A Moment of Hope

Without a vision, God's people perish (Proverbs 29:18). It's why vision is foundational to any church, company, or family. But here's the caveat: Culture always trumps vision. Consider the influence of an organization's culture on the people within it. A culture of unity is formed when people love one another and are connected in one spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:2). And when this culture is connected to a healthy vision, success will occur. But when a culture is corroded, everything and everyone within it is tainted. The ship begins to sink, taking everyone down with it. Leaders, come up with a Godly vision for your church, company or family. But more importantly, create a culture of Christ-like care. And watch success occur!

"I'm spiritual, but not religious." It's a mantra spoken regularly in today's culture. Whenever someone says it, I always wonder, "What does that really mean?" I think it means this: We want God's hand until he demands. There are people who want God's spiritual benefits in their lives: his presence, answered prayer, and eternal hope, to name a few. But they don't want God to ask anything of them. Such as giving up their time, talents and treasures as he commanded us to do. Caring for others. Giving to the least and the lost. For his glory. His Kingdom. If you love Jesus, you will obey his commandments (John 14:15). "Spiritual" and "religious" are descriptors of your life. Love Jesus. Obey what he tells you to do. You'll have his hand and his demands!

As human beings living in a fallen world, one thing is for sure. We will be hurt by others. Experiencing hurt is an inevitable part of the human experience. When we are hurt by another, we often ask ourselves, "Why would that person do this to me?" The answer is generally found in some hurt in their own hearts that remains unresolved. A hurt that has lingered within them for years. Wounded, festered and worsened. Hurt people hurt people. Therefore, practice empathy. "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind" (1 Peter 3:8). Jump inside their skin. Walk in their shoes. Try to understand what they've gone through. They could be projecting their pain on you. Which, if so, allows you to practice empathy. Compassion. And allows you to be Jesus to them in their hurt. As he ministered to you in your hurt.

"Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1). It's God's wisdom from above that can move us forward in life. Said another way: Greater elevation equals greater revelation. When going through a difficult time, climb higher on God's mountain. Try to breathe the rarified air of heaven's grace. Gaze on the eternal rather than the temporal. Get his vision for what is happening. Go higher and look down on your problems. From God's perspective. Regard the world around you as God does. When you do so, your problems become smaller. God's presence gets greater. He starts to reveal things to you from his perspective. Truths you'd not seen before. How he's working. How he's unfolding his plan for your life. Hope then fills you from within. Because you've experienced that greater elevation brings greater revelation. As you seek God's point of view.

"Freedom is an illusion as long as you don't have to pay your bills." It's a reminder my wife Marilynn and I would say to our children when they told us they felt like our rules were too restrictive. Typically, parents work to pay the bills while their kids grow up, learn about life, and attend school. But this paradigm can often lead children to take for granted the roof over their heads. Clothes on their bodies. Food in their stomachs. Parents are called to practice diligence when disciplining their children (Proverbs 13:24). Fathers especially are called to "bring (children) up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Why is diligent discipline a display of Godly parenting? "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him" (Proverbs 22:15). And real folly is when a child thinks he or she is free to do as they wish, when they don't pay the bills! Parents, I would encourage you to have your kids read this Moment of Hope to you today - and regularly!

Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken. While it's not in the Bible, it's a message that could be! Because ultimately, it's about our faith. Trusting God more than ourselves. Surrendering all parts of our lives to him. Leaning not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Our fallen flesh has tendencies, one of which is to hold on too tightly to the things of this world. Such as rigid convictions that may or may not be true. Loose-knit ideologies. Political dogma. Basically, anything and everything of this temporary world. That which comes and goes. If you are to have one place of inflexibility in your life, let it be Jesus! King David understood that in an ever-changing world, there is only One who does not change. "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2). Be inflexible in your faith in God and his promises. And flexible about everything else in life. Go with the flow, as they say. Then, when the wind blows strongly, your house will stand because it's built upon him alone (Matthew 7:24-29).

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1). What happens in our lives when our success or notoriety moves beyond our character? Most often, a fall from grace. Destructive downfall. Monumental backslide. The inevitable devastation begins when you start to believe your own press clippings. When those around you feed your ego. Tell you how wonderful you are. How very important. And then you begin to use your good name as a disguise, covering questionable decisions fueled by immoral and ambitious motives. And so, the fall from grace begins. That's why you need to develop a Christ-like character early in your life. Strive to become a person who is the same at all times. In front of all people. In any situation. A person of integrity is one whose life is integrated publicly and privately. And your words align with your deeds. May your Godly character always outpace your competence.

"Let the game come to you!" My college basketball coach, Dean Smith, would often remind his players of this wise and proven adage, but I've heard it said by a number of other great leaders and coaches as well. As human beings, our natural inclination is to try to force plays to occur in our lives. To make something happen the way we want it to happen. And the result is often failure. But when we just enjoy the game – taking its natural flow in stride – and let the game come to us – most often, good things happen. The same is true with life and our faith walk. When we take matters into our own hands and try to force life to be as we want it to be, we bring stress and anxiety upon ourselves. But when we let the Spirit lead us through each day, we receive the game as it comes to us. Whatever it may bring, we say, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). And we're able to enjoy the day to the full as God intended.

When hard places occur in our lives, we often wonder where God is. We may feel forgotten. Overlooked. Alone. Yet Romans 5:3-5 says that we are to rejoice in our tough times. In our trials and tribulations. Because God is using them to produce perseverance. And perseverance produces proven character. And proven character produces hope that doesn't disappoint. A person's character can't be proven and produced without trials. We groan to God when we're not comfortable. Or turn him into an eternal slot machine to meet our every need. And when he doesn't, we complain. But God wants to form eternal, heavenly citizens (Philippians 3:20). What happens here helps form our eternal character there. That's why God is much more concerned with our eternal character than our present comfort.

Use the 5-year marriage plan. It's advice I've given to couples who are going through a rough patch. Experiencing a period in their marriage when they are considering ending it. In my 40+ years of ministry, and in my own marriage, I've learned that every marriage has its ups and downs. It's a reality of married life! What exactly is the 5-year marriage plan? It's this. If you are going through a rough spot, commit to remaining married for five years. Close and lock the door from the outside. Restate your covenant vows to one another. God never intended marriage to end in divorce (Malachi 2:16). But you must also do this: during the five years, choose to love the other. Be patient and kind. Not selfish, jealous, or rude. Not storing up the memories of past wrongs. But instead practicing biblical love as defined for Christ-followers in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. After committing to this plan, I've had several couples – even those who were contemplating divorce - find they love each other like never before. And they're now happily married. They've come to realize that love is what you do, not what you say. Use the 5-year marriage plan. You will likely find yourselves happier and enjoying love like never before.

What exactly is the 5-year parenting plan? It's what Marilynn and I committed to follow with all three of our children. We've never regretted our decision. Not once. Here's the plan: When you are struggling, and must choose between attending a work event or your kid's event, ask yourself two questions. Five years from now, will your coworkers remember if you were at a particular meeting? Five years from now, will your kids remember if you were at their event? Hardly anyone - if anyone at all - will remember your presence at a meeting. But your kids will most definitely remember your presence at their event. Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Treat them as such! Be there in their special moments. You'll never forget being there for them. But even more importantly, your kids will never forget that you were there!

What words come to mind when you think of strife? Maybe conflict. Disagreement. Hostility. Here's what the Word of God has to say about strife: Get strife out of your life! When strife exists in your life, "there will be disorder and every vile practice" (James 3:16). Strife invites a multitude of other evils into your heart: bitterness, anger, hate. How to eliminate strife from your life? Do a strife inventory. Think of people and situations in your life that usher in strife, with chaos and disorder tagging along. Then, get rid of them! Eliminate these drains from your life. Every single one. Get strife out of your life! When you do so, evil will exit. Conflict will cease. And faith, hope, and love will enter into your hearts (1 Corinthians 13:13).

"Under the circumstances, I'm fine." How many times have you heard this reply from friends when you ask how their day is going? Or maybe you've sometimes said it yourself. Here's the real question we should be asking ourselves: Are we, as followers of Jesus, living under our circumstances? If so, why? The Bible says that Jesus's followers are supposed to be more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us (Romans 8:37). Jesus, who lives in us, is greater than the evil one who lives in the world (1 John 4:4). Yes, the world has painful tribulations. But in Jesus, his followers have overcome the world (John 16:33). Christians are victors, living over our circumstances. Not victims, living under our circumstances. As we live our lives with eternal joy and heavenly peace - found only through a relationship with Jesus – we will no longer live under anything. Especially our circumstances.

What's one thing that soldiers and athletes have in common? Scars. Sustained from injuries, lesions, or lacerations while participating in combat with others. The wounds heal, but the scars remain. And every one of us has scars. Our scars serve as reminders of the ways God has healed the wounds we've sustained, as broken people living with other broken people in a fallen and hurting world. But God wants to turn our scars into stars. How does that happen? When we begin to view our scars as reminders of how God led us through a battle to victory. That means every time you look at your scars, you remember God's faithfulness. How the Overseer of your life turned a scar into a star. It's what happened with Joseph in the book of Genesis. God transformed the scars in his life - inflicted by his brothers and others - into stars. Reminders of God's faithfulness. It's why Joseph was able to say to his offenders, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Trust God with your scars. There was a purpose behind each one. God will indeed turn your scars into stars.

In the book of Job, we learn of the incredible suffering Job endured while being tested by Satan. At the end of the story – after all that Job had lost – God restored double to him (Job 42:10). It's a beautiful ending to a difficult, painful story. But don't miss the steps God took Job through before this double restoration took place. First, Job acknowledged God's sovereignty and greatness. Then, he stated that he knew God could do anything, and no plan of his could be thwarted (Job 42:2). Next, Job had to pray for his three friends who had been abysmally insensitive and cruel to him in his suffering. Which means Job forgave them. No root of bitterness would be allowed in Job's heart (Hebrews 12:15). Then, and only then, after Job took these steps, did the double restoration occur. Do you want a double restoration? Check your faith in God. Is it real? Do you really believe that nothing is impossible for God? That no plan of his can be thwarted? Have you forgiven - truly forgiven from the heart - those who have hurt you? Are you sure there is no root of bitterness lingering within? If so, expect double for your trouble. God's double restoration! God is able to do anything. In his timing and way. All for his glory alone.

"Keeping up with the Joneses" is widely used in today's culture given the innate propensity of human beings to want what others have. Keeping up with the Joneses is one thing. Finding out they've refinanced is quite another. Using material possessions - homes, cars, vacations, possessions - to define success in one's life illustrates the danger of riches. When we compare our lives with the lives of others, we look only at their outsides. What others allow us to see. We often covet. Which sometimes leads us to do whatever it takes to keep up with them. Then when we think we are finally equal with the Joneses, we find out they've refinanced. Again. And we keep trying to keep up with them, only accumulating more and more debt. Biblical truth teaches us that riches are neither necessary nor needed for contentment. True contentment comes only through Jesus (Philippians 4:12-13). Contentment with godliness is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). And here is the best news possible for today: When we stop wanting what others have, and find true contentment in Jesus, we will stop keeping up with the Joneses once and for all. And have a lot more cash on hand!

In this day and age, almost everyone has received a trophy of some kind. Trophies typically represent success in a specific sport, talent or interest. Success that comes from investing one's time in something. No matter the reason behind the various trophies, they typically have one thing in common. They sit on our mantles. Or desks. Or in our closets. Or attics. Trophies gather dust. But friends don't. When you invest your time in people, and love people, and care for people, dust will never settle on your relationships. These eternal relationships become more meaningful over time. Not less, as trophies usually do. And investing in people pays dividends far beyond this world into the next one. After all, Paul did say that love never fails. It lasts forever - into the invisible, eternal world. So, enjoy your trophies. They symbolize some kind of accomplishment. Just remember, they gather dust and have no eternal consequence. But friends are different. They are always there for you (Proverbs 18:24). They have eternal implications. And they never, ever gather dust!

"Son, the truth usually lies somewhere in between." My dad would often say these words to me when I was growing up. As I was trying to figure out which stand to take on an issue. What to believe. How to live my life. Jesus said that the truth will set you free (John 8:12). It does! The truth will set you free. Therefore, it's essential to try and find the truth in all situations. How can this discovery occur? Sometimes (not often), one side is perfectly correct. It's obvious, little doubt about it. But usually, the truth lies in between two differing opinions. And can only be discovered by careful thought, questioning, and examination. Therefore, listen to both sides. Study the issue involved. Listen to the Holy Spirit who reveals all truth (John 16:13). Eventually, you should be able to see the truth. And always remember: The truth most often lies between the two opposite poles.

If you have to choose between being right and to love, choose to love. It's a great piece of advice for all relationships. Especially for marriages! When people experience conflict with one another – as we all do - many of us are fueled by the will and need to be right. We defend ourselves to the hilt. And our focus becomes winning the argument instead of resolving the problem and loving our neighbor. But what would happen if we first chose to love, especially during disagreements? Yes, speaking the truth, but doing so in a way that is unquestionably loving (Ephesians 4:15). And practicing all facets of biblical love as defined for Christ-followers in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Let's place aside our need to be right. Place in the forefront our call to love one another. I bet the de-escalation of the tension between you and the other would soon abate! And love would win the day.

Most people associate the word fear with the feeling of being scared. Anticipating danger or harm. Being afraid of something or someone. But the biblical definition of fear is quite different. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). Here, the word "fear" means awesome respect. A submission to God's power. A sense of his majesty. My dad was my closest friend. But I also had an awesome respect for him when in his presence. I wanted to learn from him and please him. To do as he'd taught me. Our culture has lost a fear of the Lord. A true understanding of his deity. God is not only our daddy and friend, but he's also the awesome Creator of the universe. The Alpha and Omega. The first and the last. The beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). Therefore, always fear God, not man. Seek his will above what others may think of you. When you do, the opinions of others will not greatly matter.

Two missionary friends of mine lived in an extremely hostile nation. They were under constant threat of persecution. Knowing that at any time, their lives could be taken. But instead of being consumed by fear, they rejoiced! Laughed at their difficulties (Romans 5:3). Think about that. The ironic posture of their hearts. Explainable only by their deep roots in Jesus. The harder their trials, the more they laughed and rejoiced. Laughter and rejoicing become a key weapon to destroy the enemy when he brings vicious trials. He hates it when we do so. Try it today! Laugh your way through your day, amid all your trials. You know God is in control. And he is using these trials to grow your faith and dependence on Jesus. The hotter the pot, the looser the goose. It's a truth those deeply rooted in Jesus have come to understand.

What would you consider the greatest miracle in the Old Testament? The New Testament? The parting of the Red Sea and the Resurrection are the centerpiece miracles of each. In fact, the Jews were told numerous times throughout Scripture to remember the Red Sea (Psalm 106:7). The crosses that many Christians wear around our necks today are to remind us that Jesus is alive. The tomb is empty. God has defeated sin, death, and the devil. Therefore, there is always hope! These two mighty miracles prove how powerfully God intervenes for his children. And show all of us how God's power should dwarf all worries in our lives! Has God ever done a miracle for you? Intervened in a powerful, significant way? If so, remember it well. Hold on to this memory with great faith! Let it marinate your mind. Keep believing that God will come through for you, no matter how huge the problem may seem! Don't ever give up! That's because, if God did it once, he can do it again.

What do you do when you're feeling heartache? Discouragement? Despair? King David experienced a lot of joy throughout his lifetime. Along with plenty of hurt and heartache. Do you know what he did to get through the difficult seasons? He spoke to his soul. "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42:11). It's exactly what we should do as well. The enemy, Satan, constantly accuses and condemns us (Revelation 12:10). We must fight his voice of condemnation by speaking words of hope to our souls! Remind ourselves of how much Jesus loves us. Cares for us. Promises to be with us - no matter what. How he will work everything in our lives for good. Don't allow the enemy's lies to discourage you. Rather, speak to your soul about Jesus's grace. Say, "I choose to put my hope in God!" And watch the devil's condemnation turn into the Father's joy.

In order to accommodate our staff's summer vacation schedules, this week we are re-publishing blogs from 2021. This week's blogs do not have audio accompaniment. Our regular blog schedule will resume next week. _________________________________ We sometimes forget the power of our words. Depending on how we use them, words can edify, encourage and build up others. A right word spoken at the right time can be life-changing (Proverbs 15:23). Or words can also be used for evil and harm. To demean, shame and tear down. Often causing long-lasting wounds and pain. Some people still have scars from words spoken to them by parents or significant others years, even decades ago. Scripture reveals the mighty influence of our words, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). Let's use our words wisely! To help people grow, learn and heal. To inspire and uplift. To help others become all God wants them to be. Life and death is in the tongue. Therefore, speak life to those around you.

"You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me" (Psalm 56:8-9) Amazing, isn't it? That God collects all our tears in a bottle. Every single one of them. Think deeply about that reality. Every tear, wherever or whenever shed, God captures. Knows and cares about. God does so because he is a loving Daddy who remembers everything that has happened to us. He knows our sufferings. Feels our pain. Hurts as we hurt. Cries as we cry. Mourns as we mourn. Every tear has meaning to God. He understands and knows all you've been through. Claiming this promise over our lives enables us to look forward with hope to eternity when, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4). The day when God makes all things new! And shows us how he used each tear for our good and his glory.

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger" (Ephesians 4:26). While we usually hear this biblical truth when it's spoken to married couples, it's a universal truth for all relationships in all life situations. If you let anger - for whatever reason - sit and stew in your soul, it will lead to bitterness that corrodes your heart and others around you like nothing else. "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled" (Hebrews 12:15). It's a way to keep relational wreckage at a minimum. And yes, it's an especially good tip for healthy marriages. When you have a tiff with your beloved, deescalate the tension. Lower the temperature. Say, "I'm sorry." Seek forgiveness. And make a rule you'll have everything resolved before you go to bed. So that you can have a great night's sleep and face tomorrow's issues with a rested body, soul, and spirit.

The expression, "Act like you've been there before!" comes from legendary football coach Vince Lombardi. It was a favorite saying of my college basketball coach, Dean Smith, as well. Here's what these coaches meant. Play each game with confidence! Winning begets winning. And when you do win, don't act surprised. Or get too excited. Or too cocky. Enjoy the victory and keep playing each game with confidence, believing you'll win the next one as well. This belief system is biblically rooted. Luke 11:5-11 is the story of the friend who knocked on the door of another friend at midnight to get some needed things for his family. He kept on knocking. His friend was sleepy, warm in bed, and didn't want to answer. But because of his friend's "persistent audacity" the door was finally opened. As illustrated through this Bible story, "Act like you've been there before!" can also mean confident persistence. It's a quality of prayer that moves God's hands because it prays like it's been there before. It's the confidence that God has answered in the past and will answer now. And tomorrow! The confidence that keeps on praying no matter what.

Douglas MacArthur spoke this truth, "It's fatal to go into war without the will to win it." Are you aware that Christ followers are constantly at war (Ephesians 6:12)? We are. Our enemy is Satan and he is the supreme enemy of our souls. His job description is to kill, steal and destroy anything and everything that God created (John 10:10a). Including me and you. This ongoing, spiritual war will continue until one of two things happen. One, you leave this earth to join Jesus in heaven. Or two, Jesus returns to this earth. But here's the wonderful catch: We have already won the war! "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). We proclaim thanks to God who always leads us in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14). Over the enemy and all his wiles. So, if we are in a war, we need to be in it to win it! And the surest way to win is to remain close to Jesus, the victor over sin, death and the devil. He has already won for us! We fight against the enemy, knowing the victory is already ours. What good news!

What's a simple but surefire way to experience more success in your life? Today, stop doing one stupid thing! Something that is hindering you from moving forward in life. When we come to faith in Jesus, we become brand new people on the inside. We are re-created, new creations living in vital union with Christ. We do not merely turn over a new leaf, we begin a new life under a new master, God. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Such a sudden change of that magnitude is extremely overwhelming. Where to begin? How? In what area of my life? It's why you must begin with one simple step. Do a life inventory. Find one thing that you're doing – one thing that clearly isn't working for you – and change it. Just one, no more! You can start working on the next one, and the next one, after you have changed one stupid thing. Over time, it's a pathway to success and life change. Today, stop doing one stupid thing.

How do you define and measure true success? In my opinion, true success is doing the best you can with what you have. Period. It's not defined in comparison with what others are doing or have accomplished. But what you have done with what God has given you. I'll never forget something my college basketball coach, Dean Smith, wished for one year. He wanted the "Coach of the Year" award to be given to the coach of a team that lost 20 games - and won only ten! But that coach had done the most with what he had on his team. Coach Smith believed that that was the coach who experienced true success. He did an extraordinary job with mediocre talent. Which is far more difficult than consistently winning with exceptionally talented players! When you stand before Jesus one day, all he will desire is for you to have done your best with the talents he gave you (Matthew 25:14-30). This is God's definition of true success. God will never compare your success to another's. And neither should you.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19). What's God's favorite game to watch his children play? It's not "Show and tell!" but "Go and tell!" Jesus wants his followers to just go into the world to be witnesses to people "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This means sharing the gospel to both those in your community and to those throughout the world. To those who have never heard the name of Jesus. Too often in our Christian lives we play "Show and tell." It's all about us. The emphasis of the Christian life is what Jesus can do for us. My needs and wants, not his. But the Christian life is to be lived for Jesus and his glory. It's all about him. It's not "Show and tell" but "Go and tell!" Pray today that God would lead you to one person who needs a word about Jesus's love and forgiveness. Then tell them! And feel your heart warmed with God's favor and encouragement. This is why you were created!

The famous conductor Leonard Bernstein once said that the most difficult position to play in the orchestra is second fiddle. How true! Everyone wants to be first. The superstar. The champion. The greatest. The hero of the story. Yet Jesus said, "The greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:11). And that's exactly how Jesus lived his life. As a servant to his followers. The best example of this profound truth is the Savior of the world taking a towel and a basin and washing his disciples' feet (John 13:1-13). What a courageous demonstration by Jesus, displaying the essence of Godly leadership and influence. Humility in action. May all of us learn to play "second fiddle" in God's orchestra. It is through servanthood that we become great in God's eyes.

Christ followers go through all kinds of stages and phases as our faith develops. Sometimes we may suffer small setbacks. Sometimes even large ones. Why? Because we are flawed humans living in a fallen world with broken people. Sometimes we are faithless. But God is always faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Think of Abraham, the father of our faith. He walked with God. Heard his voice. Obeyed. Then disobeyed. Then obeyed again! Here is Abraham's story: He went to Egypt and told his wife Sarai to lie and tell others she was his sister and not his wife. Abraham knew the pharaoh would seize her because of her beauty, bring her into his harem, and perhaps even kill Abraham (Genesis 12). So, he devised this plan. Bottom line: Abraham trusted his own methods over God's. What did God do? He brought Abraham out of Egypt back to the Promised Land! To begin anew. To start over. God renewed his covenant with Abraham. God gave him a new beginning. A fresh start. As God does with all of us as well. Through Jesus's love and forgiveness, he gives second and third chances. New beginnings, all filled with Jesus's enormous grace.

"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things" (Philippians 3:18-19). These verses make it crystal clear: the godless have one thing as their destiny - destruction. The reason? Their god is their belly. If you're wondering what that means, it is this. Feelings, biblically, are rooted in the stomach area. It's where emotions that often drive us are housed. Meaning feelings have become God to the godless. Whatever I feel must be true. Even if it's contrary to God's clear directives. "Their God is their belly" also represents humans who worship physical pleasures – instead of God himself – the Creator of pleasure. They worship God's gifts rather than the Giver of all that we enjoy. Healthy living comes when God rules over every part of us. Our passions. Lusts. Pleasures. Feelings. Emotions. When this happens - God controlling all our desires - we obey God no matter what we may personally desire or feel. May we learn from Paul's letter to the Philippians, a word to all of us for all times. And when the facts about God's truth inform our mind, our feelings will rightly follow.

If you want to lead the orchestra, you'll have to turn your back to the crowd. Why? Because leaders cannot be people-pleasers. People are fickle. Changing their minds from one moment to the next. One day they adore you and agree with your every sentiment. Then, the next day they don't and become your loudest critics. Once Paul learned this truth, it set him free to preach the gospel. He knew that if he tried to please people, he could never have chosen to follow Jesus and preach the gospel (Galatians 1:10). The truth of the gospel offends people (1 Corinthians 1:23). If you are leading others for Jesus's glory, lead well. But realize you may need to turn your back to the crowd. And that's okay. You are leading your orchestra to create a beautiful sound for God's ears alone.

It's an oft-quoted phrase in the business world today, coined by Benjamin Franklin in the 1700's: "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." It must be true given its staying power! Are you aware that this truth is deeply rooted in Scripture? The Valiant Woman plans ahead. "She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar" (Proverbs 31:14). "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty" (Proverbs 21:5). Wise leaders plan months and years ahead. "A ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order" (Proverbs 28:2 NIV). How to wisely prepare? Think ahead! To your next month. The next several months. The next few years. To the end of your life as you approach meeting your Creator. Be prepared as much as possible. For if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.

It's an often-quoted precept, but eternally true: Holding on to bitterness is like drinking arsenic and expecting the other person to die. Hebrews 12:15 speaks of a "root of bitterness." One that goes deep into your soul and is so very difficult to root out. When there, it will most often defile others who live around your bitterness. It's like an infectious disease. Spreading as quickly as a contagious virus. Most will move away from you, not wanting to be infected with your bitterness. How to get rid of it? At the first offense, forgive as Jesus has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). Dig it out. Root it out. Extract it so deeply that it is unable to take root again. God's grace given to you by Jesus is meant to be given away to others. Jesus even forgave from the cross those who put him there (Luke 23:34). As his followers, we are to do the same. Give grace to others as you have received it. Forgive as you have been forgiven. If you don't, it's like drinking arsenic and expecting the other person to die!

Sometimes Jesus calms the storm. Sometimes he calms you amidst the storm. Jesus, the Lord of the universe, is quite able to calm any storm surrounding us with one word: "Peace!" (Matthew 8:23-27). And the storms cease. Many of us can attest to a time when Jesus spoke a word and a miracle occurred. A child was conceived. A job was provided. A need met. Amazingly. Supernaturally. Sometimes God does that. But sometimes, Jesus doesn't calm the storm - but calms our hearts amidst the storm. He simply says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you" (John 14:27). Many of us know this reality as well. Jesus's promised presence amidst the storm, even though the storm has not been stilled. Both are miracles. Both are realities of this life. Therefore, worship him. And let us always praise the One who oversees both life's outward and inner storms of our hearts.

God, I've got a few questions for you! How often we all say this, if only to ourselves. There are mysteries in this life. Secret things. Hidden things. Happenings in our lives that we can't begin to understand. And never will - until eternity (Deuteronomy 29:29). Suffering is real and often causes people to say at times, "When I get to heaven, God, I've got a few questions for you!" When I hear this, I always point people to the book of Job and his extraordinary suffering. Job had more than a few questions for God! He had dozens and dozens. After expressing them, God appeared to Job and asked, "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?" (Job 38:4). Which reminds me: When I appear before God, I won't be asking God questions. If anything, he will have questions for me! And then I will simply bow my head in humble adoration that I'm with him forever. Reminded that he controls everything in the universe. And is always worthy of my praise and worship.

It was the night before I was going to marry Marilynn, now over 40 years ago. My dad was going to perform the wedding service the next day. Dad was a great dad. Present and involved in my life. A role model in so many ways. I admired and loved him very much. I look forward to seeing him in heaven again one day. I had hoped that Marilynn and I would one day have children. So, on the eve of my wedding day, I went to dad to ask him for the best advice he could give me if the Lord would one day give us children. Dad didn't hesitate. Immediately, he responded, "My best advice for you on how to be a good dad to your kids? That's easy. Love their mother." It's a consistent biblical message. Paul adjured husbands to love their wives as Jesus loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). How great was that love? Jesus was willing to die sacrificially to give the church life, as Christian husbands should for their wives as well. Eventually, God did give Marilynn and me three children. One girl and two boys. How much I have loved all three! But I especially love their mother who has meant more to me than words can ever express. Thanks dad, for your wise words. I remember them well, especially this Father's Day.

"Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy" (Isaiah 61:7). The prophet Isaiah revealed God's promise – to double the Israelites' portion of what they'd previously lost – to them while they were still in Babylonian captivity. God repeated the same promise to the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:12). God intended to restore double to the Israelites as they returned to their Promised Land. How does this promise hold true for us today? As we trust in the Lord, we are to rest assured that after our difficulties abate, God will restore double for all we've been through. God upheld the same promise to Job after his trials (Job 42:10). All that Job had lost, God restored double. Would you dare believe this today? Amidst your loss, to believe in faith that God is good? And He can and will double your trouble.

What is hidden from you is not hidden from God. We live in a temporal, visible world. God lives in an eternal, invisible world. If the life of Job teaches us anything, it proves that God oversees the eternal, invisible world. And what happens there - in heaven - influences what happens here - on earth. As Job went through much pain and suffering, the one thing he did not know was what was occurring in the heavenly realm (Job 1-2). That God had permitted his suffering. And Job's decision to remain faithful to the Lord had implications for what God was permitting Satan to do. That should bring comfort to us as well. When we are passing through deep waters or going through fiery trials, God is with us (Isaiah 43:2-3). He has not deserted us. He will never leave us or forsake us. If you're facing a situation today that is inexplicable to you, remember, God sees all. Directs all. Permits all. Remember, what is hidden from us that we don't understand, is not hidden from God who knows all. He knows. And understands. What's happening to you is not catching God by surprise. And God promises to use it all – both our triumphs and our sorrows - for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28).

Think of the last time you found yourself in a situation where you didn't know how to proceed. Couldn't decide what to do. Arrived at a stalemate. Not sure of the next step. What does God expect us to do when we find ourselves in predicaments such as this? The answer is nothing. It's quite simple, really. If you don't know what to do, don't! Wait on the Lord. As fallen people we are prone to taking matters into our own hands. Trying to solve our problems ourselves. Often, we only make situations worse. Waiting gives God time to change people and circumstances. And us as well. God strengthens us during our times of waiting like no other time (Isaiah 40:31). It's why we wait. "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14). God always wants what's best for us. Trust him. Wait on him. And when you don't know what to do, do nothing. God will eventually show you his next step.

God gives the best to those who leave the choice to him. Consider the story of Abraham and Lot. Their herdsmen were in constant strife with one another (Genesis 13). The land wasn't big enough for both of their herds. So wise Abraham goes to Lot and allows him to decide which land he wants. Abraham probably knew that where there is strife, there is every evil thing (James 3:16). What does Lot choose? What is best for Lot. Lot chooses the land in the Jordan River valley, lush with water and green grass. But it's also the land closest to Sodom, a city filled with wickedness and perversion. As time goes by, Lot and his family move closer and closer to Sodom and eventually Lot arrives at its gates, symbolizing he was a judge and leader in this deplorable town (Genesis 19:1). We later see how Sodom's godless influence was imbibed by Lot's daughters. On the other hand, Abraham let God choose for him. As a result, God gave him the Promised Land for as far as he could see and walk. It was a better land, a land where he raised his son and family. And through Abraham, his family, and his descendants living on that land, the entire world has been blessed (Genesis 12:3). When making decisions, let God lead you. Crucify your desire for what seems best in the world's sight. Let God lead you to make your choices for you. When you do, God will always give you what is the best.

We all have hurting people around us. This world is broken. Not operating as God originally intended. We have broken bodies. We are in broken relationships. We live and work with broken people. So then, how are Jesus's followers to live in this broken world? First, we are all called to serve others (Mark 10:45). We are to raise up our spiritual antennae to sense the hurting people around us. To be a walking ICU to those who are hurting. ICU? Think about it. Medical personnel are always on high alert. Their ears are attuned to every need around them. Every strange beep and sound. And they respond immediately, with urgency and compassion to those in need. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). As Jesus comforts those in need, may we do so as well. His followers and disciples, living as he lived. Noticing and caring for those who are hurting. Be a walking ICU to those around you throughout your day.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Only God fully knows the extent of our pain. Grief. Sorrow. Failure. It's why we should never say to a hurting person, "I know how you feel." Why? Because you don't. You have not been through exactly what this person has been through. You have not walked through every step of life in their shoes. Yes, you may have experienced a similar situation, enabling you to practice empathy. However, it's impossible for one human being to experience the exact same feelings as another. But God's understanding knows no limits. He understands us fully. Here's the best thing you can do for those who are hurting: Practice the ministry of presence. Simply sit beside them. Be there for them. Care for them. Love them. And if you must say something, tell them of God's great love for them. And his promise to heal their hurts and bind their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Sometimes sitting in silence is the best way to offer comfort. Let your physical presence be your strongest statement of support. Your loving presence will be what the suffering person will never forget.

Walk softly around a broken heart. Consider this lesson from the book of Job. During a time in Job's life when he was immensely suffering, three of Job's friends attempted to comfort him. At first, they were quiet. Listened. Wept with him (Job 2:11-13). But shortly thereafter, their attitudes changed. They began pontificating on why Job was suffering. They suggested that his suffering was because of his sin. And they deeply hurt Job's heart. God didn't like it either! At the end of Job's trial, God chastised the three men and told them to go apologize to Job (Job 42:7-9)! They had wrongly caricatured God. They did not understand what was happening in the courts of heaven - in the invisible, eternal world where God dwells. We are to "mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15). Meaning, instead of offering easy answers, we should practice empathy. When we are willing to enter into the pain of a suffering friend, we follow the example of Jesus, who came to bear our pain and be with us as we suffer. So remember, walk softly around a broken heart. Our physical presence with a hurting friend can be our best way to comfort and support.

Every experienced mountain climber will share this reality: The steepest part of the mountain is right before the pinnacle. It's a life lesson for us all. When we are moving forward in life with a dream, hope, or vision, it's often the very last push for success that's the hardest part. The most difficult to navigate. Seemingly and suddenly unable to achieve. That's why we should never give up! Keep our eyes focusing upward throughout our call to follow Jesus - especially as we are right at the summit. God called you to begin the good work you are doing, and he will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). And always remember as you continue climbing those last, few, hardest steps: Nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26).

Mother Theresa once said, "You'll never know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you've got." This truth is illustrated through the life of the apostle Paul. When you think you're having a bad day, read about the suffering Paul endured time and time again. He was rejected. Beaten. Shipwrecked. Persecuted. And much more (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). Despite Paul's intense hardships, he remained faithful to the Lord. Even after receiving "a thorn in my flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7). No one knows to this day exactly what the "thorn" was. Physical? Relational? Emotional? Psychological? It must have been very painful. Paul concluded it was sent from Satan. But it was also chronic. God never took it away (2 Corinthians 12:6-10). Where did Paul land as he contemplated his persistent problem? That Jesus's grace was sufficient for him. And God's power was somehow perfected in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). In everything he had faced in life. In all he would face in life. Back to Mother Teresa's quote. It's only when we have nothing else - only Jesus – to help us through life that we fully realize his grace is all we need. Wise words from a woman who personally knew this great truth.

We are blessed to be a blessing. How has God blessed you? Make a list. Write out all your blessings. God told Abraham that he was going to bless him. Make his name great. Make him a great nation. Through him all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). But here was the catch: God said he would bless Abraham so that he would be a blessing (Genesis 12:3). Now go back to your list of blessings. Yes, give thanks to God for them all (1 Thessalonians 5:18). An attitude of gratitude honors the Lord. But ask God now how you can be a blessing to others with all the ways God has blessed you. That's the proof of true thanksgiving in your heart.