The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.

Acts 12:6

I wish I could say I wrote this, but it was penned by another: There is no softer pillow than the Sovereignty of God.

God is in control. But are we, as Christians, able to rest in this fact—truly rest? The Apostle Peter sure was. In Acts we read about the birth of the Church. It’s a great book, if you haven’t delved in—full of action, adventure, and miracles (and persecution and martyrdom). In fact, just after James (the brother of John, those “Sons of Thunder” and besties of Jesus), was put to death by Herod, Peter was arrested. I’ll let you read about his angelic-led escape and the shocked prayer warriors, but three words in the saga that speak volumes to us: “Peter was sleeping.”

Huh? I don’t even sleep when I’m worried about work stuff, so I’m confident that if I were in prison, chained between guards, knowing I was to die the next morning…well, sleep would certainly evade me. 

Not Peter. He was sleeping like a baby. He knew what Jesus had accomplished on that cross. He knew he’d been forgiven for his many sins and failures. He’d experienced the power of the Holy Spirit promised him by the Risen Lord. He had no idea what dawn would bring. God had not promised him rescue—he believed his death was hours away. But he wasn’t planning a verbal plea for Herod to spare him. He wasn’t terrified of impending physical pain, should torture precede his death. And he certainly wasn’t afraid of what would happen to him on the other side of this life. He simply rested in the confidence of God’s Sovereignty.

As a Christian today, it is easy to toss and turn in bed with the tumult of the world swirling in our head. There is uncertainty (and plenty to fear) about the future, short- and long-term. But let me remind you (and myself) of a few Big Truths:

1. We know what Jesus accomplished on that cross.
2. We’ve been forgiven of our many sins and failures (past, present, and future).
3. We have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit—the power that has saved and transformed us.

So, brothers and sisters, lay your head on the soft pillow of faith…and rest confidently in the Sovereignty of our great and awesome God.

“The Israelites secretly did against the Lord their God things that were not right.” 

2 Kings 17:9a

Reading the history of the Israelites between their walkout from under Pharaoh’s thumb in Exodus through the books of Kings and Chronicles can be fascinating, inspiring, and very exasperating. They experience miraculous freedom and provision from their omnipotent God—and then quickly turn away to worship gods they create. And despite the perfect Authority of the King of Kings, they aspire to place on the throne men who seldom do the right thing. The Lord shows Himself mighty, manifesting promise after promise…and they collectively pull the stereotypical, “Squirrel!”—turning away at the first shiny thing that catches their eye.

During my recent walk through 2 Kings, I was taken by a verse—half a verse, really—tucked away amid stories of good kings and bad ones, judgements and blessings, and prophet miracles. It says, “The Israelites secretly did against the Lord their God things that were not right.” Of course, my first thought was, “Did they really believe they could do anything in secret that God didn’t know about?” But then the Word did what it does so well: reads me.

Are there things in my life that I think I’m “getting away with”? Is there some self-made idol that I have stashed away in a closet—something I pull out to take its place on an altar above the Lord? Do I rationalize certain pre-salvation behaviors because they’re “warranted by the times we live in”? Am putting political or cultural leaders (evil, good, or otherwise) on the throne, when it belongs to God? 

It makes me also think of the Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, just after they chose to believe Satan and disobey God. When they were “hiding” from God, God asked, “Where are you?” But it’s not like He didn’t know…He just wanted to give them a chance to come clean.

What about you? 

It’s time to open all the window shades, sweep out the closets, and shine a light into every dark corner of our souls. Because although we may think there are places to stash an idol, attitude, or action, there is no place to hide from the Lord. There are no secrets, so let’s just come clean.

“Lord, there is nowhere I can hide from You—or Your love. May I be quick to recognize my sin and ask for forgiveness. Thank you for your patience and mercy…because I’m not that different than those silly Israelites.”

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

In this time of tumult, when everything seems upside-down, it’s hard to talk about things other than all the insanity. Whether it’s economic fallout from this virus, accepted lawlessness in the streets, or the dismantling of our foundational liberties, no one is unaffected. As for me, I feel like I have to be that proverbial kid trying to stay oblivious to her surroundings, with fingers in ears, eyes shut, shouting, “Lalalalalala!” 

So, when I make time to get together with friends, we talk of family matters, work, and perhaps some mundane pleasantries. But each of these conversations (by phone, video, or in person) comes back to the madness swirling around us. And when my time is being spent with a Christian sister, we seem to come to the same conclusion: Things are so bad…oh, that the Lord would come back and take us out of here!

Things are bad—there’s no doubt about that. But they’re not as bad as they could (will?) be. In fact, if you’re familiar with Church history, you know that when the Apostle Paul was helping establish and exhort the first generations of Christians, the modern world was ruled by a guy named Nero. Our culture today has a growing disdain for Believers. Nero, however, despised them. He not only made an arena sport from death-by-lion, but he dipped Christians in wax, hung them around his property, and burned them as mood lighting for his nighttime garden parties. 

I have no doubt that those Christians believed—and prayed—that Jesus was coming back any minute. But God regularly reminded them through the words of the New Testament writers that no one can know when Jesus is returning for His Church. Because of that fact, Believers were urged to be vigilant and steadfast in their walk. And all those reminders are for us as well. First Thessalonians, chapter 5, exhorts us to be sober and ready. Mark tells us to be on alert (Mark 13:35). And as we wait, we’re to live holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:11-12).

Why didn’t Jesus come back when His people were being burned in Nero’s backyard? Why hasn’t He returned during the past 1800 years of global Christian persecution, wars, pestilence, and famine? And why has He not plucked us out from this current pandemic and civil unrest? 

Because God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:15). And the Lord is patient with us humans, not wanting anyone to perish—but for everyone to repent and come to Him (2 Peter 3:9). 

You and I may have trusted Jesus with our lives and future. We know, in the end, He wins—and because we’re on His team, we win too. But, friends, Jesus wants everyone on his team. Even the “Neros” of our world today. 

Jesus may very well return for His Church today. But He might not. So, as we keep an eye in the clouds and an ear out for the trumpet, let’s continue to fight the good fight. To be vigilant, sober-minded, and ready. And let’s spread the Good News to all who will listen that God is not done yet—there’s still room on His team.

Lord, I so want you to take me home. But, in the meantime, strengthen me to use the unrest of today to share the Gospel with others.

Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. 

Psalm 145:3

Frustration happens. Whether it’s little things, like hitting every red light, or bigger things, like dealing with those “sandpaper people” at work. Yes, and there are the really big things as well—cultural, political, even global issues we really can’t do much about. 

Now, I’m not generally a complainer. In fact, with frustrations and irritants, as soon as I vent to someone (read: my husband), I can usually let them go. Usually. But, with certain areas of irritation (annoyance, anger, wits-end frustration), I can sound like a playlist set on “repeat.” Not good—for me or for those on the receiving end. Venting for venting sake, to revisit a complaint over and over again, does no good.

This is when I need to take a cue from our Biblical friend David. The Psalms are awesome, and I highly recommend that you pour through them and study the wealth of wisdom and guidance they hold. But one of the things I love about David is his unabashed transparency when it comes to his frustrations. He cries out to God when his enemies are chasing him, when he experiences betrayal, even when he feels abandoned by the Lord. 

I love that he starts out with some good venting—Psalm 109 is a great example. David spends 20 verses basically telling God, “Go get ‘em!” (He’s even pretty darn specific about what he wants the Lord to do to them.) But, consistently, David’s words and tone shift before these “venting” Psalms end. He takes the focus off of how others have wronged him and redirects it onto acknowledging God’s character and sovereignty. Often, he even turns to note the shortcomings and failures in his own character and walk, which immediately results in him asking for forgiveness and mercy. 

The most beautiful thing, however, is how David’s venting sessions tend to wrap up with praise. It’s as if he comes full circle to remember that no matter what his circumstances (and David saw—and did—the gamut of highs and lows), God is on the throne and worthy to be praised.

So, what’s the lesson here? Venting, by definition, can let off some emotional pressure. And that’s a good thing. But instead of allowing our venting to turn into a dripping of complaints or, worse, a griping habit, let’s take our frustrations to the Lord. In doing so, let us get some perspective about our situation—and our very big God—and turn our complaining into praise.

Lord, You are great and worthy to be praised! May my complaints of this life be absorbed into the Truth of who You, turning my groaning into singing.

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life…                  

Deuteronomy 30:19

I was reading Isaiah’s astoundingly accurate prophecy of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. How He was pierced for our rebellion and crushed for our sin. He was painfully punished so we could be healed. 

And that image brought my mind to the cross and how our Lord hung as a criminal between two criminals.

If you’re older in the faith, you may know about the conversation that transpired among them. But here it is, from Luke’s Gospel:

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this Man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

~ Luke 23:39-43

And it struck me afresh: We are all criminals—sinners. Our sins are punishable by death and eternal separation from God, because sin cannot coexist with His perfect righteousness. More than that, though, each of us is represented by those two criminals. And every one of us has to make the same choice.

We can mock the Lord and doubt His authority and sovereignty. We can hurl insults at Him and His people, believing that He’s powerless to change our lives or our destiny. 

Or, we can recognize Jesus as Who He said He is—Creator of the universe, Immanuel (God with us), the Lamb Who was slain, the King of glory. We can accept the immense sacrifice He made on that cross, knowing that by surrendering to Him and His will, we are made new and forever free. 

Those two guys, hanging on either side of our Lord, symbolize two paths, two destinies, two decisions. Acceptance or rejection. Self-reliance or submission. Death or life. An eternity of peace or eternal anguish. 

What do you choose?

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

Like smoke from a smoldering campfire, hate seems to be rising to permeate the air. The media message repeats, “division, division, division,” generating an underlying drumbeat to inflame anger where there once was peace. We’re being relentlessly pitted against each other—black versus white, woman versus man, left versus right. The list is seemingly endless today.

Although I stay far from the news, I’m not completely ignorant to what’s going on—especially in my own state. See, while our attention has been focused on the fires (figurative and literal), my governor has been plotting and scheming for fundamental shifts in the landscape of morality and liberty, with the big reveal made on July 1. And, although I usually give a nod of acknowledgment to what’s going on “out there,” and then quickly turn back to God’s Sovereignty and His Truth, I’m finding it harder and harder to do so.

I’m feeling upset and angry—dare I say it: hateful. 

But, as I sat down this morning to read the Bible, Jonah’s saga read me. As usual, God’s Word is active, sharp, and heart-judging (Hebrews 4:12). See, the Ninevites where brutal—torturing and murdering Jonah’s people in unimaginable ways. And Jonah wanted God to take them out—not redeem them. 

Much like Jonah’s aggravation at God’s desire to deliver Israel’s merciless enemy, I had to reflect on how obstinate I’m being about my own antagonist. This wild adventure of a reluctant prophet piercingly reminds me of a few key Truths:

1. I was once an enemy of God.
2. God was patient with me (for 30 years), extending mercy, grace, and forgiveness for my salvation.
3. He’s still patient with me and still extends mercy, grace, and forgiveness every day—because I sin and fail Him. Every. Single. Day. 

And these Truths beg one big question: How dare I think that God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness stop at me and “my people” (whatever that means)? 

God’s lesson to Jonah reminds me (again) that instead of anger toward my perceived enemies, I need to pray for them. (And that means praying for them to turn to the Lord—not for the Lord to turn on them!) I need to stand firm on God’s Word, speaking Truth in love, despite how counter-cultural (or counter-state-law) it may be. 

I was once lost, now I’m found. “They” (pick your “they” here) are no different. Thanks for the reminder, Jonah.

Lord, remind me daily to replace anger with prayer, division with peace, fear with love.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

Jeremiah 17:9

“Just follow your heart!” We hear it all the time, especially among friends or acquaintances discussing big (or not-so-big) decisions to be made. You and I have most likely been given this counsel—or maybe even given it.

But, according to God’s Word, this is actually terrible advice.

Let’s not forget: We are sinners. We are made in God’s image, but we are fallen and have a sinful nature. In other words, our natural inclinations and desires are not trustworthy at all. Despite what today’s popular cultural “gurus” (and even some “Christian” leaders) are saying, doing what we feel is right and best for us will likely lead to an undesirable destination. 

Wisdom and truth are not within us. They come only from God. Here are several popular lies and their contradictory facts:

LIE: Know “your truth.”

TRUTH: Be still and know that only God is God. (Psalm 46:10) 

TRUTH: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)

LIE: Your power comes from within.

TRUTH: Apart from Jesus, you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

TRUTH: You can do all things through Christ Who strengthens you. (Phil 4:13)

LIE: Look inside yourself for wisdom.

TRUTH: If you lack wisdom, ask God, and He’ll give it to you—generously. (James 1:5)

LIE: The answer is deep within your heart.

TRUTH: Your heart is wicked and will deceive you. (Jeremiah 17:9)

As humans, our bend is to do the wrong thing. Even when we’ve surrendered to Jesus as our Lord and Savior—and we are new creations—it’s still a battle. (I mean, if the Apostle Paul can share that he does the things he knows he shouldn’t and vice versa, we’re in good company.) So, throughout the Bible, God nails this point home time and time again (He knows how thick we are): Wisdom for living—for those big decisions and small ones—comes from God and His Word.

As David wrote in Psalm 119, God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. I don’t know about you, but I’ll choose to follow that path…not my heart.

“Lord, I’m so grateful for Your Word to show me the way as I, a sinner, walk through this dark world. Let each step I take be according to Your Truth.”

“I am the LORD, and I do not change.”    

Malachi 3:6

You hear it constantly. Things like, “This is the new norm,” and “it’ll never be the same,” and, of course, “everything’s changed.”

Yes, this is most certainly true when we look around at our circumstances. In fact, I don’t even know what would be on a list of aspects of our lives, culture, nation, and world that aren’t different. (I’ve been doing my best to live under a proverbial rock, and I still hear way more than I want to.)

The key word regarding all this change/transformation/metamorphosis/transition is “around.” When we keep our focus on the world (which, by the way, is the dominion of our enemy), it is so easy to be overcome and overwhelmed. Fear, anger, discouragement, and pain will soon follow. Oh, and lots of tears.

Let me remind you that there is good news—no amazing news! 

NOTHING. HAS. CHANGED.

When we stop looking around and start looking up, oh, how our perspective can shift. Our nation and lives are in turmoil, but God is not. The temporal things of earth are failing, but eternity remains intact. Our suffering and fear and pain in this life are for a moment—the blink of an eye…our joy will last forever. Things may seem hopeless now, but we can abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit in us and the promise of our eternity with the Lord. 

Keep these Biblical reminders close to your heart:

• Our Sovereign God is still on the throne. (Psalm 29:10)
• Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
• The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of heaven and earth. He does not faint or grow weary. (Isaiah 40:28)
• God remains faithful (even when we are not). (2 Timothy 2:13)
• There is NO ONE like our God. (Isaiah 46:9)
• Our Lord is the Rock—unshakable, unbreakable. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
• God is always just and upright. His works are perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
• The Lord God is the Alpha and Omega—the first and the last, the beginning and the end of all things. (Revelation 22:13)
• The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. (Lamentations 3:22)
• All majesty, power, and authority forever belong to God. And all glory and praise—from before time, now, and beyond all time—belong to Jesus Christ, our Savior. (Jude 25)

Drop the mic—I mean, “Amen.” 

“Lord, You make it very clear that, despite what we see changing around us, You are the same. As I struggle with what’s going on around me, help me rest in this Truth.”  

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

1 Peter 3:15

Maybe it’s because I was alone for 24 hours in my house (which generally isn’t the case). But, despite the waves of blaring praise music and inspiring podcasts and complete silence, I became a bit melancholy. I glanced up from my laptop at shelved family photos of my parents and two handsome brothers—photos I see every day sitting in this same spot. That day, though, I was overcome by rush of sadness. 

See, my mom died 25 years ago—actually, I am right now the same age as she was when she left this world. My dad died 13 years later…and my oldest brother will be gone 10 years this Thanksgiving. Both my mom and brother died very suddenly; but I was given the opportunity to talk with my Dad about death and fear and hope and Jesus. And for that I am eternally grateful.

I say all that to offer up some questions: Who do you need to talk with about Jesus? Why are you waiting? Is it a family member? Your best friend? A coworker? Are you thinking things like, “Well, I’ll witness through my actions,” or “I don’t want to preach at them, because I might lose the relationship,” or “I’m afraid I won’t be able to answer their arguments”? 

I am right there with you. But let me say—to you and to myself—we must find what makes us bold.

For me, in that weird emotional place I was in, it was hearing that a dear lifelong family friend was in the hospital (not COVID-related) and will be for a long time. I know for a fact he has not trusted Jesus as His Savior. I know he struggles with the existence of God. And although I’ve been privileged with the opportunity to share my faith walk, send him books, and email links to the great apologists, he has not surrendered his doubt. And he lies in a hospital bed—alone because of COVID-19—in pain, depressed, and afraid. This makes me bold.

As writing is my thing, I composed a long plea and emailed it to him. No holds barred. Because, what if he doesn’t make it out of the hospital? I pressed “send” and I prayed.

So, what if today is last opportunity for you to share with your family member, bestie, or coworker? What if, like with my mom and brother, you are awakened by a phone call telling you they’re gone—and you lose your chance? None of us knows when we’ll take our last breath. 

It’s time to be bold, brothers and sisters. Let’s share the reason for our hope. How can we not?

“Lord, give me boldness to share the Truth of who You are and what You’ve done—time is of the essence.”

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

Have you ever been in a crowd of people—even among friends—and still felt all alone? Or, maybe, you’ve experienced walking around your office, participating in various conversations throughout the day…but still, loneliness pervades like a descended fog through which you have to wade. And sometimes, even when you’re spending time with your spouse, children, or bestie, there it is again: that sense of disconnectedness. 

As human beings, created by God in His own image, our souls pine for relationship. At a superficial level, we want others to like us. We may think carefully about how we act and what we say, hoping to make a good impression on others. You could say, we’ve opened the curtains to the front room that is always tidy and dusted. 

A bit deeper, though, it’s about being known and liked. As a relationship grows, we carefully lift the veil of our souls for another to peek inside. It’s like we’ve allowed them to walk through to the kitchen, getting glimpses into several areas of our home—they take in the décor, the type of furniture, the wall colors. If revelation is met with acceptance, warmth envelopes our heart.

Ah, but let’s be honest. Just like those doors that remain closed in our home, concealing the messes, we have cordoned off parts of ourselves to only a select few. And when our courage is mustered and risk ventured, we bare it all. The ultimate hope? To be fully known and still loved.

Sisters, when we experience this, it is pure soul satisfaction—because this is why we were made. But there is bad news: Human-to-human, this is rare. As fallen people, there’s always going to be selfish ambitions and motivations. There are unique sets of filters through which we see others and the world—filters crafted with every experience and relationship—good, bad, and just plain ugly.

The wonderful news? Our Creator God, the One who formed us in our mother’s womb, the One from Whom we cannot hide…He. Knows. Us. Fully. And, regardless of our past, no matter our failures, whatever hurtful words we’ve spoken…God loves us without condition.

Here is a song that speaks beautifully of His love—give it a listen.