“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”  Galatians 5: 16 (New Living Translation)

Does anyone have a “sweet tooth”. I do.  Craving delightfully tasting desserts and candies is a great word picture that can describe our sinful nature, that inner drive to go against living in step with God’s Holy Spirit. Indulging in too much sugar can lead to becoming overweight or developing diseases such as diabetes or cancer. Living outside of God’s desires for us can lead to results that are very clear: “sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.” (verses 19-21)

Quite the list isn’t it? Every one of those words describes behaviors that are full of ugliness and make no mistake defining what is objectionable to God. The human nature to sin is obvious within all of us; the person who is humble and willing to be honest can find themselves in one or more of the behaviors that Paul writes about here in his letter to the Galatians. 

Within the foundations of Celebrate Recovery, along with using the common 12 steps, is the use of Jesus’ own words from the beatitudes found in Matthew. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5: 6) which corresponds with steps 6 & 7: “Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects.”

“Follow your heart” has become a popular idiom encouraging people to make decisions based on deep emotions, intuition, and authentic desires rather than purely on logic. I would add it also means we are leaving God out of the process. While the exact origin of this phrase is unknown, its concept traces back to ancient philosophies and was popularized by 18th century romanticism and modern self-help culture. It’s a phrase that sounds wonderful, powerful and true, yet it’s actually dangerous as it most certainly leaves God out of decision making processes. I think this is why Paul wrote what he did, that we need the Holy Spirit in our lives to guide and keep us from straying into sin’s mire and muck.  Furthermore, Paul warns us that anyone living “that sort of life” will not inherit the Kingdom of God. So then,  how do we avoid being on the outskirts of God’s Kingdom? Thankfully, Paul answers that question.

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there.” To belong, we confess faith in Christ.

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” To follow, we need to surrender control and yield to the Spirit’s authority.

The key word is “every”. Not some. Not a few. Not what we are willing to give up. The total sum of “every”–when nailed to Christ’s cross–gives us freedom from our sinful nature, grace to pursue lives that chase after holiness versus carnal desires that only lead to destruction and separation from God.

As I work to get cravings for sugar under control concerning healthier lifestyle changes, I’m learning to read food labels that show me where “hidden sugars” may be present. Likewise, to be more faithful following a Spirit filled life, I spend time reading scripture where thankfully healthy ingredients abound which teach, guide, and fill me–all in pure form, no fake additives!

“Taste and see that the Lord is good…!” (Psalm 34: 8) 

“No one is out of God’s reach. If His mercy was offered to the crowd who murdered Jesus, it’s available to everyone”. (Author unknown)

What does it feel like to be hit with a ton of bricks? I certainly hope I never find out the answer to that question, but if I were to wager a guess I’d have to surmise that the above statement gives a good definition to the query. 

To understand God’s immeasurable depth of love, we need to also study and comprehend the amount of mercy He carries as one of His attributes. Our source of information regarding God’s attributes can be found in much of the Old Testament books where countless times He spared life, even though there are also accounts of people being dealt consequences and punishment. Take for example, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as recorded in Genesis 19. 

I like how mercy is defined as “compassionate treatment, especially for those under one’s power”. Certainly, when we become followers of Christ it means that we have surrendered our lives to His authority, the supremacy of scripture, laying aside selfish desires to replace them with becoming more Christ-like as we journey with Him establishing and building our faith. 

By dissecting this sentence, we can determine 1) no one is incapable of God’s love 2) mercy is for everyone, regardless of behavior. I know–because I’ve been at fault–too often we–in our own flesh and sinful ways–exclude or put labels on “who” is deserving of God’s mercy, even to the point of judging a person’s relationship with Christ in regard to their salvation. When I’ve fallen trap to this line of thinking I quickly take myself back to a teaching I heard from Dr. David Jeremiah. 1) God is the only one who can judge a person’s heart for He knows our innermost being and 2) I can judge a person based on their actions and words, for both are visible to me. Calling these two options a plumbline for measuring my thoughts, putting them into practice has saved me a lot from inner turmoil or operating in a critical spirit.

Admittedly, it’s hard for me to fathom that some of history’s worst people could be in heaven. In my own life, witnessing by reading about Ted Bundy and later Jeffrey Dahlmer’s evil actions caused me to lay down judgement on their souls. Yet, before both men died there is credible evidence of each repenting from their sins, being assured of forgiveness, and counted as ones who would enjoy the rewards of eternal life. How then, do I have any right to place “qualifications” on who does or does not receive God’s mercy? God does not place any qualifiers on humans either in order to receive salvation, other than “believing in Jesus, placing faith in Him”. Paul, in his letter to Romans wrote, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”. In Paul’s words we find additional simply worded truths–declaring and believing delivers being saved from eternal damnation! No one but God can do that. 

You and I don’t have the right or position to determine who God gets to love or save. What we do have is the example of a loving savior who taught us to sow and reap the fruit of His spirit which is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control”.  (Galations 5)

I don’t know what heaven looks like but this is one thing I do know. Among the crowds gathered to worship the Lamb will be those who needed God’s mercy in greater capacity than me, maybe you, and for that I’m eternally grateful for every redeemed soul, regardless of previous sins while alive in the body. 

Furthermore, I imagine the people who made up the angry mob calling for Jesus’ death. In the years following His death and resurrection which became the foundation of the gospel message preached by His disciples….with Peter’s powerful sermon recorded by Luke in the Book of Acts…maybe, just maybe, some of those angry mobsters were in the crowd that day listening to Peter….and only God knows how many hearts and lives were redeemed because of “mercy”. 

“I learned I didn’t need to see or hear everything that happened.”

This simple quote was my grandma’s answer when my two aunts, Esther and Helen as adult women, asked the secret to her mothering skills, raising 11 children that spanned many years. As in any large family, that many children under one small roof was undoubtedly chaotic and challenging. Grandma didn’t have books on parenting like we do now, but she had the best book of all, her Bible. She had endless patience, arms always willing to hug, a twinkle in her eyes to speak a loving encouraging word. If I were challenged to describe her using only two words I would say “unconditional love”.

The challenges of raising children have not changed since my grandma’s years in that role, whether we are parenting one child or numerous ones. Now, though, we DO have parenting books and in my own frustrations years ago, I did read several, carefully choosing those written by Christian authors because I wanted deeper insight to scripture that would point me to being a good mother who could meet the needs of my children so they’d become awesome adults and be successful in their own futures.

Two of the best books I chose to read were “How to Make Your Children Mind Without Losing Yours” by Kevin Leaman. Using a lot of humor and true examples, Kevin’s approach is generally described as “reality discipline”. Simply put, offer genuine consequences to unwanted behavior, a penalty you’re sincere to carry through. One of the cutest examples he gave was from that of a mom whose children often chose to argue while she was on the phone. This was back when rotary and desk phones were the current technology. Calmly, she told her friend “excuse me, I’ll be right back” and set the receiver down. She scooped up her two small children and escorted them to the back patio, instructed them to remain outside until they could stop arguing. She slid the patio door shut and latched it, returned to the phone and resumed her conversation. After a very short while she heard a gentle tapping on the window. Her children had found a scrap of paper and crayon lying about and wrote “we’re sorry”. Opening the door, she asked “are you ready to come in and behave properly?” 

No one got hurt. Two small children learned very quickly that loud fights and being rude meant they’d be removed from the surroundings. 

The second book I read is “8 Great Smarts” by Kathy Koch. This short read is fascinating as Koch dedicates one chapter to each learning style, the unique ways God creates us as individuals, honing in on how we learn based on our distinct styles. I learned the characteristics displayed in our “logical” minded son…now years later seeing which of our four grandchildren are “body smart” or “creative”. By gleaning from her research, I’ve come to a better understanding of the scripture from Proverbs 22: 6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is older he will not depart from it”.  This verse is often used in sermons to assure parents that IF they take their kids to church and teach them about God they will never leave the Christian faith. While that may be true, another meaning behind these words is an instruction to parents to discover how their children are “wired”….Athletic? Musical? Creative? Curious?….and fuel those attributes. 

Today, as I sat in my living room reading scripture, journaling, windows open to allow cool air in, sounds of little kids next door playing outside, laughing, made me smile. We live near homes that have families of many ages. We’ve watched a few of the kids grow up and enter high school. When the boys next door play basketball on their driveway, we can only hear the sounds of the ball on the pavement or bouncing off the rim; the trees between our two properties block the view of their hoop.

We like to hear the kids outside. We “like” to hear and see them enjoying fresh air, moving their bodies on bikes or playing childhood games in the yard. In contrast, when I drive by community parks with playground equipment, I’m saddened they are often empty. No legs hanging upside down on monkey bars or bottoms gliding down slides. Swings that hang idle. On some occasions, when we took our grandkids to the park, it was not uncommon for me to notice that while the kids played, mom or dad sat at a nearby table scrolling their phone, thus not being fully engaged with their child’s play.

My grandma chose a need not to be aware of every mischievous scuffle her boys or girls may have gotten into, but I know she loved bountiful joy received from watching them learn to read, help with chores in the field or inside, helping with the younger ones underfoot so she could prepare meals or do laundry. She also trained them up in God’s word, loved her children unconditionally, and prayed fervently for their salvation. Of those 11, I will honestly say that I’m not positive that one of my uncles chose to place faith in Christ. He received the same teachings as the other 10, yet formed an anger against God that when I think about it now, causes me grief. Thankfully, his eternal resting place is not mine to determine. His final moments are between him and God.

There are a lot of good books on store shelves to help us in the journey of parenting. However, if you were to ask me for my humble opinion I’d suggest a few things. Get a Bible. Then read it, not once, but daily.  Take your children to church, faithfully, not only when it’s convenient. Get them involved in ministry programs and activities that point them to Jesus. Surround yourself with like minded people who share your values and will become role models for your children. Turn off the TV, get off your phones and computers. Get outside and make some noise! 

This morning (Wednesday) my bible chronological reading took me to Psalm 137. It ties in with the readings from Ezra’s book, a revered scribe who recorded Jewish religious history. Interesting for me personally, is how the theme of this psalm further defines what I wrote about last week, living an abundant life complete with “ups and downs”. In the first verse we read “By the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem.” 

Biblehub.com gives a brief explanation for the historical context of this psalm: Depicts the heartbreak and longing of those taken captive by the Babylonians. This psalm begins with the well-known line, “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion”.  It reflects a specific historical moment when many inhabitants of Judah were exiled following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, traditionally dated to 586 BC. 

This psalm’s lament underscores two central realities: the forced relocation of the people from their land into Babylon and the profound sense of loss they experienced. Understanding that the psalm relates to the Babylonian exile provides the background for the historical and archaeological data supporting its setting and events.

As I read through the psalm I could not help but think again about living an abundant life that is one under forced captivity. The Israelites taken by the Babylonians described that they had put away their harps, hanging them on tree branches. Life had become unbearable to the point of giving up music and songs. Whether from mockery or need for pleasure, their captors “demanded” a song from the prisoners, “insisting” on a joyful hymn. Not exactly what I’d call a sweet serene moment.

In the New Testament, it’s recorded in Acts 16 of Paul and Silas being imprisoned for casting a demon out of a young girl. Shackled in chains they sang and prayed. In fact, their “worship” was so loud the other prisoners could hear, an earthquake occurred which opened the cell doors. Their jailkeeper–eye witness to the events–became a believer in Jesus! That’s a powerful conversion experience and proof that God’s plans cannot be contained or stopped.

Isn’t that the kind of a God filled life each one of us desires? That no matter what comes our way we can live under powerful assurance that “God has us!”

This is why I love the Psalms. This book is where I find not only assurance, but deep abiding examples of how to continue trusting God for outcomes in circumstances beyond my control. God’s people were no strangers to adversity, imprisonment, loss of hope. Paul’s life spanned many attempts to silence the message of the gospel. Often, he escaped death. Several times he was put in jail. Yet, he persevered. 

Questions we can ask ourselves when life is painful. Is God still enough? Do I trust that His ways and thoughts are better than our own? If I’m captive in negative thinking, do I have a desire to still worship the One Who can help me be “set free”? Can I be an example of resiliency so others see the power of Christ in me?

A jailkeeper, for many years, was very far from God. He probably worshiped idols. Because of Paul and Silas’ faithful witness of God’s love, their ability to worship, this man was redeemed and included in God’s kingdom. I think Paul and Silas would tell us–if they could–their suffering was worth the redemption of that man’s soul. That heavenly price far outweighs any earthly burden’s weight.

Yes, even when life is hard, God is still good. He remains worthy of song and praise.

Empty. 

Commonly defined as having nothing inside or on the surface, this is a concept everyone comprehends, even youngsters.

Finish a box of favorite candy. Empty Container.

Drink your favorite beverage. Empty container.

Enjoy a gourmet meal. Empty plate.

Drive your vehicle until it stalls to a complete stop. Empty tank.

These forms of emptiness evoke feelings of frustration, disappointment, anger, mostly negative emotions and very few positive thoughts (except for that gourmet meal perhaps!)

But what if there was something that became empty which brought forth every emotion equated to extreme happiness…with the right amount of fear mixed in to indicate awe and wonder? We don’t need to look very far to find that “something”. The answer lies in the resurrection of Christ some 2,000 years ago.

Each of the four gospels give an account of Jesus being crucified on a Roman cross and buried in a tomb which literally meant His body was laid inside a small opening within a rocky wall and sealed with a large stone to keep out animals and birds who would otherwise desire to dine on His flesh. Jesus’ body was prepared for burial using common Jewish practices and after the rock was rolled into place, hands that had touched him during preparation, tears falling down cheeks, feet that had traveled with Him during three years of ministry, walked away. Their hearts were broken, they were indeed very “empty”. Their beloved Rabbi was dead. How would life continue with Him gone? By now, the events of the last few days are still vibrant in their minds. Words from His mountainside and small village teachings echoed in their thoughts as they made their way home, their emptiness overshadowing previous months and days of joy, laughter, hope, long days and nights spent at His feet to hear new teachings, to absorb assurance that God had not forgotten them.

Not too long from the time of burial, in the dark, Mary Magdalene makes her way to the tomb. What has drawn her to this spot? Has she come in the dark to avoid potential harm or suspicion as to her reasons for a visit under the cloak of unlightened skies? Did the Roman guard who was appointed to stand watch outside the tomb see her? As I ponder the moment Jesus became resurrected, the power inside the sealed tomb that must have been an explosion bringing Him to life along with the miraculous moving aside of the rock that had sealed His resting place, was all it took to bring the guard to his knees or perhaps even knocked out temporarily. Whatever that supernatural moment looked like, the four gospels hold eye witness accounts and evidence for an “empty” tomb which gave us a risen Saviour. “THIS” is what we celebrate this weekend. “THIS” is an empty that gives us pause to honor, celebrate, shout for joy, and prove to a dark world that God is alive. And, like Mary Magdalene who ran to find Peter…to tell him what she had discovered…we, too, should continue taking the news and message of the empty tomb to our family, friends, communities, and the world.

I love what Paul wrote in the book of Romans whe n he said “The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you…” Who is this spirit? It’s the spirit of the living God, the author and creator of life, the One Who has victory over death, who gives us eternal life by placing surrender and faith in our hearts because of what Christ offers through salvation.

Empty. Maybe this is how you’ve felt for a very long time. The good news is you don’t have to remain feeling drained and without hope. Come to the One who can satisfy your hunger and thirst to be filled. It’s never too late to begin embracing the emptiness of a 2,000 year old empty tomb, the very freedom from darkness of death to the light of life!

Happy “Resurrection Sunday”. Jesus Christ IS alive! Let us rejoice and be glad!

Attend any wedding celebration and anticipation is consistent. Guests and family members are seated; the presiding minister and groom are in position in front of an altar or backdrop of an arch decorated with flowers and flowing bands of fine fabric. The music shifts from soft background melodies to something worthy of announcing the most important person at the wedding–the bride!

Guests rise to their feet as if on command. All heads turn to face the rear of pews or chairs to get a “first glimpse” of the bride as she makes her appearance at the top of the aisle, face veiled, arm intertwined with her escort, usually her father.. All preparations leading up to this day now pale in comparison to her arrival, for this is “her” day; she is the focus of attention in every aspect wedding celebrations offer.

This weekend Christians around the world celebrate Palm Sunday, the day marked as “Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem”. The prophet Zechariah recorded hundreds of years earlier this very moment when he wrote: “Rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Zion! Shout out loud, daughter of Jerusalem! Look! Your king is coming to you. He is righteous, and he is victorious. Yet he is humble–he’s riding on a donkey, yes, on a lowly colt.” The four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all confirm Jesus’ entry into the holy city. Along with their witness material, they wrote about the people lining the road waving palm branches, paving the roadway with palms, hailing Jesus with shouts of joy and exaltation as their “king”. All eyes were on Jesus in those moments.

As the lenten season comes to an end for yet another year since Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to face trial, public execution, in another week Christians will celebrate history’s most powerful event–resurrection of a sacrificed savior which changed and challenged every Jewish tradition, grafted in gentiles as part of God’s kingdom, established that kingdom on earth through his life and ministry. 

In New Testament writings there are many references to the “church” being referred to as the “bride of Christ”, making Christ the groom. In Revelation 19: 7 we read: “Let us rejoice and be glad! Let us give him the glory! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his Bride has prepared herself–fine linen, bright and clean has been given her to wear.” When John wrote Revelation he described many future events that will happen, fulfilling yet more and more prophecies. Among those is the second coming of Christ, yet “another” triumphal entry. Revelation 19: 11  “Next I saw heaven opened, and there before me was a white horse. Sitting on it was the one called Faithful and True, and it is in righteousness that he passes judgement and goes to battle”. It’s in this very moment of Jesus’ powerful return that “every eye will see and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord!” (Revelation 1: 7)

I’ve stood in that area in Israel that is named Megiddo. It is believed this expanse of ancient ground and ruins is where scholars project the final conflict between “good and evil” will take place, commonly called Armegeodon. I’m not schooled enough to say whether this area will be where Jesus touches down, still astride His horse, but I am confident in scriptures’ descriptions to believe He IS returning, and words will escape trying to describe those events!

Weddings are privy to only those who are invited. Likewise, relationships with Christ are similar by responding to a divine invitation sent from God. Although John wrote that “every eye will see and every tongue will confess”,  it doesn’t mean everyone is automatically united with Christ to be included in Paul’s description as the church being His Bride. As simple as sending an RSVP to a wedding invitation, we all bear responsibility to respond one way or another to God’s invitation for salvation of our sins which is ONLY by accepting Christ’s sacrificial gift of going to a Roman cross, events we humbly honor on Good Friday.

On that triumphal day some 2,000 years ago the crowds lauded Jesus under the guise He would rise and overtake the Roman government, establishing Himself as a King. Their joyous cheers and accolades soon changed to jeers and shouts to arrest and kill HIm because He didn’t fulfill their humanistic desires. I often think to myself “if only they knew….” but then it’s part of God’s plan for the redemption of mankind.

So, a wedding is being planned. The Bride–the church–is getting herself ready. Millions of invitations to attend are being sent. The Groom–Jesus Christ–awaits for the moment He will take His position to welcome His Bride. Are you ready? Have you responded to God’s invitation to the wedding of all weddings? Many men and women have tried to determine the date of Christ’s return. Matthew gives us pretty strong insight regarding that quandary…”But when that day and hour will come, no one knows–not the angels in heaven, not the Son, only the Father.” (Matthew 24: 36)

Palm Sunday is the beginning of ushering in the events of Holy Week. This day will be celebrated in many ways in our churches, but one thing remains its focal point. All eyes and shouts of praise will be directed on one person, a divine king seated on a mere donkey, making His way towards events that will change the world for all of eternity.

In order to have fresh bread on the table to fill hungry bellies, my grandmother busied herself every three days to make nine loaves of bread. This was before the convenience of a bread machine or frozen dough balls were available to ease a homemaker’s every day tasks preparing meals. For my grandmother, it also included her only method of baking which was on a wood stove which also served as the main source of heat in a very modest farmhome in the 1920s and 30s.  How she determined the temperature level in the oven still astounds me as I try to imagine those days of bread making.

My dad was the one to tell me about her bread making days. He told me about a favorite after school snack he and his siblings enjoyed. By this time in his memory, she had a dough mixer that the boys took turns turning to create yummy mixtures of flour for bread, rolls, doughnuts, etc. The boys waited under great impatience for the sticky mixture of dough which grandma pinched off and rolled into small balls, dumping them in frying oil until crispy and then rolled them in sugar. She called them “jiggers” and dad said a few of those after a school day really filled a hungry belly!

In many cultures bread is a staple at mealsl. Throughout history bread took on different forms made from a variety of ingredients. Shop any bread aisle at a supermarket and observe the number of varieties available to us as consumers. Bread has evolved from long processes of loaves made from pantry ingredients to those directly from any store, sliced or unsliced, offering a variety of grains–flour, rye, oats, whole wheat…bread is indeed considered an important staple at tables around the world!

Therefore, is it any wonder that Jesus referred to Himself as the “bread of life”! In the range of 10-35 scriptures where “I am” statements are recorded, this one about being the very daily sustenance that people need stands alone with great power and assurance that Jesus is everything we need to survive life’s circumstances.

“I am the bread of life” is a statement made by Jesus in the Bible, specifically in John 6:35, where he expresses that He provides spiritual nourishment and fulfillment,  promising that those who come to him will never hunger or thirst spiritually. This phrase emphasizes the idea that true satisfaction and meaning in life come from a relationship with Him.

Too often, I think people–including myself–have fallen in the trap of looking to what the world offers in order to satisfy empty hearts…jobs and careers, social standing, measure of our wealth, leaning on the opinions of others for value…these cravings CAN be satisfied in this latter list but they run contrary to Jesus’s own words, especially for those who profess to be in relationship with Him.

I think Jesus described Himself as “the bread of life” to those who walked with him, who followed him from village to village, mountain tops to the shorelines of the Sea of Galilee, because the picture of being able to fill up a person’s hungry belly and spirit connected with the crowds. Poverty and hardships were prominent in Jewish families living under Roman rule and conditions. Life was hard. Work was often back breaking. Having enough to eat was a frequent struggle. 

In the season of Lent we can dig deep into the story behind the story, to learn that in the 3 ½ years of Jesus’ ministry many of His Jewish peers were looking for a Messiah that would come and conquer Rome. To their disappointment–and ignorance–He came to establish His kingdom on earth and become the ruler of hearts and minds, not a political victor. While many missed the purpose of His coming, we can rejoice in the few who followed, listened, and became the early church of Christianity as described in the first chapter in the Book of Acts.

As I return to my grandma’s wonderful bread making days, I have to smile remembering how my dad also reminisced about how “sliced bread” became an item on the store shelf near the family farm. “Oh, how we wanted to try this new thing out!”, he said.

“Really?!”, I asked. “Why”.

The answer is wrapped up in the notion that as humans we get caught up in routines, take good things for granted. In that moment of hearing about “store made bread–sliced and all–he thought this new convenience suddenly replaced the taste of homemade bread baked in a wood stove oven. And, I’m pretty sure the store version filled empty bellies, too. But did it taste the same? Were the ingredients as good as grandma used?

Likewise, the world has always–and continues– to offer things to fill our empty bellies and minds. The ingredients aren’t always the best. False religions and misinterpretation of the Bible are running rampant among mainline denominations. Progressive Christianity is on the rise, challenging sound doctrinal stances regarding God, the virgin birth, gender, the existence of heaven and hell.

When Thomas asked Jesus how he and the other disciples could know where He was going His response was “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.

Bread comes in a variety of textures and flavors. Salvation comes only one way, through Christ. This plan cannot be altered. Or sliced.