Footsteps

In writing yesterday’s post, “Footprint,” I had a revelation that my footprint is God's to make, not mine. As a disciple, I am called to walk in Jesus' steps, or you could say, his shoes. On the other hand (or foot), as our forerunner, or fore-walker, Jesus did the proverbial walk a mile in our shoes.

The writer of Hebrews says, “He understands our weaknesses since He faced all of the same testings we do” (4:15). And it’s precisely because of that, we can go to Him “to receive His mercy, and find grace to help us when we need it most” (4:16).

Two days ago, I wrote this prayer in my journal: 
"Lord Jesus, lead me that I might be 'in step' with You. Give me grace to make the right steps, and mercy for my missteps." If it were not for a steady pace of grace and mercy, His shoes would be too big to fill.

Footprint

My carbon footprint is the amount of the earth’s resources I will consume in my lifetime. It’s a negative. On the other hand, what I have given ‘in time’ will leave behind my life's footprint. That’s a positive.

Every year, millions of tourists travel to our Nation’s capital to see the monuments to larger-than-life men and women whose influence lives beyond their mortality—their footprint. But is this appetite for perpetuity an evil part of human nature? Not at all. In fact, it is a divine quality turned inward. Solomon said, “God has put eternity in our hearts.” The natural man tries to satisfy this through immortality. But “immortality” —never dying— is not the same as “eternity” — always living.

None of us knows what footprint we will leave behind. But Jesus did. And though His feet may have touched the same ground we walk on, the footprint he left behind transcends time and space. He is not immortal; He is eternal. And now, as we walk with Him, each of us is a part of His footprint on the earth.

Lettuce Eat for Life

Last week I received a telephone call from the Blue Shield cancer-consultant, advising me she will, at the end of my treatments, prescribe a diet to build up my immunities. I'm anticipating a toxic-free regimen of organic, fibrous fruits and vegetables that will not, however, do well in my no-pancreas stomach.

Coincidentally, I happened to read an e-teaching about eating for life, claiming that godly eaters will be blessed with long life. I wondered how other people like me, who have been given a prognosis of a shortened life, would respond to his “godliness = long life” assertion.

After Jesus provided a free lunch to the 5,000, they all wanted to be His disciples-for-life. But He rebuked them, “You’re following me, not because of the miracles you saw Me do, which should have convinced you I am God, but because you think I can satisfy your sensual appetites” (John 6:26 paraphrase). Prescribing a better diet for life, He said, “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). Fruits and vegetables are good for the body. But lettuce eat for soul. Lettuce eat from the Tree of Life.

Have you Checked your Vital Signs Recently?

Having many doctor’s appointments this year, I've had my vital signs checked more than some people do in a lifetime! Yesterday, as I watched the nurse take my temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, it occurred to me there are also corresponding vital signs of faith that determine our spiritual vitality.

Paul tells us that “In Christ, we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28), roughly translated “He is our life and breath.” Christ is the force of life coursing through our veins; our hearts beat with His; His Word is the air we breathe. Yes indeed, Christ is our life (Col. 3:3) but we can only experience such vitality to the degree we live by faith and not by our senses.

And absent His vitality, our hearts grow cold, our passion wanes, our prayers become lifeless, and our ministries stale. If we’ve been feeling spiritually anemic lately, or having shortness of breath (His), perhaps it is time to examine our vital signs to see whether we are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5).

Finding Our Place

Since 911, America has tried to find its place in the world, and especially the Mideast. It has become Obama’s chance to establish his place in history, not unlike a baseball star hoping to win a place in the Hall of Fame. I realize that finding one’s place in the world is both the hope and bane of human existence. Men and women of fame and success spend a lot of energy, and their fortunes, cementing their place among men.

The author of Hebrews speaks, however, of anonymous Hall of Faith-ers who never found a place on earth, going “about in goatskins, destitute (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground” (He. 11:38). They were homeless. To suggest we follow their example may seem a bit severe. But didn't Jesus exhibit the same spirit of detachment, “the Son of Man has no place?”

Because we are inclined to attach ourselves to places on earth, God “un-places” us—an often painful uprooting that allows Him to root us in Christ (Col 2:7). Jesus says, “find your place in Me, and My Father and I will come and make our place in you.” (John 14:23). Is there any other place you'd rather be?

24-Hour Fitness

“24-Hour Fitness” is the name of a chain of fitness clubs. It is also a ‘fitting’ description of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is ‘fit’ for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).  The Holy Spirit makes us ‘fit’ by stretching us, like leather, like new wineskins” (Matt. 9:17).

Speaking of "fit," having lost 25 pounds since last Fall, I have few clothes that do. And since we were going to attend my niece’s wedding, I had to go shopping for something to ‘fit’ me, but would also would be ‘fit’ for a wedding. Now speaking analogously, this last year has been a real stretch for me.  But hopefully, it has made me more ‘fit’ for God’s work, and better ‘fitted’ for the Spirit's infilling.

Paul practiced 24-hour fitness, always straining and stretching toward what lies ahead” (Phil. 3:13). He also acknowledged that fitting and stretching, though painful, was necessary (Heb. 12:11) in order that someday we all will be properly 'fit' together in Christ (Eph. 4:16).

Stop Going to Church!

The other day we hired a plumber, who, it turned out, was a brother in Christ. He asked, “Where do you go to church?” a not uncommon question among believers. And while it may seem innocuous, I wonder if it is not also a subtle way of checking someone out: “Are you evangelical, charismatic, Pentecostal?”

But I think it may reveal something bigger—a not-so-subtle assumption that “going to church” makes you a Christian. Author of the “Peter Principle,” Laurence Peter, writes, “Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to the garage makes you a car.” We are all aware there are in every church those who “go to church” for Sunday morning worship, but are back home with their self-made idols by Sunday afternoon.

In a Geoege Barna survey, Millennials said they want a Christianity that addresses everyday problems, not one that is relegated to Sunday morning “going to church.” How refreshing! This generation’s desire for a real-world faith could bring about meaningful change to a Christian culture that heretofore has been more about “going to church” than “being the church.”

A Willing Spirit is within your Reach

“Thy will be done” can never be prayed with ambivalence. It has to be heartfelt. In the Garden, just hours before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed “Thy will be done.” He had a willing spirit. “Willing” means not only ‘ready,” but ‘eager.’ No one could argue that Jesus, who had been preparing his entire life for that “hour,” was not ready to drink the cup of suffering (Matt. 26:41-42). But was He eager? The Greek word suggests so. Could it mean the thought, not of death, but of pleasing His Father predisposed Jesus to a willing spirit that included an element of “eagerness.”

With every new day, I am presented with tests of faith whereby I am forced to ask myself, “Do I have a willing spirit? And am I eager to please my Heavenly Father?” To be otherwise disposed is an accident waiting to happen. Like King David. But in the aftermath of moral failure, David prayed, “Renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:4), the word 'right' meaning willing, ready, and eager.  Being the slow learner that I am, this seems completely out of my reach in this life. And then I remember Paul's words, "God is at work in you, both to WILL and to work for His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:12). It would seem the key to “Thy will be done” is “Lord, give us a willing spirit.”

Cosmic Loneliness: Alone in the Universe?

During our darkest hours, we instinctively turn to God, knowing that nothing else can cure our feeling of aloneness. This God-given drive is a “cosmic loneliness” that cannot be satisfied by any person on earth. It is aptly described by Augustine: “God made us for Himself and our hearts are restless until they find rest in Him.”

In ‘Alone in the Universe,’ Astrophysicist David Wilkinson says, “Men and women made in the image of the Creator of the Universe feel alienated from God. The Christian faith says we are not alone. God wants to be in relationship with us.” Likewise, Scripture says God desires for all to “seek and find Him” (Act 17:27).  

If you’re the kind of person who feels this loneliness, you’re not alone. Moreover, if you’ve been rejected, misunderstood, and alienated, you’re really not alone. The man who was more “despised and rejected” than anyone who ever lived, a “man of sorrows and grief” (Is. 53:3), says to you, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Heb. 13:5). And that alone is the cure for cosmic loneliness.

Where is Your Faith?

Jesus asked questions, intentionally—to engage His listeners, and to effect self-examination. Questions like “Who do you say I am?” (John 8:29) and “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) are just as relevant today as they were two millennia ago.

With an increasing cultural bias against all things Biblical, Christian icons along with the values they represent are being eliminated from the Public Square. Thus, Jesus' question “Will I find faith when I return?” (Luke 18:8) seems especially pertinent!

With acceptance of pluralism and rejection of exclusivity, where will Jesus find redemptive, sanctifying faith? Probably not in military, education, or government. Certainly not in business or entertainment. Nor even in our schools of theology. Nor, unfortunately, in many churches. But, and this is the all important question, will He find it in you and me? Today, how will you answer His question “Where is your faith?”

Is it Peacemaking or Placating?

U.S. and Russian diplomats began meeting this week to head off a U.S. military strike against Syria. But is it ‘peacemaking’ or ‘placating?’ The difference? Placators try to lessen conflict by avoiding and appeasing. Peacemakers stand for truth even if it stirs up feelings. According to Jesus, the word of truth can divide people like a “sword” (Matt 10:34). A true peacemaker will never compromise truth just to “get along.”

The fact is, however, “peacemaking” is very personal. Indeed, who of us has not been relationally challenged to seek peace when “conciliation” would be so much easier? (Peacemaking can be messy!) Making it even more challenging, peacemaking only works if each  party is seeking peace on God’s terms—unconditional surrender to His will. Is there a lesson for us here?

Placating will produce a fix, but only temporarily. Whether among nations or between best friends, placating will only “heal the hurt superficially, declaring ‘Peace, peace,' when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14). Be on your guard; the antichrist will call himself a 'man of peace' (Dan. 8:25). But he will be a placator.

Looking for Peace on 911

Today political pundits will tell us we have become more suspicious and fearful since Al Qaeda’s attack on the twin towers 12 years ago: TSA inspects shoes and underwear, while NSA monitors private emails and phone calls. And on the global front, London Times diplomatic editor Roger Boyes captures the mood: “The direction in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Iran should keep us awake at night.”

So, then, while the earthlings are trying hard today not to be engulfed in dread and anxiety, let us take solace in the fact that a day is coming when the Prince of Peace will establish His government, put an end to war, and bring about everlasting peace (Is. 9:6-7).

And while the peace of God is not yet cosmically realized, it is certainly personally available. “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Col. 3:15). The peace Jesus promised and Paul commanded is a settled state of inner rest that nothing can disturb. “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You” (Is. 26:3). “Let not your heart be troubled” today (Jn. 14:1).

After this is over

My radiation/chemo treatments have begun, and will continue for six weeks. Like an uphill climb, I can hardly wait until “after this is over.”  Of course looking forward to the “other” side of a trying circumstance is natural. But with no guarantee there won’t be another one right “after,” we need more than an “after-this-is-over” mindset.

Paul tells of a host of saints who endured their trials without ever seeing the other side of it: “Having obtained a good testimony through faith, [they] did not receive the promise. For God had something better in mind..., so that they would not reach perfection without us” (Heb. 11:39-40). The “perfection” of their faith waited until after all of us together would find our faith fully perfected in the suffering and resurrection of Christ.

And therein lies the secret to enduring hard times—by keeping our eyes on Jesus..., who perfects our faith; and who, for the joy awaiting him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, [knowing that afterward], He would sit at God’s throne (Heb. 12:2, edited). Now if we can just remember this “beforehand.” 

What is The Purpose of Striking Syria?

At this moment in history, President Obama and the Congress are deliberating whether to conduct a military strike in Syria. The President wants to send a message to Assad that chemical warfare is intolerable. While that may deal with the immediate issue, arguably it does not touch  the ultimate “purpose.” It does not address the hard question, “What will be its ultimate affect on the Middle East tinderbox?”

The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people run wild” (Prov. 29:18). We can see this clearly in Syria (or in Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Egypt). But is this not also happening here in the U.S.? But more to the point, this truism relates to the human heart. God created us with purpose (Eph. 1:4) and for purpose (Eph. 2:10; Rom. 8:28). As Biblical believers, our lives have purpose and meaning.

When we live with a view toward God's purposes, our every action follows in harmony with God—we have peace. But at the moment we lose sight of God's purposes, our thoughts run wild—and so do our actions! And, instead of peace and harmony, we experience confusion and anxiety. Today, as we observe the world in chaos, let us make sure the peace of God is ruling in our hearts… and we are intent on God's purposes (Col. 3:14; Philip. 2:2).

Quantity vs. Quality of Life

When you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you think more soberly about “numbering your days” (Ps. 90:12). Chemo/radiation treatments prescribed for cancer patients are not intended to cure, but to extend life. But there’s a downside: these can cause considerable discomfort! (Thank God, mine has been minimal!) Thus, each person, must consider how much pain he is willing to endure to extend “quantity of life” at the expense of “quality of life.”
 
Now here is a spiritual analogy that just screams for a spot on this blog. The Greek word in the phrase “abundant life,” zoe, means a different “quality of life” than bios. Paul says if we’re not “suffering the loss of all things,” we are not going to “gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8). That is, to have the quality of life Christ wants to give us (John 5:21), we must endure some discomfort. But don't worry; our Great Physician will never prescribe treatments that would cause more discomfort than we can bare.

How do you Rest on “Labor-Day?”

There is a time to stop working, and rest.  We love our days off.  But Jesus speaks of a different “work” and a different “rest.”  The work from which we need permanent rest is that of self-reliance, self-promotion, self-protection—is  this not the work that wears us out? This is the “work” that Jesus spoke of when He said, “Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy-burdened, and you will find rest…come and learn [how to rest] from Me… for My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:29-30).

One of the meanings of a yoke is a harness you put on an ox to make its work easier and more effective.  When we are yoked with Jesus, our “work” is not only bearable, but pleasant.  I have learned when my work feels too hard, it is because I am not properly yoked with Jesus, not relying on Him, but on my intellect, my ideas and methods: my "self." I think Labor Day is a good day to examine ourselves, and ask, “Are we are finding God’s rest?”

Is Obama Making Israelis put on their Gas Masks?

While Obama weighs a military strike to punish Syria  for using chemical weapons, Syria's President Assad vows he will retaliate by attacking Tel Aviv. He will have the backing of his political allies, Russia and Iran.

The recent run on the market for gas masks in Israel proves how seriously Jewish citizens are taking this.

An ancient 'un-fulfilled' prophecy that intrigues biblical scholars is that some day Damascus will be completely annihilated (Is. 17:1). With rising tension all over the Middle East, and now escalating war in Syria's capital, might we soon be witnesses to the fulfillment of this prophecy?

Don't be surprised. With 100,000 citizens killed, and a million now refugee’d in surrounding nations, the Syrian war has become one of the worst in modern Middle Eastern history. The Bible says when we see these prophetic signs, we should lift up our heads. The Israelis are covering theirs with gas masks.

Do You Complain about your Work Out?

Each day when I check in at 24-hour Fitness, the staff will say “Enjoy your workout!” And I laugh to myself because if I thought of it as work, I wouldn't enjoy it; and I'm sure you would hear me complaining about having to go to the gym!

Complaining about one's ‘work’ is universal: 70% of Americans say they feel so unfulfilled, they hate their jobs. Solomon said, “I hated [my work] because everything done here under the sun is meaningless—like chasing the wind” (Eccl. 2:17). But then added, “There is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work; it is the gift of God” (Eccl. 3:13, 12, 22). If we could see our work as divinely purposed, I'm sure it would cut down on the complaining!

Solomon also said, “Without a vision, people perish,” roughly translated, “when we can’t see with God’s eyes, we fall apart.” Jesus saw His work through God’s eyes: “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4). Paul completed his work with the same satisfaction: “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). And wouldn't we all like to say we finished our “workout” (Phil 2:12)—without complaining (Phil 2:14)!

"Preachers of L.A." Reality Show: Are they Real?

Coming to Oxygen Network this Fall is  a reality show, Preachers of L.A., about 6 flamboyant prosperity preachers, known for fiery sermons and large living. Preachers of L.A. will explore the human side of their wealth-and-fame lifestyles both inside and outside the church.

The prosperity interpretation of their gospel is articulated by reality cast member Bishop Gibson, a former gang member now ministering to 4,500 parishioners: “P. Diddy and Jay-Z are not the only ones who should be driving Ferraris and living in large houses.” Unfortunately, this is not new. 50 years ago, DeVern Fromke wrote, “The great fallacy of our day is that we seek God for ‘what He can do for me’ rather than to know Him for Who He is.”

How will the Preachers of L.A. reality show affect the spiritual growth of TV viewers when their reality doesn't match that of these alleged men of faith? How many may leave the church discouraged, possibly embittered, probably poorer, and, undoubtedly confused about what is real?

“Thy will be done”: Hardest Prayer you will ever Pray

“Thy will be done” is not inert acquiescence. It is not futile or fatalistic. It is a prayer of dynamic faith. It may be the hardest prayer you will ever pray. “Thy will be done” means you are willing for God’s will to prevail over yours. It means giving up control, surrendering rights, and accepting divine discipline.

Praying “Thy will be done” requires both child-like trust and seasoned belief in God's Goodness (Ps. 86:5; Ro. 8:28). It is Job's “though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 3:15). It is the unshakable “even if He does not [rescue us]” confidence of the three thrown into the fiery furnace (Dan. 3:18).

In Practicing the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence explains, “We ought to give ourselves up to God, to things temporal and spiritual, and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will, whether by suffering or consolation, each being equal to a soul truly resigned.”  During these increasingly uncertain times, knowing that God's Will will be done is a comfort and strength. But  that doesn't mean it won't be the hardest prayer you will ever pray.

Does Anyone Believe in the Bible Anymore?

As a 5-year old Sunday Schooler, I sang “The B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the book for me; I stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.” That was 60 years ago.

Today, disbelief that the Bible is the inerrant WORD of God is on the rise among evangelicals. A George Barna Research study, exploring the religious beliefs of adults in the 12 largest denominations, revealed that only 41% believe in the total accuracy of the Bible. And more alarming, 85% of students at America's largest evangelical seminaries do not believe in Scripture's inerrancy. In the 18th century, Voltaire declared, “If we would destroy the Christian religion, we must first of all destroy man’s belief in the Bible.”  

Disregard for doctrinal soundness is prophesied for end times. Preaching contemporary ‘how-to-be-better’ messages, born out of the 1960’s “felt needs” and “seeker sensitive” movements, has become common fodder in most pulpits. As one pastor said, “you have to scratch people where they itch.” Perhaps he hadn’t read Paul’s warning against preaching to “itching ears” (1 Tim 4:4).

Messianic Judaism: Living in the Shadows

A friend wrote me recently about a surge in Messianic Judaism in his country; it is a blend of evangelical Christian theology with Jewish traditions, like observing the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. I told him this movement is nothing new.

Paul warned Peter against those who were compelling Gentiles to live like Jews, denying them their freedom in Christ, and putting them under a yoke of slavery for not celebrating holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths, things that were only shadows of the reality yet to come, Christ himself (Gal. 2:14, 5:1; Col 2:16-17).

It is easy to see these practices as shadows. But to some degree, and in our own ways, do we not find ourselves still living in the shadows rather than the full light of our freedom in Christ? “Satan, the god of this age, has blinded the minds of unbelievers [and ‘unbelieving’ believers] so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory [the reality] of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:4).

What will you gain when you lose?

If you've been trying to lose weight, maybe you should eat more cereal. A Kellogg’s commercial promises you can lose weight eating it. The campaign slogan, “What will you gain when you lose?,” also implies that cereal lovers will gain self-esteem, self-confidence, and the respect of others: standards of measurement in this world.

Before being killed by Auca Indians, missionary Jim Elliott wrote (rather prophetically), “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” A whole generation was inspired by this man who “lost” family, home, and life for Christ.

Even though we too believe our “kingdom is not of this world,” it’s hard not to self-measure by an earthly yardstick. Thus Jesus warns, "Whoever gains his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will gain it" (Matt. 10:39).  And Paul said, “I count all things loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ … For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 3:8; 1:21). For us, the answer to Kellogg's question is Christ. But a more relevant question for us is, What are we willing to lose to gain Him?

Angela Jolie probably doesn’t watch Duck Dynasty

In the front section of USA Today on Friday was a feature article, “Letting teenagers have their romantic sleepovers,” the point being it is better for parent/child relationships to let kids ‘do it’ at home. Angela Jolie is cited as one whose mother allowed her to have her boyfriend sleep over when she was only 14—and who plans to be just as liberal with her children (more fodder for TV programs like “Modern American Family”).

This is why I rejoiced to see the Robertson family making the rounds on TV last week, promoting their show "Duck Dynasty" (averaged 8.4 million viewers), along with their Christian values.  In an interview, one of the Robertson brothers, Jase, and his wife Missy, said their faith and family values were  the reason they chose to remain abstinent until marriage, and now see the same commitment in their children.

I can’t guarantee that you will like watching “Duck Dynasty” but we can all thank God that in a time when shows about selfish housewives are peaking, American viewers have fallen in love with a godly family who closes every episode at the dinner table giving thanks and honor to Jesus Christ. Angela Jolie and her children probably won't be watching.

Has Paula Deen Cooked her Goose?

By now everyone knows that the Food Network has cancelled the queen-of-fried-foods TV star Paula Deen after she acknowledged using racial slurs 30 years ago.  What I find most significant about this debacle is what it revealed about the public: they are very unforgiving. What it reveals about Paula Deen, a self-confessed born-again Christian, is yet to be seen.  

Of course the earthlings cannot be expected to forgive—they have no basis for love and grace. But we believers can (and must) forgive because we have been forgiven (Col. 3:13). As a believer, Paula Deen is now in the hard position of forgiving those who have refused to pardon her. 

Unforgiveness is Satan’s most effective tool against us. Even as Paula’s fat-drenched foods slowly harden the arteries, so too, unforgiveness is a silent killer, but much faster. And if Paula does not watch her heart, she could turn from the ‘queen of butter’ into the ‘queen of bitter’ overnight.

Sitting on God’s Front Porch

In our new neighborhood, we have neighbors who sit on their front porches all day. From that vantage, they see everything that happens around them. Did it ever occur to you that God has a front porch!

When we were born again, we were 'seated in Christ.' Now, we have a “standing” invitation to “sit” with Him on the front porch of the Universe, seeing as He sees—His perspective. As long as we remain inside our private places, we only see what ‘we’ see. But on God's front porch, we see it all.

How often do we pray, “Lord, please help me to see what you are doing in my world and to see what you are doing in my life.” Can't you just hear God saying, “I will be glad to show you what I see and what I am doing. Come join me on the front porch!”

Homeless Wanderers No More

The first Christians were persecuted and driven from their homeland. Thus they became pilgrims (homeless wanderers) in this world (1 Pet. 1:22). The Old Testament forefathers were called pilgrims “looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland” (Heb. 11:15). Is it even possible that we who are so settled on earth can have the attitude of a homeless wanderer?

Not easily. But there is another meaning of ‘wanderer’ we can understand. It is the wandering heart. We all struggle to resist earth’s gravitational pull toward comfort and security, to feel at home here. It seems the more we have, the harder it is to keep our wandering hearts in check: to love not the world (1 John 2:15).

In the 18^th century, 22-year old Robert Robinson penned the renowned hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” with those pained words, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.” But one day we will arrive at our heavenly homeland: homeless wanderers and wandering hearts no more.

Flying Home: What is my ETA?

When I learned I had pancreatic cancer in January, I received it as my ticket for a ‘flight home.’ On Friday, the Lord gave me an ETA, Estimated Time of Arrival.

In an earlier post, I said I would be getting a CT scan to see if I had cancer in my liver. Though I've learned I do not, I have now received a more precise prognosis from my oncologist. Because the surgery I had in February could not remove all the cancer in the margins around the tumor, and because I had 3 infected lymph nodes, I am told the return of this aggressive cancer is inevitable. While this prognosis is based on experience and statistics, I believe it is from the Lord who is graciously giving me and my family time to prepare.

And what is the ETA? Within 2-3 years. But please don't worry. Even though it appears final preparations have begun, I am not boarding yet. And there's plenty of runway ahead (Hebrews 12:1-3).  

“Jack Sprat could eat no fat [or juicy hamburgers]”

Like the Mother Goose character “Jack Sprat,” I am on a low-fat diet. Thus you’d think I would have been thrilled this week when I heard that scientists had produced the world’s first lab-grown burger, synthetic strips of lean muscle germinated from cow stem cells and fashioned into a patty. One food expert said it was “close to meat, but not juicy.” Another tester said it was “chewy and tasteless.” And isn’t that an apt description of man’s efforts to improve on God’s creation! Chewy and tasteless!

What was wrong with the $350,000 stem-burger? No fat. And, as everyone knows, the flavor is in the fat—the more “marbled” a piece of meat, the better it tastes. One day, Isaiah says, The Lord of Hosts will serve His people a feast of “fat things full of marrow,” meaning, rich food and choice meats (Is. 25:6). John says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb” when we will exchange the dry “chewy and tasteless” man-made things of earth for God’s “feast of fat things.” And I am quite sure, though juicy burgers may be on the menu, it won’t be about the food!

The Voice of a New Generation: Please Love Me

Anyone born after 1995 is part of the newly labeled Generation Z. Never knowing life without instant connectivity, they were born Face-booking, texting, and tweeting—all tools to get people to “pay attention to me!” But early studies are showing these technologies are not satisfying the desire for connectedness. According to a recent George Barna survey, a major shift in the past decade is how Americans see themselves in relation to others. Ten years ago, one of 10 Americans self-identified as lonely. Today, that number has doubled.

Paul warned in the end times “people shall be lovers of their own selves” (2 Tim. 3:2). I’ve always thought this meant unabashed narcissism.  But now, I'm wondering if, in the end times, people will need greater affirmation and approval to validate insecure self-perceptions. Thus, the Facebook posting, texting and tweeting are not shouting “Look at me” as much as “Please love me.” Millennials and ‘Z's’ are the future. What does this cry for attention and love portend? Might it be a greater willingness to embrace anyone or anything that promises to fill the vacuum? And if not Jesus, then what?