SEA OF TROUBLES Zechariah 10
We’ve been at sea on a cruise ship when it’s rock-and-roll on the waves! Quickly we head back to our stateroom, turning our heads into the ‘head’, then off to bed a little lighter, which is when I order room service to not miss even one meal! After all, we paid for it… A true Fischer!
On a more serious note, years ago a neighbor sues us over trees, roots, and property lines. Now our troubles are on land. Our insurance company carries us through seven years of litigation. Not a typo–seven years. Their longest case. We’re number one when we least want to be. Finally, we win that case but not without acquiring anxiety-filled emotional bruises and scars.
Through it all, the Lord Jesus stays with us. Therefore, we determine to do nothing nasty to these neighbors other than to defend ourselves in court, which we do vehemently. No manure gets tossed up on their driveway. No harassing phone calls at 3am. Not even praying that the Lord would make them sick, die, and disappear. But how tempting to be mean and rotten as others have been to us. But we want to follow Jesus and travel His higher road. As best we can.
What happens? These neighbors do get sick and die, and then the suit gets settled quickly and eagerly by their heirs. Our insurance covers every last dime of the multiple thousands of dollars dished out in legal-related bills. Wait a minute. Not true. I do have to buy one stamp, mailing pictures to our attorney!
We experience what’s promised in this Old Testament prophecy–‘He shall pass through the sea of troubles and strike down the waves of the sea…’ (Zech. 10: 11). The ‘He’ is God Himself. He goes with us through whatever ‘sea of troubles’ we flail around in nearly drowning.
The next time waves get churned up and I’m tossed about with deep troubles, I’ll have fears, anxiety, and worries. Sorry about that, but I know myself and so does God. But sooner or later, somewhere deep within, I’ll hear His comforting and reassuring voice reminding me that He’s got me covered. By my side. Holding both my hands.
So, stay the course following Jesus. Don’t get bitter and nasty with tit-for-tat recriminations. No matter the outcome. No matter if the next time we lose. Jesus never deserts us. Never. That’s God’s promise–‘…I am with you always…’ (Matt. 28:20).
Don’t take my word for it. Take His!
Oh Lord, thank you for standing with me. No matter what. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
LOST AND FOUND John 5
It wasn’t at the conference center’s ‘lost and found’ box. A bracelet my wife gave me was missing. Think the clasp wasn’t totally snapped in place. By me. So, it was hasta la bye-bye to this lovely gift.
Something more serious happens at a religious’ feast Jesus attends in Jerusalem. At the Sheep Gate, there’s a pool where invalids gather to beg and hopefully be healed. Like something lost, they need others’ help to be found.
Who comes by that day? You know. Jesus of Nazareth notices a man who’s spent a lifetime at this Pool of Bethesda. Thirty-eight years begging and hoping. Eking out a living and nothing more. He’s lost but will he be found?
Jesus sees this man. Zeros in on him. Finds out how long he’s been at the pool’s edge. Thirty-eight interminable years. Day in and day out. Month by month. Seasons coming and going, and still no end in sight.
The paralyzing fog never lifting. Crippling clouds never clearing. Hanging on to pipedreams. Thirty-eight years hopeless. Ever felt that way? About a job? Family? Life in general? Possibly you’ll notice a man who comes close by, strangely knowing you and your situation. Who is he? Again, you know!
In John 5, Jesus asks this disabled beggar what he wants. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? To be healed! But maybe, just maybe, this fellow would rather wallow in self-pity. Has gotten used to being dependent and helpless. Handouts are easier than hard work. But not this guy. He wants to get up and go… on his own! And that’s what he’ll do, thanks to a word from Jesus’ lips.
I wonder what I’m clutching onto that holds me back. A chokehold of my own making. Not following Jesus fully because I possess such good excuses, which lets me off the hook. Reasons that sound reasonable. Can’t do this. Can’t do that for X, Y, and Z reasons. I’m an invalid at least inside. Stalled while running for cover. Somewhat lost.
But Jesus draws near. He won’t let up until I get up and follow Him more closely and faithfully than before. Not just me. He’s got you in mind, too. How about it? Time to get up?
Join me. I’d love the company!
Thank you, Jesus, for helping me to serve you. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT THAT WATER JAR? John 4
You know the ins and outs of the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. The scandal of talking with a woman, who’s also a Samaritan. Jews and Samaritans distrust each other, and don’t mix well even on a good day.
One detail in John 4 jumps off the page at me. It’s found in verse 28–“So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?'”
She left her water jar. How strange. She needs water and this well is exactly where it can be found. Little or no indoor plumbing in those days, so she needs that water jar. She’d place it on her head, walking it home. But not this time.
A wise move on her part? Hardly. Will require an extra trip, hoping that someone hasn’t snatched it away. Did she misunderstand Jesus’ comments about ‘living water’ (John 4: 10)? Those promises that His H2O would never run out? That ‘…whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up… (John 4:14). Did she get the wrong idea? That water jars will no longer be needed?
Think back to when you accepted Jesus into your life. Those early days. On top of the world. Far from disappointing valleys. Safe and secure on some mountaintop. But what about your own ‘water jar’, some things left behind? Running after Jesus occupies your heart and mind overshadowing other things. Focusing decisions on what Jesus wants. There’s a change in the air.
My plans to become a stockbroker get radically altered, as in out the window, when I attend summer school at a Bible college, actually studying God’s Word. That’s a first for me. That undergraduate degree in business administration gets left at the well, so to speak. When living for Jesus some things get left behind, abandoned, and forgotten. Other things we attend to in a new way. Fashioning them with our eyes on the Master, for a change.
We’re not the same after meeting the risen Lord. Far from it. Not by a long shot. That’s how you know you’re His. Your target in life shifts…in God’s direction.
Before knowing the Savior, I could care less about ever attending church. Why should I? What’s the point? A colossal waste of time. But then after! Couldn’t get enough of a new church that teaches the Bible, while singing songs that mirror my own experience of Jesus. Funny thing…I still can’t.
Those are some of my thoughts about her water jar. And yours?
Thank you, Jesus, for being my all in all. Amen.
RETURN POLICY Zechariah 1
When we purchase a pair of expensive, highly hyped pillows, we take careful note of the return policy in case we don’t like them. Can they be returned? Who pays the return postage? If free, then where do we have to go to send them back? Timbuktu? An adjacent state? What’s their return policy?
Turns out those infamous pillows of infomercial fame, feel like they contain small rocks under our heads. Not in our heads but under, wise guy! No way will we keep them. Back they go with a refund gladly received! Free return postage to boot!
Take a gander at Zechariah 1 in the Old Testament. It tells us of God’s return policy. Not of pillows but of sin. Yes, that nasty three-letter word. Unfortunately, missing God’s mark is, as usual, quite in vogue. I’m in that regretful group. Can’t seem to get out. Membership renewed without any questions asked. Autopayments are made with ease. So, how do I return my sin?
Zechariah 1: 3–‘…Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you…’ Here’s how–return sin by turning to our Lord, who loves to forgive and forget. Ask Jesus’ help. He’s available 24/7, 365, and even on an extra day during leap year!
Yes, repentance. Yes, confession. Yes, restitution if possible and appropriate. But all returned and finally dealt with by our Lord God. His promise. What more could we possibly need? Good enough for me.
Obviously, we’ve been on a collision course with ourselves when sin dominates. It’s not that God has turned His back on us. Quite the contrary. That’s how it is with sin. It doubles back on us in an unwanted, unexpected, nasty way. Like a boomerang that hits us squarely on the old noggin. Returned to sender.
So, turn around. Return to the Lord. On your knees, so to speak. With sorrow and regret. Not hiding behind excuses of any sort any longer.
He promises that when we do, He’ll be right there, face-to-face, holding our hands, speaking loving words of forgiveness, while giving us a new start. That’s His return policy. When we take that first step, we’ll discover that He’s always been there for us. Urging us on. Wanting us to turn back. Waiting like the father in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son. Waiting and watching for us to return. Gracious return policy, I’d have to say.
That is what Resurrection Sunday means. A new day. A new start. Life overcoming death. Forgiveness covering sins. All because of Jesus, God’s only Son, and our Savior. His life. His death on the Cross. His coming to life again three days later. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
By all means, have a Happy Easter!
Thank you, Lord, for all your love and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name and for His sake. Amen.
CREATION Psalm 104
Our son and daughter-in-law live not far from us on 38 acres. Much of their property grow bushes, vines, and trees. But a large area around their home is filled with all kinds of plants and animals. Yes, a trip of goats, a flock of chickens, and a gaggle of ducks! Did I get that right? Google it yourself as I did!
You should see the French pumpkins, purple tomatoes, and pink blueberries they grow. We’re glad they own a farm they’re developing. We thank the Lord for what He’s given them to work and harvest.
But wouldn’t it be a shame to miss the Gardener for the garden as most do in this world? Sadly so. Not me. I see Him everywhere. A vision I choose to keep and cherish. You too? Look around. Take in as much as you can, in gratitude to our Creator God.
Why not read Psalm 104 where praise abounds to that Master Craftsman. For everything–birds, the sun, vines and plants, animals of the sea, livestock of the land, oil, and bread, trees and… you get the point. Everything!
Forget about luck, chance, string theories, the Big Bang, and Darwinian evolution. No dice. These are often man’s ways of ignoring and discounting God. Of stealing glory from the only deserving One. Of dethroning the King of Creation. Of robbing Jesus of what’s rightfully His. Not nice to fool with Mother Nature let alone Father God! Anyway, He won’t stand for it in the end.
So, give Him His rightful glory. Psalm 104: 24, 31, 35–‘O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures…May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works…Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!’
On this Palm, Sunday, raise your voice in praise to our Lord Jesus as those crowds did years ago now!
Thank you, Lord, for all your wonderful creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
KEY WORD Zephaniah 2
Key word. Which one? It’s snug as a bug in a rug in the Old Testament, in chapter 2 of Zephaniah’s prophecy–‘Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord’ (Zeph. 2:3). Found it?
You thought it was ‘seek.’ Right? Wrong. What grabs me is the word ‘perhaps’. It’s key to keeping balance as we search high and low for God’s will. If we could only know for sure what He’s going to do and what He wants of us, clearing the air of uncertainty and indecision. Of hemming and hawing, straddling a fence or two, frozen in place unable to move in either direction. Wanting to obey our Lord Jesus if we only knew.
Yet here’s reality– many times we just don’t know. We’re in the dark as to the specifics of His will. Not about the 10 Commandments or other clear as daylight biblical admonitions. No, not those. It’s like some of these–where to live, who to marry, which car to buy, how to save enough money for retirement or for a child’s higher education. And many more everyday decisions. Perhaps this, perhaps that.
For the Lord gives us room to make our own decisions while we pray for guidance, perhaps checking it out with a trusted Christian friend or two. Perhaps making mistakes and redirecting accordingly. Perhaps failing, learning some valuable lessons. Perhaps the Lord seems to direct you in quite a mysterious way, one without many guarantees. Such is life.
What remains definite is that our Lord Jesus always stays with us– ‘And… I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matt. 28:20). And ‘always’ still means always. Our relationship with Jesus is secure as secure can be. Ironclad. Nailed down. Perhaps the only sure thing in this life.
For God knows we’re made of dust and clay. After all, He created us. He understands the fallen world we’ve been born into. Nothing clueless about God. And, most of all, He’s gracious, merciful, forgiving, kind, gentle, slow to anger, and loving, individually and collectively, with endless abundance, without limit
Perhaps knowing that God is minding the store, always there in the pinch, that His reliability strengthens us enough to make it through these tough times? Perhaps? No, for sure!
Thank you, Jesus, for always being there with me. Amen.
THANKS
I want to thank all of you who read my weekly devotionals. I love writing each and every one, praying that the Lord will use them to bless others and draw each of us closer to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Last month readers from 15 different countries tuned in to Reflections Out of Time. From a year ago March, people from 56 countries all over the world found these devotionals. For that and all of you who follow every week, I am so grateful allowing me to continue to share my somewhat quirky take on biblical truths.
I’ve a favor to ask you. Why not forward a devotional to someone you know and ask them to sign up for the free weekly devotions? Someone you’d like to bless. The more the merrier!
Again, thank you for standing with me in wanting more of Jesus in our daily lives. John
COME AND SEE John 1: 35-51
We loved a church member named Etta Good, who graced us with her good life well into her 102nd year. What a gem. Etta loved the Lord and was so appreciative of her church family and pastor. How could we not dote on this most gentle of the Lord’s flock?
On her big day, I asked Etta in Sunday worship ‘what’s it like to turn 100’? And also ‘what’s your secret’? She piped up saying that ‘it’s not all it’s cracked up to be!’ As to her secret? — ‘just don’t die!’ See what I mean? What a joy, our Etta.
Ever wonder if being a Christian is not all it’s cracked up to be? And better not to die, not to test it? Who hasn’t wondered? Will there be a yonder over yonder? We wonder. After all, we’re not there yet. Still breathing earth’s air. All we’ve ever known. But then, when our time comes, only two airports open. I know which one my ticket heads to. Can’t take any baggage on board, however. Need not a thing. All provided. Only the best of the very best for God’s own people.
But even Jesus’ disciples wonder about this strange prophet-like character from Nazareth. Here in John 1, they’re not so sure. Who is He? A false messiah? One more religious charlatan? Where does He stay? Where’s He from? Can anything good come from that flea-bitten town of Nazareth? Their questions float in the air.
Jesus’ response? Anger? Disappointment? Hurt feelings? All of the above? None of the above! He says–‘Come and you will see…’ (John 1:39). That’s the call of Jesus to them then and to all of us now. Come and see.
It’s not testing God though it sounds like it. Rather it’s accepting an invitation to experience what He offers us. A finding out for ourselves. A discovery of what could be right under our noses. Come and see. Have you? Would you like to? You’re invited.
When you do, you’ll note Him at work in your life. Faith produces evidence. Often in hindsight but you’ll know for yourself that Jesus is smack dab in the middle of your life. When you need God’s encouragement, come and see. No matter what your prayer needs, come and see what God can and will do…in His time, in His way. But there’s the rub. Getting behind Him. Letting Him take the lead. Never easy. Certainly not for me. Nevertheless, necessary.
Ready? Give whatever disturbs your heart to Him. Wait on Him. Don’t push ahead forcing God’s hand by bargaining, making false promises, or laying out acceptable solutions that He must deliver, or else you’ll tell Him to take a hike. Better do what I want or else. I’m the quarterback calling the plays. Really?
Is that faith? Hardly. More like trying to keep God under my thumb. Throwing my weight around. Holding tight to the reigns. All eventually lead to a dead-end canyon with no way out.
But there’s hope. An invitation, which is engraved with your name, has been sent! RSVP? Yes? Then come and see.
Thank you, Jesus, for being true to your word always. Amen.
BLESSED THREE TIMES OVER 2 Corinthians 13
This week let’s celebrate all we have in Jesus Christ, while getting off of ‘me, I, and myself’ with aches and pains, disappointments and bad memories, bitterness, and loneliness. You name it, I can suffer with it. At least I’m not a hypochondriac. I’m not, am I? I’ll check back with you later if I’m feeling better!
Rather, let’s look upward to our heavenly Host and home. Think of it– we’re blessed three times over. 2 Corinthians 13:14–‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.’
Oodles of blessings. Grace, love, and fellowship. Couldn’t get much better. But it does. These blessings are not only for a few. No. For the rich, the poor, the intelligentsia, and deplorables–‘…with you all.’ All believers everywhere. That’s you and me. Can hardly contain myself!
Jesus gives us grace. We know what that is, don’t we? Getting what we don’t deserve. Akin to mercy, where we don’t get what we do deserve (think I need mercy more than grace, although both together will fit the bill!). Jesus lives to give. All four Gospels spell out His life of sharing, healing, restoring, and birthing salvation. Relish His grace. It never ends. Never.
God the Father shares His love for us. ‘Love’ here is the Greek word ‘agape’. Like Jesus’ grace, the Father’s love keeps coming our way. When we’re His, love surrounds us in more ways than we can count or imagine. Sometimes it’s a tough love that feels rough and painful. Probably more so for Him. But it’s a love that reshapes us to become more like Jesus, God’s Son. A shaped vessel in the Master’s loving hands.
Then the Holy Spirit fellowships with us. Gathers us close in. Draws ever near, meaning we’re never alone. The church that blessed me as their emeritus pastor has a fellowship hour following the worship service. Both last about the same amount of time. A healthy balance. Similar to what the Holy Spirit does, as He comes to stay close within each believer. And stay He does. Never leaving.
What blessings! All God’s gifts are freely given. None earned. None? Nada and zippo. Get it? Then let’s not forget it. Or to thank the Lord for our being blessed many times over.
Thank you, Lord, for all you give. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflections out of time 