Author Archives: revjaf

WHO’S THAT IN MY MIRROR? Psalm 52

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Walking through the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemene, my wife and I marvel at olive trees hundreds of years old.  Probably none from Jesus’ day, but this is how His garden looked.  A stone’s throw from the Kidron Valley.  Close to the holy city of Jerusalem.  Not far from the Temple mount.

Old, bent and twisted olive trees, with new shoots appearing from the side of their wizened stumps, unveil new life.  These stubby trunks look dead but are not so.  Life becomes visible in surprising ways and places.  What’s gone belly up hasn’t.  Far from its last curtain call.

I look in the mirror these days and wonder who’s giving me the once-over.  Can’t be me.  No.  It’s some moth-eaten old goat who’s invaded my body.  I feel like I’m in my 40’s.  So who is this over-the-hill, rusty, creaky old fuddy-duddy?  Me?  Tis true.  Like an old as the hills olive tree.

Enough of my moaning and groaning.  Let’s hear from God’s Word.  Psalm 52: 8-9–‘But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.  I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good.  I will praise you in the presence of your saints.’

I may be a bit long in the tooth, but I can still praise Jesus!  Flourish in closer relationship with Him as I read, meditate upon and dig deeper into the Bible.  I have hope because God is forever good and trustworthy.  I’m not…but He is.

So, let’s share with others how much He can mean to them as well.  Not selfish, keeping all the goodies to ourselves.  No.  Better to share than to hoard.  More blessed to give than to grasp.  Someone said that a long time ago.  Who?!

No matter what your age, flourish…grow…trust Jesus…bask in His love which never ends or fails…hope in His goodness…remember all He’s done for you…share His Word with others…enjoy your family of faith.

And don’t stop there.  Keep on keeping on… Like an old olive tree.

 

 

Thank you, Jesus, for new life forever.  Amen.

WELL WATERED Psalm 1

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Every January 1st I start reading my Bible all over again.  Kick-start with Genesis, Psalms and Luke.  Two Old Testament and one New Testament reading every day will cover it all by year’s end.  My Bible hasn’t changed, but I have.  Thank the Lord!

Thirty years ago, when I first committed to reading my Bible annually, I was single and a financial planner with over 850 clients.  Worked hard every weekday and night, leaving weekends free to enjoy my sons.  A busy season of my life.  Not without some loneliness.  If it wasn’t for my boys, and all the good times we had together, life would have been very bleak.

Decades later, I’m happily married to a wonderful woman.  Our children are grown with grandchildren blessing this life’s season.  Retired and not too tired, as it feels like heavy weights have been lifted from my shoulders.

Time to slow down a bit?  Maybe.  In some ways.  But not much.  Still love to travel.  When home, daily write and rewrite.  Edit and re-edit.  Want to communicate the best I can, always depending on the Lord’s help.  And He does just that and more.  Thank you, Lord Jesus!

So what will this season, or any for that matter, look like?  Psalm 1:3 says–‘He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.’  No matter what season you’re in, grow and mature, be fun, season other’s lives as well as your own.  Grow your spiritual roots profoundly deep.

Come gather by the old mill stream.  Where fresh waters flow freely.  Soak in God’s Word.  Its truths buoy your mind and heart all year long.  Your relationship with the Lord, a rising tide of love, loyalty and mercy.  Spiritually sail on the waters of God’s Word.  Your Bible–life’s essential irrigation every day, all year.

Well watered.  But only if you drink deeply.  Dive in.  The water’s fine!  Happy New Year!

 

Thank you, Lord, for all we can do through you.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS? Luke 2

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The events surrounding Jesus’ birth hardly shout a ‘Merry Christmas’.  If Mary and Joseph post a Christmas letter, it will include some rather disruptive details.  You know them.  The unexpected pregnancy, especially since they hadn’t sexually consummated their marriage.  The accompanying whispers, rumors and stares of gloating, nosey neighbors and family.

The rotten timing of Rome’s census/tax business.  The arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which winds up having no room in which to stay, not even in some crummy hostel.  Only a stinky stable with its foul ball feeding trough in which to cradle this child.

And guess who shows up to wonder at the babe but some unknown, uninvited shepherds, whose acrid aromas fill the air.  Later on a bunch of astrologer-types, wearing strange outfits, show up from somewhere back East.  At least their gifts amount to a small treasure trove.  Maybe it will be a Merry Christmas after all!

But no, it’s off to Egypt they must flee, avoiding King Herod’s paranoid slaughter of innocent children.  Exiles now far from home, work, family and friends.  Now you know why no letter may be included in their Christmas cards.

However, what can be said is that in spite of everything, Jesus’ unassuming arrival into this battered and broken world is the best news ever.  Troubles will not win in the end.  They won’t grab hold of the upper hand.  Not for long.  So, we’ll say a hearty ‘Merry Christmas’ wherever we go, whatever we’re going through.  Whether anyone likes it or not.  Merry…Christmas!

When clouds roll in and storms lash away at us, let’s focus on Jesus more than ever.  Joining those shepherds and Magi surrounding that very humble family, gazing with wonder at God’s gift that Christmas day.

Have a ‘Merry Christmas’!  We are so blessed!  Aren’t we?

 

Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus, our Savior.  In His name.  Amen.

 

ELIJAH’S CHRISTMAS HINT 1 Kings 19

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Elijah’s Christmas hint.  What?  Have I totally lost it?  Holiday season overly seasons my mind?  Not really.  Stay with me.  Maybe you’ll see what I’ve discovered deep in the Old Testament.  For this Christmas.

Elijah runs for his life after Jezebel threatens to turn him into holiday mince meat for what happens to her pagan priests.  He’s experienced God’s miraculous power.  Unfortunately, Elijah’s own strength does a vanishing act, leaving him spooked and in a cold sweat.

Off he goes to Horeb, God’s holy mountain.  Twice the Lord asks him why he’s there.  Twice he moans and groans about being the last godly man on the face of the earth.  None left.  Only him.  Really?  In the meantime, the Lord shows Elijah three demonstrations of His might–wind like a hurricane, earthquake well over 9.0, and fire fueled by hot sirocco winds.  Elijah notices that the Lord isn’t in any of these three power punches.

What comes next is unexpected.  Quiet and silence.  Stillness and peacefulness.  1 Kings 19:12–‘After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.’

Christmastime could use some ‘gentle whisper’.  Some quiet contemplation.  Getting off by yourself reading those Christmas stories found early in Matthew and Luke.  Softly playing Christmas music in the background.  Sipping tea or coffee by yourself, while praying and thanking God for the gift of Jesus.

Turn down the noise.  Stop the shopping for a bit.  Forget the Christmas dinner menu at least for the moment.  Relish the sounds of silence.  God’s gentle whispers.

Elijah’s hint this Christmas season is God’s gift of quietness.  An undisturbed centering on Jesus, the focal point of the season.  A welcome downtime amidst all its feverish hustle and bustle.  ‘…a gentle whisper.’

Ssshhhh.  Elijah’s hint–not nutty fruitcake after all!  Ssshhhh.

 

For the gift of quietness, we thank you Lord.  Amen.

 

CHRISTMAS LETTER 2019

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Merry Christmas!  Oh no, another of those dreaded Christmas letters!  Who needs another bragging missive about travel, kids and grandkids?  I read them, but under my breath can be heard–‘there’s more going on here.  Not all peaches and cream.  I know these people!’

Same goes for us.  We’ve had marvelous trips this year.  Grand France River Cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary.  Starting out at Cannes on the Mediterranean, to the coast of Normandy, winding up in Paris.  Not too bad!  Then, off we go on a 2 week tour all around Scotland, starting with the fabulous Military Tattoo in Edinburgh.  Loved every castle, twisty road and morning eggs boiled in oil.  Some Scots gaellic has crept into our wee vocabulary!

However, the last few years I’ve not written a Christmas letter.  Too many losses have hit our family.  Disappointments weigh heavy.  Certainly we’ll do no bragging except that the Lord is still who He is and we love Him even through sorrows and sadness.

This year for Christmas we’re more than going through the motions.  We’re enjoying the holidays though feeling a tad downcast.  Is that okay?  Not what you expect of a Christmas letter?  Too bad, so sad.  But such has been our life in certain respects.  What’s true is that there’s more good than the other.  Blessings still come our way from Jesus, and we’re so appreciative of His love and care.

Life must have been tough for Joseph and Mary.  Their Christmas letter contains noted unpleasantries.  Strange stories about her pregnancy with accompanying nasty rumors.  Disturbing dreams.  Tough and taxing travels.  Overcrowded inns.  Unknown shepherds showing up with unexpected news.  And more.

But look what came of it!  Yes.  The Babe of Bethlehem.  The Savior of the world.  Our Savior who makes life worth living.  Even when it doesn’t feel like it.  Even then.  Especially then.

Dare we say Merry Christmas?  Of course.  And a happy New Year!  Same to us!!  Blessings, John and Sue

AT ANY AGE Daniel 10 and Luke 2: 25-35

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Our Bible readings bring into focus two old people.  Daniel is over the age of 80.  A real accomplishment in his time, when the average life expectancy was about half that.  And then there’s long in the tooth Simeon, one of my favorite characters in the Christmas story.  Steady-Eddie…for the Lord.  Waits patiently with great hope.  He recognizes Messiah as he holds the baby Jesus.

Two old codgers.  Yet to both come fresh insights from the Lord.  For Daniel, it’s a revelation of the coming Messiah. And also the end times, whatever and whenever that may be.  His understanding of God, and His plans, expands exponentially.  So can mine as an older man.  And yours.  Really, at any age.

For Simeon, he recognizes in this child the salvation of God’s people.  The One promised.  Must be next to impossible for Simeon to contain his emotions.  Joy erupts from his lips–‘…For my eyes have seen your salvation…’ (Luke 2:30).  However, God hints that all will not be fun and games.  Some will believe but many won’t, making life painful and harrowing for the promised One, including for Jesus’ mother Mary–‘And a sword will pierce your own soul too’ (Luke 2:35).

Both old men contemplate a godly, glorious future, in spite of all not being hunky-dory.  Here’s where a challenge confronts us.  At any age.  We have two hands.  We need to hold hope in one while the other juggles troubles and trials.  A balancing act helping us to stand up for the Lord, not stumbling down in the dumps.

I need more unflappable steadiness.  After all these years, I know a lot more.  Sort of.  Nothing new under this setting sun.  Seen it before.  Been there, done that.  Just me?  We can become grouchy, bitter sourpusses.  One-handed.  Tilted.  Burned by life’s dings and zings.

So, we need balance…from God’s promises.  His encouraging Words.  To hold them in our other hand until it becomes muscular and dominant.  Comes in handy, lifting our spirits.

Get tight-knit with Jesus.  Cuddle up a little closer.  Nudge Him for His help.  He loves to watch over us in every way.  Especially when we’ve run out of gas and He’s there to fill us up with high octane Holy Spirit!

Be a Daniel and a Simeon this Advent season.  Eyes wide open… embracing more of Jesus, standing firm on His promises.  At any age.

 

For hope in the midst of darkness, we thank you, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

 

 

THAT’S RUINED! Luke 1: 5-25

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One son shares a similar reaction when something goes wrong.  We say, ‘that’s ruined!’  Even when it’s not.  Just like to hear ourselves say it.  Yet, way down deep, we mean it.  What we’d hoped for, longed for, planned for that doesn’t quite live up to our expectations.  That’s ruined!

A lesser known character in the Christmas story is Zechariah, found in Luke’s Gospel.  He’s an older man, whatever that means in a time when being in your 30’s was solidly middle-aged.

Zechariah serves as a priest in Jerusalem’s Temple.  Not like a church staff of three or four, there were thousands of priests assisting in this holy place.  King David is the master organizer.  He institutes twenty-four priestly orders.  Each one would be on duty a week at a time for a total of two weeks each year.  That’s far less time than some think pastors work–one day a week and only for an hour on Sunday, if that!

Priests were, of necessity, bi-vocational.  Tended sheep, raised crops, earned their family living through the trades except for those two weeks a year.  Now here’s another chore that’s remarkable–the burning of Temple incense,   symbolizing prayers to God along with masking nasty aromas of animal sacrifice and milling throngs of unwashed folk.  This incense burning only happens once in the lifetime of a priest.  Once.  And only once.  That’s it.

Finally, it’s Zechariah’s turn to do just that, burn incense (Luke 1:9).  Can you imagine his excitement?  All his godly calling looks to this very moment.  Finally, it’s here.  The day has arrived.  And now what?

An angel appears to Zechariah inside the Temple precincts.  He can’t believe what he sees and hears, leading the angel to silence him.  Which means no speaking for the foreseeable future.  Like a pastor with severe laryngitis, even though looked upon as a blessing by the congregation!

A measly fourteen days a year of God’s work.  Once in a lifetime for incense offering.  Now Zechariah’s disqualified.  Muted.  Kaput.  Hushed.  Down the drain.  The angel zips his lips.  Loud priestly prayers gagged and muzzled.  That’s ruined!

Ever feel that way?  God’s poor timing?  You had it all figured out and God messes with it.  God forbid God’s will prevails when I have it all planned out so much better.  Neat and tidy.  Really?  Sounds like bald-faced pride, which usually comes before a big Humpty-Dumpty fall, doesn’t it.

Better to be quiet and silenced.  Derailed yet now moving on God’s track.  Recognizing who knows best, waiting for Father’s plans to emerge.  Get behind Him…and follow.  Good idea?  I think so.

By the way, our daughter-in-law Erin points out that the only priest mentioned by name in Luke’s Christmas story is good old Zechariah!  Top billing.  First in his class.  Blue ribbon winner.

Hey, nothing’s ruined after all.  Especially in the Lord’s hands.

 

Lord, to follow you is always best.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

JONAH’S THANKSGIVING Jonah 2

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Thanksgiving day!  Mouthwatering, delicious food.  Appetizing aromas waft in the air, while the chitchat of adults and children compete with one another.  Pleasures abound!  What about Jonah?

Jonah?  What about him?  Well, he’s the prophet who runs away from God’s call, winding up in the belly of a great fish.  Three days and nights in its feedbag bring him some rather sobering thoughts.

Hear this stinky, slimy prophet–‘But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you.  What I have vowed I will make good.  Salvation comes from the Lord’ (Jonah 2:9).  Jonah’s thanksgiving prayer accompanies a grateful melody.  ‘Joy and rapture unforeseen’!  An example for us this Thursday?

No, not getting inside the gut of a big fish!  I’m interested in what prompts Jonah to praise God from what appears to be certain death.  A rescued outcome seems far less likely with each passing day and night.  Does he throw in the towel?  Call it a day?  Quit cold Thanksgiving turkey?  Not Jonah.

Let’s look deeper at chapter 2 with hints from the original language.  Jonah 1:17–‘But the Lord provided a great fish…’  ‘Fish’ is a masculine noun in Hebrew.  Jonah 2:1–‘From inside the fish Jonah prayed…’  Here’s a feminine noun for ‘fish’.  The last verse–‘And the Lord commanded the fish…’ (2:10)– reverts back to the masculine.  In Jonah 2:2 he uses this image to describe his location– ‘…from the depths of the grave…’  Literally– ‘the womb of Sheol’.  A feminine image.

Note the subtle shade of meaning.  The strong fish (masculine) will not eat poor Jonah for its Thanksgiving dinner, but will act like a safe womb (feminine), protecting and nurturing him, allowing him to ponder his life and where thankfulness might yet come from.  God surrounds Jonah in every way.

A light goes on in the old noggin.  Jonah, focus on the lemonade and not life’s lemons.  There’s an idea!

What Jonah’s mostly thankful for is his salvation, his deliverance by the Lord.  But remember that his praise comes days BEFORE he finds himself on dry ground (2:10).  BEFORE he’s safe and sound.  Even BEFORE God answers our prayers, we can have confidence in His strong protection and His womblike love and care.

With Jesus, death loses its grip.  His own three day and night ordeal delivers us, by His resurrection, from the consequences of our rebellion and sin.  All forgiven.  And forgotten.  Gone.  Is that not something to be thankful for?  If not, I have no idea what would be.

That’s what I’ll be thinking about this Thanksgiving week.  What Jesus has done for me.  And still does.  Of course, all the other goodies as well!  But mainly Him, who’s both powerful and protective.  Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Thank you, Jesus, for saving us and making us yours forever.  Amen.

 

 

JUDGE FOR YOURSELF Judges 6 and Acts 17

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Maybe you shouldn’t.  What?  Judge for yourself.  Making me, I,and myself life’s deciding factor.  Decisions based on what benefits mostly me.  Judge for yourself?  No!  This isn’t to say that we’re not to use our little grey cells, experience and maturity, if we have any!

Reading the book of Judges, God’s people miss their deceased leaders Moses and Joshua.  In the very first chapter they seek God’s guidance.  What He recommends.  Where He leads.  Good start, folks!  Keep it up!

But they don’t.  Downhill from here on out.  This book’s final verse laments that ‘…everyone did as he saw fit’ (Judges 21:25).  Judging for themselves.

Where did God’s people go wrong?  Judges 6:10–“I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.  But you have not listened to me.'”  God speaks.  No one pays attention.  They stuff cotton in their ears.  Blindfold their eyes.

And where does it get them?  On the outs with God.  Cut off at the pass.  Utterly lost, following an out-of-date, moth-eaten, moldy map.  Judging for themselves.

In Acts 17, we’re introduced to polar opposites–the Bereans.  They know how to judge what they’re hearing.  Whether what the Apostle Paul says is the real McCoy or spiritual malarky.  Their discernment hinges on whether it jives with God’s Word.  They check it out, believing what complies with the Bible.  They’re tough folk.  They don’t easily fall for the latest cultural fad.  Do you?  Or me?

Societal norms keep changing.  What’s been viewed as harmful and sinful, now touted as normal, healthy and good.  The ungodly browbeat and strong-arm, gaining ground everywhere.  Even in churches.  Dominoes keep falling.  Leaders break under the pressure to conform.  Bullies win the day.  With you?  Or me?

Shouldn’t we be like the Bereans?  Checking it out with your Bible?  Seeking God’s advice. What He wants.  What the Great Physician Jesus prescribes.  WWJD–‘what would…’  Well, you know.

Here’s a radical idea.  God points the way.  Then take it!  Follow Him.  Regardless.  No guarantees of a safe landing.   Not in this life.  So, get in line behind the Lord Jesus, whom you say you love.  You’ll be in great company.  Judge that for yourself!

 

Lord, thank you for your trustworthy Word, the Bible.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

A DYING TREE Colossians 4: 10-18

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Behind our property is 5 acres destined to become a neighborhood park.  Most trees will remain with open space limited.  We’ve noticed an ugly, dying tree behind our back fence.  Each year it looks worse and worse.  With all the snow this past winter, it appears to be on its last legs, with a lean toward our home in evidence.  Timber!

To the city I call.  Out comes a water department man.  Water?  Messages get mixed up.  Another phone call.  Another city worker arrives.  I’m away but my wife speaks with him.  Late in their conversation, he shares that the next day they’ll take their two year old son to Seattle’s Children’s Hospital for special care.

Sue tells him we’ll pray.  When he phones about the removal of that tree, I mention that we’re praying.  He says that we can monitor progress on a certain website.  We do and for months and months now we get to read, weep, laugh, worry and pray as this family navigates life and death for their little boy.

We discover that this couple loves Jesus.  They praise Him, beg Him, look to Him for help and healing.  An ugly, dying tree is used by God to bring us onto their prayer team.  What a joy to know that He has His own praying when the time is right and the need is great.  I haven’t a clue how many have prayed for me over the years, over my life’s disasters.  And those I’ve prayed for who likewise hadn’t a clue.

That’s the fun of prayer–when God calls us to lift up someone we barely know.  Whether it’s a family with a child whose life hangs in the balances.  Or political leaders of varied stripes.  Or that troubled neighbor who rarely opens up.

Pray.  Pray hard.  Wrestle in prayer like Epaphras in Colossians 4.  Keep wrestling.  Don’t let go.  Don’t give up.  Keep on keeping on.  Pray it through.

Okay, I admit it.  I get discouraged.  Only me?  When will God answer my prayers?  Seems like this side of never.  Maybe on February 31st?  I should live so long.

Still I go to the Lord.  Refusing to be pinned down by Satan.  Not giving the enemy the upper hand.  Tie him up.  Give the deceiver a diving elbow drop and back kick.  ‘Epaphras…is always wrestling in prayer for you’ (Col. 4: 12).  Always a prayer wrestler.

By the way, that little boy?  His future?  Hard to say.  Still ups-and-downs.  Still in the hospital.  Us?  We’re still wrestling…and praying!

 

Lord, help us to pray without ever giving up.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.