A Moment of Hope

Jesus wants us to know that he is sovereign over everything that happens in our lives. Nothing is beyond his control. And for his followers, we have the unyielding promise that all things work together for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28). Jesus also wants us to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We see this in how Jesus handled Thomas, one of Jesus's disciples, after he had been raised from the dead. Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to his other followers. Thomas said that unless he touched his wounded hands and side, he would not believe it. Then Jesus appeared to Thomas in his resurrection glory, and invited him to touch what he desired. In response, Thomas fell and worshiped Jesus. Jesus then responded to Thomas's worship and told Thomas that he was blessed because he saw and believed. But how really blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe (John 20:29)? That's most of us. We have not seen a literal resurrected Jesus, yet we choose to believe in him. Trust him with our eternal lives. Trust him for today's needs. What is my point? If this is all true, then many experiences we call "coincidences" are not coincidences at all. They are simply God's way of remaining anonymous. To help grow our faith. Because Jesus wants us to learn to walk by faith, and not by sight!

Can you imagine having something or someone be the priority of your life, yet never doing anything to show it? It's impossible. King David knew this truth. When buying a piece of land where his son, Solomon, would eventually build the Temple, he refused the owner's offer of accepting it free of charge. David insisted on paying for the property. David could not imagine building the Temple, where daily sacrifices would be offered to God in thanksgiving for all he had given, and the cost being nothing. So, he paid a fair price for the land (2 Samuel 24:24). Jesus paid it all for us. We owe everything to him. He gave his life so our sins could be forever forgiven, and our gift of eternal life secured. David's attitude toward purchasing the property for the Temple should be the same attitude that we have in choosing to follow Jesus. What is yours? Because a faith that costs nothing is worth nothing. What price have you paid for choosing to follow Jesus?

Something or someone has the most important place in your life. Sits on the throne of your heart. Rules you from within. Here is the key question for all of us today: Does that place belong to Jesus? Jesus said that we can't love father or mother, nor son or daughter, more than him (Matthew 10:37). He must be our life's primary passion. He said that we are to seek the kingdom of God first and foremost in this life (Matthew 6:33). And, of course, the King of that kingdom is named Jesus. Then, he will supply all our other needs. God will not share his glory in our lives with anything or anyone else (Isaiah 42:8). He will not compete with another affection of our hearts. Second place means no place for him. God is either in first place or no place in your life. Is this the case with you? Today? Forever?

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord" (Proverbs 21:31). Scripture is clear. Repeatedly throughout the Bible we are told this truth: The battle belongs to the Lord. But even though Christians regularly hear this, our lives don't necessarily reflect it. What's the tell-tale sign that you don't believe the battle is the Lord's Incessant worry. Fear. Anxiety. If you believe there's something more you must do - something required of you - in order for the battle to be won, you are sorely mistaken! Nothing could be further from the truth! Because the opposite of human worry is Jesus's peace. Handing over your life's battles to the Lord invites the peace that surpasses all understanding to reside within you (Philippians 4:6-7). Friends, the enemy seems too large. We don't have the strength to fight him alone. That's why God reminds his people repeatedly throughout Scripture that the battle is his. Not ours! He fights for us. Let him. Surrender. Give it to him. Rest in faith that in his time, in his way, you will one day see his victory. How Jesus worked it all for your good and his glory. What are you facing today? What huge obstacle stands in your way? Give it to the Lord. In faith, believe he fights for you. It's his battle. The battle belongs to the Lord.

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:42). Stay ready, and you don't have to get ready. This is true in every area of life. For athletes. Soldiers. Workers. Last minute preparation is hard, difficult, and rarely successful. It's also often a surefire way to fail. This is especially true for followers of Jesus. Every day we are to live in Jesus's presence. To be filled with his Holy Spirit. To remain in an irrevocable union relationship with him. Abiding in him. Resting in him. Knowing that he forever lives in us. But it's especially true in waiting for Jesus's Second Coming. He will return. He promised to do so (Matthew 24:14). It's an undeniable promise and reality in God's Word. If Jesus returns at this moment, would he find you ready? Excited at his return? Serving as he would wish you were? Sharing his gospel with others as he commands you to do? For if you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. And if you have to get ready for his Second Coming, you're probably not ready. And will get left behind.

"Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked" (Psalm 37:16). Less is more. It's a great life lesson I'm learning. I just don't need as much as I think I do. In fact, there is a freedom in having little. Think about it. The more you accumulate, the more things you own. And then, the more those things eventually own you. Your possessions require your time and money to be spent on them. Someone once joked that he didn't need to purchase a beach house as long as he had friends who owned one! The upkeep here would be on the friendship, not the beach house! How do Christians combat a culture of consumerism? One simple way is this. Pause and ask yourself, "Do I really need that?" Most often, the answer is no. And the same holds true with our words. We don't need to say so much! Guard your words. The more you speak, the more you can get yourself into trouble. Less stuff. Less words. And more of Jesus: a good way to live!

"Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14). My last breath here will be my first breath there. Think about this beautiful reality. If you believe in Jesus, death will be like going to sleep, awakening, and arising to new life. Seeing the face of Jesus for the first time. And then all of our loved ones in heaven. And the multitude of saints who have gone before us. Plus, the angels! It's breathtakingly unimaginable. The statistics are in: one out of one of us dies. But death should not be feared by Christians! It has been overcome by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, believe in Jesus. Don't allow death to be feared, nor your heart be troubled (John 14:1). You'll awaken in heaven. Soon, you will see Jesus face-to-face (1 Corinthians 13:12). And your last breath here will be your first breath in heaven, where you will breathe God's perfect, rarified air forever.

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34). Martin Luther, a 16th century leader in the Protestant Reformation, had to take stands for Jesus that could have potentially cost him his life. His mantra was this: "Peace if possible. Truth at all costs." The apostle Paul said, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Romans 12:18). However, your desire to have peace with people will sometimes be disrupted by your desire to have truth at all costs. You must continue to stand for truth, even if it brings a lack of peace. Or brings a sword. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). And his truth sets us free (John 8:31). To some, the truth will be offensive. But it still must be preached. Lived by. At all costs. For without the truth no person or culture can remain healthy and whole. Always seek peace. But stand for truth at all costs.

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed" (2 Peter 3:10). Through the years, I've invited people to put a tag on every possession they own that simply reads, "Gonna burn." The Bible is clear: one day everything is going to burn. We entered this world with nothing. We won't take anything of this world into heaven. Not one single possession. We enter this world naked and will leave this world naked (Job 1:21-22). Materials and possessions we consider valuable on earth, will be valueless in heaven. Gold, considered a precious metal on this earth, will be mere pavement on heaven's streets. Don't hoard possessions this side of eternity! They're ultimately worthless. Spend your time now developing your inner, eternal character. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither thieves, rust, nor moths can get to them. Only our souls are eternal. That's what we should be building up and taking care of more than any other thing. Everything else is "gonna burn."

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). Did you know the Bible says "fear not" more than any other phrase? Over 350 times! I think that's because all human beings have a propensity for fear and anxiety. We tend to look at the size of our circumstances, and allow fear to consume us. The only way to battle fear, biblically, is through faith. By trusting God. Surrendering all to him. Knowing his character - that he is good and his mercies endure forever. Putting it all in his hands. Because here's what I've learned. When you have faith, blessings follow. When you have fear, burdens scamper after you. If you think you were meant to carry the weight of this fallen world, you are sorely mistaken! Give all your concerns and fears to God! Ask him to carry them. He will. He wants to. It's God's job to deal with fears. It really is that simple. It's your job to give them to him. He will carry them. You won't have to. God carries all of our burdens. Every. Single. One. On his strong, eternal, celestial shoulders.

Name change. It happens after a significant event has occurred in a person's life. A woman's name changes after she becomes a wife. A child's name changes after being adopted by new parents. Did you know name change is a constant theme in the Bible as well? Abram to Abraham. Sarai to Sarah. Jacob (trickster) to Israel (strength of the Lord). Simon (wishy-washy) to Peter (the Rock). Saul to Paul. Jesus never looks at who you are but who you can become. He sees the before, but he blesses the after. Isn't that great news? Jesus can and will take your brokenness and turn it into blessedness. And one day everyone will be given a totally new name in heaven (Revelation 2:17). It will be a name that no one else has. Given uniquely to us by our eternal Father. It'll be beautiful. Melodic. Perfectly for us. What a glorious day that will be!

"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). Bitterness destroys. It corrodes our heart. And hurts those around us. When you get hurt, don't get bitter, get better. You do have a choice. Choose to get better. To learn from the pain. How? Consider if you contributed to a hurtful situation in some way. Try to walk in the shoes of the one who hurt you. Thoughtfully mull over what you can learn from what happened. And always fill your heart with God's healing grace, forgiveness, kindness, and compassion. When you do so, you will become a better person. One filled with grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness yourself - yes, even toward those who hurt you. Don't get bitter. Get better. You become more like Jesus when you do.

"Your Jesus is just a crutch." It's an often-spoken phrase of ridicule toward followers of Jesus. Has it ever been said to you? If so, how should you respond to someone who views Jesus this way Here is what I say: "Yep, you're right. I am weak. Broken. Walk through life with a limp. And Jesus holds and supports me. Every moment of every day. He gives me the strength to take the next step. And the next one. Throughout all my life." Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebecca, wrestled with God throughout the night. He wanted a blessing from God, and wouldn't let go until he received that blessing. In the morning, God did give him a blessing. But he also touched Jacob's hip, causing him to walk with a limp for the rest of his life (Genesis 32:22-32). From that moment forward, Jacob became crippled. And God became his crutch. With each step, for the rest of his life, Jacob realized that God was enough. His sufficiency - no matter what he would face. And as a result, Jesus would later refer to his Father as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! The apostle Paul reached the same conclusion. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus is indeed our crutch. Thank God he is!

Alliteration produces soothing sounds, and is a common feature in poetry. Alliterative words are linked together thematically, spotlighting the subject they're describing; it's why they serve as great ways to remember something. Writers love alliterations. Maybe God does too? Memorize these alliterations describing God and recite them to yourself as you go about your day. The Mercy of the Master The Kindness of the King The Grace of God The Sovereignty of the Savior Let this alliance of alliterations about the Hero of Heaven be yours today and forever! It's when you know God's true character that your faith grows. And without faith, it's impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13). When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, temptation was something he specifically prayed against: "Lead us not into temptation." Jesus knew every human being would face temptation. So if temptation is a certainty, what are we to do when tempted? Flee! Immediately run in the opposite direction. And here's the key: Don't leave a forwarding address! Leave the temptation behind. Forever. Not to be confronted again. God promises us that when we are tempted, he will provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). When temptation finds you, follow God's way out. Flee temptation and don't give it a forwarding address!

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:44-45). This is not a suggestion from Jesus. It's a command. It's not optional. Why does Jesus want his followers to live this way? The reason is simple. When you're on your knees praying for people, it's impossible to simultaneously hold hatred in your heart for them. That's why Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. Note what Jesus didn't say to do: Retaliate. Hate. Avenge. When we pray for our enemies - through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit - we're able to overcome evil with good. Feel gracious toward them even if they don't deserve it. It's what Jesus did on the cross. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). The Savior of the world prayed for his enemies and persecutors. Until his last breath. Instead of hating those who've hurt you, pray for them. You're never more like Jesus when you do.

Jesus. What a beautiful name it is. Jesus is easy to love! He was perfect in every way. The One who first loved us (1 John 4:10). Who died on the cross to forgive our sins. And give us an unimaginable gift – eternal life. Knowing this truth makes it easy to love Jesus. But Christ followers are also called to love sinners. Which we all are. It's why the true test of Christianity is not just loving someone as easy to love as Jesus. But loving someone hard to love, a sinner like Judas. Jesus loved Judas until the last moment, even kissing him when arrested. Think of the people in your life akin to Judas. Those who betrayed you. Hurt you deeply. Abandoned you when you needed them the most. Forgiveness may be one of the most difficult commands to follow, but it's what God tells us we must do. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiving others, especially our enemies, is the true acid test of following Jesus. Not just loving Jesus, but the Judases in our lives as well. How are you doing with this test today?

Don't protect what God is trying to direct. We all have something we finally possess after a long time of waiting. A special something from God. But sometimes God asks us to let go of the exact thing we are holding on to. In our white knuckled, tightly gripped fists. Why would God do that? So that he can direct us to a new future. Hope. Something even better that he wants us to have. Think about Abraham's life. He asked God if Ishmael could be the son of promise. But God said no. Which led Abraham had to "cast out" Ishmael and not protect him (Genesis 21). God then directed Abraham down a different path. One that required him to let go. Trust. Persevere in faith. It was Isaac, born in Genesis 22, where God would direct his promises. And through Isaac's lineage, the Savior of the world would be born. But there was always only One through whom God would fulfill all of his promises - Jesus. The greatest gift ever!

"Abraham did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised" (Romans 4:19-21). Too often we define and believe in God's promises depending on how we feel. Or, on what's going on around us, our circumstances. When we do so, danger lurks ahead. Why? Because the two greatest faith killers are feelings and circumstances. If we feel badly, our faith falters. If our circumstances are poor, our faith lessens. We should look to Abraham's faith as an example for us all. God promised Abraham that he would give him a son. Abraham had to wait 25 years, but he remained in faith until God fulfilled his promise. Yet despite his feelings and circumstances, Abraham's faith grew strong. And never abated. Abraham didn't look at the age of his or Sarah's body. Or his feelings. Instead, he believed God's promise no matter what - the sign of a true and living faith. Let's follow the example of Abraham, the Father of All Nations. No matter our feelings or circumstances, let our faith grow strong.

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20). "Social capital" is a term used today to describe the value of social networks. It's becoming increasingly important as people realize that when you surround yourself with wise people, they point you in the direction of success. It's why the saying is true: Show me your friends and I'll show you your future! Most parents say to their children, "Choose your friends wisely." This tried-and-true instruction is biblically rooted. "Bad company ruins good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Yes, as Christians we are called to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16). But we are also cautioned to be careful in our friendships and business relationships. Why? Because if you spend a lot of time with immoral people, you may find yourself becoming more comfortable with their godless ideas and habits. But when you surround yourself with wise people who possess good and Godly morals, you'll most likely find yourself walking down the path of prosperity and success. Show me your friends and I'll show you your future. It's wisdom for the ages.

Some people believe they don't do a good job communicating with others. So, they don't even try to do so. But actually, we are communicating - intentionally or not - all the time. With our eyes. Glances. Posture. Body language. My college basketball coach would regularly chide players for slumping their shoulders. Holding their heads low in defeat. With forlorn expressions. Coach would tell us we were communicating to the other team – and each other - that we were playing poorly. Expecting to lose. Accepting defeat before it happened. Instead, we are to communicate confidence! In all aspects of our lives. Especially as Christ followers. Christians are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us (Romans 8:37). Jesus who lives in us is greater than he who lives in the world (1 John 4:4). No weapon formed against us will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Is this you? Communicating confidence in Jesus no matter what your circumstances may be? Claim as your own these biblical promises over your life each and every day. Communicate confidence in your convictions. Say so in every way. Especially with your body language. For you are communicating all the time, whether you realize it or not.

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). The fifth commandment calls children to honor their father and mother. Interestingly, it's the only one of the 10 commandments that has a promise to children: that all will go well with them in the land. But the fifth commandment has implications for parents as well. God gave parents authority over their children. For discipline, training, and instruction in God's commands (Ephesians 6:4). Parents are called to be the adults in the room. Meaning, children need parents who enforce God's commands. Uphold biblical guardrails. Oversee the happenings in their children's lives. Parents, you are not called to be your kids' best friend. That should happen after they've grown up and become adults themselves. But as you are raising them, you are the adult in the room. The authority. The parent. Love your kids. Oversee them well. Discipline when necessary. But always be the adult in the room. And as your kids learn to honor you, remind them that God has a planned blessing for them!

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you" (James 4:10). Humility is elusive; once you think you have it, you don't. Consider this illustration: A man was awarded a pin by his coworkers for his humility. He was so honored by this recognition that he decided to wear it on his jacket. First for a few days, that eventually turned into weeks. Guess what? He was no longer humble! Authentic humility isn't thinking less of yourself. It's thinking of yourself less. It's achieved when our minds and lives become preoccupied with Jesus. His ways. His wants. Choose humility. It is a choice. When you do so, the Lord will lift you up. And be careful if you think you have it. You probably don't.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). The Creator of the universe designed a seedtime and harvest (Genesis 8:22). Both are necessary for plants; first to be given life, and then to grow. God designed different seasons for our lives as well. "A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8). Scripture makes it clear: seasons don't last forever. They change. Over and over again. And there are God's reasons in your seasons. So remember to keep moving forward, no matter which season you may be in. Trust him with everything. And especially don't grow weary of doing good for others. For in due season, you will reap a harvest sown in previous seasons of your life (Galatians 6:7).

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.