Month: June 2021

The black and white images added to the poignancy of the moment. Thousands of eyeglasses piled high, taken from the prisoners who were about to be gassed in the concentration camp. Sunken eyes on gaunt faces stared at their captors from behind barbed wire fences. It was the Holocaust.

It was my son’s history project. I am usually happy to assist my son with his homework but this project was different. I have no fascination with the lurid horrors of over six million Jews who were tortured and executed. Many of the photos were familiar but it still greatly upset me as I perused the hundreds of images to make a collection for his poster board. Every reminder of the Holocaust is a reminder of man’s inhumanity to man. 

It has been nearly eighty years since the prisoners in the Holocaust concentration camps were freed. Only a few are still alive. In spite of the overwhelming evidence of the atrocities that were committed during WWII, many younger generations are unaware of what happened. A survey taken in 2020 of adults (18-39 years of age) living in the United States found that 10% were unaware of the Holocaust. A more disturbing find was 11% believed that Jews caused the Holocaust. Forty eight percent could not name a single Holocaust camp. As a harbinger of the future, 59% believed something like the Holocaust could happen again. Ignorance is not bliss. Christian and Jews alike have pondered how God could allow such an evil event to occur and why others allowed it to happen?

(Source: Claims Conference)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?

Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)

Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate, and political activist issued this warning, “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented….The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.”

It is easy to look the other way and be indifferent when injustice afflicts a racial group, nation, or culture that is not our own. Recent events in our country and the world have tragically demonstrated that everyone can become a victim, regardless of the color of their skin, religion, or political views. As painful and uncomfortable that it makes us feel, we must remember the horrors of the past and seek to prevent events like the Holocaust from every happening again. We have hope. Although millions who have been persecuted or martyred throughout the history of the word, God has never abandoned the oppressed and persecuted. By our own efforts, we are helpless to rid man’s inhumanity to man. All of our hearts are desperately wicked. God is not indifferent to our forlorn condition. He intervened in His Creation and sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us of our sins and to transform us with the same nature of Jesus. 

We cannot be indifferent to evil. God changes our hearts to understand that an attack on any person is an attack on all. 

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

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I have been avidly growing succulents in my yard for several months and enjoy the variety of colors, water conserving properties, and low maintenance. It was the latter that captured my attention since I definitely do not have a green thumb, more like gangrenous. For the first few weeks, I was encouraged by how quickly the dozens of succulents adapted to their new home. Yet, as did my daily inspections of the plants, I was dismayed that one was not doing as well, leaves shriveling and discolored. I perused numerous internet discussion boards and did some of the interventions that were suggested. However it was to no avail and within a month, only a few petals were left. Perhaps it was a fungus or parasite? Perhaps it was already dying when I purchased it? I don’t know but I was quite dejected. Of the nearly hundred succulents I had planted, this was the only one I lost in spite of my directed efforts. 

What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)

God devotes extra time with His children who are lost. Who are they? All of us. We are all lost sheep, sinners who, by our own efforts, are helpless to escape our fate of certain death and eternal separation from Him. God knows this and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from our sins. But unlike my hapless efforts to save my plant, God will never stop. He will speak to us through His Holy Spirit, He will send brothers and sisters in the Lord to encourage us, and He will guide us into situations that will encourage us to see His grace and mercy. 

My dying succulent could not respond to me but we can by repenting of our sins and returning to the sweet fellowship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen!

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

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“Of course he’s smart! Look at the parents!”

I was watching a movie and the main characters were discussing a prodigy, a classmate of their daughter. The prodigy’s parents were an attorney and a scientist who both attended prestigious colleges. Immediately after this observation, the parents made a disparaging comment about another classmate who was barely passing his classes.

“Of course he’s struggling! Look at the parents!”

It was a fictional scene but I am sure many of us have heard variations of these observations in everyday conversations. While there are certainly some truths with both observations, it is also denigrating and insensitive to any family in either scenario, completely ignoring the innate talents of each child or overlooking any obstacles the parents or children had to face. Yet, the desire to compare oneself with another is pervasive in our culture. It happens today and thousands of years ago. 

He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him…

Matthew 13:54-57 (NLT)

The people in Jesus’ hometown could not believe His wisdom and the miracles He performed, after all, He was just a carpenter’s son. They also knew Mary and there were already whispers that she was an amoral woman since she was pregnant when she and Joseph were betrothed. The Son of a poor carpenter and a loose woman, how could anyone give Jesus an ounce of credibility? They didn’t. 

…Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:57-58 (NLT)

When we allow our prejudices to color our perceptions of people, we dishonor and denigrate them. I wonder what others say about my family? I would not like to be on the receiving end of such comments. Let’s focus our efforts to see how we can be a blessing to, instead of a critic of, other families. As Jesus Christ showed us, we close ourselves to receiving God’s blessings from these relationships when we make assumptions based upon outward appearances.

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

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I thought my long day had finally come to an end. I was in Chicago and just completed my examination to become a board certified dermatopathologist. I was joined by a hundred other former dermatopathology fellows. The American Academy of Dermatology had also scheduled their board certification examination on the following day for dermatologists. Thus, I was also able to reunite with many dermatology colleagues from my former training programs.

“Yo! My favorite dermatopathologist!” That was a familiar voice!

 “Jake! Hoping I would see you! Ready for your board exam?” He was my former dermatology resident from the program that I trained as a dermatopathology fellow. 

Jake grinned. “No way!  You’re just the person I need to see. You have to help me out!”

“What do you mean? You’re taking the exam tomorrow at 8AM!”

“I know! You have to help me review the dermatopathology.”

“How am I supposed to help you review? I don’t have a microscope or any textbooks.”

“Not a problem. I borrowed a couple of carousels of dermpath Kodachrome slides from the dermatopathologist at a nearby hospital where I work. C’mon, you always helped me out when I was a resident. You know how bad I am at dermpath!”

I smiled and shook my head. “Sure, let’s do it.”

For three hours, we reviewed photos of dermatopathology cases, projected by a Kodachrome projector onto the wall of his hotel room. Frankly, I was very concerned that he was not going to pass this section of the boards but even during his residency, he always managed to succeed in spite of his frantic last minute preparations. We pushed forward until it was midnight. At that point, I looked at him and said, “Jake, I’ve had a really long day. I don’t think I can do this any longer.”

“Hey don’t worry about it. It’s all coming back to me! I’ll review for a little longer but thanks, you saved me!” A few months later, I received an email thanking me and informing me that he passed his boards. I sighed and grinned, “Like a cat, always landing on his feet!”

A major life challenge like a certification examination usually requires hours of careful preparation. However, some people, like Jake, are gifted test takers and even if the preparation is last minute, they usually succeed, relying upon their intelligence and intuition. What if the stakes were much higher? What if our very lives depended upon how we would answer an examination?

When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Matthew 10:19-20 (NLT)

Our Lord Jesus Christ issued this solemn prophesy to His disciples when they asked Him what would be the signs of the end times. One might think that He would painstakingly review all possible scenarios and outline answers the disciples could give to defend themselves. Instead, He reminded them that it is not by their cleverness of speech or intuition that will allow them to properly respond. God, the Holy Spirit, will speak for them. Countless martyrs have died for the Name of Jesus Christ, declaring and defending their faith in Him. They faced the ultimate test. Their only preparation was to confess and repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior.  We can do the same and when we do, the Holy Spirit will immediately indwell within us. He promises to help us in the greatest test of our lives, the testing of our faith.

Amen.

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

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Four and a half hours on the smoker, bathed in the scintillating aromas of red oak. I lifted the lid of my kamado smoker to behold the glistening racks of baby back pork ribs. Now to test to see if they are ready. I maneuvered my tongs under one of the racks and gently lifted it. It slowly began to tear away from the bone…perfect! I repositioned the tongs to attempt to transfer the entire rack to my platter. I was almost successful but at the last moment, the ribs tore at the spot where the initial tear appeared. No worries, I could now take a little piece to taste test it. The red smoke ring embraced the outer layers of the pork as steam emanated from the intoxicating fragrance of the meat. I grabbed a little piece. Oh my! “Sweetheart, you have to try this!” My wife was busy baking the dessert for our dinner party. “Okay, but you have to try this, too!” I gave her a morsel of smoked pork while she reciprocated with a piece of her matcha chocolate macaroon. What a treat!  It was going to be a great dinner!

A little preview!

There is something special to be able to preview a meal that one anticipates will be very special. It is a taste of better things to come. God does this many times in the Bible. Yet, perhaps there is no more poignant example than when Job cries out to God in the midst of his suffering. 

But I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the end he will stand on the dust. Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet I will see God in my flesh. I will see him myself; my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger. My heart longs within me.

Job 19:25-27 (CSB)

In a short period of time, Job suffered the loss of all of his wealth, children, and his health. His wife even told him to curse God and die. But Job clung to his faith, confident that God would resurrect Him after death and allow him to see his Redeemer. What makes this statement even more amazing is the time in which Job lived. He was probably a contemporary of Abraham, but before Abraham was called to leave his homeland to become the Patriarch of the Jews. There were no Jewish people. There was no written record of God’s Law since this was at least five hundred years before the Ten Commandments were given to Moses. There was no temple or synagogue. Yet, Job was a godly man and knew that he would someday see his Redeemer.. How? 

Job had been given a preview of God’s glory. Although he had been blessed with material possessions and a large family, he knew life was much more. It was about serving God and giving thanks to Him with an honest heart. When he answered his wife’s rebuke to curse God and die, he firmly stated, “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” 

Job 2:10 (CSB)

Job knew that even if his body was wasted away and all his possessions destroyed, he would be resurrected after death and see His Redeemer and Savior, face to face. Like Job, we have all been given a preview of the blessings of God that await us in Heaven. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us of our sins. All who confess and repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior will receive salvation and eternal life. 

This life is but a little preview of the riches of God’s Kingdom. Seize the opportunity and accept His invitation.

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

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“I’ll be praying for you!”

“How long have you been praying for me?”

“Ever since I first met you!”

I smiled as I took leave of my friend. It was the end of the first semester of my sophomore year in college in Southern California. I had just completed my last final examination and was preparing to return home to Hawaii for my winter break. My friend stopped by my dorm room to see if I needed any help in packing. For the past year, he and I had been meeting on a regular basis, discussing God and what the Bible taught. At times, he was frustrated since I was involved in a religious cult that believed all religions were a path to the same god. Thus, whenever he told me anything about Jesus Christ, I would agree with him. I would also agree with anything Buddha or Sri Ramakrishna taught as well. The differences and apparent contradictions were cultural, not theological, at least that is what I told him. Nonplussed, he patiently listened to my discussions. We were best of friends and shared many common interests. However, this was the first time he ever told me he was praying for me and it deeply touched me.

Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up.

Luke 18:1 (CSB)

It is instructive that Luke introduces this parable of Jesus with this statement. The parable was told with the explicit purpose to instruct His disciples to always pray and not give up. In this parable, Jesus was not praising the unjust judge but encouraging us to persist in prayer, even when it appears that circumstances are unlikely to change. 

“There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear God or respect people. And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ “For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect people, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn’t wear me out by her persistent coming.’” Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Luke 18:2-8 (CSB)

Over my winter vacation, I pondered the discussions we had about Jesus Christ and the Bible.  I am the model for stubbornness and self-righteousness. I am the unjust judge, so unwilling to change my ways until the persistent prayers of a faithful follower of Jesus Christ broke down the walls of unbelief and doubt that encased my heart.  Within a few months after returning to college, I confessed and repented of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. 

I am thankful to my brother in the Lord for his unwavering faithfulness to pray for my salvation. He was the embodiment of Jesus’ instruction to persist in faithful prayers for myself and others. There are many family members, friends and associates for whom I pray. At times, I grow impatient and frustrated with rejections or seeming indifference but then I remember how patient God was in my life, sending this brother in the Lord to me. God’s offer of salvation through faith and belief in Jesus Christ are open to all who call upon the Name of the Lord. 

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

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At the age of nineteen months, a little girl was stricken with an illness. Although she recovered, she lost her hearing and vision. The year was 1882 and resources for the disabled in America were practically non-existent. As she struggled to communicate, her parents sought out resources and four years later, their efforts were rewarded when they were connected with a young woman who had experience with the deaf and blind. The two bonded and for the next fifty years, were lifelong companions. This girl grew up to become a celebrated author and a passionate advocate for the rights of the disabled. She later wrote, “I can see, and that is why I can be happy, in what you call the dark, but which to me is golden. I can see a God-made world, not a man made world.”

This woman was Helen Keller who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles. What could have been a life ending tragedy became the catalyst to fame and a life dedicated to helping others like herself. 

Who can command things to happen without the Lord’s permission? Does not the Most High send both calamity and good? Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins?

Lamentations 3:37-39 (NLT)

Most of us, including myself, would readily thank God when good things happen in our lives. But what about the bad? There are consequences to all of our actions. If we sin, I would certainly accept the punishment for my sins. But what if the event was not under our control? What if it was a disease like what Helen Keller was afflicted with, robbing her of her vision and hearing? Would we be able to praise God after such a life changing event? Years later, with the hindsight of a lifetime of experience, Keller was able to reflect upon the true gift she received from God and rejoice in the blessing rather than floundering in her situation. Would I be so accepting?

It takes a great deal of spiritual maturity and faith to accept both the good and bad from God. I still have a long way to go before I am able to joyfully declare that I am content in all my circumstances wherever God leads me. But He is changing and transforming me, sanctifying me to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

I thank God that His patience with me is infinitely greater than my feeble faith in Him.

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

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“You know that Jake goes home and prepares a gourmet dinner every night for himself and his wife!”

My colleague was sharing a story about one of his partners in his pathology group, whom I also knew. He was a renaissance man: a world expert in head and neck pathology, an accomplished artist working with stained glass, a wine connoisseur, and now I find out, an expert chef. 

“How does he find the time?” I queried.  “What do you mean by gourmet dinner?”

“Take a look, he showed me some photos from his dinner the other night.” 

I marveled at the impressive spread: duck confit, spinach mousse, and wild rice paired with a hearty Syrah wine. I quickly closed my mouth as I salivated. 

“And he does something like this every night?”

My colleague shook his head. “Amazing, isn’t it? Makes me feel so unworthy!”

“Right?” I was duly impressed. A few weeks later, I saw Jake at a conference. “Jake! Been hearing so many amazing things about you, even more than usual!”

He laughed. “Yes, they finally took my photo down from the Post Office!”

“That’s right! You’re no longer a felon! Hey, your partner was sharing photos of a gourmet dinner that you made, the one with the duck confit. Amazing! How do you find the time to do this every night?”

Jake looked at me and chuckled. “Oh that meal! I cook every night but maybe only once a month do I make a special meal like that!”

“My apologies, I was told you prepare a gourmet meal like that every evening.”

“Interesting. That’s the third time I have heard this. Fascinating how one special dinner has ballooned into this urban legend.”

I nodded. “Well, you ARE a legend. I think when most of us heard about it, we were impressed but not surprised.”

“Ah yes, this is how my legend grows!” He winked, flashing a sly smile. 

It was interesting that although the story was stretching the truth, all of us believed it since it would not have been out of character for Jake to do this. Our minds are very adept at filling in the missing pieces when it agrees with our preconceived notions. What about God? Many people have preconceived notions about who God is. He is an old man sitting on a throne and manipulating events for His pleasure. He is a mighty being but not omnipotent since He is unable to completely control the evil in this world. With so many misrepresentations of God, it is not surprising that we attempt to fit God into our lives with preconceived notions of who we think He is. Who does God say He is?

Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

John 14:8-9 (NKJV)

Why did Jesus Christ say this to His disciple, Philip? For three years, the twelve disciples were with Jesus nearly every moment of the day. They listened to His teachings. They witnessed countless miracles. They heard Him prophesy about His death and resurrection. They saw the risen Christ for forty days who then ascended to Heaven and returned to God, the Father. Every action that Jesus did on earth was God present in human form.

We do not have to wonder who God is.  God revealed Himself to mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ. No preconceived notions. No filling in the blanks. He is the King of Kings and Lord and Lords!

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

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“If you are looking for something to do, you can always weed the hillside.”

Ugh! I grit my teeth. “Sure thing, Dad!”

When I was growing up, our backyard was nestled against a hillside. While we had it landscaped, it was a never-ending battle to keep the area free from weeds. In the hot and humid weather of Hawaii, hunched over and pulling weeds was akin to being punished and grounded. Many years later, when I was able to purchase a home, I vowed that I would never do any gardening, especially pulling weeds.

It is ironic that I now enjoy gardening. Although it would be logical to assume that it is a pandemic associated activity, spending more time sheltering at home, the truth is far more practical. The water company that services our city dramatically raised its rates, tripling our previous monthly bills. I sought ways to reduce our water use and found it with growing succulents. Indeed, within a few months, our water bills decreased. 

Inspired by the success of the succulents, I began planting herbs, tomatoes, and asparagus. As I daily check on my garden, I am highly motivated to weed around the plants. Contrary to my unpleasant memories of childhood, I actually enjoy it! And why not? I prepared the soil, planted the seeds, and nurtured each plant. These are my children and I want to ensure they grow unhindered by anything that may stunt or even destroy their growth.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

Psalms 121:7-8 (NKJV)

God does the same thing for His Creation and all who place their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Before we were born, He knew us and knit us together in our mother’s womb. He sustains us as we grow, keeping us from evil. He plants us firmly like a tree nourished and sustained through His Holy Spirit. He does this so that we may abide in Him, bearing fruit to bring glory to Him and His Kingdom.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NKJV)

My garden has helped me to see God’s profound wisdom in a most unexpected and wondrous manner. Why am I not surprised?

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

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“Dr. Smith…I have some bad news.”

The pathology resident slinked forward to face our professor. He held up a broken microscope slide, which belonged to our professor’s study set. Our professor eyed the slide and declared, “You broke my slide, I charge you $50!” Our professor then held up an unbroken slide from his study set. “If you break a second slide, I will charge you $100!”

“Dr. Smith, you can’t do that!” One of the other residents protested.

Ignoring the statement, the professor rose to his feet. “And if you break a third slide during your residency, I will fire you! No competent pathologist should break three slides. If you do, you are too clumsy and should find a new career!”

The professor was dead serious. This was over thirty-five years ago and I was a medical student rotating in a surgical pathology elective. Times were different and it is unlikely that such punitive measures would ever be allowed in today’s pathology training programs. Nonetheless, his point was well-taken. I have recounted this story to generations of residents only to emphasize the point of being extra careful when handling microscope slides, particularly if they are a part of someone else’s treasured study set library. 

In nearly every occupation, an older generation will regale the younger with tales of how tough they had it compared to this current generation. Undoubtedly, this current generation will probably do the same to their trainees. “When I was your age…” will inevitably lead to eyes rolling with the listener. This is why the stern prophecy of Jesus Christ to His followers was so surprising. 

You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these events are the beginning of labor pains. Then they will hand you over to be persecuted, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, betray one another, and hate one another.

Matthew 24:6-10 (CSB)

Wait, what? But Jesus, I thought You were going to overthrow the Romans who have oppressed us? I thought You were going to be our King? The disciples were probably thinking these thoughts as Jesus delivered this stern warning. Jesus’ message was not a retrospective one, emphasizing how times were much worse in the past. Instead, He emphatically told them that the future times will become much worse. Wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution for all who believe in His Name. 

Jesus’ prophecy was relevant for the times of the disciples after He died,was resurrected, and ascended to Heaven. Nearly all of the remaining disciples were martyred. The city of Jerusalem and the great temple were destroyed. The prophecy is also relevant for our current time. Christians are still persecuted for their faith and belief in Jesus Christ. There are numerous wars and rumors of wars, with terrorist attacks and cyber terrorism. Famines and natural disasters abound leading to millions of people being displaced. We are much closer to the last days than many of us would like to believe. The times are getting worse, just as Jesus Christ prophesied. Jesus did not tell us this so that we would despair and give up. He was preparing us to understand the cost of following Him as our Lord and Savior. And He gave us these promises.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved. This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:13-14 (CSB)

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.

John 16:33 (CSB)

If anyone else told me how things were much more difficult when they were younger, I, like my residents, would probably roll my eyes. Jesus Christ told us that things will be more difficult in the future. Anyone living today would find very little reason to dispute His prophecy. Yet, there is hope.

Place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. What was true two thousand years ago is still true today and for eternity. 

Amen!

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