“It scared me,” Shayna said.
She’s only eight years old. There are a lot of things that could scare her. Some could almost be laughable. What scared her this time? “Mom made me sit on my dad’s lap; she wanted to take a picture of us.”
Why would sitting on her dad’s lap for a photograph scare her? The Bible says, “Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children. . .” What did her father do?
Shayna was provoked to fear by what her father didn’t do. Not even once prior to this time had he made the effort to see her. Now she was forced to have her photo taken with this scary stranger.
A night of passion, a man and a woman set in motion the formula to bring into existence God’s precious gift—a child. Other decisions were made. And in that process it was decided not to follow God’s guidelines for raising a child.
Instead of scaring a child, the Bible describes a father’s responsibilities: “But tenderly rear them in the training and discipline of the LORD.”
“Tenderly rear them.” The Bible says that children are a gift from God. In that light, they should be nurtured and loved with the utmost focus on their value in God’s eyes. Listen, love, hug these precious jewels.
With “tenderly” as the wrapping for the child rearing package, training and discipline are implemented. Training-- showing a child the way to live. Much of this is through being a living example. Discipline--firm loving methods to block a child’s disobedience and rebellion.
Then we come to the truly more encompassing mandate for child rearing—“Of the LORD.” Raise children in the way God prescribes. For this we’ve been given the Bible as an instruction manual. So read your Bible; do what it says.
6/25/06
6/17/06
TERMINAL
“Mommy, did you tell him?” Jessica asked.
I looked at Laura lying in the recliner. Her looks sort of startled me--the rapid change in her health. “Tell me what?” I said. Jessica’s grandma, also in the room, said, “She’s terminal.”
So am I. So are you. Though we know what was meant—the doctor’s pronouncement that Laura’s death was near.
Terminal? What pops into your brain? How about this. Terminal—so death is near; you’re at the train terminal of life. There are two lines. We each will get a ticket—either heaven or hell.
I asked Laura, “Do you have a ticket to heaven?” She weakly said, “I think I’m going to heaven.” Her answer could have put a smile on my face, still I felt compelled to check her ticket stub.
“O.K. now tell me why you think that way,” I said. “I’m going to write down your reasons.” I attentively listened as I recorded her words. Haltingly she listed her beliefs: “I know God; God knows me and my purpose in life; I want to go.” While all truthful statements; not one of them is a ticket to heaven.
I dearly love Laura, who is my cousin, and I am thankful that we already had an open dialog about the things of God. Now at age forty-seven the ravages of her disease were extinguishing the remaining flicker of her life.
The first words Jesus spoke when He started His ministry became the focus of my conversation with Laura: “Repent! For the kingdom of God is near.”
Doubting my sensitivity some might say: “You’re going to launch into repent! With a dying person? Sounds like fire and brimstone.
Could be . . . but to me Laura’s response that day made it sound like a ticket to heaven.
I looked at Laura lying in the recliner. Her looks sort of startled me--the rapid change in her health. “Tell me what?” I said. Jessica’s grandma, also in the room, said, “She’s terminal.”
So am I. So are you. Though we know what was meant—the doctor’s pronouncement that Laura’s death was near.
Terminal? What pops into your brain? How about this. Terminal—so death is near; you’re at the train terminal of life. There are two lines. We each will get a ticket—either heaven or hell.
I asked Laura, “Do you have a ticket to heaven?” She weakly said, “I think I’m going to heaven.” Her answer could have put a smile on my face, still I felt compelled to check her ticket stub.
“O.K. now tell me why you think that way,” I said. “I’m going to write down your reasons.” I attentively listened as I recorded her words. Haltingly she listed her beliefs: “I know God; God knows me and my purpose in life; I want to go.” While all truthful statements; not one of them is a ticket to heaven.
I dearly love Laura, who is my cousin, and I am thankful that we already had an open dialog about the things of God. Now at age forty-seven the ravages of her disease were extinguishing the remaining flicker of her life.
The first words Jesus spoke when He started His ministry became the focus of my conversation with Laura: “Repent! For the kingdom of God is near.”
Doubting my sensitivity some might say: “You’re going to launch into repent! With a dying person? Sounds like fire and brimstone.
Could be . . . but to me Laura’s response that day made it sound like a ticket to heaven.
6/11/06
LEFTOVER MEATLOAF
“The battle belongs to the LORD,” I said to my wife as she dashed off to work. Turning around just before she opened her car door, Nancy said: “But we have leftover meatloaf.”
I knew what she meant-- “Invite Ted to diner.” He was going through the meat grinder of life-- outright sin, striving to live up to people’s expectations, and life zapping pride.
He would be the first to admit his sinful activities. Now repentant, he still had to deal with: “A person reaps what they sow.” Sin—big, little, yours, mine or his; there is still a cleanup operation after we get right with God.
Ted was putting the battle into the accepting hands of God. Besides that Nancy was tossing her homemade meatloaf on the table as a formidable weapon. No she wasn’t going to smack anyone on the head.
The Bible says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands in not quickly broken.”
When we gathered around leftover meatloaf plus some other tasty dishes that evening Ted looked broken—body, soul, and spirit. We started slicing the meatloaf, we looked into God’s word, we prayed, we talked, we dreamed about what God had for Ted’s future. Our faith rose, then soared. As the meatloaf disappeared; Ted, Nancy, and I became a God-believing, resilient cord of three strands.
We didn’t ask, “Does the battle belong to the LORD?” that night. But if we had questioned this close circle of friends, all would have nodded: “Absolutely, yes.” And if we would have asked, “Is it better to go through battles with friends?” our “absolutely” would have been more absolute and our “yes” would have been more resounding.
How about you? Do you know any battle weary soul who might need some meatloaf tonight?
I knew what she meant-- “Invite Ted to diner.” He was going through the meat grinder of life-- outright sin, striving to live up to people’s expectations, and life zapping pride.
He would be the first to admit his sinful activities. Now repentant, he still had to deal with: “A person reaps what they sow.” Sin—big, little, yours, mine or his; there is still a cleanup operation after we get right with God.
Ted was putting the battle into the accepting hands of God. Besides that Nancy was tossing her homemade meatloaf on the table as a formidable weapon. No she wasn’t going to smack anyone on the head.
The Bible says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands in not quickly broken.”
When we gathered around leftover meatloaf plus some other tasty dishes that evening Ted looked broken—body, soul, and spirit. We started slicing the meatloaf, we looked into God’s word, we prayed, we talked, we dreamed about what God had for Ted’s future. Our faith rose, then soared. As the meatloaf disappeared; Ted, Nancy, and I became a God-believing, resilient cord of three strands.
We didn’t ask, “Does the battle belong to the LORD?” that night. But if we had questioned this close circle of friends, all would have nodded: “Absolutely, yes.” And if we would have asked, “Is it better to go through battles with friends?” our “absolutely” would have been more absolute and our “yes” would have been more resounding.
How about you? Do you know any battle weary soul who might need some meatloaf tonight?
6/3/06
A DAY
Doug’s work was impeccable; organized and he presented himself professionally. Yet he had one stumbling flaw which could cave in an entire project. He was never on schedule--not even close.
I started our conversation by listing the traits I appreciated about him. Then it came to the poke-you-in-the-eye time: “Doug, if you can’t stay on schedule, you’re not going to work for me any more.” His only response was five tersely measured words: “Just give me a day!” I did; I gave him an ultimatum to meet the next deadline.
Does God ever give us a that’s-it ultimatum? Sure, when we die, but how about pre-death? Is there a thus saith the LORD: “Shape up or I’m through with you?”
The Bible says: “Give thanks to God—He is good. His loving, kind mercy has no vanishing point; it endures forever.” Is this good news? Will God extend His mercy indefinitely?
Wait. The Bible says more. Looking in Romans 1, we see three parallel phrases. 1. “God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts.” 2. “God gave them over to shameful lusts.” 3. “God gave them over to a depraved mind.”
Yes, God has an absolute limit. When does a person cross the line? I don’t know. But if a person does, God will give a person over to their own sin. He will remove His restraint—“Have it your way.” This spiral into a sinful abyss will cripple many people’s lives.
Doug chose his consequences. The day came; the day went. He failed to deliver a promised timely completion. Our business relationship was severed.
Think you might be near the edge with God? Turn around one-hundred and eighty degrees and run towards the loving, kind merciful God.
“Just give me a day.” Today.
I started our conversation by listing the traits I appreciated about him. Then it came to the poke-you-in-the-eye time: “Doug, if you can’t stay on schedule, you’re not going to work for me any more.” His only response was five tersely measured words: “Just give me a day!” I did; I gave him an ultimatum to meet the next deadline.
Does God ever give us a that’s-it ultimatum? Sure, when we die, but how about pre-death? Is there a thus saith the LORD: “Shape up or I’m through with you?”
The Bible says: “Give thanks to God—He is good. His loving, kind mercy has no vanishing point; it endures forever.” Is this good news? Will God extend His mercy indefinitely?
Wait. The Bible says more. Looking in Romans 1, we see three parallel phrases. 1. “God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts.” 2. “God gave them over to shameful lusts.” 3. “God gave them over to a depraved mind.”
Yes, God has an absolute limit. When does a person cross the line? I don’t know. But if a person does, God will give a person over to their own sin. He will remove His restraint—“Have it your way.” This spiral into a sinful abyss will cripple many people’s lives.
Doug chose his consequences. The day came; the day went. He failed to deliver a promised timely completion. Our business relationship was severed.
Think you might be near the edge with God? Turn around one-hundred and eighty degrees and run towards the loving, kind merciful God.
“Just give me a day.” Today.
6/1/06
5/27/06
DEATH IN THE HOUSE
“How do you praise and worship God when death is in the house?” Brian asked. This wasn’t a toss-it-out-on-the-table question. This was reality in Brian’s life.
After two miscarriages, his wife was pregnant again. At eighteen weeks, tests at the doctor’s office showed no heart beat, no signs of life. Brian said, “I don’t care what the world says about what’s in the womb, it’s a baby!” Miscarriage equals death of a precious helpless baby. Brian prayed fervently that God would spare their child.
So how do you praise and worship God when death is in the house?
It’s easy to think of praise as an exuberant style of Christian music and worship as an hour and fifteen minute Sunday pit stop with God.
Here’s the quick lesson. The essence of worship is living a God-honoring lifestyle. And praise? The Bible says, “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, which is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to God.”
Then praise is speaking out thanks to God in all situations. Does this mean Brian should thank God for the heart rending doctor’s report? No, but he did chose to thank God that He would be with his family no matter what happened. And he chose to thank God for His tangible blessings—salvation, a good church, answered prayers and His faithfulness.
How do you praise and worship God when death is in the house? A decision must be made: I will thank God. I will live a God-honoring life.
Brian decided to have good fruit on his lips. He even praised God when a few days later he felt compelled to seek additional medical advice. This time they found the baby’s heartbeat and within a couple of days the pregnancy returned to normal.
After two miscarriages, his wife was pregnant again. At eighteen weeks, tests at the doctor’s office showed no heart beat, no signs of life. Brian said, “I don’t care what the world says about what’s in the womb, it’s a baby!” Miscarriage equals death of a precious helpless baby. Brian prayed fervently that God would spare their child.
So how do you praise and worship God when death is in the house?
It’s easy to think of praise as an exuberant style of Christian music and worship as an hour and fifteen minute Sunday pit stop with God.
Here’s the quick lesson. The essence of worship is living a God-honoring lifestyle. And praise? The Bible says, “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, which is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to God.”
Then praise is speaking out thanks to God in all situations. Does this mean Brian should thank God for the heart rending doctor’s report? No, but he did chose to thank God that He would be with his family no matter what happened. And he chose to thank God for His tangible blessings—salvation, a good church, answered prayers and His faithfulness.
How do you praise and worship God when death is in the house? A decision must be made: I will thank God. I will live a God-honoring life.
Brian decided to have good fruit on his lips. He even praised God when a few days later he felt compelled to seek additional medical advice. This time they found the baby’s heartbeat and within a couple of days the pregnancy returned to normal.
5/20/06
I THOUGHT I WAS A BUM
“Jesus must like this store,” Harvey said. Looking around he could see people enjoying their shopping experience. The printed material at the store said: “Our Mission Statement: To demonstrate the love of Jesus by providing free clothing, Bibles, books, toys, and small household items to people in need. To provide these in an uplifting, clean, Christian store-like setting.”
The place is called The Free Store. Harvey’s eyes-of-Jesus observation is almost definitely right.
Harvey just wandered in to shop one day; now today he’s helping by hanging up used clothes. The lady who runs the store asked him about his statement. “You help bums,” Harvey replied.
The Free Store lady quickly assured him, “I don’t call the people bums.” Yet, she had misunderstood Harvey’s point. He’s only ten years old: “I thought I was a bum.”
So how did Harvey come to the conclusion that he was a bum? He wasn’t born thinking he was a bum. Did you tell him?
With Harvey’s many quirks, its pretty ease to imagine him at least as a miniature bum. Almost what the Bible categorizes as lowly. Lowly: Humble, meek; of or related to a low social or economical rank. The Bible says: “Though the LORD God is high, yet He gives respect, regard and attention to the lowly.”
It is too easy for me to mentally rank people on the “lowly scale” when I see them. Have I every non-verbally conveyed to anyone, child or adult, the message that they are bums? Have you? When we do this, we are in danger of entering into another category—“the proud.”
The Bible verse above continues; “but the proud, God knows afar off.” God help me; I don’t want to be far from you. God, I want to be close to you—like Harvey.
The place is called The Free Store. Harvey’s eyes-of-Jesus observation is almost definitely right.
Harvey just wandered in to shop one day; now today he’s helping by hanging up used clothes. The lady who runs the store asked him about his statement. “You help bums,” Harvey replied.
The Free Store lady quickly assured him, “I don’t call the people bums.” Yet, she had misunderstood Harvey’s point. He’s only ten years old: “I thought I was a bum.”
So how did Harvey come to the conclusion that he was a bum? He wasn’t born thinking he was a bum. Did you tell him?
With Harvey’s many quirks, its pretty ease to imagine him at least as a miniature bum. Almost what the Bible categorizes as lowly. Lowly: Humble, meek; of or related to a low social or economical rank. The Bible says: “Though the LORD God is high, yet He gives respect, regard and attention to the lowly.”
It is too easy for me to mentally rank people on the “lowly scale” when I see them. Have I every non-verbally conveyed to anyone, child or adult, the message that they are bums? Have you? When we do this, we are in danger of entering into another category—“the proud.”
The Bible verse above continues; “but the proud, God knows afar off.” God help me; I don’t want to be far from you. God, I want to be close to you—like Harvey.
5/13/06
WE KILL PEOPLE
“So what are you doing this morning?” I asked my twelve year old cousin Timmy while talking on the phone. “We’re playing video games.”
I asked him which game he was playing. Being out of the video game loop, I couldn’t connect when he told me its title. “So is that the one where you race cars?” Timmy replied, “No, we kill people.”
“We kill people”--his words seemed so casual to him. Yet I couldn’t help verbally reacting with disapproval. Now I don’t know exactly what Jesus would think of Timmy’s video game. Of course I’m thinking He would find it offensive. I couldn’t imagine Jesus playing it.
Here is one reference Jesus made about killing, "Do not fear those who kill the body.”
Does this make sense?
From a challenging-to-perceive perspective, we must realize that Jesus considers physical death more of a life transition rather than an end. He went on to say: “but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body . . .” And big picture wise, Jesus was talking specifically about a person giving up their actual life for the cause of the Christian faith, being a martyr.
Jesus, this is blunt.
Die for my faith? With no fear? O.K. give me a minute; let me put my going-to-church-smile on: “Yes, I can die for my faith in you Jesus.” I can give up my life.
Almost too easy to say. Here’s my life, but I know I’ve guarded my wallet valiantly. I don’t mind dieing; just don’t kill my personal time—I’ve got things to do. My life is Yours, as long as my public image stays intact.
“It’s pretend,” Timmy assured me when I questioned him about killing people.
God, please don’t let my relationship with Jesus be pretend.
I asked him which game he was playing. Being out of the video game loop, I couldn’t connect when he told me its title. “So is that the one where you race cars?” Timmy replied, “No, we kill people.”
“We kill people”--his words seemed so casual to him. Yet I couldn’t help verbally reacting with disapproval. Now I don’t know exactly what Jesus would think of Timmy’s video game. Of course I’m thinking He would find it offensive. I couldn’t imagine Jesus playing it.
Here is one reference Jesus made about killing, "Do not fear those who kill the body.”
Does this make sense?
From a challenging-to-perceive perspective, we must realize that Jesus considers physical death more of a life transition rather than an end. He went on to say: “but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body . . .” And big picture wise, Jesus was talking specifically about a person giving up their actual life for the cause of the Christian faith, being a martyr.
Jesus, this is blunt.
Die for my faith? With no fear? O.K. give me a minute; let me put my going-to-church-smile on: “Yes, I can die for my faith in you Jesus.” I can give up my life.
Almost too easy to say. Here’s my life, but I know I’ve guarded my wallet valiantly. I don’t mind dieing; just don’t kill my personal time—I’ve got things to do. My life is Yours, as long as my public image stays intact.
“It’s pretend,” Timmy assured me when I questioned him about killing people.
God, please don’t let my relationship with Jesus be pretend.
5/6/06
JUNK OR JEWEL?
There it was in the Autotrader. “1994 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon” with 66,061 miles and a price of $4400. Could this be the vehicle God was leading us to?
My wife Nancy and I made the 102 mile trek, praying once more for God’s guidance just before we pulled into the used car lot: “God, don’t let us do anything stupid.”
Before we even drove the Roadmaster my wife said with quiet disgust: “It has rust.” And I’m thinking, “This thing is cool.” I was envisioning this cavernous land cruiser hauling a bunch of kids. Sure it was beat up; but then they couldn’t hurt it. Plus the price, the low-mileage.
After a brief test ride it was time for the private husband-wife conference. Nancy noticed rust, sagging headliner, loose fog light, cracked windshield and what is that smell? I was listening as I thought: “God, this is the car, isn’t it?”
Nancy summed up her view: “This is the ugliest car I’ve ever seen.” And to me I saw its funky, functional character plus the engine ran strong. I loved the Roadmaster.
Decision time-- Roadmaster junk or jewel? We faced the same question the man who allowed Jesus to die on a cross asked: “What is truth?”
Jesus are You who You claim to be or are you a liar? Jesus can’t be both a criminal deserving death and the Savior of the world at the same time. Junk or jewel?
Truth seeking led us to thumbs down on the Roadmaster. Hey there’s always another used car. There’s only one Jesus. And He said, “I am the way . . .” He continues: “. . . the truth and the life no one comes to the Father except through me.”
So is Jesus junk or jewel in your life?
My wife Nancy and I made the 102 mile trek, praying once more for God’s guidance just before we pulled into the used car lot: “God, don’t let us do anything stupid.”
Before we even drove the Roadmaster my wife said with quiet disgust: “It has rust.” And I’m thinking, “This thing is cool.” I was envisioning this cavernous land cruiser hauling a bunch of kids. Sure it was beat up; but then they couldn’t hurt it. Plus the price, the low-mileage.
After a brief test ride it was time for the private husband-wife conference. Nancy noticed rust, sagging headliner, loose fog light, cracked windshield and what is that smell? I was listening as I thought: “God, this is the car, isn’t it?”
Nancy summed up her view: “This is the ugliest car I’ve ever seen.” And to me I saw its funky, functional character plus the engine ran strong. I loved the Roadmaster.
Decision time-- Roadmaster junk or jewel? We faced the same question the man who allowed Jesus to die on a cross asked: “What is truth?”
Jesus are You who You claim to be or are you a liar? Jesus can’t be both a criminal deserving death and the Savior of the world at the same time. Junk or jewel?
Truth seeking led us to thumbs down on the Roadmaster. Hey there’s always another used car. There’s only one Jesus. And He said, “I am the way . . .” He continues: “. . . the truth and the life no one comes to the Father except through me.”
So is Jesus junk or jewel in your life?
5/3/06
4/29/06
THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE
A right turn and it’s two blocks to Lake Michigan. Three bicycle riders, looking Tour de France ready opt to go left. Cruising past a small enclave of shops beckoning tourists to stop and spend, they find their Sunday morning destination—breakfast at an outdoor cafe.
Within whiffing distance of the cyclist’s breakfast, other people arrive at their Sunday morning destination--a traditional white steepled church. Inside Pastor Paul Schneider leads the congregation in its first chorus. “In the morning when I rise give me Jesus. Give me Jesus . . . You can have all this world, give me Jesus.”
Me? I was inside the church that morning. Yet, seeing the bicycle riders; I was reminded of my Sunday mornings nine years prior. Then, a long bike ride and breakfast with friends was what the day was all about.
Now, attending church and worshiping God seems normal while the other option is extremely abnormal.
Radical life change is sometimes referred to as a “Damascus road experience.” This references the Apostle Paul’s conversion from Christian persecutor to ardent follower of Jesus. Traveling down the Damascus road intent on imprisoning Christians, suddenly a great light struck him, knocking him to the ground.
Lying on the ground he asked the same question I once asked: “Who are you Lord?”
You can hop on your bike every Sunday morning, ride beautiful roads with good companions and eat lots of great waffles. Yet, it’s almost guaranteed, you’ll someday wonder: “Is this all there is to life?”
You may say that I’m wrong, claiming ultimate satisfaction in non-God pursuits. That’s unfortunate. You’re missing the ride of your life.
My suggestion.
Ride your Damascus road. And may God bless you with a time of lying on the ground asking: “Who are you Lord?”
Within whiffing distance of the cyclist’s breakfast, other people arrive at their Sunday morning destination--a traditional white steepled church. Inside Pastor Paul Schneider leads the congregation in its first chorus. “In the morning when I rise give me Jesus. Give me Jesus . . . You can have all this world, give me Jesus.”
Me? I was inside the church that morning. Yet, seeing the bicycle riders; I was reminded of my Sunday mornings nine years prior. Then, a long bike ride and breakfast with friends was what the day was all about.
Now, attending church and worshiping God seems normal while the other option is extremely abnormal.
Radical life change is sometimes referred to as a “Damascus road experience.” This references the Apostle Paul’s conversion from Christian persecutor to ardent follower of Jesus. Traveling down the Damascus road intent on imprisoning Christians, suddenly a great light struck him, knocking him to the ground.
Lying on the ground he asked the same question I once asked: “Who are you Lord?”
You can hop on your bike every Sunday morning, ride beautiful roads with good companions and eat lots of great waffles. Yet, it’s almost guaranteed, you’ll someday wonder: “Is this all there is to life?”
You may say that I’m wrong, claiming ultimate satisfaction in non-God pursuits. That’s unfortunate. You’re missing the ride of your life.
My suggestion.
Ride your Damascus road. And may God bless you with a time of lying on the ground asking: “Who are you Lord?”
4/22/06
WE NEED TO GET THIS
“Look Nicky, we need to get this,” nine year-old Justin pleaded. “Put that back,” Nicky grumped. Justin glanced down at the magazine he held in his hand. With one last convincing attempt, he said: “It says: faith.”
I don’t know if Justin has been to church enough times to really understand faith. But he knew it meant new life—maybe a miracle.
The Bible tells of a crippled man who spent years at the doors of the church begging. Apostle Peter came by one day and injected faith into this man’s hopeless life. And in a split second his life changed. The Bible says, “Faith in Jesus' name put this man . . . on his feet--yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.” From a cripple, to a man “jumping and praising God.”
Justin’s fingertips sensed the glossy magazine paper, as if he was holding faith in his hands. The Bible says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for.”
Nicky, his older sister by a dozens years, almost yelling: “No, put it back!”
No big deal. He’s only a kid. Right? But, can we look at the beyond-the-apparent of Justin’s life?
His dad will be incarcerated at least a half dozen more years. In a few weeks his big sister will be in jail--again. While his mom works full time; her drug problem, seemingly managed, can sometimes roar back.
All hope vanished from Justin’s face, he turned a hundred and eighty degrees, shuffled three paces and plopped the magazine on the shelf. He put faith on the shelf. No miracle. No jumping. No praising God.
Justin, you are so right: “We need to get this.” Is faith at your fingertips? Grab it! “Faith is the substance . . .”
I don’t know if Justin has been to church enough times to really understand faith. But he knew it meant new life—maybe a miracle.
The Bible tells of a crippled man who spent years at the doors of the church begging. Apostle Peter came by one day and injected faith into this man’s hopeless life. And in a split second his life changed. The Bible says, “Faith in Jesus' name put this man . . . on his feet--yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.” From a cripple, to a man “jumping and praising God.”
Justin’s fingertips sensed the glossy magazine paper, as if he was holding faith in his hands. The Bible says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for.”
Nicky, his older sister by a dozens years, almost yelling: “No, put it back!”
No big deal. He’s only a kid. Right? But, can we look at the beyond-the-apparent of Justin’s life?
His dad will be incarcerated at least a half dozen more years. In a few weeks his big sister will be in jail--again. While his mom works full time; her drug problem, seemingly managed, can sometimes roar back.
All hope vanished from Justin’s face, he turned a hundred and eighty degrees, shuffled three paces and plopped the magazine on the shelf. He put faith on the shelf. No miracle. No jumping. No praising God.
Justin, you are so right: “We need to get this.” Is faith at your fingertips? Grab it! “Faith is the substance . . .”
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