When my wife and I retired, we imagined buying a home on the East Coast of the US, while keeping our current one out West, to be nearer family, while enjoying each coast’s seasonal good weather. As we checked out various options, our confusion levels reached astronomic heights, accompanied by no peace of mind. What to do? How and where and when? While visiting my mother in her retirement home and blabbing all about our dilemma, my brother gave some savvy advice. He’s the smarter one of the boys in my family!

His sage words? Rent! Don’t buy. Hang onto your retirement nest egg and let someone else shoulder the worries of home ownership. Go where you want. Stay here. Stay there. Just don’t get tied down. Hmm. There’s an idea.

And that’s what we did. Over and over again. At a 15th-century manor house in England for two months. In Brooklyn, New York, a couple of times. Some condos on Seabrook Island, South Carolina. Then, in the city of my birth, Jersey City, New Jersey, with a lower Manhattan view at sunset from the New Jersey side. Then, to find sun and warmth in winter, we rent in Palm Springs, California. Not forgetting all those rentals at my favorite place, down the shore, on the beach at Ocean City, New Jersey! Rent…rent…rent.

To be frank, some rentals have been satisfactory, even quite fine. Others, hardly worth remembering, which turn out to be quite hard to forget, where I hunt out a terrific bargain, which, as it turns out, proves that the old adage is still true–‘you get what you pay for’.

The last straw came with a vengeance. I won’t say where, but this apartment turned out to be an ant-infested dump, featuring cheap, thin, sheer window curtains as blankets and bedspreads (that’s right), no heat until two weeks after our stay was up, topped off by a television possessed by something evil. This hangout, when pictured on the rental online site, seemed like some other place, the opposite of what we’d fallen into, all for a rock-bottom weekly price, offered by what turned out to be a slumlord.

Oh well, can’t win ’em all. But you can see why my wife handed me my walking papers concerning future vacation rentals! ‘But it was such a deal!’ ‘Good for you. You’re fired!’

I was thinking about this as I read John 14, where Jesus reminds us of our home with Him, over the hilltop, on the other side of this life, where death is defeated, and joy reigns forever. Our home away from home. With no more stodgy rentals. No more dodgy hotels. Or packing up and moving on. Missed connections, lost luggage, security checks, or delayed flights.

For Jesus promises something better, truly the very best. For those who believe in Him, who trust His Word more than anyone else’s, hear our Lord’s promise–‘In my Father’s house are many rooms (I like the King James Version translation of ‘mansion’ better! Don’t you?)…I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also’ (John 14: 2-3).

His assurances should put a smile on my face that nothing and no one can ever wipe off. But do they? Too often, sad to say, I allow little troubles to push Jesus’ good words to the back burner of my mind. So far away that they don’t do me much good.

So I mope around, being overly sensitive to the slights of others, intended or not. Worried about what shoe will drop next. Or what’s in the mail. Or that medical test result. Or whatever troubles will cast ominous shadows into this coming new year.

This week, I’m going to remind myself of what Jesus says in John 14, about that place He’s preparing for you and me. That we’ll be with Him always. And all for good. For the worst day we’ll ever have in this life is the worst day we’ll ever have. Heaven will be just that. And not a smidgeon less.

And I’ll bet, while not being a betting man, that as I focus on my Lord and what He says for a change, my heart and mind will run on better tracks. Less wobbling and waffling, wondering if I should trust God or just tough it out on my own.

No close calls, let alone a derailment or two, falling into prior sins. But more with a steady confidence that Jesus is in front of me and behind me, above and below, and by my side. As close as close can be, knowing that He’s totally trustworthy. And that on His train, He’ll lead me exactly where He wants me to go. Always with Him. Finally, in my home away from home!

Lord Jesus, thank you for your words to live by. Help me to rely on them more and more. Amen.

Christmas Day is right around the corner. A day to celebrate, thanking God for the gift of His only Son, Jesus. The Babe of Bethlehem. The promised Messiah, who saves us and makes us His own. That should be the best Christmas gift of all. Is it enough for you?

As you explore this gift, you discover that you can have a relationship with God unlike any other. Where you can cozy up closer to Jesus and pour out your heart to Him. Is that like your bond with God? Or mine? Or are we a tad too polite to ask Him for something? Presumptuous to expect the Lord of Creation and History to pay any attention to little old me? Or you?

I’ve known some who think it’s selfish to ask the Lord for anything for themselves. And we know many who can’t see beyond themselves. Oy veh, such a choice. I’d rather be like those found in Psalm 107.

In what way? All throughout this psalm, a certain phrase is repeated–‘Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress’ (Ps. 107: 6, 13, 19, 28). Four times they wail and howl to God, shedding buckets of tears. All their troubles are placed at His feet. He hears everything and answers them all in His way and in His time. Should we hold back and tough it out all on our own? Not on your life. For cryin’ out loud, tell your Lord!

There’s even more found in Psalm 107–‘Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man’ (vs. 8, 15, 21, 31). Don’t forget to be thankful, especially during the Christmas season. Keep Christ front and center. Never use His name as a swear word. Never. But bless Jesus, exuding appreciation and gratitude. Instead of a potty mouth, always have a holy one.

Enjoy a very Merry Christmas. And a Happy Christmas to all our British and Commonwealth readers as well!

Thank you, Jesus, for coming into our world to love and save us and be with us forever. Such a gift. Amen.

In Revelation chapter 14, the 144,000 sing their praises to God. Avoiding all the crazy guestimates about the meaning of numbers and identities, obviously, these are all the saints of all time praising God Most High. Like the angels who sing to those watchful Christmas shepherds, saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’ (Luke 2: 8-14 for the full story). During Advent, we love to sing the carol ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’, which is a resounding musical echo of glorious praise for the coming Messiah, Jesus.

Now, it’s true that loud noises aren’t always among our favorite things. Annoying ones, like when trucks run compressors to clean household rugs. Or when, on vacation, another of those blasted compressors, across the street from where we’re renting, revs up its noisome racket daily from 8am to 4pm. Terrible.

But this din of the angels is of a different sort. No raising a ruckus but a blending of tones and overtones, lifting high their melodious praises to God.

When my wife and I were staying at Niagara Falls, we loved the nighttime fireworks display. I’ve enjoyed any such illuminations since childhood. But here we had the merging of the roar of the falls, the booms and dazzle of the fireworks, along with lightning and thunder from a fierce storm that rolled in that same night that I just didn’t want to stop.

In heaven, joyous singing will go on forever. It will be impossible not to raise our voices, to thank the Lord for all His wonder and goodness. Couldn’t stop if we wanted to, which we don’t and won’t. We’d literally explode trying to keep all our praise inside us.

No way. Let it out. Maybe sing a little louder in church this Sunday? With a carol or two? Give a good shout?

Like those angels heard on high by shepherds here below.

Lord Jesus, I love you and am happy to tell you that each and every day. Amen.

I know Thanksgiving Day here in the United States has passed, and that we’re into the celebration of Advent, preparing for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But why not continue giving thanks, never letting up or taking for granted what the Lord provides? As in the humbling joy of being in His family. And our gratitude to Jesus for saving us from eternal separation from God. Thanksgiving is a holiday to hold onto.

Digging deeper into our Bibles to discover more about never-ending thankfulness, we meet the Old Testament character Nehemiah, back in downtrodden Jerusalem, on leave from his political job as cupbearer to the Persian king. Nehemiah gets to work, organizing the rebuilding of the Holy City’s walls and gates. Later, in chapter 12, he gathers a team of priests and Levites whose primary responsibilities are to praise and thank God musically.

What exactly is their calling? Read Nehemiah 12: 8–‘And the Levites… (were) in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.’ These were singers and choir leaders. This is their main job? That’s what it says. No, it’s not some spiritual hobby for brownie points. But an appointed privilege almost beyond measure. To lead God’s people in musical admiration, waxing lyrical to the Almighty.

This was nothing new. Read on–‘For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God’ (v. 46). Even before Solomon’s Temple was built, grateful songs rang throughout Moses’ Tabernacle, its courts, and the streets of Old Jerusalem.

In Nehemiah’s day, when Jerusalem’s walls and rebuilt Temple were dedicated, thanksgiving never lets up. It was so prevalent that this happened–‘…and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away’ (v. 43). Joyous thanks echo throughout the Holy City’s hills and valleys and even beyond.

Our thanks to God should never let up. Or be limited to one day a year. But more like Anna in the Christmas story, who stays in Herod’s Temple, waiting patiently year after year, to see the Messiah of Israel. Her patience and perseverance never let up until she finds the Messiah–‘And coming up that very hour she (Anna) began to give thanks to God…’ (Luke 2: 38).

This Christmas season heralds a time to thank God for all His good gifts to us, especially His Son, Jesus. All month long, let our praises be heard. Singing carols and all. Planning gifts to bless those we love. Giving to those desperately in need.

May joy fill our hearts and homes with continual… Well, you know what. Just never let up!

Thank you, Father, for the gift of your Son Jesus. Amen.

One of my favorite characters in the Christmas story is an old man named Simeon. You know him. A godly senior citizen, who patiently waits for the promised Messiah, who will bring salvation to his people. Long-in-the-tooth Simeon checks out all the babies brought to Jerusalem’s Temple, hoping that the Holy Spirit would nudge his soul, revealing the coming Son of God. And oh, the excitement when Simeon comes across Joseph and Mary’s baby boy that special day, one like no other!

After praising God for the wondrous gift of the Messiah, Simeon utters ominous words to Mary–‘…Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed’ (Luke 2: 34-35). Not all tinsel and glitter with the coming of Jesus. Or wrapping paper, toys and mulled cider, either. Not quite. Pain will eventually be experienced. Hearts shattered and broken.

And here’s where I wonder. I know what it feels like to be hurt. To be yelled at and misunderstood. Rejected and blamed, rightly or wrongly. And so do you. But I wonder how God feels when I disobey Him. The times when I act as if He doesn’t even exist, not asking His thoughts about big things and little ones. Or when I’m begging for what I must have while I couldn’t care less about His feelings or His will. I wonder. So does He.

As we enter this Advent season, it’s time to focus on Jesus, caring about Him and His feelings. To please Him above all else. Telling Jesus how much we love Him, even when things don’t go our way. Especially then. And to make the Bible our first choice for guidance. It’s God’s flawless GPS!

St. Augustine, the early North African theologian, said that God thirsts to be thirsted after. Or words to that effect. Chew on that for a while. Do my desires lean God’s way? Do I give a hoot about my Lord? What He wants? His feelings? After all, St. Paul wrote this–‘And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…’ (Eph. 4: 30). Can you imagine? That we can hurt, distress, and wound our God? Can hardly take that in.

As we approach Christmas, why not focus on pleasing God? To thirst after Him. To make Jesus happy. How would that be for a change? I wonder…

I love you, Jesus, and thank you for all your goodness and care. Amen.

I was a senior at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago when I was elected president of the Missionary Union. At the time, this was the largest student mission group among Bible schools. I was a shoo-in when my only opponent dropped out of the race for some long-forgotten reason. Probably realized he had nary a chance against little old me! Right? Could be.

I loved that group, which had a super student executive team. I learned about mission projects around the world. Meeting missionaries and hearing their stories excited me for all that God was doing. Was I to be a missionary? Heading off to some foreign clime of unknown locale? Strangely, I never felt that call. So what gives? Maybe I wasn’t listening? You think? Could be.

However, take a look at the Apostle John’s third letter. It’s very short. At most a few verses. Reading it recently gave me great encouragement, along with a kick in the pants to boot! About what?

Here’s what–‘Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth’ (3 John 5-8).

It’s clear from the Apostle John’s letter that all of us can be ‘fellow workers’ with missionaries near or far when we support them. I don’t mean only in terms of money. Then again, we’re not off the hook, shekel-wise. At least, I’m not. I stew over how much to give. Not an easy gladhand with my moolah. So, I ask the Lord to loosen my tight fists and be more open-handed. Guess what? Yes, He’s working with me. Slowly but surely, fingers are wiggling freehandedly. Just me, ‘fellow worker’? Could be.

However, there’s more to this bit about team effort. As in what exactly? Actually, it’s prayer that’s called for, which is as important as financial help. Possibly more so? Makes me wonder. Too often, I downplay the effectiveness of prayer. Why? Don’t I trust that God will hear me and respond? Or does it seem like so much hot air? Could be. Here’s another area where I ask for the Lord’s help. To be Jesus’ prayer warrior and ‘fellow worker’.

Did I miss my calling as a missionary? I don’t think so. God’s team has many players who work in multiple roles. Shouldn’t we stop second-guessing God’s call? Maybe He does want you serving Him in a missionary role? Or on mission in your neighborhood? Or at work? Or school? Or writing weekly devotionals? Perhaps we should start being where the Lord plants us and doing more of what He wants. You think?

Could be!

Lord Jesus, you give your all. Help me to respond generously, doing my part for your Kingdom. Amen.

Basketball legend Michael Jordan appeared in an advertisement for sports drink Gatorade with the admonition to mirror this great one’s beverage choice–‘Be Like Mike!’ Rubbing shoulders with such a celebrity likely attracted many thirsty wannabes to become followers and buyers.

Reading 2 Chronicles 18, we hear about two kings in ancient Israel who made an alliance to fight their common enemy. Kings Ahab and Jehoshaphat consult their religious advisors for divine prophecy about military success against their adversary, Syria. King Ahab, from the northern kingdom of Samaria, consults four hundred of his prophets who worship Baal and Asherah, and other false gods.

Jehoshaphat, king of southern Judah, sounds an uncomfortable note, wondering if there isn’t one prophet of Yahweh in their midst. Shouldn’t we consult our one God, he pleads?

So, who should they call upon? Surprisingly, one of Yahweh’s prophets comes into Ahab’s mind. Who? Micaiah. But first, Ahab’s hundreds of prophets chime in with glowing reports of victory after victory, crushing those nasty bad guys (check out verses 5-11). Then enters Micaiah, all by his lonesome.

But, in the wings, before entering center stage, some highfalutin’ court official tips off Micaiah with this warning–‘Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably’ (2 Chr. 18: 12). Watch out, Micaiah, you’d better tell our crowned head what he wants to hear. Blend in. Be one of the crowd. Don’t stand out like a sore thumb. Be sure not to rock the boat. Sit down, Micaiah, and watch your mouth!

What should he do? Flatter this superstar monarch? Soft soap him into overconfidence? Tickle a few ears in the process? How about it? It’s tempting to save your own skin. No way. Not for this prophet of the true God. So, be like Micaiah–‘…As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak (2 Chr. 18: 13).

Really? Stand with God and what He says? No more of that silly business of ‘if you can’t fight ’em, join ’em’? Go fifty-fifty? No, don’t compromise with what you know isn’t from the Bible. Get up and stand your ground. Actually, find your footing on God’s ground. A more stable place you’ll never find.

Win the popularity contest in this life? I wish. Might as well accept that you’ll be grumbled against, told to take a hike, and face troubles you’ve never dreamed of. But know that in the end, you’ve stood with Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. Wouldn’t that be the very best? Safe and secure for all alarms, as the old hymn promises? Hands down, for sure.

So, be like your Master!

Lord Jesus, give me strength and courage to be more like you. Amen.

Remember when Jesus said that if you seek, you’ll find, knock and doors will open, ask and you’ll receive (Matt. 7:7)? Sounds like prayers framed with promises, doesn’t it? To get all we ask for? What we want and when? Think again.

First of all, Jesus yearns for us to be in a committed relationship with Him. Seeking yet depending upon His answers as the right ones. Not telling Him what to do. Asking…knocking…seeking. Like a child to a good parent. Assertive yet submissive. Hanging onto His sleeves, assured that He knows best.

This business of assertive seeking is not unique to Jesus. Check out three Old Testament chapters in 2 Chronicles. Okay, where is that? Start seeking and you’ll find it. Nine times the word ‘seek’ or ‘sought’ can be found– ‘…to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to keep the law and the commandment’ (2 Chr. 14: 4). ‘…because we have sought the Lord our God’ (v.7). ‘If you seek him, he will be found by you…’ (15:2). ‘…to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul’ (v.12). There are more, but you get the point.

Seek the Lord. Come to Him. Don’t shy away. No hiding from what shames us. He’s waiting like the father of the Prodigal Son. Longing for us to draw close. His arms remain wide open. Not the back of the hand, but His helping one.

What more could He do? Ask away. Seek your Lord Jesus. Knock on His front door. He’s always home. Wait for Him to open it. Be patient (I’m looking squarely in the mirror!). Don’t step back. Stay put. He’ll come and open the door at just the right time, in just the right way.

Come to think of it, why wouldn’t you seek Him?

Lord Jesus, thank you for wanting me to come to you with anything that’s on my heart. Amen.

Years ago, I found my faith running on a nearly dead battery. Warning lights go off, but I pay little attention. Red lights and green all signal that something’s amiss. In what ways?

My reading of the Bible becomes hit-and-miss. Only on good days. Prayer was like begging, or in emergency situations. Church attendance drops off as worship seems stale and a waste of my oh-so valuable time.

Check out Psalm 77, where you’ll find another whose faith seems up against the wall–‘Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?’ (Ps. 77: 7-9). See what I mean? No believer wants to stay stuck like this. I didn’t and don’t.

So, what do you do? How can you dig out of this spiritual pit? When you seem to land yourself on a different team than God’s? Not a great feeling to have. Is this the joy of the Lord that He wants for me? And you?

In this psalm, jumper cables can be found, giving an electric boost to our sputtering faith. To get us closer to our God. And be happy again, nestled safe and secure in His loving arms. How? The words ‘remember’, ‘ponder’, and ‘meditate’ send some sparks–‘…Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart’ (Ps. 77: 6).

I haven’t a clue as to why I picked up an old hymnal and started leafing through its pages. I could hardly put it down. I didn’t want to. Kept singing to my heart’s content. Why? What I discovered were wonderful hymns that I loved to sing early in my Christian life, when I was a fresh and excited follower of Jesus, which had almost petered out. Almost.

So, I’d sing to myself all those reassuring songs about salvation, the blood of Jesus, softly and tenderly the Lord loves me, placing my feet squarely at Calvary, thanking Jesus for what He did for me on that old rugged cross. Singing them over and over again, those wonderful words of life. The more I sang, the more my feelings lifted and floated higher and higher. That’s exactly what happened. By the way, I still keep that old hymnal close by just in case.

Whatever way you can draw close to Jesus, do it. Reading more of your Bible daily? Dig in. Talking with a mature and trusted believer who has compassion and more ears than a mouth? Get close and unburden yourself. Find your way back to church, a fellowship where the Bible is preached faithfully? Not a bad idea. But be careful, for not all do.

How about sharing these weekly devotionals with someone else? They may encourage and help them. You think? Could be. That’s my daily prayer.

Again, whatever enables you to get passionate for the Lord Jesus, do it. And remember, don’t forget!

Lord Jesus, draw me closer to you with a fresh excitement that only You can give. Amen.

Those who talk about the patience of Job have merely skimmed his Old Testament story. His emotions are all over the place. Angry one moment. Then, he cursed the day he was born. In the next breath, he’s praising God for whatever the Lord brings his way. Patient…impatient. No steady-eddy with flat-lined emotions. Me too. Like Job, I could use a boost of patience.

I like to get things done…NOW! The more the merrier. The sooner the better. Putting things off is not in my DNA. It bothers me when things pile up, and chores get pushed to the back burner, leaving me with an uneasy feeling.

As much as I like to get things done, I need to follow what’s said in Psalm 75. Just a fragment of a verse is all it takes to give me pause. Psalm 75: 2–‘At the set time that I appoint…’ That’s it? That’s it!

God has His timing. History is His story. That should come as no surprise since He is the Creator and Lord of All. He’s in charge. But we know that. So what? Here’s what–‘get with His program, Fischer’. Keep asking for His will in my life. Of course, be busy, but contact Him first and foremost, not last but least. Less emergency prayers and more moment-by-moment, up-to-date communication. You know what I mean.

I’m to keep His appointments. Not show up if I feel like it, weather permitting. If I’ve got a few extra moments to spare with nothing better to do. I wonder what’s on the ‘idiot box’? Does anyone have a TV Guide? Giving God my leftovers. We can do better than that, can’t we? Shouldn’t we? I’m looking in the mirror now.

Of course, I know that the Lord has gifted each of us differently. Some operate in high gear. Others idle some, needing time to consider whatever it is they’re to do. But being who we are means playing less solitaire and more like the card game ‘Bridge’, where we have a partner.

For me, I want to step back a moment, tune in to more than a partner, to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for His timing and His appointments, with headwinds more from His direction for a change.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being my Lord and Master. Amen.