Ever feel like God is absent without leave, AWOL? In hiding and out of sight? God does a Houdini disappearing act of cosmic proportions? During tough times, I sometimes feel like He’s abandoned me, leaving me high and dry. It’s not like I don’t deserve it.

When I think of a book in the Bible where struggles with God come to a head, I think primarily of Job. Patient man, is he? Not after you’ve read this book and paid attention to what he says. Godly Job lets out a kaleidoscope of emotions with his ‘friends’ and with his God. Holds nothing back. A hint for us? Possibly.

Read Job 23 and discover that he experiences God as missing in action. Job 23: 2, 8-9–‘Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy on account of my groaning…Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.’ AWOL.

We know, don’t we, that God is always with us? All through the Bible, He promises just that for His own. Deuteronomy 31: 6–‘Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’

This is one of many Bible verses conveying that promise. So, rely on the Lord, who has always been faithful, whether I can sense Him or not, whether all the evidence seems contrary. So, I want to depend on Him during dark and hopeless times. Especially then.

Reading Job 23: 11-12, you’ll discover what Job does to get through the shambles he feels stuck in. What are his suggestions? Nothing really. Rather he stays the course, steady as can be with his God. Not deserting the One who seems far away. Overcomes his doubts with a faith that looks beyond his wayward feelings. Job decides to hang in there with his God. To be obedient. To follow the way of the Lord. He takes his stand with a nevertheless faith.

Hear Job himself–‘My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food’ (Job 23: 11-12).

I hear you, Job! Or do I?

Thank you, Jesus, for standing with me always. Amen.

No, the title of today’s devotional does not refer to adding another bathroom to our home. We’re fine with what we have. But thanks for asking! In Luke chapter 9, we see Jesus facing opposition from some northern Israeli people, the Samaritans. Rivalry between North and South has plagued many nations, including our own.

These northern Israelis resent Jesus, who now has His eyes set on returning to Jerusalem, the Samaritan enemy’s capital city. Phooey, on that so-called holy city, is the Samaritan attitude. And Jesus can go you know where while he’s at it. That’s not making nice toward your neighbors. Such ungrateful rapscallions and rogues, that bunch.

What was Jesus’ followers’ reaction to this brush-off? “And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?'” (Luke 9: 54). Sounds like ultimate revenge may be in the offing, doesn’t it? James and John opt for wiping them off the face of the earth, ushering them on a one-way trip through the gates of hell.

But what about Jesus’ reaction? I’d rather catch His thoughts, wouldn’t you?–‘But he (Jesus) turned and rebuked them (James and John)’ (Luke 9: 55). Knock it off, boys. Show some mercy, for my sake. From now on I’m calling you ‘the sons of thunder’ for being reckless hotheads. That sobered them up. I’d be mighty ashamed at my obvious lack of love. But would I?

Later, in the Book of Acts chapter 8, the apostles discover that some Samaritans have become believers in Jesus, trusting in what God’s Word tells them. Samaritans? Them? You’re kidding me, aren’t you? So now what does that ‘Son of Thunder’ John propose? Fire and judgment once again? Finish the job once and for all?

No. Quite the contrary. For he’s a changed man. Jerusalem’s head apostles decided to send John and Peter to investigate what had happened. They wouldn’t have sent John if he still harbored revenge and hatred in his heart, but that’s not him anymore.

John has become a new person—quite different. It’s sad to admit that sometimes I find myself like John of Luke—a kid brother of thunder. But the more time I spend in my Bible, the more I want to be like John in the Book of Acts—with more kindness, forgiveness, understanding, and mercy.

Actually, more like Jesus. That’s my prayer this week–to be a changed person more and more.

Please, Jesus, help me to be like you. Amen.

Is the Christian life a simple one? Not too complicated or confusing? Or does it seem like rules and regulations are a tad overbearing? With too many hypocrites inhabiting churches? How about those four-flusher writers of weekly devotionals? Can you really trust the Bible as God’s Word? On and On. Oy Vey, already. What a mess.

I’ll be bold today and say that despite the above objections, following the Lord is as simple as 1, 2, and 3! Hear what the Bible says–‘…choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life…’ (Deuteronomy 30: 19-20).

Here in Deuteronomy, we’re told how to follow the Lord. It’s as simple as 1, 2, and 3! Let’s spell it out. Moses uses three Hebrew language participles to describe a godly life. He tells ancient Israelites to love the Lord, obey God’s words, and hold onto Him as tight as possible. Loving…obeying…holding onto. It’s as simple as apple pie topped with ice cream on a thick slab of extra-sharp cheddar cheese.

But what about those three participles? What are they, smarty-pants grammar know-it-alls? Guess I’m talking about myself since I’m about to explain. So, get with it. What are they? Participles are verbal adjectives. Oh really? Yes, their verbal qualities describe an action. And then, like adjectives, they add color to the nouns they modify. Simply put, when it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ, we actively love, obey, and hold on tightly to our Lord who colors our lives with excitement and joy, participially speaking, that is.

This week enjoy a simpler life in Jesus. Love Him by telling Him how much you adore Him. Please speak from your heart–nothing wooden, forced, or with buttering-up motives.

And then obey Him. Make Him your first choice in life, never backpedaling your witness for and testimony of Jesus. Then hold on for dear life. The winds of opposition blow strong and fierce these days. Never let go. And He’ll do all the more with you.

Simple? In a way.

Lord Jesus, I love you and want to be your faithful follower. Amen.

Do you ever feel like you’re not doing all you could for the Lord? That you’re holding back some? Whatever I’ve done, with my eye on following Jesus, always seems inadequate at best, especially on good days. Am I the only one?

To be honest, I know that I’m a flawed vessel. I hear old voices rattling in my head saying, ‘You’re no good. Why try?’ Wonder whose voice whispers such bad news? You know and so do I. Tell that blankety-blank so-and-so where he can take his damnable mutterings of doom and gloom. And read Matthew 25 for what your good Lord has to say. Listen to an encouraging voice, which makes me want to get up and go for Jesus!

Well, it’s a parable Jesus tells, a clever story. A man takes off somewhere, leaving his business interests to three capable associates. They all have differing levels of responsibility, probably depending on their abilities. Off he goes with the first two putting what they’ve been entrusted with to work. Each produces a double return. Pretty good, huh? The head honcho agrees–‘Well done, good and faithful servant…’ (Matt. 25: 21, 23).

The third employee. How did he do? Not so great. This know-it-all gets it into his thick skull that this boss-man is a rotten, nasty scoundrel, who never appreciates anything this bloke has ever done. He even accuses the top dog of being a lazy galoot, who doesn’t lift a finger to do a lick of work but expects miracles from those under him. Especially little old him. This head honcho, this big cheese is lucky to get back what was given him. Right? Wrong!

In the end, this third man’s workload is reapportioned, leaving him out in the cold, although that’s not quite the temperature where he now finds himself.

The point? For you and me? Get busy for Jesus. Find out what talents and gifts the Lord’s given you. Surely you must have an inkling? Put whatever to work. Don’t say you’ll do it, do it.

And don’t let the perfect ruin the good we can do. Get off the high horse of performance, not allowing numbers or success figures to cloud the picture. I’m talking to myself now. Know that He’ll appreciate whatever you can do for others for Him. Even that small cup of water given to a thirsty person in Jesus’ name registers high marks with the Master (Matt. 10: 42).

Forget about Jesus ever saying to you, ‘Perfectly done…’ ‘Well done’ is fine and dandy with me. I’d love to hear that from His mouth to my ears. You too?

What a privilege, dear Jesus, to work for you. Thank you. Amen.

This could be the year! Could it? For what? Well, when Jesus comes back. His second coming as He promised. This year? Really? 2025? Could be. 50/50 chance. Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe better.

There was a time when I heard all kinds of predictions about Jesus’ soon return. Some chose a specific date and bet the whole house on it. How did it go? It didn’t. That false alarm should have mortified the folk who tried to foist that on the rest of us. At various times individuals and groups, some possibly well-meaning, played the prediction game, like using a Christian crystal ball or Ouija board to discover the answer to that biggest question. When?

In Matthew 24, Jesus is asked about that very topic–“…the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'” (Matt. 24: 3). Pointedly, Jesus tells them to knock it off. Cut it out. Don’t even ask. Rather, all the signs and guesstimates are merely starting points of tough times–“And Jesus answered them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray…All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.'” (24: 4-5, 8).

When you think things can’t get worse, well, you know. Jesus warns us not to be surprised that so-called believers fall away, rejecting their Lord. Betrayal will abound from unlikely sources, even friends and family. Religious leaders, who spout a good line, will be wolves in sheep’s clothing, lying through their false teeth to get as much moolah as they can wangle out of poor, unsuspecting types. Cover your wallet. Don’t give out your bank account number. So to speak. And this is good news?

Read the rest of Matthew 24. It doesn’t lighten up much, except that Jesus promises He will return. In the end, Jesus wins. And so will we with Him—through Him, because of Him, and by Him alone.

Well, this could be the year. Who knows? Only God does. So, let’s leave it with Him. He’ll bring Jesus back right on schedule–His schedule–never too soon, never too late, and right on time. That’s all we need to know. Are you okay with that? But keep looking up.

Lord Jesus, we look forward to seeing you face to face. Amen.

Reading Matthew 23 will be a good way to start 2025. I must warn you that Jesus pulls no punches. Most of this chapter involves lashing out at religious leaders—the ‘holier than thou’ crowd who preen themselves as a cut above, straitlaced and proud of it—just the kind we want to see in our rearview mirror.

They preach but don’t practice. They do whatever to be noticed. They make life miserable for others while exempting themselves. They demand to be honored first and foremost. To sit in places to be seen. And wear obvious and rich clothing. They love their titles more than the people who honor them. Always demanding to be lavished upon as great ones, served by all others. You get the picture. Happy New Year to you, too!

Jesus keeps the ball rolling by adding seven woes to their character description. Seven is the number of completeness. It’s as if Jesus issues a full verdict on this nasty bunch of powerful yahoos. Guilty as sin. Seven woes. Sorrows, grief, and misery come upon those who love the attention of the world while rejecting a relationship with the Lord.

Be careful to check your own motive pulse this new year to see if you want to please Jesus or gain brownie points. To make some impression that puffs you up in other’s eyes. Be looked over rather than overlooked. Here’s a warning–when we disconnect from God all hell breaks loose. Woes of all kinds can be unleashed, all of our own making.

So, this year, I want to develop my inside relationship with Jesus more. I want to know Him better. I want to linger longer over my Bible readings, stop speedreading, and ponder what He says. I want to hang out with God, hold onto His Word, and talk things over with Jesus more than I normally do.

In other words, my inside spiritual life should mirror my outside. I should be more transparent, open, and honest, as much as I can with the flawed lenses I have in this sinful life of mine.

I need to do better. One step in front of the other, slowly but surely. Wouldn’t that make for a happier new year? You think? But only as the Lord helps me, as I’m helpless as helpless can be. Just me?

Happy and healthy 2025. Growing in our Lord.

Lord Jesus, help me to get closer to you in this new year. Amen.

Why didn’t we have a star adorning the top of our Christmas tree? Instead, we had a yellow Volkswagon Beetle ornament front and center for all to see. It looked weird and out of place—a miniature of what I was driving in those days.

It’s not some classic car bauble but a star that leads the Wise Men to Bethlehem, where they find Joseph and Mary cradling Jesus, their firstborn child. The Magi will follow the high-in-the-sky star, which bids them seek the Messiah, who will forgive sin and offer salvation like no one ever has or will.

The Star is first mentioned in the Old Testament, in Numbers 24– ‘I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel…’ (Num. 24: 17). Ironically, this star vision is from the lips of a pagan curse-maker, Balaam. Through such a dodgy source, the Lord God chooses to speak. That a star is coming. Not the Hollywood type but something you can hitch your wagon to. That, if followed, leads you to the very presence of God in the flesh.

It’s this same star vision that Old Testament Daniel teaches to the Wise Men in his court in Babylon hundreds of years later—that a star will be seen in the sky, leading to more than an astral sighting but to the long-awaited Messiah. So, get ready. Be prepared. When the star appears, it’s time to take off to find the Babe in Bethlehem of Judea, in Israel.

The star points to Jesus and shines upon Him as a guiding light from the Lord God. When you know, love, and follow Him, that light will dwell within you as God’s Christmas present that keeps shining, leading, comforting, and chasing away the darkness forever.

Merry Christmas? Oh yes, Merry Christmas! Shine, Jesus shine.

Jesus, the light of the world, thank you for coming into my life. May I shine for you always. Amen.

Yes, I know we’re less than two weeks away from Christmas day, and that the Wise Men didn’t come bearing gifts until much later, yet I’m going to delve into their visit with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Is that okay? I guess so since I haven’t heard one word of complaint. Good, let’s keep it that way!

Those Magi don’t bring cheapo, white elephant, or regifted Secret Santa presents to the Holy Family. Hardly. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Precious indeed. No gift cards or IOUs either. These are tangible assets that could translate into a king’s ransom. Set them up for life. Moving them onto Easy Street instead of some backwater dead-end cul-de-sac to nowhere.

How do Mary and Joseph use these gifts? They fund their exile into Egypt when staying in Bethlehem would result in a sure death sentence for their child. They don’t count their newfound fortune as a way to pump up their net worth but rather to use it, whether conscious of it or not, to further God’s purposes through their son Jesus.

Money has a way of grabbing hold of us. I know. I was a financial planner for 20 years with a large investment firm. I’ve seen the results of big bucks in people’s lives. Some held onto their moolah with a loose grip. Doesn’t rule their lives. But others, well, you know.

I’ve heard it said that money should be like a window, looking through it you can see others. But make that window into a mirror by adding a silver backing and suddenly, looking at it, you see only yourself reflected off that lustrous glimmer.

In this season of Black Friday sales, extended Black Friday sales, seasonlong and neverending Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday, and dragged out all week Cyber Monday, just send them your dough along with all your wherewithal for whatever—maybe we should step back, turn off our devices, and devise better ways to worship Jesus so that we can see Him through the window of our souls, looking more upward and outward and less inward and backward.

I pray that my reach may exceed my grasp in remembering Jesus, coming with gifts for the Promised One—doing my part bowing down at His feet, wondering at His beauty, worshiping our Lord and God, and honoring Jesus this Christmas—to gaze lovingly at His face. Gifts that money can’t buy.

Worth a try? I wonder if we’ll notice Him a tad clearer through open windows this Christmas?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this time of worshipping you. Amen.

Why is believing in Jesus not a ticket to an earthly perfect paradise? All wine and roses. A walk in the park. Free as a bird. Why not? Seems good to me. Well, better ask the Old Testament character Job. He’s got a few answers for us. Don’t assume that you know all about the Book of Job. I’ve read it dozens of times, yet my spiritual eyes of understanding seem to be developing cataracts.

But slowly I’m seeing much clearer what Job has to say. Part of his message is that life this side of heaven is a mishmash. The effect of sin scars the horizon, making our life’s journeys difficult even on good days. The rug gets pulled out from under us way too often. Too many days filled with troubles and trials.

You know what I mean, don’t you? I do. There’s a pastorate that gets squashed and squelched—not all someone else’s fault, either. Or that early childhood disease that still rears ugly memories in strange ways over seven decades later. I know. And there’s more. Of course, there is.

But despite a lot, I know that God can be trusted. I can put my faith in Him. He’ll make sense of what seems senseless. He’ll right what’s wrong. In His time. In His way. Some clarity will come when we’re over the hilltop, so to speak. Get it? I’m starting to. I’m finally out of kindergarten! Yeah! Whoop-de-doo for me! First Grade beckons! Goodbye, Miss Ford! Hello Mrs. Coultas!

St. Paul hits the nail on the head when he writes–‘…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God…’ (1 Cor. 6: 19-20). Jesus paid the price for our salvation when He died on the cross. We’re His. Owned by the God of love who will never let us out of His sight, especially during those times of trials and troubles.

No matter what life throws at us or what mess we boomerang on ourselves, we have God the Holy Spirit, given to us by the Father and the Son. Within us resides more than vital organs, veins, and blood. Much more. God is within believers. Can you imagine? So, remember who you are and whose you are. Won’t that make the junk we experience seem less so? Toughens us from within? More overcomers and less overcome by whatever or whoever?

Satan may roam around in the rooms of this house of my body, unannounced and unwelcome, stirring up troubles and trials again. Still, soon the deceiver will discover that he’s just a passin’ through and that Jesus dwells within and will usher that nasty brute right out the backdoor. Once and for all.

My Lord is the permanent resident and owner with an eternal title deed signed by Jesus Himself! There’s only lasting room for the Lord in my spiritual house. He’s in for the long haul—for keeps—forever and a day.

Chew on that this week, will you?

Lord Jesus, I love you, and thank you for being my best friend ever. Amen.

Church members imagine that their pastors receive many emergency late-night phone calls. I rarely did. I wonder why. Am I unapproachable? Too lazy to answer the phone? Is it placed safely out of earshot? It could be.

One morning, I receive a call from a church member that her husband is near death and wants to talk with me. Not later today when it’s more convenient. Or when I’ve showered and shaved. No. Now. Okay. I’m coming just as I am.

This elderly man, never our church member, whom I’d talked turkey with (and not only at Thanksgiving time!) about committing his life to Jesus, who had resisted like the you-know-who, is now eager to take up Jesus’ offer. Really?

So, I share the Gospel once again. It’s the quick version as time is of the essence. He’s ready and eager. We pray together. He has a smile on his face. So do I. Later that day, after I shaved and showered, I got the call that he was now safely heaven-bound. Never better news this side of that same place!

The good news is that, if you’re still alive, it’s not too late. I don’t recommend waiting until the last moment to do business with God by receiving His Son Jesus into your heart. Why waste one moment of living for God? Too much of our godly purpose in this life would be forfeited forever. Don’t dilly-dally or shilly-shally with the Master.

But don’t ignore the last buzzer either. Not a minute late or a dollar short, this man had listened to a somewhat defeated and demoralized pastor, thinking I was up against an insurmountable foe. Not at all. He heard and heeded God’s call in the nick of time.

In Matthew 20, Jesus gives us a snapshot of God’s Kingdom by telling a story about men looking for work, desperate to earn a day’s wage to provide for their families—food for the table, and a roof over their heads.

Some workmen are chosen immediately, while others must wait anxiously for the master’s nod to get them into the fields to earn just anything. Even at the last moment, the final minutes of daylight, the remaining workers hit the fields for pay. How much do they earn? Some receive a full paycheck for a day’s work while others imagine they’re up a creek without a paddle. Running out of time. Can’t win for losing. Returning home with barely a penny in their pockets.

But not with this employer. He pays all the workers the same amount, whether they labor all day or only for a fraction. He’s like God who loves giving to those who deserve so little yet receive so much.

Jesus is generous. Open-handed. Big-hearted. For with the Lord, it’s not too late. To repent. To turn to Him. To accept the gift of His only Son, who will turn your life around. Making you heaven-bound. Even for a Johnny-come-lately who wants to be a real McCoy follower of Jesus.

Is it your time?

Lord Jesus, thank you for being patient with me. Amen.