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Tuesday, April 8th, 2025
A very common thought, especially in today’s culture where there seems to be very little boundaries, is “How much can I get away with and not get caught?” or “How much can I get away with and not pay any consequences?”
For example, a young Christian couple gets too close and play with fire and she ends up pregnant. Horror and remorse sets in, let’s suppose, for both. They tell their parents. Decide to put the baby up for adoption (or to keep it). They repent and ask forgiveness for their sin. They are assured they have received God’s forgiveness. Does that take away the consequences of that sin? The answer is, obviously, no. She didn’t suddenly become un-pregnant. The baby didn’t miraculously disappear from her womb. The evidence of their sin will be obvious over the next 9 months or so. The forgiveness and grace of God will also be evident as she and he heal from the recklessness they exhibited.
I know that seems like an extreme example to use, but it isn’t really. All you need to do is go to 2 Samuel 11 for a real life example in the Bible. Two names: David and Bathsheba. The story is pretty well known. David sleeps with Bathsheba and she tells him she is pregnant. David takes it a step further. He has Uriah, her husband, murdered by having Joab, his general, pull back while in battle. That left Uriah unprotected. It was also supposed to give David a clear view of being with Bathsheba. But the prophet Nathan told him a story that fried David and Nathan pointed his finger at David and said, “You are the man!” David was contrite. He fasted and prayed when his son got sick and died. He wrote Psalm 51, a penitent psalm if there ever was one.
But one thing it didn’t change was Bathsheba’s pregnancy; his guilt and shame over Uriah’s death; and the prophecy that a sword will be in his family forever. It found its fulfillment in the rape of his daughter, Tamar, by her half brother, Amnon. Such ugliness from sin. And yet, David prayed and asked forgiveness. David received that and more. But the consequences!!
That same principle applies to me and you. We sin and think no one knows. After all it was done in secret. No eyes saw or witnessed it. Like the embezzler who thinks no one will find out, sin comes to roost. I guess the best thing to do is to not lay the egg to start with. God’s grace is great. God’s forgiveness is matchless. But let’s not take advantage of it nor take it for granted.
Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Forgiveness, God's Plan, Grace, Mercy, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Sin, Story
Tuesday, April 1st, 2025
I can remember as a kid taking advantage of April 1st, aka April Fool’s Day. Playing tricks on people until they realize what day it is always brought laughs (or being beat up). 🙂 Because I was so lovable and kind I was able to avoid the latter. Seriously, most people, when they realize the day lay aside their frustrations and join in the fun.
But being a fool or being called one is not anything to brag about. Below are just a few of the verses from Proverbs that have a very common theme: fools.
“Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me (wisdom)- to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.” (1:31-32)
“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” (12:15)
“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t-and even brag about their foolishness.” “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” (13:16,20)
“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” (17:28) Abe Lincoln: “It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”
“The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.” (18:7)
“Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” (23:9)
There are more. Here is something for you to consider doing. Beginning today, read a chapter of Proverbs a day. By the end of the month you will have read through all of Proverbs. Take a pencil, pen, or highlighter that won’t bleed, and underline as you read. Find one verse each chapter to highlight for that day. When you read through the book again, use a different color highlighter and look for a new verse. Oh…look for the verses that talk about fools. Happy reading! Happy growing! And while you are at it, determine not to carry today’s joke beyond April 1.
Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: Christian Living, Foolishness, Fools, God's Word, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Speech, Story
Monday, March 31st, 2025
We make decisions every day. From turning the alarm off (who wants to listen to that!) to then deciding whether to heed the alarm’s call to get up, to taking a shower, to fixing or eating breakfast on the run, the list is endless. Some mundane. Some life-changing.
The Bible is filled with characters who made major decisions. For example:
- Samson who decided to follow his lusts instead of being obedient to the one whom his mother promised him to (God). While Samson knew some victories (usually brought on by his anger or his strength) his life is also a story of missed potential. He played with fire until the fire didn’t just singe him, it burnt him and consumed him.
- Ruth decided to be submissive to her mother-in-law by following her back to Jerusalem. As a Moabite woman Ruth could have stayed home and remarried one of her kind. But she chose to honor Naomi and in the process met Boaz, the man she eventually married. As a result she is in the lineage of Jesus. She had Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David.
- Then there was Samuel who was promised to God even before he was born, but made the choice to follow God at a young age. A few words: “Speak, your servant listens” changed the trajectory of his life. His entire life was spent as a prophet in service to God. He anointed Saul until that became a monumental mistake and then was led by God to anoint David as the next king of Israel.
- Saul was “head and shoulders about everyone else” in physical stature, but his obedience factor was bad. Really bad. He spent more time disobeying God and blaming others for it than he did in being a godly king and leader.
- Then there is David, the “man after God’s heart.” Perfect? Not by a long stretch. Who doesn’t know about his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband ordered by David? But David was also a man who admitted his sin and sought forgiveness. (I’d like to ask you to read Psalm 51 at this point). David shows us humility, and repentance, and that there is hope for even the worst of us.
We all make decisions-some good, some bad. Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 14:2 says, “Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him.”
Choose wisely (cue up Indiana Jones in the last crusade when he finally handles the cup of Christ). 🙂
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, God's Plan, Leadership, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Story, Surrender
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025
One of the most intriguing books in the Bible is the book of Ruth. For those who may not be too familiar with it, let me summarize it for you.
- Ruth is 4 short chapters and not one word of God, Yahweh or any other title you might want to give Him is included.
- A famine strikes the land of Israel so a Jewish man named Elimelech takes his wife, Naomi, and his two sons, Mahlon and Kilion (Chilion in some translations) to Moab. A Jew in Moab? Hmmm.
- Elimelech dies. The two boys marry Moabite women, then they both die 10 years later. Naomi, while grieving, hears that the famine is over so with nothing to live for she decides to move back to her hometown of Jerusalem. On the way she gives her two daughters-in-law a choice of returning home. Orpah returns home but Ruth goes with Naomi. Her classic response in Ruth 1:16-17 is often used in weddings because it talks about commitment.
- Ruth begins working in the fields to bring home some food for the two of them. The fields belong to a wealthy man named Boaz. Boaz offers Ruth protection from other men and also a job gleaning in his fields.
- Boaz is a relative of Elimelech and is known as a kinsman-redeemer. He offers to buy the land and with that land comes Ruth, whom he takes as his wife. The great part of that arrangement is found in Ruth 4. Naomi is given a grandson but there is more! “And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.” (4:17). And if you are putting 2 + 2 together you know the rest of the story. Jesus, the Messiah, the Promised King, is from the lineage of David.
How refreshing it was to read again this story this morning. And how fantastic it was to be reminded (again) of God’s goodness and His plan and to watch it all come together. Who knew (but God) that a trip back home by a sad, defeated, and heart-broken Naomi would lead to Ruth becoming the wife of the kinsman-redeemer of Elimilech’s family. I marvel at God’s good timing and His way of working things out far beyond my ability to understand and to know. I may not always grasp the Omniscience (All-knowing) of God; I certainly don’t always understand His ways; but one thing I will drive a stake through is that He does all things well and His Word and love for me never changes. Have a blessed day my friends as you consider the teachings of Ruth. 🙂
Posted in InTheShadow | 4 Responses »
Tags: Christian Living, God, God's faithfulness, God's goodness, God's Plan, Opinion, Perseverance, Reflection, Ruth, Scripture look, Story, Trials, Trusting God
Monday, March 24th, 2025
Compromise. A word with double meaning. It could be a good thing or it could be a bad thing. When two (or more) people compromise or soften a position for the purpose of moving forward or making things right or unity, that is a good thing. Sometimes it is called “The Art of the Deal.” However, compromise can also carry a bad connotation. It gives the idea of softening too much, of giving in without much of a struggle, especially in the world of values and beliefs.
My thoughts turn this morning to a character in the book of Judges that all I have to say is one word or one couple and 99% of the people know who I am speaking about. Hint: (_________) and Delilah. But much goes on in the life of Samson long before his escapade with Delilah. Here is a brief summary:
- Born with a Nazirite vow over him. The vow required no strong drink, to not eat any forbidden food, and, in Samson’s case, don’t cut his hair. Even his mother had to abide by the first two while pregnant.
- Samson is born and in time kills a lion who attacks him. Later he touches the carcass to get some honey. A clear violation of his vow.
- He falls in love with a Philistine woman, a clear violation of his sanity. The Philistines were Public Enemy #1 to the Israelites. His misadventures involving her were many.
- Later he spends time with a prostitute in Gaza. Again, a clear violation of his vow. (What is it with these Philistine woman?)
- He meets his match in Delilah, a Philistine woman (Same question as above). If you know the story, Delilah whined her way into his secret: “cut my hair and I will be as weak as any other man.” Even that was not a spur of the moment revelation. He slowly got closer and closer to revealing the source of his strength with her.
Samson is captured, his eyes gouged out and he is put in prison. His long locks of hair now gone. They were a symbol of his vow and the presence and power of God. But in all of this mess something good is happening. Judges 16:22 tells us: “But before long, his hair began to grow back.” Lost in his compromise was the presence and power of God. But deep in that dungeon where he ground out grain, Samson’s relationship with God was being restored.
The consequence for Samson’s compromise was dark and painful. Compromising our values and beliefs leads to pain unimaginable. Maybe feeling cut off from God’s presence and power. But just as Samson’s hair began to grow again, our relationship can be restored. Don’t allow the fleeting pleasures of this life lead to a compromise you will regret.
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Compromise, God's Word, Lifestyle, Ministry, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Sin, Story
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
The book of Judges in the Old Testament is aptly named. It is about judges. Not judges as we know them-sitting behind some desk with a lawyer or two debating the merits of a case or of a person the case involves. This was a different kind of judge.
The people of Israel had promised Joshua that they would do as he had committed to: “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” That lasted…until Joshua died. In fact, immediately after Joshua’s death (recorded in Judges 2:6-9), verse 10 is pretty poignant: “After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel.” Well…so much for the “As for me and my house” promise. What is even more telling is what it says in the following verses: “The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal. They abandoned the Lord…They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them…They abandoned the Lord to serve Baal and the images of Ashteroth.” {Editorial interject here: this is exactly what God has warned them against! This is why God wanted them to wipe out of people as they took over the Promised Land.}
God was not going to stand by and watch that happen, so He allowed foreign nations to take His people captive. But in His mercy He heard the cries of His people and raised up leaders (judges) to lead the people out of captivity. The pattern is simple to see. Taken captive by a foreign king. Live in slavery and captivity. Cry out to God for forgiveness and relief from captivity. God raises up a judge. The judge brings freedom. As long as the judge is alive, the people know freedom. The judge dies and they return to their sin and idol worship. The Israelites taken captive again. Rinse and repeat the cycle.
The judges are not household names: Othniel. Ehud (the left-handed warrior who plunged a knife into a very fat King Eglon). Shamgar who killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad (a traditional farming tool, a long stick with a pointed end-and sometimes a scraper or chisel at the other end-used to spur or guide oxen while they are pulling a plow or cart). Deborah (and her sidekick Barak). Other more well-known judges are Gideon and Samson.
The sad part is the Israelites kept repeating the pattern-the cycle- time after time. And each time a merciful and forgiving God would come to their rescue and free them. Sound familiar? It does to me. I am them. I go from “As for me and my house” to “I am going to do this on my own.” Fortunately, God is a merciful and forgiving God who lovingly envelopes me in His arms and says, “I forgive you my son.” How about you? Do you have that kind of God?
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Forgiveness, God, Grace, Judges, Love, Mercy, Ministry, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Sin, Story
Wednesday, March 12th, 2025
“God says what He means and means what He says.”
So I have heard it told. After reading the story of Joshua and Jericho and the subsequent defeat and ultimate victory at Ai, I would have to agree. The story of both are found in Joshua 5-8, which was my Everyday Gospel (EG) reading for today. Even if you are not taking part in the reading of the EG devotional or in the daily reading associated with it, I’d encourage you to read those chapters sometime today.
Chapter 5 has Israel reestablishing covenant ceremonies with God. There is also an interesting encounter between Joshua and a commander of the Lord’s army.
Chapter 6 is the fall of Jericho. I chuckled as I read the account again and tried to put myself in that situation. The people of Israel walked around the city speechless. Point of interest #1. Point of interest #2 is what the army and the people of Jericho had to be thinking. “Wow. Now that was exciting. They got their daily stretch walk done.” All was fun and games until Day 7 when the people of Israel marched around, shouted and watched the walls come crumbling down.
Chapter 7 is the consequence of disobeying the Lord’s word of not taking anything from Jericho and keeping it for yourself. Little did Joshua know that Achan had stolen articles from Jericho and buried them under his tent. That is, until the army of Israel was routed by the army of Ai. An anguishing, face down inquiry before God revealed Achan’s sin and what was needed to erase the curse.
Chapter 8 is the return trip to Ai and the rout of that city by Joshua and his army.
Chapter 6 contains God’s specific instructions for the defeat and sacking of Jericho. Notice the word specific. Here are some of the words Joshua uses: “completely destroy.” “Do not take any of the things set apart for destruction.” “Everything made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron is sacred to the Lord and must be brought into his treasury.” Words clear; no questions.
Except for Achan. 7:1 opens with “But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord.” Achan is specifically mentioned and Joshua is too soon find that out. I go back to the statement I made at the beginning: “God says what He means and means what He says.” I’m snarky enough to ask, “What part of ‘Do not take’ do you not understand?”
We don’t like to talk about God’s instructions. We often see them as stifling, as God being a cosmic killjoy. First, let’s grasp that He says what He means and means what He says. Second, let’s realize that His instructions are there for our good. God has our best interest in mind. Achan and all the Israelites found out God was not playing games. God is still not playing games. We will still reap what we sow.
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Consequences of Disobedience, God's Word, Leadership, Lifestyle, Ministry, Obedience, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Story
Tuesday, March 11th, 2025
“Be strong and courageous.”
We might say that to a high school or college graduate who is about to step out into a brand new world.
We might say that to someone who has just received a cancer diagnosis or some other disease that ravages the body.
We might say that to someone about to set out on the adventure of a lifetime-hiking, biking, marriage 🙂 , or opening their own shop.
We might say that to someone who is about to take part in a life-changing event.
Or it is something we would read in Joshua 1 where God has commissioned Joshua to lead the people of Israel across the Jordan and into the Promised Land. “Be strong and courageous…Be very strong and courageous…Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6.7, 9 NLT) Do you think God is telling Joshua not be afraid, to be strong and courageous? 🙂
Courage means different things to different people. I suspect it is determined by the task in front of them. God defines courage as obeying His laws no matter the cost or consequence. He tells Joshua not to stray to the right or left, but to stay on the path. He is to allow it to control his every thought, motive and action. Same with us. It is NEVER easy to follow God’s Word, the laws written down for us to give credence to and follow with all our heart. Anyone who tells you it is easy needs a reality check.
The words to Joshua are good words for us as well. We never know what our day will look like. We can wake up excited to face the day, fully anticipating a day filled with good things only to watch it crumble to pieces shortly after or even before we walk out of the house. So no matter what today brings for you or for me, let’s face it head on with courage and strength that comes from the ONE who told Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” He will give us the strength to face the day and to come out on the other end with courage knowing that strength came from Him.
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Tags: Christian Living, Courage, God's Strength, God's Word, Ministry, Opinion, Perseverance, Reflection, Scripture look, Story, Strength, Suffering, Trials
Monday, March 10th, 2025
Remember when?
For a walk down nostalgia lane check out Alan Jackson’s song, Remember When, on YouTube. You can find it here.
Remember. That was the theme which weaved its way through my message yesterday. It was Moses’ swan song and he was reminding the people of Israel not to forget all that God had done for them. It was quite a long walk down memory lane but it was necessary. Here are his exact words: “Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God.” (Deut. 8:11-14 NLT)
Remember what and how you have been blessed and DON’T FORGET where it all came from. Those words could be said to us as well. In our arrogance and pride, we often take the attitude of “Look at what I have built. I’ve done well for myself.” It is like the story Jesus told of the man who looked at all he had acquired and built and said, “I’m going to tear down these barns and build bigger ones. Eat, drink and be merry.” The story goes on with the words, “Fool. Tonight your soul will be required of you.” That story is, sadly, the story of too many people. Gather. Build. Accumulate. Take credit. Forget where it all came from.
My challenge to you (and me) for this new week is to make a concerted effort to NOT forget where it all came from. Develop a grateful heart thanking God for His goodness and grace.
Posted in InTheShadow | 4 Responses »
Tags: Christian Living, God, Gratitude, Humility, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Thanksgiving
Tuesday, March 4th, 2025
In a world, in a culture, filled with multiple avenues of going here or doing things, it is often hard to stay focused. On November 11th of last year, I had knee replacement surgery. The doctor had “bought me” ten more years before surgery was an absolute essential. I was 62 at the time of the first diagnosis and he felt I was too young and too active to do the surgery back then. His belief was that he could by me some time before having the surgery. 3 steroid injections, one hyaluronic acid shot, and 10 years gave me the time I needed. When the last shot lasted one month and I had trouble walking from the hospital doors to my vehicle at times, I went to him and said, “It is time.” He agreed. The surgery was a bit more extensive than he planned due to my bowed leg. He shaved the shin bone, moved some ligaments and tendons around and gave me a new knee all at the same time. Then came the rehab which seemed to go pretty well in some respects but his desire to have the back of my knee to be totally flat on the table is still not a reality. I am down to about 2% but not quite there. I’m still doing rehab at the Y on my own, doing the exercises they prescribed.
I won’t lie: it is sometimes discouraging when I know what I want and where I should be but can’t seem to get there. I mean, I am happy I can walk pain-free for the first time in years. The problem is that I want it all now. And when I say, “Now” I mean “NOW!!!” But what I need to keep in mind is the end goal. He told Tami after my surgery that I will feel absolutely fantastic in 6 months. Hmmm. That leaves me 2 more months of rehab and some discomfort as my “restored” knee adjusts to my lifestyle. I want to rush things along.
But I can’t. I have to take it one day, one exercise, one rehab session at the Y at a time. I have to stay focused on the immediate work with the future goal in mind. Proverbs 4:25-27 says, “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (NLT) Of course, wanting to be further along is not evil (except when it plays with my mind). 🙂
But the warning to stay on the straight path is something we all should heed. Fix your eyes on what lies before you. Don’t look left or right. And most definitely, don’t look behind you.
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, God's Plan, Lifestyle, Ministry, Miscellaneous, Opinion, Perseverance, Reflection, Scripture look, Story, Suffering, Vision
