Month: August 2025

“And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

John 3:14-16 (NAB)

Jesus spoke those words, comparing His death on a cross to the bronze serpent lifted up on a pole, from the Exodus story. We’ve all seen the image of the serpent wrapped around a pole, sometimes with wings. It originated three millenniums ago, from the exodus story and later it evolved into a universal medical symbol of healing. That serpent on a pole symbol has been sewn into medical patches, used in logos and appeared on many doctors’ lab coats. 

Jesus referred to this exodus story about His own ancestors, who were delivered from slavery. They passed through the sea that miraculously parted for them, as they headed for a promised land. They were in the wilderness stage of their journey, which was a difficult time for them, but instead of being grateful to God, the people persistently complained. There was a scarcity of water, food and the basic comforts of life, so they turned against Moses for bringing them there. 

When they were hungry, Moses interceded for them and God gave them manna from Heaven, but they grew tired of the bread from heaven, calling it, “wretched food.”

What an insult it was for God to hear people scorn His heavenly bread, but it wouldn’t be the first time. 

God sent venomous snakes into their camps, to chastise and teach them a lesson. After being bitten by an influx of snakes, the people started to repent and change their attitude. 

All the while, Moses constantly interceded for the people, asking the Lord to forgive and heal them from the deadly bites. 

Finally, God told Moses to make a serpent out of bronze and mount it on a tall pole. Anyone who looked up at that bronze serpent on a pole, would be healed of their venomous snake bites. 

It sounds like an odd solution to a problem, but in some mysterious way, it foreshadowed God’s plan of salvation for the entire world. The people looked up at a bronze serpent on the pole, and they were healed. About 1400 years later, Jesus was the living bread that God sent down from heaven. He was also scorned by His people, just like the first bread from heaven was. We look up to Jesus, who was lifted up on a cross for us, and we trust Him for healing and salvation. 

The bronze serpent on a pole is a story that illustrates God’s patience and extravagant mercy towards us. It’s also an example of the power of intercessory prayer, since Moses never stopped interceding for the people. They didn’t deserve it and they could never earn it, but God is merciful to all who ask. It’s how the gift of grace works, as a gift, not earned.

God’s love and mercy once again brought healing and forgiveness to all who would trust in His sacrifice on the cross. Even the criminal, dying on the cross next to Jesus, looked over to Him, asking for mercy and Jesus brought him to heaven that day. 

Whatever we are facing, God is still extending His mercy and healing to anyone who looks to Jesus and His cross of forgiveness and healing. The world is filled with serpents who bite and spread their poison, but the story from Exodus still points us to the cross, because God’s love, mercy and healing graces are the same yesterday, today and forever.

Lord, thank you for loving us more than we could ever imagine. We trust in you, Jesus, lifted up on a cross for us, so that we may receive mercy, healing and eternal life. Amen

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child.”  Zechariah 12:10 (NIV)

Scripture is the only book which we can read the same verses multiple times over a lifetime and receive a different message of inspiration each time. The Holy Spirit can take those scriptures and give new relevance to them. A scripture can have a different meaning to us today than when we read or heard it twenty years ago.

I’ve learned that scripture is more inspirational if I read small amounts at a time, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to me. The first line of today’s verse says that God pours out a spirit of grace and supplication which is the grace of conversion. It is God, who gives us the grace to seek His forgiveness which leads to wisdom and peace. Jesus also said “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them.” (John 6:44)

God wants all people to come to Him but there is a time in each person’s life, when He draws them closer. In listening to many personal faith journey stories, it’s pretty obvious that everyone goes through periods when they were less inclined to think about God and other periods when they experience an awakening to God that surpasses a mere head knowledge. Spiritual awakenings are a result of the grace of supplication.

Today’s scripture has a dual meaning, as a day of awakening when people will look on the one who was pierced, as if seeing Jesus for the first time. The scripture serves as a prophesy of things to come, but it’s also an allegorical description of anyone at anytime, who deepens their faith in Christ, through God’s outpouring of the grace of conversion. 

Another scripture in Zechariah 14:4 describes a very popular vision of the Messiah, which is cherished in both Christianity and Judaism. It describes the Messiah standing on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, and the mountain splits in two from east to west. It’s a very dramatic image of an earthquake, erupting at the very touch of the Messiah’s feet upon it. This scripture has significant but different meaning depending on one’s faith background. 

It became a topic of conversation a few years ago, between a priest and a devout Jew in Israel. The priest was touring the holy land, and he took a cab one day, which was driven by a devout Jew. During the ride, the two men talked lightly about their faiths, citing the things they had in common and comparing the things that were different. 

As they drove by the Mount of Olives, the topic of the Messiah came up as well as the scripture in Zechariah. The priest shared his Christian perspective that the person who will stand on that mountain is Jesus at His second coming. The cab driver shared his Jewish perspective that it will be their Messiah, who his people are still waiting for. The priest politely concluded the discussion by saying, “Well, when He comes, we should ask him, “Have you been here before?” 

There are many things that we share in common with people of other faiths, as well as things that differ. It’s not up to us to persuade others, because it is God who pours out a spirit of grace and supplication, drawing all people to Him. Until each person is drawn to God by the grace of conversion, we pray for people and seek understanding, respect and the wisdom to live in peace with each other. Christians wait for the return of Jesus, when His feet touch that mountain, making it quake and split in two. 

Lord, we pray for wisdom and peace, knowing you alone are the One who brings the spirit of grace and supplication to all people. Help us to reflect your love to others until you draw all people to yourself. Amen

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Mark 11:25 (ESV)

There was a powerful display of forgiveness shown inside a Georgia courtroom recently. The very brief news coverage of the scene touched everyone who witnessed it. Since we are daily inundated with so much bad news, I wanted to share this true story, in case some didn’t see it.

A young man named Joseph was driving under the influence one night. He struck a pedestrian, killing a man, and for whatever reason, he drove away. He was arrested tried, and after his trial, found guilty of DUI, reckless driving and other charges. 

He was sentenced to serve twenty years in prison. When he was allowed to speak, he stood up, looked at the family of the man he killed, and with a tearful, quivering voice, apologized to them. 

The son and daughter of the deceased man gave the usual speeches describing their deep sorrow and loss. Then, Regina, the widow of the deceased man, did something that amazed the courtroom and the judge. She walked up to Joseph and hugged him. As he kept saying he was sorry, while weeping, she forgave him with a long hug. She said to him and to others later, that God told her that Joseph needed a “mom hug.” The judge never saw anything like it in his courtroom. That kind of forgiveness doesn’t come naturally, because it can only happen by the Spirit of God. 

Not only is that scene of forgiveness a testimony of God’s mercy to all who witness it, but it brings deep healing to the one who forgives. A Harvard study found that forgiving actually lowers blood pressure and reduces anxiety and depression. Jesus taught that unforgiveness only robs ourselves of being forgiven, which is not good for our mind, body or soul. (Matthew 6:15)

Research has finally caught up with what Jesus taught 2,000 years ago. According to the recent Harvard medical research study, forgiving is not only good for the soul but for the mind and body as well. 

Horrible things happen in the world and unless God gives us the ability, no one could forgive. Forgiving doesn’t mean condoning the harm that was done. We were meant to stay in a close relationship with God, so that when troubles come, we cling to Him and He holds on to us. 

God is just, gracious, merciful and forgiving, therefore we entrust our offenders to God’s justice and mercy.

Forgiveness doesn’t change what occurred in the past, but it certainly helps us to move forward to the future. In other words, forgiveness is God’s prescription for freedom of one’s mind, body and soul.

In the early 70’s, my first cousin’s husband emptied their bank account and deserted her and their three young children in order to join the Scientology cult. She raised her children alone and he was never heard from again. I don’t know if she was ever able to forgive him, but she was strong enough to carry on her role as a single parent. Situations arise that seem impossible to forgive, but God can help anyone to get through anything, and since He can get us through it, He can also help us to forgive and live in peace.

Regina, the lady in that Georgia courtroom, showed the world the true power of sincere forgiveness. She was able to forgive because she was living her faith, and God placed His mercy in her heart. The world witnessed the fruit of her Christian faith in the courtroom that day. She still prays for Joseph and only God knows what fruit is yet to come from a simple but profound gesture of forgiveness.

Lord, help us to live by faith in all areas of our life, and by your Spirit give us a heart full of mercy and forgiveness, so that we may remain healthier in mind, body and soul. Amen

Georgia woman Regina Johnson forgives, hugs Joseph Tillman, convicted of killing husband Chuck Johnson in hit-and-run – ABC7 Los Angeles

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

Words really do have the power of life or death. Widows know very well that the words spoken to or from our loved ones, could be the very last words spoken. It’s best not to hold back from saying kind words to someone, thinking there is a better time to say them. We never know what’s going through someone’s mind and words have the power to heal, comfort and lift a person’s spirit. Our words could be life changing by being exactly what someone needs to hear in the moment.

Last weekend I did my hospital ministry going room to room and came to the room of a patient with a middle eastern name. His entire family was in the room visiting their father, who was the patriarch of their family. I asked if they were Assyrian, but they Palestinian Christians. I have found that Christians from the Middle East are exceptionally warm, humble and kind. I decided to tell the them about my love for Middle East people and they received my words with joy. 

The older man who was the patient, had his wife and two stunningly beautiful daughters at his side. Then I noticed a little person staring up at me the whole time. It was the patient’s grandson, who was about five years old. As our eyes met, I greeted him and said hello. His eyes were absolutely magnetic, and there was an angelic presence about him. 

Before I left the room after praying for the patient to get well, I said goodbye to all of them, and that little boy was still staring at me with his beautiful big brown eyes. I put my hand on his head and said, 

“God bless you.” 

After leaving the room, I couldn’t stop thinking about how precious he was. It must have been the same reaction that people had when they met Jesus, as a little boy. His glance was probably just as mesmerizing as they looked into His beautiful eyes. 

I may never know what special gift God blessed that little boy with, but I know there was something special about him. I pray that my words spoke life to him and his family and that he will grow to fulfill the mission God has for him.

Of all the places in the world, God chose to send His son to the Middle East. Jesus has definitely left His mark on the people there, because whether I meet a Christian, Muslim or a Jew from a country in that area, they always reflect His humility and kindness. 

We wouldn’t know it, if we formed our opinions only from the negative news headline stories about the area. It helps to personally meet and know people before forming opinions about an entire group. 

To speak words of life and kindness to strangers when we have the chance, can be a ministry in itself. 

We’ve all heard of random acts of kindness done for strangers, but maybe there is a ministry of random words of kindness to strangers. 

I just had an unusual experience with a person speaking random words of kindness to me last weekend. I was leaving a store and walking through the parking lot to my car. An older man passed by me and out of nowhere, said, “Hello beautiful.”

Being surprised to hear those words at my age, from a total stranger, left me somewhat stunned, but I answered “Hello.”

Later, I realized that man could have a ministry of speaking life to people. He wasn’t trying to pick up women, he just spoke out loud whatever complimentary thoughts came to his mind. I thought about how his words could minister to a woman who might have been feeling bad about herself that day. 

Words speak life, and speaking random words of kindness to total strangers is a ministry that lifts the spirit of people, and shares a little glimpse of God’s love.

Lord, help us to use our words to give life, and to know the right time to speak those words, by opening the eyes of our heart to see those who need their spirit lifted.

Amen

“Jesus said to him, “‘Everything is possible to one who has faith.” 

Then the boy’s father cried out, 

“I do believe, help my unbelief!”

Mark 9:23-24 (NAB)

Faith is knowing that everything is in God’s hands, even if our faith is weak. It’s okay to be honest with Jesus and confess our doubts, saying, “Lord, help me in my unbelief.” 

Those were the words of the father of a demon possessed boy. I can just imagine how the father of that boy was mentally, spiritually, and emotionally drained, from years of caring for a son with strange behaviors. In hearing Jesus say, “anything is possible to the one who believes”, that father probably figured that it excludes him, since he struggled with unbelief. He might have had very little faith, but he had a whole lot of honesty, to approach Jesus saying, “Help me in my unbelief.” 

It’s easy to get the impression that Jesus only responds to people of great faith. He praised the Centurion who said “Only say the word, Lord.” He was impressed by the woman who said “If I can just touch the fringe of His garment, I will be healed.” He highlighted the example of the gentile woman who persisted in faith, saying, “Even a dog can receive the crumbs that fall from the table”. 

There’s no doubt that Jesus praised people of great faith, but He also responds to total honesty. Jesus was touched by that father’s honest plea, because the Lord seeks intimacy with all of people, and intimacy requires honesty. 

Jesus wanted to help the disciples who were struggling to believe that He had truly risen on that third day. He made a special effort to convince them that He wasn’t a ghost or a spirit, but a flesh and blood living  body. He removed their doubts, by eating food with them and showing them His scars and the wound in His side. 

He offered all of the disciples, not just Thomas, the chance to touch Him and feel His scars, saying, 

“It is I, myself. Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 

(Luke 24:39)  

God is patient with everyone who is struggling to believe for something. He was patient with the father in this story, He was patient with all of His disciples, and He is patient with us today. He doesn’t expect us to fake it or to give up and walk away in unbelief. We learn from the father in this story that there’s a third option, to ask Jesus to help us in our unbelief. 

I don’t always have confident faith and assurance when I pray for my son, Jon. I frequently need to ask for help in my own unbelief. Then I try to visualize Jesus’ nail scarred hands extended towards me, telling me to touch and see. He doesn’t scoff at us when we confess our doubts. What a comfort it is to have a Savior, who accepts and loves us as we are. 

As we remember the relentless love God has for all humanity, and the various levels of faith among people struggling to believe, we can almost hear Jesus saying to us today, 

“Touch Me and see how much I love you.”

Lord, whatever level our faith is at, help us to always be honest with you, as you help us through times of unbelief. As we confess our doubts, draw us closer, deepen our faith and send miracles. Amen

“Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. And when Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.”

Exodus 34:29-30 (RSV)

Moses had just spent 40 days on Mount Sinai, chatting with God and receiving the commandments. On the 41st day, he was physically changed because his face was glowing so much that no one would dare come near to him. He also glowed inwardly because the bible describes Moses as, “more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3)

It’s not surprising that spending time in the actual presence of God, has a humbling effect on a person. Since God is love, spending time in His presence is naturally humbling because a person comes away with a greater awareness of how much God really loves us unconditionally.

My own takeaway from this story is that God leaves His glow in anyone who spends time in His presence. Whether it is for a few minutes or a for hours, He puts His glow in us. It isn’t a visible glow, shining from our face like Moses, but an inner glow. We’ve all met people who have an inner glow about them. 

Jesus invites us to abide in Him so that we will be fruitful. Abiding in Him is like the time we spend on our daily mountain top, chatting with Him in prayer, reading His words in scripture and listening to His Spirit speak to our heart.

We also come away from a mountain top, glowing in our own special way. We are all special simply because God is especially in love with each one of us. When we come to realize how much we are loved by Him, it leaves a mark, and that mark is our inner glow. 

Just as Jesus was sent to reveal His Father’s love to us, He sends us out to comfort, forgive, encourage and listen to others. As He does for us, we do for others, because that’s how the inner glows works within us. There is an inner glow in all people who trust in God. 

I am seeing that inner glow in a lady resident at the Nursing Facility, who I once wrote about. I will call her Joan to protect her privacy. She is the lady friend of Jim, the war hero. She is also the one who gave me money to buy Jim some pants, when his government benefits suddenly stopped two months ago. Joan talks to Jim and to anyone else who will listen, about her faith in God. 

Last week Joan was sent to the hospital after having vision problems for some time. Tests revealed an eye disease that could progress to total blindness. It was a shocking diagnosis and a lot for her to think about, though she is currently being treated with steroids. 

In talking to her, she has a genuinely positive perspective for such a dire prognosis. She insists that she’d rather lose her sight than her sense of hearing, since she enjoys music so much. She is mentally preparing herself for a future of possible blindness, but is also confident that Jesus is with her in whatever her future brings. She has that inner glow, despite a complex past history and a serious new diagnosis. 

Someone once said that any mess can be turned into a message. Joan is a person who made a mess of her past life and talks about it openly. She had a career as a surgical nurse, but became addicted to drugs. Her heroin addiction resulted in a divorce, and her two daughters chose to live with their father and to this day, have nothing to do with her. She admits to making bad choices, but her spirit of humility and honesty about her past, led her to make the best choice of her entire life, giving her life to Jesus. Even in all of her brokenness, she knows that Jesus loves her and it’s never too late to come to His fountain of abundant grace and mercy. 

She is 74 years old and holding on to her faith and I believe her story isn’t over yet. Her humility and inner glow still shines through, pointing others  to the love and mercy of Christ. I pray for her healing, for a future reunion with her daughters, and that her inner glow will keep shining through the darkness and touch all who know her. 

Lord, help us to abide in you daily, to always be aware of your abundant love for us, and to let our inner glow keep shining upon all those we meet. Amen

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

That “voice behind us” sounds like a description of intuition or a gut feeling, which is the ability to acquire knowledge without conscious reasoning. Everyone has made an intuitive decision at some time, and later learned that their gut feeling was absolutely correct. We don’t hear an audible voice with a gut feeling. It’s just a divine sense of direction and guidance, that comes from somewhere within us or behind us, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”

There are times when we need to make an informed decision, despite having limited information, so we ask God for guidance. The Lord might be moving us into new territory, whether it’s a new job, a new church, a new neighborhood, a school, or a different Nursing Home. 

A situation can lead us to sense that it’s time to move on, that we are subtly being redirected elsewhere. It begins with a growing feeling of disconnect in the place we’re at, which may be God’s way of signaling a change. I’ve learned that when I ask God to give me a gut feeling to confirm some type of change, He will give it. 

A few negative experiences involving the leadership at the Nursing Home where Jon lives, have caused me to sense a disconnect in how the management interacts with families of residents. I began to wonder if there might be another place, where he could make better progress, and be closer to where I live, so I started praying and searching for Nursing Facilities closer to my home.

I took the first step of touring three facilities close to my home. Every Nursing Home puts on their best impression when they give tours, so I asked God to give me a gut feeling to confirm which place is really the best for Jon.  

My first tour was at a beautiful three story facility, only ten minutes from my home. I was told that long term care residents live on the 3rd floor, but for some unknown reason, they only showed me the first and second floors on the tour. Without asking why, it left me with some doubt. 

The next facility I toured was fifteen minutes from my home, but I sat in the lobby waiting twenty minutes until the director could take me on the tour. She seemed very distracted, repeating the same question but not listening to my answer. Afterward, I learned they have a waiting list for all new admissions.

The third place was twenty minutes from my home. I walked into a clean, attractive and spacious lobby and was immediately greeted by a friendly receptionist offering me water at the beverage station. The admissions director took me on a tour and showed me the actual room that could be Jon’s, with a private bathroom, at no extra cost, and there was no waiting list.

Not knowing enough about the quality of caregivers working at any of these three facilities, can make a decision like this very stressful and intimidating. I had to rely on that gut feeling, and from the moment I walked into the third facility, I felt a different vibe than the previous two places. After leaving, I realized that this vibe is the gut feeling that I asked God for.

The interesting thing about the third facility is that fifteen years ago, I had a patient in the hospital where I worked, who told me her husband received very good care at this particular facility. For years I made a mental note of “BellaTerra”, the name of the place, in case I ever needed it for a family member. I never dreamed that I would need it for my adult son.

In spite an impressive tour, my decision is not based on a friendly receptionist, a fifteen year old referral, or a nice room with a private bath. Nothing but that gut feeling is the inspiration for making my decision. I asked, God answered, and I believe it is the right move for Jon.

Jon might get transferred in a week or so, but I plan to continue visiting the friends I made at the other NH once a week. I would like to maintain the friendships with those few residents I’ve come to know.

If we ask God for a gut feeling to make difficult decisions, He will do it. He is forever the voice behind us whispering deep within, telling us the right way to go.

Lord, thank you for divine guidance, intuition and gut feelings, that guide us beyond all knowledge. If we ask and listen for your voice behind us, you will tell us the right way to go. Amen

“As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

Acts 4:31 (NIV)

The acts of the apostles left a trail of miracles everywhere they went, even though the early church lived under the constant threat of persecution. Peter was imprisoned for preaching about Jesus, and after getting out of jail, he went straight to church. He reunited with his congregation, they lifted their voices in prayer with praise, and the ground they stood on literally shook. 

Scripture says that they were of one heart and mind. There’s no limit to what God can do when His church is united in heart and mind. Peter and John were just two of many who were rocking the world with the message of Christianity in those days. They healed paralytics, resurrected the dead, and the sick were healed with only Peter’s shadow passing over them. The church kept growing with new members added daily. Governing  authorities were powerless to subdue the excitement of that new faith.

While Peter and John did those awe inspiring wonders, Philip was visited by an angel, telling him to go on the road headed towards Gaza. Then the Holy Spirit told him to join a man up ahead, who was riding in his chariot. The man was an Ethiopian government official, who received the gospel message from Philip with joy, and became a believer. Ethiopia has an ancient history of Christianity, which probably all began with Philip that day.

Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, recorded all these ground shaking miracles. When the church prayed, the ground shook, the Holy Spirit spoke, angels visited and spoke to men, and a chariot ride brought Christianity to an entire nation. 

We’re the same church today and we have the same Holy Spirit, who still gives the same divine guidance. We may not see angels or audibly hear the Spirit’s voice, but the Lord is still leading us every day to influence the world for Christ. It starts with the simplest acts of kindness, which may not seem ground shaking, but it’s exactly what Jesus taught us to do. I know of many people today who are impacting the world by showing compassion and doing simple acts of kindness, on a one on one basis. 

I noticed that a certain resident at the NH had not been in the Day room for a few days. I asked about him but no one knew why. At my next visit, I saw him and he came over to our table. He seemed confused, muttering phrases that made no sense. He told us that he just received an ECT treatment. (Electroconvulsive therapy for people with an extreme form of depression.) He looked very anxious and told us he didn’t know what year it was or his last name. He was visibly shaken and could hardly get his words out. All of us sitting at the table were surprised to see him this way.

I wondered what I could say or do to help him find some peace. I picked up his hand and showed him his wristband and read his last name to him. He nodded in agreement, as if to recognize his name. I told him the year is 2025 and asked if I could pray for him. He said yes, so I prayed a simple prayer asking God to heal him and give him peace. 

The ground didn’t shake, an angel didn’t appear, but I’m sure the Holy Spirit was there. It wasn’t a very spectacular moment but he was very receptive to being prayed for. I don’t know how he is doing since that prayer, but I trust that God will help him in time. 

God doesn’t need our help, but He wants us to touch lives and be involved with the people He sends our way. Jesus once said that He desires that we show compassion to others more than offering sacrifices to God. (Matthew 9:13)

Small acts of compassion are what God has always called the church to do, whether it was with the apostles of the first century, or any one of us today. Instead of expecting ground shaking miracles, we need to return to the basics, showing small acts of compassion, which can be ground shaking for some, and might even transform a life. 

Lord, keep us aware of the value of every small act of kindness, which can touch lives and show your love to others as we are led by your Spirit each day. Amen

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (RSV)

Those of us in a particular age group will remember these words from the hit song by the Byrds in 1965. The words were derived from all eight verses in this chapter of scripture. King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes and Pete Seeger was first to turn the words into a song in 1959. The Byrds later adapted it and it became the hit song, called  “Turn, Turn, Turn.”

People read the seasons, signs and cycles of nature as they adjust and plan accordingly. Professional golfers know how to read the greens of each golf course. Fighter pilots use OODA, a code which stands for observe, orient, decide and act. It helps them make quick, accurate decisions while flying at high speeds. 

Farmers read the phases of the moon, since some are better for planting, when its gravitational pull is best for plant growth and root development. Physicians observe a patients’ symptoms to decide which diagnostic tests to order and how to best treat them. 

God created a beautiful world with cycles and systems of nature, which mankind has learned to navigate according to their field of interest. He has made everything beautiful in its time, and He created us to hunger for the pleasures that last forever, which only He can satisfy. 

Just as there are times, cycles and seasons in the universe, there are also times, cycles and seasons in our personal journey of life and faith.

We all experience seasons of joy and laughter, as well as seasons of mourning and weeping. If we can read the seasons in our lives, as we do in nature, we will have a better sense of divine providence, knowing that everything is working towards our eternal good in the end.

Joy has little to do with the absence of problems, but rather is the result of a grateful heart. Believing that God is always in control, gives us a sense of gratitude and makes it easier to transition into the next season that is ahead of us. Nothing stays the same, change is difficult, and the biggest challenge is when we face a time or season that brings a new sorrow or discomfort. 

Peter tells us not to be surprised by every fiery ordeal that we face, that we are sharing in Christ’s suffering through our own, and will find inexpressible joy on the day He reveals His glory to us. 

(1 Peter 4:12-14) We were meant to seek the lessons God has for us through all the seasons of our lives. 

My two older brothers were only eighteen months apart and were very close growing up. As the only girl and the youngest, I felt like an only child at times. Now as I reflect on their relationship, I can appreciate it more after raising twin boys, who grew up with the same kind of closeness. 

My brothers shared a bedroom as well as the same group of friends. They laughed together, played sports together, shared their first car, attended the same college together and had the same best friend, who stood up at both of their weddings. They both had a first born baby daughter, born within two months of each other.

Three years after his daughter was born, my oldest brother Ted, died suddenly at the age of 35, in his F-16 fighter jet. He was a skilled Air Force instructor pilot, but crashed during a training mission, which later was found to be caused by an electrical wire chafing problem, common in F-16’s at the time.

(A movie called Afterburn, released in 1992 tells his story)

The loss of my oldest brother was a sad season in my family’s lives, but especially for my brother, John. Although he always had a stoic exterior, I have come to understand that he suffered loss in a different way than the rest of us did. He not only lost a brother, he lost his best friend, the one person who knew him best and was supposed to be his lifelong friend. 

Today, my brother John has a family of his own and is close with his own son and grandsons, which I believe is God’s gift of comfort and blessing to him. In thinking about faith, families, siblings and the seasons of our lives, I have come to realize that Jesus is an older brother to all of us, and He stays with us throughout every season and trial that we go through.

For those who know what it’s like to prematurely lose a sibling, spouse, parent or child, Jesus has been there with us all along, as an older brother. He has known us since we were born, and leads us by example.

In every person’s life, there will be seasons of joy and sorrow, but if we learn to read the changing seasons of our lives, we can believe that everything is beautiful in its own time, since God uses all seasons towards our eternal good. We can go through life in peace, knowing Jesus has His arms around us, and we will never go through any season alone.

Lord, thank you for making every  season and cycle of our lives beautiful its own time. Give us the wisdom to read the season, to find joy through gratitude, and to know you love us and will be with us in every season. Amen

“For the Lord your God is He that goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

Deuteronomy 20:4 (RSV)

To everyone who ever hoped to have someone fight for them, you can be assured that God fights for you all day long by sending angel armies to battle those enemies of our souls, that we cannot see. He doesn’t fight to give us whatever we want, but to do what is best for our eternal souls.

As I think back to my early teens, I’m convinced now that God sent invisible helpers to lead me to a path of truth, which eventually set me free. During my foolish teen years, I immersed myself in the occult, dabbling with witchcraft, spells and into every area of fortune telling. As would be expected, I eventually became spiritually oppressed and couldn’t sleep well. I heard noises in my house, and felt an invisible presence over my shoulder at all times. Demonic oppression is real and it had a grip on me, but God sent His angels to fight for me. 

I’m always a bit hesitant to tell my story, thinking some may find it disturbing, or suspect it’s all in my mind, but I know that God fought for me. I have a special appreciation for Michael, the archangel, who appears in the Old Testament, to Joshua and Daniel, introducing himself as the captain of the Lord of hosts. He also appeared to John in his vision of Revelation. Michael’s role is directing all other angels in battling evil and angels are leading all of us to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

I became entangled in the occult, which began with a Ouija board that was brought into my home when I was about twelve. Out of my whole family I took hold of it the most, and it took hold of me as well. I became very obsessed with all topics related to the occult. My spiritual hunger was misdirected to the wrong spirits. 

By nineteen, I felt trapped by the effects of the occult, but still gave little thought to God, thinking I fell out of favor with Him a long time ago. Someone once told me about a book of prophecies that foretold the end of the world. In my fascination with prophecy, I went to an occult bookstore to buy the book. The clerk told me the book was based on the Bible and they don’t sell those books there, so I just gave up on the idea and headed home. I know now that angels were moving into action on my behalf that day. 

On the way home, while waiting for a bus, I stood in front of a little store that sold candy, snacks, magazines and newspapers. I casually glanced in the window of that store, and there was the exact book that I just inquired about. I believe the Holy Spirit and angels were directing me to that paperback book that day. 

I went home and read the entire book in one afternoon, while alone in my home. The prophecies about the end times didn’t change anything for me but a little prayer on the last page of the book was my destiny changer. It was a simple prayer, thanking Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins, asking His forgiveness and inviting Him into my life. 

I was totally drawn in and ready to pray the prayer, but before I could start, I heard noises in my kitchen although no one was home but me. A kitchen cabinet door was opened which I never opened. My two cats began racing back and forth in the house as if an unseen force was chasing them. An invisible battle was in progress, and though I could see nothing, angels were fighting a spiritual battle for my soul. I know now that God sent Michael, who sent  angels to defeat the powers of darkness, and lead me to turn my life over to Jesus. 

I finally prayed that prayer and felt a physical sensation as if warm oil was pouring over me from head to toe. It felt like the loving presence of Jesus and the cleansing of His forgiveness. In that moment, the Holy Spirit was taking over my whole being in a very powerful way and I had a peace that surpassed all understanding. 

There were no more noises in my home and no longer any presence over my shoulder, because angels drove away all the unwanted spirits and the Holy Spirit was in full control. That all happened over fifty years ago but I remember it as if it were yesterday. 

God’s archangel, Michael, pierced the darkness that had a grip on me, and the power of the blood of Jesus set me free that day. 

God sends His angels to fight for us and He never stops fighting for our souls. We have nothing to fear because greater is the Holy Spirit who is in us, than whoever or whatever is in the world around us. We can have peace which surpasses all understanding, knowing God loves us and will fight for our souls. 

Lord, thank you for your heavenly armies who fight for us and for our loved ones. Shine your light through every kind of darkness today and give us peace, because of your great love for us. Amen