Seeking the Lord

 

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9 ESV).

 

I am always amazed at how the Lord teaches me. There are those times when it is a hard learned lesson in difficult circumstances, though most of the time I learn in the simple experiences of life. Last year Mary and I were privileged to spend a week with David, Becca, and their children Maggie, Lucy, and Harris (pictured here). They rented a cabin in the southern end of the Smokies. It was an incredible time as we enjoyed being with our children and grandchildren. It was also a time when the Lord reminded me of how much joy can be found in our journey simply looking for him.

 

This truth came during one of my “hikes” with the grandkids. The name of the cabin we stayed in was “Owl Hollow.” A part of the outdoor activities the owners had devised was searching for the twelve owls that had been placed on the property. You can see in the picture that we found one sitting on a stump not far from the cabin. We searched throughout the property and ultimately did find them all. It was a fun exercise as we tromped through the wooded area talking and laughing together.

 

The Lord intends us to “seek Him.” I am not indicating that He is far away; in fact, He is within us through the presence of the Holy Spirit. However, I would remind us that knowing He is present and “finding” Him are different. The first is passive, while the latter is very dynamic and active. When I actively seek the Lord, I am always much better prepared when circumstances crowd into my life making it seem He is nowhere to be found.

 

I wonder if this may be a time in your life when you need to take a little “hike” to find the Lord? The trail is well traveled and marked clearly. Tomorrow we will begin to prepare for the celebration of Christmas in the devotionals. Perhaps it would be fun to find all the Old Testament descriptions of who this child would be in prophecy; or perhaps reading through the Gospel of Luke would be your path. There are many others as well. Join me on this search! It will be a point of encouragement and peace as you do.

 

Be Strong and Courageous

 

[Moses said] “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.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV).

 

The last days of November are always a bit challenging for me in the writing of Morning Devotionals. It’s a bit early to begin Christmas devotionals and it’s past Thanksgiving. Of course, I know it never too early or too late to talk about gratitude or the birth of Jesus. However, it is a natural “crease” in the timing of the calendar for the devotionals. So, as I sit at the computer and peck away at the keys, my hope is that I will settle on a topic that might prove encouraging and helpful to my readers. Thus, I’ve chosen what has been my life verse since I was twenty years old.

 

In 1969 my pastor and mentor, Bailey Stone, told me that it was time that I be ordained. That was a terrifying thought at that time. In our denomination it required an ordaining council to be convened. There were seven pastors and deacons on the council, which was led by Bailey. He was very diligent in preparing me for the questions that would be posed to me. Then after the questioning they would each vote to decide whether I was ready for ordination to the ministry.

 

The questioning took about two hours. The topics were varied and sometimes difficult. Some of the topics dealt with interpretation of Scripture, while others were more practically focused on philosophy of ministry. I was prepared and evidently passed the scrutiny of the council as the vote was unanimous to recommend ordination. It was both terrifying and exhilarating. They scheduled an ordination service rather quickly. The council would report to the congregation their findings and recommendation for a vote from the church. Following an affirmative vote, the service would proceed with all ordained ministers coming to me and laying hands on me, praying over me. It was a moving experience hearing the prayers and Scriptures quoted over me by all these men. The last to pray was my pastor. Gently and softly he whispered his prayer in my ear and quoted the verse in our reading today. Little did I know how essential that verse would become. Through every challenging moment of my life I remembered that there was nothing to be feared as the Lion of Judah walked beside me and protected me from all. Jesus would never forsake me. It is the same for you as well! Trust the Lion!

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 ESV).

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Y’all! I pray that your day will be filled with the blessing of God as well as a deeper understanding of His grace toward you.

 

I know there are some of you who are discouraged or saddened amid circumstances that have inserted themselves into your lives. This is the reason for my choice in Scripture reading today. The Apostle Paul is writing from a Roman prison awaiting his death. Yet he declares, “Rejoice always… give thanks in all circumstances.” I can say with the apostle that is the truth of God.

 

It often doesn’t “feel” like it is good; in fact, it may not even appear like it is good. However, the goodness of God cannot be doubted as He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus on our behalf to bestow on us eternal life.

 

If you are struggling today, financially, relationally, or in your family, please remember the end of the story has already been written. It simply hasn’t been published yet. It will. God will reveal and enact that final chapter in all our lives and it will be good! Trust in Him and give thanks for His enduring, eternal love!

 

 

The Meaning of Thanksgiving Day - Pt. 3

 

Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:10-13 ESV).

 

Twenty-one years ago (which fell on Thanksgiving Day that year) I was preparing for the Thanksgiving meal with David and Aaron when I received the call from Kyle that it looked like the twins were going to be born that day. Faith and Logan, our oldest grandchildren, were indeed born that day in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Mary was already there since she had moved to help Kyle and Brandy as she was hospitalized and on bed rest to insure the longest term possible for the babies. They were born at 36 weeks though that required a lengthy stay in the hospital.

 

When Kyle called, he asked how soon I could get there and my reply was simple. I had purchased a plane ticket for that day many days before. I told him I had planned on being there since I believed God was going to bring them into the world on Thanksgiving. He scoffed a bit at that, but it was true. I have known God to have a bit of humorous fun with me through the years. A part of that is the reminder of how little I need to control. So, my feeling was that regardless of what I might think, Faith and Logan would be a constant reminder of the goodness and graciousness of God being born on Thanksgiving Day. I did not get there for the actual birth (I would have been in the way anyhow), I was able to see them on their first day of life outside the womb. What a blessing!

 

The picture I’ve included with this devotional was taken last year at an Aggie football game. You can see they have grown into wonderful young adults. I could write so much more about my gratitude for how God has already worked in my life as I have watched each step of their growth. I suppose that should not surprise me. God is like that. So, today, I want to remind each of you of two things. First, God is good and desires that good for us; and, second, regardless of the circumstances, be thankful for God’s great gift of life. Happy Birthday, Faith and Logan… thank you for being in my life! And, thank you Lord for bringing them into my life!

 

The Meaning of Thanksgiving Day - Pt. 2

 

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Psalm 107:1-3 ESV).

 

When discussing the history of Thanksgiving, we usually start with the Pilgrims. Quite a bit of myth surrounds the Pilgrims and the “first” Thanksgiving. Generally, the myths oversimplify the facts. What is true is that the Pilgrims, hoping to obtain more religious freedom apart from the Church of England, sailed across the Atlantic aboard a ship called the Mayflower as part of a for-profit venture underwritten by investors in England. Arriving in November 1620, the Pilgrims quickly discovered they were woefully ill-prepared for a New England winter. Before that first winter’s end, starvation and disease killed nearly half of the 100 or so settlers.

 

It wasn’t until spring that the local Native Americans, the Wampanoag, approached the Pilgrims in hopes of making an alliance against another tribe that threatened them. They had kept their distance because earlier English explorers had kidnapped some of the indigenous people and taken them to Europe as enslaved people. The Wampanoag had a man living with them who had been one of those kidnapped and enslaved, who had regained his freedom and returned to America. His name was Tisquantum, or Squanto, as some of his Pilgrim friends would call him. Tisquantum spoke English and taught the Pilgrims to plant corn, hunt, and fish. By the late fall of 1621, the settlement had laid up a great store for the coming winter. They celebrated with several days of prayers, feasting, and games. Hearing the festivities, about 90 Wampanoag people joined the fun, contributing venison and corn to the feast.

 

Many now think of these days of thanksgiving as “the first Thanksgiving.” But the tradition of declaring days of thanksgiving long predated the Pilgrims’ celebration in 1621. Community leaders could proclaim a day of thanksgiving at any time of year, but would often do so after a particularly good harvest. The Pilgrims’ feasts were probably not even the first days of thanksgiving in North or South America. However, the tradition was more common in the New England colonies, and as years passed, it became more regular. As New Englanders migrated west, they took their traditions with them. An enduring legend arose from the dramatic events in 1620 and 1621 that most certainly fueled the burgeoning custom through the nearly 200 years that followed. By the early 1800s, days of thanksgiving were being sporadically proclaimed nationally and at the state level, most often in the late fall. By the mid-19th century, many states in the North held annual thanksgiving holidays in the fall as days to give corporate thanks to God for his provision and blessings in the harvest. By this time, the tradition had also begun to include foods found primarily in eastern North America, most notably turkey. Proponents of making Thanksgiving a national holiday harkened back to those days of feasting in 1621 as the first Thanksgiving…even if it wasn’t the first.

 

While it did not originally begin as a religious holiday, it was coupled with the concept of being thankful to God for His gracious deliverance. That is at the heart of this wonderful holiday. I hope you’ll stay tuned for the next few days as I intend to share some of the wonderful blessings God has given to us as a reminder of the Source of all good things! Today I encourage you to start making your list of those things in your life. Post them in the replies to this little devotional so we might encourage one another in these days.

 

The Meaning of Thanksgiving Day - Pt. 1

 

Now the Spirit expressly says that yin later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV).

 

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love family and friends coming together and sharing a big meal. I have had the opportunity to spend time cooking the turkey in many ways. I’ve roasted it, smoked it, deep fried it, and always enjoyed the result. Cooking brings me joy, however, the greatest of joys is sitting around the table with family and eating as we talk about our experiences the previous year.

 

I have so much to be thankful for. I have a happy and healthy family, a humble home, a wonderful church, lots of friends, and all our needs being met. But after the hustle and bustle of reaching this moment, it’s time to thank God for his provision and blessings. I must take a deep breath before offering to pray. All the preparation and activity can distract me from the main point. Thanksgiving Day gives us the opportunity to do that. We’ve taken this day as a nation to focus on thankfulness and gratitude and, as Christians, specifically, our thanksgiving to God.

 

Since 1863, Thanksgiving Day has been a national holiday in the United States. God calls his people to live thankful lives all the time, but our forebears decided to establish one day each year to emphasize giving thanks as a nation. Since it’s a federal holiday, some might ask, “Is Thanksgiving a Christian holiday?” The answer to that question is a definite “yes and no.” Yes, on the one hand, because giving thanks to God for his blessings and provision was the stated purpose of the holiday declared in 1863. But, on the other hand, no, because Thanksgiving Day is not part of the traditional liturgical calendar like Christmas and Easter. From that perspective, it is a secular holiday despite its remaining Christian overtones, and perhaps a majority of families in the U.S., whatever their relationship with God, still “say grace” before the Thanksgiving meal.

 

In any case, Thanksgiving does have deep roots in Christianity. And at the end of the day, as we slip into our food comas, we’re free to make our Thanksgiving Day celebrations as Christian as we like. In the next few days we’ll take a quick look at the history of Thanksgiving in the United States to enhance our gratitude on this wonderful day.

 

Happiness - Pt. 9

 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV).

 

The book of Revelation speaks of conflicts and battles involving mysterious powers of evil, and we may wonder how and when such things might take place. Yet all who have hope in Christ have nothing to fear. The final result has already been announced. The Lord of heaven and earth has won the decisive battle through the finished work of Jesus, and the final triumph is assured. When the curtains of history close, there will be “a new heaven and a new earth” in which God lives with his people forever.

 

God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and mourning, death, and pain will disappear. Imagine the joy of living in the presence of the Lord, who has promised us his glorious inheritance. Our bodies will be renewed, and we will reign eternally with Christ. Sin will no longer be present in our lives, because nothing impure can stand in God’s presence. There will be no sickness or suffering. All injustice and conflict will be things of the past.

 

All who are redeemed in Christ are welcomed into God’s kingdom by grace. Jesus is the only way that leads to God (cf. John 14:6). And in the presence of God there is and will be fullness of joy forever!

 

Happiness - Pt. 8

 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV).

 

Sadness is a daily struggle of many people. The world is full of suffering and hardship, and it can be difficult to find peace and happiness. As a result, people can become bitter about the adversity and struggles in their lives, and many blame God for their hardship and sorrow. The apostle Paul, however, had a different message to share. Though he was in prison and had gone through many hardships, he knew he could find joy in the Lord, his Creator and Savior. He wrote to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

 

Joy in the Lord is not a trivial or fleeting emotion. Instead, it results from the deepest possible peace of knowing that your destiny is secure in God’s hands. As a result, a person can have deep and lasting joy in the Lord even during great suffering and pain.

 

Life is not intended to be a series of exhilarating amusements. We are not living in a theme park. Our fallen world presents us with struggles and dark valleys. Our journey is sometimes filled with challenges that seem insurmountable. But our happiness is not a superficial, fleeting emotion. Our joy does not depend on the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

 

As Paul puts it, our joy is in the Lord. In other words, Jesus is the source of our joy. He is the content of our happiness. Our happiness is not just in the absence of bad things or in the presence of good things. Our happiness is in Jesus, knowing that he loves and cares for us and is with us always—forever!

 

Happiness - Pt. 7

 

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. (Psalm 41:1-3 ESV).

 

A compassionate heart is not among the most popular qualities in our world today. If you want to climb to the top, people say, you often must trample on others. Compassion is considered an attribute of people who are weak. However, this is not the message of Scripture.

 

The Bible says, “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak.” And this does not mean just thinking about people who are disadvantaged; it means caring about them and doing something about it. People who care are those who open their hearts with the willingness to share what they have with people in need. Generosity goes hand in hand with compassion and care as people seek to show God’s love in this world.

 

We find happiness not when we have everything in our hands but when we share with people in need, giving from our abundance as the Lord has given to us.

 

The generous person sows happily and reaps the blessed fruit of God’s ongoing favor. God himself multiplies our sowing so that we can continue to give generously. God provides for us and gives us health and strength to do more by spreading his love to others. When we open our hearts, hands, and pockets to share from all that God has given us, we find joy and happiness in giving freely as the Lord gives, without strings attached.

 

Happiness - Pt. 6

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. (Psalm 24:1-6 ESV).

 

Faith is not disconnected from happiness. If you imagine the Christian as sullen and gloomy, that is not what God has in mind. Happiness is a matter of the heart, and it has to do with holiness and purity.

 

As the psalmist writes in our reading today, those who have “clean hands and a pure heart . . . will receive blessing from the Lord.” They will be able to stand in the holy presence of the Lord. Or, as Jesus put it, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

 

Yet we cannot be pure in heart without the saving work of Jesus. As Proverbs 20:9 makes clear, “Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’?” Only Jesus can say that, and only he has made it possible for us to be purified so that we can live in the presence of God.

 

If we think that happiness lies in the pleasures that the world offers, we are mistaken. The attractions of the world may give pleasure for a moment, but they do not satisfy the heart forever. The blessed are not people who give free rein to their passions. The blessed are those whose hearts are made pure through the power of God in Jesus Christ.

 

Indeed, they are abundantly blessed because God is the one who purifies them. They are truly and eternally happy!

  

Happiness - Pt. 5

 

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV).

 

The Apostle Paul writes our reading today from a Roman prison. A prison would surely seem more like a cage than a classroom. But some of God’s faithful servants landed in prison, and they learned precious lessons from their time in captivity. The apostle Paul, for example, waited in a Roman prison for two years to appeal his case to Caesar. And during that time he was able to share the good news of Jesus with many people who visited him (cf. Acts 28:16-31). Paul had been through many trials and hardships—all related to sharing the gospel of Christ. And he gave thanks that even “the whole palace guard” had learned why he was in chains (Philippians 1:13). Instead of allowing bitterness to fill his heart, Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

 

Happiness is not a reality that is outside of us; it is an attitude that flows from within us. There are people who seem to have everything—and yet they have nothing. There are rich poor and poor rich. Though a person may be in chains, their heart can live in paradise. Others may tread on velvet carpets, but their soul can be in the torment of hell. Happiness is not automatic; it involves a learning process. We are happy when our source of pleasure is in our relationship with God and others.  If it is in material things, it will never produce happiness. It is only when our soul delights in the provider and not in the provisions. God is the source of our happiness, not things!

 

What a great time of the year to reflect on the real things to give thanks for. Use the time this year to focus on the blessings of God. After all, it cost Him everything to give us such a great gift… eternal life and a relationship that can never be taken away!

 

Happiness - Pt. 4

 

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. (Psalm 119:89-93 ESV).

 

When I was in the Corps at Texas A&M we would often practice in formation. It was not long until we all learned how to march in columns and lines without any deviation. The picture I’ve attached with today’s devotional pictures the precision of the Cadet Corps and the Aggie Band at halftime of the game last Saturday. That Block T required over 2,500 men and women precisely lined up in their positions. Reliance on your fellow cadets is essential. This principle is at the heart of finding happiness in our lives. Happiness is not just about avoiding the way of wickedness and folly. And it’s not about staying away from people. The life of the monk or the hermit is not the ideal of the Christian faith, as some early Christians believed. Christianity is distinguished by a lifestyle in tune with the will of God. He is the One we can get our “columns and lines” straight. And, that produces happiness.

 

Psalm 1:1-2 answers, “Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” The Word of God is our source of joy and happiness. We are encouraged to meditate on it daily. We must fill our minds with God's truth. We must feed our hearts with the promises that come from the Word of God. His Word is better than refined gold and sweeter than honey. God’s Word restores the soul and gives wisdom to the simple. This is what walking in His steps looks like.

 

In this time when so much misinformation circulates on the internet and other media, the Word is bread that nourishes and water that purifies. Through it we keep our hearts pure, and we triumph over the enemy. Today and every day, remember to feed on God’s Word and to enjoy the nourishment that sustains us, heart and soul, on the way to full life.

 

Happiness - Pt. 3

 

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who do astray after a lie! You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told. (Psalm 40:1-5 ESV).

 

If you read yesterday’s devotional you may have come away with the impression that being happy is a matter of doing good things. Nothing could be further from the truth. While doing good things is a privilege we have been given because of our gift of eternal life in Christ, one of the most comforting truths for our lives is the providence of God. The Lord Almighty takes care of us. The same God who created us also sustains us. In this comfort we live and move and have our being.

 

God is the one who gives us breath and everything we need. God gives life to the seeds and plants we need for food. God gives us our daily bread and good health to enjoy. He even gives flavor to our food so that we can savor it. God is the one who preserves our life and delivers us from evil. The Lord God is our creator, provider, protector, redeemer, and comforter.

 

The apostle Paul asks, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Our life does not drift at random, at the mercy of mere circumstances. We are in the hands of the one who controls the universe.

 

How comforting it is to know that the God who rules the world is in control of our lives! It is a great assurance to troubled souls and burdened hearts to know that God cares for them. He is thinking about you right now and has not forgotten your pain and need. Knowing this, everyone who seeks the Lord can be filled with joy.

 

Happiness - Pt. 2

 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:5-10 ESV).

 

The first step in learning to be happy is to understand who we are and why we are here. Maybe you have asked or heard these questions before. These are philosophical questions that have kept some of the brightest people busy. The Bible teaches that we are created by God and made in his image. “We are God’s handiwork,” and he sent Jesus to redeem and renew us so that we can have eternal life with him. God renews us so that we can do good, and this is our purpose in life. With the new life that God makes possible for us in Christ, we seek to live God’s way and to do good so that we can show others the way to know God.

 

We find true happiness in being created by God for an extraordinary purpose. We are not a adrift in the sea of life, floating aimlessly through the ocean. We are not like a loose leaf carried by the wind. Life has a truly meaningful purpose. We are created by God to have full life with God and to shine the light of his love to others. God is the source and the destiny of our life.

 

The very meaning of eternal life is to know God and his Son, Jesus Christ, through the life-giving work of his Holy Spirit. This creates value in who we are and why we are here. Through God’s grace we are chosen for this wonderful purpose of helping others to recognize their calling into eternal life. That’s the beginning of our greatest and most complete happiness.

 

Happiness - Pt. 1

 

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:7-11 ESV).

 

I am often surprised by the number of people who believe that God desires us to experience pain over pleasure, or grief over happiness. God created us to enjoy the greatest of happiness: communion with him. We experience true happiness by loving God and enjoying intimacy with him. In the presence of God there is fullness of joy. Today we are beginning a series in the discovery of happiness in our lives. My prayer is that you will see the purpose of God to bring joy into your experience.

 

The best gifts in life come from God. It is tragic that so many people prefer to look elsewhere. Many seek happiness in possessions, power, or fame. People also seek happiness in pleasures, or they follow their dreams of success, hoping to find fulfillment in their lives. But in the end, they discover that those things offer only a mirage and not true happiness.

 

Happiness is a legitimate desire. Many people look for it eagerly every day of their lives, but they end up empty-handed. The source of happiness is not in things or in our own selfish pursuits, but in God. The best things of this world cannot make us happy, but God can, because he created us, calls us by name, and makes us his own. We become truly happy only when we know God and love him with all our heart and soul.

 

In the coming days we will see some of the genuine paths that lead to happiness. Know where you’re going and choose the route carefully. Genuine happiness is only found in Jesus.

 

Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 12

 

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:30-32 ESV).

 

I have found that retribution never ends well. The Scripture teaches this truth clearly, though often we tend to ignore it in favor of “getting even.” We have even developed a few common proverbs to describe this principle: “I don’t get even; I get ahead”; or “to the victor belongs the spoils.” There are many others, however, the teaching of the bible is clear. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God forgave you” (v. 32).

 

The life of Nelson Mandela provides a great illustration. He courageously fought against apartheid in South Africa. His actions led to wrongful convictions and time in prison because of political enemies. As he was leaving prison, he was quoted as saying, “As I stand at the door of my freedom, I realize that if I don't leave my pain, anger, and bitterness behind, I will always be in prison.”

 

Self-imprisonment is worse than the imprisonment that is imposed on us. Many people suffer from self-imposed prisons by refusing to forgive. But the inner walls of anger and resentment do not make us strong; instead, they make us bitter and miserable. When Nelson Mandela later came to power as the president of his country, he did not establish the law of the victor. Rather than seeking revenge against his political enemies, he showed forgiveness to all.

 

Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, and he even died for his enemies—that is, all of us. Christ's compassion for us is incomprehensible; he showed it by forgiving us all and dying for us. This love also moves us to forgive others for their faults against us. The Lord can help us to forgive everything.

 

Perhaps you have fallen into the temptation that it is acceptable to hate others for their differences. We are closing in on the season of Thanksgiving. Use this time to reevaluate your attitude toward others. Get rid of all bitterness and practice forgiveness.

 

Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 11

 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:7-12 ESV).

 

John teaches that “God is love.” One of the clearest ways God has shown his love to us has been through sending Jesus to us. And it’s important to note when God did this: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

 

God wants us to reflect the love he has shown to us as we interact with the people around us. As John puts it, “Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Likewise, Paul calls us to “follow God’s example” by showing love to all people. This is the response we should have in gratitude for His grace and mercy.

 

In some ways, love is what makes Christianity special. Other religions seem to focus more on obedience or a system of rewards for certain actions. And human reason cannot make sense of the focus on love. Loving actions that reflect the love of God can be so contrary to corrupt human reason. Our hearts are used to a quid pro quo—I’ll do this because you did that. Following that system, love is merely earned and not a gift.

 

But if God's love had to be earned, none of us could ever be loved. Christian love is free; it is expensive for the one who offers it, but not for the one who receives it. Take care to cover all your actions in the same kind of love God has shown to us.

 

Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 10

 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV).

 

The Bible urges us to guard our hearts, for our actions flow from what is in our hearts (cf. Proverbs 4:23). Jesus also teaches that whatever fills the heart overflows into our words and actions. He points out that if there is wickedness in our words, that is the result of what is rooted in our hearts. (cf. Matthew 5).

 

It is so easy to harbor negative or destructive feelings in our hearts. Biblical history is full of stories of bitterness, envy, and anger that caused serious problems in families and among God's people. Cain, Adam's first son, was bitter about how Abel’s offering was received with God’s favor. Rather than dealing with his anger, he let bitterness and envious anger rule his heart. Because he could not quench this fire in his heart, the fruit followed: he committed the first murder (Genesis 4). In another story, Joseph's brothers were so blinded by their jealousy of Joseph that they sold him into slavery (Genesis 37). These are just two examples about anger causing serious problems in people’s lives.

 

In the history of the church, we see divisions without justifiable causes; conflicts and individual interests have often been the root of these problems. As adopted children of God, we are already seated with Christ in heavenly places, but we must daily examine our attitudes and motives to see if our desires match with who we are in Christ.

 

Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 9

 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV).

 

Many studies have been conducted into the emotional and psychological effect of negative versus positive words. In fact, numerous conclusions have shown that in order to cancel the devastating effects of one negative word, four positive words need to be spoken. This shows how negative, harsh, and humiliating words can do great damage to human beings.

 

Our reading for today uses vivid imagery to speak about the impact our words can have. Just as a small rudder can steer a ship or a bit can control a horse, so the words of our mouths can make a big difference in life. Further, our speech can have the same effect as a spark: it can cause great destruction! We are encouraged, then, to choose our words carefully and to recognize the impact our speech makes (cf. James 3:1-12). The Apostle Paul echoes these words in these verses today. We are called to build others up and speak in a way that helps the people who hear our words.

 

There are many children who suffered from such harshness. Demeaning words used by a domineering father or mother, spouse who cannot model kindness and graciousness haunt them for a very long time. Thankfully, the love of Jesus can heal much of this trauma. I am grateful to the calling of God in my life to help people find this grace and break the cycle of this kind of abuse.

 

As we reflect on the power of words, let’s consider how—with the Spirit’s help—we can all bring healing for people who have faced trauma.

 

Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 8

 

But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:20-24 ESV).

 

Mary and I went to Chedder’s Scratch Kitchen recently for a bite of lunch. We have always found the food tasty and plentiful. In fact, we rarely return home without enough left over for dinner! One of our favorite parts of the meal is the honey-butter glazed croissants they serve prior to the meal. You can see from the picture they are amazing. When we went this last time we were seated quickly and a server came almost immediately to get our drink orders. In the past, the rolls were always served with the drinks, prior to ordering. It is a wonderful way to start a “lunch-date.” This time I was a bit surprised that the server did not bring the rolls with the drinks. We ordered and I asked if she was going to bring us any rolls. She said, “We have a new policy. Our guests need to request the rolls before we bring them to the table.” Well, I did request them, but thought, who wouldn’t want them? It was odd to me.

 

Our Christian life can be like that in some ways. We often do not realize that everything has been provided for us in the grace of God. And we merely need to rely on the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit who already resides within us.

 

As Christians, we are—so to speak—in a new system. We are no longer prisoners of our old lives. Every child of God has a new life in Jesus Christ. We have entered a new reality. In Christ, your old life has been put to death, and you are called into new life. You have received a new nature, conformed to Christ and pleasing to God.

 

This is good news for us all. Instead of feeling weak and powerless against our sinful nature, we can live into the new reality that Christ has paid for everything we need to be saved to new life. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live grateful lives that are filled with God’s righteousness and holiness.

 

Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 7

 

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17-23 ESV).

 

In some translations of the Bible, this passage tells us not to live “as the pagans do.” That term “pagans” might make you think of primitive people groups of long ago, with idols and all sorts of superstitions and outdated religious rites. But Paul thinks differently. In this passage, “pagans,” or “Gentiles,” are people who get stuck in idle thoughts and unrestrained behaviors associated with human depravity and sin. The idols of these people are mainly in their own hearts. In fact, greed seems to be at the heart of this sinful behavior.

 

This problem is subtle; it hides behind all sorts of modern-day expectations and appearances. The behaviors associated with greed are complacency, the need to be in the limelight, material comforts, popularity, fashion, freedom, and more. And all of these are idols.

 

When Israel entered the land of Canaan, God warned them not to imitate the neighboring peoples in their pagan behaviors (cf. Deuteronomy 8:17-20). And Jesus prayed for his disciples, knowing they were still in the world but “not of the world” (John 17:16). In Ephesians, Paul reminds us again that the Lord calls us to follow him and to leave our old, pagan ways behind.

 

Gratitude for our new life through the grace of God calls us to live differently. This is a good time of the year to reexamine our priorities and values. Seek the real treasure of Christ in your life. Be different!

Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 6

 

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:11-16).

 

Our culture often ignores or discounts elderly people.  Many societies in the world today tend to neglect elderly people. They often focus on youth, innovation, and the desire to get ahead. Being young is fashionable, and people who can't keep up are often pushed aside. I like the old proverb that says, “What an old man can see sitting down, the youth cannot see standing up.” It is a reminder that while young people are full of youth and energy, they often don’t have the wisdom that is acquired through experience.

 

Even in the early days of the church there were winds that could blow new believers off course. Ideas, ideals, and ideologies could sway new Christians one way and then another. To withstand the storm of doctrines and sort out what is wise from what is foolish, it is important to become mature. An immature Christian may be joyful and full of energy but can also be unstable and undiscerning. Mature Christians confess the truth in love while continuing to grow. They know that love and truth, doctrine and life, grace and holiness go hand in hand and should not be separated. It is wonderful to be able to grow in this way. All of us continue to grow in faith, no matter how long we have followed Jesus.

 

God has generously provided for this in the gifts He gives to people within the church. A part of our expression of gratitude for these gifts is to connect with others in a community of faith to continue to mature.