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

There’s a big difference between looking for something and searching for it. 

Looking suggests a more casual exploration, such as for a new barbecue restaurant or a full-service drycleaner. But searching, on the other hand, indicates a sense of urgency. That could be anything from our car keys — because we can’t be late again to the office — to a skilled oncologist for a stricken loved one. We search for what matters.

For Christ-followers, it’s a life-long spiritual quest toward Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And each step of the way, we seek to know him better and do God’s will with purpose and vision. But let’s consider the original Christ-followers 2,000 years ago, who traveled countless miles through deserts and rugged terrain in search of the one we call The Good Shepherd.

They were the Magi, but you might know them from the Christmas story as the Three Wise Men. Some scholars say 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 the travelers 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 sought-after 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 important principles that Christ-followers can embrace today. The first is that seeking God can be dangerous and demanding. Our 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 do we choose the easy way out rather than doing the difficult — but right — thing?

The Magi’s example also reassures us that Christ-followers will find Jesus through a diligent search. And it’s plausible that the Three Kings were 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 Day or any other day of the year, let’s follow the Wise Men’s example. They recognized their Savior's star from a great distance, began their search, and stayed on the winding, uneven road until they reached their destination. As Jesus reminds us through Matthew 7:7-8:

“Ask and it will be given to you. Search and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened for you. The one who asks will always receive; the one who is searching will always find, and the door is opened to the man who knocks.”

The University of Adversity

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

– John 20:19-21

Have you ever wrestled with God about the tragedies, suffering, and injustices of life? 

We reason that if he’s all-powerful, he should prevent such adversity. But let’s consider that no one ever promised us a trouble-free existence. What’s more, God’s perspective extends beyond our superficial human experience and into the immeasurable wonders of his creation. For example, can we comprehend how an awkward caterpillar gorges on leaves, spins a cocoon around itself, and then emerges weeks later as a beautiful butterfly? And how can a tiny acorn grow into a mighty 80-foot oak?

It’s all beyond our understanding, but the principle here is the same. Whether we're going through good times or bad, we must remind ourselves that God's ways aren't our ways. Moreover, our human minds are much too limited to grasp the entirety of his greater purpose.

But we’re not totally in the dark here. God’s word to us — the Bible — gives us several pointers. One is that we live in an imperfect world where bad things can (and often do) happen. It was when Adam and Eve disobeyed their Creator in the Garden of Eden that Earth’s peaceful perfection was spoiled. And it’s only four chapters into Genesis that we read about mankind’s first murder: a cold-blooded encounter between brothers.

Our struggles with God can also involve our poor choices. For example, if someone chooses to drink too much, gets drunk, and then gets behind the wheel, tragedy often follows. But that’s hardly God’s fault. We instead reap the fruits of the foolishness we’ve sown.

These are sobering facts of life, but the good news is that we worship a God who specializes in turning bad into good. Consider someone who gets laid off from their job, only to find a much better one in a different city — with better pay — and in an industry that they’d never previously considered. If it weren’t for the adversity of unemployment, they might have been stuck in a boring, dead-end situation with little future. 

God also uses our adversities to discipline and mature us. Are we ever the same after experiencing a major illness or family tragedy? It’s through such crises that we draw closer to him and depend on his help and presence. And our Creator can even use our anguish as a witness to others. If you’re a Christ-follower faced with a God-sized situation, where you place your faith speaks volumes to others. After all, we know that Jesus — The Prince of Peace — will establish a kingdom that makes things right.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace,” Jesus assures us in John 16:33. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Worth Every Penny

“My son,’” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

– Luke 15:31-32

Few things are as disappointing as buying a product or service that fails to meet expectations — especially if it was expensive. For example, maybe you heard about a new restaurant that piqued your interest. You went online and checked out the menu, read several reviews, and even asked your friends and co-workers for their opinions. But once you were seated at the table, you quickly saw through the hype. The dining room was shabby, the waiter was rude … and that $75 entrée wasn’t even appetizing. 

On the other hand, what about that expensive Caribbean cruise? You perused several tourist websites, watched The Travel Channel, and spoke with friends who'd recently returned from the same excursion. And although your ticket's cost meant weeks of cutting back on regular expenses, the tropical islands you visited were gorgeous, the cuisine was superb, and you even made some new friends along the way. Yes, that extravagant vacation put a dent in your bank account. But the memories you made were priceless.

The Bible also confirms the worth of some costly purchases. For example, there’s Jesus’ famous story about the Prodigal Son, where a loving father welcomes back his wayward — and totally undeserving — child, who had burned through his entire inheritance on outrageously wasteful living. Christ also told about a man who sold his possessions to buy a field. And not just any field, but one that held buried treasure. Although the price tag was staggering, the man did whatever it took to obtain that land at any cost.

These parables illustrate how God puts his love into action to bring you and me into his family and provide belonging. Perhaps the most familiar passage in the New Testament, John 3:16, declares that he loves the world so much that he gave his only Son (Jesus) so that those who believe in him will have eternal life. Our Creator willingly let Jesus suffer and die on the cross in our place to pay for our wrongdoings — past, present, and future. And unlike Christ — who lived a perfect, sin-free existence — we all rightfully deserve death because of our lawlessness. But God’s grace offers us forgiveness and a fresh start if we’re only willing to accept it.

Jesus paid the exorbitant price to save us from ourselves. And compared to our costly, regrettable purchases, this one was worth every penny.

Stormy Weather

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

– Mark 4:37-38

Turn on the TV and surf the Web and try to avoid the nonstop news stories about politics, crime, and civil unrest. And it’s no easier to escape the 24/7 coverage of natural disasters, corruption, and the storm clouds of international conflict. But living with unsettling headlines is nothing new. In fact, about 2,000 years ago, Jesus proclaimed these words of assurance that are just as relevant to modern-day Christ-followers as they were to his first disciples:

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

In one form or another, storms are everywhere. And there’s no way to avoid them — even after we’ve switched off the smartphone and clicked away from Instagram and Facebook. For some people, the tempest might be a job loss or bankruptcy. For others, it’s a chronic illness or the prospect of major surgery. Maybe your storm involves family or relationship issues like a divorce or the loss of a loved one. And this raises a good question: Does God even care about our personal hurricanes, earthquakes, and flash floods? 

The good news is that we worship a God who’s much greater than any natural disaster, economic difficulty, or international dispute. Ours is a God who literally spoke the universe into creation, formed great mountain ranges with his hands, and parted the seas with a breath. With just a word, he calmed the stormy waters of Lake Galilee that had threatened to drown Jesus’ small band of followers. And even more amazing is that he knows his creation (including you and me) by name.

Let’s also remember that God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose. And while our Mighty Creator doesn’t remove every storm from our presence, he proves his power and presence within them. 

Indeed, there will be times when lightning flashes and thunder rumbles overhead. But the storms that seem so great today will become laughably insignificant tomorrow. Moreover, we can rest assured that amidst all the wind and rain, blue skies are on the horizon for those with Christ as their Savior.

U-Turn

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

– Matthew 1:21

Turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie weren’t the only treats on this Thanksgiving’s menu. In addition to consuming thousands of calories in a single sitting, millions of Americans also tuned into three National Football League matchups — another beloved holiday tradition. With that in mind, let’s rewind almost a century for more gridiron competition … but this time involving a legend named Roy “Wrong Way” Riegels.

It was the 1929 Rose Bowl, and Riegels — who played center for the University of California Golden Bears — retrieved his teammate’s fumble on the Georgia Tech 30-yard line. But instead of simply falling on the ball or advancing it, Riegels turned around and dashed 69 yards in the wrong direction toward his own team’s end zone. Golden Bear quarterback Benny Lonn finally caught up to his confused teammate at the 3-yard line and tried to turn him around. But it was too late, and the Georgia Tech defense swarmed over Riegels and tackled him just in front of the end zone.

The result? The Golden Bears eventually lost the game 8-7, while opponent Georgia Tech claimed their second national championship. After his infamous play, Riegels was in despair. 

“Coach, I can’t do it. I’ve ruined you, I’ve ruined myself, I’ve ruined the University of California. I couldn’t face that crowd to save my life.” 

“Roy,” responded his coach, Nibs Price, “Get up and go back out there — the game is only half over.”

That’s good advice for anyone who’s made a wrong turn or two in life, which means all of us. And it’s also a reminder that centuries before Roy Riegels lost his way on the football field, Jesus assured his own followers that they wouldn’t lose theirs once he completed his earthly mission and returned to God:

“If you love me, you will keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever,” Christ explained. “He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.”

Later, Jesus added: “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.”

For modern-day Christ-followers like you and me, the Holy Spirit empowers us to do God’s will and bear fruit for his kingdom. That’s why we should always remain alert to his prompts and teachings, which can come from just about anywhere. It might be a Bible passage that pops out with new meaning. Or maybe it’s a spiritual truth that emerges during a Small Group discussion. And the Holy Spirit can also speak through a conversation with a friend or stranger, or even out of an odd circumstance in the workplace. The possibilities are endless.

Let’s remember that the Holy Spirit — our wonderful Counselor — doesn’t just give us advice. He also exposes the truth and invites transformation. So, have you gone the wrong way along your faith journey? He’s ready to help you make that much-needed U-turn.

Family Reunion

This is the family history of Jesus Christ. He came from the family of David, and David came from the family of Abraham.

– Matthew 1:1

When you were in grade school, were you one of the popular kids? Or were you — like many children — a bit awkward and introverted? If you weren’t part of the clique, chances are that you were the odd man out when choosing teams for kickball.

Things don’t change as we get older, whether it’s on the playground or in the office park. How many times have you been turned down for that big promotion or lost out to another job candidate? And has your boss ever criticized your sales presentation in front of your co-workers? Rejection can be brutal. 

But there IS some good news, even for those of us who were never asked to the senior prom or chosen for the varsity football team. And it’s much more important and lasting:

Our Creator — the most powerful and loving Presence in the universe — not only knows you and me by name, he’s also chosen us to join his family. That means that once we’ve put our faith in his son, Jesus, we become an adopted child of God. As John 3:16 reminds us:

“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.”

As children of God, we’ll have quite an inheritance to enjoy for eternity. But we don’t have to wait until we die to enjoy some of these incredible family benefits. One is the privilege of knowing God in a personal relationship. Through prayer, we can come to him directly with our troubles, needs, and joys. It’s this close bond that helps us overcome the rough spots that we’re bound to face as part of the human experience.

It's also reassuring to know that God isn’t a strict, unknowable taskmaster who waits to zap us when we do wrong. Instead, our Creator is a warm, reassuring, and loving Father. Jesus even referred to God as Abba — a child’s word that translates into English as daddy.  

The incredible truth is that God has redeemed every Believer as his adopted children. If you haven’t already done so, today’s the day to join his family by thanking him and responding in faith, “Yes, Abba!”

 

All Things New

“He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

– Ruth 4:15

Ever had a computer or smartphone that’s infected by a virus or malware? If so, you know that helpless feeling when it crashes, freezes, or slows to a maddening crawl. And soon enough, that once top-of-the-line machine becomes nothing more than an expensive plastic paperweight.

But don’t lose hope. There are expert technicians who can clean out such infections and prevent future performance issues with your device. So, a once-dead phone or computer can often be restored to better-than-new condition. 

Every Christ-follower over the last 2,000 years can relate to this modern-day illustration. Like a reconfigured smartphone that now reboots without hesitation, we become born again once we put our faith in Jesus. And it’s at that point that we start over with a clean slate — ready to do good works to advance God’s kingdom. Think about all the times over the years that we’ve mistreated others, all the lies we’ve told, and all the time we’ve wasted: it’s all forgiven because Jesus paid the penalty we deserve by dying for you and me on the cross. 

Now declared justified in God’s eyes, we can look forward to an eternity of joy with our Creator. But until that day when we meet our Savior face to face, we’re empowered to live restored, fruit-bearing, Spirit-filled lives, which the apostle Paul explains in his letter to the Galatians:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

It's through Jesus — and Jesus alone — that we find our restoration. And it’s through him that all things become new again.

Family of Faith

“Who are you?” he asked.

“I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”

– Ruth 3:9

Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away. And it’s a reminder that the holidays can be either a time of joy and togetherness — or stress and conflict. In fact, stress expert Elizabeth Scott, M.S. comments that "many a happy holiday has been found by groups of people who have decided to celebrate with friends instead of family."

It's a sad commentary on the state of modern society. And in many ways, it's also a reflection of human nature. Whenever families gather, tensions can mount for just about any reason. Sometimes it's because of intrusions into personal space, like when the in-laws spend the night (or week) in a home that's already too close for comfort. There's also that outcast teenager who perceives their older relatives as judgmental, critical, or demanding. And let's not forget those pleasant conversations over Christmas dinner about politics and religion.

If this hits too close to home, you're in good company. Jesus himself — the Son of God — was often misunderstood by those closest to him: 

"A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family," the Savior once told his disciples.

Since even our own families can misinterpret our actions, have you ever wondered if God, our Heavenly Father, really understands all the mundane problems, annoyances, and trials that we face every day? 

He does. 

In fact, Luke's gospel tells us that Jesus was born amidst the poorest of circumstances — with an animal's feeding trough as his first bed. But that’s the way it had to be. From the beginning, our Creator knew that men and women were without hope because of the rebellious ways they lived out their lives. So, his response was to come to Earth in human form to live out the perfect life. That meant living among us through the sin-free Jesus Christ — the only acceptable sacrifice for our countless transgressions. And since the wages of sin is death, he’d pay the price for all of us through his unjust crucifixion between two common criminals.

Jesus fulfilled the soul-saving mission God had planned for him since the foundation of the world. The result was that our sin-debt was paid in full. And 2,000 years later, people around the globe continue to accept the Savior's gracious invitation to join his family of faith.

 

 

Generous Toward God

“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

– Ruth 2:12

Compared to most of the world's population, Americans are incredibly rich. When we're hungry for a snack, all we have to do is walk to the kitchen for some fresh fruit — or, more realistically — a bag of chips. And if we're running low on supplies, a quick trip to the supermarket or Walmart fills up the fridge in no time. Even those of us on government assistance are rich by the world's standards. 

As Christ-followers (rich or poor), we're called to be generous with our possessions and resources. That’s because God blesses you and me in a myriad of ways, day in and day out. And since he's also the ultimate giver, and he wants us to be that way, too.

Think about the many blessings from our Creator. They vary, but likely include things like our health, job, home, family, friends, and church. And what about God's ultimate gift: forgiveness of our sins and an eternal relationship with him through our faith in Jesus?

God also wants every Christ-follower to abandon greed. But to do that, we must trust him rather than our riches. After all, bank accounts and retirement funds can shrink overnight through unexpected circumstances and economic uncertainties. Just ask anyone who’s between jobs.

As the apostle Paul explains in 1 Timothy, being generous toward God and his purposes renders much more than a warm feeling of self-satisfaction. Think of it as a guaranteed high-yield investment with dividends that you'll enjoy forever in the world to come. Our Creator challenges us to overturn our preconceived notions about money and possessions. And it's through his design that giving generously becomes getting more:

"By doing that, they will be saving a treasure for themselves as a strong foundation for the future," Paul says. "Then they will be able to have the life that is true life."

It's every Christ-follower's mission to serve as God's hands and feet on earth by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and housing the homeless. So, by making generosity a spiritual habit, we'll become more like him to help change our world for the better. Jesus sums it up through this reminder to us in Matthew 25:40:

"... 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

Out of the Sand Trap

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

– Ruth 1:16

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 the time we spoke rudely to a co-worker or cut off another motorist in traffic. Or when we gossiped about someone at church or “forget” to report certain income on our tax forms. Better yet, how about a do-over for that night (25 years ago) when we shoplifted on a friend’s dare?

Big or small, our failures can weigh heavy on our hearts. How great it would be if we could just erase those ugly episodes and start over with a clean slate. Yes, we can all use a few mulligans.

The apostle Peter could relate to this sentiment. Although he was one of Jesus’ earliest followers, witnessed his Master’s miracles, and even walked on water (until his faith gave out), this bold individual known as The Rock failed the test more than once. For example, Matthew 26 tells us 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 sobering stuff. But the good news is that God understands our human limitations. What’s more, his steadfast love for us brings redemption.

“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 then there's this reassuring promise from Proverbs:

“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

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!”

 

A Higher Purpose

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

– 1 Corinthians 12:12

According to the Retail TouchPoints website, Amazon and its Amazon Marketplace vendors sell over 350 million products — and each one has an intended purpose. 

People are also designed with an intended purpose or calling. And when it comes to Christ-followers like you and me, the Bible reveals that our Creator has given us certain gifts, talents, and resources for advancing his kingdom on Earth. For example, singers and musicians might use their gifts to lead Sunday morning worship. And accountants, bookkeepers, and office managers can focus their talents on helping the church operate efficiently. Likewise, those same gifts and talents 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 in our community … and across the globe. It’s no coincidence that Believers who complete a mission trip or other acts of service say that they gained far more from the experience than those they sought to help. 

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

With that in mind, let’s ask God to reveal his higher purpose for us — and then turn our faith into words and deeds that can change the world.

Good Enough

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

– Romans 8:1-2

How would you label yourself with a single word? Would you say generous, energetic, or perhaps successful?

How about broken?

The fact is that we’re all broken in one way or another. But the good news for Christ-followers is that we worship a Creator who truly understands. And whether we're the victim or the victimizer in our shattered state, God's grace is enough to overcome it.

What’s grace? 

It’s God's blessings to undeserving people like you and me. There's nothing we can do to earn it. Instead, we just need to accept it, embrace it, and live it with transformed lives through our faith in Jesus. Grace is also what keeps us together when everything is coming apart. In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul wrote about his own brokenness and how God answered his prayers through the power of grace:

“… Three times I begged the Lord for it to leave me, but his reply has been, ‘... My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

God knew our names before the world was formed. He also knew when and where we’d be born, what sort of lives we’d lead, and when we’d die. Moreover, he knew that we’d need a Savior. That’s because we've all fallen short (sinned) against his perfect standards and can never save ourselves from the resulting judgment we deserve. So, God chose to do it himself by personally living out the human experience on Earth through his Son, Jesus Christ.

As God with us, Jesus understands our sorrows, shortcomings, and brokenness. And he’s also promised Believers that he’ll never leave them or forget them. Because, when everything inevitably fails and we’re not good enough, God always is.

Nothing Succeeds Like Success

In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him.

– 1 Samuel 18:14

Climbing the career ladder, beating tight deadlines, and closing the deal are all marks of success in Western society. What’s more, millions of Americans skip or cut short their well-earned vacations because they’re afraid to fall behind at work. They think they just can’t find the time in their busy schedules.

But is that what success is all about? 

Jesus had only three years to complete his mission of saving the world from the penalty of sin. He cured disease, raised the dead, and even calmed raging storms with just a word. With such a full calendar, it seems like Jesus would have little or no time to socialize. But the Bible tells us that he did make a special effort to enjoy quality time with those who mattered most to him. And more than 2,000 years later, it’s safe to say that his ministry was a successful one.

We can read in Luke’s Gospel about Jesus’ visit to the home of his friends Martha and Mary. While Martha busily prepared the food and straightened the house for the gathering, her sister Mary decided to take a few minutes and listen to the Savior’s message. Martha soon became upset with Mary’s attitude and complained to Jesus about the apparent injustice. But instead of scolding Mary, Jesus commended her for choosing the most important thing: Quality time with him.

It was Mary who succeeded that day. But what’s success for modern-day Christ-followers like you and me? Let’s remember that we’re called to be Jesus’ hands and feet on earth while we wait for his return. Until then, God wants us to help prepare his Kingdom by making the most of our talents, gifts ... and time. And it’s by adopting a mindset and lifestyle of service that we’ll become more like Christ:

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

As Believers, we can rest assured that our worth comes from what Jesus has already done for us. Let’s never forget this triumphant passage from the apostle Paul’s letter to Christ-followers in Ephesus:

“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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

That's what success is all about.

Weekend Warriors

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

– Galatians 3:28-29

Whether it’s switching out a bathroom light fixture, installing a kitchen countertop, or building a backyard patio, completing a do-it-yourself project is one of the most satisfying aspects of home ownership. Big box stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s cater to the millions of so-called Weekend Warriors who literally make it greener on the other side of the fence. And for those seeking guidance and inspiration for their DIY projects, it’s as close as cable television’s HGTV and The Magnolia Network or the time-tested This Old House TV series and magazine.

We can credit this to our modern Information Age. And if we choose to follow the expert advice found on social media and TV, there’s often no need to hire a master carpenter or plumber to complete our project. Ordinary Joes and Jo-Anns really can save big bucks by doing it themselves.

There’s a similar principle throughout the Bible: God chooses the weak, the unwanted … and the otherwise unqualified to get the job done. And it’s no coincidence that much of the New Testament revolves around a group of unlikely amateurs who learn their skills from a Master Craftsman (Jesus). Some were fishermen, one was a tax collector, and another (Simon the Zealot) might be considered a terrorist by today’s standards.

Their project was to change the world for Christ’s kingdom one person at a time. And since that tall assignment continues to this day, it’s no surprise that God still chooses society’s outsiders to turn the unfeasible into the achievable.

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

Indeed, today God accomplishes much via the weaknesses of a different type of Weekend Warrior. Through their contributions and work in churches, food pantries, the Salvation Army, and similar organizations, families are fed, clothed, and housed. The sick are cured with the help of health care professionals who also happen to put their faith in Jesus. And still other Christ-followers teach the illiterate to read and the undereducated to gain critical life and job skills.

When you and I are desperate to be included, we’ll do whatever it takes to fit in and avoid rejection. But God doesn’t leave us as outsiders. He wants the unwanted like us to come as we are and become like his Son. As we read in Acts 4:13:

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Love Language

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

— Romans 8:38-39

Love is a remarkable English word with a broad scope of meanings and implications. We say that we love our spouse, love our church, and love pizza. What’s more, we’d love our favorite football team to win the Super Bowl. On the other hand, Hebrew and ancient Greek — the languages of the Bible — have several words for love including agape (self-sacrificial love), hesed (loving kindness), eros (romantic love), and phileo (fraternal or friendly love). And Genesis 22:2 uses the word ahab to convey the intensely close emotional bond between Abraham and his son Isaac.

While we might broadly consider love to be a thing, it’s also very much an action word … and Jesus is our example. The apostle John wrote that “we love Him because He first loved us.” And then there’s John 3:16, which summarizes God’s good news (the Gospel) to mankind:

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

That’s very good news — especially considering that we’re imperfect people who constantly break God’s perfect law through our thoughts, words, and deeds. Moreover, we can’t save ourselves from the resulting punishment we rightfully deserve. But Jesus, who was sinless, paid that exorbitant price for us by dying on a cross between two criminals. And then as the Old Testament had prophesied (predicted) centuries earlier, Christ defeated death and the power of sin by rising to life.

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends,” John 15:13 explains. And in 1 John 3:1, the apostle adds: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

The lesson for you and me is that rather than trying to earn love from God or others, we can rest in our Creator’s love because he’s already freely given it to us through Christ’s sacrifice. It just goes to show that ours is a Savior who speaks the ultimate love language.

 

 

Walking the Tightrope

“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.”

– John 16:33

If you were around in the 1970s, you probably remember Evel Knievel — the daredevil who once vaulted his motorcycle over Las Vegas’ Grand Fountains at Caesars Palace. In 1974 he failed to leap Idaho’s Snake River Canyon in a rocket-powered cycle, but the showman survived the stunt with only minor injuries. Knievel also attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps over his career … and broke nearly 40 bones in the process.

More than a century before Evel’s exploits, Charles Blondin was the nation’s headline-grabbing risk-taker. And in 1859, he made a name for himself by being the first person to walk a tightrope over Niagara Falls. Even more impressive was that he accomplished this feat in different ways: on stilts, in a sack, and even in the dark. Once, Blondin walked the tightrope over the falls blindfolded while pushing a wheelbarrow. The audience that had gathered along the riverbank roared their approval of the death-defying spectacle.

“Do you believe that I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?” he asked the excited crowd.

“Yes, yes!” they replied. “You are the greatest tightrope walker in the world. You can do anything!”

“OK,” said the daredevil. “Get in the wheelbarrow.”

Blondin’s admirers claimed that they believed in him. But when he asked them to leave the safety of solid ground and take a step of faith, no one came forward. Likewise, Christ-followers like you and me can sometimes fail to step out of our own comfort zones. 

Let’s ask ourselves: When we face tough situations at home or at work, do we compromise — or do we trust that God’s way is the right way — regardless of the cost? For example, your boss might want you to exaggerate the company's sales figures so your department will impress the CEO. And your spouse might even tell you to fudge your family’s tax return to claim a bigger refund. 

They’re scary scenarios. But fear, uncertainty, and danger are always present in one form or another. The good news, however, is that we can find security through God when we rely on his provision rather than trying to protect ourselves with our money, possessions, or relationships. The key is to do things God’s way. And that can be costly — and particularly uncomfortable — when everyone is watching. 

Let’s remember that when we walk the tightrope of faith, it exalts our Creator. And when we seek to honor him, he’ll seek to honor us.

Trial by Fire

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

– 2 Thessalonians 2:15

It’s been about 2,000 years since the apostle Paul sent this admonition to the embattled church at Thessalonica — a group of Believers living in what’s now northern Greece. Aren’t his words just as relevant to modern-day Christ-followers like you and me? Surf the web and turn on the TV these days and try to avoid the stormy headlines about political turmoil, natural disasters, and military conflicts. It’s by understanding God’s message to us through the Bible that we can put it all into perspective and continue walking the narrow path of the Kingdom.

Whether the storms are literal or figurative, Believers can count on facing them. And there’s no escape — even after we’ve switched off the smartphone and changed the TV channel. For some people that storm might be a job loss or financial setback. For others it’s a chronic illness or the prospect of major surgery. Or maybe the trouble involves family or relationship issues like a divorce or the loss of a loved one. In our fallen world, these trials by fire are a harsh reality of the human experience.

Christ-followers, however, have the hope of better days ahead. That’s because we worship a God who’s much greater than our circumstances, no matter how discouraging they may be. Ours is a 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.

So, let’s take God at his word. His reassuring message to us is that he works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purposes. But let’s also remember that we’re not exempt from storms and setbacks once we turn over our lives to Jesus. What does change, however, is that eternal assurance that helps us endure any difficulty or trial — trivial or immense. 

“Why are you afraid?” Christ once asked his apostles. “Do you still have no faith?"

In one form or another, the storms of life surround everyone. The lightning flashes and the thunder rumbles. But for Christ-followers, it's blue skies on the horizon while our trials by fire refine our faith. With that in mind, let’s embrace Jesus’ message to us through Matthew 6:34:

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

Justice of the Peace

All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you ... 

– 2 Thessalonians 1:5-6

The saying goes that death and taxes are the only certainties in life. But what about the certainties of suffering, pain, and injustice? Every day, good people lose their jobs, endure family conflicts, and are stricken by disease. At the same time, those who mock Jesus and live sin-filled lives seem to get ahead. They cheat, steal, work the system, and reap the benefits. Why does God allow it?

Long ago, paradise on earth was forever ruined when Adam and Eve chose to disobey their Creator in the Garden of Eden. And ever since, death — both literal and spiritual — has followed in the wake of that original sin. Meanwhile, no good deed seems to go unpunished. Those who strive to walk life’s narrow path, love their neighbors, and otherwise do the right thing can find themselves holding the short end of the stick.

The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about enduring injustice: 

“Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,” he explains in 2 Corinthians. “I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”

We live in a dark, broken, and dying world. But it won’t be like this forever. So, when you and I are treated unfairly, let’s remember that God sees our suffering — and he’ll bring us justice. Moreover, the day is coming soon when Jesus will call home every Believer to receive their reward and share in His joy for eternity. It’s His imminent return that gives us hope, shapes our grief, and calls us to live awake and ready. As Paul reassures us through Romans 8:18: 

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”

Little Christs

Then John agreed to his baptism. Jesus came straight out of the water afterwards, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting upon him. And a voice came out of Heaven saying, “This is my dearly-loved son, in whom I am well pleased.”

– Matthew 3:16-17

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 a lot 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 in turn help to change the world for the better.

Modern-day Christ-followers like you and me must also set aside their selfish desires in favor of following Jesus’ example of righteousness. And like those first disciples transformed by the words of the Sermon on the Mount, we, too, 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,” explains 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 2,000 years ago. And it’s also one 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. And ask God to work through you with the Holy Spirit — that personal, loving Power, who makes it possible to leave your old self behind and become a new creation.

It’s change that makes a difference. And eventually, through the trials of life and the whispers of his leadings, we’ll become the faithful servant-leaders that Jesus desires us to be.

 

 

Practical Faith

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive
to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:15

When asked by one of the Pharisees — a strict religious sect — to name the greatest of God’s laws, Jesus astounded his audience by the simplicity and clarity of his response:

“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,” Jesus said. “And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

With just a few brief words, our Savior summarized a key biblical principle: That God’s love, translated into beneficial motivations and actions through our faith in Jesus Christ, is an unstoppable, world-changing force.

It’s also a reminder that LOVE is an action word. But that's a hard concept for many people because they link it to weddings, chocolates, and Valentine’s Day. But Jesus wasn’t talking about some fleeting, awkward emotion. Instead, he's calling you and me to walk in step with him by transforming our love into practical action. That’s everything from helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries to revealing God’s light to inmates through a prison ministry. It could also translate into changing a co-worker’s life by showing them how Jesus changed our own. The possibilities and potential are endless. 

Such practicalities aren’t restricted to perfect strangers and that neighbor down the street. As a family of faith, we should also pray for one another, celebrate each other's triumphs, mourn each other's losses, and sacrifice our own selfish interests for the good of fellow Believers. And it’s by consistently putting our faith into action that the world will know us as The Church: everyone on Earth who trusts in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. As the apostle Paul reminds us:

^“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; 
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

 

Ready … Set … Go!

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

– Matthew 24:44

On July 29, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia — one of the largest temblors ever recorded by modern seismic instruments. The subsequent Pacific-wide tsunami was much weaker than expected. Still, there was one indirect fatality, 21 injuries, plus flooding in Russia and Hawaii. 

It was about 21 years earlier that a different earthquake and tsunami made headlines. December 26, 2004, began innocently enough, with families enjoying the morning across numerous Asian beaches. Suddenly, a magnitude 9.3 earthquake, as powerful as 23,000 Hiroshima-style atomic bombs, struck near the island of Sumatra. The resulting tsunami rose to the height of an 8-story building and struck 11 nations along the Indian Ocean. More than 200,000 people died.

Seismic equipment had detected and recorded the massive earthquake, but Indonesia had no working tidal gauges to spot a tsunami. However, the warning signs were still there. And most of the victims either didn’t recognize them, heed them, or have time to react. They were completely unprepared.

Disasters, whether natural or manmade, happen every day. They’re often unpredictable. And there’s no guarantee that we can save ourselves, our family, or our property — even if we do recognize the warning signs. There are, however, signals for a much greater world-changing event that could happen at any moment. What’s more, we can begin to prepare for it right NOW.

God promises that one day, a Savior (Jesus) will with a trumpet blast summon all Believers to be with him forever. Then after several years of turmoil that will follow on earth, Christ will set foot in Jerusalem to right all the wrongs of this world, save and reward those who believe in Him, and send all others to an eternity of torment. No one knows the exact time or day that Christ will appear. But many of the Second Coming’s related Bible prophesies have already been fulfilled, such as the unlikely re-birth of Israel in 1948.

Jesus’ return is imminent. That means he could appear within the next five seconds or 500 years. But either way, we must be prepared. That’s because we don’t know when our time on Earth will cease. Check the headlines and you’re bound to find stories about people killed through accident, crime, war, or sudden illness (like a stroke or heart attack). Like the 200,000 victims of the December 2004 tsunami, they had no idea that their time was up.

Here’s the obvious question: Are you prepared to meet your Maker? Your answer has eternal consequences. 

“So you also must be ready,” Jesus warns us, “because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Our God is a God of justice. And since we’ve all failed to live up to his perfect standards, we all deserve the death penalty that Jesus endured in our place on the cross. So, if you’re not sure whether you’ll spend eternity with or without God, the apostle Paul has this word of advice:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

The signs are all around us … and disaster IS on the way. But don’t panic. Instead, be ready.

Practical Compassion

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more …

– 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10

As Christ-followers, we're often reminded about the importance of helping our neighbors and showing compassion to strangers. Jesus taught this principle through The Good Samaritan, one of the most familiar stories of the Bible.

It’s in Luke’s gospel that we read about a traveler who was attacked by robbers and left for dead. A priest discovered the wounded man, but elected to pass him by. Later, a Levite (a member of one of the tribes of Israel) also saw the man lying on the ground, and he too avoided him. But when a Samaritan — a member of a despised ethnic group — happened to come by, he bandaged up the injured stranger, checked him into a motel, and even prepaid the bill!

The story’s two supposedly "good" people had a chance to help the helpless, but they went out of their way to do nothing. Instead, it was the Samaritan who found God's approval because he showed practical compassion to his neighbor (a stranger).

This lesson raises some important questions: 

How well are we treating other Christ-followers — let alone perfect strangers? And is our relationship with fellow Believers both holy and loving?

The moment we put our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we join an enormous, worldwide family that spans race, nationality, gender, and generation. We may be very different, but it's our faith in Christ that bridges the gap. We also share a common, eternal destiny with a loving Father. And he’s at the core of our very words, thoughts, and deeds.

It’s this truth that separates Christ-followers from everyone else on earth. And since the world is watching us and questioning our motives, it’s crucial that we live out our faith and treat others accordingly.

What does that look like? It’s by celebrating each other's triumphs, mourning each other's losses, and sacrificing our own selfish interests that we can exhibit transformed lives and ongoing spiritual growth. And above all, we must follow Jesus' example — one where LOVE is an action-word rather than a feeling. As Christ reminds us through John’s gospel:

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Heard It on the Grapevine

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

– 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Recorded in an era when agriculture was the livelihood of most people, the Bible is full of references to the planting, harvesting, and storage of crops. It’s therefore no surprise that the crowds that followed Jesus from village to village were familiar with the imagery of fruitfulness in his parable called The Sower. They knew a thing or two about cultivation. And their ability to grow a thriving crop each year despite drought and pestilence could mean the difference between starvation and plenty.

A related biblical theme addresses mankind’s need for a thriving relationship with its Creator. That’s because without him, nothing — spiritual or physical — can grow to fruition.

“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.”

Let’s now fast-forward to the 21st century — a dynamic era driven by technology and industry. But agriculture, from the largest factory-farm to the smallest backyard plot, is still vital. And professional and amateur farmers alike continue to seek the tools, fertilizers, and other supplies that will make their fields and gardens thrive. They know that with enough time and effort, the harvest will be both bountiful and satisfying.  

The same goes for cultivating our church into the thriving group of Believers our Creator would have us to be. That’s also a process that takes both time and effort. But unlike a vegetable garden that eventually withers and dies with the first frosts of autumn, a Spirit-filled church — despite the hardships it faces — produces good fruit marked by faith, love, and patient endurance.  

How about you? Are you cultivating a fruitful relationship with God, reading your Bible, and helping others do the same? Work awaits every Believer in the fields. So, as we gather our spiritual gardening tools for the task at hand, let’s embrace Jesus’ familiar words from Matthew’s gospel: 

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

Boom or Bust

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’”

– Exodus 32: 7-8

Steve Emptman. Brian Bosworth. Curtis Enis. Tony Mandarich.

If you’re not a football fan or a trivia buff, you’ve probably never heard of them. All four were college gridiron stars who demonstrated tremendous athletic potential and wowed the NFL scouts. All were drafted into the league with grand hopes of making it to the Super Bowl. All failed — and failed miserably, many would say — to live up to the hype. And they were all BUSTS because they couldn’t meet the unrealistic expectations of their teams and fans.

Oddly enough, the failures of Bosworth, Mandarich, and their underachieving peers made them IDOLS … at least in a biblical sense. That’s because an idol is anything that replaces God on the throne of our heart. An idol might be a car, house, money, career — or even food or a hobby. Even seemingly good things like college and pro sports can become idols if they’re abused. And it’s when a good thing becomes a god-like thing that we fall into the snare of idolatry.

Like sports stars, regular people — including spouses, friends, children, and significant others — can also become idols. And since they’re fault-filled human beings rather than our faultless God, they always turn out to be busts. After all, we build them up unrealistically and treat them as our reason for living.

The saying goes that we’re only human. Unfortunately, bad things happen when we forget God’s grace and replace our Creator with people as the source of our security, worth, and happiness. So rather than putting our family and friends on an idol’s pedestal, let’s put our relationships in order by making Jesus, who was God in the flesh, Priority #1. As Jeremiah 17:5 reminds us:

This is what the LORD says: Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 

Conversations with God

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

– 2 Corinthians 12:9

Christ-followers enjoy many special privileges, and one of the greatest is the ability to approach God in prayer about our blessings, troubles, concerns — and everything else that’s going on in our life. Prayer is a give-and-take conversation. And it’s all possible through our faith in his Son, Jesus. As Psalm 145:18 assures us:

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

But this raises an important question: If we have such a special relationship with our Creator, why is it that some of our prayers go unanswered? After all, there are times when even the most seasoned Christ-follower feels like their petitions go no higher than the bedroom ceiling.

Let’s keep in mind that prayer is like a phone call. Sometimes the message comes through loud and clear — as if the other person is standing right next to us. But sometimes there’s static … or the call gets disconnected or doesn’t go through at all. So, what's the problem? 

First, we must ensure that the line is clear by dealing with any unconfessed sin in our life. After all, the One who created us is already aware of our every thought and deed. Likewise, if we’re carrying a grudge against someone — like a spouse or co-worker — it needs to be ironed out before we can expect God to listen to us. And faith also plays a significant role. If we pray but don’t think God has the power or desire to deal with our issues, why even ask in the first place?

What about those times when we pray sincerely and with good intentions, but our prayers still go unanswered? The short answer is that God DOES answer every one of them. But sometimes his response is “no” or “not now.” As the Creator of all things past, present, and future, he knows the big picture — those people, places, and circumstances that make all the difference to our situation. And although it's not always apparent to us at the time, God's plans for us are always the best. He knows that it’s not always what we want that matters, but ultimately, it's all about what we NEED. So, with that in mind, let’s embrace the apostle Paul’s call to Believers like you and me through 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 

Stress Test

“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”

– Exodus 25:8

Are you feeling stressed these days? If so, you’re not alone.

According to a 2025 report from Modern Health, 75% of survey respondents reported experiencing some form of low mood — largely driven by politics and current events — and 74% said they want mental health resources specifically addressing global political turmoil. What’s more, almost half of them said that life was easier during the COVID-19 pandemic than it is today!

Joseph and Mary, Jesus’ earthly parents, also knew a thing or two about stress. After all, they experienced emotional stress from the scandalous rumors swirling around her pregnancy. They endured physical stress from the grueling trip to Bethlehem mandated by the Roman census. And with money in short supply, financial stress was always in the picture. Can you relate?

But God had a plan for them … as well as one for you and me. Psalm 139 reveals that our Creator knew us before we were ever formed in our mother’s womb. He also knew when and where we’d be born, what sort of life we’d lead, and when we’d die. And since we consistently break his laws and fall short of his standards of perfection, he also knew that we'd need someone to save us from the well-deserved consequences of our transgressions. We’re powerless to do that ourselves. That’s why God decided to do it by living out the human experience on Earth through his Son, Jesus. He was the long-prophesied Emmanuel: God with us.

It's because he endured unimaginable stress (and so much more) for our sakes 2,000 years ago that Jesus relates to us in the 21st century. What’s more, he dwells with us today — and he’ll be with us always. So, if politics, current events, and daily living are elevating your stress levels, you can rest assured through Christ’s proclamation in John’s gospel: 

“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.”

The Good Shepherd

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

– Exodus 20:12-17

If you’re one of the millions of Americans these days who are seeking employment or considering a career change, how about becoming a shepherd?

The number of job openings for shepherds has dropped over the years, but good help is still hard to find. In fact, it’s common for ranchers, farmers, and landowners to import experienced shepherds from other nations where sheep-and-goat management is vital. If you think you’re up to the challenge, understand that shepherds are responsible for protecting their flock against vicious predators including coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bears, and even domestic dogs. They must also monitor their sheep for illness. What’s more, an experienced shepherd is expected to shear up to 125 ewes a day without nicking or cutting the animal’s skin.

Ensuring the flock’s safety and welfare is the shepherd’s primary responsibility. And since so much can happen to the animals under their watch, shepherds must always expect the unexpected, be courageous, and do the right thing. 

Doing the right thing isn't just the right thing for shepherds to do, it's also a biblical principle for every Christ-follower. As the apostle Paul wrote in James 4:17, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." And it’s in Isaiah 1:17 that we read:

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

Doing the right thing also calls for bravery. While we may never face a powerful army on the battlefield, we might have to combat figurative opponents like injustice, crime, or discrimination. We have no hope of defeating them on our own. But let’s be encouraged that God specializes in empowering average Joes and Janes like you and me to do the extraordinary against overwhelming odds.

Ultimately, doing the right thing calls us to live in love and justice with one another, and all while honoring the image of God in others. We’re not expected to solve all the world’s problems. However, through our faith in Jesus — The Good Shepherd — we can still make a world of difference.