Have you read Hosea chapter 8 yet? If not, stop in your tracks, pick up your Bible, and take a good, substantial look. You’ll be flabbergasted at what you find. God’s people plainly have a screwloose or two. What they’re doing won’t hold any water with God.

Here’s a brief catalogue of their rebellion (v. 1) —they claim to know God, yet haven’t a clue what that involves (v. 2-3). They make decisions on their own with nary a nod His way (v. 4). After all, who needs the Almighty? We can handle whatever comes our way. Really?

All the while, they create false gods of things they can touch and trade (v. 6), sowing a gentle wind, and reaping a ferocious whirlwind (v. 7). They seek political alliances with pagan nations (v. 7-10). Even if God wrote His laws on their whiteboards ten thousand times, they’d still consider Him as alien, foreigner, and a weirdo (v. 12). The conclusion to this downer list you’ll find in verse 14–‘For Israel has forgotten his Maker…’

Did I read that right? They forgot the God who made them? The One who loves, cares for, and protects them? Who frees them from slavery in Egypt? And gives them a land flowing with a cornucopia of blessings? Blanked Him out of their minds despite all His generosity? How could that be?

I wonder as I look around at the world we live in. Have we learned anything at all about the biggest questions in life? Smartened up by seeking God and His ways? Giving Him but a passing nod? Not even that?

But am I much better? I realize that the tug of this world takes my gaze away from the Lord Jesus, focusing on money and what we can buy on some primed internet site, wringing my hands in nervous anxiety about things I have little control over. It’s about getting ahead, no matter what, being right at all costs, and having more toys than the next bloke. More…more…and then even more.

The irony is that when we get more, we often wind up with less. Less time to thank the Lord for all His goodness. Far less time in the Bible, hearing from God Himself. Less satisfaction with what we have. Less gratitude for all He gives us. Less time sharing some encouragement with someone who needs it. Giving less financial support for causes that we claim believe in. Less time to smell the roses that God created.

This week, let’s kick back and live life as it’s been given to us by the Lord. How? You know, don’t you? Put on the old thinking cap, asking your Lord for more of Him and less of you know what.

Relish more of less, so to speak!

Lord Jesus, I love you and want to be closer to you every day. Amen.

Oh, to be wise. Mature. Level-headed. Patient. Astute. Shrewd? Maybe in a better sense of the word. Not naive or cynical but perceptive and logical. Any of the above said of me or you? No comments, please!

How to garner some wisdom is today’s quest. I find clues in the Old Testament book of Daniel. Throughout this short prophetic work, Daniel and his three Jewish friends are men of prayer–‘Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the God of Heaven… ‘(Dan. 2: 17-18). Seek the Lord. Pray.

Daniel knows who to turn to. Whenever and about whatever. To his God, the Lord. The same one we cry out to. When we have a personal relationship with Jesus, we have direct and constant access to God. Can you imagine? So get on the horn and talk it out with Jesus. Every bit. Leaving nothing out. Pray your heart out. Again, whenever and about whatever.

Here’s another smart thought–it’s wise to limit your anger toward those you can barely tolerate. I’m sure it grated on Daniel, the lead wise man in Nebuchadnezzar’s court, to have to rub shoulders with the other religious scholars who worshipped pagan deities. Religious oil and water never mix.

Nevertheless, when King Nebuchadnezzar commanded that all the royal scholars and their families and possessions would go up in a puff of smoke if the king’s dream was not told to him in its entirety; and, in addition, correctly interpreted, it’s then that Daniel jumps in to save not only his own skin but that of all the wise men under his command, including the most pagan of all.

Wise Daniel cares about his opponents–‘…Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show the king the interpretation’ (Dan. 2: 24). Can you sense a hint there? I struggle with this. Such compassion is rarely in me. I know I need God’s help. Just me?

Near the end of Daniel’s book, we find more savvy words–‘And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above, and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase’ (Dan. 12: 3-4).

Here’s a clever idea–tell others about Jesus. Open up about who you worship and follow. Share already! No particular way is prescribed. Most will do. Find yours and go for it. Speak up. Didn’t someone do that for you?

And don’t forget about that ‘book’ that’s mentioned in verse 4. It’s your Bible, life’s roadmap. It’s without equal. You’ll discover the Word of God guides and comforts you. Ignore it, let it gather dust, and you’ll run everywhere you shouldn’t go, all confused and messed up, scurrying down rabbit trails to who knows where. Basically, lost.

Find your path with the Lord and stay on it. It’s found in the pages of your Bible. Grab hold of it and dig in. Keep plugging away. And, by all means, never leave home without it!

Lord Jesus, be my guide always. Thank you for my Bible. In your name and for your sake. Amen.

‘Don’t you remember?’ Those words sear my heart. Sounds like an accusation about a lack of caring. Not listening. Not paying attention. You know what I mean. Remember?

The disciples in Mark 8 failed to bring enough food to meet their needs. Only one loaf of bread for a boatload of hungry men. But Jesus warns them about allowing sin to rise up in their lives like yeast does for loaves of bread. But, as usual, they misunderstand Him. They think Jesus mutters on about their growling tummies, which cry out for the staff of life.

That’s when Jesus utters these unwelcome words–‘And do you not remember?’ (Mark 8: 18). He harkens back to when He fed over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and a couple of fish. His point is that little is much when Jesus is in it. They saw this miracle. All the bounty from His hands right in front of their eyes. No problem meeting seemingly insurmountable needs, even with leftovers galore. The sky’s the limit… and beyond. So, remember, don’t forget. Have a little faith, while you’re at it.

But they forgot. Slipped their minds. Failed to ring a bell. How terrible. So unbelieving, careless, and blind. I can’t understand those blokes. It was right in front of their eyes. You couldn’t miss it if you tried. Seeing should be believing, shouldn’t it? But it wasn’t.

That could be my story as well. And yours, too? To still berate ourselves for sins God has forgiven and forgotten decades ago. Ever fearful at the slightest upset. Thinking that God has given up on us, or even worse, rejected us. That’s never what you or I imagine, is it? Think again. That’s me to a tee. Hits the bullseye. I do remember.

So, isn’t it time to believe Him? To learn by heart His promises? To mull them over and over again? To get serious about our faith? To bask in His mercies and love? Isn’t it time? Seems more like overtime.

Lord Jesus, I believe you. Please help my unbelief. Amen.

Do you like being around someone who thinks they’re better than anyone else? Devoted followers of Narcissus? Perfect fussbudgets, even among believers? Holier-than-thou with spiritual noses perched high in the air? Not me. So, I skedaddle far away as fast as my old legs can carry me!

Don’t worry about hanging around with me. I’m as far from perfect as someone can be. I know myself. Warts and all. When times get tough, I can easily waver in my faith in Jesus. Panic before praying. Expecting to be thrashed and smashed to smithereens. Probably not just me. You think?

Here in Daniel 11, the worst character hits Israel’s national stage. A ruthless renegade draws as much blood as possible. He commits what’s called the ‘abomination of desolation’ (Dan. 11: 31), which is a rebuke of God and His authority, unparalleled in the history of the Lord’s people. Their collective backs are smack up against a hellish wall of evil. Sounds like today’s news, doesn’t it?

What happens to God’s people? Do they stand their ground solidly for their Lord? Let’s find out–‘And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end…’ (Dan. 11: 33-35). But does this only refer to the ancients? Hardly.

For when we stumble, there’s a helping hand reaching out to us. Jesus is strong when we are weak. When we fail Him, as regretful as that can be, He’s there to lift us up, to love us, and forgive us. Others may try to flatter us away from following Jesus, but in time, we’ll come to our senses. He allows us to wander so that we’ll learn firsthand that home with Him is better than anywhere else. This I’ve learned. The hard way.

Come home. Don’t let stumbling keep you down and distraught. Let Jesus help you to get up, to dust you off, to shake off any guilt or shame, and to make you right as rain for Him.

Thank you, Jesus, for helping me to stand with you. Amen.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt uneasy with those who seem to have all the answers to life’s tough questions. They’re so self-confident. Comfortable with what makes me uncomfortable. As if to cut off my dastardly questions as soon as possible. To make me go away or plain disappear.

Reading the Old Testament book of Daniel, we note that God gives Daniel an awesome and horrific vision of the future, which he doesn’t understand, that also makes him utterly sick. However, strangely enough, his lack of comprehension gives me some hope. Not everything God tells us, or that He allows in our lives, will we understand.

Even Daniel didn’t have a clue except that tough times were ahead for God’s people. Oy veh, yuck! So, buckle up your seatbelt. Not just wine and roses. Bad things happen to God’s own precious children. We understand that, don’t we? Or do we imagine that being a Christian exempts us from the difficulties that come from living in a fallen world, where our sin makes life even dodgier?

So, what does Daniel do with this sickening picture? Roll over and play dead? Ignore it all, hoping it goes away? Bury his head in the sand? Blame someone else?

Daniel 8: 27–‘And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.’ When we don’t have a clue about something, busy yourself with what God’s given you to do. Keep on keeping on. Get up and get going. Wallow not.

I’ve received numerous rejections for my writings. Nasty editors making terrible decisions! Guess I could fold up my computer and call it a day, moping and groaning, with my chin scraping across the ground. I could, but I won’t. I’ll write some more. Keep sending them off. Do what He calls me to do. Be stubborn for the Lord. Me, stubborn?!

Now read Daniel 9: 3-4–‘Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy…I prayed to the Lord my God.’ There’s a novel idea! Turn to God with whatever is bugging you and pray your heart out. Ask for His help. Even plead like Daniel did. Wait on Him. Pray some more.

Try not to get in front of God, as I often do, but stay respectfully behind HIm, waiting for His direction and guidance, as I’d like to do. I know–easier said than done. But give it a try. Why not?

That’s good Bible wisdom for when the roof starts to fall in on you, figuratively speaking. Get on with your life as best you can, surrounding it with prayer to your Lord. Give it to Him. He can handle anything much better than you or I can.

Bottom line? If it was good enough for Daniel, it’s good enough for…well, you know!

Thank you, Jesus, for helping me to hang tough with you through it all. Amen.

It seems that distractions have become a toxic way of life. Record numbers of cars running over pedestrians, who were both glued to their smartphones, so-called. How many people’s homes have we entered with their televisions blaring and no sign of turning them off? A subtle hint as to how welcome we are? Any guesses?

Even my thinking seems scattered. Takes more effort to focus and concentrate. Old age or way too many things floating around in my pea brain? No comments from those in the peanut gallery!

Jesus’ parable of the seeds and soil, found in Mark 4, directly addresses the issue of being distracted from spiritual matters. He tells the story comparing people to a plant, off to a good start, that gets choked out by weeds–‘They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful’ (Mark 4: 18-19).

It’s that phrase ‘desires for other things’ that gives me pause. ‘Other things’ like what? Worries about family, or health, or politics, or just plain everything or anything?

‘Other things’ as in grasping more filthy lucre or getting ahead, pushing and shoving your way up some ladder of success, tossing aside anyone who dares to get in your way?

‘Other things’ such as gluing ourselves to digital screens, barely coming up for air, or noticing that oncoming truck? ‘Other things’ can crowd out our productivity for the Lord, making us less useful. More unavailable, leading to less quantity and quality time with Jesus and your Bible.

Like the king in Daniel chapter 5. Belshazzar, by name. He’d heard about the One true God, and how He can humble even the most highfalutin’ monarch, like what God did with his father Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4). Yet Belshazzar turns his back on God as if humming Bing Crosby’s song ‘Going My Way’!–‘And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven’ (Dan. 5: 22-23).

This foolish king was forewarned. He’s without excuse, yet he willingly tosses it all aside. God forbid that we ever do much the same. God forgive us for doing those ‘other things’, which displease our Lord Jesus.

So, this week, look carefully at what ‘other things’ distract us from your Lord. Open wide your spiritual eyes, and let your ears be tuned to hear God. Watch and listen. Then you’ll know. A choice is offered. And then what…?

Lord Jesus, help me to focus on following you. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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