DIDN’T TAKE THEM VERY LONG Exodus 15: 22-27

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I’m amazed at how quickly I start worrying rather than praying or trusting the Lord. After breathing a sigh of relief, witnessing God’s help, then with the next whiff of trouble, guess what? Right. What eats at me instantly rears its ugly head. Going from believer to doubter without missing a beat. As if Easter Sunday never happened? Does anyone else identify with what I’m saying?

The people of ancient Israel certainly would shout a sorrowful ‘amen’. Do I feel better in their misery-loving company? Not really. So, let’s get with the program. What’s the point of following Jesus if we get nudged off-base at the slightest provocation?

Reading Exodus 14-15, we witness the miraculous escape of God’s people out of slavery in Egypt, freeing them to occupy God’s promised land. Not for a mere handful of stragglers. We’re talking about a couple of million people, heading toward freedom through God’s provision, protection, and direction.

Just prior, they note terrible plagues and troubles in Egypt because of their foolish and stubborn ruler, who wants nothing to do with losing his cheap labor force or providing royal approval of their foreign god. Disaster lurks nationwide except for where God’s people reside. He covers all the bases for His own as He would have for a repentant Egypt and its Pharaoh; but no, they want nothing to do with the true God. Not with their own so-called powerful gods, which leave them helplessly dragged down into utter wrack and ruin.

Israel saw this firsthand. With their own eyes. No doubt about it. And yet only three days out of Egypt, a mere 72 hours later, water runs out. This is a problem in the desert. Quite the understatement. One they’ll face time and again. But still, while God’s promises ring in their ears, they grumble and bicker at good old Moses, who’s starting to feel his age, big time! Exodus 15:24–“And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’ And (Moses) cried to the Lord…”

Maybe you’re facing a challenge that makes you wonder if God can help. Or if He’s even concerned, willing to lift a finger or two. When that’s me, I try to remember what He’s already done for me. I try. Not consistently successful, but in time I hang onto Him as best I can. More like me waking up to the fact that Jesus is never leaving my side. He hangs onto me.

He knows we’re made of crumbly stuff. Dust and clay. He understands and loves us through and through. Why not give Him even a mustard seed-sized bit of your trust and faith? A little goes a long way. He’ll take it and make it grow. In His time. In His way. Did for Israel. Does for me. Will for you.

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

UNAWARE Proverbs 9

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For many years now I’ve owned a personal letter from C. S. Lewis. A gift from a friend. You may know his writings. Like ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ or ‘Mere Christianity’. A favorite Lewis piece is a novella entitled ‘The Great Divorce’. It’s a serious yet whimsical account of people in hell, taking a bus to the outskirts of heaven, hating it along with its squeaky-clean inhabitants, and quickly grabbing the first transport back to hell!

One scene involves a group of unbelieving pastors gathered in hell for a conference entitled ‘Is There a Hell?’ Here Lewis seizes upon the angle that sin makes us unaware. Plain dull to where we are and what’s smack-dab in front of us. Insensitive to what’s throbbing with meaning around us. Unaware.

Take a gander at Proverbs chapter 9. This section, as with most of the book of Proverbs, draws clear pictures of the dangers of foolishness, as in being easily led unaware into sin by various temptations. Beginning at verse 13 we see a seductress who is clueless and ignorant–‘…and knows nothing’ (Pr. 9:13). Lollygagging around all day, putting on airs, calling to others to take a detour, parking themselves in her fool’s paradise. There’s stolen water and bread to feast upon. Woop-de-doo! A meager fare at best. Yet, whoever succumbs to these temptations has no idea that they’re in the company of the dead, in the depths of hell itself. Not a clue. Proverbs 9:18–‘But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol (another word for hell).’ Unaware.

Sobering thoughts. Makes me wonder. Not about going to hell. For believers in Jesus, who have that personal relationship with Him, hell remains a forbidden locale. Not for us. Not when you trust in Jesus. He alone has taken care of that.

So, what do I wonder about? It’s this– how much don’t I see in life? Missing what’s smack dab in front of me, as close as the ample nose on my face. Failing to notice our God whose fingerprints and footprints are everywhere. Unaware.

Let me be specific. After decades of hearing about how evolution explains away God (which I never did swallow even before becoming a Christian), I’m curious how much of that has permeated my little grey cells, robbing me of the wonder of it all, while looking at plants and trees and birds, unaware that all this beauty should take me back to their Creator God, with praise and thanks aimed directly at Him. Can I see Him in His creation as He intends me to? Will I?

Or politics. Now, I’m not going to get partisan here. Not in the red/blue sense. But rather looking at history, then and now, as held in Someone else’s greater hands than the blokes running life here on earth. Again, then and now. Power people really think they run the show. Entirely. So, why do I get so worked up? So anxious and angry? If I really believe that God’s in charge, I should be happy, relaxing in Jesus. Shouldn’t I? Who’s the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Can I see Him? Jesus? Or sink in quicksand unaware.

Maybe we’re not seeing what’s right in front of our eyes. As close as that Book of Books. The more time spent in your Bible, the less sway this world will tug at you the wrong way. So, get with His program. Turn around. Don’t take that bus to hell, tempting as it may be. Anyway, they’ll throw you off long before the depot arrives. Good!

Be aware. Eyes wide open. Ears tuned. Take it all in. Be aware. Maybe, spread some palms on your pathway, so to speak, welcoming Jesus into every facet of your life. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday after all. Shout Hosanna! To the King of Kings! And Lord of Lords!

Lord Jesus, help me to see you more clearly. In your name. Amen.

HE KNOWS Exodus 13: 17-22

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A few years back my left foot aches with shooting pain.  Can barely walk on it.  Have no idea what I’ve done, if anything.  Now what?  Worse-case scenarios flood my pea brain.  Diabetes beginning?   Probably leading to amputation of this nasty appendage?  Buying a crutch or a wooden leg?  Wheelchair-bound?  See what I mean?

Thankfully, none of the above materializes.  It’s an ailment called plantar fasciitis, an inflammation caused by a heel spur.  I navigate online for some advice, which actually works out rather well.  Dr. Web will see you now!  Purchase a heel support for that foot along with using a firm massage technique.  Both do the trick?  Pain disappears sooner than expected never to return…so far.

In Exodus 13 we read about how sensitive the Lord is to His hurting people, who sweat out four hundred years in slavery.  Will their pain never end?  Or get unimaginatively worse?  Finally, they witness devastating plagues, not on them but upon their enslavers, which leads to their escape through a dry sea bed, which quickly returns to its normal water level drowning their enemies.  A narrow escape.  But slaves no longer!

Yes, they’ve seen what none of us ever has.  Miraculous judgments upon their oppressors.  A clean escape that leads to new life.  So, shouldn’t their faith be strong as strong can be having eyeballed all those miracles God performs for them?  Shouldn’t it?  But hold your horses.  Remember that they’re just coming out from abject slavery.  Must be weak and worn out.  Nerves frazzled.  Looking over their shoulders, wondering who’s gaining on them.   They even romanticize the good old days with all that free food and stuff that never really existed.  Tell them to be strong?

God’s people are about as ready to claim a new land as I am to run a marathon if plantar fasciitis rears its ugly head or foot again.  Don’t land on them with both good feet.  After all, the Lord knows we’re made of dust and clay.  Fragile stuff.  Bent and twisted by others’ sins and our own.  Limping because of pain and suffering.  Needing padded cushions of understanding and encouragement to walk forward while faith massages their feelings.

Exodus 13:17-18–“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near.  For God said, ‘Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.  But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness…'”  The point is that He knows what’s best for His people, for us.  He knows to send us down strange pathways.  He knows throwing a monkey wrench or two in our way will discombobulate us.  But it will work out for our good (you know Romans 8:28).  In His way.

He knows that at the first sign of trouble, we’ll high-tale it back to where we least want to be.  From the frying pan into the fire.  From godly living to godless, fearful, and messed-up existence.  He knows.  So, trust His leading even when it looks like we’re stuck in some nasty dead-end canyon with no escape in sight.

Someone reading this knows all about being stuck.  Locked in and locked down.  Hang in there.  God knows all about it.  About us.  From headaches to pained feet.  The good, the bad, and the rest.  Yet He’s never through with His own.  After all, He knows.  Take His hand.  He knows the way out.  He does.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for knowing me and loving me.  Amen.

BETTER THAN GOOGLE MAPS! Proverbs 2

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Come on now, read at least the first seven verses of Proverbs 2.  You can do this without missing too much precious time on your smartphone, right?  All of Proverbs is like a spiritual Google roadmap.  Maybe better?  Must you ask?  After all, sometimes the internet is out-of-date.  I remember driving across country, somewhere in Texas or Louisiana, needing to fill up our gas tank and being led by Google maps to a station that hadn’t yet opened.  Just workmen and shiny new, unused gas pumps.  No help there.

Proverbs 2 presents a different kind of roadmap, one for good, godly living.  The life we’d like to live.  As with anything that’s worthwhile, it takes effort.  Blood, sweat, and tears in a manner of speaking.  Living God’s way doesn’t just float out of the sky and land on our collective heads.  Neither by osmosis as we sleep.  Nor some freebie in the sticky popcorn Cracker Jack box of life.  Takes your level best.

Now, wait a cotton-pickin’ minute!  Sounds like we have to work for God’s salvation, doesn’t it?  Hold on.  Get this straight.  Our relationship with God is His free gift.  No backbreaking effort is required.  No being perfect before membership is accepted.  Rather, it’s free for the asking for Jesus paid it all.  Our bill He covered.  No debt owed, which we couldn’t pay anyway.  Nothing is required except some gratitude, and some trust in Jesus alone, while admitting our failure to follow God on our own, and remembering that God’s the greatest giver.  That’s how our relationship with God gets off the ground.  Got it?

But after becoming His own, then get out of bed, cease making lazy circles in your life, and get to work…for Him…for others…for a change.  That’s all woven tightly into those Proverbs 2 maxims.  About making your ears attentive to the things of God.  Leaning into what will increase your understanding of godly living.  Seeking God’s wisdom is much like a job that produces a livelihood.  Searching out His Word in the Bible.  Our head in its pages.  Our heart passionately His.

Getting serious about following Jesus.  Putting Him front and center.  Getting off your high horse.  Discontinuing navel-gazing, and begin caring about somebody else.

All of the above signals an exciting life.  One that makes a mark, leaving a lasting one at that.  A life that paves the way for an unimaginable and mind-boggling heavenly paradise.  Certainly far better than anywhere that Google maps may take you.

Thank you, Jesus, for a life worth living.  Amen.

GRIEF Isaiah 63

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Having tender feelings has its drawbacks.  Likewise, being emotionally hard as a rock is to be regretted.  A balance, somewhere in the middle, would be what the doctor orders.  As one somewhat sensitive (we’re now called HSPs so I’ve read.  Please don’t call me that as it might hurt my feelings!), I can still feel some hurts caused years ago.  Don’t remind me.  They might be front and center anyway.  All the more to ruin my day.

But it doesn’t end with your feelings or mine.  For there’s more to consider.  Isaiah 63: 10–‘But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit…’  St. Paul pens these words–‘And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…’ (Eph. 4:20).

Guess what?  God has feelings too.  He loves us so much that He’s put Himself at risk of having His feelings devastated.  God can be grieved, wounded, and broken-hearted… by you and me.  Oy vay!

How does God get hurt?  Any ideas?  Of course, you do.  Like when we lie to get out of something we don’t want to do.  Or stretching the numbers of readers of these devotionals to pump up my fragile ego?  Or not speaking up for Him when we should have?  Or spouting off when we should have shut our trap?  Or taking for granted all that the Lord gives us and does for us, which is a ton and a half at the very least?  On and on I can go.  Good grief!  But surely it isn’t good when I grieve the Lord.

I’d like to spend this week giving Jesus less to be unhappy about.  Less grief than I usually give Him.  Giving Him more joy.  Pleasing Him for a change.  To hear Him say ‘well done, good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:21) would make me so happy, which is what I most want–Jesus…being pleased with me.  I’d like some company.  How about it?

Have a great week delighting our Lord Jesus!

Thank you, Jesus, for making life so good.  Amen.

HOT FLASHES Psalm 37

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Three months before surgery, I’m administered some fancy-dancy injection that will do its wonders before I’m under the knife.  Or so they say.  With nary a side effect?  Fat chance.  One promised by the specialist will be hot flashes.  Now that’s something to look forward to.

For the first month, nothing.  My wife seems somewhat disappointed, hoping that I’d be sensitized to what she’s endured for years.  Not to worry, my dear.  Time is up.  For those nasty flashes and flushes shift into high gear with a vengeance.  At bedtime I’m freezing, pulling up the covers, only to violently toss them off, as my internal furnace kicks in with a blast of heat from head to toe.

I want out of these hot flashes.  Which is what the Bible also recommends.  Okay, maybe of a different kind.  Nevertheless, turn down the heat.  Psalm 37:1,8–‘Fret not yourself…Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!  Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.’

What’s with that word ‘fret’?   Rather archaic, isn’t it?   ‘Fret’?  In the Hebrew language, it means to ‘get heated’.  Also, to eat away at, corrode, fray, and gnaw at.  None good, so best turn down the heat.  ‘Fret not…’

Hot flashes of anger will rot hearts and minds, ours and others.  We all know some who regularly blow their tops, releasing harmful steam from under their collars.  One way they bully people is to make others afraid that the hothead will blow a gasket right in their face at the drop of a hat or two.  No fun to be around.   Better steer clear.  Get out of their way.  This is why hotheads keep their fingers crossed, hoping their anger will work its intended purpose–to get their own way and you out of it.

Rather, Psalm 37 wants us to focus on trusting the Lord, and remembering how quickly life passes by.  What a shame to spend so much time fretting and fuming, stewing and spewing anger into the air, raising the roof, making a scene, and going ballistic.  Better to let go and let God handle what’s scorching and searing us.

I need this as much as anyone else.  So, I reread God’s prescription in Psalm 37–‘Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act’ (vs. 3-5).  That’s better, isn’t it?

Leaning on Jesus.  Trusting the Lord.  Being faithful and content right where you find yourself.  Finding the Lord to be delightful and giving.  Reflecting on God’s love and forgiveness rather than on how to get your own way.  Deciding to get off yourself.  Thinking about what makes someone else tick, cutting them some slack rather than ticking them off.  Tossing your hat in His ring, knowing that He’ll take care of it all.  By His means.  By His clock.

Time for your angry hot flashes to go?  Think so?  I’m working on it, but more is needed.  Quite a bit more, honestly.

Lord Jesus, I delight myself in you.  I love you.  Amen.

CAN’T LET GO Psalm 32

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The problem with forgiveness is not with God but with me.  We know that sin takes a terrible toll on everyone and everything, don’t we?  But too many kid themselves, imagining that that three-letter word is some medieval superstition.  Long out of its ‘best used by’ date.  Not for our time.  Good luck with that.  For sin’s pain is real and current, coupled with far-reaching effects.  So, to have God forgive me of all my sins is way over-the-top amazing.  Unearned and undeserved, certainly by me.

Unfortunately, feeling unforgiven won’t let go.  I can quickly drum up nasty infractions I committed decades ago.  Some insensitive remarks.  A put-down that feels good at the time, which rots in my conscience ever since.  And lots more and worse.  Again, all are forgiven by Jesus.  All of them?  All.  Gone?  Forgiven and forgotten by the Lord.  Really?

Maybe you need some evidence.  I do.  Read the first two verses of Psalm 32–‘Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity…’  The word ‘blessed’ in Hebrew can also be translated as ‘happy’.  Sins forgiven, covered over, not noticed anymore, and not counted against me ever again.  For sure?  Am I happy yet?

Any fine print I missed?  No.  Shouldn’t that make me happy as a lark?  For that’s God’s promise to those of us who come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  That’s His Word.  What He says.  God wants us happily forgiven.

Yet once again I have trouble letting go and being happily forgiven.  Why is that?  Could it be that I don’t easily forgive others?  Possibly.  I feel a twinge or two.  Or that I know that I’m not pure as the driven snow?  No doubt.  Got me there.  Or that my conscience is way too sensitive, eagerly holding onto the negative, too reluctant to accept what God has positively promised me.  Probably.  That sounds like me.

Is there any help on the horizon?  I think so.  Honestly talking about my foibles reveals some honesty which in itself brings rewards.  Confession is good for the soul.  But there’s more going on as in changing my ways.  Doing what I know needs doing.  What God wants.  Countering those negative thoughts with His good promises.  Crowding out accusing voices with Jesus’ accepting ones.

All that would help.  In what ways?   Relying on His promises more than my guilty feelings?  That’s good.  Believing what Jesus says more than my fragile feelings?  That’s better.  Don’t stop now.  Refusing to lie helplessly flat on the ground when He offers to lift me up?  Come on.  Take hold.   Acting on what I know He wants.  Right!  Now we’re headed in the right direction.

Other ideas?  You must have some that will help us to feel happily forgiven.  Don’t you?  Time to practice what we preach?

Thank you, Jesus, for your generous forgiveness and love.  Amen.

PEOPLE OUR AGE Psalm 90

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I’m innocently checking out a couple of books from our public library.  Since I never carry my library card, I recite from memory my card number to the librarian.  An older man overhears what I say and shouts his card number at me, saying, so the whole building can hear, ‘not many people our age know their library card numbers by heart, do they?’  What?  Who’s he talking to?  ‘…people our age…’  Our age?  This old duffer is way past his sell-by date.  Who’s he squawking at?  I look around. They must be hiding.  Can you blame them?   Unfortunately, there’s no one else standing near him.  Just me.

Here’s a better word that I can also hear.  Psalm 90:10–‘The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.’  This is better?  Life soon gone?  Sliding away as if coated with greased lightning?

Should I get all weepy-eyed, down in the dumps?  That’s one option, but not what’s recommended.  Later in Psalm 90, better ideas are put forth–‘So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom…Satisfy us…with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days’ (vs. 12, 14).

Make each day count.  Cherish each one, especially as they’re nurtured by God’s love.  Spend time praying.  Dig into your Bible.  Quality and quantity time.  This time for Jesus.  Give carefully but generously so your money promotes God’s work.

I’ve noticed that the older I get, the more I’m aware of Jesus’ love and care.  More experience with answered prayers.  Some answers are yes.  Some no.  Some wait a while.  Some ‘you’ve got to be kidding!’  Even then, I’m more apt to pray than gripe, turning quicker to Him, trusting Jesus a tad more.

Have I arrived yet?  ‘…people of our age…’?  Made it as a Superbowl saint?  Perfect in every way?  Humble and proud of it?!  Well, you know.  But I am getting there, slow as molasses, even on good days, moving ahead at a snail’s pace, plugging along with that slowpoke tortoise.  Progress noted.  More ahead.  He’s not done with you or me yet.

By the way, remember that not ‘many of us our age’ can recall the numbers on our library cards.  Remember that, if you can.  I do!

Lord, it’s good to grow old with you, getting closer and closer, day by day, moment by moment.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

WHO DID WHAT? Matthew 28

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I feel bad when I doubt the Lord.  Unwelcome thoughts cross my mind.  When troubles hit, I wonder if God cares.  Maybe yes, maybe no.  Passing thoughts that erode faith.  Is God out to lunch?  Taking a much-needed holiday?  Or am I even saved?  Maybe I’m kidding myself when I hem and haw about trusting Jesus.  How weak can I be?

That’s why I read my Bible every day.  Pray often.  Why?  To strengthen what I have.  To shore up against doubt’s incoming tide.  To hold Jesus’ hands as our godless culture’s whirlwinds blow ever stronger, trying to knock me off course.  I need His help.

Know what I mean?  Possibly you don’t but I doubt that too!  If we’re in this together, we’re in rather good company.  Take a gander at Matthew 28: 16-17–‘Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.  And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.’  Who did what?  You read it.

Some doubted.  Who?  The disciples and apostles of Jesus.  How can that be?  They witness firsthand the miracles Jesus performs.  They hear with their own ears His engaging stories.  They witness the change in others’ lives, including their own, after encountering Jesus.  Then His trials and death, but all trumped by His Resurrection.  He lives!  He’s alive!  Death defeated by Jesus!

Their reaction here at the end of Matthew’s Gospel, just before Jesus ascends to heaven?  Well, they do worship Him.  Fine.  Bow down and offer praise to God.  Even better.  However,  that’s not all– ‘…but some doubted.’  In spite of all that they had seen and heard?  That’s what the Bible says.  Sadly, even then.

Guess we’ll have doubts too.  The Lord knows this and understands.  So, return home from your guilt trip.  Unpack your bags with that excess baggage.  Get used to living in an imperfect, fallen world.  Have joy, encouragement, blessing… and doubt.  But know that doubts will come and doubts will go. But they won’t last through eternity.  Not at all.  They’ll be like fog disappearing on a warming day.  Here this morning, then gone forever.  Gone and good riddance.  No doubt about it.

Lord Jesus, please strengthen my faith in you today.  Amen.

LEAVE IT TO ME! Psalm 20

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A church member has charge of a local hospital’s medical imaging department.  It’s an active unit filled with umpteen stresses.  When I’d stop by to see this member, after visiting a patient, invariably some crisis captures the emotions of the nurses and imaging assistants.  They’d come running to their boss with this issue or that.  Always immediate help required–as in pronto, half a jiffy, on the double, a.k.a. right now!

I’d marvel at my church member who would say, ‘ Leave it to me.  I’ll take care of it.’  You could sense the anxiety-bubble bursting into thin air.  Best of all, he would!  Take care of it, that is.  So, go about your business and leave whatever to him.  Okay?  Got it?

Psalm 20:7–‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.’  Read that verse again.  Good advice, I’d say.  The best really.  Okay?  Got it?

So, what’s weighing heavy on your mind today?  Can’t seem to give it a rest.  Nags, nudges, and hounds at you.  Hard to sleep lying down on pins and needles.  Any help out there?  As in on the double?

Here’s an idea–memorize that verse from Psalm 20.  Deposit it deep within your memory bank.  About trusting the Lord more than anyone or anything else.  I know that’s hard.  It’s disappointing when this world offers so little to hang your hat on.  Its limits are everywhere, aren’t they?  Why even that church member couldn’t cover every issue thrust in his face as quick as greased lightning.  Did the best he could, but still…  Well, you know.

Now look at Psalm 20: 4-5–‘May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!  May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners!  May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!’  Good news, huh?  But only when we put our trust right where it should be.  Smack dab in His hands.  Resting firmly on His shoulders.  And leaving them with Him.  Okay?  Got it?

The bottom line– trust Jesus.  Bank on Him.  He’ll take care of it.  In His time.  In His way.  And don’t fret over hanging onto security blankets from this life.  Relying on what’s unreliable.  Trusting the untrustworthy.  Just come back to Him.  Keep on keeping on with the Lord.  I’m trying the best I can.  My grade is a C+.  Better than an F but still a long way to go.  Remember that God knows we’re made of dust and clay.  So, He keeps saying, ‘Leave it to me.  I’ll take care of it.’  Okay?  Got it?

Thank you, Jesus, for being so trustworthy.  Amen.