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Our Faith Walk

Hope that Won’t Disappoint

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Keep Hope Alive: True Hope

What we’ve learned about hope.

The believer’s audacity for hope is made possible by knowledge of God (Psalm 16:11), by continuous abiding in Christ (John 15:5) and the filling of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Our audacity or boldness is built on a sure foundation based on the fidelity and faithfulness of God.  It is established on the immutability of His word (Hebrews 6:17-18), the certainty of His promise (Romans 4:16) and the assurance of His presence (Romans 15:13).  This is what gives us the ability to persevere.

This boldness leads us to our faith response to the challenges and trials of 21st century living.  Our faith becomes a key ingredient with hope to offer us peace, guidance, and unwavering hope.  It provides us with strength and solace in time of uncertainty.  This is true not because we are “optimistic”, but we believe that God is truly in control regardless of the circumstances we face.

Together, our audacity and faith results in our recognition and acknowledgement that God and God alone is the true source of our hope (Psalm 62:5-12).  A true hope that never disappoints.

Hope and the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward and guiding believers toward the fulfillment of God’s promises.  The Holy Spirit instills hope in believers by:

  • Reassurance of God’s Love: The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into the hearts of believers, providing a steadfast foundation for hope. This love is unconditional and everlasting, providing security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. (Romans 5
  • Guiding and Strengthening Faith: The Holy Spirit strengthens believers’ faith, enabling them to trust in God’s promises and plans. This faith is the source of hope, as it allows believers to anticipate God’s goodness and believe in the fulfillment of His promises. (Hebrews . 11:1)
  • Empowering for Perseverance: The Holy Spirit empowers believers with resilience and perseverance, enabling them to endure challenges and maintain hope amid difficulties. This empowerment allows believers to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward towards God’s purpose. (Galatians 5:22-23)
  • Revealing God’s Plan: The Holy Spirit unveils God’s plan and purpose for believers’ lives, providing a clear direction and motivation for hope. This understanding of God’s plan instills hope for the future, as believers see how their present struggles fit into God’s overarching design. (Ephesians 1:17-18)
  • Interceding in prayer: The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer, expressing their deepest yearnings and hopes to God. This intercession ensures that believer’s hopes are aligned with God’s will and that their prayers are heard and answered. (Romans 8: 26-27).

The Holy Spirit becomes a source of strength and resilience, enabling believers to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and anticipation of God’s goodness.

 Hope that won’t disappoint.

For hope that is real in our life, it is important that we intentionally claim that which Christ has obtained for us through His sacrificial death and powerful resurrection.  Through Jesus’ sacrificial gift of life, we have a hope that “does not” and “will not” disappoint.

 Therefore, having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  (Romans 5:1-5)  

Bottomline, God’s hope won’t disappoint.  His hope is the only guarantee of security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations.  HE IS the steadfast foundation for hope. (Hebrew 6:17-19)

For hope that won’t disappoint, hold fast to  “the God of hope [who will] fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.”  (Romans 15:13, Amplified)

Our Faith Walk

Hope: Our 21st Century Faith Response

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Keep Hope Alive: The God of Hope

 

How do we describe hope?

What metaphors do we use to express hope?  How do we encourage others to believe “there’s a path to good” even in bad times?   Here are a few we might have used.

  • “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
  • “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
  • “The sun is peeking through the clouds.”
  • “Hope is an eternal flame.”

But let’s be honest, when we’re at the “end of our rope” and the “bottom of our world has fallen out”, metaphors about hope will not help us. We are looking for something that will ease our troubled souls right now!

Who needs hope?

According to the American Psychological Association [1], we all need hope.

A majority of adults (62%) disagree with the statement, “our children are going to inherit a better world than we did,” and 63% disagree with the statement, “I feel our country is on the path to being stronger than ever.” More than 3/4 of adults (76%) said that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives, while 68% said this is the lowest point in our nation’s history that we can remember. 

 Two in three adults (66%) said the culture’s current political climate is a significant source of stress in their lives. Further, three in five adults quote (60%) said that the current social divisiveness in the nation causes them stress. Slightly more than three in five adults 62% reported that the racial climate in the US is a significant source of stress in their lives.

Are these sources of stress going to go away?  Absolutely not!  And these stressors are larger than us and out of our control.  In this environment, we are also expected to manage the challenge of daily living and providing for our families: feeding, clothing, and housing.  We search out ways to balance the stresses of life while maintaining healthy relationships, and personal “sanity”.   We need to cultivate our hope because when we cease to hope, we jeopardize our future.

The worldview of hope

Hope has ALWAYS been something we humans have needed whether in ancient times or modern days.  Man’s ability to survive and thrive has been dependent on hope.  The challenge, however, continues to be our ability to identify the BEST SOURCE of HOPE.

Hope, from the world’s view, comes from a variety of sources that, when combined and strengthened, provide a foundation for optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.  These include the following which we most commonly use.

 Relationships and connections: human connections and strong relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and love, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

 Personal strengths and abilities: recognizing and utilizing one’s strengths and abilities instills confidence and a sense of empowerment, nurturing hope for achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

 Meaning and purpose: finding meaning and purpose in life, whether personal interest, family, community, or spiritual beliefs, provides a sense of direction and motivation, fueling hope for our fulfillment and meaningful existence.

 Spiritual beliefs and faith: for many, spiritual beliefs and faith in a higher power offer a sense of peace, guidance, and unwavering hope, providing strength and solace in time of uncertainty.

We do these things to cope and to relieve the uncertainty we face daily.  Like the television therapist, Dr. Phil, might ask, “how’s that working for you?”  Consider adding to this list: The God of Hope.

The  God of Hope

We often become discouraged when the things we do in our human strength fail to improve our situation.  We are stressed because when we look around there is “no light at the end of the tunnel” nor is the “sun peeking through the clouds.”

The reality we must come to grips with is that we live in a fallen world, where sin will continue to manifest itself in the brokenness and pain we see today.  Injustice, wars, corruption, and much more.  BUT THERE IS HOPE.

Our hope is built on the faithfulness and dependability of God.  We must rely on the “fidelity” of God.  God is reliable, dependable, and faithful.  God is true, truthful, and trustworthy.  His Word and His promises provide the “blessed assurance” we need to not only survive but also thrive in this world.   He is our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5).

What is our faith response to the challenges of 21st century living?  We must recognize and acknowledge that God alone is the true source of our hope (Psalms 62:5-12).

[1]   Stress in America 2022, American Psychological Association.

Our Faith Walk

The Audacity of Hope, Part 2

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The Psychology of Hope

Why do we need hope?

From the tenuous bonds that connect us with one another, to the ever-present vulnerability we share as humans in a chaotic world, our lives are forever saturated in the possibility of catastrophe. Bad things— often tragic things like accidents, illness, and untimely death—happen to people every single day. We know this, yet we are tasked with finding ways of moving forward in a world where nothing is guaranteed.[1]

How then do we move forward?  We look for hope—the expectation that things will get better.  Hope is important because it helps us to cope with stress and anxiety, manage adversity, and improve our well-being and happiness.  Hope is not always easy to find, but it is always worth seeking. It is the light that guides us through the darkness, and it gives us the strength to keep going even when things are tough.

Hope by any other name.

Hope is defined as an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes.  Its synonyms include optimism and anticipation.  The opposite of hope includes hopelessness and despair.

Hope is included as one of the three theological virtues mentioned in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth.  “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, KJV).  To the church at Thessalonica, Paul acknowledges the saints for “their work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1Thessalonica 1:3).

When we use the word hope in casual conversation, we often do so in a doubtful manner.  However biblical hope is never “doubt-filled”.  It is built upon a confident expectation of a future fulfillment based on God’s Word and God’s promises.

We can only hope!

Hope is both a feeling and a motivation. A powerful force for good in our lives. It can help us cope with difficult times and to persevere in the face of challenges.  It has been described as a shield, a path, and a powerful protector.  This is especially true when we face life-threatening illnesses or insurmountable challenges in our lives.

Hope is a complex emotion that is critical for the times in which we find ourselves.  As we embrace the belief that better days are possible, we are motivated to continue moving forward.  It is exactly what is needed to persevere during these difficult times.  With hope, we can find ways to oppose the dread of life’s dangers.  Hope is critical to our future, both individually and collectively, as a society.   Therein lies the reason we must continue to hope.

Hope as an anchor of the soul.

Hope will sustain us during difficult times.  The writer of Hebrews depicted hope as an anchor.  It was a familiar object that would illustrate God’s strong attachment to us.  This anchor was “sure and steadfast”.

Sure is interpreted to mean “something that can be relied upon”.  Steadfast continues this thought of God’s hope.  It adds the descriptors of “trustworthy, firm and secure”.   The anchor represents the Object of our faith who is Jesus Christ.  Jesus has secured our position for eternity—past, present, and future.

Hope in God continues to be the message that will sustain us today in these troubling times. Our hope is based on the immutability of His word (Hebrews 6:17-18), the certainty of His promise (Romans 4:16) and the assurance of His presence (Romans 15:13).

It is this hope that gives us confidence and the ability to persevere. Our audacity of hope is built on a sure foundation based on the fidelity and faithfulness of God.

Next week, we will explore hope as our faith response to the challenges of 21st century living.

[1]  Hope: Why it matters, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, July 16, 2021

 

Spiritual Maturity

What I Learned in 2025: How I Got Over

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What will we do with the Holy Spirit?

How I Got Over.

In the 70’s, Aretha Franklin recorded the song, “How I Got Over”.  It declares, in amazement, at the end of each chorus, “My soul looks back and wonders, how I got over.”

2025 was a hard year for me—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  Emotionally, I was daily challenged to understand how to process the hateful rhetoric that was rapidly emerging in our nation.  Rhetoric that threatened my personal rights provided by our democratic systems. Physically, my health reflected a decline that sometimes comes with aging.  Some were heredity; others were the effect of poor lifestyle choices.  Spiritually, the Lord stretched me with people and experiences that challenged my trust and obedience to Him.  “Pray for my enemy? Really?”

With that as my backdrop, I now take this opportunity to reflect on the past year and ask, “what have I learned?” Like the Sankofa bird of African folklore, what will I leave behind in 2025 and what will I take with me as I enter this new year.

Learn from Me.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers Himself as the remedy to the emotional, physical, and spiritual weight pressing His Disciples and His followers in that day.  His offer?   “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.”

Learn (man-than’-o) means to increase one’s knowledge. It is further defined that the knowledge should be like that of the one teaching it.   For the stress of 21st century living, Jesus is the source of all knowledge and understanding.  He continues to be “the way, the truth, and the life.”  (John 14:6)

As we grow in the knowledge of Christ, the true SOURCE, we are drawn closer to Him, we become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).   We learn by becoming single-minded and committed to the things of God.  This strengthens our resolve during hard times, resulting in “strength to prevail”.

How do we tap into the power that prevails? It starts with what I call being single-hearted. We are single hearted when we cherish God above all things. Scripture promises that God will come to those who are single hearted. (2 Chronicles 16:9). God gives the strength that prevails to those whose hearts are fully given over to him.  (Luke 21:34-35)[1]

What I will leave?

In the tradition of the Sankofa bird, in 2026, what will I leave behind and what will I take with me?

I leave behind those things that hinder me emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of Life.  (1 John 2:15-16, NKJV)

These are listed by the Apostle John as those things that keep us connected to the world.  Lust is a powerful and complex emotion, often characterized by intense desire and attraction. They lead us away from our relationship with God.

Lusts keep us tethered to “our flesh” with desires that ultimately corrupt and erode our love for the things of God and the life we have in Christ. Lust holds our soul’s hostage (mind, will, and emotions) by promising things that will never satisfy.  Lust will continue to demand more.

What I will take?

I will take with me those things that have served me well. These represent key learnings in 2025.  If I had to choose one broad header it would be seeking God and being in His presence.   Especially rewarding has been practicing the discipline of silence and solitude.

In those moments where there is an absence of talking, there is the great reward of hearing Jesus speak.  It may be through God’s Word that captures my attention during meditation.  During moments of submission, I empty myself to make room for God’s Spirit, which becomes divine wisdom for the days ahead.

If I follow my plan for 2026, I pray I will be able to see not only “how I got over” but WHY I got over.  It’s not necessarily the WHAT but the WHO!

[1] Resilient, John Elderidge, “The Strength that Prevails”, 51-52

Victorious Living

A Better New Year’s Resolution, Part 2

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A Better New Year's Resolution, Part 2

A better new year

As we previously shared, new year’s resolutions are not the best way to create change in our life.  Strength of character and self-will, often fall short in taking us where we really want to be.  We determined that “the best way” to introduce real change in our lives is through our relationship with Jesus Christ.  We must put on our “new man”.  In Christ we have a new identity.

Embrace our identity in Christ

When I began my Christian walk, the meaning of “in Christ” was a mystery to me.  I tried to understand it based on those things I was familiar with.  For example, I established membership in the local church.  I was in fellowship with its members to serve and glorify God in my life.  But “in Christ”, what did it mean?

In Christ is the present experience of the risen Christ indwelling the believer’s heart.  Through the Holy Spirit we take on the personality of Christ.  It is more than an imitation of the life and teaching of Jesus.  It describes the believer’s union with Christ as a result of the divine action of grace by God.  The result of that action is the believer is transformed into a “new man.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Renewed in knowledge

Knowledge is defined as general awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.

However, in Colossians 3:10 knowledge means “precise and correct knowledge”.  It is used in the New Testament of the knowledge of things ethical and divine.  It is this type of knowledge that is needed today to navigate the challenges of our times.

Paul tells the church at Colosse to “put on the new man” who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.  “New man” and “old man” were terms introduced by Paul to contrast the believer’s new versus old behaviors and lifestyle (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 2:15; 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-11).

So why did Paul tell the church to put on the new man? Because the new man has access to the “precise and correct” knowledge needed for righteous living (living in right relations with God and with mankind).  This knowledge is provided through the Holy Spirit living within the new man (John 16:13).  This is where transformation takes place.

In addition, this new man’s knowledge is further strengthened as a result of being created in the image of God.  In Christ we possess God’s divine nature—His DNA.  DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms.  It is the unique string of characteristics that make us who we are—physically and mentally.  In Christ, we have been given a new spiritual DNA that equips us for the purpose and plan God has created for our lives.

True Knowledge

In Christ, we not only have renewed knowledge but also “true” knowledge.  Paul describes this in 2 Peter 1:2-4.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Knowledge (of God) protects us against error and deception, regardless of its source.  It helps us discern and use God’s truth to guide our life.  True knowledge sharpens our spiritual eyes to see not only potential dangers but also the possibilities that God has in store for us.

Promise of a better year

If we want a better new year, we must be intentional.  Our aim should not be wasted on things that never work.  Our focus must continue to be on the Person who has the authority and power to “make all things work together for our good.”  (Romans 8:28).   That person is Almighty God (Psalm 97:1-2).

Our divine truth is this.  Being in Christ and knowledge of God will provide us with everything we need to be successful not only this new year, but also all the way to glory. Let us diligently seek the Lord more this year than last.  This is the best way to a better new year.

Advent/Christmas

A Better New Year’s Resolution, Part 1

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A Better New Year's Resolution

It’s that time again

The Christmas holidays are winding down.  Special parties and family celebrations will culminate with the ringing in of a new year.  There is only one more thing to do.  It’s time to make our New Year’s resolution.

Who created those things anyway?  Whatever their origin, regardless of our success or our failure in their creation, resolutions are intended to set a better pattern for living our lives in the upcoming year.  This may include new purpose that relate to our health, our finances, and even our relationships.

It is a time to reflect on what worked or what could have worked better.  New Year’s resolutions give us an opportunity to put our best foot forward in the coming year.  But this year, I’m taking a different approach.

This year, instead of being dependent on my resolution, I’m going to strengthen my connection with the One who can help me make more than a superficial change.  I’m going to choose a better way (Phil. 3:8-10).  I choose transformation that is only possible through Jesus Christ.

Why attempt to identify a “better way” when Jesus has provided us “the best way” (John 14:6).  Through Christ we are new creatures indwelt by His Holy Spirit.   The only thing we need to do is to embrace our identity.  In Christ, we can do better everyday in the new year.

In search of a better way

The Book of Colossians records the letter from the Apostle Paul to the Church in Colosse.  He was concerned with the reports he had received from a local evangelist, Epaphras, concerning the possible “encroaching heresy” threatening this predominately Gentile church. (Col. 1:21, 27; 2:13)

In their search to find the best way to live in their world, they were now considering a new religious system that combined elements from Greek speculation (Col. 2:4, 8-10), Jewish legalism (Col. 2:11-17), and Oriental mysticism (Col. 2:18-23).[1]    

This threat to Christ’s church is still present even now.  It is called syncretism.

Syncretism is the combining of different beliefs and various schools of thought. Syncretism involves the merging or assimilation of several mythologies or religions, thus asserting an underlying unity and allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths.[2]

 A better way or led astray?

As Christians, we must be careful to avoid societal pressures to combine Christianity with “other things”.  To do so can subtly lead us away from the basic tenets of our faith.  Seeking to be “socially and politically correct”, we might be led to compromise or minimize God’s truth.

The nation of Israel fell prey to this practice (1 and 2 Kings).  This practice resulted in idolatry, disobedience to God, and weakening of their faith.  Take a look around.  Do we see a similar thing happening in our world today?

Are you ready to change?

In Colossians 3:5-9, Paul admonishes these young believers to “put off” their old man.  The old man represented the person they use to be before coming to Christ.  That old man walked according to the influences of the world and the weakness of their human flesh (1 John 2:15-16).

The 21st century has mastered the art of influence.  Media (social and otherwise) tells us how we are to think and act.  We invite them into our homes and offices.  They are the uninvited passenger in our cars as we drive here and there.  Marketing bombards us with messages on who we should be.  They create great dissatisfaction with what we have, how we look, and what we know.  (That’s how they keep us spending money).   Social messaging keeps us “in our current state” by telling us what we can or can’t do.  They remind us of our weaknesses and our vulnerabilities.  So much so that we are fearful to move without their validation.

Old “dead man” walking

“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction.” (Gal. 6:8a, NIV)

We must guard against the defiling touch of the world, of sin, and of the old self-life. We stand between two worlds, each solicits us: let us yield to the influences that pull us upward, and not to those that anchor us to this sinful and vain world. Our eternal blessedness has begun, let us walk in it.  In Christ we profess to have put off the old man, i.e., the habits of our former life; now let us actually do so, in the power of the Holy Spirit.[3]

Even as Christians, we still tend to depend on our self-discipline, self-will, and self-motivation to live a sober, righteous, and godly life (Titus 2:11-14).  Just like our New Year’s resolution.  We try and try.  But we usually fall off the wagon by Valentine’s Day.  What we need is not a new syncretic way nor a more disciplined approach.  We need transformation.  We need to “put on the new man”.

[1]  The Times of Colossians, The New Open Bible Study Edition.    

[2] Wikipedia

[3] F.B. Meyers, Through the Bible Commentary, Colossians 3

Advent/Christmas

Rediscovering Waiting This Advent

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The Discipline of Waiting

Waiting

Advent season is a time of waiting.  Waiting by its very definition is challenging.  Waiting is the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens.   

How well we wait lies not only in what we are waiting for but also who we trust to provide our desired outcome.   That trust is based on the provider’s ability to deliver the outcome.  That why as believers, it is important to remember that Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith is worth waiting for.

Advent and Waiting

The first Advent was a time of waiting.  Israel waited with hope for the promised redeemer who would deliver them from the tyranny of the Roman Empire.  The Three Wise Men (Magi) waited for a sign (the star) that would lead them to the King of the Jews.

Those who studied the law and the prophets, such as Simeon and Anna, daily waited for the arrival of the Promised Savior.  “There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon:  and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.” (Luke 2:25).

Waiting is a spiritual discipline  

Godly waiting is a spiritual discipline that we should cultivate.  As with any discipline, practice makes “progress” (perfection is not always the goal).  Advent is a time in which we should make every effort to expand our capacity to wait.  That increased capacity will strengthen us for the days ahead.

While waiting, we exercise our patience “muscles” and bolster our endurance until we receive what we are waiting for (Hebrew 10:36).  In our waiting, faith is activated and strengthened.  It is in the waiting that our hope becomes an expectation.  While waiting, our belief and trust become rooted and grounded in the Lord (Psalm 27:13-14).

What are you waiting for?  Provision, healing, or deliverance?  The believer who waits on the Lord will not be disappointed!  (Isaiah 40:31)

What have we learned this year about waiting? 

What have we learned about waiting in 2025?  We learn from our experiences to the extent we are willing to be shaped by them (Hebrew 12:11).  This includes our experiences with waiting.

Waiting is an important discipline for us to learn.  As I stated earlier, how well we wait is based on who we trust to provide our desired outcome.  We are more willing to wait when we trust the one who can and will deliver the outcome we need.

As believers our response to waiting is different because we know Who can deliver everything we may be waiting for.  It is the Creator and Sustainer of all things—seen and unseen; past, present, and future; Alpha and Omega.  It is Eternal God (Jeremiah 10:10, 12).

The Gift in Waiting 

We have been given great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4) as well as spiritual gifts (Ephesians 1:3-17) that enable us to live victoriously.  These also enable us to wait patiently and hopefully on the Lord.

As we live in this period between Jesus’ first arrival (as Savior) and His second return (as Judge), let us remain faithful to that which God has given us to do (Titus 2:14).  Use this time of waiting to experience the fullness of God and to serve Him until His return.

Victorious Living

God’s Compassion: A Study in Contrast

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God's Compassion: A Study in Contrast

Our Emotional Response (ER)

We’ve described compassion as a willingness to relieve the suffering of another.  With that definition we introduced a series of emotional responses (ERs) to the pain and suffering we experience. The intent was to help us better understand the differences in our emotional response to the anguish and distress of others.

Our ERs can fall on a continuum ranging from pity to compassion.  This is summarized below:

As we survey our cities, nation, and the world, we appear to be more jaded in our feelings concerning the plight of others.  This cynical view has begun to infiltrate, not only our personal response but has become reflected in our reaction to the growing social issues and “human problems” we face each day.  For example, can we honestly say that our education, health, and social systems reflect compassion for the people they are to serve?  Are we REALLY our brother’s keeper (Genesis 4:9)?

I wonder what God has to say about our ERs to the conditions of our world.  Does God view compassion in the same way we do?  How does our view of compassion differs from God’s view.

Will the compassionate people please stand?

How would you describe a compassionate person?  Would you describe yourself as compassionate?  You may be sometimes and then at other times, not compassionate at all?   Why the difference in ER?

The Greater Good of Berkeley University define compassion as a mental state or orientation toward suffering (your own or others) and includes four components:

    • Bringing attention or awareness to recognizing that there is suffering (cognitive)
    • Feeling emotionally moved by that suffering (affective)
    • Wishing there to be relief from that suffering (intentional)
    • A readiness to take action to relieve that suffering (motivational)

This explanation does not consider other factors that may also impact our ability to respond with compassion, such as understanding the nature of the situation and the effort required to resolve the situation.

Where’s the compassion?

If we look at Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:31-37), what were the orientations or mental states of the travelers, as described by The Greater Good.

Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came, and looked, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

Where did the train go off the rails?  The priest “saw”.  The Levite “came and looked.”  Only the Samaritan moved passed the cognitive response and moved directly to motivational.  “The Samaritan came where he was and when he saw him, he had compassion”.

So, he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

More like God

The Hebrew and Greek words sometimes translate “compassion” to have a broader meaning such as “to love” and “to show mercy.” Synonyms for compassion in English are “to be loved by,” “to show concern for,” to be tenderhearted,” and “to act kindly.”  Do these words describe you?

Compassion is an inherent part of God’s very being (Exodus 34:6).  In the Old Testament, God’s compassion was rooted in His covenant relationship with His people (2 Kings 13:23).

In the New Testament, God’s compassion is demonstrated in His Son’s ministry and among His people.  Jesus’ messianic compassion was extended to the helpless crowds (Matthew 9:36), the sickly masses (Matthew 14:24), the hungry people (Mark 8:2), the demon possessed (Mark 5:90), the unclean lepers (Luke 5:12-16), and to all in need of “love and mercy” (Isaiah 61:1-3).

In our generation, Jesus has extended compassion to each of us—the hopeless sinner (Romans 5:8).  While compassion is not a uniquely Christian response to suffering (Luke 10:33), Christians have unique reasons for nurturing our compassionate disposition.  God compassionately and truly cares what happens to us. Developing a more compassionate disposition is critical as we navigate 21st century living.

Knowing God

Passionately Seeking God: A Turtle’s Story

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I am a turtle!

One of the things you may not know about me is that I love turtles.  Turtles! Terrapins! Whatever the correct nomenclature…I love them.  As a child, I had miniature turtles as pets.

Later I began to collect turtles in all forms: jewelry, hats, clocks, foot stools.  And yes, I even have a turtle hand puppet. In my younger years, I showed my commitment to turtles by joining the International Association of Turtles. Are you a turtle?

Funny thing happened when my husband and I moved into our new home.  People started giving us live turtles.  The Hamilton turtles live in our fenced backyard and spend every spring-summer season with us.  All of them are different in size, age, color, and yes, personality.  They are so funny to watch.

But guess what I discovered? They watch us, too!  From my kitchen window, I can see them in the yard, staring up toward the house waiting for the light to come on.  When I go to the lower lanai, I see Big Mama (the oldest) positioned, so I can see her when I turn on the fountain.  They love the sound of the water, another indication that the Hamilton’s are awake and moving.

WIFM (What’s in it for me?)

So why do my turtles watch us so intently?  They know that when I see them, I will quickly respond with lettuce, tomatoes, and even strawberries (which they love).  If we’re inside, they will even come to the screen door, as if to say, “Hey, it’s feeding time.” I love our nutty little turtles and want to reward them for their diligence, and their perseverance in watching me.

 

Why am I sharing my turtle story with you?  In my quiet time, I meditated on this question, “Do I seek God with the same diligence as my turtles seek me?  Am I watchful, early in the morning and throughout the day, to see if I’m best positioned to be seen by Jesus?  Do I create opportunities in my busy day to rest in Him?”  This includes moments of silence and solitude.

In all fairness, turtles don’t operate with the distractions of the world like we do.  They are always “present in the moment”—that moment that will result in a special treat for the day.  You see, the turtles are not dependent on me for food.  They eat what is available to them in their natural environment.  However, they have found in my banquet of lettuce and strawberries something “worth seeking”.

So, it is with our time with Jesus.  It is something so special that it would be a tragedy to miss it.  While it is important to include spiritual disciplines in our daily routine, there is nothing to compare with experiencing personal time with Him.  He offers Himself to feast upon.

We Seek the Lord

God’s presence and provision is fully realized in Jesus, “in whom we live, breathe, and have our meaning.”  (Acts 17:28)

We may attempt to meet our desires through pursuit of unhealthy BEEPS.[1]  However, lasting satisfaction cannot (and will not) be attained by pursuing them.  Only our continual relationship with the Lord can satisfy (Philippians 3:7-8).

Our self-directed pursuits may offer us temporary quenching of our needs, but God has placed “eternity in our hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Nothing else will satisfy.   It is God alone, whom we must seek, relentlessly. Diligently watching for His appearance.  Eagerly anticipating His presence.

The writer of Psalm 42:1 describes his longing for the Lord this way.  As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. (Amplified)[2]

St. Augustine, renowned theologian, prolific writer and preacher, had this to say about seeking God.  “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”  This quote summarizes his core belief that humanity’s inherent desire for happiness and fulfillment can only be truly satisfied by God.

“We’ll be back!”

In late September, the Hamilton turtles will begin to prepare for their winter hibernation. They will burrow into the ground and bid us a “fair thee well”.  No need for lettuce, tomatoes, or strawberries, until next year.

However, as followers of Christ, we have the unique pleasure of practicing the presence of Jesus every moment of each day.  With the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can engage in conversations throughout the day and during our daily rhythm (John 14:23).

God is always there, waiting for us to look up and “see Him”.   And when we do, the Lord will reward us with everything we need for our journey: joy, peace, hope, love, and even an occasional strawberry. 🙂

[1]   According to therapist Robert Khouri, BEEPS is an acronym that describes what our attachment system in the brain might attach to instead of healthy, joyful relationships, especially in the context of trauma and addiction. BEEPS stands for: Behaviors, Events, Experiences, People, Substances.  BEEPS substitutes for secure attachment that individuals might turn to when they’ve experienced relational trauma or disruption in their early lives.

[2]   The Hebrew word translated “soul” in this psalm and elsewhere in the book of Psalms is nephesh. This word usually refers to a person’s “life” or “self”.

Spiritual Endurance

The Spirit of Truth for the 21st Century

 

Truth’s Beginning

In our family, the truth was highly valued.  It was critical to raising children and instilling one of  the most important measurement of one’s character.

We were told to tell the truth even if it meant punishment.  Why?  Because we truly believed that a lie, which would ultimately be discovered,  carried grave consequences.   Guess what?  Lies still carry grave consequences especially in the 21st century when truth is not valued.

Truth Warning

John F. Kennedy, the thirty-fifth President of the USA, shared the following observation about truth.

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie — deliberate, contrived, and dishonest — but the myth — persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.  

What are the myths we are embracing today?   In our personal lives, in our families, in our nation.   What are the persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic myths we are “choosing” to include in our belief systems and personal views?

The Apostle Paul warned his young minister Timothy of the dangers that await him as new converts would “turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).

Truth today is often packaged in many forms.  Many are more speculation and creative editorializing, than substantive truth.  Because of this trend, it is important that believers have a “real-time” reliable and trustworthy compass by which to navigate in this world.  While our primary guide is the Word of God, as we discussed last week, God has also provided another source—the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.

The Source of Truth

Earlier we defined truth as that which agrees with reality. For the believer, our reality has been defined by what God has placed in His written Word.

For Jesus’ disciples, however, there was no written Word as they faced a hostile world without the presence of their Beloved Jesus (John 15:18-20).  It was Jesus’ presence that gave them the courage to challenge the spiritual tyranny of the religious leaders.  They would need God’s truth as they turned their focus to witnessing (Acts 1:8), baptizing and teaching (Matt. 28:19-20).

In John 14:16-16, Jesus promises to send the Spirit of Truth that would abide with them forever.  It was the Holy Spirit Who would now come to live within them.  We generally think of the Holy Spirit in terms of gifting or empowering believers to accomplish the purposes and ministries of Christ.  However, the attribute Jesus chose to share with His disciples in John’s text focused on “truth”.  It would be the Spirit of Truth that would assist the disciples as they were persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of Truth-Yesterday, Today, and Forever

The Spirit of Truth would assist the disciples in accomplishing the “greater works” promised by Jesus (John 14:12).   Jesus was indeed “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.  After Jesus’ departure, the ministry of truth would continue because the Spirit of Truth.

Like the disciples of the first century, believers in the 21st century have the assistance of the Spirit of Truth to assist them especially in exposing the spirit of error.  The spirit of error is seen in the morays and life styles of the world.  For unbelievers, it leads them to be deceived and disobedient to the purposes of God in their life (Ep. 2:2).

For the believer, the spirit of error tempts them to doubt God truth and draw them away from the leading of the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:15).  The Spirit of Truth stands ready to silence the lies, myths and fables of the 21st century.  Our confidence lies in the promise, power, and presence of the Spirit of Truth.  He is our True Compass as we search for truth.