This is a powerful verse, a convicting verse, and the answer to anyone who asks, “Do I need a savior?” The answer to that question is of course a very solid YES. The great equalizer among humans is that every single one of us does not, cannot measure up to God. Romans 3:10 says “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Nothing we do can save us, nothing we do can bring us into a right relationship with God. But God… One of my favorite phrases in the Bible, “But God…” so much contained in those words. God made a way for us, God has fixed the rift between God and man, all we need do is respond.

John 3:16 says “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” That is the “But God…”, all have sinned, but God made a way. This is a reason for us a christians to be joyful and grateful, but also humble, because we are still sinners. Oh we are saved by grace but we are nonetheless still sinners and far from perfect. I know for myself there are things I struggle with consistently and that serves as a healthy reminder that I am a work in progress. God did not zap away my sin nature when I believed, it is a process that we call sanctification.

Not only for ourselves, it is a process that all christians no matter where they are in their walk with the Lord are going through. We are not called to excuse sin in our brothers and sisters, but we are called to be loving, supportive, and forgiving. It is important to remember the church is a hospital, not a club for perfect people. You don’t get yourself right in order to go to church, you go to church to get yourself right. The short verse of Romans 3:23 may seem so simple to us who have been around church for any length of time, but it should serve as a reminder to keep us humble and forgiving of each other as we all strive to be more and more like Christ.

New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

What do people expect of teenagers? Not much, according to Google. Typing in “teenagers and” in the search engine results in suggestions like “teenagers and social media,” “teenagers and depression,” “teenagers and vaping,” and “teenagers and screen time.” Not very positive associations! For many parents, educators, coaches, etc., a successful teenager is one who does well in school, stays out of trouble, and isn’t a total goofball.

Scripture, however, offers a different vision of what the teen years can look like. The biblical record has many examples of young people doing amazing things for God’s kingdom. Here are just a few:

• Joseph was sold into slavery at 17 years old (Genesis 37:2). His diligence and responsibility earned him a position managing the entire household of Potiphar. Joseph’s leadership skills were so apparent that he ended up running the very jail where he was imprisoned! Joseph also displayed integrity and purity in his resistance to Potiphar’s wife’s advances… hardly something teenagers are known for today.

• Samuel began ministering alongside Eli the high priest shortly after he was weaned (1 Samuel 1:24), probably around three years old. Samuel was essentially doing full-time ministry as a child/teenager. He also heard the voice of the Lord, becoming a prophet of Israel and steward of God’s revelation at a young age.

• David was anointed as the future king of Israel as a boy and fought Goliath as a teenager (“a youth,” 1 Samuel 17:33). Beyond slaying giants, the young David was a teen of many talents: a skilled shepherd, the official court musician of Saul, even Saul’s armor-bearer (i.e. bodyguard). Courage, martial prowess, a heart of worship, and tenacious faith – David had all these as a teenager.

• The boy king Josiah began his reign at the age of 8 (2 Kings 22:1). At age 24 (still young!), Josiah oversaw the restoration of the Temple and the reinstitution of the public reading of Scripture (2 Kings 22-23).

• Jeremiah received a call to prophetic ministry when he was only a “youth” (Jeremiah 1:6). When God appointed Jeremiah to the prophetic office, Jeremiah tried to gave his age as an excuse. God’s response is powerful: “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’ for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:7-8).

• Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were also “youths” when they were captured and subjected to the Babylonian “re-education program” (cf. Daniel1:4). In this pagan environment, these four boys held to the faith of their heritage and chose to follow God’s law (including its dietary restrictions!), even if it meant risking their lives. Talk about resisting peer pressure!

• Many scholars believe that Mary was also a teenager when she gave birth to Jesus, perhaps as young as fourteen. Mary’s faith, obedience, and humility jump off the pages of Luke 1, and her psalm-like prayer (Luke 1:46-56) reveals a deep knowledge of Scripture and God’s character.

• A final example is Timothy, who became a companion of Paul as a young man and was later entrusted with leadership of the church in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). (At that point, Timothy was probably closer to thirty or forty, still considered young for a religious leader in that day.) Timothy was apparently self-conscious about his age and inexperience, so Paul instructed him, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example…” (1 Timothy 4:12).

• Other examples include Miriam (Exodus 2:4-10), Joash (2 Kings 11-12), Naaman's servant girl (2 Kings 5:2-3) and according to some scholars, most of Jesus’ disciples (Matthew 10:2-4). Even Jesus himself shows up as a preteen (Luke 2:41-51).

These examples make it clear that young people—young adults, teenagers, even children—are capable of godly character, spiritual maturity, and even great deeds for God. For many of these young men and women, their teenage years were springboards into a lifetime of extraordinary service for God. Imagine a generation of young people with this vision! How great could be their impact!

If you’re a young person, don’t sell yourself short or think you have to be over 40 before God can use you. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or anyone who works with youth, don’t sell them short, either. God can and does use young people for His glory, and not just when they’re older.

"English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers."

Sometimes you just need to hear assurance from the Lord.

My grandson was diagnosed with Leukemia this last year. He went through chemo, radiation and then a stem cell transpoant. He's had his ups and downs and is still finishing up the first 100 days to determine if the cells are going to graft in completely. Sometimes we get messages on our family text thread letting us know good news and sometimes we get pleas for prayer. Today was a day of pleading for prayer and a friend sent me this passage in Psalms.

What was great about getting this was that it focused my attention on who God is; a rock, a fortress, a refuge. He is such a strong God! A mighty God! And then I saw the word "my." He isn't just a rock…He's my rock. He isn't just a fortress…He's my fortress. That little word calmed my anxious heart. That little word gave me hope. That little word made me feel protected. And that little word reminded me that my precious grandson has this Big God as his refuge as welll. He has put his faith in Jesus so He can say, "He is my rock, He is my fortress. I will not be shaken.

And my soul found rest in Him.

I pray you have put your faith in Jesus as well. I can't imagine life without Him.

The Solid Rock
(Edward Mote and William Batchelder Bradbury)

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

On Christ, the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

When darkness veils His lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil
His oath His covenant His blood
Support me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay

When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne

©Public Domain
CCLI Song # 25417 -- CCLI License # 144020

New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

I remember a while ago asking students what they’d do for a million dollars. I quickly learned that the question should have been, “What wouldn’t you do for a million dollars?” I asked questions like: “Would you punch your best friend in the face as hard as you can?” “Would you live on the street for three months?” “Would you scrounge your million dollars out of a rat-infested garbage bin?” Here’s the one that got them: “Would you let me scroll through your phone, to see all your conversations and group messages?” Aside from that last one, I found that there wasn’t much that they wouldn’t do for a million dollars. I took from that, when something is incredibly valuable to us, we will endure hardships to earn the reward!
 
The question for us is, what would we endure spiritually if it meant living the best life that God has planned for us? Part of the answer is understanding that this quality of life is not attained without discipline. The Bible tells us discipline, at first glance, is viewed negatively. I recall as a kid getting a pop, a whopping, or even being grounded. I don’t think I ever looked at my mom saying, “Thank you, ma’am. May I have another?” I hated discipline, mainly because I didn’t understand it. Yet now, as an adult, I realize how much discipline helped me become a responsible husband, father, brother, etc. Now, there should be a clear difference between correction and abuse, because abuse is never acceptable. But the Bible is clear that Godly correction, however uncomfortable, can be used to perfect us if we submit to it. We are called to keep enduring discipline.
 
God’s discipline will not disappoint. It will produce endurance. Just like a soldier going through basic training, the pressure, the pain, and the difficulty are purposed to grow a regular citizen into a trained warrior equipped to protect and defend. God, in the same way, is developing us into who we need to be. To be sharp, trained, prepared individuals, ready to endure anything the enemy would throw at us. May we spend more time trusting Him by not trying to survive on our own abilities. May this prayer be on your heart today, “God, I trust you. Have your way with my life. I surrender to your plan with the utmost confidence in your discipline. Help me to keep enduring. Amen.”

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

I woke up this morning and slid open my phone, and there were texts with pictures from home.  The Midwest got hit with a major snow storm last night. My Dad in Chicago was out snow blowing his driveway and clearing off his deck. My family in Minneapolis just got a new snow blower and were excited to try it out. And my family in Green Bay couldn’t even shovel yet because the snow was still coming down…HARD.

This same morning, Jenn sent me a picture of the sunrise outside her classroom window at Red Bank Elementary School. Beautiful. So I looked up the weather for today in Fresno, and it’s going to be sunny and 89 degrees! I grew up with snow storms, wind chills, and extremely cold weather. And I vowed that if I ever moved to a warm weather state like California, when Chicago got hit with snow, I would never rub it in by sending them pictures of palm trees and us sitting by a pool dressed in shorts and tank tops. But this morning I was tempted. 

This is the time of year when the trees and flowers are supposed to be in bloom, not covered in a foot of snow. 

Jeremiah 17:7-8 – “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is in the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit."

These verses give us a picture of what your faith looks like when it blooms. Faith that blooms does not come by trying harder, it comes by digging our roots down deep in God’s Word and trusting Him with every aspect of our lives. When our confidence is in Him rather than the circumstances around us, we become like a well-watered tree. We have security when we’re afraid. We have peace when we are stressing out. We bear fruit even when going through a desert season in our lives.

For your faith to bloom, you need…

1. Deep roots
You wake up each day and make a conscious choice to rely on God’s wisdom, not your own. Where is God’s wisdom found? In His Word. We spend time in His Word, meditating on verses and committing them to memory. And obeying. And we spend time in prayer, praising and thanking God for who He is and for His many blessings. And when this is a daily practice, our roots of faith go deep and we remain unshakable in the storms of life.

2. No fear
The heat represents the hardships and disappointments we all face. Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking if we have strong faith then we will never have any problems. But strong faith doesn’t mean we’ll never have problems, it means we are stronger in the midst of the problems. We don’t wither in weakness because our lives are built on Him, with roots that go deep.

3. Constant fruit-bearing
When our roots have grown deep in the stream of God’s presence, we are constantly bearing fruit. The Fruit of the Spirit is evident in everything we say and do. We are a blessing to those around us. And we reach out to people with the gospel where we live, work, learn and play. When we do, we bear the fruit of conversions to Christ by His grace. 

Is your faith in bloom? If not, dig down deep in God’s Word, spend time with Him in prayer, and start trusting God with every aspect of your life.

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

What happened on that Easter Morning? There arose a Shepherd, gentle and humble in heart. One who beckons the weary, “Come to Me.” The wrath of God which had been poured out now lies silent, while Jesus says, “I will give you rest.” The Pharisee of the Law bends the knee as our Shepherd says, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Death shrinks back sullenly into the darkness, defeated and disempowered, while Jesus says, “I came that you might have life!” Our Shepherd puts forth His own sheep, speaks their names and says, “Follow Me. I have green pastures for you, and quiet waters.”

While the world applauds the wise and intelligent, the Father hides the essence of all this truth from them. Then He makes it known to the least and the lowest, to infants. And the Father is well-pleased in doing so. Jesus, having laid His life down for His sheep, is granted all authority in all things by His Father. He exercises it to call and know His own sheep. Our Gentle Shepherd.

He rejoices to lead us, to love us and make Himself known to us. He is careful with the bruised reed, and the dimly burning wick. Gentle and kind, He heals the brokenhearted. He sets about to do awesome things which we do not expect, God originated, hidden things.

He fills up our joy, and makes us fruitful branches in Him. He works on our behalf now things not heard even from days of old, things angels long to look into. He acts on behalf of all those who wait for Him. As we remember His ways, He accomplishes the kingdom through us.

And the earth, the sun, the moon and the stars, even all the nations finish their holy purpose day by day, such as was laid down before the world was. Awesome things which we never expected. The world spins its final revolution, and Jesus’ words, “It is finished,” are fulfilled!

He’s calling for you today! Go to Him. Jesus will transform your very life, even now, even again! Wait for Him, for His unexpected works. He will do them in front of you. He will do them through you. He has a personal calling, just for you, designed with your name on it!

His yoke is easy, His burden is light. Fear no more! Rejoice evermore. Walk by faith. Be filled with the Spirit. You were made and prepared for just exactly all this! Fulfill every part of His plan. He will work it in you, and through you! Awesome things, which you do not expect. Over and over!!

Rejoice and be glad. He is calling you! His favor is upon you!
Today is the day to exercise faith!
Today is the day to serve the Lord!!
Today is the day to find rest for your souls!!!
Remember Him today. He is awesome! It is finished!!

Read: Matt. 11:25-30, John 10:1-18, Psalm 23, Isaiah 64:1-5a
Sing: Gentle Shepherd, by Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

When I was in Elementary School, I had a great friend who lived on the other side of town where I grew up.  During summer vacation, we were allowed to walk, run, skateboard, or ride bikes to each other’s house – whatever it took to get there safely while our parents were at work.

One day I thought it would be fun to ride my sister’s ten-speed… as fast as I could… down a steep hill… riding on the sidewalk… on the wrong side of the road.  (What were my parents thinking?)  About halfway down the hill I lost control, flipped sideways, and slid about 15-feet across the sidewalk.  The concrete scraped off the skin on the left side of my body like a cheese grater.  I remember laying in bed for days with painful, open wounds that slowly scabbed over and cracked every time I tried to move or walk.  At the time it felt like an eternity.  But gradually I got better, and before I knew it life went back to normal – except for a few scars to remind me not to ride my bike like an idiot anymore.
 
That story reminds me of the suffering Peter describes in his first epistle.  It’s not the kind of suffering that comes from a twelve-year-old’s folly on his sister’s bicycle.  It’s the kind of suffering that comes as a consequence of living the Christian life openly and courageously in a corrupt world that despises God (1 Peter 1:6-7, 2:11, 18-21, 3:13-17, 4:1-5, 12-16, 5:8-9).  And it’s every bit as painful – if not more!

When we suffer as believers for the sake of Christ, how do we keep going and not lose heart?  How do we continue glorifying God and not give up?

1 Peter 5:10 gives us three clues:

(1.) We have to remember that God’s grace is sufficient to carry us through our trials.  When we face suffering, we have to remember that we are not alone.  And we have to remember that God is never taken by surprise.  He is sovereign.  He is control of the challenges he allows in our lives.  And sometimes he calls us to suffer for the sake of Christ – “If when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:20-21).

(2.) We have to remember that our trials are temporary.  When we’re going through the fire, I know it doesn’t feel that way.  But Peter said, “after you have suffered a little while…”  Compared to the eternal glory that is waiting for us in heaven, our trials are like the blink of an eye, like the tick of a second-hand on the face of a clock (Romans 8:18).

(3.) Finally, we have to remember the final outcome of our suffering.  Just as I healed from my bike accident and went on with my life, God is constantly bringing us through trials and making us stronger, even using the most difficult and desperate circumstances of our lives to bring about something good (Romans 8:28).  Peter promises us that no matter what we are going through, God will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us.

Do you believe that today?  And are you willing to trust him?  Are you willing to embrace the trial that God has allowed in your life, and even praise him for it, because you know that he is making you more like Christ?

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

A few days ago I had my wisdom teeth removed. All four of them. They were fully grown, non-impacted, and according to my dentist, the “dirtiest teeth” in my mouth. They were hard to clean, starting to form small cavities, and apparently not doing much useful work anymore.

So out they came.

The name “wisdom teeth” is a little misleading. Losing them doesn’t mean you suddenly lose wisdom. If that were true, every oral surgeon in America would be responsible for a massive decline in human judgment.

Thankfully, Scripture reminds us that wisdom doesn’t come from age, experience alone, or certainly from teeth. It comes from God. And the good news is that His wisdom isn’t something we lose when circumstances change — it’s something He gladly gives when we ask.

God’s wisdom isn’t fragile or temporary. It’s available every day for every decision, big or small, to those who seek Him.

Prayer Points:
• Ask God to give you wisdom for the decisions you are facing this week.
• Thank Him that His wisdom is always available when we seek Him.

New American Standard Bible®
Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

The people’s lives that are recorded in biblical history are people just like us.  They struggled with many of the same daily pressures that we deal with today.  They worked hard to provide for their families.  They experienced interpersonal conflict.  They had to deal with family issues.  So, as we look at their lives, what they experienced is very typical of 21st century life.
 
“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.” – Luke 10:38-39 (NKJ)

Jesus and his disciples had come to the town of Bethany.  Mary and Martha had invited them for dinner.  Martha wanted everything to be just right for their guests.  She desired to spend time listening to Jesus but there was so much work that had to be done.  The preparations were distracting her from what her heart desired to do.  There was still a lot of work to do in the kitchen and her sister Mary was just sitting listening to Jesus.  Martha could use a little help, but her sister was not cooperating.  Out of frustration and stress of the moment, she brings her complaint to the Lord.  Maybe He would make her sister get up and help her.

“But Martha was distracted with much serving…”  

The word “distracted” means to be drawn away…it is used in the passive voice which means Martha’s mind was over-occupied.  Her mind was focused on serving the meal and she was drawn away from her focus on the Lord.
 
“…She approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” – Luke 10:40 (NKJ)

With the stress of making everything perfect, Martha began to feel that she was the only one who cared that they had a nice meal.  Her sister didn’t seem to care or else she would be helping.  Now it appeared that the Lord Himself did not care either.  So, Martha brings her complaint to the Lord.  “Lord, don’t you care…?”  A question that was born out of the frustration and stress of the evening.  Lord, don’t you see all that I am doing for you.

The daily pressures of life that come from home, work or our leisure time cause us to wrongly think that our life is going unnoticed by God and that He does not care.  The enemy wants us to think that God is unconcerned.  Our focus is centered on all that we are doing.  We often feel that God does not notice how hard we are working and thus is withholding His blessing.  I will just have to tough it out and do it alone!

Martha could only see that the problem was not her fault but her sister’s.  If she would just decide to help everything would be fine.  The stress in Martha’s life had caused her to blame others for the situation she was in.
 
Stress often causes us to drive away those who would otherwise be glad to help.  We become so insistent that everything be done our way that we stifle everyone else’s creativity.  We are doing this for the Lord so, “Do it right…my way!”
 
“And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42

The Lord recognized all that was going on.  So, as He spoke to Martha about the situation, He went right to the heart of the problem. “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things…” The Lord dealt with two things that were creating a problem in Martha’s mind…

Jesus first tells Martha that she is being drawn in two directions.  She wanted to hear what He was teaching because she knew it was important.  But she also wanted to provide a nice meal.  She opted to provide the nice meal.  So, she began to focus on the task at hand instead of focusing on the Lord.  She could not completely devote her attention to Jesus.
 
The Lord addresses the second issue.  Martha you are disturbed and troubled by this situation.  She had lost her focus and she was no longer seeing clearly.  All these things that you have built up to be so big in your mind have caused you to choose wrong priorities.  Your sister has chosen what is best and Martha you can choose what is best too.


Prayer:  Lord, so often life overwhelms me.  I do not always see clearly.  Help me to choose what is best so that my life will be lived for Your glory.  Amen

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This verse comes in the middle of a passage, verse 12-17, describing the character of the “new person in Christ.” I would encourage you to read the whole passage as a reminder of what our life should look like as a believer. But in this time of uncertainty, inflation, war, and political posturing we are called to let the peace of God rule in our hearts.

During these uncertain times, we who believe have certainty in Christ, a peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Are you focusing on Christ and His promises that are never failing, or are you choosing to focus on the chaos in the world around you?

The last part of this verse I think is especially important during these times. We are called to be thankful. That is a hard thing to do when our situation seems to always be changing for the worse. When the economy is slipping, when we lose a job or a loved one, or when our health falters. It is easy to grumble, to be bitter and angry. But yet in the good times and the bad, in the easy times and the hard times, we are called to be thankful.

How is God’s peace manifesting itself in your life these days? Can you choose to be thankful instead of bitter and grumbling about everything that is wrong? Let me challenge you with the words from the end of passage in Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Do you remember your first car? It likely wasn’t the fanciest or the fastest, but you might remember it fondly anyway. My first car was, well… different.

Our family car when I was growing up was a dull gold 2002 Honda Odyssey minivan. My parents got it when I was two years old. By the time I was 16 and driving, though, the Odyssey had suffered enough wear and tear that my parents bought a new minivan and passed the Odyssey off to my younger brother Matt and me.

While we were excited to have our own set of wheels, we were a little disappointed that it was the old family minivan. Nobody is impressed when you pull up to a party driving an Odyssey.  So we decided to make some “cosmetic” changes to the car. Boy, did we!

Fast forward a few weeks and a few hundred dollars’ worth of supplies on Amazon, and the Odyssey now sported purple tinted headlights, a large black racing stripe on the hood, six-foot-long black flame decals on the sides, a spoiler (!) mounted on the back, and a small army of bumper stickers, ranging from logos of our favorite media franchises to messages like “Honk If Parts Fall Off.”  (If you think I’m kidding, I’ll send you pictures.) The Odyssey now looked like a life-size Hot Wheels car. We proudly dubbed it “The Swag Wagon.”

Driving that car in high school was a blast. We had the most recognizable (and I would say, most iconic) car of anyone in our youth group. We never forgot where we parked, because that spoiler could be seen from anywhere in the parking lot. We would look in our rear-view mirror at stoplights and see drivers behind us chuckling at our stickers. It was a sad day when the Swag Wagon finally bit the dust.

Did the car look tacky and more than a little ridiculous? Absolutely. Would most people rather be caught dead than driving that car? Probably. Did I care? Nope! The Swag Wagon represented my personality, my interests, and my sense of humor to the world. I loved driving it, even if it drew stares and laughter.

I think we could use a little more of that attitude in today’s world. While there’s something to be said for social awareness and decorum, I think most of us care way too much about what other people think about us. In my experience in youth ministry, I’ve seen this shift start to occur during the teenage years from many students: they start comparing themselves to others, dressing and acting different to “fit in” or “be cool”. Teenagers avoid doing or saying anything “embarrassing” at all costs. As adults, we may be more subtle and refined in our managing of social expectations, but we share the same basic orientation with teenagers: a deep desire for the approval of those around us. Frankly, I think that does more harm than good.

The Bible refers to this attitude as the “fear of man.” Proverbs 29:25 tells us it’s a “snare,” a trap. Constant worry about what others think of you hinders us from wholehearted, genuine service of God and love of others. Consider what Paul says in Galatians 1:10: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Paul’s point is that trying to please other people often gets in the way of pleasing God. If you’re a Christian, who cares what everybody else thinks about you? The only opinion that really matters is God’s. In every area of life, you perform for an audience of One.

How much do you care about what other people think? How scared are you of being embarrassed? Would you drive the Swag Wagon if God asked you to? Today, pray that God would help you conquer the fear of man and live how He wants you to, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

"English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers."

The Lord continued to teach me more about delegating through this verse. When there is a need it can be so easy to just "fill a position" with someone who has the ability to do it. I think that's how we can end up with 30% of the people doing 70% of the work. They are familiar, maybe they have done it before and they have proven themselves reliable.

Trust is definitely a factor when it comes to asking for help and filling a need. But sometimes we are the culprit. Giving away a need to someone who hasn't done it before doesn't just require making sure they are capable and trustworthy both spiritually and skill-worthy, but it also takes surrender on our part.

Each year in asking people to help with our Easter Walkthrough I find I have to learn to surrender new areas. This year God put it on someones heart to help with the Station Write Ups. I was thrilled to have the help but admit it was a little scary to give up such an important task. I had no qualms about their love for Jesus and their ability to complete a task but, giving it over to someone who hadn't done it before was an act of obedience, surrender and trust.

The blessings that come from allowing the body to use their gifts is not only a joy for them but also opens the doorway to more areas of fellowship and community. They may invite others, letting friends, family, coo-workers know. And in doing so, more people can be touched through the ministry.

But the final lesson the Lord was teaching me through this verse is that the people who brought the gifts had a willing spirit. I do pray for willing hearts when seeking help; but, sometimes the urgency of the task at hand takes away the necessity of the time needed to wait for God to  provide and the temptation to move ahead quickly overtakes me. I am continuing to learn that prayer is a necessary ingredient and waiting for God's timing is ALWAYS best.

I Will Wait For You
(Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matthew Merker, and Stuart Townend)

Verse 1
Out of the depths I cry to You
In darkest places I will call
Incline Your ear to me anew
And hear my cry for mercy Lord

Verse 2
Were You to count my sinful ways
How could I come before Your throne
Yet full forgiveness meets my gaze
I stand redeemed by grace alone

Chorus 1
I will wait for You I will wait for You
On Your word I will rely
I will wait for You surely wait for You
Till my soul is satisfied

Verse 3
So put Your hope in God alone
Take courage in His power to save
Completely and forever won
By Christ emerging from the grave

Verse 4
His steadfast love has made a way
And God Himself has paid the price
That all who trust in Him today
Find healing in His sacrifice

Chorus 2
I will wait for You I will wait for You
Through the storm and through the night
I will wait for You surely wait for You
For Your love is my delight


2018 Getty Music Publishing
CCLI SONG # 7118914 License #144020

New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

One of my favorite sports movies is “Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington and Will Patton. The 2000 film is based on the true events of T.C. Williams High School’s 1971 (*spoiler alert) championship football team. In the town of Alexandria, Virginia, the school board was forced to integrate an all-black school with an all-white school. While doing so, the foundation of football tradition was put to the test as black and white players had to learn to play together. When the team is on their summer retreat prior to the start of their season, Coach Boone takes the men on a jog, and they end their run at the place where the Battle of Gettysburg was fought. Where 50,000 young men fought, bled, and died the same fight they were still fighting in their day. And in his speech, he challenged his players, saying, “If we don’t come together, we too will be destroyed. Just like they were.”

Every time I watch that scene in the movie, I just kind of get chills. There’s just something about a truly motivational speech that just makes you clench your fist, get back up, and shout to move forward even if you feel like giving up. The truth is life is hard, and there are times when we want to just throw in the towel, but we are encouraged and dare I say challenged to live with endurance and perseverance. As a big sports guy, I love athletic analogies that give us clear application on how we can continue to live in the midst of challenges with endurance. There are two major disciplines that we see from the passage above that help us endure as we move forward.

The first is that we must set aside the sin that can easily trip us up. If we live with sin, we rarely endure. Imagine trying to run without tying your shoes or, maybe worse, trying to run with them tied together; you're asking for trouble. The second and most important thing is to look to Jesus. He is the champion of our faith! He's the one who endured the best. He endured the cross and the hostility of it all. And with our endurance, we should be thankful that Jesus made a way for us—the secret to walking like Jesus is living like Jesus. And one of those secrets to His endurance is the intentional time He spent retreating to pray to His Heavenly Father as often as He could. His endurance came from His discipline to commune with the Father.  In our effort to look and live more like Jesus, may we continue to look to Him for endurance today and throughout the week. And may we be intentional about having our own individual mountaintop experiences where we are spending time with the Father. This is how we endure.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

It’s like the young mother I heard of the other day. She was having ‘one of those days’. She was looking after three sick kids, running around like crazy. The phone rang and the caller wanted to speak to her husband, who was not there. The caller then asked this young mom, “Well, how are you doing?” She answered, “I’m really struggling. My three kids are sick. I’m changing diapers, wiping noses, making meals, and doing laundry. I can’t keep up. I feel like a terrible mom.” He replied, “I’m so glad you’re doing so well.” At that moment she realized he didn’t listen to a word she said. And I think this happens more often than we know.

So I ask you, “Are you a good listener?” Do you sometimes ask a question of someone, and then tune out when the answer comes? For the person sharing with you, it is nothing short of insulting. It communicates that you really don’t care about them.

You have to work at being a good listener. Why is that important? Because it shows you care. You communicate to people that they matter. That no matter what they’re sharing with you, they are not wasting your time. You’re glad to listen to their concerns and help any way you can.

I always notice when I find a good listener. It stands out to me because it happens so infrequently. There are two different types of listeners - Those who listen to respond, and those who listen to understand. To be a good listener, we have to start by understanding what’s being said. Then we respond back. We ask specific questions about what they’re saying. We show them we’re paying attention.

There are times we have conversations with people in a crowded environment, especially after a worship service at church. People are in your field of vision. People come up and stand next to you waiting to talk to you (and you’re hoping they don’t interrupt). There are other distractions like loud fire trucks on the street out front, and loud jets flying overhead. It can be very hard to stay focused on the person. But that’s what good listeners do. Look into their eyes. Nod occasionally. People can tell when you look past them toward something going on behind them. People can tell when you find someone else you want to talk to. People can tell when you’re tuning out. Instead make the person you’re talking to feel like they are the only person in the world for those few minutes. Nothing is more important to you than them. That’s love.

James 1:19 – "But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger."

Being quick to hear goes beyond just being quiet as someone is talking to you. It is actively listening to understand another person’s perspective. To hear the words they use and the emotions behind them. And then respond as a listener who truly understands.

Slow to speak requires restraint. Just because a thought comes into your head doesn’t mean it has to come out of your mouth. When we rush to speak we often use careless or harsh words.

Slow to anger means controlling your temper. Something someone says might anger you, but hold onto it. Don’t react. James makes it clear that human anger does not produce the righteous life that God desires.

When we learn to listen, we gain deeper relationships, we lessen conflict, and we communicate better. And when you are a good communicator, life goes better, and God is honored.

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

Today I talked to a surgeon about my knee (12/26/25). It was not long ago that I almost despaired about becoming permanently handicapped, for the rest of my life, and in pain all the time! I could not walk two blocks and pray. I could not do my yard work. I paid a lady at a nail place near our house $20 to cut my toe nails! I could not reach my left foot! I had difficulty getting in and out of the car. I could not use stairs. And on it went!

So I began to pray a prayer, calling out to the Lord, in a new way, more desperately, looking for help I knew only He could provide.

"But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me."
– Micah 7:7 (NASB)

I prayed and watched expectantly!
I waited for the God of my salvation!
I knew my God would hear me!

But I seemed to get no better. Sometimes it felt worse. In compensation, I began stressing my left shoulder, right hip, right knee and even my back! I was doing physical therapy. But even some of those I could not do. I could not even shop without pain at Walmart! And still I waited.

Finally, I made another appointment with the doctor. I asked for a cortisone shot, and received one, there, by him. I had heard stories, but it was virtually painless. I asked for a meeting with a surgeon, and got one arranged, for 2 weeks later (referred to above).

I was told it would take 4-7 days to feel much effect from the cortisone shot, to know if it would work. Meanwhile I struggled, and fought discouragement. I waited. Then I took up another prayer. What a prayer it became, and continues to be! So I share with you.

"To You I lift up my eyes,
O You who are enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the Lord our God,
Until He is gracious to us.
Be gracious to us, O Lord, be gracious to us."
– Psalm 123:1-3a (NASB)

How I was moved by this text, these verses and these word pictures! It was so personal!
To You . . . I lift up my eyes! O You! Then I prayed, O You! I cried out, and almost moaned. I could feel Him, “see” Him in the Spirit. O You who are enthroned in the heavens! With an exclamation point! Who in the world could be enthroned up there? No one, but the Lord alone!! Maker of heaven and earth! Overseer of all. The Lord of Hosts! Christ our Savior, risen from the dead! My hope began to build. I prayed it over and over, for days. I memorized it for the nights.

I realized like never before He was my only hope!! That He IS my hope!! As a dependent servant or a submitted maid, I lifted my eyes to Him. Over and over. And I called out, Until He is gracious to us! Until He is gracious to me! A kind of revelation filled me: This was and is always my only hope! Until He is gracious to us, to me!! Sometimes I poured it out alone in the car, at times nearly crying out loud! It became way more than about my knee!

Be gracious to us, O Lord, be gracious to us!
Be gracious to me, O Lord, be gracious to me! To Lynn, who suffers much the same.

The names of many others who needed help flowed in those days, many much more desperate than me.

Be gracious to Bill, our neighbor! To Matt, an in-law of my daughter.
Be gracious, O Lord, to so many in the church.

More names came. Ultimately it became so clear – we have only one hope about everything:

Be gracious to us. O Lord! So we wait.
Until His is gracious to us! O You who are enthroned in the heavens!

It is a lifestyle of constant need before God, permanent and flowing humility. It is the posture of the believer.

God, be merciful (propitious, benevolent) to me, the sinner! (Luke 18:14)
To You, I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!
Until He is gracious to us!



Read: Psalm 123:1-3, Micah 7:1-7, Luke 18: 9-14
Sing: Have Mercy, by Sandra McCracken.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

If there was a TV show called “Dumbest Campers in America,” I would be on it.

One year my friend and I reserved a campsite in Yosemite Valley, and we had trouble lighting our campfire.  But we had plenty of gasoline, so we thought: “No problem, right?”

As my friend poured gas on the wood, an ember ignited the gasoline and the flame traveled back into the container in his hand.  All of a sudden fire erupted out of the nozzle, and he stood there frozen, not knowing what to do.

“Drop it,” I yelled.  And he did.
 
Unfortunately, the container tipped over and a river of flaming gas poured out on the dry ground.

That’s when I panicked. I grabbed a 5-gallon bottle of water and began dumping it on the fire.  But water doesn’t extinguish flaming gasoline. (Shouldn’t I have learned that in High School chemistry class?)

That’s when the guy in the RV next to us panicked.  He grabbed a fire extinguisher, snuffed out the flames, and went back into his RV without saying a word (out loud anyway.)

I think of that embarrassing incident when I read 2 Timothy 1:6. There Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame” the spiritual gift he received from God. The verb means to revive a fire… to rekindle, revive, or reactivate it.

The implication is that if we don’t use our spiritual gifts, they will grow cold.  Our gifts will lie dormant and atrophy like a muscle.  We will grow weak and feel out of shape, and out of practice.
 
So we must continually stir up the gift of God within us and fan it into flame so that it is burning and blazing bright for the glory of God.

How do we kindle afresh the gift of God within us?  Quite simply, we have to use it.  We have to wake it up and exercise it, put it into practice, and put it to good use.

Like an ashen log in the fire, we need to poke at the fading embers and move them around, so they get fresh oxygen and circulation.  And if we have to, we should dump a little gasoline on the fire.  Whatever it takes to reignite our passion.

Here are a few questions for you to ponder and pray about today:

• What is the primary spiritual gift that God has given you?
• How are you currently exercising it and using it for the glory of God?
• If you’ve let it grow cold, what are you going to do to reignite the fire?

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

One of my classroom teacher routines that I introduced a few years ago is to have a daily quote on the board (followed by a couple of “dad jokes”) that I read in the beginning of class.  Many are insights relating to motivation or integrity, and some give a slight nod to wisdom from scripture.

One recent quote on my board was one by the poet Robert Frost: “The best way out is always through”.  As I thought upon it throughout the day, it seemed to ring together with the above passage from 2 Corinthians.  Here’s Paul, beseeching the Lord for relief, a way out from this “thorn”, and yet finding the ultimate answer after enduring through with God’s grace.  Easy enough comparison, right?  But after a little digging, there is actually some important insight in the contrast.

If you look up the source of the quote attributed to Frost, it actually comes from one of his poems.  The poem is a dramatic monologue spoken by a rural New England housewife, who is reaching a psychological breaking point due to isolation, relentless domestic labor, and a history of mental illness.  The quote actually comes from her husband, who uses it to encourage her to keep working through her exhaustion (similar to a “suck it up, buttercup”).  Pushing through purely on grit and self-reliance, yet disconnected from God’s purpose or grace, the poem has more of a tragic, fatalistic feel rather than something instructive or motivational.
 
Paul describes moments of distress for him and his companions throughout his ministry: “we were troubled on every side, fightings without, and terrors within” (2 Cor. 7:5, GNV).  Regarding the “thorn in the flesh”, this indicated a very personal struggle.  Some have speculated that it could refer to a physical ailment relating to his eyes or other chronic condition.  Others seem to think that it was more related to the opposition and betrayal he felt from those undermining his call as an apostle to preach the gospel of grace.  He learned, quite possibly in retrospect, that the Lord was allowing him to be humbled through it.  It’s reasonable to think that those three prayers to take the thorn away were at three times when he was at absolute low moments.  

Paul’s description gives echoes of Gethsemane, where Christ also asked three times for the cup to pass, but ultimately said, “Not my will, but Thine be done”.  Those times of suffering and isolation we face, and at times, God’s divine “No” can be echoes of this as well.  The thorn, like a miniature “cross” to be borne, was God’s lesson to Paul of identification with Christ.  When we ask to know Christ more, could we truly say like Paul that we want to know more “the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings”? (Phil. 3:10).

The world’s mantras like “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” are but an empty shadow of God’s wisdom, and ultimately promote self-reliance instead of God-submission.  May we seek rather to rely on God’s sufficient grace.  One expanded translation puts the verse this way: “My grace is enough for you, for power is moment by moment coming to its full energy and complete operation in the sphere of weakness.”

Perhaps Robert Frost’s quote could be rephrased?  The best way through is always out - that is out of self, and into Him:

“Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
out of despair into raptures above,
upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.”
 

New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

As Christians we are God’s unique creation.  God has made us what we are. We are an important part of the “new creation,” the body of Christ.  At the moment of salvation we were placed in this body and God gave us an ability to serve Him.  None of us are left out.  These abilities are called spiritual or grace gifts.  He has individually fashioned us to serve Him in a particular way that is according to our personality, innate abilities and spiritual giftedness. Notice the words of Scripture:

"And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly…” Romans 12:6 (NASB) The New Living Translation translates the verse, "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well...”

"But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”  I Corinthians 12:11 (NASB)

The word “will” in this verse speaks of God's determinative will.  It expresses the deliberate exercise of His volition.  As God fashions us He determines the grace gift and the place in the Body of Christ where we will effectively serve Him.  He knows what is best for us and how He has designed us.

As we serve the Lord, our service needs to be centered in the area of our giftedness.  If we don't, we will become frustrated, unfulfilled and not able to be used as God intended.  Our service should be joyful and we should serve Him with gladness. (Psalm 100:3)  This can only come as we serve Him according to the way He has fashioned us.

"But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.”
I Corinthians 12:18 (NASB)

The word for “desired/willed” in this verse speaks of a desire or wish.  It indicates that not only has God determined our spiritual abilities but He also has placed us in the Body of Christ where He wishes or brings Him pleasure.  It is as if we are a lump of clay that God puts on His potter’s wheel.  His skillful hands mold us uniquely and for His pleasure.  We are a one of a kind creation.  Even though others may have the same giftedness, we will be able to minister in unique ways that others will not.  He knows what He desires us to do, and He has fully equipped us to do that work.

These gifts are not given to us for our own benefit but to benefit others.  Other people have gifts that will benefit us and together we are all growing together, supplying what each other needs.  In this way we build each other up in love.

“From whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:16 (NASB)

The reality is that we need each other and when we use our gifts together we benefit each other. When we don’t use our gifts, we deprive others of our ministry to them.  When others do not use their gifts, they deprive us. This is why we need to live according to God’s design. We are strategically needed in the lives of other believers.  Let us live our lives according to God’s design to bless others and bring Him pleasure.


Prayer:  Lord, help me to see how you have uniquely made me.  I want to invest my life in serving You that I might be a blessing to others.  May your Spirit help me to follow your designed purpose for my life.  I want to become all that you saved me to be.  Amen

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This is one of those verses that for me when I read it, I can easily think, yeah I can do that. But then someone wrongs me, and my thoughts immediately turn to revenge. I think it’s a primitive view of justice for us as sinful humans to immediately need the satisfaction of dishing back out what was done to us. But the Bible is clear, this is not true justice or right for us to do. What is interesting while I think about this is that even when we resign ourselves to take the “high road,” I think we are still thinking that “they will get what is coming,” or “vengeance is mine says the Lord,” hoping it happens soon. In our heart we are still wishing harm, or evil, even if on the outside we act differently.

I believe that ultimately this needs to be a heart issue, and that ultimately that is what God is interested in for us. I always find it funny how we as humans think that since we can hide true feelings and even actions from the eyes of people, we somehow think that we are successfully hiding them from God as well. God doesn’t just see our actions, He sees the heart, he sees our innermost thoughts. He knows our intentions despite our actions or words. God is not fooled.

So the way I see this verse for myself is in two steps. Step one, do not repay evil for evil, which is my actions. And this is the easier of the two steps, if someone wrongs me, I simply do not wrong them back. However step two is to not wish evil for them in return either. You notice the second part of this verse that we are to pursue what is good for not only ourselves but for all. How can we do that if we are wishing ill of someone. The truth is you can’t. So how do we accomplish the much harder step two? Well I think it comes with time, but it is accomplished by keeping your mind on the things above where Christ is. Having a mind on Heaven will surely change your perspective as you go about your daily life. And how best can you keep your mind on things above, well by staying the Word and praying.

Ultimately the way we keep on doing good is by thinking on the good and not on the bad or evil things. Paul said in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Keep in the Word, keep in prayer, keep seeking the things of Christ and it will keep the evil at bay, especially in your heart. So the next time someone wrongs you, don’t wish that they “get theirs.” Instead pray for them, and pray for them positively and in doing so we overcome evil with good.

New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

One of the most formative experiences of my childhood was participating in a competition called the National Bible Bee. Imagine a spelling bee with kids and teens reciting Bible verses instead of obscure SAT words, and you’ll get the idea. I did pretty well, too, finishing 3rd place nationally in one year’s competition. I remember my first time in the semi-final round of the Nationals competition, standing on a brightly-light stage looking out at a large crowd, and feeling incredibly nervous. One mistake, one word forgotten, one “but” instead of “and,” and you were out of the competition. (In retrospect, Bible Bee is probably responsible at least in part for my perfectionistic tendencies.)

I’ve since wondered, why the insistence upon memorizing Scripture word-for-word, verbatim, “word perfect”? All my subsequent encounters with serious Scripture memory—AWANA, Bible quizzing, summer camp—insisted on word perfect recitation. Why is it so important for a poor nine-year-old like me to say “and” instead of “but” when reciting portions of Genesis? Isn’t it more important to understand the meaning of a passage than to get all of the words exactly correct?

To answer this, let’s consider this passage from Proverbs. Proverbs 30:5-6 tells us that “every word of God proves true” and warns us “do not add to His words.” Notice first that “every” word of God proves true. In hermeneutics (the study of interpreting Scripture), this is called plenary inspiration. It’s the idea that every part of Scripture, from the dimensions of the ark to the genealogy of Jesus, is inspired by God. The Bible is not mostly true; it is entirely true, something no other book can claim. Word perfect memorization gives Scripture the respect due to such a perfectly true, perfectly holy Book. Memorizing Scripture word for word reveals how much I honor and value it.

Second, notice that every “word” of God proves true. Not every “idea,” every “thought,” or even every “phrase.” Every “word.” This is called plenary verbal inspiration. It’s the idea that not only every part of Scripture, but every noun, verb, preposition, and particle (of the original manuscripts) is inspired by God through human authors (2 Peter 1:16). If a passage has a kai (“and”) instead of a de (“but”), it’s because God wanted it that way. Word perfect memorization might seem pedantic at first, but it’s consistent with this view of Scripture. If God thought it important enough to inspire each word of Scripture, we should probably make sure we’re getting those words right.

Finally, Proverbs warns us not to “add” to God’s word. (We could add “take away” from God’s word from other passages, like Revelation 22:18-19.) Why? Misquoted Scripture is a terribly dangerous thing. In Matthew 4:6, the devil partially quotes Psalm 91:11-12 to Jesus while tempting Him to throw Himself from the temple. He quotes the phrase, “For he will command his angels concerning you” while leaving out the critical phrase “to guard you in all your ways.” This changes the meaning of the verse! And it’s not just phrases; a single word can mean the difference between orthodoxy and heresy. The difference between the orthodox translation of John 1:1, “the Word was God” and the heretical Jehovah’s Witnesses’ translation, “the word was a God,” is one one-letter word! Or in a more contemporary example, consider the difference between God creating “male and female” (Genesis 1:27) and “male to female,” implying a spectrum of genders between those two words. Thus, word perfect Scripture recitation, even when substituting a “but” for an “and” has apparently no effect on the meaning, is not just an act of respect. It’s a vital defense against forces that would twist, dilute, or corrupt the Scriptures.

So if your kid, your grandkid, or your AWANA student says “but” instead of “and” when reciting their verse, correct them. I think causing a momentary frustration is worth it. You’re not just teaching them good hermeneutics. You’re teaching them to love and protect the always right, always true Word of God. Doesn’t it deserve to be learned word perfect?

"English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers."

This suggestion came from Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, when he saw Moses sit in judgment of the people all day long from morning until evening. Jethro counseled Moses to appoint men over smaller groups so that only the great matters were brought to him. Not only would this be easier and Moses would have others to help bear the burden, but the result would be that Moses would “be able to endure and all the people would also go home in peace.” (Vs. 23)
 
I am not a good delegator. What I tell myself is that the time it takes to make the phone calls and line up the people to help will be more than if I just do the work myself. But that is truly a misconception (and sometimes the task is too insurmountable for one person). When I follow that line of thinking and begin working on the project, the stress of the work grows and the deadline for getting it done looms bigger and bigger until I am forced to ask for help.
 
I love that this comes on the heels of a prime picture of this counsel put into practice. God had already shown Moses in a real and practical way that having a team by his side made the burden easier to bear.
 
“Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”
 
This was a great reminder to me that allowing others to come alongside me not only makes the load easier, but also allows for the blessing for community and fellowship with one another and can make way for the opportunity to share the “good news” with a wider audience.
 
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

COMPASSION: “A deep awareness of and sympathy for another person’s suffering, coupled with a strong, active motivation to alleviate that distress.”¹

I hate throwing up! In my childhood, catching a flu bug or eating wrong things would result in turmoil within my gut. Finally, unable to hold back the inevitable, off to the bathroom I’d run. Toilet seat up and my face in a position one’s face should never be, out it came. All I had consumed over the past 12 hours is flying out of my mouth as well as thru my nostrils. My body convulses as my stomach seemingly tries to turn itself inside-out. No fun. No fun at all.

But, believe it or not, there is a good memory associated with all that. It’s the memory that often, while in the middle of experiencing such disgusting events, I’d realize that one of my dad’s hands was on my back and his other hand supporting my forehead. He somehow pushed through the revolting sights, sounds and smells of my distress (vomiting) to comfort me. His hand on my back said “I’m here” and his hand on my forehead supported me, comforted me.  
 
Fast forward to 1974. My first real job started the day after graduating from Anaheim High School. I was the “Out-camping Director” at Camp Osceola, a YMCA camp in the San Bernardino mountains. One night, one of the boy’s cabins needed a second adult to spend the night. I got the assignment. After ‘lights out’, the 15 or so sixth graders finally got quiet, except for one who was groaning. Then he uttered “I don’t feel so good” which was immediately followed by the unmistakable sights, sounds and smells of someone throwing up. While all the others were yelling “ewwww” and “gross”, my only impulse was to go help this poor kid. Next thing I know is that I’m kneeling by his side with one hand on his back and the other holding his forehead. All I could feel for this little guy was a great desire to help alleviate his distress.  

Looking back makes me wonder, did I have compassion or did compassion have me? Normally I’d be yelling “ewwww” and “gross” with the rest of them, or volunteering to go get the camp nurse. Yet while by his side, somehow the sights, sounds and smells did not have their typical revolting effect on me. Compassion had me.

Compassion is also defined as empathy resulting in action. This action sometimes looks bold, strong and courageous. Being bold, strong and courageous is great, but I like compassion even more because it demonstrates love. Look at how tender and loving the Lord’s compassion is.

For two blind men sitting by the road: Matthew 20:34 – “Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.”

To a leper: Mark 1:41 – "Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed.'"

Towards a widow who’s only son had just died: Luke 7:13-15 – "When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, 'Do not weep.' And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, 'Young man, I say to you, arise!' The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother."

When considering what to pray for during 21 days of prayer & fasting for the lost, compassion came to mind. More precisely, my lack of compassion for the lost. Oh, I do care about their plight, but to be honest, I realized my caring was more empathy than compassion. So this became my prayer, that God would give me His compassion for the lost. A compassion that pushes through the revolting sights, sounds and smells of this world to help alleviate the distress of the lost, which is eternity in Hell, forever separated from God.

My 21 days of fasting has stopped, but my praying for compassion continues. You are welcome to join in.

Matthew 9:13 – “But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
                                                                                                     

¹Quote by P. Gilbert 2009.

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

When it comes to group projects, are you the type of person who likes to be in charge and figure out what everyone else must do, or would you rather sit back and wait for a role to be assigned to you? I must say, after years of being in charge and leading groups of people, every once in a while, it’s nice to simply kickback and wait for someone else to tell me what to do. However, more often than not, I find it hard to surrender the reins. Mainly because I like knowing where I’m going and feeling confident in the path chosen to get there. As a result, it’s not easy to simply follow when I don't know where I’m going. How often does this relate to our spiritual walk? God has promised to direct us, but because we can't see the details of our destination, our faith sometimes is at a standstill.
 
How do we walk by faith when we can't see where we're going? Well, truth be told, that's the only way to truly walk by faith. If we could always see exactly where we were going, it wouldn't be faith; it would just be us taking a walk. We call the Christian life a “faith” walk or “faith” journey because at times we don’t know where we are going, because God is leading us. The Hebrews passage reminds us that Abraham “went” even though he did not know where he was going. God didn't give him a destination. I look at this and think, there's no question that this must have been challenging, right? Imagine how aimless his journey must have felt. Yet we are amazed by Abraham's trust in God and obedience to Him despite the circumstances.
 
As with us, God often calls us out of our comfort zones without clear direction. I think if we knew where we were going, we would take our own paths to get there, instead of the path God has laid out for us. Another thing to consider is if we knew exactly where we were going, how many of us would get overwhelmed by how long it’s going to take or how hard the journey is going to be? Yet isn’t it the journey itself that God uses to grow us? It’s on the journey that our faith grows, our obedience grows, our trust in Him grows, and therefore our relationship grows. The times we can't see ought to be the times when we're most open to God's plan because we can't rely on our own. Truth is that many times God doesn’t call us to “know”; He calls us to “go” and simply trust in Him along the way. As you finish up this devo, consider one small step of faith and obedience you can take with God today in an area of your life that He is calling you to “go” and trust Him along the way.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.