Category: scripture

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The Incomprehensible God: Living Faithfully with Unanswered “Why”

krisshetter

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

“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

Humanity’s oldest question may be only one word long: why. We have answered many “whys” about the universe—about stars, seasons, and gravity—yet each discovery seems to open the door to even deeper questions. When suffering touches our lives, the question becomes painfully personal. Why death? Why tragedy, broken relationships? And still, the answers often remain just beyond our grasp. 

Scientific atheism pretends it can answer all our questions, from astronomy to psychology and biology to zoology.  Yet, like an annoying two-year old, we can still ask “yes, but why?”  Of course, a big question is why does God’s incomprehensibility matter for how we live and suffer?

Great Mysteries in Job

In the Bible, the book of Job seems to lead us into so many of these “whys” with a few “hows?”  Why did God let satan torment Job?  Why did God have to punish a man who seemed so loyal to Him?   The scripture has God telling Job something we humans just don’t like to hear:

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” – Job 11:7

My father struggled with this very problem of “why?”  He couldn’t allow himself to acknowledge that if God is God, then there is no ability on our part to fathom Him in entirety.  I’m not even fully assured we will understand Him completely when we find ourselves in the new heavens and new earth.  

God is God and we are not.  Oh, we may try really hard to fill our minds with solutions to the mysteries of the world.  But let’s be honest, there are just some things we are not meant to know, at least not yet.  As modern people we get caught up in thinking we know so much more than the ancient peoples.  We set ourselves up thinking we don’t need God to explain anything of this world.  But the more we “discover” the more questions we find ourselves asking.

Knowledge Revealed

“He replied, ‘The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables so that, though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’” – Luke 8:10

“It is the glory of God to conceal things” Proverbs 25: 2

I love how these two scriptures tell us something so amazing about God.  It is His right and authority to conceal things.  And because we are told throughout scripture how much God loves us, I would imagine He conceals things we can’t understand or accept at this time.  Scripture also tells us that He has been revealing secrets to us for a long time.

When Jesus came about 2,000 years ago, He came revealing the Kingdom of God.  In parable after parable, He showed us what God’s kingdom is like for believers.  And for those who hate God, they struggle to see His truths.  I’m always surprised at how atheists view God and specifically the Christian faith.  They call it a “cult” or “hateful.”  Yet all Christians know that we come freely to Christ to repair our broken lives.  We are told to forgive, release all greed and malice, avoid immorality, love others especially our enemies.  While not every Christian is a perfect example of this, we all should be working towards these goals.

Mystery In The Ordinary

Living our ordinary lives in light of God’s mystery was the topic of my BSGs’ study on the book of Ruth by Alistair Begg called “God of the Ordinary.”  Naomi was a perfect example of a person who struggled with the “whys” of life.  She became bitter and angry with God.  Then through others she began to see Him at work in ordinary people in ordinary situations.  God revealing Himself a bit at a time to her and her daughter in law, Ruth.  As believers we have to opportunity to see God’s providence in retrospect.  It’s a gift to look over generations and see Him at work in the most ordinary of ways. 

Friends, we all ask “why” throughout our days.  We should be comforted, however, knowing that God has us safely positioned in His great plan.   When tragedy strikes, illnesses are revealed, or relationships fail let us look to God the incomphrensible in faith knowing we are in good hands.

I Am Not Skilled To Understand (1st stanza) Dora Greenwell (1873)

“I am not skilled to understand
what God has willed, what God has planned;
I only know that at his right hand
is One who is my Savior!”

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The Unchanging God in a Changing World

krisshetter

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

A few years ago, my Bible Study Girls were asked to create a faith growth chart.  We were to mark where we thought our faith was at say 5-10 years ago and then where it was at the time of the study.  As we shared our charts it was great to see that all of us felt we had grown in our faith lives.  We also all showed times where we plateaued.  As Christians, we call this being sanctified by God.  We were justified with God when we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior.  We are currently being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.  And one day we will be glorified when we see Christ again.  That’s Christian growth.

Our lives, believers or not, are filled with changes.  Changes in our bodies, beliefs, relationships, financial situations and more.  We are reflections of all of God’s creations – we are born, we live and one day we die.  Returned to the dust.  In this way we are wholly divergent from our Creator.  A Creator who is immutable, never changing.

“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.”  Psalm 102:25-27

Progressive Teaching vs Biblical Teaching

Liberal thinking, in politics, religion and society, is that everything changes.  Everything grows above and beyond yesteryear.  That thinking gives us “progressivism.”  Liberal pastors and bible teachers believe the Bible is a dusty book with old fashioned rules and ways of living.  They pick and choose what us “modern believers” should follow as we become more advanced.  But in holding to that interpretation they also have to believe that God is ever changing.  Which the Bible makes clear He is not.

God doesn’t change His mind.  Why?  Because He is omnipotent and therefore already had all the information needed to form His thoughts.  God doesn’t seek to improve because that implies He wasn’t perfect to begin with.  God doesn’t have a growth chart – He is beyond time.

“The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Isaiah 40:10

So while King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3 accurately shows there’s a season for everything — life and death, joy and sadness, and a time to be born and a time to die — God does not exist by those constraints.  And for that we should be eternally grateful.

A Steady Hand

For much of my life I was waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop.  In other words, when things were good, I just knew they’d take a turn for the worse.  Unfortunately, when things were bad I just figured they’d also get worse.  As my faith chart has soared, I can rest in the truths of God’s Word.  He has a plan for us for all eternity, and it is good.  He won’t pull a rug out from under me.  He is the Rock I can count on.  His truth is something to which we can hold fast.  Let’s remember the words written about 3,000 years ago: “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Ps 100:5)

We look around us and can believe things seem so much worse than “before.”  We look in the mirror and see new lines and wrinkles.  The seasons outside our windows come and go.  Instead of despair we can look to the immutable God and see a steady hand guiding us to something better.  A hope that we should pray all those whom we love would have.  We build our life on His steady hill so as storms come and go, we are not rocked or defeated.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5

Friends, His Word is true, good and never changing.  While culture may have been different in biblical times, man’s propensity to sin carries on for thousands upon thousands of years.  There’s scripture that says something like, nothing has happened to you that hasn’t happened already to someone else.  It’s good to remember that because then we can look to God and see just how He has always wanted the situation resolved.  The answers were carved in stone, then papyrus, then on a printing press, and now in our hearts.  The same words of the Old Testament were read by Jesus.  And His words by believers almost 2,000 years ago.

We don’t need a “new word” or a shiny new god.  We need to rest in and believe the everlasting, unchanging God who rules the world with wisdom, grace and justice.

Everlasting (Psalm 90) by Sovereign Grace Music

O God, before the mountains were brought forth
Or days of spring and summer filled the earth
From everlasting, You are God

We dwell beneath the stars in ancient skies
A thousand years are nothing in Your sight
From everlasting, You are God

And all our days are held within Your hands
Your perfect love and favor have no end
We rest within the wisdom of Your plan
Everlasting God

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A wooden cross before a mountain sunrise with the text God's Holiness.
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Be Holy Because I Am Holy

krisshetter

“There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2

“For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”  1 Peter 1:16

According to a recent New York Times article, people are joining the Roman Catholic Church in surprising numbers. This Easter, the Archdiocese of Detroit received 1,428 new Catholics into the church, its highest number in 21 years. Similar numbers can be seen in other archdiocese across America.  But it’s not just Catholics seeing this surge among young people, especially young men.  Conservative branches of all Christianity across many countries find their numbers swelling after years of loss.

While I can’t see myself ever becoming a Catholic, I understand the draw.  I love visiting grand churches.  On our recent visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico we popped into the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Assisi.  A beautiful and stately church founded in 1714, it was dedicated in 1887.  It contains all the elements of grandeur – stained glass, colorful mosaics, glittering gold sacrament pieces, hand painted wood beams and more.  Every cathedral I have visited left me with the intended emotion – a sense of God’s splendor and holiness.  The rituals, liturgy and historicity of the Catholic church all envelope you in something other-worldly.  A stark contrast to my reformed Presbyterian church which, while nicely constructed, lacks that same grandeur.

I believe that’s why so many young men are turning to this more structured religion.  That sense of holiness of God and His awesome power and might are more easily grasped in such a setting.  While at my church I can forget reverence and holiness until the service begins to unfold.  My church is “just a building.”  But it’s a building where we come to honor, learn about and serve our Holy God.

A Holy God Sanctifies

“Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.”  Leviticus 19:2

When God spoke these words to Moses, He had already spent several chapters of Leviticus instructing the Israelites on how to remain set apart from the ungodly world.  From defining pure and impure sexual relations to bathing during a woman’s period and how to make sacrifices for sin, God was setting them on a path to holiness or sanctification.  He defined Himself as Jehovah-mekoddishkem, the God who sanctifies.  Following this statement in Leviticus 19:2 began the famous list of commandments Christians know so well today.  But why?

Have you ever been in the presence of someone you really admire or someone famous?  Many of us in those situations begin to compare our worthiness to them.  We stand there in awe and wonder, having a desire to be just like them.  Now transfer that to standing before God – the creator of all things seen and unseen.  He commanded Moses to remove his sandals when approached on the mountain.  Moses wasn’t allowed to see God lest he die from the magnitude of God’s glory.  

Yet God, as I’ve written previously, constantly seeks us.  Constantly draws near to us in relationship.  But we are not worthy to have our sandals stand on His same ground.  So, He sent His only Son to complete the first cleansing step.  A sacrifice for our sins and a covering of righteousness only accomplished by the blood of Jesus.  We can stand in God’s presence with our hands wrapped in Jesus’ who intercedes for us, lest we are overcome by God’s holiness.

Then, through our obedience and love for God, His Holy Spirit lives in us; transforming us, sanctifying us through His “rules” which set us apart from the world.  Sets us closer to Him.

Aligned With Our Perfect God

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.  The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Friend, God is perfect.  Jesus is our holy, high priest who stands for us before our blindingly awesome and glorious God.  Our faith is not a set of rules or rituals to follow.  It’s a desire to be close to our holy God.  It’s our chance at bringing us in alignment, and therefore giving us eternal peace and rest, with the only God who loves us and blesses us richly.

Each day we should seek holiness.  Through our words, actions and thoughts the Holy Spirit prunes our dead pieces of the old self and encourages new blooms.  I, for one, want to be one of those saints singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God,” when Jesus returns.  To see His holiness in all its majesty and glory.  I don’t need stained glass to seek that — only Jesus.

“There should be as much difference between the worldling and the Christian, as between hell and heaven, between destruction and eternal life.” Charles Spurgeon

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Hands holding a glowing cross with text SUNRISE OF FAITH.
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Trusting the Goodness of God

krisshetter

“Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!” Psalm 31:19

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”  James 1:17

During the last few years, a recurring topic with my Bible Study Girls revolves around sharing the gospel with our kids and grandkids.  More so with our grandkids because all of our children grew up in the church although many didn’t become believers in their adulthood.  We fear overstepping boundaries or damaging relationships.

Recently one of my friends shared a discussion about God with her adult granddaughter.  The younger woman stated, “How can I believe in a God that allows so much evil?”  At the time, my friend was unsure of how to respond to this question – one which many of us may have also been asked.

Origins of Good vs. Evil

Now, we can go down a deep C.S. Lewis-type philosophical hole (which if you want to, then read his Mere Christianity) but in this blog I’ll be short and sweet.  God is good.  He is the essence of good.  He created good and all things He created are good.  He did not create evil.  Evil is the absence of good.  Lewis tells us that you can have good without evil, but you cannot have evil without good.  Why?  Because without good you wouldn’t actually know that evil is well, evil. It just is.  Evil is not something God created; it is the absence of good—much like darkness is the absence of light. Where God’s goodness is rejected, brokenness naturally follows.

I like to ask people this question in return: “If everyone believed in the Christian God and followed His precepts then how would the world look different?”  Of course, to be a complete answer they would need to know the truth of God’s Word.

Unfortunately, biblical knowledge is no longer what it once was in the wider culture. Most would be shocked to know that basic, accepted ethics and morals came from the Bible, not as “just basic common sense.”  Because we all can look around and see there’s not much of that going around anyways!

But back to God’s goodness.  When God created the garden and all that was in it, everything was “good.”  He also gave Adam and Eve free will to submit to God or not.  And we know how that went.  God did not create the sin.  We humans created sin by turning away from God.  

God is perfectly good.  During tragic times that fact may be hard to accept.  God weeps over his creation when evil enters our hearts and minds, causing death and destruction.  When we truly believe, however, in God’s goodness we can see either in the moment or have expectation for the future that everything does work out for the good of those who believe (Romans 8:28).

See Him In Hard Seasons

This truth became deeply personal for me during one of the hardest seasons of my life.Four years ago, when my mother-in-law was dying from cancer, I struggled with anger toward God. But when I remembered that God is good, my perspective changed. God was calling her home to eternal rest. My grief was real, but trusting in His goodness helped me surrender my selfish desires to His loving plan.  Our Good God wanted to bring her home and rest in His arms for eternity.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” 1 Chronicles 16:34

In this reverence series every characteristic of God is a good one.  Even when God is wrathful as we read so often in the Old Testament, it comes after years of patience and warning.  But most of all it is rooted in the desire to bring His children back on to a good and perfect path.  His love for us is truly good.

Friends, really believing that God is good and has good plans for you, and I mean really believing that, changes our outlook on life.  It brings new perspectives to bad situations.  It carries us through some of the most difficult times of our lives.  It leads us to seek out God rather than turn our backs to Him.  It causes us to see the blessings in the midst of the hardships.  Some might call that being a “positive person.”  As a Christian we call that being a believer.

Christians, Join To Sing by Christian Bateman (1843)

Come, lift your hearts on high;
Alleluia, Amen!
Let praises fill the sky;
Alleluia, Amen!
He is our Guide and Friend;
To us he’ll condescend;
His love shall never end;
Alleluia, Amen!

Praise yet the Lord again;
Alleluia, Amen!
Life shall not end the strain;
Alleluia, Amen!
On Heaven’s blissful shore
His goodness we’ll adore,
Singing forever more,
Alleluia, Amen!

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Beholding God's Glory
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Beholding His Glory

krisshetter

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” – Revelation 4:11

On our first trip to the island of Kauai my husband surprised me with a helicopter tour.  If you’ve ever visited Kauai, you’ll see a continuous stream of these whirlybirds as they circumvent the edge of the island.  Besides the “average” beauty of this lusciously green island you’re flown over the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”  After cresting the top of the mountain, you find yourself perched for just a moment as the helicopter begins its descent into an impossibly breathtaking amphitheater-shaped valley which falls into the azure, blue seas.

We were fortunate that upon reaching that crest, the skies cleared.  The view laid out before me literally took my breath away.  I could barely speak as the glory of God’s creation burst out in front of me in full technicolor.

God Revealed In Glory

In Romans 1 Paul exhorts Christians to not be ashamed of God and His glory.  In fact, he says no one, not one person, has an excuse to not believe in God.  Why?  Because He has been revealed throughout all time in His creation.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

This revelation of God’s glory became a regular topic between my father and I while we sat waiting for medical appointments.  He wanted proof of God’s existence.  I would point outside any window and remark, “There’s your proof.”  And he would scoff.  I would point out the beauty of the human eye, the statistical probability of a baby coming out just about perfect millions upon millions of times, the fact we have all we need to survive and then some.  And he would still scoff.

Even knowing all this, and walking in a relationship with Jesus, I still forget at times how glorious God truly is.  I question His decisions.  I give Him advice on how to solve problems.  I idolize things other than Him.  Then the Holy Spirit taps my shoulder to remind me that I’m speaking to the great I AM, not just any Joe Blow.

“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” Isaiah 42:8

Our Big God

When my last church went astray with unbiblical teaching, I approached one of the pastors to gain understanding about their thinking.  We had a lengthy conversation about a particular topic and then he asked me a curious question.  “If I asked you why you believe what you believe are you going to just say, ‘because God said so?’” he inquired.  I stood there stunned for a second and then firmly responded, “Yes.”  In that moment, I realized how easily even spiritual leaders can shrink God to something manageable.

Last year I read a great little book called, “Your God Is Too Small, A guide for believers and skeptics alike” by J.B. Phillips.  He addresses how believers fall into traps of defining God absent the truth of His glory.  We make Him into a god of the familiar and every day. For example, we’ve probably heard people (like my father) smirk at the idea of Jesus being resurrected.  “There’s no such thing as bringing someone back from the dead!  That’s impossible!”  Yet, that is exactly what God did.  

Phillips discusses 11 types of “God” we create in our minds and in our prayer life.  One might think of God as a policeman, always watching and searching for the evil we do.  Or as a meek and mild Jesus who, according to some Super Bowl commercials, just wants to be loved and love in return.  Others pray as though God never sees what we need – a hands-off god.  While others worry He is a micromanager.  

But all those are not the real God.  The God of majesty and glory.  Of power and might.  The God of Revelation who commands the winds and seas.  Who sends His angels to fight heavenly battles.  The God of Daniel 7 whose throne is ablaze with flames with a river of fire come out before Him.  The God who has 1,000s upon 1,000s attending Him in the heavens.  That God can do the impossible.

Friend, is your god too small?  Have you forgotten He is the God of sunrises and sunsets?  He has intricately woven every animal, human and plant for His purposes.  He is beyond time and our full understanding.  And yet, He has invited us to be heirs to this glory through His Son, Jesus.  What a glorious gift!

“We have seen that the Son of God created the world for this very end, to communicate Himself in an image of His own excellency. … When we behold the light and brightness of the sun, the golden edges of an evening cloud, or the beauteous (rain)bow, we behold the adumbrations of His glory and goodness; and in the blue sky, of his mildness and gentleness.” Jonathan Edwards

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The Generosity of God

krisshetter

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” – Psalm 145:16

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

In the “Finding Nemo” movie, the seagulls were given an easy line to recall: “Mine! Mine! Mine!”  If you’ve ever sat with your lunch at the beach, you’ll see this scene come to life.  A seagull will beat out even small children for that half-eaten sandwich you left uncovered.  

I’m reminded of that scene when I hear someone fixate on what others have instead of trusting God’s provision.  A desire for what someone else has earned is scarcity thinking, folks.  A thinking that sets us far apart from God’s world.

From the very beginning God gave humans everything we could ever need.  He created us and therefore knew what would bring us nourishment, joy and rest.  Even as the Israelites wandered in the desert He was generous with food to sustain them.  When they needed water, He made rocks overflow with fresh clean water.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Our generous God sees it before we need it.  Now when I say that, your mind might jump to that new dress, fancy car, dashing young man (or woman).  While He may provide those to you, His generosity has more depth than fleshly desires.  

The Bible reminds us to ask with His will in mind, not ours. I didn’t always understand this kind of generosity until God confronted me with my own misplaced hopes.  I once believed that moving to a lake house would solve my anxiety and health struggles. When financial hardship struck instead, God revealed that my dream had become an idol. In letting go, I began to see His generosity more clearly: a stronger marriage, deeper prayer life, richer friendships, and unexpected peace.

That financial situation drew my husband and I closer together.  My husband began leading us in prayer nightly.  My Bible study time deepened.  Friendships grew fonder.  And peace came from a whole different place than I’d imagined.  God generously provided what I truly needed.

God’s Gifts vs The World’s

When we define God’s blessing based on worldly wants, He comes across as stingy.  The God of the Bible is much bigger and more generous than we can imagine.  We are chastised for not having because we don’t even think to ask.  Peace in our relationships, joyfulness, forgiveness towards others, a sense of purpose – those are some of the higher gifts He pours over our hearts and minds.  Gifts He then wants us to turn over to others in generosity.

Yes, He has also blessed me with a wonderful home, food to eat, finances that allow me to travel and more.  But those things are blessing far beyond what we all really need.  The ultimate gift He has so generously gifted is His Son, Jesus Christ.  His blood was shed in forgiveness of our sins so we may have an eternal relationship with the God of the universe.  A gift we could never earn through our performance.  A gift He hands to us with great sacrifice and without us lifting a finger.

He gives each day our daily bread which nourishes our souls.  When I’m feeling disconnected from the Holy Spirit, I remind myself to list the generous ways He has showered me and my family.

Friend, God is not stingy.  He is generous.  Generous with His love and forgiveness.  Generous with His blessings and provision.  Come to Him and ask.  And when you ask, ask with the right motives as James guides us.  Ask for the small and the impossible.  

Dear God,

Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don’t thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen

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Held by His Faithfulness

krisshetter

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” Psalm 145:13

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

Faithfulness seems to have grown out of style.  Faithful spouses, faithful friends, faithful employees – their numbers appear to be dwindling.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median number of years that wage and salary workers had been with their current employer was 3.9 years in January 2024, down from 4.1 years in January 2022 and the lowest since January 2002.

The marriage rate in 2000 was 8.2 per 1,000 and now sits at 6.1.  Nearly 41% of first year marriages are expected to end in divorce.  These numbers are sobering.  According to one article I found, over the past 30 years, the percentage of American men with at least six close friends has declined from 55% in 1990 to just 27% today.  A significant number of men, particularly 20% of single men, now report having no close friends at all, an increase from 3% in 1990.

Many of us are tempted to prioritize flexibility over faithfulness.  Free to be me, right?  Let’s be honest, however, that “freedom” starts to feel pretty lonely in short time.  We don’t make lasting, deep friendships.  We want to work from home at a new job every 3 years which makes for zero relationships in more than half our waking hours.  And marriage? That would require huge personal sacrifices!

Forever Faithful

Against this backdrop of instability, Scripture reveals a radically different picture. There is One who is forever faithful.  One to whom we can always count on to keep His promises, His covenants forever.

“He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations.” Psalm 105:8

I didn’t grow up with a super positive father figure, and I know others who either didn’t have one at all or he was abusive.  Our view of God is sometimes shaped by these imperfect, earthly relationships. Yet Scripture reminds us who He truly is—a faithful Father, worthy of all our trust and praise. When we bring our hurt, disappointment, and longing to Him, He meets us with grace.

He is worthy of all our praise and honor.  He never lies, He never withholds His love, and He never leaves us (Deuteronomy 31:6 & Hebrews 13:5).  He is ever-faithful.

This truth is not just theological, it’s deeply personal.  A few years ago, I was one of those people that felt abandoned by friends.  When I turned to the faithful Father and asked for His help He began a great work in me.  He showed me where I needed to grow in humility, consistency, and love.  In other words, to be more like Jesus.  He grew me into someone to whom Christian women would want to be friends.  I now count many as my faithful sisters.  

Friends, it sounds fun to start a new and exciting job every few years.  It’s easy to slough off the old and try out the new and shiny people we meet along the way.  But true, lasting joy comes in commitment – something the Lord has modeled for us in His Word.  He is trustworthy in all He says and does.  He is the Rock upon which we can stand, forever.  His faithfulness should be your guide and your comfort.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas O. Chisholm

Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, 
Lord unto me.

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The Eternal God

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“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” – Psalm 90:2

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” – Revelation 1:8

It is Jewish tradition to end a teaching with a doxology.  And in those doxologies the eternal nature of God is reinforced. Christian heritage picked up this same tradition adding the Trinity to our doxologies.  You are probably familiar with this one:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son:

and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:

world without end. Amen.

The concept of eternal or never-ending finds itself throughout history in books, movies, poems, etc.  The Spaniards, led by Ponce de Leon, once searched for the Fountain of Youth, thought to be in Florida.  You can see this supposed fountain in St. Augustine, Florida for a mere $21.55.  

Then there’s the tech billionaire Bryan Johnson who spends $2 million a year trying to keep from growing old and dying.  I, for one, would use that money to have a lot more fun with the limited time I’ve been gifted.  We are promised throughout the Bible that our lives are like the wildflowers or the prairie grass.  We bloom greatly then in the morning we dry up and die.

Sounds inspiring doesn’t it?  But the hard truth is our short, maybe 80-90 years, on this blue planet really are microscopic in God’s universe.  He is the only eternal being (well, the Trinity is but let’s not go down that rabbit hole today!).  He is the Alpha and the whatever comes after forever.

I find it sad however, that people like my father get stuck on the “but what was before God?” or “how was God formed?” questions.  For Christians who believe the Bible to be inerrant we just say we don’t know.  It’s a mystery.  Because there still are mysteries in life.

“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.” Psalm 102:25-27

There’s a comfort in knowing that God is outside our time.  Because time is what brings so many of us anxiety.  Getting to appointments, preparing for a certain event, looking towards our death or that of a loved one – these all bring a level of worry.  But the eternal promise God gives us through faith and surrender to Him should relieve us of the scary things of this world.

World View vs God View

Wars and rumors of wars is how Jesus put it.  Financial collapses and environmental disasters, world-wide pandemics and rising dictators bring us a near concern.  But with our eyes set on standing with Jesus in the eternal Kingdom we should be able to have peace through so much of this.  He has told us that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not ours.  That’s because He sees the big, eternal picture.  He has worked out the best plan for all time. We know that in Him believers have eternal victory in all things.

For now, we must accept the many mysteries of God.  One day when we are re-united with Christ, we will hopefully see all so much clearer.  Until then,

“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17

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Delivered Under His Banner

krisshetter

“And Moses built an altar and named it ‘The LORD is my Banner.’” Exodus 17:15

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

THIS IS THE COMPLETE POST FROM TODAY — SORRY THERE’S A GLITCH WITH THE HOSTING SITE

Back during the early Covid years, I would dread going out to the grocery store.  It wasn’t that I was afraid of getting sick.  It was that I was afraid of punching someone in the throat.  That may shock some of you that don’t know me well but for others of you, you know I have struggled with my anger and pride.  I would become infuriated with silly rules like one way arrows in grocery aisles and the made up 6’ (or 3’ or 10’) rules.  People wearing masks alone inside their cars.  And on and on.  I was letting others’ fears and absurd ideas turn my mind and emotions into chaos.

One of my favorite teaching moments from Joyce Meyer is when she once admitted, “I’m a really good Christian.  Until I walk out the front door.”  Yep, that was me on my way to the grocery store.

Then I remembered my promised deliverer — my Jehovah-nissi.  

Christian author Barnabas Piper clarifies this name in this way: 

When Israel faced the Amalekites in battle at Rephidim it wasn’t with overwhelming force, an experienced army, or the best commanders. It was as a transient tribe of herdsmen escaping slavery in Egypt and traveling uncertainly to a promised land they hadn’t seen in over four hundred years. They were trespassers traveling through the lands of fierce fighting peoples. They traveled with women, children, herds, and all their possessions. The battle was for survival, for hope, for a future.

But they traveled with something else too, something else that no other nation on earth had – a pillar of fire, a cloud of smoke, the very presence of God. Israel did not fight its battles alone. No matter how inexperienced or over-matched they were they were never the underdogs. No matter how desperate they felt they were never at a loss. The great general, the perfect protector, the LORD was with them. The very name used in Scripture is Jehovah Nissi – “the Lord is my banner.”

And that, my friends, is exactly the God I needed before I left my house.  It’s the God I so frequently turn to now when faced with “trigger” situations.  In fact, it was Jehovah-nissi who went before me when dealing with my dad’s hospital staff, rehab unit LVNs, unhelpful receptionists, and doctors who forget their patients are people too.

My deliverer God found me parking places when needed, brought me peace during untenable situations, gave me calm, kind and yet insistent words rather than anger and frustration.  He gave my dad and I victory so many times.  And that gave me opportunities to share the Word of God with my atheist dad.  You see my dad once said to me years ago, “You’re just like your mom.”  (Not a compliment) That hit me hard, especially since he was never around me.  He assumed I would be unreasonable and angry at the drop of a hat.  So not only did he get to see me in a new light, he also heard me testify to the work Jesus and Holy Spirit has done in my life over the years.  

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10

God has been delivering His people from all manner of battles, here on earth and in the heavens and in our physical lives and our internal struggles, for thousands of years.  Most importantly He has delivered us from the eternal punishment of our sins through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

So today, before your feet hit the floor or you head out the door, call upon the Great Deliverer.  He will go before you in battle, planting His flag upon your life in victory.

He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:3-4

Be sure to follow the blog to receive your 30 Days of Reverence in your e-mail in box! Click here for past posts.

30daysofpraise, Bible, bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, christian men, Christian women, Faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Follower, prayer, religion, scripture, Uncategorized

Delivered Under His Banner

krisshetter

“And Moses built and altar and named it ‘The LORD is my Banner.’” Exodus 17:15

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

Back during the early Covid years, I would dread going out to the grocery store.  It wasn’t that I was afraid of getting sick.  It was that I was afraid of punching someone in the throat.  That may shock some of you that don’t know me well but for others of you, you know I have struggled with my anger and pride.  I would become infuriated with silly rules like one way arrows in grocery aisles and the made up 6’ (or 3’ or 10’) rules.  People wearing masks alone inside their cars.  And on and on.  I was letting others’ fears and absurd ideas turn my mind and emotions into chaos.

One of my favorite teaching moments from Joyce Meyer is when she once admitted, “I’m a really good Christian.  Until I walk out the front door.”  Yep, that was me on my way to the grocery store.

Then I remembered my promised deliverer — my Jehovah-nissi.  

Christian author Barnabas Piper clarifies this name in this way: 

When Israel faced the Amalekites in battle at Rephidim it wasn’t with overwhelming force, an experienced army, or the best commanders. It was as a transient tribe of herdsmen escaping slavery in Egypt and traveling uncertainly to a promised land they hadn’t seen in over four hundred years. They were trespassers traveling through the lands of fierce fighting peoples. They traveled with women, children, herds, and all their possessions. The battle was for survival, for hope, for a future.

But they traveled with something else too, something else that no other nation on earth had – a pillar of fire, a cloud of smoke, the very presence of God. Israel did not fight its battles alone. No matter how inexperienced or over-matched they were they were never the underdogs. No matter how desperate they felt they were never at a loss. The great general, the perfect protector, the LORD was with them. The very name used in Scripture is Jehovah Nissi – “the Lord is my banner.”

And that, my friends, is exactly the God I needed before I left my house.  It’s the God I so frequently turn to now when faced with “trigger” situations.  In fact, it was Jehovah-nissi who went before me when dealing with my dad’s hospital staff, rehab unit LVNs, unhelpful receptionists, and doctors who forget their patients are people too.

My deliverer God found me parking places when needed, brought me peace during untenable situations, gave me calm, kind and yet insistent words rather than anger and frustration.  He gave my dad and I victory so many times.  And that gave me opportunities to share the Word of God with my atheist dad.  You see my dad once said to me years ago, “You’re just like your mom.”  (Not a compliment) That hit me hard, especially since he was never around me.  He assumed I would be unreasonable and angry at the drop of a hat.  So not only did he get to see me in a new light, he also heard me testify to the work Jesus and Holy Spirit has done in my life over the years.  

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10

God has been delivering His people from all manner of battles, here on earth and in the heavens and in our physical lives and our internal struggles, for thousands of years.  Most importantly He has delivered us from the eternal punishment of our sins through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

So today, before your feet hit the floor or you head out the door, call upon the Great Deliverer.  He will go before you in battle, planting His flag upon your life in victory.

He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:3-4

Be sure to follow the blog to receive your 30 Days of Reverence in your e-mail in box! Click here for past posts.