Archive for the ‘Bible’ Category

12 Aug

Separation Anxiety

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Adversity, advice, Apostle Paul, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, discipleship, Fear, Holy Spirit, Jesus, peace, Religion, Simple Living, simplicity, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Canine separation anxiety is a complex psychological disorder affecting many dogs and their owners. When left alone, the otherwise wonderful pets affected by the disorder experience overwhelming distress, displaying a wide range of associated harmful behaviors. These range from incessant barking and destructive chewing to house soiling, total home wrecking and attempts to escape. Dogs are social creatures that thrive on the human companionship, which can make the absence of their owners highly disturbing.

My wife and I live in a multigenerational household comprised of grandparents, parents, children, and grandkids. It’s not uncommon for our daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons to be away for a weekend or longer vacation. When this occurs the family dog Mars, a large Labrador, is visibly moved. Mainly, he lies motionless on the floor or bed, and lets out big lonely sighs. My wife and I say that he “misses his humans.” While Mars doesn’t display destructive behaviors, family separation clearly makes him lonely for those he loves.

Loneliness is a key element of separation anxiety. It is not simply the absence of company, but rather a deep sense of isolation that can envelop practically anyone. It’s possible to feel lonely even while surrounded by a host of others. As a career Army officer, I endured multiple long deployments to Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans.  In addition to the deployments, there were many other extended periods of family separation when I was required to attend training, exercises, and formal schools. In each instance, I suffered bouts of loneliness caused by being separated from those whom I love most, my wife and children. I sometimes became increasingly anxious as anticipated periods of separation approached.

The Apostle Paul looked forward to death, but not because he was depressed.  He simply wished to again be in the physical presence of his first love, Jesus. In the first chapter of his letter to the Philippians (v. 21-24*) he wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”   

In Mark chapter 14 the disciples eat the Passover meal with Jesus and then go to the garden of Gethsemane. In Gethsemane, Jesus went off by Himself to pray. As fully man and fully God, He knew exactly what was in store for Him—torture, crucifixion, and death. Just a few days prior to this Jesus had told his disciples plainly, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Matthew 20:18-19)

Despite this foreknowledge, Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane shows He was not distressed over any of the coming physical violence. He was in agony knowing that when the sins of the world were laid on Him, God the Father would turn away. Jesus dreaded the coming separation from God!  We are reminded of this later when we hear His impassioned cry from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

After the crucifixion, Jesus’ disciples suffered with separation anxiety. John 20:10 describes them hiding in fear of the Jewish leaders. No doubt they feared the Romans too!  After all, they’d been hanging out with this “criminal” who was perceived by some as a threat to Roman authority. Their teacher and master had, by all practical appearances, made a bunch of empty promises and then left them alone. But it was not so.  Behind the locked doors where they hid, the resurrected Jesus appears to His disciples in the flesh (John 20:19-20).

During his ministry, Jesus devoted a lot of time and effort to preparing His disciples for the day when He would be physically absent from them. He reassures them in John 14:15-18, saying “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” Jesus final reassuring words to his disciples in Matthew 28:20b are, “and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Isaiah 26:9 – “My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

Psalm 42:1-2 – “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”

Psalm 143:6 – “I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.”

Psalm 73:24 – “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

Thank God for leaving the Spirit of Truth with all believers. We need only to listen for His still, small voice to find Him. Thank God that He loves all of us so much that our foolish fears and anxieties don’t upset Him. Thank God He’s so patient with me, and that He is patient with all of us, even when we are impatient with Him. He loves us unconditionally, so much that he stretched out His arms on the cross to suffer and die for all of us. He will not send us anywhere He is not going; and when it comes to death, He’s been there and done that already. No matter how anxious, frightened, and lonely we may become, the Holy Spirit will keep us in His grip until the day Jesus bring us safely home. We are never alone.

*All Bible quotations are NIV

19 Jul

The Steadfast Disciples

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, Faith, family, Jesus, love, ministry, Religion, Self-discipline, simplicity, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Samaritan woman and the living well

Women serving in church clergy has been a hot topic in the news of late. This is driven by the Southern Baptist Convention’s decision last month to uphold the expulsion of two member churches with female pastors—paving the way to speculation that many more could follow. The churches were Saddleback Church in southern California, and Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. The former is a megachurch, reportedly the largest church in California, that is widely known for its popular cofounder, pastor Rick Warren.  Warren authored the bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life.  Fern Creek Baptist Church has been led by Rev. Linda Barnes Popham for 30 years.

Galatians 3:27-28  …for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

My aim in writing this piece is not to argue for or against women in the clergy.  I will, however, note that women have historically been an important part of the Christian church from its beginning and they remain so today. 

The Gospels and book of Acts identify many women who were actively involved in the Lord’s ministry.   At the time of Jesus earthly ministry, the Jews regarded a disciple as one who followed the teachings and lifestyle of a particular Jewish rabbi (teacher). Listed below are some notable women followers of Christ.  I believe all can accurately be described as Christ’s disciples.

  • Mary Magdalene, or Mary of Magdala as she is sometimes called, is one of the most prominent female disciples of Jesus. She is mentioned as being present during Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. She is the first person to witness the risen Jesus and was commanded by Him to tell Jesus’ apostles, His innermost circle of disciples, about Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:1-18). Mary Magdalene is mentioned in all four Gospels (Matthew 27:56, 61; 28:1; Mark 15:40, 47; 16:1-11; Luke 8:2; 24:10; John 19:25; 20:1-18).
  • Mary, the mother of Jesus: Although not specifically referred to as a disciple, Jesus’ mother, played a significant role in His life and ministry. She is present at various moments in the Gospels, including the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12) and at the crucifixion (John 19:25-27).
  • Samaritan woman by the well – (John 4:1-42). As told in the Gospel of John, Jesus, on a journey through Samaria, stops at a well where he meets a Samaritan woman drawing water. Despite cultural and religious differences, He has a conversation with her, violating Jewish social norms, and revealing His total knowledge of her life. He offers her living water, a metaphor for salvation and eternal life. She recognized Jesus as the Messiah and might even be described as an early evangelist. John 4:30 says, “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.”
  • Joanna: Joanna is mentioned in Luke 8:1-3 as a woman who accompanied Jesus and the 12 Apostles, providing financial support for their ministry. She is described as the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager.
  • Susanna: Susanna is mentioned along with Joanna in Luke 8:1-3 as one of the women who supported Jesus and the disciples in their ministry. However, little else is known about her.
  • Salome: Salome is mentioned in Mark 15:40 as one of the women who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion. She is also mentioned as being present during Jesus’ burial and is among the women who discovered the empty tomb (Mark 16:1).
  • Martha and Mary: Martha and Mary are sisters mentioned in Luke 10:38-42 and John 11:1-44. They, along with their brother Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead, were close friends of Jesus; He frequented their home in Bethany. Martha is depicted as a diligent worker busy with serving others, while Mary is seen as a devoted listener to Jesus’ teachings.
  • Tabitha (also known by her Greek name Dorcas):  Tabitha lived in the town of Joppa by the sea. She is described as a faithful disciple of Jesus who went around doing good and helping the poor.   The Apostle Peter raised Tabitha from the dead after she suddenly fell ill and died (Acts 9: 36-42).

These are just a few examples of women who can rightly be called disciples of Jesus. Their roles varied, but they were actively involved in Jesus’ ministry and played important roles in helping spread the Gospel.

Looking at the roles played by the women above led me reflect on and give thanks for several key women in my family who significantly shaped my personal Christian formation. I was born in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Kentucky. My father and most of my uncles were World War II veterans. For the most part, mountain men worked while women stayed home to raise kids and manage the household. It was a maternally-centered culture. All the ladies below played instrumental roles in raising me.

Granny Myrtle: my maternal grandmother was born in 1900 in southwestern Virginia, near the town of Rose Hill. She had an 8th grade education which was typical for the time and place she was born. A Southern Baptist, Granny was a Bible scholar and memorized hundreds of Bible passages. She read me Bible stories at bedtime and taught me to pray. She cared for me in her home during school summer recess. She loved to witness for Christ and helped lead many people to accept Jesus as their personal savior, including me.

Mother Phyllis: my mother was born in Wallins Creek, Kentucky, a small town deep in the Appalachian Mountains. Her family lived in a large beautiful log home by a creek. She and my father Jack divorced when I was six years old. Following the divorce, mom worked as a nurse’s aide and put herself through night classes at the University of Louisville, eventually earning certification as a medical technician and landing a good job in the Veterans Administration medical system. She taught me the importance of worshipping regularly and ensured that I attended Sunday school, worship services on Sunday mornings and evenings, prayer meetings on Wednesday evenings, and Vacation Bible School in the summer. She lived a life of selfless sacrifice, ensuring our basic needs for food, clothing and shelter were always met, no matter how hard she had to work.   

Aunt Sarah: my mother’s sister Aunt Sarah was always there for me, along with her husband, Uncle Carl. Their home was a second home to me and a place of refuge at times when my working mother wasn’t available to solve my “crisis du jour.” Aunt Sarah had three miscarriages and was never able to have children of her own, but she mothered me continually.  She took me to church and told me Bible stories. She gifted me a plane ride on my 8th birthday—it was my first. Aunt Sarah suffered from multiple sclerosis for over 60 years, but I never heard her complain about it. She taught me love of family.

Aunt Betty: my mother’s sister, Aunt Betty lived in a small town in northern Alabama together with Uncle John and my cousins John III, David, and Philip. Philip and I were only a year apart in age. We fished, swam, biked, and played games together. Over a period of about six years, I visited every summer, staying 2-4 weeks. Having me there during school summer recess was a great help to my divorced, working mother. Aunt Betty was a stern but loving disciplinarian who ran a tight ship. She made sure the family went to church on Sundays. She taught us cousins to make our beds, dust our rooms, clean our shoes, clear dishes from the dinner table. Moreover, she taught us self-discipline, something that was invaluable during my military career.  

Wife Linda: Linda and I met in college in Munich, Germany, exactly 50 years ago next month. I was just shy of my 18th birthday.   We’ve been together ever since. She never ceases to amaze me. Throughout my 24-year military career, she was my strong right arm and remains so today. Linda is a powerful example of faith and peace in the midst of spiritual storms. She is a fountain of generosity and has a servant’s heart. She is blessed with an abundance of common sense and the gift of discernment. I thank God for bringing us together. (Proverbs 31:10-31)

All these women had several traits in common, including a love of God, a daily walk with Jesus, and an unconditional, steadfast love for me. By the grace of God, the man I am today is due, in large part, to the love, teaching, and care I received from these steadfast disciples of Christ. I couldn’t have made it this far without them.

“…nor is there male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Note: I used ChatGPT AI to research some of the Bible passages mentioned in this piece. I typically use BibleGateway. The AI was much faster, but I can’t vouch for its accuracy.

10 Jun

A breath of life

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, depression, Holy Spirit, Jesus, peace, Prayer, Religion, Simple Living, simplicity, spiritual, Words. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Anyone who has spent some time in a deep swimming pool probably knows the feeling of diving a little too deep and then having to hold their breath while struggling towards the water’s surface, lungs aching for oxygen. The urge to breathe in such a situation is nearly irresistible. Breathing is such a natural part of life that most healthy people do it unconsciously.  Breath and breathing hold a special place in the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” i.e., Scripture comes straight from the mouth of God!

In Genesis 2:7, God’s breath equates to life, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

We see this again in Ezekiel 37:9, the story of the Valley of Dry Bones. We read, “Then he said to me (Ezekiel), ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’”

In Luke 23:46, the absence of God’s breath equates to death. We read, “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” Many places in the scriptures tell us someone “breathed his last” and died.

John 20:21-22, in a passage we call the Great Commission, equates the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ breath. It reads, “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

 There’s no denying that there is power in the breath of God!

Breath Prayer

I have a friend who recently took a new job in counseling. A lot of his work is done via phone calls. Yesterday he told me, “I finally have a full case load and so I’m frequently very busy… but relearning to breathe and talk to the Lord as I’m dialing a call.”  My friend is on to something. Wittingly or unwittingly, he has learned the value of breath prayer. I only learned this lesson recently.

Nancy S. Wiens wrote this about breath prayer:

Within the Orthodox tradition, Breath Prayer appears perhaps as early as the 3rd century. Known as the “Jesus Prayer” or “Prayer of the Heart,” it draws from Mark 10:47, where a blind man, Bartimaeus, calls Jesus to heal him. A common form is, “Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.” By placing a few words on the inhale and a few on the exhale, it unites the prayer with the body. (Breath Prayer: An Ancient Spiritual Practice Connected with Science. As found at biologos.org)

Breath prayer focuses on speaking, aloud or silently in one’s heart, a short phrase or prayer while coordinating it with one’s breathing. It can be useful in reducing anxiety, cultivating mindfulness, centering, and forming a deeper connection with God.

To engage in breath prayer, one typically chooses a brief phrase or prayer that is personally significant to them. It can be a simple affirmation, a biblical verse, or a sacred word or name. For example, in Christianity, a common breath prayer is “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” Below is a beginner’s list of breath prayers. I highly recommend you give them a try.

As we breathe without ceasing, so should we pray!

*Peace. Be still. – from Mark 4:39

Speak Lord. I am listening. – from 1 Samuel 3:9

You are the Potter. I am the Clay. – from Isaiah 64:8

You, Lord are my shield. And the lifter of my head. – from Psalm 3:3

I am anxious for nothing. I give thanks and make my needs known to you. – from Philippians 4:6

You satisfy me with good things. And I am renewed. – from Psalm 103:1-5

I serve with the strength God provides. To God be the glory. – from 1 Peter 4:11

My flesh and heart may fail. But God is my strength forever. – from Psalm 73:26

You are doing a new thing. Let me perceive it! – from Isaiah 43:19

Keeping my eyes on what is unseen // I do not lose heart. – from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Lord, shine your face on me. Lord, give me peace. – from Numbers 6:25-28

When I am afraid // I put my trust in you. – from Psalm 56:3

My heart trusts in God alone. I have no fear of bad news. – from Psalm 112:7-8

* I hope that some of my readers will find this list useful. Thanks to Rachel Mayew for providing it in her “Holistic Faith” blog. 

21 May

A psalm for facing adversity

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Adversity, advice, Anglican, Bible, Choices, christ, Christian, Christianity, control, depression, Disaster, Faith, Fear, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus, joy, peace, Prayer, Religion, Seven Penitential Psalms, simplicity, Sin, spiritual, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

David Praying – Hungarian Gradual 1500-1520

Along the wilderness journey we call life, one will inevitably face periods of adversity. They can begin in a multitude of ways. Some of the most common causes are the death of a loved one, a bad medical diagnosis, the breakup of a love relationship, losing a job, or a personal financial crisis just to name a few. In extreme cases, severe adversity can make one wonder whether their life is worth living anymore.

My life has been overflowing with adversity recently, including the deaths of a beloved uncle and a beloved brother-in-law in rapid succession, and my own health concerns. Prayer and meditation on God’s word can be a great source of comfort when facing adversity. The Lord Jesus has given his followers a model for prayer in what today we generally refer to as “the Lord’s Prayer.” The most familiar form of His prayer is found in chapter 11 of Luke’s Gospel.

It is Jesus model for daily prayer and focuses on approaching life with faith in God, one day at a time. I suspect that Jesus prayed a similar prayer daily.  I have found Psalm 143 to be a wonderful companion to the Lord’s Prayer, particularly when believers are navigating periods of adversity. This psalm is attributed to David and is one of the Seven Penitential Prayers found in the Book of Psalms. Below I share some thoughts on how this psalm speaks to me.

Psalm 143 (a form used in the Scottish Episcopal Church)

1 Lord, hear my prayer, and in your faithfulness heed my supplications;
answer me in your righteousness.  

This is an opening petition acknowledging that God listens to my prayers and takes them to heart. Our God is a good listener and is never too busy to pay attention when one of His children prays. He seriously considers each prayer I lift up to Him, and he answers each according to His holy will.

2 Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. Verse 2 asks God not to judge me by my actions, as all have sinned against Him and fallen short of the total obedience He requires. I can rest assured that I don’t have to earn the right to pray to God. Christ has already paid the price of admission for a space where I may kneel before the throne of God the Father and offer my heartfelt prayers. Jesus is my advocate before the Father and the Holy Spirit prays for me when I lack the proper words to make my own petitions.   

3 For my enemy has sought my life; he has crushed me to the ground; he has made me live in dark places like those who are long dead. 4 My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate.

These verses remind me of 1 Peter 5, which describes Satan as a roaring lion that is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. For me it paints a dark picture of the adversity I am facing, as if I were hiding in a tomb, filled with a spirit of fear and hopelessness, abandoned by God.  Jesus must have felt like this hanging on the cross, asking why God had forsaken him.

5 I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds; I consider the works of your hands.
Verse 5 steps back and from the darkness and depression of the two preceding verses as the Psalmist recalls how God has led him through adversity and saved him. As I read this verse, I recall the many times in my life God has rescued me from adversity.

6 I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.7 O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.

Like a small child reaching for the outstretched hands of a loving parent, I trust in my God for comfort and sustenance. My spirit thirsts for God like the desert thirsts for water. I ask God to respond quickly, as I feel like I’m standing on the brink of disaster.

8 Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you; show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you.

As I begin a new day, I ask God to reassure me of his loving presence.  I trust in God to sustain me throughout the day.

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for I flee to you for refuge.

I ask God to foil the plans of my enemies, both spiritual and physical ones.  Seeking refuge from my enemies, I turn to God’s word and prayer for comfort.

10 Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

I ask the Holy Spirit to lead me along a safe path where I may understand God’s will for my life and learn how to do His will. I pray that the Holy Spirit will move the mountains of adversity that are in my way.

11 Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

My spirit grows weary and I need God to renew and refresh me. In accordance with His holy will, I ask him to rescue me from all adversity that troubles me.

12 Of your goodness, destroy my enemies and bring all my foes to naught, for truly I am your servant.

This closing verse echoes verse 9, reiterating my need for God’s protection from my enemies.  I am reminded that as God’s servant, I am owned and protected in His holy service.  

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

—Isaiah 41:10

23 Apr

The God of second chances

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Apostle Paul, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, forgiveness, Grace, Hope, Penitence, Religion, Salvation, simplicity, Sin, spiritual. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.  Then the word of the Lord came to me.  He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. –Jeremiah 18:1-8

If you have ever watched an artisan blowing glass you will probably agree that it is an amazing skill. If you walk around a glass blowing studio, you are likely to see a lot of beautiful finished examples of the artisan’s craft. You are also likely to see are a lot of broken glass fragments from failed attempts to craft a work of art.  Glass blowing is very unforgiving and correcting a mistake often proves impossible.

Making clay pottery, on the other hand, is very forgiving.  When a skillful potter makes an error, it can often be corrected without abandoning the piece and having to start over. Even when a piece is a total flop the fresh clay can be rolled into a ball and used to start a new piece. Like the potter reshaping a new piece of pottery from a failed one, so is the loving Savior I serve.  Jesus is truly a God of the second chance. The bible abounds with examples of people given second chances. Here are just a few from the New Testament.

A woman caught in the act of adultery

John chapter 8 tells of a Jewish woman was caught in the act of adultery.  Her accusers—teachers of the law and Pharisees—brought her to Jesus, asserting that the law of Moses dictated she should be stoned for her transgressions. Hoping to trap Jesus with his own words, they asked him what they should do with her. Jesus remains silent for a long time, stooping down and writing in the dirt.  He finally responds, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Slowly her accusers departed one by one until there was none remaining. Neither did Jesus accuse her.  Instead, he commanded her, “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Jesus raises the son of a widow from the dead

In Luke chapter 7, beginning at verse 11, we find Jesus traveling through a city called Na’in. Along the way, Jesus observed a funeral procession carry a funeral bier bearing the body of a man who was the only son of a widow.  In Jewish society of the day, the man’s death would almost certainly have sentenced his mother to a life of poverty of worse.  Having compassion for her, Jesus stopped the procession, touched the bier, and commanded the dead man to rise, upon which the man sat up and began to speak. The people in the crowd were astonished and said, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”

The demon possessed man

Luke 8:25 begins the story of a demon possessed man. Upon arriving in the country of the Ger′asenes, which is opposite Galilee, Jesus encountered the man, who was naked.  We are told he lived among the tombs and was possessed by many demons. When Jesus approached the man, the demons recognized the Son of God and cast the man to the ground while begging Jesus not to destroy them. Jesus cast out the demons drove them into a herd of swine; the herd subsequently rushed down a steep slope and fell into a lake (Sea of Galilee), where they drowned. Afterwards, the formerly possessed man, now clothed and in his right mind, wanted to follow Jesus in his journey.  Jesus forbade him, telling him, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” We are told, “he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.”     

A 12-year-old girl raised from the dead

Luke 8:40 begins the story of a man named Jairus, who is described as a ruler of the Synagogue.   Jairus came to Jesus, falling at his feet, and begged him to go and heal his young daughter, who was very ill and near death. Before they can reach Jairus’ house, a messenger comes with news that the girl has died.  Despite the news, Jesus continued to Jairus’ house.  When he was led to the place where the dead girl lay, Jesus took her by the hand and commanded, “Child arise.” Immediately her spirit returned to her and she stood up.

A thief on the cross next to Jesus’ cross

Luke 23:32 begins the story of two criminals who were crucified at the same time Jesus was—one on His left and one on His right. One criminal railed against Jesus, while the other confessed his sins and pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

The Prodigal Son

Luke chapter 15, beginning with verse 11, tells the familiar story of the “Prodigal Son.” The young man in the story displayed the utmost disrespect for his father, demanding that his father give him his portion of the old man’s estate while the father was still living.  The father acquiesced and gave his son his inheritance.  The prodigal consequently went away to a far land, where he squandered his wealth. So complete was his fall that he eventually ended up barely surviving by working a job feeding pigs.  He longed to return home. One day, having reached the bottom of the abyss of poverty, he came to his senses and decided to return home and beg his father to let him live there, not as a son, but as a hired servant. Verse 20 describes how his father, who is a figurative character representing God, seeing the returning son from a long way off, ran to meet him, embraced him, and kissed him. The son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”     

Repentance

Why does God give us second chances?  Because it is His nature to forgive and it is our nature to continually sin. King David exploited Bathsheba sexually.  He arranged circumstances so that her husband Uriah would be killed in battle. He betrayed the trust of the people of Israel. Despite the three offended parties, in Psalm 51:4, David confessed that he had sinned against God and God alone.

Luke 15 contains three parables describing how heaven rejoices when a sinner repents and (re)turns to God. 2 Peter 3:9 says, The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Mark 1:14-15 says, “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel’.” Repentance, while not a prerequisite for receiving a second chance from God, is essential to living a Christ-like life and receiving the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

God is the God of the second chance—and the hundredth chance, and the thousandth chance! No matter how rebellious and sinful we’ve been, He always stands ready to forgive us and welcome us home if we truly repent and commit our lives to Jesus Christ. –Billy Graham

*All Bible references are NIV

22 Feb

Out of the depths I cry to You, oh Lord!

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, Lent. Tagged: , , , , , .

Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If You, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His Word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. (Psalm 130)

Lent begins today, a 40 day season of penitence and prayer.  It’s a good time to meditate on the Seven Penitential Psalms:http://www.edgeofenclosure.org/intro7penitentialpsalms.html.

16 Feb

A longing for God

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Adversity, advice, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, Culture, Faith, Happiness, Hope, Jesus, simplicity, spiritual, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

The following people have something in common: Cleopatra, Pontius Pilate, Ernest Hemingway, Adolph Hitler, Marilyn Monroe, Freddy Prinze, Kurt Cobain, Anthony Bourdain, and Naomi Judd. Can you guess what it is? If you said all are famous dead people you would be correct, but you would be omitting a key detail. All died by suicide! The number of celebrities who kill themselves is truly astounding.

Clearly, wealth and fame do not come with a promise of personal peace or happiness. Neither does good looks or talent. Yet many people pursue all these.  Some people are attracted to celebrities like flies drawn to a sweaty horse.  Whether it is Megan and Harry, the Kardashians, or one of the seemingly countless reality shows that fill the nation’s television screens. Speaker of the Lutheran Hour, the Rev. Dr. Martin Zeiglar, writes, “Some people who bemoan our celebrity culture long for the old days. But were the old days any different? Modern mass media has changed our expectations for knowing others and being known by them. But our core human problem is the same. We expect humans to give us what we need-whether we are delivering ourselves to a celebrity in a crate (as a Burt Reynolds fan purportedly did) or asking for a selfie with them, whether we’re looking to fans and friends for recognition or looking to ourselves for fulfillment, the problem is the same.”

In addition to celebrities, humans are naturally drawn to feel-good experiences; the wealthier one is, the more these experiences are available. How we love to spend money on a fun week at Disney World, or going on a cruise, or basking in the sun and surf on Waikiki Beach, or maybe you would prefer a week of skiing in the Austrian Alps. Maybe your feel-good definition is a big shopping spree with credit card in hand. Perhaps you follow music, television, movie, and sports celebrities in the media and seek vicarious pleasure from following their lives. Unfortunately, many people who take so-called dream vacations experience feelings of sadness or emptiness as soon the vacation ends when they are thrust back into the realities of their daily lives. Shopping sprees may satisfy for the moment, but bring trouble when the bills come due.  And following the lives of famous celebrities is as likely to make one sad as happy.

At the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ (Luke 9:28-36), Jesus’ disciples Peter, John and James did not want to their experience on the mount to end. They had just seen Jesus’ countenance transfigured, his skin and clothing taking on a radiant glow as He spoke with Moses and Elijah. And they had heard the voice of God proclaim that Jesus is His beloved son.  They wanted to extend their own mountaintop experience, saying to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah (verse 33).”

Unlike vacationers depressed and saddened at their end of vacation, the Apostles on the mount of transfiguration understood that God is the true source of happiness, not feel-good experiences, or certain human beings.  In 2 Peter 1:16-18 we read, “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”

To be certain, all people are born with a natural longing that only God can truly satisfy. Putting one’s faith and hope in anything besides God and His son Jesus Christ will ultimately end in disappointment; and it is a form of idolatry. Is your mind focused on the face of an idol? Is the idol yourself? Is it your work? Are you chasing feel-good moments that fade? When one becomes mired in idolatry it impairs their ability to see God, rendering them powerless in the midst of adversity, when their soul most longs for God. Turn to God and find true fulfillment for all your inner longing.    

Isaiah 26:9 – “My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

Psalm 42:1-2 – “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”

Psalm 73:24 – “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

Psalm 143:6 – “I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.”

*All Bible quotes are NIV

14 Jan

A wounded spirit

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Adversity, advice, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, depression, discipleship, isolation, Penitence, Pentecost, simplicity. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

Have you ever experienced a wounded spirit?  By that I mean something that grieves the very Holy Spirit dwelling inside you, leaving you in despair and feeling hopeless. Personal, unconfessed sin can leave a Christian wounded, as can sins committed against a Christian by a fellow believer. I imagine that Peter felt wounded when Jesus turned and looked him in the face after Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times (Luke 22). This was the same Peter who, at least for a short time, had walked on the water with Jesus (Matthew 14). Imagine what Peter must have thought at that moment he denied Jesus the third time—he had followed the Lord through thick and thin, watching, listening, and learning from Him, only to seemingly throw it all away in a brief, fearful moment. How does one overcome having made such a grave error?

I imagine that King David felt the same way when he sinned with Bathsheba. Filled with lust for Bathsheba after spying her bathing on a rooftop, David arranged to have her husband killed on the battlefield so David could have Bathsheba for himself (2 Samuel 11). David and Bathsheba’s sinful union resulted in the birth of a child (2 Samuel 12). David eventually took Bathsheba for his own wife. Not long afterwards, God struck the child with a serious illness as punishment for David’s sin.  Despite his desperate pleas begging God to save the child, it eventually died. Psalm 51, which is attributed to David, clearly reveals his wounded spirit in verses 1-4, as he confessed that he had sinned against God and God alone:

1Have mercy on me, O God,

    according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

    blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity

    and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,

    and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned

    and done what is evil in your sight;

so you are right in your verdict

    and justified when you judge.

Imagine how wounded Jesus’ disciples must have felt to see him hanging on a cross, naked, bleeding, and slowly dying.  They had thought He was the promised Messiah who would free the Jews from Roman oppression and restore the Kingdom of Israel. After Jesus died, they hid themselves out of fear for the Jewish authorities. Juxtapose this scene of death and despair with the joy and relief experienced when the risen Lord appeared to his disciples (John 20).  

No matter how wounded your spirit is, you are never too broken to be healed by Jesus Christ. This is clear in the story of Peter’s restoration before Jesus (John 21). After having denied Jesus three times, Peter showed true repentance while declaring his love for Jesus three times; and Jesus gave immediate forgiveness. Peter was fully restored to his ministry by Jesus and just a few weeks later preached an extraordinarily powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Jesus is the Great Physician who can heal any wound, whether it was caused by a personal sin committed by you or by someone committing a grievous sin against you.

Only One can heal the spiritual wounds of mankind, rebuild broken spirits, feed famished souls—Christ, our blessed Savior. He has been down the road we’re traveling; He has experienced what it means to be human. He has “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows”; “He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4a, 5b). Taken from “Christ Solves the Mystery of Our Sorrow,” a sermon by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier, the first Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

23 Dec

Patience please

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, Christmas, forgiveness, Jesus, New Year, Passion, Patience, Religion, Salvation, simplicity. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Patience:  an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay (source: http://www.dictionary.com).

Followers of this blog have likely heard the adage, “Patience is a virtue.”  I would add, “Patience is in short supply.” A close look at modern American society reveals that collectively we are an impatient bunch. We detest delays caused by heavy highway traffic and long stoplights. We hate standing in lines. We love express checkout lanes at the grocery store, next day delivery, and express mail. We like on demand TV programs and complain if a webpage takes a few extra seconds to load on our phones and computers. At this time of year, the Christmas season, even little kids join in anxiously counting the days until Santa arrives with his bag full of presents.

Patience has suffered in the information age, especially since the advent of the Internet. We are bombarded with a flood of information from a multitude of directions and sources. It is impossible to take it all in.  Consequently, we are increasingly fed information is small, easily digestible tidbits, whether it be news articles, sports reports, and even those pesky pop-up ads trying to sell us all kinds of stuff.

There are numerous studies indicating the way information is presented in compact form today alters the human brain, making it difficult for people to focus on long articles, books, etc. Many people today, especially younger adults, simply lack the patience to read a long book like the classic War and Peace or a James A. Michener novel, preferring the CliffsNotes version to the full-length one.  With patience in short supply, who among us will write the next classic novel or paint the next masterpiece like the Sistine Chapel? Who will perform the long, grueling research projects to cure human diseases? Who will travel to the planets?  

My wife and I are perfect examples of patience—she being a good example and me a bad one.  She is the type who will write personal notes in each of the many Christmas cards she sends. I, on the other hand, sign them and stuff them in the envelope. She can solve a difficult jigsaw puzzle in record time.  I would not dream of even starting one. She is great with handling our grandkids. I quickly slip into the drill sergeant mode when their antics irritate me. She frets about practically nothing.  I fret about myriad things. She follows a straight and narrow path while I zig and zag along. She has put up with me for almost 50 years—now that’s patience!

I am blessed with a patient wife, but even more blessed with a patient God.  When I consider my personal transgressions and the collective transgressions of our nation, I marvel that God has spared us his wrath thus far. God’s love for us is evident in His only son Jesus Christ. He suffered a cruel death on the cross as a propitiation for our sins. Through his glorious resurrection, Jesus overcame sin and death and opened the door to salvation for all who believe on His holy name. God is patient and gives us second chances, but only through the shed blood of Christ. Oh God, continue to be patient with us I pray!

 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. –Colossians 3:12

Wishing all my readers a very blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy 2023. See you next year! Please pray for those of us in the upper Midwest where we are currently experiencing polar-like temperatures, snow, and wind.

24 Nov

A servant of all

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Apostle Paul, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, death, discipleship, Faith, forgiveness, Grace, Jesus, Oswald Chambers, Religion, Salvation, simplicity, Sin, Works. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and received by faith alone. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

 –The Westminster Shorter Catechism, questions 33 and 35

The New Testament is clear on the means of salvation.  Salvation from sin and death can be attained through faith alone—in Latin “Sola Fide.” Christ followers attain justification before God through faith in Jesus as their personal savior and no longer live under the condemnation of the Law. Their sins are forgiven and they are restored to a perfect relationship before God.  Jesus cruel death was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. “It is finished!” (John 19:30), were the final words spoken in the redemption of mankind. Through his glorious resurrection, Jesus overcame sin and death and opened the door to salvation for all who believe on His holy name.

No matter how hard one may try to attain salvation through good works, they are destined to fail. The Apostle Paul tells us, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law” (Romans 3:20a). That said, we should not be quick to underemphasize the value of good works. Paul tells us in Philippians 2, to work out our own salvation in fear and trembling.  This “working out” is the process of sanctification, that lasts a lifetime, as believers are called to continually strive to become more Christ-like. Sanctification is as much about the process as it is the destination.

Many Bible critics contend that James 2:14-25 is not consistent with the doctrine of salvation through faith alone (sola fide). My understanding of James is that these critics take it out of context. Where James stresses deeds (works), he is speaking in the context of sanctification (striving to be more Christ-like) and not about justification (the forgiveness of sin and restoration into a right relationship with God).  

When we consider sanctification, it would be a mistake to overlook the role of good works. One day Jesus overheard several of his disciples arguing. It turned out they were arguing about which of them was the greatest among Jesus’ disciples. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35).  Jesus gave his disciples an example of a servant’s heart when He washed their feet, as described in John chapter 13.

Are you a Christ follower?  Are you striving to become more Christ-like?  I hope you answered yes to both questions.  While you may not be able to cast out demons, raise the dead, give sight to the blind, or cleanse lepers, there is an abundance of good works needed in Christ’s kingdom. In Romans chapter 16, Paul’s final greetings to a handful of Christian brothers and sisters provides some clues. He tells them to greet each other with a holy kiss, that is be kind to one another. Paul repeatedly recognizes women who worked very hard for Christ. He recognizes others who have sponsored a church in their home.  He cites others who have demonstrated hospitality to fellow believers. Paul even recognizes the mother of a friend who has also been like a mother to him.

Sanctification does not come without a price. Paul’s greeting mentions some friends who risked their lives for Christ, others who have withstood testing of their fidelity to Christ, and yet others who served time in prison with him. Are you ready to accept the risks of becoming more Christ-like?  Are you “working out” your own sanctification? Are you willing to let your life become a doormat where others will wipe their feet? Are you ready to become a servant of all?  

Sanctification means nothing less than the holiness of Jesus becoming mine and being exhibited in my life. The most wonderful secret of living a holy life does not lie in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfect qualities of Jesus exhibit themselves in my human flesh.  –Oswald Chambers

*All Bible quotations are NIV.

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »