Finding Profound Joy in an Amazing Place

When I was a boy, I attended church most Sundays with my family, but it wasn’t what we’d call a “Bible-teaching church.” The minister would solemnly read a passage from the Bible, but then he would basically preach whatever was on his mind. Sometimes it related to the passage; sometimes it didn’t. I don’t recall ever hearing him say the Bible is practical and relevant for everyday life. I had no idea that it was “living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword,” as it says in Hebrews 4:12.

 

Even into my early adult years, if you had asked me, I would have told you I thought the Bible was a manual for preachers, maybe someone with a seminary degree; certainly not for ordinary people. It didn’t help that the only edition of the Scriptures I knew of at the time was the King James Version, with lots of outdated language that made it difficult for me to understand.

 

When I was about 30, I took a job in suburban Houston, Texas and my family and I started attending a church where the Bible was taught and revered. Every Sunday the pastor would demonstrate the “unity of the Scriptures,” showing how different parts of the Bible could be used to “exposit” or explain what other passages meant.

 

There I was introduced to a modern translation of the Bible for the first time. Gone were the “thee’s” and “thou’s” and “begats.” The Lord, I discovered, spoke modern language. I was thrilled and overjoyed! This was the beginning of my life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, as I not only read and studied the Scriptures but also began committing verses to memory. As King David wrote in Psalm 119:11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You." That’s what I wanted to do as well.

 

An Old Testament passage tells a story, brief but beautiful, about someone else who also had a sincere encounter with the Word of God for the first time. For many years the kings of Judah had acted and governed as if there was no God, doing “detestable things.” The Scriptures, as they were in those days, had been stashed away and forgotten for a long time.

 

Then came Josiah, the antithesis of his father Amon and grandfather Manasseh who had ruled wickedly, worshipping false gods and adopting the pagan practices of other peoples. Josiah was different. We’re told, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in the ways of his father [King] David, not turning aside to the right or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2).

 

We don’t exactly know why Josiah didn’t adopt the evil practices of his father and grandfather except that Amon was only 24 when he was assassinated and Josiah, just eight years old, was named to succeed him. Maybe boy King J hadn’t been around his father long enough to learn and mimic his sinful behavior.

 

When Josiah was 26, in the 18^th year of his reign, a special moment occurred. A high priest named Hilkiah found “the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord,” the sacred Scriptures (2 Kings 22:8). He gave them to the king’s secretary, Shaphan, who read them aloud to Josiah. 

 

His response was one of joy and grief at the same time: “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” He told his aides, “'Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah…. Great is the Lord’s anger that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book…'” (2 Kings 22:11-13).

 

Josiah’s enthusiasm wasn’t temporary. He didn’t just listen to the Scriptures, then shrug his shoulders and say, “That’s nice. Now let’s get on with business.” Instead, with a humble heart he led a revival among the people of Judah, reaffirming the covenant God had made with them many years before.

 

He destroyed all the articles of worship to false gods, got rid of the pagan priests, and restored the sacred festivals and requirements God had established in the Book of the Law. We’re told, “Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did – with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength…” (2 Kings 23:25).

 

Years ago, a good friend was discipling a young couple who had just come to faith in Christ. They’d never read the Bible before – didn’t even own a copy. So, my friend gave them a Bible and had them read 2 Timothy 3:16, which says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

 

When the wife read those words, she exclaimed with joy and amazing insight, “Wow! God wrote a book!” 

The Bible, the Lord’s love letter to His children, should be a continuing source of joy for us as well as we seek to plumb its depth and experience its power. We’re not expected to “tear our robes” when we read it, but we should appreciate what an amazing and timeless gift from God it is. 

How Can We Rejoice and Be Glad in 'This Day'?

A popular child’s song from years past told us, “This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” It is based directly on Psalm 118:24. I don’t know if it’s still used much in Christian settings, but I always loved the happy, lilting tune.

 

As I mentioned in my last post, I like to recite this verse silently when I awaken each morning: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” But let’s be honest: Aren’t there days when we wonder, ‘How can I rejoice and be glad in this day’?

 

Sept. 11, 2001 was one of those days, when four commercial airliners were hijacked by terrorists. Two were flown into New York City’s World Trade Center towers, a third one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the fourth into a rural field in Pennsylvania, redirected by courageous passengers before it reached its intended target. 

Charlie Kirk, Wikipedia photo

Wednesday was another of those days, when Charlie Kirk, a popular Conservative activist and unapologetic follower and witness for Jesus Christ, was assassinated, apparently by a trained marksman or sniper.

I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Kirk (everyone knew him as Charlie) but had viewed many of his videos on social media. I have no way of knowing whether his public persona aligned with his life off the stage, but people interviewed who were close to him confirmed he was the real deal, a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of person.

 

He spoke about crucial topics of today, including marriage and family, politics, sexual lifestyles, gender ideology, abortion, the poor, and most important of all, the life-changing, transforming power of Jesus Christ. I admired his intellect and rhetorical skills. He had a keen mind in being able to debate and disarm opposing arguments with logic rather than emotion, and usually with a smile, grace and compassion.

 

At only 31 years old, a husband and father of two young children, Charlie seemed to have a bright future and potential to become an even more powerful changemaker in society than he already was. So, how can we ‘rejoice and be glad’ in a day when he became the victim of such a heinous act?

 

While we mourn Charlie’s all-too-soon passing and grieve for his family, I believe there are many reasons we can indeed ‘rejoice and be glad’ despite such tragedy. Let me cite some of them:

 

He is now with the Lord. Every time he spoke, Charlie was intentional in communicating his faith in Jesus Christ and why he believed, as well as the importance for everyone to seriously consider the Gospel message. In 1 John 5:11-13 we read, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” This passage says that if we have trusted in Christ, we can know for certain that we have eternal life. Charlie knew this.

 

His message will continue. When Charlie spoke about his faith, as well as issues being discussed, he often referred to the Scriptures as his ultimate source of Truth. Over the years he addressed countless thousands of people, many of them college-aged and young adults. In addition, his videos were viewed – and will continue being viewed – by millions, thanks to the Internet and social media. Whether Charlie thought of it this way or not, he was planting seeds that will bear fruit for eternity. As Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Mark 13:31). And Hebrews 4:12 declares, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

 

God will raise up others in his place. Charlie wasn’t a lone ranger. His organization, Turning Point USA, has more than 850 campus chapters, and surely God will raise up others to fill the void he left behind. In 2 Kings 2:9 we read the account of the prophet Elijah ‘passing his mantle’ to his protégé, Elisha. Before being taken up to heaven by God, Elijah asked, “‘Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?’ ‘Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,’ Elisha replied.” Perhaps even now someone is praying, asking the Lord for a “double portion” of what God had given Charlie.

 

The Lord will carry his family through this difficult time. It is reported that ahead of Charlie’s passing, his wife, Erika, shared a favorite Bible verse on social media: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The coming days will be unimaginably hard for the Kirk family, but they will find refuge and strength in the Lord to sustain them. This is an assurance we all have if we have entrusted our lives to Christ, being reborn as children of God.

 

God will turn this tragedy into His good. A verse we commonly turn to in times of adversity is Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” There’s danger of overusing it, turning it into a platitude, but it’s true, nonetheless. I’ve experienced it many times myself, and hopefully you have as well.

 

The Bible gives many examples of how the Lord fulfilled this promise, including the story of Joseph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, then falsely accused and imprisoned in Egypt. Yet God sovereignly enabled Joseph to rise to second in power only to Pharaoh and used by the Lord to save the people of Israel in the midst of a great famine. After encountering his betraying brothers, Joseph stated, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this…” (Genesis 50:20).

What good God intends to accomplish through this evil, murderous act against Charlie Kirk we can’t know right now. But we can firmly believe He will use it in His time. And knowing that even Sept. 10, 2025 – as well as Sept. 11, 2001 – were days the Lord made, we can rejoice in them.

WWJW: What Would Jesus Write?

Remember years ago, when WWJD was the craze? Books were written, sermons given, T-shirts printed, and bracelets produced with those letters that represented the question, “What Would Jesus Do?” People responded with a wide variety of answers. Some were drawn from what the Bible teaches, others were shaped primarily by, “Well, if I were Jesus, here’s what I would do….”

 

Not wanting to revive that fad, or spark another for that matter, but I’m thinking there’s a similar question worth considering: What Would Jesus Write?

 

You might be thinking, “Whaddya mean?” Before offering my explanation, first I must give credit where it’s due. This idea was sparked while listening to Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth’s “Revive Our Hearts” radio program. 

She was wrapping up a series on the book of Revelation, which includes letters the Lord directed the apostle John to write to seven churches in Asia Minor. John was instructed, “To the church in Ephesus write…,” and then to Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. As with the rest of the Bible, God used human hands to record His thoughts, teachings, and commandments.

 

However, the Scriptures recount one occasion when Jesus paused to write literally, although it’s up for debate what He actually wrote. It happened after Jewish teachers of the law and Pharisees had caught a woman in the act of adultery. They brought her to Jesus, asking Him, “In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” (John 8:3-5). 

 

Why did they do this? Feeling threatened by His growing following and fearful that He would usurp their authority, they were hoping to trap Jesus, using His response to discredit Him and His teachings.

 

Rather than giving an oral answer, however, Jesus did something they didn’t expect: “…But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, ‘If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first…” (John 8:6-9).

 

What a curious thing to do when confronted by hostile accusers, right? Granted, no one knows for certain what Jesus wrote in the dirt, but here’s a conjecture: Perhaps He was jotting down sins each of the religious leaders was guilty of committing. Being God incarnate, Jesus might even have written so that every one of them saw their own sins exposed. I don’t know, but maybe?

 

We do know the Lord is fond of the written word. He inspired and guided the writing of the Scriptures, commonly referred to as the Word of God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

 

The Gospel of John opens by declaring, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:2). Expanding on this, Hebrews 1:3 tells us, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.” Jesus Christ, the Word of God in the flesh, is incomparable in using words to communicate His truth.

 

Then we have Hebrews 4:12 which asserts, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Again, we see how God uses the written word to convey His eternal, life-changing message.

 

Getting back to Revelation and the letters to the seven ancient churches, to each one God stated, “I know your deeds,” or “I know your afflictions and your poverty,” or “I know where you live.” The Lord is saying He knows each one personally and intimately. For most of them, then came words of encouragement, followed by a warning or an admonition.

 

The exception, expressed in what God directed John to write to the church in Laodicea, were these strong words of condemnation: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot…. So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).

 

How would you like the Lord to write that – or something similar – about you? Not me! Professing believers in Laodicea weren’t zealous for God, but neither were they intentionally rejecting Him. They were, in a single word, apathetic. That’s the worst condition of all; they thought well of themselves but were indifferent to the Lord they claimed to believe in.

 

Still, God was not ready to wash His hands of them. He closed His letter to them by declaring, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am: I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

 

Many of us are familiar with the “I stand at the door and knock” statement. It’s often viewed as an evangelistic invitation. However, the context shows Jesus is speaking to His church, people who would have answered affirmatively to the term “Christian.” Yet they were lukewarm toward Him. In the slang of today, their reaction would be, “Meh,” accompanied by a shrug.

Let’s bring this home by asking ourselves, ‘WWJW: What Would Jesus Write’ about each of us? Might be a tough question to consider. But it’s one we should ponder and pray about, asking the Lord what He would write about us right now. 

Of All the Opinions Only One Really Counts

These days everyone seems to have an opinion. I’ve often said, being one myself, that journalists have an opinion on everything – whether they know anything about it or not. And we’re being bombarded with these opinions, often nestled indistinguishably in the reporting of news.

 

But journalists are hardly alone among the opinionated. As the holidays approach, we’re reminded that when families gather for feasts and festivities, it’s often wise to hold opinions to ourselves if we’re to avoid familial civil wars.

 

Our schools – whether at the elementary, middle school or high school levels, and especially in colleges and universities, our institutions of higher learning – increasingly deliver as much opinion as academic curricula. Students at many schools are being exposed to as much ideology as they are geology, sociology and biology.

 

Opinions abound, of course, at every level of politics. Sadly, it seems you can’t support a particular party without fully accepting its opinions and biased perspectives. It used to be we could go to the movies or watch TV to be entertained. Now, story lines are littered with thinly disguised opinions on virtually every area of social conduct and discourse.

 

So, with all these opinions flying around us and infiltrating our minds, which ones are we to believe? I have some opinions on that – ha, ha! But if you’ve been reading my posts for any length of time, you’re aware that in my view ultimately there’s only one opinion that counts: God’s. Which is why, no matter which topic I choose to write about, the question I always ask is, “What does the Bible say about that?”

I know there are those who would disagree, but I’m convinced that on many matters the Scriptures are unequivocal in what they say. For instance, they’re very clear on the uses and abuses of money and material things. (I’ll write more about that another time.) The Bible offers straight-forward guidelines about relationships – within marriage; outside of marriage; parents and children; friendships; bosses, employees, coworkers and subordinates; and even strangers.

 

The prevailing social culture might – and often does – look at issues in stark contrast to what the Scriptures present, but cultural trends come and go. God is eternal and unchanging: “Jesus Christ is the same today and yesterday and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

 

Another verse from the same New Testament book tells us of the Bible’s very personal impact on those who read it and honestly consider what it has to say: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

 

Perhaps my favorite passage about the intrinsic value of the Word of God is 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 

The Bible doesn’t speak specifically about some topics. Take, for example, texting while driving or getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. However, its principles do address it, I believe. We read, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) and operating a motor vehicle while distracted or impaired and getting into an accident that results in someone’s death is tantamount to murder. 

 

The rest of the Ten Commandments cover a wide range of human behavior, including theft, sex outside of the marriage bond, lying and being dishonest, envying what others have, having respect for parents and those in authority, and especially our relationship with God. 

 

Much of the Bible is effectively elaborating on what Jesus regarded as the two greatest commandments: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40).

 

I’ve yet to find an issue or topic of major consequence the Lord does not address in His Word, directly or indirectly. So, while I try to listen to and consider the viewpoints of others, even those that differ drastically from my own, it’s settled in my mind that God’s opinion is the only one that really matters. And that serves as the underlying motive for what I write.

Learning Key Lessons to the Beat of a Drum

As I’ve mentioned before, after a hiatus of several decades, I decided to resume taking drum lessons so I could make better use of the electronic kit I had purchased. In high school, I played drums in the marching, concert and dance bands, but had allowed my skills to go dormant in subsequent years.

 

My drum teacher, a veteran of the country music circuit, has helped me to relearn techniques I had forgotten. And he’s taught me lots of new things as well. Recently I told him that besides the specific “grooves” and “fills” I’m learning, I’ve discovered – or rediscovered – two important principles, ones that transcend the world of drumsticks, tom-toms and cymbals. 

The first is that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I didn’t have an appreciation for the scope of modern drumming. I had no idea how much technology has advanced drums and percussion over the years. And the simple rhythms I learned as a teenager barely touch on what skilled drummers are doing these days.

 

My second principle is that it takes time to develop skill, no matter how naturally talented you are. The Internet offers thousands of videos of drummers playing with precision and incredible speed. Each time I see one of those I think, “How in the world do they do that?” They have natural talent, but more than anything, the key is practice. Many, many hours of it. Mastering the craft of drumming takes time.

 

These simple principles are applicable for virtually any area of life, whether it’s academics, marriage, parenting, business, sports, hobbies, or even spiritual growth. Especially for spiritual growth.

 

When I committed my life to follow Jesus Christ many years ago, I definitely didn’t know what I didn’t know. I understood Jesus had died on the cross for my sins, and I needed to receive what Romans 6:23 calls “the gift of God” to experience His forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life. I knew the Bible had an Old Testament and a New Testament, and was familiar with some of the Scriptures’ key individuals. 

 

However, I knew little of what the so-called “Christian life” is all about, I didn’t know trials and adversity are building blocks for strengthening one’s faith. I didn’t know we can’t successfully live a godly life in our own strength – believe me, I tried. I didn’t know what it meant to have a sense of divine calling, or that God gives each believer one or more spiritual gifts. I definitely had no understanding of how practical biblical teaching is for many areas of life, things like handling money, navigating the challenges of married life, raising kids, building relationships, making decisions, becoming a leader, and many others.

 

Then I began learning the truth of passages like 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 

Similarly, I also didn’t understand the vital role of time in developing spiritual maturity. Just as seeds planted in a garden take time to grow and produce flowers, fruit or vegetables, the Word of God, which is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), takes time to take root and bear spiritual fruit. 

 

I recall attending a weekly men’s Bible study many years ago and marveling at how some of the guys there could navigate the Scriptures to answer questions that came up for discussion. “How do they do that?” I’d wonder. Getting to know some of those men, I realized they hadn’t acquired their familiarity with the Scriptures overnight. 

 

The Bible speaks to this in many ways. For example, in writing to his protégé, Timothy, the apostle Paul admonished him, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). 

 

Psalms opens with the declaration, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). Much later in the Psalms we read, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word. I will seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9-11).

 

“Being diligent.” “Meditating day and night.” “Hiding [God’s] words in my heart.” Each of those statements, along with other passages in both the Old and New Testaments, suggest a combination of time, effort and determination. There’s no such thing as an overnight success spiritually.

 

On several occasions, Paul used the metaphor of being an athletic competitor to describe the dedication and commitment necessary to become a fruitful follower of Jesus. He observed, ”Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training…I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

 

Whether striving to be an accomplished drummer or an unwavering disciple of Christ, there’s always something yet to be learned – things you didn’t know you didn’t know. And even the most seasoned believer, even if he or she has been walking with Jesus for many years and has read through the Bible numerous times, still has more race to run. 

 

Nearing the end of his life, Paul wrote, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it…. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Even after a bountifully fruitful life of ministry, Paul didn’t feel as if he had yet arrived. What does that say about us?

Not All There Is to Know, But All We Need to Know

How many books have you read more than once? It may seem bold to ask this question, since reading books is becoming a thing of the past for many people. What with all the channels on cable TV, the Internet, video games, text messaging and other distractions, who has time to read, right?

 

But for those who still enjoy the feel of a tangible book, the rustle of pages turning, the smell of paper and ink, and the adventure of discovering what the author has packed inside the book, I ask again: How many books have you read more than once? (Comic books don’t count.)

 

Personally, I’ve enjoyed reading a few classic novels a second or even third time. I’ve re-read George Orwell’s 1984 several times because his cautionary, dystopian tale appears to be unfolding right before our eyes, in real time. There are several books by Christian authors I’ve revisited, seeking to draw from their wells of wisdom again. 

 

There’s one book, however, that I have read cover to cover well over a dozen times. Perhaps you can guess what it is: the Bible. If I were to begin using adjectives to describe what the Bible – the Word of God – has meant for me over the years, I’d have to consult a thesaurus to cover all the bases. Words like amazing, incredible, and life-changing can’t begin to capture the impact of the Scriptures.

 

Why have I read it so much? Not because I expect any divine pats on the back or “extra credit.” It’s just that as I’ve read through the Bible year after year, I’ve found it kind of like peeling an onion – remove one layer and discover there’s another layer right below it, then another, and another. I’m convinced that an entire lifetime of reading through the Scriptures could barely begin to capture its vast treasures.

 

There are many reasons for this. Its length is one. One Bible I regularly use for reference has nearly 1,550 pages of purely biblical text – no footnotes, and not including the compilers’ introduction, table of contents, foreword, and index. Since it consists of 39 Old Testament books and 27 in the New Testament, written by dozens of different authors, there’s a lot to read from a variety of perspectives.

 

In the Bible we find narratives, history, poetry, letters, personal accounts, and other forms of writing, all pointing to one central theme: Jesus Christ and God’s plan for the redemption of His creation, most notably, humankind. That’s a lot to absorb.

 

But there’s another reason why the Scriptures are so compelling, so intriguing that they can be read again and again and again without ever seeming stale. The secret, I believe, is found in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judged the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

 

The best novel, or a classic book that has endured centuries, might be fun to read again, but it will always say the same things. The Bible, however, has the uncanny capacity to speak to us differently each time we read it. That is, God through His Word can speak to us differently every time. This is because as we continue in our journey through life, we encounter the Scriptures in new ways, depending on what we’re experiencing and how we’ve changed.

 

An old friend, an agnostic, once told me that he regarded the Bible as “a primer, something you read once, and then you move on to something more sophisticated.” No offense intended, but I think that might be one of the most ridiculous things anyone has ever said. Because nothing is more comprehensive, profound, penetrating, and timeless as the Word of God. Its principles, principles and truths have transcended the ages and will continue doing so until Christ’s promised return. 

 

At the same time, I have no problem acknowledging the Bible doesn’t tell us all there is to know about God. How could it? But it does tell us all we need to know about God.

 

I like how 2 Peter 1:3-4 expresses it: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption of the world caused by evil desires.”

 

Back in 1966, a movie came out called “Alfie,” starring Michael Caine. Its theme song asked, “What’s it all about?” This is a question that resonates with millions of people to this day. We ask things such as, “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” “What’s my purpose in life?” “Where do I find meaning?” The Scriptures, I can say without any reservation, answer each of these questions – and many more – if we’re only willing to give them an honest, open-minded look.

 

In the longest of the Psalms, the writer asks and then answers, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9-11).

 

We live in a world that seems spinning out of control. I believe it’s primarily because we’ve turned our backs on our Creator, the One who has laid out for us in His Word how we should live. As the King James Version puts it, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Another translation says it a bit differently – “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint.” But then the verse ends, “but happy is he who keeps [God’s] law.”

As wondrous as the Bible is, the divinely inspired Word of God, it’s barely the tip of the proverbial iceberg about all that is possible to know about Him. But it definitely tells us all we need to know about Him. 

Good Questions to Ask Ourselves and Others

Do you have an Advent calendar? We don’t, but I’ve been amazed at the assortment of Advent calendars that have appeared this year, many of which having little to do with the biblical concept of Christmas. 

 

Traditionally, the Advent calendar counts down the days until Dec. 25, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in that “little town of Bethlehem,” as the traditional carol calls it. But many of the calendars I’ve seen feature everything from toys to cheese. Even little bottles of wine. This has been a year to tempt even the most staunch teetotaler, but seriously? For Advent?

 

Nevertheless, in one way or another, we’re all making preparations for Christmas. Buying and wrapping gifts. Making family gathering plans – COVID guideline-approved, of course. Baking cookies and other holiday treats. Watching holiday movies and specials. All with the calendar counting down to the day most “magical” – the term each Hallmark Christmas movie is required to include.

 

But how about preparing spiritually?

 

I’ve already forgotten who sent them to me, but I received an intriguing list of “questions to ask professing Christians,” compiled by pastor and author Tim Keller. As we anticipate Christmas morning, his questions would be good for each of us to consider. They might aid our own ponderings about the “true meaning of Christmas.”

 

We receive an admonition in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test?” Keller’s questions provide such a test. Here they are for us to ponder for ourselves and others:

 

1. What is the evidence of God’s presence in your life? We tend to associate being a Christian – a follower of Christ – with things we do. Like attending church (in non-pandemic times), performing good deeds, using the proper vocabulary in the right settings, things like that. But outward behavior isn’t always an accurate indicator. As someone has said, going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going into a garage makes you a car.

 

In the middle of His “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus spoke about counterfeit faith. He probably astonished many in His audience when He declared, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform man miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23). 

 

What is this “evidence”? Well, for starters, consider Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Again such things there is no law.” These are not mutually exclusive, and if God is present in our lives, we should sense and demonstrate this “fruit” increasingly in our lives. Nothing wrong with being a fruit inspector.

 

2. What is the evidence of Scripture changing you? No one’s perfect or ever will be, this side of eternity. But for true followers of Christ, reading, meditating on and studying the Scriptures is always life-changing. “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). 

 

As 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, being changed by God and His Word is inevitable: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” We might have walked an aisle, raised a hand during an invitation time, or marked a response card indicating we had repeated a suggested prayer. But if we remain the same person we were before that, there’s some justification in questioning what – if anything – has been going on in our lives spiritually.

 

In Psalm 119:11, King David wrote about his reliance on God’s Word for everyday living: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

 

3. What is your evidence of a growing appreciation for God’s mercy? Early in our spiritual lives, during the euphoric “honeymoon” period, we feel excited about our new relationship with Jesus. We start hearing the biblical promises and grow in anticipation of God’s blessings. Then, once the emotions ebb, we begin contemplating what the Lord has done for us.

 

We used to think we were pretty good folks, and maybe even have believed the Lord got a bargain when He invited us to join His eternal family. However, one day we realize who were really are – and who He really is – and start to grasp the amazing, truly miraculous act of mercy God has performed to make us His children. And we begin to realize the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

 

Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Chronologically speaking, none of us had yet committed our first sin when Jesus made the truly ultimate sacrifice; we hadn’t been born yet, not even a gleam in anyone’s eye. Even knowing how sinful, how unworthy we would one day prove to be, Jesus willingly went to the cross for us. As an old friend used to say, Jesus took the rap for us.

 

Another passage offers a powerful perspective: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

 

How do we answer the questions above? If accused of being followers of Jesus Christ, would there be enough evidence to convict us? Something to ponder during this Advent season. 

How Does God Speak to Us?

Several weeks ago, one of the regulars on a daytime TV talk show mocked Vice President Mike Pence for saying in an interview that Jesus speaks to him. In a brief harangue, for which she later apologized after many complaints were lodged, this person questioned the Vice President’s mental state – and by inference, anyone else that believes God can speak to them personally.

I won’t comment further on what she said, but this brief verbal kerfuffle did raise an important question. Does God speak to us, and if so, how?

Without hesitation, I can say He has spoken to me numerous times, although never in an audible manner. However, in the Scriptures we do find God speaking audibly whenever He chose to do so – to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden; to Noah, Abraham and Jacob; through a burning bush to Moses; on numerous occasions to the prophet Samuel; to Saul (later renamed Paul) on the road to Damascus, and many other times to many other people.

Today, we have the compiled Word of God – Old and New testaments – through which He can speak to us powerfully and clearly. Hebrews 4:12 assures us, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Writing to his protégé, Timothy, the apostle Paul asserted, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). And King David, who understood what it was like to get sidetracked when he wasn’t heeding God’s direction, observed, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word…. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9,11).

Unlike people of biblical times, who couldn’t go to their neighborhood Christian bookstore or go to an app or online to read the Scriptures, we have ready access to God’s revealed truth, precepts and principles for everyday living.

So people don’t talk as much about the Lord speaking with a voice we can hear aloud, although I’ve talked with some who attest they have experienced that at least once when it was important for Him to get their attention.

In the Middle East, however, it seems God is speaking authoritatively to spur an unprecedented spiritual awakening in that region. Missionaries serving there attest to many men, women and children turning from Islam and receiving Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, even at risk of their lives. In many cases, it was not a missionary who spoke with them about the gospel of Christ, but Jesus Himself, appearing to them in dreams and visions.

God can – and obviously does – speak audibly even today whenever He wishes to do so. But in addition to reading the Scriptures, and having the Holy Spirit within us to help us understand and apply what we read, God speaks to us in other ways.

I could never recount all the times He has spoken to me through other people, not only a pastor or Bible teacher, but also godly friends who pointed me to appropriate Scripture passages when a need arose. Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Many times that “sharpening” has come through someone citing or reminding me of just the right verse for my particular circumstances.

This has proved especially helpful in making crucial decisions. As Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” More often than not, this has involved not just their own knowledge and experience, but drawing from the vast storehouse of wisdom God has given us in His Word.

Finally, the Lord often speaks very clearly through circumstances. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3:5-6). At times I have prayed for God’s wisdom and direction, having no clue about what I should do or where I should turn. Occasionally – perhaps because I wouldn’t have been smart enough to recognize His direction any other way – He has closed doors He didn’t want me to walk through, opening only a single door of opportunity so I wouldn’t agonize over which way to go.

So, to that individual who thought the idea of Jesus speaking personally to His people sounded ludicrous, I’d respond He does indeed speak today, but relatively few people seem willing to listen to what He has to say. For that reason, like the apostle Paul, we should pray “that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains” (Ephesians 6:19).