Category Archives: Uncategorized

WANDERING IN THE BOONDOCKS! 2 Kings 13

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I’m traveling the unpaved roads of the Old Testament, wandering in the boondocks, whose back alleys are rarely explored.  We’d rather gallivant touristy locales like Psalms or Proverbs.  But not today.  No, I’m roaming the backwoods of 2 Kings 13.  Would love to have you join me!

All the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel are plain no good.  Schlemiel nincompoops, every one!  Some, too few really, of the kings of Judah’s southern kingdom are barely worth their salt.  Can count them on the fingers of one hand.

Here in 2 Kings 13 we have two defective Israelite rulers, Jehoahaz and Jehoash.  Both have this said of them–‘He did evil in the eyes of the Lord…’ (vs.2,11).  Not only sin, which is bad enough; but evil, which is far worse.  Takes down whole nations.

The context of Jehoash’s story involves annual ‘spring cleaning’ by nasty, neighboring Moabites.  As in swooping down, stealing whatever fits into their grubby paws.  Then another pummeling by nearby Arameans, who oppress and blackmail Israel.  Times are tough.  We think we have it bad.  We wouldn’t want to live in God’s land in those days.  Not on your life.  For that’s what’s at stake.  Literally.  Your life.

Even still, we discover something that’s out of this world.  Also literally.  God’s character overflows with comfort to the weak and weary.  One verse says it all.  I’ve highlighted it with yellow marker in my Bible so that I won’t overlook it.  2 Kings 13:23–‘But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence.’  See?

Our Lord is gracious.  Not trigger-happy, flying off the handle at the drop of a hat.  Oh, sometimes it may seem so.  And often we can’t figure out what’s happening to us, or those we love, or this crazy world.  But if we’re His, anything coming our way passes through His gracious hands.  With His wise permission.  For our benefit.  To bless or to discipline with His purpose of making us more like Jesus.  I need His grace.  I have it, says 2 Kings 13!  You too!  Even as clueless as we can be.

Hold on.  There’s more.  He’s compassionate.  Genuinely cares.  Whenever tears run down our cheeks, He wipes them away, so to speak (Rev. 7:17 and 21:4).  God’s feelings run deeper than anyone’s anywhere.  When you fear you’ve fallen off God’s radar screen, know you haven’t.

No, you haven’t.   He won’t allow it.  All because He makes promises and keeps them–like His covenant with our spiritual forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  All the way back to the beginning, God’s promises are as good as gold.  As He is.

This one verse comes in the midst of discouraging leadership in the nation.  If politics depresses you, then consider the character of our Lord.  And especially His Son Jesus.  He will perk you up like no one else ever could or ever will!  He gets my vote!

Lord, we thank you for who you are, now and forever.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

 

 

PERHAPS Zephaniah 2: 1-3

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Always ruffles my feathers when preachers promise more than they can produce.  Wild assurances way beyond what God’s Word teaches.  Know what I mean?  I try to stick with the Bible, plain and simple.  Keeping within its boundaries.  That should be enough, shouldn’t it?

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I’ve seen the differences He’s made in my life… and for others.  Creating new people.  But let’s not get carried away.  For then I’d have to do a good cover-up job.  Make myself look  better than I am.  Being careful what I disclose, not allowing others to get too close.  The cover-up becomes a snow job.

That’s where Scripture is helpful.  Honest, but never to a fault.  Transparent, even showing scars and welts.  Some may think that being a Christian exempts them from life’s inevitable troubles.  Or overconfident and cocky as if God will only bless us now that we’re on His team.  Receiving special treatment, guaranteeing all His goodies.  Wouldn’t that be nice?  Not going to happen.

Of course, the Lord blesses us.  In more ways than we realize.  But Jesus alerts us– ‘In this world you will have trouble’ (John 16:33).  We will?  St. Paul gives an almost endless list of hardships he endures from following Jesus (1 Cor. 6:3ff).  Not all candy and roses.  What about the persecuted church today?  They know about punishing times.  I haven’t the foggiest.  Not even a clue.

Why reference Zephaniah, this obscure Old Testament prophet?  Well, he’s from God with a word we need to hear.  Zephaniah warns ancient Israel about judgement to come.  The Day of the Lord with accompanying destruction due to unrelenting sin by people who should have known better and acted accordingly.

However, glimmers of hope flicker in Zephaniah 2: 3–‘Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what He commands.  Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger’.

Seek the Lord.  Come to Him.  Humble yourself.  Sit at His feet.  Obey Him.  And then what?  ‘…perhaps…’

Perhaps… you’ll be sheltered and survive.  Perhaps.  No money-back guarantees.  No false promises.  No 10-year drivetrain warranties, either.  Life may not always work out as we want it to.  Perhaps… it doesn’t.  Then what?  Here’s where God’s promises overrule any of this perhaps-business.

They may kill the body, but the soul is secure with the Lord!  May lose it here, but never there.  His promise.  Good enough?  Is for me.  All we’ll ever need.  His Word.  Even facing all of life’s uncertainties?  Yes!  Especially there.

Thank you, Lord, for confidence in Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

 

 

THOSE EMERGENCY PRAYERS 1 Peter 4:1-7

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Prayer too often happens in dire emergencies.  When all else fails.  As if prayer only effective when I’m not.  Hardly what the Bible teaches.  Just look at Peter’s first letter, chapter 4.

This premier apostle of Jesus writes from Rome.  Reminds believers that if Jesus suffered, guess what?  Right!  Verse 3 grabs hold of me, where he mentions their past lives.  None puritans.  Not any of them.  Nor lily-white Sunday School teachers.

They’ve lived like the devil in times past.  They’ve wasted too much time walking earth’s back alleys as pagans–drunks, perverts, worshippers of other gods.  Wasteful and wasted.

I don’t like to remember my own squandered times, when I could have been ministering dependably for my Lord.  Those who rarely heard from my lips an invitation to receive Jesus.  Churches who had a pastor not in best stead with his Master.  Times wasted.  Frittered away.

Only me?  You’re not off the hook.  Used every opening God has given you for witness?  Always did what He asked of you?  Have you?  Honestly?  Scout’s honor!

Peter in no way wants us live in the past.  Time to move on.  The clock keeps ticking.  1 Peter 4: 7–‘The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray’.   We’re edging ever closer to the end.  One day nearer than the last.

So, clear up your mind.  Determine to live a godly lifestyle.  Why?  To unlock the world of prayer.

Opens a window to God’s heart.  A door to Jesus’ will.  A gate wide open, ushering us directly into the Lord’s heavenly palace.  Again, so ‘…that we can pray’.

When Jesus motivates us, we want more and more prayer in our lives.  Not only for dire emergencies.  No.  Always.

Thank you, Lord, for hearing us as we pray.  All for Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

 

HELP! 2 Corinthians 1: 3-11

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Sometimes I don’t know how to help others.  Maybe I’ll just make things worse.  Develop a co-dependent relationship (whatever that means).  Bullying,  gaining control, weakening the resolve of whoever I want to help.  Again, will I make a big mess even bigger?

The Corinthian believers must have wondered how in the world they could ever assist a spiritual giant such as the Apostle Paul.  Surely, he needs nothing from them.  And that’s probably what they feel they have to offer–a big, fat zilch!  Not so, Paul says.  Help is on the way.  Even from a puny believer like me.  And you.

For in our hearts we know how much we’d like to help.  To make a difference.  Doing what the Lord wants us to do.  Nothing less and lots more…to help!  But how?  Toss a few dollars at someone’s problems?  Sometimes, yes; most times, no.

What help does the Apostle Paul ask for?  2 Corinthians 1: 10-11–‘On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.  Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.’

On whom or what does our hope rest?  God, of course.  Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The same God who delivers us from whatever troubles we find ourselves in.

How can we help?  You know.  Prayer.  From lots of believers.  All without any unexpected, unpleasant, toxic side-effects.  No messing up what should have been left alone.  None of that.  All good.  All free.  All releasing God’s will in His way in His time.

By asking Him.  Through interceding.  Coming to our Lord, sitting at His feet, who’s so ready and able to hear us, sending the right answer at the right time in the right way.

Do I know what or when that is?  Yeah, right!  I only wish!  But we know who does.  So, let’s commit to pray more.  The best help that’s just out of this world.  Do it!  Pray…

Lord, we come to you asking your help for others.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

 

NO SHILLY-SHALLYING! 2 Corinthians 1: 17-22

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Could the Apostle Paul be any clearer?  More forthright and definite?  I don’t think so.  He puts it all on the line here in 2 Corinthians 1.  When Jesus says ‘Yes’ to us, that’s it.  Settled.  Promises kept.  No doubt about it.

Possibly you’re wondering if the Lord is still there for you.  Or if He’s relocated off-sight, leaving you stranded and alone.  Feeling that way?  You’re not flying solo.  Count me as a fellow traveler who sometimes wonders as he wanders.

Reading 2 Corinthians 1: 20, I hear whispered in my ear and then shouted from the rooftops–“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.  And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God”.

Our pleas for God’s help always receive a ‘Yes’ in Jesus.  The details of His answers to prayer are always in His hands.  We may have little or no clue.  But He does.  Yes!  From our lips to His ears comes the ‘Amen’.  Yes, Lord!  So be it.  We agree.  And we’re grateful.  Amen!

So why the waffling?  Our uncertainties and questions?  Paul says it’s all taken care of…by Christ.  No fudging needed.  No hemming-and-hawing.  No this-or-that.  Indecisive and tentative.  Straddling a wobbly fence.  Humpty-Dumpty falling once again.  Wishy-washy, blowing hot-and-cold.  Iffy.  Shilly-shallying around on one foot and then the next.  You get the point!  Why not accept the Lord’s gift of certainty?  He gives us His Word.  Yes!  Amen!

What?  There’s more?  Paul says this–‘He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come’ (v.21-22).  His seal.  Deposit made.  Guarantees given.  By God Himself, the Holy Spirit.

Now do you get it?  I’m starting to.  That’s progress.  Even for me.

Thank you, Jesus, for promises made and always kept.  Yes, Jesus.   And Amen.

 

JESUS CRABS AND ANGEL EGGS! Colossians 3: 1-17

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Jesus crabs and angel eggs!  What in the world am I talking about?  My mental gearshift shoved into reverse?  No!  But thanks for asking!

Often at a church ‘potluck’ supper one of our members would bring a large tray of the most artistic-looking deviled eggs.  So pretty that they were almost too gorgeous to eat.  Almost.

Soon I began calling them angel eggs for obvious reasons.  Not going to give that old serpent any due.  Not to that rotten, lowdown adversary and accuser.  Yes, angel eggs!  A far better name.  Goes down much easier!  Seconds anyone?  Thirds?

Jesus crabs?  We’re in a fish market outside Charleston, South Carolina, where I notice them listed on a blackboard, along with the other cooked seafood platters.  Immediately catches my eye.  What’s this falderol?  Some newfangled blasphemy?  Another nasty jab at my Lord Jesus?  Have to ask the burly man behind the counter what gives with these Jesus Crabs.  With an even more burly southern accent he says, ‘In this place, we give no room for the devil.  No deviled crabs here.  Only ones for Jesus sake!’  Yes!  Jesus crabs!

As the Apostle Paul says–‘…whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…’ (Col. 3:17).  As small a thing as renaming something, as silly as it may seem, yet the Lord will give opportunity to share something of Him, which may bring a smile to the face of even the most bitter antagonist.

And if not, then we’ve done what He asks of us anyway.  In Jesus’ name.  For His sake.  For His glory.  Not to be cutesy but to cherish the Lord who makes all things new.  Even those Jesus crabs and angel eggs!

Lord God, we lift up the name of Jesus, your Son and our Savior.  Amen.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO? Mark 13

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Jesus paints a scary end times portrait.  Not a pretty picture.  I’ve heard many so-called Bible scholars spew forth their pet theories on the timing and every-last-detail event of Jesus’ second coming, all of which I dismiss without even a glance or a nod.  Rather heed what comes from the lips of the One who knows.  Even Jesus defers to the Father as to ‘when’ (Mark 13:32, Acts 1:7).  Let’s give Him the final word!

‘All men will hate you because of me…’ (Mark 13:13).  ‘When you see the abomination that causes desolation…’ (v.14).  ‘How dreadful it will be in those days…’ (v.17).  ‘…those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning…’ (v.19).  ‘…false Christs and false prophets will appear…to deceive the elect…’ (v.22).  See what I mean?  Hard times ahead.  Even for believers, Jesus says.

So, what should we do?  It’s really quite simple–‘Be on guard!  Be alert!’  ‘Keep watch’.  ‘What I say to you, I say to everyone:  Watch!’ (Mark 13: 33,35,36).

Do what?  Watch!  Trust that what He says will always be true.  Don’t waver or falter.  The world, our culture, some family and friends may no longer believe the Bible as God’s totally trustworthy Word.  That’s exactly why He’s warned us to be on guard.  Nothing should surprise us.  We’ve been put on notice.  So stand up and hold your ground.  His turf, really.

Don’t budge.  Lovingly stand up for Jesus.  Sounds a bit old-fashioned.  So is loyalty and honor, honesty and kindness in this crude and lewd world we inhabit.  Count us old-fashioned rather than new-fangled filthy and depraved.

Be firm.  Watch.  Be on alert.  On the qui vive.  Keep both eyes open with ears attentive.  Troubles come.  Don’t be caught off-guard and unawares.  Always… watch.

That’s how to make it through any of life’s difficulties.  If you’re in something burdensome and fatiguing right now–Watch!  Hang tough!  Immovable, leaning hard-and-long on Jesus.  After all, He’s our Rock no matter what, where or when.  No matter.  Watch.

Thank you, Jesus, for standing strong with us.  Amen.

DID HE KNOW? Jonah 2

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Much of life remains a mystery.  We kid ourselves imagining how smart we are.  Remember my Grandfather Fischer’s heavy German-accented comment to his three sons–‘Smart like your father, you dope you!’  How true, sad to say.

On the other hand, if we could only see from God’s perspective.  Then we wouldn’t need faith anymore.  We’d know.  No doubts.  No hemming-and-hawing about God’s will.  We’d know.

Reading Jonah 2, a question pops into my mind.  When Jonah’s in the belly of the great fish, is he aware of where he is?  Does he have a clue?  His prayer makes no reference to safety in the fish.

Possibly he’s barely conscious, after being submerged in the Mediterranean for a bit.  Panicked.  Flailing for dear life, which ebbs away.

But then he awakes in a strange, probably smelly, sort of gooey, claustrophobic place.  Certainly the fish had no welcome mat out for Jonah.  No backdoor light left on.  No AAA maps or apps on his not-so-smart faux phone.  No concierge to ask where he’s at.

So he turns to the One who’s never far away, never out of reach.  To his God–‘In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.  From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry’ (Jonah 2:2).  Possibly unaware of his locale, yet he knows where help always can be found–with his Lord God.

Often I’ve no idea what God wants me to do.  He doesn’t say.  Oh yes, on the big issues, like His commandments.  Or how He’d like my attitude to be.  And what productive ‘fruit’ He wishes me to harvest.  But with other things, really most, He remains quiet.

But what He does want us to know is that He’s always at work for the best (Rom. 8:28).  Got it?  I struggle to accept that.  Hard to get securely into my thick skull.

So, trust Him anyway, as best you can.  Only takes a smidgeon, the smallest seed of faith.  And maybe He’ll show us, in hindsight, His hand at work.  Maybe.  But if not, let’s lean on Him no matter what or where or how or why.  I’m game.

Have the very best week.  You know why!

Thank you, Lord, for not giving up on your own.  In Jesus’ name.   Amen.

OVERLOOKED OBADIAH

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Let’s spend some time in the Old Testament book of Obadiah.  Why?  Seems like he’s overlooked.  After all, only one chapter, comprising twenty-one verses.  Hardly a book.  Barely a short story.

Hey, it’s in the Word of God.  No frivolous anything found between its pages.  So, let’s look over overlooked Obadiah!

Most of Obadiah’s prophecy has to do with Edom, a long-standing enemy of ancient Israel.  The ending gives great hope to God’s people.  Restoration is on the way for a beaten-down nation–‘And the kingdom will be the Lord’s’ (v.21).

What grabs my attention in particular can be found in verses 8-14.  Made many notes in my Bible.  As if the Holy Spirit says,  ‘Slow down.  This is for you.  Pay attention.’

A day is coming when the Lord will judge Edom.  Won’t be fun.  Can’t sleep through it or talk their way out of it.  What goes around is coming around.

Same for our sinful world.  For those who mock Jesus, and disdain His Word, the Bible.  Seems like that’s most everybody.  Our reaction?  A smirk for those getting exactly what they deserve?  Neener, neener, neener!

Obadiah mentions eight negatives we’re to shun.  Boil them down and you get that big mouthful German word ‘schadenfreude’–joy at other’s misfortune.  Not a good thing but one we can all identify with.  Right?  Be honest now.  No, not you, of course!

Verses 11-14 display attitudes we should get rid of.  Unfortunately, we can’t.  So, ask for the Holy Spirit’s help.  He wants kindness to come to the surface.  Not a bunch of I-told-you-so’s.  Unfortunately, no gloating or rubbing it in either.  Too bad, so sad.

Rather, praying for those who hate us and our God.  What?  Yes!  Exactly what Jesus tells us to do (Matt. 5:44).  Even to love them?  Fat chance.  Don’t hold your breath.  On my own, forget it.  Again, ask the Holy Spirit to help us do what we can’t or won’t.  Plus with Jesus’ help, all things are possible (Matt. 19:36, Phil. 4:13).

Obadiah helps me reconsider my attitudes, putting them on God’s scale, checking for balance.  Tilt!  And then to reform them through the Holy Spirit’s and Jesus’ help.  Am I the only needy one?

Lord, we pray for ALL the lost to be found through Jesus, our Lord.  Amen.

A SIDE NOTE Mark 10: 17-31

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All three synoptic Gospels (Matthew 19, Mark 10 and Luke 18) tell of the rich young man asking Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life.  Only Mark has a side note that jumps off the page at me.  Read all three accounts and see what you discover.  Find it?  Plain as the nose on my face!  It’s in Mark 10: 21.

What is?  That Jesus is looking at this young man.  Even more, that Jesus loves him.  Really?  I hadn’t noticed that before.

Jesus loves this man.  Sadly, he’s the only person in all the Gospels who leaves Jesus’ presence with sorrowful heart.  Some become ecstatic.  Others joyous.  Many angry, wanting His death.  This wealthy young man sadly slinks away.

Sad for he has too many riches that block his path to the Messiah.  A god of greenbacks means too much to him.  Possibly fears of poverty and destitution cause him to surround himself with more and more shekels until he no longer sees the forest or the trees.  Blinded by gilt.

Yet Mark says that Jesus keeps looking at this young man with a loving gaze.  Wanting the best for him, knowing that he’ll choose the lesser and the least.  So often this is our story.  Settling for a minus sign.  Taking baby steps when adult ones would lead to higher spiritual rungs.  Sitting back when we should be standing up for Jesus.

I do wonder, as life takes varied tolls on this young man, who may become middle-aged and then old and older, if money and things loose their grip on his heart.  And he remembers the One who longs for and loves him, wanting more for him rather than the less he’s willfully mired in.

If then, he turns his heart to Jesus, who loves him and looks for him.  He reaches out, with arms and hands wide-open, embracing His Savior.  I wonder.  Could go either way.

How about you?  Have you welcomed Jesus into your life?  Really?  Not sure?  Then do it now.  Wait not a second longer.  After all, He’s been in love with, well, forever!

 

Thank you, Jesus.  You’re all we’ll ever need.  Amen.