Category Archives: Uncategorized

SUCH SAD WORDS Psalm 78: 32-39

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Have you ever encountered such sad words?  Some of the most heartbreaking in all of the Bible.  Which ones?  Check out Psalm 78:32–‘Despite all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe’.  And these–‘They did not keep God’s covenant, but refused to walk according to his law.  They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them’ (Ps. 78: 10-11).

Here the pile grows larger–‘ Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert.  They tested God in their heart by demanding…’ (Ps. 78: 17-18).   Unfortunately, their grim description continues unabated–rebellious…forgetful…ingrates…flatterers and liars…testing and provoking their God.  Enough already.  Can’t take any more of this.  When you think things can’t get worse, then they do.

Such sad words.  Old Testament people–such downers and no-accounts.  Unlike me.  I’m so smart.  I imagine I can get away without paying attention to Jesus in my life.  That I can push Him to the exit as I take center stage.  The show’s lead.  Make room for… me!  I’ll make life’s decisions.  Even when they fall apart, slipping through my fingers, I still think I’m so stinkin’ clever.  Now who speaks such sad words?

I’ll tell you when my turn-around begins.  It’s a challenge by some friends to read my Bible from cover to cover in a year.  All of it.  Don’t skip Leviticus or Chronicles.  Not just a few familiar psalms.  Or New Testament only.  ‘All’ means all.

I quickly discover that it’s hard to miss God’s point when you’re in His Word daily.  Listening to Him at least part of the time.  Ears perked when not distracted by all kinds of tech stuff.  Eyes on Jesus when not deflected by myriad temptations.  So, I challenge you, as I was, to start getting serious about time in God’s Word.  A holy habit as regular as eating three square meals a day.

Start, determined to see it through to the end.  From Genesis to Revelation.  In whatever order.  Doesn’t matter.  Just cover it all.  Then I defy you to stop.  Please don’t!  I did early on, but I don’t recommend it.  Not at all.  Big boo-boo.  But, for decades now, I’m determined to, well, you know–stick to it.  Daily.  Year by year.

But if you’ve been tardy or negligent, just start over.  Pick up where you left off.  For sad words will be transformed into His good Word, that carries you through the most difficult of times.  Try it.  You’ll like it.  I have.  And still do.

Thank you, Jesus, for being my Word of Life.  Amen.

UNSEEN AND UNKNOWN Psalm 77

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Don’t you wish you could see directly, without a doubt, when God acts?  Answers to prayer as clear as a bell?  No long-shot, thin ice uncertainty about His responding to our needs and wants?  Everything out in the open?  Alas, not to be!

Life requires faith in Jesus.  A trust which relies on Him with all the unseen and unknown.  His helping hand when less than obvious.  His actions as if behind closed doors.  Or is He another Wizard of Oz?  A fantasy of my own making?  An opiate to soothe life’s pains?

Reading Psalm 77 you overhear another anguished voice–‘In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted.  When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints…I am so troubled that I cannot speak…’ (vs.2-4).

Maybe you’re also in a pickle, a tight spot, hot water.  Haven’t we all had those moments?  Can’t find your way out?  As if God has turned His back on you?  Given up on us as we stumble and fall all over sin’s consequences, which land squarely on the old kisser?

Read on as the poet remembers when God leads Israel out of slavery in Egypt, the Exodus event.  Psalm 77:19–‘Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.’  The Hebrew word ‘unseen’ also translates as ‘unknown’.  Though the Israelites couldn’t directly see the Lord doing these wonders, they will experience the results.  Their deliverance.  Their enemies defeated.

Often in hindsight, we see much clearer through eyes of faith.  Gazing back, remembering God’s promises and how He’s worked them out in our lives.   No ifs, ands, or buts.  An unshakeable, unmoved certainty that can sit with the unseen and unknown, patiently leaning on God’s shoulders.  Even beginning to wait…on Him.  That would be nice for a change (speaking of myself here).

I’m asking Jesus for more faith in Him alone.  To bear down, plugging away at trusting and believing Jesus, again with all the unknown and unseen, which usually puzzle me, giving me the heebie-jeebies.

I want to get closer to Jesus.  To take His hand in mine, telling Him all about it, stretching my faith His way.  It won’t break.  His hold is firm.  Want to try it?

Lord Jesus, help me to develop strong muscles of faith in you.  Amen.

HIS ARMS AROUND US John 10

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When I’m feeling a bit down with the blues, mopey and gloomy, I need to hear from my Lord Jesus.  Who better to put His arms around me, assuring me that all will be well?  Good to get reassurances from family and friends; equally to give such to those we love who need a shot in the arm (I don’t mean vaccination necessarily!); but no one satisfies like Jesus.  No one and nothing, plain and simple.

Sounds like the words of an old hymn, doesn’t it?  ‘Jesus loves me, this I know…’  ‘There’s something about that name…’  You can hum others, I’m sure, with all circling back to Jesus. He’s the reason for life, here and now, then and there.

Take a gander at John 10.  Just a few verses, which will give you a lift if you’re feeling somewhat like a wet blanket today.  Gives me a boost or two (still not talking about vax!).  More like a hug from above.  Verses 27-30 offer the best medicine even the Mayo Clinic can’t dispense.

Why not hang out around the neighborhood of Jesus’ words?  Listen up.  Chew on them.  Digest them.  Offer a large slice to someone else.  Imagine this– we can hear Jesus.  His voice.  What He has to say.

About what?  Primarily, that we’re His people.  ‘My sheep hear my voice’ (v.27).  To hear Him is to stand close by, within earshot, focusing on Him and those words from His mouth.  That we’re His own–‘ My sheep…’.  Family in the very best sense of the word.

Then Jesus says that He knows us through and through.  No reason to try to impress Him.  Or cover-up.  Or put on a mask (not referring to pandemic again!).  But be who you are, warts and all.  ‘…and I know them…’ (John 10: 27).

We should follow Him.  Be in His company, walking behind our Master and Lord–‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me’ (v. 27).  Better company you’ll never find, in addition to being our leader par excellence.

If all that isn’t enough, He has gifts for us–‘I give them eternal life…’ (v. 28).  Note that His gift is not earned.  Nothing you have to do to get it.  It’s offered freely.  That’s what gifts are.  Without strings.  No fine print to catch us off guard.  No bait and switch or false advertising.

Only to welcome Him into your life.  With a genuine appreciation for all that Jesus has done for you and me.  Why not?  Have nothing to lose except all that’s rotten in life.  ‘I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand’ (John 10: 28-29).

His gift is eternal life which no one can take from us.  When we’re His, we’re His.  Settled.  Period.  Just make sure that you’ve accepted Him into your life and that you’re living for Him.  You know this when you want more and more to be like Him and less and less like…well, you know who.

Is Jesus worth trusting in?  Putting all your hope in?  You’ll discover that there’s nothing like His arms around you no matter what!

Thank you, Jesus, for promises made and kept.  Amen.

WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN 2 Chronicles 5-7

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When the chips are down, we need only a few words shared with our Lord.  Say what’s on your mind.  Get to the point, speaking directly rather than beating around the bush.  He craves a relationship that’s all in, no holds barred.  Whatever’s good or bad, we’re to come to Him.  His gates are open.  The back porch lights are on.  Doors unlocked.

Does asking you to read 3 chapters in 2 Chronicles seem a bit much?  Well, do it anyway.  Am I getting rude in my old age?  Never mind.   What jumps out at me from these chapters is the short and sweet response of God’s people when dedicating the Temple of the Lord.

Here’s what they say–‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever’ (2 Chr. 5:13, 7:3).    Uncomplicated words.  Unpretentious.  Making a long story short (only 5 words in the original Hebrew), reminding themselves of His goodness and never-ending love.  From head to toe, God is good.  All the time.  In all ways.  Even when I can’t see it or figure it out.  Especially then.

For God is good.  He keeps His promises.  His love knows no bounds.  Endures putting up with you…and me.  Forever.  Period.

How about praying all week this Old Testament piece of cake, easy as pie, praise-prayer to our Lord?  Count me in!  ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.’  Do I hear an echo?

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

WHEN? Zechariah 12-13

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Certain days in our lives stand out.  When we’re born, obviously.  At the other end, ‘…when we have shuffled off this mortal coil’ (from ‘Hamlet’).  And those in-between.  Graduations.  Marriages.  The births of children and grandchildren.  April 15th.  December 25th.  January 1st.  When?  Those certain days.

Have you located Zechariah in your Bible?  He’s one of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament.  Minor, not in importance, but rather in brevity.   Zechariah contains the most prophecies about the coming Messiah, making him more of a Major Prophet in my estimation.

The reason why this Bible book is so packed with Messiah Jesus is that for far too many generations ancient Israel has eaten its heart out suffering from oodles and caboodles of sin while crying out to the Lord for His help.  Seems like they’ve been hurting forever, as all their own inner resources run on empty, and they realize their need for God.  But when?

So, the Lord wants to make it crystal clear that He’s heard them, He cares and loves them, and gives His Word that that day of freedom and salvation is coming.  It’s on its way.  When?  Only God knows.  But ‘on that day’ death and hell finally meet their match.

The phrase ‘on that day’ gets mentioned 10 times in Zechariah 12 and 13.  A perfect number reminding God’s people of His promised care.  He’ll have the last word over evil and ungodliness.  It’s curtains for Satan and his cohorts.  Their swan song and last hurrah screech and squeal one more time.  But bravos and standing ovation without end are offered to God Himself.

No matter what you’re going through, there’s a day coming when troubles and trials peter out and wither away.  Earthly difficulties will persist for only a day, so to speak.  ‘On that day’ the end of all tight spots and scrapes safely lands.  Living between a rock and a hard place makes its final curtain call.  Kaput!

Applause can be heard from God’s victorious audience.  Cheers of joy, laughter, and praise to our God echo forth through heaven’s halls.  His day has arrived!

Lord Jesus, how we look forward to the day of your return.  Amen. 

SEA OF TROUBLES Zechariah 10

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We’ve been at sea on a cruise ship when it’s rock-and-roll on the waves!  Quickly we head back to our stateroom, turning our heads into the ‘head’, then off to bed a little lighter, which is when I order room service to not miss even one meal!  After all, we paid for it…  A true Fischer!

On a more serious note, years ago a neighbor sues us over trees, roots, and property lines.  Now our troubles are on land.  Our insurance company carries us through seven years of litigation.  Not a typo–seven years.  Their longest case.  We’re number one when we least want to be.  Finally, we win that case but not without acquiring anxiety-filled emotional bruises and scars.

Through it all, the Lord Jesus stays with us.  Therefore, we determine to do nothing nasty to these neighbors other than to defend ourselves in court, which we do vehemently.  No manure gets tossed up on their driveway.  No harassing phone calls at 3am.  Not even praying that the Lord would make them sick, die, and disappear.  But how tempting to be mean and rotten as others have been to us.  But we want to follow Jesus and travel His higher road.  As best we can.

What happens?  These neighbors do get sick and die, and then the suit gets settled quickly and eagerly by their heirs.  Our insurance covers every last dime of the multiple thousands of dollars dished out in legal-related bills.  Wait a minute.  Not true.  I do have to buy one stamp, mailing pictures to our attorney!

We experience what’s promised in this Old Testament prophecy–‘He shall pass through the sea of troubles and strike down the waves of the sea…’ (Zech. 10: 11).  The ‘He’ is God Himself.  He goes with us through whatever ‘sea of troubles’ we flail around in nearly drowning.

The next time waves get churned up and I’m tossed about with deep troubles, I’ll have fears, anxiety, and worries.  Sorry about that, but I know myself and so does God.  But sooner or later, somewhere deep within, I’ll hear His comforting and reassuring voice reminding me that He’s got me covered.  By my side.  Holding both my hands.

So, stay the course following Jesus.  Don’t get bitter and nasty with tit-for-tat recriminations.  No matter the outcome.  No matter if the next time we lose.  Jesus never deserts us.  Never.  That’s God’s promise–‘…I am with you always…’ (Matt. 28:20).

Don’t take my word for it.  Take His!

Oh Lord, thank you for standing with me.  No matter what.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

LOST AND FOUND John 5

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It wasn’t at the conference center’s ‘lost and found’ box.  A bracelet my wife gave me was missing.  Think the clasp wasn’t totally snapped in place.  By me.  So, it was hasta la bye-bye to this lovely gift.

Something more serious happens at a religious’ feast Jesus attends in Jerusalem.  At the Sheep Gate, there’s a pool where invalids gather to beg and hopefully be healed.  Like something lost, they need others’ help to be found.

Who comes by that day?  You know.  Jesus of Nazareth notices a man who’s spent a lifetime at this Pool of Bethesda.  Thirty-eight years begging and hoping.  Eking out a living and nothing more.  He’s lost but will he be found?

Jesus sees this man.  Zeros in on him.  Finds out how long he’s been at the pool’s edge.  Thirty-eight interminable years.  Day in and day out.  Month by month.  Seasons coming and going, and still no end in sight.

The paralyzing fog never lifting.  Crippling clouds never clearing.  Hanging on to pipedreams.  Thirty-eight years hopeless.  Ever felt that way?  About a job?  Family?  Life in general?  Possibly you’ll notice a man who comes close by, strangely knowing you and your situation.   Who is he?  Again, you know!

In John 5, Jesus asks this disabled beggar what he wants.  Seems obvious, doesn’t it?  To be healed!  But maybe, just maybe, this fellow would rather wallow in self-pity.  Has gotten used to being dependent and helpless.  Handouts are easier than hard work.  But not this guy.  He wants to get up and go… on his own!  And that’s what he’ll do, thanks to a word from Jesus’ lips.

I wonder what I’m clutching onto that holds me back.  A chokehold of my own making.  Not following Jesus fully because I possess such good excuses, which lets me off the hook.  Reasons that sound reasonable.  Can’t do this.  Can’t do that for X, Y, and Z reasons.  I’m an invalid at least inside.  Stalled while running for cover.  Somewhat lost.

But Jesus draws near.  He won’t let up until I get up and follow Him more closely and faithfully than before.  Not just me.  He’s got you in mind, too.  How about it?  Time to get up?

Join me.  I’d love the company!

Thank you, Jesus, for helping me to serve you.  Amen.

WHAT ABOUT THAT WATER JAR? John 4

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You know the ins and outs of the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman.  The scandal of talking with a woman, who’s also a Samaritan.  Jews and Samaritans distrust each other, and don’t mix well even on a good day.

One detail in John 4 jumps off the page at me.  It’s found in verse 28–“So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did.  Can this be the Christ?'”

She left her water jar.  How strange.  She needs water and this well is exactly where it can be found.  Little or no indoor plumbing in those days, so she needs that water jar.  She’d place it on her head, walking it home.  But not this time.

A wise move on her part?  Hardly.  Will require an extra trip, hoping that someone hasn’t snatched it away.  Did she misunderstand Jesus’ comments about ‘living water’ (John 4: 10)?  Those promises that His H2O would never run out?  That ‘…whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again.  The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up… (John 4:14).  Did she get the wrong idea?  That water jars will no longer be needed?

Think back to when you accepted Jesus into your life.  Those early days.  On top of the world.  Far from disappointing valleys.  Safe and secure on some mountaintop.  But what about your own ‘water jar’, some things left behind?  Running after Jesus occupies your heart and mind overshadowing other things. Focusing decisions on what Jesus wants.  There’s a change in the air.

My plans to become a stockbroker get radically altered, as in out the window, when I attend summer school at a Bible college, actually studying God’s Word.  That’s a first for me.  That undergraduate degree in business administration gets left at the well, so to speak.  When living for Jesus some things get left behind, abandoned, and forgotten.  Other things we attend to in a new way.  Fashioning them with our eyes on the Master, for a change.

We’re not the same after meeting the risen Lord.  Far from it.  Not by a long shot.  That’s how you know you’re His.  Your target in life shifts…in God’s direction.

Before knowing the Savior, I could care less about ever attending church.  Why should I?  What’s the point?  A colossal waste of time.  But then after!  Couldn’t get enough of a new church that teaches the Bible, while singing songs that mirror my own experience of Jesus.  Funny thing…I still can’t.

Those are some of my thoughts about her water jar.  And yours?

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