Into The Glorious Unknown

“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord: ‘The Lord looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.’”
Psalm 102:18-20

What a year it has been! As I was pondering what title to give this devotion I thought about the adventure I am on as I do my best to follow after God and how sometimes that means going into the unknown, hence as I look forward it seems that going “Into the glorious unknown” is appropriate. As I settled on the idea – I thought that it might be a lyric from a song and so it is. The actual lyric is “Let’s follow our leader into the glorious unknown” from the old Steven Curtis Chapman song The Great Adventure. There is another lyric in the song that speaks to this week’s passage “I opened up the Bible and I read about me, said I’d been a prisoner and God’s grace had set me free (emphasis mine).” We are all bound by something at some time and God’s grace can free us even from death if we let him.

I have long stopped thinking I know what it means to be called by God to do His work full time. In what seems like forever ago I thought I knew what the plan was. I have learned that I am clueless, that instead each step – each sometimes painful step I have taken has taken me further into the glorious unknown, has stretched me, has at times broken me, but has always made me – is making me stronger and more willing to take the next step.

I cannot see into the future, but I know there are no coincidences when following after Jesus – everything that has happened in the past has been preparing me for the next step – it’s been preparing you too.

What’s stopping you from fully surrendering your heart and life to Jesus? What is holding you bound, what are you a prisoner too? Jesus reading from what we know as Isaiah 61:1 said: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Will this New Year be the year you find real freedom, where your eyes are truly opened, where you will find His favor even in the midst of life’s struggles?

Come with me and together we will follow Jesus into the glorious unknown.

A Prayer
Father - thank you for getting us through this past year. Some of us are a bit battered and bruised, but we are also strong and closer to You. As we seek to follow you into the glorious unknown of a new year be our strength and courage. Show each of us what you would have us do and grant us Your favor so we can do Your good work – Amen.

Great Joy

“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of incense and of myrrh.”
Matthew 2:9-11

Simple things make me happy. Things like reducing the number of color copies we make at the office or watching baby koala videos on YouTube. A good book can make me happy as well – but joy is different. For me joy isn’t about things, joy is about heart change. Things can’t really bring about the kind of heart change that brings great joy into our lives. There is a person who can though and His name is Jesus. The angels told the shepherds they were bringing good news of great joy – the news of a child born to us to be our savior (Luke 2:10-11).

This week’s passage tells of another heart changing encounter experienced by another group of people. A group of wise men, magi, kings of the orient or astrologers whatever you want to call them, were men of science who had traveled a great distance to find the foretold child. Note that some time had passed in Matthew’s narrative of this scene. Jesus is called a child and he and his earthly family are in a house – not a stable. Jesus is quite possibly a toddler by the time these travelers arrive and their hearts are changed when they reach their destination, when the evidence they had been following led them to the King of the Jews, the Savior of the world – they were overjoyed.

The word overjoyed as found in the New International version of the bible is actually the translation of four Greek words that in the simplest of meanings would be “great, great joy, joy.” This great, great joy, joy comes from a heart changed by the One who according to Jude “is able to keep us from falling and to present us before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior…” (Jude 1:24-25).

This time of year can be so difficult for many of us – even if life is going pretty well, the pain of the not so great things that happened throughout the year, the losses experienced and the stress of living on this planet seem to want to hit us in the face and steal our joy. But He - who as a baby changed the shepherds, as a toddler changed the wise men, as an adult changed the hearts of tax collectors and sinners, and as a crucified, buried and resurrected Savior changed the hearts of all us who believe - fills us with His great joy.

May we all be filled with that great joy and may we share the One who gives it with those around us.

Merry Christmas!

A Prayer
Father - thank you for the great joy that fills our lives when Jesus changes our hearts. Whether it is the baby in the manger or the man pouring our His life and love on the cross we can have great joy even in the midst of great trials and sorrows, because our hearts have been changed. Help us Lord to introduce others to your abounding love and the great joy that it brings. In the name of Jesus, who gives us great, great joy – Amen.

Special Delivery

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:9-10

I don’t know about you but I really enjoy getting packages in the mail or delivered by one of those big delivery services. At the church where I work, the drivers of the big “brown” trucks toot the horn as they pull up, so I know they are there. Most of the time, they are delivering something I ordered. Sometimes, it’s something someone else is expecting and once in a while it is something completely unexpected. Getting a package that contains a gift is especially fun. The celebration of just such a special delivery is almost here - can you feel the excitement in the air? Is something moving in your heart and mind?

Traveling at the speed of divine light the God of everything, the Creator of the universe who is not held by the bonds of time was delivered into a world driven by time as a peasant baby unwelcome at the inn because the kinfolk of his earthly parents didn’t understand. It was such a special delivery that it shifted time just a bit, it shifted from the time before Christ to the time since Christ was born. It was a special delivery that set a ripple in motion that ripples even now and will continue to ripple until His return when time will again shift.

It is a ripple of love that flows through everything allowing hearts to be changed when we choose to open the gift when it comes to us. Once that special delivery has been accepted and opened, we are compelled by His grace and love to share it with everyone around us.

It is a limitless gift, filled with the healing power of God’s love. It is the perfect gift for the one who thinks they have everything, but deep inside are still empty and searching for that one thing that will make a real difference in their life. If you know someone like that – it’s time to share the One – the Only One who can make that difference.

Jesus is the very best Special Delivery gift sent to you with love from The Father.

A Prayer
Father, what an incredible gift you sent special delivery to us, thank you. The gift of Your Son shifted time, healed broken hearts, restored battered soul and built a bridge back to Your heart. Help us to never take that gift for granted and to especially deliver it with those around us who believe they are unloved, worthless and hopeless – because You love them, value them highly and fill them with hope. In the name of Jesus, our special delivery gift we pray. – Amen.

More Christ - Less Chaos

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”
Luke 2:13-14

I don’t know if you are experiencing the same thing as I am when it comes to Christmas. As I have aged and my family has grown older Christmas has become a quieter, more peaceful celebration. No shopping trips to loud and crowded malls, no stressing over what to buy. I can shop online or get gift cards for just about anything at the local supermarket or Wal-Mart. I can send Christmas greetings via email and FaceBook. We celebrate Christmas by going to church and enjoying a good meal – more Christ, less chaos. So nice not having to face the often chaotic pace of the holiday season. I love the traditional “Christmas” passages from Isaiah and Luke.

I also love the peaceful image of Jesus’ birth announcement – ok not the part that probably freaked out the poor shepherds. I love the part about the shepherds being out in the field, perhaps sitting around a fire to warm themselves in the cool of the night. And what about the image the angel provides when he tells them “This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12) – what is more peaceful, more joyful than a swaddled and sleeping new born? Then a heavenly choir praising God delivered a promise from God of peace for all on whom His favor rests.

Jesus’ life was book-ended by gifts of peace. The heavenly host brought the first gift of peace with the announcement of Messiah’s birth and Jesus himself gave a gift of peace near the end of His life when He told his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Isaiah speaking of the many titles held by the coming King calls Him the Prince of Peace.

We should of course have a bit of reality here – Jesus did also warn us that life wouldn’t always be quiet and peaceful because we would face real trials as we walk this upon this planet. But with that warning was the gift of peace and the reminder that we need not be afraid – there can be peace even in the midst of the trials, even in the chaos of Christmas if we just make a bit of time, if we just create some space for more Christ then we’ll have less chaos.

A Prayer
Father, what an awesome and scary sight it must have been that night when one of Your angels, accompanied by the heavenly hosts announced the birth of Your Son to the shepherds watching over their flocks. What a message of hope and peace they carried to those considered outcasts. Thank you that before surrendering His life to save ours Jesus gave us another gift of peace. As we draw even nearer to the celebration of His birth may we seek more of Him so we can enjoy more of His peace and then help us to share that peace with those around us – Amen.

A Wonderful Life - Purpose Brings Hope

“But the Angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.’ The Angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.’ ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:30-33, 35, 38

The season of Advent is once again upon us. It is a time of preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ - the One spoken of by David and Isaiah. The One who’s purpose is the restoration of mankind’s relationship with God. The One who makes a wonderful life possible by giving us a purpose that brings hope.

In the beloved Christmas movie It’s A Wonderful Life – George Bailey has lost sight of his purpose and finds himself hopeless and bitter – life doesn’t seem to wonderful until Clarence the angel fishes him out of the water and with some divine help shows him what life would have been like if he’d never been born. You see George’s purpose was to be the nice guy in town, the good banker - the guy who helped out those no other banker would help. His purpose was to be a loving husband and father.

George isn’t so different from the rest of us – sometimes life beats us up and when it does we can lose sight of who God made us to be and do. Sometimes when we are feeling like we are of no earthly good, God will send us someone to let us know just how valued we are. In this week’s passage Gabriel is sent by God to a young peasant girl named Mary. We don’t really know too much about her except that she was a small town girl, engaged to be married when Gabriel turns up with his strange greeting and tells her something unimaginable, more than a bit scary and yet life changing and wonderful. Gabriel let her purpose be known, a purpose that let her know how much she was valued by her God and that purpose that would make life wonderful and filled with hope. Ok we should probably stop for a minute and get real – even a purpose and hope filled life can be difficult, after all Mary would eventually see her Son beaten and crucified. But she would also see Him risen and ascended to His proper place in the throne room of heaven.

If Mary had never been born… well let not dwell on those possibilities. Each one of us has a purpose in life, a purpose that brings hope. Even when the entire world seems to be against us, as it seemed to George Bailey – we still have a purpose, we can still impact others so that the light of Christ shines into the darkness.

Purpose brings us hope… So it’s a wonderful life.

A Prayer
Father, you give each of us purpose and for that we are thankful. In those times when we lose sight of our purpose and lose hope, forgetting how valued we are by You – send someone to remind us that our world would not be the same without us in it. Renew our vision for what you have for us to do, because your purpose for us brings hope and that makes it a wonderful life. In the name of Jesus, whose own life made ours wonderful, we pray – Amen.

Say Thanks - Give Grace

“But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many”
Romans 5:15

The big American feast day is almost here! Thanksgiving - a time when we stop to enjoy the blessings of the harvest, of family and of friends. It is a time, more so than other times of the year when we give thanks for these many blessing and to thank the provider of our blessings – God. I was thinking about the prayers that would be said around many of our tables either before we stuff ourselves or after and how we sometimes call this a time of saying grace. I wondered what that really means since at other times - at least for Christians grace is something that is given, not said.

So I spent some time looking at what grace is really. From the dictionary one of the definitions said: “a manifestation of favor, especially by a superior; mercy, clemency, and pardon” All things that are given. Wikipedia provided a lengthy definition that came from four different theological references; in part it said that grace is the “love and mercy given us by God because God desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it. It is understood by Christians to be a spontaneous gift from God to man – generous, free, and totally unexpected and undeserved. Grace is given, not said. I got out my concordance and looked up the words translated as grace in both the Old and New Testaments, all of them in some way indicated that grace is something to receive as a gift, to give as a gift or to act upon in some way.

In this week’s passage Paul is sharing with the Romans how sin came into the world and with it the penalty of death, through one man – Adam and that life was restored through one man – Jesus Christ. That new life that comes from Jesus comes to us in the form of grace – that generous, free, totally unexpected and undeserved gift. Paul has quite a lot to say about grace. In his letter to the Ephesians he writes: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5) and he repeats that sentiment in verses 8-9. In 2 Corinthians Paul essentially says that grace and its ever expanding reach is cause for thanksgiving so abundant that it overflows to glorify God for His wonderfully extravagant gift.

This week whether you are seated at the table of a thanksgiving feast or simply enjoying family and friends with some excellent food and conversation remember to say thanks and to give grace.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for all you have given us – for the food on our tables, for the work you have for us to do and for the marvels of Your creation that we are blessed to enjoy. May we offer the gift of grace to those around us out of the abundant gift that you have given us – giving You all of the glory for it. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.

Thanks & Giving

“…Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.”
Matthew 14:19

Still challenged to explore the depth of thanksgiving I checked the dictionary for the meanings of the two words thanks and giving. The dictionary defines thanks as a verb meaning to express gratitude, appreciation or acknowledgement. Giving was defined as a verb - to present voluntarily and without expecting compensation. So we could define “thanksgiving” as expressing gratitude and appreciation as a gift without expecting anything in return. This seems like a good definition to me when it comes to giving thanks to God. The dictionary defines thanksgiving as the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgement of benefits or favors, especially to God. It would seem that being thankful and being generous goes together like oh I don’t know turkey and stuffing or mash potatoes and gravy.

This week’s passage relates an early incident of Jesus giving thanks for food and then giving that food to his disciples, who in turn gave it to a multitude of people. It was a miraculous meal. One of the things I like about this particular narrative is that this miraculous meal is sandwiched between two different sorts of storms. Jesus was trying to get away to a solitary place following the news of John the Baptist’s beheading. The loss of a loved one is always a high magnitude storm. Jesus wanted to get away for a bit – but when he got to the other side of the lake there was a huge crowd waiting for him so he set aside his personal need for a time out and cared for the people including giving thanks and giving them a meal. In the midst of that storm he practiced thanks and giving. 

Jesus eventually gets the alone time he was after – only it left him “stranded” because he had sent his ride on its way to the next destination. He deals with this situation with another miracle taking a walk on the waves in a wind storm – fancy that.  

So when you say thank you to the Lord for all of the amazing things He has done for you on the mountain tops and in the valleys of life give it as a gift thanking Him for who He is not just for what He has done. Then when you are done saying thanks, why not give something to someone else to share the blessing. It doesn’t have to be a big thing – maybe give away smiles or hugs, those are free. What about starting a pay it forward trend in the Starbucks or McDonalds drive thru or maybe buy a meal for someone who is hungry. Imagine what would happen if every follower of Christ gave thanks to God and then gave just one meal to one hungry person – it would be a miraculous meal as more than 2 million people would get to eat. 

Thanks and giving are meant to be together.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for the example your Son set for us – first giving You thanks and then feeding the multitude, then by thanking You and giving Himself for us. Acts of thanks and giving that resulted in breath taking miracles. Help us to open our eyes and hearts to the world around us – show us where we can give after thanking you for your many blessings. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.

Amazing Gratitude

“I am in pain and distress; may your salvation. O God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 69:29-30

Almost 30 years ago as my 30th birthday approached, a birthday that coincides with Thanksgiving, I was told that I was being laid off a job I had held for 10 years. Happy birthday to me…woohoo! NOT! Shortly after receiving that awesome news, we sat around the table of Thanksgiving; it was my turn to pray – my turn to give thanks. It was hard and emotional, but I was not alone. Throughout history people have stopped to give God thanks and praise in the midst of pain and difficulty – this is amazing gratitude and David knew what it was like.

For most of us raised with manners saying “please and thank you” is just something taken for granted, easily spoken most of the time – nothing amazing really. But the likes of King David and the prophet Habakkuk regularly gave thanks in the midst of their storms. That is the case with David in Psalm 69. While this Psalm, in my opinion could have been complete with just these two verses. The Psalmist expresses his pain, asks God to meet the need and praises him with thanks. Read all the verses leading up to this week’s passage and it is clear that David is in a dark place – he under attack from outside and from within himself, but he still finds a way to leave it with God and to practice amazing gratitude.

Habakkuk speaks with God; they are in conversation about what it coming if the people don’t straighten up. Habakkuk knows what’s coming and his response is amazing, even as the storm swirls he says: “…yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:18).

Sitting at that table 29 years ago, with tears falling I thanked God for His provision, for what He had in store for me – even though I had no idea what that was. Thanked him for the new journey and His protection along the way. That journey has taken many detours, led me into the wilderness and the doldrums. It has taken me places I would have never imagined and it has taught me amazing gratitude.

Where are you in this season of Thanksgiving? Are you in pain and distress? Are you in the wilderness? In the doldrums? Walking through the valley of the shadow of death? It doesn’t really matter where you find yourself, when you trust in God it is possible to experience and express amazing gratitude.

More than a simple thank you – it’s amazing gratitude.

A Prayer
Father, you know our world and lives are filled with pain and distress. Help us to be like your servants David and Habakkuk in practicing amazing gratitude. May those expressions of gratitude overflow into the lives of those who don’t know or trust you yet – for that will please you more than anything else we can do. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.

A Stretch

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”
Luke 22:19

It’s a stretching time. Our church is being stretched by growth and a vision for the future. The staff is being stretched as we seek to be obedient to the call of the Lord on each of our lives. As a writer I am being stretched to find new perspectives on being thankful as we being the season of thanksgiving. Facebook is being will with words of thanksgiving and there is nothing wrong with that to be sure, but I couldn’t help but ask myself whether or not we were just scratching the surface of what thankfulness is. I scoured scripture looking for something that would challenge my perception of giving thanks. I got the concordance out to check the original languages for clues of the true depth of what it means to be thankful.

Scripture, especially the Old Testament often speak of thanks as a sacrifice and an offering – when we give thanks are we making a sacrifice or bringing an authentic offering to God? Then I read a familiar passage and saw something I never saw before. That passage is the block that this week’s devotion is written on. I know it’s a stretch. I study and prayed a lot to get to a point where I feel like I can express what I am feeling – but it’s still a stretch. This passage comes from Luke’s rendering of the Last Supper. Jesus and His disciples are sharing the Passover meal – when Jesus does something that must have seemed odd to those at the table with him. He took bread, gave thanks – said a blessing over it and then broke it. Then Jesus handed it to them and told them it was his body being given, being broken for them. As I read this, a question flashed through my mind – did He really just give thanks for His soon to be broken body? Did He give thanks for a body that would be broken to bring healing and restoration to our lives and souls? A body that would be broken to build a bridge over the chasm that separates us from God? It’s a stretch, but I think He does.

So how do we express our thanks for such an extravagant gift? How do we throw ourselves at Jesus’ feet like the woman in Luke 8:47 or the Samaritan leper, healed in Luke 17:15-16? How do we acknowledge that all that we have, all that we are and all that we are called do comes from a God who willfully and thankfully sacrificed Himself so He could hold us close and call us friend, call us his sons and daughters?

The answer is a stretch. It may be easy to say, but it will be a stretch to actually do it. The answer is to “love others” the way that God loves us. I told you it was a stretch – will we willingly and thankfully sacrifice ourselves to love someone into the Kingdom?

It’s important to gives thanks for everything, the big stuff and the small stuff. This week, this year I want to challenge all of us, as we approach the table of Thanksgiving and race toward Advent to take giving thanks to a new and deeper place in our hearts.

It’ll be a stretch, but a good one.

A Prayer
Father, so much to be thankful for because of your generosity, because of Your Son’s sacrifice. Show us how to be so thankful that we love others to you. Stretch our perspectives on what looks like. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.

BOO!

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’”
Psalm 126:2

Did I scare you? When I was a kid my grandma loved to scare us as we walked into her kitchen. She’s stand hidden just on the other side of the doorway and say boo as we walked through and then she’s have a good chuckle. This fun memory turned up in my head following a video clip we had seen at church. The clip was from the movie Monsters Inc – in the clip the big blue “monster” named Sulley is scared by a little human girl who finds her way into the monster world. She scares Sulley at first; but eventually they become friends and the monster world is changed. At church we saw this clip as part of message series about stewardship in which the idea was to answer the “monster” questions about money. Oh – did I scare you again? Sorry – this devotion is not about money, so you can calm down. So what is it about? It’s about love, it’s about laughter, and it’s about restoration and amazing life change.

This week’s passage from Psalm 126 is a song of celebration for the Hebrew people. It is a song of restoration and life change. The people who had been exiled and lived as captives in Babylon had finally been freed and allowed to return home. What a feeling of that must have been with each step they took toward home the fear, the doubt, the sadness they had experienced turned to relief and joy – the laughter welling up inside and pouring out as a song, giving them strength to rebuild their lives and follow after their God once again.

Scripture tells us Jesus wept, that he understood sorrow and loss. I have to believe that He also laughed – laughed, shaking His head as he walked away from some ridiculous encounter with the religious leaders of the day. Laughing as he sat at table enjoying a good meal. Laughing as His disciples shared stories of life change. Laughter is a powerful thing.

Back to Monsters Inc – in the beginning of the movie the screams of scared children powered the city the monsters lived in, but by the end that big blue monster Sulley - discovered that the laughter of those same children would provide far more power for the city than their screams ever would. Every ones lives were changed – the monsters no longer scare children, instead they made them laugh. The monsters no longer feared becoming contaminated by the children. The children who used to be afraid of the monster in the closet slept peacefully.

So BOO! Hope that made you laugh, I hope you will have many good laughs this week. I hope you will feel the power of love, joy, restoration and amazing life change when you do.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of laughter. Thank you for the power that laughter has to change our mood, our day and our lives. Help us to see the humor of life, even in the midst of the storms we face. May we carry divine laughter with us wherever we go so those around us can experience that power. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.

Glow In The Dark

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…”
Philippians 2:14-16

It had been a long week, a long month really and this particular day had dawned dark and rainy – lest you be deceived, church work is not glamorous – its hard work and those of us called to it carry a burden in our hearts that drives us to do this, rather than something else. I am not complaining I love what I do – I love everything about it, but sometimes I can see the darkness that is trying to overwhelm our planet. As I thought about that on my way to the office I thought about how incredible our world really is and how God placed in nature all sorts of things to hold back the dark. Science calls these things bioluminescent. I call them glow in the dark – these plants, fish, reptiles and insects make light that pushes back the darkness around them.

Stars glow in the dark. God made them along with the moon so that night wouldn’t be too dark. In this week’s passage Paul is giving the church in Philippi a pep talk telling them to shine like stars in the dark world that they live in by living out the “word of life”. As I write this a great song by Jason Gray is playing on the radio it’s called Glow In The Dark. I love the chorus – it says: “Doesn’t matter how deep, how dark the night is – keep hoping, keep shining and they’ll see His light burning in your heart. And if the road gets rough, just keep your head up; let the world see what you’re made of that His love’s alive in your deepest parts. Like a flame, like a burning star you can shine right where you are – He made you to glow in the dark.” We could call it being spiritluminescent – we could say we are “glow in the dark” people.

Jesus talks about us being luminescent – The Voice puts it this way “You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it” (Matthew 5:16 VOICE).

The darkness is doing its best to overwhelm our world but John opens his gospel by telling us that “The light (Jesus) shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5 NIV). The Message says “The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out” and The Voice says of this light that “It cannot and will not be quenched.”

The darkness cannot overwhelm us because God has placed His light in us, He has made us spiritluminescent – so today and every day no matter what you are facing, let that light shine – because someone else needs to see that light shining in their darkness.

Let’s be glow in the dark people.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for sending Your light into our world through your Son. Thank you that it is a light that cannot be overwhelmed by the darkness in this world. Thank you that we have been made glow in the dark by the power of Your spirit living in us. Help us every day even in the midst of the dark storms we face to let that light shine so that others can find their way through the darkness to Your heart. In the name of Jesus who makes us glow in the dark, we pray – Amen.

It Is Not About Us

“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘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. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’”
Matthew 22:34-40

Raise your hand if you have grown up in church or have been following Jesus for a long time…my hand going up. Our church staff, lay leaders and myself had spent two days at the Leadership Institute, a conference for church leaders. As some of us sat in a session called Radical Hospitality, the speakers was talking about the importance of making church services guest friendly and how that means we need to set aside our personal preferences for how we “do church”. What I heard in my heart was that radical hospitality is a sacrifice and that for us as leaders or longtime followers of Jesus - who have the assurance of eternity in our hearts - it is not about us.

Scripture bears this idea out. In its simplest expression being a follower of Jesus means to love God and love others. This week’s passage makes that clear. It’s interesting that Jesus isn’t really saying anything new here - his statement to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and to love others as yourself echoes words spoken generations earlier, they are words the Pharisees would be familiar with. Leviticus 19:33-34 says: When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 6:5 says: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. This particular passage point us back to Deuteronomy 5 and the Ten Commandments, which in case you’ve never noticed easily divides into “Love God and Love Others.”

You see it is not about us – it is about God and others. Of course as followers of Jesus Sunday mornings have something for us – it equips us for loving God and others. But it is more for the first time guest, for the person looking for something to fill that hole in their heart – that can only be filled with Jesus.

What does radical hospitality look like? Maybe it means sitting up front and in the middle of a row so that first time guests can sit in the back. Maybe it means embracing a different style of music so someone else can find the forgiveness, mercy, grace and life everlasting we already have. Maybe it means embracing scary looking change without having all the answers. Maybe it means being more involved in the community outside the walls of the church building. Maybe it means actually be the body of Christ to a hurting world. What will radical hospitality look like for you?

I really don’t know who else this message is for. I know it is helping me process something I know is important for me as I help to lead through change, change that I know is necessary and that it’s not about me. If you don’t need this – that’s ok. If you are feeling a bit convicted – good, heed the still small voice that may be speaking to your heart and take action. If you are feeling a bit offended – I’m not going to apologize, I am going to ask that pray that God reveals something new, something that will take you to a new level of faith and lead you to radical hospitality that’s not about you.

It is not about us… It is about loving God and loving others.

A Prayer
Father, forgive us for turning your church into something you never intended it be – an exclusive club where things are done our way instead of your way. Help those of us who have been walking with Your Son for a long time to understand that it is not about us – that it is about You and welcoming others into your kingdom as part of your family. Grant us the wisdom and courage to show radical hospitality and to fulfill the purpose you have for us. In the name of Jesus who teaches radical hospitality, we pray – Amen.

He's Watching Over You

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Psalm 121

I haven’t watch Dancing With the Stars since it’s early days but the season the world is watching as I write this has one “celebrity” dancer that I have been paying attention to. Perhaps it’s part of the Australian obsession, but more likely it is the back story of this young woman. 17 year-old Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin is that young woman and she is taking her life and the dance floor by storm. Dancing with her professional partner Derek Hough to Every Breath You Take, her most recent performance was an emotional tribute to her late father and her family. As I watched the segment on YouTube my thoughts turned to our heavenly Father.

It isn’t often that I use a whole chapter of Scripture but Psalm 121 seemed to speak into what my heart was thinking. Life isn't easy – we lose loved ones when we need them, jobs are lost, health fails, emotional and literal storms come – life can be a battering experience -Israel certainly could testify to the struggle.

In the midst of it the Maker of heaven and earth is watching over us, He never sleeps – he knows every breath we take because he has given us that breath. He knows when we have a sleepless night, he know the brokenness of our hearts when the world beats us up. When we slip He will be there to help us up. Just imagine what our lives would look like if He wasn’t protecting us. He sent His Son to make a way back to His Father, to show us how much the Father loves us and to let us know He is watching over us, that He sees us where we are and He hopes that we’ll want to be like Him.

For all of her 17 years, Bindi Irwin has wanted to be like her dad – I think he is probably very proud of her, I know her mom and little brother are you can see it in their faces. I want my heavenly Father to be proud of me – what about you?

He is watching over you, rest in the incredible fact that the Maker of everything is there for you no matter what you are going through, no matter where you are in life. Let that motivate you to be like Him.

A Prayer
Father, you know that there is so much in our world today that can cause us to slip, yet you are ready to catch us or pick us up - whatever we need. Help us to trust that love, when we feel worthless and alone. Help us to call to you. As you bring healing and protection to our lives, may we reflect all the love, care and protection you have given us to the world around us. In the name of Jesus who is our Way, we pray – Amen.

Don't Let Fear Determine Your Destiny

“Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, ‘The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.’”
Numbers 14:6-9

The Monster job search platform was running a commercial with the tag line “Don’t let fear determine your destiny” as I prepared to write this particular devotion. At the center of the commercial a young woman - whose career choice seems to go against conventional thinking – has found contentment in her choice, thanks to Monster of course. However, there is some truth to be found in that tag line. How often do we let fear keep us from being exactly who we are supposed to be, from being where we are supposed to be and from doing what we are supposed to be doing?

As I thought about that, the whole Biblical narrative that this week’s passage comes from came to mind. God using Moses, Aaron and Miriam had led the people out of Egypt. HE had been with them as they traveled to the edge of the Promised Land, HE had provided for them, everything they needed. They had witnessed miracle after miracle along the way. Now standing on the brink of the amazing life God had promised them, they rebelled because of they were afraid.

In this week’s passage, two of the men who had been on the “scouting” team – Joshua and Caleb passionately plea with their countrymen to fear not, to stay focused on God and not rebel against him. Unfortunately, their pleas fall on deaf ears – ears deafened by fear. Only Caleb and Joshua would live to see the Promise Land, their faith in the power of their God would see them safely to the land of milk and honey – they didn’t let fear determine their destiny.

What about you, Is God calling you to something new, something better, something outside your comfort zone? Will you be like Israelites who refused to take the land God wanted and was ready to give them or will you be like Joshua and Caleb ready to go whenever God gives the green light.

This world is a scary place and God likes calling us out of our comfort zones into something new and better – don’t let fear determine your destiny.

A Prayer
Father, you know how prone we are to fear. Be with us in a new way this week so that we are filled with your love that drives out fear. Be for us the courage we need to live an obedient and abundant life. Help us to live fearlessly in this scary world and in so doing shine the light of Christ. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.

Before and After

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:16-18

After seven months on the job it was time to make my office more reflective of who I am, of my preferences for color and style. I had already re-arranged some of the furniture and added a comfy chair with a side table. The biggest change would come by way of a fresh coat of paint. The brown walls and darker brown trim were being replaced with a rich smoky blue for the walls and cream for the trim. The change would not come over night, but it would happen slowly. However, each small change made a difference.

The Bible – both the Old and New Testaments – is filled with stories of lives transformed by the glorious power of the Living God. Moses went from being a murderer hiding in the desert to leader of the Hebrew people and his relationship with the God who had empowered him was so up close and personal, that he had to cover his face because it radiated God’s glory. Esther went from Jewish peasant girl to Persian Queen who would be so favored by her husband the king that her influence saved her people. Then there’s Paul author of this week’s passage.

Paul declares himself “the worst of all sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15) yet the transformation of his life from zealous Pharisee set on destroying followers of The Way to sold out disciple of Christ is miraculous. In this week’s passage he had been talking about the differences between the “old” covenant based on the law and the “new” covenant in Christ and how Jesus removes the veil covering the hearts of anyone who turns to Him. All of us who call ourselves Christian reflect the glory of the risen Lord to some degree and according to Paul we “are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory…” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

This incredible transformation, available to everyone because of God’s great love is a process. Just like the transformation of my office happened over time, so our hearts are being made new day by day. Sure when someone decides to follow Christ some major changes take place, differences that might be noticed right away. As heart healing begins, how we look on the outside begins to change and those around us notice the difference, but they are just catching a glimpse of the change that is happening.

The before and after pictures of my office, clearly show the change and reflect me. I can’t wait for that day when the transformation of my life is complete and I can see the before and after pictures – I know the changes will be beyond anything I can imagine. What about you? Is Jesus transforming you, is He healing your heart? Does your life reflect the changes He is making? Are you excited to see the before and after pictures? If not, tell Him you need Him and ask Him for His glorious makeover – He is excited to see your before and after.

A Prayer
Father, you know we like seeing before and after pictures as old things are made new, thank you that Jesus through His Holy Spirit is the renovator of our lives and by His power our old, beat up and broken lives are made new from the inside out. In this world renovations are expensive and life renovations cost more than any of us could ever hope to pay – so thank you that Jesus paid the price and that all we have to do is ask Him to take over and make us new. Help us everyday to let the newness of our lives shine and bring You glory. In the name of Jesus, the Renovator of our hearts and lives, we pray – Amen.

From the Shore

“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, ‘It is the Lord,’ he wrapped his outer garment around him…and jumped into the water.”
John 21:4 & 7

I look forward to my weekend walks around the lake at our neighborhood park. In the early morning quiet, I can think, pray and get some exercise. As I walk along the shore I enjoy God’s creation and some of his amazing creatures – ducks, geese and a lone heron. I think of Jesus walking along the shore of a lake on the other side of the world so long ago, and all that he did and taught along those shores.

Three years before the scene described in this week’s passage, Jesus was walking along the shore, perhaps even along this same stretch of the shore when he saw Simon Peter and his brother Andrew – Jesus called them to follow Him and to become fishers of men. A bit further up the shore Jesus calls two more brothers to follow him. All four of these young men left their livelihoods behind to follow a stranger to who knew where and to fish for men (what did that even mean?), but they followed – how amazing is that?

Over the next three years, these four men along with another eight would witness some incredible things and be taught things that were difficult to understand but that would change their lives forever. The time was so short, I suppose they thought they had much more to learn from this man Jesus who they knew with all their hearts to be the Son of God – but He was dead – He had told them what would happen, He had told Peter he would deny Him, something Peter fiercely denied he would never do, but did just like Jesus had said.

When in this week’s passage we once again see Jesus on the shore, calling this time to his friends it was the third time the Risen Lord had appeared to spend some time with His friends, with the men he was leaving behind to continue the work He had for them. Peter so wanted to be with Jesus he jumped out of the boat and waded ashore. Scripture doesn’t say what Peter did when he reached Jesus on the shore – did he give in a hug or fall on his knees, did he ask for forgiveness? What we do know is that they all ate breakfast together and then Jesus and Peter had a short fierce talk that restores the relationship between Peter and Jesus and sets Peter firmly back on the path Jesus means for him to follow.

Where are you today, this week? Are you drifting on the sea of life? Have you heard Him call to you from the shore? Maybe you are doing your best to follow Him but need to hear His voice encouraging you on the way. Maybe you’ve allowed life to interfere and have turn from him – listen He’s calling you from the shore of your life - rush back to the shore and into His embrace – you won’t regret it.

A Prayer
Father, thank you that Jesus stands at the shore life’s sea and calls us to come to him on solid ground. You know that sometimes the winds of life make it hard to hear Him calling to us across the distance – give us ears and hearts that hear Him in the gale. Help us daily to follow after Him and to call to others from the shore so that they too can be changed by Your love. In the name of Jesus we pray – Amen.

Forget Them Not

“...and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
1 Corinthians 11:24-26

It seems time has flown as vast parts of the planet and especially the U.S. stop for a moment to remember the tragic and senseless losses of 9/11. Fourteen years have gone by and in the wake of that terrible day another day of remembrance was born. 9/11 is not the only day that the humans of this planet take time to remember the sacrifices others have made for us. In America it is Memorial Day. England observes Remembrance Day, Australia and New Zealand remembers on Anzac Day. In the Netherlands it’s Dodenherdenking and Armistice Day in Belgium. It’s important to not forget the sacrifice of others who have allowed us to live free.

This week’s passage reflects the importance of remembering the sacrifices made. Jesus was preparing his disciples for what was about to happen. The Son of God was about to make the ultimate sacrifice, laying down His life to free them and us from sin and death and His followers were going to face some really hard things and they would need to remember His death was part of a divine plan and the start of a new and better covenant between God and mankind.

Jesus went to the cross, choosing to sacrifice His life for ours. Every day first responders around the world answer the call to serve and protect, never knowing when their lives will be demanded of them as they carry out their duties. Each day members of our Armed Forces and the Armed Forces around the world willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom and the freedom of others. It is good to have special days set aside to remember the courageous men and women who willingly lay down their lives daily.

Let us not forget the sacrifice that makes us eternally free. Let us not forget the sacrifices of those who serve and protect us every day. Let us forget them not.

A Prayer
Father, because of Your Son’s sacrifice we live free from sin and death, may we never forget that. Help us to live in a way that is a constant remembrance of that sacrifice – showing love, grace and mercy to those around us. Thank you that you have put it on the hearts of so many to willingly put their lives in harm’s way to serve and protect us, grant them divine protection and draw them near to you so that they have your power and strength. Help us to forget them not as we go about our lives every day. In the name of Jesus we pray – Amen.

Given Mercy to Give Mercy

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive our brother from your heart”
Matthew 18:32-35

Lots of titles were rumbling through my head and heart all trying to express some form of the same idea but not really getting to the point. It’s an interesting for of writers block, but not necessarily good for myself imposed deadlines. As I was studying, looking for that one passage that would accurately and contextually say what needs to be said, the parable of the “Unmerciful Servant”, from which this week’s passage came from; popped into my head.

Jesus used this parable to teach about His followers about forgiveness. See the wicked servant in this passage owed his master a ton of money – if it were today, the sum would have likely been in the millions of dollars – imagine owing your boss that much money. His master wanted him to pay up, but in an act of grace and mercy he forgave the debt and sent the servant on his way. The servant in turn found a fellow servant who owed him a couple of bucks and instead of giving the same mercy he had just received; he had him thrown in jail. That’s where we come into the story with this week’s passage. The master caught wind of what happened as was not pleased – needless to say things did not go well for the unmerciful servant and the passage ends with Jesus giving a warning that it would not go well for anyone who had been shown His mercy and then did not give it to someone else.

As followers of Christ we have all been shown a tremendous amount of mercy. None of us, on our own could have repaid the debt we owed because of our sin. If we tried to put a dollar amount on that debt it would be a number so big we would never be able to repay it. But, Jesus paid that debt with his life – an act of mercy so great that we should be filled with awe and humility. Jesus said the two greatest commandments were to love God and love others (see Matthew 22:34-40). Earlier in Matthew Jesus warns his listeners not to judge least they be judged (see Matthew 7:1-6).

Bottom line if you've been to the cross you've been given the gift of mercy so you can give mercy and in turn love someone else to the cross.

A Prayer
Father, really there are no words to fully express what extravagant gift of your mercy and grace means. There is no way we could have paid the debt owed but Your Son paid it in full. Your word tells us that to whom much has been given much will be expected. If we could spend our lives giving to others all that you have given to us with Your love, mercy and grace the world would be a better place but we will still need Your mercy, because we will still be short of Your standard. Help each day to love You, love other and give away the mercy we've been given. In the name of Jesus who paid the debt – Amen.

The Reach of Divine Comfort

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; Trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3

The day had started out with the rumble of thunder and some rain – nothing really unusual for the mid-west. A text from a dear friend asking for prayer let loose a storm in my heart. I called with no real words to share – we spent some minutes fighting the tears we were sharing across nearly 2000 miles. My heart was breaking and my arms were simply just not long enough to reach her for a hug. We both knew, though that there was a divine comfort reaching across those miles and hugging both of us in a divine embrace.

This week’s passage from John’s Gospel is really about the reach of divine comfort. Jesus is trying to prepare his friends for what is about to happen. He tells them not to let their hearts be troubled, that no matter what they witness over the next few days, no matter how huge the storms in their hearts feel – He would be able to reach them, to give them peace, comfort and an amazing future in eternity.

In the Old Testament God told Moses and Joshua to be strong and courageous because He would never leave them. Jesus is telling his friends the same thing in not so many words, they would understand eventually. It is hard in the midst of the pain and loss this world often throws at us to understand the power of His divine comfort, but we can feel it when we need to – it will pull us into a hug that will get us through the moments, or the storm or whatever we are facing.

So this week no matter what you are facing – let not you hearts be troubled, the reach of His divine comfort will reach all the way to where you are.

A Prayer
Father, you see us and you know full well how this world can beat us up. You know how troubled our hearts can become and You encourage us to trust You – to trust that your Divine comfort will reach us. Thank you for the divine comfort that reaches us where we are and wraps us up in a hug that can still our troubled hearts if only for a moment. In the name of Jesus, our friend and comfort in times of trouble – Amen.

Stretched By Love

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”
1 Thessalonians 3:12

I really detest anything having to do with Christmas before Thanksgiving, so imagine my surprise when as I was praying and studying for this week’s devotion when the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas popped into my head. Not one of my most favorite stories but I love the transformation that takes place in the Grinch when his heart goes from “two sizes to small” to “three times larger.” I also like how little Cindy Lou gives him the benefit of the doubt when she interrupts his thievery and even as he lied his way out of the situation. Her trust and the look in her eyes, in my opinion is where the heart change starts.

Paul along with his brothers in Christ had established a church in Thessalonica, but had to leave sooner than they would have liked due to the persecution they were facing. In Athens, Paul decided to send Timothy to check on the Thessalonians and encouraged by what Timothy has to say when he returns - pens his first letter to the church. In the majority of the letter he sharing how encouraged he is by the news and shares his desire to go and visit. In this week’s passage Paul is praying that the Lord would make their hearts grow in love, a love that would become so abundant that it would overflow into another’s lives and into the lives of the people around them.

That their hearts would become 3 times larger, 300 times larger with the love of Christ overflowing into everyone they encountered. Into the lives, possibly of those who may be persecuting them. Into the lives of people who were different from them. Into the lives of those who were separated from God by sin.

A bit later in the letter Paul reminds them to make sure their own lives are in order and that they are living lives pleasing to God, a sort of reminder that our actions can speak to the size of our hearts. This reminder seems to beg the questions – Are any of us in the position to cast the first stone? Is there something in our lives that needs to be removed or fixed before we dare tell someone else what needs to be fixed their life?

In the story, no one forced the Grinch’s two sizes to small heart to grow to three times larger – it was the spirit of the Who’s Christmas that drew him in and transformed him. We cannot change anyone, but if we love people with Christ’s love from faithful hearted stretched by that love, we can draw them to the cross where Christ’s Spirit can stretch their hearts and transform their lives too.

A Prayer
Father, thank you that your love for us stretches our too small hearts and fills out new hearts to overflowing. Forgive for the times when we forget all that you have done for us and withhold your love from the people around us who really need it. In those times when our own self-righteousness gets the better of us stretch our hearts with your love in a new way. In the name of Jesus who chose to love us when we were not worthy of His love – Amen.

Excuses, Excuses

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’”
Exodus 3:11

A long time ago at a concert the singer told a story about a time when God told him to give away his most favorite guitar. He had one of those negotiation talks with God – but ended up giving that guitar away. More than a decade ago I had one of those moments with God. Lying in bed one night praying, because I couldn’t sleep, when I heard a voice say “get up and pray” – I responded twice that I could pray just fine lying there in bed – I ended up on my knees in the living room. The results of these two experiences later, but for now let’s look at one of these conversions that took place much longer ago.

This week’s passage is the beginning of Moses’ excuses conversation with God. A little background in case you are not familiar with the story of Moses. Born at a time when the Egyptian Pharaoh had called for all male Hebrew babies to be killed. Moses was kept safe and eventually would end up in the palace being raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. As a grown man he would kill an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave and have to flee his privileged life. Moses ends up working as a shepherd for his father-in-law. That’s where we pick up the story. Moses has a close encounter with God where God essentially tells him “I have a job for you – a job that your whole life has been preparing you for” and Moses starts making excuses.

This week’s passage is the first excuse “who am I?” I’m a nobody, a shepherd, a murderer, etc. As the conversion continues it is filled with God answering each of Moses’ “yes, but” comments. “But what if they don’t believe me? (Exodus 4:1). “But, I don’t speak well, I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10). “Please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). The end result - Moses’ goes to do what God has asked and God provides everything He would needs from co-leaders to provision in the wilderness.

I am sure God sometimes wishes that when He asks something of us we would just do it without argument or excuses, but I also think the conversation is important because by the end of it we want to do it and we have a better understanding of God and His desire to be with us in the journey.

What happened with the singer who gave away his favorite guitar – he received so many guitars as gifts he was able to find new favorite, plus give more away. What about my late night on my knees in the living room experience? I had the most incredible spiritual, up close and personal encounter with Jesus. If I had stayed in bed I would have missed it.

What is God asking you to do? What excuses are you making? Are you afraid? Not enough time? Not smart enough? A nobody? Too old? Too young. Let me encourage you this week have the conversation and if you have to make excuses do, but then choose to do whatever you are being asked to do – not only will you bless God and someone else, you be blessed in ways you can’t even imagine.

A Prayer
Father, thank you; for not just asking once. Thank you for letting us have that conversation with you about why we think we are not the right person for the job. Thank for providing everything we need for the things you have for us to do. Thank you that our obedience brings you glory and brings us blessing. In the name of Jesus we pray for wisdom and open hearts to hear your call – Amen.

Help! I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up

“The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down”
Psalm 145:13b-14

I don’t know why but this week’s passage reminded me of that old television commercial for personal distress alarms. You know the one with the older lady lying on the floor, kicking her legs and yelling “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” The commercial became a joke, but there is some truth in it. Sometimes we do fall – physically and sometimes spiritually – and we can’t get ourselves back up. David reminds us this week that God will be there to pick us up.

There are plenty of stories in the Bible about people who have fallen and wouldn’t have been able to get back up if God hadn’t stepped in. Peter’s denial of Jesus is one example. David’s time in the wilderness on the run from Saul another. Jonah’s time-out in the belly of a big fish still another. David really knew what it meant to fall once he had become king and decided to take something, rather someone who belonged to someone else. When David finally realized how far he had fallen he knew the only One who could help him up was his God. The woman caught in adultery that was brought before Jesus knew how far she had fallen, what she may not have known was that Jesus was the only One who loved her enough to help her up.

Plenty of stories about fallen people being picked up by a loving, compassionate grace filled God. A word of caution here – when we fall, God will pick us up, dust us off, forgive us and set us back on track but that doesn’t mean our lives all of a sudden become perfect. It doesn’t mean that we may not have to face the consequences of our fall. It does mean that He will be with us holding us up and helping us to clean up the mess we've made.

Then once we've been helped up, we are meant to use our experience with God’s grace to help others up who have fallen – because we've been there and understand.

We all fall once in a while – sometimes we can get up on our own and sometimes we start yelling “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” If no one else is there to help Jesus will be.

A Prayer
Father, thank you; for being faithful in keeping your promises. Thank you for picking us up when we fall, for dusting us off and forgiving us. Thank you for going even further and helping us clean up the mess we’ve made on the way down. Thank you that we are never really alone. In the name of Jesus who picks us up we pray – Amen.

Working Hard

“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:34-35

It had been a long week, the kind of week that occupies my mind so that things like this devotion end up being late according to my timing. The “business” of church is hard work, it can exhaust you mentally, physically, emotionally and yes even spiritually – sometimes. Do not in any way take that as a complaint – I love what I do and where I am doing it – it’s just the reality of “doing church”. I love that I get to use all of my gifts everyday to care for the church and the people who walk into my office. Yes it is hard work, exhausting and sometime painful but, it is also so satisfying and worth it. I think that’s how Paul felt about it too and his job was a lot rougher than mine, a lot rougher than most people’s jobs.

In this week’s passage Paul is saying goodbye to a group of church elders from Ephesus. Paul is encouraging them to keep up the work they had started no matter how hard things got. Reminding them of how he lived and worked hard, despite all of the difficulties he had and would continue to face. In the face of everything I am confident that on those nights where sleep actually found Paul – that he rested satisfied, that he was using the gifts he had been given, working hard to do the work that he had been called to do and that lives were being changed – including his own.

What about you? Are you working hard or hardly working? Maybe you think you are too old to make a difference in someone else’s life. Maybe you are just trying to make it through each day and put food on your table, feeling like there is nothing left to do any more. Maybe you are working hard, but feel overwhelmed by all the need you see around you. Paul got all of his strength from God and he had made sure that these elders, indeed everyone who we might say “worked” for him and with him, knew that that power and strength was available to them as well. To this particular group he told them “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

Whatever you do, work at it with God’s strength. Work hard - to be the best version of yourself and to make a difference in the lives of those around you.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for gifts you have given us and for the things that you have called us to do. Give us the strength we need to work hard and to continue working hard when we are overwhelmed by the needs we see around us. Thank you also for the rest that you bring to us and for the satisfaction that comes in the giving of ourselves to others. Show us where are gifts are most needed. In name of Jesus, who set for us an example of working hard – Amen.

It's Peaceful Here

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”
Psalm 23:2-3

I have a friend, well a virtual friend who lives on the beautiful Australian island of Tasmania. This friend posts incredible photographs of where she lives, many of which remind me of California. One of the photographs she posted was of a tree lined, dirt country road – that much of the image alone sets my mind at ease, but that isn’t the whole picture. In the middle of the road is a lone chook (chicken for my American friends) and at the end of the road a little white country church with a green roof. That is my kind of place, a place that brings peace to my mind and soul.

This week’s passage paints a similar peaceful picture for me – what about you?

I like that God uses the language of farming and nature to teach us about who he is and what He stands ready to do for us and with us if we believe and trust in Him. It is a language we can understand. David was just a young shepherd, the youngest son when he appears in the Biblical narrative. God would make David a hero and King, but the journey to becoming king would not be an easy one. Through it all David’s God led him to places of peace, gave him courage when he needed it and at times when David failed miserably, God showed him incredible mercy, grace and forgiveness – now that’s peace.

Jesus refers to himself as “The good shepherd” (John 10:11, 14), which means He’s the one who makes us lie down in green pastures. He’s the one who leads us beside quiet water. He’s the one who restores our souls. No matter what we are facing he will lead us to places of peace, He will give us courage when we need it and when we fail miserably…well we’ll find more peace as we receive His mercy, grace and forgiveness.

What makes you say – it’s peaceful here? Is it a tree lined country road? Is it the shore with the roar of the sea? Is it the mountains? Maybe it’s a sunset from your front porch or back patio. I hope that is being in His presence wherever you are.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for the incredible peace that you have for us. Thank you for leading us to places where we can rest and be restored. Thank you for giving us the courage we need to face the storms and battles of this life. Thank you for Your mercy, grace and forgiveness which also brings us peace. Help us to share Your peace with those around us. In name of Jesus, our Good Shepherd - Amen

Prove It

“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.”
Proverbs 27:19

Birth certificate…check. Marriage certificate…check. Two items to prove residency (signed lease and utility bill with my name on it)…check. California driver’s license…check. Social Security Card…check. Those are all the documents I needed to prove that I am me and that I now reside in Kansas, so I could get a Kansas drivers license. I don’t think you have to work that hard to get a U.S. Passport. Whether or not I think that was a little overkill is not the point. The point is sometimes we have to prove who we are and sometimes, as followers of Christ we have to prove we are citizens of another kingdom as well.

This week’s passage is really just an introduction to how we go about proving who we are in Christ. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” So we prove our identity in Christ, in part by loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. Note Jesus doesn’t say anything about denominations here; He just says others will know we are His by how we treat other members of the family. Earlier in response to a question about the greatest commandment Jesus says: “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). Loving God and loving others, sounds easy, but in a fallen world it is often easier said than done, because it means loving people we don’t like or who are different from us or who from our fallen perspective are worse sinner than we are.

Fortunately, there are some other things we need to help prove we are who we say we are. The Apostle Paul speaking to the Colossian Christians and us says: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved (let’s sit with this a minute – we are chosen, holy and dearly loved by the creator of the universe), clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love (there’s that word love again), which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12-14).

Are you ready? If you are called upon to prove who you are in Christ by how you love God and others will you be able to prove it?

A Prayer
Father, thank you that that Your Word provides for the information necessary to prove our identity in You. Help us to stand ready to love those around us, especially our brothers and sisters in such a way that others are drawn to You in order to find their true identities. In name of Jesus who showed us what it means to prove it - Amen

Dangerously Beautiful

“On the morning of the third day there was there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.”
Exodus 19:16, 18-19

The American Mid-West is subject to fierce storms. These regular thunderstorms in the right circumstances can cause severe damage and under the right conditions can turn deadly. However, the run of the mill storm is beautiful in its power, color, light shows and varying sorts of thunder. We had been living the Mid-West for five or so months when the conditions became ripe for a regular thunderstorm to go very wrong. Emergency sirens blared, people sought cover in all sort of places. Pictures in the days that followed the storm showed tornadoes and damage. As I look at the pictures of tornadoes I couldn’t help but think that in the midst of those potentially deadly weather events that tornadoes are dangerously beautiful.

Meditating on the incredible power and beauty of the nature God created I couldn’t help but think how often weather terms are used to describe the power and majesty of God. In this week’s passages the Israelites had made their escape from Egypt and the Lord had led them to the foot of Mount Sinai, where they are all about to have a fearsome encounter with God and where Moses would once again speak to God as you and I would speak to each other.

I really like the picture of power and majesty this week’s passages describe – thunder, lightning, thick clouds blanketing the summit and the Lord descending on the mountain in fire turning the underside of those red and yellow hot with smoke rising and a trumpet announcing His arrival getting louder and louder. It was into this dangerously beautiful environment that Moses went to talk with God. The people left at the foot of the mountain were afraid, so imagine how Moses’ brother Aaron must of felt when Moses came back down to get him to take him to the mountain top.

Later I love what Moses’ said to the people trying to calm them down after what they had witnessed. He said, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear (awestruck respect) of God will be with you to keep you from sinning” (Exodus 20:20).

In the New Testament we see another dangerously beautiful event take place – a horrendously, brutal death meant that mankind could be restored and made new if they believed Jesus and accepted his awesome gift of grace and mercy, forgiveness and love.

Being a follower of Christ is a dangerously beautiful journey because followers are called to live against the cultural tide, against the world’s status quo and to be a beacon of light to a world being overcome by darkness.

When we embrace the power God has for us and stand humbly in His majestic power, we can change the world. Are you ready to live a dangerously beautiful life?

A Prayer
Father, thank you that that Your Word paints such vivid pictures of who you are and what Your powerful love looks like. Help us to live the dangerously beautiful life you have called your people to. Be the power we need to reflect Your amazing light and love to the world. In name of Jesus who showed us what it is to live dangerously beautiful - Amen

Please Welcome...Amber Lawrence!

I think Twitter is magical. I created a twitter account so I could follow the church I am on staff with and to have another avenue for sharing Something Special For You – then all of a sudden Twitter is letting me know that so and so is following you and I’m like “What?!” how does that happen.

A while back I got just such a message from Twitter saying someone named Amber Lawrence was following me. My first response was who is that and how did she stumble across me? So I followed her right back.

Some of you know that for a several years now Australia has become a near obsession – don’t know why but the Lord has a reason for it and some day He’ll let me in on the plan.

Anyway – since I am not feeling well this week I thought would share a blog I read that encourages me - so please Welcome to Something Special For You – Award winning Australian Country Music singer/songwriter and motivational blogger… Amber Lawrence! 

The her blog this month is titled 

How nerves don’t get the better of me anymore 

When I worked in an office, a long time ago, before I had the dream to become a singer and songwriter – I used to sit in the safety and comfort of my job most days. I generally didn’t have to put myself ‘out there’, exposing myself to my fear of failure, embarrassment or discomfort.

Once my life merged more towards my current job – i.e. getting up on stage and playing songs that I’d written, in front of strangers, not really knowing if I’m any good or not. Or writing a blog and posting it on the internet for anyone to read and analyse, I realised I was a bundle of nerves and maybe even insecurity. A bundle of nervous energy trying to impress people, and not evening knowing why. And more importantly, not knowing how to not think that way.

But then, about 2 years ago, I flicked on the radio, and Trevor Hendy was being interviewed. Trevor Hendy is an ex high achieving sportsman, Ironman, Surf Lifesaver and someone I loved watching compete on TV back when I was a Surf Lifesaver. He now operates an online coaching program called ‘Boot Camp for the Soul’. So his chat on radio was being derived from all of these experiences.

The one point I took from the chat was in reference to how to calm yourself down before a performance (Trevor Hendy was talking about sport), but I was able to see how it applies for music, performance and life in general. Now I’m paraphrasing here – but it was a comment along the lines of “when you’re nervous, concentrate on the fact that you are giving something of yourself to the very best of your ability. You are giving it without a need for anything in return. It is a gift”. I don’t know if this sounds a bit weird or not – but it’s certainly worked for me. By standing in front of an audience with an attitude of ‘I’m giving the best of myself, that’s the best I can do’, it somehow helps my nerves disappear! It’s kind of like you melt away the need to be accepted because you’ve accepted yourself first. It’s just a different way of looking at things I guess. Thinking that way – when 100 thoughts are flying through my mind about ‘not being good enough’ – allows me to slow down my breathing, smile, have fun and get on with the job. Thanks Trevor!

I perform a lot of shows in schools, and a common question I get asked is ‘how can I stop feeling nervous’? I generally respond with these 3 points:

1. Breathe – if you can slow down your breathing, and not panic – no matter how many nerves you tell yourself you have – your breathing will save you. If you still have air, you won’t die, or choke on stage!

2. Think along the lines of my Trevor Hendy mantra – ‘you are giving your best’ how could anyone not appreciate that? (of course if you’re not giving your best, and just “phoning it in,’ perhaps you’ll still feel nervous).

3. On the whole, I truly believe audiences don’t want you to suck! They are not waiting for you to fail. They want you to be good, so just go on and be good! Simple hey?

Love this quote about not letting nerves get the best of you, from basketball great Shaquille O’Neal:

"I don’t get nervous in any situation. There’s no such thing as nerves when you’re playing games"

So I guess what he’s saying is do your best and have some fun!

How do you deal with nerves? and when do you get nervous?

Have a great day xx

Amber



Amber thanks so much for letting me share your wonderful thoughts about overcoming nerves – so important because we can all let that get in the way of becoming who we are supposed to be.


Amber’s blog can be found at www.followingyourarrow.com

Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amberlawrencemusic

Follow her on Twitter @amberlawrence

Check out her music on YouTube



A Prayer
Father, thank you that technology can bring us together from all over the world. Continue to inspire and bless Amber as she writes songs to touch lives and writes words to encourage and motivate others to be their best selves. In Jesus’ name - Amen

Just Because You Can't See...

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”
John 20:29

Six days a week I experience something very unusual. The U.S. headquarters of Garmin – think portable GPS units – are just down the street from the church where I work. It is a large complex with a multi-story building at its center. Ok, not really too much unusual about that description, I know. Every morning when we drive past on the way to the church I see the Garmin building usually against the dawn sky. On the way home, however, I don’t see it unless I make a real effort to look for it. I don’t know if it’s the landscaping around it, the prominence of the Garmin sign on the corner or that my mind is elsewhere, I just don’t see it for whatever reason. The result - every morning I am just a little amazed to see that tall Garmin building standing against the pale morning sky.

In this week’s passage Jesus is having a chat to Thomas – you know of doubting fame. Thomas had been out when Jesus made his first post resurrection visit to the upper room and despite the other’s he had been doing life with telling him Jesus had been there, they had seen him, talked to him – Thomas was having none of it. He wasn’t going to believe until he had seen and touched Jesus himself. That’s where we come in on the scene. While I am sure Jesus was pleased that Thomas finally “got it” I often wonder what went on in Jesus’ mind when dealing with these sorts of situations. Jesus however makes it clear that those who believe even without seeing are a step ahead somehow in the faith department. 

Where are you in all of this? Are you willing to believe when you cannot see? Are you someone who needs proof? If you are a modern day follower of Christ chances are there was a point when you believed without proof, but maybe life on this planet has caused doubt - is that you?

If you have been following Jesus for any length of time and find yourself doubting, questioning why your prayers haven’t been answered the way you want or wondering whether or not you have enough faith. Take look behind you. Can you see where He was with you in the past? If yes then trust that, because He is unchanging, that just because you can’t see doesn’t mean that He isn’t there. If you are new to this thing called faith in Christ or are looking for that one thing you are missing in life - it’s ok to ask Him for what you need to believe.

I don’t need to see the Garmin building on my way home to know that it’s there - because it is. It’s kind of nice every morning to be a little amazed by its presence against the sky. I don’t need to see the nail scars that Jesus bears to know He’s real; I have experienced His work and presence in my life many times. So even when I can’t see Him - I know He’s there.

I want to encourage you to believe that just because you can’t see doesn’t mean He is not there working in your life, drawing you nearer to His heart. Trust, have just a tiny bit of faith and be amazed every day.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for allowing us our doubts and for sometimes giving us the proof we need to believe. Help us to grow in our knowledge of You so that when we can’t see You working or feel You near, we will still believe Jesus is who He says He is and be ready for the blessings that come with that. Help us when needed to be the proof of You when someone else is doubting. In the name of Jesus - who is there even when we can’t see, we pray - Amen

Let Us Pray

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: …
Luke 11:1-2a

I did not think I would be writing about prayer, but, then something interesting happened and it became clear that prayer should indeed be the topic this week. I have been doing ministry online with a friend who lives in Texas. We are both at a place where this particular season of ministry is coming to an end as we both make room for doing what the Lord would have us do. We were communicating via email when my friend asked if I might answer a few questions to help her prepare a Bible study. My responses to those questions have become the stuff of devotions – apparently.

The first question I was asked was: “What is prayer to you?” This was followed up with: “How do you maintain a rich prayer life?” After some thought I responded by saying that to me, prayer is an ongoing conversation with Jesus; sometimes with me talking and more importantly, sometimes with me listening. The second part of the question took a bit more thought but ultimately I was honest with my friend and told her. It's hard to say how I maintain a rich prayer life, since I often feel like I am in "constant contact". But here are a few things I do. First, when someone asks me personally for prayer - I pray with them right then and there whether it’s in person, on the phone, via email or text or Facebook - you get the picture. Next, I like being quiet and still so when I really need to focus on something I need divine guidance on I seek solitude - this might mean spending some time in the sanctuary of my church, or going for a walk or a bike ride. Third, being outside often makes me feel more in touch with his creation and is good for those times when I need to listen. Sometimes I pray the Scriptures, putting my name or the name of someone else into the text - the Psalms and the Lord's Prayer are particularly good for this. Saying the Lord's Prayer is a regular part of my prayer life, I often say it multiple times a day. 

There are things about prayer that I have learned over the years: nothing is too small, it's ok to pray for myself, and prayer doesn't have to be eloquent, but is must be authentic.

My friend then asked: “What aspects of the Lord's Prayer speak into your prayer life?” I replied that the short answer was - all of it does. Jesus, has provided us with a perfect model of prayer. More specifically I think it depends on where I'm at and what I am dealing with.

The Lord’s Prayer in full - really begins and ends in the worship of the One who hears our prayers and has the power to answer them. Which, in my opinion makes worship, just as much an act of prayer as praying itself?

His will be done - this is key. When we strive to live in and pray for His will - we place things firmly into His hands. This is the most dangerous part of the prayer - because we may say we want His will, but it often comes at a great price.

His provision - Our daily bread (Luke 11:3)...He stands ready to give us what we need for the day. Manna in the wilderness, all of his creation is provided for each day.

His forgiveness - is the healing and freedom for our souls and lives. The power of His forgiveness drives our ability to forgive others.

His protection - we won't know until we get to the other side everything that he saved us from, but as we look back we hopefully see that his protections was and is with us everyday helping us to walk the path He lays before us.

Amen - "So be it" by closing the prayer with Amen we are affirming that the we believe and trust that He will do what we have asked and that we are prepared to accept His will.

Great thought provoking questions - right? You’ve read my thoughts as I answered them, so this week I want to encourage you to ask yourself these questions. What is prayer to you? How do you maintain a rich prayer life? What aspects of the Lord’s Prayer speak into your prayer life? 

So be it - let us pray.

A Prayer
Father - thank you, for giving us a way to communicate with you. Help us to not take that for granted, or to think that we need to do all the talking. Remind us that you already know exactly who we are and what is in our hearts - so we can just be real with You when we talk. Thank you that Your Son teaches us a perfect prayer that reveals much about your character. Grant us the courage to ask for Your will to be done and to stand ready to accept it. In the name of Jesus, we pray - Amen, so be it.

Excuse me...You are in My Way

“Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”
Luke 10:41-42

Pastor Derek had shared story from his childhood about how getting a gift he really wanted had caused him to set aside another gift because of the way it looked. That “other” gifted turned out to be a way better gift. His story reminded me of another story I had heard – a story about a little girls and a pearl necklace.

You see this little girl wanted a dime store pearl necklace – she was willing to do chores for it, and a birthday gift allowed her to buy it. It was her most prized possession. This little girl had a daddy who really loved her and each night would tuck her in at bedtime. One night he asked her “do you love me?” The little girl answered yes of course and her daddy asked for the pearl necklace. She wouldn’t give up her prized pearl necklace. He asked several times to have the necklace and each time the little girl refused. One night though, he found her sitting on the bed with tears in her eyes. She handed over the necklace and as her daddy took the little necklace he replaced it with another made with REAL pearls.

Sometimes like the young Derek or the little girl we get in the way of what the Lord is wanting to do for us or give to us. This week’s passage is another example of how we can get in the way. Martha and Mary both knew who Jesus was and they were excited to have him in their home. Mary had already decided that nothing was going to get in the way of spending time with Him. Martha however had decided dinner was more important – she was in the way of the blessing that was waiting for her. We know from the passage, that Mary’s decision to get out of the way was the better one, but I always wonder after reading this if Martha managed get out of the way and join Mary at the feet of Jesus.

So what are you holding onto that is making you get in your own way when it comes to what Jesus wants to do in your life? Has He tapped you on the shoulder and said, “Excuse me… You are in My way.”? Has he asked “do you love me…give me (you fill in the blank)?” Maybe it is a tangible thing some prized possession that is keeping you in the way. Maybe it is an unwillingness to change direction or a wrong idea about how God works in our lives. May be it is fear or busyness or a God doesn’t really care attitude that is keeping you in the way of what He longs to be and do in your life.

This week I want to encourage you to look at your life and think about what you are hanging on to that is in the way of something better. Then the next time He taps you on the should and says “excuse me…” let whatever it is go and step out of the way so He can give you something better.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for wanting the best for us. Help us to know when we are getting in the way of what you have for us and then grant us the courage to step out of the way. In the name of Jesus, we pray - Amen

From Villain to Hero

“But now I urge to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”
Acts 27:22-25

Over the course of the past few years on the popular television program Once Upon A Time, the character Regina Mills, aka the Evil Queen has slowly transformed from a villain to a hero – because love has changed her heart. It hasn’t been an easy journey for her, she has often slipped along the way and been tempted by circumstances to go back to her evil ways but she thus far is staying the course.

One of criminals crucified alongside Jesus, while not going from villain to hero certainly went from bad guy to saint when Jesus told him “today you will be with me in paradise.” Saul aka Paul made a transition from villain to hero after his close encounter with the risen Christ. Now unlike the Evil Queen who was quite aware of her wretched state, Saul actually thought he was a hero for attempting to destroy the followers of the Way. Indeed his fellow religious leaders would have agreed that he was. But his heart was changed when he met the One he was really persecuting. His new found faith and trust in the Living God made him a true Hero.

In this week’s passage we see his faith in action. Everyone else on that ship bound for Rome had lost hope; they were prepared to surrender their lives to the sea. When Paul steps up, gives them a supernatural pep-talk and restores their courage. Later we learn they all survived and spent a comfortable time on Malta, where many lives were changed because of Paul’s presence and his faith.

We all have short comings; we all need the life changing work of Jesus in our lives. For the people I know personally who read this none of us have been bad enough to be called villains but that doesn’t change our need for the heart healing only Jesus brings. But I don’t know everyone who may read this and it could come before someone who has made the transition from villain to hero and can relate to the life changing power Paul experienced. Maybe, someone will see it that is in utter despair, recognizing their own wretchedness and believing nothing and no one will be able to pull them out of the mire. For those I want you to know there is someone who has the power to change a dark heart to a heart filled with light and life; to change a villain into a hero or at the very least a saint. His name is Jesus and He gave His everything so that anyone and everyone who will believe and trust in Him will be made new and find their never ending happy ending.

If Jesus has already made you a saint, take it a step further and let Him make you a hero by being Jesus to the world around you. If you are reading this and you know you are a villain and have no hope, look for Jesus – He is probably already standing right there beside you just waiting to pull you out of the mire and turn you into a hero.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for loving us so much that we can go from being wretched villains to faith filled heroes because of your Son. Help us each day to be the heroes you desire us to be by loving the unlovable, caring for the hurting and reflecting the light of Christ to the world around us. Be especially near those who need to have a close encounter with You pulling them out of the muck and mire of a darkened heart. In the name of Jesus who indeed our Hero, we pray - Amen