Posted on 2 Comments on Autumn

Autumn

In the cool stillness of the early morning under an illumined crescent moon, I heard the nearby hair-raising shriek of a barn owl. In one sweeping glance of the moonlit sky, I spied Cassiopeia, the Pleiades, the Big and Little Dippers. It is autumn.

This was the highlight of my week, not to mention my encounter with my autistic 4-year-old patient who I heard speak for the first time. “What is that?” she queried in a soft and pleasant voice. As I was now dumbfounded and speechless, she immediately answered her own question, “Stethoscope”, in an equally ever-so-faint, yet distinctive pronunciation. Never underestimate the power of God and His interest in children, especially those with special needs!

The year has flown by quickly and autumn, or fall, my favorite season, is here. I enjoy the change of the foliage from vibrant green to the hues of reds, oranges, and yellows. For some, autumn means football. I can certainly relate to that, as my favorite team used to be the Green Bay Packers. You may ask why. It is simple. My uncle gave me a book when I was a kid. I can tell you more about Packers history than you ever want to know!

I also relish autumn because the stars become more resplendent at night. Yes, they have always been there in summer and even in the daytime. However, the viewing is actually best in winter, though being cold is not my forte, notwithstanding my passion for Lambeau field and the fact that I wintered in Romania four years ago.

In high school, I took part in a summer program at the local National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) branch during the building of the Hubble telescope. I actually saw the massive mirrors used to reflect the incredible images for terrestrial viewing. The photos of celestial bodies still fascinate me, as they are beyond stunning and prompt pause. If you have a chance, visit esahubble.org and experience a breathtaking journey for yourself. God’s creative and sustaining power never ceases to amaze me!

Posted on 1 Comment on Hope

Hope

The apostle Paul uses a seamless theme throughout his discourses. Hope, he describes, is not an abstract, groundless concept based in fanciful dreams and wishes. It has grit. It has substance. It is rooted in basic Christian tenets beginning with the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord, God the Son. It is based further that Jesus has creative power and created the worlds and all their inhabitants via the spoken word.

It is based on the fact that Christ came as a baby and a lived a sinless life demonstrating our way of overcoming sin. By conquering our innate tendencies, it demonstrates the power of God in our lives. It is rooted in the fact that Christ died and rose again.

Paul culminates this concept of hope in Titus 2:13 as he further qualifies it as the blessed hope. This reference pertains to the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hope is listed as one of the three anchors in 1 Corinthians 13:13 along with faith and charity. Are we looking for a new home and to be reunited with our loved ones?

This theme of hope was proclaimed even in the Old Testament by the patriarchs and prophets of that period. The psalmist admonished us in Psalm 42:8. “Why are you cast down, oh my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God”. Do our lives exemplify a daily connection with Christ as we experience the trials of each day?

Hope is heralded in the 1861 patriotic hymn by Julia Ward Howe “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord”. How can we allow each day to resonate with this theme? How can our lives better reflect that we look expectantly for that day? Deep down we possess the knowledge of the coming of Christ. As we have entered this autumn season and look towards the weekend, pray that God will not only give you blessings for today, but ask Him also to fill your life with expectancy.

In the midst of a world falling apart there is still hope, there is still God. There is hope in God.

Posted on 4 Comments on Katrina

Katrina

Life experiences are unplanned. It is not as simple as plotting a course, establishing a starting point, and then reaching one’s destination. This may be one person’s experience, but it certainly has not been mine. Sometime ago, I came upon a passage in the second chapter of the book of Daniel, which stated “And he (God) changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding” (verse 21).

As I reflected on the passage, it reminded me of two additional verses that have been my life’s beacons. Lamps, if you would, to my feet and lights for my path. These are Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths,” and Jeremiah 29:11-12 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.”

Hard as I have tried to determine my own life’s course, I have found that letting God lead me has always yielded the best outcomes. I reflect on a course change that, in retrospect, significantly altered my life for the better. As a first-time young medical executive for a small specialty hospital, I took part in negotiations for the restructure and merger of the medical staff with a nationally known tertiary hospital. Towards the end, they offered me a lucrative salary, high-level position, and an opportunity for even further advancement at the larger institution. After much prayer, I not only turned down the offer, but subsequently resigned from my post. Although I did not know, this was to be a most pivotal move for me personally, professionally, and even spiritually.

My first new assignment was a staff position with a different specialty hospital, during which I embraced an opportunity to train in emergency preparedness. No sooner had I completed my training, when I joined a conglomerate of medical and military personnel to provide relief efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Katrina. There are not too many words that evoke the depth and latitude of emotions like this one. For some it is literally a visceral response, which engenders heart wrenching anxiety. For others, it reeks of a politicized disaster. Taking part at ground level, I witnessed firsthand the superiority of nature and the power of the United States military. As I escorted displaced families and cared for their children, it reminded me of how blessed I was at that moment, but also how fragile was the element of time.

We are all one catastrophe, one disaster away from life-altering circumstances. Displacement, disease, and death lurk at the periphery of each person’s life, yet often unbeknownst to them. These post-disaster experiences have engendered a resilience not otherwise thought possible. The camaraderie of people from different backgrounds fostered this resilience in part, walks of life, goals and aspirations who step forward and shoulder the responsibility of assisting others not as fortunate as themselves.

Last week, 16 years to the day, Hurricane Ida struck with almost as much ire in New Orleans, Louisiana. For me, it brings back bittersweet memories of the time I spent serving with total strangers, who became friends, more than friends. How these events simultaneously divided a nation and banded others together is unclear. I was fortunately on the latter side of that coin.

I invite you to consider your opportunity for service during the current Hurricane Ida relief efforts. You may not provide “boots on the ground”, but your tangible contributions to any of the relief organizations would speak volumes.

Of course, your prayers for the residents are immeasurable.

Posted on 1 Comment on Happiness

Happiness

The words “Happiness is free!” emblazoned in bold black letters on a brilliant green-yellow T-shirt, spoke volumes. As I spoke with the woman who wore this shirt about her son, she expressed the stress she was under with his current illness. Her demeanor, however, exuded a contagious giddiness. Though discussing a serious matter, we both were at ease as we bantered and mirrored each other’s positivity. By the time our visit concluded, we both were on an emotional high!

Enter COVID-19, known henceforth simply as COVID, as it has been the “gift” that keeps on giving. Like an infestation of lice or scabies, it continues to rear its ugly head. Economically, it has cost many their jobs, careers, or ability to make a living. Physically, it has maimed and most notoriously killed. Psychologically, it has devastated even the most endearing relationships. Spiritually it threatens to disrupt even the heart of one’s connection to God. Emotionally, many no longer experience happiness. It has depleted their innate, God-given joy.

One illness, yet myriad result!

Some have even implicated God as standing idly by, as if to fulfill a prophetic utterance. Where is God they exclaim? Does He not see or care? Yet, this current saga is not unique to some Christians’ walk as they analogize their experience with other so-called Christians who have “disappointed” them.

Let nothing or anyone jade your Christian experience! Guard your personal walk with Jesus as if your life depended on it. Only He can give you true and lasting peace, love, and joy. A favorite text of the beloved pastor, Dr. Mark Finley, is John 10:10–“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”. My understanding of this verse is that it applies to today, as well as to the next life.

Although I don’t remember the woman’s name or her masked face, I remember the T-shirt and how our encounter changed me emotionally for the better.

Not only is happiness free, it is contagious! Try a dose today.

Posted on 1 Comment on Galaxy

Galaxy

“Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?” Job 38:33.

“My God is so big and so strong and so mighty there’s nothing my God cannot do.” (Statema, 2012)

There is a lot of press about the cosmos these days, as three of the biggest names in entrepreneurship conduct a modern-day race to outer space. Genesis 1:16 describes the fourth day, one of my favorite creation days. “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made the stars also.” On a cool, tranquil, and dark early morning, go outside, close your eyes for a minute; then look up into the sky. Wow! David apparently had a similar, life-altering experience that he related in Psalms 8:3, 4, “When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that Thou visitest him?” 

I have several friends who are space enthusiasts and many of them could put me to shame on a starry night. They and other scientific observers relate that we have not even scratched the surface of what we know of the universe. As a planet, we are minuscule compared to our sun, not to mention the even larger stars within our own Milky Way galaxy. When one thinks about the innumerable stellar bodies within our galaxy, then to think that our galaxy is but one of an innumerable number of galaxies, it is truly a mind-boggling exercise. 

Some have even ventured to compare the number of heavenly bodies to the number of grains of sand on the seashore! There is support for this analogy in scripture as God Himself challenged Abraham to stretch his vision and think beyond the obvious and venture into the realm of faith. “That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore…” (Genesis 22:17).

Years ago, one such friend related to me a story he had heard, which left me awestruck. Allow me to share it with you. Imagine yourself for a moment as one period (a dot), on a page, in the largest book, within the biggest library of the world. Compare this dot to the countless number of galaxies in the universe. It makes you think less of yourself, doesn’t it? The point is not to make you appear worthless, for the Bible says God made us in His image (Genesis 1:26, 27).  

So instead, consider yourself through God’s eyes. The same God who created the universe, created you—that one dot, on a page, in the largest book, within the biggest library of the world! This certainly should change your view of yourself, but especially your view of God. Who you are in the eyes of the universe helps to keep you humble; but who you are in the eyes of God helps to keep you hopeful.  

Reread this familiar verse in a new light. “For God so loved me, that He gave His only Son, that if I believe in Him, I will not have eternal death, but instead I will have eternal life (John 3:16)”.

Posted on 2 Comments on Testimony: Humanity’s Greatest Sermon

Testimony: Humanity’s Greatest Sermon

“Hark! The herald angels sing, Jesus the Light of the world; Glory to the newborn King, Jesus, the Light of the world. We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light, Come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright, Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus, the Light of the world.” (Elderkin, 1890)

Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 1:5).

Jesus, the Light of the world. 

We’ve read this sentiment expressed in song; we’ve read it again as originally expressed in Scripture. When we read and study the Bible, there are at least three things that should occur:

• We should prayerfully read or hear the Word;

• We should understand its meaning then and now;

• We should apply that meaning to our own lives.

Let’s give particular attention to the third point—application. In fact, there are at least three applications from this story to bring out.

Jesus. The Light of the world. 

The context of this beautiful phrase comes from a mixed setting of conflicting circumstances on the Sabbath day. The drama actually begins in John 8 with scene one, a woman caught in adultery and dragged before Jesus during a Bible study. After Jesus dispersed the congregants, He forgave the woman and proclaimed of Himself in verse twelve, “I am the light of the world”. He then exited one scene and immediately entered the next, beginning in chapter nine.

Here we find a man—blind from birth. He had never seen, whether it was the face of his parents or any other of God’s handiwork. He could only hear the birds sing, but could not even imagine, perhaps, their kaleidoscopic array, shapes and sizes. He could feel and hear the cool wind blow through the leaves of majestic sycamore trees and smell the beautiful fragrance of the cedars of Lebanon, but could not visualize the verdure of the green deciduous leaves in springtime or the multicolored hues in autumn. Neither could he fathom the splendid expanse of the mountains that they grew on, nor the cattle upon their thousand hills. He could bask in the warm embrace of the sun at noonday; however, he could not relish its cascading course through the skies as it showed a spectrum of colors before it finally set for the evening. He could not even see the lovely face of Jesus. To make it quite clear—the man was blind and could not see.

Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus—who sinned, this man or his parents, to which Jesus replied—neither. But then He continued and explained the purpose of the man’s lack of sight. Jesus, God the Son, had work to do.

Application 1

We often experience challenges in our lives that at first blush can be quite confusing and pointedly discouraging. We go to a multitude of people and receive a multitude of solutions. We even plead with God to reveal Himself in our period of stress.

• Sometimes our life’s situation results from sin, whether commission—doing what we ought not to do or omission—not doing what we ought to do.

• Sometimes we find ourselves in situation because of poor choices we have made or even because of presumption.

• Other times, we experience a Job-like scenario in which God didn’t bring the trial, but allowed it for our good. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4). “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

• In this man’s case and ultimately in ours, it is for the glory of God “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (John 11:4).

After Jesus applied the clay to his eyes, He instructed the man to go and wash. He went, washed and came back seeing. He didn’t go seeing, thus he could not recognize who had healed him!

There are many miracles shown in the Bible; all involved an element of faith in someone present, either the one being healed or the intercessor. Some involved an action by the recipient:

• Naaman;

• The lepers of Luke 17 (v. 14, “as they went”);

• This man—came back seeing. Again, he did not go seeing; he had to be obedient in order to accomplish the task.

Application 2

• We have to cooperate with God. 

• We pray for deliverance, but sometimes we have not been fully obedient.

• We suffer from many ailments, but do not follow health counsel.

• We pray for souls, but do not work.

• We pray, but do not study the Word.

• We study the Word, but do not pray.

“Character building is the work, not of a day, nor of a year, but of a lifetime. The struggle for conquest over self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong struggle. Without continual effort and constant activity, there can be no advancement in the divine life, no attainment of the victor’s crown. The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose. No one will be borne upward without stern, persevering effort in his own behalf. All must engage in this warfare for themselves; no one else can fight our battles….”1

Jesus told His Father, “I have glorified Thee on earth. I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).

This brings us to our next sub-plot.

As one of Jesus’ customs was, He taught on the Sabbath day in the temple.

As their custom was, there were leaders and members of the church that came not only to listen, but were present with the intent of hindering His message and His ministry. 

Application 3

As members of the body of Christ, each of us has a ministry—certain talents and personalities in order to share the message of Christ, to edify the body of Christ, and in turn to become more like Him. We read about these Holy Spirit-endowed gifts in Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4.

There are many people that you will encounter in life whose sole purpose appears to be to hinder your ministry. These people are even within the church. Paul speaks of wolves among the flock (Acts 20:29; Philippians 3:2). Do not get caught up in these distractions; stay in the Word! God has called each of us to present a message to a starving, dying, and sin-laden world. Don’t get sidetracked! Can’t you see the signs of the times?! The coming King is at the door! (Belden, 1886)

Jesus said in Luke 19:40, “If these keep silent, the rocks would immediately cry out!”. I am determined that I don’t want a rock crying out for me. Jesus is coming soon—stay faithful to His calling! There are souls to be saved.

Immediately after his healing, the man in the story went to work to save souls. In verse 25 he states “… one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see”. 

This was a testimony!

He then turned the table on his interrogators in verse 27, “… will you also be His disciples?”

This was an invitation!

This is one of the shortest and most potent sermons in the Bible.

As Christians, we are here for many reasons, one of which is to share Jesus, the Light of the world. Shout like the Samaritan woman — “Come see a Man!” (John 4:29)

So I extend a multifaceted invitation:

• Accept the gift of God, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23);

• Prayerfully study and explore Bible truths for yourself, which include the seventh-day Sabbath, as well as the visible and literal second return of Jesus Christ;

• If you previously believed and wandered off course, it is time to come home from the far country (Luke 15:13);

• Remain faithful to His calling and keep the rocks silent.

1 White, E.G. (1905) The Ministry of Healing. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, pp. 451, 452.

Posted on 1 Comment on And He Took the Cup

And He Took the Cup

Recently, many around the world celebrated Easter Weekend. Some, in the week leading up to Easter, recounted the Passover, a millennia-old tradition commemorating God’s miraculous deliverance. Many Christians have recognized the Passover rituals as prefiguring and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Churches observe the Lord’s (Last) Supper regularly, during which oft-repeated Scriptures are used to signify Christ’s broken body and spilt blood. 

This was Jesus’ understanding as well, as He made a final statement for the service signifying His death, though clearly missed by those in attendance. Many of us recite these references and recognize their contextual significance, but miss the second and equally important message stated.

It was a Thursday evening. Matthew 26:26-30 portrayed the fundamental elements of this period which are mirrored and expanded in Mark 14, as well as Luke 22. The gospel of John alludes to it in chapter 13 of his discourse, but makes no reference to the supper and the wine. Earlier that day, Jesus and HIs disciples gathered together in an upper room. First, the disciples took part in the foot washing service, commonly known as the ordinance of humility. Took part in is a grossly inaccurate description, as their Master served them, though they were reluctant.

There followed the actual meal in which they took bread representing Christ’s body. Verse 27 of Matthew 26 opens in quite dramatic fashion — “and He took the cup”. There is symbolism in this phrase, one that hints beyond the primary portrayal of the juice representing Christ’s spilled blood. 

After they had sung a hymn, John in chapters 14-16 transcribes a powerful vesper devotional during which He built on the eternal theme of the vine, as the group meandered to the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ, then retired to a section of the garden for a season of intercessory prayer, as recorded in John 17, which not only included those present, but all of His followers to the end time.

However, as the night deepened, HIs prayer became more agonal even to the point of what some have termed hematohidrosis—the sweating of drops of blood, as He pled with his Father. John and James would have been more reticent to offer their brash, self-serving request. Matthew 26:39 describes the climactic moment of His prayer, which immediately preceded the rapid sequence of events culminating in what we know now as Good Friday. “O My Father, it it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt”. He accepted His Father’s will—He took the cup for you and for me!

September 11, 2001 changed life forever as we once knew it. For those older than 20 years old, that day lives on in infamy and the memories are myriad of that day and subsequent events. Since then, Americans commemorate that day, as they anticipate a “more perfect union” and “domestic Tranquility”. Besides this memorial, Christians worldwide have a unique and dual experience each time we take the cup and take part in the Lord’s supper. We commemorate the death of Christ and simultaneously anticipate His second coming.

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11: 16

Posted on 1 Comment on When God Throws Stones

When God Throws Stones

I had to laugh one morning as I reflected on the chapter in Joshua. It makes a nice writing topic. Here are a couple of suggested titles: “God Throws Stones”, or try this, “When God Jumps in Your Fight”. The passage referred to is Joshua 10:11. It occurred in the more famous framework of Joshua, commanding the sun and moon to stand still.

Previously in verse 8, God said, “Don’t worry about this; I’ve got it!”

Amid the fight, as Joshua and his army ambushed the enemy troops, the enemy turned and fled. God then jumped in and threw stones from heaven! It simply said — “and they died”. What other option was there? The last time we saw God flinging stones from heaven was in Genesis 19:24 where brimstone and fire destroyed two cities. 

God still wants to fight our battles. He tells us the battle is not ours, but His. He tells us to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (II Chronicles 29:15, 17). Is this another way of saying, “Step out of the way; I’ll handle this?” God has definitely “got our backs”. 

Two of my favorite Bible verses attest to this. The first is Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not discouraged, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, Yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 43:2 states “When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”  

To me, Scripture makes it clear that God is right here in the fight with me. He might even toss a stone or two!

Posted on

Fear in the Midst of the Calm

In Genesis, Moses introduces God’s creative power with three simple words — “in the beginning”. The Gospel writers pick up the sentiment and convey God’s power over creation with three simple words–- “peace be still”. These latter three words have resounded throughout the centuries via the words of the familiar 1870 hymn by Miss M. A. Baker, entitled “Master, the Tempest is Raging”. “The Storm on the Sea of Galilee”, a 1633 masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn, also portrays the words.

At the time they were first uttered, these three simple words invoked fear. Let’s pick up the story in Luke Chapter 8. It started off as a routine traverse across the sea of Galilee. A storm unexpectedly ensued cascading the disciples into a life-threatening frenzy. Each person did his best to preserve his own life, the lives of his shipmates, and the vessel itself. Each man was frantic except for one, Jesus Christ, who was fast asleep. The disciples anxiously rousted him from his peaceful slumber and with urgency accosted Him because of his neglect and apathetic demeanor. Rather than engage in unneeded discourse, He simply commanded the storm to abate.

Now in the night’s calm, a fresh fear enveloped the disciples, as they realized they were in the presence of no ordinary passenger. On their arrival ten verses later, we read a similar scene of Jesus calming the storm of demonic forces. Again the response by witnesses showed they were out of their league with this so-called fellow traveler.

In your own life, God has solved your problem, quenched your fire, calmed your storm, and silenced your tormentor, but instead of praise, you have fear in the midst of the calm! Is it truly fear or is it awe in the presence of an all-powerful God? Is it alternatively a sense of amazement and utter disbelief? Had you previously doubted God’s ability to perform and now your lack of faith causes you to shudder? You ask, “Who is this God Who hears and answers prayer?” “Who is this unseen, omnipotent Being Who cares enough about me to intercede in my life, my predicament, and my dilemma?” Oh yes, the encounter causes one to pause, to reflect and reconsider one’s station in life. “Yes, I am a child of God, the Eternal King of the universe, but Oh, what a mighty God I serve!”

Isaiah had an interesting experience one in which he came face-to-face with Power and he realized holy terror! “Woe is me… for mine eyes have seen the King!”, he exclaimed, once he regained his breath, composure, and the sense enough to express affirmation. There are many examples in the Bible of individuals who encountered the immediate presence of God. Moses and Joshua present two vivid examples of their encounters and their responses. They knew what to do and showed fear – the sacred realization that they were in the presence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present, yet loving God.

What should our response be when we encounter God’s presence?