The phrase “Help my unbelief” comes from Mark 9:24, where a desperate father pleads with Jesus to heal his son, saying, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”. This powerful request acknowledges the human struggle with doubt, while expressing a desire to be faithful.
How can anyone who is identified with Jesus Christ suffer from doubt or fear! Our lives in him should be psalms of irrepressible, triumphant belief. –Oswald Chambers
I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. –Galatians 2:20*
So how does a Christian live by faith in Jesus? I’ve often asked myself this question as I ponder life. I think I might be getting closer to finding the answer.
“Keep the faith baby!” We’ve all heard this or something similar. So how much faith is enough? In Matthew 17, Jesus tells us that faith “the size of a mustard seed” is enough to move a mountain. Hmmm, I have a couple of pretty big mountains in my life that I want to move, but so far, they’re still there to greet me every morning when I awake. Apparently, I lack the ability to muster even a tiny mustard seed worth of faith—and this frustrates and disappoints me.
Happily, I believe I might have found the root cause of my failure. My faith lacks persistence. Paul points to persistence in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, which exhorts us to, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” If one meditates on this short passage, I believe they’ll find that it contains some pretty tough marching orders.
Persistent faith is surrendering one’s will to God’s will, not a product of personal willpower, but a result of trusting His plan for your life, even when it’s unclear to you. This act of surrender means relinquishing personal control and aligning one’s life with a higher purpose, leading to strength and peace found in God’s wisdom rather than one’s own. It is an ongoing process of daily submission, acknowledging one’s own limitations and trusting in God’s provision.
Matthew 14:29-31 is a wonderful example of impersistent faith. As Jesus is walking on the water in the Sea of Galilee, he approaches the boat where his disciples are struggling in a violent storm. “Come,” he said (to Peter). Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
In this lesson, Peter was doing fine while he focused on Jesus, but when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the great wind of the storm he began to doubt. Like a new military recruit struggling to qualify with his weapon on a rifle range, Peter failed because he took his eye off the target, Jesus.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James1:2-3
As I’ve noted before, Jesus was and remains the God of the Impossible for those who come to him as their Lord and Savior. I believe this in my heart. Believing is easy when things are going my way. I’m trying hard to learn how to put this into action when the going gets too tough for me to handle. Every day I try to meditate on Psalm 143 as part of my daily devotions. I find verses 8 – 10 to be a great source of encouragement and comfort, especially when I feel overwhelmed by life. I hope you might find them equally useful.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
On this national holiday dedicated to giving thanks, let us give thanks to the Lord our God for all his blessings and provision in the past year and in the years to come. May He lead us all on level ground.
I don’t mention it very often, but I’m a big blues guitar fan. Most of the blues guitarists I like would make any top 100 best list. They include, in no particular order, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, Bo Diddley, Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King and Joe Bonamassa. I would add the oft underrated Jon Mayer to this distinguished list. If you won’t take my word for it, Eric Clapton said Mayer, “doesn’t even know how good he is” and has called him a “master” guitarist.
While he is not lauded as a poet or lyricist, many of Mayers’ songs have wonderful lyrics. One of my favorites is “Stop This Train. The lyrics are a reflection on Mayer’s stressful, fast-moving life and his struggle to deal with the inevitability of aging.
Mayer’s father Richard is Jewish. The younger Mayer has publicly spoken of his personal identification with Judaism. I like to think the lyrics to this song reflect some of this religious identification. Here’s my take on the lyrics. I’ve printed them below.
No, I’m not color blind I know the world is black and white I try to keep an open mind But I just can’t sleep on this, tonight
Stop this train I want to get off and go home again I can’t take the speed it’s moving in I know I can’t But, honestly, won’t someone stop this train?
Don’t know how else to say it I don’t want to see my parents go One generation’s length away From fighting life out on my own
Stop this train I want to get off and go home again I can’t take the speed it’s moving in I know I can’t But, honestly, won’t someone stop this train?
So scared of getting older I’m only good at being young So I play the numbers game To find a way to say that life has just begun
Had a talk with my old man Said, “Help me understand” He said, “Turn sixty-eight You’ll renegotiate”
“Don’t stop this train Don’t for a minute change the place you’re in And don’t think I couldn’t ever understand I tried my hand John, honestly, we’ll never stop this train”
Once in a while, when it’s good It’ll feel like it should When you’re all still around And you’re still safe and sound And you don’t miss a thing ‘Till you cry when you’re driving away in the dark Singing, stop this train I want to get off and go home again I can’t take the speed it’s moving in I know, I can’t ‘Cause now I see I’ll never stop this train.
The lyrics captures a feeling that many who read this will know too well—a longing to slow down, escape the rush, and to return to a simpler time. But as Christ followers we’re reminded that while we can’t stop the train of time, we can trust Him who created the foundation upon which the train tracks are laid.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. —Proverbs 3:5-6
The Inevitability of Aging
Mayer’s lyrics speaks directly to the aches of growing older, the dread of losing those we love, and the longing for inner peace and stability in a world that constantly changes. These are common human emotions. The Bible speaks directly to them. Psalm 90:10 reminds us of life’s brevity; Ecclesiastes 3:20 reminds us that we were all made from dust and to dust we will return; while Psalm 23:4 assures us of God’s presence even in the dark valley, including the darkest “Valley of Death.”
The words “Stop this train, I want to get off and go home again,” is a cry for peace of mind, comfort, familiarity, and stability. As Christians, we know that home isn’t a place we left; it’s a destination ahead in eternity with God. Hebrews 13:14 tells us we’re seeking a city yet to come and Revelation 21:4 promises a future free of pain, tears or death.
Mayer’s father makes a cameo appearance in the lyrics. His wise advice to son John is, “Don’t stop this train.” The father’s advice echoes Paul’s call to embrace each of Life’s season with faith. Paul learned to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:11), and we’re invited to do the same, trusting that God is with us through every twisting, turning, climbing, and descending moment.
I hope these lyrics remind you not of what you’ve lost, but of the hope you have in Christ. This train of life we’re riding may not stop—but we’ll’ never ride alone. Lord, teach us to embrace each season of life with faith, knowing that You are with us and that every believer’s future is secure in You.
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. —Ecclesiastes 3:1
The journey we’re each called to make is from the dead-end of putting faith in ourselves, or in some other finite creature, to the expanding horizon of trusting our Creator, following His lead, loving like He loves. And the vehicle, the means of conveyance, the way to get there, is the Word, Jesus, God’s Word who set up His tent, His tabernacle, in our midst. —Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour
I was a three-sport athlete in high school. In college in 1975 I joined a “health club” called the US Army and stayed strong and fit there for the next 26 years. Through challenging “Arrrmy training” (Bill Murray fans will get it), we stayed physically and mentally ready to defend our nation. I retired from the Army in 2001. Like so many of the Army buddies I served with, I put on a few pounds after retirement. In fact, over the course of two decades I went from a retirement weight of 209 lbs. to a maximum of 242. About two years ago, through a combination of illness, dieting, and lifestyle changes, I lost a dramatic amount of weight. Today my weight hovers around a comfy 200 lbs.
Slimming down came with a lot of benefits. Among these are being able to fit into clothes I hadn’t worn for years, improved sleep, increased energy levels, and all around better physical health as indicated by my vital signs and blood chemistry tests, which today look like those of a healthy twenty-something. Slimming down has many other great benefits, more than we can cover here.
There’s another type of slimming down that’s very good for you. Commonly called “downsizing,” it refers to both reducing the amount of space one lives in and the quantity of personal possessions one owns. Such reducing can be healthy both mentally and spiritually.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not some overzealous lifestyle minimalist that believes in possessing only the bare essentials necessary for living and rejects the rest. I’m not the type of person who could live my life in a “Tiny Home” like one sees on HGTV. But my wife and I have downsized our living space four times since I retired from the army, slimming down from a 3,200 sq ft house to 2,000, to 1,500 and finally to 1,200 sq ft condo, which we have today. We both agree that downsizing is cathartic. Here are just a few potential benefits of lifestyle downsizing which, if you’re not ready for now, might become of greater interest to you as you grow older.
Reducing Chaos. Chaos is truly the devil’s workshop. Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee by commanding, “Peace, be still.” He can do the same for you and me. God wants us to have peace. A beautiful car, a sleek sailboat, and a humongous house and/or garage crammed with a lot of “stuff” (substitute a gigantic storage unit crammed with stuff) can contribute to a chaotic life. Each of these comes with a price, and I’m not talking about money. Beautiful cars beg to be washed, waxed, and detailed. A sleek boat requires a lot of time and effort to keep it safe and seaworthy. Big houses typically have big lots. Big lots beg to be manicured until the grass looks as good or better than a putting green. A big house crammed with a lot of stuff can became a chaotic ball and chain for you and/or for your children who are trying to sort things out after their parents pass away. Oh yeah, and who is going to remove the snow from that lovely 50-yard curving driveway? Been there and done that! It’s not fun.
Avoiding Anxiety and Distractions. Have you ever been sitting in a pew on a Sunday morning, taking a mental inventory of all the things, you need to do when you when you get home or in the week to come, instead of listening to what was being said in the sermon? There is a time to do and a time to listen. Sermon time in church is a time to listen.
You might recall this story in Luke chapter 10. Martha and Mary were the sisters of Lasarus. On one occasion that Luke describes, Martha invited Jesus into her house. While Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to him talk, Mary fluttered all about, presumably preparing a meal for Jesus. After a while Martha became annoyed and asked Jesus to tell Mary to come and help her with the work. Jesus’ response to Martha’s urging was a gentle rebuke, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (v. 41-42). Jesus wants to be the top priority in our lives. Endeavor to keep Jesus at the center of your thoughts.
Avoiding Comparison. You’ve probably heard the expression “Keeping up with the Joneses.” It refers to a selfish urge or social pressure to match or exceeded the material possessions of one’s neighbors. Colossians 3 compares covetousness to “idolatry.” When it came to material possessions, King Solomon, the presumed writer of the Book of Ecclesiastes and a man renowned for both his wisdom and his wealth, made the Joneses look like rank amateurs. Listen to what he had to say about material wealth:
I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. –Ecclesiastes 2:4-11
After much experimentation, Soloman finally figured it out! Now see what Jesus said to his disciples:
Then he (Jesus) said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” –Luke 12:15
Matthew 19:16-23
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” he inquired.
Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you; it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Leaving a Christian Legacy. To those who are believers, I ask “What is your greatest regret since you became a Christian?” I hope your response isn’t something like, “I wish I had worked more” or “I wish I had bought that 1966 Corvette when I had the chance.”
Will you leave a Christian legacy? What might that look like? Will those who come after you even know you were a Christian given the way that you lived? This is worth thinking about.
Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. –Psalm 39:6
“‘And I (a wealthy man) will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’”—Luke 12:18-20
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. —1 Timothy 6:6-8
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:16
Legacy isn’t measured by wealth, titles, or accolades—it’s measured by the impact your faith has on others. A Christian legacy is built day by day, through quiet obedience, generous love, and intentional discipleship. When we live with integrity, invest in relationships, and give freely of what God has entrusted to us, we leave behind more than memories—we leave behind a testimony.
A Christian legacy doesn’t end with you or me. It multiplies through the lives we touch, the prayers we pray, and the truths we pass on. And the goal isn’t to be remembered—it’s to make Christ known. May our respective legacies draw others closer to Jesus Christ.
Leaving Things Behind. Back to lifestyle downsizing, there is nothing bad about wealth in and of itself. I’ve known many Christians who were wealthy and unselfishly used their wealth for the furtherment of God’s kingdom. A problem with wealth begins when we forget that everything we possess belongs to God and we are merely stewards of what he has given us.
We are born naked and penniless and in death our physical bodies return to dust. Don’t let accumulating “stuff” become a goal in your life. Even though many have tried and failed (Egyptian Pharaohs and Viking Chieftains come to mind), you just can’t take it with you. I hope you enjoy the short poem below by Judy Dykstra-Brown
Relocation Dreams
I’ve so many things that there’s no place to stack them in. No drawers to hold them, no cupboards to pack them in. So many things stowed away from detection. My fireplace houses its own art collection.
My wardrobe suffers from costumes aplenty. I’ve boxes of sizes from nine up to twenty. My jewelry box is stuffed to the gills, my medicine drawer is spilling out pills.
When I try to cull them, they all want to stay. The only solution’s to just move away to find a small island with palm trees and sky where there is simply nothing to buy!
I’ll live in a hut with floors of swept dirt. One pair of flip flops, a simple grass skirt. I won’t feel that shopping should be my main duty. I’ll look out the window if I require beauty.
No buying new paintings whenever I please. No little nicknacks and no DVD’s. No drawers of makeup or tea towels or spoons. No tarot cards, horoscopes, Ouija boards, runes.
I will not need things to determine my fate, that day I walk out, simply locking my gate, taking one suitcase, computer and cables, and scanner and backup drives, printers and tables,
an internet router and energy backup— just these few items to locate and pack up. Then I’m off to a life that’s simpler by far if these bare necessities fit in my car.
God has blessed my wife Linda and me with four precious grandsons who are a continual source of delight for us. The youngest is six months old and lives on the east coast. His three older cousins on his mother’s side (B1, B2, & B3) are teenagers ranging in age from 13 to 17 years. They live in South Dakota.
For almost 10 years it was our privilege to live under the same roof with the three oldest boys and their parents, a family arrangement that is becoming more and more rare in the mobile society we live in today. All three boys are blessed to be smart, tall, strong, fit, and athletic. They are steadily progressing towards manhood. What a blessing it has been watching them grow and mature.
I pen this message to the three teenagers in the hope that someday, if not now, they might give my words some thought and gain some personal inspiration from them. I write it at this time for two reasons. First, I will turn 70 soon. God only knows how many years I have remaining. Second, Linda and I recently moved back east where we will be close to our new grandson, saying a bittersweet farewellto our three teens for now. Here’s a letter from me to the three teenagers. I hope that their young cousin might also read this someday when he is old enough to understand.
A gift for my grandsons
Psalm 127:3-5* Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame…
Psalm 128:6 May you live to see your children’s children…
My dear grandsons,
You will never know how much I love each of you unless you are fortunate enough to have a grandchild of your own someday. I hope that you do because children and grandchildren are truly gifts from God.
Your Nana and I have finally moved back to the east coast. Over the past nearly 10 years we’ve grown accustomed to living under the same roof with you. Although we love living near our new grandson, at the same time it is bittersweet not having daily personal contact with each of you. I write this letter to the three of you as a gift. I hope that someday, if not now, my advice will do you some good. Please spend some time thinking about the words of advice I give you today.
Honor your parents
Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Honor your parents and be grateful for all they do for you. You’re still too young to fully understand the sacrifices they have made to make your lives happier and easier. They have fed you, dressed you, and provided a comfortable and safe place for you to live. They have worked extra jobs to ensure you always had enough. They have nursed you through sickness and injuries. They have lost countless hours of sleep for you. They have driven you countless miles to church, school, appointments, ball practices, ball games, adventures, and other places. Never miss an opportunity to say “thanks” to them.
Get your priorities in order
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Many things in life will vie for your attention, including family responsibilities, work, girls, sports, school and much more. You have to determine which of these you will invest your precious time and attention in. You will never have enough time to focus on all, so it’s important to set priorities and spend your time wisely.
When it comes to setting priorities, you can’t go wrong if you make God your very last priority—but don’t stop there. You should also make Him your first priority, and everything in between. If you make God your all-in-all, everything you do will be easier. You will not be filled with unwarranted fears and you will find it easier to please God. Strive to please God in all that you do. You will not always succeed at this. When you fail to please Him, the Holy Spirit that dwells inside you will let you know through a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13) that you will be unable to ignore. When this occurs act quickly and ask God for His forgiveness.
Get to know God
Study the scriptures and learn them. Wherever life leads you, seek out a good church home, one that preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Make time to pray and talk to God every day. He wants to be your friend and companion. He will have your back. Pray and then pray some more. Have a daily conversation with God. Tell Him how you’re feeling. Thank him for every new day. Pray to Him for the needs of others. Take time to stop and listen to what he is saying to you.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Be kind to others
You know what it’s like to be ignored; be harshly treated; be lied or gossiped about; or have your feelings hurt by some other kind of cruelty. Make a point to be kind to others, without expecting that your kindness will be returned. Whenever possible, help the unfortunate and downtrodden. A simple kind work or making eye contact and smiling can make someone’s day. Jesus was criticized by his enemies for hanging out with “sinners” like tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, foreigners, and others who the Jews considered socially unacceptable. Model the way you treat others by trying to imitate Christ. Beware of modeling yourself after what society finds acceptable.
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Matthew 7:17 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
The ladies
When it comes to girls (and women someday), honor the ones in your life. Treat them with respect, dignity, and equality. For the female company you keep, seek companionship with fellow Christ followers, and let Christ be at the center of any romantic relationship you form. Don’t gossip, especially about your romantic interests. Words can be weapons. Once you pull a gun’s trigger you can’t stop the bullet. Once a word leaves your mouth you can never take it back. Let the words you speak honor the girls and women in your life.
Marriage
You are likely to fall deeply in love someday and perhaps this love will lead to marriage. So how does marriage work? First, remember these God inspired word from the Apostle Paul:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Wait a minute. It sounds like love is hard work—and indeed it is. True love requires you to love someone more than you love yourself. Marriage is a contract between you, your prospective spouse, and God. Marriage requires a lot of work. Never enter into a contract you don’t understand or one that you have doubts about your ability to keep the terms. In God’s eyes, marriage is for life. Jesus loved the church sacrificially. Work hard to model your marriage after Christ’s love of the church. He gave His all for her!
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Honor your wife. Talk with her. Listen to what she says. Share your innermost thoughts with her—your concerns, struggles, fears, hopes, and dreams. Make sure to tell her how much you love her and tell her frequently.
Work
Aside from sleeping, work will probably occupy more hours of your life than anything else. Some people absolutely love their work, but for many it’s little more than a way to pay the bills. If you love your work, praise God. If you don’t, endeavor to work with enthusiasm so those who observe might see the evidence of Jesus in your life. Accepting a job means submitting to the authority of those placed over you. Learn to work within this system. Along the way you’ll probably have bosses you don’t like. Learn to respect the position, if not the individual.
Absent but not gone
In closing I want to remind you that I may be absent from your house, but I’m not gone. I’m as close as a Facetime, phone call, email, or text. I want to be a part of your lives and look forward seeing you become men. For as long as I live, I will be here for you.
The Apostle Paul frequently emphasized the importance of declaring Jesus as “Lord” and believing in His resurrection from the dead for salvation. This declaration might sound fairly straightforward at first, but upon closer examination it raises deep theological and spiritual questions regarding the early Church as it existed in the Roman Empire. In his letter to the Romans, Paul says plainly, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9*). So, what does Paul teach us about declaring Jesus as one’s personal Lord?
Context
The early Christian church grew up in a Roman-dominated world that was highly influenced by Greek literature, philosophy, art, and other lesser facets of Greek culture. The term “lord” (Greek: kyrios) was generally used to denote authority and ownership. It was a title often bestowed upon emperors, kings, gods, and other figures of ultimate authority. Those who watched Game of Thrones might recall hearing someone commanded to “bend the knee,” i.e. bow before another, often under a threat of death, and swear to faithfully serve them.
By urging believers to declare Jesus as “Lord,” Paul was challenging Roman culture and Rome’s political good order. This declaration was a direct affront to a large number of Romans who professed Caesar as the ultimate “lord.” Paul’s assertion that Jesus is Lord was a declaration of His ultimate authority, above all earthly rulers and powers.
In this context, Paul’s message becomes a threat of insurrection. To declare Jesus as “Lord” was to “bend the knee” to Him above all other authority. It demands a complete makeover of one’s life and priorities, aligning them with Jesus’ teachings and the example of how He lived. For early Christians, declaring Jesus “Lord” was much more than a public profession of faith. It was a dangerous political declaration that invited Roman persecution and risked ostracism in public, religious, and political sectors.
Pronouncing Jesus as “Lord” encompasses several key aspects of Christian beliefs. Foremost, it acknowledges Jesus’ divinity. In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul describes how God exalted Jesus and bestowed upon Him “the name that is above every name,” such that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This passage highlights the divine authority and honor accorded to Jesus, reinforcing His central role in God’s plan of salvation that has existed from God’s foundation of the world.
Pronouncing Jesus “Lord” affirms His sovereignty over every facet of one’s life. It implies a surrender to Jesus’ will and guidance, trusting in His lordship to guide and transform one’s life. This declaration is inseparably linked to the believer’s acknowledgment of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Paul points to the resurrection as definitive proof of Jesus’ divine power and authority. The resurrection is a transformative truth in that it enables believers to live in accordance with Jesus’ teachings.
Personal Transformation
On an individual level, declaring Jesus as “Lord” signifies a deep internal transformation. It requires a conscious decision to turn away from sin and self-centeredness and embrace a life of discipleship. Christian discipleship is marked by love, humility, and service. Paul describes this transformation in terms of a “new creation” in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and “putting on the new self” in Ephesians 4:24. These highlight the radical change in personal priorities and purpose that occur when one becomes abandoned to Jesus.
Declaring Jesus “Lord” is the central point of unity and shared identity among believers, who are often referred to as “brothers and sisters in Christ.” With Jesus as “Lord” Christians are joined together in a common faith and mission. This communal aspect is evident in Paul’s frequent use of the metaphor of the body of Christ, where each believer is a member with unique gifts and roles, all contributing to the health and growth of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The lordship of Jesus rises above cultural, social, racial, and ethnic divisions, creating a diverse yet highly cohesive community of faith. Praise the Lord!
Doxology
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 8:38-39
* All Bible quotations are NIV unless otherwise noted.
Copilot AI was used to assist with historical research for this article.
On January 20th Donald Trump was sworn in (again) as President of the United States. For some Americans it was a day of celebration, while for others it was a day of dread and fear. This is not uncommon when the political pendulum makes a big swing to the left or right in this country. The media circus on both left and right during the presidential campaign and since has been enough to depress just about anyone who listens or reads too much news.
Just in case the noise of partisan politics hasn’t depressed you, we’ve been bombarded lately with news of torrential rains, mudslides, hail storms, wildfires in LA, tornados and hurricanes in places they don’t belong, and snow on our Gulf coast beaches. Then there are wars and rumors of war around the globe, like in Israel, Lebanon, Yemen, Somalia, Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, and elsewhere.
These are indeed fear-provoking times. Sometimes it looks like no one is in charge. The good news is that there’s one great master plan in motion for all mankind, and neither Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping or any other man is in control. God is still in control of everything in creation and always will be.
Not long before he died, the Rev. Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor Emeritus of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, recorded a homily titled, A Comforting Message in Fearful Times. Just as the Apostle Paul encourages believers to “put on the full armor of God” in Ephesians 6, Dr. Stanley’s message encourages us to “soak” our minds and hearts in the word of God, where believers can find peace, comfort, and courage in the midst of the spiritual warfare surrounding our daily lives. Dr. Stanley cites a treasure trove of scripture during the homily, which I have listed below. I encourage you to read through the entire list, then go back and look at each passage in the context of the full chapter it comes from.
Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.
Psalm 16:7-8 — “I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken”.
Psalm 4:8 — “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety”.
Psalm 27:1 — “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread”?
Psalm 139:23 — “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there’s any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way”.
Psalm 138:7 — “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me”.
Psalm 138:8 — “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting”.
Psalm 138:3 — “On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul”.
Philippians 4:19 — “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”.
Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you with my righteous right hand”.
John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life”.
1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.
Psalm 121:1-8 — “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He will keep you and He will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper, the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever”.
Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment, you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me”, declares the Lord.
Psalm 32:7 — “You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble. You surround me with songs of deliverance”.
Psalm 94:19 — “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delights my soul”.
Psalm 23:4 — “Even though I walk through the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me”.
Psalm 139:3 — “You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways”.
All in all, the difference between the believers and non-believers is this: in tough situations the believer accepts God’s wisdom and control. His prayer is for patience and to say as Jesus said, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42b). On the other hand, the non-believer challenges God, neglecting to believe in Him unless he has proof. (Based on a sermon by Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour).
Afghan woman proudly displaying her purple forefinger, dipped in indelible ink at a voting station where she cast her vote in the national election. This was a way of ensuring voters voted only once.
It was sunny and warm in Louisville, Ky. on Saturday, June 28, 1975. That’s the day I boarded a bright yellow school bus at an Army recruiting station for a short journey to Fort Knox, where I was scheduled to undergo Army basic training or boot camp as it’s often called. Only a few weeks earlier I’d been a bright-eyed college student receiving his associate degree in Munich, Germany. My mother Phyllis and stepfather Ray were still in Germany—Ray was an Army officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel, assigned to the U.S. Army Europe headquarters in Heidelberg.
After what seemed like hours, the bus turned into the main gate of Fort Knox. Entering the post felt very familiar, as I’d lived there during my freshman and sophomore years of high school while Ray worked at the Armor School. About ten minutes after entering the post, the bus turned down a side street and then swung into the parking lot of Delta Company, 13th Training Battalion, 4th Training Brigade, home of the Delta Demons. Delta Company would be our home for the next several weeks.
Peering out the bus window I could see two tough looking fellows wearing olive drab fatigues and the iconic Smokey Bear hats that identified them as drill sergeants. Their fatigues were starched stiff with creases that looked sharp enough to slice an apple. Their uniforms fit like gloves. Their boots were polished to a mirror finish. Not a hair was out of place. All you needed was one look at these impressive gentlemen to know that they were pure badass!
The driver opened the bus door and we were greeted by a booming voice. “Off the bus and line up. Move it ladies!” After a clumsy exit, fumbling with our bags and bumping into each other, we school boys managed to get into something resembling a line. The empty bus quickly pulled away, leaving us feeling isolated and helpless. It was then that we were introduced to the two gentlemen who would fill the roles of father, mother, confessor, and mentor for all of us in the coming weeks, as our Drill Sergeants turned a bus full of boys into men.
Thus began my 26-year career in the United States Army, an adventure that ended in 2001 with my retirement from our nation’s “Big Green Fighting Machine.” My career led me to assignments in the United States, Western Europe, the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East. Looking back, those were good years all in all. Sure, the hardships were many, but the adventures, excitement and camaraderie far outweighed the hardships. I can’t help growing a bit nostalgic every time I think about it.
I wish the United States still had a military draft. Even better would be three years of mandatory military service for every American girl and boy, starting at age 18. At least one year would be spent overseas, being exposed to other cultures and languages. It would be a better education than pursuing a four-year degree. It would also strengthen our nation by showing college age citizens how blessed they are to live in America.
Today’s world is full of danger. Look no farther than Ukraine or the Middle East for proof. Unfortunately, few of those in Congress have military experience as a frame of reference to help guide them when making decisions that could draw our nation into war.
The presidential election is only weeks away and the ugly political slurs are flying like bullets in a drive by shooting. Politicians from both side of the aisle are quick to tell us how bad we’ve got it and how it’s all the other side’s fault. Don’t believe it. One thing my time in the military taught me is that, despite what shifty politicians might say to the contrary, we Americans have much to be thankful for.
James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Here are just a few gifts Americans should thank God for. Remember them when you lie down to go to sleep tonight.
Across the land we enjoy relative safety from the government and other people.
We enjoy the freedom to worship as we choose.
Our leaders are elected by the people.
Access to free, basic education is widely available.
Safe drinking water is usually readily available.
Sanitation services are available to help prevent sickness and disease.
We grow enough food to feed our population and have extra to export.
We have a robust transportation infrastructure to distribute the commodities we need.
We enjoy abundant natural resources to produce energy.
Electricity is generally available across the land.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. –Numbers 6:24-26
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. –Psalm 45:1*
A large portion of my wife’s family tree is rooted in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Lancaster County is Amish country. Having rejected the modern world, these plain Christians, the descendants of Swiss-German Anabaptists, struggle to maintain an 18th century existence in fast-paced, 21st century America. The county has well over 30,000 Amish residents today.
The Amish are farmers and craftsmen. Stout work horses pull their plows through the fertile fields. They build their own houses and barns and heat them with stoves fired by wood and coal. They make their own furniture. Their houses have no electricity. They have neither television, radio, cell phones, computers, cars nor tractors. They educate their children in one-room schoolhouses. They hold church services in private homes. They know their neighbors and help them when needed. They revere God!
While I’m not ready to give up 21st century conveniences, I must admit there’s a part of me that envies the simple existence of the Amish. Inspired by Amish simplicity, I began writing this Divine Simplicity blog in September 2011 as a Christ-inspired self-help guide on simplifying one’s life.
My blog has evolved considerably over the years, with the topics growing ever broader, but all the while aiming to maintain a focus on Christ and scripture. When I started this blog, I never figured I’d still be at if after a decade. I don’t have many followers, which led me to question the blog’s value. Why I should continue to write it at all. After considerable thinking on this, it all boils down to three things.
I endeavor to ensure that every entry I write honors and glorifies Jesus.I write prayerfully, hoping to inspire serious thought and holy conversation. Billy Graham had this to say:
“Our dress, our posture, our actions should all be for the honor and glory of Christ. Much of our talk as Christians is secular, not spiritual. It is easy to fall into conversational conformity of the world and spend an evening discussing politics, new cars, and the latest entertainment. We often forget that we are to edify one another with holy conversation and that our conversation should be on heavenly, and not exclusively on earthly things.”
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. –Psalm 51:10
I also write for my own spiritual renewal. Writing a blog entry almost always causes me to search through the Bible, seeking relevant passages supporting the topic I have chosen. For me, searching and studying scripture is cathartic. It draws me closer to God by shifting my thoughts from earthly cares and concerns to Godly thoughts inspired by the Holy Spirit. Writing about the scripture passages I discover reinforces what I learn from them.
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. –1 Corinthians 3:6-7
Finally, I write to sow seed containing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Perhaps if I, through my blogging, can plant a seed with the Gospel message in a reader’s heart, then maybe another will water it so that God will make it grow. I did some rough math and figure that during the course of nearly 13 years I’ve spent around 1,500 hours researching and writing this blog. If it has helped even one person find his or her way to Christ’s salvation, then I’m satisfied that it has done its job. Soli Deo gloria.
Whatever subject I preach, I do not stop until I reach the Savior, the Lord Jesus, for in Him are all things. –Charles Spurgeon
I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. —Isaiah 41:13
Many people today fear a wide variety of things they see and hear around them. Fear is running rampant right here in America. Polls indicate that the majority of Americans now believe that their children’s lives will be harder than their own. They worry about unemployment and the economy. Many fear illegal immigration. Others are afraid to gather in public places for fear of violence. We see campus protests turn violent. School shootings don’t surprise us anymore.
On a cosmic scale we hear about giant solar flares that could destroy technology, pushing humankind back into the Stone Age. A large meteor or asteroid collision could destroy life on Earth.
In the natural world, we hear that a major eruption of a super volcano, like the one beneath Yellowstone National Park, could cause destruction and death on a planetary scale. Earthquakes and tsunamis in diverse places threaten millions of people. Climate change is blamed for killer storms, droughts, melting polar ice, coastal flooding, wildfires and more.
On the human plane, we read and hear about flesh eating bacteria, brain eating amoebas, and drug resistant bacteria and viruses. Abortion rights are a hot button topic that can trigger anger and rage. Some people hunker down in their homes, worried about riots, violence by and against the police, and other street violence. Others fear that computer hackers or scammers will steal their identities and wealth.
There are wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and rumors of a global war that’s coming. Religious persecution is increasing around the globe. There is a growing wave of antisemitism right here in America. There are ample reasons for fear.
The Bible mentions two very different types of fear. The first is fear of the Lord. This fear is not associated with being scared. It is an awe and reverence of God and is to be encouraged. According to Psalm 111, fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and leads to rest and peace.
The second type of fear is detrimental. In the first chapter of 2 Timothy it is described as a “spirit of fear.” A person can be completely overcome by a spirit of fear, virtually frozen and unable to function. Such fear weighs a person down physically, emotionally and/or mentally.
Unfortunately, many Christians have succumbed to living with a spirit of fear. Some fear those of other religions and are reluctant to reach out to them in Christian love. Some fear those who are different from them culturally or racially. Others are hesitant to invite those in need into their lives for fear they might lose something or it might cost something. Some are afraid to leave the comfort of their homes and familiar surroundings in order to reach out to the needy. Others are hesitant to give of their wealth for fear they might later find themselves in need.
Many Christian fears boil down to a fear of losing something—possessions, comfort, safety, security. In Philippians chapter 3, verses 7-8, Paul describes how he has let go of the things of this world in order to focus on what is truly important:
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
One can’t grasp Christ’s outstretched hand while clinging to things of this world. As David tells us in Psalm 34, verses 4-7:
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
You may be facing a health crisis, unemployment, divorce, a call to Christian service, or other difficult challenges. Don’t live in fear. Take the fears you struggle with today and give them to the Lord in prayer. Make this a habit. I will not tell you to “let go and let God” because it makes letting go of fear sound so simple. Instead, I encourage you to explore the Bible and learn what it says about fear. Read and believe!
Begin with Psalm 23. Then read Psalm 118. Other relevant Psalms include 27, 34, 46, 61, 91, 103, and 121. Once you have read these Psalms, locate a red letter edition New Testament and read every word spoken by Jesus. Then read Paul’s epistles. Become steeped in scripture. Do this and you will be well on the way to giving your fears to the Lord.
The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else. —Oswald Chambers
As I began penning this piece, it was January 1st, a day traditionally associated with resolutions. According to the American Heritage dictionary, a resolution is “a firm decision to do something.” Common resolutions people make for the New Year include exercising more, losing weight, curbing alcohol consumption, and paying off credit cards. Making a New Year’s resolution requires one to recognize they’ve failed in some facet of their life and need a second chance to set things right.
Everybody needs a second chance at one time or another. Fortunately for Christians, we serve a God of second chances, who shows His grace and mercy to sinners who repent and turn to Him. The Bible is full of second chance stories. Here are just a few, starting with the book of Genesis.
In Genesis 2, we are introduced to Adam and Eve, who God created man and woman and placed in a beautiful garden in Eden. There they tended the garden and enjoyed its magnificent food and natural beauty. God made only one rule for the garden. The couple was not to eat from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. You’ve likely heard the story—in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve break the rule and as punishment they are forever cast out of the garden and forced to work the soil to raise food by the sweat of their labor. In chapter 4, Eve gave birth to two sons, Cain and Abel. Out of jealousy, the older brother Cain murdered his brother Abel. Yet by the end of chapter 4, Eve gives birth to another son named Seth, to replace Abel. Seth was surely a second chance for Adam and Eve, even though there is no evidence they ever repented of their sins against God.
In Genesis 6, begins the story of Noah and the great flood. By this point in time mankind has become evil and rebellious towards God. It is so bad that God actually regrets having made man. Yet there remains Noah, a righteous man who is favored by God. God tells Noah he is going to cause a flood to destroy every living thing on the surface of the Earth. He instructs Noah to build a giant ark (or ship) and to fill it with certain animals that will repopulate the Earth after the flood waters recede. Noah obeys God’s instructions. In addition to the animals, Noah takes his wife, his sons, and his sons’ wives into the ark. Noah’s entire family received a second chance and survived the flood. From this small group, the entire Earth was repopulated with humans.
In Genesis 12, God calls Abram, a keeper of flocks and herds, out of Babylon to go to the land of Caanan, which God pledges to give Abram’s descendants. Abram takes his wife Sarai and brother-in-law Lot and departs for Caanan along with his animals and servants. Sarah was barren and could not give Abraham an heir. Years later, with Sarai and Abram growing old and fearful Abram might die without an heir, Sarai convinces him to take Sarai’s Egyptian slave Hagar as his wife to bear an heir for Abram. Hagar bore him a son named Ishmael when Abram was 86 years old.
But God had plans for Abram and Sarai. When Abram was 99 years old, God made a covenant with him, changing his name to Abraham, meaning “father of many nations.” God also changed Sarai’s name to Sarah, meaning “princess” and promised that she would bear a son, Isaac, who would be the heir of the covenant. Sarah conceived in her old age. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. As a natural born heir, Isaac was a second chance for Abraham some 14 years after Ishmael, Abraham’s son by a slave, was born.
The Apostle Peter’s denial of Jesus is described in all four Gospels. Just before Jesus was arrested, He warned His disciples of what is going to happen. Peter boasts in John 13, that he would lay down his life for Jesus. Jesus counters and declares Peter will deny him three times. After Jesus’ is arrested, Peter denies Jesus three times out of fear of His captors. This is described in John 18. Jumping to John 21, the resurrected Jesus forgives Peter and reinstates him to his former position of leadership, commanding Peter to care for Jesus’ flock (people).
Like Peter, it is easy for us to believe we are more righteous than we really are. Like Jesus forgave Peter, so we ought to forgive those who sin against us. Christians serve a God of second chances. While I have given only a few examples, God gave second chances to many people in the Bible, forgiving and restoring them after they sinned or disobeyed Him. As Peter learned firsthand, God offers the ultimate second chance to all humanity through His Son Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life. God invites us to respond to His second chance by repenting of our sins, trusting in His grace, and following His will.
Look up from the situation you lament and let it become the pleasant place where God comes to save you.–Rev. Tim Fountain
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. –Romans 5:8 (NIV)
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