Wise Men Still Seek Him

 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

– Matthew 6:23

When we seek something — or someone — we need to know what — or whom — we’re looking for. For example, Christ-followers on their life-long spiritual journey look toward Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And every day, they should seek to know him better and do God’s will with purpose and vision.

If you’re a Christian, it's no revelation that this odyssey can be rough at times. But let’s consider the original Christ-followers 2,000 years ago, who traveled countless miles through deserts and rugged terrain — just to meet Jesus in person.

They were called the Magi, but you might know them from the Christmas story as the Wise Men or Three Kings. It’s thought that they were astrologers from Babylon (ancient Iraq), who were familiar with the Old Testament prophesies about the Jew’s long-awaited messiah.

The time came when they spotted a special star in the nighttime sky. It was a sign that was both breathtaking and unmistakable. And the Magi would soon follow it at all costs to gaze upon and worship the King of Kings.

The second chapter of Matthew’s gospel reveals that the Wise Men lived up to their name. And if we look closer, we’ll see that their successful journey highlights some important principles that we can embrace today. We learn first that following God can be dangerous and demanding. Our winding spiritual pathway is full of hairpin turns and steep hills rather than long, smooth stretches of highway. And to reach their destination, the Magi chose the road-less-taken rather than the direct route. But how often throughout our day do we choose the easy way out rather than doing the difficult — but right — thing?

The Magi’s long journey also reassures us that as Christ-followers, we will find Jesus if we search for him diligently. The Three Kings may well have been familiar with Jeremiah 29:13, which reads:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

So whether it's Christmas or any other day, let’s follow the Wise Men’s example. They recognized their Savior's star from a great distance, and stayed on the path until they reached their destination.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

– 1 John 4:8

Christmas is around the corner, but don’t despair if you're still looking for that perfect gift for that someone special. After all, there are plenty of options out there, as your next visit to Amazon.com will confirm. But with money particularly tight these days, every purchase must count. Whatever you choose, it should be a gift that makes an impression — without overspending. It’s best to maximize the bang for your buck.

There's nothing wrong with trying to stretch a dollar. But maybe a gift's real value has much more to do with the meaning and person behind it than its Low Everyday Walmart price.

That's certainly the case if we're to believe the Bible. So what does it say

about the characteristics of a good gift? And more to the point, what does Scripture tell us about being a good gift-giver? We can find the answers through its vivid portrayals of Jesus related to the issues of living, relationships and love.

It's from Christ's example that we learn to give with an attitude of generosity: one that exceeds what we expect to receive. Our gifts should also affirm the value of the recipient. But most importantly, our gifts — whatever they may be — should be given out of love.

The Bible doesn't say that an Apple iPhone is a better gift than a bicycle or a sweater. But the same principles apply. And what we also learn is that when it comes to gift-giving, it really IS the thought that counts.  

Christmas is straight ahead ... and time is running out. But before we log on to Amazon, tune into the Home Shopping Network or even drive to the mall, let's follow the examples of Jesus, who was and is the ultimate gift-giver. His greatest present was the salvation he bought for us through his death on the cross. It was an incredibly valuable gift that we can never repay. It was also given out of love. And it's free and available to anyone who's willing to untie the bow and open the package. 

Joy to the World

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

– Luke 6:21

There’s an old saying in the news business: If it leads, it bleeds. Surf the web, turn on the TV or read a newspaper, and you’re bound to come across headline after headline about contested presidential elections, never-ending pandemics and degenerate human behavior. The fact is that the media thrives off of bad news and hyping the worst possible scenarios for maximum effect. After all, good news rarely drives ratings or sells magazines.

With bad news and scary headlines in such plentiful supply these days, how about counting our blessings and taking a much-needed break? For one week, make the effort to

avoid TV — particularly news broadcasts or shows with a political bent. Keep away from similar content on the web. And don’t bother with newspapers or magazines. (Even many of the so-called entertainment magazines have fully embraced politics.)

At the end of those quiet seven days, maybe you won’t feel quite as informed as you would have had you stayed glued to the evening newscast or a favorite website. But odds are you’ll experience much less stress and enjoy a more positive outlook on life.

That’s some sound advice for ditching the bad news. But what about finding some good news for a change?

As Christ-followers, the Good News about Jesus is what gives us hope and a much clearer perspective for tomorrow. And as we read in the Bible about the incredible promises God has kept over the centuries, our anticipation only grows as we ponder the amazing future that awaits. Until then, our life-journey will have its peaks and valleys. But we’ll find real hope in our darkest hours. What’s more, we’ll also experience joy, which springs from within through our relationship with God.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace," said Jesus to his disciples. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Are you going through some tough times these days? Good News and the blessings that accompany it are closer than you think!

Overcoming the Inevitable

 I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I have authority over death and the world of the dead.

– Revelation 1:18

Although few like to talk about it, it’s something we’ll all have to face one day. It’s not a trip to the dentist’s office or an audit by the IRS. It’s something much more inevitable: DEATH.

Why do so many people worry about dying? For those who aren’t Christ-followers, death represents the unknown. It’s a gaping, black hole. And who knows what’s at the bottom of that pit or who’s on the other side? And besides, death is just so … final.

That doesn’t sound very reassuring. So here’s some good news: If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have nothing to fear from death. In fact, death is simply

the transition between our relatively brief existence on Earth and an eternity of joy. It’s from Revelation — the final book of the Bible — that we learn that all our troubles, tears and sorrows will be a thing of the past. That’s something to anticipate rather than fear!

How is this possible? 

Unlike you and me, Jesus lived a perfect, sin-free life. And he willingly accepted the death penalty on a Roman cross to pay for our failure to live up to God’s perfect standards. Then he proved that he was indeed God-in-the-flesh by fulfilling Old Testament prophesies and rising to life. The huge stone that had sealed his grave was rolled away, and the tomb was revealed to be empty and hollow. Likewise, so now was the devil’s greatest weapon against mankind: the threat of death.

It’s a reminder of a difficult truth: One day, death will take you. But if you’ve surrendered your life to Jesus, death can’t keep you. That’s because it’s already been defeated through his triumphant resurrection. It's in John’s gospel that we find this familiar passage about Christ’s power to overcome the grave: 

“I am the resurrection and the life,” the Savior proclaims. “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Although death is a sobering fact of life, you can believe in Jesus’ promises and have great confidence in your eternal future. It’s because he conquered death that every Believer will overcome the inevitable.

The Right Choice

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

-- Acts 4:12

We live in a nation that’s blessed with choices. Need a cell phone? There are dozens of retailers offering hundreds of devices from Apple, Samsung, LG and other manufacturers. Well-stocked supermarkets may offer 10 or more brands of bottled water. And if you’re looking for entertainment, Netflix, Apple TV and Hulu have a program or movie for just about everyone — from cartoons to romantic comedies to horror flicks. Then there’s that ubiquitous online marketplace, Amazon.com. According to the BigCommerce website, Amazon is where you’ll find your choice of more than 350 million different products!

Choice has long been popular in America, so it’s no surprise that we also have

options for religion. There's something for every taste and preference. And making it more confusing is that many well-meaning people contend that which one you choose doesn't really matter — just so long as you're sincere in your beliefs and it makes you happy. After all, one person's truth isn't someone else's. It's all relative. And we're all worshipping the same god anyway. Right?

Not really! The Bible makes several startling claims that collide with the easy-going beliefs of our modern-day culture. And it also backs them up. For example, the Old Testament accurately predicted Jesus' birth — even the name of the tiny village where it would happen — centuries before the fact. And we read that in Jesus' brief time on earth, he cured the sick, raised the dead, forgave sins and became a living sacrifice to pay the price for all the wrongs of the world. His resurrection from the grave, just as he foretold, proved his ultimate power over death. And 2,000 years later, Christ's words continue to change lives and make an eternal difference:

"I am the vine; you are the branches," he proclaims through John's gospel. "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Many people, even those who aren't Christ-followers, agree that Jesus was a "good" man and a "wise" teacher. But the hot button question is whether or not he's the only way to God. The short answer is ... YES! Jesus declares that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. But that's a disturbing claim these days because it asserts exclusivity. And many would call it intolerant.

But maybe Jesus’ claim isn’t quite so exclusive after all. Let's consider that his death and resurrection make eternal life possible for anyone who accepts God's free gift. No one who wants a new life through the Savior is turned away. And unlike manmade religions, the way to God isn't about keeping certain rules, saying special prayers or eating (or not eating) particular foods. Instead, being a Christ-follower is about having a personal relationship with Jesus, accepting what he’s already accomplished — and letting him live through us. All we need to do is choose to come to him in faith. 

In a world with 20 major religions plus thousands of related offshoots, Jesus alone is the right choice. 

At Your Service

My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don't do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you?

-- James 2:14

The retail and hospitality segments of America’s economy lost millions of jobs in 2020 following the forced shutdown of businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But as people from coast to coast sheltered in place and worked remotely from home, demand soared for residential deliveries of products and services ranging from groceries to exercise equipment. The result is that companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are constantly hiring more workers to process and deliver it all. And the public’s insatiable demand for these services only continues to grow as we approach the holidays. 

The logistics industry doesn’t have a monopoly on service. The church, in

fact, has 2,000 years of experience with it. So whenever one of those familiar Amazon vans drops off a package in your neighborhood, think about Jesus’ example to his followers about serving others: 

“In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served,” the Savior tells us. “He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."

Jesus turns the notion of greatness on its head by emphasizing the server over the one he or she serves. What follows is that Christ-followers are to be Jesus’ hands and feet on earth while we wait for his return — or that day when he calls us back home (whichever comes first). Until then, we’re to help prepare God’s kingdom by making the most of the different gifts and talents he’s given us to serve others. 

But when we serve, it’s not about us. It’s instead about our Creator and his creation. With this in mind, let’s turn our faith into action by accepting Jesus’ invitation to help brighten a dark, dying world that’s so much in need of light, truth and love. 

“Make your light shine,” he says, “so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

That’s a prime level of service that Amazon will never deliver.

Pledge of Allegiance

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship.

– Romans 12:1

Americans of a certain age will recall that the Pledge of Allegiance was recited each morning in classrooms across the nation — with millions of students placing their right hand over their heart — and all in front of the flag. It was a daily declaration of devotion to the Stars and Stripes and the republic for which it stands.

Being a Christ-follower also calls for allegiance, but to One who's much

greater than any flag or nation. In fact, Jesus requires total devotion from his disciples and would-be followers. Half-heartedness and non-committal don't make the cut.

Believers should therefore demonstrate a Christ-centered faith through their words and deeds. That doesn't mean we must earn God's favor through good works and morality, following a set of rules, or going to church religiously and putting a check in the bucket each Sunday. In fact, we read in Isaiah 64:6 that our so-called good deeds are considered filthy rags when compared to God's high standards of perfection. That's why Jesus — who actually DID live a perfect, sin-free life — was the only one worthy enough to pay the penalty we all deserve for failing our Creator.

Although we're powerless to save ourselves, our Savior did so willingly to accomplish what was planned at the foundation of the world. It's through this sacrifice that he made it possible for his followers in the centuries that followed to serve as his hands and feet on earth. To illustrate the importance of his incredible mission, Jesus told a story about a master, who gave each of his three servants a considerable sum of money to invest while he was away on an extended trip. After a while, the master returned to claim what was his. He was pleased with the first two servants, who had used their funds wisely. Their efforts and willingness to risk their allocations resulted in doubling the money. But it wasn't so with the third servant. He was afraid of his boss' stern reputation and didn't want to risk a loss. So instead, he played it safe and buried his master's money in a hole in the ground.

This is where modern-day Christ-followers enter the picture. Like the three servants in the story, we've also received resources, skills and opportunities to invest in the lives of others. The beneficiaries could be your spouse, sibling or child. They might also be a coworker, neighbor, villagers in Central America ... or maybe someone God puts in your path through unexpected circumstances.

So here's the obvious question: How are we investing what God has given to us? Are we turning our faith into action and changing the world one person at a time, or are we playing it safe? 

The answer depends on our allegiance.

In God We Trust

 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

– Proverbs 23:4

In 1864, the official motto of the United States — In God We Trust — made its first appearance on the two-cent coin. How ironic that “Godless” money should cite such an important

reminder about the real Source of our security. But if we’re really honest with ourselves, shouldn’t the motto read: In GOLD We Trust? After all, when things get tough in life, it’s only natural to rely on our money, riches and our own efforts rather than the One who makes it possible to earn a living. But reliance on job security, the stock market and our street-smarts is never wise — particularly these days. As comedian Chris Rock once described the so-called reliability of fame and celebrity: You’re here today … and gone TODAY.

It’s an unsettling fact: Our bank accounts and popularity are no defense against life’s hard realities. Terminal illnesses strike, relationships fail, and that which seemed solid turns to dust in our hands. What we desperately need is something — or Someone — who’s dependable. Who never changes. Who we can trust.

Jesus paints a vivid picture of this universal quest through his story about the foolish man who built a house on shifting sands. When the storm struck, the rains came and the winds blew with fury. It’s no surprise that the flimsy structure collapsed with a crash. But the wise man — in comparison — built his house on a foundation of solid rock. So when the storm clouds of life boiled on the horizon, that house withstood even the heaviest downpours.

This leads us to the obvious question: Are you counting on your money to save you when, as that insurance commercial puts it, “life happens”? If so, why not trust in God: The One who made you and knew everything about you before you were even born. You can take that to the bank!

“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,” we read in Psalms, “who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.”

The Difference We Make

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

– Matthew 22:36-40

Have you ever wondered if Christ-followers really make a difference in the world? And would life be any different if Jesus had never been born?

The short answer is that the world would be a very different place. First, if Jesus had never been born, there would be no Church. This is the same Church that helped to stop

slavery, cannibalism and the killing of children — all permissible practices in their respective cultures. It’s also likely that the world would be less educated. Christian missionaries first put many of the world’s languages into print to help their native speakers read the Bible. And all but one of the first 123 colleges in Colonial America were Christian institutions. Harvard was even founded on this statement:

“Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3.”

If Jesus had never been born, the Church wouldn’t have been around to promote the biblical principles of free enterprise, private property rights and the work ethic. It’s because the United States government was largely founded by Christ-followers that The Declaration of Independence cites self-evident truths and unalienable rights from the Creator. Our nation also recognizes the rule of law rather than the authority of man — a concept tracing back to the Old Testament and the Ten Commandments. Even the slogan embossed on the Liberty Bell comes from the Bible: “Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof…”

The truth is that Christ-followers and the Church HAVE made a difference. Today, they continue to change the world in both small ways and large, such as by delivering meals to shut-ins and providing housing for the homeless. Samaritan’s Purse — the Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham — also distributes Christmas packages each year as a direct expression of Christ’s love for the world’s children. That organization also helps thousands in the United States and abroad cope with both manmade and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Laura, which devastated parts of the Gulf Coast in August 2020.

Of course, what all Christ-followers — collectively known as the Church — must never forget is the Power behind the difference they make:

“I am the vine; you are the branches,” declares Jesus. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Obstacle Course

 

Then I looked things over and told the leaders, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of your enemies! The Lord is great and fearsome. So think of him and fight for your relatives and children, your wives and homes!"

– Nehemiah 4:14

Christ-followers are particularly susceptible to the obstacles of life when they say YES to God and work to do his will in the world. 

Note first that these pitfalls and detours can take several disheartening forms. It might be criticism or ridicule of your efforts from an enemy, co-worker or even a family member.

And in extreme cases, the situation could even turn malicious, violent or fatal.

The saying “No good deed goes unpunished” applies here. That’s why we shouldn’t be surprised when we take heat for trying to help others see the light. In fact, we should beware if our faith-journeys are too smooth and trouble-free. It could mean that the devil doesn’t consider us a threat to his plans. And it’s then that we can become our own worst enemy. 

“How terrible when everyone says only good things about you,” warns Jesus, “because their ancestors said the same things about the false prophets.”

What should we do when doing God’s will gets a bit too rough? The first thing is to know your opposition and acknowledge its existence. Running away, ignoring the situation or pretending it doesn’t exist won’t make it disappear. Then pray for God’s help and guidance. And also pray for your enemy — and even do good for them. Finally, don’t be afraid to stand up for what you’re doing. If it’s something that comes from God, saying yes to him and fighting for what’s right is worth the trouble and effort. 

That’s a tall order. But remember, we’re not in the fight alone, and God has the last word. Moreover, since Jesus has already paid the price on the cross for the world’s sins, the obstacles are overcome, and the fight is already won. 

Victory is ours when we say YES to our Savior.

Gospel Truth

 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

-- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Can we really believe what's in the Bible? And is all that stuff really true about Jesus being the Son of God and rising from the dead? 

Those are lofty questions with eternal consequences. But who really knows the truth? After all, some people say the Bible is too old to be relevant in modern times. Others doubt the

possibility of all the miracles it reports. And still others say the Bible is no greater than the scriptures of other religions.

With so many legitimate concerns out there, what makes the Bible stand out above every book ever written?

First, the Bible says it’s God's word — and then backs up its claim with hundreds of prophesies (predictions) about events that actually happened decades or centuries later. For example, the Old Testament records in detail God's plan for saving mankind through a Messiah. The prophet Micah wrote that the Savior would be born — in of all places — an obscure backwater of the Roman Empire called Bethlehem. And as we read in the New Testament, Jesus fulfilled these prophesies in person through his birth, ministry, death and resurrection. And he did so to the letter!

Historically and scientifically accurate, the Bible is also the most studied and critiqued book in history. Try as many have, no one has been able to disprove its claims. Luke, the physician who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, also wanted the real scoop. So he interviewed the people who knew Jesus best and could attest to his existence. Let’s consider the opening lines of Luke's first book:

"Many people have tried to tell the story of what God has done among us. They wrote what we had been told by the ones who were there in the beginning and saw what happened. So I made a careful study of everything and then decided to write and tell you exactly what took place. ... I have done this to let you know the truth about what you have heard."

The apostle Peter — someone who knew Jesus personally — also reassures us through his own testimony recorded in the Book of 2 Peter:

"When we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling just clever stories that someone invented," he wrote. "But we saw the greatness of Jesus with our own eyes."

It all adds up to a mountain of convincing evidence that would stand up in court. Indeed, God's word to us through the Bible is trustworthy. And who better to confirm that than someone who very much believed it himself: Jesus. Luke's gospel tells us that Christ even launched his public ministry by reading passages from the Book of Isaiah. A tiny Jewish congregation was the first audience for these stunning words of new-found meaning. But Jesus also meant them for everyone — even those today — with ears to hear The Gospel Truth:

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

A Higher Purpose

 But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

-- Exodus 9:16

Duct tape is the product of 1,000 uses that can mend broken automobile fan belts, cracked windshields and split vinyl siding. It’s also great for removing lint from clothing. And if you believe the article on Seeker.com, it’s come through during emergencies to stabilize a cross-country skier’s damaged knee, prevent frostbite, and even save the Apollo 13 astronauts. But ironically — for all its versatility — duct tape can fail when used for its original intended purpose: wrapping heating and air-conditioning ductwork! 

People, like duct tape, are also designed with an intended purpose or calling.

When it comes to Christ-followers, the Bible reveals that God has given them certain gifts, talents and resources for advancing his kingdom on Earth. For example, vocalists and musicians might use their gifts in church to lead worship on Sunday mornings. Other believers have talents related to behind-the-scenes applications, like bookkeepers and office managers, who help the church make the most of its finances. Meanwhile, these same gifts, talents and resources have applications in the secular world, which can also help identify their owner’s purpose or calling.

Have you found yours?

If not, your search should begin with regular prayer, Bible study and discernment — the ongoing functions of living, thinking and acting to distinguish between right and wrong, and the essential from the secondary. Meanwhile, your daily circumstances, trials and crises also blend into the mix. But it’s your service that often reveals the answer. That’s because we’re all called to be Jesus’ hands and feet on earth. And it’s no coincidence that Christ-followers who complete a mission trip or other acts of service say that they gained more from the experience than those they sought to help. 

“In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served,” Jesus reminds us. “He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."  

As Christ-followers, let’s turn our faith into action — and see what God reveals to us about our calling or purpose — by accepting his invitation to help brighten a dark world that’s so much in need of guidance, truth and love.

Maybe that’s the only other thing duct tape can’t do. 

Help Wanted

 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

– Luke 10:2

Although millions of Americans lost their jobs following the COVID-19 business shutdowns, there’s actually good news on the employment front. Companies like FedEx, Amazon and UPS are hiring thousands of new workers in preparation for the busy holiday season. There’s a national shortage of truck drivers. And Federal Reserve leaders just predicted that the unemployment rate will fall to 7.6% by the end of 2020, and to 5.5% by the end of 2021. 

If you’re in the job market, be aware that employers prefer experienced, can-do candidates who meet their exacting criteria. Those who fail to impress and excel in some

categories face the reality of not making it to the critical second interview. 

Your first hurdle is to prove to the interviewer that you can do the job. What’s more, employers have to decide if they like you. Even if you’re well-qualified, you probably won’t get the job if they think you lack the right chemistry. They also want to know if you’re a risk. In other words, do you have a reputation for being difficult to manage? And finally, you must be affordable. Employers will eliminate you from the running if they think your salary demands are unreasonable.

Corporations aren’t the only ones with high standards for their team members. For example, Christ-followers are tasked with preparing God’s Kingdom and being a bright light in a dark, troubled world. And since it’s such an important job that can yield eternal, life-changing rewards, only certain candidates are considered. First, they must be available on an as-needed basis. (Expect to work some weekends and holidays!) They also need to be obedient and follow the Boss’s (Jesus) directions — even if they don’t make much sense at the time. Effective Christ-followers must also be humble in their work and share the credit whenever it’s due. Overtime and sacrifice are a given. And to top it off, they must display initiative and be on the lookout for opportunities to help their customers (neighbors), both local and foreign.

Is it any wonder that most people won’t respond to Christ’s help wanted sign? To quote the U.S. Navy’s old recruiting slogan,“It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure.” Here’s how Luke’s gospel records Jesus’ words to his would-be candidates:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

Landing a job can be hard — even in a vibrant, growing economy. But here’s some good news: Jesus is hiring right now for his organization’s growing team. And many of his highest-producers have had no experience in the field. Yes, the working conditions aren’t always ideal. But there are plenty of rewards along the way. And the retirement plan is out of this world.

Sacred Places

The Lord said to him: “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.”

– 1 Kings 9:3

The saying goes that a man’s (or woman’s) home is his castle. After all, it’s a special place for family and friends that’s set apart from the troubles of the outside world. Moreover, it’s our memory-filled weekend retreat that we hate to leave when Monday mornings roll around. And it’s also where we direct so much of our income toward mortgage payments, repairs and maintenance. Whether our home is spacious and ornate or small and modest, it’s our sacred place.  

Church takes the concept of sacred to a much higher level because it involves our relationship with God. For example, many people feel closer to their Creator in a traditional worship setting — one typically characterized by stained glass windows, choirs, sanctuaries and

sacred organ music. But other Christ-followers have a different perspective. They feel comfortable with meeting in diverse locations ranging from storefronts to movie theaters. And some of them even contend that the formalities of a traditional church can hinder authentic worship. 

We may envision church as a cathedral, a coffee house or something in between, but the Bible defines it quite differently. Rather than being a structure filled with pews and crowned by a soaring steeple, the church is actually people: all those who count Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. No matter who you are and where you live — if you’re a Christ-follower — you’re part of his church called the Body of Christ.

Opinions vary. But regardless of where we gather on Sundays, we should all agree that it’s no replacement for the sacred presence of God with us. Jesus — who is God in the flesh — paid for his church with something much more valuable than money or gold. He came to earth to personally live out the human experience, and then buy our spiritual freedom and eternal future at the price of his own blood. One result is that Believers are now one body joined through a common faith. 

Yes, an awe-inspiring church sanctuary can be a holy place of prayer and celebration. But for that matter, so can the workplace, gym or supermarket. Let’s just remember that wherever we are each day, our sacred place of worship should be there as well.

Tongue Tied

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

– Exodus 20:7

Did the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 start — as legend has it — when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern? Or did it begin when a one-legged man slipped on Mrs. O’Leary’s wet barn floor and dropped his lit pipe into some hay or wood shavings?

Except to history buffs and insurance agents, the answer doesn’t matter. But the aftermath — whatever its cause — was indeed horrific: nearly $200 million in property damage, 300 people dead and another 100,000 homeless. And all it took was a single spark.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, taught much the same lesson in his New Testament book written to some of the earliest Christ-followers. But instead of the destruction wrought

from a tiny flame, James described the incredible power of the human tongue. Although it’s only a small part of the human body, our tongues have the power to change lives: to uplift and destroy, and to bless and curse.

We know this all too well through our life experiences. How many times have we uttered something inappropriate — or maybe downright mean-spirited — that seemed to come out of nowhere? Saying the wrong thing at the wrong moment to the wrong person has cost people their careers, marriages and reputations. And the sad fact is that our words reveal what we really think deep down inside. They’re a reflection of our heart.

Not only can our poison tongues inflict damage at any time, the damage can take several different forms. Whether it’s by using God’s name flippantly or as a curse word, or if it’s through gossip, lying or sarcasm, we don’t lack for words we wish we could take back.

Back in World War II, the U.S. Government printed posters with the headline, Loose Lips Sink Ships. The message was that spies can pick up careless — although seemingly innocent — gossip about Allied troop movements, ship launches and other secret information. And when such information reaches the enemy’s ears, the result is often carnage, death and destruction. Likewise, all Christ-followers must watch their tongues to avoid causing needless, irreparable damage to relationships and reputations. Our words should instead lift up rather than put down. The Apostle Paul put it this way: 

“When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need — words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.”

The lesson here is that our words matter. And that’s particularly true with those we use toward each other, and to God.

The Big Question

It tells of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was born as a person in the flesh through the family of King David. 

-- Romans 1:3

It’s the BIG question — the one that’s been asked by billions of people for thousands of years: 

Does God really exist?

Let’s settle this mystery once and for all. The answer is a resounding YES.

But that’s an easy claim to make. After all, how do we know that God isn’t just a creation of our imagination? The answer is all around us. First, consider the wonders and

beauty of nature, the colors of the sunset and the overwhelming ingenuity of the human body — or of any plant or animal for that matter. What are the odds that such things could simply spring to life and evolve from a random assortment of atoms and chemicals? They’re probably less than a fully functioning jet airliner assembling itself from the debris kicked up from a tornado ripping through a junkyard … and then repeating this miracle millions of times to account for every functioning organism on Earth!

One conclusion is obvious: Where there’s creation, there must be a Creator. And according to the apostle Paul, this Creator has long made his existence apparent.

“There are things about him that people cannot see — his eternal power and all the things that make him God,” we read in the first chapter of Romans. “But since the beginning of the world those things have been easy to understand by what God has made. So people have no excuse for the bad things they do.”

So if there’s a God, what’s he like? As Christ-followers, we have a very surprising and comforting answer. And it comes from someone with firsthand knowledge. Jesus, God’s own son, tells us that the Creator of the universe is like a caring father. And better still, he’s a father who wants a relationship with you as his own child.

What an incredible concept! Instead of being some distant, non-caring entity, our God is one who wants a personal relationship with his creation: you and me. And for those who claim this truth in their lives, the world becomes a far better place — one full of hope, promise and wonder.

There’s no question about it!

Join the Family

 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

– Romans 8:15

When you were growing up, were you one of the popular kids in school? Or were you, like many people, a bit awkward and introverted? And at recess, were you one of the first ones picked for the team — or were you the odd man out just about every time?

Some things don’t change, whether it’s on the playground or in the office park. For example, how many times have you been turned down for that big promotion or lost out to another job candidate? And has the boss ever criticized your sales presentation in front of your coworkers? Rejection can be brutal.

If this strikes close to home, there’s some very good news — even for those of

us who were never asked to the senior prom or chosen for the varsity debate team. And it’s much more important and lasting.

God, the most powerful and loving Presence in the universe, not only knows everything about you, he knew you before you were even born. Your name is written on his hand. And he’s also chosen you as his heir. So once you accept his Son — Jesus — as your Lord and Savior, you become his adopted child. And as God’s child and heir, you'll share in quite an inheritance to enjoy for eternity.

That’s a lot to anticipate once God calls you to join him. But you don’t have to wait until then to enjoy some of the family benefits. One of them is the privilege of knowing God in a personal relationship. Through prayer, you can come to him directly with your joys, needs and sorrows. It’s this close, ongoing bond that helps you overcome the rough spots that you're guaranteed to face throughout life.

Jesus taught his disciples that God isn’t a strict, unknowable taskmaster who waits to zap us when we do wrong. Christ instead revealed that our Creator is a warm, reassuring and loving Father in the best sense of the word. And to the amazement of those who heard him, Jesus even referred to God as Abba — a child’s word that translates into English as Daddy. 

The incredible truth is that God has chosen you and me as his adopted children. And just as with Jesus, he wants nothing more than to hear you respond, “Yes, Abba!”

Naked Truth

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

-- Acts 4:18

First published in 1837, The Emperor’s New Clothes is a beloved short story by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. He wrote that there was once an emperor whose life revolved around fashion. This ruler even had a stylish outfit for every hour of the day. So it happened that two swindlers — claiming to be master weavers — arrived at his castle. And they assured the chic royal that they could tailor a unique suit of clothes for him from the magnificent cloth they would weave. 

The emperor agreed to the frauds’ terms and gave them an extravagant down payment to begin their work. Eager to learn about his outfit’s status, the emperor sent his prime

minister to inspect the tailors’ progress. Much to the prime minister’s surprise, he found only empty looms. But he was afraid to reveal his ignorance when the conmen asked for his thoughts about the imaginary fabric’s vivid colors and pattern. The prime minister replied that he was very impressed with their craftsmanship. And then he complied with the tailors’ new demands for more money and gold thread to complete their work.

“Is not the cloth magnificent?" asked two high government officials when the emperor came to view the progress for himself. "See here, the splendid pattern, the glorious colors," they proclaimed. Each pointed to the empty looms. And each thought that the others could see the material. "What can this mean?" said the Emperor to himself. "Am I so stupid? Am I not fit to be Emperor? This is disastrous," he thought. But aloud he said, "Oh, the cloth is perfectly wonderful. It has a splendid pattern and such charming colors."

And he nodded his approval, smiled appreciatively and stared at the empty looms.

The day soon came for the emperor’s grand procession – the celebrated occasion when His Majesty would reveal his new suit of clothes. As he walked by, the emperor’s subjects could only gasp at the spectacle. Silence enveloped the room. But no one dared to proclaim the remarkable sight before their eyes. Finally, a little boy pointed at the emperor and stated the obvious. 

“Look!” said the youth. “The emperor has nothing on.”

Although written more than a century ago, Hans Christian Andersen’s tale says much about our modern society. The story’s well-intentioned characters followed the popular (politically correct) path and told the emperor what he wanted to hear. But it took a naïve child to reveal the naked truth. 

It’s a lesson for every Christ-follower. For too long, many in the church have turned a blind eye as society accepts the world’s deceptive, if-it-feels-good, do-it message. Watch almost any television show or movie these days and you’ll see destructive behaviors and lifestyles that God expressly condemns. Adultery and other illicit relationships, for example, are no longer considered scandalous. And if Christ-followers refuse to compromise their biblical principles and dare to speak out, they’re likely to be scolded as being intolerant, bigoted and narrow-minded.

Of course, God’s Word reveals no change regarding illicit behaviors and the destruction they render. But just as our ancestors did long ago, too many today are willing to turn their heads and accept the “anything goes” activities of others … including those of some in the church. “If no one says anything,” they reason, “maybe everything will be OK. We don’t want to offend anyone.” 

As Christ-followers, compromising God’s truth for bankrupt worldly philosophies is never an option. It’s when we’re convicted to convey His true Message in both words and deeds – regardless of its unpopularity or consequences – that we take another step toward making a real difference in the world.  

Sound Barrier

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

– Mark 10:27

It was the final frontier of fixed-wing aviation: the sound barrier.

Just a few decades after the Wright brothers had made their historic heavier-than-air flights from the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, aviation had evolved from flimsy fabric-and-wood biplanes to sleek — and deadly — jet-propelled fighters. The fastest aircraft of World War II would eventually reach speeds exceeding 500 mph. But then the laws of aerodynamics stepped in. There was some invisible force that prevented airplanes from exceeding 761 mph — the speed called Mach 1 (the speed of sound through air). This force could tear the wings off aircraft, which led some to believe it was an unbreakable natural law.

Chuck Yeager saw it differently. On October 14, 1947, the veteran test pilot and World War II ace broke the sound barrier in a tiny rocket-propelled aircraft about five seconds

after its launch from the belly of a B-29 bomber. Then, only five years later, he set another fixed wing speed record by reaching 1,650 mph: more than twice the speed of sound. A once seemingly insurmountable barrier was breached through technology, skill and a good measure of bravery.

 As Christ-followers, we face our own barriers as we try to live out each day by God's standards. But instead of exceeding Mach 1, we often crash and burn by following our natural tendencies to do what's wrong ("sin"). And rather than following Jesus' example of loving our neighbors, helping the disadvantaged and honoring God, we're often tempted to go back to the old "Me First" lifestyle. It's a real struggle: the selfish stuff we know we shouldn't do versus the ultimately world-changing things we can and should do. And as with any struggle, we eventually get tired. That's when we fail to cross that invisible barrier.

That's also when we need energy to get us over the top. Something like a shot of espresso or a can or two of Red Bull. But something much more powerful, lasting and dependable.

In the New Testament's book of Romans, the apostle Paul wrote that he saw this exhausting struggle as internal warfare pitting Good against Evil. Through his own energy and efforts, he knew that he'd certainly lose the battle. But Paul had a dynamic weapon that assured his ultimate victory. And it's something that's available to you and me right now.

It’s called the Holy Spirit: that personal Force that all Christ-followers receive when they ask Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit is God's power residing in every Believer. It's what enables us to do or say the things we never could before, overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and generally do the impossible. In fact, the Bible says it's the same power that raised Jesus from the dead after his crucifixion.

If you're a Christ-follower, ask the Holy Spirit for a breakthrough. Be alert to his teachings and leadings. And understand that they could come from just about anywhere. It might be a Scripture passage that reveals itself to you with new meaning. Or maybe it's a spiritual truth emerging from a discussion in your Bible study. The Holy Spirit can also speak through a conversation you have with a friend or stranger, or even out of an odd circumstance in the workplace. You just never know.

Wherever and whenever he appears, the key is to keep your eyes, ears and heart open. Then trust God to help you cross the barrier.

Name-dropping

 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”

 – Matthew 10:40

We’ve all done it once or twice ... or perhaps a lot more.

It’s name-dropping — suggesting that we have a relationship with a movie star, politician, sports star or some other celebrity. We do it at parties, and sometimes it even works at job interviews because it can create a connection. And while name-dropping can also be annoying, it’s sometimes OK to brag a bit about a relationship with the right person. In the Bible, it’s actually encouraged. Let’s consider this passage from the Gospel of Matthew:

While he was still talking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers happened to be standing outside wanting to speak to him. Somebody said to him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are outside wanting to speak to you.” But Jesus replied to the one who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”; then with a gesture of his hand towards his disciples he went on, “There are my mother and brothers! For whoever does the will of my Heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to me.”

The point is that Christianity is a faith that embraces relationship

over religion. Specifically, there’s a parent/child relationship between us and God. And it’s a bond that’s only made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross — a punishment we all rightly deserve for our lifetimes stained by personal failures and shortcomings (also known as “sin”). But since we’re connected with the right person (Jesus), he’s already paid the price to save us from a certain death and eternal punishment in hell. What's more, Christ has us covered so well that we’re literally heirs to his Father’s Kingdom.

That’s the primary relationship we enjoy as Christ-followers. But God also wants us to make relationships with others so they too can begin traveling the same faith-journey. That means introducing them to Jesus, sharing his story and relating how his death on the cross means a whole new life here on earth — and later in eternity. When these soon-to-be believers come to those inevitable rough patches in life, they’ll always know The One to call.

How do we get the ball rolling? 

One of the best ways is to begin praying to God for people by name. They can be our family members, co-workers, neighbors, political leaders, the unsaved — and particularly our enemies. Jesus set our example here when he sent 12 of his followers to the nearby Jewish communities to spread the Good News (the Gospel):

“Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel,” he told them. “As you go, proclaim this message:‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

Here was a time Jesus instructed his followers to actually be the answer to someone’s fervent prayers in the midst of difficulties and pain — and use their connection with him to do the seemingly impossible. As the saying goes, it’s not always what you know that counts in life. It’s who you know that makes all the difference.

Out of the Sand Trap

 Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned.

– Psalm 32:1

There are few do-overs in the game of life. But sometimes there are in the game of golf. For example, if a golfer slices their shot into the woods or a deep sand trap, they might ask their opponent for a mulligan — a chance to try again.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get a mulligan every time we fail in life? Like for the times we speak rudely to a family member or cut off another motorist in traffic. Or

when we gossip about someone at church or “forget” to report some income on our tax forms. Better still, how about a do-over for that night (25 years ago) when we shoplifted on a dare from a friend? Big or small, our failures can weigh heavy in our hearts. We can’t stop thinking about them and about what could have been. 

If we could just erase those ugly moments in time and start over with a clean slate. The truth is that we can all use a few mulligans.

The Apostle Peter understood these feelings. Although he was one of Jesus’ earliest followers, witnessed his Master’s miracles and even walked on water (until his faith ran out), this bold individual known as The Rock failed the test more than once. For example, we can read in Matthew 26 about Peter’s declaration to stand by Jesus — and even die, if necessary — no matter what. But only hours after the Savior’s betrayal and arrest, Peter denied even knowing him. And not just once, but three times!

That’s pretty sobering stuff. But the good news is that God understands our human limitations. What’s more, we can find his solution to this universal problem throughout the Bible.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” we read in 1 John. And this passage from Proverbs delivers additional reassurance: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

That message on a popular bumper sticker sums it up: Christians aren’t perfect, they’re just forgiven. It’s when we desperately need a mulligan to erase our failures — whether we’re on or off the golf course — that we can always count on God’s undeserved kindness. We just need to confess our shortfalls to Jesus in faith. The result is a clean scorecard: a complete and total do-over.

“How far has the Lord taken our sins from us?” the Psalmist asks. “Farther than the distance from east to west!”

Picture This

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2: 8-9

What is GRACE?

For one thing, it’s a “churchy” word that’s hard to describe. You have to experience grace before you can really understand the concept. And even more confusing is that grace is both a thing and a process.

Receiving an unexpected, luxurious gift is one way to picture grace. It comes straight out of the blue, and we did nothing to deserve such a priceless expression of love. What’s more, we know that we could never afford it ourselves.

But grace is also an ongoing transformation. It’s something that changes us from the inside out starting the day we ask Christ to live through us until the day we meet

him in person. Grace invites us to turn our lives over to Jesus. And as we begin our faith-journey as Christ-followers, it teaches us to become more like him and see the world through his eyes. It’s an evolving, full-bodied change of heart, mind and spirit.

Here’s one more picture of what grace is all about: Envision a block of fine marble that’s sculpted into a museum-quality masterpiece. With each tap of the chisel from the Artist’s expert hands, a work of beauty and craftsmanship emerges. It often takes much longer than anyone expects. But the results are both awesome and lasting.

These examples of grace paint a picture of a God whose love is relentless. Even before the foundation of the world, he decided to pay the exorbitant price for our countless failures in life. That payment was made through the death of his own son (Jesus) on the cross. What’s more, it’s only by grace that we have the faith to accept him as our Savior. We were once in prison awaiting the punishment we so rightly deserve, but God’s loving grace set us free.

Do you get the picture? We see that grace is both a thing and a transformation. It’s also a work in progress. But most of all, it’s God’s extraordinary gift of love to anyone who’s willing to accept it.

Double Trouble

Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!

– 1 Samuel 12:16

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

It’s been about 2,000 years since Jesus’ first disciples heard those great words of wisdom found in Matthew’s gospel. Aren’t they just as relevant and reassuring to his

followers today? Log onto the Web or turn on the TV, and just try to avoid the never-ending news coverage of COVID-19, social unrest and the economy. And that’s not to mention the turmoil found in every other nation of the world.

The point is that there’s trouble everywhere. And there’s no escape — even when your TV is off and you’ve pushed yourself away from the Internet. For some people, trouble comes in the form of a job loss or layoff. For others, it’s an illness or the prospect of major surgery. Or maybe your problem involves family or relationship issues such as a divorce or the loss of a loved one. Everyone faces trouble, and their obstacles are significant.

Under such gloomy circumstances, it’s good to know that we worship a God who’s much greater than any pandemic, economic difficulty or international dispute. Ours is a loving Creator who literally spoke the universe into existence, formed great mountain ranges with his hands and parted the seas with a breath.

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” asks the writer of Genesis, the first book of the Bible.

Let’s take God at his Word when he tells us that through all things in life, he works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purpose. We’re not immune from trouble once we turn our lives over to Jesus and become Christ-followers. But we do gain access to a Power that helps us endure any difficulty — great or small. Likewise, we also become the beneficiaries of an eternal inheritance of a magnitude that will make our current troubles fade into oblivion. The barriers and sorrows that seem so great today will become laughably insignificant tomorrow.

With that in mind, let’s consider these timeless words of assurance from Jesus:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Troubles are indeed all around us. But when everything seems to be falling to pieces, the truth is that the pieces are falling in place.

Worth Our Salt

On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter. The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

– Zechariah 14:8-9

There’s a good reason it’s called the Dead Sea.

Super-high salinity levels — about four times higher than those found in most oceans — make it impossible for fish or aquatic plants and live in its balmy waters. In fact, the Dead Sea (actually a 34-mile-long lake) is so salty that you can float in it without trying. You can actually recline in its waters and read a book!

The explanation for this anomaly is that the Dead Sea is one of the lowest points on earth. Situated about 1,300 feet below sea level between Israel and Jordan, the lake accepts

fresh water from the Jordan River. But since there’s no outlet for the flow to proceed, the Dead Sea’s moisture evaporates quickly in the heat. This renders tons of salt and mineral deposits in the water and on the shoreline, but certainly no life.

This is a fitting illustration of too many people. Like the Dead Sea receiving the sweet waters of the Jordan River, they too receive the goodness of God’s abundant blessings. However, nothing comes from it. Rather than delivering life to their neighbors and communities, these fruitless individuals retain their gifts and stagnate like the killing waters of the salty lake.

But that’s not the way God wants it for Christ-followers. He continues to bless us through our skills, incomes and life experiences. And he wants us to bear spiritual fruit expressed by love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We’re called to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet by giving back, blessing others and showing love in action.

There are plenty of ways to do that, such as by supporting the church financially with the first part of our income. It’s by giving that we reject materialism and acknowledge the true source of our blessings. Meanwhile, we should use our skills, talents (and sometimes sweat) to promote Jesus’ message of salvation and advance his Kingdom. This, too, can come in many forms — from distributing food to the homeless to babysitting a neighbor’s child to helping repair a shut-in’s home. Of course, giving back isn’t about promoting ourselves to the world and making a show of how supposedly good we are. It’s instead about letting our neighbors taste the fresh waters of God’s blessings.

There are lots of thirsty people out there parched by the heat of life’s pitfalls and disappointments. As Christ-followers, it’s up to us to offer them refreshment through living faith in Jesus. Let's therefore embrace this simple assurance from our Master found in John's gospel:

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

Jesus Take the Wheel

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

– Matthew 5:22 

Comedian George Carlin once observed that an idiot is anyone on the highway who's driving slower than you. A maniac, on the other hand, is anyone who passes you in traffic.

Although Carlin's commentary was tongue-in-cheek, many people actually act out these same perceptions through road rage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines road rage as an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle, or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.

Road rage experts say the most obvious form of this criminal offense is aggressive and excessive speeding — particularly on congested highways or in bad weather.

Causes include increased congestion on the roadways, running late (too many obligations), increased levels of intra- and interpersonal stress, and the need to "save face" and overcome feelings of being disrespected by another driver. Most telling, however, is that the NHTSA also identifies chronic or pathological anger as a leading cause of this disturbing phenomenon.

Maybe that's not too surprising. After all, anger is one of mankind's earliest and strongest emotions. And it even played itself out within the first few chapters of the Bible in the form of the world's first murder. 

We couldn't control our anger back then in a quiet, agrarian setting, and we still can't today on our hectic, traffic-snarled highways. However, Christ-followers are called to a much higher standard. In fact, gentleness is one flavor of the Fruit of the Spirit that proves God is living through us. But note that gentleness isn't another word for wimpiness. Jesus was gentle — but he was hardly a wimp. Instead, biblical gentleness is the transformation of our innate anger into the power to do God's will in the world. Gentleness is therefore power focused on the positive.   

If you're a Christ-follower who's still a bit of a road warrior, take heart. The transformation from our old self into a new creation is a work in progress that's on God's timetable. It's a change that takes place bit by bit and day after day along our faith journey. But the problem is that the journey's pathway is narrow, twisting and full of unexpected hairpin curves. And when we don't keep our eyes on the final destination, we tend to end up in the ditch.

Jesus told his disciples to expect some bumps and potholes. "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come," he explained. "But woe to that person through whom they come."

Road rage is one of those obstacles of sin. But the good news is that we're free from sin's power, and we don't have to accept its dominance in our lives. It all comes down to our ultimate trust and dependence on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. So when we slip up and give in to temptation and bad habits on the highway — or anywhere else — we can freely ask for help from the One who has already paid the ultimate price for all our mistakes: past, present and future.

With that in mind, let's take singer Carrie Underwood's advice and let Jesus take the wheel.

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart," invites the Savior, "and you will find rest for your souls."

Saying Yes to God

“Don't be afraid!" Moses replied. "God has come only to test you, so that by obeying him you won't sin."

– Exodus 20:20

It’s said that the admonition “Fear not” appears in the Bible 365 times: one for every day of the year. But even Christ-followers are afraid of one thing or another. In fact, it’s safe to say that many of them — or perhaps even most — are afraid of saying yes to God.

Why is that? One problem is that we too often think of our Lord as a

cosmic consultant who offers well-intentioned suggestions rather than the all-knowing Creator who made us, loves us and wants only the best for us. When we get down to it, saying no to God is perhaps the most basic definition of sin. And mankind has been doing just that since the very earliest days of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

We know in our heads and our hearts that God loves us. In fact, he loves us so much that he sent his only Son to die on the cross to pay for our many failures in life. So with this in mind, why would anyone be afraid to say yes to the Lord?

Let’s consider that saying no and playing it safe is a basic human instinct. On the other hand, fleeing from danger (real or perceived) is logical when we consider our innate desire for self-preservation. We also can say no to God when he calls us to do something that’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. And that seems to be more often than not. Maybe it’s his call to help a neighbor who’s between jobs, drive a shut-in to the grocery store or talk with a co-worker who’s approaching a spiritual crossroads. Taking that first step can be awkward, difficult -- and sometimes scary.

But maybe selfishness is the biggest reason so many people are afraid to say yes to God. After all, agreeing with God often means we’re saying no to us. But be forewarned: When we turn our back to God, we need to prepare for a certain level of spiritual storminess and turmoil. God knows what he wants and how he wants to do it. So we shouldn’t be surprised when we find ourselves in a much worse situation after our refusal. As the saying goes, sometimes we need to feel the heat before we can see the light.

Are you afraid to say yes to God? You’re not alone. And he’d like to talk with you about it.

“But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart,” we read in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. “Consider what great things he has done for you.”

2020 is already halfway over. Let’s resolve to make the most of its remaining opportunities by stepping out in faith and saying yes to God.

Lawn & Garden

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

– John 15:5

Recorded during a time when the livelihood of most people involved agriculture, the Bible is full of references to the planting, harvesting and storage of crops. The crowds that followed Jesus from village to village were certainly familiar with the imagery of fruitfulness in his parable called The Sower. They knew a thing or two about cultivation. After all, their ability to grow a thriving crop each year could mean the difference between starvation and having plenty.

A related theme in the Bible is that of mankind’s need for a thriving

relationship with its Creator. Without him, nothing — spiritual or physical — can grow.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener,” Jesus tells us through John’s Gospel. “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Christ then added this caution:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Summer is here, and folks are flocking to lawn and garden centers to buy the tools, fertilizers and other supplies to make their gardens thrive. They know that with enough time and effort, the harvest can be both remarkable and satisfying. 
   
The same goes for cultivating our spiritual lives, which also takes time and effort. But unlike a plot of vegetables that eventually withers and dies with the first frosts of autumn, spirit-filled lives rooted in a solid relationship with God will thrive and produce much fruit — and all with eternal benefits.

Are you cultivating a fruitful, personal relationship with your Creator — and are you helping others do the same? Work awaits us in the fields. So as we gather our spiritual gardening tools for the task at hand, let’s be sure to consider these familiar words of Jesus from Matthew’s Gospel:

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

Blind Man's Bluff

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

– John 14:6

An a-ha moment is that split second when one's eyes are opened to a spiritual truth that changes everything. As Christ-followers, we can have an a-ha when God shows us that we're going the wrong way in some area of our life. Then it's up to us to respond and turn in the right direction.

Then there's the ultimate a-ha: when non-believers finally awaken to their need for Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. That's not just a temporary revelation — it's eternal. When God's light breaks through, we can finally see. But unfortunately, the world still chooses

to remain blind and enjoy the darkness of its existence. In fact, if you're a Believer who's open about your faith, the world won't ignore you. Instead, it will likely accuse you of intolerance or bigotry. Just surf the Web or watch TV these days. You don't have to look hard to find videos, blog posts or news articles featuring celebrities or "progressive" thinkers who point their fingers at "narrow-minded Christians" and use the dreaded "i-word."

But depending on its context, is intolerance always a bad thing? After all, Jesus doesn't turn a blind eye to sin. What's more, he declares himself to be the exclusive pathway to God.

"I am the way, the truth and the life," we read in John's Gospel. "No one comes to the Father except through me."
 
Do you believe Jesus' bold proclamation? As Christ-followers, we have open access to God's truth through the Bible, prayer and even wise counsel from fellow Believers. We should therefore have less trouble than others with walking the straight-and-narrow. But actually doing so is another matter. And this puts Christ-followers in a bind. Since God has revealed The Way to us, it's easy for us to point fingers at others. But when we do, our other four fingers point right back at us.

Let's all take a moment to look in the mirror. Are our words, thoughts and actions beyond reproach? Jesus was right on the mark when he said we must remove the plank from our own eye before we can remove the speck from our neighbor's eye. Is that would-be "sinner" someone who needs God's truth, or is he or she already a Christ-follower? On the other hand, maybe they never signed up for Jesus' walk of faith in the first place.

The answers to these questions should determine our response. Meanwhile, Christ-followers must hold themselves to a higher standard and let God be the judge of others outside the faith. He knows the whole story, and we're hardly in the position to condemn anyone. So let's not turn a blind eye to this a-ha moment.