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Desperate for Christ's Strength

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

"What is not possible to us by nature, let us ask the Lord to supply by the help of his grace." - The Rule of St. Benedict Prologue 41

Good morning, or good day, to any and all who have taken time to visit this link. I write this morning with a deep, raw awareness of how desperately I need the strength and grace of God through Jesus Christ to sustain me, heal me, and set me right. Much of what has passed for "security" over my first 40 years of life, I realize, were props masking a profound insecurity and instability. Having kicked one of the biggest props out from under myself -- a steady paycheck, in favor of a new business venture -- I knew life would look and feel different, and I haven't been disappointed. Through unforeseen circumstances that have arisen in recent days, the Lord is working on me in places He hasn't been welcome before -- at least not for many years -- and it just plain hurts. I share this not to whine but to lay bare God's work in my life as a testimony and, yes, a request for your prayers, and also as an encouragement if you're walking through anything similar. I sense God's hand at work in the midst of pain and upheaval, and I pray and trust that you will feel it too. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope that we have in Christ, and let us keep walking today, whether we are in abiding joy or deep and discomforting transition. 

Father, thank you that you are faithful to comfort us in our despair, to shower us with love and forgiveness as we repent where necessary, to hear our cries when we call to you, and to remind us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Amen.

Fear, Dread, Desperation and Joy

Reading Psalm 116 with my children this morning, I was struck again by the depth of David's anguish, and struck even more by the depth of God's intervention. David was acutely aware of his desperate need for help, for a rescue from despair, for "the ear" of God to be inclined toward him. In the midst of David's pain, God showed up. And just as passionately as he had poured out his fear and dread, David poured out his gratifude when God indeed heard his cry and comforted him. Here in the start-up phase of my new business, after 18 years of a steady paycheck, with a healthcare challenge facing my wife and the global economy teetering, I have become more aware than ever of my desperate need for the Lord's presence, power and peace. In my most fearful moments, I find myself crying out and seeking God's face in ways that I haven't sought Him for many years. I hope you're in a similar place of desperation, because -- as David experienced -- it's usually at our place of greatest uncertainty that God's certainty becomes real to us as we grow toward maturity in Christ.

A prayer for today: Heavenly Father, thank you that we are not alone, that You have not forsaken us, that we can trust You for provision. We give you thanks for saving us and await the miraculous ways that You will "show up" big in our circumstances this week. In the name and power of Jesus Christ, Amen.   

Eyes Fixed

"...let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher 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 the Father." (Hebrews 12:2)

As the United States prepares to elect a new president and other leaders tomorrow, it can be tempting to fix our eyes on the promise of political deliverance and take our gaze off of the Most High God who truly rules the nations. I, for one, have found myself becoming too swept up in the debate this campaign season and have had to repent of allowing it to distract my gaze. It's not that engaging in politics is ungodly or unbiblical in itself; on the contrary, Christ followers are called to be "in the world" -- active and involved -- even  as we're not "of" it. But problems can arise when we lose our focus on the fact that, whoever wins tomorrow's elections, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will still be in control and will still move mightily in this nation through the lives of all who fear Him and draw near to Him in faith. I would encourage us to pray for His perfect will to be accomplished tomorrow, and to fix (or re-fix) our eyes on Jesus, trusting that His truth will ultimately prevail in the election and in all things.

Heavenly Father, thank you that You still reign, that Your truth still prevails, and that You still love us with a perfect love beyond what we could imagine. Let Your perfect will be done in our nation, O God. We fix our eyes on You again, trusting You, in the name of Jesus Christ and for Your glory, Amen.  

 

Welcome, Y-WORD and New-Life News readers!

For those who formerly received these weekly devotionals from my YMCA address, welcome to the blog site. Please check back each Monday for an updated message. Blessings to you in Christ -- Phil 

MAY THE WORD DWELL RICHLY IN US 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17)

"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)

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." (1 Peter 1:23)

Heavenly Father, as we begin this week, we thank you for the Word of Christ. In these challenging days, draw us closer to You, we pray, as we soak our minds and hearts in your living, active, holy Word. Instruct us, inform us, correct us, and guide us into a deeper, more trusting faith in You. For your sake and glory, Amen.

Life On Demand

We live in an on-demand world. Instant access has become standard. You want more channels? Upgrade to Comcast On Demand. Need breaking news? Check the local station’s web site for “updates on demand.” A local law firm advertises: “Justice is your right, and we demand it.”

“But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.” (Luke 23:23)

Our culture’s credo tends to be: Get it, get it exactly the way you want it, and get it now. In contrast, the Scriptures teach us not to demand, either of God or of others, but to employ a deferential approach:

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10)

A wise friend once reminded me, “There is more power in the open hand than in the clenched fist. Do all in love and kindness.” We are wisest when we remain open and willing to serve, seeking to bring an in-kindness spirit to an on-demand world.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Father, thank you for the truth of your Word. Help us, we pray, to ask more and to demand less; to wait patiently more and to complain less; to exude kindness more and to be less abrasive with others. In the mighty name of Christ, and for His sake, Amen.

Joy In the Midst of Unease

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” (King David, in Psalm 5:11)

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (Jesus, in John 15:10-11)

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Paul, in Romans 12:12)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

Much like peace, it seems that deep and abiding joy is something of a scarce commodity at the moment. A sense of unease has gripped many in the land as we confront economic turbulence. We see traces of fear and fatigue on the faces of our neighbors and colleagues—and in our mirrors. While acknowledging the very real concerns that this season has brought and may bring, we would be wise to resist the temptation toward discontentment and instead to focus on the joy that is promised to all who place their trust in the Lord. His timeless goodness, His provision, His faithfulness are able to sustain us through even the wildest market fluctuation or global economic challenge.

Great and gracious God, your joy is our strength. Thank you for your promise of joy, a deep contentment that results from trusting in your goodness. Lord, thank you that regardless of external circumstances, all can be well with our souls as we rest in you. Fill us anew, we pray, with joy. Amen.

Perfect Peace for Uncertain Times

“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ ” (Luke 24:36)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Jesus, in John 14:27)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jesus, in John 16:33)

The word peace occurs 247 times in the Bible. My favorite verses on the subject are the ones quoted above, when Jesus speaks to his disciples after His death, burial and resurrection. The men and women to whom he appears are in a panic: shocked, confused, despondent. Sudden circumstances have rendered them afraid and uncertain. Sound familiar? No, the markets had not fallen 25% that week. Home values had not eroded. But far worse, their beloved teacher and Lord had been tortured, executed and buried. The One in whom they had placed their trust was gone, or so it seemed. Into their fear and doubt, Jesus arrives with four power-packed words: “Peace be with you.” He knows exactly what they need, and He delivers it. He is the same peace-giving Messiah today. He remains loving and faithful to bring us peace in the midst of the current uncertainty, if only we will resist the temptation to panic, and place our trust in His care for us.

Heavenly Father, God of peace, thank you that the Prince of Peace died in our stead to secure our salvation and place in heaven, and to secure the peace in our hearts and minds that we may enjoy in this present age as we trust in Your goodness. Amen.

God's Compassion -- And Ours

“Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” (Isaiah 49:13)

“But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation... Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.” (Psalm 69:13,16-18)

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

O Lord, we rejoice in your love and forgiveness! You are faithful to comfort us, to lavish us with heavenly compassion. Father, you have answered us in our distress and come to us in our time of trouble. We thank you, not only with words, but with resolve to extend your compassion and forgiveness to others today. Lead us, we pray, as we carry Christ’s compassion to the desperate, the fearful, the hope-deprived. Amen.

Harvest Time (Sept. 22)

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that His ways may be known on earth, His salvation among all nations.” (Psalm 67:1-2)

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’ ” (Matthew 9:35-38)

“Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35)

Gracious God, Heavenly Father, and Lord of the harvest, as we move into the beauty of autumn, we thank you for loving us with a perfect love. You have blessed us abundantly, O God. With grateful hearts, we pray that you will make your salvation known among the nations through us. Thank you that you have sent us out — and that you have brought the world to our doorstep. Work through us, we pray, in our offices and neighborhoods, in our families and communities, in our day-to-day encounters. We go forth in your name, and in your power, to bring the hope of Jesus to the hurting, the lonely, the lost, the “harassed and helpless.” Let us be part of your reaping of a great harvest of souls that are destined to come fully alive in you. Amen.

Strength in Weakness

“So man will be brought low and mankind humbled. But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness.” (Isaiah 5:15)

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take [the thorn] away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

One of the main threads woven through the Bible is the idea that true strength comes not from human power, but from a humble acknowledgment of weakness and a desperate dependence upon divine power. This theme is perhaps best captured in the image of a helpless baby, born in squalor, marked for suffering and death…but destined to rise triumphant as the mighty Savior of mankind. I’m not sure about you, but it takes me about 15 seconds each morning to remember my weaknesses. (Some days, just rolling out of bed can serve as an instant humbler.) I hope you find it as encouraging as I do, then, that the Lord not only knows and understands our weaknesses — be they spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, etc. — but that he loves to display his strength through us when we realize we are at our weakest.

Heavenly Father and Lord Almighty, we praise you today for your strength and holiness and righteousness, and we thank you that you meet us in our weakness to show your mighty power through our lives. When we are weak, then we are strong in you. Fill us afresh with joy and expectation today as we rely upon your strength. Amen.

"We Are A Team" -- Olympic Interdependence

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up... Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12)

“…speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Jesus Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)

“We’re a team. We went in as a team and now we’re exiting as a team—and we’re going out with that gold that we needed to get back.” (Michael Phelps, after the men’s Olympic 4x100 freestyle relay)

It’s a good thing this isn’t an audio devotional, because I just about lost my voice screaming during the final leg of the men’s 4x100 freestyle relay last night. The U.S. team edged France for swimming gold thanks to a stunning anchor-leg comeback. And yet, as easy as it might be to focus on Jason Lezak’s finishing kick, it took all four swimmers performing at their peak to claim victory and shatter the world record. Each athlete was dependent on the three others. It’s the same in the body of Christ. I’m called to complete a key “leg” as a follower of Jesus, and so are you. None of us is more, or less, important than any other. And we are interdependent; we only function as God intends when we function united as essential parts of the “body of Christ.” It takes all of us, submitting to the Lord’s leadership, to bring glory to His name and to make a life-changing difference in those He has called us to serve.

Heavenly Father, in a world that often glorifies independence, isolation and self-attainment, thank you for a timely reminder that two are better than one. We are dependent on You first—as the strongest link in our “cord of three strands”—and also on one another. Lead me, by your Spirit, not only to do my work today but also to join with others in advancing Your kingdom of love and truth together. Amen.

The Carnival, The Christ, and A Joyful Chorus

“[Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’ ” (Mark 4:39-41)

This past Sunday morning—day three of a four-day cruise to Cozumel celebrating my parents-in-law’s 50th wedding anniversary—I walked out of the stateroom spiritually hungry and thirsty. In the midst of so much pleasure, aboard a ship aptly dubbed The Fantasy, I was eager for the reality of Christ-centered fellowship and a chance to praise the Master of the high seas...but aware that Carnival offered no such activity. Then I heard it. As I entered the ship’s grand atrium, a chorus of strong voices and piano rang out from a side room. It turned out that a large group of friends from West Monroe, Louisiana, had booked the room for a service. Welcomed in, my wife and I spent the next hour joining voice and heart in a powerful time of praise, prayer, and an encouraging message from the Scriptures about loving the Lord above all else. It didn’t matter that we’d never met, or that we happened to be the only “Caucasians” in the room, or that we probably would never see these brethren again. The spiritual bond was instantaneous, and we were reminded that there are no strangers in God’s kingdom! This hour proved to be one of the highlights of our vacation—a great gift from a gracious Father.

“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’ ” (Revelation 5:13)

Heavenly Father, Master of the land and of the sea, thank you for surprising us at times with opportunities to praise and exalt you, no matter where we find ourselves. Continue to receive our praise and gratitude as we seek to glorify Your name in all that we think, say and do. Amen.

Take Courage

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah, in Isaiah 41:10)

“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (Jesus, in John 16:33)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Paul, in Philippians 4:6-7)

What is your greatest fear today? What circumstance seems about ready to overwhelm you? In the face of whatever anxiety is crouching at your door, the Word for today is: Pause, take a deep breath, and let the promises of today’s Scriptures wash over you. Do not fear… Take courage… Do not be anxious… The peace of God stands ready to set a guard around your heart and mind. Invite the Lord into your place of anxiety, listen for His voice, and take courage that His presence is your security in all circumstances. Trust that He is good, and loving, and faithful to strengthen and help all who turn to Him in time of need.

Eternal God and merciful Heavenly Father, we are desperate for You today. We hunger to know You more deeply; we thirst for a cool drink of Your gracious, loving presence. We come to You again, placing our fears and failures, our hurts and needs, at Your feet. We trust that You will uphold us and grant us peace that passes understanding. Amen.

A Good Place To Begin

King David, toward the end of his life, prayed a stirring prayer that stands as a model for us these many centuries later. As recorded in 1 Chronicles 29, David had just finished instructing his son Solomon, who would succeed his father as king. David had announced to the people that a holy temple would be built, and he had given generously of his personal treasures to begin the “fundraising” process. As resources began to pour in for the temple, David was overwhelmed with gratitude toward the Source of those resources. He knew that his time on earth was drawing to a close, and he understood that a great endeavor faced his beloved people. And so he focused his heart and mind on the Most High God from whom all blessings would continue to flow. Whatever endeavor we face in this season—however daunting, however scarce the resources for its completion might seem—the place where David began is a fitting place for us to begin. Here is his prayer; I would encourage us to make it our own:

“Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name...”
(I Chronicles 29:11-13)

Amen.

The Father's 'Ironman' Love

“To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” (Jude 1-2)

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1 John 3:16)

By now, many have seen the video of a father and his disabled son completing an Ironman Triathlon together. The father pulls the son in a raft through 2.4 miles of ocean, carries him to a specially equipped bike and then pedals him for 112 hilly miles, and finally straps him into a wheelchair and pushes him on foot for 26.2 miles. I’ve seen the clip several times, and each time I can’t help but weep. This father’s love for his boy is a stirring example for me as a dad, and for all who are parents. It’s also a powerful picture of the Heavenly Father’s love for us. In our brokenness, He is our hope and healing. In our weakness, He is our strength. No matter how helpless, lost, confused or laid low we find ourselves, He mercifully, lovingly raises us to heights of joy and hope, peace and purpose that we could scarcely have imagined.

“We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and by nature we were children under wrath, as the others were also. But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved! He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens, in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace in [His] kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:3-7, Holman)

For that grace, we give You thanks today, Heavenly Father. Amen.

Dependence Day: In Whom Do We Trust (July 7)

“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)

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on [Christ] the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)

Independence Day here in the United States is a great celebration of the birth of a nation—a nation that, as Lincoln said at Gettysburg, was conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all are created equal. Young America needed to break free from Britain in order to thrive. When it comes to the spiritual life, what we need is the exact opposite; we need utter dependence on God. The biblical narrative is filled with accounts of those who depended on the LORD and thrived. It’s also filled with cautionary accounts of those who rebelled and went their own way, typically with disastrous results (see Achan in Joshua 7; Ananias and Saphira in Acts 5). My life, and perhaps yours, attests to this truth, as stubborn seasons of exhausting self-effort contrast with joyous times of relying on God and basking in His presence. Dependence upon God—childlike trust—is the foundation of life for all who would seek to know and serve Him. It doesn’t mean our problems vanish, but the more we submit ourselves under the Father's wise, loving ways, the more we experience a deep contentment and joy in even the most difficult circumstances.

Heavenly Father, you are good, and your love endures forever. As we draw near to You, placing our trust in you, we ask you to deepen our dependence. You are the vine; we are the branches. Hold us fast, that we would remain in you. Thank you for preparing pleasant places for us, both now and in eternity. Amen.

MidPoint Praise (June 30)

As we reach the halfway mark of 2008, it’s a good time to pause, reflect, and focus (or re-focus) our highest praise on the One from who all blessings flow…

“Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth; sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious! Say to God, How awesome and fearfully glorious are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power shall Your enemies submit themselves to You [with feigned and reluctant obedience]. All the earth shall bow down to You and sing [praises] to You; they shall praise Your name in song. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Come and see the works of God;” (Psalm 66:1-5a)

Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship him according to the truth. The woman said, “I know that the Messiah will come. He is the one we call Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” “I am that one,” Jesus told her, “and I am speaking to you now.” (John 4:24-26)

To worship our Heavenly Father in spirit and in truth, we need not strive or strain. We don’t have to clean ourselves up before He will welcome us. We simply come, lifting our arms like a child, yielding our hearts, receiving His embrace, and allowing His love to wash over us. As we surrender, He begins to refocus our vision from whatever lesser things we have worshiped to His beauty and greatness. He binds our wounds, heals our souls, renews our minds. We abide in His presence and seek to glorify Him because He is the Glorious One. Who He is, and what He has done—“the works of God”—render us awe-struck, humbled, thankful and filled with joy.

O God, we make a joyful noise today because of the joy you have placed within us. We sing forth glory because You are glorious. Your works are wonderful; we know that full well (Ps. 139), and we thank You for every blessing that You have so generously poured out to us. Amen.

Time To Dream Again

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Jesus, in Luke 12:32)

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:17b-21)

“Whenever I’m upside down, if ever I’m turned around, I will pray. And when I wake up smiling, the world’s a different place; only when I choose, only when I use my eyes to see Your beautiful face…Help me to let go of all these distractions, leave them far behind, and dream again.” (Phil Keaggy)

For many of us, so far this has been a summer of loss and sadness. From tragedies involving children, to neighbors and loved ones succumbing to disease before what we would consider “their time,” our hearts have been heavy. In the midst of our necessary grieving and letting go, I believe the voice of the Lord would speak to us, gently but clearly, with a message of fresh hope: This is not the end, child. Continue to trust in Me. Feel the warmth of My embrace. Fix your gaze on My goodness. Remember My faithfulness. All is well, and will be well. Lift your eyes to dream again—to envision the “good plans” that I have for you in the coming season as you walk with Me. I will be with you always.

“Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, when we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to shore. Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly to venture on wider seas where storms will show Your mastery; where losing sight of land we shall find stars. We ask You to push back the horizons of our hopes; we ask You to [lead us into] a future of strength, courage, hope, and love.” (Sir Francis Drake, 16th-century English sailor; courtesy Dan Miller)

The Father and His Children

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship [adoption]. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ ” (Romans 8:15)

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)

“Look at how great a love the Father has given us, that we should be called God’s children. And we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know Him. Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:1-2, Holman CSV)

“If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child and having God as his Father…For everything that Christ taught, everything that makes the New Testament new and better than the Old, everything that is distinctively Christian, is summed up in the knowledge of the Fatherhood of God the Father.” (J.I. Packer, in Knowing God)

In the wake of Father’s Day, consider that Jesus, during his earthly ministry, related most frequently to God as “Father” in a way that we might say “Papa” or “Daddy.” This new, intimate approach to the Most High was radical, even revolutionary. Jesus opened the door not only for us to receive salvation and eternal hope, but also to know God more closely than had been previously imagined—to know Him as Heavenly Father. If our relationship with our earthly father has been stormy, strained or even nonexistent, it can be difficult to embrace God as a “father.” God knows this, and His heart of tender love and compassion is full to overflowing for the “fatherless.” Even if we’ve had a great dad on earth, the fatherhood of God is far deeper and richer still. All of us can come to know God more intimately as we soak ourselves in the many Scriptures that describe His incredible love and tenderness, His instruction and correction, His wisdom and guidance, and His embrace of all who are in Christ as “sons and daughters.”

Heavenly Father, we call you Father and thank you for lavishing your unfathomable love on us. For sending Your only Son as a sacrifice to rescue us from the power of sin and death, we are eternally grateful. We bless you and seek to glorify your name today. Amen.