Month: April 2021

On April 1st, 2021, my father would have been eighty eight years old. He passed away six years ago. On a social media site, my sister posted a tribute to our father that stated:

Happy heavenly birthday dad! A fool you definitely were not!!! Thank you for watching over us and continuing to guide us through life. Until we meet again

My sister also posted this photograph of my father when he was about 26 years old. Newly graduated from dental school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned as a captain. I stared at this young man, less than half my current age. I saw physical traces of myself, my sister, and my own children staring back at me. I wondered, would I have been friends with him if we had met when we were the same age?

It is an intriguing question. I loved my father and have written many blogs about him, our relationship, and the life lessons he imparted to me. However, I was never comfortable around him. We were both too much alike. Perfectionist, opinionated, and stubborn. Anytime I tried to engage in a deep discussion, we inevitably butt heads. Although it was better once I was on my own and moved out, there was always tension whenever we spoke. I often thought he was unfairly harsh and I would carefully choose my words whenever we interacted. 

I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.

2 Corinthians 7:8-9 (NLT)

The Apostle Paul did not suffer fools gladly. He endured the loss of his professional title and the prestige of being one of the leaders of the Jewish community, all to unswervingly follow his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His zeal was infectious and millions have come to Jesus Christ because of his powerful letters in the Bible. Yet, these same letters could also hurt and in the passage above, Paul acknowledged this. So, what was his purpose in writing such a harsh letter to those whom he loved?

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT)

Paul was extolling the Truth of God and if it brought about a change in the lives of the recipients of his letters, leading them to repent and change their ways, then He knew it was in God’s will. The end justifies the means. Paul poured out his heart to the Corinthian church, pleading with them to correct their ways, and many favorably responded, although some were hurt by his harshness. 

What I interpreted as my father’s harshness, I now understand as his way of expressing his love to me. He didn’t want me to fail. He didn’t want me to repeat the same mistakes that he made in life. My father was nobody’s fool and he wanted to make sure I lived my life in the same manner. Today, I pass along my life lessons to my children and marvel at how much of what he taught me is imbued within the core of my life. 

Perhaps we would have been friends if we met at the same age.

“Thank you for watching over us and continuing to guide us through this life.”

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Complete Blogs on WordPress

Complete Blogs Indexed by Bible Verses

Gridlock.

We hear this term utilized for traffic updates on the freeway. It also describes the current American congress. Divided equally between political parties, nearly every legislation that is proposed by one party is effectively blocked by the other. The only way any law can be enacted is if a compromise is reached and a simple majority is achieved. This is easier said than done as numerous bills have been shuttered or left to die in committees. Interestingly, while it leads to minimal progress for a variety of infrastructure decisions and social programs, it is celebrated by the financial community and Wall Street. Gridlock means no drastic measures or new laws that could potentially limit their power will be enacted. The result is businesses can continue to flourish and the stock market continues to advance to new highs. Powerful companies are happy, financial institutions are happy, and the layperson reaps the benefits. Why be bothered by social issues? Gridlock leads to complacency about addressing serious moral and societal concerns, as long as personal finances are prospering. 

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?

Jeremiah 5:31 (NKJV)

The Prophet Jeremiah confronted a similar attitude amongst the people to whom He prophesied. He was commanded by God to shake the Jews out of their complacency and chose to fear God. Instead, all of the classes were content to let things be. From the prophets and priests to the layperson, everyone loved the status quo, and why not? Everyone was prospering, ignoring God, and content to follow their own path. Why worry about deeper social problems and moral character when we are comfortable?

Jeremiah’s words still ring true today. God asks us, “What will we do in the end?”

Complacency or action?

Do we place our faith in the eternal and unchanging power of God or in the ephemeral security of our pocketbooks subject to the whims of politicians?

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Complete Blogs on WordPress

Complete Blogs Indexed by Bible Verses

“Hi, have you been helped?”

The pleasant voice came from behind me, and as I turned, I was greeted by a young woman with raven black hair, adorned in a pullover shirt with the cell phone carrier’s logo. 

“Yes, I’m here to pick up my new phone. I received a text that it arrived.”

“Certainly. I can assist you with that. I’m Nemesis. What’s your name?”

Wha…? “I’m sorry, did you say Nemesis?” My eyes were riveted to her name tag, confirming what she said. 

She smiled, “Yes!”

“Wow! That catches your attention!” I flashed a wry smile. “And are you?”

She smiled. “Oh yes!”

Although numerous movies and comic characters are named Nemesis, this was the first person I ever met with this conversation-starting name. Interestingly, although Nemesis usually labels an incessant rival or evil antagonist, the original meaning is not as dark. It originates from the Greek goddess of the same name. Her role was to “exact retribution against those who succumb to hubris, arrogance before the gods.” In other words, she was an instrument of justice and divine retribution. 

Source Wikipedia.

Thankfully, my Nemesis was helpful, ensuring I received the full value of my phone I was trading it in for a new one. She was, indeed, a Nemesis. 

But the LORD shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psalms 9:7-10 (NKJV)

It is not surprising that many myths and legends of the ancient world echo the Truth of God. After Adam and Eve sinned and were ejected from the Garden of Eden, their descendants propagated. Unfortunately, their sinful nature also propagated and continued to rebel against God, our Creator. Their memory of God faded, replaced with mythological gods and creatures, like Nemesis, that occasionally embody some of God’s noble character. 

God is patient and does not desire that anyone perish, but all to come to Him through our free will, repenting of our sins, and seeking forgiveness through belief and faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. If we reject this offer of salvation and eternal life, God will exact His holy justice and allow us to choose hubris and eternal separation from Him. 

God is love. God is also holy. He cannot act against His righteous nature. The Bible reminds us that God never forsakes those who truly seek Him. 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

“… those who come from infested areas shall not enter Ragusa or its district unless they spend a month on the islet of Mrkan or in the town of Cavtat, for the purpose of disinfection.”

Source. History.com

It was a quarantine edict issued by the city council. It could have been declared by any government official during this current COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, it was penned by an unknown author of the city of Ragusa during the height of the Great Bubonic Black Plague that ravaged Europe in the 14th century. Without understanding the infectious vector or the epidemiology of this bacterial infection, astute observers noted that it was passed from person to person so a quarantine was enacted. The quarantine helped to mitigate the spread of the plague, even sparing some towns and cities. 

It was the new normal.

As the world slowly receives the COVID vaccine, approaching herd immunity, and struggles with reopening businesses and schools, many believe that we are turning the corner on this pandemic. Yet reports from several countries are reporting new strains of the virus that may evade current vaccines. In addition, there are reports that groups previously thought to be spared, such as children, are seeing increasing numbers of cases. What should our response be? Will we continue to socially distance? Will masks be indefinitely required? Whatever lifestyle changes that are needed, there will be a new normal.

Throughout history, radical adjustments have been implemented to overcome challenges to our very existence. Mankind’s resilience has been tested through plague, wars, famines, and financial crises. We have successfully adapted and created a new normal. Will there ever be a time when a new normal will no longer be possible?

In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them. 

Revelation 9:6 (NKJV)

This verse from the Book of Revelation describes the harrowing state of the world during the time of the future great tribulation. During these dark days, the restraining power of God, the Holy Spirit, will be removed and Satan and his demons will wreck unimaginable destruction and suffering upon the world. The disasters that the world has experienced to this point will pale in comparison to the magnitude of horrors inflicted during the tribulation. Mankind will attempt to adapt and create a new normal, but it will be too late. Even seeking death to end their misery will not be an option. 

There is only one hope. 

If we confess our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will receive salvation and eternal life. Just before the Tribulation begins, Jesus will save all Christian believers who are living in this world at that time and transport them to heaven during the rapture. God promises to establish a new normal with a new heaven and new earth after the tribulation. 

If you have not made the decision to place your faith in Jesus Christ, there is still time. Once you do, your life will be eternally elevated to a new normal. It will be an unchanging and incorruptible life filled with fellowship with God, the Creator of the universe.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Complete Blogs on WordPress

Complete Blogs Indexed by Bible Verses

We were running late for our lunch reservation in Burgundy, France. Our hotel concierge had assisted us in making the reservation the day before. We were warned it was a two hour drive but would be well worth the experience. “You’re very fortunate to get a reservation for lunch on such short notice. You will love it!”

Arriving at the restaurant, we discovered it was part of a chateau. In the lobby, we perused a display case with aging photos of some of the chefs who had worked or dined there. Next to one of the central figures was a statuesque woman and we surmised she may have been his wife. 

“Bonjour, did you enjoy your rest?” My wife and I turned and were greeted by the same woman in the photograph. Our confused look was greeted with equal confusion from the hostess until we realized that she thought we were guests in the chateau. We gave her our names and reservation time and we were politely escorted to our table, facing an expansive tea garden, adorned with a botanical feast of colors. “Wow, we really got a great recommendation from the concierge! This place is beautiful!” I remarked to my wife who enthusiastically agreed. 

The lunch was an amazing parade of dishes that showcased the soul of Burgundian cuisine, all paired with exquisite flights of wines that have elevated Burgundy to soaring heights of finesse in the world of wine. It was a four and a half hour indulgence that has never been equaled in all of our food travels. 

After the meal, the sommelier returned to our table. “Did you enjoy your wines?”

Our beaming smiles telegraphed our reply. “They were amazing! These are the best wines we have had since we arrived in Burgundy.”

The sommelier bowed. “Merci beaucoup! Would you like to see the wine cellar?” My wife and I eagerly accepted the invitation. Escorted down a well worn stone staircase, we entered the hallowed cellar, lined with thousands of bottles. “Here is our most expensive bottle.” The familiar label of a 1959 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti was at my fingertips. I had only seen photographs of this holy grail of Burgundy wines. 

“Did you select these wines?”

He nodded, “Some of them, yes. But we have three sommeliers here, so we work together.”

I was impressed. “You have three sommeliers here?”

Startled by my question, he looked at me and said, “Why yes, of course! For a three-star Michelin restaurant, you must have at least three.”

My wife and I turned to each other, eyes widening. “This is a three-star Michelin restaurant?”

“You didn’t know?”

Our blank looks answered his question. We were dining in a three-star Michelin restaurant and we did not even realize it! The splendor and grandeur of the restaurant and the food should have tipped us off. Only when we were hit over the head with the truth did we realize our supreme ignorance and naivety!

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4 (NASB)

How often have I found myself in the presence of the splendor and grandeur of God and did not realize it? Surrounded by the opulence of the restaurant in Burgundy, I didn’t realize its exalted status. Surrounded by the riches of God’s kindness, love, and mercy, how often do I portray a similar ignorance? 

I didn’t know!

This is never an excuse with God. 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Complete Blogs on WordPress

Complete Blogs Indexed by Bible Verses