God knows, He cares, He sees!

 

Family of Jacob, why do you complain,

    “The Lord doesn’t notice our condition”?

People of Israel, why do you say,

    “Our God doesn’t pay any attention to our rightful claims”?

28 Don’t you know who made everything?

    Haven’t you heard about him?

The Lord is the God who lives forever.

    He created everything on earth.

He won’t become worn out or get tired.

    No one will ever know how great his understanding is.

29 He gives strength to those who are tired.

    He gives power to those who are weak.

30 Even young people become worn out and get tired.

    Even the best of them trip and fall.

31 But those who trust in the Lord

    will receive new strength.

They will fly as high as eagles.

    They will run and not get tired.

    They will walk and not grow weak.(Isaiah 40:28-31)

 

Are you getting a bit tired of the virus, the unrest, the uncertainty of it all? Are we growing a bit weary? Here the prophet encouraged Israel to hold on....

Good advice for all of us today. Go to God with your frustrations over the new normal. Share with Him your anger concerning the state of our political landscape.

 

God knows. God cares. God sees!

we face death all day long

A student recently asked me, "What are we supposed to do in these challenging times?" I do not have a really easy answer, but God's Word has some really practical advice. We will suffer. We will be irritated and a bit unsure in this world. It will not be easy to put our CHRISTian culture and belief system above our current culture's standards. Yet, we . . . the children of God Himself . . . . must persevere so others may indeed see and feel His love and compassion! 

Since God is on our side, who can be against us?  God did not spare his own Son. He gave him up for us all. Then won’t he also freely give us everything else? Who can bring any charge against God’s chosen ones? God makes us right with himself. Then who can sentence us to death? No one. Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God and is also praying for us. He died. More than that, he was raised to life.  Who can separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or hard times or harm or hunger? Can nakedness or danger or war?  It is written,
“Because of you, we face death all day long.
 We are considered as sheep to be killed.         (Psalm 44:22)
No! In all these things we are more than winners! We owe it all to Christ, who has loved us.  I am absolutely sure that not even death or life can separate us from God’s love. Not even angels or demons, the present or the future, or any powers can separate us. Not even the highest places or the lowest, or anything else in all creation can separate us. Nothing at all can ever separate us from God’s love. That’s because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done.(Romans 8)

know how to answer everyone.

 Give a lot of time and effort to prayer. Always be watchful and thankful.  Pray for us too. Pray that God will give us an opportunity to preach our message. Then we can preach the mystery of Christ. Because I preached it, I am being held by chains. Pray that I will preach it clearly, as I should.  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity.  Let the words you speak always be full of grace. Learn how to make your words what people want to hear. Then you will know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:2-6)

Lots of noise in our world today for sure . . . but which noise are we listening to and how are we responding? It's easy to latch on this group or that group without knowing the motives of the people behind the words and actions. 

Paul warns us to be watchful and careful regarding current situations. We can't simply react to a situation without careful thought and preparation. We must be grace-filled and be sure our words will be received in a positive manner. . . .helping to encourage others but also honoring God! 

Remember, Jesus did not hide from the ills of society, but showed compassion, concern, and offered reconciliation and redemption. Do our words and actions as CHRISTians bring others closer to Christ? Be careful concerning our answers to today's culture!

We still have our faith!

 

 I leave my peace with you. I give my peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Well, here we go . . . starting classes for the 2020-21 school year .  .  . albeit virtually! A lot has happened since we initially went virtual last March. Many have died, many have become ill, many have recovered, many have suffered financial, personal and emotional losses. Yet we still have our faith!

Jesus encouraged His disciples that though He was leaving and things may be different, He would not really leave them alone! He would send the Spirit. He, the Holy Spirit would lead, guide, counsel, encourage, teach, and strengthen every believer until eternity! 

Faith in Jesus and His words still strengthen us today, despite the situation we find ourselves! So as my wife, my son and I begin a new school year (at home) we lean upon our faith for strength . . . and wisdom . . . and patience . . . and grace to navigate through still more unchartered territory. What about you?

"What next?"

 So make yourselves humble. Put yourselves under God’s mighty hand. Then he will honor you at the right time.  Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you. Be watchful and control yourselves. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to swallow up. Stand up to him. Remain strong in what you believe. You know that you are not alone in your suffering. The family of believers throughout the world is going through the same thing. (1 Peter 5:6-9)

Yes, we are going through some challenging times...this virus and all the ramifications concerning it has many of us a bit anxious and lacking a bit of confidence. Whether it is employment, school, housing, health, politics or simply day to day living, many of us are a bit on edge wondering, " What next?"

Yet Peter reminds us Who is in control! We all are in the same boat, and like Peter on the troubled sea, Jesus bids us to come to Him! We may even have to venture out and walk upon uncharted and rough seas, but He is their to hold us and lead us! He will even pick us up if we begin to sink a bit! (Matthew 14:22-33)

In the middle of all the challenges, we are NOT alone! Reach out your hand . . . He is their to stabilize our lives!

Am I "worth it"?

 Ever wonder if you are " worth it"? Are you really needed, appreciated, even noticed? I do at times. I know my family needs and appreciates me, of course. Yet in other scenarios, I wonder . . . .

I often wonder what people will do when I am gone. Will I be noticed after a while? Will I be just a vapor in the wind . . .  just another brick in the wall?

Well, if I look to others for my self worth I will indeed become depressed and feel a bit useless. I have lived long enough, even as a CHRISTian, to realize people will use you, put you on a shelf until needed, even place you in a trash heap when done with their purpose for you. 

But God. . . . We are so valuable to Him. So valuable that He exchanged His life for ours on the cross so we could be with Him forever! That's worth! Just focus on Daddy and pleasing Him. We have to change how we think . . . .

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.(Romans 12:2)

Hold on!

 

Let us hold firmly to the hope we claim to have. The God who promised is faithful. Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works. And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope. Let us do this even more as you see Christ’s return approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Ok.....another uncertain few months as the schools are  starting back.....whether in or out of the classroom. But "hold on"! God is the same God Who got you and me through before . . . through financial woes, through family deaths, through health scares, unemployment, child issues . . . want makes us think He can't handle Covid-19?

This is no different. Keep don't "good". Keep loving God and people. He needs to be seen and felt! Our young people especially need to see and experience and genuine trust and dependence upon Almighty God! 

Lord, keep us, directors protect us!!!!!! We depend upon You and You alone to provide.

I may not be happy........

 

We have been made right with God because of our faith. Now we have peace with him because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus we have received God’s grace. In that grace we stand. We are full of joy because we expect to share in God’s glory.  And that’s not all. We are full of joy even when we suffer. We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope. And hope will never bring us shame. That’s because God’s love has been poured into our hearts. This happened through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.(Romans 5:1-5)

God has me and everyone who has committed their lives to Him. He heals and seals. I have a future in Him despite this world. . . . COVID-19, politics, school issues, family challenges, work environments, etc. 

I may not be happy in the challenges, but I am at peace! I can rejoice knowing that God is in it with me. He is working things out to His glory and for my good (Romans 8:28). I pray for my bride, my children, my grandchildren and all the students entering schools this year (whichever format), especially new college students. They had such a strenuous senior year!

My God . . . You are the great Physician, the Healer, the Father, and the Source of all resources. You are Lord, God, and Savior. Save to the utmost and use us all to Your glory!

Trust God with the results!

 Let everyone who is faithful pray to you  while they can still look to you. When troubles come like a flood, they certainly won’t reach those who are faithful. You are my hiding place. You will keep me safe from trouble. You will surround me with songs sung by those who praise you because you save your people. I will guide you and teach you the way you should go.  I will give you good advice and watch over you with love.(Psalm 32:6-8)

Uncertain times require trust . . . . . not in government, programs, memberships or even people, but trust in the One who knows not only the present, but the past and the future! God knows the whys, the when's, the how's and then wherefores. He is in control!

In the middle of this this pandemic, whom are we trusting? Are we relying upon a stimulus check, unemployment, promises from employers, or God? Many days I have no clue as to why or wherever how! Many times we simply have to press on in the middle of uncertainty and trust God with the results! 

Lord, establish Your will!

 

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:1-3)

 As another summer is coming to an end, an albeit unusual summer to say the least, I am preparing to move forward! With much prayer and thought, we have decided to start our youngest son in online college rather than residential for safety precautions. Though our alma mater, Liberty U., is taking big steps to be safe, we want to be sure! Our plan is send him in January. We too are preparing to teach virtually once again at our high school. I miss the kids so much and believe they need school, but again, we must proceed safely! We are hoping for next quarter/semester to open the classrooms.

So we deal with masks, sanitizer, and where to go or not to go. Will we ever be safe? Will things ever be normal? As we make plans, will they be accomplished or changed midstream? Only God knows......

The bad things people have said about you......

 We who have strong faith should help the weak with their problems. We should not please only ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors. Let us do what is good for them in order to build them up. Even Christ did not please himself. It is written, “The bad things people have said about you have been aimed at me also.” (Psalm 69:9) Everything written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures give us strength to go on. They encourage us and give us hope. Our God is a God who strengthens and encourages you. May he give you the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had.  Then you can give glory to God with one mind and voice. He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ has accepted you. So accept one another in order to bring praise to God.(Romans 15:1-7)

Being shut-in so much has caused me and probably you to be a bit strained at times.  Frustrated, irritable, anxious, and jittery can be just a few words to describe Corona times!

It has given me a lot projector reflect upon the past as I wonder where we are headed. I have lost count of the times I have been lied to, lied on, tricked, manipulated and deceived by folks I thought I knew, yes even Christ followers. As a result I realize I have installed a mental barrier of distrust and skepticism regarding people. Truth be told, it has deeply charred the relationships I do have!

Do you find it hard to forget even when you forgive? Do you have trouble trusting anymore? I have to force myself to be live God! Listen to what Paul writes:

The bad things people have said about you have been aimed at me also.” (Psalm 69:9) Everything written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures give us strength to go on. They encourage us and give us hope. 

I need the Spirit to help me to fully trust again. How 'bout you?

 

Are we acting like "new creatures in Christ"?

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (1Corinthians 5:17-20)

Yes, the world seems to be in disorder. Politics is a mess. Society is in disarray. Illness is rampant and seemingly out of control. Our school systems are being run by fear and intimidation. Even our families are in somewhat of a shambles with relationships faltering.  

But God is still in control! We who are being renewed every day are to be seeking to renew others in our speech, action and service. If we are new creatures in Christ, than we have a job to do. . . to be like Him in caring for others' souls! 

Let's not jump on every bandwagon we find. Let's observe before we speak or comment. As Christ forgave us and offered reconciliation and restoration, may we too seek that for others? Let's accept repentance and rebuild bridges that have been damaged. 

Let's give folks time to heal and even to hurt . . . but let's hurt with them and for them! Let's offer to others what Jesus offered to us . . . a chance to change!

Storms and Faith

Jesus got into a boat. His disciples followed him. Suddenly a terrible storm came up on the lake. The waves crashed over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him up. They said, “Lord! Save us! We’re going to drown!”He replied, “Your faith is so small! Why are you so afraid?” Then Jesus got up and ordered the winds and the waves to stop. It became completely calm. The disciples were amazed. They asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:23-27)

Ever wonder why things go so wrong even when you seem to be in God's will? We know and can expect consequences when we are in sin . . . . at least we better! But many times, as we mature in Christ, we should expect Satan to be at his best when we are walking with Jesus. 

Just as the disciples found themselves in a storm while Jesus was with them, we too can learn to expect the storm when all seems well within us. Whether it is a tropical storm as we just experienced or struggles of everyday life (family issues, finances, health, etc.), we can come to expect troubles just as the disciples experienced. After all, Jesus was right in the boat with them!

If we ever ask the question, "Why Lord?", all we have to do is remember Job. Maybe, just maybe, God knows He can trust us! 

Question is, do we trust God in the storm? God is seeking glory through the tests. Are we willing to trust Him enough for Him to get that glory, or will we try to get out of trouble on our own? Oh we of little faith!

Worn out....Tired.....Isaias.....Isaiah!

Even young people become worn out and get tired.  Even the best of them trip and fall. But those who trust in the Lord  will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired.  They will walk and not grow weak.(Isaiah 40:30-31)

We live in a day when many are simply doing what they believe is right. Among the pandemic, we still have people deciding it is ok not to protect themselves. We have sports and athletes trying to return to normal with uncertainty and fears. We have politicians trying to play doctor and doctors playing politicians. School officials are being controlled by parents and politics, afraid of any decision with risks. Even within my own family . . . a CHRISTian family, we are experiencing doubt, fear, uneasiness, poor decision making, and from our older kids, just plain ole ignorance! 

And now a tropical storm . . . named Isaias!!!!! How cute! So let me consider Isaiah . . . Chapter 40, verses 30-31.

Yes I am worn out! Oh, I am TIRED! I need some spiritual strength for sure. I know only God can provide it because so many are so lost today. I need to stay focused upon 

Him. 

So today, when many are focused on the storm Isaias, I choose to focus upon the words of God from the prophet Isaias (Isaiah). 

I choose then One Who calms the storm....not the storm!