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Hope for All

December 25, 2023December 18, 2023 krisshetter

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  John 1:14

In my Bible Study groups we have talked occasionally of the need to be educated about major religions so that in speaking with folks about Christ we know their general beliefs and positions of faith. When obeying the commands to love our neighbors and make disciples of all nations we must be aware and sensitive to the distinctions between Judaism, Islam and Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. We’ve talked about missionary failures when believers enter into cultures too aggressively and trample on the very people we are tasked to love

Unfortunately, this history has caused many Christians to be overly cautious — thinking they shouldn’t ”push” their faith on people. The lack of apologetics and addressing the differences in religions in churches only makes this situation worse. If we truly believe in Jesus, if we seek to obey Him and therefore are promised peace and joy, then we must accept as truth His directive.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matthew 28:19

It’s not about just trying to get Jesus’ conversion numbers up for the next quarter so God will be pleased. No, it’s about sharing the truth and glory of Jesus’ message to the world. It’s about wanting so desperately for our friends, neighbors, loved ones, and even strangers to experience the fullness of life for all eternity. It’s about how we view conflict and strife and fear – praying for, yes even our enemies, to come live in peace.

On this Christmas Day, when we celebrate the most significant day in the history of the earth since it was created, we should re-commit ourselves to this mission. Why? Because today the God of all monotheistic religions came down from the heavens and choose to live among us. Not as a prophet, as the Jews, Muslims and Hindus would believe. As God. That should be earthshaking news. It seems so un-god like which is why those religions have a hard time believing it. But God, over and over in the Old Testament and Torah (which both the Jews and Muslims accept as Holy Scripture) shows Himself to be atypical of gods.

He choose the least of us to lead thousands. The sinner is the savior for an army. A woman outsmarts a king to avoid genocide. A farmer stands before a ruler issuing warnings. Musicians defeat a powerful army. A tiny nation is taken under His wings as loved. A baby is crowned a Savior for all people.

Today, a few thousand years ago, God came to tell us the best news we have ever needed. We don’t need to keep striving. We don’t need to give more money or kill a few doves or lambs. We don’t even need to be a “good person.” In fact, He came and pointed a finger at you and said, “Sinner, I love you.” All three other major religions — Judaism, Islam and Hinduism — require you to just work harder. Sacrifice more. And hope that you’ve done enough on one column to make it into heaven (as we lie about what we put on the other column). Their own scriptures tell them it’s impossible on our own. What a terribly hopeless way to live!

"Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:16-17

If we believe in God, no matter the name we put on our faith, then how can we not believe He can do anything? Including coming to earth as both God and a human baby. A baby, not born of kings and queens but of an every day woman. Yet another worldly view that God shatters and turns upside down.

My friends, when we think of believers in other religions we should find common ground first. And then, we reveal the glory and hope of the Lord — through grace alone, through Jesus alone. No other religion offers true hope. Their messiah is really themselves, as in Buddhism. The truth of human history is that we cannot save ourselves. It’s something we are miserable at accomplishing.

Jesus is the only spokesperson for the most beautiful message of God’s love. He holds out His hand to every single person and says, “You can’t, but I can.” So again, today commit or re-commit yourself to His commands. Pray for people who hate each other to turn to Jesus. Pray for people who hate you to accept His love. Pray for knowledge and wisdom. Pray for your neighbors who are devoted to a religion that requires them to run daily on a never ending wheel to earn their way into heaven. And thank God that He came, revealing His light as a child born in Bethlehem.

May all honor, glory and power be given to the One True King and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Savior King

December 15, 2023December 14, 2023 krisshetter

"Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!" Psalm 24:10

Yesterday, in the Advent study I’m working through we were tasked with listing the names and characteristics of Jesus from various Old and New Testament scriptures. The names included: child, son, Son of the Most High, Father, Counselor, God, Prince of Peace, Lord, King, Jesus and Messiah/Savior. Attached to these names were adjectives such as wonderful, mighty, great, everlasting, zealous, wise, and upholder of justice and righteousness.

We were then asked to highlight the name and characteristic that we believe to be the most significant. Which would you say? It may depend on your current state of mind or the situation you find yourself in. But let me back up a bit and take us to the year 2019. There were just a few small things going on in the world that year. A worldwide pandemic for one. And the U.S. election for a new president.

What was your state of mind at the time? Were you afraid for your health? Worried about who would lead the world’s most influential country? Concerned about the status of your job? Upset about the situation with your children’s schools? Angry about people wearing masks or not? Abandon by your church for shutting their doors? Distraught over a loved one’s death? The year 2019 certainly held a lot of opportunity for all those emotions. At the time, the bigger question was: being honest, who did you cling to? The TV newscasters? Health officials? Elected leaders? Family? Or God?

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12-13

“When His glory is revealed.” What does that mean for us in the here and now? We suffer through leaders seeking their own glory through greed and immorality. We hear false teachers leading Christians astray with destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1). Neighbors and even family and friends follow their sensual desires and blaspheme the truth (2 Peter 2:2). And we shouldn’t be surprised. It is all written in God’s Holy Word. But what is also written is that there will be a day of judgment.

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." 2 Peter 3:9-10

My friends, if we believe that Jesus is a real person who walked this earth as both God and man; if we see how the truth of the prophets in the Old Testament came to pass over and over; if we have experienced our glorious God working throughout our life, then we must place the banner of truth on the promise of times to come. We must look different than the world. Our choices both physically and emotionally must cause others to ask us questions. ”Why aren’t you worried?”

I’ll tell you honestly the Lord was doing a might work in me in 2019. On one hand, I allowed myself to be carried away with all manner of worldly emotions. On the other, I began clinging to God. The battle of the heavens was revealed in little ‘ole me. I know that God is winning and will be victorious. Just the other day a good friend shared her husband’s observation of me. He told her how much I’ve changed over the years. I almost cried when she shared that he called me “gentler.” And I raised my hand up giving God, the Victorious, all glory.

Jesus is all the names I listed during my study. He has all the characteristics found in those scriptures. Surely the name Savior should speak most to us especially during times of trouble and strife. He came to save us from a terrible judgement. He is the Savior King who will uphold all final justice and righteousness. Knowing that this glorious and powerful God cares about those two things should bring us everlasting peace.

The world is a mess, just like it was hundreds of thousands of years ago. Just like it was when the Romans ruled throughout Israel, Judea, Samaria and the far reaches of Europe when the Jews sought an earthly king to save them. The Word of God promises us it won’t get better until Jesus returns. So, let’s put our hope and peace and love in His hands. He is the only one who will lead us into victory.

Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen

In Excelsis Deo

December 11, 2023 krisshetter

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

Last night I heard the angels sing. Well, not real angels — just people that sounded as I would imagine them singing. After a long weekend of Christmas concerts, the more than 150 choir members and musicians that perform at my church in Escondido, California put on their last of 5 performances. They must have been looking forward to that last note with tired legs and feet, sore lips and throats. But you couldn’t tell. They lifted their voices with such glorious vigor and ease. The musicians fingers danced lightly and beautifully over keys and piston valves and strings.

I listened with awe to people with a gift I only dream about or attempt to utilize while alone in my car. And I also thought, what a glorious God to have created such sounds. Music is considered one of those few “cultural universals.” Something in which every culture across the world participates. Bone flutes have been dated to 40,000 BC. Biologists suggest that music developed alongside language development. Almost as though the two were uniquely connected. Clearly a gift given by God since the creation of man.

Religions are credited with being the biggest purveyor of music and musical styles. Hurrian songs are a collection of music excavated from an ancient Canaanite city which date to approximately 1400 BC. One of these is nearly complete and contains the “Hymn to Nikkal”(also known as the Hurrian cult hymn or “a zaluzi to the gods,”), making it the oldest surviving complete work of notated music in the world.

We’ve been singing outward and upward for quite a long time it seems! It’s no wonder that music touches our hearts so deeply. It speaks to love lost and love found. To growing up and growing old. It tells stories of friendships and discontentment. And, of course, it speaks to God — asking for Him to come into our lives, thanking Him for our blessings, and giving all Glory to Him.

The first song recorded in the Bible is a victory song. Written by Moses and recorded in Exodus 15, it was composed after Israel’s faith was tested in the parting of the Red Sea. It’s as though God gave us this gift to express in new ways our yearning for a life that only He can truly give.

“The Lord is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2

The hymn last night which pulled my heart toward God was, “Gloria In Excelsis Deo” based on what the angels sang at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:14. Such a beautiful patronage to varied, talented voices and musicians! It also enjoys a long and rich history. Its composition reflects the tradition of “private psalms” which became popular in the 2nd century. Later versions saw additional verses added as it became part of doxologies. Modern scholars have documented over 200 musical medieval versions of this song as it spread across every Christian religious culture and denomination.

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.  (Christmas Carol version, also known as Angels We Have Heard on High)

I imagine this gift of music must surely reflect what goes on in the heavens. A heavenly Spotify playlist featuring the most beautiful voices ever heard. So perfectly tuned and glorious that hearts burst with love and devotion to the One True God.

Today, listen for the first songs of God — a tune from a bird, the rustling of leaves, the croaking of a frog. Then lift your voice or whistle or hum to Him who gave us this gift. A gift which helps us express our deepest emotions in ways which just words alone can never accomplish.

Soli Deo Gloria. Amen

Knitted with God

December 10, 2023 krisshetter

Praise the Lord, you his servants;
    praise the name of the Lord.
²Let the name of the Lord be praised,
    both now and forevermore.
³From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
    the name of the Lord is to be praised.

⁴The Lord is exalted over all the nations,
    his glory above the heavens.
⁵Who is like the Lord our God,
    the One who sits enthroned on high,
⁶who stoops down to look
    on the heavens and the earth?

⁷He raises the poor from the dust
    and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
⁸he seats them with princes,
    with the princes of his people.
⁹He settles the childless woman in her home
    as a happy mother of children.

Praise the Lord. Psalm 113

Last month my husband and I were blessed to become grandparents of a beautiful baby girl. Born on my birthday, the Lord blessed me even more with giving me the gift of being with my daughter as she went into labor and then holding this precious baby just hours after she entered the world! With two daughters of our own I still find myself amazed by the gift of life — how God creates us, weaves us so intricately in a mother’s womb.

A couple of friends and I are doing an advent study and we were tasked during the first week to go back to the book of Genesis. On day 4, we read Genesis 3:14-24 and were asked to list the consequences of Adam, Eve’s and the serpent’s sins. We were also to identify God’s mercy in this passage. Awhile back I heard a lesson about this section of Genesis. On how God gave Adam and Eve both curses and blessings. When you view this text in this way you discover something different that the usual reading. Here’s what He said to Eve:

“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.” Genesis 3:16.

We all answered that God cursed her with painful childbirth and that her husband would be “the boss.” If we take this verse as a stand alone that’s what we get, done. However, in the context of the whole creation story, let me point out two blessings.

The only way beings had been created until that time was by God’s miraculous actions. Breathing life into Adam and then taking a piece of Adam and creating Eve. Now Eve will be blessed with herself creating new life. She will be God’s vessel for all humanity. What an incredible gift!
When God created Eve, she was a companion, a helper, so that Adam wouldn’t be alone. With God’s speech to Eve He has introduced love and desire. A marriage, rather than just a friendship. A lifelong covenant with another human being!

Without this curse/blessing for Eve we wouldn’t have the long line of woman who, even in their old and seemingly barren years, gave birth to the line of the future King. And then, of course we come to Mary, Jesus’ mother. Her womb holds the special place of Jesus’ first earthly home. With God’s DNA and that of Joseph and Mary’s woven together to create the God/Man. What a beautiful and glorious gift to all women-kind!

“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹    for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name. Luke 1: 46-49

Although Mary was Jesus’ first earthly abode where God did His glorious weaving work, here’s the message I heard preached today: “The Holy Spirit, who lives in us, is leveraging the glory of God to weave our frayed hearts back together.”

Isn’t that a wonderful promise? A gift from Jesus as He left this earthly home to join His father in heaven, the Holy Spirit lives in all who say “I believe.” The glory of God is living in our wombs, in our hearts, in our very souls. Our pastor stated, “He takes the promise of peace and calms our hearts.” He is the God who never leaves us because He has brought His glory to dwell inside us! Oh mighty God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords thank you for this gift of life, this gift of your ever presence.

"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

Thanks be to God for the blessings He bestowed on Eve that day. And may all Glory, Honor and Power be given to Him alone. Amen

Known Hearts

December 9, 2023 krisshetter

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

Have you ever been singing a song and someone points out to you that you’ve been singing the wrong lyrics all along? In the rom-com, 27 Dresses, there’s a scene where the two main actors battle it out over the actual lyrics to the Elton John song, “Bennie & the Jets.” It’s a hilarious take on something we’ve all probably done while singing our hearts out in the shower.

Well, while out on my walk this morning enjoying the gloriously crisp and clear Southern California day I was listening to my Christian playlist. The song “All My Praise” by Ryan Ellis came on and as I sung along I misheard the beginning lyrics which go, “Hallelujah, Christ is risen. Now every heart has a way.” Instead, I sang “now every heart has a name.” For the next half hour that oops of a line sat on my mind as I composed my Soli Deo Gloria post for today. How it’s so true that because of Jesus coming to tell the Good News, to not just Jews but every gentile, every heart could know God and be known by God.

"I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:26

That scripture is just a part of Jesus’ prayer to His Father telling of His love for us. Asking God to continue in His care for us when he departs. Do you realize there is no other God, no other religion that has this beautifully unique relationship with its believers?

When the Trinity created the world and universe — with God speaking the plan, Jesus enacting it and the Holy Spirit providing His hovering supervision — God didn’t suddenly leave us to our own devices. That’s what deists believe. That God is not working daily, loving us moment by moment while we reside on His earthly creation. It’s not a new idea, in fact U.S. Founding Father Thomas Jefferson was a famous deist. But that’s not the Bible. And to be honest, it’s not lived out reality.

I’ve mentioned before that the Christian faith is based on real people and real, historically proven events. Jesus was a real person. Fully man and fully God. Although people may wonder how that could be possible it doesn’t take away the fact that Jesus, Himself, made that fact clear over and over. If a God can create a universe then I figure He can do anything.

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
²You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
⁵You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.  Psalm 139:1-6

Not only does God, throughout scripture show His continually loving care for us, He expresses His desire for us to know him inside and out. In fact, the Bible itself is not about a “people” or even about us. It’s an autobiography about God. It’s His way of telling us His character, His eternal plan, and most of all how much He loves us. He wants us to know Him as much as He knows us. A truly staggering idea when it comes to the concept of God and gods.

God delights when His people truly know Him, love Him, and enjoy the blessings of His faithful love, justice, and righteousness.
Thomas A. Tarrants, President Emeritus, CS Lewis Institute

God is a relational being. He exists in a relational setting amongst the Trinity. He loves the Son and the Son loves Him. They love the Holy Spirit and He loves them back in perfect unity and harmony. How could God not be the same with us? How glorious is it to know that the Creator of all things seen and unseen wants to love and be loved by us!

"If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:7

My friends, we should delight and give thanks each and every day that we are known by a God who loves. A God who sent the Son to live and breathe, touch, feel, cry and laugh, suffer and celebrate just like us. A God who wanted us to have a tangible relationship to reach for when in need. A God who we can call our King, Savior and our friend.

May all Glory and Honor be our God and Creator. Amen

Bible, bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, christian men, christian parenting, Christian women, Faith, Jesus, Jesus Follower, prayer, religion, Transformation Prayer, Uncategorized, wisdom

Not Yet Home

December 8, 2023 krisshetter

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14

I had just found out that my boyfriend of three years was seeing another young woman behind my back. I didn’t know her but she, apparently knew all about me. I discovered this betrayal on a surprise visit to my (soon-to-be ex) boyfriend’s house –finding the two of them together. Now, looking back, it seems almost funny that he ran away and she stayed to tell me about the affair. I drove off with emotions swirling — anger, sadness, betrayal and confusion.

As I made my way home those emotions turned to despair. At 18 my world evolved around him. I was crushed and felt broken. Just a few miles before my house while driving on the freeway I did the unthinkable. I looked up and said, “I’d rather die right now.” And let go of the wheel.

Thankfully, the usually busy freeway was almost devoid of traffic as my car veered out of its lane crossing into two others. And thankfully a whisper told me he wasn’t worth this pain. As I grabbed back hold of the wheel I realized it wasn’t time for me to go to my eternal home.

I’ll admit that a couple other times in my life I’ve wished it was my time. The last time I felt that way I finally sought help and realized my menopausal body was in complete disarray. With a caring, thoughtful doctor I went on a small dose of antidepressants to get me through this life transition. At the same time I turned and grabbed hold of the Lord. And I asked Him to heal me.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4

This week my church has taken a deep dive into the above scripture. This idea of “going home.” The promise Jesus makes to His disciples, and all other believers, is that He has made a beautiful, comforting place for us. We only need to seek Him and believe. But at rare times we yearn so much for that place we go ahead of God and try to take a shortcut. We want to be in control of that timeline because of pain and sadness.

Friend, I want to remind you, however, of two things. First, when Jesus took the glorious and awe inspiring step to leave His earthly home and join us in the flesh He declared the Kingdom has come. We look to the heavens and dream of that place. But Jesus brought the Kingdom to us. John the Baptist was the first to herald this truth.

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  Matthew 3:2

He came so we would experience great joy, love and peace through Him in this earthly kingdom. He came to give us the great command to love one another as He loves us. We can, right now experience His peace and love. We just need to ask Him to show us the path. He reminds us over and over throughout scripture of His great love for not just a people but for us as individuals. He loves every single hair on our heads. He can wipe away our tears with a gentle reminder that He loves us so much He took on our pain and suffering.

Secondly, He came to prepare us for an eternal kingdom. He wants each of us to complete our god-given role while we are here for a relatively short time. We have a purpose and He has a plan. That purpose? To glorify Him each and every day through our works.

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."  John 14:12

Jesus never promises us a physically easy life. A life full of rainbows and unicorns. In fact, He makes it clear to the disciples that we may even be despised by following Him. But He does promise that we won’t be alone, that we can ask for help and He will provide. That we will experience the fruits of the spirit when we love others. And when the time comes we will be welcomed home to join in His glory.

He asks us to live an outward life. Serving others, washing feet, loving others, making peace with others. Not worrying about today or tomorrow but trusting in Him. Keeping a watchful eye for the smallest of blessings and sharing them with others. He asks us to live our best and brightest life in service to Him. When we obey and trust in the Lord we find our despair, our anger, our hurt shrinks as our hearts grows bigger. Sounds a bit like the Grinch story doesn’t it?

While we aren’t promised to never experience loss or pain we are promised our great Comforter. When He left the heavenly kingdom He opened Himself up to tears, physical pain, and even death. He knows how you feel.

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. ...I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live." John 14:15-19

Jesus in the most glorious of ways lives in us so that we may live to glorify the Father. To look outward so that He may heal us inwardly. And when we have run our race, touched as many lives as He has planned for us, squeezed every last bit of love we can from our bodies in service to others, He will surely welcome us home.

May all Glory be given to Him alone. Amen

Friend, if you are experiencing overwhelming despair and sadness first look upward to the Lord for help. Then seek assistance through the many resources available in your community — possibly through your church, a Christian counseling group or a hotline. If you have a friend or family member you can go to knowing you will be received well, call them today and tell them you need help. You are precious my friend. And you are needed here for a specific piece of God’s plan.

If someone you love or know has talked about suicide here’s some ways to respond (from the Mayo Clinic)

Get help from a trained professional as quickly as possible. Your friend or loved one may need to stay in the hospital until the suicidal crisis passes.
Urge the person to contact a suicide hotline.
- In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.
- U.S. veterans or service members who are in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255. Or chat online.
- The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

Bible, bible study, Christian, christian encouragement, christian men, christian parenting, Christian women, Faith, Jesus, Jesus Follower, prayer, religion, Uncategorized

Glory to God Alone

November 27, 2023 krisshetter

"For God knows that when you eat from it (the tree of knowledge of good and evil) your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.  When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it." Genesis 3:5-6

Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens so that we may make a name for ourselves." Genesis 11:4

At the beginning of creation God’s desire for us was to shower us with all his heavenly glory. To have the blessings poured out on us be unimaginable. He created the magnificently endless heavens. He built the bountiful seas. He breathed life into our diverse and plentiful land. There was no lacking and no pain. We had companionship with both another human made in God’s image and with the varied animals of the land and air. “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Gen 1: 28) He went on to describe a created world so glorious that would live under man’s stewardship. We would live without shame, without fear, without anxiety and depression, under the watchful wings of God’s love. For what more could we have asked?

The first ones were given another gift — that of free will. God didn’t created a people who couldn’t make choices. He told Adam and Eve to not eat off the tree of knowledge. Notice He didn’t take away their ability to do so. It was up to them to honor the One who had given them everything they would ever need. Instead they were led to believe they could be like God. It wasn’t enough to have God’s glory on them. They wanted to know glory for themselves.

Fast forward a few thousand years and we come to the plain of Shinar. The people were blessed with an increased population, which infers a certain amount of prosperity in being able to feed, clothe and shelter themselves. They spoke the same language and therefore could easily work together. Instead of looking to their Creator and giving Him all thanksgiving and glory what did they desire? To reach the heavens and make a name for themselves. And I have to ask, how many times a month, a week or even a day do we seek to glorify ourselves rather than God? How many times do we take credit for even just a little bit of the work we’ve done — even in God’s name? When, in fact, God provided the bricks and mortar. He provided the time and place. He gave you the ability, desire, strength and knowledge. I know I struggle with this each and every day.

“Whenever he began a new piece, Johann Sebastian Bach bowed his head and prayed. “Jesus, help me show your glory through the music I write. May it bring you joy even as it brings joy to your people.” Without Jesus’ help, Johann knew he’d never be able to complete the task. Before writing even one note, Johann carefully formed the letters J J at the top of the page. With that, the music began to pour from his soul and onto the page. When he was finally satisfied, he wrote the letters SDG at the bottom of the page – Soli Deo Gloria – For the Glory of God Alone. He hoped that when the music was played, it would point toward God.”
The Life and Faith of Johann Sebastian Bach: ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ (To the Glory of God Alone), Christianity.com

Bach apparently didn’t have this same problem that so many of us believers do. When faced with opposition to his music style he simply stated: “The main purpose of my music is to glorify God. Some people do this with music that is simple. I haven’t chosen to use a simple style, but my music comes from my heart as a humble offering to God. This honors God no matter what musical style I use.”

When I was tasked by God to start this Christian blog back in 2019, I had the frame of mind that this too would be Soli Deo Gloria. And if just one person were to read a post that brought them closer to Christ that was enough. My flesh, however, had other ideas. After about a year I found myself constantly checking the daily readership stats. Disappointed if the numbers were low or even at zero. I wrote a few series where I couldn’t feel His presence guiding me — not that the series were inappropriate or even non-biblical. They just weren’t led by the Spirit, but instead by me.

Earlier this year after the end of the Spirit-led study of the Fruit of the Spirit: Living a Full Christian Life, I listened intently for the God’s direction. And He was quiet. So I decided, instead of glorifying me through writing something on my own, I would be patient in prayer and thanksgiving.

The Lord continues to prune, change and reveal new things in my life, as He does in all believers. We can look at these times as painful and with anxiety or depression. Or we can find Him lovingly at work making us more like Him. This morning as I went out on my daily walk I turned on a podcast I regularly tune in to and its topic was Soli Deo Gloria. In God’s beautiful way, He also gifted me with a sermon yesterday on John 13:31-38 which begins:

"When he (Judas) was gone, Jesus said, 'Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.  If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once." John 13:31-32

You see my friends, Jesus led a simple life. One whose only ambition was to glorify His Father. By loving others, even the “unloveable,” by teaching others about the Father, by living out the Law perfectly, and ultimately giving His life for us to save us from our sins, Jesus gave all glory to God. Each and every day. With each thought and action. Not one bit was held back.

The Lord has taught me along this sanctification journey to not give in to the idea of coincidence. But instead watch and listen for His Word to light my path. So today I took to the electronic “pen and paper” to being a new 30 day series: Soli Deo Gloria: To the Glory of God Alone. I have written a 30 Days of Glory to God series which had a bit different focus. This new series will be a personal journey each day to remind me and us to not hold anything back. To not even stand in the corner of the spotlight, rather to turn its full brightness on the One who deserves it all. Our Creator, our blessing pourer, our provider, our strength and our life source. And it seems fitting to begin this the month we look forward to celebrating the great act of love by God — sending His Son to live among us.

Lest we think God is in need of our praise, however, I remind you that He doesn’t. The Triune God is complete. Which should make us love and appreciate Him even more. He didn’t have to. He wanted to love us. He chose to create us and provide for us. He has promised to never leave or forsake us. Thank you, Almighty God. May all glory and honor be given to you.

Note: When I was first directed to start this blog I wrote each day on its own and posted it immediately. I let the Holy Spirit lead my words each time. I plan to do the same with this series which means the posts will occur at different times of the day.

SERIES BEGINS DECEMBER 1-30

Bible, bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, christian men, christian parenting, christian podcast, Christian women, Faith, Jesus, Jesus Follower, prayer, religion, Transformation Prayer

A Gardener of Love

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023 krisshetter

She turned to drugs and alcohol to dull her childhood pain. The pain inflicted by an abusive, angry father. Her body was being ravaged by anger, hatred and shame. The feelings of worthlessness. And Jesus met her one night in an incredible vision. Upon waking she instantly accepted Him as her new, eternal, loving Father and set aside drugs and alcohol. It was her offering, her gift back to the Lord, however, that most likely had Him dancing in heaven. It wasn’t a payment because the Lord saves us without cost from us, without our need to do anything but say, “yes.” No, it was the only thing she really had to offer – love. Not just for the Lord but for her earthly father.

I met Julie* in a home Bible study. During the next few years, I watched as this daughter of God set aside her anger and any need for retribution while she travelled out of state to help care for her ailing father. Not once did I hear her speak ill of him again. She didn’t seek platitudes for her service to this man who had emotionally and physically abused her. She didn’t see it as an annoyance. No, she tended to her father as Jesus’ bond-servant. Sent in His name.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. ¹⁵If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:13-15

And what are the desires of the flesh? “Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” (Gal 5:19-21). Placed right there in the middle could probably be seen as the root of the rest of those desires – selfishness. Our need to receive retribution from those who have hurt us. We want so much to cry out, “but, but, but!” and list our excuses as to why we can’t show someone love.

Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind…… it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began.
C.S. Lewis

When we place ourselves as “better than” the root of hatred is sown. “I would never do such a thing” when in fact we may do a version of such action daily. It is a well-honed habit that is encouraged by the world. While I may not ever murder a person as the Law warns I certainly have held murderous thoughts, which Jesus calls equal to the actual act.

How does one reach the point of loving and maybe even helping those who we just want eliminated from our lives? How do we till a blooming, beautiful garden in our hearts, not one filled with weeds? Julie sought to worship God through her actions. She knew that harboring ill feelings toward her father only hurt one person – herself. When called by her stepmother for help she stepped forward in faith. Faith that the Lord wanted her to show mercy and grace.

As for me? It’s taken me many years but I finally sought wisdom from the God who provides it generously (James 1:5). The Holy Spirit has shown me it’s better to love than to feel hate and anger. I call that hate the “Black Swirly Ball” that wants to spin around in my chest from time to time. I’m listening to the Spirit when it allows me to feel out of balance. I get quiet, turn off the tv, the music, the phone and say, “Reveal to me what’s going on, Lord. Show me where my pride or my need to be in the right is shoving out love. Help me to pray for that person, not about them.” You see I want that Black Swirly Ball to unravel and loosen my chest. Then I can breathe the fresh air of God’s beauty. I give it up to God and I ask the Holy Spirit to help me not grab it back – ever. I bring my raw emotions to the Lord and He clears my mind. Often, He asks me to serve those I find difficult to serve. When I do, I demonstrate to the people around me the work Christ has done in my heart.

My friends, if all we ever are able to do in the name of love is pray for the revealing light of God to enter into our “enemy” we’ve tilled the soil for something good to happen in us. We’ve said to Jesus, “yes, I will love as you have loved me, a sinner for sure.” We just need to be prepared for Him to ask us to take a step further and say, “Yes.” In our real and true faith, we must believe without doubting that He will work it for our good and His glory.

“You have flaws, failures, and quirks that annoy and anger others. In fact, you may be more like those whom you dislike than you’d care to admit. But Jesus still loves you and died for you – just as He did for them. What Christ did for you on the cross, He did for your worst enemy. It’s when you humbly accept this fact that you can begin to love others as Jesus does.”
Charles F. Stanley

Do you believe God? Not just believe in God but have real faith in His words and promises. If you do then you know He wants the best not just for you and your friends and family but for all people. That person at work who is causing you so many troubles? Show her love by seeing her as someone who has the weight of sin on her and needs your loving prayers. The family member who speaks ill of you to the rest of the family? He needs you to love him enough to ask God to intervene in his life. The abortionist, false teacher, dictator, murderer, thief, liar all need you. These people in one way or another are separated from God and I can’t think of a more terrible fate for which we should grieve.

Jesus commands us to love. To love others as we are loved by Him, sinners one and all. This week I encourage you to demonstrate your real faith and experience the greatest fruit ever to blossom from us – love.

*Julie is not her real name

Tilling Hatred from Our Hearts

May 3, 2023May 3, 2023 krisshetter

I recently saw a video by Dennis Prager, a prominent Jewish conservative and president of PragerU. In it he spoke with confidence how anyone who says they “love the Nazis” doesn’t know love at all. He inquired, “How can a person who says they love evil people also say they love Mother Teresa or Dietrich Bonhoeffer?” When I showed this to my Bible study groups they all agreed with that statement. So, I then asked, who else in our lives has sinned and doesn’t deserve God’s love? What level of sin does it take to be wholly rejected, never to even have the hope of forgiveness by God?

A few ladies relented and said, “Well if they asked for forgiveness on their deathbed then ok.” Which brought the next question, “So God didn’t love you until you asked for forgiveness?” And if God hated them why would He even give them a second chance, if not out of love? Wouldn’t the entire message of Jesus be pointless if we really believed this? God sent His Son to die for us, while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Not after we begged Him not to smote us. He loved us first. He’s commanding us to love first. This doesn’t mean the unrepentant won’t be judged. Far from it. But the beauty of God’s love is that He provides that path toward redemption and the knowledge that final retribution is His purview.

Which leads me to a second way this week to love as Jesus did. You’ll notice throughout the Gospels that Jesus sees individuals. The woman at the well was just another hated Samaritan to the Jews. But to Jesus, she was a woman in distress. A woman who had given in to a sinful lifestyle. The bleeding woman who touched the edge of his garment was just another sickly, sinful, woman who the average person disdained and ignored. She was “one of those people.” He stopped his large entourage and saw her. Saw her pain and sin and need.

Jesus shows us it’s a mistake to pass judgement on a whole people. Our propensity to group people into categories of who we like and don’t like is why there’s so much political ugliness today. While I of course don’t “love” the atrocities that were committed by the Nazis, how easy is it for us to group all German men and women who were individuals with families, jobs, dreams, fears, etc? Did too many of them hate another group of people they also saw as faceless? Yes. And the cycle went and continues to go around and around. The Arabs hate the Jews, Liberals hate Conservatives, Serbs hate Croatians, Americans hate the Russians, Protestants and Catholics hate each other, Hindus and Muslims hate each other, etc. But each of those groups are made up of people; people created in His image, all descendants of one man and one woman.

Looking back over the COVID years we can see how many “ordinary” people get caught up in doing what those in power demand for fear of retribution. Or going along because it seemed the right thing at the time. And now in the Western world we have the vaccinated versus the unvaccinated and the masked versus the unmasked. We fall so easily in to Satan’s trap of erasing each other’s individuality. He doesn’t want us to look at people as individuals because when we do, we can see ourselves. We can see their failings just like our own. We see their fears and their hopes.

Does that mean we should only hate the people in power? Jesus loved the Pharisees too. Of all the people He spoke to throughout the Gospels it’s the Pharisees on whom He seemed to spend the most effort. Why would He do that? He saw each of them as men with failings. He didn’t turn Nicodemus away when he approached seeking answers. He didn’t toss him out on his ear. No, Jesus loved him as an individual man seeking the truth. When He came, He came to save all of them too.

Mr. Prager, not having faith in Jesus, still lives in the eye for an eye world. A world where there must be constant sacrifice to try and lighten the stain of sin. He doesn’t accept how God loves us so much He sent the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us. He hasn’t the benefit of knowing Jesus will be the ultimate judge. And that Jesus will be the one to send the unrighteous to hell. No, unfortunately the person, no matter the faith, race or nationality that doesn’t know Jesus needs and wants earthly retribution. And that equates hatred, not love.

During the time of the Holocaust, Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the man mentioned by Mr. Prager, fled to America. While in the United States he realized God was calling him back to Germany to help his fellow man. He aided thousands of Jews and others in escaping death. He spoke out against the atrocities being committed. He was eventually arrested and in the waning days of the war was executed. If there was anyone who could speak of hating the Nazis it was him.

“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy’s hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enmity political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

My friends, if we want to live a life free of hatred, free of the turmoil it causes, Jesus has shown us what to till in our hearts – love. Loving people enough to truly help them find real, eternal freedom. To see God’s creation the way He does – as individuals loved by Him. He didn’t say it was easy. Oh no, it’s probably one of the most difficult requests put forth for us worldly creatures. That’s why He didn’t leave us to figure it out ourselves. Holding on to hatred and extreme anger is not the garden God wants as our home.

“The list of ways chronic anger can affect a person’s well-being – and even put the health of others in peril – is long, John Schinnerer, an anger management coach says. “It’s been linked to obesity, low self-esteem, migraines, drug and alcohol addiction, depression, sexual performance problems, increased heart attack risk, lower-quality relationships, higher probability of abusing others emotionally or physically or both … higher blood pressure and stroke,” he notes.

For our physical and spiritual health we need to release that anger and not leave that space empty for the devil to fill it up again with weeds. Instead, Jesus, our good doctor, gave us the healing power of love. When you find yourselves acting, speaking, thinking out of hatred or anger toward a group of people we must first choose to obey Jesus and seek another action, another perspective. Call on the Holy Spirit. Remind yourself that the fruit of that Spirit starts with Love. For when you do, that little sprout of love will blossom into an unimaginable garden of beauty and shock those around you. It will do what is promised by Jesus in the rest of John 13: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Coming up: The gardening tasks of Love

The Fruit of Love: The Royal Command

May 1, 2023May 3, 2023 krisshetter

In March of this year a young woman walked in to a Tennessee church’s school and shot and killed three 9-year old children and three adults. She was described as “transgender” and a person with emotional problems. If you weren’t already aware of this terrible tragedy you are now. And my question is, as a Christian, how will you do in loving her? In showing her mercy and forgiveness? I can be honest in saying it wasn’t my first or even second reaction. As I was working on this new series about the fruit of the spirit I was challenged, however, to do just that – to love someone who seems unworthy of that love.

You may be familiar with the stories of Jesus and the disciples coming face-to-face with what were called “demon-possessed” people. Here’s one such story from Matthew 8:

“28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. “

You notice the line: “They were so violent that no one could pass that way.” I imagine the townspeople hated and feared these men. Yet, Jesus healed them. He loved them, just as He loved the townspeople who didn’t know Him and were so frightened of His abilities they sought to drive Him out of town. He loved these two men just like He loved the disciples standing next to Him. These vile, dangerous, murderous men. He loved them enough to not leave them sick and imprisoned with whatever demons had infested their brains. He freed them to live the life God intended. And although I cannot have hope for the Tennessee shooter’s soul – because the actions led to her death – I can grieve out of love that her heart, mind and soul had been twisted by this world.

As the vitriol around the world has increasedI can’t help but see the fertile ground we have tilled for Satan to blossom. For modern demons to take root in people’s minds and hearts. The angry faces on the news, the destruction of property, the glee people express when someone they don’t like is “brought down” – it’s all symptoms of a world turning toward fleshly pursuits rather than the eternal. And love? Even love has become distorted.

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Luke 6:35

Loving our enemies has become, instead, love whatever people do and whatever they desire. On the contrary, Jesus’ reaction to every single person He met, whether murderous or not, was that living sinfully led to eternal death. The wordly version of “love”—do whatever feels good — was never His message. When we hand out needles to drug addicts we aren’t loving them, we are helping them destroy themselves. When we turn a blind eye to fellow Christians living sexually immoral lives, we aren’t loving them, we are giving them a fast track pass to slavery.

This challenge to love one another as Jesus did faces us Christian almost daily. What does this love look like? How can we love a person who kills innocent children and adults, at a church, no less? It seems too impossible. And it is.

I recently heard Pastor Wayne Barber say, “True faith, real faith results in an obedient person of God. The obedience is the bloom, the fruit.” That fruit cannot be created by us just as I cannot make the lettuce grow in my garden. God creates the seed, the soil, the water, the sun and the mystery of how it all comes to together. All He asks of me is to plant what He provides. To water it and then enjoy it. As with all the fruits of the Spirit in us it’s a melding of the work the Spirit does in me and the actions I choose to take in order to fully enjoy those fruits. Or put it this way: to do the one thing I have available to honor God’s provisions in my life – to glorify Him with my daily actions and worship. So how does the impossible become possible? This week we will look at three ways to live fully in bloom with the fruit of love.

Firstly, as a Christian seeking to do God’s will and live a life in full bloom, we need to accept this concept of love is not a choice. It is a command. It is the Royal Command from Jesus.

³⁴“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

Jesus loved Judas. Need we say more? He loved the pharisees who hated Him. He loves you. Yes, you, who sins on a daily basis. You grieve the Holy Spirit probably every day in some way or another. Either by ignoring that person in need, holding on too tightly to your treasure, having an inner hatred for someone, not forgiving that relative, taking the Lord’s name in vain, being selfish, and more. Yet He loves you. You’ve stepped on His foot more times than He would want to count. You’ve disregarded Him. Ignored Him. Falsely testified about Him or maybe even pretended you didn’t know Him. And He loved you. He loves you and me enough not to want us wallowing in our sinful chains but rather seeking Him to blossom and live in freedom.

I tell you my friend, the opposite of love is hatred. And hatred kills. It imprisons us. It creates an ugliness that permeates into every pore of our being. It is that hatred or anger I came to realize, along with my pride, being the root of a very bad habit — my cursing. I’ve tried for many, many years to stop. It wasn’t until I realized the Spirit was already in me and I was fighting against it that the seedling of love for others began to sprout. The Holy Spirit, sent to guide us until Jesus’ return, is living in every one of us who has accepted Jesus as our Savior. It is there, showing us, guiding us, admonishing us. It’s the tap on our shoulder saying, “Be kind. Forgive her.” It’s the great battle of whether we let the outer world rule our hearts or the inner world of the Holy Spirit take control.

When considering this command to love, especially those who have harmed us or others, take a moment to consider Saul. He hated the Jews and especially Jewish Christians. He was murderous, feared and downright despicable. He terrorized and destroyed communities. And on his way to Damascus to do more damage, oblivious to God’s love for him, Jesus sought him out. He brought light into the darkness of Saul’s heart. The conversion of Saul to the ever-faithful disciple of Christ, Paul, might be the greatest love and rescue story in all history. He was loved even in his blackest days. Loved enough to be sought after by Jesus. He didn’t have to accept this change – because the life path set before him would be the most difficult he would ever face. But he did. In doing so the Christians around him were also faced with a difficult decision – to love him as Jesus did. To love him even though. Imagine Paul coming into a community he had torn asunder. They stood at the edge with a decision to make. To show the world what real faith looks like or to turn their backs on God.

I once read that God is love. He made us from His love to enjoy this world along with Him. When He sent His Son for our final cleansing He was telling us, “I know you’ve messed up beyond belief. I want you to be made righteous to stand next to me in all eternity.” An eternal bond of love, never to be broken again. He’s asking us to mirror that for all the world to see. To live in the hope that Jesus can cleanse a blackened heart. And in doing so the owner of that heart may take his or her place next to us as children of the One Most High. So today, think of who you seem unable to love. Ask God, ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse your heart and bring about a tender sprout of love. Have faith, real faith, without doubting. I know hard it sounds. I’ve done it. I love a few people who don’t seem to deserve it based on the world’s rules. When I did as Jesus commanded it changed my life completely.

Coming up: Hatred breeds the weeds in our heart.