Be a Job, Not an Eliphaz

/1 Comment/in , , , , /by

Then he fell to the ground in worship. Job 1:20b NIV

Would you pay $906,000 for a $1.50 life jacket? That’s what an unidentified bidder paid for a life jacket worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, a first-class passenger who survived the RMS Titanic’s 1912 sinking.

The RMS Titanic was a British luxury passenger ship that set sail from Southampton on April 10, 1912, on its maiden voyage to New York City. The ship was the largest ever afloat and was billed as unsinkable. Yet on April 14, the ship hit an iceberg and sank in the early hours of April 15, carrying an estimated 1,500 passengers and crew to their deaths.

Francatelli and 11 others survived in the ship’s lifeboat No. 1, which was launched despite having a capacity of 40. Its failure to pick up survivors from the frigid water became a source of controversy. (CBS News on Google, April 18, 2026).

“I promise I will never let go, Jack. I’ll never let go.” These are the words from one of the most unforgettable scenes in the 1997 Oscar-winning movie Titanic. I am sure those who know the movie better than I do would list other incredible moments, but I think this scene captures the power of love and commitment as Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet) hold onto each other, trying to stay afloat in the icy waters as the massive ship breaks in half.

The historical romance film features two characters from vastly different social and financial backgrounds who find love! This emotional scene shows Jack clinging to the drifting door panel while Rose lies on top of it. Jack encourages Rose, telling her, “You’re going to get out of here. You’re going to go on, and you’re going to make lots of babies, and you’re going to watch them grow. You’re going to die an old, an old lady, warm in her bed. Not here, not tonight, not like this. Do you understand me?” It’s a powerful exchange between two people in a hopeless situation. The scene ends with Rose being rescued and going on to live the life she was promised, though Jack did not survive.

We all enjoy stories of heroes and heroines who battle the odds to save others, to bring light to a dark situation, or simply to encourage others. Most of us would admit that the world seems a bit short on swashbuckling heroes. Yet we might be surprised that it does not take a massive Superman moment to change someone’s situation.

“Faith don’t come in a bushel basket, missy. It comes one step at a time. Decide to trust Him for one little thing today, and before you know it, you find out He’s so trustworthy you be putting your whole life in His hands.” (from Candle in the Darkness, Lynn Austin).

You find Job clinging to a sinking door, in need of rescue. His children have been killed in a horrible storm; his vast wealth is gone, his livestock destroyed or stolen, and he now has a host of physical ailments. So what does he do? “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship.” (Job 1:20).

Job did not know he was a character in a cosmic drama of good and evil being played out, nor did he realize he was part of the storyline. Then along came his three good friends who knew him well. For them, the storyline went something like this: bad things don’t happen to good people, so you need to repent. Job was not buying that narration.

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had the opportunity to be Job’s encouragers, but in chapter after chapter they became his adversaries. Eliphaz gets the first chance: “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17). Then Bildad challenges Job, “How long will you say such things?…Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers.” (8:1a, 20).

Dismayed and broken, Job waits as Zophar speaks; surely he understands. “If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by” (11:14-15).

Job could have related to those drowning in icy waters as an empty lifeboat sailed by them. Friends who had come to comfort became his tormentors. Yet he had one thing that would not sink: His faith in God. “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (19:23-27).

The story ends with a major rebuke from God to everyone. Job’s friends had misinterpreted the whole story, placing the blame on Job, and they receive a major reprimand from God. Elihu is completely dismissed. Job, who had blamed God and wanted a face-to-face meeting, comes to realize how foolish he was.

Job never fully knew the plot behind the story, but he did come to realize that God had never left him. “Though he seemed silent or even absent, God was no mere spectator of Job’s suffering. He had been with Job through the entire experience.” (NIV Quest Study Bible)

You may not know someone’s full story, but take time to be a Job, not an Eliphaz, in their life. “You are a house of prayer. A living gateway between heaven and earth. Go forth. Carry His presence into every space. Let His light shine through you. The world is waiting. Heaven is ready. And God is with you.” (Eric Celerier).

God is great!

Thank you for subscribing to Prayer Safari and reading the weekly devotions.

Trusting God Even in the Storm

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior. Psalm 38:21-22 NIV

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale   a tale of a fateful trip,   that started from this tropic port,   aboard this tiny ship.   The mate was a mighty sailin’ man,   the Skipper brave and sure,   five passengers set sail that day,   for a three hour tour,   a three hour tour…  (Gilligan’s Theme Song Lyrics. Lyric Advisor. https://youtu.be/ZdClvI7eBD0?si=t_ieRvuIUp3AwWYe

It may not rank among the most famous shipwrecks, but who could ever forget the SS Minnow, or at least its theme song! You do have to be a certain age to remember Gilligan’s Island, or at least to love classic comedy on select streaming networks. The shipwreck became a hilarious adventure for the seven survivors.

Real-life shipwrecks are anything but hilarious. The crashing, powerful, and unrelenting waves against the hulls of gigantic ocean ships have ravaged many vessels throughout seafarers’ history. Many dreams of adventure and wealth were dashed as they sank to their watery death, unable to withstand the crushing force of the waves.

It is impossible to verify, but estimates suggest there have been over 3 million shipwrecks worldwide throughout history (UNESCO). The unsinkable Titanic did not survive her maiden voyage; the Flor de la Mar was carried to the bottom of the ocean, taking the Sultan of Malacca’s riches with it. The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, immortalized by Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad, could not withstand the hurricane-force winds and high waves and sank in the Great Lakes.

Sea captains set sail knowing they may encounter storms and even catastrophe. Yet they sail! That’s the way we live. We know storms are out there, but we keep moving forward. We do not welcome the storms that come, but what if we considered that God can use our storms to bring us to the place where He intended us to arrive?

Luke records the events of a destructive shipwreck in Acts 27 and 28. Paul and a group of other prisoners were put on a ship heading to Rome. However, the ship battled strong winds and could only make it partway. Undeterred, the Centurion found another ship heading to Rome, and again it didn’t take long for problems to overtake them. A relentless storm struck, and Luke records, “The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along” (Acts 27:15).

Paul was aboard a ship bound for Rome, but God used him during the storm to bring encouragement and hope to people facing disaster. “So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” (Acts 27:23-24). Paul knew God, but he did not know the final plan.

The late Atlanta pastor Charles Stanley once wrote, “We can make plans, and we are wise to do so, but our plans must always be the result of prayer and made with total flexibility so that if this is not what God desires for us to do, we will be quick to alter our course.”

Paul and the others came through the storm, though the ship was destroyed. They all lived. The unknown island was Malta. Paul did what he always did, living out his faith by preaching the Gospel and healing the sick. God used a storm to blow Paul (and the others) to a place where he was needed.

Malta became one of the first Roman colonies to convert to Christianity, leaving a legacy of faith among the people that lives on. 2000 years later, one of the island’s major public holidays is “The Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck” on February 10.

Grammy Award-winning songwriter/singer, Bible teacher, and worship leader Laura Story, in her book “When God Doesn’t Fix It,” shares how God used an unwanted storm in her life to bring her to where He intended her to be. Laura and her new husband, Martin, had dreams, made plans, and envisioned a future for their life together. That was until a storm hit, sending them reeling. Martin was diagnosed with a brain tumor that would alter all their dreams and plans but would evidently redefine their desires.

“We have to come to a point where we say, ‘I don’t know why my life looks this way. But I don’t have to understand why. It’s enough for me to believe that God has a plan and that he has promised he will never leave or forsake me, and he will be by my side through every trial I face.” I know this counters everything we think we want, but there is freedom in not having all of the answers—especially the answer to why.”

Sometimes God answers our prayers the way we thought He should, but more often He answers them in the way that will help us most. Martin survived the surgeries but was left with disabilities that altered life as they knew it. Yet through it all, they learned what it was like to trust God.

“I pray every day that God would completely heal my husband. If you could overhear my prayers, they’d sound something like this: Good morning, God. Is today the day you’re going to heal Martin? Because if you heal him, I promise to give you all the glory. Every time I pray that prayer, I feel as if God responds in the same way in my heart: I know, Laura. I know you will. But what if the healing is a process?  What if it’s going to be a long road that requires more sleepless nights than you’ve ever imagined? Or what if it requires more faith than you ever thought you had?  Will you still give me all the glory?”

Will you let God take your storm and let it blow you to where He intends for you to arrive? “Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops? What if your healing comes through tears?” (from Laura Story song, Blessings)

God is great!

Looking to God not the Thorn

/1 Comment/in , , , , /by

I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Psalm 25:2-3 NIV

What comes to mind when you are at the top of the highest mountain on earth? I have no idea, and I am never going to find out, but 63-year-old American Eva Steinwald did last year. She climbed the 29,031 ft, 8 ½ in. Mount Everest, a sub-range of the Himalayas. It was not her goal to become the oldest American woman to summit Mount Everest, but she was, at least for a few days, until another American woman took the title at 66.

Why climb?  Her motivation to climb was part of her healing journey after her husband of 26 years died unexpectedly. Steinwald’s first climb was Mount Borah, the highest summit in Idaho.  “It was like a fire in my belly, because I felt alive and I knew that’s what I wanted, and it was a way to honor my husband.” (KTVB7 Idaho interview)

Steinwald said the push to the Mount Everest summit was challenging, but she was determined. “We saw dead bodies along the way, so you realize how serious this mountain is. It can be deadly.”

“Take time to mourn, but then step forward, because the only time we have is right now. We don’t have what we had yesterday; we don’t know what we will have tomorrow. We all have our Everests; whatever your Everest is- if it’s getting your college degree or going back to school, or running a 5k. Whatever it is, believe in your dream. Don’t listen to naysayers; believe in your heart. Baby steps, little goals, and you can get there. I give myself grace; you need to give yourself grace, too.” She said she wants to inspire others to conquer their own Mount Everest.

Steinwald’s mantra on her mountain climbs, as well as life, is “One breath. One step. Just don’t stop.” Her goal, by the time she reaches 70, is to have climbed all seven summits, which are the highest mountain for each of the seven continents.

What is your Mount Everest moment in life? How do you get over your mountain of loss, disappointment, or tragedy? Does it feel as if God has forgotten you?

Ms. Steinwald had guides to help her navigate the treacherous paths to the summit. Who better to guide us on our own epic journeys than Paul? He was an apostle, missionary, writer, teacher, and committed follower of Jesus who understood what it felt like to climb mountains.

Paul had an impressive record of the hardships he endured. “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea…I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.” (2 Cor. 11:23b-25,27).

We may not particularly enjoy some of the difficult seasons, but through God’s grace we find a way. However, Paul’s greatest help for us comes in those areas where we are totally lost and in confusion. The clouds have rolled in, and we cannot see ahead. Those are the areas where God seems absent or where we cannot hear. Paul offers us help from his own story when, three times, he asked God to remove a mysterious “thorn in his flesh.”

“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”  (2 Cor 12:7b-9.)

Whether three times or fifty times, we come to realize that God does not always answer our prayers the way we asked. The “thorn” continues to fester within us. However, what we do learn is that we can trust God to help us live and even thrive with the thorn. Paul came to accept the no as what was best for him. “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10). Can I always accept the no as what is best for me?

What we think of God when things are in chaos, whether physical or spiritual, reveals much about what we truly know of God’s character. It is in the darkest periods of our lives that we reveal our true understanding of God. What we can know is that God welcomes our repeated prayers yet gently reminds us that his “grace is sufficient.”

“His purpose in the cloud is to simplify our belief until our relationship to Him is exactly that of a child—God and my own soul; other people are shadows…Is the relationship between myself and God getting simpler than ever it has been? There is a connection between the strange providences of God and what we know of Him, and we have to learn to interpret the mysteries of life in the light of our knowledge of God. Unless we can look the darkest, blackest fact full in the face without damaging God’s character, we do not yet know Him.” (Oswald Chambers)

Lord, thank you that you invite me to cast my burdens on you. I give you the things that are weighing on my mind today. I ask you to take them from my hands, but if not, let me live totally in your grace, which is sufficient for today.

God is great!

Prayer Safari: A weekly devotion to offer encouragement, hope, and purpose found in Jesus

When Plans Don’t Work Out

/1 Comment/in , , , /by

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Pr. 16:9

The plan was simple: climb into a plastic bottle and crowd surf. The problem: the big plastic bottle did not go in the direction it should have gone.  Former American Idol judge and pop superstar Katy Perry decided that climbing into a giant, inflatable plastic bottle and crowd surfing at the recent Isle of MTV Malta performance would be a great way to connect with her fans. All went well until the fans pushed the bottle away from the stage and deeper into the audience. Perry, speaking about the incident, said, “I basically get in this giant inflatable water bottle, and I roll it into the crowd, and tonight I went kind of far, and I was a little bit worried I was not gonna come back.”  (USA Today)

What happens when your well-thought-out plans do not work out? It all depends upon the magnitude of your unfulfilled plans. If you get to the movie theatre and find out that the movie you wanted to see is no longer showing, you probably rank that as a slight irritation. However, you end up seeing another movie that was actually better and much more uplifting.

You made plans all year for a week at the beach. You packed the suntan lotion, inflatables, snacks, and beach stuff. You drove 10 hours, fighting traffic all the way, listening to the kids ask, “Are we almost there?” But you finally made it to your condo. However, you neglected to check the weather and found out that a hurricane was off the coast. You woke up every morning of the week to gale-force winds and tropical rain. Now your well-thought-out plans turned to disappointment. What next? You could pack the car in the pouring rain and drive home. You could decide to stay, but every day you get a little angrier, or you could praise the Lord for the rains and get out the Monopoly Board!

Panic is often the emotional response when you have no idea what will happen next. Katy Perry felt that panic when a well-thought-out plan did not go as planned. Chances are you have never crowd-surfed in an inflatable plastic bottle, but you may have felt that panic in countless different ways.

You had high hopes for a promotion you should have received, but someone else got it. You had been working at your dream job for only a few months when you were told the company was downsizing and that your position would be eliminated. We all have our well-thought-out plans that end up going off track. We may not fully understand, but we do have a God who cares deeply and will see us through our panic. “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” Psalm 147:5

What do you do when your well-thought-out plans do not work? You lean into God’s goodness and love for you. God reminded Joshua in preparation for him to assume leadership from Moses, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6).

 A boat that is not properly fastened to the dock will end up drifting endlessly out into the ocean. Our lives need that secure anchor of God to keep us safe. One of my favorite “coffee mug verses” is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It is a great reassuring verse, and I believe it fully. However, many people forget that it sits in the middle of a letter addressed to refugees. The people had been defeated, their homes destroyed, their future unsettled, and their government crushed. They were living in captivity; their well-thought-out plans were ruined, and hope was in short supply. If they looked to themselves, nothing good would come.

We tend to want a nice, clear path ahead. We want to arrive at the destination, but God is more concerned with our trusting Him through the journey. You can sit in the middle of chaos when you know God’s promise: He will be with you, He cares for you, and He has everything under control. “Because God has said, Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5b-6).

“What we call the process God calls the end. What is my dream of God’s process? His purpose is that I depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay in the middle of the turmoil calm and unperplexed, that is the end of the purpose of God. God is not working towards a particular finish; His end is the process— that I see Him walking on the waves, no shore in sight, no success, no goal, just the absolute certainty that it is all right because I see Him walking on the sea. It is the process, not the end, which is glorifying to God…God’s end is to enable me to see that He can walk on the chaos of my life just now.” (Oswald Chambers).

We can handle the situations where our “plastic bottle” goes adrift because God is bigger and more able than any situation that comes up. We can get to the point where we see God walking with us in the chaos, as well as in the nice, calm waters. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

Jesus, I lay my fears before you, choosing to trust you. You have turned the tide and reminded me that no problem can overwhelm me because you are with me. Your Word is true—never failing. You bathe me in your life-giving light and show me the way to walk. The journey with you is filled with promise. You have proven your great love, and I will be forever grateful.

God is great!

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

Vulnerability plus Trust in God equals Unstoppable

/1 Comment/in , , , , , /by

But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

Vulnerability comes in all shapes and forms. The Thai guide meticulously tightened my harness, checked my safety hat, then attached my trolley to a cable that was suspended several hundred feet in the air across the jungle and pushed me off the platform. Questions of sanity quickly rose to my mind. I had wanted to experience the Flight of the Gibbon when working in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but now, suspended over the lush, emerald jungles, I will admit to a slight feeling of vulnerability. I am not sure why I should have been concerned, since I had been through their safety briefing and instructed on how to brake before I crashed into the other pole going 40-50 mph. The vulnerability quickly gave way to excitement, and I lived to tell the story and get my t-shirt.

Vulnerability and suspicion seem to be natural companions. People feel vulnerable when getting up in front of an audience to speak. Will they like me? Do I have anything worth sharing? People feel vulnerable when trying something new. What if I do it wrong? Can I really do it? Do I know how to do it? People feel vulnerable when they find themselves out of control. What am I going to do? How do I get control?

Marian Anderson understood vulnerability. She chose to face her vulnerability by using her God-given talents to change the cultural norms of her day. Anderson was born in 1897 in Philadelphia to hardworking, committed Christian parents. It did not take long for her amazing singing voice to be recognized; she joined the junior choir at age six. She was affectionately nicknamed “The Baby Contralto.” She would have quickly become a household name, except that she was the wrong color, according to certain segments of society.

Anderson found new pathways when society blocked her because of her race. Having been turned away from a music school in Philadelphia, she was encouraged to go to Europe for training, where she could become a success. When she was denied the opportunity to sing at Washington, D.C.’s Constitutional Hall, the public was outraged. Famous musicians protested, and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt worked to arrange a free open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. She sang “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” before 75,000 people and millions of radio listeners on Easter Sunday, 1939. Her incredible voice was heard by millions instead of a few hundred in the concert hall.

Over the next decades, she received invitations to perform at the White House; before Presidents and European royalty; at Presidents Eisenhower’s and Kennedy’s inaugurations; and to be honored with awards by Presidents Johnson and Reagan; and was adored for her character and courage. When reflecting on the racism she endured despite her enormous popularity, she simply said, “If I were inclined to be combative, I suppose I might insist on making an issue of these things. But that is not my nature, and I always bear in mind that my mission is to leave behind me the kind of impression that will make it easier for those who follow.” (National Marian Anderson Museum)

Vulnerability and suspicion may be natural dance partners, but vulnerability and trust in God form a far more powerful partnership. If suspicion breeds fear and doubt, trust in God fosters empowerment and purpose. Just ask Jonathan, King Saul’s son and David’s best friend.

Saul’s new kingship was not off to a roaring start. The army was now stuck, waiting for the other side to act. Then Jonathan had a great idea: climb a mountain and take on the enemy. Jonathan told his young assistant, “Let’s go over… Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6). Jonathan discovered a powerful principle: two plus God equals overwhelming results!

What a powerful picture of total vulnerability. “Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him.” (I Sam 14:13). I have never served in the military, but I have climbed a few mountains in my life. When you climb using your hands and feet, you are very exposed. This is not the best fighting position. Jonathan put his vulnerability into the capable hands of God. He did not know the possible outcome, but that was not important. He had put his trust in God. The outcome was a total victory on top of the mountain, and “Then panic struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God…So on that day the LORD saved Israel, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven.” (I Sam 14:15,21)

You can only imagine the vulnerability David must have felt when he went to fight Goliath with only his sling and the five stones he had picked up. You can only imagine the vulnerability Andrew must have felt when he brought a little boy with a few little fishes and some bread to feed a few thousand. You can only imagine the vulnerability Mary must have felt as she walked in front of a bunch of men and then knelt to pour expensive perfume onto Jesus’ feet. You can only imagine the vulnerability a little nine-year-old boy must have felt as he walked down a church aisle to give his life to Jesus.

We all have our stories of vulnerability. Those stories become life-changing and life-giving when they are told because we lived out our vulnerability by putting our trust in God. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you…In God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)

God is great!

Going Against the Grain

/1 Comment/in , , , , /by

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

“Most people do not have a problem with you thinking for yourself, as long as your conclusions are the same as or at least compatible with their beliefs.” The late South African author and philosopher Mokokoma Mokhonoana put it well about conformity. Our world is where we live our daily lives, whether rural or urban, young or old, male or female, conservative or liberal, or any other grouping we choose. Our world has certain expectations that we call norms, traditions, or cultural identity. If you happen to wander outside the perceived lines, you quickly get tagged. You are identified as “one of them” instead of “one of us.”

“The simplistic way of not conforming is to see what is in style in our culture and then do the opposite. If short hair is in vogue, the nonconformist wears long hair. If going to the movies is popular, then Christians avoid movies as “worldly.” The extreme case of this may be seen in groups that refuse to wear buttons or use electricity because such things, too, are worldly.” (R.C. Sproul)

Paul cared more about the church than about external matters, unless those matters brought disrepute on the church or caused unbelievers to walk away from Jesus because of lifestyle issues. Paul wrote his letter to Christians who would definitely be considered non-conformists. Rome, the world’s political and economic powerhouse at the time, had definite ideas about how people should live, worship, believe, and act. Everyone had their place in society and culture, with the not-so-subtle requirement that they not deviate from the expected patterns. These early followers of Jesus quickly challenged the expectations for how people were supposed to live, introducing a whole new paradigm of faith.

Theologian R. C. Sproul wrote about nonconformity in his book, The Holiness of God, where he said, “A superficial style of nonconformity is the classical pharisaical trap. The kingdom of God is not about buttons, movies, or dancing. The concern of God is not focused on what we eat or what we drink. The call of nonconformity is a call to a deeper level of righteousness that goes beyond externals. When piety is defined exclusively in terms of externals, the whole point of the apostle’s teaching has been lost. Somehow, we have failed to hear Jesus’ words that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of that mouth. We still want to make the kingdom a matter of eating and drinking.” (R. C. Sproul, The Holiness of God)

Living with your life focused on Jesus often puts you at odds with current cultural trends, political views, and lifestyle choices. Jesus fully understood that those who would follow Him would be forced into challenging positions. Yet He did not sugarcoat the requirements for His followers. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 NIV).

William Tyndale became a nonconformist when he challenged the established religious authority by translating the Bible into English. His work ultimately led to his being burned at the stake. Yet in death, his final words were, “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.”

Rev. Bernard Randall became a nonconformist after preaching a sermon advocating freedom of belief over gender identity. His commitment to upholding Biblical truth cost him his job as a chaplain and his standing as a priest in the Church of England. A settlement was finally reached, clearing him of wrongdoing. Randall wrote, “Seven years have been taken from me for doing my duty as a C of E chaplain in a school with a C of E ethos. I encouraged pupils to think, to debate, and to love their neighbors whatever they believed. No minister, teacher, or chaplain should be punished for upholding Christian teaching in a Christian setting.”

Paivi Rasanen, former Finnish Minister of the Interior, found herself a nonconformist when she upheld biblical beliefs about marriage and sexual ethics over current cultural trends. “I stand by the teachings of my Christian faith and will continue to defend my and every person’s right to share their convictions in the public square.” In a letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, she wrote, “Without the criminal charges imposed on me, I would not have had the exceptional chance to share my Christian faith in police stations, courtrooms, and through live broadcasts and press conferences heard around the world.”

“The call to nonconformity is choosing faith over fear, truth over trends, and compassion over canceling. It’s rejecting popular opinion, peer pressure, and political correctness when those are at odds with the will of God. The fear of man is epidemic, but there is a cure – the fear of God that sets us free from every other fear.” (Mark Batterson, from pre-release of his new book, Not My Circus).

These early believers in Rome practiced nonconformity until they had redefined the surrounding pagan culture. They offered their “bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). They met in homes as a community rather than allowing social status to define who they were. They fellowshipped together, learned together, and worshipped together (Acts 2:42). They were nonconformists in how they ministered to each other’s needs, pooling resources to help one another. “They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” (Acts 2:45).

These believers’ houses became places of worship and centers of hospitality, welcoming anyone who wanted to learn more about Jesus. These nonconformists lived differently from the world. They did not conform to the world, but by living transformed lives, they changed their world.

Today, we face new challenges in living out our faith, yet we must still choose not to conform to the world’s pattern and be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Jesus is worth the cost of refusing to conform to the world’s patterns!

God is great!

A weekly devotional post offering encouragement, hope, and purpose found only in Jesus

 

Jesus Touch of Healing

/in , , , , /by

Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. He warned them not to tell others about him. Matthew 12;15-16

Jesus, you are as much a Healer today as you were 2,000 years ago. I take hope in your love and power to heal both the loved ones I entrust to your care and me. God is greater than any of my circumstances, whether physical, spiritual, financial, or end-of-life. This is such an important truth to remember whenever we are feeling defeated.

 We now live in an age when our modern treatment of medical issues takes place behind closed doors in sterilized surroundings. In the United States, HIPAA protects patients’ medical privacy. Unless you are the patient, you will seldom be exposed to the graphic reality of sickness. Now, I am not advocating going back to a time of non-sterilized environments; I am grateful for the advances in medical care. However, I am more thankful that Jesus is still the ultimate healer.

The sick, hurting, and destitute people Jesus encountered did not have the luxury of medical care, privacy, or hope. They endured the frustrations of their broken bodies daily, in full view of every passerby. The blind were forced to beg, those with leprosy lived as outcasts, the deaf lived in isolation, and the broken were robbed of all dignity. Yet Jesus saw them for who they were. They were beloved, created in the image of God, and loved by him.

“What sickening ulcers and putrefying sores! Yet He was ready for every new shape of the monster of evil and was victor over it in every form…It is still the case today. Whatever my own condition may be, the beloved Physician can heal me; and whatever may be the state of others whom I may remember at this moment in prayer, I may hope in Jesus that He will be able to heal them or their sins…I can hope for each and for all, when I remember the healing power of my Lord…He who on earth walked the hospitals still dispenses His grace and works wonders among the songs of men: Let me go to Him immediately and earnestly.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Jesus did not worry about social norms or traditions when it came to his beloved. We read the tender story of a man with leprosy who walked bravely out of the shadows and endured the scorn of the crowd so that he could come to Jesus. He had been condemned all his life to the realm of the outcasts until he learned about the one who could bring healing. Jesus could have stood at a distance and spoken the word for the man to be cured, but not Jesus. “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man…Be clean! Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” (complete story: Matthew 8:1-4). The man was healed, but maybe for the first time in years, the man felt the touch of another human, and that touch was Jesus.

Jesus was not hindered by distance or racial barriers when it came to his beloved.  We read the humbling story of a Roman military officer who set aside his rank and power for his paralyzed servant and asked Jesus to heal him. The centurion bowed before Jesus, saying he was not worthy for Jesus to come to his home, but trusted that Jesus could “say the word, and my servant will be healed”. Jesus was amazed and told him, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would. And his servant was healed at that moment” (Matthew 8:5-13).

Jesus did not worry about religious sensitivities when it came to restoring his beloved, who were broken. We read of the determination of friends to get their hands dirty and make a spectacle of themselves, if necessary, to bring their friend to Jesus. The noise must have stopped Jesus’ teaching as the friends worked hard to pull off the roof tiles until they could lower the man to Jesus. “So he said to the man, I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home. He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all.” (Mark 2: 1-12 complete story).

Jesus understands the challenges of his beloved and gives us the strength, courage, and fortitude to face each day. Joni Eareckson Tada, who has been paralyzed and in a wheelchair since she was 17, tells the story of hoping to take her wheelchair to heaven with her. “Now I know that is not biblically correct, but if I were able, I would have my wheelchair up in heaven right next to me when God gives me my brand-new, glorified body. And I will then turn to Jesus and say, “Lord, do you see that wheelchair right there? Well, you were right when you said that in this world we would have trouble, because that wheelchair was a lot of trouble! But Jesus, the weaker I was in that thing, the harder I leaned on you. And the harder I leaned on you, the stronger I discovered you to be. So thank you for what you did in my life through that wheelchair. And now, “I always say jokingly, “you can send that wheelchair to hell, if you want.” (Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni & Friends website)

Lord, you are my healer and comforter. I bring all my cares to you and lay them at your feet. I am learning to listen to you when you say, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

God is great!

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

Just Keep Praying and Trusting

/1 Comment/in , , , /by

The LORD says: “These people come near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” Isaiah 29:13

I just do not know why God does not answer my prayer request.  Have these words or something similar ever come out of your mouth? It can be difficult to pray for something day after day, and God seemingly does not answer. Prayer is one of the most beautiful languages as it connects you to God. However, sometimes it can be very difficult to understand. I like Dan Allender’s definition of the promise of prayer: “A gift that connects us to the heart of the Father and as a path for transforming the world. “

The better question to ask is, “How did God answer my prayer request?”  We assume that the way we ask is how God will answer. Thankfully, God knows better and answers in a way that is best for us. What else could we expect from a God who loves us so deeply?

“We will not know until we are in heaven the degree to which Jesus’ intercession marked and changed our lives. But we do know that the Father “always” hears his Son (John 11:42). And we know that Jesus only prays for his “perfect” will for us to be done (Romans 12:2).”

Jim Denison wrote about this in one of his recent blogs. He described a church’s visitation team that had gone to his house to invite him and his brother to church. Denison wrote that they were the last names on the team’s list, and if they had not been home, the team would have missed the visit and most likely would not have returned. That chance encounter opened the door for the boys to attend church, where they eventually responded to Jesus’ call for salvation.

The answers we do not receive may be for our own good. As Jesus intercedes for us, the Holy Spirit prays within us. “In the same way, the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27.

God’s answer to our prayers will always be for our good, even when we do not understand it, at least in the moment! St. Augustine, who shaped much of the church’s foundational theology, understood this well. He had run from faith throughout his early life and would probably not have surrendered except for a determined mother who would not give up. Augustine wrote how he came to faith in the form of a prayer:

“My mother wept faithfully to you more than mothers weep for dead children. You heard her, Lord. You heard her. Nine years were to pass. All that time this faithful widow continued her weeping and mourning. She prayed every hour. But for all her efforts, you allowed me to remain in darkness.

You gave her at least two grand assurances. In a dream, you told her that you would be with me. And through a priest, you explained to her that it was pointless to try to argue me out of my errors. I was not yet ready for instruction. I was too excited by the novelty of my heresy. “’ Leave him alone,’ he told her. ‘Only pray to God for him. He will discover by reading how great is his error. It is not possible that the son of these tears should perish.”

“Only pray to God for him” is not the way we like to pray. We may believe in prayer, but we often pray with the intended outcome attached, just in case God cannot figure it out. When the answer seems never to come or comes in a way we did not expect, we can take comfort in the Psalmist’s words, “Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion?… But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago…You are the God of great wonders!” Psalm 77:7-9,11,14 NLT

We come to a place of complete rest in our prayers as we trust God with the outcome. There is nothing wrong with sharing the problem, the challenge, or what you think the answer should be with God, but just as quickly, tell God you want what He wants. “When you know God is present, your soul will bow before his majesty and ask for help.” (Francis De Sales)

All my longings lie open before you, O LORD; my sighing is not hidden from you. Psalm 38:9.

God is great!

Happy Anniversary USA!

/1 Comment/in , , /by

 

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

/1 Comment/in , , , /by

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