Category Archives: Uncategorized

INSIDE Luke 11: 37-44

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Usually writing a check is no sweat.  Popping it in the mail no big deal.  Help is on the way for some Christian charity, which we love to support.  Without others like us, there would be no money to fulfill the work God calls them and us to do.  It’s a team effort for Jesus.

But sometimes your money spring dries up.  The caboodle skedaddles.  Even then we can give with what costs nothing monetarily.  Reading Luke 11, I’m stuck at verse 41.  Regardless of your translation, Jesus says to give what’s inside.  Inside?  As in what?

The Lord squelches those who make a scene of giving.  Big shots who brag about their largesse.  Grandstanders.  Blowhard showoffs.  Better to be looked over than overlooked?  Not from Jesus’ mouth.

Better to look within for things to give away.  A pastor could use encouragement but often receives ‘suggestions’.  What does he need that I can give?  A listening ear.  A kind word.  Intercessory prayers to the Lord.  Costs nothing.  Gives something that money can’t buy.  Not only clergy.  You can think of many others.  Dig deep within and give.

Sometimes I warrant a ‘swift kick’.  I’ve received a few.  Why even from the editor of my devotional books.  But all were given to make my writing more effective.  Looking back on those earliest pieces catches me with egg on my face–no paragraph breaks, endless wordiness, way too many uses of the word ‘just’.  Just plain awful!  See?

Hints from the editor?  Spot on.  Shame on me if I don’t heed them.  I did and still do!

So, here’s an idea.  Jesus says–‘But give as alms those things that are within…’ (Luke 11:41).  Look within.  Find tenderness that exhibits grace and mercy.  And give from them.  Even that helpful idea.  Firmly yet gently put.  From your heart.  From inside.  From you.  Genuinely.

See what fits.  Sometimes shut your mouth!  Keep it to yourself, as hard as that may be.  Remember, we’re to help someone else.  Not for brownie points or a pat on the back.  But actually, as gifts for Jesus.

 

Thank you, Jesus, for gifts to share with others.  Amen.

 

 

THAT MAKES SENSE Luke 8: 40-56

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Blessings come from God.  I say, the more the merrier.  Not showers but downpours.  Yet when troubles hit, we wonder.  Where’s God then?  He has some tall explaining to do.  Really?  Instead of looking on the sunny side, I nurse older, darker wounds.  Scabs and scars.  Too bad really.  What am I missing out on?

Reading Romans 8:28, you’ll find out.  Me too!  God takes all kinds of nasty stuff, and somehow, due to His being God, makes lemonade out of lemons.  Gets my approval though hardly needed!

But in Luke 8 something bothers me.  Synagogue leader, Jairus, rushes up to Jesus because his 12 year old daughter is dying.  Word floats around that Jesus can help.  Jairus gets His nod and off they go together.

A large crowd gathers around Jesus when someone touches Him and healing happens.  Here’s my question.  Why make a big stink about this woman touching Jesus?  He knows who’s done it.  Yet, he tells his followers to find out who.  In the meantime, Jairus knows that time is slipping away.  May already be too late.  She was so sick when he last saw her.  And foot travel chews up valuable time.

But Jesus refuses to take one step further without pinpointing her identity.  Why?  Feels like He’s making an example of her, which bothers me.  Is that what’s going on?

Not quite.  This poor woman suffers with a blood condition for 12 years.  Ancient sawbones have bled her savings down to the last shekel.  Also, in her culture, Temple worship nixed.  Marriage relationship on the back burner.  Friends and family move far away leaving no forwarding address.

Here’s her next hurdle.  When she’s healed, who’s going to believe her?  Think about that.  She’ll find everyone still at arm’s length.  Socially distant much more than 6 feet!  Disbelieving and accusing her of doing anything to seem well.  Even lying?  Making up stories?  She might.

No.  Jesus will have none of that.  He’ll make a blowout storm of this healing.  No one will doubt, absolutely no one, what He’s done for her.  She’s healed and that’s that.  This woman.  Completely cured and restored.  No one will dare to defy Him.

That makes sense, doesn’t it?  Could it be that what we’ve experienced, the good, the bad and the ugly, may take on a different slant when we know that Jesus’ hand has been at work?  What our eyes can’t see or fathom?  Romans 8:28 again.

And Jairus?  He no doubt needs to see Jesus’ healing power.  Firsthand.  With his own eyes.  And he does.  So, when word comes that his precious daughter is dead, he keeps following Jesus home, and even upstairs where her lifeless body lies.  No jeering from Jairus, like from those mourners who mock Jesus.  No.  He hopes that the best may yet happen.  For he’s just seen what Jesus’ hands can do.

How about being a Jairus this week?  Follow Him no matter what.  See the Master at work.  Look…!

 

Thank you, Jesus, for giving me eyes to see.  Amen.

HADN’T NOTICED THIS BEFORE Luke 8

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I’m innocently reading my Bible, doing what I’m supposed to, when something jumps off the page and hits me right in the old mug!  How many times have I read Luke 8?  And where exactly?  It’s in the parable of the seeds.  And only one measly word.  That’s all.  As if hidden in the wings, waiting to come on stage, on cue.

Recently I’ve been down in the mouth.  My two devotional books haven’t exactly flown off the shelves or made the NY Times best-seller list.  When’s the last time scads of new followers sign up for these weekly devotionals?  Or how many even bother to say ‘thanks’?  One or two at most.

In Luke 8, I’m reading about those seeds and their possibility of success or lack of such.  Ever since my first assignment as a student assistant pastor during Princeton Seminary days, I’ve loved creating programs that get the message of Jesus out to others.  Dedicated a couple of summers to leading Good News Clubs in that rural New Jersey church for hundreds of kids.

I love seeing programs take root, take off and bear fruit.  From hosting a weekly Christian TV program, pastoring a couple of churches, writing devotional books, I’ve not actually been gathering dust.  But problems come when I get antsy for results.  Easily discouraged, pulling on new crops to make them grow faster.  Grandiose goals I’ve set for myself.  The bigger the better!

So what knocks me on my ear?  Luke 8: 15–‘As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.’  There it is–that last word.  ‘PATIENCE’?  That’s what I’d glossed over.  Soft-pedaled.  On purpose?

Patience.  Trusting His timing and ways.  Giving Jesus my life.  He’ll make more of it than I ever could.  Yours too.  I’m struggling, probably in a tizzy.  But you know what?  He’s not done with either of us!  Not by a long stretch!

 

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that we can rest in you.  Amen.

 

 

NEVERTHELESS Luke 5

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A certain lawyer always intimidates me.  Has a way of keeping me at arm’s length, letting me know who’s boss.  One day I’m called by this legal eagle’s office for certain financial planning information which I know is all wrong.  My chance arrives!  I’m ready to pounce upon this legal beagle with my right as rain straight stuff.  Gotcha!  Finally!  Thank you, Lord!

When this solicitor gets on the phone, the first word I hear is this–‘Nevertheless…’  As if to spout off–‘I don’t care what you say.  Just give it to me’.  Oh, how I’d love to!

Blasted member of the bar almost sends me to the nearest watering hole.  Nevertheless…I stay sober but in a blue funk, down in the dumps, chewing on a bitter pill!

In Luke 5 Simon Peter and Andrew, along with James and John, are out fishing but with nary a bite.  They’ve worked hard all night when the catch should be at its best.  But this industry offers no guarantees.  They know the risks.  Its fishy ups-and-downs.

Yet here comes someone who happens to be a carpenter.  Callouses from totally different work.  May know about wood and hand tools, but fishing?  It’s Jesus!  Listen to Him when these pro’s know best?  Who’s He to tell them what to do?  Buttinsky and meddler?  Nevertheless…Simon casts the net to where he’s told.

Simon’s pride and know-how say to forget it.  His heart says to follow.  His better judgement gives way to the Master’s wisdom.  Faithful obedience overcomes what his eyes can’t see.

Is there something in your life that you need to toss the net to on the other side?  Where it seems fruitless?  Giving it one more try?  Humbly listening to someone else for a change?  Praying more while not letting go?

I’m thinking of so much that I need to let Jesus handle.  Taking my net and tossing it His way.  I get in the way so often.  Don’t want to, yet here I am smack dab where I shouldn’t be.  Like some smarty-pants judicial know-it-all.

Nevertheless…Jesus still wants to help.  Will you let Him?  Toss the net His way?  Why not?

 

Lord Jesus, please help me.  In your name.  Amen.

 

 

 

ONLY TWO TYPES? Isaiah 65

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Are there really only two types of people?  On the one hand, certainly not.  As in ancestry, interest levels, intellectual abilities, artistic talent.  You name it and there are scads of different folk in this world.  Can’t think of anyone in my family who’s the same as me.  Who said, ‘praise the Lord’?  I heard that!  Sounded like first cousin once removed so-and-so!

On the other hand, Isaiah 65 states that spiritually there are only seekers and forsakers.  Now, it’s true that we can’t see into another’s heart and soul.  But by their fruit, Jesus says (Matt. 7:16).  You can sense something, can’t you?  Telltale inward and outward signs of the Lord?

However, surprises happen.  People we thought were Jesus’ own turn out to walk as far from Him as possible.  I’ll never forget a late night phone call from a denominational international mission executive crying his eyes out to me as his wife, also ordained, has run off with a younger guy of a non-Christian religion.  She renounces her husband and her Lord.  Can still recall the agony and shock echoing in his wailing, howling screams.  We don’t always know, do we?

Check out Isaiah 65: 1-16.  Seekers of the Lord receive abundant blessings.  Note the order.  Seek Him–as when you first turn to Jesus, welcoming Him into your life.  Serve Him and blessings arrive.  Always that relationship with our Lord Jesus comes first and foremost.  Even when material things evaporate, the best of the best is here to stay– our relationship with Him.  Agreed?

Seekers–eating until full, thirst satisfied, happiness and joy abounding, a new name and identity given, sins forgiven and hidden far from God’s eyes.  Wow!  Sounds great?

Forsakers–hungry and thirsty, shamed, broken in spirit, possessing a cursed name even as death lurks in the wings.  Not my cup of tea.  Yet most thumb their noses at God.  Think Him irrelevant.  Jesus–unwanted, rejected, unknown.  Not good.  Tragic and sad, eternally so.

This week be a seeker of Jesus, thanking Him for being your savior.  For loving you with all His heart.  For you are His very own, giving you the very best ever.  Himself!

 

Lord, thank you for calling us your own.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

BUT NOW! Colossians 3

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It doesn’t take much to dredge up memories of shameful sins.  Pops into mind with barely a nudge.  Long past messy ones as if they happen yesterday.  Hard to let go of.  Just me?

In Colossians 3: 5-17, St. Paul talks about sinful lifestyles.  Sexual aberrations, greed, idolatries.  You name it.  Get rid of them, he declares.  Put them to death (v. 5).  Good riddance.  Adios.  And, by the way, move on.

He says, ‘But now…’ (v.8).   A new time arrives.  Sin’s slate wiped clean.  Foibles and failures go behind God’s back, out of His sight.  By His free choice.  That’s forgiveness; and, not the least of all, His love.  But now…!

Colossians 3: 9-10,12–‘…(take) off your old self…and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator…as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility…’  Get gussied up in your new wardrobe!  Rich fabrics and colors.  No expense spared.  Wear humbly for you know who paid for it.  You know, don’t you?

How about getting a different mirror?  One so small that you can’t gaze into it for very long, because you’re busy looking out for others…for Him.  Not always wondering how you look in someone else’s eyes.  What they think about you.  Self-absorbed.  Life’s not all about you or me.  Shocking, isn’t it?  To think there’s others who need us and not always the other way around.  Who’d a thunk it?!

Put on those… NEW …clothes!  Look the way Jesus wants you to.  Be more like Him.  Strong and loving.  Giving.  Caring.  Standing firm on the Bible as God’s unquenchable truth.

New clothes!  You look mighty fine.  Thank you, Jesus.

 

Lord Jesus, to live for you is life at its best.  Amen.

REGIFTING Isaiah 55

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Holidays are just around the corner.  Not really, but the stores sure make you think so.  Christmas stuff shows up awfully early.  Last year in Scotland, we note hotels inviting families to make their Christmas dinner reservations in early August.  Christmas?  Yes, it’s now or never!  Don’t dither or else!

Some of us scrounge around in the attic or down in some dark basement corner or on a back shelf of a rarely used closet for some nifty gift for some unsuspecting family member or friend.  Maybe that gift exchange at work deserves something ultra-precious while extremely expendable!  As in regifting.

Is that what we do with the gifts and skills given by God?  Have an inkling about your ability and aptitude?  Be honest.  What is it that the Lord has enabled you to do for Him, for others?

I’m no Dickens or Shakespeare.  So what.  I’m gifted to share Jesus with others through writing.  I know this.  No if’s, and’s or but’s.  That’s why you’re reading this!

What about you?  Regifting what God’s given you?  Expecting someone else to do what God asks of you?  Might as well tell Jesus ‘no thanks, don’t want it, won’t use it…for your sake or anyone else’s’.  Regift it.

Or you could get with God’s program.  Off your duff…for Him…for others… for a change.  Do I sound harsh?  Actually, while pointing directly at you, I’ve got 3 fingers curled arthritically back at me!

Here’s something else.  Isaiah 55:11-12–‘…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace…’  If you neglect God’s gift, He’ll get someone else much more willing and just as able.  Then who loses out?

How about saying ‘yes’ to Jesus.  Regifting proves a bad bargain at best.  Get with God’s plan.  Joy and peace drop by.  There’s more– salvation and maturity for others.  Most of all, God’s glory!

 

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

 

WHAT’S HAPPENED? Philippians 3

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Following a visit with family in Florida, we fly home to the Pacific Northwest.  My wife prefers the window seat and I gladly take the middle, hoping that the person next to me has recently showered, doesn’t over tip the scales or sneeze all the way from Orlando to Seattle!

However, I’m not sure what’s happened.  I stretch my leg muscles like we’re supposed to on long flights.  Wiggle those tootsies!  I do.  Maybe too much for deplaning introduces me to unbelievable, zinging pain in my left leg, my polio one.  I can barely hobble out.

I check out my infirmity with a physical therapist, wondering if polio returns with latent vengeance.  This medico reassures me that it’s nothing to do with polio and gives me a couple of four-a-day exercises.  Walk up a step and down, repeat again and again…and once more for good measure.  Move those achy breaky muscles!

The results?  In a matter of days, improvement begins.  In weeks, I’m back to normal.  Much to the therapist’s surprise, I do those four exercises EVERY day.  Never miss one.  This therapist isn’t used to people taking advice and following through.  Why not?  Don’t want to get better, stuck in pain and suffering?  Not me.

St. Paul prescribes this–‘But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus’ (Phil. 3:13-14).  This business of advancing and progressing, will it be difficult?  Of course.  Takes determination.  Procrastinators will be frustrated.  Stuck in neutral at best, in reverse even worse.  Serious disciples shift gears into drive.

Most of us don’t like to stick with disciplines. We often poop out at the first sign of a rock and a hard place.  Not St. Paul.  He refuses to hang out in the good old days, digging a cement foundation down memory lane.  Doesn’t gaze back for long.  Nudges forward, embracing the prize of Christ Jesus.  Grabbing hold of promises made and promises kept by our Lord.

How about you?  Muscles atrophying by nesting in the past?  Halt!  Pull up stakes, hit the road, exercising your faith, following through on what you know increases your trust in the One who’ll never let you down.

Some pain?  Of course.   But lots more to gain!

 

Lord Jesus, I need to move forward with you.  Amen.

 

 

HEAR THAT? Isaiah 48

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It bugs me when I’m speaking with someone who’s obviously paying no attention.  In one ear (maybe!), out the other (probably!).  Or some hotshot, who jumps in when I take a breath, interrupting, telling his own story, a much more moving or tragic one, of course!  Few listen.  Too many with big mouths.  Present company excluded?  Me…or you?  If only you’d listen!

Reading Isaiah 48 you’ll notice that the Lord yearns for His people to ‘listen’ to Him.  Ears cocked.  Tuned in.  Isaiah 48–‘Listen to this…(v.1)’, ‘Listen to me…(v.12)’, ‘Come near and listen…(v.16).’  Hear that?

Two ears, one mouth.  A hint?  You think?  As Jesus’ follower, we’re His listener.  One who travels a step behind, eager to hear what He has to say.  Obedient rather than rebellious, being those who suffer life’s twists and turns under their own steam.  Wouldn’t you rather be in the fire with Jesus than out the frying pan without Him?  Think about Daniel’s three fired-up friends (Dan. 3).

Listening to God involves getting into His Word, your Bible.  Making it a meal you never miss.  Oxygen without which, well, you know.  How can you listen if you ignore His words; having, at best, a cursory knowledge?  Can’t!  God’s Word cries out for quality and quantity time.  So dive in.  The water’s fine.  Ready?

Something you’ll want to note about the word ‘listen’, is that it implies a following through, going by the Book, with His flow.  That’s listening.  Not simply gathering information or being a gossip and know-it-all, but to toe the line for Jesus.  Not like the one who preaches–‘do what I say but not what I do’.  No.  Jump in with both feet.  Eagerly catching every word from His mouth to your ears.  To do them.

Did you hear that?

 

Lord Jesus, we say ‘yes’ to you, to be better listeners.  Amen.

 

 

OLD GOAT Isaiah 46

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It happens again when completing an online survey.  It requires my birth year.  To get to it, I scroll down this endless list.  Takes so long, I wonder if it’s even included.  Finally, eureka!  1947!  Guess it means I’m old as dirt, barely standing on my last leg, worse for wear, an over-the-hill geezer.  Enough already.  We get the point.

Thankfully, it takes only a few verses from my Bible to give a much needed lift.  Isaiah 46: 3-4–‘Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you.  I will sustain you and I will rescue you.’  See?  Told you so!

Since conception we’re in God’s good care.  Lovingly, He then carries us onward from birth.  Even an old goat like me receives His continuous, unbroken TLC.  Hardly means that we’ll dodge troubles and trials.  I wish… but not quite.  Does mean that God never deserts us.  Never.  Not a snowball’s chance…

That takes faith.  If only the size of a tiny mustard seed, it’s off to a good start.  As best you can, grab hold of God’s promises found in your Bible; which, amazingly, no longer gathers dust on an upper shelf but begins to blow off cobwebs of doubt and fear.  True?  Need a dust rag?

Remember, He’s always near and dear to us.  After all, He’s loved us from our life’s first moment.  Even before (Jeremiah 1:5).  There’s a thought for this week.  Chew on that until it’s well digested.  And then head back for seconds.  There’s lots more goodies where that came from!

 

Thank you, Jesus, for always being with us.  Amen.