David was in an extremely difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter over the loss of their sons and daughters. But David found strength (and encouraged)  in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 Christian Standard Bible (paraphrased)   You may find this strange or relatable depending on what side of your struggle you are in, but I have been struggling with the difficulty in the text and could not get to the strength of the text. A recent life crisis had placed a weight of worry on my mind, and the emotional fatigue had me only noticing the darkness and hopelessness in everything. I was and sometimes still get stuck, wallowing in the could nots, throwing amazing pity parties, yet something kept telling me that there is joy waiting for me, just pray and let go through G0d so that He can show me the rainbows of joy. Well all that sounded so powerful and simple and yet in as much as I love and trust God, I was still struggling to find the hope for me in Him. God is all powerful and I see Him in every situation, even my crisis, but my belief to heal was dim, even though my belief in Him to take care of my needs and others was strong. Yes, is it possible to co-exist with dual states of being and experiences with God furthermore, the beauty and strength in His ministry of presences is that He never leave us to journey through those spaces on our own. So, for the last three months, I’ve been fighting, no crawling my way back. There is a song which has a line, “Encourage yourself in the Lord”, so thinking about that song reminded me that they were singing about David but what was said of him disturbed me. I was stuck only that David encouraged himself and wrestled with the question, why would God think to push me to encourage myself when I’m down, when He could lift me up like He’s done before. Still stuck in the first part of the story, I felt that it didn’t seem like a good tactic for David because he’s was already deep in his sorrow, depression, guilt, anger and probably any other emotional distress one could think of. He was discouraged to the point of numbness. In his depression the thought of pulling up his bootstraps seemed impossible. Again I thought with frustration that  even though his fatigue and mental and emotional toll has emptied all of his motivational reserves, yet even in his emptiness, David is left to encourage his own self. Then the Holy Spirit gently whiSpered to me that I was stuck in the distress of the text and could not see the rescue in the text because I was stuck in my own depression and hopelessness and could only see clearly what I was experiencing currently. I was wrestling with only part of David’s experience, and to see my hope I needed to be brave enough to dare to see David’s hope. Many of us, including myself find ourselves stuck in this same state of physical, emotional, social, religious, and spiritual crisis and can’t find faith, hope, and encouragement in the suffering. Perhaps because we are depleted of the energy or motivation to look. I know right now some reading this may find it unbelievable that a Christian could never land in such a place but trust me, if you have lived enough life, this place is frequently visited and God is there with mercy and hope every time. So, please don’t get me wrong, just like David, we love the Lord with all our might and soul so this isn’t about love, this is about the effects of sin which slowly weakens us to sense the love. This seems to be unfair, but we know that living in this sinful world depletes our lives. So again why is David left to encourage himself? The answer is in the corrective lens of the text or reading the entire text. The truth is that David was physically alone but is not left alone. God is there, encouraging him to do the thing which today therapist encourages us to do in order to think clearly and to offload our stresses, WRITE! David writes, and he writes and he writes. Most of us know the impact David’s writings has had on many lives down through the ages. His thoughts, songs, poetry, all conversations with God, have encouraged us many times over to see beyond our grief and blurred vision of life, to see that in the clearing is the Love of God. Many of David’s writings are reveal to us the storms and crisis He was in and yet, his conclusions encouraged us to hold on to God the Savior, Defender, Healer, Restorer, Warrior, and Forgiver of sins. Bear with me, but I still wrestled with why David’s writing are so powerful that they literally turn hearts from sorrow to hopeful? His writings are personal, honest, vulnerable, real, truthful, and the most powerful reason, they are from His journey and personal relationship with God. In HIs writings and life story, we step into the heart chamber of God and David’s covenantal story. It is here we see that God didn’t abandon David to fend for himself when David was in emotional distress, but God gave David a most powerful weapon, to not just survive those moments but to mark through writings the pathway and formula to continue to exchange our burden with God’s joy and peace. I am a published author, recently came out of those shadows of fear, but what many do not know is that I have been writing for a very long time. As a matter of fact writing and communication is a generational gift which my children also have and have found solace in! However I have not shared 99% of my Read more…

Sabbath School Lesson for October 12-18, 2024 Overview and Introduction of Lesson 3, The Backstory: The Prologue Memory Text: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 KJV The beginning of the Old Testament takes us back to the Creation story–how “In the beginning” God created our world. John follows that Creator theme in his Gospel, with a new revelation that God’s Son was the Word that spoke our world into existence. He also begins with the words: “In the beginning”. As our memory text declares, God and the Messiah, God’s Son, were together from the very beginning. Our study of John’s Gospel began with a quick look at the end of the book, where John told us his overriding purpose for writing. He wants us to know who Jesus Christ is, and that by knowing the Son of God, we would believe and have life, both now and forever (John 20:31). We now go back to the very start of this unique Gospel and discover John’s main theme throughout–the equality the Father had with His Son, their shared purpose and authority; but especially their mutual love and sacrifice for humanity. Here’ how John develops his theme… Sunday: In the Beginning–The Divine Logos–affirming Jesus’ eternal existence Monday: The Word Made Flesh–the meaning of logos, meaning Word Tuesday: Hearing or Not Hearing the Word–many Jews rejected Jesus, they would not hear the Word Wednesday: Reappearing Themes–Belief/Unbelief–unbelief is a blindness for those who reject the Light Thursday: Reappearing Themes–Glory–the Father was glorified by His Son’s earthly life and death Sunday: In the Beginning–The Divine Logos The very first verse of John contains a concept that we can barely grasp. How could Jesus be with God, and yet be God at the same time? He was with God back then, but more than that, He was the One who created our world. It says so in those first three verses of John. As a matter of fact, it asserts that God’s Son, the Word, was responsible for anything that was created. Evidently, this would include anything that was created before or after our world. He merely speaks the Word, and the things of creation appear. See John 1:1-3. It’s important for us to recognize the full deity of Christ. If He was merely human like us, He would not be able to give us eternal life. And if He were only divine, He would have an unfair advantage and not be able to be our Substitute. Jesus was therefore fully human and fully divine. And He still carries with Him the scars in His hands to verify His connection with us (John 20:25-27). He is the exact image of God’s greatness and majesty. Which is why we can pattern our lives on His selfless example and reflect His light to others. Bible Verses: John 1:1-5 What do we learn here about Jesus, the Word? Why is it important to recognize His deity? Monday: The Word Made Flesh The Greek term for “word” is logos. But in Greek philosophy, we find it referring to something between the perfect, heavenly realm and our imperfect, earthly existence. The two being far apart from each other. John directs us to God’s truth by affirming that the Word (or logos) is actually a heavenly Being, equal with God, who humbled Himself and became one of us. He’s a human/divine “go-between” for us and God. Christianity is distinct from other world religions, where humans strive to be like the gods, for mostly selfish reasons. In Christianity, we see something different. Instead of being righteous by the works we do or don’t do to make the gods happy, we find that God actually comes down to our level and becomes one of us, which is what allows us to have a close, loving relationship with Him. Jesus took a radical step by putting on our human flesh, in order to veil His glorious divinity and show us what He is really like. Only a loving Creator would undertake such a risky, rescue operation to free us from the evil forces that hold us captive on this planet. Bible Verses: John 1:1-3, 14 and Exodus 25:8 How did God try to dwell with the Israelites of the Old Testament? Why was it important for the Messiah to become flesh and dwell here on earth in person? What kind of Father did Jesus show us, while He was here? Tuesday: Hearing or Not Hearing the Word John continues chapter one with a description of Jesus being the light of the world. It also tells us how He was rejected by many of His own people, the Jews. They did not welcome the light, not wanting to hear about the spiritual kingdom the Messiah came to share with them. Paul in Romans, chapters 9-11, talks extensively about Israel’s rejection of God’s Son, the Word. They may have known the Scriptures, but they did not know Jesus, the One who inspired the prophets to write them. John does not give a totally dismal picture, however. He tells us in John 1:12 that those who did not reject Him, who instead believed in His name, would be God’s children. That includes all of us who now believe, who have taken our stand for Christ. We continue to have a choice about whether to hear the Word, or turn away from Him. How much better to listen and obey His word. His Ten Commandments have stood the test of time and remain a faithful guide for the development of a loving lifestyle. Bible Verses: John 1:4-9 What part did John the Baptist play in preparing us to hear and accept Jesus? John 1:10-13 and Romans 2:28-29 How do we become a spiritual Jew? Wednesday: Reappearing Themes–Belief/Unbelief The verb “believe” appears 98 times in John’s Gospel (and 241 times in the entire New Testament). We have come to appreciate John’s great desire for us to believe, which is more important than just having a belief in God. The Teacher’s Notes–The Backstory, The Prologue, Lesson 3 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 4Q, “Themes in the Gospel of John”“>Read more…

My family just got over COVID-19 for the second time since 2020, and this round was much more difficult for us. Additionally, one of our sons who was asymptomatic the last time, got very sick this time (and his coughs are still echoing through the house as I type this). We’ve been sick twice since late summer, and I’m no fan, but more than that, there has just been a lot of loss. Family members of friends have passed, friends and family have gotten difficult diagnoses, and in the midst of all that we have annoyances like COVID-19 and walking pneumonia. Then there are the chronic illnesses and life-disabling diseases. This all has me thinking about wedding vows. In Sickness and [Never] Health It’s easy to pat ourselves on the back when we bring our family through an illness (“In sickness and in health! Look at me! I did it!”). It’s far more difficult to look on the bright side when the sickness stretches through our days and nights and turns into months and years. When there is a chronic illness, recurrent cancer, or terminal diagnosis, it can be easy to become burned out and start to look for the healthy days like they’re a promise owed. The promise, though, when we make our wedding vows, is not that God will grant us healthy days, but that we will stand by our partner through the sick and healthy ones. “In sickness and in health” hits differently when a terminal or incurable diagnosis makes it clear there will never be another healthy day to look forward to. Hope for the Healthless Days Whether you’re a caregiver to someone you love or you have a tough diagnosis yourself, there is hope to be found in God’s Word. God is There in Our Weakness Chronic illness can make us feel forgotten, but God’s Word reminds us that He’s right there in our weakest moments. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Even when we feel powerless, God’s strength shines through. He never promised we’d have all good days, but He promised to be there for us when those hard days come. Perspective is Everything Chronic illness forces us to rethink what a “good” day looks like. Instead of dwelling on what we can’t do, we can try to focus on small victories: getting out of bed, moments of joy, or a day with less pain. Philippians 4:11 talks about learning to be content in all situations. Contentment isn’t about our circumstances being perfect; it’s about trusting in God’s unfailing love, no matter what. Grace is a Game Changer Illness affects everyone—family, friends, caretakers. It’s important to give grace to others, and also to yourself. You won’t always be patient or hopeful, and that’s okay. God sees our weariness and offers rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Rest doesn’t necessarily mean healed, but may mean peace—which brings healing of its own. Community is Important Chronic illness can be lonely, but God created us for community. Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry each other’s burdens.” Letting others in—whether to pray for you, help you, or just be there—lets God show His love through them. When we share our struggles, we also help others see they’re not alone. Trials Build Perseverance Persevering through chronic illness is hard, but it’s also beautiful. James 1:2-4 tells us that trials build perseverance. Each day you endure is a testament to God’s sustaining power. Even on the toughest days, your perseverance points others to a faithful God who carries you through. Hope Goes Beyond This Life Our hope as Christians goes beyond this life. Chronic illness can make us long for a place with no more pain or suffering (Revelation 21:4). This perspective is not about giving up on the here and now—it’s holding on to the promise of a future where all things are made new. Remembering that our struggles are temporary can help us find comfort now. There’s Beauty in Quiet Faith It’s easy to celebrate big faith moments, but there’s so much beauty in the quiet, everyday faith of those enduring chronic illness. Hebrews 11 talks about heroes of faith who didn’t see the promises fulfilled in their lifetime, but they stayed faithful. Living with chronic illness is like running a marathon without an end in sight, but you know there is a finish line in the distance. Your daily trust in God is a powerful testimony. Your story matters, and your endurance brings glory to Him. A Prayer for the Suffering Father in Heaven,  I come before you—King of the Universe and Holiest of Holies—to lift every caregiver and every loved one they walk alongside through illness. Lord, You see their weariness, their moments of doubt, and their quiet sacrifices that often go unnoticed. I pray that You would be their strength when they feel powerless and their comfort when they feel overwhelmed. Remind them, Father, that they don’t have to be perfect or have the perfect body or mind. Your grace is enough for us. Help the sick and their loved ones to extend grace to themselves, forgive their own moments of impatience, and recognize that You love them right where they are. May they find rest in Your promise that You will give rest to the weary. Surround them with a community that uplifts them, and helps them to feel Your love through the hands and prayers of others. Give them perseverance for each day, Lord. Let them see even small victories as Your goodness, and let Your peace wash over their hearts amid the unknown. Thank You, God, for Your steadfast love, patience, and joy that is sometimes all that brings us through our trials. Bless the chronically ill, the terminal, and the caregivers reading this now. Sustain them and remind them that they are #TuesdayTalk: “In Sickness and in…” Family Life in Sickness and Sickness and Sickness“>Read more…

There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23, 24 There is a reason why we don’t greet each other, “Hello there sinner! How are you today?” “Got any sinning planned for the afternoon?” Yea, no, that just wouldn’t do, would it? People would see you coming a mile away and avoid you at all costs. Or they might start walking with a baseball bat if you keep calling them sinners. No, I don’t recommend this as a spiritual practice. I don’t know if Jonah was practicing his spirituality when he went into Ninevah and basically said you are all sinners and are in big trouble. The funny thing in that case, it worked. They had one response; they repented. How do you like the idea that you might be living in heaven next door to one of those wicked Ninevites? They turned 180 degrees and decided to turn back toward God and away from themselves as god. This is also the pattern of the greatest Old Testament story, that of the Shepherd King, David. The down side of David’s life was that he too was a sinner, in some cases a big time, wicked, brutal and at times, heartless King. I hope he lives in my neighborhood in heaven. I’m going to have a lot of conversations with him. I think I know what he will say to this question, You did so many evil things David, why do you think God called you a man after His own heart? Boom, mic drop, that question is. You see, God has a funny way of talking about us sinners. It doesn’t make sense in fact, until you understand the simple act of repentance. This act is a turning away from your own abilities, strengths, confidence, and so much more, and turning toward God as your all in all. You turn your life over to Him because He has finally gathered your full attention and you are tired of living in a pit of hopelessness. I wish all would repent and know this joyful truth. Then I could greet them as saints. I still struggle to find repentance in Jonah’s personal life. His audience repented, but did he? I can hear you now, What did Jonah do wrong? He finally carried out Gods orders, didn’t he? Sure did, right up to the point where he didn’t allow Gods love to melt his own heart. Think about the incredible lives that were changed forever on that day when he preached in their presence. One of the greatest convocations in history. And Jonah, as we see him in the short book of Jonah, didn’t get it. At least not fully, and maybe not then. I have a strong hunch that he did get it at some point. I sure hope so. David was at once the worst king and the greatest king. All it took was a turning toward the King of Kings. I won’t call you sinner anytime soon, but don’t be surprised if I tell you about One who gave His life for sinners and even counted Himself as a sinner, strange as that sounds. BTW, I’ll be glad to live next door to any Ninevite in heaven as well.  So what do we have in common? We are all sinners, right? But don’t forget about that second statement. “All are justified freely by his grace…” Next time I see you I just might surprise you with,  “Hello Saint.”