Don’t you wish that you knew the specifics of God’s will? The ins and outs of divine choice? Well, for good reasons, the Lord wants us to use the mind and will He’s given us. To apply our abilities so we can give back more than what’s been entrusted to us, being productive for the Lord and for others, blessing us in the process.

But what about when we hit a brick wall and beg for His direction? And haven’t a clue? What then? Basically, it’s okay to be tentative, showing humility by penciling in what we think He wants. Often we just don’t know, or it feels sketchy and cautious. Why? To make us more discerning? To learn to live with uncertainty and its consequences? I believe so, for we’re called to walk by faith in our God.

I’m no different from any of you. I struggle with living with uncertainties. Reading the story of King Saul’s son Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14, we encounter exactly what I’m thinking about– that many of our actions come with a tentative, penciled-in quality. Back to ancient Israel’s prince. Jonathan battles the enemy, the Philistines. He devises a plan to rout this tenacious adversary– to panic them, causing them to imagine that the Israeli forces are a multitude greater than what truly exists, which causes them to flee for their lives. Dread and terror rock them to the core. They hightail it out of the desert as fast as their legs will carry them!

Is this plan of the Lord? His will? Listen in–“Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, ‘Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.’ And his armor-bearer said to him, ‘Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish'” (1 Sam. 14:6-7). Did you overhear what Jonathan said?–‘It may be that the Lord will…’ Could be? Let’s find out. Go for it!

Being tentative is a part of life. In some matters (the 10 Commandments and Jesus’ clear teaching), there can be no doubt. But with others, we just don’t know, do we? This job? Or that one? Retire here? Retire there? Give to this cause? Give to that one? And many, many more. But it’s okay. Calm down and depend on the Lord. Watch His hands at work in your life, usually as we look back, upon reflection. This takes some patience, which I have precious little of. But whatever the quantity, you’ll need all you have and then some.

Often, I’ve seen wonderful surprises from Jesus that I’d never even thought of. Especially when we seem to crash behind enemy lines, that’s when I can trust God’s ways, as always, the best ones long-term. And by all means, pray more. Wait on Him for a change. Slow down, already. Have some faith while you’re at it. Even if it’s only the size of a tiny mustard seed. Let God be God. And you, you!

And by all means, love your Lord and enjoy the ride! Okay?

Lord Jesus, I dedicate my decisions to your honor and glory. Please forgive me when I do just the opposite. Amen.

We arrive in Jerusalem in the evening. After days of sandstorm, it’s amazing to see the crystal-clear lights of the Holy City, signaling that the storm has finally lifted. Now we can see the city of the Bible. As clear as a bell. Lovely and seemingly peaceful.

Tired from traveling the Holy Land for over a week, we head to bed. Restful sleep greets us. Peace and quiet await the night. Until about 4 or 5 AM, when it begins. Awakens us with a start. Sleep flees into the night sky, not to return that evening. What’s happened? Dogs. Mutts prowling the streets of Jerusalem. Scrawny canines bellow, howl, and whine at the top of their lungs. Muslim loudspeaker prayers start before dawn, and those dogs join in as an unwelcome off-key choir.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always loved dogs. Growing up, we had two cocker spaniels, both named Ginger. We were very creative with naming, as 5 of us were named John! My canine affection ended when I discovered that I’m highly allergic to dog dander. Adios, Ginger forever!

Here in Psalm 59, the psalmist, King David, seems to run into the same animals that we did–‘Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. There they are, bellowing with their mouths…’ (Ps. 59:6-7). Not just once, for here he goes again–‘Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill’ (vs.14-15). See what I mean? Dogs and more dogs!

King David calls his enemies mongrels who bark and howl all night long. Will they prevail? Win the day? Causing God’s own to utterly fail? Listen again–‘But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision. O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies’ (Ps. 59:8-10).

So, what does this have to do with us? Lots, when we think about it. As in things that bother us. That dog us. That barks and bites at your heels, so to speak. In my case, it’s hounding fears that snap at me, causing me to wonder when the next shoe will drop. And you? What puts you on edge? Dark emotional fog that refuses to lift. Sunless days prevail.

That’s exactly when we need to come to our Lord and start to believe Him. To push those ‘dogs’ out the door of our heart and take Him at His word for a change. To know that the Lord will never desert you. Not ever. Hold on tight to Him. And His promises. To His Word. Keep repeating them. Just like what King David says–‘My God in his steadfast love will meet me…’ (Ps. 59:10). Not fierce canine fangs, but the faithful love of our God, which stays right next to us. He promises. Pretty good, huh?

Wait! Have those dogs shut their traps? Could be!

O Lord Jesus, how I need your help every day. Thank you for never leaving me. Amen.

Don’t you agree that these two words are some of the most wonderful in the Bible? Which ones, you ask? You read the title, didn’t you?–‘But now…’ That’s it? You got it! For they mark a turning point from what was to what is. Here’s what I’ve been thinking this week.

I’m surprised, not pleasantly so, how often sins I’ve committed in the past keep flitting through my mind uninvited and unwelcome. They plague me, reminding me of how awful I’ve been in some situations. With someone I care about or with one I really don’t. Care about that is.

Sins committed. Sins confessed. Sins forgiven. Sins still rolling around, shooting poison darts and arrows at my mind and heart.

But I have to remind myself that I am making progress. I’m not quite like I used to be. Don’t get me wrong–I’m not bragging. Not at all. Rather, I’m aware that I’m maturing in my faith in Jesus. Moving ahead some. Two steps forward, one back. But having been in spiritual kindergarten far too long, with that kid’s dunce cap no longer fitting. So, now I’m in second grade with my Lord. Do I hear a drum roll? Some well-deserved applause? Didn’t think so!

What helps me to grow spiritually? It’s not that radical. Not endless rules to follow. Neither is it child’s play. Rather, to simply believe what the Lord says. I know that sounds easy-peasy. But in reality it’s far from it. Basically, keep repeating His words of reassurance and hope, refusing to allow doubts to cut us off from the goodness and trustworthiness of our Lord. Ask God to help you crowd out that negative bullhorn of regret and shame, for I’m forgiven by my Lord Jesus. Just wishful thinking? Hardly. For He means it. After all, itt cost Him His life on the cross. Isn’t it time to take the Almighty at His word? You think?

So, stop looking back so often. You shouldn’t drive only gazing at the rearview mirror. Rather, grasp where you are. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you’re not the same old, same old, but someone who really wants to follow the Leader. Far from perfect, but solidly on His team and in the game. All in, as best we can. Jesus understands.

Here are some verses from the Bible that will help you look forward, keeping you on the right path, following Jesus.

Romans 3: 21–‘But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the Law…’ But now!

Romans 6: 21-22–‘But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.’ But now!

Romans 7: 5-6–‘For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.’ But now!

Ephesians 5: 8–‘…for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…’ But now!

See what I mean? Focus on these verses, and you’ll have 20/20 vision in the Lord. Forward-looking. Not like then, for he past is just that. Leave it there. God’s taken good care of it. As only He can.

But now…Yes, now!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me new life with no backsies ever. Amen.

For too long I’ve struggled with doubts. Not about God or Jesus. Or the Bible. But my relationship with the Lord, being one of His own. Am I a Christian or not? Or am I kidding myself, thinking and hoping I’m a child of God, when, well you know? Maybe you grapple with some of the same? I wouldn’t be surprised. But hopefully not.

Still, I must get over this, don’t you think? Can’t I, Lord? A light goes on for me as I read Psalm 46. Why not stop now and read it yourself? Did you? Whether you did or didn’t, let me add my two cents. It’s verse 10 that grabs my heart and mind–‘Be still, and know that I am God…’ (v. 10). Actually, I’m zeroing in on a fraction of that verse.

‘Be still…’ means to be quiet, to stop in your tracks, put your hands at your side and stop fighting. I could almost hear the Lord saying to me, ‘Shhh! Quiet! Be still!’ Stop wrestling with what I promise you. Believe me. Accept my love even as I do with all your faults and failures. So, calm down and let me lift you up, putting you back on track after you’ve stumbled into some dirty, dusty rut.

It’s so hard for me to accept what He promises. To relax in Him. To lead a normal Christian life. Why is that? I imagine it goes back to when I contracted polio and was removed from the suburban home my family had moved into the week before, to a strange town, in an unfamiliar place. Then rushed to a polio clinic in a large city hospital, not seeing any of my family for weeks on end (had they all died?), placed in isolation in a noisy polio ward filled with other crying, crippled children while given hot pack water treatments and exercises that must have felt like I was being tortured for something I’d done horribly wrong. At age two? What did I do? I must have concluded that life could turn terribly wrong at any moment for any old reason. Or none. Who knows?

So, the Lord wants me to hear Him saying, ‘Shhh! Quiet! Be still! In the face of any unknown, beastly, grim whatever–‘Shhh! Quiet! Be still!’ When I think about how far off the mark my life matches up to the holiness and righteousness of God, I hear Him saying, ‘Shhh! Quiet! Be still!’ Or how I’ve hurt others with my careless comments, hoping also that God will forgive me. He again whispers, ‘Shhh! Quiet! Be still!’ Or that I’ll never be worthy in any way, shape, or form to be in God’s paradise, heaven. ‘Shhh! Quiet! Be still!’

He says more. Verse 10 goes on–‘…and know that I am God.’ These promises are directly from the Lord. That Jesus’ love is nothing I can earn or deserve. It’s His gift. His grace and mercy wrap themselves around me, reassuring me that I do know Him. That nothing can rob me of God’s greatest gifts. And that more and better are sure to come. So, relax, already.

‘Shhh! Quiet!’ ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Ps.46:10).

Lord Jesus, I love you and thank you for always holding me close to you. Amen.

Don’t call me Gideon! If you do, I won’t answer. I have issues with him. Here’s the plus side–Gideon’s one of the judges of ancient Israel. An early one before they acquired kings. Both Gideon and Samson have the most written about their terms of service. But Gideon’s unique–the only judge, recorded in the Bible, who speaks directly with God.

So, what’s wrong with good old Gideon? What’s not to like? Here are my thoughts. Even though he hears directly from the Lord, and God encourages and compliments Gideon for his heroic character, Gideon cowers in unbelief and self-doubt despite all God’s promises.

Let’s check out some background. Israel has some nasty neighbors. The Midianites, who are distant relatives, pillage the land and steal as much of Israel’s food as they can. They’re human locusts. That’s why Gideon is found threshing wheat in a winepress, hoping the enemy will not look into this out-of-season place. And in that hiding place is where God calls Gideon to defeat those sneaky, thieving, so-called and no-good relatives.

Gideon grapples with what the Lord promises him–“‘Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house’. And the Lord said to him, ‘But I will be with you, and you will strike the Midianites as one man'” (Judges 6:15-16). Basically, Gideon can’t imagine how this will work out– this deal with the Lord. He’s refusing to take a risk on the Lord, even with God’s promises of help and protection ringing in his ears. Gideon still begs off, wanting to back out.

Finally, as a last-ditch effort, as if shaking in his boots, Gideon puts those fleece tests before God. You remember them, don’t you? If not, read the latter part of Judges 6. It’s sad to see someone who hears from God and still doesn’t believe, who knows that God has helped his people in the past, yet still lives in fear and trepidation in the present, while biting his fingernails about the future.

Don’t call me Gideon! But if I’m honest, you should. Way too often I read of God’s promises, and yet I walk around fearful of when the next shoe will drop. Wondering if something horrible is just around the bend. That I’ll fall flat on my face as if God couldn’t care less. That my best wishes will dissolve into some nightmare scenario. Like the Lord doesn’t even exist. And if He does, He’s against me, wants to see me stumble, nose-dive, and collapse. Maybe even toss a handful of Kosher salt in my wounds. Oy vey, call me Gideon!

Best not to be too hard on that Bible character. Rather, I myself should learn to trust what the Lord says. To stop testing and fleecing Him. And get in line behind Him, as a follower. Let Jesus take the lead. And for me to trust my Lord that He’s as good as His Word… always.

Okay, I know that I’m no sterling example of anything. I get that. Boy, do I! But lest I ever forget that I’m forgiven, cleansed, made new, and born again because of Jesus and His good promises. Understood, Fischer? I’m trying. I know, very! But God knows that I’m worth the effort. You are also. Do you believe that? Do you?

Lord Jesus, I believe in you and trust you. Thank you for being my Savior and Friend. Amen.

Somewhere I read that the most important words you can say in a relationship are ‘thank you’. I thought it was ‘I love you’, but maybe the article referred to all kinds of relationships, not exclusively a husband and wife. Shouldn’t be hard to say those two golden words, should it? Do you hear them very often? Or have we become an entitlement society? Others expect whatever from us? ‘Hand it over. I deserve it’. You get the point.

I have to ask myself if I utter those two words regularly. Or have I fallen into an ingratitude trap, presuming my rights. Should be easy-peasy to say ‘thank you’. Hardly any effort involved. So, why is that so hard?

That story in Luke 17 tells of ten men with a disease that requires lengthy quarantine. The condition is called leprosy, but in the Bible that word covers several communicable skin diseases. Whatever it is, it’s highly contagious. As Jesus walks by, these ten men cry out from a secluded distance–‘…Jesus, Master, have mercy on us’ (Luke 17:13). Immediately, the Lord does exactly that, while telling them to show themselves as healed to some religious leaders, verifying this miracle. At first, these men notice no change in their malady until they start on their journey and then, yes, wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles, they’re all healed! Each and every one. Clean as clean can be. Skin as smooth and blemish-free as a baby’s!

The reaction of those ten men to this supernatural wonder? They stampede back to Jesus? Hardly. One, only one, stops in his tracks and heads back to Jesus. He’s the only one to go out of his way to thank the Lord. The only one who bothers to take some time out of his busy schedule to offer thanks. The only one–‘Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving thanks’ (v. 15-16). At least one showed gratitude. But only one? That’s it? Why is that so hard?

I wonder how many Christians spend much time thanking Jesus for all He’s done and is doing for them? Or do we only pray, asking for things for ourselves and some others, time and weather permitting? I’ve known some to ask God to increase the value of their stock portfolios! No, not me. I remember asking a church prayer group to solely offer thanks to God for the first part of our weekly meeting. Praise and thanks exclusively to our God. Well, guess what? That lasted about thirty seconds. Why is that so hard?

Why? To thank God? He deserves it, doesn’t He? We should be more responsive and grateful, shouldn’t we? I’m looking in the mirror now. I’m no better than anyone else. But honestly, I don’t want to stay that way. Effort is called for. A determination to be more open with my thanks. Not in a forced way, though it may feel that way at first. Or rote, when the same old praise words get used, nauseatingly, over and over again. And certainly not hoping that my thank-yous will lead the Almighty to give in on things I’ve asked for that haven’t shown up yet. Twist His arm by buttering Him up. ‘Leave It to Beaver’s’ Eddie Haskell of prayer time!

But be spontaneous, fresh, and alert, and, of course, thankful for many good reasons. Let Him know how much you appreciate and love Him. That without Him, your life would be dull, drab, and doomed. It isn’t, is it? Quite the contrary. And all because of Him. This week I’m going to thank Him more and more. Genuinely heartfelt. At least I hope to.

That won’t be too hard, will it?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all your love. A million times over, thank you! Amen.

A religious leader approaches Jesus asking a rather pointed question–‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment…?’ (Matt. 22:36). Without a moment’s hesitation, Jesus says this–‘…You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment’ (Matt. 22:38).

Here’s my question–how can you command love? Love me or else? Doesn’t quite cut the mustard. Not in our culture, where love is voluntary. A choice to make. A reaction to someone or something that grabs our hearts and minds in the most positive ways. I love my wife. My sons. Our precious grandchildren. My brother and sister. Our church family. Don’t have to force the issue when I say that I love them.

Why do I love my wife? Let me count the ways. My first impression of Sue was her kindness. She was exactly that then and still is. I love her for many more reasons as well. But no one had to command me to love her. That wasn’t necessary. The more I got to know my wife, the more I loved her. And still do. Even more so.

The same with Jesus. The more I know Him, the more I can’t help but fall deeper in love with my Lord and Savior. All the hints God gives in the Old Testament foresee the coming deliverer. The One from God who would also be God in the flesh. Whose humble beginnings were in that little town of Bethlehem. Jesus’ stories, called parables, capture imaginations two millennia later. His healings and miracles reveal someone much more than mortal man. And finally, how misunderstood and mistreated He was by those who should have known better. They did know but turned their backs on Him anyway. Nevertheless, He died for all who place their hope and trust in Him. How could we not love Jesus?

I remember when I first heard about my Savior’s love for me. I’d never heard even a whisper of that in the church I attended. Had no idea that Jesus knew I existed until one Sunday evening when I heard Billy Graham speak on his radio program, ‘The Hour of Decision’. That was my hour when I decided to trust Jesus.

How He’s changed me. Challenged me to be less fearful. More giving and loving. And best of all, since I know myself better than anyone else, His forgiveness. How I need that…past, present, and future! And He gives me what I need. Not only for me. You too?

Heaven awaits at some unknown time. I used to stupidly say that ‘heaven is my home, but I’m not homesick.’ Well, I’ve changed that tune, big-time. For I still want to do what the Lord wants me to do here and now, spending good times with family and church, but to be with Him then and there, well, won’t that be heavenly? Just out of this world!

You see–I love Jesus. And I know what He means about commanding love. That the longer I know Him, the more love I’ll have for Him. It flows from my heart because of who He is. Those of us who know Him can’t help but love Him!

Lord Jesus, I love you and thank you for all you mean to me. Amen.

So many people, even those of us in the Rebel colonies (!), seem captivated by royalty. Their lives and foibles. Their comings and goings. Ups and downs, of which there are plenty of both. Who would want to be one of them, anyway? Not me. Such a lack of privacy, coupled with the temptations of oodles of moolah, along with disloyalties behind every tree. Yet we’re fascinated by them.

The Book of Deuteronomy gives clear instructions for a king. Of ancient Israel, in this case. But as I read Deuteronomy 17, I’m impressed with how applicable those words are for anyone at any time and place. Good words for royalty and for peasants like me!

Moses penned them over 3500 years ago. In ancient times, with technology in its infancy at best, they had the brainpower to memorize what God said and passed it along by word of mouth. Pen and ink, paper and parchment, were too primitive or pricey for the average Josiah. So, they kept God’s Word in their minds and spoke with each other about what the Lord had to say. All with pinpoint accuracy.

Deuteronomy 17: 14-20 gives God’s directives through Moses to any future monarch. They’re stated as a series of negatives and positives. Which shall we start with? Let’s hear some no-nos. What to avoid. Like being a king who has no relationship with the Lord God. The King of Israel not knowing and obeying Yahweh God? Seems rather wacko. On the contrary, it’s was more the norm then and now. Nevertheless, Moses lays down the Law–the ruler must not be an ungodly infidel. Period. No discussion allowed. Finis!

Many years ago I promised the Lord that I’d never be involved in a church that didn’t preach the gospel. Where the offer of salvation by Jesus alone wasn’t made. Where current cultural issues ruled its roost. Rather, I pledged to be in a church where the pastor and congregation take the Bible seriously and are devoted to following Jesus. You’ll sense the difference if either of these is missing. If so, high-tail it out of First Church of Dodge and find one that truly honors the Lord. Take the royal high road as God commands.

Again, the king should know the Lord personally and not be a materialistic greedmonger. Not having wives galore. In other words, someone who is faithful, obedient to God, and helpful. A money-grubber and flagrant sex fiend is not the kind of leader the Lord supports. Okay, that’s the gist of the negatives.

Now off into something more positively heartwarming. All good. Not only for royalty but for all God’s people. Here’s what the Lord says–‘And when he (the king) sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel’ (Deut. 17:18-20).

Be someone who takes their Bible earnestly and thoughtfully. Quit horsing around. Simmer down, already. Spend quality and quantity time in its pages. After all, it’s not some podcast or internet news outlet. Nothing artificial about God’s intelligence. Hardly. It’s the revelation of the Lord Almighty. Give it the respect it’s due. Delve deeper into it rather than toying with what the culture dictates. Not everything in society is evil. Hardly. But when it comes to truth, well, you know, God has the final word. So, let Him have it!

Read those verses in Deuteronomy 17 again, and ask yourself if you’re putting them into action. Am I living like a royal child of the King of Kings? And listening to Him? Am I? In truth, I must admit that I need some improvement. I see that. But through prayer and patience, relying on the Lord to do what He wants with good old me, those upgrades and spiritual retrofits are on their way. Slowly. But surely.

Lord, I want to live the way you want me to live. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.