Happy Trails

"Taste and see that the LORD is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!" (Psalm 34:8, HCSB)

A few weeks ago, my brother and I took our families on a hike through woods near our homes in northeast Florida. The day was overcast, but no rain was expected. We had our wives and all of our children (seven between both families). The trail zigzagged through oak and pine trees, palmetto bushes and ferns. It was a wonderful trail.

However, in places, the trail was wet. I don't mean damp like a little squishy rather than hard-packed. I mean inches of standing water spanning from one side of the trail to the other. It soon became apparent that to continue, we would get wet, muddy, dirty. This would not be a clean hike.

Happy are the Blessed

 When Matthew records the words of Jesus in Matthew 5-7, he captures the essence of the good news Jesus proclaimed. Earlier, Matthew summarized the preaching ministry of Jesus in a single sentence, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," (Matthew 4:17). Now, Matthew summarizes Jesus in a whole sermon. The famous Sermon on the Mount begins memorably:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:3-12, ESV, emphasis mine)

Much could be said about these wonderful words from Jesus. This post focuses on the word translated "blessed" Before getting to the nuts and bolts of this discussion, slow down and consider that word, "blessed." What comes to mind when someone says, "She is blessed," or "His is a blessed life." 

The Pastor's Justification Book Review

Pastors, may God bless you this year! More than ever you may feel the pressure to lead your church well through a very difficult time. Attendance is likely lower than it has been in years at your church. The budget may have stepped considerably backwards from previous years. You may be tempted towards frustration, discouragement, or even despair. 

Lessons from a Hard Life: God Guides Joseph

It's January 1st, 2021. A new year has arrived. Christians finished celebrating Christmas a week ago. As I prepare for a new year, 2021 does not immediately appear as though it will be any easier than 2020, which was perhaps the most difficult year of my life.

For my wife, Megan, and I, in 2020 we faced her mother's death, my father's terminal cancer diagnosis, having to resign from a church we loved, a cross-country move, and a career change. One important truth that has helped us immensely through a difficult year is this: there is a big difference between right and easy. In fact, many times to live in the center of God's will is just a different kind of hard. For much of life, one must choose which hard to face. 

This truth is seen clearly in the life of Joseph, the man chosen by God to serve as the earthly father for Jesus. Four times Joseph is guided personally by God in dreams. Four times Joseph fulfills prophecy from God with his obedience. Four times of subjective guidance and four times of objective guidance come to Joseph. Here was a man who lived obedient to God's objective and subjective will. He followed God, even when the guidance was odd or difficult.