I should know better when on social media. I’ll read a post from someone I know and care for, and think, “Are you even listening to yourself? You’re a believer. And if I were to take what you’re sharing at face value, I’d say you’re moving close to despair. How cynical can you get?”  

It’s like a drowning man who not only won’t reach for a lifesaver but isn’t content until they drown someone else along with them.

In a world that often seems overwhelmed by negativity and cynicism, it’s easy to wonder where we, as Christians, fit into the grand scheme of things. We’re bombarded with news that paints a less-than-hopeful picture of humanity and the future. It’s in these moments, however, that our faith is not just a belief but a beacon—a source of perpetual hope and unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty.

The idea that “you can’t be cynical and a Christian” might seem bold at first glance. After all, isn’t it human to feel disheartened by the seemingly endless cycle of bad news? Yet, this statement isn’t about denying our emotions or ignoring reality. It’s about recognizing that, as Christians, we are called to view the world differently. We are called to hope.

Hope, in the Christian sense, is not blind optimism. It’s a confident expectation based on the character and promises of God. Despite the chaos, despite the brokenness, we stand firm in the belief that God is always glorified in all things. This isn’t a passive hope; it’s active and alive, compelling us to engage with the world in a way that reflects God’s love and redemption.

Don’t let your familiarity with Romans 8:28 dilute its truthfulness. Paul reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse isn’t a platitude; it’s a cornerstone of our faith. It assures us that, no matter the circumstances, God is at work. He’s weaving every thread, even those tarnished by sin and sorrow, into a tapestry that glorifies Him and fulfills His divine plan.

When we look at others or the world around us, it’s crucial to remember that there’s no person or situation beyond God’s redemption. To think otherwise is to limit the infinite power of our Creator, the one who spoke the universe into existence. How, then, can we doubt His ability to transform lives and circumstances?

Embracing this perspective shifts our focus from despair to action. It challenges us to be agents of hope and vessels of God’s love. Instead of being overwhelmed by the darkness, we’re inspired to shine our light brighter, to reach out with compassion, and to partake in God’s redemptive work in the world.

“God’s got this” might sound like a casual affirmation, but it’s a profound declaration of faith. It’s an acknowledgment of God’s omnipotence and a commitment to trust Him, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. This trust isn’t naive; it’s rooted in a deep understanding of who God is and His promises to us.

So, as we navigate through life, let’s challenge ourselves to shed any cynicism that dims our light. Let’s replace it with a hope that is as unshakeable as it is contagious. Let’s be so filled with God’s love and trust in His plan that others can’t help but be drawn to the hope that lives within us.

As you reflect on these words, I encourage you to evaluate your own heart. Are there areas of your life where cynicism has taken root? How can you actively replace that cynicism with hope? Remember, it’s a journey we’re all on together, supporting one another, as we strive to live out our faith in a world that desperately needs the hope only God can give.

Let’s not just be hearers of this message but doers. Let’s live out our hope in such a way that it provokes others to seek the source of our hope, the very heart of God. Because, in the end, hope is not just what we have; it’s what we are called to share.

As Christmas approaches, it’s hard not to get swept up in the whirlwind of lights, carols, and the overall spirit of the holiday. One carol that always tugs at my heartstrings is “O Holy Night.” Its lyrics carry a profound message of hope and joy, especially the line, “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.”

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. News headlines often paint a bleak picture, and personal challenges can sometimes seem insurmountable. Yet, in the midst of these trials, the message of “O Holy Night” resonates more deeply. It reminds us that no matter how weary the world may seem, there is always a glimmer of hope.

The carol speaks of a night that brought about a monumental shift in history. The birth of Jesus marked the beginning of a new era, one where light overcomes darkness. This isn’t just a historical event; it’s a continual promise. The lyric, “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth,” beautifully captures this. It’s an affirmation that in God’s presence, we find our true worth and hope.

This hope isn’t fleeting or baseless. It’s grounded in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. It’s a hope that doesn’t ignore the realities of pain, suffering, or injustice. Instead, it confronts these realities with the assurance that they do not have the final word. The line “Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother; and in His name, all oppression shall cease,” speaks to this powerful truth. It’s a reminder that in God, there is liberation and a definitive end to all forms of oppression.

Hope in God is both a comfort and a call to action. It comforts us in our moments of weariness, assuring us that we are not alone in our struggles. At the same time, it calls us to be agents of hope in the world. As bearers of this hope, we’re encouraged to reach out to those who are struggling, to show compassion, and to work towards making the world a more just and loving place.

As we sing “O Holy Night” this Christmas, let’s embrace the thrill of hope it offers. Let’s remember that in the midst of any darkness, the light of hope shines brightest. It’s a hope that doesn’t just belong to the Christmas season but is available every day. It’s eternal, unchanging, and available to all.

In this weary world, let’s hold onto this hope and share it generously. For in doing so, we not only find solace for ourselves but also become a source of joy and hope for others.

“O Holy Night” isn’t just a carol; it’s a reminder of the unshakeable hope we have in God. As we look forward to celebrating Christmas, let’s carry this hope in our hearts, spreading its light wherever we go.

Merry Christmas!

The Silent Strength of Friendship

Friendship is an enigma. It’s this beautiful blend of joy and pain, of laughter and tears. In the journey of life, friends become our chosen family, our anchors in the storm, and our cheerleaders in the game of life. But what does it truly mean to be a friend?

The Beauty of Silence

Have you ever sat with a friend in complete silence, where words were unnecessary, and the mere presence of each other was enough? There’s a beauty in that silence. It’s the kind of silence that speaks louder than any words ever could. It says, “I’m here for you, no matter what.” It’s the silence that acknowledges pain, understands grief, and respects the need for solitude.

Being a friend doesn’t always mean filling the void with words. Sometimes, it means understanding the importance of silence, recognizing when it’s time to speak, and when it’s time to simply listen.

Letting Go with Love

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but true friendship sometimes means letting go. It means watching from the sidelines as your friend takes a leap of faith, even if you fear they might fall. It’s about trusting their journey, believing in their strength, and understanding that everyone has their own path to tread.

Letting go doesn’t mean abandonment. It means giving them the space to grow, to learn, and to find themselves. And sometimes, it’s the greatest gift you can give.

Picking Up the Pieces

Life is unpredictable. It throws curveballs when we least expect them. And while we might stand back as our friends take their leaps, we’re always there, ready to pick up the pieces when things don’t go as planned.

Being there during the tough times, offering a shoulder to cry on, or simply being a listening ear, is the hallmark of a true friend. It’s the promise that says, “No matter how broken things may seem, I’ve got your back.”

A Love Beyond Rescue

The instinct to protect and rescue our loved ones from harm is natural. But true love, especially in friendship, goes beyond the urge to save. It’s about acceptance. Accepting that we don’t always have the answers, that we can’t always be the hero, and that sometimes, the best way to love someone is to let them find their own way.

It’s a selfless kind of love, one that puts the needs and growth of the other person before our own desires to “fix” things. It’s the realization that every individual has their own journey, their own battles, and their own lessons to learn. And as friends, our role is not to walk that path for them but to walk alongside them, supporting, loving, and accepting them every step of the way.

In conclusion, friendship is a dance of love and understanding. It’s about knowing when to step in and when to step back. It’s about the silent moments, the leaps of faith, and the times we pick up the pieces. But most importantly, it’s about loving without conditions, without expectations, and without the need for rescue. Because that’s the kind of love that stands the test of time.

The Boomerang of Kindness

Encouragement is like a heavenly boomerang. You toss it out there, and it comes swinging back, often right when you need it the most. But what about those times when you’re standing there, arm outstretched, and nothing comes back? You’re going through a rough patch, and yet you hear the words of the Bible reminding you: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

The ‘Jesus Factor’

Let’s consider Jesus for a moment. He’s hanging on the cross—a situation where you wouldn’t expect much encouragement to be handed out—and yet, He comforts the thief beside Him, promising him paradise. If Jesus can find it within Himself to encourage others even in His final moments, surely we can find ways to encourage from behind our screens or over a cup of coffee.

Recharge to Encourage

Picture yourself as a smartphone for a moment. Even phones need to recharge so they can send out all those uplifting texts and calls. So take some time to refuel through prayer, Scripture, and community. This isn’t about giving from a place of emptiness but recharging through divine connection and then sharing what overflows.

Been There, Felt That

When you’re in a difficult spot, you gain a unique perspective. Your words of encouragement carry weight because you’ve walked a similar path. Paul captured this well when he talked about the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble…” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

The Encouragement Domino Effect

Imagine you’re having a tough day but decide to text a friend with a Bible verse that has lifted your spirits in the past. Your friend, feeling encouraged, decides to call their mom to share some love. Mom, now feeling cherished, compliments a coworker. The coworker, feeling affirmed, goes home and gives his kids an extra hug. Encouragement is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Sowing and Reaping, The Eternal Loop

We can’t forget the age-old biblical principle of sowing and reaping. While it’s not a transaction—God isn’t a divine vending machine—it’s a principle that stands the test of time. Sow encouragement, and you will reap it eventually. Maybe not immediately or in the form you expect, but God is faithful.

We’re All in This Together

Finally, let’s remember that encouragement isn’t a solo endeavor. It’s a collective mission. You lift someone up today; someone else might do the same for you tomorrow. And sometimes the most significant encouragement comes directly from God, providing you that much-needed boost.

So, ready to throw that encouragement boomerang again? It might just return to you sooner than you think, and perhaps right when you need it the most.

Talk later!

For those of us in the States, the time is here again for our midsummer’s patriotic respite.

For many, the Fourth of July means parades and picnics, hot dogs and Coca-Cola, ice cream and apple pie, baseball and bombs bursting in air. In God’s good providence, the adoption of Jefferson’s Declaration in 1776 happened during one of the best weather weeks of the year in this hemisphere. And so for 247 years now, the significance and seasonal timing of the day have conspired to make it a deeply rooted annual occasion in the American psyche.

It’s good to pause to ask whether there’s anything that makes the day different for an American follower of Jesus. Does being born again affect how we view the Fourth of July? Here are four layers of perspective for the Christian in contemplating the Fourth specifically, and human government in general.

1 – Where Our Fundamental Identity Lies

First, let’s be clear about where the Christian’s deepest identity lies. If we are in Christ, joined to him by faith, all other pledges of allegiance have been relativized, whatever our nation of origin or naturalization. We still have our loyalties — they may even multiply — but none goes this deep. No man can ultimately serve both God and country. In Jesus, we have one final allegiance, and thus in this world we will always be, in some real sense, pilgrims, strangers and aliens, sojourners and exiles (1 Peter 2:11).

For the Christian, our citizenship in any nation aims to be “worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27), not merely worthy of that political state. At the most basic level, “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” who will do for us what no political entity in this world will ever do — “transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself”(Philippians 3:20–21).

At the end of the day, we are sons of God, not sons of Uncle Sam. Our fundamental identity is in God, not country.

Which means that as we Americans sing the anthem together and pledge allegiance side by side, and enjoy the parades and fireworks shoulder to shoulder, we create and strengthen ties that only go so far. The blood of Jesus runs deeper than the blood that flows in defining or defending any nation. Our fellows in political liberty are important, but not as significant as our fellows in Jesus from every tribe and tongue. Yes, we seek to do good to our fellow Americans, but especially to those who are of the worldwide household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

2 – Embracing God’s Goodness in the Fatherland

Second, though our embrace of fatherland is relativized by our embrace of Jesus and his Father, it is good and healthy to have real affection for the nation we call our own. It is right for the Christian to be patriotic and reserve a special kind of love for city and country. In fact, it’s a sign that something may be amiss spiritually if the Christian doesn’t have some tempered but tangible sense of belonging to his fatherland. It’s not only okay for American Christians to enjoy being American on the Fourth; it’s commended.

God means for us to be appropriately enmeshed in this world (as Jesus prays in John 17, not of the world, but sent into it). Christ and country aren’t irreconcilable. In Jesus’s perfect arithmetic, there is space not only to render God our everything, but render to Caesar his share as well (Matthew 22:21–22).

Christians render respect to whom respect is owed, and honor to whom honor is owed (Romans 13:7). We acknowledge God’s common goodness when our nation is manifestly “God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:4) and the authorities are “ministers of God” (Romans 13:6). “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17).

3 – Genuine Gratitude for the Goodness

Third, it follows that as God’s common goodness is manifested in our political state, we should be genuinely grateful. We give thanks when thanks is owed.

Perhaps we balk at being “proud to be an American” — and would prefer to be “humbled” by it. That’s wise and good. And we need not make any such alteration to the call to be thankful.

Given the fallen condition of our world because of human sin, we should be amazed how much common goodness God continues to create and uphold in nations good and even bad. In the same breath Paul instructs Christians to be good citizens — “to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:1–2) — he also reminds us about our native condition:

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy . . . . (Titus 3:3–5)

Given our depravity, and the diabolical desires that have a foothold in humanity for now, it is extraordinary mercy not only that any are saved at all, but also that any of our nations aren’t in worse shape than they are. We betray the far-reaching effects of God’s kindness when we’re so consumed with frustrations about our homeland that we can’t see many good things to be grateful for.

4 – Taking Others to the True Country

Finally, for now, it continues to be legal to speak the gospel in public in these United States, and even to press for repentance and faith. This is a glorious liberty. Let’s make the most of it while we can, remembering that we Christians have a true country, which will satisfy our inconsolable longing like no nation in the present can. And let’s double our joy by bringing as many others with us as we can. It’s hard to say it any better than C.S. Lewis:

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or to be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage.

I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same. (Mere Christianity)

If such a perspective would fly as the star-spangled banner over our Independence Day celebrations with family and friends, we might find them richer than ever.

Let’s be profoundly grateful for the freedom we have in this country to recruit for the true one, and let’s be unashamed to seize upon our fellow Americans’ desire for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and show them in whom such joy is truly found.

Note: I found this in my folder of “idea” files. I genuinely don’t know who provided the original thoughts. I’ve tweaked them some and added some. If I could give due credit to the original author, I would. 

Gratitude and thankfulness are easy to overlook.

It’s a perverse part of our nature to gravitate toward the negative, to bemoan the fact that things aren’t going as we wish they would. Whining, complaining? That comes easy. But to count our blessings, to show gratitude and thankfulness – that can be challenging.

My contention is that forgetting gratitude and thankfulness erodes our very souls. If we want to cultivate hope in perfectly awful days, we can do better.

As Christians, we have to be mindful that God is sovereign over all things. I mean, dang – I can act as though things are out of control, and in reality, they never are. Never.

Everything that happens to us is ultimately for our good and His glory. If we could embrace that – and that’s something we all already know – we’d have a deep sense of gratitude and thankfulness, even when circumstances would lead us to curl up in a ball.

So, beloved, let’s ponder six reasons why gratitude and thankfulness are essential for cultivating hope. This’ll preach.

All my points are going to be pretty self-evident. Don’t look for any earth-shattering revelations. We’re back to basics today.

1 – Gratitude and thankfulness remind us of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

When we’re grateful, we focus on the blessings in our lives rather than the difficulties. This is a great perspective to have; it helps us remember that God is good and that He has been faithful to us in the past.

The Bible tells us that God is good, and everything He does is good (Psalm 119:68). When we focus on what we have instead of what we lack, we begin to see the abundance of blessings God has given us.

The Israelites could teach whining on a collegiate level. In Exodus, these folks were wandering around in the desert complaining about their circumstances. (Of course, we’d never be guilty of such a thing.) God says, “Aight, folks, here’s your manna. Here’s your quail. Nowquitcherbellyachin.”

God provided in short order. Think He won’t provide for us, too? Philippians 4:6-7, right? There’s a path to gratitude and thankfulness right there.

2 – Thankfulness and gratitude help us to focus on what we have, rather than what we lack.

This is a companion thought to that first point, and another facet of gratitude and thankfulness. When we’re grateful for what we have, we’re less likely to focus on what we don’t have. That perspective helps us to be content with our current circumstances, even if they aren’t ideal. Believe that?

Contentment is an essential ingredient for cultivating hope. It allows us to trust that God is working all things together for our good.

The apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12.) Paul’s contentment was rooted in his gratitude for the Lord’s provision, and it enabled him to have hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. Take that, complainers!

3 – Gratitude and thankfulness help us cultivate joy.

When it comes to gratitude and thankfulness, those values lead to joy. Every single time. What powerful tools!

The Bible tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When we cultivate gratitude, we open our hearts to receive the joy that God desires to give us.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are commanded to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” When we choose to be grateful, we are aligning our hearts with God’s will for our lives, which can bring great joy and hope.

As always, be wary of putting joy and happiness on the same level. Happiness is transient – it’s based on circumstances of the moment and can be fleeting. A really good pizza can make me happy, but sooner or later I’ll be hungry again. Joy keeps me well-fed and perpetually content.

4 – Thankfulness and gratitude help us overcome anxiety.

Have you ever thought about this? Worry can be so pervasive. Maybe that’s your kryptonite. It might be that you worry because you worry. Because, as a believer, worry is sinful, right?

Anxiety can be a significant barrier to cultivating hope, but gratitude can help us overcome it. When we focus on what we have instead of what we lack, we begin to see that God is faithful and that He will provide for our needs.

You have plenty. I’m not just talking about stuff and things. We could stay in that arena and you’d have to admit you have all you need to sustain yourself. I’m also talking about those wonderful intangibles, things like your salvation. It’s not going to be taken away from you.

Here’s gold-standard scripture. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus encourages us not to worry about our needs but to trust that God will provide for us. He says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” When we choose to be grateful, we are choosing to trust in God’s provision and to let go of our anxieties. You can choose. Isn’t that amazing.

5 – Gratitude and thankfulness help us to love others.

This is an interesting point.

When we are grateful, we are more likely to show love and kindness to others. Gratitude helps us to see the good in people and to appreciate the ways in which they bless our lives.

I know this can be hard. How can you be thankful for someone who did you wrong?

There is a supernatural element to this, obviously. In the flesh, it’s well nigh impossible to be grateful for those bad people in your life. Yet God engineers circumstances so that our lives intersect with the most unlovable people, and there is always a divine reason for that.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we are told that love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs. When we choose to be grateful for the people in our lives, even the stinkers, we are cultivating love and kindness towards them.

6 – Gratitude and thankfulness help us to see God’s provision.

I keep circling back around to this one, trying to frame it in an accessible way.

The Bible tells us that God is the source of all blessings and that every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). When we focus on what we have instead of what we lack, we can see the many ways in which God has provided for us.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are told to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. When we choose to be grateful and thankful, we are acknowledging God’s provision in our lives, which can bring hope and encouragement in difficult times.

It all comes down to the all-sufficiency of God. The Bible tells us that God is faithful and that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6.) The promise of His presence is a promise to claim. You don’t face anything in life on your own. Absolutely nothing.

You are not alone in your struggles. Other people might not get it, or you. People are gifts from God (and you may wish some had a generous return policy … it’s like, “Hey, God, You can have this one back!”)

Just remember. God is with you, even in your darkest moments. Gratitude and thankfulness will help you experience that.

Talk later.

Thankfulness is what Thanksgiving is all about, right?

And yet, when thinking about thankfulness, I’m seeing that we have to live with a certain amount of tension, of what are apparently conflicting thoughts.

Thankfulness is an attitude we should grasp and hold onto. Countering that, though, is the pervasive presence of evil. How do we reconcile that?

Here’s some ancient script, from Ephesians 5:15 – 20a.

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Good ol’ Paul nails it again. When talking about thankfulness, he isn’t naive. He knows that he (and we) live in a pretty awful world.

He said “Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us from this present age” (Galatians 1:4). In one of the great mysteries of God, He has given Satan a lot of leeway to do his evil, to the extent of him being called “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Why does God have Satan on a leash, and yet give him some freedom to do his wickedness?

Beats me. But when talking about thankfulness, I am thankful that we do have a choice in who we follow. Maybe that has something to do with free will.

Fact is, God is allowing wickedness and sin in the human heart to go wild, at least for now. You might want to argue that, and some of a more cynical bent might say, “Well, He’s not that much of a God if He doesn’t have any more power to restrain than that.”

This age is evil because there is so much suffering and catastrophes in this world, and it affects good folks and bad folks alike. I don’t get it either, but I do trust in God, Who has a much broader vantage point than I do.  That’s some reason for thankfulness right there.

If Paul embraced thankfulness – and he did – it came from some firsthand experiences.

He dealt with his own sin. Romans 7 – check it out.

He was stoned, beaten, thrown in prison, shipwrecked, snakebit, and went without food, clothes and shelter. He never knew when someone might flat-out kill him. His walk with God wasn’t exactly the proverbial bed of roses.

Still, Paul knew how to experience thankfulness, because he was able to see to some extent what God was up to with him. Christ told Paul that His power was made perfect in his weakness, and dang, do I ever take comfort in that!

Verse 20 is one of those verses that God slips in the Bible when I’m not looking. I read this earlier and said, “Whaaa…?”

Paul is telling us to do something quite extraordinary: Be thankful for everything. It does not say be thankful in everything. See the difference?

Thankfulness doesn’t, then, grow from a sense of knowing God is going to use circumstances to make us better. He does that, sure. But He says something really, really challenging – be thankful for everything. Everything. Ev-ree-thing.

I don’t think that means we should lead cheers at the graveside of our grandmother. God isn’t saying that we shouldn’t cry if our child has cancer. He doesn’t say we can’t be angry about sin, injustice, poverty, or anything else like that.

It’s complicated, this thankfulness thing. God said it, and I’m just sharing.

I’m trying to be helpful here without diving too deep into theology I can’t grasp. Here’s what I do know, though:

• When the angel appeared to Mary to tell her she’d have a son without a husband, he only told her what she needed to know – “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you … with God nothing will be impossible.” That’s a good word for us.
• Verse 18 talks about an exchange – don’t get drunk, but be filled with the Spirit. That may be the key, right there – swapping out worldly things and thoughts for the power of the Spirit that lives in us.
• That Spirit? He searches everything. He wants us to experience thankfulness. Trusting Him for that means that we can accept His total control over us and all creation. He can take the evils of this world and make them work for our eternal good. That doesn’t mean that life here won’t be hard. There is, though, that eternal promise, and we should remember – again – that we are pilgrims and sojourners here, and this world isn’t our home.

God wants to teach us that lesson, and it isn’t easy, now is it? I’m still wrestling with it.

Here’s where my thankfulness has landed: The days are evil, but I can give thanks always to God the Father. He’s up to something – lots of somethings. He is wise and sovereign and good.

Once I grasp that, thankfulness comes easily.

Be well. Let me hear from you.

I ran across this quote from E.B. White (you read Charlotte’s Web, right?) and it is haunting me, because it has to do with being compassionate and upright. I want to tease this one out.

“As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us, in a bad time.”

I’m not sure why White added the adjectives he did – upright man and compassionate woman – when women can be upright and men can be compassionate too. But I’ll go with that.

So what are the traits of an upright man?

• Standing tall. I’ve heard people referred to as “straight up.” I like that. 
• Unbowed. You can’t be upright and bowed at the same time. Bowing is an appropriate response to Deity, but facing opposition with determination – that’s being unbowed. Or it’s simply being brave.
• Honest. Like not ducking your head when you’re ashamed of something you’ve said or done. Owning up to error.
• Having integrity. That’s your yes being yes and your no being no. Folks should be able to interact with you without fear of you doing something underhanded.
• Transparent. What you see is what you get. No ambivalence. 

And a compassionate woman?

• Caring. Not just a surface “doing the right thing.” It’s a matter of investing your heart in someone or something else.
• Sacrificial. While you certainly must look after yourself – you can’t draw water from an empty well – at times it’s appropriate and necessary to give beyond yourself.
• Tenderhearted. This is a desired trait for everyone, naturally, but my thought is that to be tenderhearted is to let your guard down and empathize with someone else’s need. Which means you might even share in their feelings.
• Creative. You ever thought about how you can show you care? Words are okay, but sometimes feeble. Sometimes “doing” is good, if it means helping in a tangible way. But sometimes just being – offering presence – is what is called for.
• Unwavering. This means loving until the end. This is tricky; sometimes you can love someone and realize you can’t be what they need you to be, and have to distance yourself to some degree. Still, love is non-negotiable. It’s not selective.

I am encouraged when I have the opportunity to be around upright men and compassionate women. Here are four truths:

For one thing, it keeps me from feeling alone. You may have moments of thinking that you are the only one who “gets it.” You are frustrated and hurt because others don’t see the same needs you do. Upright men and compassionate women inspire me to be more in the moment, to unleash my heart, and to genuinely strive to make a difference in my little world.

Secondly, White said that the “contagion may spread.” Can being upright and compassionate take on viral traits? I’d like to think so.

There have been times when I’ve sought to take the high road in a contentious debate. I’ve wanted to be a peacemaker. Problem is, some people thrive in a good fight, and I’m not talking about the kind of disagreements that lead to an aimable solution to a problem. I’m talking about fighting because of pure meanness. 

When people aren’t living their very best lives, they sometimes resort to commiseration through competitive yelling. 

I want to do my little part to banish that – at least from my life, and from the lives of others who would give kindness a chance. Listening to each other, for starters. Spreading that seems to me to be a noble endeavor.

Third, what do you do with a desolate scene? It’s hard not to think about Ukraine when invoking that phrase.

Check this out. This is Ukrainian navy musicians performing in front of a barricade made of sandbags near the opera theater in central Odessa, Ukraine, March 8, 2022. (REUTERS/Iryna Nazarchuk)

How can hope thrive in the midst of chaos and desolation? Well, by golly, it obviously can. It brings to mind the legendary Phoenix, rising from the ashes. 

Ukraine is teaching all of us a lot about being upright and compassionate. I’m seeing those virtues being played out in real time. It gives me hope.

Finally, there is this: Hope is the thing left to us.

I’ll ride this horse until it drops. You are aware of the name of this website, right? Because, in the deepest parts of my bone marrow, I can not find any reason for hopelessness, especially for the believer. 

When you say “it’s hopeless,” what you are saying is that you are psychic, that you can foresee the future, and you know there is no chance for things to get better. 

How can you know that? The circumstances you find yourself in are transient. Yesterday was different from today, and tomorrow will be, in like fashion, different too. 

It may be that you’ve perceived yourself to be tossed about on the waves of fate, unable to control what is happening around you. In some measure, that’s true. But there is a whole lot you can do to have hope, the main thing being to have faith in God. I promise He is not staying up all night fretting over the state of His Creation and wondering how He’s to fix this mess. He has plans and divine intent, and He is in no fashion obligated to let us in on His designs. 

Make no mistake. This is a bad time. A very bad time, and certainly the worst I’ve seen in my years here. And yet, for me to say that betrays my short-sightedness. The best I can manage is a temporal view of things, which consists of the here and now and whatever my memory can resurrect from days gone by. 

There is this: There is always hope. Always. It is the gift of a benevolent and gracious Giver. And we need to learn to accept that gift without question. It sustains us in the dark days we are experiencing even now, and have been experiencing for some time.

O be joyful.

Talk later!

It’s Thanksgiving, and it’s hard to not note that in my blog. But I hope that this isn’t perfunctory … I pray that you are thankful, not only on Thanksgiving but year round.

Check this out – a little history lesson. 

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God…” —George Washington, 1789.

I’d just bet that as you approach Thanksgiving, you’re busy. The holidays can wear you out. 

We tend to think that life 232 years ago was much less hectic. Well, pilgrim, I bet you aren’t faced with birthing a new country after the paroxysm of war. That’s what President Washington and the Continental Congress were faced with. 

Not an easy task. I’ll bet they logged in some tough days and long nights.

Was thanksgiving worth it? You bet it was. 

But George, who was a pretty smart guy, and certainly grateful for the Providence that had brought them through some serious trials and an uncertain future, realized, along with his fellow countrymen, that there needed to be a day set aside for giving thanks. It was very much a religious remembrance then.

If you want to go back further, the first (or one of the first) accounts of a Thanksgiving feast was between the Plymouth colonists and the Native American Wampanoag tribe in November of 1621. The menu included lobster, seal, and swans. (I’m good with one out of three of those items. Maybe I’m missing something yummy.) The feasting lasted three days – if you count eating leftovers, that’s pretty much the same now – but there were no cakes or pies. No desserts – the colonists didn’t have ovens, and very little sugar. Historians think that most of the meals were prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods.

I mentioned George Washington. Fast forward to 1827. The noted magazine editor and prolific writer Sarah Josepha Hale, started a campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. That rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb”?  She wrote that. 

After tirelessly campaigning for the holiday, sending letters to governors, senators, presidents, and other politicians, Abraham Lincoln finally agreed to her request. A few states had been observing a day of thanksgiving, but it wasn’t celebrated nationwide. 

The proclamation came on October 3, 1863, and even someone with a rudimentary knowledge of American history knows that this was smack-dab in the middle of the awful Civil War. 

Here’s an except from the proclamation:

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.”

I mean. Wouldn’t it be great if that was our national spirit today?

It strikes me that the first Thanksgiving was a true thanks giving. The other two cited were also. Both of them, at the hands of our most renowned presidents, came about at a time of history being written with lightning. But Washington and Lincoln both knew that it would be wrong to not acknowledge God’s hand of blessing, even when there were national struggles. 

Both of these gentlemen no doubt wondered what the future held for their country. 

Listen. Our lives are busy and complicated. It might be that some life goals you’ve had for you and your loved ones have been sidelined – you’re just focused on getting through the day. You may even be wondering what the future holds for our country (with apologies to my foreign readers.) 

There are lots of questions we all have. Lots of uncertainty. 

So what is God’s will for you and me right now?

Let’s keep it simple. Here is ancient script from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

If you’re cowering before the future, Paul gave us a simple picture of God’s will for us.

Be joyful. Pray all the time. Be thankful no matter what. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Talk soon.

I’ll start with a confessional. Sometimes, Christmas music gets on my nerves. But before you call the grinch squad on me, I’ll explain. And I will use The Little Drummer Boy as a jumping off place.

I love Christmas carols. Love ‘em. I might listen to them year round. But some of the secular stuff can really wear thin. White Christmas? Good with that. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day? Check – I like it.

But Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree? Santa Baby? Mariah Carey? The whole Bob Dylan Christmas album, which is like some sort of surreal fever dream? No thanks, ma‘am.

Then there’s The Little Drummer Boy. More carol than secular. And for some reason I’ve done a deep dive with this one recently.

Don’t look for him in scripture. You won’t find him. If you look for the little drummer boy in the context of the lyrics (aside from the pa-rum-pa-pum-pums), you can piece together enough clues to tell you that he showed up at the same time as the wise men. (And for a special treat, listen to this song as performed by Pentatonix.)

Check this out.

Our finest gifts we bring … to lay before the king … so to honor Him … when we come.

Here are the wise men. Traditionally, there were three of them, based on the three gifts.

They brought good things. Expensive, even priceless things.

And then there’s the little drummer boy.

Little baby … I am a poor boy too. I have no gift to bring that’s fit to give our King. Shall I play for you on my drum?

The wise men brought their finest gifts. The little drummer boy had nothing of material value. He just played his drum.

I played my best for Him. Then He smiled at me … me and my drum.

I wonder how the little drummer boy felt?

I hope he didn’t feel unworthy. Because what he gave Jesus was sufficient because he gave with a pure heart.

This raises a couple of questions:

• What are you afraid to give God because you don’t think it’s good enough?
• What do you do when you see other do things for Jesus? What’s your response?

File those away. We’ll come back.

Let me take you somewhere else – specifically, Mark 12:41-44.

⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (NIV)

Can you see any parallels to the widow and the little drummer boy?

Maybe the widow thought what she gave wasn’t fit for God, but she gave anyway. It was all she could do.

The rich people threw plenty into the treasury. Jesus and His disciples were watching this, and then the little widow hobbles up to the treasury and drops those two coins in.

If you were there, what would you think? How would you feel?

I’d feel humbled at best, and unworthy at worst.

Giving doesn’t come naturally to me. I can be a stingy, self-centered, worldly old dude. I like stuff, and I don’t part with it easily.

God help me.

Both the widow and the little drummer boy had so little to give, but they both had hearts that longed to worship with all they have.

Let’s break this down, in conclusion. Actually, I’ll just ask that you and I answer these questions:

1. What are you afraid to give because you don’t think it’s good enough? Are you so mired in your sense of unworthiness that you don’t think you have anything to offer?
2. Have you been holding back anything from God? I’m not just talking about the things. I’m talking about your heart, your will, your whole life.
3. What are some ways you can give to God?
4. Have you ever seen God multiply something you thought was very small?
5. What’s something you’ve been thinking specifically about to give Jesus for His use? Want to be encouraged? Want to be a hope-giver? That’s my thoughts.

Where is your heart today?

I play my best for you.

I give you all I have.

God bless the little drummer boy. God bless us.

Be grateful, your Uncle Tony says. And you think, “If I’m gonna be grateful, then I’ve got to look really hard to find things to be grateful for.”

Of course that’s not true of you. You practice gratitude already, because you’re blessed.

Still.

If we’re honest, there are times when being grateful doesn’t come naturally.

So, do you have a grateful heart? Is that a pattern in your life? Or are you letting circumstances and the darkness of this world steer you toward bitterness and ingratitude?

So, here are some signs that you can look for in your own life that teach you that you at least have the capacity to be grateful.

• You don’t have to prove anything to anyone else.
  • I’d think of this as being secure in your own skin. You don’t have an identity that comes from what you do, or even who you hang out with. Others don’t define you. You’re content whether others appreciate you or not.
• You aren’t small-minded.
  • Know how it seems people go around looking for reasons to be angered or outraged these days? It’s like they wear their pettiness as a badge of honor.
  • That ain’t you. You don’t let what others say get under your skin. And even when you are faced with a personal attack, you keep your cool.
• You seldom use terms like “I should’ve,” “I ought‘ve,” and “If only.”
  • Regrets can for sure keep you from being grateful. We all wish we had “do-overs” for the pathetically boneheaded things we’ve done.
  • Listen: you can’t undo what’s already happened. Lord knows I can be among the worst when it comes to looking in the rear-view mirror, and letting things that happened in college still bother me.
  • If you want to be grateful, then realize that you can still learn and grow from the times you blew it.
• You love to give.
  • Isn’t that true? Be grateful that you CAN give. Be generous. It feels good.
  • (That’s why when someone offers to buy my lunch, I let them. I know how good I feel when I do that. Why would I deny them that same feeling?)
  • Seriously – be generous. Don’t be self-seeking. Be gracious in meeting other people’s needs.
• People know that they mean something to you.
  • When you’re thankful for others – and I mean genuinely thankful – they know it.
  • Others like to know that they’re significant to you. Everybody wants to be wanted.
• You know that you mean something to others.
  • That’s the flip side of the point above.
  • Okay, I get it. Maybe you don’t feel appreciated. Well, this side of eternity you may never know just how important you were to someone.
  • And the sure thing is that the God Who created you is crazy in love with you. You mean so much to Him. Be grateful for that. His love is everlasting. Cool.

I’d love to sit down with you and help you practice gratitude. Being grateful gives you a superpower.

Look around. People are miserable. They’ve let the cares and worries of this world overcome them.

Don’t be like that. Being grateful makes you strong. It protects you from the fiery darts of Satan. It puts your head in a good place.

If you want to practice something that really works, do this:

Every night, before you shut down, take some paper or open a doc on your device. Write down three things you’re grateful for.

I ‘d heard this before, and tended to say, “Yeah, right.”

It works. Don’t ask me how, but it works. You’ll find your attitude toward life will sweeten over time. You’ll find yourself more positive and not so whiny. You will genuinely be grateful.

You’ll know it. Others will know it. And it’s a good, good thing.

Be blessed.

Tony’s Question: Of those points I listed above, which one gives you the most hope and encouragement? Share it with the rest of us below, and tell us why.

I used to wonder how I’d feel when I’m 64. That always raised questions in my mind.

When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine

If I’d been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I’m 64*

It’s because they were thinking about me. Not.

1. I refuse to take myself too seriously. As I’m fond of saying, this adult thing hasn’t worked out well for me.
2. The world is a mess. It’s the messiest it’s been in my lifetime. I heard it thunder, but the way 2020 is going I thought it might be Godzilla.
3. If the world is a mess, God reigns over the mess, and He’ll be doing a massive cleanup one day. Soon.
4. I have two great grown children, two great kids-in-law, and two great grandchildren (not great in the ancestry sense. They’re just pretty wonderful.) I’m always thankful that none of them are ugly.
5. I have the best wife ever. She’s a candidate for sainthood.
6. An incident that takes place in less than 10 seconds can change your life. Ask me about that.
7. I literally don’t have anything to complain about. That doesn’t mean that I don’t complain from time to time, but it’s a useless activity. No one cares about my complaints. No one cares about yours, either.
8. Why worry about the things you don’t have any influence over?
9. Regrets? None, not really. There are a handful of things I’d like to have a do-over on, in retrospect. But I figure my life has coursed the way it has because God has always directed things. And He’s been known to direct things in unexpected directions.
10. I’m wondering about what I’ll do when I’m 65. That’s an age of some distinction.

Now I’m 64.

It doesn’t feel all that different from being 63.

I’ve tried to draw some parallels to what 2020 has been and what turning 64 means in this particular year.

I’m not going to overthink that, because it’s irrelevant.

Here’s what is relevant:

1. I intend to have many more years ahead of me.
2. I’m not dead because I haven’t completed what I was put here to do.
3. I have plenty of dreams, goals, and plans. Maybe I’m just a late bloomer.
4. If I do have a consistent calling, it’s simply to be an encourager. I’ve never been defined by a “career,” whatever that is.
5. God’s got this is a fresh reality every morning. It sure took me long enough to embrace that.

When I’m 64, I used to think, I’d be pushing around a walker, eating all my meals through a straw, and not sleeping well. I was wrong on all counts.

I’m not sure what comes next, but I am content to go along for the ride. My life is like an ocean cruise – I’m on a ship, and I have plenty of choices as to how I might use my time – eat, or hang out at the pool, see a show, or eat some more. But the course of the ship is already charted – I left a port, headed for another destination, and that route is up to the captain, not me.

God is the captain, I am a passenger, and in that I am content.

Be blessed, y’all.