Author: Jon Harris

Never in my life have I seen so much trouble around me, and in turn, never in my life have I prayed so much. God is absolutely using this season of sorrow and challenges to teach and mold me to be more like his son. Our Lord Jesus, born king, yet held onto nothing of this world, lived each day of his ministry pouring out everything he had for those who would eventually betray him. If anyone had a reason to complain, it was him, and yet so often I find myself frustrated over circumstances that not too long from now will be absolutely meaningless.

Through this time and from some recent reading, I know this to be true: The more I let go of the things of this world and hence place my trust in Jesus, the more peace I have. The headline verse (Isaiah 26:3) was part of a daily reading plan influenced by a brother in Christ, at just the right time for it to land on my troubled soul. I’m writing these things to you today because I want you to have the same peace and share that peace (Jesus) with your friends, family, and colleagues.

In today’s reading (Genesis 49-50 and Galatians 4), Joseph acknowledges the hardships and betrayal he faced as a victory for the kingdom of God. This attempt at evil turned out for good and we can experience this same exchange.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20)

The enemy wants us down and out. The enemy wants us to worry and focus on problems and therefore reduce our dependence on God. This vicious cycle robs us of joy; it leads me to guilt because in my worries there have been times I’ve not been the loving father, husband, brother, son, and friend that God made me to become. However, the thing is, the enemy’s plan ultimately fails because Jesus won that battle. The enemy tries to pull us away, and when we stand firm in Christ Jesus, we are part of the victory when we draw even nearer to God. What a beautiful thing, what a beautiful name: Jesus.

Whatever you’re worried about today, let it go. Bring it to the altar, watch it burn, and let the joy return.

While on a business trip a month ago, I was picked up from the airport and brought to my hotel by a man named Reinhard. The journey was about an hour so there were some opportunities for Reinhard and me to talk.

After the basics were done (weather, where we are from, etc.) we found some new topics. For some reason, we were talking about dogs and Reinhard said “I believe dogs are designed to live outside”. The word “designed” is a faith-trigger word for me so I paused for a brief prayer “God, please give me the words”. Time to kick it up a notch.

I then said, “When you use the word design, do you believe there is a designer or do you believe that creatures such as dogs evolved?” His response was, “You mean, do I believe in God?” I confirmed that is what I meant so we had some good conversation about faith before the journey was completed.

We often contract with Reinhard’s company for ground transportation so it wasn’t a big surprise when he was my driver for another journey one month later. This time the conversation went a lot deeper. He asked me some tough questions about my faith, why I believe in Jesus and how it has impacted my life.

The conversation that happened next was not something I was prepared for.

Reinhard shared that he tried twice to kill himself about four years ago. He even went into detail about the method he used. He said after he didn’t die on the first attempt, he did more research and was 100% confident that the second attempt would end his life. It was surreal as he shared his thoughts as to being very surprised that he was still alive.

Reinhard said as a result of “not dying” he realized perhaps he is here for a greater purpose, and that started his faith journey. His faith is stronger than many people I know who have been Christians for 20+ years. He speaks simply yet his convictions are so strong. This verse from today’s reading is what brought the thought to write about this man:

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:15)

Reinhard’s faith is not childlike, it is in the way he received the kingdom of God with open arms, unhindered. He was at the end of his road, and then some seed planted, surely placed in his DNA by his designer, brought him to take a step forward in acknowledging and trusting God.

As I opened up to him regarding some of my life struggles, Reinhard was bold and wise, reminding me to put God first above all of it and to give the problems over to God. His words came to me at just the right time.

Reinhard and I are in regular communication and we are praying for each other. God has truly blessed both of us through this relationship and it is an honor to call him a friend and brother in Christ. While to Reinhard it seemed impossible that he would live through his suicide attempts, it is clear that God did and still does have a plan for him.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)

What is the “impossible” in your life today? Will you take the next step to trust him fully in this situation?

Will you also join me in praying for Reinhard? He has a big heart for the people of Ukraine and since the war, he has actually made two visits there to help!

Father God, we lift up your servant Reinhard. For safe travels as he drives, for opportunities to share his faith with others, for God to richly bless him and fill his heart with the true joy that comes only from you as our designer and creator. We praise you God for Reinhard’s heart for the people of Ukraine. Will you continue to give him the courage and resources to serve on this mission that you have planted in his heart?  We pray these things in the name of Jesus, the name above all names!

Today’s reading: Genesis 26-27, Mark 10

What do you long for? What is the first thing to come to mind? Vacations, sports, rest, visiting loved ones, summer weather? Or are you reading this today from survival mode and you just want to feel better, for the fear to subside, for your beloved to become well again, for the problems to go away?

At this moment I am thinking of a colleague whose husband is fighting for his life due to disease, another colleague whose wife is fighting for her life due to cancer, family members facing indescribable challenges, and several other confidential issues. I’m intentionally being vague here to respect people’s privacy however what I can say is that all of these scenarios leave me feeling depressed, full of sorrow, concerned for the future, and heartbroken for the many lives impacted by these situations.

In parallel, I am repenting for taking a lot of things for granted during the good times because I’m going through a season of sorrow, and the resolution is beyond my control.

Lord, forgive me for putting my hope in the things of this world. Let me see your hand at work in everything. When the song “The Blessing” came on last night I felt your presence, I felt the blessing and I know my family felt it too as we sang aloud. Forgive my lack of gratitude, my doubt, and my worry. You God are all I should long for. Amen.

All of our negative emotions and all of our pain tie back to sin in this world but we must not live in despair. There is hope! Today’s reading (Revelation 21) talks about a new heaven and a new earth after Revelation 20 which describes the defeat of Satan. Because of this defeat, death and all of our pain and sorrow will someday be gone if we have put our faith, hope, and trust in Jesus.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Please meditate on that verse with me for a moment. No more tears, no more death, no sorrow, no pain. No more seasons of survival mode. Turn with me to Jesus, the one who knew the most gruesome suffering which he took voluntarily so that at the end of this life, we shall suffer no more. It is a promise from God which brings hope when we realize no matter how much we’ve lost, or how little we have, Jesus is all we need.

Yesterday Jennifer posted about projects having a bridge from one stage to the other as a metaphor for Malachi being the bridge from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Coincidentally, the project I’ve been leading for over a year “crossed the bridge” over the course of the last two weeks. The old system served us well for over fifteen years however it was time for major transformation. The old system is still there for reference however now every business transaction from financials to supply chain and manufacturing run on the new system which is the lifeblood of the company. We now have no other way to conduct business apart from the new system.

In today’s reading (Mark 1:1-13) we are on the other side of the bridge; God is no longer silent and the Good News is upon us. John the Baptist prepares the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Through God’s miraculous power, this strange man John is able to influence a country and major city toward repentance.

And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:5)

Think about all of the sin and pain in our world today. What would it be like if “Judea” (or any country), “all Jerusalem” (or any major populated area) were to confess their sins? What a day that would be! It would be the headline on all news outlets; lives changed, hope restored.

What made their hearts change? Why did they confess? I think they were tired of their old ways, tired of the pain. I also believe that God’s truth was revealed to them in a miraculous way. I believe they were seeking; their hearts were fertile soil, ready for change.

Unlike my project which has many flaws on this side of the bridge; God’s plan is perfect. Further, unlike our lives with many flaws, Jesus is perfect and the only bridge that will lead us to eternal life where there is no more pain and suffering.

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)

Only through faith and hope in Jesus can we be received with a similar response where God is pleased. He’s not pleased with our sin, not at all. What pleases him is our repentance from sin, our relationship with him, and ultimately our hearts changed through putting all of our hope, faith, and trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. There is no higher name, no other way, no “plan b”, no other bridge than the one whom John – a righteous man was not even worthy to untie his sandals.

If you believe it, say it aloud, acknowledging who he was and is: Son of God.

Recently I bit down on some food and one of my teeth literally crumbled in half. I wasn’t eating anything hard or super chewy; it was a complete surprise. I thought, “that did not just happen”, with initial disbelief that perhaps the “crunch” was something that inadvertently made it into the food. Alas, my hopes were crushed when I reached into my mouth and grabbed the remnants of the broken tooth.

Trying to eat or talk with a jagged half-tooth is not fun. There was some pain and I could tell my speech sounded slightly off. Apart from the impacts, what was more concerning was the thought, “how did this happen?”. What caused it and will other teeth start to fall apart as well?

With great thanks, I soon received excellent care and a solution through the wonders of modern dentistry. The procedure took less than thirty minutes!

The dentist told me that I have a powerful bite (while I was proud of myself, I don’t think this was meant to be a compliment) and that I am probably grinding my teeth while sleeping. Often, when a person grinds their teeth in their sleep it is due to stress and anxiety. Think about it. Even while awake we might bite down hard during a painful or stressful event. Stress and anxiety can take a serious toll on our bodies.

Today’s reading: Matthew 25:1-30

I no longer call it a coincidence when I’m studying for the next post and a related life event happens that correlates with the scripture. It is the Holy Spirit at work. It increases my faith and I hope yours as well.

Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:30 – NLT)

According to gotquestions.org: “The Greek phrase for “gnashing of teeth” literally means “grinding one’s teeth together.”

Jesus was teaching about being ready for his return and for final judgment. Similar to yesterday’s scripture, Jesus makes it clear that we must remain vigilant and be ready. We must use our time and gifts wisely.

Similar to my own initial denial that my tooth was crumbled, we often want to look past difficult (scary) verses like this. Scriptures teach us that there will be a final judgment and those who are not “ready” upon the return of Christ will be condemned. As much as you don’t want to read it, I don’t want to write it. I don’t like it however it is the truth so it must be told.

While a mouthguard might mitigate some of the impacts of teeth gnashing in this life, what’s needed is an eternal fix, and that’s Jesus. The choice is ours but it must be made in advance.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

We all have at our disposal the ability to directly communicate from anywhere at any time with the creator of the universe, the creator and designer of all things that are good, the one who loves you more than you can imagine; He is God Almighty. He seeks a relationship with you right now in this very moment and he is ready to listen and ready to respond. All you have to do is call out to him and place his son Jesus in his rightful place over everything in your life.

Here’s another post from our site to help you learn more about being saved: “Are You In?“

Have you ever become so focused on problems that you fail to experience the joy surrounding you? There is a problem that I’ve been chasing and I’m working very hard to fix it. While it is suitable for me to use my gifts and talents to solve problems, it is wrong to let the issue consume me.

While reading today’s scripture (Psalm 106), the following verses were convicting in that my heart has been more “me” (and my problems) focused rather than outward, focusing on others and gratitude for what God has done and continues to do in my life.

⁷ Our ancestors in Egypt
    were not impressed by the Lord’s miraculous deeds.
They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them.
    Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea.

¹³ But they soon forgot his works;
    they did not wait for his counsel.

²¹ They forgot God, their Savior,
    who had done great things in Egypt, (Psalm 106:7, 13, 21)

To make matters worse, upon forgetting God’s goodness, whatever we put before him becomes an idol. That’s what we see of the Israelites in verses 19-20. They made an idol and worshipped it.

It seems my problems and all sorts of other things have become idols. This focus left me feeling down and losing sleep. Yesterday I said to someone “I don’t really like myself right now”.

Fortunately, if we listen to the Holy Spirit and honestly confess our sins we are forgiven, redeemed, and set free. With a renewed commitment to be more grateful and to put God in his rightful place, I can say the joy has returned.

In addition to gratitude, what brings greater joy is serving others as we were not made to fulfill our own desires; we were made to give our lives away, with the ultimate example being Jesus. Today I read two questions Benjamin Franklin asked himself each day:

1. What good shall I do this day?
2. What good have I done today?

The answer to these two daily questions can be a good measure of whether we are living for ourselves and our idols, or a greater purpose, in line with our creator. Question two might also help us sleep a bit better. Today, how will you choose?

“Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” (Frank Robinson)

That quote is one of my favorites as it conveys truth, provides a clear visual image, is clever, and is humorous through only a few words. It leads to the question, “how good is good enough?”. How do I know if my parenting is good (or good enough)? Am I a good enough husband? Good enough at my job?

Coming close to the requirements means that the requirements weren’t met. If you were close to winning, that means you lost (or tied but let’s not argue). Close to passing the test, or worse, close to making it across the train tracks before the train passed by.

Recently I was late for an appointment and arrived “close” to the scheduled time. No matter my pleading (and I even played the sympathy card as it was my birthday), the administrator denied my entry.

Isn’t this a metaphor for the afterlife? When we face final judgment, will we be deemed “close” to worthy or truly worthy and allowed to eternity with our creator?

² And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” ³ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it. (Revelation 5:2-3)

We often lie to ourselves, thinking that we’re good people and that the afterlife will be just fine because of our own goodness or our deeds. We hope that we are good enough. The fact is that no one of us is good enough, and there is only one who is worthy. Assurance in eternity can only come from a changed heart and life that submits to Jesus Christ as lord and savior.

Jesus lived a perfect life. He never sinned, and he never failed. Through his sacrifice and victory over death, he proved himself as the worthy one.

⁹ And they sang a new song with these words:

Today’s reading: Revelation 5

I love food. This includes shopping for food as my wife and I love going to new grocery stores to see what unique and exciting varieties of all-things-food they might have. I love thinking about it, preparing it, eating it, and breaking bread with friends, family, co-workers; even strangers. Unplanned meals, holiday meals, leftovers, popovers, quick snacks, slow snacks, low carb, high carb, grilled, fried, baked, raw, simple, or complex concoctions; all of it. Food is really one of the most incredible things on the planet. Can I get an amen?!!

As wonderful as food is, there is something else we cannot live without, and that’s God’s word.

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

While watching a soccer match recently, it was observed that “team A” had very good players who did not know each other very well. Most of the players were new to the team so they had few opportunities to play together. They were fast, passed the ball often, had selfless behavior, and seemed to be passionate about the game, but something was missing.

Conversely, “team B” (which was actually the visiting team) had players who seemed to be less talented individually however, this group had something special. The entire game they were talking to each other while playing; communicating verbally and with gestures. They anticipated each other’s moves as though they were brothers, like a family. The other team had little to no communication; it was pure mechanics.

In the final few minutes of the game team A had the lead. Team B got louder, and started chanting, encouraging each other; you could feel the momentum. Quickly team B tied the game, then less than five minutes later they scored again to gain the lead. The game was over shortly thereafter. Team B jumped up and down, hugged each other, and had a great celebration.

I’ve shared that story several times over the last couple weeks in business and personal situations. In business, teamwork is everything. In personal situations, how many of us are prone to trying to do too much on our own, either through pride or wanting to play it safe?

Last night I attended a small group Bible Study for the first time in four years and it was amazing. The love of Jesus was so evident, it was difficult to hold back the tears of joy, awe, and gratitude. I felt lifted up. I was among brothers and sisters, gathering together in the name of Jesus Christ. The “difference maker” was that everyone was so vulnerable. They put the needs of others first, they set aside their own pride so as to invest and love others. The Holy Spirit was present, no doubt.

All of this is to say, let’s not go forward alone. Wealth, pleasure, power, and idols are all meaningless. We need each other, we need Jesus. Forgive. Be vulnerable. The window of opportunity is short.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Today’s reading: Ecclesiastes 4

Looking at various social media sites you’d think that most people’s lives are all fun, they always look good, are always happy, and things are under control. Selfies when shared depict how we want people to see us, and advertising helps propagate many misperceptions. Over time as we observe these images and messages, we can be succumbed to believing that money buys happiness, looking good means you feel good, or that it is easy to be thin and have a nice body “by following these simple steps”.

Recently a highly respected personal trainer who specializes in strength training shared a related story. A prospective client came to him with a photo of an extraordinarily physically fit person. The prospective client asked how long it would take to look like the person in the photograph. The trainer replied, “with a lot of hard work, a strict diet, and a strong commitment it could take about two years, maybe more”.

Frustrated, the prospective client said, “that’s too long” and decided not to even try, just like that. This person had come to believe the lies that the world is spinning and that there are shortcuts to everything that is great.

It is with a similar mindset that many approach faith or even disdain such beliefs. Many listen to what the world (or the ruler of lies) spins as “conventional wisdom”: You don’t need God, do what you like, Christianity is a myth, or that people who believe are weak and foolish.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

The truth is that God turned this “conventional wisdom” upside down when he used an unassuming carpenter from a lowly respected town to become the Savior of the World. Even Satan wanted Jesus dead as though this might thwart God’s plan. It is something that at first didn’t seem to make sense, and that’s the beauty of it: It was God’s plan, the greatest event of all time, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, defeating death so that we can live.

19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? (1 Corinthians 1:19-20)

Read God’s word and listen to his truth. He has a plan for you regardless of your status, the sins of your past, or your self-image. The same went for the early followers.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.  (1 Corinthians 1:26)

They were nobodies (by conventional wisdom) who God used for great, and even if you think you’re a “nobody”, you are somebody in God’s eyes. You are loved by God more than you know, and he can and will use you for great if you let him. Trust and obey.

Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31