Hope for the Best

 This is what the Lord says:

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches,
but let the one who boasts boast about this:

that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

– Jeremiah 9:23-24

Most of us have never experienced the devastation of a tsunami, the effects of an Ebola outbreak, or the ravages of a civil war. But we’ve all felt from time to time like our situation had spiraled out of control. And maybe you feel like that today — and for good reason. But have hope: God has it covered.

It's a fundamental truth that every Christ-follower should embrace. But we too often forget it. And a big reason is that we can't see the big picture. We don’t know about the life-changing people and situations that he’ll inject into our existence. We also don’t have his vantage point of knowing what’s around the corner and miles up the road. Moreover, it’s hard for us to see the greater purpose in our lives when we're going through the pain of unemployment, lingering illness, family problems, or even death. But God IS in control. And for those who trust and follow him, he offers this assurance:

"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you,” says our Creator. “Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Has life become a tidal wave of depression and frustration? Don’t ever lose hope. God knows what we need — and he knows it long before we ask him for help. 

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,” we read in the Book of Micah. “I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

Music to His Ears

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”

– Luke 2:13-14

Have you already had your fill of the holidays? 

The decorations went up in many stores before Halloween, and those familiar songs have been playing on the radio for weeks. So, with Christmas just a few days away, maybe now’s a good time to consider what — or better yet who — we’ll celebrate on December 25.

It all starts with the radical notion that God loves us so much that he gave his only Son (Jesus) to personally pay for the mess we’ve all made of our lives as well as a once-unspoiled creation. And with this immense debt now cleared from our account, every believer, through their faith in Christ, is free to serve as his hands and feet throughout the community … and even the world. 

The Bible tells us that about 2,000 years ago, God sent angels — his special messengers — to an obscure corner of the Roman Empire to announce this Good News. And their every contact with humanity proved to change history. It's in the opening chapter of Luke’s gospel that we read about the angel Gabriel’s proclamation to a peasant girl (Mary) that she would soon give birth to the Savior of mankind. An angel also confirmed to Joseph (Mary's fiancé) that the Holy Spirit was the source of her pregnancy. Likewise, angels announced the Good News of Jesus' birth to a group of lowly shepherds, who had seen a brilliant guiding star as it hovered over a manger in Bethlehem. When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another:

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Today, those same angelic messages remind us that God's plans for the world continue to unfold as scheduled through the lives of Christ-followers like you and me. That’s truly Good News that demands a worthy response — and moreover, one that’s music to His ears. As we read in Psalm 148:2: 

“Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.”

Breaking Bread

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

– John 6:35

If you're like many people, some of your fondest memories involve food. You might remember Christmas dinner with family whenever you taste roast turkey, stuffing, and green beans. That unmistakable scent of hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy could take you back decades to a baseball game or your first state fair. And maybe the sight of a homemade apple pie reminds you of the ones your grandmother used to bake when you'd come for a weekend visit.

Yes, food holds a powerful place in our lives. And it’s not just because we need it to survive. There's something special — even joyful — about sharing a good meal with family and friends. As Christ-followers, we remember our Savior's sacrificial death through Communion: a symbolic meal of bread and grape juice that reminds us of the last supper he shared with his closest followers. The bread and juice represent how Jesus’ body was broken and his blood was shed for us.

While we're considering food and its spiritual significance, did you know there's a simple recipe for cooking up a joy-filled, Christ-centered life? The Bible tells us it's one part unity with other Christ-followers mixed with a measure of regular prayer. Then blend it well with a helping of discernment: the ongoing intentional functions of living, thinking, and acting constructively. It's all about habitually looking for the good and dwelling on the positive.

When our lives are joy-filled and Christ-centered, we can stomach even the most unpleasant of circumstances. The apostle Paul exemplified this truth by spending years in prison chained to his guards … and all while under the constant threat of death. But he always prayed thankfully. And by writing much of what we call today the New Testament, Paul used the situation to change the lives of his fellow prisoners, his jailers, plus millions of believers over the centuries who’d put their faith in Jesus.

So, are you hungry for a tasty slice of joy in your life? 

If you haven't already done so, the first step is to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Those who grasp this opportunity become the ones he calls the Salt of the Earth: those special people whose distinct flavor makes all the difference to an otherwise bland world that's lacking meaning and hope. 

Points of Light

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

– Isaiah 9:2

Launched on Christmas Day 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) continues to make headlines with the stunning images it captures of hyper-distant galaxies, planets, and stars. NASA announced this past September that the JWST is examining the outskirts of the Milky Way called the Extreme Outer Galaxy, which is more than 58,000 light-years away from the Galactic Center. For comparison, the Milky Way’s galactic center is about 28,000 light-years from Earth.

It can take just a tiny point of light on a JWST mirror to change our notions about the universe. But when there are barriers to the light — such as the atmosphere in the case of traditional terrestrial telescopes — we can miss the big picture or be misled by a distorted image. This principle applies to our spiritual lives as well:

“I am the light of the world,” Jesus proclaims in John 8:12. “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

As Christ-followers, our lives should always reflect our Savior’s love in action. But we, too, can face barriers and distortions along the way. For example, the world teaches us to beat the competition, climb the corporate ladder, and keep up with our neighbors. We also need the biggest, the fastest, and the shiniest. And most of all, it’s not bragging if we can back it all up.

Christ has a much different viewpoint: To be first, we must be last. However, it’s long been a human tendency to gaze into the mirror and ponder our warped self-image of importance. But the true message is clear: We are nothing without Jesus, and we can do even less by ourselves. What’s more, it’s when we surrender to God and live out the plans he designed for us at the foundation of the world that we become brilliant points of light that reflect true lives of purpose.

Christ-followers might not make headlines like the JWST, but every day they’re making life-changing differences both big and small by mirroring Jesus through their words and deeds. As we read in Matthew’s gospel:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

 

God With Us

The virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”

– Matthew 1:23

Perfecting the incandescent lightbulb was no easy feat. 

Thomas Edison, the holder of 1,093 United States patents on technologies ranging from the phonograph to the alkaline battery, tested thousands of materials before finding one that wouldn’t burn out in seconds. In 1879, he solved the dilemma by placing a carbon filament in an airless bulb. And a few months later, Edison improved his design by using a bamboo-derived fiber that could last over 1,200 hours. 

Edison’s tireless quest for illumination is a bit like mankind’s never-ending search for meaning and fulfillment. It’s a spiritual hunger we all share, and it’s hard coded into our DNA. Many people respond through negative pursuits involving drugs, alcohol, compulsive spending, or questionable relationships. Others cope by becoming workaholics or escaping reality through social media, video games, or even travel. But once the thrill is gone, the emptiness returns.

What they really lack and long for is their Creator. And in a very real way, they have a God-shaped hole in their hearts. But the good news is that they CAN fill that dark void. That’s because a relationship with God is available to anyone who puts their faith in his son, Jesus. 

How is this possible? Jesus backed the Biblical claims of his being the so-called Immanuel (“God with us”) by fulfilling dozens of prophesies written centuries before his birth. He lived a perfect, sin-free life. And after his unjust execution on a cross to pay the penalty we all deserve for breaking God’s perfect law, he again fulfilled prophesy through his resurrection. The apostle Paul records that Jesus appeared to over 500 people in the days before his ascension to heaven. And many of them were still alive to confirm it at the time Paul wrote his letter to the Corinthians.

But regardless of all the evidence, the Savior still has plenty of naysayers. But don’t be too hard on modern-day skeptics. Even John the Baptist — the one Jesus called the greatest man ever born — had his doubts:

"Are you the one who was to come,” John instructed his followers to ask, “or should we expect someone else?"

Jesus answered: 

"Go and tell John what you have heard and seen. The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with leprosy are being healed, and the deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life, and the poor are hearing the good news. God will bless everyone who doesn't reject me because of what I do."

It took weeks of trial and error for Thomas Edison to finally discover a practical solution for electric lighting. But centuries earlier, John the Baptist had already found The Light. And so has every Believer today. It’s through faith in Jesus Christ that we can begin our relationship with Immanuel: the one who is truly God with us.

The Waiter Rule

“But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

– Jonah 2:9

Every so often, we come across one of those feel-good stories about a diner who leaves a huge gratuity for their server. For example, several years ago the media reported that a famous businessman had added $10,000 to his modest $82 meal tab.

“How you treat your waiter or waitress reveals a lot about your character,” he explained. “So don’t forget to leave a big tip.”

He called this principle his Waiter Rule, and it’s real food for thought with considerable biblical support. As Christ-followers, our faith grows as we reflect God’s ways for living in the world and changing it for his Kingdom. Gratitude and generosity are two of the character traits that we should demonstrate along the way. And that’s especially relevant since we in 21^st century America are extremely rich — at least when compared to other nations. According to World Poverty Statistics 2024, about 1.3 billion people (26% of the global population) experience moderate poverty, which is defined as living on between $1.90 and $3.20 per day.

That statistic should put our own financial situation — bleak or otherwise — into perspective. Millions of Americans may be unemployed, on welfare, or receiving food stamps. But we should be grateful that even that reflects incredible wealth against the backdrop of the crushing poverty found in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and even Brazil. So how are we “millionaires” to respond with our relative riches?

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment,” answers the apostle Paul. “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”

It’s a reminder that we can never out-give God with our money and resources. But we can positively impact our friends, neighbors, and strangers by being grateful for — and generous with — the riches God gives us. Let’s consider these two reasons behind this principle:

First, it brings joy to others. That’s because we’re thinking more about the recipient than ourselves. And second, it brings joy to God. That’s because he loves a cheerful giver, and we become more like him when we’re generous to others. As John 3:16 reminds us, our Creator happens to be the ultimate GIVER of the greatest gift of all:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

 

Behind the Mask

"How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You close the door for people to enter the kingdom of heaven. You yourselves don't enter, and you stop others who are trying to enter.”

– Matthew 23:13

Ancient Greece produced some of the world’s greatest poets and philosophers. Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates were some of their best-known thinkers, and their influence is still felt in classrooms today. But as much as they enjoyed debating new ideas and novelties, the Greeks also loved show business. Their playwrights — much like today’s Hollywood screenwriters — produced numerous comedies, tragedies, and dramas that were performed before thousands in vast open-air theaters.

It's interesting to note that the actors of that day often played multiple roles on stage. And rather than relying on elaborate makeup or costumes, they instead wore masks that conveyed exaggerated expressions. That’s the origin of the familiar happy-and-sad masks icon that has for centuries symbolized the theatric arts. And it’s through the actors’ practice of changing masks according to the scene that we gained the term two-faced, meaning hypocritical.

Speaking of hypocrisy, let’s now fast-forward to the 21st century. There are millions of people around the world who are considering Christianity and the followers of Jesus. They want to know if these so-called people of The Word actually live out what’s preached in church on Sundays … or if they’re just phonies who live out a lie the other six days of the week.

It’s a valid question that every Christ-follower must ponder. Although none of us are perfect and we all fall short of God’s high standards, we should strive for our words, thoughts, and deeds to genuinely reflect those of our Savior. After all, the Good Shepherd knows every sheep in his flock. And he also knows which of them has a faith-driven attitude of gratitude.

It’s in the first chapter of John’s gospel that we read about Christ’s introduction to Nathanael, one of his original disciples:

“Now here is a true man of Israel.” Jesus proclaimed. “There is no deceit in him!”

Nathanael was stunned to hear these words because he’d never met or even seen Jesus. But as the God-Man who lived among his creation, Christ knew everything about his soon-to-be follower — just as intimately as he knows the thoughts, motives, and hearts of you and me today. 

It’s a needed reminder that we all wear masks of one sort or another. And just as with Nathanael, he too can see what’s behind ours.

In God We Trust

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

– Colossians 3:1–2

In God We Trust. 

For 160 years, American coins — and later paper currency — have displayed this familiar motto. According to the U.S. Treasury, a Pennsylvania minister in 1861 recommended to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase that American coins should “recognize Almighty God in some form.” Chase agreed and instructed the director of the Philadelphia Mint to prepare an appropriate slogan: 

“No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense,” he wrote. “The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins.”

How ironic is it that “Godless” money should cite such an important reminder about the real source of our security? But if we’re honest with ourselves, perhaps the motto should read: In GOLD We Trust. After all, when life gets tough, it’s only natural to rely on our money, riches, and possessions rather than the One who makes it possible to earn a living in the first place.

But here’s an inconvenient truth: Our bank accounts are no defense against life’s hard realities. Illnesses strike, relationships fail, and that which seemed solid turns to dust in our hands. What we desperately need is something — or Someone — who embodies rock-solid certainty and trust.

It’s in Matthew’s gospel that Jesus tells us about a foolish man who built a house on shifting sands. When a storm struck, the rains came and the winds blew with fury. It’s no surprise that the flimsy structure collapsed with a crash. But in comparison a wise man 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 downpour.

This leads to an essential question: Are you counting on your uncertain finances to save you when the realities of life happen? If so, it’s time to renew your mind and trust in God: The One who not only made you, but knew everything about you before you were born. 

“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.”

In God We Trust is more than a motto printed on money. It’s rock-solid truth that we can take to the bank.

The Jealous Type

You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

– James 4:2

Millions of Americans invest in their health by working out at the gym, eating organic food, and avoiding excess sugar and fat. Nevertheless, our nation has a heart condition. According to current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, now claiming over 680,000 lives each year. That’s more than cancer.

But heart disease is more than a physical infirmity — it’s also a debilitating and deadly spiritual condition. One variant is jealousy, and the Bible records several well-known cases. The first occurs within the opening chapters of Genesis between brothers Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. Cain was jealous that God preferred Abel’s offering over his own. And unable to control his bitterness and envy, he killed Abel, and then tried to mislead God about his crime. When his Creator asked about Abel’s whereabouts, the murderer responded, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 

It’s later in Genesis that we find another instance of jealousy and deception. This time it involves Joseph, the son of Jacob — the patriarch of the nation of Israel. Jacob doted on Joseph, and the boy’s older brothers resented it. Joseph also didn’t win their affection by telling them about his symbolic dreams, which suggested that they would one day bow down to him. What’s more, Jacob had presented Joseph with a special coat of many colors, which signified his son's prominence in his heart. So, one day when Joseph had ventured into the fields, his brothers spied him from afar and conspired to kill him. But after a change of heart, they opted to sell him into slavery.

The brothers’ horrendous deed led to years of heartbreak and struggle for Joseph and Jacob alike. But God used the siblings' jealousy as a vehicle for good, and Joseph was blessed and protected while in captivity. Joseph also gained favor in the eyes of Egypt’s pharaoh — so much so that he eventually became the second-most powerful man in that nation. When a famine spread across the region, he even used his God-given wisdom to rescue millions of people from starvation — including his brothers and father. And yes, the brothers DID eventually bow down to Joseph, just as his dreams had predicted.

“You meant to do me harm, but God meant it for good,” Joseph explained, “so that it would come about as it is today, with many people’s lives being saved.”

Are you the jealous type? Rather than envying someone else’s accomplishments, possessions, or good fortune, the cure for jealousy — the so-called Green-Eyed Monster — is to adopt an attitude of gratitude for our own many blessings. With that in mind, let’s take the apostle Paul’s words from Romans 8:28 to heart:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose". 

Making His Thoughts Our Own

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

– 2 Corinthians 10:5

Consider it our Book of Life — God’s words for us to live by. It’s through the Bible's pages that we learn our Creator not only loves us, but he’ll will do whatever it takes to have an everlasting relationship with us. Meanwhile, we also discover that God’s ways aren’t our ways. And his thoughts aren’t our own.

That’s quite an understatement. For example, the world teaches us to defeat the competition, climb the corporate ladder, and keep up with the neighbors (and then pass them by). We must have the biggest, the best, and the shiniest. And we also need to have the right smartphone and drive the right car. After all (we think), life is all about us.

There’s little room for humility with that attitude. But God invites Christ-followers to see things from his perspective: To be first, we must be last. Of course, this viewpoint turns things totally inside out. And that’s just the point.

How much better would this world be if we adopted a servant’s attitude and put the interests of others before our own? Jesus answered this question by example. First, he willingly surrendered his advantages as God’s Son. He entered the world amidst humble circumstances — a birth among farm animals in a lowly stable. When he grew older, he made a working-man’s living as a carpenter. And he could have lived in splendor as the King of Kings. But instead, Christ chose a nomadic existence to teach God’s Good News of salvation to his people. 

Humble circumstances, indeed. But Jesus’ ultimate act of humility was to suffer the fate of a common criminal — one that he didn’t deserve because of his perfect, fault-free life. His was a horrific death on a cross to pay for the countless ways we’ve all failed to live up to God’s standards.

How can we acquire this remarkable servant-leader attitude? Above all, we must embrace our blessings by recognizing the wonderful things God has done for us — and continues to do for us every day. Without him, we are nothing. But through him, all things are possible.

Imitating Jesus to make God’s thoughts and ways our own will never be society’s formula for success. But when we turn our backs to the world and follow The Way, we’ll see that it’s through humility — not ambition — that both we and the world change for the better. 

Gospel Truth

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

– Proverbs 12:22

“With lies you may go ahead in the world,” says a Russian proverb, “but you can never go back.” 

It’s a reminder that credibility and character matter. And that seems to be the public’s message to the news media following several high-profile scandals.

In 2015 Brian Williams lost his job as anchor of NBC Nightly News after he fabricated reports related to the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina. New York Times reporter Jayson Blair resigned in 2003 after he plagiarized and made up portions of his stories. And in 2004, USA Today’s Pulitzer-nominated correspondent Jack Kelley quit after he was accused of concocting source material and writing articles that were largely fiction. 

The damage has added up. A 2024 Gallup poll reveals that for the third consecutive year, more U.S. adults have no trust at all in the media (36%) than trust it a great deal or fair amount. What’s more, another 33% of Americans express “not very much” confidence in the media.

Once we’ve lost our credibility through lies, deception, and betrayal, how can we ever retrieve it? That’s the question King Solomon seems to convey through Proverbs 11:3: 

“People who can’t be trusted are destroyed by their own dishonesty.”

There are several ways we can hurt ourselves and others through our dishonest words and deeds. For example, flattery is a form of lying since it tells people what they want to hear — regardless of its veracity. We can also be dishonest through exaggeration. Likewise, cheating (or fudging the truth so we come out on top) is a particularly serious issue since it can impact personal and business relationships. What’s more, we also lie when we break our promises. Jesus touched on this in Mattew’s gospel by warning his followers to avoid the common practice of using God’s name to lend credibility to their words.

Dishonesty is like a heavy chain that weighs us down and holds us back. But the truth — and the clear conscience that accompanies it — is liberating. Of course, walking the walk after talking the talk can be hard. And conveying honesty and integrity can even cost you something in certain situations. As Christ-followers, however, we must always reflect the words and deeds of our Creator, who’s always faithful and dependable: 

“God is not a man, so He doesn’t lie,” we read in Numbers 23:19. “He’s not human, so he doesn’t change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”

That’s what’s said about Him. So, what do our words and deeds say about us?

Crossing the Finish Line

Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up.

– Hebrews 12:3

It's one of the most remarkable scenes in Olympics history.   

The year was 1992, and 65,000 cheering fans packed the stadium in Barcelona, Spain, for the men's 400-meter race. This was Derek Redmond's second attempt for a medal. Four years earlier at the Seoul, South Korea, games, an Achilles tendon injury had forced him to drop out just minutes before the contest.

The race started well this time, with Derek — the British record holder — quickly taking the lead. But only 175 meters from the finish line, his right hamstring gave way. Derek began to hop and then slowed down before finally collapsing to the track. Medical personnel rushed to his aid to remove him on a stretcher. But with tears in his eyes, Derek refused to let his dream die.

"No," Derek told them. "I'm going to finish my race."

The injured athlete slowly rose from the track and hobbled in pain toward his goal. Jim Redmond, Derek's father, began pushing his way through the crowded stands as soon as he saw his son pull up lame.

"That's my son," the elder Redmond yelled to the bewildered security guards. "And I'm going to help him."

With 65,000 fans giving the pair a tremendous standing ovation, Jim Redmond did just that. He helped his son — painful step by painful step — round the track and cross the finish line.

Is it hard to relate to this story? When it comes to our faith-journey, we, too, can’t do it alone. Jesus told his early followers to expect obstacles and opposition. What’s more, he warned that following the crowd and taking the easy route leads to guaranteed disaster:

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it," Jesus says. "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Jesus is that small gate. And there's no other way to victory over pain, sorrow, and death except by placing our faith on him alone. So, wherever you are along your faith-journey, ask God to help you cross the finish line to victory. The reward will be far greater than a gold-plated medal and a standing ovation.

The Rest of the Story

That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

– 2 Corinthians 12:10

Paul Harvey’s remarkable career in radio spanned eight decades and began while he was still in high school. His broadcasts were heard on about 1,500 stations and his commentaries appeared in hundreds of newspapers. No doubt he was best known for a segment of his program called The Rest of the Story: a five-minute, true-life narrative that always concluded with a surprising — and often uplifting — twist revealing greater meaning and purpose in an otherwise mundane or difficult situation.

The Rest of the Story maintained its popularity over the years because it always resonated with Harvey’s millions of listeners. They readily identified with the famous announcer’s depictions of the unpleasant realities and struggles faced by the common man (and woman).  

What unpleasant realities have you had to face?  Whatever they are, it’s a fact of life that you can count on enduring more. Sometimes they come out of the blue, like an auto accident or a natural disaster. And others might be more of our own making, like an arrest for drunk driving or the agony of a broken marriage. The difference for Christ-followers, however, is that we have access to a loving Father who’s here to help us get through the hardest of times. We worship a caring God who gives us both faith and hope. 

God also specializes in taking the worst situations and turning them toward good. For example, the first Christ-followers were stalked, arrested, and sometimes executed for worshipping Jesus. But this only caused the new, upstart faith to spread far and wide from Jerusalem and into Asia and Europe. And what can we learn from the apostle Paul’s life story? Although he spread the Gospel across the Mediterranean and made many converts, he spent years in jail before his eventual execution. And that might sound like wasted potential. Couldn’t God have kept Paul free so he could preach to thousands more and establish other churches in distant lands?

Yes, God could have done that. But he had a much better plan for advancing the name of Jesus. While Paul was in shackles, the so-called Apostle to the Gentiles spent his time writing much of what we know today as the New Testament — words of truth that over the centuries have helped lead millions of men and women away from their destructive lifestyles and over to abundant lives and eternal life. And it’s all because ours is a God who already knows The Rest of the Story.

Staying the Course

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

– Proverbs 3:5

The Christ-follower’s faith-journey is often compared to travel along an uneven, winding road or a perilous climb up a craggy mountainside. After all, we never know what’s around the bend or over the next hill. Our vision is limited. And it’s all too easy to lose our footing on the steep inclines and fall back a little — or maybe even a lot.

A good illustration involves Crabtree Falls — a popular destination in Virginia’s scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Located about a half-hour’s drive past Charlottesville, visitors must complete a strenuous hike once they’ve parked their vehicle. But it’s well worth the effort because the view is spectacular.

Like our faith-journey, the narrow, rocky trail that leads to Crabtree Falls leaves little margin for error. There’s even a sign at the water’s edge that warns hikers to stick close to the path. But about 10 years ago, a college student died after slipping on the moss-covered rocks and falling 80 feet. Rather than staying the course and keeping his eyes on the marked trail, he decided to take an ill-advised detour. His way may have promised fun and adventure. Sadly, it delivered only tragedy.

“There is a way that appears to be right,” we’re warned through the book of Proverbs. “But in the end it leads to death.”

Scripture — like that sign posted near the waterfall — urges us to remain on the path that leads to the intended destination. But as obvious as that sounds, we all know that life’s problems, temptations, and tragedies seem to await us at every turn. The result is that we trip up after compromising our principles with the world’s values. It’s then that we fall, and later wonder why God permitted our mishap.

Rather than potholes, loose rocks, and hairpin turns, the dangers along our faith-journey include unemployment, broken relationships, missed credit card payments, and illness. Our task is therefore to focus on our Guide while remembering that we worship a God who’s much greater than our circumstances. He’s led us safely through the rough times before … and he can do so again today. It’s through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ, that God has already defeated our greatest life-hazard: sin.

Is the pathway along your faith-journey getting too rough these days? If it’s not now, it will later. But let’s be encouraged by that famous rhetorical question from the apostle Paul: 

“If God is for us,” he asks, “who can be against us?”

The takeaway here is that we must closely follow Jesus’ lead to avoid life’s many detours and distractions. It’s by keeping our eyes on him and staying close by that we’ll safely reach the summit of our faith-journey. Rest assured, the trip will be unforgettable … and the view will be out of this world!

Liberty or Death

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

– 1 Corinthians 9:19

Americans enjoy countless rights and privileges protected through federal, state, and local laws. And the First Amendment of the United States Constitution even guarantees our freedom to worship God as we see fit. But if we look at things through Jesus’ perspective, no one (of any nationality) has any real freedom. The truth is that we’re all slaves!

Regardless of what’s written in our Bill of Rights or President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, everyone without exception is a slave to someone or something. They might not have literal chains around their ankles. But as Jesus puts it so bluntly:

“I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”

This type of sin represents bondage to the world’s values, and it comes in many forms. It might be slavery to money and possessions, pleasure, fame, career — or even religion. But whatever its form, it boils down to substituting false, man-made gods for the One and Only True Creator.

Christ-followers are also slaves. The big difference, however, is that they willingly choose to give up the temporary things of this world for the true freedom gained from an eternal relationship with the Savior.

“Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey,” writes the apostle Paul, “whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

Paul’s question reveals that our choice is one of liberty or death: following Jesus or following sin.

Is this a difficult decision? Let’s remember that our earthly possessions aren’t really our own, and we certainly can't expect them to last. We can lose our jobs unexpectedly through a layoff, and our homes and property can be ruined through a natural or man-made disaster. Serious health issues can arise at any time. And let’s face it: the mortality rate for everyone is 100%.

The fact is that one day we WILL lose it all in one way or another. And unfortunately, most people will choose to do it through their slavery to sin. But there’s a far better and more satisfying choice: bondage to a very kind master through acceptance of Jesus’ generous offer of eternal life.

"Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever," Christ assures us. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

 

Breakfast of Champions

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

– 2 Timothy 1:13-14

The World public radio program reports that more people are running in marathons than ever before. In fact, the approximately 800 organized 26.2-mile races around the globe are filling up fast, and many are setting new records for participation.

Many of the estimated 1.1 million runners who’ll complete a marathon this year adhere to a special diet to help them start their race well. In her Runner's World article The Healthy Runner's Diet, Liz Applegate recommends a regimen of seeds, fruits and vegetables, plant foods with their skins intact, milk and milk products, foods originating from cold water (like fish and other seafood), plus meat, poultry, and eggs from free-range or grass-fed animals. These powerful foods, says Dr. Applegate, promote good health and peak athletic performance for long-distance runners. And as most marathoners understand, eating the right foods can mean the difference between finishing the race in record time — or dropping out with miles still to go.

A similar principle applies to Christ-followers. After all, our spiritual race isn't a jog or even a sprint. Instead, it's a life-long marathon. And it's to this end that we strive for lives that produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Unfortunately, we tend to feed on negative influences through our poor choices in relationships and entertainment. Expressions of jealousy, bitterness, and frustration are common examples of what can happen when we fail to consume the right spiritual foods for going the distance.

Every Christ-follower — just like every participant in the world-famous Boston Marathon — needs to prepare and start well for the long and demanding race ahead. And a smart way to start is with ongoing prayer … as well as a continual awareness that we can't make it without the Spirit living within us. That means instead of living one day at a time, we're to proceed moment-by-moment. Second, let's filter our thinking. Do the movies we watch, the websites we visit, and the friends we make feed our spirit — or our sinful nature? And finally, we need to die to ourselves each day by constantly watching for the traps and obstacles that can run us off course. In 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul tells us that his spiritual diet and rigorous training paid off along his journey of faith:

"I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. At last the champion's wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He's giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance."

Whether you're a brand-new Christ-follower or you've been a believer for years, the old saying is true: You are what you eat. So, to start well, be sure to choose the right spiritual diet — the one that’s guaranteed to take you across life’s finish line to victory.

Swiss Army Knife

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

– 1 Timothy 6:6-8

If it takes the right tool to do the job, chances are that the Victorinox Swiss Army knife is it. 

First produced in 1891 for — as its name suggests — the Swiss army — this folding, all-in-one pocketknife is easily recognized by its red handle and cross logo. The iconic cutlery is produced in dozens of models with ingenious implements including corkscrews, tweezers, bottle-openers, can openers, and even nail files. Its newer models feature everything from USB computer storage drives to laser pointers. And there’s even a 9-inch-wide version with 85 tools for the outdoorsman who has everything.

Speaking of having everything, God has blessed us with a nation of plenty. And although millions of Americans seemingly have it all, we live amidst an epidemic of discontent. The more possessions we gather and the higher we climb the corporate ladder, the more unfulfilled and disillusioned we become. And rather than thanking God for his blessings and making the most of them, we wonder if they’re all there is to life.

This contagious disease comes with some nasty symptoms. Those afflicted often turn to alcohol, street drugs, illicit relationships, and gambling to ease the pain. They find that things might get better for a while. But their hunger for fulfillment returns eventually.

This problem is hardly new, and it's not confined to the United States or even Western society. In fact, the Bible addressed the issues of naught and disappointment centuries ago. And its advice is as valid today as it was back then.

First, let’s consider the many ways God blesses us. They could include family, career, health, and friends — just to name a few. Next, we need to stop comparing our possessions with our neighbor’s stuff. Marketers thrive when they convince us that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

The only remedy is found in the One known as The Great Physician: Jesus. And a growing relationship with him produces contentment because there's nothing bigger, better, or more necessary in life. Comparisons fall away and material things lose their luster. With Christ as our Master, what was once so important soon fades into obscurity. 

Does this sound simplistic or too good to be true? The cutting-edge truth is that contentment is just inches away — the distance between our head and our heart.

“I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty,” the apostle Paul tells us through Philippians 4:12. “I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough.”

Honor Roll

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 

– 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Several years ago, a well-known beverage company launched a series of TV and radio commercials titled Great American Heroes. Each ad recognized those faceless individuals who labor diligently behind the scenes to support the American lifestyle. And what made the commercials memorable were their over-the-top scripts and theme music, which saluted the accomplishments of such working-class heroes as Mr. Backyard Bug-Zapper Inventor, Mr. Jelly Donut Filler, and Mr. Driving Range Ball Picker-Upper.

“Without you, Mr. Giant Foam Finger Maker, our teams would be in sixth or seventh place,” proclaimed the announcer.

Although these advertisements were absurd, their celebrations of the Average Joe were in many ways on the mark — at least when it comes to Jesus. For example, society tends to idolize sports stars, musicians, actors, and even politicians. And there are times when firefighters, police officers, or others are lauded (and deservedly so) for their bravery and heroics. But Christ tells us that Biblical reality is quite the opposite. From God’s perspective, “many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”

The world defines success as doing what it takes to reach the top … and then stay there. And in many cases, it contends that the ends (success and fame) justify the means. But for Christ-followers, that road to success is nothing but a dead end. There’s nothing wrong with succeeding in business or making lots of money. The trouble comes when wealth, fame, and power become the focus of our lives. Rather than worshipping and living our lives for the Creator, we risk worshipping a flawed creation that eventually falls apart. A more Christ-centered approach is to descend the world’s ladder of greatness in favor of authentic humility and servant leadership. 

Maybe we’ll never get the limelight from a TV commercial like Mr. King of the Karaoke Mike or Mr. Souvenir Snow Globe Maker. But when we put our faith in Jesus and ask him to use us to help build his kingdom and do his will, we’ll one day receive the incredible honor of hearing these high words of praise:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. With you I am well pleased.”

Discipline to Win

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 

– 1 Timothy 4:8

The Super Bowl is one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. And what does it take to play in it? Excluding the preseason games and playoffs, the 2024-25 NFL schedule covers 272 matchups involving 18 weeks of hard-hitting competition. Moreover, a date to The Big Game calls for intense discipline with countless hours of on-field practice, classroom study, and game-tape review.

Tom Brady understands how discipline and perseverance separate champions from the runners-up. Love him or loath him, Brady — who won seven Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. And throughout his career he followed an intense, year-round training regimen involving diet and exercise, plus an ongoing focus on football fundamentals. Brady took nothing for granted, and he conditioned himself to expect the unexpected on the field:

“You push your body to the limits, but you have to train your body to deal with the limits,” he explained. “If you don't play to win don't play at all.”

The Bible also endorses the value of discipline and training. For Christ-followers like you and me, that means developing and using our God-given gifts and talents to make a positive difference in our community and throughout the world. For example, we’re called to explain the basis of our faith to anyone who asks us. But how can we answer questions from a neighbor or co-worker if we don’t set aside time each day to read the Scriptures to know what we’re talking about? Disciplined bible study is also a great way to grow closer to God by developing the ability to listen for His voice. Moreover, it helps us to discern right from wrong when faced by those modern-day scenarios that are so rarely black or white. 

In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul uses the sport of long distance running to illustrate the value of spiritual discipline:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Whether it’s crossing the finish line or the goal line, it takes a disciplined regimen to win the race or make it to the Super Bowl. Likewise, it takes discipline and endurance for Christ-followers to become the faith-driven champions God wants them to be: 

“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,” we read in Romans 12. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Follow the Leader

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.”

– 1 Timothy 3:1

Imagine that it’s nighttime, and it’s raining so hard that you can barely see over your car’s hood. The fog and mist have rolled in. And you can’t risk slowing down or pulling over to the roadside. It’s a multi-vehicle accident just waiting to happen.

So, what do you do to make it safely to your destination? 

When it’s raining cats and dogs, sometimes the best move is a serious game of Follow the Leader. That means following the dim red taillights of the vehicle ahead of you and matching the driver’s every turn. When he taps his brakes, you do, too. And if he bears right, you don’t ask questions. That’s because you know he can see what’s up ahead. Things could get dangerous if you try to make it on your own. So ultimately, it’s a matter of trust.

Isn’t that also the case for every Christ-follower — as well as the pastors, elders, and teachers who lead them? Jesus asked his disciples to follow him into storms, hostile crowds, and towns full of unbelievers. These were dangerous, scary situations. But like that lead driver on the highway, Jesus could see what was ahead. And he led those who believed in him to experience life in its fullest.

That was fine 2,000 years ago. But what does it mean to follow Christ in the 21st century?

The saying goes that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And simply put, Believers should imitate Christ. That means following his example of communion with God through regular prayer, Bible reading, worship, and gathering with other believers. We can also mimic our Savior by being a friend to the weak and helpless, sharing our material blessings, and being an advocate for justice. And that barely scratches the surface.

If you’re of a certain age, maybe you wore a What Would Jesus Do (WWJD) bracelet or had the bumper sticker on your car. And it’s still the BIG question — more so now than ever considering these stormy days of social, economic, and political turmoil. Indeed, what would Jesus do? 

There’s only one way to find out. Let's follow the Leader! 

Best Laid Plans

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit” — yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

– James 4:13-15

The saying goes that when we fail to plan, we plan to fail. And that’s true in so many areas of life. For example, a student has a better chance for a passing grade if they get an early start on their studies rather than cramming the night before the test. A young couple is more likely to become homeowners if they’re diligent about saving for a down payment. And taking full advantage of your employer’s 401(k) can help render a comfortable retirement.

Our plans, however, are linked closely to our priorities. For example, some people might live to travel and find adventure. Some might live for pleasure, family, or friends. And still others might seek meaning through their careers. But since there’s no shortage of life-choices, what’s the best way to plan?

“God helps those who help themselves” is a familiar phrase that seems to answer that question. What’s more, it sounds like a proverb in the Bible. But you won’t find it there. And while it’s smart to be actively engaged in those big decisions of life, this well-intentioned advice misses out on the significant ways God moves and works:

“You don’t get what you want because you don’t ask God for it,” we read in the New Testament book of James. “And when you do ask he doesn’t give it to you, for you ask in quite the wrong spirit — you only want to satisfy your own desires.”

As Christ-followers, we first need to seek God’s guidance through prayer, Bible study, and the counsel of fellow Believers when it’s time to address those big decisions. Moreover, the resulting action should always be one that honors God. 

Have you planned for what’s most important in your life? Your Creator already has. So, start by seeking his will and seeing things from his perspective. Here’s how the apostle Paul admonished some of the first Christ-followers — as well as 21st-century Believers like you and me — through 1 Timothy 2:1-5:

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Doing the Right Thing

This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.

– 2 Chronicles 31:20-21

Author C.S. Lewis defined integrity as doing what’s right when no one else is watching. But in our modern culture that teaches what’s right or wrong is no longer so black or white, it’s reassuring to know that our God is a Creator who never changes. What's more, he’s also a God of justice, and he promises to right the wrongs done against us. But he also expects his followers to seek justice along the way. As we read in James 4:17: 

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

Doing the right thing often calls for bravery. And while we may never need

to use it against a powerful army on the battlefield, we might have to combat figurative opponents like injustice, crime, and discrimination. We have no hope of defeating them on our own. But we should be encouraged that God specializes in empowering average Joes and Janes to do the extraordinary against overwhelming odds.

A case in point is that David — an obscure shepherd boy and musician — once protected his nation by killing the Philistine giant Goliath with a stone from his slingshot. It was this same David who eventually became the mighty King of Israel and the one God called "a man after My own heart." Likewise, a fisherman named Peter quite literally dove into the deep end when he accepted Jesus' call to walk on water. After he began to doubt his own abilities, Peter began to sink. But Christ saved him once he called out in faith. This same hesitant follower, who would eventually deny Jesus to others three times, ultimately became a bold preacher of what the book of Acts calls The Way (the Good News about his Savior, Jesus Christ). Two books of the Bible also bear Peter's name.

As Christ-followers, these examples should help us take heart. We know that the world can be a scary place, but God doesn't expect us to solve all its problems. Instead, it's by seeking and embracing his power in faith that we can make a world of difference. And it all starts when we act with integrity to seek and do the right thing.

 

Truth or Consequences

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work — which is by faith.

– 1 Timothy 1:3-4 

It sounds like something found deep in the jungles of Africa, the Amazon rainforest — or maybe even on another planet. It’s a carnivorous plant called the Venus fly trap, which grows wild in the bogs of North and South Carolina. 

Venus fly traps feast on flies and other insects, and their secret lies in their attractive colors and outstretched, nectar-scented pads. When an unsuspecting victim lands on the exotic plant, sensors prepare its trap to shut. But by intelligent design, it takes more than a single motion to spring the snare. It’s only after a second sensor is activated that the Venus fly trap grabs its prey within 0.1 seconds. Soon, powerful fluids fill the sprung trap, which dissolve the insect into usable nutrients. The cycle then resumes, with the plant re-opening its pads to repeat the lethal deception.

This illustrates an important lesson for Christ-followers: Although it might seem innocent at the time, we can suffer great harm from those who teach Scripture in ways that are inconsistent with God’s Word. That’s because false doctrine can lead Believers astray while misdirecting seekers from the biblical straight-and-narrow pathway toward salvation. Examples include pseudo-Christian tenets such as name-it-claim it, salvation by works, and legalism. One popular Atlanta-area pastor has also advocated unhitching the Old Testament from the Christian faith. And in recent years another familiar pastor/author has denied certain essential Christian beliefs. Declaring that “love wins” and that hell is just symbolic, he’s proclaimed that people worldwide will be saved in the end — even if they haven’t professed their faith Christ. Of course, Believers know through John 14:6 that Jesus disagrees:

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

The threat from bad doctrine is nothing new to Christ-followers. About 2,000 years ago, the apostle Paul addressed some of the false teachings of his day that were both confusing and upsetting to early believers in Jesus:

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,” Paul wrote in Galatians 1:8, “let them be under God’s curse!”

The good news is that God’s truth is near for those who seek it. And Christ-followers have open access to it through the Bible, prayer — and even wise counsel from fellow Believers. We should therefore have less trouble than others with telling right from wrong and discerning the traps of false doctrine. It’s a vital lesson that underscores the importance of biblical literacy.

If you hear or read something that seems inconsistent with Scripture, maybe it is. Check the Bible and ask a trusted Christian friend. And if the teaching is unbiblical, don’t follow it. But if it turns out to be legitimate, God could be using it to build your faith and help you become a bit more like our Savior … one passage at a time.

Can I Get a Witness?

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

– 1 John 4:14

According to AccuWeather, tourists recently flocked to Death Valley, CA, at the height of a heat wave to experience temperatures that neared 130 degrees. The official high on July 7, 2024, was 129 degrees at Death Valley National Park’s Furnace Creek Visitors Center. And that was followed by a week with afternoon temperatures in the upper 120s.

That’s in stark contrast to the brutally cold temperatures endured 247 years earlier in another famous valley. In December 1777, General George Washington’s Continental Army faced frigid, snowy conditions as it set up winter camp in Valley Forge, PA, during the Revolutionary War. The situation was grim for the 12,000-man rag-tag force. What’s more, Washington was under attack by members of Congress, who were criticizing his strategic choices and lack of success on the battlefield. Some even advocated his removal from command. With food, clothing, and ammunition in extremely short supply, Washington wrote: "… that unless some great and capital change suddenly takes place ... this Army must inevitably … starve, dissolve, or disperse…"

A great change would indeed take place. One Valley Forge resident testified that Washington was alone and on his knees in prayer in the woods. The tired general called aloud for God’s help — and not just with his army’s dire plight — but also for all of humanity and the world. The witness recalled that he was astonished at the power and earnestness of the general’s petition. “We never thought a man could be a soldier and a Christian,” he said. “But if there is one in the world, it is Washington.”

The rest, as they say, is history. In the darkness of Christmas night, Washington and his army crossed the ice-choked Delaware River to defeat the oblivious Hessian mercenaries hired by the British. The news of the Continental’s surprise victory spread quickly throughout the fledgling nation and soon revived the fading war effort. 

Although the eyes of America were on George Washington that snowy evening, he hadn’t sought an audience — except for One. But his sincere and humble prayers testified volumes about his fervent faith in his Creator’s ability to protect and save.

How about you and me? As Christ-followers, the world is watching us, too. Do our words and deeds each day testify to our faith in God’s ability to change the world and save souls? When we practice what we preach, it’s our faith in action that honors God. And when we seek to honor God, he seeks to honor us. As Psalm 35:28 proclaims:

My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

Family Matters

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

– Acts 11:18

The Adoption Network reports that about 115,000 children are adopted each year in the United States, and 25% of them don’t share their adoptive parents’ race, culture, or ethnicity. Unfortunately, the adoption process can be stressful, tedious, and very expensive. Arrangements with the birthparents can fall through at the last minute, and agency fees, court costs, and other legal expenses can easily exceed tens of thousands of dollars. But for those whose hearts are set on a special child, no price is too high.

Scripture reveals that God is quite familiar with the adoption process, its struggles, and legalities. That’s because in a very real sense, he’s the adoptive parent of every Christ-follower. When we first put our faith in his son — Jesus — as our Savior, God acted legally on our behalf and paid all the related costs. The result? Our eternal salvation and adoption into God’s royal family:

“You did not choose me; I chose you,” Jesus explains through the apostle John’s gospel. “And I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.”

Before God became our Heavenly Father, we were spiritually dead. We had broken his laws, and our sinfulness had made us his enemies ... and him our Judge. But what’s so remarkable is that this same Judge has declared us not guilty. That’s because Christ paid the exorbitant price of our adoption through his death on the cross. For us then came a change of family, name, and home. And as God’s adopted children, it also meant an array of new privileges and responsibilities.

The implications are extraordinary. God — as our loving Father — is now approachable through prayer. He’s no longer some cold, impersonal being who’s only accessible through a priest. In fact, Jesus outraged the strict religious authorities of the day by referring to the Creator as Abba, which means Daddy in the Aramaic language. And he happens to be a Daddy who watches out for his kids!

Indeed, the Creator of our vast universe cares for us so much and knows us so intimately that he’s literally counted the hairs on our head. He’s also willing to pay any price to adopt us into his family. And for every Christ-follower, that’s exactly what he did to forever convey his name, protection, inheritance, and love. Because to him, family matters. 

 

Flavor of the Month

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”

– Acts 10:34-35

There’s a popular notion that one’s choice of faith, whether it be Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or something else, is little different than one’s choice of ice cream. Whether it’s vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, or pistachio, the flavor really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. It’s all just a matter of personal preference and taste.

God’s message to us through the Bible, however, reveals that our choice is one of life or death. Author Philip Yancey wrote about an incident that reveals this crucial truth. Several decades ago, there was a conference held in England where theologians debated which belief was unique to Christianity. Other faiths held to the resurrection of the dead. And still others described their gods as coming to earth in human form. But after much heated discussion, C.S. Lewis — the noted author of Mere Christianity, The Chronicles of Narnia, and other Christian classics — wandered into the room.

"What's all the hubbub about?" he inquired. When his colleagues disclosed the contentious topic, Lewis was quick to reply:

"Oh ...That's easy," he said. "It's grace."

What’s grace ... and why does it matter? 

Grace is God's free gift of favor to undeserving people like you and me. There's nothing we can do to earn it. We just need to accept it, embrace it, and live it out with transformed lives through our faith in Jesus Christ. Moreover, it's with grace that we not only survive, but thrive. 

The saying goes that religion is all about working and doing things to please God, but Christianity is all about the great thing that God has already done for us. It’s also through religion that we might imagine God warning us: “Work hard and be good so that you can be saved.” But when we turn our lives over to Jesus in faith, his actual loving message turns things on its head: 

“You have been saved. Now go out and do good in my name.”

Regardless of popular opinion, our choices — particularly those involving faith — have consequences. We can either choose manmade religion, where we face exhaustion and frustration due to our guaranteed failure to achieve, or embrace a God-made relationship, where Jesus has already paid the price for our salvation. All we must do is accept his remarkably gracious invitation and let him live through us. And even more amazing is that it’s an invitation that’s open to everyone:

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock,” Jesus welcomes us through Revelation 3:20. “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Changed

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.

– Acts 10:44-45

Early followers of Jesus were called Little Christs because their newfound faith had transformed their lives for all to see. This odd group of people from all walks of life — rich and poor, male and female, slave and free — were markedly different from the rest of society. They somehow had grown more caring and generous toward both neighbors and strangers alike, and they willingly sacrificed their time and resources to ease sorrow and correct injustice. Ultimately, they had abandoned their old, selfish tendencies in favor of something much greater.

In a word, they were changed.

And that says much for their leader — an obscure rabbi from a distant corner of the Roman Empire, who just happened to be God’s own Son. Few recognized that at the time. But because some did and led changed lives while following Jesus, millions in future generations would help to change the world for the better. 

Modern-day Christ-followers must also set aside their selfish deeds and desires in favor of Jesus’ example. And like those first disciples transformed by the words of the Sermon on the Mount, we should recognize that Jesus the leader was also Jesus the follower. Christ spoke constantly with his Father (God) in prayer and always sought his guidance: 

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing,” explained Jesus, “because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

It’s a radical approach that’s just as life-changing today as it was 20 centuries ago. And it’s also an approach that calls for personal action, commitment, and sacrifice. So, whether you’ve followed Jesus for five years or 55, grasp every opportunity to become more like him, walk in his ways, and see the world through his eyes. Then ask God to work through you with his Holy Spirit — that personal, loving Power, who makes it possible to leave your old self behind and become a new creation. 

It’s the change that makes a world of difference.