The Promise Keeper

 

So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:17-20 ESV).

 

While God can do anything, He will not break His promises. We are living in a world that thrives on falsehood and deception. This worldly culture that surrounds us despises and rejects truth. In the last few years, global multinational corporations were exposed for deception and corruption. Even world-famous accounting films were caught falsifying reports. In many countries, surveys show that broadcast and print media are consistently ranked least trusted institutions in society. No wonder Isaiah cries out, "Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street" (Isaiah 59:14). And because truth is fallen in the street, we constantly assume that ungodly people are predisposed to lie and cheat us. The loss of truth causes people everywhere to become skeptical, cynical and untrusting. Sometimes we even doubt the veracity of God.

 

However, we can trust God. A believer must learn to love truth and communicate truth when he or she makes a promise. This is the very character of God, He is Truth and He communicates truth to us. Because God's Word is His bond, our word must be our bond! The Bible says, "It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows" (Proverbs 20:25). Jesus says, Let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No," "No." For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37).

Many Christians conveniently excuse themselves from the commitments they verbally make. Keep your promises to your spouse, your children, your friends, and, your God! Remember, your word is your bond. Keeping your promises witnesses to the nature and character of God alive in you. Just as He keeps His promises, we should determine to do so. I wonder what a difference in our world this simple intention would make if we all kept our promises and our words were truth? Of course it’s not an easy task, but it is within our ability to accomplish.

 

The Sycamore Tree

 

He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. (Luke 19:1-6 ESV).

 

Zacchaeus was a corrupt tax collector in the first-century Jericho. Out of curiosity, he went to hear Jesus. Because of his short stature, he had to climb up a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of the Lord. The sycamore (Ficus sycomorus) is a type of tree growing only in the Jordan Valley and near the Mediterranean coast. The sycamore is pictured as growing in abundance in the shephelah, or “lowland” (cf. 1 Kings 10:27). This is in contrast to cedars which Solomon planted in Jerusalem. The sycamore is not the same as the tree by that name that grows in North America. The sycamore tree belongs to the nettle family, like the mulberry and fig trees. The fruit looks like a fig, but the taste is unpleasant. A sycamore is a sturdy tree with wide-spreading branches. It has a short trunk with low limbs that allow for ease in climbing.

 

Of particular interest is the fact that a normal fig has soft skin. It is juicy, tasty and sold rather expensively. On the other hand, the fruit of the sycamore tree looks like a fig but its skin is hard. The fruit is inferior to the fig tree and has to be punctured to become edible. The moment a sycamore fruit is pierced, a breath of fresh air enters it and it will ripen into a soft, sweet, juicy fruit, much like a real fig. So while normal figs ripen on their own, a sycamore fruit will not. They require external intervention. The whole scene could not be more picture perfect, the hardened sinner among hardened fruits.

People become hard inwardly because of many reasons: sin (cf. Hebrews 3:13), pride (cf. Daniel 5:20), rebellion (cf. Psalm 95:8), or even religiosity (cf. John 12:40). Zacchaeus had become hard because of his greed and love for money. The good news is that Jesus came to him like a skilled farmer of sycamore trees. He came underneath the branches that Zacchaeus was perched on and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house" (v. 5). Those words flowed out of Jesus' mouth like a double-edged sword and pierced right into the heart of a hardened sinner. The breath of the Holy Spirit entered Zacchaeus and immediately, his heart began to melt and soften. In that moment, he received the unconditional love and acceptance of Christ. Do you need to climb your own sycamore tree?

Even the Sparrows

 

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! (Psalm 84:1-4 ESV).

 

Charles Spurgeon said our reading today, from Psalm 84, was entitled “to be called “The Pearl of Psalms.” He went on to say, “If the twenty-third be the most popular, the one-hundred-and-third the most joyful, the one-hundred-and-nineteenth the most deeply experiential, the fifty-first the most plaintive, this is one of the most sweet of the Psalms of Peace.” I love the third verse. The image is of sparrows and swallows making nests in the temple courts is so encouraging. Perhaps the most easily visualized of the descriptions found in this example.

What I like about the image is how, very plausibly, it places the psalmist in the temple courts at the time of composition. You can imagine the psalmist sitting in the temple with the intent to compose a song. The psalmist begins with expected lines, extolling the temple as home, as the resting place our hearts are yearning for. The psalmist then pauses and begins to think about what should come next in the song. And, then he gives us an unexpected image of birds nesting in the temple.

 

The origin of this image seems obvious enough. As the psalmist's eyes take in the temple courts, heart searching for the next lines, the psalmist looks up at the sky and notices the birds overhead, flying to and fro from their nests high up in the nooks and crannies of the temple. The psalmist watches the birds meditatively. And then the flash of recognition: Look, even the birds long to live here! Of course, the poem could have been written at some other time and place, with the birds nesting in the temple as a memory of a past visit. But I've always felt that the insertion of the nesting birds in the poem was most likely a spontaneous insight prompted by the psalmist actually sitting in the temple court while composing the song. What is so encouraging to me is that even these little common birds find safety in the temple of God. Shouldn’t we practice that same principle? Being in the presence of God is the safest place we can ever be!

 

How Can I Trust?

 

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV).

 

I know if you read yesterday’s devotional you may have come away with a sincere question of how you can trust the Lord in times of difficulty. After all, most of us have been in such dire circumstances that we only have the Lord left as an option and that may have felt like a failure to us. If you’ve ever thought, “Will God really come through for me?” you’re not alone. We’ve all been at a place where it seemed as if God was simply silent. The prayers that we pray for years, over and over, followed by what feels like silence are the times that nag at the corners of our trust. Our humanity wants to know. Our quest is to understand life like God does. And that leads us to struggle with trusting God’s plan and purpose in our life.

 

Let me make a few suggestions why God’s worthy of our trust. It really can be reduced to the simplicity of the truth that He’s proven Himself many times over to be trustworthy. The fact that He’s treated us well and shown us honesty over and over is the basis of future trust. He’s proven it through the revelation of His character in the Scripture. When you read God’s story in the Bible you see the character of God and how He cares for His people. The psalmist puts it this way: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8). However, there is much more. We can see God’s trustworthiness in the way He has cared for us in our lives. Even the very breath we take is from the Lord, yet we find these common gifts of grace to be somehow less than miraculous. The intricacies of our bodies are a testament to the love and care of God. If nothing else, the cross is more than enough proof that God has proven His trustworthiness. He will was willing to die so we might live. There is no greater love!

 

Perhaps we simply need to be quicker to trust God in every circumstance in life and then we may never come to the end of our rope. After all, hasn’t He promised to bring us to eternal life where nothing can interrupt His goodness towards us!

 

The End of a Short Rope

 

From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121:1-8 ESV).

 

I have often heard people tell me they were at the end of their rope; however, when the rope seems to get shorter, that’s when the panic sets in. And, if you have lived any length of time at all you have experienced coming to the end of a short rope. I’ve also heard many people glibly respond to such a panic with “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” Well, if you have enough rope to tie a knot at the end, you’re not really at the end of it, are you? There is a better mean of conquering your circumstance. Our reading gives us the key when we get to the end of our rope, with no help in sight.

 

The writer of this old psalm begins with this incredible declaration, “From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (v. 1). I like the old King James Version in this instance. Here the translation is “I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where my help comes.” The gist of the meaning is that the Lord holds the superior strategic position (the “hills”); and, since He has this position of power and strength, He is the One who will come to our rescue. His emphasis is even stronger as he reminds us that it is the Lord who “made heaven and earth.” If He is that strong, is there really anything too difficult for Him to handle!

 

Typically our problem is that we seem to suffer along in our own strength way too long. It is almost as if we are holding to a belief of self sufficiency in spite of the reality of our inability to overcome our pain and difficulty. Part of that is rooted in the pioneer spirit of our culture. We have developed this attitude of “pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps.” Even when we have failed over and over again with this attempt, we still go there first. We subscribe to the If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Of course, we should develop a strong sense of perseverance; however, perseverance does not necessitate facing our trials alone. Jesus’ invitation to join Him in His yoke is loudly calling out to us (cf. Matthew 11:28). We simply refuse to call out to Him. So, if you are at the end of your rope, with nothing left to tie a knot in, Look to the Lord!

 

Jesus Loves Me!

 

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  (Romans 5:6-10 ESV).

 

Self-degradation is a common theme in our culture. And, it is simply wrong-headed. It is so easy to tear ourselves down. We all know the dialog. It is so easy to step into the pattern of self -degradation and walk its familiar path. It has become altogether too easy for many to think so lowly of themselves. It has been easier to stop listening to what God says about us and start caring more about what others think. We need to find the path towards renewing our mind and our self-image with the Word of God. It’s time to rediscover our biblical self-worth and overcome an increasingly toxic worldview.

 

The key is in learning how to talk to ourselves. There is always “more” or “better” that can be done. However, God has not chosen us based on what we have done; He has chosen us based on what He has done. We should learn to talk to ourselves in terms of faith instead of fear, forgiveness instead of guilt and shame. This is made all the more difficult by our culture. We are told to do more. We come to the conclusion that if we only prayed more, or memorized more Scripture, or attended more Bible studies, then we’d be able to live more like all their smiling, hymn-singing friends flooding their social media feeds. However, all this merely leads to temporary behavior modification at best, leaving us feeling worse than before.

 

As a result, we’ve traded the life-affirming growth of Christ for perfectionism. Perfectionism paralyzes every time. It eventually drags us backward as we substitute time with our Savior, simply resting in His presence — no hiding, conniving, or striving — with checking off lists and following rules. Our source of power, hope, and life slips through our consciousness. Instead, let me encourage you to develop a robust understanding of grace. With that you may mentally hit pause and remind yourself of what you know to be true: Jesus loves you, has died for you, forgiven you, and is growing within you. That’s where strength, freedom, and life-change are found. Go ahead, sing it again… Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!

 

Take Heart!

 

Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:31-33 ESV).

 

It’s not easy being a “people.” Our lives are filled with countless ups and downs and although we yearn for a sense of control, we live each day never really know what is going to happen next. We seek to live lives filled with pleasure and try at all costs to limit pain, but we inevitably experience our fair share of both. The awareness and acceptance of this fundamental reality is what differentiates us from almost all other species and provides a unique challenge for our existence. The Scripture talks about this as “taking heart.” It is another way of saying we have reason to be optimistic.

 

The ability to put optimism front and center can transform your life. Like religion or any other belief you hold to be true, being an optimist requires faith. It is the faith in the work of Christ in our lives that allows us to believe that no matter what, everything is going to be okay. This same faith also helps us see solutions to problems, alleviate stress and avoid dwelling in state of anxiety and fear. Of course, even with the most adept optimists there are going to be times when pessimism creeps into your life. The great question becomes how do we shift from that fear to hope? Let me make two suggestions.

 

First, practice gratitude. When you wake up in the morning, take a few moments to intentionally remind yourself of things you are grateful for. We often lose sight of just how amazing our lives are. Doing this exercise in the morning helps get your mind focused on all the good things happening in your world and sets you up to have a positive day. Second, smile more. It’s been written about a lot, but don’t underestimate the power that smiling can have on your life. This most basic human expression has been shown to reduce stress hormone levels, lower blood pressure and stimulate our brain’s reward mechanisms. And, third, recall the many expressions of grace God has shown to you in the past. Throughout the day I have found that as I remember those “singular” moments of grace that stand out from “normal life,” normal now becomes much easier to navigate. In fact, this is how I’ve come to the conclusion that God has been so good to me, I am bubble-wrapped! We all are, really. That’s what grace does!

 

Rainy Days and Mondays

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. (Psalm 145:1-6 ESV).

 

I am writing this devotional on Monday, March 21^st. Here, as in much of Texas, it is a rainy Monday. Now, don’t misunderstand, in our area we are very grateful for the rain. It has been very dry and we have had some devastating grass fires break out destroying large areas. As of yesterday there were still three fires burning over thousands of acres and yet to be controlled. The rain is welcome! However, I am also reminded of the effect such days have on many. For those who survived the mind-bending seventies ― an era marked by anti-war protests, bell-bottom pants, lava lamps, and Saturday Night Fever ― the soft, compelling voice of Karen Carpenter may come to mind with the title of this issue. The Carpenters were a welcome reprieve for many with a softer, more reflective sound.

 

The words of their 1971 hit, Rainy Days and Mondays, roll through my mind. As Karen sings of how rainy Mondays always get her down, I note her words in the following line hold the solution to her pain. She states, “The only thing to do is run and find the one who loves me.” If those who feel unloved and discarded in today’s culture knew the One who loved them, there would be far less anxiety, depression, and suicide. God’s Word tells us that without hope, people perish (cf. Proverbs 29:18). We see this sad conclusion play out daily in the news.

 

Let me remind you today (hopefully a sunny and bright day) that our heavenly Father is a God of compassion who desires to lift us above our circumstances. He encourages us to come to him when we are “weary and heavy-laden.” Walking daily by his side is where we’ll find rest for our souls. Our reading tells us that He is loving and faithful. He is our Protector, Provider, and Sustainer. He is our Savior, and he is near. Rainy days on any day of the week do not need to get us down. Don’t walk to Him… run to Him. You will be met with open arms and “unsearchable greatness” (v. 2).

  

Italian Festival, 2022

 

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17 ESV).

 

Mary and I have just returned from the annual Italian Festival held each year on the Saturday nearest St. Joseph’s Day, which is March 19^th. Since my family members are all descendants from Sicilian immigrants, this festival is especially meaningful. A little background will be helpful, especially if you are not familiar with such traditions. As you might expect, Sicily has many religious festivals, many dating back to ancient times. March 19^th is celebrated throughout Italy as a day of honoring and giving thanks to Saint Joseph the patron saint of workers and artisans. It is also Father’s Day throughout Italy. The picture I’ve included is of the altar that was displayed at the historical home of one of my cousins. The day began with a brief time of worship and prayer led by the local priests asking for blessings on all.

 

The story is told that the first celebration was held just following a severe drought, in the Middle Ages, when crops were failing and families were starving. The people prayed to St. Joseph to help them by sending rain. They promised a feast in his name if he could answer their prayers. The rain came, crops were planted and the people kept their word and now every year prepare a table (tavola) of thanks to St. Joseph. Traditionally, the tables have a three stepped display, representing the Holy Trinity. There are both public and private St. Joseph's tables and much of the food is donated, this is called the "questua". Although each table will be different they will all display an effigy of Joseph holding Jesus.

 

While the “table” pictured here is not as large as some in other places, there were many other baked goods available as donations were collected to be given to the local church to use in their ministry to the poor and hungry of the area. Of course, there was plenty of fun and fellowship reuniting with family and friends not seen in some time. And, as might be expected from an Italian festival there was lots of food! My point is this… we cannot miss an opportunity to gather in celebration with family; and, we must be careful to help others who may not be as fortunate as we. As our reading makes clear, that is the essence of the expression of our faith. Be careful to express your faith to those who are in need around you each day of the year.

 

This Great Treasure

 

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:6-11 ESV).

 

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn’t able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner’s home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it. Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. “Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?” he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector’s emotions were deeply stirred. “I have no right to keep that to myself,” he exclaimed. “It’s yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it.”

 

As I read the first chapter of Acts and the Ascension account, I remembered this story and thought, “Are we mere collectors of the great treasure we call “the Gospel”? Jesus’ last words to his disciples were a simple enjoinder to go and tell others what they had seen and heard. Like them we cannot become so busy with life that we leave the telling of this great news of redemption to someone else. It is our story to tell. I think we have become so familiar with the greatest miracle ever imagined we fail to share it with others. There are so many ways to share our story. We have this unique experience with the Redeemer. Don’t miss an opportunity to show others what you have seen and experienced.

 

Devil's Island Closes

 

And he [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:15-21 ESV).

 

Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco’s Bay closed down and transfers its last prisoners on this day 63 years ago. At its peak period of use in 1950s, “The Rock," or "America’s Devil Island," housed over 200 inmates at the maximum-security facility. Alcatraz remains an icon of American prisons for its harsh conditions and record for being inescapable. The twelve-acre rocky island, one and a half miles from San Francisco, featured the most advanced security of the time. Some of the first metal detectors were used at Alcatraz. Strict rules were enforced against the unfortunate inmates who had to do time at Alcatraz. Nearly complete silence was mandated at all times. Even the notorious mafia boss, Al Capone, found it to be nearly impossible to tolerate. He was one of the first prisoners to occupy the new Alcatraz federal prison in August, 1934. Capone had bribed guards to receive preferential treatment while serving his tax-evasion sentence in Atlanta, but that changed after his transfer to Devil’s Island. The conditions broke Capone. “It looks like Alcatraz has got me licked,” he reportedly told his warden. In fact, Convict No. 85 became so cooperative that he was permitted to play banjo in the Alcatraz prison band, the Rock Islanders, which gave regular Sunday concerts for other inmates. It was a far cry from his ruthless lifestyle in Chicago.

 

The Bible teaches that the real “Devil’s Island” is the fallen world in which we now live. This world is beset by our sin nature. We shouldn’t be surprised by the grim events of evil men in our world. This is what a world with the perfect rule of Christ looks like. The Good News is that Jesus has broken that curse and even now is working His will and purpose to save as many of us from the eternal curse of death as possible. He has already set the captives free by His crucifixion and resurrection. We now merely wait for the final judgment of His rule to be enacted. Perhaps it will be soon!

The Long Sigh (Pt. 3)

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30 ESV).

 

The second practical revelation that Jesus gives us to capture “The Long Sigh” in our lives is in this little phrase, “Come to me…” (v. 28). As I wrote yesterday, it begins with an intentional trust in the good plan and purpose of God; but, we are required to participate. Jesus will make this even more clearly evident when He uses the image of “taking his yoke” (v. 28).

 

One of the many memorable moments in our trip to Florida is pictured with this devotional. David and I were fishing at the small lake behind his house when I hooked and landed a nice bass. All of the kids were out there watching us fish, but when Maggie saw me reel in this bass she came running and said, “Can I throw him back PeePaw?” Of course I said “yes.” We had to pose for the picture and then back into the lake he went. Afterward Maggie remarked, “We caught a good fish, didn’t we PeePaw?” I laughed and said, “We sure did.”

 

Watch this… I didn’t need to call to her and ask her if she wanted to help me “catch” this fish. She came to me. And, I never would refuse her helping. Our Father is like that. He’s not asking us to labor more. He’s inviting us to come and lesson the burden of the labor He is already doing with us. Somehow we forget the incredible benefit and blessing of being in this journey with Him. He does not separate Himself from our circumstance. The quicker we come alongside Him and do what He is already doing, the quicker we will feel this incredible rest for our souls.

 

Perhaps the best way we can accomplish that is by redirecting our thoughts. We must get past the momentary pain and focus on the ultimate gain of our eternal life. That is not just a “then and there,” but a “here and now” life. I can persevere better when I think about the prize that awaits me at the finish line (cf. Philippians 3:14). That’s how we run without the weariness so pervasive in this sinful world.

  

The Long Sigh (Pt. 2)

 

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30 ESV).

 

I hope you were able to read yesterday’s devotional. It sets the stage for the next few days as we explore some practical ways to enter into the rest Jesus offers to all believers. Today I want to call your attention to the beginning of our reading. Jesus says, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children” (v. 25). The contrast between “the wise and understanding” and “little children” is very important. The picture I’ve attached today is self explanatory in many ways. It is a young child sleeping on their parent’s chest.

 

I remember those days very well even though my sons are much older now. It was especially true with my oldest son, Kyle. He would have been diagnosed with reflux today though nearly five decades ago all we knew was his most comfortable sleeping position was on my chest as I reclined in a chair. I’m told that was true because it provided warmth and the right position for him to digest his food properly without discomfort. Regardless, we found out very quickly that the only way for him to sleep without waking was to place him on my chest; at least this position gave both of us some measure of sleep, even if he got a better night’s sleep than I did.

 

This is the contrast Jesus draws on in His comparison to the “wise and understanding” and the “children.” So, often I have found that it is much more difficult for me to be at rest when I over think my circumstances. The truth is I tend to trust myself and my personal strength first rather than turn to the waiting arms of my Savior. We all tend to be “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” kind of people when facing any difficult circumstance. The first practical application in finding the long sigh of rest is to go to Jesus first. That means we recognize His strength working in our life for good, even when it is counterintuitive. Practically this looks like an intentional focus on perseverance rather than escape or avoidance!

The Long Sigh (Pt. 1)

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30 ESV).

 

Through the years I have had the great privilege of knowing many people. I have found that many of them have had a significant influence in my life; and, some have become life-long friends. One of those is Alex Pazdan. I met Alex while living in Tennessee. We have had many hours’ long conversations dealing with many topics and circumstances. His knowledge of the Scripture is incredible. We have also talked into the wee hours about other topics, which ultimately led to our collaboration in writing Lone Star: Independence, my first foray into historical fiction.

 

I give this background to provide a bit of context for today’s devotional, The Long Sigh. While we were talking this past Monday evening, he simply said, “I really need a long sigh.” By his own admission he is more of an “Eeyore” while I am much more of a “Tigger.” You wouldn’t think we would have such a good relationship; but, like the characters created by A. A. Milne under the title of “Winnie the Pooh,” we seem to be quite relaxed around one another. At any rate, the more we talked the more I began to visualize my own need for a long sigh, especially after a long day of counseling. Wednesdays are such days for me. I usually being around 10 am and go back-to-back for 12 hours. Needless to say I am somewhat tired when I finally arrive home after the 45 mile drive from the office. I am much like the old man in our illustration I’ve attached to this writing. About all I want to think about is sitting in my recliner and with a long sigh, nodding off into a nap.

 

I’m convinced that just like Alex and I, there are many more people like us than not. You may be in need of a rest in your journey today. Jesus beckons all of us to that kind of rest. Our reading today is that call. We’re going to examine this passage in more detail in the coming days and cite some practical ways to experience that feet propped up, eyes closed serenely rest. Today, would you begin to redirect your thoughts away from the stress and difficulty of your circumstance to the provision Jesus has already made and proffers to us through His grace? Start there. Go ahead, prop your feet up. He’s got this! 

St. Patrick's Day, 2022

 

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. (Psalm 52:8-9 ESV).

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I haven’t often written a devotional specifically centered around this day, though this is my “patron saint” and namesake. Yes, my middle name is Patrick. Just like my first name is much more Irish than Sicilian it is never-the-less so. There’s a long story attached to this fact that I really don’t want to spend the time or space recounting today. Suffice it to say, the name doesn’t match my genetic heritage at all. It is a wonderful holiday though. Combined with the truth from the Davidic psalm in our reading, we have a wonderful reminder of the goodness and mercy of God.

 

Perhaps a little background would be instructive. St. Patrick was born in Britain in the 4^th century AD.  It is believed that as a young man, Patrick was kidnapped and taken into slavery to Ireland.  He claimed that his escape from Ireland and his eventual return to Britain was based upon God’s instructions, given to him in a dream.  After his return to Britain, he began to study for the Catholic priesthood. Later in life, as a Catholic bishop, Patrick said that he was called to return to Ireland to win over the Irish who held a belief in many Gods.  It is believed that he used the shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of the trinity. Although originally being associated with the color blue, gradually green became the representative color for St. Patrick’s Day.  It is believed the color green has been associated with the celebration due to the color of the shamrock and the lush green vegetation found in Ireland.

 

The symbolic use of the color green is not limited to the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.  In the Bible the color green is often associated with a state of blessing from God. Our reading reminds us of this truth. Here David is recognizing the blessed conditions of his life.  He describes being blessed greatly as being “like a green olive tree” (v. 8). “Green” is symbolically describing his flourishing life.  As a green tree is filled with health and life; so too, David was thriving having both his physical and, especially, his spiritual needs supplied by His God. He then recounts his many blessings from God and looks ahead in faith.  He realizes that the Lord can be relied upon for his future physical and his spiritual needs, just as his past needs were met. It is merely another way of reminding us our good fortune has nothing to do with “luck”; it is all a result of the blessing of our Heavenly Father. As you wear your green today, remember that truth!

 

Truth that Sets You Free

 

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”  (John 8:31-38 ESV).

 

Transformational change is a topic that many have taken up. Virtually all of the people I work with each week are seeking some change in their lives. It may be their desire to reconcile or restore a broken relationship; or, perhaps they are seeking to find change in a habitual practice that has proven to be destructive in their lives. Our reading today gives us the answer to the secret to real, lasting change. The secret to personal change is not willpower. The secret is to know and face the truth.

 

Jesus says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (v. 31). While it is true that Jesus is ultimately the Word, here He is speaking in a more general way referencing knowing the words of truth which can only come from being His disciples. Behind every self-defeating habit in our lives is a lie that we come to believe. The Bible teaches that personal change starts with truth. The Apostle Paul says, “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him . . .” (Ephesians 4:21 NLT). Jesus made the declaration that He alone was “the way, the truth, and the Life” (John 14:6), and because Jesus is the truth, he will always tell you the truth. This includes the Scripture. These are the words that God has breathed to us (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17); they are truth.

 

We have come to recognize that what we are told by the media certainly lacks credibility. It simply is not always the unadorned truth. We’ve even become skeptical about the things we hear from what once might have been reliable sources. The only means through which we can know the truth is in relationship with the One who is Truth. From there we can trust the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to guide us in that truth we experience in the Scripture. As long as we build our lives on a foundation of lies, misconceptions, deceptions, or half-truths, we will never change. Today commit yourself to examining every source against the truth of the Scripture. That is your path to freedom and transformation.