My Nana used to say that her doctor had read only one more book than she had. Not sure what her point was. I don’t remember her ever reading a book or owning one. Doesn’t say much for her doctor, does it? Nana was kind of an odd duck in other ways, as well. But I loved her. After all, she was the only grandparent that I knew.

Recently, I had one of those body scans that require you to be tubed in this gargantuan machine that moves back and forth, sketching out all kinds of potential problems in your body. Claustrophobia, an unwelcome guest, accompanies me inside this casket of sorts. Uncomfortable placing my arms over my head for almost an hour. Pain and suffering for what? Had this doctor read one more book than me?

Before getting into this wonder box, waiting an hour for some fancy goop to travel my innards, I was reading ‘Les Miserables’ by Victor Hugo. It was my fourth time relishing this 1400+ page, 165-year-old classic masterpiece. Next to the Bible, my favorite tome.

When led into the torture chamber by the doctor-technician, he asks me what I’m reading. He’d never heard of it. And what was it about? Clueless about ‘Les Miz’? Not only the book, the musical play, or even the movie? Could this be my Nana’s doctor of ill-reading? And, can he scrutinize and make sense of my scan results? Seems he did. So he said, and so I hoped.

How about God? Is He aware of us? Does He have even a smidgeon of an idea about what we go through down here on planet Earth? Listen to Psalm 56: 8–‘You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?’

What? Yes, His book. Think about this verse. It’s saying that anything in our lives, even our tossing and turning in bed at night with all kinds of dark fears and anxieties, is cared for by God. Even our tears He cherishes. As if kept in a bottle. And recorded in a book He writes and keeps.

That tells me that our Lord really loves us. He cares so much, more than just putting our pictures on a refrigerator magnet. He has His eyes on us. He keeps tabs on everything. He minds the store. With our Lord, there’s no ‘Going Out of Business’ sale. Nary a sign that says ‘Weather Permitting’ or ‘Closed From Noon to One’. We’re never out of His tender, loving care. Never.

This tells me that I can relax and trust Him. Will I? Will you? With everything? Leaving nothing out? Really?

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so much. Amen.

Over the years, I’ve been called different names, some not so complimentary. As a kid, I added a few extra pounds around the old tum-tum. Hence, some neighbor boys nicknamed me ‘hunker’. I’d earned that moniker but never shined to it. A family member called me ‘punk. Thanks!

In a church going through a ferocious civil war, a new staff member called me, the senior pastor, a ‘primadonna’ at an elder’s meeting that ended poorly, to say the least. Thanks again! Earned? I’m not sure. But he thought so.

To his credit, years later, this former colleague phoned me to apologize and ask for forgiveness. He has endured much the same treatment and realizes the severity of his betrayal. A tad reluctantly, I did forgive him, noting his courage and humility in contacting me.

One name I’ve never been called is ‘fool’. At least not to my face. That I know of. Reading Psalms 53, we encounter that term. The ‘fool’. In what sense? Financially? Acquiring debt that can never be paid back? Living an immoral, reckless lifestyle? All such would be foolish, but there’s a different slant here. The fool disregards God, shuns Him and His ways, thinking that he can squeak into some decent afterlife, if there even is one, by being a ‘good’ person. All by his own steam.

Psalm 53: 1–“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” The fool denies God’s existence. Probably posits some kind of natural evolution that produces all that there is by chance and fate. More karma than Christ. More bizarre explanations than the truth of the Bible. Foolish to discount the Lord and think that man is the focus of everything when God is life’s hinge.

Nothing remains outside His hands. The fool thinks so, but the fact is that they’re wrong. No outsmarting God or His Word. No avoiding His claims on all of life. Foolish to think otherwise.

I’m glad the word ‘fool’ doesn’t apply to me, at least not in the Psalm 53 way. For I believe in Jesus and depend upon Him, trying as best I can (often not very well) to live for Him and follow His ways. But don’t look to me as an example to live by. You shouldn’t and hopefully don’t.

You know where to focus. Right. On God. The Father, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Quite the heavenly dream team! Partnership forever. It would be foolish to look anywhere else, wouldn’t it?

Lord Jesus, you are my all in all forever. Amen.

Why does God require so much of me? As if He’s always there with His hand out. Wanting this or that. Any ‘fun’ things get nixed. If I don’t want to do something, I’m afraid that’s exactly what He wants me to do. Know what I mean, or have you rightfully concluded that I’m as wacky as can be?

What does God want? Let’s see what Psalm 50: 14-15 has to say–‘Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.’ Such helpful simplicity is often overlooked, at least by me.

Stop trying to placate an angry God, appease Him, pay Him off with some tithe tidbits, or perform hair-brained religious rituals, garner as many brownie points as possible, and tip the scales in your favor. Sounds familiar? Be honest. I’m trying to be.

Basically, these words from the Psalms unveil hope for God’s people. Not some new commandment or Sears’ catalogue of endless rules. No. But giving thanks is the main course on today’s menu. Saying ‘thank you’ to our Lord God. Showing appreciation for all He’s done for us. Especially for putting up with me (and you?!).

And that business about ‘vows’ in Psalm 50 has to do with following through with what we know is right, with what pleases the Lord. From a grateful and willing heart that recognizes what Jesus has done and still does for us. Being men and women of our word. Say it, do it. If you don’t mean it, don’t open your trap. Eager to bless our Lord Jesus, to bring joy to His heart. Not a have-to, but a want-to. You know, don’t you?

Forget trying to bargain with God. That’s a colossal waste of His and your time. Be upfront and transparent. Leave room to confess failures, disappointments, and sin. I have a supersized storeroom crammed full with lots of this stuff I’d rather not talk about, except with my Lord, especially with Him. Remember that He loves to forgive and forget. Oh, to be like Him!

Bring any troubles you’re saddled with directly to Jesus, pronto. He promises to help–‘…I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me’ (Ps. 50: 15). How and when? I’ve no idea. That’s God’s business, which, to be honest, is none of mine. Thank God He’s in charge.

My part is to go with that flow. To trust that my Lord will honor His Word. When He does (and even before for a change), let gratitude and thanks flow from our hearts and mouths to His ears and heart. Why is it so hard to say ‘thank you’ to God? I don’t know why. Maybe you do. Regardless, let’s start doing more of just that this week. You think? Thanksgiving every day, all year long? Such a sacrifice?

Thank you, Jesus, for welcoming me into your family forever. Amen.

My poor Aunt Bertha couldn’t give up an addiction that possibly led to her demise. Drugs? No. Heavy drinker? No. Chain smoker? No. High roller gambler? No. Then what? Pickles! Pickles? Yes, those sodium-filled munchy and crunchy delectables.

She saw her doctor for high blood pressure. He identified that her sodium level was off the charts. She owned up to its cause: pickles! Big, juicy, salty yummies. And lots of them. Day in and day out, without fail.

After too many visits for the same issue, with no improvement noted, her doctor concluded that she wouldn’t knock the habit. She said she’d stopped buying pickles but admitted paying a neighbor to purchase and deliver them to her, like a smuggler with stolen property. Failing to heed the medico’s advice, her doctor fired her. ‘Get a different one. I have others who actually benefit from my expertise and follow my directions! You’re fired!’

It makes me wonder if Jesus might get fed up with me, my lackadaisical attitude toward obeying Him, my frivolous actions when seriousness is required (can you imagine?!), thumbing my nose at Him (not actually but in effect), so that He thinks it’s time to toss me aside. Give me the old heave-ho. I’ve given Him ample reasons to do just that. I’m fired?

Will He? Now, let me make it clear that if I’m trying to get away with being heaven-bound while living like the devil, confessing on Sunday morning while being like Satan the rest of the week, then I really have lots to worry about, being in a nasty, spiritually toxic pickle, indeed.

Thankfully, that’s not me. I love Jesus. I want to be more like Him, obedient to the core, knowing that some rotten apples still need to be removed from my barrel—and always will in this life.

So, will He boot me out of His family? Read 1 Thessalonians 4: 14-15,17–‘For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with them those who have fallen asleep…For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord…(we) will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.’ And from Jesus directly–‘…whoever comes to me I will never cast out’ (John 6: 37).

Hear that? God gives us His word. That when we’re in Christ, there’s no getting fired. Period. But make sure you’re one of His own and staying close by His side. Don’t fool yourself. Be the genuine article. The real McCoy in God’s family. Then you’ll find yourself safe as safe can ever be and all fired up for Jesus!

Dear Jesus, for being my Savior and Lord, I thank you. Amen.

Still sticks in my mind that God is out to get me, but not in a good way. By lowering the boom. Tossing salt on my wounds. When things go swimmingly tickety-boo, then watch out. One false move and out you go, Fischer. However, I don’t find any of this in my Bible. Quite the contrary.

Read Exodus 34, especially the first nine verses. It blows me away when I think how different God is from some of my skewed and twisted thoughts about Him.

Somewhere I read that C. S. Lewis wrote that the biggest danger we face as Christians is not believing in God but coming to believe dreadful things about Him. Was Lewis looking straight at me when he penned such wisdom? Is it time to consider our private thoughts about God and Jesus? How we really feel about our God?

Is He such a cosmic meany? Bitter old codger? Impatient and ready to pounce all over us? Moses and ancient Israel could have felt that way. They gave the Lord just cause (as I have). Earlier in Exodus 32, you can gander at God’s people worshipping not the Lord but golden calves, crafted by their own hands, at the first sign that Moses has left the scene, off on some burning mountain for who knows what. Time to sin! And did they ever.

Moses, who gets wind of their traitorous treachery, blows his top, shattering those stone tablets containing God’s Ten Commandments into innumerable shards. Now turn to Exodus 34 where you’ll discover what God says to Moses, who might be a tad nervous after all those ungodly shenanigans of his fellow rabble-rousers. Who wouldn’t? Is the boom about to be lowered? Curtains alas?

Not at all. This is what God says about Himself in Exodus 34: 5-7–“The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him (Moses) there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…'”

Can you imagine? Not only does the Lord give us His own personal name, Yahweh, but He tells us all about His wondrous self: that He’s merciful, full of grace and kindness, not perpetually hot-tempered but patient, giving second chances many times over, superabundant in love, faithful, and forgiving. Wow!

These character traits are to be cherished by God’s people, not taken for granted or leaned upon with no intent to repent by those who snub their noses at Him, turning their backs on God once and for all, wishing Him a final good riddance—well, that’s certainly not you or me, is it?

So let’s start getting our minds around the truth for a change. Say ‘no’ to all that negative clap-trap we’ve conjured up. Walk away. Counter weird thoughts with what God has to say. Listen to Him for a change.

Spend time this week meditating on those verses found in Exodus 34. They should clear up some issues holding us back from finding more rest and comfort in our Christian lives. I’m looking in the mirror now. I think I see you with me. Is that you?

Lord Jesus, we love you and thank you for being such an amazing God. Amen.

As I look back on my ordination to the Gospel ministry, I sense troubles ahead not just for me but for my church families. Okay, I was young. Not thirteen; though, I was twenty-six, having successfully navigated eight years of higher education beyond high school: college, Bible school, and seminary, each a tad more challenging, culminating with Princeton.

My Moody Bible Institute undergraduate sheepskin says this about me–‘…Approved Christian character and commendable zeal in practical Christian work.’ My Princeton Master of Divinity shingle, which is entirely in Latin, says that I’m of noble habit and Christian faith having studied theology well, or words to that effect. I’m quite the catch for any church, wouldn’t you agree?

Alas, not quite. I wish I could go back and redo what I did half-heartedly but now with expected confidence and trust in you-know-who. No, not in me. I tried that, and it was a big boo-boo.

Where a wrong turn was taken can be found somewhat in Acts 20: 28. Interested?–‘Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood’ (Acts 20: 28). One simple verse that if heeded puts us right back on the road where the Lord wants us. Living for Him. Devoted to others. Even for ourselves.

‘Pay careful attention to yourself’. Don’t be flighty about your relationship with Jesus. Take nothing spiritual for granted. No wishy-washy casualness about reading our Bibles. Nothing about ‘weather permitting’ or if I have some spare time with nothing good on TV.

Get serious about what He thinks of us, more than what others do. Maturely prioritize God in our lives. Why has it taken me so long to wake up and smell God’s roses? To see what was always in front of my eyes?

It’s God Himself who calls us to serve Him. Such a privilege should not be taken lightly. Get with it. Do for God. Be in His service. Walk in Jesus’ footsteps. Talk often with my Lord. Such an Einstein near the end of my life! Better late than, well, you know.

The hard part is to stop moaning about what can’t be changed, looking over my shoulder way in the past, which can only drag me down. I know Jesus has forgiven me. I’ve asked Him many times. So now, believe Him, already. Feel His cleansing goodness. And stand up, keeping busy for Him, for others! Then, there will be no regrets from now on! Or at least a lot less.

Thank you, Jesus, for second and third chances. Amen.

What? I’ve got to be kidding. Am I loony bins? Lost the last marble I had? Asking you to read about endless land inheritances found in the Old Testament book of Joshua? I glance over these chapters, speed-reading them, trying to note anything that will help me. However, not much sticks to my craw. Little inspiration was found in these chapters. Or was there?

Well, they’re found in my Bible, God’s inspired and holy Word, which is without error, from Genesis to Revelation, including this portion of Joshua. Might want to listen up, Fischer!

Now it’s true that some Bible sections, as this one surely is, have less meat to chew on than others. But they’re included for God’s reasons even when I don’t understand them. It’s good of God to share. Shame on me for being so obtuse and lamebrain not to get through my thick skull what He has to say. Duh!

Back to God’s message here in Joshua. His point? Think about it for a moment. You must have some ideas. Here’s mine. All these chapters talk about God’s people being given a place to live. A place called home. Their own territory for their own people. His people are cherished, ever close to God’s heart. Never forgotten nor abandoned.

I get the point here in Joshua. We matter to God. He loves us more than we could ever imagine. Probably, it’s in heaven when we’ll have our eyes fully opened, seeing Jesus gazing down on us with such devotion and tenderness. There will be no more tears except for joy. It’s a home we’ll never leave and never grow tired of. New adventures every moment yet never out of Jesus’ sight. We’ll always be with the Master.

Even the most obscure parts of the Bible have lessons to show us if we’d only look. Take a gander this week. Why not?

Lord Jesus, help me to understand more about you from my Bible. Amen.

Ever feel like God is absent without leave, AWOL? In hiding and out of sight? God does a Houdini disappearing act of cosmic proportions? During tough times, I sometimes feel like He’s abandoned me, leaving me high and dry. It’s not like I don’t deserve it.

When I think of a book in the Bible where struggles with God come to a head, I think primarily of Job. Patient man, is he? Not after you’ve read this book and paid attention to what he says. Godly Job lets out a kaleidoscope of emotions with his ‘friends’ and with his God. Holds nothing back. A hint for us? Possibly.

Read Job 23 and discover that he experiences God as missing in action. Job 23: 2, 8-9–‘Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy on account of my groaning…Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.’ AWOL.

We know, don’t we, that God is always with us? All through the Bible, He promises just that for His own. Deuteronomy 31: 6–‘Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’

This is one of many Bible verses conveying that promise. So, rely on the Lord, who has always been faithful, whether I can sense Him or not, whether all the evidence seems contrary. So, I want to depend on Him during dark and hopeless times. Especially then.

Reading Job 23: 11-12, you’ll discover what Job does to get through the shambles he feels stuck in. What are his suggestions? Nothing really. Rather he stays the course, steady as can be with his God. Not deserting the One who seems far away. Overcomes his doubts with a faith that looks beyond his wayward feelings. Job decides to hang in there with his God. To be obedient. To follow the way of the Lord. He takes his stand with a nevertheless faith.

Hear Job himself–‘My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food’ (Job 23: 11-12).

I hear you, Job! Or do I?

Thank you, Jesus, for standing with me always. Amen.

No, the title of today’s devotional does not refer to adding another bathroom to our home. We’re fine with what we have. But thanks for asking! In Luke chapter 9, we see Jesus facing opposition from some northern Israeli people, the Samaritans. Rivalry between North and South has plagued many nations, including our own.

These northern Israelis resent Jesus, who now has His eyes set on returning to Jerusalem, the Samaritan enemy’s capital city. Phooey, on that so-called holy city, is the Samaritan attitude. And Jesus can go you know where while he’s at it. That’s not making nice toward your neighbors. Such ungrateful rapscallions and rogues, that bunch.

What was Jesus’ followers’ reaction to this brush-off? “And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?'” (Luke 9: 54). Sounds like ultimate revenge may be in the offing, doesn’t it? James and John opt for wiping them off the face of the earth, ushering them on a one-way trip through the gates of hell.

But what about Jesus’ reaction? I’d rather catch His thoughts, wouldn’t you?–‘But he (Jesus) turned and rebuked them (James and John)’ (Luke 9: 55). Knock it off, boys. Show some mercy, for my sake. From now on I’m calling you ‘the sons of thunder’ for being reckless hotheads. That sobered them up. I’d be mighty ashamed at my obvious lack of love. But would I?

Later, in the Book of Acts chapter 8, the apostles discover that some Samaritans have become believers in Jesus, trusting in what God’s Word tells them. Samaritans? Them? You’re kidding me, aren’t you? So now what does that ‘Son of Thunder’ John propose? Fire and judgment once again? Finish the job once and for all?

No. Quite the contrary. For he’s a changed man. Jerusalem’s head apostles decided to send John and Peter to investigate what had happened. They wouldn’t have sent John if he still harbored revenge and hatred in his heart, but that’s not him anymore.

John has become a new person—quite different. It’s sad to admit that sometimes I find myself like John of Luke—a kid brother of thunder. But the more time I spend in my Bible, the more I want to be like John in the Book of Acts—with more kindness, forgiveness, understanding, and mercy.

Actually, more like Jesus. That’s my prayer this week–to be a changed person more and more.

Please, Jesus, help me to be like you. Amen.

Is the Christian life a simple one? Not too complicated or confusing? Or does it seem like rules and regulations are a tad overbearing? With too many hypocrites inhabiting churches? How about those four-flusher writers of weekly devotionals? Can you really trust the Bible as God’s Word? On and On. Oy Vey, already. What a mess.

I’ll be bold today and say that despite the above objections, following the Lord is as simple as 1, 2, and 3! Hear what the Bible says–‘…choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life…’ (Deuteronomy 30: 19-20).

Here in Deuteronomy, we’re told how to follow the Lord. It’s as simple as 1, 2, and 3! Let’s spell it out. Moses uses three Hebrew language participles to describe a godly life. He tells ancient Israelites to love the Lord, obey God’s words, and hold onto Him as tight as possible. Loving…obeying…holding onto. It’s as simple as apple pie topped with ice cream on a thick slab of extra-sharp cheddar cheese.

But what about those three participles? What are they, smarty-pants grammar know-it-alls? Guess I’m talking about myself since I’m about to explain. So, get with it. What are they? Participles are verbal adjectives. Oh really? Yes, their verbal qualities describe an action. And then, like adjectives, they add color to the nouns they modify. Simply put, when it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ, we actively love, obey, and hold on tightly to our Lord who colors our lives with excitement and joy, participially speaking, that is.

This week enjoy a simpler life in Jesus. Love Him by telling Him how much you adore Him. Please speak from your heart–nothing wooden, forced, or with buttering-up motives.

And then obey Him. Make Him your first choice in life, never backpedaling your witness for and testimony of Jesus. Then hold on for dear life. The winds of opposition blow strong and fierce these days. Never let go. And He’ll do all the more with you.

Simple? In a way.

Lord Jesus, I love you and want to be your faithful follower. Amen.