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This last week, in response to my blog post, “God is Love”, a friend posed the question, “Where is God’s love in situations like the Ukrainian crisis? Why does He let hurtful things happen?”

These are questions we all struggle with. “Where is God when bad things happen?” “Why doesn’t He intervene and stop tragedies like the Ukrainian War or the shootings in Buffalo?”

Even the great men of God through the ages have asked similar questions. Job, from the depths of his misery asked, “Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful?” (Job 21:7 NLT) “Why doesn’t the Almighty bring the wicked to judgment?” (Job 24:1)

Even David, whom God called His friend, questioned God, asking, “O Lord, why do you stand so far away?…Why do the wicked get away with despising God?” (Psalm 10:1, 13). “Why do you hold back your strong right hand?” (Psalm 74:11).

Yet even though they questioned God’s mercy and wondered why He often didn’t intervene, Job and David never gave in to their doubts. They never stopped trusting in their Heavenly Father, never doubted His love. In fact, Job declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

How did David and Job and so many others find the faith to believe and trust, in spite of hardship, disappointment, and injustice? Paul answers that question in 2 Timothy 1:12, where he says, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

Knowing God is the secret to peace and happiness, even when the world doesn’t make sense. When tempted to doubt God’s mercy and His love, we need to cling to Him instead, focusing on knowing Him better, spending time talking with Him and studying His Word. When we do this, we will come to know Him like David, Job, and Paul did, and we will then experience for ourselves “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7).

Jesus warned us in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation”, but He added, “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” We may not understand all that is happening. It may be hard to see God’s hand at work in world events or feel His love when our world is falling apart around us, but that doesn’t change the fact that the one who gave His only Son to save us loves us with an everlasting love.

Someday all these things will be made clear. Until then, when tempted to doubt God, to ask “Why?, instead concentrate on your relationship with Him. Learn to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Have a wonderful week and, no matter what, “Trust in the Lord”.

Yesterday, after church, a couple friends and I got into a “discussion”. OK, it was an argument, with raised voices, angry words, and hurt feelings. Our subject? The love of God or more specifically whether it applies to everybody.

Pretty pathetic, right? Here we’d just been in church, where I’d preached about the love of God, and next thing you know we’re arguing about that very subject. Ashamed doesn’t even cover how I felt after we got past the yelling stage.

Thankfully, my friends truly do have the love of God in their hearts. They graciously accepted my apology and forgave me for my behavior and poorly chosen words. However, it still put a damper on what should have been a pleasant Sabbath afternoon.

Being human is really a pain sometimes! Just when I think I’ve got it right, I go and blow it like I did yesterday. Amazingly enough, in spite of this, God doesn’t give up on me. Instead, He’s right there, whispering in my ear, drawing me back from the brink, reminding me of His love, and inviting me back into His arms.

Even when I’m sure I’ve gone too far this time, God reminds me of His promise that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV). Even if my “sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18).

There is nothing I can do that will make God love me less. Which I guess answers the question my friends and I were arguing about in the first place, whether God loves everyone equally or if some are too sinful for Him to love. The truth is we are all too sinful to deserve His love, yet He loves us anyway. In fact, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

This morning, if you feel you’ve gone too far for God to love, let me tell you from experience, you aren’t even close. He loves you just the way you are and if you confess your sin, He will always forgive you.

But don’t wait till you’re good enough for Him to love, because that day will never come. Just come to Him right now and give Him your life. You don’t need to be afraid that He’ll reject you, because He promises, “whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)

Come to Jesus today, my friend, just as you are. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or who you are, because one thing will never, ever change – God loves you!

I wrote this about my Mom several years ago, but it is as true today as ever. Happy Mother’s Day!

A Mother Like You

A mother like you who can find?
You are worth far more than diamonds.
Your children have full confidence in you
and love just being near you.

You bring us joy, not sadness,
all the days of our lives.
You select the finest, warmest, material
and make us brightly colored pajamas.

You prepare tomato toast and Quonset huts,
and mouth-watering fudge at Christmas time.
You get up while it is still dark;
you prepare delicious lunches for your family
and for anyone else who is living with us at the time.

You consider a craft at a fair and buy it;
you copy it and make wonderful Christmas presents
for the people you love.
You do everything with enthusiasm
and joyfully take on tasks no one else wants.

You take care of the family finances
and do the taxes late into the night.
In your hand you hold the sewing needle
and control the sewing machine with your foot.

You open your arms to the teenager
and your home to anyone in need of a place to stay.
When it snows you have no fear for your household;
for all of them are clothed in warm pajamas.

You make warm blankets for your children’s beds;
you are clothed in the finest outfits from JCPenney.
Your husband is respected on the church board
where he takes his seat
among the elders of the congregation.

***
You make wonderful jelly and canned peaches.
your applesauce is delicious
and tastes great on potato pancakes.
You carry yourself with strength and dignity;
but sometimes spit watermelon seeds
at your grandchildren.

You speak with wisdom;
your children can always count on you for good advice.
You watch over the affairs of your household
and are always busy doing something.

Your husband adored you and called you Vonnie;
your children love you and praise you, saying:
Many mothers do noble things,
but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a mother who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the love she deserves
and let her works bring her praise
throughout her life – and beyond.

-Proverbs 31, RSV (Richard’s Special Version)

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

I am truly blessed to have A Mother Like You.

I’ve done it again! Bit off more than I can chew! Started something I’m not sure I can finish! Taken on a mountain I might be too weak to climb!

As you can probably tell I’m feeling a little overwhelmed this morning. I’ve been asked by not one, but two churches to lead out in developing lifestyle centers for their communities, places where people can come to learn how to live healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives in growing relationship with their Creator.

At these centers people will learn how to avoid or reverse chronic disease, make positive choices, and find hope for a better tomorrow. They’ll get coaching, learn how to cook healthy meals, and discover how to set themselves up for a brighter tomorrow.

I’m excited about the potential here to make a real difference in our communities, but at the same time I’m feeling woefully inadequate for the task. I’m not the world’s most organized person. I’m good at coming up with ideas, but not so good at following through. What have I gotten myself into?

Do you ever feel this way? Overwhelmed, inadequate, afraid? Well, guess what! You’re not alone! All of us feel like this at one time or another. The important thing is what we do with those feelings. We can quit before we even get started or we can take these things to our Heavenly Father, admit our inadequacy, and ask for His aid.

Remember “…with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). Even when you feel totally overwhelmed, too weak for the task ahead, God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

If God has called you to a task, then He will provide everything you need to succeed. (Hebrews 13:21). Even if it’s too big for you, nothing is too big for God. Go forward in faith, hold tightly to His hand, and let Him lead the way. Remember, “[You] can do all things through him who gives [you] strength.” (Philippians 4:13).

Whatever God has called you to do, don’t hold back. Don’t shrink from the task. Instead, by faith, climb that mountain, break through that wall, pursue that dream! Have faith in God and “Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20).

God bless and have a wonderful week!

At the Edison household, we’re in full spring cleaning mode. The recent cold weather had put a damper on our efforts, but it’s supposed to be in the 70’s today, so we’re out of excuses. It’s time to get dusting and mopping, sorting and discarding, scrubbing and cleaning.

We have another incentive to get this place cleaned up today. A friend is coming to stay with us for a while. She can’t get into her new place for a few days and we’ve got a spare bedroom, so we invited her to stay there till her place opens up. We want her to feel at home when she gets here, which is why we’re doubling down on our efforts to get this place looking shipshape.

Besides my house there’s another place that could use a good spring cleaning – my heart. Over time it’s gotten filled up with guilt and shame, old hurts and disappointments, broken promises, and thoughts that really should never see the light of day. I really should get it cleaned up, but I keep putting it off.

The problem is, I’ve got a friend who wants to come in and stay with me, not just for a while, but permanently. His name is Jesus. He’s the best friend anyone could ever ask for and I’d really like to invite Him in, but I’m embarrassed. This place is such a mess!

But then I hear Him say, “Stop worrying about it. If you confess your sins, I am faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). In other words, “Just open the door. Let me in. Don’t worry about the mess. I’ll take care of it.”

Jesus is the best kind of guest I could ever ask for! He doesn’t expect me to get things all spic-and-span in my life before I invite Him in. He just wants to be with me, no matter how messed up I am inside. He says, “This job’s too big for you anyway. Let me get to work. When I’m done ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” (Isaiah 1:18).

This morning do you hear Jesus knocking on the door of your heart too? If so, then stop worrying about the mess you’re in. You can’t clean it up by yourself anyway, but He can. Just open the door and let Him get to work. You’ll be amazed how much better things look when He’s done!

Open the door! It’s Cleaning Day!

What would you do if you knew you literally had just hours to live? How would you spend your time if ahead lay betrayal, beatings, and a horrendous, painful death on the cross?

Jesus knew all this, yet what did He do at this moment?

He washed feet.

Taking off his outer clothing, pouring water into a basin, he “began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.” (John 13:4 NKJV).

He washed feet.

The King of the Universe, Creator of all things, knelt down and washed feet. With a horrific death just hours away, Jesus washed his disciples filthy, dusty, callused feet.

How humiliating! Yet how like Jesus. This was how Jesus had always lived his life, so why not here at the very end?

Matthew 20:28 tells us Jesus “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Jesus’ life was a life of service, of self-sacrifice, and He calls us to follow His example. Philippians 2:5 tells us to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…”

This Easter weekend, as we remember Jesus’ gift to us in dying on the Cross for our sin and celebrate His resurrection with its promise of a better tomorrow, let us also remember the example He set of service to others. Let’s make service to others the center of our lives too and determine, in all that we do, to do what Jesus did.

He washed feet.

We woke this morning to a winter wonderland – in April!

Waking to a world covered in white was, to say the least, unexpected. Ana’s already got tomatoes coming up under the grow lights in our bedroom and the garden is tilled and ready for planting. It’s supposed to be spring, but here I am having to dust snow off my car! Granted this is a minor setback, but still this is ridiculous!

One thing you can always expect in this crazy world is the unexpected. A little snow in the second week in April is not a big deal, but some surprises are not as pleasant and carry with them more serious consequences. Just this last week I had to let one of my patients know the mass under her arm needed to be biopsied to rule out cancer. Not the kind of news anyone wants to hear.

Whether it is an unfavorable diagnosis, an unexpected job loss, the sudden death of a loved one, or any of the innumerable other unpleasant surprises which may come your way, there is one thing you can always count on. Your Heavenly Father will “never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will always be your “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1).

On days when the unexpected shakes my world, the following quote from the book Ministry of Healing, p. 481, always brings me hope. It says:

“Worry is blind and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief…Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing.”

This week, expect the unexpected, but don’t give in to worry or despair. God’s got this! More importantly He’s got you! And He will never, ever let you go!

Have a great week!

Have you ever felt like Moses, trembling in front of the burning bush, pleading with God, “Please send some else”?

That’s where I am at right now. God has put something on my heart, a work I feel totally inadequate for. I know He wants me to do this, but I find myself shaking in my boots, all too aware of my humanity.

It’s at moments like these, I find comfort in this quote from the book, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 333, which says:

“As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.”

You see, it doesn’t matter how big the task is, because we serve a big God! No matter how unqualified we feel, how inadequate, imperfect, God reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). What God is calling us to do may seem impossible, “but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26).

Your talents may seem puny, your resources limited, but remember it was with just a wooden staff God turned water into blood and parted the Red Sea. “Nothing is too hard” for our God. (Jeremiah 32:17)

This morning is God asking the impossible of you? Then get up and get going. I know you feel inadequate. So do I, but remember, you’re not in this alone. The same God who went with Moses, “goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Stop putting it off, hoping He’ll choose someone else. He chose you! So get to work. Don’t wait for the sea to part, for your doubts to disappear. Remember “the Lord himself goes before you…”.

Just pick up your staff and go!

Blood – it’s not something most of us think much about, except when it starts leaking from a cut or scrape. Then we get a little panicky! Most of the time, however, we don’t give it much thought, even though it is essential to our continued existence.

This weekend, at a medical conference I attended, I met a man who thinks a lot about blood. Dr. David DeRose, author of The Methuselah Factor, is an expert in Hemorheology. Pronounced “hemo-rē-​ˈäl-​ə-​jē”, this is the study of the physical properties of blood flow through our veins and arteries. It is concerned with the viscosity or “stickiness” of our blood.

Why is our blood’s “stickiness” important? Because it affects how well the blood flows through our system, which in turn plays a part in prevention of many diseases and conditions we often worry about, things like strokes, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Optimal hemorheology can even help prevent weight gain, arthritis, cognitive decline and hypertension.

Thankfully, simple lifestyle changes – such as drinking more water; eating a whole-food, plant-based diet; losing weight; and getting regular exercise – can improve our blood’s viscosity and flow, helping to prevent the conditions mentioned above.

There is one condition, however, these lifestyle changes cannot cure – the disease of sin. To eradicate this most deadly of diseases a more radical solution was required. We read about it in 1 Peter 2:24, which tells us Jesus “‘himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’”

It “was not with perishable things…that you were redeemed…but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18). There is no other cure for your sin. It is only the blood of Jesus, which flowed so freely for you and I on Calvary, which “purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).

Like any cure, however, this one must be accepted to be effective. Just as I would never force a treatment on a patient without their consent. God will never force you to accept Jesus as your Savior, to let His blood purify you from all sin. It is your free choice.

Today won’t you make that choice? Accept Jesus as your Savior today. There is no other cure for sin, for this disease that would destroy your soul, no other way to peace and life – only the Blood, the blood of Jesus Christ!

“All we can do is pray.” Really?

I hear this phrase, “All we can do is pray”, over-and-over when people face seemingly impossible situations, whether it is a terminal illness, a child who has wandered, or the loss of a job. Recently I’ve heard these words expressed about the war in Ukraine and the rapidly unfolding humanitarian crisis brought on by the conflict.

I understand the sentiment. As we watch desperate Ukrainian women and children, many with only the clothes on their backs, fleeing for safety, our hearts break and we feel helpless, impotent. Overwhelmed by the hopelessness of the situation, we think, “All I can do is pray.”

I have two problems with this expression. First, it makes it sound like prayer is our course of last resort – when all else fails we’re left with prayer, with no real expectation our prayers will be answered. Prayer is seen as an act of desperation, rather than an act of faith.

The truth is prayer should be our first resort, our go-to response in every situation, whether a loved one’s illness or a world crisis. Philippians 4:6 tells us to, “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

No matter the situation, prayer is the most important thing we can do, because “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16). Prayer can open prison doors, heal disease, raise the dead, move mountains, and, yes, even stop wars. It is the most powerful weapon in our arsenal and, too often, the last one we reach for.

My other problem with the expression, “All we can do is pray”, is it is a blatant lie! It’s a way for us to abdicate our responsibility and go on with our peaceful, mundane lives, ignoring the cries of the suffering and desperate around us or on the other side of the world.

The truth is there is always something we can do. When a friend is ill, we can hold their hand, soothe their fevered brow, even empty their bedpan. In the face of poverty, we can donate clothes or money, help in a shelter, or provide someone with a job.

With the refugee crisis in Europe, we can contribute to agencies such as ADRA or the Red Cross who are providing much needed relief. We can use social media to raise people’s awareness and offer concrete ideas of ways to help.

When refugees come to our shores, we can welcome them with open arms and open doors, following the example of our Heavenly Father, who “loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:18).

This week, when you face a seemingly impossible situation, whether at home or across the sea, remember prayer isn’t all you can do. It is the most important thing you can do. So get down on your knees and tell God about the need. Then get up and get to work, showing God’s love to others, not just “with words and speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18).