Happy Anniversary USA!

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So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Deut 5:32-33 NIV (Moses’ challenge to the new nation of Israel)

Happy Birthday, America! 250 years in the making. America is a nation that has borne many trials and tests since declaring its independence. It is a nation that has fought wars on behalf of others’ freedom and fought a war within itself to define freedom for its own citizens. It is a nation that has experienced financial booms and disasters, and the rise of political giants and their lesser peers. America is a nation that has witnessed the assassination of four sitting presidents and the survival of seven presidents who faced serious assassination attempts.

It is a nation that has survived corrupt leaders, financial mismanagement, and scandals. Yet it has stood against fascist regimes, provided aid to the hungry and displaced peoples of the world, and stood for what is right. An oft-quoted and referenced scripture among American early leaders was Micah 6:8, “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (KJV)

George Duffield, who served as chaplain of the Continental Congress, spoke during the Day of Thanksgiving on December 11, 1783, praising God and reminding the listeners of their obligations as citizens of this new nation and as followers of God. “It is that we love the Lord our God, to walk in his ways, and keep his commandments, to observe his statutes and his judgments. That a sacred regard be maintained to righteousness and truth. That we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Then shall God delight to dwell amongst us. And these United States shall long remain, a great, a glorious, and a happy people. Which may God, of his infinite mercy, grant. Amen.” (Robert Morgan, 100 Bible Verses That Made America).

The nation has survived even as it continues the struggle to live up to the founding leaders’ high expectations. Though it has often fallen short of that dream, it continues to champion the lofty vision set out in the preamble to the United States Declaration of Independence.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

The decision to seek independence from Great Britain was neither easy nor unanimous. Yet those leaders who could envision a freedom beyond being subjects of the king spoke fervently in favor of independence. Patrick Henry spoke boldly about why there was only one course of action. “The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.” Henry went on to challenge the delegates meeting at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia, with the words, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

The case for independence was laid out in the declaration, “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”  The delegates voted to seek independence, and a nation was born.

Over the next several years, a bitter fight for independence was waged at the cost of many sons and daughters who gave their lives for freedom. Following Patrick Henry’s death, a small sheet of paper was found next to his last will and testament, where he had recorded some of his last thoughts about American independence:

“Whether this will prove a Blessing or a Curse will depend upon the Use our people make of the Blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary Character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a Nation. Reader!, whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy Sphere, practice Virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.” (Morgan)

Will we be the nation of Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people”? Each generation of citizens has faced the reality of this verse. Robert Morgan wrote, “In the days following the American Revolution, the new nation quickly abandoned its Christian heritage. Church attendance plunged, and colleges became seedbeds of atheism. The spiritual progress of the Great Awakening, which had helped fuel the American Revolution, dissipated.”

The darkness that crept across the American spiritual landscape in those early days was pierced by the blazing light of a new awakening because of the prayers, voices, and faithfulness of those who sought God’s help and revival.

July 4 will host thousands of parades, firework displays, cookouts, politicians’ speeches, and a multitude of other events. However, maybe the most critical and beneficial event will take place the next day, Sunday worship. What will our nation be for our children and grandchildren? It all depends on whom we seek. “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:27-28)

Happy and blessed 4th of July!

God is great!

Fathers Touch of Love

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Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

 I Corinthians 16: 13-14 NIV

Fathers, did you get that perfect gift yesterday for Father’s Day? If not, there is always Christmas. This gift may not be for you, but if you are the father of young children, it would be an answer to prayer. I am not sure if or when it will ever be released in the United States, but Chinese carmaker Seres has been granted a patent for the long-awaited “in-vehicle toilet”. This amazing invention slides under a passenger’s seat for those much-needed stops on long road trips. How many times have you just passed an exit when you hear the magic words, “I need to go to the bathroom,” and the next exit is 20 miles down the road?

The patent filing on April 10 stated, “the feature is meant to satisfy users’ needs on long journeys, while camping, or while staying in the car. The loo will come with a fan and exhaust pipe to channel odors out of the car…Waste is collected in a tank that has to be emptied manually.” (Osmond Chia)

Globally, Father’s Day is celebrated in many nations, all with the same purpose of honoring fathers. In the United States, the UK, and South Africa, among others, it is observed on the third Sunday in June. The idea of celebrating fathers came from two young ladies in the early 1900’s, Grace Golden Clayton and Sonora Smart Dodd. West Virginian Clayton proposed the idea in 1908, and though many felt her idea worthy, it was rejected. On the opposite side of the nation, Dodd convinced the Spokane, Washington Ministerial Alliance to celebrate Father’s Day the following year. The idea was accepted and gained support over the next several decades. However, it wasn’t until 1966 that it became officially recognized.

President Lyndon B. Johnson designated the third Sunday of June that year in a proclamation as Father’s Day. In his proclamation, he stated, “In the homes of our Nation, we look to the fathers to provide the strength and stability which characterize the successful family…If the father’s responsibilities are many, his rewards are also great-the love, appreciation, and respect of children and spouse.”  Finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a law officially making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday.

Father’s Day may be officially celebrated on one day of the calendar, but hopefully, fathers, just like mothers, are celebrated the other 364 days, since their roles are not limited to one day of the year.

Fathers come in all shapes, colors, abilities, temperaments, and fashion senses, yet they all share one common thread—their children. Whether their role as fathers came about through natural birth, adoption, fostering, or unique care status for children, they are fathers. Fathers know best some days and completely blow it the next. Yet a wise father who seeks to guide his children in God’s ways will unveil the true secrets of life. “Listen, my sons (and daughters), to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching…Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.” (Proverbs 4:1-2,5 NIV).

Fathers know it is not an easy job. It never has been, nor will it ever be. Dwight Moody was not talking only to dads, but the message was encouraging. “Let God have your life; he can do more with it than you can.” The Bible does not have a special category for “Best Dad of the Year,” but we can find some noteworthy examples. One great example is Joseph.

Joseph’s role as father did not come through the normal channels. He was given a very unique role. Joseph was looking forward to a long, ordinary life with his fiancée, Mary. Plans were coming together for the marriage, for setting up a new home, for dreaming of children, and for starting his carpentry business. Then came the extraordinary assignment that changed the course of their comfortable, preconceived plans. God asked Joseph to fulfill a critical purpose in the Messiah’s birth, as caretaker of Mary and the baby.

“Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18). Needless to say, Joseph’s perfect world was turned upside down. He cared deeply for Mary and didn’t have the heart to publicly disgrace her, so he decided to divorce her quietly.

An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him that Mary had willingly agreed to the plan. Now, would he have the courage to say yes? “Carry the cross patiently, and with perfect submission; and in the end it shall carry you.” (Thomas a Kempis)

 “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:24-25) Joseph did not know what lay ahead, but he said yes. He would protect Mary and Jesus from a tyrannical ruler, take his family as refugees to a foreign country, resettle them in a new home, teach Jesus to be a carpenter, and serve as a mentor and teacher.

“The characteristic of a disciple is not that he does good things, but that he is good in motive because he has been made good by the supernatural grace of God. The only thing that exceeds right-doing is right-being. Jesus Christ came to put into any man who would let him a new heredity which would exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus says—If you are my disciple, you must be right not only in your living, but in your motives, in your dreams, in the recesses of your mind.” Oswald Chambers

Little is said about Joseph after the first few years. Scholars can only speculate; we can only offer opinions, but what we do know is that he faithfully did his job as God asked him to. His obedience changed both history and eternity. Whatever or however the role of father came to you, do it in a way that prepares the next generation to follow Jesus.

God is great!

Monday morning devotion to offer encouragement, hope, and purpose for Jesus’ followers

Change of Purpose

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Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen Romans 11:33-36

Have you ever had something you thought was for one thing and ended up being for something else? Some of the most ordinary, successful products became valuable because customers used them differently from the inventor’s intention.

Tea drinking and the British go hand in hand; they are inseparable. The arrival of tea in Britain in the 17th century altered the nation’s drinking habits. To make a perfect cup of tea, place the tea leaves in a teapot and steep for 3 minutes. Add a hot scone for the perfect teatime!

You can imagine the mess of cleaning out the pot until an accidental American invention in 1908. Thomas Sullivan, a New York tea merchant, started sending samples in small silken bags. Sullivan intended that people open the bags and pour their contents into a pot. Customers started dropping the little bags into the pot, and thus, by accident, the tea bag was born. (UK Tea & Infusions Association)

Developers Hurley, Chen, and Karim had the idea for an online dating service with the slogan “Tune In, Hook Up,” and launched it on Feb 14, 2005, but it flopped as originally intended.  However, they quickly realized the value of the video-upload platform, which transformed YouTube into a place for users to upload, view, and stream videos. That failed dating platform is now worth as much as $550 billion.

Inventors Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes were trying to create textured wallpaper. They ran two pieces of plastic shower curtain through a heat-sealing machine in 1957, resulting in a sheet of film with trapped air bubbles. Unfortunately, they failed in the interior decorating business, but what they did changed the world of packing and shipping forever with the introduction of Bubble Wrap.

God is masterful at taking how one thinks something should be and turning it into a treasure that far exceeds what was intended. God used a godless king to provide a way of salvation for his people. Cyrus was a political and military genius, bringing together the Medes and the Persians into a unified nation. One of the greatest changes he introduced was a genuinely fresh idea onto the world stage: tolerance. God said of Cyrus, “He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please.” (Isaiah 44:28).

God takes the improbable and redefines it for His purpose. God takes what is hidden and reveals it for His glory. God takes what can’t be explained and reshapes the whole story. “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” (Is. 45:3) God is at work in the darkness where we can’t always see.

God often uses one person’s concern to ignite a spark. This is the story of Professor Robert George of Princeton University in 2023. “I happened to read a report in the Wall Street Journal. It included polling data showing that the belief of Americans in certain core values—values that had traditionally been sources of unity and strength for Americans—had very considerably diminished over the past decade or decade and a half. I’m talking about values such as religion, family, and patriotism.”

According to the polling data, the only value that had increased in importance was money. Can one person make a difference? Professor George didn’t know, but he decided to do something bigger than himself. He announced on his Facebook and Twitter accounts, “By the authority vested in me by absolutely no one, I have declared June to be Fidelity Month—dedicated to the importance of fidelity to God, spouses and families, and our country and communities.” (fidelitymonth.com website)

Fidelity is defined as “Faithfulness to obligations, duties, or observances; loyalty… Fidelity involves the unfailing fulfillment of one’s duties and obligations and the keeping of one’s word or vows.” (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language)

Time will tell whether this one man’s concern and determination will become a movement. It has grown across the nation since launching, with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Michigan’s House of Representatives all proclaiming June as “Fidelity Month.” Gov. Sanders told the Daily Wire in an interview after the Fidelity Month declaration, “The resolution highlights the state’s goal of creating a healthy society by sowing faithfulness to ‘God, family, community, and country.’”

Jesus taught his followers what the kingdom of heaven really looked like. Given their choice, their nation would have been a superpower. Jesus took an opposite approach, teaching parables about the kingdom of heaven as God intended. (Matthew 13). Though the consumer market has many successful products used differently from how the developer first envisioned, Jesus made sure his kingdom would be used correctly. “A disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” (Matthew 13:52b)

“Dear brothers and sisters, I pray God may open your eyes and let you see what hidden treasures he bestows on us in the trials from which the world thinks only to flee. Shame turns into honor when we seek God’s glory. Present affliction becomes the source of heavenly glory. To those who suffer wounds in fighting his battles, God opens his arms in loving, tender fellowship, which is more delightful by far than anything our earthly efforts might produce.” (St. John of Avila, 1499-1569)

“May God give you treasures hidden in the darkness.”

God is great!

A weekly devotional post to offer encouragement, hope, and purpose found in Jesus!

A Story Worth Telling

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God, now that I’m old and gray, don’t walk away. Give me grace to demonstrate to the next generation all your mighty miracles and your excitement, to show them your magnificent power! Psalm 71:18 TPT

“Leave footprints to follow rather than scars to heal.” (Gerry Brooks)

What footprint will you leave for the next generation? God designed life where generations overlap. Sometimes the overlap is not very long, but long enough to tell stories that the next generation will remember. This overlap is a time to love, to teach, to inspire, to hold the future, and to be held by the future. Count it as holy ground regardless, and if you are the generation ready to pass the baton, then you are in a grace-filled season of life.

This past week, we visited the Japanese Gardens in Portland, where there was a display of various bonsai creations. One dated back 300 years, while the others were 80 to 100 years old. This ancient horticultural art form of cultivating trees literally means “planted in a container” or “tree in a pot.” A Ficus Retusa Linn holds the title of the oldest bonsai tree in the world, at over 1,000 years old. The tree is located at the Crespi Bonsai Museum near Milan, Italy.

 Bonsai plants and the intricate art of shaping these mighty trees into containers have always fascinated me. Though Bonsai trees are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, they are found and thrive around the world. However, what they all share is the people who nurture and care for them, and that is what is amazing. A person painstakingly cuts and prunes, shapes and maintains the plant, then he dies. Then another person takes on the responsibility of care and painstakingly cuts, prunes, shapes, and maintains the tree, and then he dies. The Bonsai becomes a living story passed from one caretaker to the next, for the next generation to enjoy.

An article in Leaves & Soul says it well: “A tree doesn’t become 500 or 1,000 years old by accident—it takes generations of continuous care… It is a collaboration between nature and human caregivers over decades or centuries… They remind us that with patience and proper care, a bonsai can outlive us and become a legacy for future generations.” (Leaves & Soul, Aug 22, 2025)

God has entrusted each generation with a similar task: to be caretakers of His story for the next generation, providing a story that carries a message of hope and life. Anglican theologian N. T. Wright said, “Belief is actually not an isolated individual thing. I don’t believe in a little box all by myself. Yes, I have my own particular take on things, but the great creeds say, ‘We believe.’ Belief is something that actually we do together.”

We are caretakers responsible for sharing, “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” (Psalm 145:4 ESV) We are called to be faithful caretakers, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” (Psalm 78:4 ESV) We hold a light as caretakers, telling the stories of a God who loves and cares for the next generation. “How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:3 ESV)

In her latest book, “What Grows in Weary Lands,” Trish Harrison Warren poses a critical question that echoes the Psalmist’s words, “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story” (Psalm 107:2a). Warren writes, “Who are the believers that make you want to believe? Whose faithfulness makes you want to be faithful? Surround yourself with these people. Immerse yourself in a church, in a Christian community, whose (albeit imperfect) lives help you learn, see, and seek what is most true, good, and beautiful. Immerse yourself in thinkers throughout time who have asked the questions your soul is shouting and offered you new ones as well. Immerse yourself in the prayers of those who teach you to pray and the songs of those who dare you to sing… They live as people who have known agony and ecstasy. They have been disappointed and have failed and failed and failed, yet still know themselves as beloved. To me, they are a walking, breathing apologetic. They make me want to believe.”

The bonsai tree exists only because one generation cared for it until the next was ready to take it as their own. God has given each generation the responsibility to prepare the way for the next to grow in maturity and wisdom. Wisdom demands a lifelong quest, often wrapped in a flawed shell. “The great illusion of leadership is to think that man can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there.” (Henri Nouwen)

Solomon failed in many ways, yet he passed on life-giving words of wisdom. “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” (Proverbs 4:10-15 NIV)

What kind of footprints will you and I leave for those who follow? Will we be one of those who give life to those who follow? “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story!”

God is great!

A weekly devotional post to offer encouragement, hope, and purpose found in Jesus.