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A few Christmases ago we started a fun tradition in our family. It’s actually an Icelandic tradition called Jolabokaflod, or “Christmas Book Flood”. At Thanksgiving we draw names and then on Christmas Eve we give a book and a bar of chocolate to the person whose name we drew. Then we all curl up with our books, munch on chocolate and read together into the night. For a family of bookworms like us, it’s the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve.

This year I was given the book, Burden of Proof, by one of my favorite authors, Davis Bunn.
In Burden of Proof, the main character, Ethan, is given the opportunity to go back in time and fix a terrible wrong, something many of us wish we could do.

Ethan soon discovers, however, starting over poses its own problems and he finds himself wondering how to plan for his future – the second time around. Ethan brings his problem to a surfing buddy, Hennie, who provides him with some sound advice. Hennie tells Ethan, in planning for the future, to always “…aim for the eternal.”

My sons, Andrew and Alex, knew what Hennie was talking about. When they were teaching me to shoot, they told me to look at my target, not at the gunsight. If I didn’t follow their advice and focused on the gunsight, I’d miss every time. They knew you only hit what you aim at.

The same is true in life. If we focus on our earthly problems or the things this world has to offer, we’ll always miss “the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 KJV). If, however, we “aim for the eternal”, following Paul’s advice to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”, we’ll stay focused on what we’re aiming for – an eternity with Jesus. (Colossians 3:2 NIV).

So, this year, fix your eyes on Jesus and “…press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [you] heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13, 14 NIV). In everything you do, always “aim for eternal” and you’ll hit the mark every time!

God bless and have a Happy New Year!

For weeks now I’ve been unable to write. I’ve just had nothing to say. With all that’s happened in the last year I, like so many of you, just felt worn out. Then, yesterday, I was given a wonderful gift, a reminder of all that is so good about life, a reason to write once more. Yesterday, our son Andrew and his wife Paige announced they are going to have a baby! I’m going to be a grandpa!

Up until now I’ve been kind of lukewarm on this whole grandparent thing. My wife was eager to become a grandmother, but I was okay either way. If it happened it happened, but if not that was alright too.

Yesterday that all changed. When Andrew and Paige made their announcement I felt such a sudden, overwhelming sense of joy, hope and love, like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Now I can’t wait! It’s going to be a long 7 months, but what a wonderful day that will be when we get to hold our grandchild for the first time!

That’s what children do for us. They give us joy and love, but most of all they give us hope – and after the year we just had we all could use a little bit more of that!

Over 2000 years ago, God sent His one and only son to be born in a manager on a cold dark night in a stable. Leaving the glories of heaven and the adoration of untold numbers of angels, Jesus humbled himself, becoming a helpless child, to bring hope to a world without hope, to bring joy when all seemed lost, and to show us how much we are loved.

Now, as we leave the Christmas season behind and start looking forward to a new year, we do so with a sense of hope, hope given us in the gift of a child so long ago. Just as our family will be eagerly awaiting the birth of our first grandchild, so we all can look forward to the return of the Christ Child, now a conquering King, in the clouds of heaven some day very soon.

On that day it will not be just a few shepherds and a couple wise men who see Him. No, when Jesus returns “every eye shall see him…” (Revelation 1:7). On that day “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

Oh, what a day that will be! What joy! What a reason for hope!

Hope – That’s why God gives us children – to give us hope. And that’s why He gave us His Child, to give us a hope that will never end. As 2020 thankfully comes to close and we look forward to 2021, let us do so with hope, hope in a child, a child born so long ago, who is coming back soon as our Savior and King! Won’t you accept Him as your Savior today?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island and other classics, grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland in the 19th century. At the end of each day, as darkness spread over the city, Robert would watch with fascination as the lamplighters came down the street, lighting the gas street lamps. 

One evening, seeing their son with his face pressed against the window, Robert’s parents asked him what he was looking at. Robert replied excitedly, “Look at that man! He’s punching holes in the darkness!”

Long ago Jesus, the light of the world, was born in a dirty stable on a cold, dark night. Like the lamplighter’s in Edinburgh, Jesus came to punch holes in the darkness. He came to bring joy and hope, to light the way to a brand new day. 

Now, over 2000 years later, it seems to many that Light has gone out. COVID-19, political unrest, conflict, and natural disasters have left them reeling, their “hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth…” (Luke 21:26). For many, as they look towards the future, they see only darkness, with not even a glimmer of light. 

But that Light still shines! It shines in you and I, in all God’s children. We, like Jesus before us, “are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14). As we go about our daily lives, sharing a kind word or a helping hand with those we meet, we too are “punching holes in the darkness”, helping others see the Light.

This Christmas season, as we celebrate “the Light”, let us determine to punch holes in the darkness wherever we go. Like St. Francis, let our prayer be:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

Let’s let the Light shine through us this season, bringing joy and hope wherever we go. Together let’s start “punching holes in the darkness” today, bringing the Light to everyone we meet!

The other day Ana and I got home from work after sundown and went to the chicken coop to gather the eggs. As we opened the barn door we saw something we weren’t expecting. There were chickens everywhere!

Turns out the door to the coop had fallen shut, preventing the chickens from getting into their home when sunset came. Instead they’d taken shelter in the barn. They were roosting on the gardening equipment, clustered around the closed door to the coop, and some were hiding in the tall weeds nearby.

It took us about a half hour to gather them all up and get them back where they belonged. As we headed back to the house, Ana laughingly said, “I can feel a story coming on!” She knows me so well!

We live in the final days of earth’s history. You need only look at the headlines to know this to be true. Soon, “…Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation,
even to that time.” (Daniel 12:1 NKJV). Soon the cry will ring out, “Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!” (Matthew 25:6)

When that day comes God’s children, all those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” will be saved. (Revelation 7:14). Like the 5 wise virgins in the parable in Matthew 25 they will be welcomed into the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Together with those who have died in Christ they will be caught up in the clouds, “to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall [they] ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

For those who have waited, however, those who are not prepared, the door will be forever shut. Like the 5 foolish virgins, and like our silly chickens, they will find themselves locked out in the cold, dark night and “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:12).

This is a sobering thought, but there’s good news! The door is still open! There is still time, but it is quickly slipping away! “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

My friend, please don’t wait a moment longer. “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 4:7). Don’t make the same mistake as our foolish chickens and wait till it’s too late. Give Jesus your heart today. The door’s still open – come on home!

Decisions, decisions! “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!” (Joel 3:14 NIV)

At this moment in time you and countless others face the most important decision of your life. How you decide will forever alter not only your life, but the lives of your children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors, in ways you can’t even imagine. The very fate of our nation and our world depend on the decisions that will be made.

This decision is a choice between two opposing parties and their leaders, two philosophies so diametrically opposed it is amazing they can coexist on the same planet. Never before has the choice been so stark.

One leader, from the moment he seized power has been determined to destroy all that is good and decent in this world. His influence has led to intolerance, bred hatred and division, encouraged violence, and stolen hope of a better life from millions.

In contrast, his opponent’s message is one of reconciliation and tolerance, promising prosperity and a brighter future. His government will bring peace to the nations and healing to the cast-out and down-trodden. Instead of hatred, he speaks of love. Instead of despair, he breeds hope.

What is this momentous decision I’m asking you to make? Well, it’s not the one you’re probably thinking of. It’s not about who you’ll vote for on November 3. It’s not about who will be our President for the next 4 years. It’s not about choosing between Donald Trump or Joe Biden, between Democrats or Republicans.

No, the decision I am asking you to make is far more important. It is truly a matter of life and death, a choice between “life and prosperity, death and destruction.” (Deuteronomy 30:15 NIV). On your decision hangs not only your future, but potentially the eternal future of all those with whom you come in contact and the ones you love and care about.

The choice you must make today is who will be your Lord and Master. Will it be Jesus Christ, who gave His life that you might live, or Satan, who seeks only to destroy? It would seem like an easy decision, but every day, every hour, thousands make the wrong choice. Don’t let that happen to you!

Time is short. Just look around and you’ll know it’s true. There is no more time for delay. “This day…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.” (Deuteronomy 30:19). “Choose for yourselves…whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15)

Who will get your vote today? Christ or Satan? The Dragon or the Lamb? The choice is up to you. “But as for me and my household,” our vote has already been cast – “we will serve the Lord.”

Won’t you join us and cast your vote for Jesus today?

Most weekdays I go down to the riverside park near work for lunch. It’s a wonderful break in the middle of a stressful day, just sitting and listening to the sounds of nature while I eat my lunch. The sunshine, the laughter of other picnickers, the breeze in the trees, all soothe my soul and prepare me to face another afternoon of seeing patients and shuffling paper.

There is one stressful part of these excursions, however – getting there! I have to cross a couple of busy streets and waiting at the crosswalk bugs me. I press the button for the crosswalk signal and I hear this annoying computerized voice say, “Wait, wait, wait.” I don’t have time to wait! I’m in a hurry to go relax!

Do you know what the hardest command in scripture is? “Wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14). Waiting is not something most humans do well. We want everything NOW, and sometimes even that’s not soon enough. We want our food fast, our cars faster, and our internet 5G. And when it comes to answers to prayer, well, yesterday would be nice!

Fortunately, God doesn’t do things according to our schedule. His answers always come right on time – never too late and never too early. In 2 Peter 3:9, the apostle reminds us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

God is looking at the big picture and He’s not going to move until the time is right. Until then we have to wait, but waiting is rarely easy. That’s why the rest of Psalms 27:14 says, “be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

It takes a strong person to wait, a person with a strong faith and a heart made new by the blood of Christ. The only way to get this kind of strength is by daily surrendering to Christ, studying His Word, and exercising our faith by claiming His promises.

So, this week, if you find yourself at a crossroads and all you’re hearing from God is an annoying, “Wait, wait, wait,” exercise a little faith. He’s got everything under control. He’s working “all things…together for good…” (Romans 8:28) and will make “everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). So instead of fuming and fusing about the delay, “be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord.” You’ll be glad you did!

Recently our neighbor called sounding distressed. Turns out her cherished cat had gone missing and she was hoping we’d seen it. Unfortunately, we hadn’t, but I assured her we’d keep an eye out for it.

A few days later we thought we saw the cat in our garden, so we put a live trap out to try and catch it. A week went by without any luck, but we left the trap set.

This morning Ana went to feed the chickens and a few minutes later called me outside. We hadn’t caught the cat, but we did catch Pepe’ Le Pew! Now we had to figure out how to release a very unhappy skunk without getting sprayed.

At first I tried using a long pole to lift the lever to open the trapdoor, but that just got the skunk agitated. Ana tried slowly walking towards it while talking softly. This only earned her a warning foot stamp and a raised tail, so she quickly backed off.

Finally, we were able to cover the trap with a tarp and I opened the door with a rake. Pepe’ scurried off into the field without even a simple “thank you”. Ungrateful critter! But, heh, at least we didn’t get sprayed!

Later, as I headed to church, I thought how we are like that skunk sometimes. Ana and I were just trying to set it free, but it saw us as only a threat. Likewise, we many times find ourselves caught in traps of our own making, surrounded by temptation, with no apparent way out. When this happens, God is right there, offering to help. Unfortunately, instead of letting Him help, we see Him as a threat. We blame Him for our predicament and reject His assistance. We try to wiggle out on our own, only to find ourselves worse off than before.

How much better it would be if we’d just “Trust in the Lord with all [our] hearts and lean not on [our] own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5 NIV). If we will learn to do this, to submit to God’s leading, then Jesus promises when we face temptation He will “show [us] a way out so that [we] can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT).

This week when temptation comes your way, instead of trying to fight it on your own, ask Jesus to show you the way out. Remember, on your own you’re sure to fail, but “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 NIV).

One of the perks of my new job, which I didn’t have at my previous position, is getting to eat lunch. What a difference this break in the middle of the day makes for my mental well-being! On an especially stressful day I can hardly wait for 12 o’clock to come, so I can escape the pressures of work for a precious hour of peace and quiet down by the river. It’s the highlight of my day.

Wenatchee is blessed with a beautiful park which runs for miles along the Columbia River. It’s got a 11-mile loop for walking and biking, beautiful flower beds, wonderful views of the river, and picnic benches in the shade. It’s a very pleasant getaway from the busyness of life.

During my lunch breaks I enjoy watching the people in the park. Elderly ladies gather in lawn chairs just to chat, old men walk their dogs, bicyclists speed down the paved trail, and children run and play.

It was one of these children who made me laugh the other day. I was sitting at a table, eating my lunch and reading, when this little boy ran up, face flushed and voice filled with excitement. “Mister,” he said, “there’s a big event coming tomorrow night! You’ve got to come!” He handed me a flyer advertising a concert at his church, then ran off to find someone else to tell about the “big event.”

I got a kick out of the little guy’s enthusiasm and later spoke to his father, letting him know how his son had made my day. The boy’s happy smile and positive attitude helped me through the next 4 stressful hours and still make me chuckle even 3 days later.

The thing which struck me as I was thinking about this experience was how excited the boy had been about the “big event” coming to his church. He just couldn’t keep quiet about it and was inviting everyone he met to come and see. I think that’s how Jesus wants us to be.

In Matthew 18:3 Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” In these last days, with Jesus’ coming just around the corner, we need to be like my little friend and get excited about sharing the Good News with those around us. We need to “change and become like little children”, telling everyone we meet, “Hey, there’s a “big event” coming soon! You’ve gotta come!”

Back in June I shared a post, “Why I Wear a Mask”. It was well received, getting shared 56 times on Facebook and generating 36 comments. Most of the comments were very positive, but two were negative. Guess which two I kept playing over-and-over in my head? You guessed it! In spite of all the kind, positive responses I received, I couldn’t stop thinking about those two negative ones. This taught me 2 things. First, I’ve got a problem with pride and second, I need to change my focus.

This tendency to focus on the negative seems to be a natural part of our fallen human natures. You can see it every day on the news and hear it every time a politician opens his mouth. The problem is, this negative mindset holds us back from reaching our full potential.

Ryan Hall, Olympic athlete and American record holder in the half marathon, discovered this when he was training in college. One day he read some reviews about his running on the internet. The majority of the comments were positive, but a few were critical. Those few negative words really bugged him.

Working out later, Ryan couldn’t get those negative reviews out of his head. He decided to prove the naysayers wrong, using their comments to help motivate him to run harder. However, when he tried this Ryan soon discovered the truth of Proverb 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” The more he thought about those critical comments, the slower he ran. He’d get angry and tighten up and tight muscles don’t run as fast as loose ones.

What we focus our minds on is what we become. When I focus on problems at work I just end up making myself miserable, but if I look for something positive to think about, it changes my whole attitude.

The apostle Paul understood this. That’s why he wrote in Phillippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

This Sabbath and in the coming week, let’s purge the negative from our thoughts and focus on the wonderful positive things all around us. Let’s stop and smell the roses, lift our eyes to the hills, bask in the sunshine, and share a kind word or just a smile with a friend. Most of all let’s fix “our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:2).

There’s plenty of negativity in the world already. Let’s not add to it. Instead, let’s focus on the positive. Let’s focus on Jesus!

This is the best time of the year!

Ana’s garden is growing like crazy and I’m reaping the benefits!
Garden-fresh tomatoes, crisp just-picked cucumbers, delicious zucchini, mouth-watering summer squash! I am a lucky man!

All this bounty didn’t just happen, though. It took a lot of hard work. Tilling up the soil, fertilizing, fertilizing, planting seeds, and endless watering. It was a lot of work, but If we’d left the soil as we’d found it, we’d have grown nothing but weeds. We had to break it down, till it up, before we could hope to reap a harvest.

God’s been doing something similar to me in the last few weeks. He’s been breaking me down, teaching me submission, surrender, acceptance. He’s been tearing down my pride, helping me learn to trust, even when life doesn’t seem to make sense.

It hasn’t been a pleasant experience, which is why I haven’t been able to write the last couple weeks. The inner struggle has left me so drained I had nothing left to give. Yet, I find it’s been worth it all.

Through it all, I am slowly learning true victory is found only in surrender and to grow in Christ I must first bury self. I’m finding I don’t need to understand the “why”, because I know “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

I suspect many of you are going through similar experiences right now. Some of you are out of work, dealing with illness, or have had plans fall through. You’re left wondering why God’s abandoned you, why you can’t hear His voice, why He leaves your prayers unanswered.

The truth is, it is in times like these, when God seems the farthest away, He is actually the closest. He is at work in you “to equip you with all you need for doing his will.” (Hebrews 13:21). Like a loving father He is using these trials to prepare the soil of your heart, break down your pride and self-reliance, and teach you to trust in Him.

The process is not always “enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Hebrew 12:11).

Trust the Master Gardener. He knows what He’s doing. Let Him “plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.” (Hosea 10:12) Ask Him to plant in you “the good seeds of righteousness” that “you will harvest a crop of love.”

God promises “what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” (Romans 8:18). “At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9).

So hang in there! Let God work and remember, “Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.” (Psalm 126:5) So rejoice – Harvest Time is almost here!