Sweet Words from Maine

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)

Is Today Worth Celebrating?

Celebrating with spooky, foggy fireworks, Stonington, Maine

We enjoy expressing our joy, love, congratulations, gratitude, and good fortune with special events.We celebrate beginnings and endings, new opportunities and positions, finished works and retirements, births and deaths, birthdays, milestones, graduations, reunions, new love, marriages, anniversaries, friendships, healings and recoveries. We hold special religious and federal holidays and look forward to harvest festivals, fairs, picnics and sharing fun at amusement parks.

Frequently too busy, overwhelmed and frenetic, we fail to appreciate that every day is an opportunity to celebrate. The Psalmist said that “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!” Truly that is not always easily done. Troubles, tragedy, or just the challenges of our daily lives may engulf and exhaust us. We long for that “One Moment in Time” about which Whitney Houston sang, a time when we sense we have our destiny under control. If your day is going like that, rejoice!

We may rejoice when things go our way. But the Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord always” while he was imprisoned! That echoed Christ’s message of the Beatitudes. Happiness or blessing or joy are not dependent on circumstances but on one’s trusting attitude and gratitude to God, who not only redeems us and our situations but has immediate and eternal purposes for us. God’s assuring presence, peace and comfort can even penetrate the foggy mysteries of suffering and give us cause to rejoice within a darkened, threatening world. His grace and power become evident when we are weak.

He walks with us through the deep waters and fires that otherwise might consume our souls ( Isaiah43:2) He gives endurance and encouragement. He is the God of hope who gives peace to those who trust in Him (Romans15:5,13). He is the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1Peter 2:25) and walks us to still waters and and nourishing pastures (Psalm 23). He is the God over impossibilities (Luke 1:37). He is the One who through our faith empowers us to move mountains and defeat giants which obstruct and loom over us. ( Matthew 17:20) He makes us more than we can be through our own efforts. God’s love does not let us go (Hebrews 13:5). He is for us. Who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31)

We have His presence and power because of what Christ has done for us. Faith is the victory that overcomes this disruptive, noisy, distressed, and pressurized world. (1John 5:4)

Perhaps today is worth celebrating!

Life: A Butterfly Journey

Monarch on Butterfly Bush, Sullivan, Maine

Butterflies are beautiful creatures, but their midair flutterings and apparent irregular, undirected courses beg the question of why they don’t just make a bee line to their destination? (Probably because they are not bees!) However, their erratic flying makes it difficult for predators to pick them out of the air!

Their flight pattern is metaphorical for life which is not a linear coarse. Although we do move from the past to the future and progress from physical beginnings to physical endings over which we have little to no say, our journeys are disorganized and frequently dysfunctional or even chaotic as we deal with limitations, vulnerabilities, uncertainties, disappointments, and setbacks.

Because our circumstances and characters have inbuilt fallibilities, our reasoning may be faulty, our desires impure, our dreams and self-estimations unrealistic, our coping skills poor, and our circumstances challenging or even overwhelming. These weaknesses often preoccupy us or distract us from life’s grander meaning and purposes.

We need reminders, redirection, or a greater than human wisdom when we flutter off course. Just as the butterfly benefits from its zig zagging flittering, our vulnerabilities are distracting but need not be a waste of time! Personal interests, moral side excursions, disappointments, adversity, and even suffering and pain are opportunities for learning about ourselves, for finding God in the circumstances, for expanding our understanding of the world which we are navigating, for transformation and maturing, for learning humility and empathy for others, for achieving confidence and courage,

Wise, old King Solomon said that the “beginning of wisdom” is fear or reverence for God; the implication is that gaining some understanding of God and who He created us to be will orient us to the meaning of life and how to handle it. James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

Scripture does that. It course corrects us into recovery and spiritual equilibrium. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple…” (Psalm 19:7) Jeremiah’s message to God’s people was to “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls” Jeremiah 6:16). Speaking through Isaiah, God, the Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel told His people: “I am the Lord your God, …who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea “(Isaiah 48:17-18).

The Books of Proverbs and Psalms are filled with expressions of God’s kindness, His mercy and grace, and His wisdom for faithful living: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

God is present – refreshing our spirits, giving peace to our hearts, and bringing good out of our difficulties when we trust Him to do so. He is the great Redeemer of situations and souls and is completing His work in us as he restores us to who we are meant to be (Philippians 1:6)( Romans 8:38-39).

The most amazing thing about the Monarch butterfly is that despite its erratic flight pattern, it makes a courageous and dramatic flight to its finish, migrating purposely from the Eastern US to Mexico on a 2 to 3 thousand miles jaunt! What a symbol of perseverance and great hope! Despite missteps, we can live confident of our ultimate destination when we falteringly persist in faith. Christ defeated death and promised that those who believe will never die but have everlasting life. (John 11:25)

James knew that the journey into faith is rough and irregular. He said that “…whenever you face trials of many kinds, …know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). Essentially he said to hang in there. Perseverance is key. It will be worth it all.

In 1941, Esther Rusthoi wrote the hymn “It Will Be Worth It All.” The refrain expresses the Christian’s “hope”:

It will be worth it all/ when we see Jesus/ Life’s trials will seem so small/when we see Christ/ One glimpse of his dear face/All sorrow will erase/ So, bravely run the race/ ’til we see Christ.”

Other references: (Romans 12:2 )(Psalm 5:8; 25:5; 32:8-9; 37:30-31; 90:12; 91:1-16 ; 119: 105) (Proverbs 3:7; 16:1-2 ,9) (John 14:6) (Ephesians 5:1) (2 Timothy 3:16)

Alone?

Sometimes we find ourselves alone in our endeavors and beliefs. One need not be single, a widow, a widower, or divorced to feel unsupported. Bullying. disrespect, sickness, disabilities, intolerance to varying political, social, or religious views, PTSD from personal tragedies, peer pressure, lack of communication in relationships, difficult circumstances, and violence can leave us with a sense of isolation. Loneliness has become epidemic since the covid pandemic and the mega-use of social media. The journey ahead may appear dismal when we feel abandoned, unloved, or uncared for. But are we?

Scripture consistently points us to the reality of God’s powerful presence and the truths of His inspired Word. These are the the blessings of a faith which confidently assures that “the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls” leads to still waters and green pastures and is even present in the valley where death casts its shadow (1Peter 2:25) (Psalm 23).

The Psalmist knew that “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). He extolled God as his refuge and strength, a fortress, a strong deliverer, and a “present help in trouble.” Throughout history, God has been known as compassionate, faithful, merciful, patient, and abounding in steadfast love (Exodus 34:6) Nehemiah 9:31) (Psalm 46.1; 145:8) (Jonah 4:2) (Titus 2:11). Those attributes were definitively demonstrated through the gift, incarnation, life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Christ who touched and healed the bodies and souls of all who sought him. He raised the dead and promised resurrected eternal life to all who would come to him in belief (John 11:25). He calls to all who are weary and burdened and promises rest (Matthew 11:28). He promised to never leave or forsake us and to be with us “to the end of the age” (Deuteronomy 31:60 ( Mathew 28:20).

Throughout his life, the Apostle Paul experienced overwhelming persecution, physical challenges, and spiritual needs but found God’s grace sufficient for his trials (2 Corinthians 12:9). He understood what he told the Athenians – that God is not far from us. We are His creations made in His image, and “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17: 24-26).

The Apostle Peter, who knew that he would die for his beliefs and advancement of the Kingdom of God, was undaunted as he courageously persevered in preaching what he believed: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Jesus was challenged at all levels of his physical, emotional, and spiritual being. There is no hardship or temptation that he escaped. He endured them perfectly for us. (Hebrews 4:15) He understands our bruised souls and doubt filled, fearful minds and is always present -lovingly guiding along paths traveled and familiar to him. It is a matter of trusting him.

Alone, Never Alone, an old hymn written by an unknown author, conveys the truth that God is the God of comfort, peace, love and hope. You can hear it on YouTube, but the lyrics are included here:

I’ve seen the lightning flashing/And heard the thunder roll,
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing/which tried to conquer my soul;
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior/ He bid me still fight on:
He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone.

Refrain:
No, never alone/No, never alone;
He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone:
No, never alone/No, never alone:
He promised never to leave me/ Never to leave me alone.

The world’s fierce winds are blowing–Temptation’s sharp and keen;
I have a peace in knowing/My Savior stands between;
He stands to shield me from danger/When all my friends are gone:
He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]

When in affliction’s valley/I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry/My cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness/And earthly joys are flown,
My Savior whispers His promise/Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]

He died on Calv’ry’s mountain/ For me they pierced His side,
For me He opened that fountain/The crimson, cleansing tide;
For me He’s waiting in glory/Upon His heavenly throne:
He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]

Troubles? Yes. Alone? Never!

From Sea to Shining Sea

The grand, final stanza of America the Beautiful will echo across the majestic “purple mountains” and fruited plains” of our country this Fourth of July:

O beautiful for patriot dream/ That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam/ Undimmed by human tears.
America! America!/ God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood/ From sea to shining sea.

Patriots place their lives on the line in the fight for freedom as they dream of peace and brotherhood. We in America have been particularly fortunate to have realized that dream. Yet, we still strive to to overcome our personal histories, biases, and imperfections, to improve our lot, and to be better people. We search for relief from the weight of guilt and the consequences of our moral weaknesses, addictions, bad behaviors, and miserable attitudes. We seek absolution, restoration, and transformation. We all struggle with spiritual bondage and oppression.

In a declaration to the Galatian church, the Apostle Paul said: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) He was saying that rule keeping, tradition, and personal effort are constricting, ineffectual, and futile in freeing us from guilt and shame. But because of Christ’s sacrifice for us, God wipes the slate clean and frees us from guilt, fear, and judgment. When His forgiveness is received in repentance and believing reliance on His presence and power, one is released from spiritual oppression and eternal condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

This time of year Americans celebrate their many civil freedoms because patriots dreamed and scarified. When we accept Christ’s sacrifice for us, we can also celebrate spiritual freedom. Even though the external world places restraints upon us, God offers soul freedom to all peoples.

May God “shed His grace on thee” from continent to continent- from sea to shining sea.

A Vacancy?

A fresh, early summer morning; fog lingering down the bay; smells from the sea; beauty all around!

Beautiful but empty!

We know how to present cheerful facades when actually feeling empty. We hope nobody will detect our loneliness. “Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. (Proverbs 14:13) Like a decorative shell, lovely but vacant, we live with a nagging fear that something important and purposeful is missing.

We are susceptible to the illusions that wealth, notoriety, good looks, and power will make us happy. We mistake fame and celebrity for accomplishment. Striving for these alone sets us up for disappointment, fear of failure, and competitiveness which may lead to internal stresses of depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, addictions, and hopelessness. The Wisdom Books of the Bible ( Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) acknowledge that life goals can be empty pursuits. Wealth, pleasure, adventure, work, relationships, and intellectual endeavors may be temporarily fulfilling but become meaningless unless put into the context of life’s grander purposes.

King Solomon was drawn into the fantasy that he would be complete and fully satisfied by living the beautiful life with the most and the best, but he eventually realized that “all is vanity” apart from a relationship with God. (Ecclesiastes 12) One of Jobs’ friends, Bildad, suggested that “ to all who forget God” life is like “withering grass.” “The hopes of the godless evaporate.Their confidence hangs by a thread. They are leaning on a spider’s web.” (Job 8:11-15 ) Yet, we too become caught up in the chase for those things that do not satisfy the soul.

Christ warned his followers to “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own,” and then told a parable about a rich man who built more and bigger barns to hold an exceptionally productive crop thinking that he had stored enough away to last him for years. He could “eat, drink and be merry.” “But God said to him, “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:15-22) The problem was not the man’s wealth but his idolatrous attitude and dependence upon it to the exclusion of God.

In contrast, the Psalmist held a clear sense of identity. He had learned the true source of happiness and life’s essence: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:2-5) That man understood his place in the universe.

Christ came to show us who we are and our need. Crowned with redemption’s forgiveness and healing, the human spirit is directed from selfish excesses to a new life of humility and grace. In 1971, Gloria Gather wrote these lyrics: “Something beautiful, something good/ All my confusion he understood/ All I had to offer him was brokenness and strife/ But he made something beautiful of my life..“

Beautiful and full!

Controlling the Winds…

Winds blow! Seas rise! Sails billow! Boats move! But without a rudder boats flounder. Controlling the rudder determines the direction in which the ships slips along. James, the brother of Jesus (when speaking about the power of the tongue) said , “…a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. (James 3:4-17 (NLT2)

Buffeted about by cultural influences, difficult circumstances, and a world full of powerful delusions, we may flounder because of anxiety, depression, fear, stress, worry, indecisiveness, temptations, and misinformation, but if we are centered with a strong sense of meaning and purpose, we can recover and regain a steady, intentional course. The Psalmist found his orientation, meaning, and stability in his relationship with God:

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:3-7 (NLT2)

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus specifically addressed the important values which lead to a peace filled life centered on God and others. He ended his teaching with a parable about a wise man and a foolish man:

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

Someone has said, “ The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder…” Christ brings truth which gives meaning and purpose and stability to life. A good place to hear him out is the Gospel of John.