May 2022 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for May 31, 2022 – Are you ready to end up on your feet before Jesus?

Luke 21:34-36
“But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t fall asleep at the wheel. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

A few days ago, I shared the adage that “Life is what happens when we make plans.” There is a variation of this that says something to the effect that “Man plans, and God laughs.” Of course, not all unexpected situations are funny – to us or to God. Countless people have said, “I wish I had spent more time with my elderly parent/grandparent/friend.” Others have wished they worked less and focused more on their families. Still others have regretted being so driven or self-absorbed that they neglected – or abused – their health and personal relationships. And some have lamented that, “I could have done more to help So-and-so…or to serve Jesus.”

These words of Jesus in Luke 21 remind us that most of us could use an adjustment in priorities. We could all stand to be a little less selfish and a lot more intentional. We truly do not know what will happen in the next hour, much less the next day or year. I’m betting if someone had predicted in the fall of 2019 that we would experience a pandemic of epic proportions in the next three years – and it would have multiple variants and drag on and change life as we know it forever – you would have said, “That’s crazy! We are too technologically and scientifically advanced for that to happen!”

If someone had told the people of Buffalo, New York, or Uvalde, Texas – or any other city where mass shootings have occurred – that in the course of a single day, lives would be upended forever by an assault rifle in the hands of a deranged gunman, they would have likely said, “Not in our town/neighborhood.” And yet, this keeps happening in communities large and small.

There is so much in life for which we cannot plan…but we can be prepared to meet Jesus. We can stay awake and alert – pray constantly – and recognize Christ’s presence in every situation. We can continually ask Jesus to strengthen us, so that we face every circumstance with confidence and courage. This is not to suggest that we just “lie down and take it” – or that we fall on that old standby, “It was God’s will.” Rather, we are to stand tall and say, “I may not understand what is happening – or why – but I am trusting God to fill me with His Holy Spirit and help me navigate this situation with love, grace and hope.”

You and I will continue to make plans…to move forward with our lives. And on occasion, we will be interrupted. This change may be something small and easy to manage…or it may be life-altering. Either way, our “preparation” with Jesus will make all the difference in the outcome. Do the work now to ensure that you always end up on your feet before the Son of Man. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for May 30, 2022 – Calling on Jesus with childlike faith this Memorial Day – and always

Luke 18:16-17
Then Jesus called the children over to him and said to the disciples, “Let the little children come to me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children’s. And anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom’s gates.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

My childhood friend, Marla, is a licensed social worker in Northwest Arkansas. She told me this morning that she is concerned for the people who live in Uvalde, Texas – especially the children who witnessed the shootings and the law enforcement officers who hesitated, as well as all first responders to that horrific scene. Marla suggested that counselors need to get there and get to work immediately in order to prevent potential suicides among these groups. I must admit, I had already thought the same thing. But to hear it from an expert made this even more troubling – and urgent.

As I thought about this, I realized that while the children will no doubt be affected in many ways for the rest of their lives – and yes, many will suffer debilitating outcomes and afflictions – it is the adults who may have more trouble. Over and again, I have observed how children exercise a faith that we adults cannot seem to master. They often work out their frustrations and heartaches through play. They escape to imaginary worlds where there are no bad people or events. They trust the adults around them to keep them safe and well. And many trust in Jesus, because they have heard His promises and observed adults who demonstrate His teachings.

I have said before that the faith of our great-niece and nephews astounds me. From the earliest ages, they talked about God and how He loves them. When family members died, they accepted this as fact – and expressed assurance that we will see them again in Heaven. Just last fall when Grandma E passed, 9-year-old Nathan told his mother, “She will be so excited about Eternal Life!” And when my grandmother Polly died in 2013, then-three-year-old Timothy looked at her body lying in the casket atop a wheeled gurney, and he declared that when the funeral was over, they would roll her away to Heaven! After my mother passed, Nathan crawled into my lap at a Bible school activity and declared that his Granny is always in our hearts – that she lives there with Jesus.

We all need the faith of children – especially these days. When life seems so hard and there seems to be a barrage of horrible, difficult, gut-wrenching things at every turn, we need to be able to turn to Jesus with the innocent and pure faith of a child and say, “I am excited about Eternal Life, and I trust that Jesus lives in my heart.” We need to be demonstrating to others that even when everything is upside down and nothing makes sense, Jesus is with us. The Holy Spirit is shielding us from so much that we don’t even realize. We couldn’t take it if He pulled back the curtain and allowed us to fully experience it all.

Lest we forget, there are “children” of all ages around the world who are suffering today. They have lost loved ones to sickness, disease and unforeseeable accidents, wars, and inexplicable atrocities like the shootings that seem to be occurring daily in our nation. And God sees every heartache and counts every tear that is shed. I listened to the parents of a child murdered at Sandy Hook speak on a television news program yesterday. The mother said she has not lost hope…that she cannot give up. You and I must continue to hope – and trust – in Jesus Christ.

We must continue to call on Jesus to do the things we cannot – and to fill us with childlike faith in His power and presence. We must do all we can by whatever means the Holy Spirit equips us to share the love of Jesus with others. We must ensure that all are offered the opportunity to embrace faith and hope for this earthly journey – and Christ’s promise of Eternal Life in His presence. Come, Lord Jesus! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for May 29, 2022 – Recognizing the Kingdom of God…are you ready?

Luke 17:20-21
Jesus, grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come, answered, “The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why? Because God’s kingdom is already among you.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

One week ago today, I wrote about people who “go along to get along,” and how we must seek God’s will and follow Jesus – even when others disagree. The following day, I mentioned upcoming primary elections, and how we needed to focus on the will of God rather than the political ambitions of human beings. Tuesday, May 24th, I used the analogy of “swimsuit season” and picking the “cute suit” over the one that is practical and serves us best – and how we must choose God over what appears to be popular or “cute.” As I was writing that devotional, all hell was breaking loose in Uvalde, Texas.

One week ago, twenty-two families were looking forward to this Memorial Day Weekend. They were anticipating happy, busy summers and what lay ahead for their children and families. And now, they are planning funerals and grappling with the horror of what happened. They are a walking demonstration of the admonition of Jesus to find God’s kingdom in our hearts – here, now…TODAY! We truly do not know what the next hour will bring, and Christ is calling on us to be ready.

I have personally seen “life” change almost before my very eyes – and certainly in what seems like a split second. One minute, you are walking along upright – and the next, you’re on the ground. Car crashes, heart attacks, strokes, and so much more don’t give you a “heads-up call” before they occur. Too many things in our lives happen to us so quickly that we don’t have time to think, much less pack a bag or make a “to-do” list. There is no time to decide to ponder inviting the Holy Spirit into our lives…or to study scripture and see where God is leading us. We are there…in the thick of things…and Jesus is telling us in this passage to always “Be ready.”

As I have said before, I find it futile to dwell on when Jesus will return – or even how my life and the lives of loved ones will play out in the future. Some things in life are fairly certain…but much of what happens to us is highly tentative and precarious. There is a lot of truth in the adage that, “Life is what happens when we make plans.”

God’s love is the one thing that is certain. His gift of Jesus and the promise of Eternal Life for all who surrender their sins and take up the cross to love and serve as Christ taught us are promises we can count on forever and ever. God’s Kingdom is already among you and ready to take up permanent residence in your heart. You just have to invite Him in and give Him room to work.

My prayer this week is that we will all recognize the presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit…that we will come together as redeemed believers in Jesus Christ to truly and fully love one another. I don’t know what this week – or even the rest of this day – will bring. But I know that God’s Kingdom is here and will prevail…and I am safe in His arms and ready to serve wherever and however Christ leads me. I pray that you are right alongside me, doing your part, as well. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for May 28, 2022 – Getting to really know and serve Jesus…are you on God’s “guest list?”

Luke 13:23-29
A bystander said, “Master, will only a few be saved?”

He said, “Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on your life with God. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires your total attention. A lot of you are going to assume that you’ll sit down to God’s salvation banquet just because you’ve been hanging around the neighborhood all your lives. Well, one day you’re going to be banging on the door, wanting to get in, but you’ll find the door locked and the Master saying, ‘Sorry, you’re not on my guest list.’

“You’ll protest, ‘But we’ve known you all our lives!’ only to be interrupted with his abrupt, ‘Your kind of knowing can hardly be called knowing. You don’t know the first thing about me.’

“That’s when you’ll find yourselves out in the cold, strangers to grace. You’ll watch Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets march into God’s kingdom. You’ll watch outsiders stream in from east, west, north, and south and sit down at the table of God’s kingdom. And all the time you’ll be outside looking in—and wondering what happened. This is the Great Reversal: the last in line put at the head of the line, and the so-called first ending up last.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

The last few days have been hard for me and many others. But my sadness and heartache pales in comparison to that of the families in Uvalde, Texas. Last night, one of our local news stations took two minutes to show pictures and the name and age of each of the 19 children and two teachers who were gunned down in their classroom earlier this week. At every photograph – most of them 10-year-olds – I found myself mentally inserting the name of our niece, Zola, who will turn eleven this coming week. It was a devastating “reality check.” I have listened to reporters describe these children – their accomplishments, aspirations, and their big hearts – much the same as our precious niece. And I have no doubt that the door was unlocked, and they are sitting at the table in God’s Kingdom today.

As a former teacher, I have watched the “class system” play out over and again. I’ve seen the “it” group form even as early as kindergarten…those children who seem to have extra advantages. These are the star athletes from the outset…the dancers placed front and center…the “cheerleaders” and the ones always heralded as “most” or “best” in something. I have observed how this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy in some ways. As we grow into adulthood, we bring this into our workplaces, community life – and even our churches. We set up an “us-versus-them” situation, where an “elite” group is embraced, nurtured, recognized, and heralded. And God must shake His head in sadness and disappointment at our sinfulness.

The Kingdom of Heaven is not like this…and many of the most popular among us will not find the door unlocked. You cannot buy your way into Heaven – with money, recognition, or even good deeds. The ordinary, everyday, faithful servants will find God’s arms open wide to receive them. Were it not for this horrific tragedy, many in our world would never give these precious children and their families in Uvalde, Texas, the time of day. Many would discriminate and disparage their heritage and culture, their economic status, the color of their skin and more. I know nothing about this community other than what has been described in news media. But I know enough about human nature to know this to be true.

We are upset and outraged because children were killed. We need to be outraged over every shooting and act of hatred and violence – regardless of the victims. Many of the victims among these groups are seated at God’s table today…and many who claim to know Jesus and love all His children are going to be standing outside the gate wondering what happened. Don’t be among them! I cannot tell you often and loudly enough…Jesus lived and died for the sins of all people. He came to earth to show us how to love one another…every single person.

Jesus disavowed class divisions, racism, and exclusivity, which were already in place. He told us to love each and every person as He loves them…to recognize their hopes and aspirations…and their value as human beings created by God Almighty. We cannot wait another minute. We must start loving all others with the love of Christ…here, now, TODAY! It shouldn’t take a horrific tragedy to make us look at others through a new lens, but let’s not waste this chance to shift our attitudes and start loving more genuinely and deeply.

Let’s get to know Jesus intimately – and emulate His teachings in every area of our lives. Let’s ensure that the door will be unlocked…and our seat at God’s table is secure. Alleluia…and Amen!

Daily Devotional for May 27, 2022 – Lessons from the songbirds…it’s time to give our worries to God!

Luke 12:22-34
Then turning to his disciples he said, “Don’t worry about whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothes. Look at the ravens—they don’t plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right—for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!

“And besides, what’s the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! And if worry can’t even do such little things as that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

“Look at the lilies! They don’t toil and spin, and yet Solomon in all his glory was not robed as well as they are. And if God provides clothing for the flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, don’t you suppose that he will provide clothing for you, you doubters? And don’t worry about food—what to eat and drink; don’t worry at all that God will provide it for you. All mankind scratches for its daily bread, but your heavenly Father knows your needs. He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Last night, I sat outside after dinner and watched songbirds visit our feeders. I was hoping to get some good photographs, but apparently my presence spooked some of the smaller ones. I sat and waited…hoping that some would return. And over time, a few did start feeding again, including a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Soon, a smaller bird appeared near the feeder in a hickory tree. He had the same markings on his back as the two adult woodpeckers, but his head had just the faintest tinge of red.

It wasn’t long until one of the adult birds filled her beak with black sunflower seeds and flew to the tree. She worked and worked to crack one open – then she fed the younger bird. I cannot tell you how many times this was repeated, and I sat in awe of being able to observe – and film – this exchange.

This is one of my favorite passages of scripture. In the weeks before Greg and I married and I began attending college, we used this passage to guide several decisions – including a major change from one university to another and a “change of major” for Greg. Forty-eight years later, I can see how God was using this passage to orchestrate the details of our lives.

This morning as I read these verses from Matthew 12, I listened to a press conference conducted by law enforcement officers in Uvalde, Texas. The director of the Texas Department of Safety honestly admitted that mistakes were made…and now, twenty-two people are dead (I’m counting the husband of one of the teachers, who died of a heart attack yesterday). I thought about the mother bird feeding her baby. She was so attentive and careful…and God made her that way! The same God who cares so much for the birds is the God who is caring for you and me this day. Why did God allow those children and teachers to be shot and killed? Why are so many having to deal with the horror and heartache of this situation? I don’t know.

We cannot yet see what God is doing. But I know that He is with all of us. God wrapped those babies in His arms and welcomed them to His Kingdom. And God is wrapping His arms around us now. He is saying, “Come to me…lay your burdens and your worries at My feet. I will help you handle them.”

This is not the place to offer suggestions about how to stop these horrible situations. My intention is not to tell you what to think, but rather to encourage you to think – to pray and study God’s word and seek His will. I am terribly disappointed – even angry at times – with the attitudes and ideas of some people toward many situations in our world. Their selfishness and downright hatred stir feelings inside me that I truly have to call on God to squelch. And I remind myself that Jesus didn’t speak the words of this passage – or any other – for just me or a chosen few. Jesus did not die on the cross for only select persons who look and act a certain way.

Jesus lived, died, and rose again for every person…all of us! God created the heavens and the earth – and all who inhabit His universe. And He loves each of us unequivocally. Understandably, we find it hard to harbor loving thoughts toward a deranged shooter – or a selfish politician. We start to compartmentalize – and differentiate – and this is totally counter to what Jesus commanded.

Maybe we all need to sit outside and watch/listen to the birds and wildlife and see how they do things. They seem to go about their day without worry or care. Perhaps they have an innate trust in God to provide for their every need. Maybe they “sense” the constant care and comfort of Jesus Christ and rest on His promises.

Worry won’t bring back the lost children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas…or those killed in any other horrific event across our nation. Worry won’t solve the ongoing questions about what we need to do moving forward. Worry will not make our world safer. But I am convinced that God is still at work…that He will fix what we cannot. God’s arms are open wide, and He is waiting on us to return to Him – and cling to His promises and the words of Christ Jesus.

Seek the will and way of Jesus. Love one another and trust Him to take your love and transform it perfectly for each situation. And pray for all who are sick, suffering, and heartbroken. May we all feel the presence, power, and peace of God in the days to come. Amen!

Daily Devotional for May 26, 2022 – Serving Christ with faithful obedience and integrity – what are you wishing for?

Luke 12:15
“Beware! Don’t always be wishing for what you don’t have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Many years ago, a childhood friend who was involved with a multi-level-marketing company approached me and basically said, “Have I got a deal for you!” He made his sales pitch, and I told him that we were not interested. I distinctly remember what he said to me…“Well! I never heard of someone who didn’t want to make more money!” I didn’t owe him an explanation. But I told him that we were plenty content and comfortable with where we were in life and what we had – and frankly, we didn’t have time and energy to pursue another endeavor.

Many people have chased their tail and worked long hours to make a few extra dollars. I totally understand the plight of the parent who is trying to put food on the table and keep the lights on and provide for his/her family. I understand self-improvement and the desire to succeed and “have nice things.” I also grew up around workaholics for whom the pervading mantra was, “I don’t have time for this.” We have all seen memes, cartoons and articles that advise us to “stop and smell the roses” and spend time with our loved ones rather than focus on making big bucks or acquiring “things.”

We have all seen examples of people who chose money, power, “fame,” and self-gratification over the needs of others. We’ve all known someone who was constantly looking for the next best thing…often at the expense of family and friends. We are seeing again this week how the desire to acquire campaign dollars and political support has influenced the thoughts and votes of candidates and “leaders” who are willing to literally risk lives to gain this favor. And we need only to open the Bible and read about King David’s pursuit of Bathsheba – and Judas’ betrayal of Jesus – to see the folly (and deadly consequences) of such selfishness and greed.

You may not be a workaholic. Maybe you don’t pay that much attention to money – or always feel like you must have the next best thing. But we must all examine our hearts and minds on a regular basis – and in prayerful consideration of where we are placing our priorities. Please understand that I am in no way condemning anyone who works hard – or those who make an honest living…maybe even a lot of money. I am sharing what Jesus taught in Luke – check your motives and desires, and make sure your priorities align with His.

Do not seek any type of gain at the expense of another…and do not measure your true value in terms of your paycheck or assets. Some of the “richest” people I ever knew lived meagerly. Some of the happiest, most faithful Christians I’ve ever been around scrimped and scraped to make it from one paycheck to the next. But they always loved others. They always took time to stop and pay attention to the joys, heartaches and needs of those in their midst – and to do what they could with God’s help to address them. They tried hard to always ask, “What would Jesus do?” – and then do that!

This is a time when we all need to stop and do some self-reflection. Where are you wishing for what you don’t have – and sacrificing your obedience as Christ’s disciple to get it? Now is the time for all of us to ask this question – and make all necessary changes. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for May 25, 2022 – Sticking with Jesus and finding His truths…where do we go from here?

John 8:31-32
Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

As I took my walk yesterday morning, I listened to Contemporary Christian music and prayed. I thanked God for all the many blessings in my life – specific people, good health, safety and freedom – and much more. I asked God to care for my family, friends, and those who are sick and grieving, to be near to the brokenhearted, and for His will to prevail. Nearly an hour later, I came home feeling the peaceful-yet-powerful presence of God…confident that I had left everything securely in His hands, where He would handle everything perfectly.

Just a few hours later, the world changed forever. News reporters began to tell us of another horrific shooting…this time in Uvalde, Texas, at an elementary school for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. The reports were ugly, hurtful, and frightening. Ultimately, 19 school children and 2 adults were dead – including the 4th-grade teacher of the children who were murdered. Approximately 15 more people were treated for injuries and released from area hospitals.

Sadly, we’ve been here before. As a former first-grade teacher, I remember the horror of the shooting at Sandy Hook ten years ago, where 28 people (mostly first-graders) died – and 2 more were injured. I remember thinking about my own “babies” (which is how I thought of my students) – and what I would have done to protect them in such a situation if I had a chance. I thought of six years ago when Timothy was in 2nd grade, and I volunteered a few days a week in his classroom. One of the first things the teacher did was show me a bar that fit into the entry door of the classroom to lock it from intruders. This was a shocking thought to me…never in my 9 years of public school teaching did I think I would have to secure my classroom and protect my students from an active shooter!

I thought all afternoon about our own children…especially our nieces and nephews. One of our great-nieces celebrated her 8th birthday yesterday. She will enter 3rd grade this fall. One of our nephews will be in 4th grade, and we have numerous family members – and children who are like family – that will enter these elementary grades in the fall. I thought of the 2nd and 3rd-graders I taught in Sunday school until the pandemic struck…and of the dozens of children that have crossed my path in recent years through VBS, Sunday school, children’s choir and more. And I could not wrap my brain around the concept of something terrible happening to any of them, let alone being shot by an 18-year-old boy.

I prayed through tears…and I asked God to bring peace and resolution where I have none. I asked Him to fix whatever is so wrong with us that we think guns solve our problems and represent the answer – to anything. I basically walked around in stunned, tearful silence and simply asked, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

This situation is far beyond my “pay grade.” Yes, there are things I can do. I can participate in efforts to support these grieving families. I can advocate for tougher gun laws, “red flag” legislation, and more mental health support in this country. I realize that you may completely disagree with me about how to handle the gun issue in our nation. But there is one thing that I hope you and I can agree on…we must keep seeking Jesus’ truth and living in it. We cannot give up on God…not even now when we have so many questions and feel so hollow – and maybe even a little deserted. We have to throw back our shoulders and work even harder to share the light and love of Christ Jesus with this dark world.

I heard an interview yesterday with the parent of a victim of the Parkland shooting in Florida, just four years ago. The reporter asked him what advice he would offer for the days ahead. One of the things he said was to get up today and get going. LITERALLY, he said to get out of bed and face the day. His point was that even though we feel despondent and heartbroken – even angry – we cannot be defeated by this. God is still with us. The love of Jesus is still freely offered to any and all who will embrace Him. We still have missions and ministries to complete. They just took an ugly and heartbreaking detour yesterday. All the same, we followers of Jesus have a lot of work to do…and we don’t have a minute to waste.

Today, as you ponder all that has happened – and the ugly news that will surely continue to unfold, ask Jesus to remind you of His truths. Call on Him to show you how to proceed. Ask Him for strength and courage to put one foot in front of the other and do the hard things that may be asked of you. Pray for peace and comfort as you seek purpose and direction. And take a little time to thank Jesus for His unending love and care. His heart is broken, and His arms are open to embrace anyone who will run to Him and seek His solace and assurance – now, and in the days ahead. I know that’s where I will be…won’t you join me?

Daily Devotional for May 24, 2022 – ‘Tis the season to find the right fit – for a swimsuit AND your faith!

John 3:3-8
Jesus replied, “With all the earnestness I possess I tell you this: Unless you are born again, you can never get into the Kingdom of God.”

“Born again!” exclaimed Nicodemus. “What do you mean? How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus replied, “What I am telling you so earnestly is this: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven; so don’t be surprised at my statement that you must be born again! Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it will go next, so it is with the Spirit. We do not know on whom he will next bestow this life from heaven.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

It’s swimsuit season! A few days ago, a friend shared a video of two “moms” who produce comedy clips on a variety of subjects. One video recently shared on The Today Show depicted these women discussing the swimsuit styles offered to women these days. They noted that their husbands had it so much easier…almost-knee-length swim trunks and t-shirts that were loose and comfortable – and covered everything even when they bent over to pick up the cooler and beach gear or a child. They then modeled some of the options that were less than suitable for their ages and body shapes while offering a running commentary – and it was hilarious.

Let’s be honest…there are swimsuits that are suitable for swimming – and those that are all for show – and a lot of options in between. Grandma E and I used to visit our community pool three times a week, and I learned a lot about swimsuits. I settled on those that were more than modest in coverage with as few “embellishments” as possible. That ruffle, skirt or one-shoulder strap may look cute, but when you swim laps, you want something that stays in place…and when you get out of the water, you want something that dries quickly and doesn’t hold half a gallon or more of heavy pool water!

What does all of this have to do with our scripture passage for today? It seems to me that a lot of “Christians” have chosen the “cute suit.” They want to go to the pool or the beach. They may even want to swim for exercise and their overall health. But they really want to look stylish and feel good about themselves in the process – to the point that “looking good” is more important than getting a good workout, spending time swimming with their children, or being truly engaged with family and friends who may have accompanied them.

Many people are claiming the name of Jesus, but they are not “all in.” They don’t understand that living for Christ in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit means that your primary focus and concern is not about how you appear to others…it’s about getting the job done. And by this, I mean serving Christ as He commands, loving others, demonstrating the teachings and tenets of Jesus, and introducing others to the Holy Spirit by your own words and actions.

Too many want to “prop up in a beach chair and play Christian” while others marvel at what “good folks” they are or how awesome they seem. These people are all fluff and no substance…and Jesus warns us that He knows and sees the difference! It’s not enough to confess our sins and ask Jesus to forgive us…we have to earnestly seek Him and desire to fully get to know Him and operate in His will and ways.

This is not a judgement on my part…it is a genuine declaration borne out of personal experience. If your Christian faith stops at the cross, you are missing out on the fullness of a New Life in Christ. If you have not sought a deeper relationship with Jesus and an authentic communion with the Holy Spirit, you have so much left to discover. If you are still playing around with the “cute suits” and looking good for others, it’s time to get serious.

It’s time to fully embrace the Living Waters and find the “fit” that offers you the best opportunity to be who Jesus truly designed you to be as His redeemed. And this is the perfect “season” to get this right. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for May 23, 2022 – Earthly “kings” or the King of Kings…who will you choose to serve?

John 18:36-37
Then Jesus answered, “I am not an earthly king. If I were, my followers would have fought when I was arrested by the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of the world.”

Pilate replied, “But you are a king then?”

“Yes,” Jesus said. “I was born for that purpose. And I came to bring truth to the world. All who love the truth are my followers.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Primary Election Day happens this week in our state. For months now, we’ve been inundated with television ads, mailbox flyers, and road signs galore promoting this candidate or that one. All are promising to “change the world” – or at least the district, county, or jurisdiction they represent. We humans tend to put a lot of stock in these leaders and their promises. Some people all but elevate a few of these folks to the stature of “king” – and a few of the candidates have become so deluded as to believe the hype!

We would do well to remember who our One True King really is. Jesus could step down to earth today and change everything. He could appear and declare that He is King of all – and literally turn our world on its head. But Jesus doesn’t operate like that! We have free will, and the choice to follow Him is completely ours.

Jesus doesn’t want us to follow Him out of obligation. He is not a dictator. He wants us to seek His truths – and to ask ourselves, “Is this the path Jesus wants me to take? Does Jesus endorse this decision or that mandate?” I am not suggesting we break the law. But a lot of decisions and claims are being made by “Christians” that, at best, should send us scrambling to ask God what He thinks. We should be asking if these positions are truly rooted in the truth…or whether they are the notions of would-be “kings” who twist things to suit their own agendas.

I find that almost every day lately, something arises in the news, on social media – or in a private conversation with someone – that requires I spend some time talking to God for clarification. A lot of it doesn’t pass the “smell test” – much less ring right in my heart. I ask, “What would Jesus do?” a lot these days…and often, the answer is counter to what I am being told by others.

Following Jesus’ truths will seldom make us popular with the masses. It may even cost us a few friends. But I still serve at the pleasure of the One True King, Jesus Christ. I am proud to be a follower of His truths, to love others as He loves me, and to share His teachings at every turn. I know that my true home is secured in His presence for all Eternity. What about you?

Daily Devotional for May 22, 2022 – Don’t just “go along to get along”…it’s time to be of one heart and mind and glorify Jesus!

John 17:13-21
“And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so that they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your commands. And the world hates them because they don’t fit in with it, just as I don’t. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from Satan’s power. They are not part of this world any more than I am. Make them pure and holy through teaching them your words of truth. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world, and I consecrate myself to meet their need for growth in truth and holiness.“I am not praying for these alone but also for the future believers who will come to me because of the testimony of these. My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind, just as you and I are, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

While I truly do not pay attention to the barrage of political ads running ad nauseum on television these days, one phrase did catch my attention. A candidate declared that some of the present office holders “go along to get along.” If we are perfectly honest, we would have to agree that there is a lot of this happening in our world – and not just in Washington, D.C.!

In some ways, this attitude would seem to make life easier. Throw away masks…go back to work and resume all social activities…quit worrying about recycling, conservation, and pollution…and “go along” with whatever is the pervading and popular attitude in your family, social circle, church and community – even if you know in your heart these stances run counter to the command of Jesus to “Love one another.” There are times when it would be easier to laugh at the ugly comment or joke, agree with those who want to exclude certain people or groups, and throw caution to the wind about behaviors that risk our health and the well-being of our planet.

For every reason you can think of to “go along to get along”…I can give you ONE good reason to resist this temptation. These verses in John 17 clearly indicate that Jesus knew life would not be easy for His true followers. He knew that people would ridicule and ostracize…that the devil would instill fear of exclusion and retribution…and that the path would often be difficult for those who truly operate in His love. And Jesus asked God to pour out His care and protection on them…to keep them safe from Satan’s power and keep them pure and holy through the trials and tribulations that would follow.

Falling into the trap of “going along to get along” is easy. Getting out and staying out is hard. But we can do this. We can trust that God is honoring Jesus’ petitions…and that He will offer us His care and protection as we demonstrate the love and teachings of our Lord and Savior. I don’t know what hard things Jesus might be calling you to do. I don’t if there are areas of your life where you are sorely tempted to “go along to get along.” But I do know that when we choose to follow Jesus and demonstrate His teachings to others, people notice – and God consecrates our faithfulness.

In the earlier verses of John 17, Jesus declares that He was sent to glorify God and to help us to know Him fully. He says, “I brought glory to You here on earth by doing everything You told me to. And now, Father, reveal my glory as I stand in Your presence, the glory we shared before the world began.” Choose to always serve Jesus and glorify God. Trust Him to cover you in His power and protection. Do all you can to be able to stand before God someday and say, “I did everything YOU told me to.” Alleluia!

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