Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Christian missionary known as the "Apostle of Ireland". Early medieval tradition credits him with being the first bishop of Christianity in Ireland. According to the Confessio of Patrick, when he was about 16, he was captured by Irish pirates from his aristocratic home in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland, looking after animals (as a shepherd of sorts), where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family with the help of a vision from God. After becoming a minister, he returned to Ireland and served as a missionary to the Irish. By the seventh century, he had already come to be revered as Ireland’s patron saint.

Saint Patrick's Day is observed on March 17, the supposed date of his death. The holiday is associated with the shamrock, because St. Patrick is said to have used it as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity. In pagan Ireland, three was a significant number and the Irish had many triple deities, a fact that may have aided St Patrick in his missionary efforts when he held up a three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. And how might have he explained the Christian concept of three persons in one God? Each leaf of the shamrock would have represented one person of the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And yet, the three leaves comprise just one clover, just as there is only one God. This mysterious teaching is rooted in Deuteronomy 6:4 (which states there is one God) and Matthew 28:19 (in which Jesus commands His followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The fact that it is hard for our finite brains to wrap themselves around the concept of the Trinity—our infinite God—really shouldn’t surprise us too much. Why would we expect to fully understand the Creator? God is so much bigger and greater than us. If you think you can fully explain an infinite God, then you have put God in a box or reduced Him to something or someone unrealistically manageable.

On Saint Patrick’s Day (and every day), remember that God is amazing. He is big enough to create the world and yet personal enough to send a young man named Patrick to share the Gospel with the Irish. He is holy enough to hold us accountable for sin but loving enough to send his own Son to pay the price for that sin. And He loves you. So, the next time you see a three-leaf clover, remember that an incomprehensible God cares about you. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit love you!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

P.S.—For a funny take on why all our analogies for the Trinity fall short, check out this video from Lutheran Satire.

Our favorite groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicts more winter! 

The weather-prognosticating groundhog saw its shadow this morning, meaning we should expect six more weeks of winter. However, the 1993 movie, Groundhog Day, featuring Bill Murray and others, has nothing to do with when spring will come. Instead, Bill Murray’s character, Phil the weatherman, finds himself reliving February 2 over and over again. I think of it as a Scrooge-type story that is not set at Christmastime. Phil is extremely frustrated by his inability to move past February 2, but in the process of repetitiously reliving the same day, he learns some valuable lessons.

We, too, can be frustrated by powerlessly falling into the same traps, problems, bad habits, and sins over and over again. Sometimes it feels like life is a losing struggle or a cruel Groundhog Day joke. Why can’t I be a better parent? Why can’t my marriage be more fulfilling? Why can’t I control my temper? Why can’t I beat this sin?

In our own strength, we really are fighting frustrating battles. Instead, we need to tap into a power greater than ourselves. We need God’s strength.  When you put your trust in Jesus for your salvation, when you put your life in His hands, then God offers you His Holy Spirit to help you live for Him. We need to submit to God’s leading in our lives. Too often, even though we might be trusting Jesus to give us eternal life, we aren’t trusting Him to lead us in our daily lives. We take back control. When we do this, we inevitably sin—we disobey God. Because of our personal vulnerabilities, this often leads to seriously unhealthy patterns of sin in our lives that derail marriages, undermine relationships, and generally wreak havoc with our emotions.

Spiritual Breathing

The late Bill Bright described the concept of “spiritual breathing” to help us better understand how to break the Groundhog Day cycle of sin in our lives. Whenever we recognize sin, however small, in our lives, we need to “exhale” by confessing it to God. Confess it immediately and claim Christ’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Don’t wait and give yourself time to rationalize your sin. Once you’ve exhaled, then “inhale” by re-yielding control of your life to the Holy Spirit. In faith, ask the Holy Spirit to empower you (Ephesians 5:18) and keep you from returning to sin. Trying to live for God in your own power is like trying to operate your pc while it’s unplugged! It doesn’t work, and it’s really embarrassing when you call tech support!

Fortunately, God is gracious. He loves you. So don’t wallow in guilt and regret. Practice spiritual breathing and break free from the Groundhog Day misery of being stuck in your sin. Take a deep breath. It will feel great!

This month there is going to be a lot of gift-giving and receiving. Many presents will be wrapped in beautiful Christmas paper, some even with ribbons and bows. Others will be in fancy boxes. Still more will hide in the increasingly popular gift bag. When I was a kid, you might even find a gift wrapped in newspaper.

The greatest Christmas gift ever came wrapped in the flesh of a newborn baby. God “became flesh and made His dwelling among us” as John 1 says. That baby, Jesus, grew up into a man who demonstrated love, power, and forgiveness. Ultimately, He died on the cross to pay the price for our sin and then rose from the dead, conquering death and offering forgiveness to all who would believe.

Forgiveness is a gift. We cannot earn God’s forgiveness. Instead, He offers it as a present. It’s wrapped in grace and love. But it is not a gift that is forced upon us like a heavy fruitcake or an ugly sweater. It is offered to us. Have you received it? No one can accept it for you—not your parents, or your sibling, or your friend, or even your pastor. The Scripture says, “Yet to all who received him [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

So, you and I have to receive the gift to become a child of God. It is not enough to know about the gift. It is not something you need to save up for. You don’t have to wait to grow into it. Plenty of people know the gift is out there, but they haven’t personally received it. Maybe they don’t realize they need it. Maybe they think there will be too many strings attached. Maybe they just don’t want to have to read the instruction manual.

What about you? Have you received the best present ever? Have you experienced God’s forgiveness? Is Jesus your Savior? Have you become a child of God?

All you have to do is put your faith in Jesus. You might express it as a prayer like this, “Dear Jesus, I believe you are the greatest Christmas present ever. Thank you for dying for me and rising from the dead. I want to receive your forgiveness for my sin and become a child of God. Please be my Savior and Lord. I love you. Amen.”

If you have received the gift of forgiveness (or once you do), you can share this gift with others, letting them know that there is enough of the gift for them to enjoy, too, if they will receive it. Be sure to keep reading the manual (the Bible) so that you get to experience all the benefits of the gift and get to know the Giver better.  The longer you have the gift, the more you know that you and others need it, and the better you can appreciate it!

Have a blessed Christmas season!

Don’t Take a Vacation from God: Build a Spiritual Salad This Summer with PET FROG

Summer is often a time to slow down, travel, and enjoy a change of pace. But just like students can experience academic regression during summer break, believers can experience spiritual regression when they check out on God. That’s why this summer, we’re inviting you to stay connected to Christ with a fresh and memorable approach: a spiritual salad—and one very helpful PET FROG.

Let’s build a summer salad that fuels your soul with spiritual nutrients. Each ingredient represents one habit, and together they form the acronym P.E.T. F.R.O.G. (Yes, it’s weird—but you won’t forget it!)

G is for Go to Church
We begin with leafy greens, the base of every good salad. These represent the importance of showing up for worship. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together. Summer schedules can get packed, but staying engaged in a local church—either in-person or online—is essential for encouragement and spiritual nourishment.
Traveling? Visit a church where you’re vacationing (do your homework online first). Still in town? Don’t let sports, yard work, or sleeping in crowd out your connection to the body of Christ.

R is for Read God’s Word
Next, we toss in some crisp radishes. These add crunch to the salad and remind us to dig into Scripture. Psalm 1 celebrates the person who delights in God’s Word day and night. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or new to the Bible, summer is a great time to start or restart. Try five minutes a day—maybe in the Gospel of John—and see how it transforms your outlook.

O is for Obey God
Time to slice some onion. It might bring tears, but obedience is key. James 1:22 challenges us to be doers, not just hearers. Real growth comes not just from reading the Word but living it. Sometimes, obedience stings—especially when it comes to forgiving others or controlling our anger—but it leads to blessing and spiritual maturity.
(Parents, this one’s for your kids too: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” - Ephesians 6:1)

F is for Flee Temptation
Add a sprinkle of feta. This flavorful cheese represents resisting temptation. Too often, we flirt with it instead of fleeing from it. Joseph’s example in Genesis 39 shows us how to run, not rationalize. Whatever your temptation this summer—old habits, toxic relationships, laziness—don’t linger near the line. Step away.

P is for Pray Continually
Now let’s spice it up with some peppers. These hot additions represent passionate, persistent prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 simply says, “Pray continually.” You don’t need eloquent words or perfect timing. Just talk to God throughout your day—when you're walking, grilling, resting, or driving. Keep the line of communication open.

T is for Thank God Specifically
No salad is complete without tomatoes. They bring color and brightness—and so does thankfulness in our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Practice naming your blessings out loud: “God, thank you for this rainy vacation, this challenging job, this energetic toddler.” Gratitude shifts your focus and cultivates joy.

E is for Evangelize (Share Your Faith)
Finally, the hard-boiled egg. It transforms a side salad into a satisfying meal. Likewise, sharing your faith moves you from spiritual maintenance to mission. Acts 1:8 calls us to be witnesses—wherever life takes us. That might be your neighborhood, a beach boardwalk, a family reunion, or even another country. Share what Jesus has done in your life, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

Summertime Can Be Soul-Time
This summer, don’t let your faith go into cruise control. Instead, build your spiritual salad and embrace the habits in PET FROG:

• Pray continually
• Evangelize
• Thank God specifically
• Flee temptation
• Read God’s Word
• Obey God
• Go to church

With God’s help—and a little intentionality—your summer can be one of spiritual growth, joy, and purpose. So… will you take a bite?

Let us know how you're staying spiritually nourished this summer! And if you need help finding a church while traveling, we’re just an email away. 

Life can be a burden. We all carry weights that sometimes feel too heavy to bear - stress, guilt, disappointment, pain, and unfulfilled needs. These burdens weigh us down, making each step forward a struggle. But what if there was a way to lighten our load? What if someone offered to carry our heaviest burdens for us?

To understand the nature of our burdens, we must first confront an uncomfortable truth: sin. The Bible describes two types of sin that affect humanity. First, there's personal sin - the individual acts we commit that fall short of God's glory. As Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But beyond our actions lies a deeper issue - our sin nature. We're not sinners because we sin; we sin because we're born with a sinful nature. King David recognized this, lamenting in Psalm 51:5, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me."

This inherent sinfulness has been humanity's dilemma since the beginning. Even in the early chapters of Genesis, we see Cain and Abel bringing sacrifices to God, acknowledging their need for atonement. As the Israelites formed into a nation, God established a system of animal sacrifices to deal with sin. The requirements were specific - a lamb without blemish, symbolizing purity and innocence. Yet this innocent creature would suffer in place of the sinner, making reconciliation with God possible.

But these animal sacrifices were just a foreshadowing of something greater to come. John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this system, proclaiming, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Jesus, perfect and innocent, became the final sacrifice to atone for all sin - both our sinful nature and our personal transgressions.

The prophet Isaiah, writing centuries before Jesus' birth, vividly described the suffering this Messiah would endure:

"Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities." (Isaiah 53:10-11)

The imagery is striking - God's chosen one, crushed and grieved, bearing the weight of our iniquities. It's a burden we can scarcely imagine. Think of the heaviest object you've ever tried to carry. Now imagine that weight multiplied exponentially, not just physical, but emotional and spiritual. That's the burden Jesus willingly took upon Himself.

Why would God allow, even plan, for His Son to suffer so greatly? The answer lies in the dual nature of God's character - His perfect justice and His boundless love. Sin demands justice; it cannot simply be ignored. Yet God's love for humanity is so great that He provided a way for that justice to be satisfied while offering us mercy. As the apostle Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

This is the doctrine of justification - a cornerstone of Christian faith that sets it apart from other religions. Through Christ's sacrifice, we are declared righteous in God's eyes. Not because of any good works we've done, but solely because of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf. It's as if we've never sinned at all.

The beauty of this truth is that no sin is too great for Christ's sacrifice to cover. We often carry the weight of guilt, believing our transgressions are beyond forgiveness. We might try to atone through good deeds or self-punishment, but these efforts are futile. The smallest white lie and the most heinous crime alike require a perfect sacrifice - one only Jesus could provide.

So what do we do with this overwhelming burden of sin? We bring it to the foot of the cross. Imagine all your sins, guilt, and shame as heavy bricks in a backpack. One by one, take them out and lay them at Jesus' feet. Feel the lightness as each weight is removed from your shoulders. This is the freedom Christ offers - not just from the guilt of sin, but from its power over our lives.

Jesus extends this invitation to all: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

This offer of rest isn't just about eternal salvation (though that's certainly included). It's an invitation to experience freedom and peace in our daily lives. When we trust in Christ, we're no longer slaves to our sinful nature or crushed by the weight of guilt. We're given the power to overcome temptation and the assurance that even when we stumble, forgiveness is always available.

For some, the fear of death is the heaviest burden they carry. But in Christ, even this weight can be lifted. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) By putting our faith in Him, we can face the future - including what lies beyond this life - with confidence and hope.

As we reflect on the immense sacrifice Jesus made to bear our iniquities, let's not cling to the very burdens He died to remove. Instead, let's daily bring our struggles, our failures, and our fears to the cross. Let's embrace the lightness and freedom that comes from knowing we are forgiven and loved beyond measure.

The invitation stands open to all. Whether you've known Christ for years or are considering faith for the first time, He offers to take your heaviest burdens and replace them with His easy yoke and light burden. Will you accept? Will you lay down your weights and find rest for your soul?

In a world that often feels crushing, may we find hope and strength in the One who bore the ultimate weight so that we could walk in freedom.


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The Storm Before the Calm: Finding Purpose in Suffering

Life is full of questions. Some are lighthearted, like why we park in driveways and drive on parkways. Others are more profound, touching the very core of our existence. Among these weighty inquiries, one stands out for its universal relevance: Why does God allow suffering?

This age-old question has perplexed humanity for centuries. While we may not have all the answers, the book of Isaiah offers profound insights that can help us navigate the stormy waters of pain and hardship.

Isaiah 53 paints a vivid picture of suffering, but not just any suffering. It describes the anguish of a righteous one, a Messiah, who bears the weight of human pain and transgression. "Surely he took our pain and bore our suffering," the prophet writes. This passage challenges our common perception that suffering is always a punishment for wrongdoing. Instead, it introduces us to a revolutionary concept: redemptive suffering.

The suffering servant in Isaiah's prophecy is none other than Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection form the cornerstone of understanding God's perspective on suffering. Jesus, the sinless one, willingly endured unimaginable pain for a greater purpose. He was "pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities." This sacrificial act reveals a profound truth: sometimes, suffering serves a higher goal.

Consider the analogy of parenting. Any parent knows that raising children involves a degree of suffering - sleepless nights, financial strain, and emotional turmoil. Yet, we endure these hardships willingly because of our love for our children. In a far greater way, Jesus suffered for us because of His immeasurable love. His suffering wasn't pointless; it was purposeful, bringing healing and redemption to humanity.

This realization should stir our hearts to gratitude. Have we ever thanked Jesus for suffering on our behalf? The most profound way to express our appreciation is by giving our lives to Him, becoming part of His spiritual family.

Jesus' approach to suffering also provides a powerful example for us. Isaiah describes Him as silent in the face of oppression, "like a lamb led to the slaughter." This quiet submission to the Father's will demonstrates an unwavering trust in God's greater plan. Even when facing injustice and cruelty, Jesus didn't retaliate or threaten. Instead, He "entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

This doesn't mean that suffering isn't painful or that we should deny our emotions. When Jesus approached the tomb of His friend Lazarus, He wept, demonstrating that it's natural and appropriate to grieve. Yet, even in His sorrow, Jesus maintained His trust in the Father's redemptive power.

As followers of Christ, we too may face unjust suffering. The apostle Peter reminds us that enduring such hardship with godly character is commendable before God. We're called to follow in Jesus' steps, responding to insults and threats not with retaliation, but with trust in God's justice and redemptive purpose.

This perspective doesn't minimize the reality of evil or the pain of injustice. It acknowledges the brokenness of our world while holding onto hope in God's ultimate redemption. The apostle Paul, who experienced immense suffering throughout his ministry, declared, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" His words echo the triumph of Christ over sin and death, reminding us that God's redemptive story is still unfolding.

For those in the midst of prolonged suffering, it's easy to lose heart. The pain can feel overwhelming, and the future bleak. Yet, Paul offers a powerful perspective shift: "Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." This doesn't mean our current struggles are insignificant, but rather that they pale in comparison to the eternal joy and glory that await us.

Paul encourages us to fix our eyes not on what is seen - our current circumstances - but on what is unseen and eternal. This requires a deliberate choice to trust in God's bigger picture, even when we can't see it clearly. It's about holding onto hope in the darkest of nights, knowing that dawn will eventually break.

The story of Jesus' death and resurrection serves as a powerful metaphor for this hope. His disciples experienced the despair of Friday's crucifixion and the uncertainty of Saturday's silence. But Sunday morning brought the joy of resurrection, forever changing their perspective on suffering and death.

In our own lives, we may feel stuck in the anguish of Friday or the confusion of Saturday. The invitation is to remember that Sunday is coming. God's redemptive work isn't finished, and He can bring beauty from ashes, purpose from pain.

This truth doesn't erase our suffering, but it infuses it with meaning. It reminds us that our pain is not wasted in God's economy. He can use even our darkest moments to shape us, to draw us closer to Him, and to make us instruments of comfort for others.

For those who feel burdened by sin and its consequences, there's an open invitation to experience God's grace. Jesus' suffering on the cross made a way for our reconciliation with God. By putting our faith in Him, we can find forgiveness, healing, and the promise of eternal glory that far outweighs our earthly troubles.

As we navigate life's storms, may we anchor ourselves in these truths. Let us remember that suffering, while painful, is not purposeless in God's hands. May we follow Jesus' example of trusting submission to the Father's will, even in our darkest hours. And may we fix our eyes on the eternal hope that sustains us, knowing that one day, our light and momentary troubles will give way to an incomparable glory.

In the meantime, we press on, not minimizing our pain, but also not letting it define us. We weep when necessary, but we also hold onto joy. We acknowledge the reality of suffering, but we refuse to let it have the final word. For we serve a God who specializes in redemption, who brings life from death, and who promises that Sunday morning is always on its way.


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I’m a big baseball fan. Already this season, I’ve attended a major league game with my wife and son. The lessons one can learn in baseball overlap so well with real life—dealing with failure, stepping up to the plate, and much more. I could do a whole series on it, but the non-baseball fans would grow tired of it long before I would.

Anyhow, one memorable game I watched ended with a dramatic bottom of the ninth inning. The home team was trailing by a couple of runs with the hitter at the plate representing the winning run with two outs. The visiting team’s “closer” was in the game to save it for them. The batter had a 3-1 count, meaning one more pitch out of the strike zone and he’d walk to load the bases, but 2 more strikes and the game would be over. As I’m watching on TV, the announcer ominously stated that this was the most dangerous pitch of the game for the pitcher. A moment later the batter crushed the pitch down the right field line. Instead of being a homerun, however, the ball drifted just foul. The ball was hit plenty hard enough; it just wasn’t hit straight enough. The almost-game-winning-homer was nothing more than strike 2. The announcer, a former pitcher himself, then correctly predicted that the closer would get the batter out on the next pitch. The visiting team (the team I was cheering for) then exulted, while the home team sadly exited the field.

When the game was over, I breathed a sigh of relief that my team had won, but as I was reflecting on how close my team came to losing, I thought about how sometimes in life, one decision (like one pitch) can make a big difference. Will I say yes or no to that temptation? When I fall down, will I quit or get back up? Will I forgive or hold a grudge? Will I pray or go it alone?

So, as Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs--"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."--I am going to entrust these decisions to the Lord. I am going to acknowledge God and submit to Him, recognizing that I need His wisdom in making decisions. When I make decisions on my own, I strike out more times than I’d care to admit. But God always comes through in the clutch!

In studying the Scripture about a theology of work, I am struck by the importance of rest to the whole work-life balance. The more people I talk with, the more I find that people too often get things out of balance. At one extreme, we have people who work 60+ hours/week (and maybe spend another 10+ hours commuting), leaving little time for family, fun, rejuvenation, and ministry outside the workplace. On the other end, we have folks who are trying to do the least amount of work possible, barely working even when they are on the job, if they have one. Then, of course, most people fall somewhere in between on the spectrum. Figuring out the right balance between work and rest, or work and the rest of life, can be a lot of work!

Fortunately, the Bible has a lot to see about a theology of work. In fact, here is a list of verses about work and rest. The short of it is that we should work diligently to the best of our abilities while we are at work (or school) and then focus on the other things the Lord has for us when we are not at work, including getting the appropriate rest we need. However, it’s not always simple to work out. What if I have to work harder than others to keep up? What if I work at place that has a culture of workaholism (over-working)? What if I’m retired? How do I view work if I’m a stay-at-home parent? Many of these questions don’t have easy answers, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wrestle with the ones that are relevant to your life right now.

For example, if you are retired, ask yourself how you can use a special segment of your time (“work”) to serve others? If you are a stay-at-home parent, how you can schedule your time to have a natural rhythm of care taking and household work, along with refreshing rest? If you have a tendency to overwork, how can you protect your calendar so that you don’t neglect your family or forget self-care?

The Bible is clear that both hard work and regular rest are important. We need to prioritize both in our lives. Prayerfully reflect on your routines. Is there a concrete step you need to take to forge a better balance between work and rest?

Contentment Is the Secret to an 80+-year Marriage

My wife and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary this week. But we’ve got nothing on what John and Ann Betar did. I first came across the story of this old married couple in 2016 (since they were both already over 95 at the time, I think it’s safe to have called them “old”). It’s a great reminder of the importance of contentment, a key ingredient to a successful marriage and a great life.

John and Ann have since passed away, but not before they were married almost 86 years in 2018. John Betar and Ann Shawah Betar said “I do” back on November 25, 1932. During their marriage, they weathered many storms together, but they still greeted each morning with eagerness and gratitude. They lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and two powerful hurricanes. John finally passed away at 107, and Ann shortly thereafter at 103.  As late as 2012 they were still living in their home. They had five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

When she was still a teenager, Ann’s father had arranged for her to wed a local man in Bridgeport, Connecticut. But her heart already belonged to another—John Betar. She and John eloped in Harrelson, New York because, as Ann said, “We didn’t have any money to go any farther.” People told them it would never last, but after 85 years, the couple was still happily married.

They each offered some simple guidelines for building a lasting marriage. John said, “Get along. Compromise. Live within your means and be content. And let your wife be the boss.” But Ann countered, “We don’t have bosses.”

Both John and Ann, who were members of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, acknowledged God as the source of their blessings. Ann said, “How can you not feel God’s right with you and blessing you?” John reemphasized the importance of living with contentment. He said, “We just live with contentment, and we don’t live beyond our means.”

What great reflections from an old married couple! Since so many couples refer to financial stress as one of the major sources of trouble in their relationships, we have much to learn from this remarkable couple, who lived with contentment. By cultivating contentment, I think our marriages will improve. Our families will improve. Even our own anniversary celebrations might improve. The Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé, Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).” As we learn to appreciate what we have, rather than focusing on what we don’t have, we can truly be more thankful people. We can be more generous people. We can be more contented people.

sources: Lauren Sher, “Couple celebrates 80th wedding anniversary, shares secrets to lasting marriage,” abcnews (11-20-12); Meg Barone, “Fairfield couple gives thanks for 80 years of life together,” Fairfield Citizen (11-21-12); preachingtoday.com

Do you celebrate enough? No, really—I mean it. Celebration is important. It’s something we should practice regularly. I would go so far as to call it a spiritual discipline. In fact, the Bible is filled with a variety of celebrations. The father of the Prodigal Son hosted a party when the wayward youth returned home to him. Paul and Silas sang and rejoiced in a prison ward “party” that captivated everyone within earshot. Miriam wrote a song to celebrate the crossing of the Red Sea. David danced in celebration when the ark returned to his people. Even Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding reception in order to keep the party going.

In a challenging book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted, John Ortberg describes celebration as one of ten essential practices or disciplines for living the true spiritual life God created for us. If we are not celebrating enough, then we are not praising and thanking God enough.  

In his book, The Kingdom of God is a Party, Tony Campolo argues that Christians should be the people who create celebrations wherever they are placed. He writes that whether by words, deeds, or mere presence, followers of Jesus can turn life into a festive occasion that will attract the needy, lonely, sick, and oppressed into the arms of a loving Father.

On Sunday, June 30, at GGCC, we are going to celebrate the work of God in Medellin, Colombia. We will do so with a potluck brunch, Colombian decorations, music, and an encouraging report from Pastor Brent, along with praise and thanks to the God who makes it all possible. God is the source of real joy. What He’s done for us is worth a party! So, let’s celebrate together!

Fish Tacos: Are you ready to try something new?

I really enjoy a good fish taco. I remember when I first discovered fish tacos. We were on a family vacation to southern California. It was our first time in the Golden State, so I was open to trying something new. The fish was tasty, the avocado fresh, and the sauce just a little spicy. In other words, the fish tacos did not disappoint. Now, don’t get me wrong. I had heard of fish tacos before. It’s just that I had never tried them. Somehow being in a new place made me more willing to try a new food, and it has become one of my favorite dishes.

Maybe this season, as spring turns to summer, you need to try something new. Maybe you can’t go to California for inspiration, but you can go to church. Perhaps you just go on occasion. This summer, why not try something new and go regularly, like every Sunday! Maybe you go to church regularly but aren’t involved in any other way. Try joining a life group or going to a special event. Volunteer to help with hospitality or work with the children. Invite your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to church, so they can try something new with you. It might become their new favorite thing, like those fish tacos did for me.

After all, God loves doing new things. In Isaiah 43:19 God says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” If you feel like you’ve been in the wilderness or a wasteland, let God do something new in you. Don’t just keep doing what you’ve always done. Try something new! Start reading your Bible for 15 minutes each morning. Begin praying before you eat a meal at work. Memorize a verse of Scripture. Fast for one meal a week. Do something new and perhaps God will do something new in you.

And if you’ve never had a fish taco, what are you waiting for?

“Now I get it!” Have you ever said that before? Maybe it took you a while to get the joke, solve the mystery, or understand the problem. In reality, this probably happens in life a lot more than we care to admit. Sometimes I belatedly “get it” with my wife, other times with my kids. (I suspect they are still waiting for me to get it in certain respects.) Once the lightbulb goes on, however, we see things differently.

That is sure how it worked with Christ’s disciples. There were so many things they didn’t get, didn’t fully grasp, at the time they occurred. The story of Palm Sunday, that we commemorate in church this past Sunday, is a good example. After Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a young donkey to the shouted adoration of the crowds, fulfilling prophecy, the Scripture writer (John, himself a disciple) states, “At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him (John 12:16).” What’s the old expression, “hindsight is 20/20”?

We often don’t get it while we are in the midst of it. When tragedy strikes, we cry out, “Why?” When unexpected blessing occurs, sometimes we miss the point. When we have to daily labor through the mundane of life, we often don’t see what God is patiently doing behind the scenes. We don’t get it at the time. We might not get it until heaven. But that doesn’t make it worthless. That’s where trust comes in. We need to trust God in the middle of tragedy, blessing, and the mundane, recognizing that there is so much we don’t understand. God told Isaiah the prophet, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).” So don’t be surprised when things don’t add up in your mind. That’s okay. You will probably see things differently later. In fact, you just might be pleasantly surprised when you realize what God was up to. Trust Him in the meantime.

Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Christian missionary known as the "Apostle of Ireland". Early medieval tradition credits him with being the first bishop of Christianity in Ireland. According to the Confessio of Patrick, when he was about 16, he was captured by Irish pirates from his aristocratic home in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland, looking after animals (as a shepherd of sorts), where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family with the help of a vision from God. After becoming a minister, he returned to Ireland and served as a missionary to the Irish. By the seventh century, he had already come to be revered as Ireland’s patron saint.

Saint Patrick's Day is observed on March 17, the supposed date of his death. The holiday is associated with the shamrock, because St. Patrick is said to have used it as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity. In pagan Ireland, three was a significant number and the Irish had many triple deities, a fact that may have aided St Patrick in his missionary efforts when he held up a three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. And how might have he explained the Christian concept of three persons in one God? Each leaf of the shamrock would have represented one person of the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And yet, the three leaves comprise just one clover, just as there is only one God. This mysterious teaching is rooted in Deuteronomy 6:4 (which states there is one God) and Matthew 28:19 (in which Jesus commands His followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The fact that it is hard for our finite brains to wrap themselves around the concept of the Trinity—our infinite God—really shouldn’t surprise us too much. Why would we expect to fully understand the Creator? God is so much bigger and greater than us. If you think you can fully explain an infinite God, then you have put God in a box or reduced Him to something or someone unrealistically manageable.

On Saint Patrick’s Day (and every day), remember that God is amazing. He is big enough to create the world and yet personal enough to send a young man named Patrick to share the Gospel with the Irish. He is holy enough to hold us accountable for sin but loving enough to send his own Son to pay the price for that sin. And He loves you. So, the next time you see a three-leaf clover, remember that an incomprehensible God cares about you. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit love you!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

P.S.—For a funny take on why all our analogies for the Trinity fall short, check out this video from Lutheran Satire.

Interruptions. Some are startling but very minor, like when your 2-year-old barges into the bathroom after you forgot to lock the door. Some are a nuisance, like when the fire alarm goes off in the middle of a quiz during class. Some interruptions are exciting, like when your boss walks into your office with a surprise bonus notice or you get a notification on your phone that your favorite team has traded for a star player. Still other interruptions are life changing. The pink slip. That phone call in the middle of the night. “I’m pregnant!”

It's that last one from the Christmas story that I’ve been thinking about recently.  A young teenage girl has an unexpected encounter that becomes a holy moment. Why? Not just because an angel is involved, although that’s remarkable enough in itself. But it’s a holy moment because of how Mary responds to the surprising, truly shocking message of the angel.

This part of the Christmas story can be found in Luke 1:26-38:

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Interruptions turn into holy moments when we respond to God like Mary did.

What do I mean by respond like Mary did? What is it about Mary’s response that is so important?

First, she responded in submission. Mary didn’t negotiate, bargain, or debate. After asking a clarifying question, Mary humbly expresses her willingness to submit to God’s will for her life.
Please understand that this concept of a virgin birth sounded just as outlandish then as it would if you read an internet article about it happening today. This was shocking news to Mary. And this wasn’t just a startling but minor interruption to her life. This wasn’t simply surprisingly good news like getting a performance bonus at work. This was a life-changing, world-altering interruption from which her life would never return to normal. Things would never be the same again.

Mary could have responded in so many different ways. After all, Mary was going to be put in an extremely embarrassing and difficult position by being pregnant before being married.
I wouldn’t have held it against her if she’d fainted on the spot. She could’ve responded like Moses and begged God to choose someone else. Maybe she could’ve responded like the Prodigal Son in Jesus’s story and said, I’m outta here! Some people would’ve wanted to run to the pharmacy to get a pill to stop the whole thing. But Mary doesn’t cry or complain. She doesn’t rant or rage. In verse 38, she beautifully declares, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Those are words of humble submission.

If you want to turn an interruption from the Lord into a holy moment, respond like Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Respond to God in humble submission. Say, yes God.

The next part of Mary’s response that I want to highlight is her trust. She believes God and acts upon it. If we are going to respond to God like Mary, we, too, need to respond in trust.
I love how verse 39 says Mary “hurried” to visit her relative Elizabeth. She believes what the angel told her about herself and Elizabeth, so she acts upon it by hurrying to visit her. She wants to attend the baby shower. She wants to share stories with her relative. After all, there are only so many people who will understand what she’s going through. Why am I so confident this is an act of trust? Because Elizabeth told us so in verse 45—“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

How about you? Will you trust God? Will you believe and act upon what He’s revealed to you? Sometimes it’s not that easy. So many people in the Bible don’t respond like Mary. Check out these contrasting responses to God:

Sarah laughed, Naaman got angry, Job complained, Zechariah doubted, Elijah pouted, King Saul took matters into his own hands, Jonah ran in the opposite direction, Moses made excuses, Gideon tested God, Pharoah rejected God, and the rich young ruler went away sad. As I reflect on that list, and it’s only a partial list of contrary reactions in Scripture, I am struck by how each negative response was a reflection of either an unwillingness to submit to God or a lack of trust in God.

Sarah’s laughter was a lack of trust. Naaman was angry because he didn’t want to submit. Job complained because of a lack of trust, which is also why Zechariah doubted, Elijah pouted, and Gideon tested God. But I think Moses’s excuses might have been a lack of submission, along with Pharoah’s rejection, and the rich young ruler’s sadness. I think King Saul took matters into his own hands because he neither really trusted God nor did he want to submit. But Mary responded to God in submission and trust.

Again, how about you? As God reveals His will to you in your relationships, will you submit to Him and trust Him? How about with your finances, will you submit to and trust Him? In your marriage or your parenting or your career or your entertainment, will submit to Him and trust Him?

Thirdly, Mary responds with praise.

In verses 46-48, Mary recognizes how significant it is the God cares about her and has chosen her for a special task. She humbly acknowledges her need for a savior and that she is just a servant. I think her praise affirms that she has genuinely submitted herself to God’s will for her life.

And then she praises God in anticipation of His goodness, “all generations will call me blessed.” Right now, it’s only Elizabeth that’s calling her blessed. In all likelihood, her peers and the town gossips are going to be calling her a lot of names behind her back, few of which are blessed. But she believes God so much that she can look beyond the short-term ridicule and trust Him for the eventual outcome. So much so that in verses 49-55 she is praising God now as if all His promises have already been fulfilled!

Wow, let’s learn to praise God like that! What an example Mary is for us!

But maybe you’re reading this, and you have regrets because you didn’t respond to God like Mary. You didn’t submit to Him, trust Him, and praise Him. Maybe you are a woman who had an abortion or a guy who slept around. Maybe you’ve wasted years or even decades doing your own thing, not what God wants you to do. I have good news for you. Jesus came for you. That baby Mary gave birth to grew up and taught us about God’s grace and His love. And then He died on the cross to pay the price for our sin, rose from the dead conquering death, and now He offers each of us forgiveness, so that we might have new life in Him. So, how do you respond to Him now? Have you received Jesus as your Savior?

Final Thought: Let’s turn interruptions into holy moments when we respond to God like Mary did—in submission, with trust and praise. Amen.

[Adapted from the 12/10/23 sermon. For the full message, click here.] 

Some of you might be in denial about this, but Christmas is coming. Yes, November is almost over. Thanksgiving is behind us. Many of us, of course, are very excited about this. Certain members of my household will be lobbying for me to play Christmas music nonstop between now and December 25. Others of us are worried about the financial implications of the holiday season, among other things.

So, how can we enjoy Christmastime without getting overly stressed about the expenses of the season? One important way is to plan ahead. In an April post, I talked about financial freedom and planning. But did you ever think about how you can budget specifically for Christmas? Instead of re-inventing the wheel on this one, here’s an article that provides some straightforward steps to budgeting at Christmastime:

• How to Make a Budget

Did you shop on “Black Friday” like I did? Maybe you think shopping the day after Thanksgiving is crazy, but I enjoy the festiveness of it—at least until lunchtime. Here’s another article from the same blogger with some practical tips that apply to the whole holiday season, not just Black Friday.

• 7 Tips To Be A Smart Black Friday Shopper

Even decorating for Christmas can be costly. Have you seen the price of the fanciest Christmas decorations? Even if you are not in the market for a $650 roofline bundle of Christmas lights, it’s so easy to spend more than you should. If you’ve got a creative spark, then Pinterest has a plethora of ideas for you: https://www.pinterest.com/doxiemama/christmas-decorating-ideas/. The do-it-yourselfers share lots of ideas for cheaper ways to decorate at Christmastime: 30 Cheap DIY Christmas Decorations.

In all of this, keep in mind that the point of the Christmas season isn’t to purchase the coolest presents or win a decorating contest. The purpose is to celebrate the coming of Jesus:
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” [from Isaiah 9:2 and 6]

The coming of our Savior is worth celebrating! Just keep your focus on Jesus, and you can experience His peace in a busy, even expensive, time of year.

Some of us have been traveling the road of financial bondage, financial dependence, and financial worry for far too long. How do we exit off this congested highway onto the freeway of financial freedom?

If nothing else, the exit for financial freedom looks like planning. Many of us need to think differently about our money. If we were honest, we would have to admit that too many times our money (or lack thereof) manages us, not vice versa. But Jesus said that we can’t serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). So, we have got to start planning. Instead of just responding to our perceived needs and wants, we need to make a plan.

Can We Really Plan and Think Differently?

But how? Fortunately, there are wise, experienced people who understand both human behavior and financial management. One of these is Dave Ramsey. He has made some sound thinking available for free online: https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/what-is-financial-freedom. Additionally, I would recommend his Financial Peace University training. We are offering the course on Monday evenings, beginning May 1.

A Specific Example

One specific example of how thinking differently and planning can hugely impact your financial management involves buying a car. If you typically have a car payment, you are likely vastly reducing if not completely undermining your financial freedom. Fortunately, there are other approaches. Bob at Seedtime asks, “Is any car worth your financial freedom?” Check out his blog here: https://christianpf.com/cars-financial-freedom/. Dave Ramsey has a provocative article and video entitled, “Drive Free, Retire Rich” and Drive Free Cars. Are you curious? The point is that car-buying habits can be a very relevant example of how our thinking (and maybe lack of planning) can have a surprising impact on our financial freedom.

So, what can you do to make a turn off the road of financial bondage onto the freeway of financial freedom?

For more help, check out our Financial Resources web page.

The “Big Idea” for Ecclesiastes is without Christ we cannot be satisfied. Apart from the Lord, we cannot live a life with ultimate meaning.

The philosopher/preacher of Ecclesiastes is King Solomon examining life from a self-centered perspective. Mankind has tried to be happy without God; it is being tried every day by billions of people. Ecclesiastes shows the absurdity of the attempt. Solomon was the wisest of men, and he had a wisdom that was God-given. He tried every field of endeavor and pleasure he could find, and his conclusion was that all is vanity, empty, purposeless. Satisfaction and real meaning can never be attained in this manner.

Vanity occurs at least 37 times in the book. It means emptiness, futility, vapor, that which vanishes quickly and leaves nothing behind.

Under the sun occurs 29 times. It defines the outlook of the writer as he looks at life from a humanistic perspective, not necessarily from heaven’s point of view.

“I said to myself” is another expression that indicates this book demonstrates the pursuit of self-actualization apart from God. God showed Job, a righteous man, that he was a sinner in God’s sight. In Ecclesiastes, God showed Solomon, the wisest man, that he was a fool in God’s sight. This book demonstrates humanity’s folly, its foolishness, in pursuing meaning apart from the Lord.

This might be a good time to remember Moses’ wisdom in Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” We need God’s perspective on life, not a self-centered humanistic perspective. American novelist Peter De Vries wrote, “Life is a crowded superhighway with bewildering cloverleaf exits on which a man is liable to find himself speeding back in the direction he came.” This need not be you! King Solomon has already explored the road of life exhaustively and given us a dependable map to follow. And if we follow God’s Word, we can be satisfied. We will have meaning. Are you ready for the journey? What will life be for you: vanity or victory? Meaningless or meaningful?

Good? Friday

Good is a strange thing to call the Friday on which your hero was tortured and killed. Mourning Friday or Horrible Friday would be more natural titles. The original Good Friday was certainly anything but good for the followers of Jesus. They were bewildered, grief-stricken, terrified, and heartbroken. Their hopes and dreams were dashed. They were in fear of being arrested and maybe killed, too.

On that fateful day, after being betrayed, arrested, and given a sham trial, Jesus was flogged, forced to wear a “crown” of thorns, mocked, spat upon, scourged, and ultimately nailed to a cross—the Roman means of public torture and humiliation used to deter future crime—until His body gave out and died. It is hard to fathom the agony Jesus experienced that day.
And yet, nearly 2,000 years later, we call it Good Friday. In fact, it didn’t take centuries of reflection to change the perspective on that horrific day of death. It only took days. Why? Because when looked upon after Easter Sunday when Jesus rose from the dead, Friday’s events were understood very differently. Christ’s followers saw things in a new light. Instead of being the ultimate defeat, that day was the start of the greatest victory. Instead of being tragically killed, Jesus willingly sacrificed His life to pay for our sin. Instead of being the end of dreams, it was the beginning of a new movement, the Church, spreading the good news that anyone who turns to Jesus in faith can receive forgiveness and eternal life.

So, on Good Friday, take time to remember what Jesus did for you. Maybe you will shed a tear for the pain Jesus had to suffer to create a way for you to be reconciled to God. Maybe you will shed a tear for the sin you’ve committed that He chose to pay for. Maybe you will cry just a bit when you realize how amazingly loved you are, even though you don’t deserve it.

But, most of all, be thankful. Be grateful that death doesn’t get the last word in this sin-stained world. It doesn’t win. God does. Love does. Life does. “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 15:57. Yes, it is a good day!

“I may speak in different languages, whether human or even of angels. But if I don’t have love, I am only a noisy bell or a ringing cymbal.” - 1 Corinthians 13:1 (ERV)

Some people are fluent in multiple languages. I greatly admire them because I am not. Still, the most important “language” to be fluent in is love. Without love, we are all just a bunch of noise. Pastor and counselor Gary Chapman has written several books on what he calls the five love languages. His premise is that people express and receive love in 5 essential ways: words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, acts of service, and gifts. Learning to express love in your mate’s primary “love language” can be of great benefit to your relationship. Lest you think, however, that this just applies to your marriage, he has applied the concepts to the parenting of children and teens and also has a special version of his book just for men. All this is to say that I truly believe that we can learn to love others better. Just like someone can learn a spoken language, we can learn to express love more effectively. With practice, we can learn to speak the language of love, communicating love to others as God desires for us. But it doesn’t happen overnight, and it may take ongoing effort.

I made it through Spanish 4 in high school, but my Spanish isn’t very good today. OK, it’s embarrassingly bad. Why? Because I haven’t kept practicing it. Sadly, I’ve lost most of my skills. I should have kept up with it. Similarly, when it comes to speaking the language of love, we have to keep practicing it. Maybe that’s why the Scripture tells us to “love one another” over and over again. God forbid I get rusty at loving my wife or my children. Yet God wants me to be known for my love—of everyone (John 13:34-35). So, I better keep practicing. I want to become and stay fluent in the language of love.

For more help, read 1 Corinthians 13 and check out Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages.

FOLLOWING JESUS IN 2023 IS NOT A QUICK FIX

If only spiritual growth was like microwave popcorn. You put the bag in the oven, and it’s not long before you hear the popping. You know you are making rapid progress, just a brief wait away from enjoying the warm, salty snack. In a few short minutes, the microwave dings, and there you have it. Freshly popped popcorn!

But following Jesus is a journey. It’s not microwave fast. As the cliché rightly says, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” It doesn’t reward you every three minutes with the smell of popcorn. It takes patience, perseverance, and persistence. But most of us prefer the quick fix. In his book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1980), Eugene Peterson writes,
“We assume that if anything can be done at all, it can be done quickly and efficiently. Our attention spans have been conditioned by thirty-second commercials. Our sense of reality has been flattened by thirty-page abridgements. It is not difficult in such a world to get a person interested in the message of the gospel; it is terrifically difficult to sustain that interest…There is a great market for religious experience in our world; there is little enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue, little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship in what earlier generations of Christians called holiness.”

IT IS A LIFELONG PROCESS

Following Jesus—being his disciple—is intended to be a lifelong process, not a gimmicky solution to an urgent problem. We need to practice discipline—praying regularly, faithful obedience to Scripture, reading the Bible regularly, spending time with other believers, sharing what we are learning with believers and nonbelievers alike, celebrating God’s goodness and His gifts, sacrificially giving to others. As we practice these things in following Jesus, we’ll find that we are slowly becoming more like Him. As Luke 6:40 states, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”

My friend at Preserving Bible Times, the late Doug Greenwold, wrote this prayer that I’ll close with: “Lord, I do want to follow You; I do want to be Your disciple. Keep me “poor” in my perspective so I can more fully experience abundant living in You. Open my eyes more so that I can see more of what I am missing. Empower me to stay the course of growing in You and grant me the courage to keep on keeping on. Continue strengthening me so I can finish well to honor You. May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done in every part of my life. Amen.”

Pastor Kim Shibley

Zeke Wharton