I’ve had a tough time figuring out Psalm 87. The opening verses are fine. No problems there. The Lord loves His holy city of Jerusalem and its Mount Zion where the Temple resides. Clear as a bell.

But it’s the next three verses that make me scratch my head, somewhat bemused and befuddled. There’s a list of old enemies of ancient Israel, who claim they were born in Zion, birthed in the sacred city of Jerusalem, in the holy land of Israel. What? How does that happen?

Verses 4-6 portray God as a census taker. As if He’s sitting at a table with a line of people standing before Him. Each one approaches the Lord telling Him where his birth occurred. Some say ‘Egypt’ and ‘Tyre’, others ‘Babylon’ and ‘Cush’, while more spout out ‘Philistia’. All from different parts of the ancient world.

What gives? None of them were born in Jerusalem. Not by a long shot. A bunch of liars? They shouldn’t be. As I’ve thought about it, it’s mainly in the New Testament where my fog lifts and the smoke clears. When you believe in Jesus, and welcome Him into your life, you become a new person (Eph. 2:15). With a new identity (Col. 3:10). Even with a new name (Rev. 2:17). As if you were born and raised as a lifelong citizen of God’s holy city and country. Now that’s amazing, isn’t it?

With Jesus, we’re brand new. Even newer than new. No longer stuck in the past. No longer labeled with a putdown nickname. We’re no longer carting heavy sins on our shoulders. No longer who we used to be. No longer. Thankfully.

So, let’s stop feeling sorry for ourselves. Get up. Show some faith. For a change, trust what Jesus says. Hang onto Him and His Word. After all, you’re brand new in Jesus. A child of the King! Now that’s something to shout about, isn’t it?

Lord Jesus, thank you for making me your own. Amen.

Can digital information get more in your face than it does right now? I’m afraid so, and even more, which boggles the imagination. Will all this ‘progress’ be for the best? To improve our lives? Some will. Usually does. But an unforeseen, dire consequence can rear its ugly head. And will. And does.

More than ever, we’ll need to be vigilant with what we, as Christians, allow into our minds and hearts. Bombarded with digital memes (whatever that is!) requires us to be gatekeepers and bouncers, restraining and tossing out what detracts from our worship and love of our Lord Jesus.

Hear what Psalm 85: 8 says–‘Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.’ Here’s the hard part for me– to concentrate on what the Lord God says. To really hang onto His Word, listening intently to our Lord. This involves more than hearing. It’s a commitment to follow, to obey what He says. Am I a good listener? To God in His Word, the Bible? Not just me. How about you?

After all, look what comes our way– His peace, God’s ‘shalom’, as this verse promises. ‘…he will speak peace to his people, to his saints’ (v.8). There’s more– His encouragement and hope along with good news–‘Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other…Yes, the Lord will give what is good…’ (vs.10,12).

But, unfortunately, not for everyone. The psalmist makes an exclusive claim–‘…to his people, to his saints…’ Peace comes from our Lord to those who trust Him. Those who want more than a surface religion. Much more than a facade that looks good on the outside, but lacks a dedicated personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Here comes another warning–‘…but let them not turn back to folly’ (v.8). This refers to believers. Stay far away from stupid stuff! From nasty voices screaming at us to be #1 again at all costs, no matter who we hurt. Those modern Sirens with alluring voices beckon us to crash on the rocks of some ungodly shoreline. To allow what is sinful in our culture to once again find a home in our hearts and churches–‘…but let them not turn back to folly’ (v.8).

‘Folly’ in Old Testament Hebrew means something moronic, pea-brained while becoming a dim-witted dunderhead. It’s way too easy to return to our old ‘normal’ rather than move ahead with our Lord. So, get out of old Dead Head City as quickly as you can. Don’t look back as salty Lot’s wife did.

But here’s the rub. How to do that? Without becoming a hermit, locked safe and secure in some isolated cave. As in frittering away time, never getting back what we’ve allowed to slip through our fingers. Lazy. A slothful sluggard loosely holding onto the Savior. A fairweather follower of Jesus. Time and weather permitting. Can I borrow your TV Guide?

I know which decision I’d like to make. But knowing myself, I’d better lean in on God’s mercy and forgiveness to make up for all the squandered time regurgitating bitter thoughts and rehashing old wounds with worry replacing faith and trust way too often. The world crashes in through our back door without a godly lock in sight. Oy, veh! Enough is enough, already!

How about it? Time to get off your duff and get moving for Jesus? To get into God’s Word more often than not? You’ll have much to gain. Some needed peace. And hope. And clearer thinking while being less muddleheaded. Focusing more on all the good that comes directly from our God than the muck and slime that comes from you know where.

Now that’s heading in the right direction. For a change. Toward Jesus.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the bright future you have stored up for me. Amen.

I’m sure I overheard my dentist humming that wonderful old hymn ‘Crown Him With Many Crowns’ as I was led into his cubicle, to be parked in a reclining chair with all kinds of lights and gadgets looming overhead and to my side. Yes, to the chair…for yet another expensive dental procedure. One of many over the years. Can’t count that high. Someone has said this– be true to your teeth or they’ll be false to you! I have all my own. Sort of. Amalgams count, don’t they?

However, after all these infernal visits, I have almost no fear of the dentist. Drilled it out of me years ago. Literally. The cavities are plugged along with the old mercury fillings blasted out. Root canal topped up and sealed off. Crowns for more than the monarchs of Europe. The only gaping holes can be found lurking in our checking account.

Let me say that I really like my dentist. He’s a perfectionist with a very kind touch. Won’t let me go until whatever needs doing has been completed and to my satisfaction. I trust him. Hence the fear factor largely evaporates.

Reminds me of Jesus, who urges this–‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11: 28-30). Can you think of a more promising and desirable invitation? We, who are weighted down with whatever, find a helper in Jesus. He’ll take our burdens off our shoulders and place them squarely on His own. What we’re welded to, He’ll break us loose from.

And then we’ll find that hanging around with our Lord Jesus is way over the top–loving, forgiving, filling us with life like we’ll find absolutely nowhere else. His promises are as good as gold fillings and even more so.

Read those verses in Matthew 11 again, and see if they don’t put a zip in your step, a spring in your stride, and a smile on your face while putting fears in your rearview mirror. Gaze forward, knowing who leads the way, never leaving you in the lurch. You know who that is, don’t you?

‘Come to me…’ says Jesus. Bonding with our Lord is better than dental cement. Sin’s decay gets drilled away forever. Cuddle up a little closer. Take His hands, and have a seat. Relax. Fear not.

Now admit it, that was nothing like pulling teeth, was it?

Lord Jesus, thank you for being my best friend forever. Amen.

What do you do when you’re up against some real trouble in life? Fight, flee, or bury your head in the sand? My first response is to fret, working myself into a lather over and over again adding insult to injury. Worries get bigger with consequences more disastrous. Maybe this makes me a fighter? Worry won’t let me flee or play make-believe dreaming that nothing rotten has happened. So I wrestle, spar, and poke at whatever is bothering me.

Still, what to do? Often I haven’t a clue. Which direction to turn in. When in a toxic church fight, it was flight that took me far away from this poisonous malignancy. I hadn’t a clue what to do. Prayers were mixed with gut-wrenching jitters coupled with pins-and-needle anxious tremors. Tomorrow looked bleak. The day after only worse. For that’s how it felt.

Biblical Judah’s good king Jehoshaphat faces foreign enemies on all sides. The Bible says that this mighty king was filled with fear (2 Chron. 20: 3). But that’s not all. He comes before his Lord God, seeking help and guidance. Fierce adversaries gang up on Judah.

What to do? Where to turn? The king shows the way–seek help from the Lord God. Pray your heart out. Express your fears to Him. Hold nothing back. Try not to have boomerang prayers where worry circles overhead only to come crashing back on your anxious mind (as I do too often). Here’s what Jehoshaphat prays–‘We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you’ (2 Chron. 20: 12).

When it’s confusion time in the old town tonight, love on your Lord God big time. Jehoshaphat doesn’t know what to do but he knows where to look. Get an eyeful in your Bible. There you’ll gaze upon the beauty of Jesus, and the glory of the Father along with the good counsel of the Holy Spirit. Zero in on your Lord God. And thank Him for whatever help He has in mind for you. Wait on Him. Trust Jesus as best you can, as fallible as we are. Me especially. 

And then watch and see how the Lord acts on your behalf. That’s what to do.

Thank you, Jesus, for all your goodness, warmth, and love for me. Amen.

I try not to take for granted God’s forgiveness of my sins. As if He owes me. I’ve got Him where I want Him. Know God’s weak spot and I run with it taking advantage of His generosity. No, not at all. For I’m wary of sin and its consequences. Of living more for me, I, and myself than for Him.  So, I buck up and confess, asking the Lord to keep me sensitive to my weak spots. Where I slide off His path too easily, keeping me closer by His side. 

What helps me is reading John 13, which tells of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. You’d think it would be the other way around. But it isn’t. Foot washing is a humble act that is performed by a lowly household servant. Here Jesus does the washing, demonstrating that He’s there to help, to cleanse, and to renew those who truly follow Him. Jesus cares so much for His own. For me and you. He’ll stoop to His knees to lift us up, keeping us close by Him.

What happens after that foot-washing ceremony? A sad moment ensues. One that’s been in the works for a while. An apostle, Judas Iscariot, has been quietly troubled by what’s been going on. Maybe he’s disappointed with Jesus and the lack of a violent overthrow of Roman domination. Who knows? We do know that his hand has been in the till. A thief and a traitor, whose conscience becomes numb and dull. But whatever the reasons, he betrays Jesus.

After washing all the apostle’s feet, even Judas’, the moment of treachery commences. This duplicitous apostle dips his morsel of bread and is told by Jesus to leave and do his dirty work. Immediately, the betrayer slithers out entering the long night of darkness.

What grabs me in this story is that Jesus washes Judas’ feet. He’s one of the twelve. He eyeballs Judas, washing his feet. Could this be one last chance to right the wrong he’s planning? With all the rotten things Judas has done and will do, might there be another chance to repent? To confess? To get right with God? But Judas doesn’t budge. Never wavers. Singlemindly hell-bent. 

As long as our hearts haven’t gotten hard as cement, as they had for Judas, there’s an opportunity to come back to Jesus. To be faithful to Him again. To stop ignoring God. To align yourself with Him no matter what, even when family and friends try to push and pull you in ungodly directions. Even then. Especially then. To have our feet washed by the Master, so to speak. For we’re determined never, ever to walk away from Him no matter what. 

How about it?

Thank you, Jesus, for loving and forgiving me. Amen.

It’s futile trying to prove to a skeptic that God is real and active in your life. Few in this so-called ‘settled science’ era will give you an inch with your witness for Jesus. They’ll demand proof positive, which I have little to give. But so what? Neither can they substantiate beyond a shadow of a doubt that I’m not in a relationship with God. I throw it back at them. The ball is in their court. 

I remember attending a weekly pastor’s Bible study when a liberal minister bellows a loud poo-pooing at that morning’s reading from the Gospel of John. He’s dogmatic. His way or the highway. He has no time for giving the Bible the final say. He knows best. Truth in the Bible? Not on his watch. 

That’s when I open my mouth (yes, as big as it is, thank you!) and offer an alternative explanation, giving the Bible the benefit of the doubt. What? How dare I? Challenge his truth? Up he jumps, throws his chair against the breakfast table, and marches out in a huff you could feel all the way across town. How dare I question his genius. He never came back. 

I know that God is at work. Not only in my life or where I live, but everywhere. Always has been and always will be. No doubt about that in my mind. Jesus loves me this I know. How do I know? For the Bible tells me so. That’s where. Exactly where. Again, where? The Bible. 

I’ve decided to follow Jesus as it’s laid out for me in God’s Word. Do I understand everything? Not bothered by some doubts and questions? I wish. It’s only human to wonder and have some uneasiness about eternal things this side of heaven. Likewise, do I grasp how electricity works? Or how a plane can fly? Yeah, right! But uncertainty doesn’t hold me back from plugging in this computer or flying off for a brief holiday cruise with family this week. 

Take a gander at Psalm 77: 19. The writer Asaph praises the Lord for all He does in the Exodus event when God liberates His people from slavery in Egypt. Asaph says this–‘Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.’ Notice that last phrase–‘…your footprints were unseen.’ God acts even though I can’t see it directly. Again, no proof positive. So what? Too bad, so sad. I’m learning to live without direct, hands-on verification. Plain and simple, that’s called faith.  

Remember that someday believers will see Jesus face to face (1 Cor. 13: 12). Faith will no longer be needed. All the unexplained will be explained. The unseen will be seen as clear as a bell. Our questions will be clarified. Doubts will disappear. Or maybe it won’t matter in the sweet by-and-by? Who cares anymore about all my questions when I’m gazing lovingly at the face of Jesus in Paradise?

So, don’t worry about proving your faith. That’s an oxymoron, no offense! Trust and obey for there really is no other way that I’ve either tried or heard of. Rely on the only totally reliable One. After all, who needs more when we have Jesus and His Word? I don’t. Do you?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being real to me. Enlarge my faith and help me to share you with others. In your name. Amen.

There were so many games I loved playing as a kid when I lived on Undercliff Road in Millburn, New Jersey. A middle-class neighborhood that had lots of youngsters who also eagerly played outdoor games. 

Across the street were a couple of brothers who I mainly lost to at many, many games of Monopoly. But I loved having my Black Racer at work building houses and hotels only to be wiped out in bankruptcy. Oy vey, already!

At another neighbor’s house, I learned to play Bridge. Always terrible at that card game, especially when I poked and prodded more fun out of bidding and trumping than working a necessary winning competition. Why was I such an unpopular partner? Hmm!

Not-It, Hop-Scotch, and Hide-and-Seek always busied our good-weather days. Yes, I hid; and yes, they sought me; and yes, I was found. Sorry to disappoint you! I have great memories growing up in that neighborhood. 

If you dare to read through 2 Chronicles chapters 14-16, you’ll discover something amazing about our Lord. Nine times in those three chapters it mentions seeking God and finding Him. He’s not hiding. He’s there to be found if sought. There’s the catch. You must seek Him. 

The word ‘seek’ in biblical Hebrew means to repeatedly study and read about. To discuss, consult, and inquire. But there’s more–put what you’ve found into action. Not just study for study’s sake, but be a dynamic disciple of Jesus. Not a know-it-all, but someone displaying follow-through. Be AOK–an Action-Oriented Kind. 

Here are a few examples from 2 Chronicles. ’If you seek him, he will be found by you’ (2 Chr. 15: 2). ’…but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them’ (2 Chr. 15: 4). ’And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers…’ (2 Chr. 15: 12). That’s only chapter 15. There’s more in the next two. Check them out. 

What’s my point? That amazement I referenced earlier? Something about God that you could write home about. That’s off the chart. Well, here goes. The Lord offers His help to you and me. The care and love of God Almighty. To His own. His hands outstretched toward us. That’s almost too much to comprehend when you think about it. Way over the top. Too good to be true? Not on your life. After all, that’s His promise. And He means it.

What’s my usual reaction when up against something rough and tough? As if stumped, with my head in the clouds, I rely on my own little grey cells. I’ll figure it out. Leave it to me. Mr. Wisenheimer has his hands on the throttle. 

And then, when all else fails, I begin to pray, when it seems like last and somewhat least. Begging God’s help. But at least now I’m seeking Him. Does He dust me off His shoes, so to speak? Snub me? Tit for tat? He could. Maybe He should. Has every right. Yet thankfully, He doesn’t. For when we seek Him, He’s there to be found. For He means it. 

I know His heart is for me to come to Him with whatever as soon as possible. No holds barred. Could He make it any plainer? 

Seek Him. Throw out the dragnet in His direction. Have a seat at His table. Draw your chair up next to Jesus. But don’t bargain with God or hassle and haggle with Him. This is no Middle Eastern marketplace. When you seek Him, leave His answers, what God decides, squarely in His hands. That’s the hard part for me. And I mean it. 

My goal this week? To quickly seek my Lord Jesus. I’ll not stop there. I’ll continue for the weeks and months ahead. Wait a moment. Take the next seven days first of all, and then we’ll see how long-lasting my resolve becomes. No bets, please. After all, let’s see how you’ll do. If you mean it. 

Lord Jesus, thank you for always being there for me. Amen.

Life gets complicated. I’m thinking of all the digital formats we must navigate. Passwords I’m required to change at the most inconvenient time. Apps to download. Artificial intelligence competes with my own feeble smarts. Who wins? Don’t tell me. I know! So we yearn (that’s an old word, but a good one) for simpler days. Less tangled and convoluted. Where you could actually get away from work and the phone. Such idyllic times disappear.

When it comes to your relationship with the Lord make it as easy as pie, like a lovely stroll in the park, and a bit of child’s play. Keep it simple. As in most of our prayers to the Lord. 

2 Chronicles remains one of the least-read books in the Bible. Prove me wrong. Check it out. Gems can be found close to the surface. Like here in chapters 5 and 7, where we’re in the midst of a great celebration.

Solomon’s Temple to God is dedicated. This place of worship is where people experience God’s closeness. As the Ark of the Covenant is carried in, God’s people shout out these words–‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever’ (2 Chr. 5: 13). Then God’s Temple becomes filled with His glory and majesty!

Later Solomon offers his own prayer of dedication (ch. 6). When everyone gathered senses the Lord’s presence, they bow down, worshipping God and giving thanks saying–‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever’ (2 Chr. 7: 3). Note how their raptured praise is so simply put. No bells and whistles. Nix excessive verbiage. Making what could have been a long story short and right on the money.

I think that lots of my prayers need to be less complicated. More childlike. After all, my Lord Jesus is simply good. Think of all the blessings that have come to you and me. Let’s remember them. We could go on all day. Shouldn’t we? We can but will we? Yet keep it simple–God is good. His steady love endures through thick and thin, no matter what. Forever. Again–‘For He is good.’

In addition, I want to thank Jesus for not trading me in on a better disciple. He could have, you know. I’m not such a hot-shot spiritual giant by any stretch of anyone’s imagination. He could do better. Much better. But He stays with me. And you. Again–‘His steadfast love endures forever’.

Such amazing promises. Simple and reliable. Something money can’t buy nor ever be stolen. Why? It’s Jesus’ good and loving gift to you and me. Have you received what His hands offer to you?

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

The third church I pastored had over 600 members. Ministry was moving along swimmingly for me. With a bigger and better calling on the horizon. Or was it?

Not so. In a flash, it all came tumbling down. I was a cousin to Humpty Dumpty. Finished. Kaput. Or was I?

Seventeen years later, while enjoying a financial planning career, I met with a group from a church just around the corner, down the street from the one I left years ago. This one had only eighteen members of what had been a vibrant church. In its denomination’s eyes, they’re taking their last gasps of breath as they’re told that it’s time to sell and move on. Too little, too late. The gig’s up. Or was it?

Yet they want me to be their pastor. Me? And was it bothersome that the mighty me, I, and myself had fallen? Am I being relegated to some prodigal pastor’s far country? That my beefed-up dreams had evaporated? Or had they?

In the Old Testament book of Haggai, the people of Israel return to the promised land after a dismal and disappointing exile, only to find their Temple in rack and ruin. Then the Lord tells them to remodel. Yet, as if in a stupor, they gaze sadly at something little in their eyes. Nothing like what some remember. Little of the grandeur that they’d heard about from their elders. Haggai 1: 7-9–“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little.'”  

How about you? Is there something in your life that seems little, puny, and inconsequential? Not what you’d hoped for? Or dreamed of? Why not let the Lord make of it whatever He wants. Let Him decide the importance. Success is determined by His standards. Place it In His hands. Why not?

That’s what I decided to do. After being asked to lead this little group of God’s people and before my first Sunday, I gathered a few friends to pray with me for the Lord to do whatever He wanted. We walked every hall. Entered every room. Praying all the time. No holds barred. I want His dreams and not mine. For a change. Will it be? This time?

Someone said this–‘Little things are little things. Faithfulness in little things is a big thing.’ Twenty-four years later, that church family is still letting their light shine for Jesus. A younger man has been faithfully serving the Lord as I’ve moved along to write, well, what you’ve just been reading. And guess what? No ‘For Sale’ signs in front of that church anywhere to be seen! Pretty awesome, isn’t it?

And you? Is it time to let go, as best that any of us can, and let God do what He does best? With your life? Leaving the results in His hands? Why not? 

Lord Jesus, have your way in my life. I trust you and love you. Amen.

I’m not much for making New Year’s resolutions as I’m too sloppy about keeping them. Years ago, I resolved to nix them once and for all. That’s one I’ve kept!

But when it comes to God’s resolutions, His promises, don’t worry, He’ll keep each and every one of them. Positively guaranteed. How about me? Maybe. Maybe not. Better to trust in Jesus than the bloke writing these weekly devotionals. I’ll do my best which often turns out to be so-so, maybe fair to middling on good days.

In the front of the Torrey-Gray Auditorium at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where I studied for my undergraduate college degree, this saying is posted–‘JESUS NEVER FAILS’. A warning to hit the books and get decent grades or else? After all, Jesus never fails as the sign says. I didn’t flunk any of the classes I took in those far-off days, but I’ve failed in many other ways.  

But as the sign says, it’s Jesus that doesn’t fail. Check out the Old Testament book of Zechariah chapter 10 beginning at verse 6. God is speaking. Better listen up. He has something important to say. From verse 6 to the end of the chapter, the Lord keeps repeating this phrase–‘I will…I will…I will…I will…’ Count them. Eight times. What gives?

God wants us to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that when He wills something, it happens. No fudging or twisting words to make Him sound better than He is. No political spin doctor covering up broken promises. What God says, He will do. ’I will…’

When I was trudging through various medical issues, with accompanying anxiety and fears, I held onto one verse for dear life. Isaiah 26: 3–‘You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.’ I repeated this promise over and over again using the King James Version’s thee’s and thou’s. They’re more comforting to this old goat! 

His promise, found in that one verse, drew Him closer and closer by my side. Holding my hand, reassuring me that He’d never, ever leave me. And He didn’t and hasn’t just as He promised. 

This week find a Bible promise for yourself. They’re everywhere in God’s Word. After you unearth one, memorize it. Roll it around in your mind. All week long. Then notice something. God draws closer to you as you pull up your chair right next to Him. 

Now, that’s the company to keep. He’s given you His Word. Promises, promises. 

Have a Happy New Year!

Lord Jesus, I need you every hour. Your promises to lean on every day. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.