats or drinks something that is not on his proper diet sheet — like clumps of mud and muddy puddle water. We’ve had so much rain the past several months. Therefore, often on our walks, Jack grabs a bite here and slurps something there before I can stop him. Such was the case yesterday.
The tell-tale signs began last night with pacing and crying. Our hearts went out to our poor boy. I kept taking him outside and giving him a paste called Logic Firm which helps with digestive issues. When he cries out his eyes meet ours, speaking loudly and showing trust. He knows we will help him. My mother rubs his tummy and speaks soothing words. He closes his eyes. He gladly receives the comfort. He’s better this morning but today his walks will be on leash. I have to keep him close to me today for his own good.
Isn’t it the same with our Heavenly Father? By the Holy Spirit within us He shows us the way we should take, instructs us in how to live, and reveals guidance in His Word that leads us to inner peace and joy. We have tasted His goodness. We know beyond doubt that His ways are best all the time. Why then, like Jack, do we succumb to temptations that are against His instructions? Why do we drink dirty puddle water, suffering unpleasant consequences, and we do it more than once?
Like Jack, we are imperfect. We struggle with the temptations of this world. There’s a constant need to stay tuned into Father’s Words of wisdom. The fight to stay on the right path never ends because our arch enemy, Satan, never relents in his evil pursuits to bring us down. There will be always be puddles and there will always be temptation. Thank you, Lord, there will also, always be forgiveness. He will always extend His right hand to soothe and lift us up. We may have to be kept on a leash for awhile while we heal, but at the other end of the leash, our Father is always there, loving, teaching, leading us forward.
“He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I will come forth as gold (NKJV).”
Just yesterday I was stopped in my tracks with a breathtaking reminder — the awesome, majestic voice of God. I read the following from Psalm 29:3-4, “The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.” Just think, with one word, God created the earth. He spoke, and the sun and moon appeared. He spoke again, and all the animals were formed.
In the New Testament when Jesus was in a boat with His disciples, a storm raged. Jesus spoke, “Peace, be still.” The story is recorded in Mark 4. The disciples were understandably astonished. They said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and sea obey Him!”
Who is He today, who speaks into the raging turmoil of hearts and minds? Who is He who speaks comfort into the deepest of hurting places? Who is He who whispers His love, drawing us to Him with His tenderness? Who is He who puts His own name upon those who belong to Him? Who is He who calls the angels and they immediately answer His call? Who is He who is holy, without any sin, yet He loves so abundantly and pure that He chose to take what was our punishment for our unholiness? Who is He who promises life after death where no sorrow lives, nor can death grab hold again, nor do tears flow? Who is He who promises only the sweetest of joy for eternity?
Who is He waiting for you to come to Him, to call to Him, who will wrap forgiving, loving arms around you? Who is He? He is Jesus. His name is above all names. His majesty the most awesome of all. He is Jesus. If you know Him today, He is ready to guide your every step. If you don’t yet know Him, He is ready to forgive and bring you into His family. One word from you — calling out for Him — brings a million words of love from Him to you. Oh, how breathtaking the voice of God.
Just last evening I was sitting in the living room with my mother. Suddenly, our dog Jack, gives a short high pitched bark. I look over. He is sitting with his eyes fastened on mine. “What’s that about, Jack?” I see nothing particularly wrong until he glances down to the floor and sniffs under the sideboard cabinet. “Have you lost something?” I speak to him as I go over and kneel down to peek under the cabinet. As I put my head to the floor, Jack puts his next to mine to have a look, too. I saw it. His cookie bone was too far back for him to reach. I put my arm under and pushed the cookie bone out. Jack quickly snatches it away, tail up, body wiggling in happiness.
I was nearly wiggling in happiness, too. He had barked, calling to me for help, believing I would come. When I got up, his black, furry face appeared full of hope. Jack knew I was going to make everything alright. I could tell there was no doubt in his mind.
In the same way, this is how our heavenly Father reacts to us. We are in some type of trouble. We call to Him. We focus our eyes on Him. Swiftly He gives us His assistance, providing what we need. Perhaps it is a tangible solution to a problem. Maybe He fills us with a good dose of inner peace. It might be His own strength and courage that is needed. You might need the sweet comfort of His presence reminding you that He loves you and cares about everything you care about. Father knows and Father will provide what you need.
Just as I was filled with warm contentment at Jack calling out to me for help, our heavenly Father loves it when we look to Him for our help, too. He loves to come to our aid, to point us in the right direction, to provide whatever it may be that He knows we need. Our Father must be filled with great joy when you and I, not only call to Him, but we also believe He will indeed sort things out for us.
Whatever may be your need today, remember this truth about your Heavenly Father found in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When you need some help, call out to Him, like Jack barked at me. He will come swiftly to your aid, and He will be just as pleased to do so, as you will be when He comes.
Keep in mind the important truth of God’s nearness. He is never far away that we must shout to get His attention. This verse reminds us of His presence at all times. He is a “present help.” The dictionary definition of “present” is: in attendance, near, at this moment. Isn’t that a tremendous comfort? Where is God when you need Him? Why, He’s right there, right now, with you, ready for you to tell Him what you need, to invite Him to be your help in any trouble. Call. He’s already there. He will assist.
Recent Comments