Our trip to Italy included the worst crowds we’ve ever experienced. Actually, our day sardined at the Palace of Versailles, outside Paris, brooks no rival. But don’t imagine for one moment that heaven has gotten so congested that a ‘No Vacancy’ sign hangs on its gates. No way. Lots more room than one cult’s mistaken restrictions on the 144,000 symbolic number. More room than ever. There’s so much. Plenty of it, for you and me!

Good news, yes? But hold your horses. Don’t I need extra academic degrees to hang on my heavenly office walls? Some connections and pedigree? Having been more good than bad? You’d think so, wouldn’t you? Some unnoticed fine print in your Bible?

Not really, except for being one of Jesus’ own. Committed to Him. Giving your heart to the Lord in trust and love. That’s it. Complete. Buttoned up. A wrap. As the Brits say, ‘And Bob’s your uncle!’

If you don’t feel qualified or good enough to be a Christian, then read our Bible section in Mark chapter 3, where Jesus calls His twelve apostles. They’re handpicked and favored. They didn’t apply for the job. He chose them.

And what a motley crew. All laymen. No Bible scholars. No university or seminary degree holders. No Pharisees or scribes who, in Jesus’ day, really knew their Old Testament. Four were fishermen. One, a hated tax collector. Another, a former member of a murderous terrorist organization. Those remaining, we know almost nothing about except their names. One even betrays Jesus. Yikes? Don’t you wonder about His choices?

Then again, what about me? And you? What do we have to offer Him? I’m no great writer. Never a Billy Graham. No missionary in my family. Not a billionaire or a celebrity. None of the above.

But, guess what? I don’t need any of that. Neither do you. Might even be better, as the Lord uses the foolish things of this world for His glory–‘But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong’ (1 Cor. 1: 27). Did you hear that? Sounds hopeful, doesn’t it? Food for thought? Agreed?

Well, there you have it. If that motley crew became Jesus’ followers and worshippers, and turned the world upside down, then there’s room for me…and you. Jesus is the key to the city as His angels roll out the red carpet! Welcome!

Thank you, Jesus, for providing a wonderful place for me in your growing family of faith. Amen.

I remember hearing about some celebrity who bargains with God that if a certain family member is healed of cancer, this bigwig would become a follower of Jesus. Death rudely enters the picture with this VIP ushering God to the exit. The Almighty fails, so why follow such a cosmic loser?

It’s never a good idea to bargain with God. I’d much rather trust Him and follow in His footsteps, for He holds all the cards and does so with the greatest wisdom and love. How that all works out is up to Him. It’s best to go about your life knowing that He’s doing what He does best, whether I can figure it out…or not.

Be like Old Testament Daniel’s three friends. They take a stand not to bow down and worship some giant golden statue that probably resembles the face of the ungodly Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. Drop to your knees and worship me, the high mucky-muck spews and threatens. But these Jewish exiles know that the Law of Moses prohibits any idol worship, in any form, at any time, for any reason, which could put them face-first into a fiery furnace if God decides not to spare them.

Hear what they say to this over-bloviating king–‘…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up’ (Dan. 3: 17-18). These are some of the most heroic words ever spoken. ‘But if not…’

Don’t you want to be like Daniel’s three friends? Standing your ground for the Lord? Not trying to make deals with God? Letting God be God? Trusting Him despite being out on a limb seemingly without a prayer? Believing in the Lord, even if my hopes and wishes crumble and get tossed to the ground, becoming like Humpty-Dumpty? Even then?

‘But if not…’ That’s my prayer that nothing and no one can shake me loose from believing in Jesus, that His way is always best, no matter what. Do I hear an ‘Amen’? ‘But if not…’

Lord Jesus, toughen me to stand tall with you no matter what. For your sake. Amen.

I’m not sure why I find sleep so difficult. I rarely enjoy undisturbed dreamy slumber until refreshed after a good eight hours of shut-eye. My mother was much the same, except that she developed the habit of listening to talk radio until all hours. She couldn’t turn off the gossipy clap-trap. Her choice, not mine.

Imagine a full night without waking up with a start. Such a blessing. But not for me. I come round suddenly. Ready to get up and go. What, at 3:38 AM? Not quite. So, I turn over, hoping not to worry about this, that, or the other, as old resentments get replayed in my craw and someone’s nasty comment hangs around unforgotten. Why not catastrophize while you’re at it, Fischer? So, who can sleep?

Until I do what our psalmist does–‘…when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy’ (Ps. 63: 6-7).

Instead of worrying, I pray. I think about how wonderful my Lord is. I remember His attributes as a promise-keeper, who forgives and forgets, who loves me more than I could ever imagine. I thank Jesus for our family. Our friends. Churches we’ve been involved in and their pastors and leaders. The world today, such as it is. Children overseas whom we support with some of their needs. And those mission groups, I think the world of, for all that they do for Jesus and His Kingdom.

Guess what? For years now, there’s been no extra anxiety that used to cause me to walk the floors at night. Do I sleep better? More? I don’t think so. Not really. But the time awake is better spent with my God. Much better.

Try it? Maybe you don’t need to. That’s a blessing. But if not, forget about counting sheep. Pray. In time, you’ll start to relax, grab some shut-eye, and nod off into the arms of… Well, you know who, don’t you?

Lord Jesus, you are always with me, night and day. Thank you. Amen.

I was never so thirsty in my entire life. Even though my wife Sue and I brought sufficient liquids with us, multiple cans and bottles of water and soda pop, after about the first hour, it was too little, too late while traversing the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. This was in the summer when temperatures easily exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Liquids ran drier than us. We were hot, dry, and parched, plain miserable.

Later on, I learned how good it was to quench that thirst while feasting on some good food at a German restaurant near the bus park in Petra. When a gargantuan bottle of cold water gets passed around, I grab it like a drowning man clutching for a life preserver. Ah, finally, slaked with ice-cold H2O with what seemed like gallons and gallons.

Psalm 63: 1–‘O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.’ Can I identify with the feelings of the psalmist David? You bet your bottom dollar, even though I don’t like gambling.

In this verse, David ponders his relationship with the Lord. He yearns to know Him better, believing that God can meet his needs. Without the Lord, all life would dry up, fade and fly away.

That’s what happens when we lose touch with God. When Jesus becomes more of a curse word than someone deserving all our praise and thanks, with our Bible becoming a distant memory. Then we’ll have a problem. A big one. Growth stops. Withering begins. Life with our Lord Jesus ebbs farther away. Until… and if…

…I decide to get back with the One who loves me more than anyone else. I’m going home to Jesus and His Word, relishing being with God’s people, and opening our wallet to care for others’ needs. There’ve been times, sad to say, when I was far from the Lord, far from His shore where I could barely hear His voice bidding me to come back to Him. He hadn’t abandoned me. Quite the contrary.

But now I know where water can be found–abundant, tasty, clean, and refreshing. I’ve decided to drink without measure with my Master, Jesus. I’ve discovered that when I do that, any lingering thirst motivates me to spend more time by His streams. Here I’ll be blessed with more of my Lord, even in greater proportion than I can imagine.

Like the psalmist says–‘…your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live, in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy’ (Ps. 63: 3-7).

La Chaim! Bon Appetit! Drinking in and feasting on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness! Enjoy!

Thank you, Jesus, for being my all in all. Amen.

Years ago, a friend gave us an old clock. It’s a Seth Thomas mantlepiece, 8-day windup. When was it made? Well, at least 150 years ago. How do we know? No date is listed on the timepiece. But we’ve learned that after Seth Thomas died, the locals revamped their town’s name from Plymouth Hollow to Thomaston, in the clockmaker’s honor. Our clock has printed inside its cherrywood case that it was made by ‘Seth Thomas, Plymouth Hollow, Conn’. Well, smarty-pants, my clock was crafted sometime before 1875, when the town name was changed. I’m old, but our clock is much older!

Opening the cabinet, you’ll find two lead weights that require manual winding at least once every 8 days. But I never let it get that close to the bottom. After a few days, I scrounge around for the winding key to boost our clock’s weights. Up they go, producing more gravity-power to run this timely piece of furniture, which still has reverse artwork on its glass frontispiece with gold leaf as trim, in addition to an early patriotic seal of the United States in its glass center, picturing a horse galloping off to who knows where!

Obviously, my wife and I cherish our old clock. Why do I mention this old timekeeper? What’s the point? It reminds me of my Bible and prayer, as both keep my spiritual life running like clockwork. Both need constant attention and care, even more often than an 8-day windup.

My Bible–‘All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3: 16). Keep the Word of God’s teaching taut, tense, tightly drawn and snug within as its weights carry all the pressures of this life and the promises of the next. Don’t let it run down and out. Wind it up. Read, already!

Prayer–‘…pray without ceasing…’ (1 Thessalonians 5: 17). Simply put– pray always, in all circumstances, in season and out, whether you feel like it or not. Pour out your heart to God. Hold… back… nothing! Masks removed. Be as open as you can be with your best friend ever. Don’t slack off when the weights of life come crashing down. Tighten those prayers. Don’t babble on, but keep winding everything around the love of your Lord Jesus. He knows all about it. and can handle whatever much better. That I do know.

These are a couple of thoughts as I wind my old Seth Thomas tick-tock this Saturday morning. Now it’s time to clock in and get busy with my Bible and prayer. Will you join me?

Thank you, Jesus, for my relationship with you. Amen.

I’m ashamed to admit how often I put myself down. Not always out loud, but in the cramped privacy of my own mind. Insults and dreadful conclusions. As in how horribly I’ve written these devotions. Churches and fellow believers I’ve let down. Being a rotten husband, parent, and grandparent. Why not be more sensitive and use your two ears more than that one big mouth? See what I mean?

I’m sure that some of you can identify. No? Only the downtrodden may apply for membership in this club. But, no doubt, you’ll get rejected!

Take a gander at 1 Samuel 15 in the Old Testament. It’s a story about ancient Israel’s King Saul, near the end of his disappointing reign. The Prophet Samuel is laying out the bad news for Saul. God is moving on to someone who will faithfully follow Him instead of the mess Saul has made of things.

Samuel asks Saul a question that hits me squarely between the eyes–‘…Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you head over Israel. And the Lord sent you on a mission…’ (1 Samuel 15: 17-18). Instead of Saul accepting the role and responsibility given to him by the Lord, he looks down on himself, not trusting God first and foremost or even obeying Him. But no, welcome to Saul’s pity party. Poor, little old victim-playing Saul. Whatever.

I need to remember that Jesus has made me an adopted child of God by dying on the cross. He endows me with spiritual gifts that help grow the Kingdom of God. He prays for me (Romans 8: 34 and Hebrews 7: 25), and so does God the Holy Spirit (Romans 8: 26-27). Jesus is my Good Shepherd (John 10: 11), caring for me in His flock. He’s even my Great Physician (Mark 2: 17), healing me, slowly but somewhat(!) surely, of selfishness and self-centeredness. And He’s prepared a home for me with Him in Heaven (John 14: 1-3).

Guess what? Not just for me! For you too, when you trust in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. So, stop looking down. Look up. Head held high. Move on for Jesus and for others. I’m starting to get up, and I have an extra helping hand, too. Want it? Come on, grab hold. That’s more like it!

Thank you, Jesus, for lifting me higher and higher until I reach the highest of all with you forever. Amen.

While vacationing in Ocean City, New Jersey, we’ve encountered hurricanes. Once a storm was moving offshore as we literally blew into town. A close call. Another time, we were ready to head off of this barrier island just as the gully washer veered off course, heading directly to where we were planning to flee to! It’s a good thing we stayed put. Once, while stopped at a red light, the wind was so fierce that even with my foot pushed as hard as I could onto the brake pedal, our Honda van kept moving through the traffic light into the cross street. Is this safe?

But where do you go when life’s vicious winds hit, as we seek some shelter in the time of storm? When you have to run for your life. Read Psalm 60, where you’ll discover what King David does–‘O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us. You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters. You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger’ (Ps. 60: 1-3). What gives? Someone sounds a tad bent out of shape, don’t you think?

Basically, the King complains to God that the Almighty has rejected His people, who ironically are the same blokes who turn their collective backs on God. David doesn’t try to hide his feelings. Hardly. Is that a hint? Not to play phony-baloney nicey-nice with your God when you’re seething under the collar?

But, by all means, don’t get stuck in the muck and mire of blaming and griping the One who least deserves it. Read on with King David. Psalm 60: 4-5–‘You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!’

In battle, look for the flag or banner of your own troops. Likewise, hang tough with like-minded believers and a church where the truths of biblical Christianity are held high and revered. Don’t be fooled into joining enemy lines. Flee all such. Get back to where you belong.

As Christians, we know that Jesus is our banner. He’s the One we can safely flee to, where help can be found. Jesus’ nourishment and encouragement are exactly what we need.

St. Paul writes this–‘No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it’ (1 Cor. 10: 13). God provides the escape route, leading us to the protected and secure place. We see the banner of His Son Jesus waving high in the sky. Will we follow Him? Stay ever closer to His side? Trust Him no matter what?

Whatever trouble dogs you today, look around patiently for indications of the Lord’s direction and presence. A friendly ‘banner’. Something good from an unexpected source. A flag that lets you know that you’re not alone. That the Special One is right there with you. Who? You know! The Resurrected Jesus whom we celebrate on Easter.

So, thank Him for standing pat, feet planted solidly in His love, never leaving you in the lurch.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being so good to me. I love you. Amen.

Over the years, I’ve encountered a few Bible teachers who seem to know all the details of Jesus’ second coming—the how, the when, and the where—often with an overconfidence that makes me uncomfortable. Like the Bible teacher I listened to on the radio as a young believer. I loved his teaching and couldn’t wait for his 8 o’clock show to air.

Decades later, he led a movement that captured everyone’s attention, predicting the day of Jesus’ second coming and even guaranteeing it. Disappointment must have mushroomed when those who sold all their possessions awaited a promised appearing act that just didn’t happen.

The lesson? Be more tentative, a smidgeon iffy, penciling in personal biblical speculation and guesstimates. Don’t be cocksure about something that’s in God’s view and not in ours–“He (Jesus) said to them (the Apostles), ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority'” (Acts 1: 7).

Now, don’t get me wrong. When it comes to trusting Jesus to save us, forgive our sins, and stand with us no matter what, I can check the box that says ‘all of the above’ for those and other core beliefs of our Christian faith. But that’s not what I’m talking about.

In 1 Samuel 14, we encounter King Saul’s son Jonathan wanting to scope out the enemy Philistine army’s position and strength. He takes his assistant with him and tells him this–‘It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few’ (1 Sam. 14: 6).

‘It may be…’ Jonathan doesn’t know what God will do. He’s uncertain about the outcome. But he never wavers, knowing that God can defeat the enemy with only a few soldiers or many. ‘It may be…’

Moving on to 1 Samuel 24, David and some men discover King Saul in a cave. Fast asleep, Saul becomes a juicy target. David’s archenemy can now be eliminated. Here’s how David’s men summarize this situation–“Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you'” (1Sam. 24: 4).

An answer to prayer? God’s will, for sure? What’s David’s take on this golden opportunity? Will he do away with the Lord’s anointed, King Saul? Seize this moment? Listen–‘The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed’ (v.6).

Hmm. That gives me pause. We must be careful about concluding some specifics of God’s will. Of course, make plans. Look ahead. Be responsible. Don’t be lazy and forget to do your homework. Burn the midnight oil. Seize the day.

But use that Dixon Ticonderoga #2 you-know-what, knowing that God’s revealed will is found in your Bible. He tells us everything that we need to know. So be a tad tentative with specifics that He hasn’t told us about. Pencil them in. Know what you know and let the rest be in God’s hands. I’m an amateur with this as much as the next. But I’m trying. Who said, ‘very’!?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the Bible, your guide for my life. Amen.

How can anyone choose the most extraordinary chapter in the Bible? Certainly, I can’t. But reading Romans 5, you’ll wonder if this might be it. Every time I delve a little deeper, I’m blown away by its truths. Can I be so bold as to ask you to read Romans 5 this week? Why not? You won’t be sorry.

That first verse is jaw dropping–‘Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Rom. 5: 1). It sounds like a peace treaty has been signed after a lengthy and brutal war. Well, it has.

Our war, involving multiple armaments of sin, has brought enmity and division into our relationships with God. Yet, peace comes, not from anything done by you or me, but from God Himself by the shedding of His only Son’s blood on the cross. Our part? To believe, to trust, to toss our life His way, into His hands. Too hard to do? Try it.

Verses six and eight bring us to the mountaintop–‘For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly…God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Rom. 5: 6, 8).

Our good and gracious Lord shows such love for us who were His enemies. When we could care less about Him and His ways, still He paid the ultimate price to free us from all our sin, making us His own forever, clean as a whistle. Think about that for a moment. Unbelievable? Too good to be true? Am I selling ‘Father John’s Miracle Elixer of Life’ snake oil? No. Believe Romans chapter 5. It’s true!

Now we find ourselves on the ‘friends and family’ plan with God. Check this out–‘For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation’ (Rom. 5: 10-11). Keeps getting better. God’s gifts roll out with an increasing acceleration. However, we’ve earned none of them. They’re all from His generous and loving heart.

Romans 5–an extraordinary chapter in the Bible? Certainly is, and I’ve only covered a smidgeon. Treasure it in your Bible. Blow the dust away and dig in. Spend more time in its pages, where you’ll discover that Jesus has become even closer than any best friend ever. Doesn’t get much better than that. Agreed? Enjoy!

Lord God, thank you for your Word. May I treasure it in my heart and mind. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

A few years ago, our hoped for bumper crop of tulips failed–spotty, few and far between, even though we planted tons of bulbs for an amazing display that only sparsley showed up. It was disappointing and frustrating, especially for my wife, the chief gardener in this household.

We noticed that some small birds (you can tell I’m quite the ornithologist!) keep getting into our paltry patch of tulips. Back and forth they go. All day long. We can see them as long as there’s daylight. What’s up? You guessed it. A nest is being built. Tiny twigs, placed precisely and carefully, make an amazing home for what comes in a few weeks.

When the eggs hatch, there they are–four wee ones with feathers, beaks, and all. The mother bird keeps super active carting food for her hungry tykes. Worms and all get lowered into gaping, famished beaks and gullets. Let me tell you, she’s at work providing for her own all day long and maybe at night as well.

This reminds me of some Bible verses. Psalm 57: 1–‘Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.’ Isaiah 34: 15–‘There the owl nests and lays and gathers her young in her shadow…’ And Matthew 23: 37–‘…How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings…’

Watching new life, all provided for by our Lord, right in our own backyard, we couldn’t help but praise God for His caring for us as well–in all ways and at all times. He feeds us in many ways, especially in worship while digging deeper into our Bibles.

I’ll thank the Lord Jesus this week for watching over me, providing for me, and loving me. Not just me. Will you join me? I would love to have others under His wings, in His nest, and backyard.

Lord Jesus, for all you do for me, thank you. Amen.