Safe Passage

There is a parable playing out on the nightly news. Have you seen it? Let's call it The Parable of Safe Passage.

There are lots boats in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman right now. They are all wanting to get from Point A to Point B. Yet very few of them are wanting to go through the Strait of Hormuz. Why not? Because Iran will shoot at them or attack them with speed boats, armed with a 50 cal.

Iran and the U.S. are having a "disagreement" right now. Some are calling it a war while others are referring to it as an "operation." Either way, no one is getting anywhere, oil shipments are being disrupted, and no one is having any fun whatsoever.

How is this a parable? Well . . .

Think of the boats as humans. They too want to get from Point A to Point B, only they call Point B Heaven. Someone doesn't want the humans to get to heaven. That would be Satan. Iran plays Satan's role in this present day parable.

If you've purchased gas for your car recently, it's easy to see the effect this skirmish is have on the world. Gas prices are nearly double what they were last year. Our pocketbooks need a savior. Sadly, there is nobody playing the role of Jesus in this parable.

Without someone to intervene, the fighting will continue, gas prices will remain high, and all of the boats will just continue to float out there with nowhere to go.

Now, imagine this situation going on indefinitely, like for all eternity. That would not be good for anyone. The world needs someone to step in. A man proclaiming "peace and safety" perhaps.🤔

"While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." - 1 Thessalonians 5:3

It will be a false peace.

There are so many "end times" events playing out right now. One would almost think that the end times were upon us.

Well?

What To Say

"Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

“¹²But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³And so you will bear testimony to me. ¹⁴But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." - Luke 21:10-15

Why is my heart troubled these days? Why am I downcast? I feel like David right now. Why?

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? 

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you." - Psalm 42:5-6

Well, I am remembering God right now. I am remembering how Jesus told His disciples not to worry about what they should say because Jesus would give them words to say.

In all of my "what if's" and "shoulda said's," I must remember what David said. I must "put my hope in God" and "praise Him."

I become troubled when I remember all of my friends and family members who don't know Jesus. It saddens me because I know what awaits them. I don't want to see that happen to them, or anyone. I love them!

These are the words that I would say:

I believe in God, and I also believe He is perfect. "In Him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)

God demands perfection from all of us (absolutely no sin allowed in heaven).

Our problem is that none of us is sinless. As Peter said to Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" (Luke 18:26) The answer is that no one can be saved, apart from God's grace.

The Bible says that, "without blood, there is no remition of sin" (Hebrews 9:22). There has to be a sacrifice.

Enter Jesus. He led a sinless life while here on earth. And He died for OUR sins. A spotless, sinless lamb, sacrificed for OUR sins.

This is where God hits it out of the park - John 3:16. 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

That's it. We have to repent of our sins and believe in Him. And that's the snag for many, including many whom we love. They're too busy, or the lifestyle they have chosen is more important to them. It's frustrating. Our hearts break. I keep hearing the words of Isaiah in my head. "Here I am Lord. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

But really, the only solution is prayer. We cannot change people's hearts. That's the Holy Spirit's job. The Holy Spirit draws people to God. And that is what we should pray for. And we should "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Instead of feeling bad about this situation, I need to be praying about it! Won't you please join me?

The Words I Would Say - Sidewalk Prophets

Who Are Your Four?

"A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. ²They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. ³Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. ⁴Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. ⁵When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” - Mark 2:1-5

When I read this story recently I pictured this helpless man, helped by four of his friends. They knew Jesus could help him so they did everything to could to get him to Jesus. That made me wonder. 

Do I have four friends that would do something like that for me? And also, would I be one of "the four" for one of MY friends?

Those are some very humbling questions. The second question is the easiest to answer. At first blush, of course, we all would help someone in need. But, when we stop and think about it, the question really becomes which of our friends would we take to Jesus to be saved? That's a little harder to answer.

The first question is tough, at least for me. Do we have four friends who would go out of their way to help us? And who are they?

I could come up with four people who would bw willing to help me with any physical nerds. But,  what about spiritual needs? Remember, the first think Jesus did after seeing them do this thing for their friend was to forhive his sins. THEN Jesus healed him.

It's kind of interesting when you stop and think about it. Who are these people who would do this in our lives? And, like I said, it's very humbling.

Who are your four? Whoever they are, do you think it would be a good idea to be praying for them? Before they have to carry us somewhere, like to our own funeral. Hmm.🤔

Lord Jesus, thank you for the people you have placed in my life. People who love me and care about me. People who would go out of their way to help me and, if needed, carry me to You. No matter what obstacles were in the way. I pray for them, that they would be kept strong in body and in spirit. And that you would bless them as you have blessed me. Amen.

How We Listen

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

⁹He said, “Go and tell this people:

‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’" - Isaiah 6:8-9

We all have ears, but some of us cannot hear. And others choose NOT to.

Here's an example of what Isaiah was talking about: Do you remember sitting in a grade school classroom, incredibly bored and staring out the window? Back then, we were hearing but we weren't listening.

And when we do finally try to listen, did you know that there are actually nine different TYPES of listening?

1. Informational listening - when we are being taught or coached.
2. Discriminative listening - a deeper type of listening, observing body language and tone of voice.
3. Selective listening - only hearing what you WANT to hear.
4. Sympathetic listening - noting the speakers emotion as they speak.
5. Comprehensive listening - receiving feedback.
6. Empathetic listening - putting yourself in the speaker's shoes. 
7. Critical listening - adding your own knowledge to what the speaker is saying.
8. Reflective listening - communicating back to the speaker what you heard.
9. Appreciative listening - like listening to music.

What type of listening was Isaiah using when he said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Are we using "selective listening" when we choose what news channel to watch?

And when we pray, do we listen for that "still, small voice" that Elijah heard?

Try using multiple types of listening at the same time in you next conversation with friends. There is nothing quite like hearing, "You're a great listener!"

"I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live." - Psalm 116:1-2

Nine Types of Listening

Come To Jesus

We had another Youth Night at our church on Friday. I gave a Bible study about three people in the Bible - The Roman Centurian, The Woman at The Well, and the Apostle Peter.

As I was reading the account of the centurion to the kids, this jumped out at me.

"When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ⁶“Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” - Matthew 8:5

"Come to Jesus." Suddenly I was hearing a song in my head (link at bottom).

I wonder how many "come to Jesus" references there are in the Bible...

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

"Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day." - John 6:44

"On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink." - John 7:37

That's probably enough. There ARE more, but you get the idea. The point is we MUST come to Jesus.

There is a verse somewhere (Philippians?) that speaks about every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. That needs to be us. We need to come to the end of ourselves, and to the beginning of our lives with Jesus.

Remember those wise men in the Christmas story? They WERE wise, right? THEY came to Jesus. Be wise! Come to Jesus, and live!

Come To Jesus - Chris Rice

Your Every Need

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

That verse has proven true time and time again in my life. The latest example of God's provision is a young, strong, 18-year old man. Just what I needed as this old man works on area disc golf courses. God has provided my every need in SO many ways.

We had some storm damage at our local course. Half of a big oak tree fell on Hole 2. I was able to cut it up, but when it came time to actually move the wood out of the way, my old body was lacking the strength that was needed. Enter my young friend.

While we were moving logs, I bent down and asked my friend to help me pick up a big one. He came over and said, "Here, let me get that." He picked up the entire long, all by himself, and moved it out of the way.

"God will supply your every need."

I want you to notice something about that opening verse from Philippians. It doesn't say anything about praying for help or earning God's favor by doing things. It simply says that God will supply your every need. In Christ Jesus.

Do you see what God is doing here with this kid? And me? Let's examine the basic facts.

1. I am a Christian. I am IN Christ Jesus.
2. I am an old and fragile man.
3. I mentor young teens at my church. I have been doing that since being saved, through God's Holy Spirit.
4. Several years ago I met this young man, then a struggling kid, and his mentor. Both of them have helped build three area disc golf courses with me.
5. As I was beginning this year's work, this young man called me, out of the blue, and asked if he could help.
6. He needs a mentor, as he has been in and out of jail (his previous mentor has moved away).

Do you see how God is working here? He is providing for both MY need AND this young man's. All for His ultimate glory. And for that I give Him thanks and praise!

God does amazing things, even when we don't ask Him. Imagine if we DID ask for something, in prayer. 

How has God supplied your every need in YOUR life?

Radar

Where would we be without weather radar? I think back to my grandparents, living on a farm in north-central lower Michigan. My grandpa would go out into the fields each day and feed the sheep or bale some hay, not knowing what weather was coming at him over the horizon.

Today we know what the weather will be like next weekend already so we can plan our events accordingly - all because of computers, weather "models," and radar. Ah, science.

Back in biblical times, all they had was the sun, moon, and stars to foretell coming events. And the prophets. And God Himself.

Today, we are seeing many signs on the evening news, yet most people dismiss them. "There's nothing to see here. These aren't the droids you're looking for." Yet . . .

"And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years." - Genesis 1:14

The prophets in the Bible also foretold coming events. Ezekiel and Daniel,  the two big "end times" prophets, prophesied many coming events. Many have come true, but some of their prophesies haven't happened yet.

"And He said, "Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. ¹⁰Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." - Daniel 12:9-10

The question then becomes, "Are we wise?" and "Do we understand?"

The words of Jesus, our Lord:

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. ²⁶People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” - Luke 21:25-28

The Bible is our radar. Keep watch.

The Thing About Puzzles

We've had a lot of rain lately. SO much rain that many communities around us are experiencing flooding. I mean, dams are overflowing, and people are being evacuated from their homes. That's a lot of rain!

While we know that "April showers bring May flowers," what do we do when we're stuck INSIDE because everything OUTSIDE is so wet? My wife and I do puzzles! 🧩

Puzzles help pass the time in our house, along with reading and household chores. At least our minds are getting some exercise while our bodies turn to flab due to inactivity.

I've noticed something in our puzzling. It is an perfect representation of our future lives here on earth, and also of our relationship with God.

God knows everything, from beginning to end. We, on the other hand, know very little about what lies ahead. It's like opening a jigsaw puzzle box and dumping it's contants out onto the table.

Think about your life in high school. Did you ever think THEN where you'd end up 40 or 50 years later? No! But, piece by piece, you are there now. God knew where you'd end up. He even knew some of us "had a few pieces missing," like myself. But here we are!

Our children and grandchildren do puzzles. If they only knew . . .

"Hey, Grandpa. Why are you smiling me while I'm doing my puzzle?"

"You're a great puzzler and I like to watch how you figure things out. You are doing well." - proud Grandpa.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:13-14

Desperate For You

Someone once asked me, "How do you know when you've found the love of your life?" My answer has always been, "When you know, you'll know." That is very true. But that love, and the sheer depth of it, goes WAY beyond any earthly constraints.

I had a wonderful hour of worship the other night. Unfortunately, it took place between the hours of 2:00 and 3:00 AM! Ah well. It was actually very nice. Quiet. Peaceful. Humble and submissive.

The song at the end of this story was playing in my head. I encourage you to give it a listen. When you get to the words "Your holy presence, living in me" push pause and think about that for a moment. God's Holy Spirit LIVES in the heart of every believer. That should be VERY humbling for the Christian.

Then this . . .

"And I, I'm desperate for you."

Are we DESPERATE for God?  I don't think we are as "desperate" for Him as we should be. How about you? What does desperation look like in the heart of the believer?

We recently had a lot of extreme weather here in Central Wisconsin. Two feet of snow, a major ice storm, and 8" of rain. The result was what they are calling a 100-year flood. Would you be desperate for God if that happened to you?

I drove by one of the flooded towns yesterday. The water covers the main street that runs through town. Further upstream it's just as bad. The picture above looks like sharks swimming in the ocean. Nope. It's sturgeon spawning . . .  in the boat landing parking lot.

Please pray for the people affected by the flooding in New London, Fremont, Shiocton, and all places in between. And that's just in Waupaca County.

And then thank God that no one has perished. May our prayers be desperate for God's protective hand to be over us as we ALL deal with the events of this world. Thank you!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." - Job 13:15

Breathe - Michael W. Smith

Who's Crying Now?

My heart, and the hope it contains for those who don't know Jesus, is fading. The "fire" will never go out, but seeing so many refuse to listen to the Gospel is taking its toll.

I have a young friend at church named Elijah. His favorite band is Journey. I like them too, so my friend and I have that in common. These words are from one lf their songs:

"Only so many tears you can cry

'Til the heartache is over

And now you can say your love

Will never die"

The words of that song resonate with how I am feeling. I have a finite number of tears that I can cry for the lost, but my love for them will never die. Yet, with each passing day the hope I have for them decreases because our number of days here is also decreasing.

Romans 1 says that "God gave them over to a reprobate mind." And Jesus said this:

“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand." - Matthew 13:13

And that's what hurts. No matter how many times we talk to them about Jesus, no matter how often we pray for them, some people are simply never going to get it.

There will soon come a time when Jesus returns for His Church - The Bride of Christ. Many theologians and pastors feel that the departure time is very near. 

Hmm. "Departure" is the name of a Journey album. So is "Escape." So is "Revelation" (Are you scensing a theme here?). When all of the Christians disappear from the earth, then the question will be asked . . .

"Who's Cryin' Now?

"To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. ⁷Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. ⁸But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” - Revelation 21:6-8

Who's Crying Now? - Journey

Children of God

It's hard to keep up with all of the ceasefires and peace talks that are happening around the world these days. Most of the peacemakers fall short in their efforts. Why? Because, for the most part, the warring parties hate and want to kill each other.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).

And elsewhere it says this:

"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12

But the verse that really brings this concept home is found in 1st John.

"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." - 1 John 3:1

And there's the real problem. Not everyone "knows" Jesus.

We should "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have" (1 Peter 3:15). But it can get a little frustrating when inquiring people just don't get it.

That's where the whole "children of God" thing becomes apparent. To be a child, one has to be born, right? We have to be OF our Father.

"You must be BORN again." - John 3:3

And....

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." - John 6:44

I think I might change my middle name to "Jeremiah." He knows what I'm talking about. This is from Lamentations.

"For these things I weep; my eyes overflow with tears, for a comforter is far from me, one to revive my soul. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed." - Lamentations 1:16

I am grateful, and humbled, to be one of God's children. It is a title I feel unworthy to bear. Yet, here I am.

Lord, please come for your children. This world has nothing for us. We are yours and yours alone. Yet will we sing . . . Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

All Who Are Thirsty - Vineyard Music

The Shadow of a Cloud

"You silence the uproar of foreigners; as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled." - Isaiah 25:5

We've all experienced the hot and humid days of summer. There's nothing quite as uncomfortable as doing yardwork during the heat of the day under a cloudless sky. But wait! What's that? A cloud!

When a cloud comes between us and the sun we can actually feel the temperature drop. Even more so if the cloud begins dropping water.

As the shadow of a cloud reduces heat from the sun, so we can be to others as we comfort them with the love of Jesus.

I have a friend who recently experienced the loss of a family member. If I am to be "a cloud in the heat of the day," how do I "cast my shadow" on them to comfort them?

1. Contact. A timely phone call or text can really help. It gives the person the opportunity to vent or open up about what's been hurting them.
2. Listen. Sometimes simply listening is enough to show you care. And listen to learn, not simply hear.
3. Empathize. Let them know you are feeling their pain along with them.
4. Guide. Share an appropriate Bible verse or a story about how you navigated a similar situation.
5. Pray. Pray WITH them. Hold their hands, put a hand on their shoulder, or while delivering a hug. Appropriate physical touch is huge.
6. Continue. Don't let the conversation end. Promise to keep in touch. And DO IT!

We have been chosen to complete a mission for Jesus. We can do that by obeying His first, and greatest, command for us.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." - Mark 12:30-31