I have felt fleeting moments of satisfaction in my near 42 years. Periods where life seemed easier and things were going my way. But anyone who has been alive for more than a minute knows that life is like the tide. Sometimes it comes in, but it also goes back out. But there is a way to be satisfied in life that is constant. It’s not through what we have. It’s not even through who we have. It’s not about the goals achieved or the milestones reached. The bible guarantees us a path to satisfaction.
“”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Matthew 5:6 ESV
In the moments I have sought God, He’s been there. In the times I’ve chosen to find my identity in what He says about me, He speaks. When I have pursued a life of service and generosity, God has shown me the power love carries. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?
In the next chapter of Matthew, Jesus talks about striving and being anxious about life. So much of life can be defined that way. Solomon calls it all vanity, a striving after the wind. It’s wasted worry.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to hunger and thirst for God. He is the source of righteousness. He is the source of life. How could we possibly find it without apart from Him? Yet how often do we try? If we’re honest, we really do try to find satisfaction in so much besides Him. It’s in living for Him and for others that we actually experience lasting satisfaction. Everything else is fleeting.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
Psalm 90:14 ESV
Peace and satisfaction in Christ brothers and sisters.
The words of John 3:16 have always been powerful to me. But one day they gripped my heart like they never had before. It was one morning, sitting at the kitchen table, reading a devotional with my four year old son. I read the words of this well known verse, and froze. I have read it hundreds of times before. But in this moment, the words shook me to the core. For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son…I read it again and looked at my one and only son sitting next to me. I was overwhelmed by the sacrifice of Jesus. I was overwhelmed by the reach and depth of God’s love. I squeezed my son and looked in his eyes and told him, “Jesus loves us so much. One day His love will capture your heart like it has mine. Today He has shown new depths to His goodness.” And then I told my son how much I love Him and spent the next several hours praising God for who He is. Don’t forget how loved you are brothers and sisters. Praying that you too will be refreshed in that love and see it anew today.
A week ago, I was in the process of setting up an outreach at the school I teach at. My Christian club was going to be sharing Bible verses with their peers at lunchtime and we were getting prepped to go out. In walked two students who interrupted things. In a brief moment, instead of getting irritated, I felt as if God was bringing people to us. I left my club members to finish the preparations while I took a chance and invited the two students to read some verses of scripture that I had laid out on one of the desks. It started a fantastic conversation.
After they left, my group went out to begin sharing verses around the school. In walked two more students. That prevented me from going out with my club members. Quickly, however, the conversation with these two new students turned into a conversation about God’s goodness and faithfulness and I was able to speak into their lives in what seemed like a critical moment.
Two days ago, that same Christian group was talking about living with a legacy in mind, and in walked a student who thought it would be funny to interrupt things. He wasn’t being mean-spirited but was trying to be funny. I wanted to be upset, but having just experienced what I had the week before, I paused and listened for what God wanted me to do to handle the situation. The kid was done in a few minutes. I felt the Lord wanted me to invite the kid and his two friends to stay for the rest of the talk. And you know what? The kid said yes. And the three of them remained and had a chance to hear about Jesus. That probably wasn’t in their plans for the day, but it was in God’s plans.
Often times God interrupts our lives with amazing opportunities. They sometimes look like inconveniences. Let’s face it, most of the time they are inconvenient. But if we try to look at them from a heavenly perspective, we may just see something beautiful.
In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul says to be ready in season and out of season to share the word. In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter says to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. In Ephesians 5, we are called to live wisely and make the most of the time we have. Jesus, Himself, lived with constant interruptions. But He seized those moments and people were left changed because of it. He’s calling His followers to do the same.
No one is beyond the need for God. It is part of our brokenness that drives us to do life on our own. When problems arise, we think we can fix them. When relationship are difficult, we think we have the power to make ourselves and the other whole. As a man, I can say that I have struggled so much in the area of feeling the weight of providing for my family, and have often carried it on my own. the weight is crushing. Sin, when admitted, is often seen as an area kept to ourselves, to be fought on our own terms. Many people in the world think they can get by on their own merits. That they can live a life where the good somehow outweighs the bad. That they are the so called captains of their own fait. But the reality is, it was never meant to be this way. In the book of Romans, chapter three, it says that ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God. This is one of those self evident truths. We don’t have to look beyond ourselves to see just how true this statement is. You are broken and imperfect. I am broken and imperfect. There isn’t a single human alive who can attest to any kind of perfection. The Christian minister, the Buddhist monk, the Catholic Pope, Islamic Imam, and the front line philanthropist, all need God…and equally so. Our standing with God, is only established by the grace of God, through our faith in God. We are all His creation but so much in us tries to deny that deep-seated need for our Creator.
No on is beyond the reach of God. It would be a sad tale if the story ended with our need and dependency on God in order to be whole. With that need comes a promise. In that same chapter of Romans, it says that all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Our need finds it’s fulfillment in Jesus. It’s not in a career, our kids, wealth, our good deeds, or any sort of success we have in this lifetime. While all of those things are good, they can never bring wholeness. Only Jesus can do that. Because only Jesus and impart holiness onto every single broken human in this world. All we have to do is recognize that…choose Jesus…and allow the brokenness to be mended. I have been following Jesus for a very long time. I am still not a perfect person. But I am holy. Not because of myself, but because of Him whom I swear allegiance to. I do have purpose and meaning to my life and it far supersedes any temporary achievement, no matter how great it may be. I have a hope that can never be shaken no matter what happens to me or those in my life. Because it is not based on circumstances, comfort, or control. And I have that because God reached me. Just like He can reach you, and those you know. And God is reaching people all over the world. Christianity is the fastest growing faith worldwide. The top ten countries with growing believers are, Nigeria, China, The Philippines, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Literally thousands of mosques have closed down in Iran because people are leaving Islam for Jesus. Some estimates have it as high as 60% of the total number of mosques have or will be closed. The Bible itself is full of stories of lost and sinful people being redeemed by Jesus and their lives being used for godly purposes. God has a long history of reaching prostitutes, murderers, liars, adulterers, sexually immoral, thieves, and many more.
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
No one is beyond the love of God. I try and tell my children every night that I love them always, no matter what. I want them to see God’s love reflected in the way I love them. I want them to know that His love is far greater than anything they will experience on this earth. He loves you. He loves everyone. Always no matter what. The problem is, far too few actually love Him in return. Far too many reject Him and deny Him and in the end will spend eternity separated from Him. Imagine how that pains God’s heart. Especially when he went to the greatest lengths possible to show the world His love. Jesus, being God in the flesh, allowed Himself to be beaten, mocked, and scorned, and after all of that, allowed His own creation to nail Him to a cross. Jesus, Perfection, died in the place of imperfection. Holiness in the flesh hung on cross where you and I belong. Why? Because He loves us. With a love that is so difficult to grasp. A love that pursues it’s enemies in order to die in their place. A love that denies self at the greatest cost so that unworthy people can receive the greatest gift. If He loved us enough to do that, there is nothing we can do or have to do in order to earn it. But we do need to choose Him. To choose His love. To allow ourselves to be loved and to be driven by that love.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
“”Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24-25 ESV
In the ancient parable found in the Bible, Jesus tells of two builders—one who constructs his house upon a foundation of sand, and another who builds upon solid rock. The obvious conclusion is of course that the foundation of our thoughts, actions, and motives really matter. But there are some other concerns that I’d like to highlight here.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking: Building on sand may offered quick results and convenience, but it lacked sustainability. Similarly, choosing short-term gains over long-term stability can lead to eventual downfall. It’s crucial to prioritize faithfulness over fleeting gratification. When our biggest concerns are our feelings, and our comfort, then we are going to be unsteady and lacking in both. The pursuit of godliness is often found in the day-to-day decision to focus on the things of heaven and Christ’s mission.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Colossians 3:1-2 ESV
Resilience in Adversity: Life is unpredictable, and storms will come in various forms—financial hardships, health crises, relationship struggles. The parable teaches us to cultivate resilience by preparing for challenges and fortifying our inner strength to persevere through adversity. Knowing what Jesus says about us can drowned out the hurtful things others may say. Knowing God’s love for us revealed in His word can help us when we feel unloved by others. Knowing God’s amazing track record of faithfulness can sustain us in the uncertain times of life.
“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:2-5 ESV
Wisdom in Decision-Making: Just as a builder must carefully choose the foundation for their house, we must make wise decisions in all aspects of life—career, relationships, finances. Consulting trusted mentors, seeking advice, and weighing consequences can help us make choices aligned with our long-term goals. Knowing what God’s will is for our lives can help us be wise in all things we do.
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV
The parable of building your house on the sand serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of a strong foundation, wise decision-making, resilience in adversity, and faith in the face of uncertainty. The only way we can achieve these things is by knowing truths that God has been speaking to His children since the beginning. Living by the truth leads to sturdy living.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
I read a really good quote the other day. It said that God may have assigned you this mountain to show others how it can be moved. It made me think of some of the difficult interactions of my life and how God has brought me through them. In almost every case, I have been able to use it as a testimony for the benefit of others. In the moments it seems crushing. Those trials were painful, and at times, they felt desperate. But I can honestly say, the hardest of circumstances are the ones that have brought me closer to the Lord. Through the gospels, the same theme is presented. It’s when the waves are threatening to drown the disciples, or a dear friend in Lazarus has died, or Christ is being crucified, or persecution is all around and people are being tossed into prison, that faith is being deepened and mountains are being moved.
“Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”
Mark 11:23 ESV
No mountain is permanent. Through time and faith you’ll see them cast into the see and your path cleared. In that moment we can find others facing their mountain and testify of God’s goodness and faithfulness. We can stand along side them, and encouraging, listening to, and praying for them. Our experiences on this faith journey are meant to make us better equipped to serve and help those around us. Don’t undervalue your story and how it could empower others.
This isn’t your typical new year’s resolution kind of post. In fact, it is probably the exact opposite. While there’s more than enough messages this time of year promoting self improvement, not many are proclaiming that the new version of ourselves should be a whole lot less of ourselves. Christians are familiar with the often quoted 2 Corinthians 5:17. We are new creations in Christ. I see that verse used more this time of year than any other time of the year. Sermons and devotions that promote self improvement. I believe that exercise, eating better, and healthy habits are great things. But the call of the gospel on our lives is much deeper than that. The gospel life is one lived for others. It’s a life of sacrifice, giving, loving, and serving. The “new creation” is a Spirit-filled individual who cares far more for the salvation and betterment of those around them than for how they are viewed by others or even for their own needs. One of the greatest of the apostles, Paul, states it this way:
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24 ESV
In a different letter to the church at Galatia he wrote this:
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 ESV
To the Philippians Paul emphasized something very similar.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…
Philippians 2:3-5 ESV
And just so no one thinks this is just Paul’s message, look at how Jesus Himself phrased it.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23 ESV
It is easy to get wrapped up in goal setting when a new year rolls around. What I would propose is that we all focus less on the “usual” goals for the new and improved us, and make our goals more about others and how we are going to put Jesus on display this year. Instead of the new year bringing about a new you, it can bring about less of you, and more of Jesus. I invite everyone to pray that this would be the case for me. Those who know me, I ask for them to hold me accountable. We need to encourage our brothers and sisters in this life of surrender. Eat healthier. Exercise more. Set goals. But may we never forget what our ultimate goal should always be: To know God and to make Him known.
This year may it no longer be us who live but Christ who lives in us. This year may we do nothing out of selfish ambition but look out for the needs of those around us. This year may we testify to the gospel of grace. This year may we take up our cross and follow our King.
“And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,”
John 17:19-22 ESV
In the hours before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed. He prayed for those who had followed Him. And He prayed for those yet to follow Him. This prayer speaks volumes about His heart for the world…for us…for you. Jesus, wants His followers to enter in to communion with each other, and most importantly, with Him. And He had to go to the cross to make that happen. His sacrifice makes the way for us to be one with Him. His glory is imparted to sinful, yet humble and repentant, faith-filled humans. Our brokenness is replaced with His beauty. Our emptiness is filled with His Spirit.
No matter what your 2023 looked like. All your pain, your hurt, your loneliness, your mistakes, your sin, and your failures…they can all be brought to the cross. There. they meet with redemption, love, and grace. If distance is what you’ve felt, it’s time to come close. If your year was full of joy, success, new relationships, and promise…they can all be brought to the cross. There they are met with a gratitude for the One who made it all possible. If you’ve been close this year, it’s time to get closer. Wherever you find yourself at the close of this year, take your next step towards Jesus.
As a public school teacher, I am finding the values of my faith and the values of society coming more and more into contrast. I wear my faith on the outside and that has at times caused problems. I sponsor a Christian club in the school. We pray, we worship, we spread the word, and we study scripture. I get to be with some brave teens who are willing to step out amongst their peers and share God’s word, even when it causes ridicule. But there are many around the world who are doing far more and putting far more at risk. Those people make me want to do more, to risk more, to share more. And the reality is, it’s always been that way, since Christ Himself walked the Earth. I wanted to highlight one such story. This one is about Paul and Silas on one of their missionary journeys.
“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.”
Acts 16:16-24 ESV
The culture, and even the law will be against biblical principles. People will getting angry. It will cost. We may even have to pay with our health and freedom. But salvation spreads like wildfire in the midst of a dry and thirsty land. The jailer and his family were saved by Silas and Paul’s time in prison.
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.”
Acts 16:25-34 ESV
The courage and faith of Paul and Silas is inspiring. And we know that many others faced similar challenges as the gospel message spread throughout the world. Many believers still face those kinds of road blocks to their mission as ambassadors of Christ. Check out this story. Vani, a 30-year-old widow, spent 15 days in jail after being charged with kidnapping and “forcing” a child to convert to Christianity. During her two-week stay, she witnessed to more than 70 women, 14 of whom became Christians. Vani was charged in connection with an incident in early February, when she helped a teenager and introduced her to some other believers. Vani was arrested after the girl’s parents reported her to police. While Vani was in jail, the jailer encouraged her to share the gospel and pray for the other women because he had seen dramatic change in those who accepted Christ. Vani has been pursuing prison ministry ever since being released from jail.
The world systems have always been hostile to God,. Even in predominantly Christian societies, like the United States, the pure message of Christ is not welcomed in much off society. However, our mission to follow Christ and tell the world about Him remains the cornerstone for every Christian.
Take heart fellow brothers and sisters. Remember the words of Jesus Himself on the eve of His crucifixion.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””
Forgiveness is a fundamental concept that resonates throughout the Scriptures, teaching us valuable lessons about compassion, healing, and the grace of God. It has played a key role in my life, especially pointing me to the goodness of God and seeing that goodness in His children. Below are several lessons about forgiveness that have been shown to me through the years and I hope they will mean something to you as well.
Forgiveness is a Divine Act. One of the most powerful examples of forgiveness in the Bible can be found in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). This story beautifully illustrates the Father’s unconditional love and forgiveness, welcoming back his wayward son with open arms. We learn that God’s forgiveness is boundless and available to all who repent. Therefore my forgiveness should be boundless.
The Lord’s Prayer is a model of forgiveness. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), Jesus teaches us to pray for forgiveness as we forgive others. This passage reminds us of the reciprocity of forgiveness – the extent to which we forgive others directly influences the forgiveness we receive from our Heavenly Father. It underscores the importance of extending grace to one another. Jesus says, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:14-15). This verse reinforces the concept that we must be willing to forgive others just as we expect God to forgive our sins. Forgiveness is not just a one-way street but a continuous cycle of grace and mercy.
Joseph’s Forgiveness is a Testament of Strength. The story of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37, 39-45) offers an inspiring example of forgiveness. Despite being betrayed and sold into slavery by his own siblings, Joseph forgives them when they come to him in need. His journey from betrayal to forgiveness reminds us that forgiveness can bring about healing and restoration. I find myself needing to forgive others for much less. Shame on me if I find it hard to offer the grace that has been offered me.
Forgiveness leads to peace. In Colossians 3:13, we are instructed to “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiveness not only mends relationships but also leads to inner peace and harmony within the community of believers.
The Sacrifice of Jesus: The Ultimate Act of Forgiveness. The pinnacle of forgiveness in the Bible is seen in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins demonstrates the magnitude of God’s love and forgiveness. Jesus, even in his agony, cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This profound act of forgiveness serves as the foundation of our faith and redemption, underscoring the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven.
Forgiveness brings healing. In James 5:16, we are told to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other so that we may be healed. Forgiveness is not only a spiritual act but also a source of emotional and physical healing. Holding onto bitterness and resentment can be detrimental to our health, and forgiveness brings about freedom and restoration.
Forgiving Seventy Times Seven. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus responds, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.” This statement is a call to limitless forgiveness. It highlights that forgiveness should be a continual practice in our lives, not a limited resource.
The Blessings of Forgiveness. In Psalm 32:1-2, King David beautifully expresses the blessings of forgiveness: “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them.” Forgiveness brings relief from guilt and the assurance of God’s love.
In our journey of faith, let us remember that forgiveness is a divine act that brings healing, reconciliation, and blessings. Through Christ’s sacrifice and the biblical teachings on forgiveness, we are called to extend grace to others as we have received it from our Heavenly Father. By doing so, we live out the gospel, becoming instruments of God’s love and reconciliation in the world. Forgiveness is a central theme in the story God has been telling. that reflects His boundless love and grace. Because of that, we are called to live from a place of compassion and mercy to one another.
May you experience the peace that comes with living in His forgiveness.
For Common Ground 