Author: Jon Harris

Last week when the plane touched down in the city where I live I had an overwhelming emotion that almost brought me to tears. I was finally home; tired, not really physically but emotionally. Too much travel, too many events, too many items on the “to do list”… too much of too much…

Leading up to that business trip I told my family I will not travel for work until late January. It only took me four days to start formulating plans to break that promise. Fortunately while authoring this post I became convicted and am going to stick to the promise. That’s the Holy Spirit at work.

The pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be this slow again. (Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister)

That’s a quote that I use often in business as it rings true for technology, competition, innovation as well as global crises. Those words could bring anxiety and they could bring excitement depending on your attitude toward change. I use the quote to inspire and challenge, to change mindsets from “soon this will all be over” to acceptance of the new reality, to prepare for and even embrace constant change rather than fearing changes and quickly becoming irrelevant.

With the constant change, are you finding it more difficult to slow down and rest? Look at your events calendar for the past few months… Is it completely full? And what about the space between appointments, what happened then? I confess to actually having pride in seeing my calendar booked nearly every hour of every business day. Yes I know this is the wrong path and I also know I’m not alone in this mindset. God knows your heart, you can admit it too.

Real rest

God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. (Hebrews 4:1)

Note that Hebrews 4:1, 3, 7 refer to his rest, God’s rest. When we soften our hearts, submit to him and his will, and turn to him for rest we receive something much better than a long night’s sleep. There is peace, true rest and freedom in being nearer to our Heavenly Father.

When is a better time to rest than December as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ? Dedicate time over the next several weeks to unplug, to literally turn off the mobile phone or go out for a walk without the phone or any other electronic communication device. Listen for His voice today.

So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted:

Do you want to make a difference in your family, group of friends, at work, at the organization where you serve? If so, you must learn to lead well.

Do you consider yourself a leader? If not, think again. Leadership is influence and regardless of our job or family situation, we influence others in every interaction we have. We can either influence in a good or bad way and as Christ followers we have huge responsibilities.

Consider the most impactful interactions you had over the last week or so. Which of them left you feeling joyful and which left you feeling guilty, depressed or upset? Which ones effectively moved people to a greater good, a greater cause, toward the desired result? The difference typically comes down to whom we put first in our leadership; others (servant leadership) or ourselves.

Philippians 2 has some verses that guide us on how to lead with the best example coming from Jesus.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)

We can lead like Jesus:

When we realize our position of authority is not about us. When lead not by our title (at work, at home) or our social status, but by our actions.

A situation arose this week where I chose to draft a text message out of anger. From my point of view: The other person was wrong, they failed, they didn’t meet their own commitment, then they made excuses. After writing the message I had mixed feelings, some satisfaction and some darkness that came from guilt. While my angry response was clever and eloquently written, thankfully I chose not to press send. A few reasons which made this turn out positively:

1. Like Jennifer mentioned in yesterday’s post, while I am prone to sin, I surround myself with good company. My wife said “you should not send that” and she was right.
2. I felt the gentle tug and conviction of the Holy Spirit telling me “no”.
3. It’s the frequent reading and studying of God’s word that feeds my soul. Today’s reading alone covers so much of who God is and how we should respond to life’s most challenging situations. One example:

⁷ Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. ⁸ I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.  (2 Corinthians 2:7-8)

This time, and let’s get real, my “hate” message turned to a message of love, and who among us can say we regret giving love to anyone?

On this theme of feeing our souls, 2 Corinthians chapter 1 provides some wonderful education as to who God is and why we can and should trust him in all things. As I read and studied the chapter a few times seeking a theme to write about today, these attributes started jumping out at me. Name any other entity ever that does even one of these things perfectly, always. Impossible, but not with God!

• He is our Father, Jesus is Lord (v2)
• He is compassionate (v3)
• He is our comforter, the source of all comfort (v3)
• He comforts us so that we can comfort others. (v4) I love his plan and how he reveals himself to us with the intent that we are his “boots on the ground” to do his will in loving and comforting others.
• He is trustworthy,
  • he raises the dead (v9)
  • does what he says he will do (v19)
• He rescues us (v10)
• He listens and responds to prayers (v11)
• He gives grace and wisdom (v12)
• He is unwavering (v18-19)
• His promises are fulfilled (in Christ) (v20)
• He gives us courage and hope, enabling us to stand firm for Christ (v21)
• He commissioned us, anointing us (v21)
• He identifies us as his own through the Holy Spirit. We belong to him! (v22)

Challenge: Who comes to mind when you think about someone who needs comfort? Act now, even a few encouraging words make a huge difference!

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:1-2)

A recent decision by a colleague left several people quite frustrated, upset and somewhat angry. The decision had negative impacts to peoples’ time and priorities. Schedules had to be rearranged, thus impacting personal and professional plans.

What made matters worse was that there would be no discussing nor changing the decision. It seemed selfish and arrogant. How could he not see the other side of the situation? Doesn’t he care about others? Why is he so stubborn?

I went to bed that night with this on my mind and had a rough sleep trying to process things. Waking up the next day I felt tired, defeated and just as upset as the day before.

Then I prayed.

Why God are you letting this happen? Change the other guy’s heart. Help him see the truth. Fix this please. This cannot be in your will. He’s wrong.

“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:34)

And then it hit me. The more I prayed, the more I felt my own heart soften, I began to accept the situation for what it was. This was different than “getting over it”, it was unexplainable peace. Then thoughts of praying for the other person, for God to work in that man’s life. The more I became focused on praying for mercy, grace and healing in the life of the other person, the more I felt the much-needed grace covering me.

It felt like I was starting to remove my will which made room for God’s will.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out! (Romans 11:33)

Takeaways:

1. Those who do not know Jesus had no hope in this situation. An opportunity to pray for and share with those who do not yet have this hope.
2. Another reminder to take everything immediately to prayer. I was selfish in allowing this to fester in the night and ultimately, I suffered by waiting too long. Lost sleep, bitterness, sadness that likely could have been prevented.

For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36)

Today’s reading: Romans 11

Looking ahead for my readings two weeks from today I read the following which greatly applies to today’s theme. He comforts us in our troubles SO THAT we can comfort others, what a mighty God we serve!

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

A man fell asleep while listening to preaching well into the night. Unfortunately this tired guy was sitting near an open window and therefore plummets to the ground and dies. The great news is God had a different plan for him and also for a good friend of mine!

⁷ On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper. Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight. ⁹ As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. ¹⁰ Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. “Don’t worry,” he said, “he’s alive!” ¹² Meanwhile, the young man was taken home alive and well, and everyone was greatly relieved. (Acts 20:7, 9-10, 12)

One of the recent and beautiful answers to prayer this year has been meeting our brother and sister in Christ, Blake and Meggan Panzino and their three amazing boys. Blake has a fascinating and almost unbelievable story similar to Eutychus. But again, God had a different plan! Blake is taking over the remainder of the post for today. Thank you Blake for sharing your story with us!

As a new follower of Christ I was on fire for the Lord. I would spend hours studying the Bible, it was as if every word was speaking directly to me… And then I read about Eutychus.

I was also only a few years removed from sleepwalking out of a 3rd story window. My life was saved that day for the first time and then again a few years later when a friend shared the glory of the gospel!

During my recovery from that fall I felt a gentle tug at my heart but I resisted.

On the surface I could point to the ever present pride and ego raging throughout my body, that was definitely part of it. My misunderstanding of the gospel played a part as well. When I focus harder though there was an even greater block to me accepting my salvation… I didn’t think I was worthy. I didn’t think a sinner like me could ever be pure enough to come before the throne.

I had to put down the preconceived notions of a rule book meant to keep me from “fun” in order to see that he was calling me to a life more abundant than I could ever have planned for myself.

What does your calling look like? Sometimes its indirect and sometimes it is quite literally your story verbatim.

God wants more for us. Your wake up call may not resemble a 30 foot fall out of a window (it might) but what is it? How is he calling you? How are you responding? With pride and arrogance thinking your way will lead to favor? Or humbly submitting and recognizing that you can’t do this on your own strength?

Today’s reading: Acts 20-21

When we are confronted with some painful truth, we’ve basically got two ways to respond. Accept, own, and move forward to resolution or dismiss, deny and spiral downward. One reflects a repentant and honest heart which leads to joyful living, the other reflects a selfish heart as we make excuses (lies) to ourselves and others. As we avoid the truth, tell lies, etc. and seem to get away with it, we tell more and more lies, thus building up inward and outward conflict, anger, and depression.

In January 2016 I shared thoughts on Acts 2:22-24 where Peter succinctly and eloquently shares The Gospel of Jesus Christ (in what I call a pocket sermon). My key point was the reaction from the crowd as they were “Cut to the Heart“. Their hearts were convicted, and rather than deny and deflect the truth, they owned it by asking “What then shall we do?” (Acts 2:37b).

In today’s reading (Acts 5) we find another pocket sermon from Peter and the apostles after they were again confronted for preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus after they were warned not to.

“We must obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. ³¹ God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5 29b-32)

After this sermon we find a significantly contrasting response. Instead of repentance, there was rage to the point of murderous intent.

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. (Acts 5:33)

Just like Jennifer pointed out yesterday, these guys couldn’t stop talking about what they believed in. Jennifer talks about Crossfit, Aldi and Aquaphor because they have been put to the test; they are as trustworthy as Earthly things can be, which of course all of them will someday fade away… Sorry Jennifer!

I love what happens next with the Pharisees and the council after they were enraged. Gamaliel (a Pharisee) wisely recommends to basically put the preaching and teaching to the test. If it isn’t from God, it will fade away, but if it is, you can’t stop it. While that crew missed the message, I at least give them credit for knowing GOD IS GOD and he cannot be moved, he’s undefeated and will be for eternity!

³⁸ So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, (Acts 5:38-39)

The message of Jesus has been spreading for over 2,000 years and it isn’t going to stop. It is trustworthy, and whatever you or I are in denial of today, there is one thing to be sure: Our days on this Earth are numbered, there is no denying that. What happens next is up to us. In physical death it will be similar to the impacts of our decisions here on Earth: We either accept, own, and live a joyful life (eternal) or dismiss, deny and reap the ultimate eternal consequences of death and separation.

If you’re in denial today (or even if you’re not), I challenge you to take one small step and ask God to reveal himself to you. If you do this with pure intent, start thinking now about how you will respond WHEN he revels himself. Will it be acceptance or denial? There are no small miracles because he’s a big God. He’s calling you today, how will you answer?

It wasn’t that long ago that in many homes we didn’t even need to lock the door at night. Now there are increasing numbers of gated communities, people have multiple layers of door and window locks, there are audio/video monitoring systems as well as alarms to alert us of an intruder. In parallel with the physical world, there are also increasing attacks in the digital world, also known as “cyber attacks”.

According to IBM, “Cyber attacks are unwelcome attempts to steal, expose, alter, disable or destroy information through unauthorized access to computer systems.”

Our world is full of these cyber attacks. Around the globe there are hackers and like the mafia or “organized crime”, there are organized groups of hackers. These attacks are motivated by an evil desire for money and power. Everyone is at risk including hospitals, governments/militaries, businesses large and small, individuals, and even churches.

We must remain vigilant with our computers, homes, and businesses as these crimes will only intensify. What’s more important is that we are guarding our hearts and spirits as they too are constantly under attack. And for this we have the strongest gate and defense, Jesus Christ.

Jesus knows of the attempts to steal and disrupt:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! (John 10:1)

He promises that he is the gate, we are secure in him:

so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. (John 10:7)

He promises that as we put our trust in him, we will be saved:

Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. (John 10:9)

He also reminds us he always has our best interest in mind:

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10)

And we can be like Jesus as we lead and love others, bringing his light into the world. Jesus is the ultimate servant leader, putting others first with the greatest example in going so far to lay down his life for us. He was not forced, he chose to die so that we may live. He will never abandon us, let us not abandon him.

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. ¹² A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock.  (John 10:11-12)

Today’s reading: John 10-11

What do you like to do to rest and recharge? What were your most special moments of the summer? What do you like to do when you want a break from the cares of life?

We’ve been on a family vacation for the last week. Our vacation mode is typically focused on trying to do as little as possible; being intentional about leaving the phones locked and turned off in a safe (although we need to do this more). While we love to travel, we aren’t much for tours and cramming in a lot of activities. We’re all about beaches, playing in the waves, games on the beach, reading “paper” books, eating fun food, late nights, sleeping in, enjoying drinks at beach bars, etc.

Regarding drinks: If you know me well you know that I enjoy wine, IPAs, margaritas, Negronis, old fashioneds, etc. Hopefully it isn’t offensive on a Christian web site, I’ll say it because it is true, I like alcohol.

Today’s reading (Luke 20-21)

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. (Luke 21:34)

Wanting to avoid that verse as a theme today made me realize even more that it should be raised as a topic as I stand convicted. While Jesus is calling out specific sins that many of us have been guilty of (such as dissipation or “overindulgence” and drunkenness), my takeaway is that we have choices and reaching the “sin” point usually starts with not doing the thing we should do.

Jesus is first saying to “watch ourselves” before saying not to get drunk or overindulge. He’s helping us avoid sin in the first place. Watching ourselves starts with sincere, frequent prayer as we seek to draw nearer to Him. I pray that this site blesses our readers to help all of us watch ourselves on a daily basis through the reading of scripture and vulnerability from our authors.

Also in Luke 21:34 is the phrase “cares of this life” (and there are many). While writing this journal today my heart is heavy for so many on our prayer list. There are people suffering from various illnesses (physical, emotional, mental), brokenness due to divorce and/or other relationships, and concerns about the future. I want to remind you that there is a God who knows you by name, who seeks a relationship with you, who showed perfect love by paying the ultimate price for you.

Thank you Jesus for being trustworthy. For loving us first, for your words, for your example and instructions as you teach us what is best for our lives. Forgive me for my sins as they are many. Will you draw nearer to me today? Will you speak to me? Will you do miraculous works in the lives of our readers? For your glory alone God. I put my trust in you today. Amen.

All I needed to do was deliver the pre-labeled box to a UPS driver or a drop-off location. The problem was that I was in a hurry and in an unfamiliar location (a hotel in northern Indiana). Then suddenly while walking outside the hotel, I was looking at my phone to find a UPS drop off point, and in that very moment a UPS driver pulled into the hotel parking lot directly in front of me, and kindly took the box. I had to laugh out loud (and am laughing as I type). The driver probably thought I was crazy, especially as I said to him, “you are a gift from God”.

While it would be cool to have some super-power to “will” things to happen in my favor (and for a brief moment I fantasized that I somehow had a part in the driver’s location), I am realizing more every day that I really have power over nothing apart from my own attitude. No power over illness, family, relationships, the weather or my future. Sure, we can make great choices to position ourselves but there are endless variables that we have absolutely no control over.

In today’s reading (Luke 8), what stood out was the stark contrast to our power as opposed to the unlimited, supernatural power of Jesus. Listed below are some of the examples and their corresponding verses. He has all authority and power over:

• evil spirits (2, 29, 32-33, 35)
• disease (2, 44)
• knowledge/wisdom; speaking on behalf of God (10, 18)
• nature (wind and the waves); (24)
• demons (as they acknowledged him as the Son of the Most High God) (28)
• death (53-55)

Jesus himself acknowledged his own power leaving him to help someone!

But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” (Luke 8:46)

Today may we let go and give everything over to the one who holds our past, present, and future in his precious and most powerful hands!

We can see differences in our world from finite to infinte (David LaFrance also referred to this on 7/27). To summarize or recap the context from my own perspective, we often think of finite: Winner vs. loser, good or bad, binary (ones and zeros), one or the other.

We put God in the finite box when we doubt his will, his word, his plans, his promises when something “seems” to not go our way. Mankind and even Satan thought of a finite God with the mindset that the death of Jesus was the end of God’s plan (alive vs. dead). But God showed himself to be infinite through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In today’s reading of Mark 12 the chief priests, scribes, elders, and Pharisees question Jesus in an attempt to trap him or prove him wrong in a finite context. Jesus in his infinite wisdom blew them all away each time, leaving the crowd speechless. Here are their various responses (which I’ve bolded for reference):

And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away. (Mark 12:12)

Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. (Mark 12:17)

And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. (Mark 12:34)

And the great throng heard him gladly. (Mark 12:37b)

• Reflect on the responses of those who heard Jesus real-time. What is our response? In what situations do we walk away and when do we hear him gladly?
• In what ways do we also mistakenly attempt to make God “finite”? Hint: Our sins speak loudest.
• Spend some time meditating on the infinite and eternal attributes of God. Praise him for what he has done, is doing, and will do in your life. A lowercase finite “god” doesn’t care about you but our infinite loving God loves you and seeks a personal relationship with you! Let him in your heart today.

What’s your “impossible”? Give it over to the God of the possible!

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)