Living In Egypt

Where do you live?

Sorry. I shouldn't have sprung that question on you so early in the morning. It's a trick question you see.

"For in him we live and move and have our being." - Acts 17:28

Today's verse is not attributed to one of the Apostles or to Jesus. It is a quote from Epimenides, an ancient Cretan philosopher. Paul used the quote when he spoke to the Greeks in the Areopagus in Athens.

Paul used the words of someone they were familiar with to explain to them who he was and what he was doing there. And what was Paul doing in Athens? He was spreading the good news about Jesus, The Messiah. What Paul was saying was that, in Christ, he lived and moved and had his being."

I invite you to read that verse again. Read it slowly and let its words seep deep down into your heart.

Now.....with the words of Epimenides fresh in your mind, 'where do you live?'

We live....in Christ!

Why?

Because, "in Him, we live and move and have our being." At least we should.

When God's people lived as slaves in Egypt they prayed for a deliverer. God heard their prayer and sent them Moses. But when Moses led them out of Egypt most wanted to return there when times got tough.

"They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” - Exodus 14:11-12

My friends, wherever we are physically living, this world is spiritually "living in Egypt," right now. Even though we are slaves to it, we like it here. We're used to it. We're comfortable.

Jesus is our deliverer. He came to deliver us out of Egypt (this world). And He will do it again one day. Soon. But until then, we will keep "making bricks," or whatever else it is we do. Only we will do so with an incredible hope. Hope in our deliverer,  Jesus. 

"Where do you live?"

"In Christ!"

A Memorial

Today is Memorial Day in America. It is a day we remember those who have given their lives defending our country. 🇺🇸

I don't want to diminish their sacrifice in any way, but today I'm going to tell you the story of another "soldier" instead. Her name is Rebecca and she is from Nigeria. 🇳🇬

Rebecca and her daughter were out walking one day and as they were returning home they saw smoke rising from their village and heard the sound of gunshots.

Rebecca's village was under attack by Boko Haram - an Islamic extremist organization. They were hunting down and killing Christians that day.

Rebecca and her daughter survived. Her husband and son did not. Their family's Bible also managed to survive through the flames that consumed their home. Rebecca now reads it to her daughter and the other children in her village. 

We are in a war right now in this world, and many don't even know it. There is no sound of gunfire. There is no smell of smoke in the air. Just souls melting slowly and quietly from life into death. Without tears. Without mourning. Without hope.

The only thing that can save us in this silent world war is faith in Jesus Christ. And our weapon of choice is the Bible - God's Word.

The battle is coming to your village soon, if it's not there already. The Apostle Paul has some words of advice that will help us as we fight.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." - Ephesians 6:10-17

That sounds like someone getting ready for battle. Is it you?

Rebecca of Nigeria - VOM 2022

What Is Paradise?

"What is paradise to you?"

That was a text I received this past weekend from a former youth group kid.

I thought about the question for a while. What exactly IS paradise? I remember writing a story about it recently. Maybe I should go back and read it. Lol!

If you Google pictures of 'paradise' you get a lot of images from tropical islands. That's what Google thinks paradise is.

There is an after-life place, that Jesus called 'paradise, ' where the righteous and unrighteous go to await their entry into heaven, or hell. That's the REAL paradise.

"Today you will be with me in paradise." - Luke 23:43

For some, paradise is whatever WE think sounds good to us.

Some people might think that paradise is playing golf, or relaxing on a beach. Some anticipate a reunion with friends or family members. I guess it all depends on you.

Paradise for the Christian however seems to be focused on God, not on self.

Hope is a wonderful thing. Hope is what keeps us waking up in the morning. We hope for good weather, we hope our sore back will feel better soon.

Shouldn't our hope be in Jesus? Shouldn't paradise be about God rather than ourselves?

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Therefore encourage one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Paradise is being in the presence of our Lord. I don't think any personal scenario based on OUR desires is as important as worshipping 'in spirit and truth,' along with our brothers and sisters in Christ, forever. But that's just me.

What do YOU think?

Where To Begin

We all have people in our lives who don't know Jesus. They have heard of Him, but just aren't interested in Him. We LOVE these people. But how do we lovingly talk to them about Jesus?

I got a card in the mail from some friends of mine who had heard about my visit to the ER a few weeks ago. They were very concerned about me but are not on Facebook and one of them doesn't even have a phone.

So, I took a chance and stopped by their house yesterday. The look on their faces was priceless. They were so concerned about me. It was very touching. And humbling.

Neither one is a born-again Christian. For this reason my heart aches for them. What should I do?

This morning I feel this "pulling" in my heart for these two so I think I must ask for another meeting with them. But what do I say?

Being a guy, I wrote down a six-step plan of attack. It was filled with Bible verses and all of it was true and good. But then just deleted it. Why?

That's not the way. The key these two is love.

These two friends have demonstrated great love for me. And it will be through my love for them that I tell them about Jesus. He has an ever deeper love, for all people.

Won't you please pray for my friends? Their names are Sandy and Mike. Pray for hearts willing to hear God's plan of salvation. And please pray for me also, that my heart would speak to them and not my mind.

Jesus told His disciples that love was 'the first and greatest commandment.' It is the love of Jesus that heals the most calloused of hearts. Who in your life needs to hear about God's love today?

 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37-39

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." - John 15:12-14

The Blind See

Sunday night I watched the movie Midway. Not the newer one. I watched the 1976 Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, Toshiro Mifune one. You know, the best one.

The world was a much different place back then. It's almost exactly 81 years ago since the actual battle. How things have changed.

The planes are a lot different now. And the ships. They're all sunk, scrapped, or have become floating museums. An increase in knowledge and technology have made them all obsolete.

The Bible speaks of this in the 12th chapter of the Book of Daniel.

"Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” - Daniel 12:4

"Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand." - Daniel 12:10

When we watch the news, don't we see the wicked continuing to be wicked? Even increasing!?

And Daniel's account of the end also says that "none of the wicked will understand." That is certainly true today.

Then God comforts Daniel by telling him this: "But those who are wise will understand." That's us. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have been given understanding and wisdom. How many times did Jesus give sight to the blind in the Gospels? He still makes the blind see to this very day.

I encourage you to read the 12th chapter of Daniel. Perhaps God will open your eyes to what is happening right now in our world. But you should already know that.

Soon we will see "the man dressed in linen," as Daniel calls Him. And we think things are bad right now? Just wait. But those who are wise will see none of it. That's because we won't be here.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1

Daniel 12

The Parable of the Evil Kitty

We had our carpets cleaned yesterday. There's probably a story in there somewhere about sin and the "cleansing" power of Jesus, but not today.

The whole process was very revealing. First, we had to move ALL the furniture out of the rooms that were to be cleaned. Then, we had to vacuum the carpet.

"Why are we vacuuming the carpet? Isn't the carpet guy going to clean them?"

Apparently, I'm not knowledgeable about such matters.

After the carpet guy was done we chatted for a bit. That's when my wife said this about our cat.

"We will always have a cat."

That made me think of a Bible verse. 

"The CAT you will always have with you." Or was it 'the poor'?

After my wife got done sentencing me to 'life with a cat', I began thinking about all of the evil things our cat has done.

It's only a matter of time before our cat vomits something onto our freshly cleaned carpet. That's a given.

Our cat walks around like he owns the place.

"Feed me."

"Clean my litter box."

"What are you eating? Where's mine?"

"Oh, I hear a package of cheese being opened!"

"I'm sleeping on your lap now."

Our cat is the reason we sleep with the bedroom door shut. We always hear him jump down OFF the counter. Never UP. And why is his mournful 'meow' always loudest when we want to sleep in?

It occured to me that our cat is synonymous with our sinful nature. Always with us and doing things it shouldn't. Even when it appears loving there is often an ulterior motive. Selfish, greedy, arrogant... (I should probably stop, in case my wife reads this).

"Cats will be lovers of themselves, and lovers of cheese. They meow, loudly. They are proud, arrogant, disobedient to their owners, ungrateful, they shed, and make annoying licking noises when they clean themselves. They are unforgiving, uncaring, without self-control, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of us. Have nothing to do with cats. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women." - 2 Timothy 2-6 ACV (Anti Cat Version)

[I might have modified the actual text a bit]

Aren't we a bit like cats from time to time though? In the way we live our lives. Always seeking our own comfort and pleasure?

REPENT!

But before I "stray" too far (I know, too late) I need to remind myself that Jesus Himself is known as 'The Lion of Judah.' And where is MY grace and compassion?

Ouch! 

(Apologies to all the cat-lovers out there. This story was written purely in jest... with some basis in truth)

The Music In Me

Can you recite Isaiah 55:12 from memory? I bet you could, if you sing one particular worship song in church. If you do, this should sound familar.

"You will go out in joy

    and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills

    will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

    will clap their hands." - Isaiah 55:12

Or how about Matthew 11:28-30? The only way I can recite those verses is because of a song I heard 10 years ago. There's a link to that song below.

Right now I am memorizing Ephesians 6:10-11. Not because I am trying to. I'm

 listening to a music CD as we prepare to teach VBS this summer. 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." - Ephesians 6:10-11

Why is it easier to memorize things if it is set to music? All of a sudden a song pops into our heads and we can't stop singing it. Why? We learned our ABC's as children singing a song, right? And you still know it, right?

I think singing songs engages our memorization super power. It's because of who we were created to be. Worshippers.

"My chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise." - Isaiah 43:20-20

Let us "go out with joy and be led forth in peace" today. We were created to worship and memorize His Word. To sing His praise!

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." - Deuteronomy 11:18-19

So, let us sing God's praises, now and forevermore!

Come To Me - Aaron Shust

Need A Hug?

Hugs are great! Nothing beats a hug to express love or to lift someone up. I love giving and receiving hugs. Don't you? 

I noticed a couple of things about this week's hugs though that has led me to write this story. The first one is this - hug conversations.

Have you had any conversations whilst hugging lately? That is, talking WHILE you're hugging. They are wonderful! Always short and to the point. Here's a sampling of mine this week.

"Love you, brother."

"Love you too."

"How are you feeling?"

"You mean right now? Great!"

"It's been too long."

"I know!"

A second characteristic about hugs is their duration and intensity. I had one intense hug this week that was, well, let's just say that I will NOT have to visit a chiropractor anytime soon. I'm not complaining! My back feels great!!

Then there's the duration of the hug. According to the psychologists at the University of London, the most effective hugs last between five and ten seconds. Psychology Today suggests 20-second hugs are the most therapeutic.

Whatever the duration or intensity of our hugs, the most important thing is the giving and receiving of them.

You see, we all have a "personal space." Anytime someone enters that space without permission, we feel uneasy and tend to back away.

But whenever someone allows us to enter, or offers to share their personal space with us in a compassionate gesture, that truly is special. Be grateful. And keep those people close.

I watched our granddaughter give out hugs this weekend. Is there anything more innocent and representative of love than hugs from a child? She reminded me of these words from Jesus.

“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them." - Mark 10:14-16

The Apostle Paul tells us several times in his letters to the churches to "Great each other with a holy kiss."

Maybe that was their way of hugging back in the day. In today's world though, I think I'll just stick to the hugs.

You Are My Witnesses

"You are my witnesses," says LORD, "And my servant whom I have chosen." - Isaiah 43:10

God repeats that "You are my witnesses" phrase three times in chapters 43 and 44 of Isaiah. Why? Could it be because God wants us to, oh, I don't know, be His witnesses?

In my last story I wrote about King Hezekiah and his thankful prayer to God for extending his life by 15 years. I kind of feel the same way after a visit to the ER last week. Thankful!

But how does being thankful translate into being a witness for God? I mean, what do we do?

This past Tuesday I visited the place where I used to work. Everyone was glad to see me and to SEE that I truly was recovering. Hugs, smiles, and love are wonderful healing tools.

Everyone asked how I was doing. And I told them. I was a witness to God's goodness and healing power. A dozen people heard that day about God, Isaiah, and Hezekiah. They heard Bible verses and could see in my eyes what they meant to me.

THAT is what being a witness for God means. It's a loving conversation between two people who care about each other. It's living out that love in daily life.

I've seen people standing on a street corner with a sign telling me I need to repent because, "the end is near." While that is certainly true, it's not being a very effective witness.

Do you remember what Jesus said was 'the first and greatest commandment?" It's to love (Luke 10:27). More on that next time, but for now, know this.

No one can argue with your personal story, of how God has touched YOUR life. Always be ready to tell it. And, when you tell it, tell it with truth and love. You will be praising God and bringing glory to His name.

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15

What's your story?

Hezekiah's Prayer

In chapter 37 of Isaiah, the prophet was told by God to tell King Hezekiah that he was about to die. This news understandably upset Hezekiah. So he prayed and God added 15 years to Hezekiah's life.

This is a portion of Hezekiah's prayer of thanks after God extended his life:

"You restored me to health and let me live.
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish.

In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.

For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.

The living, the living - they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness." - Isaiah 38:16-19

These verses were part of my daily reading, the day after my visit to the ER with chest pains. And now the pains in my chest are gone.

So what happened to me? Did God heal me? Or was it the doctors? The doctors didn't do anything really, except run a bunch of tests.

My first doctor said that I had a heart attack. He gave me nitroglycerin, which expands the blood vessels. That helped, eventually taking my pain level from a 9 to a 1. But the second doctor, a cardiologist, could find no evidence of anything wrong.

The second doctor couldn't find any evidence of a heart attack, yet she prescribed daily baby aspirin for me. Something they do for people at risk of a heart attack. I give up.

Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I will sing God's praises for extending MY life, just as Hezekiah did. My testimony now has another chapter in it. Anyone willing to listen will hear a story of God's grace and mercy and His healing hand. And, as Hezekiah said, "The living, they praise you, as I am doing today. Parents, tell your children about God's faithfulness."

And so, I shall. 

The Devoted Bride

Many things crossed my mind as I was being transported from one hospital to another last week. I had suffered a heart attack,  or so I was told, and the local ER doctor wanted me to see a cardiologist. So, off we went!

I never thought about it before but when you ride in an ambulance you end up looking out the rear window. The entire way. As I did so, I had lots of time to think about things from the past. How fitting to be actually physically looking backwards as I did so.

It was raining outside but I could still see the headlights of my wife's car glowing through the mist kicked up by the ambulance. She, my loving wife and devoted bride, is my story for today.

I had woken her up out of a sound sleep the night before to tell her that I was having chest pains. I hated doing that because I knew how much she loves me and I knew she would immediately be worried.

At the hospital my wife stood by my side, holding my hand, adjusting my blanket, answering questions. And there was no doubt that she was praying for me. My wife was very focused on my wellbeing.

Later, after we were home, I told her how much I appreciated her attention, even though I was kind of busy doing other things at the time. Her love and devotion were VERY evident.

Then I wondered. Would I do the same for her? Well, of course I would! She's my bride, my other half.

Then something else crossed my mind as I traveled along...backwards that day.

Am I that devoted to God? Am I always willing to sacrifice myself for Him? The answer has to be more than 'I hope so." The answer must be 'absolutely.'

We, the church, are the bride of Christ. Are we devoted to our bridegroom, Jesus?

So, my prayer, as I watched my wife's example of devotion, was just that. And let it be our prayer today - that we would all be more devoted to our spouses, yes. But that we would also be more devoted to our God.

Let us follow Him wherever He leads us. No matter what the cost. No matter what pain might be involved. If our focus is on God, we can overcome any obstacle in our path. Even death.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12: 9-12

Amen!

Ambulance Observations

A few observations for you this morning from yesterday's ride in the back of an ambulance. Before I begin however I would like to thank all of my family and friends who prayed for me. I am sitting in my living room today, writing this story, as a result of those prayers, and God's grace. I love you all.

Devotion - This was exemplified by my wife. Always by my side. Driving me to the hospital, holding my hand in the ER, following behind me as I was transported to another hospital. She is a picture of love and devotion.

"Your lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies." - Psalm 36:5

Servants -- the staff of two hospitals and an ambulance service. They did their jobs, like they do everyday, often without acknowledgement. Yet their work is essential if anyone is to be saved.

"Love the Lord your God, walk in obedience to him, keep his commands, hold fast to him and serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." - Joshua 22:5

Love - My phone kept lighting up yesterday with messages of encouragement and prayer. Each time I saw their names I thanked God for them.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35

Peace - Through all the needles, tests, and pain of the past few days, none of it bothered me our caused me any amount of anxiety. Why? Because God takes away our fears. His power over all things is amazing.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

Hope - These past few days have proven God's grace, mercy and love for those who love him. That provides hope for any and all such encounters in the future. Hope is essential to the living of life.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

In our times of trouble, God is always there. When we are alone, He is with us. When we are anxious, God calms all our fears.

So, if you are anxious, in trouble, and feeling alone, that is because you have not fully trusted in God. God is not a cross you wear around your neck. He is the hope and love that we have in your hearts.

"Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Heaven

We all have our own idea of what heaven will be like. Some think that they will be playing golf on their favorite course or spending endless amounts of time on a warm, sunny beach. Is that what it will be like?

The Bible does tell us a few things about heaven but not enough to satisfy our earthly curiosity. One thing we know is that we don't turn into angels.

"Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" - Hebrews 1:14

The Bible says that there will be a war - a big war - but the angels and the demons will fight it. And the angels win.

But as to the day-to-day happenings, things will be rather peaceful. All the believers will be living their lives much like the early church did. Loving one another. Giving to one another as there is a need. And worshiping God.

All those who believe in Jesus will be there. Most of them we won't recognize but it will be like we know them.

We will get to see some people from church, but others from church will be strangely missing.

There are going to be A LOT of babies. And they all will be loved and cared for.

I guess there's not much we can say about heaven with great certainty. But this one thing will make it all worth the wait. 

We get to see Jesus!

"And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” - Revelation 5:13

Victory!

We live in a world of increasing turmoil these days. Our nation, and the entire world for that matter, has divided. America is no longer the "united" states. We have become divided by our individual theologies, ideologies, and political beliefs.

We are now red and blue states, a people separated by skin color and political parties. We, as a nation, are going downhill faster than the number of people drinking Bud Light. Why?

Our main problem is that we have stopped asking the 'why' question and have instead surrendered ourselves to the 'Well, that's just the way it's going to be' mentality. 

But why? Here's an example.

I saw a statement on Saturday from the NFL that, for the first time in NFL history, three of the first four players selected in the draft were black quarterbacks. That statement is an indicator of a much bigger problem.

Why? Well, why was the word 'black' used? Think about it. Isn't it being used to make note of an accomplishment of a particular race. But why?

In my opinion, the National Football League is trying to show how 'diverse' and 'inclusive' they are. That's called 'virtue signalling' these days.

They're basically saying, "Look how virtuous and diverse we are! We have selected black men!"

No!

Dr. Martin Luther King once said that he had a dream. That we "will not be judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character." Those are good words. Unfortunately, they are still just a dream in some people's hearts.

I would submit to you that all of the players selected in the draft were not selected 'by the color of their skin' but by their ability on the field. The coaches and GM's don't have a 'race problem.' It's the NFL leadership, or the person who wrote the statement, that needs prayer.

When asked how he felt upon being selected #2 in the draft, quarterback C. J. Stroud first gave all glory to God. Therefore, in my opinion, he will be blessed. But how do we stop the division and hatred in this world?

There is a song that we will be using in our church's Vacation Bible School this summer. The song contains the key to defeating any 'worldliness' we might encounter in life. Here's a line from the chorus.

"Faith is the victory that overcomes the world."

Faith in God, that is. Our faith in The One True God is the only thing that can save us.

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57

Faith Is The Victory - Answers In Genesis VBS

C. J. Stroud Interview