​Life is a journey to be enjoyed, not a destination to be endured.
 
I believe we learn this truth from the Lord Jesus Christ. The Hebrew writer says of Jesus that He endured the cross, despised the shame and is now set down at the right hand of God because of “the joy set before Him.”
 
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God.” Hebrews 12:2
 
When I think of Jesus, I think of joy.
 
I am convinced that Jesus was a joyful man who enjoyed His life and ministry.
 
If you don’t think so, I invite you to re-read the Gospels through the lens of joy.  Jesus experienced and often expressed joy when He preached the Word, healed the sick, cast out demons, restored broken hearts, raised the dead, and yes, when He died on the cross. Jesus knew joy even in the midst of incredible personal suffering. How could that be? “For the joy set before Him”.  
 
Joy, God’s joy, motivated Jesus throughout His earthly journey. Jesus kept His eyes fixed on the big picture. Though His way was far from easy, the Lord’s life journey was endurable, enjoyable and victorious because joy filled Jesus’ heart.
 
The Lord’s personal joy was based on His God-given cause and call, not circumstances that accompanied His calling. Joy, coupled with love, directed the Lord’s footsteps as He headed to the Cross to provide salvation for you and me.
 
On Easter morning, resurrection joy catapulted Him from the tomb and carried Him to the right hand of the Father in glory once again! And joy will bring Him back one more time to take us to our eternal home in heaven where unrestricted joy will be the order of each and every day! Hallelujah!
 
Please note that we are exhorted to “fix (fasten or rivet) our eyes on Jesus”. Why? So “you will not grow weary and lose heart” serving the Lord (verse 3).
 
When we fix our eyes on Jesus, His joy becomes our joy.
 
Full of His joy, our faith journey will be joyful, not joyless. Joy becomes a mark of maturity as we follow in His footsteps and imitate His joyful lifestyle. Our faith is being perfected, made complete as we enjoy our journey of walking by faith in Jesus Christ who enjoyed His journey fulfilling the Father’s will.
 
So how about you and me? Are we enjoying our journey with Jesus? We should be.   
              
If not, let’s be honest and then adjust our attitude.  Sometimes it is so easy to fall into the subtle trap that we will be happy (joyful) when we arrive. That’s called destination disease. The trap is this: By focusing on the destination, we miss the joy of the journey. When our goal is the end, we neglect to reap the rewards of the means to the end.
 
Destination disease is a major joy stealer. It steals our happiness because it robs us of the joy of the moment. Enjoying life consists of enjoying the moments of life. 
 
Unfortunately, many of us are so uptight and stressed out about arriving at our destination that we miss enjoying the journey along the way.
           
Joy makes the journey of life so much more bearable and enjoyable. Jesus understood this and so did the Hebrew writer. Joy in the journey comes from fixing our eyes on Jesus who enjoyed His journey!
 
Thank you Lord for enjoying your journey so we can enjoy ours.
 
How To Enjoy Your Journey
 

• Thank God for every single day.    Psalm 118:24
• Keep your faith focused on Jesus and today’s unique opportunities.
• Give your all to today’s tasks.
• Take note of the little things throughout your day.
• Take care not to sweat the small stuff.
• Laugh a lot! And laugh at yourself too!
• Rejoice in the Lord when you retire at the end of the day.

 
Are you enduring or ENJOYING your Christian journey?
 
“Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same thing again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.”                                                          Philippians 3:1
 
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”                                                                                                   John 15:11
 
A WORD FOR YOUR WEEK: Enjoy your journey with Jesus!  

Do you find yourself these days shaking then scratching your head and declaring” That doesn’t make sense at all.”
I have and do often when I survey the human landscape. My goodness, am I off base or has our world lost its marbles when it comes to common sense, reasonableness, discernment and wisdom? Non-sense. No sense is the order of the day. I heard a reader or two shout that is the truth!
I have heard some of the stupidest, dumbest, most ridiculous, off-the-wall things come out of the mouths of so called “experts” and those who think they know more than you and me. Gee whiz! The stuff just gets dumber and dumber as the days go by. There are think tanks devoted to coming up with the most idiotic theories and applications imaginable. Powers that be are working tirelessly and without conscience to dumb you and me down.
How does it make sense to pay people not to work? How sensible is it to make economic “quid-pro-quo” deals with enemies whose avowed intent is to destroy us? What has shutting down our society accomplished besides creating anxiety, fear, panic and paranoia? What is wise about tearing down statues, re-writing or erasing history because someone might take offense? Where is the sense in burning down your community? Absolutely ludicrous! Ridiculous! Scratching my head again.
You are thinking about some of those dumb things right now aren’t you?
The men and women of the world system have lost their moral compass. They have no clue what “true north” looks like spiritually, morally, emotionally, relationally, economically or politically. Sadly, to many, “true north” is whatever you want it to be, deem it to be, whatever suits your life view. In other words, it if is true to you it must be true and who gives a rip what anybody else thinks.
Here are some thoughts about what makes sense.
Common (Or Should I Say) Uncommon Sense

• Truth is truth. A lie is a lie. Lies are not truth telling.
• Love is love. Hate is hate. Only God’s love can extinguish hate in a person’s heart.
• Good is good. Good comes from God. Evil is evil. Evil comes from the devil. Good can never be evil and evil will never be good.
• Sin is sin because God says so. Sin is not sin because man thinks it should not be.
• Moral is moral. Immoral is immoral. Immorality can never be moral.
• Purity is pure. Perversion is perverse. Perverse can never be pure.
• Holy is holy. Unholy is unholy. Unholy can only be made holy by the Holy One.
• Light is light. Dark is dark. Light can never be dark and dark can never be light.
• Righteousness is right. Unrighteousness is wrong. Right or wrong in the sight of God is crystal clear.
• Obedience is blessed by God. Disobedience is cursed by God.
• Eternal life through personal belief and faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.

In the book of James in the Bible, the following truth makes sense to me.
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior in his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and lie against the truth.
This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil thing.”
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
James makes life clear for us. The world’s so-called wisdom only leads to disorder and evil things. Jealousy and selfish ambition drive worldly wisdom. Is it any wonder some people have so much discord, division, disdain and detestable hatred for each other? The source of the wisdom of the world is Satan. The evil one certainly does not want anyone to make sense of life the way God has designed it. “Wisdom that does not come from above” will destroy us.
On the contrary, wisdom from above, from Almighty God, is everything worldly wisdom is not.
Pursuing, receiving and practicing God’s wisdom leads to life that makes sense. Human relationships flourish when based on peace, harmony, unity, mutual respect and love for one another. That makes sense to me. How about you?
“Wisdom from above” will save and sanctify us when we live our lives according to God’s Word.
My friend, in 2022, study the Bible. Read. Meditate. Obey God’s Word. Then you will easily discern between the false wisdom of this world and the true wisdom of God’s Kingdom.
A word of advice: Give it up if you think you will ever make sense of the world apart from the Kingdom of God. Good sense would be for unsaved people to be saved by the grace of God!
So, let us get about the business of witnessing to the lost before it is too late for them.
“But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
A Word For Your Week: Life makes sense when it is lived God’s way.

​2022 has arrived.
Despite the lavish, noisy New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations, it is a sad, sorrowful fact that our world is a joyless one.
Of course, the world apart from Christ longs for joy.
Recall “holiday” advertising. Many commercials for Christmas gifts used the joy theme. Wal-Mart: “Joy. Fully.” J.C. Penney: “Joy. Comfort. Peace.” Glade: “Spark Joy.” Applebee’s: “Joy” gift card. Peloton: “Joy in the workout.” (Not so sure about joy in working out!).
The topic of joy pops up everywhere, but it is nowhere, because the world has no idea where real joy comes from.
“Happy New Year” is the hope of most. But happiness and joy are not the same thing. Happiness or unhappiness is circumstantial. Life going well, happy. Life not going well, unhappy.
Joy is relational. I find great joy in my wife and family not because we always get along perfectly but because of our relationship based on love for one another.
 Jesus made it clear where joy comes from. In John 15:11 Jesus taught “These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”  Note “His joy” is made full in us!
Jesus’ joy is real joy!
In John 16:22 Jesus said to the disciples “Therefore now you too have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice; and no one takes your joy away from you.” The Lord knew His closest followers would be sorrowful when He left for heaven. But He assured them He would see them again. They would rejoice and no one, no one could ever take or steal their joy, which is Christ’s joy, from them.
Jesus’ joy cannot be ripped off!
Bottom line: If there is no personal relationship with Jesus, there is no joy.
Without question Christians should be the most joyful people on earth because they have believed in and personally received what God has done for them through the birth, life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.
I Peter 1:3-9 stirs my heart with a spirit of joy and rejoicing every time I read it.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away reserved in heaven for you; who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice even though even now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials; That the proof of your faith being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
AND THOUGH YOU HAVE NOT SEEN HIM, YOU LOVE HIM, AND THOU YOU DO NOT SEE HIM NOW, BUT BELIEVE IN HIM, YOU GREATLY REJOICE WITH JOY INEXPRESSIBLE AND FULL OF GLORY; OBTAINING AS THE OUTCOME OF YOUR FAITH, THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOUL.”
I hope these words stirred your soul like it did mine once again! Glory to God!
You and I have not seen Jesus. But we love Him. The Father has given us a living hope by raising Jesus from the dead! That hope is secure in heaven, imperishable, undefiled and protected by God Himself. Believers in Christ have a reserved seat in glory!
You and I rejoice even in the middle of various trials because our faith, when tested, is being perfected, made complete. Because we believe in Him, we GREATLY REJOICE with JOY INEXPRESSIBLE AND FULL OF GLORY!
Great rejoicing. Joy inexpressible. Joy that mere words are inadequate to describe. Joy that is off the emotional charts. Joy that can only be traced to Christ’s presence in a believer’s heart!
Joy inexpressible cannot be captured by words, but when you got it, you know it!!!!!
Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Knowing the above how can we do anything less in 2022 than live our life overflowing with inexpressible joy!
Wake up every day with Christ’s joy. Get out of bed with a song of joy to the Lord in your heart and on your lips. Put a huge smile on your face that radiates the love of Christ. Walk with a bounce in your step that says I am rejoicing that I am saved through faith in Jesus. Share with others Jesus’ joy through your attitude, countenance, words and deeds.  
 Joy inexpressible can and must be shared with a world that is longing for the joy of the Lord. 2022 is ripe with opportunities to share with searching souls the joy of knowing Jesus.
Whatever your New Year’s Resolutions may be, as a Christian, I urge you to consider that you will have an attitude in 2022 of inexpressible joy because of your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Let the joy of the Lord flow from you into everyone’s life you meet!
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
‘For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17
“And these things I write to you that your joy may be made complete.” I John 1:4
 A Word For Your Week: Make 2022 the year of inexpressible joy in your heart.

​“During these trying times…”
The above statement is the opening line of a commercial on television that leads into the sales pitch of the service their company is providing.
I do not know about you, but I am wearying of people reminding us about “trying times” as if we did not know that the times have and continue to try our faith, resolve and patience.
There has never been a time in human history, beginning with Adam and Eve, where mankind did not face trying times, various trials and tribulation. The real issue with “trying times” is what you and I are going to do about them.
Will we be triumphant over them or be troubled and overcome by them?
Thoughts About Trying Times

• Trying times are part and parcel of life. No escape from them.
• Trying times have a shelf life. A trying time is not for a lifetime.
• Trying times make us irritable, ill-tempered and difficult for people we love to live with us.
• Trying times are a tool of Satan designed to shake faith. The evil one always tests the belief of God’s children. Trying times are one of the devil’s favorite tools.  
• Trying times try our patience. Impatience can cause us to make “stupid” decisions when under pressure.
• Trying times test and reveal our character. When trying times test your faith, pass the test.
• Trying times require a positive attitude, persevering spirit and good old-fashioned grit.
• Trying times are opportunities to overcome in the name of Jesus. 
• Trying times test our resolve to live for Christ no matter what circumstances come our way.
• Trying times require some try-umph in Christ!

You and I can triumph over trying times. The Bible, God’s Word, says so.
The Apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 2:14-15:
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being save and among those who are perishing.”
Paul, the Gospel gunslinger of grace in the New Testament, makes three statements about triumphing over trying times.

1. God always, the word is always, leads you and me, causes us to triumph in Christ. That is a great word for us. Paul assures us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that God’s kids always triumph, not in their own power, but in Christ Jesus the Lord.
2. God makes us smell good! “Sweet aroma” is the phrase. How? Because we know Him and walk with Him. Christians should not stink to the world. I have met some smelly believers in my time of ministry and the scent was not sweet!
3. Christians are a “fragrance of Christ” to believers and unbelievers. Biblical Christians are to fellowship with one another and witness to a lost world smelling like the love of God, drawing people to the Savior. God’s love is “sweet aroma.”

Question my fellow brother or sister in Christ: How is your spiritual fragrance? Do people smell the sweet aroma of Christ on you? Or something else?
Trying times can be spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, relational, cultural or economic. Throughout my lifetime I have experienced various trials. I am sure you have also. James 1:2-3 states “Count it all joy my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
 Hey James, I am still working on that “joy” thing!
Whether you and I feel like it or not, see results the way we want to see them at the time or not, we always triumph in Christ. Not some of the time, or occasionally, but always, every single time you and I triumph over tests, trials and trying times.
So do not act like a loser. Get rid of the loser’s limp. I get irritated when I hear a Christian say when I ask them how they are doing who respond with a sigh “Oh, I am just hanging in there.” Please tell me how a professed believer in Christ can just “hang in there’ when the Son of God hung on a cross, died a horrible death and then rose from the dead to save us from sin and prepare the way for us to go to heaven. Beats me! I do not get that attitude.
We are triumphant in Christ because of His triumph over Satan, sin, death and the grave!
Friends, loser’s limp will get you and me nowhere. How can we positively influence and encourage fellow believers and be winsome witnesses to those who are searching for Jesus if we are sucking our spiritual thumbs, dragging our pity-poor-me blankies around and looking like we were baptized in lemon juice? That is not a picture of a triumphant Christian.
People all around us are being beaten up by trying times and trials. They need to see Christians always triumphing in Christ. They will be attracted to Jesus when they see us rising above trials and winning the day as we walk by faith and not by sight.  
The next time your faith is under fire because of a trying time, release your battle to the Lord and receive strength from Him to overcome and triumph over your trial.
You, my friend, are triumphant in Christ!
“In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:32
A Word For Your Week: Trying times are excellent opportunities to triumph in Christ.

​It’s a miracle.
The word miracle is spoken a lot in our culture. At times, rightly so.  At other times, not so much. I am pretty sure that a last minute “hail Mary” touchdown pass by my favorite football team is not a miracle. I mean, who does Almighty God, the Sovereign Lord of the universe cheer for? Which team’s sports jersey and apparel does He wear? My team or my rival? Just saying.
 A miracle, simply put, is “the supernatural intervention of God.” Something is not a miracle unless God is involved.
The Christmas story in the Bible is a true story of Gods’ glory intersecting/interacting with humanity.
Every time I read Luke’s account of the announcement of Christs birth I get holy goose bumps.
 “And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terribly frightened.
And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people’ for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior who is Christ the Lord. 
And this will be a sign for you; you shall find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:9-13
According to the Bible, God’s Word, Christmas is all about Jesus Christ.
Here’s what gives me holy goose bumps.

• Almighty God gave man a glimpse of His glory. A snapshot of heaven. Amazing!
• The angel’s sudden, surprising announcement was good news of great joy in a bad news world.
• Initially the shepherds were emotionally stunned, shocked and afraid like I would have been. Who wouldn’t have been shaken by what they just observed? 
• A Savior is born for all men. A savior from sin. Salvation had come to the earth in a baby wrapped in rags in a feeding trough. What a humble entrance for mankind’s Savior.  
• Christ’s birth would bring peace on earth to all men. All who would believe in Him.
• God was very pleased with the announcement of a Savior. Blessed the Father’s heart to send His Son to save the world.
• An innumerable heavenly choir praised God and glorified His holy name. Talk about a Christmas cantata!

 Without the birth and subsequent sinless, sacrificial life of God’s Only Son, there is no Savior, no salvation. Without Christmas, there would be no revelation of truth, no Cross, no resurrection from the tomb, and no promise of Jesus’ second coming to take the Father’s sons and daughters home to heaven.
Without Christmas, you and I are without hope, lost for eternity. With Christmas, you and I have the hope of hopes! Christmas is all about Jesus Christ.
A beautiful  nativity set adorns our family room. It is the centerpiece of our Christmas decorations. When I see Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, and animals adoring baby Jesus in the manger, I reflect and meditate for a moment or two.  I always shed a warm, grateful tear or two. I praise God for the gift of salvation through His Son. Remembering once again the reason for the season, I ask the Lord for opportunities to share the good news of Christmas with a lost, hurting world. 
As Christians, you and I are bearers of good news. A message of hope for all mankind. The coming of the Christ child at Christmas is the miracle of miracles. The world has a Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord!  God’s Son was born in a manger so you and I can be born-again as a child of God.
If the miraculous birth, life, death and resurrection of God’s Only Son Jesus Christ is not a miracle, I do not know what is.
My friend, do you need a miracle in your life this Christmas? Something that only God can do for you?  
More important than the miracle you seek, do you know the miracle maker? Do you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you confess Jesus as your Lord and Savor?  Have you repented of your sin and received Jesus into your heart? Are you headed to heaven because your sins have been forgiven, washed in Christ’s holy blood, and your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life?
If you don’t know Christ and would like to, the miracle you need this Christmas is just a prayer away. Why not unwrap the greatest gift of all, salvation, this Christmas? Receive Jesus.
Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son who died on a cross and is risen from the dead. I repent of my sins. Please forgive me. I receive Jesus into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior. From today on I choose to serve and obey the Lord. Thank you Father for saving me.
If you sincerely prayed that simple prayer, welcome to the family of God!
According to Matthew 1:23, Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us.”.  Imagine that. God with you and me. Right here, right now! Amazing!
It’s a miracle!
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were not born of blood, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13
A Word For Your Week: The Christmas miracle awaits all who seek Jesus.

​America’s supply line.
A currently trending, headliner topic of discussion among politicians, economists and consumers is our nation’s supply chain.
The at times volatile rhetoric of short supplies, backed-up goods sitting in cargo containers at our ports and foreign nations holding up essential parts and products we need is creating a spirit of anxiety, worry, apprehension, fear and even angst in many.   
I have good news for you and me: even if the store shelves empty, the Lord will take care of His own. The United States Government, United Nations, Wal-Mart, Target, or Amazon Prime will never out supply the Lord of heaven and earth!
The Holy Bible, God’s Word, has many things to say about God’s supply chain. Search scripture regarding heaven’s supply chain. Let’s look at just one of God’s promises to provide the needs of His followers.
Writing from a dark, damp, smelly, bare bones, lonely prison cell, the apostle Paul declares “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Look at and marvel at what the prisoner of the Lord says about provision in or outside of prison.

1. Paul’s personal confession. “my God.” Not just God, but Paul’s God. God’s provision to Paul was intensely personal because of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. Paul’s personal confidence.  “shall supply.” Not might. Not maybe. Not if you are lucky. Not if you hope against hope. Shall means will. Done deal. God’s provision guaranteed!
3. Paul’s personal conclusion.  “all your needs.” Not some, all. Needs not greed.  Whatever God’s children need will be supplied according to the promises found in His Word.
4. Paul’s personal conviction.  “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” The source of our supply has nothing to do with man. Our supply has everything to do with God’s inexhaustible riches in His Son Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God will never run out of goods and services or go bankrupt!

What an uplifting, encouraging word Paul. Sitting in prison, persecuted for your Christian faith, awaiting possible execution, you declare without reservation that God always supplies your needs and the needs of His people!
Take that all of you who are freaking out over America’s supply chain!
Paul was content with his circumstances because he knew God would provide
“Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering. I can do all things who Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
Paul knew the secret of contentment. He learned to be content with God’s provision.
As a Christian, it took me a while to learn to be content with God’s provision. I grew up in a welfare home with a single mother and five brothers. We never went without. But as the oldest son there were times I worried about groceries and other necessities. That “little boy” has traveled with me for decades. Every once in a while he shows up and tries to get me to worry about provision.  
Thank God I have a glowing testimony of how graciously, generously and bountifully the Lord has provided for me and my family over the years. Lean or fat times, He has always supplied.
God’s supply line is lifetime.
David writes in Psalm 37:25 “I have been young and now I am old; yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.” Young. Old. His family. God provided for David and his brood all the time in every circumstance. He does the same for you and me!
You and I will not always get what we want, but God’s Word assures us that we will always, yes always, and I say it again, always have what we need.  
The Kingdom of God will never run out of the goods and services God’s people need.
By the way, there is no hoarding in heaven. You and I do not have to hoard anything on earth. God forbid the children of Israel to gather no more than a one day supply of Manna. Every single day it appeared from heaven and the Israelites were fed. God’s supply chained worked for His chosen people.
One of my favorite Christian hymns says it all.
“Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness; morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand has provided, GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS, GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS TO ME.”
Steve Roll says a hearty Amen!
If the grocery store shelves begin to empty, lift your eyes on high to see God’s heavenly pantry, storehouses and distribution centers full and ready to fulfill your every need. 
My friend, stop worrying about stuff. Start trusting God to supply the stuff you need when you need it.   
A Word For Your Week: Trust God to always meet your every need.

​Hanging in my study above my desk and computer is an eye-capturing picture of a bald eagle soaring majestically high above lush green forests framed by a splashing, two-tier, whitewater waterfall cascading down massive granite boulders.
This picture has inspired my soul for the past twenty years when I sit to write A Word For Your Week. In my mind’s eye I am sitting in that breathtaking setting.
The caption at the base of the portrait inspires me the most.
“…be strong in the Lord, and in the power (strength) of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
Paul introduces the classic passage on spiritual warfare and the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20 with verse ten. Paul says “Finally, my brethren…” When a biblical author uses a summary statement like finally, it is time to sit up, wake up, pay attention, take note and get what God is saying to those of us who believe in His Son Jesus Christ.
The passage is about power over the enemy of our souls. Satan is not intimidated or fearful of weak Christians. Weak, feeble, powerless Christians will never win lost souls to Christ.
Life by its very nature, whether people know the God of the Bible or not, beats us down, works us over, and wears us out. Real, everyday life finds a way to drain and deplete you and me of strength and power for living successfully daily.
I do not know about you, but weakness is not one of my friends. Being powerless and weak does not set well with me. Never has. I am certain it never will!
I admit Steve’s strength is limited. I also know God’s strength is limitless.
To fight the good fight of faith (I Timothy 6: 12) you and I must be strong in the Lord. The Christian life is a daily walk by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7) in His power, with His strength.
 Paul understood human weakness and divine strength.
Read and meditate on II Corinthians 12:1-10. Paul experienced a heavenly vision. Satan attacked him with a “thorn in the flesh” which we are not sure what exactly what the thorn was. I believe it had something to do with his eyesight and perpetual harassment and persecution from the Judaizers.
The “thorn” made Paul weak. Three times He asked the Lord to remove it. God’s response “My grace is sufficient for you; for power is perfected in weakness.” (Verse 9).
Paul’s personal response is utterly amazing, instructive and inspiring. “Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.”
Do Paul’s words hit you in your soul as hard as they hit mine? Like a ton of spiritual bricks? My goodness gracious. When I am weak, then I am strong. Well content with weaknesses. How Paul did you come to that conclusion and confession?
Paul was convinced by promise and experience that the power, strength of God rested on him in his weakness.
Like brother Paul, there is hope for Steve. In my weakness there is power from God to make me strong.
Paul could preach, teach, exhort, write, encourage and live this way because he knew he could be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Weakness is not our friend. But it is a pathway to God’s strength and power.
What To Do When You Feel Weak

• When you feel weak, powerless, admit it. There is no shame in facing the fact and admitting that you need God’s strength. Weakness happens to all of us. God’s strength is available to each of us.
• When feeling weak, actively, prayerfully seek God’s strength. Look to the Lord to empower you with His power. He hears the prayers of those who need His strength!
• Search scripture and meditate upon Bible verses that promise you God’s strength and power when you are weak and powerless. The Word is powerful in itself!
• When the Lord strengthens you, give Him the glory for empowering you!
• Share with others how God strengthened you when you were weak. Your testimony will encourage them to seek God’s power when feeling powerless.
• The next time you feel weak, remember how the Lord strengthened you in the past.

So, what are you going to do the next time when you feel weak and powerless? Are you going to stay that way or receive God’s strength and power for living victoriously in Christ?
When spiritually weak, put on the whole armor of God. Then you will battle with God’s power!
Like Paul, God’s grace is sufficient for you and me and His power is perfected in your and my weakness.
Weakness or strength. Strength in weakness. You choose.
“Once God has spoken; twice I have heard this; that power belongs to God.” Psalms 62:11
“But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings as eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses……” Acts 1:8
A Word For Your Week: Be strong in the strength of the Lord.

​Jesus said to them “Come and have breakfast.” John 21:12
 
Imagine having breakfast with Jesus. How awesome would that be!
 
Christ’s disciples dined with the Lord on the beach early one morning after fishing all night (John 21:1-14). What a breakfast it turned out to be, especially for Peter (John 21:15-22).
 
Peter. A seasoned fisherman spent all night fishing for fish, when in his heart, he wished he was fishing for men (see Matthew 4:18-20). This was the third time Jesus appeared to His followers after His resurrection. When Peter recognized the Lord, he was so excited to see Jesus that he jumped out of the boat and sprinted to the beach. He wanted to be with Jesus so bad, but something was not right.
 
Peter was experiencing a major confidence crisis.
 
Before Jesus went to die on the Cross, Peter, sharing in the Last Supper, adamantly declared that he would never deny the Lord (see Matthew 26:30-35). Jesus said he would, and Peter did (Matthew 27:69-75).
 
Peter’s denial devastated him, dealing a near death blow to his character and confidence.
 
The Lord knew Peter was deeply disappointed with himself. Jesus knew Peter was embarrassed and ashamed. Jesus knew it was hard for Peter to face Him and his fellow disciples.
 
So, the resurrected Savior arranged a breakfast. Breakfast on the beach to help Peter save face.
 
Peter, do you love Me? Lord, You know that I do. Then Peter, feed and tend My sheep. Get up off the ash heap of depression and despair and get ready to minister the Good News I called you to proclaim in My name.
 
 Imagine what the Lord’s restoring words meant to Peter! Relief. Refreshing. Renewed hope that better days were on the horizon. The Lord still believes in me and plans to use me. What a breakfast!!!
           
Observations about this breakfast at the beach with Jesus.
 

• Jesus filled the disciple’s empty nets with a boatload of fish.
• Jesus provided the fish and bread for the meal.
• Jesus restored Peter completely: Three “Yes Lord, You know that I love you” confessions erased the three denials.
• Jesus’ restoration restored Peter’s shattered self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Jesus restored Peter in front of Peter’s closet friends. Their confidence in Peter was restored.
• After being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter became the first preacher of the church and authored I and II Peter.

 
Main Point of this breakfast meeting: The Lord restores those who love Him.
 
Let me shoot real straight with you. Have you messed up in some way? Are you disappointed in yourself? Do you feel embarrassed or ashamed? Have you lost your confidence? Is your self-esteem shot because you feel you failed God and people you love?
 
Now this question is the one that really matters. Despite your shortcomings, mistakes, and even sin, do you love Jesus? I want to say it again. Do you love the Lord? If Jesus asked you right now, smack dab in the middle of your confidence crisis, “Do you love Me?...... how would you answer? If your answer is “Yes Lord, You know I love You,” then there is hope for you
 
If you have messed up, but sincerely and wholeheartedly love the Lord, He will forgive your mess and restore you to Himself.
 
Honestly, there will be times in all our lives as Christians when we are hurting, questioning, wondering, even doubting. That is when we need to hear and heed Jesus’ gracious invitation “Come and have breakfast.”
 
The fish and bread will be cooking on the barbecue. Serving you with a smile, Jesus will ask you if you love Him. Tell Jesus you love Him with all your heart. Then humbly and joyfully receive the healing, restoring and renewing power of God’s forgiving love!
 
Then you can enjoy a moment of sweet fellowship, and who knows maybe even a meal, with the One who loves you unconditionally and eternally!
 
How about breakfast with Jesus? I would like that. How about you?
 
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my load is light.”                    Matthew 11:28-30
 
 
“For I will restore you to health and I will heal your wounds” declares the Lord.”                                                                                            Jeremiah 30:17
 
A Word for Your Week: Jesus restores us when we need restored.   

​Doubting Thomas.
Imagine being remembered throughout the ages as the disciple who doubted Jesus. If I had been Thomas, I think I would have rather been called Trusting Tom or the believing one instead of the doubting one.
No doubt Thomas struggled from time to time with doubt. Before we judge Thomas too harshly, if you and I are honest, we need to remember that we battle with unbelief and have bouts of doubt from time to time too.
John 20:19-29 records an encounter Thomas had with Jesus after the Lord’s resurrection. Read the passage to understand the context of what Thomas experienced.
Jesus appeared to the disciples. Thomas was absent. Jesus greeted His faithful followers with “Peace be with you” and then they received the Holy Spirit. Jesus left.
When Thomas arrived, the disciples greeted him with “we have seen the Lord.” Thomas doubted. He remarked “Unless I see in His hands and the imprint of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails and put my hand in His side I WILL NOT BELIEVE.”
Guess what Jesus did? Eight days later, door locked, the Lord appeared to Thomas and the other disciples.
 Verses 27-29 state “Then He said to Thomas “Reach here your finger and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it in my side; and be not unbelieving but believing. Thomas answered and said to Him “My Lord and my God.” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? BLESSED ARE THEY WHO DID NOT SEE, AND YET BELIEVED.”
Oh my! I love what took place. Two things that Jesus did that warm my heart.

1. Jesus knew that Thomas struggled with doubt. So, He showed up just for him. Personally, for the doubting one. Tom, here are my wounds. Touch them. They are real and so am I. I have risen from the dead.

Thomas’s confession “My Lord and my God” was on point for what he witnessed. But his confession fell short. Jesus asked a question that must have pierced Thomas’s heart. Have you believed only because of what you have seen? Chew on that one Thomas. You and me too!

1. Teaching time. Here it is Thomas and the rest of you. The Lord declared that blessed are those who did not see but believed.

For all time, Jesus declared that faith does not have to see. My followers walk by faith, not sight. Jesus ministered to Thomas in a personal, caring, kind way then dropped the truth bombshell Thomas and all Christians need.  
In the future, I have an inkling Thomas doubted a lot less! What do you think? He ministered the Good News of Christ across India and Asia and died as a martyr for his faith.
What To Do When Doubting

• Understand doubt is natural and normal for us human beings, Christians included. We all have a little bit of “Doubting Thomas” in us.
• We do not have to doubt, but when we do, the Lord helps us out.
• Fight doubt with faith. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world that doubts God (I John 5:4).
• Do not pout. Push through doubt. Fight through doubt to faith.
• Saturate your spirit with scriptural examples of faith (Hebrews 11) and promises of the power of faith (Mark 11:22-24).
• Surround yourself with fellow faith fighters who will help you stamp doubt out.
• When you win over doubt shout praise to the Lord for helping you out.
• Share with others who are struggling with doubt the way out through to victorious faith in Jesus.

Faith gives us clout over doubt.
Faith believes without seeing and acts accordingly. Hebrews 11:1-2 states “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.” Then the writer recalls the faith of men and women of God in the Hall of Fame of Faith throughout the rest of the chapter. Every person believed before they received. Each saw with the eye of faith before they held the object of their faith in hand.
Reading and meditating on their faith stirs my faith, challenging me to “believe without seeing” as Jesus told Thomas and the other disciples  
Struggling with doubt? Having trouble finding your way out? Wondering what is wrong with your faith? Do you wrestle with believing without seeing? How about learning believing about not seeing and still believing?
God is so good when we have a bout with doubt. He will not condemn us. He will send His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit to comfort, minister and teach lessons us about trusting in Him.
Take heart my friend. With the Holy Spirit’s help, take doubt out with simple, childlike, sincere, scriptural faith in Christ. Call doubt what it is. It is an attack on your faith. Hit it hard head on with God’s Word about faith. Confess faith over your doubt and it will have to take a hike!
Believing without seeing sends doubt down the road!
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6   
A Word For Your Week: You can win your bout with doubt!

​Sometimes you and I make the Christian life more difficult than it needs to be. (I heard a few honest sighs in the background).
One of the many things I love about Jesus Christ is how the truth He taught in the Bible makes the Kingdom of God and salvation simple. Simple enough for a thick-headed, self-centered, questioning, stubborn guy like me. It is too easy to make walking by faith difficult, to overthink belief, to complicate what is simple, to try and figure out why God does what He does.
I wonder if our heavenly Father sits on His throne and shakes His head in bewilderment as to why His followers make living for Christ difficult. Just a thought!
For instance, what about prayer? You and I can be tempted to turn praying into a spiritual ritual, a dogmatic exercise, a complicated dialogue of do’s and don’ts when conversing with the Lord.
Jesus cuts through the proverbial mustard regarding prayer in Matthew 7:7-11.
“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find, knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives and he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it shall be opened.
Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?
If you then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to them that ask Him?”  
Wow! Prayer and God’s response is profoundly simple.

1. Jesus declared that if we ask, seek and knock we will receive, find and things will open up. Receiving, finding and things opening from God happens when everyone (including you and me) asks, seeks and knocks. Profoundly simple!
2. Jesus said no man will give his son a rock when he asks for bread or a snake when he asks for a fish. You and I as earthly fathers would never give our sons or daughters a rock or snake when they asked for bread and fish.
3. Jesus made it clear that if we give good gifts to our children when we are “evil” (sinful, imperfect beings), “how much more” will God give good things to all who ask Him.
4. The key to this passage: ASK God for good gifts. “How much more” is the flipside of asking.

“How much more” is based on God’s great love for us!
I am a father and grandfather. I love to give good things to my children when they ask. Warms my heart to bless them. Of course, I would never give them a rock when they asked for a Ding Dong! Or a snake if they asked me for some salmon.
You and I are sinful, imperfect human beings. Certainly not very godlike at times. But we still give good things to our kids. Why? Because we love them.
“How much more” does God love us who are His sons and daughters through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
God is a God of more, not less.
Worth thinking about.
If you and I would give good things to our children, why is it hard for you and me to believe that God wants to give you and me good things even more than you would to your kids? God is not stingy with His love and goodness. He lavishes, pours His everlasting love, mercy, grace and abundant goodness upon those He loves and those who ask. I like that! I hope you do too!
Today there is a trending phrase that goes like this. “I love you. I love you more!” Nice. Guess what? As God’s kids we love Him, and you guessed it, He responds I love you more.
Out of His “I love you more” flows “How much more.”
How is your prayer life? Are you asking, seeking and knocking? Jesus said to ask. Put your faith in action to ask God for the good things He promises in His word.
I challenge you this week to ask, then receive “how much more” God has planned for you.
Keep prayer simple. Believe God has your best interest at heart and will give good things to you because you ask!
“You do not have because you do not ask.” James 4:4
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in all things, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” II Corinthians 9:8
A Word For Your Week: Expect God to do much more than you thought He would.