The Same Boat!

Hancock, Maine

In the distance, gulls vie for bait as they circle a lobsterman pulling his traps. In the foreground a party boat carries its passengers to a picnic. The photo captures a moment where markedly different lifestyles briefly intersect. An unnoticed man is toiling at back breaking work in a smelly old lobster boat as others are chatting and photographing each other while enjoying a leisurely ride in an almost identical but “spruced up,” private launch.

Circumstances, opportunities, preferences, resources, abilities, education, skills, and choices lead to many different ways we may live or are forced to live our lives. Despite the concept that both work and leisure were intentionally planned as God-given, good and pleasurable gifts for humanity, we delineate, label, and segregate each other by social and moral norms. Drawing on these norms, we develop images of who we believe we are, or who we would like to be, or who we want others to believe we are, or who we pretend to be! We minimize or inflate the importance of certain characteristics and behaviors. We categorize and put values on rich or poor, blue collar or white collar, scandalous or pristine, impressive or common, powerful or weak, educated or uneducated, and “local” or sophisticated. Our judgments spiral us into divisions, disappointments, envy, greed, biases, competition and arrogance, Status, wealth, power, intellect, beauty, philanthropy, and a moral lifestyle may give one a warped sense of inflated superiority and righteousness or by comparison diminish the self perceptions of those who have less or are more limited in these areas.

Jesus confronts us with a different view. He shows us a better way. There are no ethnic, racial, gender, geographic, socioeconomic or moral distinctions from God’s loving perspective. All souls are valued. Jesus noticed and encouraged the unnoticed…women, children, the poor and disadvantaged. He touched infectious lepers. He valued the immoral, forgave adulterers and prostitutes, and ate with tax collectors who were considered traitorous low life in the Jewish society of Jesus’ time.

Although we admit we have weaknesses and are imperfect, we are deeply offended at the suggestion that we are the sick and needy, that we are on par with the unclean lepers, immoral prostitutes, and offensive tax collectors, that we are the disconnected, the lost, the outcasts, the sinners in need of forgiveness regardless of our self made image, that we all fall short of righteousness and cannot save ourselves. We are those whom Jesus came to seek and save and willingly and wonderfully does so…because we are the deeply loved!

Although lifestyles may differ, our dissimilarities disappear as our manufactured, protective layers are peeled back to expose our naked core. Despite our efforts, all humanity has missed the mark of uncontaminated righteousness, of pure attitudes and behaviors, of love for God above all else and of love for neighbors as much as we love ourselves. Isaiah called us out when he said that self righteous efforts are like filthy rags in God’s eyes (Isaiah 64:6).

There are no social criteria, no righteousness requirements, no racial distinctions, no approval ratings to receive God’s mercy. There are only people to be loved and redeemed. The crucial element for us is personal belief, trust. Whether working on the lobster boat or riding in the party boat, we are all “in the same boat.” “Whosoever wills ” is welcomed into God’s grace because of Christ’s righteous sacrifice on our behalf.

Pleasures Now and Forever?

The Catch, the Joy of Lobstering, Sullivan, Maine

We were created as sensual beings with the capability and expectation that we should know the pleasures of our world. Experiencing pleasure comes in varied ways and forms: tastes, colors, styles, textures, books, art, recreation, music, ideas, and relationships. We have preferences but also enjoy others’ achievements and successes. We admire accomplishments, fulfilled aspirations, achieved goals, realized dreams no matter how small or grand. It might be a freshly baked cake, a newly mowed and manicured lawn, an artistic accomplishment, a negotiated deal, an ingenious idea, or just catching a lobster! We celebrate each other’s “pulled up by the boot strap” stories, victories over adversity and addictions, recoveries and wholeness after abuse, and resilience after suffering. Our pleasure may be felt with a simple self congratulation or by a widespread, shared, exuberant joy. Properly experienced and expressed it becomes a manifestation of godliness.

Contrary to the belief of those who envision God as stern, distant, and judgmental, pleasure emanates from God. Scripture reveals that God appreciates His creation, loves its creatures, and responds to them in intellectual and emotional ways. He expressed His pleasure at the end of each original creative act and exclaimed His approval as he crowned His glorious work with humanity. “It is very good,” He said (Genesis 1:31).

God’s wonderfully creative, good pleasure became our blessings then. And God’s plans become our blessings now…a future filled with peace and hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

What pleases God? Redeeming us! Although man separated himself from God by marring the glory and messing up the environment given him, God has gone to the utmost extremes to redeem and restore His groaning creation and it’s suffering people. He has extended amazing grace and extreme mercy by touching humanity in Jesus, who came to “seek and save the lost.” Scripture tells us there is rejoicing in heaven when the scarred, wandering, and weary turn to Him and that ultimately all wrong will be made right.

What pleases God? Faith does! Scripture is clear that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:1,6).That makes sense. How can one be pleased with or relate to somebody who neither believes that you exist or that you are trustworthy if you do? Although faith involves a set of beliefs and confident convictions surrounding God’s character, knowing that God loves us graciously, mercifully, and without bias is the basis for trust. Jesus showed us that we can not be loved more.

What pleases God? To make us His children! “Behold what manner of love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1) He sought us! He chose, purchased, atoned for, forgives, and restores us when we believe. We pray to Our Father who is in heaven. He is our powerful, present protector who shepherds our souls with good plans even through life’s fiery trials and raging storms. He nurtures us to spiritual health. He empowers us to resist evil and to move mountains with all heaven’s resources.

What pleases God? To bless us! To be with us. To give us the desires of our hearts! Scripture is rich with statements, exhortations, phrases, images and stories that address our inner desires which God grants us as we continue to ask, seek and knock on heaven’s door for the good gifts. Only good and all that is good is promised us from Him. Jesus talked about happiness. He called it being “blessed,” but did he get it right? Blessed by poverty not wealth? By mourning not joy? By mercy not revenge? By persecution not safety? These blessings come in our posture of dependence upon God, who in spite of our circumstances fills our spirits with love, joy , peace, grace, patience, self control, and generosity as he walks with us.

He desires to fill our lives with joy. The Psalmist not only opened his heart to this truth that God is the source of life’s pleasures but to the even grander, more magnificent possibilities with God: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Psalm 16:11 (NLT2)

Jesus has shown us the way of and to life. He lived and taught and died so that our “joy might be full (John 15:11, 17:13). He promises that trusting him brings the joy of God’s presence and the expectation of life with Him forever. (John 14:6)

Is it Wash Day?

Wash day on Monhegan Island, Maine

Whether by some personal, habitual imperative or by an impulse, it is wash day! Despite the fog, the laundry is clean and hanging out in fresh, soggy, salty air. Maybe optimism or urgency will force the sun to shine? But sun or no sun, the wash is done!

Clothing is a familiar biblical metaphor because God is in the laundry and cleaning business. He “neither slumbers or sleeps”, is open to our need 24/7, and doesn’t care what time of day, stage of life, or weather condition when we bring our dirty laundry to Him. In fact, he urges us to become clean at the moment of realization that we need forgiveness. (2Corinthians 6:2; Isaiah 45:22)

Garments are used as spiritual symbols for sin or righteousness depending on their dirty or clean condition. God invited Judah and Jerusalem to consider their sinful, oppressive injustices and lack of compassion and to be washed clean: “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. (Isaiah 1:16-20)

Israel needed God’s interventional scrubbing to make them clean, to make them righteous. Righteousness comes through the activity of God within men and women who respond to Him in repentance and belief. That is a foundational doctrine in Judeo-Christian theology. All self effort, all human “righteousness, is just like a bag of “filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6-7) King David understood this as he invoked God to renew his spirit and “create a clean heart” within him. (Psalm 51:10)

We are capable of doing good things, being kind and just and generous and gracious and merciful, but from human hearts flow not only goodness but corrupt attitudes and behaviors which need cleansing. (Mark 7:21-23) Those thoughts are carried into the continuing redemptive story recorded in the New Testament where the early Church knew that “Not by works of righteousness that we have done but by his mercy he has saved us.” We miss the mark of righteousness and need Christ’s perfect, sacrificial intervention at the cross for us.

Jesus told his disciples that they had become clean or purified by responding to his message calling for belief and repentance. (John 3:16; John 15:1-4)(Luke 15:5) (Mark 1:15) The Apostle John recognized that redemptive process when he said that Jesus’ sacrifice (meaning the actual shedding of his blood to take our condemnation) atones, and “ if we confess our sins to (God), he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:6-9)

Is it wash day? Every day is! Every moment of every day God is ready to do our washing. We just need to take it to Him.

The Plot

Lubec, Maine

A photo captures a second and holds it still forever. It is a glimpse of an unfinished story without words or plot. The “because”, the “why” are left to our imagination.

In contrast, we live through vanishing seconds while searching for the plot of our incomplete but developing stories. From these fragmented experiences, we compose a picture of who we think we are, or who we want to be, or who we display ourselves to be. All the while we hide our brokenness behind the pages of our own making…our good deeds, our brilliance, our beauty, our status, our resources, our morality, our smiles.

Jesus entered time to help us grasp the true, glorious plot into which God wrote us at creation. We marred the story and our characters by attempting to control the narrative because we did not trust the Author’s intentions. Jesus helps us understand and deal with those realities, the ” why’s” and the seriousness of our brokenness and our need for redemption and restoration.

He is the Truth teller (John 18:37), the Seeker of the lost (Luke 19:10), the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29), the Savior of mankind (1Tim 4:10), the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1Peter 2:25), and the Author and Finisher of faith (Hebrews 5:9). He is the Alpha and Omega who knows the beginnings and the endings. He redirects the script and completes our stories with the best possible never-ending when we trust him to do so.

The Psalmist expressed it this way: “Goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives,” and then we will “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23).

When the Light Changes…

Changing Light, Stonington, Maine

A bright light shines between the thunder storm and the fog.

Experiencing life often seems like living within weather patterns. Our joy, our moments of contentment and security are caught between the abrupt and distressing, between storms and mysteries. We are vulnerable to relentless change, some of which is expected and good but frequently is surprising and unpleasant. We seek stability and look for excitement and adventure only when we want it. However, what happens is often not our choice because it turns dark and painful or mysterious. And when we look for meaning but hear and see only silence and emptiness, our default positions are hopelessness or “faith.”

We all live within the realm of “faith” when it comes to whether or not we believe in God. That thought raises the knotty question of whether there is an enduring, consistent Reality who providentially lights the way through our earthly experiences? The voices of nature, morality, intuition would suggest so. Revelation, and Jesus speak loudly in the affirmative.

God is a steadfast, unchanging reality: “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6a). His purposes are good (Isaiah 43:1). His Word is true and ” a lamp to guide (our) feet and a light for (our) path” (Psalm 119:105). Those qualities are established, eternal, and meaningful to us. Even when we do not understand fully, His character is consistent. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8) (Matthew 24:35). Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

Not only is He reliable, the Apostle John wrote that “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). James describes God as the creator of all the lights in the cosmos but “with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Daniel (of lions’ den fame) knew Him as one who reveals “deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light (Daniel 2:22). The Apostle Paul spoke of Him as living in “unapproachable” light, perhaps meaning that our imperfections do not allow us to approach His holy character apart from His mercy and grace (1Timothy 6: 15-16). Those thoughts speak to God’s omniscient, pure, dependable character and the reality of His just but grace and mercy filled purposes for us (Jeremiah 29:11).

Justice and mercy are the reason He sent Jesus as “the light of the world.” He shows us our need and it’s cure and has begun righting the wrongs (John 8:12). “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… (The light) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:4-14).

During a recent visit to a children’s museum, I saw a sign that said “Hope begins where there is truth.” We can have full confidence in what is true. Jesus claimed to have come from the God who is true, that he is Truth and Life, and that one must come to God through him. (John 7:28; 14:6) He stated his mission: “I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true” (John 18:37).

Those claims should not be summarily dismissed but carefully considered because not only does Christ reveal God and our redemptive needs to us, he does something about it. He relates to us so deeply that he died for us and took the condemnation for our sins. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”(Romans 5:8). There could be no deeper love or act of love.

So, even when the clouds threaten with ominous rumblings or lingering doubts and questions roll into our minds and dim the light, God’s sovereignty and faithful goodness will sustain us. It is faith that taps into that power and guarantees His presence where His love is immeasurable and unwavering. (Hebrews 11:6)

The Psalmist lived in that light even in when surrounded by difficulties. He did not fight the darkness alone: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).

God’s promises are rock solid. His redemption is sure and eternal. A future with Him is forever. All honor, power, and dominion are His. He is unchanging Light.


Lighting the Way

Lighting the way at Prospect Harbor, Maine

The Psalmist considered God’s instructions and encouragements to be a blessing. They were true, not to be neglected, or rebelled against but were a “light” in a difficult and harsh world where he groped for meaning. They led to knowledge, understanding, wisdom and the power to live as God intended him to live —honoring God and his fellow humans in healthy, loving ways.

God’s words do that. They are amazingly impactful because they are “living and active” and so sharp that they judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. If we listen, they will confront us and then guide us into what is what is right and best.

They lead us to redemption.

May we experience that kind of a week!

(Psalm 119:105) (Romans 8:22; 12:1-2) (Hebrews 4:12)


Behold!

Butterfly and Coneflowers, Ellsworth, Maine

Maybe it’s a butterfly on a tangerine cone flower or an expansive, breathtaking vista. It might be minuscule and cellular or cosmic and grand; simple and stark or intricate and complex; lovely and serene or loud and boisterous; man made or God created. It might be a song, a symphony, a discovery, or an idea. Something about it captivates your mind and evokes an emotional response. Whether it’s a startling, “stop in your tracks” moment of astonishing clarity, a gradual dawning of discovery, a long contemplative pause, or a curious wonderment, a “behold” encounter may be more felt and soul moving than well articulated! Whether surprised, amazed, stunned, astonished, taken aback, just curious, or having a “eureka” moment, there is an overwhelming sense of something larger than words, something note worthy enough to halt and appreciate its beauty, magnificence, exquisiteness, quirkiness, or genius.

Depending on which Bible translation, there are more than 1000 “beholds” recorded in scripture. The prophet Isaiah had one of these moments while considering the amazing complexity of God’s goodness and justice, His mighty power, His tender Shepherd’s heart, His sovereign reign over creation, and His wisdom. “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?” (Isaiah 40:10-13 (ESV)

John the Baptist made a startlingly short but profound pronouncement as he saw Jesus coming toward him: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Could there have been a more monumental “behold”, a more impactful truth than that to share? Look! Pause! Consider! The Redeemer for all all people everywhere is walking by!

John, the Apostle, was so overwhelmed with the Gospel’s spiritual truth about Christ’s redemptive, restorative work that he wrote his readers: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” (1 John 3:1-2)

Pilate sarcastically exclaimed, “Behold your King,” as he presented a mocked, beaten, pathetic , impotent, silent, and defeated appearing Christ before a murderous crowd crying loudly for Christ’s crucifixion. Little did he realize that he was announcing the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega, the Sustainer of the Universe, the all powerful, soon to be resurrected Victor over Death.

Today, this resurrected Christ patiently but passionately implores us to stop and consider an intimate personal relationship with him saying: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) He is no intruder. He is no aggressor. He is the life giver, standing, waiting, humbly asking permission to enter our lives, desiring to fellowship with us. He brings the goodie bags filled with spiritual nourishment and a heart warm with love. Behold! Jesus, the lover of your soul! There is great wonder surrounding Christ. We are exhorted to not only “ fix our eyes” on him ( Hebrews 12:2) but to walk as Jesus walked” (1 John 2:6).

Behold! Reflect on him.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.” (Hymn by Helen Lemuel, 1922)

What is it about Old Boats?

Old skiffs, Bucks Harbor, Washington County, Maine

What is it about craggy faces, calloused hands, weathered skin, and old boats with their nicks, dings, and scraps?

There is something encouraging about old “things” and old people who are time worn but have weathered well, are scarred but toughened, tried but persistent, tested but enduring.

Sometimes faith seems like that! Like an old boat –

battered by opposing tides and stormy seas; burdened under heavy thoughts, unnecessary wants, exaggerated desires, and just “stuff”; struggling against adverse cultural currents; swamped, gunnels low in choppy waters of anxiety, doubt, and fear; scraping on the shallow, rocky bottoms of futility, disappointment, and failure; yet, confidently guided by the strength and hands of its owner through the chop and impenetrable fog heading for a sure, secure destination.

Faith journeys deep into the deep. Like old skiffs, it bump rocks and shoals-returning battered to sheltered, calm waters, bailed out, unburdened, somehow more complete, strong, ready, and steady, confident, waiting, prepared for the oar locks, the oarsman, and the next destination

Greying hair, trembling hands, and creeping fragility may assail believers, but scripture comforts with the truth that “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:3-5 (NLT2)

and that “the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James1:2)

That kind of trust makes it possible to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer“ when “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…(Romans 12:12)(Colossians 1:11)

The Dim View

Lobstering in Sullivan Maine

Sometimes it is difficult to see ahead. Just as this lobsterman moves expectantly searching from pot to pot through early morning fog, we press ahead with day to day plans. But we have no assurance that the pots will yield what we planned or imagined. Our earthly futures are not guaranteed, and our view of reality is imperfect. We may strive to be God, but we are not. Our knowledge of this universe is limited. Our understanding of God and of eternal things is even more obscured. King Solomon “realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.” (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17) Our finiteness obscures the infinite, and we are surrounded by great mysteries.

We even have trouble understanding ourselves let alone God. The Apostle Paul described this lack of clarity as “seeing through a glass darkly” or as looking through distorted glass or viewing our lives in a badly reflecting mirror. (1Corinthians 13) James used a mirror metaphor for God’s Word where we can see who we are intended to be—-like Christ, who possesses God’s perfect nature. (James 1:23) An honest look in that self reflecting mirror reveals a blurred, distorted reflection of God’s image because of our imperfections and moral weaknesses.

However, God’s view of humanity is neither fuzzy nor conflicted. He is not distant but interactive with us and calls it like it is. We fall short of His glory, the glory He gave us, the glory we have marred (Romans 3:23). We deserve His correction and judgment. However, love wins! He values our souls with such immense kindness, compassion, and love that He sent Jesus to redeem us, and if and when we believe, He graciously and mercifully covers our souls in Christ’s righteousness.

At some future time, the haziness will lift. We will no longer struggle for a clear view of all our “pots.” Cosmic mysteries will be resolved. Who we are in relationship to our Creator and sovereign Redeemer will be revealed. In that moment, our real position and purposes will be clearly understood. We will know “as we are known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

The Landing…

Searching for a landing after the “haul” in the fog, Maine

By nature we are seekers. We are curious about the spot where we can fit in and flourish because that place is not always obvious. So, we foray into possibilities – establishing our place among family, peers, relationships, and community as well as in business, trades, or professions, and even in the universe! Sensing there is more to life than what we are experiencing, we seek advancement, wealth, pleasure, power, security, and intimacy. Our needs, dreams, and desires motivate us, but we are not content when we fulfill them. We remain spiritually restless. What we really want, need, and work hard for are intimacy, joy, peace, meaning and purpose.

Christ addressed those anxiety producing issues in his Sermon on the Mount where he redirected his listeners away from worry and into prioritizing God, whose sufficiency meets the needs of souls (Matthew 5-7): “… seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” he said. (Matthew 6:33-34)

We profess to want the truth about our place in the cosmos- about the meaning and purposes of why we are here. We formulate ideas and espouse or at least accept certain scientific, philosophic and theological concepts. Scripture reveals both hard facts about and wonderful solutions for our existence. Even without Scripture, it is evident that we live in a”fallen world” with imperfect characters. Christ said he came to us because we are lost and need redemption and that he had come into this world so that we could know truth. “… For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37). Jesus also said that he came from God who is true and that he is Truth and Life and the only way to God (John 14:6).

As the living expression of God and the Good Shepherd of our souls, he is the redeemer who restores our relationship with God (John 10:14), gives rest to those who are “weary and carry heavy burdens (Matthew 11:28), and promises eternal life by God’s grace and our faith (Psalm 23) ( John 3:16) (Ephesians 2:8-9). He is the secure place to land our souls.

In his Sermon discourse, Jesus also said, “…everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds…” (Matthew 7:7-8). The Psalmist reassures us: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18) Looking for a landing? God can be found; and when we land on Him, He does not let us go. The search is over! We are forever secure. (Isaiah 55:6-7) (Acts17:27) (James4:8)