Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.

Matthew 25:13

In looking around, listening, and reading, do you sense it? There seems to be an acceleration of, well, crazy. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. A mob mentality is creating lemmings who aren’t thinking straight—or even thinking for themselves at all. And a “cancel culture” is allowing for the silencing of opinion (or truth) if it goes against the pushed narrative.

I’m not trying to get “political” here. This has all been a cyclical pattern throughout human history. And since the first century, Christians around the world have had to stand firm in the midst of their respective anti-God cultures. Believers have been a voice for the voiceless, a light in the darkness, and a thorn in the side of government and religious leaders. 

After His glorious resurrection, Jesus told his disciples He would be coming back soon. And from the first century until now, Christians have been certain that time would be during their lifetime. I believe it’s because they looked around at the insanity of their own world, and the only fitting response was praying for rescue (rapture) and Divine justice. 

Brothers and sisters, are you feeling the same way right now? I know I am. 

The bigger question is this: If the Lord returns today, are you ready? We are in the Biblical end times—of that there is no doubt. But these “times” could be completed within the hour, year, decade, or century. We don’t know—and neither does Satan. So, as it has been since the Garden, he is racing around with his millions of minions to stir up evil and multiply his army here on earth. Ultimately, Satan is going to lose his fight against the Lord—this he does know.

But what about you? Have you picked a side in the battle? Jesus won the war by defeating Death on Calvary’s cross and rising again in triumph. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—the only path to peace with God—and to victory over an eternity of torment. So, on whose side do you stand? And if you are with God, are you standing firm, not to be moved when the winds of culture come against you? 

Jesus is coming “soon”—it could very well be today. I’ll ask again, are you ready? You must “choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:14-15). If you have not yet made a decision to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, won’t you do so now? God loves you and wants you to have everlasting life (John 3:16), so He died for you (Romans 5:8)! By confessing you are not perfect (a sinner), God is faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Believe this and give your life to Jesus as your Savior (the Way the heaven) and your Lord (the Priority of your life)—and you’ll be victorious in the battle for your soul (Romans 10:9)!

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20

As I sit down to write this, I’m am actually taking a respite from unpacking boxes and trying to figure out—once again—what we really need and where we should put it all. You see, over my 26-year marriage, we have lived in three states, nine towns, and—seriously—16 addresses. (And, nope, not military…just crazy.) Our homes have varied widely, from an 1890 Victorian minor’s cottage in Colorado to new construction in Virginia—and assorted era styles in between! 

The funny thing is that every time we found a new place, we’d fall in love and think, “This is it! Our forever home!” And then some years later, we’d move on (for different “reasons” but always in an effort to listen to the Holy Spirit…that’s another story altogether). What we thought was permanent turned out to be merely temporary. We weren’t there to stay—we were just passing through. Plus, every time we start packing up to go, we lighten our load, giving away what we once thought was indispensable. Our grasp on “stuff” has gotten looser and looser.

Brothers and sisters, God’s Word tells us we should have this same mindset as we walk through this world. We are temporary residents here, just passing through (1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:14). As believers, our ultimate home is in heaven, and the Lord wants us to keep our eyes on that destination. We are not to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2), getting all cozy in the ways of the flesh.

The fact that we are sojourners here can also help us to lighten our grasp on the things of this world. We are exhorted to not love our “stuff” and make idols of it. Even Jesus warns us that we can’t serve money and God—being mastered by both is impossible (Matthew 6:24). But the “things of this world” go beyond home baubles, big toys, and bank accounts. It’s also the intangibles of culture that can keep us abiding in the wrong place. This is especially true today, when so many are looking to social media for affirmation, joining the various mob mentalities for acceptance, and even depending on the government and politics for salvation. (Satan is loving every minute of this, for sure.)

Christians, we are citizens of heaven, awaiting our Savior, who will transform our broken, sin-inclined selves and usher us into our true forever Home (Philippians 3:20-21). No matter how much “everything is falling apart” here, we should expect it, because the Bible tells us it will! But while we are here, our purpose is to serve and glorify God by loving others and sharing the gospel with them. We must ensure that, regardless of how many states, cities, or homes someone has lived in, that they’re ready for their ultimate relocation.

Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

Psalm 2:12

Here’s a strange (and disturbing) thought: What if one of the world’s most evil criminals, having instigated horrific atrocities against men, women, and children, was finally convicted. However, after the judge’s gavel fell and a sentence of life imprisonment given, this heinous person was given the freedom to continue his evil pursuits until an undetermined time to come. Eventually, he will be locked away, never to escape or be freed—and his sentence includes excruciating torment to repay his actions through the years.

What kind of emotions are you feeling at that scenario? Maybe elation about his conviction and delight over his future torture mixed with awe and horror at the allowed freedom before he’s actually thrown in prison…perhaps a fear washed over you at what he will actually do in the world, knowing his time of potential devastation is limited.

This is not just a what-if scene. It is very real. The heinous criminal is Satan. And he has been wreaking havoc on mankind since the Garden of Eden when he hissed that first accusation against the Creator: “Did God really say…?” And as the centuries passed, Satan and his millions of minions have worked tirelessly to separate people from the Lord and thwart the promises of God. 

But Jesus. 

Jesus came to the earth, fully man and fully God, to live the life we cannot (sinless and perfect). Satan, knowing exactly who Jesus is and why He came, made valiant efforts to foil the plan of salvation throughout Jesus’s earthly ministry—he (Satan) was getting desperate. So, when our precious Lord was hanging on the cross, bleeding and dying to pay the penalty we deserve, Satan was probably doing a celebratory dance, thinking himself victorious. But a few days later, Jesus came out of the grave, forever conquering death and making a way to the Father for anyone who believes and trusts in Him.

So, this is where the scene described above kicks in. Friends, Satan has been defeated. He has been convicted—and he knows it. And he knows exactly how it ends for him, and it’s not pretty (he’s read the Bible too—see Revelation 19:11-21). Although it’s been 2000 years since his sentencing, he and his troupe of terrorists have spent every moment accusing us to God and accusing God to us in his efforts to keep people from Christ and to keep Christ-followers ineffective. 

I don’t know about you, but I believe that Satan’s incarceration time is near. As his time is running out and his ways and means of warfare are exponentially escalating, here are some things for us to take to heart: (1) Jesus already won. (2) If we believe that Jesus won and give our lives to Him, we are victors with Him and can rest in the peace of this truth. (3) For those who do not know Jesus or believe Him and His Word, the fear is very real…because the coming horrific judgement isn’t just for Satan. 

Brothers and sisters, Satan’s time may not yet be up—but, if you’re reading this, neither is yours! If you have not yet accepted Christ, “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Although God’s judgement is coming, He is (and has been since the Garden) in relentless pursuit of you. Won’t you turn to Him and choose victory today?

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Colossians 4:6

“Speech” today is a hot topic, for sure. In fact, freedom to speak our minds—one of the key foundations of our great nation—is under fire and, as Christians, we must be in prayer for the preservation of this God-given right. And “speech” is no longer relegated to what comes out of the mouth (or to words written in the form of a letter—for all your over-40 folks who actually wrote letters with pen and paper). Much of today’s “speech” (too much, in truth) is thrown about like arrows through various social media platforms.

Let me ask this: How careful are we with our words? 

Are they salty (Col 4:6)—in other words, do they serve to preserve the Truth and enhance good flavor in life? Salt was very valuable back in Jesus’ day, often used to pay salaries. (That’s where the phrase, “He’s worth his salt” came from.) So, are we vigilant to not be careless with what we say, considering the value of our words? And is our speech seasoned with grace? Do we reflect on the grace extended to us daily (let alone the miracle of saving grace) as we wag our tongue, type a post, text a response?

The Word has a lot to say about what we say—see 1 Peter 3:10, Proverbs 12:18, James 3:10; Proverbs 21:23; Psalm 34:13, and list goes on and on. With that, here is a simple acrostic to help us ensure our words (spoken, written, and digitally created) stay aligned with God’s will: THINK.

TRUE—Is it true, honest, and factual?

HELPFUL—Is it edifying and uplifting, helpful and not hurtful?

INSPIRING—Does it serve to make people or situations better, not worse?

NECESSARY—Does it really matter if that point “gets across”? Will it make a positive impact?

KIND—Will it bring a smile (or reduce a grimace), calm a tumultuous soul, or ease a burden?

Jesus taught that our words are actually a reflection of what’s in our heart—ouch (Luke 6:45; Matthew 12:35). So, the best thing to do is fill our heart (and mind) with God’s Word and His Truths. This way, whatever form our speech takes, it will overflow with salt, grace, and glory to God.

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.”

Daniel 3:17-18

God is able—do you believe that? When you are worried about a child or a parent or finances, He is able to exchange your heavy burden for His light one (Matthew 11:29-30). When you’re in the midst of a storm, He is able to pull you out of the tumult and mire to place your feet on solid ground (Psalm 40:2). When you are sick or struggling physically, He is able to heal you perfectly—with or without the help of physicians and medicine (Mark 10:52).

But although He is able to do these amazing things (He is Almighty God, after all), He may not. Your prodigal child may reach the depths of the proverbial pigsty, despite your desperate prayers. The storm may rage around you, rain pelting your face and lodging your feet in the muddy depths. Your pain may not cease, but only increase, despite years of doctors and countless medications.

God is able. But His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). (He is Almighty God, after all.) The question becomes whether or not we trust Him to do what’s best for us. Can we relinquish control of what we think should happen and surrender to God’s will? Can we, like Daniel’s friends, like the Apostle Paul, and like Jesus Himself, cry out to our Father with what we want and hope…but do so with open hearts and hands, ultimately relinquishing our lives to His will?

Perhaps the only way for that prodigal to be saved is by hitting the bottom with nowhere else to run but to the Father. As we’re tossed about in the midst of the storm, maybe we need to rest in the Lord, washed over with His peace and held safe in His arms. And maybe, just maybe, there is purpose in the pain—to focus our eyes on Jesus, when we would otherwise turn our gaze to some golden statue.

Brothers and sisters, God is able to rescue us from whatever fiery furnace is upon us. But even if He does not, let’s stand firm and worship Him anyway. Let’s show others through our faith that God is trustworthy. When we encounter persecution for the name of Christ, let’s not deny Him for the sake of safety or comfort. Because whether we escape or burn, He will be with us in the fire.

Lord, You are able. I stand on that truth and worship You—both in and out of the furnace.

You who love the Lord, hate evil!

Psalm 97:10

Hate. The word itself elicits emotions—particularly in our current raw and divisive world. In fact, the hate in our country is practically palpable. We hate a particular political platform, we hate the words and actions of others, and—dare I say—we hate one another, even those we don’t know anything about other than by their social media posts.

So, as Christians, what are we do think, feel, and do with “hate”? Are we to always hate “hate” and only love, regardless of the situation? Are we to be tolerant of evil, because to do otherwise would be “hateful”? The Word of God has a lot to say about it, guiding us to understand that there is “a time to love and a time to hate” (Ecclesiastes 3:8).

1. God hates evil. 

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. (Psalm 11:5)

2. We are to hate evil.

You who love the Lord, hate evil! (Psalm 97:10)

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)

3. The world will hate you.

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18-19)

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

4. The Lord will avenge evil.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:18)

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. (Psalm 5:4-6)

Sisters and brothers, we are to hate evil as the Lord does. But we are also to love our enemies and bless those who curse and hate us (Matthew 5:43-45). This precarious balance of love and hate is very hard—especially as the world’s hatred for the Truth (and believers) is deepening. But who ever said being a Christian was easy?

Lord, it is so hard to look around at the evil in our culture and not be hateful to its perpetrators. Help me stand firm in hating evil but loving evildoers—and know that, ultimately, You will make all things right.

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

2 Corinthians 5:20

It’s probably been a while since you went anywhere that necessitated a nametag. But think back to those good ol’ days (um, a year ago) when there were live conferences, work meetings, group service projects, etc.—any gathering where it was useful for you to know the names of people you haven’t met. Nametags allow us to know what company or organization others represent and allow for effective interaction with them. 

Nametags also let us address others in a personal way, allowing us to initiate connection. If a cashier, for instance, wears a nametag, try to use their name when you thank them for helping you—it provides a bright “I-see-you” moment in their day’s monotony. At parties (when we could have them) where not everyone knows each other, it’s fun to have partygoers put something like their favorite movie on their nametag as an easy conversation starter. So, nametags can say a lot about a person. Nametags can also have varied degrees of information on them: first name, full name, company name, some type of ID number, or even hometown. And they can be stick-on paper, laminated and on a lanyard, pinned on, or embroidered. 

As followers of Jesus, we have a very special nametag: Christian. And our moniker is permanent—praise God, as He has sealed us with the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation, so no one or nothing can snatch us from His hands (John 10:28-29). The question is, what kind of nametag do we choose to wear in order to represent Jesus, as well as to communicate and connect with others?

Is it peel-and-stick, perfect for Sunday mornings, but easily removable when we start the workday on Monday morning…or hit the bar on Friday night? Or is our nametag a nice engraved plastic or metal tag that pins to our shirt? Sure, it may show more solid commitment, but there’s the ease of unpinning when the situation requires—perhaps in that meeting when the joking is unsavory, but we laugh right along. Perhaps our nametag is sewn right onto our shirt, so whenever we’re out in public, it is clear to others that we belong to Christ. Plus, the embroidered nametag serves as a great impetus to live in a godly way that doesn’t undermine our testimony. But, in the privacy of our own home, when others aren’t looking, that shirt can be removed, and our words and actions (and the TV or computer screen) can reflect the god of this world—Satan—more than our Lord Jesus.

Now, I’m a big fan of tattoos (and I have quite a few myself). So, brothers and sisters, what if we think of our “Christian” nametag as a tattoo—permanently inked into our very being, not easily removed when our fleshly desires draw our minds and hearts away from our Namesake. A tattoo calls us to live every moment of our life—public and private—as a representative of Jesus. Because we can’t take it off, it can be a constant reminder for us to love, forgive, and extend grace to others in same way the Lord has loved, forgiven, and extended grace to us.

Tattoos are certainly a commitment. And they can be uncomfortable, even painful. But as our world becomes more hostile to believers, it’s more vital than ever to remain steadfast to Jesus and rooted in His Word. So, let’s pick a color and font—and commit.

Lord, help me stand firm in my identity as a follower of Jesus Christ, demonstrating Your love and light to others in this dark world.

And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

Matthew 9:28

You’ve probably heard it said by well-meaning Christians and non-Christians alike: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Really? What about all the mindless escapism into social media or binge-watched shows? What about the rampant alcohol and drug abuse in an effort to numb the pain of overwhelming circumstances? What about the growing number of people who feel they absolutely cannot “handle” their situation, so much so that they choose to permanently end the pain and take their own life? (Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Americans age 10-34—those are pre-COVID lockdown stats too. Let that sink in.)

In fact, during my adult life—even my Christian adult life—I’ve been through a lot of very, very hard things. Many of which, frankly, I could not handle. They were simply unbearable. But I am 100% certain that every person reading these words can say the same thing. We have been spiritually, emotionally, psychologically (and, for some of us, physically) pummeled. The storms of this life have brought immeasurable pain to our very souls. 

Brothers and sisters, as we walk through this fallen world, our steps will take us through plenty of things we cannot handle ourselves. But you know what? There is no circumstance, struggle, or storm too hard for the Creator of the universe (Jeremiah 32:17). When we recognize (and dare I say, admit) that we are not able, but HE IS ABLE, and we surrender the unbearable, a beautiful thing happens…God takes on what we cannot. When we ask, He will answer. Sometimes He floods the darkness with light, so we can see the way…other times, He just carries us through the blackness until we come out the other side.

We will experience a lot of things in life that are not only more than we can handle, but impossible for us to handle. But “is anything too hard for the Lord” (Genesis 18:14)? No! Nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32: 27). And when we do get through those impossible, unbearable times, it will be unmistakable Who got us though. And all the praise and glory will go to our Lord. After all, that is the point.

In fact, if you are a Christian, then you know a deep Truth about God’s ability to do the impossible (Matthew 19:26). Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, you were saved. On the cross, He took on your unbearable sin to pay the penalty for you. And if He is able to do that, then how can we think anything is too hard for Him?

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

When a new year comes, many of us (in lieu of or in addition to resolutions) choose a word for the year—a singular focus with great depth and width of meaning to us. A simple reminder to think, feel, and do in a way that captures that intention. Simple, yes…easy, not so much.

As 2020 was upon us, I had been in a new community for six months. And although I’d already been digging in at church, I had a desire to establish roots that spread wider (volunteer work, friendships, activities) in order to truly connect and make that town home. The word I chose made sense and carried layers of meaning for me: ROOTED.

Of course, come March, activity—and thus connectivity—ceased. I’d been working remotely since we’d moved, and I’d even quit my job just before COVID hit the proverbial fan, so I could pursue work that would allow me to be among people and not sit alone all day in my house. (Ironic, no?) Needleless to say, rooting in became a bit more difficult. 

Fast forward to January 1, 2021. Interestingly, my word for 2021 is the same as for 2020. Here I sit, in another new town where I know no one. My mind and heart are once again intent on establishing friendships, a church family, etc. I need to get ROOTED. So, it makes sense that ROOTED is my focus word for the new year, right? It is, but I chose it for very, very different reasons. 

Friends, I am confident that the year(s) ahead will hold many more challenges than did 2020. Our nation founded on liberty and freedom—specifically the freedom to worship God outside the mandates of the government—is quickly changing. The Truth of God’s Word held by believers is increasingly being mocked, suppressed, and outright erased. Christians are being shut up and shut out—even out of our own houses of worship. 

For believers in the U.S., storms are fast approaching. So, our roots must be deep. For me (and I pray for you), being rooted takes on Biblical proportions. Literally (Mark 4:1-20; Matt 13:1-23). We must hold fast to God’s Word and His Truth, trusting and hoping in Him alone. We must stand firm on the promises of God while the wind and waves try to blow us over. Brothers and sisters, unless we are deeply rooted in the Word and in a faithful community of believers, we may easily topple under the cultural pressure. 

Roots not only keep trees standing securely, roots nourish for sustenance and fruit-bearing. Similarly, staying in God’s word and connected with other believers will feed our souls and allow us to bear sweet fruit to a hungry world. So, whatever your resolution or word-of-the-year, I hope you add “ROOTED” to the list.

Lord, I pray that I—and fellow believers in our nation—get firmly rooted in the Truth, so the lies of the enemy will not prevail.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1

I’m not a social media person (or, for that matter, media in general). In fact, I am completely disconnected from all things Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, etc. (It makes me a much happier and calmer person, truth be told. And it helps preserve my friendships—I know you know what I mean.) That being said, I am aware of the all-important “status” setting of some platforms. It’s a key acknowledgment of personal identification, upon which others can make assumptions and take particular actions. And it’s a big deal when one’s status changes. Going from “single” to “engaged” or to “married” are significant milestones in our social-media-driven culture.

But, friends, do you know that when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you undergo an immediate status change? We are born into this world as slaves to sin (John 8:34). We are not all “good” to be corrupted by the world, as some might say. We are corrupt by a fallen nature and sinning is our human nature. (We don’t have to teach a toddler to lie, now do we?) 

When He chose to die on Calvary, Jesus purchased us with His precious blood—He gave His life for ours. The price of our sin has been paid in full. So, when we surrender our life to Jesus and live by His Word, we are set free from this bondage (John 8:31-32; 36)! Our focus shifts from serving our fleshly desires to willfully serving the Lord and glorifying God in all we do. Going from “slave” to “free” is a pretty cool status change, 

But wait! There’s more!

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir.

(Galatians 4:4-7 NLT; see also Romans 8:14-17)

Christ did not just come to this earth to free us…He came to make us children of God (John 1:12). And, as heirs, we will abide in the Father’s house forever (John 8:35), with an indescribable inheritance awaiting us in Heaven. Brothers and sisters, upon salvation we are not only freed by God’s amazing grace, we become a new creation altogether (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are brought into the family of God. 

We go from “slave” to “child”—and this is the ultimate status change.