Tuesday Tidbits

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Rev 22:21

Last week, the skies were filled with smoke and ash from out-of-control wildfires in our area. Extremely dry conditions contributed to the spread and difficulty in containing the burn. Nearby towns were evacuated, and people were advised to stay indoors due to poor air quality. Then, the skies opened up in the early hours of Sunday morning, and the rains came, along with thunder and lightning. It was a spectacular light show from the heavens. I don’t claim to understand God’s timing in any circumstance, especially the weather, but I know His timing is always perfect (Ecc 3:1). Why was the rain not sent days earlier? Why did so much land have to burn? Why did people’s lives have to be interrupted? I don’t know the answers to any of those questions concerning this event or any other life-changing event, but I fully trust that God has His reasons, which are always for our good as Believers, even when it doesn’t seem or feel so good (Romans 8:28).

The skies in this part of North Carolina are not just beautiful but breathtaking, particularly after a storm. My year-long study of the Book of Revelation has concluded, and I can honestly say that my thoughts and ponderings have changed when looking up and admiring the skies after this study. The Book of Revelation is a gift from God to strengthen and encourage Believers until He suddenly returns in the clouds. “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him” (Rev 1:7). Looking into the unlimited expanse of the skies brings a different perspective now. Studying Revelation in depth can seem daunting, scary, and even unnecessary if you know you are Heaven-bound. I admit I used to be in that camp, thinking it would be too consuming. But I can assure you that the opening verse of blessing is true. “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Rev 1:3). God’s great mercy and love for His people is poured out in the pages of Revelation and it is something not to be missed. It inspires trust in God and the truth of His Word. All the promises and prophecies of the scriptures come to life in Revelation.

The greatest promise of them all is that He is coming back. He declares it three times in the final chapter (Rev 22:7,12,20). That is the bottom line. Theologians debate timelines and the symbolism portrayed throughout the text, but one thing is not up for debate. The Hope of the world is coming, in His appointed time. As sure as the rains doused the fire’s flames on Sunday morning, He is returning. The Book of Revelation admonishes us to be faithful and watchful for His perfect timing. During times of distress, when we don’t understand God’s timing or the circumstances of our lives, we are called to renew our minds and remember the prophecies that give us hope and peace.  “We are an Easter people living in a Good Friday world, not Good Friday people living in an Easter World. That means we are destined for joy no matter how difficult our daily lives” (Barbara Johnson). The tomb is empty, and Jesus is coming back. This is the joy that awaits us, a joy that transcends our daily struggles and gives us hope. Amen, Come, Lord Jesus (Rev 22:20). And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.

The picture was taken Sunday evening after the storm off the coast of Wrightsville Beach.               

“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and the hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23 

I was blessed with the opportunity to attend an Operation Christmas Child Conference this past weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. The massive OCC processing center was filled with volunteers from across the country, including individuals from as far away as North Pole, Alaska, Germany, Australia, South Korea, and Africa. Being surrounded by hundreds of Believers in worship and studying the Word under the guidance of gifted and wise leaders is truly one of my happy places. I left feeling refreshed, energized, and incredibly humbled to be a tiny part of the Operation Christmas Child ministry. 

At the conference opening, we were encouraged to memorize Luke 14:23 and had numerous opportunities throughout our time together to practice it in unison. In this parable (Luke 14:12-24), a man planned a large banquet and sent out invitations. When the banquet was about to start, the servant contacted each guest, but they all provided absurd and flimsy excuses for not attending. When the master heard these unacceptable excuses, he became outraged and told the servant to “go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame” (vs 21). However, the servant had already gathered the downtrodden townspeople, and there was still room at the table. So, he was sent on a broader search to the highways and the hedges. The word “compel” does not mean to force in this case, but rather to urge or firmly persuade someone to come to the feast. The master is dissatisfied with empty seats and wants every spot at the table to be filled. The master of the house symbolizes God, and the great banquet represents the Kingdom of God. Most theologians agree that the initial invitees were the Jews, who rejected Jesus with laughable and invalid excuses. Thus, the invitation was extended to the downtrodden or “unclean” of the day, and beyond that to the highways and hedges, symbolizing the Gentiles. Christ flung open the doors to the banquet so that all may join and have the opportunity to repent, believe in Him, and be saved.  John MacArthur comments on this fact, stating, “God is more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved.” And that is where we, as Believers, come in. 

We are the servants. We have the honor and privilege of telling everyone why they don’t want to miss the feast. We are called to go to the highways and hedges and be persuasive. Missions and evangelism take many forms, and as long as the ultimate goal is to present Jesus front and center and share the Good News, we remain true to our calling. I listened to adult speakers who, as children, were shoebox recipients, receiving a copy of The Greatest Gift in their language, sharing how the course of their lives changed both here and for eternity. They had never received a gift and had never been shown love. They had never encountered Jesus. As children, they lived on the streets—on the highways—and were the downtrodden. Now, they feast at the King’s table! That’s why we share God’s love. That’s why we tell people about Jesus and share the plan of salvation, so that “those who are called will receive the promised eternal inheritance” (Heb 9:15). 

The picture is one of hundreds of photos of shoebox recipients placed in the seats during the conference. This one was at my seat. I know that when the little boy opened the box, he was filled with joy and excitement, but the box was just a pathway to the folded hands of prayer. Jesus is the most precious gift that can ever be received. And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

This is Holy Week in the life of a Christian. It commemorates the seven days leading up to Easter. It begins with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Luke 19:28-44), followed by Jesus’s betrayal by Peter (Luke 22:1-6), and the gathering of Jesus and the disciples for Passover, known as the Last Supper on Thursday (Luke 22:7-20). On Friday, instead of the cries of Hosanna sung on Sunday, shouts of “Crucify Him” echoed. Our Lord and Savior was crucified, died, and was buried (Luke 23:26-55). And then Sunday came, marking the most important day on the Christian calendar and the culmination of Holy Week. He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose. Luke provides a detailed account of Holy Week. Please don’t misunderstand me; the details are essential, but more importantly, they point unmistakably to the complete sovereignty of God and His plan for the redemption of His people. Sometimes, Christians become so engrossed in debating scriptural nuances that they miss the big picture.

Maybe I am mistaken in saying that Easter Sunday is the most important day on the Christian calendar, as many argue that Jesus’s birth holds that honor. While His birth is significant, His death and resurrection are foundational events for Christian salvation. His death was the ultimate act of unconditional love and redemption, making a way for us not to perish but to be reconciled to God and live with Him forever. From the beginning to the end of time, God is all about redemption. That’s the big picture. At this time of year, I reflect on the idea of the world becoming as excited and participatory during Holy Week as it is in the weeks leading up to Christmas. How different would this week look, not only in our lives and communities but also in the world? I don’t mean the decorations, busyness, and commercialization of Jesus’s birth. I’m talking about the anticipation, awe, and wonder experienced at Christmas, translating to the hope and assurance of living with Jesus in Heaven forever. Because that is what Easter is all about. Yes, He arose! It was glorious, celebratory, and unbelievable to some. But even more magnificent, humbling, and incredible is that He would choose to die for us and our sins so that we could be redeemed from the penalty of our sins.

In the book of John, Holy Week is recorded without all the details that Luke provides, because John aims to illuminate who Jesus was and what He came to do. Even if you know all the details of Holy Week through ceremonial services, childhood Bible stories, and egg hunts, if you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior, the purpose of Easter is lost, this is comparable to the millions of people who put up Christmas trees and exchange gifts but do not know the One whose birthday they are celebrating. It is not about knowing “of” but knowing “who” Jesus is. That is the reason for the seasons!

Like millions of others, I’ve walked the paths of the Garden, peered inside the empty tomb, and gazed upon the place of His death. Being in the Garden brought tears of sadness and joy. My mind envisioned the morning as the sun rose and Jesus wore His new body for the first time. In that hazy light of dawn, He was mistaken for the gardener by a woman who watched Him die (John 20:10-18). All Jesus had to do was utter her name, and she recognized Him because she knew Jesus. She knew Him, and He knew her. I pray that the One who calls us by name and redeems us from our sins is recognizable this week because we know Him. That is the essence of Easter, and that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.

The picture was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane in March 2022. It reminds me of the old hymn “In the Garden.” “He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” Oh, the joy of knowing Him!          

I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:5. 

This season of our lives brings discussions about complex sleep issues and rest among our friends. Do you remember when pulling an “all-nighter” for a major exam or work project was common? Not too long ago, sleep was often regarded as a luxury that could be sacrificed for productivity. Some even boasted about their ability to function on just a few hours of sleep each night. However, times have changed, and our attitudes toward sleep have shifted. This is one area where science finally aligns with the truth in the scriptures. God promises us peace and rest if we rely on Him. “In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). The fact that God makes this promise numerous times throughout the scriptures indicates its importance for our health and well-being, both physically and spiritually. Johns Hopkins Medicine states that lack of sleep is a health issue that deserves attention, as it can affect our mood, memory, and overall health in far-reaching and surprising ways. They further noted, “Lack of sleep and proper rest can also affect our judgment, so we don’t notice its effects.” Wow! Not only can it increase the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer, depression, and anxiety, but we might not even be aware of it. Sleep and rest are essential weapons against Satan. It is no wonder he tries his hardest to steal them from us. 

Where is our focus when we are sick and unable to serve the Lord physically? When we feel worried, depressed, and anxious, where is our focus when our minds are filled with fear and doubt? When we are weary, where is our focus as our energy wanes? Is our focus on the Lord, or on the struggles that arise from a lack of sleep and rest? Satan would love nothing more than for our focus to be on those side effects rather than on the Lord. John warns us that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). And what better way to harm us than through disease and to ruin our lives and our families’ lives through mental and spiritual decline by robbing us of sleep? It seems almost ridiculous that Satan would use something as simple as a good night’s rest to attack us, but he does. We must be vigilant and on guard; otherwise, as Johns Hopkins warns, we may not even notice. More importantly, the Bible instructs us to “be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8-9). 

Satan desires nothing more than for us to feel tired, worn out, and in poor health. He can quietly achieve his goal simply by leading us into patterns that deprive us of sleep and rest. His tactics are numerous and subtle, tailored specifically for us. Conflict with family or friends, job stress, and financial issues can all keep us awake at night. Social media, endless scrolling, and TV can steal precious hours of rest, and here’s the sneaky part of that behavior pattern: We stay up too late watching the next reel or episode night after night, leaving us exhausted. It’s bad enough when our faces go unwashed and teeth go unbrushed, but when we finally climb into bed and attempt evening prayers, we often fall asleep after simply saying, “Dear Lord!” Satan not only robs us of our sleep but also steals our prayers because we are too tired to engage in them. Mission accomplished. Prayer bypassed and exhausted. May we remain vigilant and protect our sleep and rest, for they are vital weapons against the one who seeks to devour us. And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.  

By divine power, God has granted us everything we need to live a godly life. We obtain all this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself through His marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3

Cold, rainy, and extremely windy days call for indoor activities. Sunday afternoon was such a day, making a stroll through the Home Show at the local Convention Center perfect. However, I soon realized I didn’t need most of what was displayed for a new home. What caught my eye was the number of chiropractic practices present. I found it an odd venue for them, but I suppose they thought some DIYers might need their services after completing a demanding project. I won’t advocate for or against chiropractic care, but one booth intrigued me. Their entire display stood out from all the others, and the conditions they claimed to alleviate weren’t your typical chiropractic issues, like digestive disorders and depression.

I learned they had a non-conventional approach, focusing exclusively on two vertebrae in the neck. Essentially, they believe these two vertebrae are key to the health and well-being of the entire body. The premise is that if these two vertebrae at the base of the brain are misaligned, the nerve impulses from the brain are impeded as they travel through the body, leading to sickness and pain. When the vertebrae are aligned, the nervous system functions properly, restoring the body’s function and healing signals. I won’t judge their philosophy or treatment techniques, but I agree that things in our bodies or lives become unfavorable when they are out of alignment.

I have a friend dealing with an excruciating neck issue. The scans reveal that she has a small 3mm protrusion, and in her words, “to think that a slight misalignment could wreak havoc like this is unreal.” That’s a physical illustration of being misaligned, but what about the spiritual consequences of not aligning with God and His ways? That can be just as damaging and painful in our lives. When humanity does not choose Jesus as their Savior, the eternal pain they face will be indescribable. The scriptures provide us a glimpse, but I doubt our finite minds can even begin to comprehend the pain and suffering of an eternity separated from God. That’s one spiritual consequence of not aligning with God, but as Believers, our lives should showcase examples of misalignment and restoration—a process known as sanctification.

As Believers, the process of sanctification begins at salvation. “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption” (1 Cor 1:30). We were set apart for God’s use (sanctified), and the transformative process guided by the Holy Spirit, commenced. Transforming our sinful nature into Christ-like behavior is a lifelong, progressive journey that won’t be completed until we reach glory. In my personal experience, sanctification is often painful. When we align ourselves away from God’s will for our lives or stray from His truth, chaos will follow in some areas. But just like a chiropractor guides the vertebrae back into alignment, the Holy Spirit does the same if we listen and obey.

The picture is not of a person I know. It is a generic picture used to show the vertebra in the neck.               

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms and there are grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!                Habakkuk 3:17-19

My friend walked through our front door carrying a single flower. It was clear that it was a fresh cutting from her garden, and considering our recent historically cold weather, it was an unexpected gift. The flower was stunningly beautiful. Her thoughtfulness in sharing it with me and its beauty alone brought joy to my heart. Then she told me the name. “Irrational Exuberance.” According to my research, and not because I possess a green thumb, I learned it is aptly named and is one of the showiest and most elegant variegated Camellias, blooming from late winter into spring. Before knowing anything about the flower, the name reminded me of the verse from Habakkuk.

Anyone within earshot of Habakkuk’s prayer could definitely have described him as exhibiting “irrational exuberance.” Being joyful (exuberant) and finding any reason to rejoice amid the circumstances would seem illogical and unjustifiable (irrational) to those around him. The prophet lived in a time of desperation and distress. Wickedness and oppression surrounded him. God revealed to him that the Babylonians were coming, and He would not stop them. The Israelites would be exiled because of their rebellion and refusal to repent of their sins. There were no clear reasons for joy to be found in those circumstances.

Much like we do today during trials and suffering, Habakkuk asks God why and how long he will endure his circumstances in the opening chapter. Peter says, “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13). So Habakkuk should not have been surprised by his circumstances, nor should we. And there it is again. The unnatural human response to pain and suffering. Joy! And not just joy, but overjoyed; Exuberant! Christians should not be happy that the journey brings trials, heartache, and suffering, but we should view them with joy because of our hope and trust in Jesus. God did not leave Habakkuk hanging; He revealed to him the purpose of the suffering. He may not always explain why or for how long we suffer, but we can trust there is always a purpose. God is sovereign and is always at work. The unbeliever, during suffering, is consumed by chaos, bitterness, and anger because they see only the pain and not the purpose. If we remain in Him, steadfast and patient, He will use the trial for our good and His glory. That’s a promise (Romans 8:28-29).

My personal experience is that there is never just a single reason for pain and suffering because it is not lived out in this world in a vacuum. Our trials are interwoven and intermingled with the lives of others, and both Believers and unbelievers will witness our responses. Every trial allows us to seek God more passionately, know Him more deeply, and display “Irrational Exuberance” to the world amid suffering. That’s our witness, His glory, and your Tuesday Tidbit. 

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Two weeks have passed, but it is still the topic of conversation at the local hair salon, and most of the opinions are unfavorable. I’m referring to recent record-setting snowfall across the South. Our coastal area was not left out, receiving, on average, around five inches, bringing most everything to an abrupt halt for two to three days. I was in a lane all by myself when asked if I liked snow. But when I explained why, no one seemed to disagree.

There is nothing that equates to the peaceful quietness of a gentle snowfall. Other weather events that keep us indoors and hunkered down are loud, thunderous, potentially destructive, and dark. In an incomparable way, snow quietly falls, transforming the ground into a beautifully pristine, almost flawless palate. It always gives me a tangible vision of this week’s verse. Psalm 51 is David’s heartfelt confession to God after Nathan confronts him about his tragic choices concerning his sinful behavior with Bathsheba, including adultery and the contrived death of her husband, Uriah, the Hittite. 2 Samuel 11-12 has all the components of a modern-day NCIS episode with lust, secrecy, deception, lies, and murder. When Nathan confronts David, he takes full responsibility and offers his prayer of repentance to God, as we read in Psalm 51.

David was a man after God’s own heart and was wholeheartedly devoted to God. Was he perfect? Absolutely not! Not even close. If you look at his life, he broke most of the Ten Commandments at this one low point in his life. But upon being confronted, David recognizes he is a sinner and his sinful nature. As the king, he could have told Nathan he didn’t know what he was talking about and then put him in a place where he could not tell anyone else or have him killed. He was that powerful. But instead, the Holy Spirit opened his eyes, and he saw how far he had fallen and that he needed God’s mercy and cleansing. “For I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:4). David was deeply grieved because he had grieved God. His heart ached not because he got caught and called out by Nathan but because He knew he was thoroughly stained with sin and that only God could cleanse him. His plea for mercy, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from sin” (vs. 1), is rooted securely, one hundred percent, in God’s character of unfailing love and mercy and not in his own righteousness. He had absolute faith that, having asked with a contrite heart and willingness to turn from his sin, he would be forgiven and white as snow in God’s eyes. Would he be spared of the consequences, sadly not all of them? However, the only thing that mattered to David was that he would be restored to a right relationship with God. He wanted his joy restored (vs. 12).

The next time it snows wherever you are, I hope it will remind you of God’s infinite love for humanity and His desire to cleanse and redeem us no matter how far we have fallen. With that truth in mind, the peaceful, quiet scene of a snowfall, the cover of pure white beauty that hides the brown of winter underneath, and the joy-filled squeals of children making snow angels can bring new meaning to a snow day! And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.

The picture is the front of our coastal North Carolina home on the first day of the snow.

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-36

The weatherman says it’s going to snow here in Wilmington, NC, and believe me, it is the talk of the neighborhood and the local TV station. A polar vortex is bringing a harsh arctic blast to millions of Americans, including those in the South. They say it could be a historic snowfall in many parts of the southern United States, and recommended preparations are posted everywhere. Growing up in West Virginia, I am no stranger to snow and cold. I’m in the very small minority of folks in our coastal neighborhood who enjoy the snow and don’t mind the thermometer dipping. While I love to stay indoors and watch it snow and make soup, the realistic me knows that extreme cold and snow are brutal. It’s brutal for people who work outside, for animals, and just getting out to do life is more complicated. Winter as beautiful as it can be; the brutality of it ushers in a sense of anticipation. The longing for brighter days, warmer temperatures, more effortless living, and that first green sign of spring.  

The Book of Esther is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Max Lucado writes, “In the book of Esther, it’s as if God, in his kind providence, heard all the prayers of all the souls who have ever been stuck in an arctic January. To every person who has longed to see a green sprig on a barren branch, he says, “Follow Me. I want you to see what I can do.” The brutality of life can bring the same sense of anticipation for emotionally weary people, the person surrounded by adversaries, outsmarted by fate, and outdone by fear. They long for the daily drama to bring refreshing news, to feel safely and securely encompassed by friends and family, for the wheel of providence to land in their favor, and for the gut-gripping fear to be replaced by peace. They search daily for the first bud on the leafless tree to bring a sense of hope that the long winter will soon be followed by spring. But where do they search? Do they choose the latest self-help book or podcast based on their dilemma? Do they google and read the recommendations from Reddit or Quora? Do they ask Alexa and hear the AI response? Or turn to secular-minded friends and family?  The list of sources for help is endless. But the Bible tells us clearly where that help should come from, “I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Psalm 121 is one of the “Songs of Ascent” sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. As a weary traveler walks towards Jerusalem, he lifts his tired head and scans the horizon for the city that sits high on the hill. How much longer must he helplessly journey? How much longer will the lonely Arctic winter last? His gaze must move upward to search for Jerusalem because the answer cannot be found in the dirt path beneath his feet. The road offers different options for the journey, but only by looking up can the right direction be seen, and it avoids becoming lost in the wilderness. The world presents many opportunities to find help, but the Spirit-led answer can only be found by turning the pages of His Word.  The gaze continues towards the heavenly realm, past the Holy City, where the Lord of Lords and King of Kings resides. And the search ends, Spring has come.  Yahweh quietly whispers from the clouds, “Follow Me.” And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.

The picture is of my West Virginia family farm, situated atop South Fork Mountain in the beautiful foothills of the Shenandoah Mountain.   

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3

As I write this, it is January 6th, Epiphany, on the liturgical church calendar. Epiphany in church history commemorates the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the visiting Magi. It is a day to celebrate God stepping into the world and announcing He came into the world for all people. He wasn’t done with humanity; He had a redemption plan, and that plan was and is Jesus! Epiphany is also seen as the official end of the Christmas season for some, myself included. The decorations are packed away, the cabinets are cleared of all Christmas treats, and the New Year has begun. Resolutions are made, goals are redefined, and reflections of the previous year are pondered. One of my resolutions is to be more aware in the upcoming year of seeing God in the little things of everyday life. I admit that amid this significant life transition, my eyes have been clouded with to-do lists, assimilating to a new lifestyle, and mourning the loss of the familiar.

Our guide made an interesting statement on a recent trip to the Bahamas as we approached the beach area. He told us that a “shark-proof” area had been made for our enjoyment. I can honestly say that I thought it was a joke. As we approached the beach, the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Bahamas stretched out in full glory, but our delectation of those waters would be restricted to a small man-made lagoon.  A rock wall had been constructed with small inlets to let water flow in and out freely. A rope line and buoys were anchored in front of the wall to ensure everyone knew that the rocks and the seas beyond were off-limits. A lifeguard or, more aptly, the “shark guard” was stationed on the rocks for an extra measure of safety. Not so much to watch for people trying to escape, which was almost impossible, but to watch for what might enter into the lagoon from the sea. As I marveled at the physical barrier attempting to keep me safe, I was reminded that God gives us boundaries to keep us safe. He stations the Holy Spirit in our hearts to guard it from an invasion, and He will always throw us a rope and a buoy to grab (but we must grab it) when we venture too close to danger.  

God’s boundaries are His standards for righteous living, given in His Word. Often, Christians are ridiculed for having too many rules and not being able to have fun. But nothing could be further from the truth. As Christians, our deepest desire should be to follow God’s way of righteous living out of love for Him and because of the sacrifice made for us. That is the only way to experience freedom and to enjoy the life God has given us fully. When we step outside of the boundaries because of selfish desires, we become slaves to sin. God’s boundaries keep us safe from ourselves.

The boundaries, with the help of the Holy Spirit, create a barrier that gives us the strength to resist an invasion of temptations that don’t align with God’s Word. But at the end of the day, we are all human and will need the rope and buoy to put us back within the boundaries when we venture too far off course. God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, and Godly wisdom from Pastors, family, or friends are our Christian journey’s rope/buoy system. I pray that in the upcoming year, you will experience the beauty and freedom of swimming within the waters of God’s boundless love and protection. And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.

The picture is of the safety lagoon on the island of CocoCay, Bahamas.       

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20

In this season of Thanksgiving, we are surrounded by countless reasons to be thankful. The sky shouts His name, and even if the season brings sorrow or our lives are plagued with trials, the sky alone should give us reason to be thankful because it is an ever-present tangible reminder of God.  Paul’s letter to the Romans offers believers a strong foundation for faith in Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving emanates from a strong foundation of knowing God and His attributes and forms the basis of all thanksgiving and praise. Our life’s endeavor should be to know God as a God who is sovereign, trustworthy, faithful, and good. The psalmist captures the yearning we should all possess, “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2).

The word “good” seems too simple to describe God, and the auto-correct dictionary wants to replace it with many other synonyms, but good is the perfect word. As children, we learn God is good through the simple “God is great, God is good” prayer before eating. As adults, we read His Word filled with His goodness, we see nature that sings of His goodness, and our lives are a living testimony to His gracious goodness. We have much to be thankful for! He is with us in the trenches of life, and He is good. He is with us on the mountaintops of joy, and He is good. As believers, if we can grab hold of the simple reality that God is good, our perspectives on many of life’s twists and turns will change.

In Mark 10:18, Jesus declares, “No one is good except God alone”.  He doesn’t say God is the greatest or the most awesome; He says good. The Hebrew word for good in these passages is “Tov,” and the meaning goes beyond not bad or lower than great. It is a complete goodness encompassing not just moral characteristics of kindness and faithfulness and is often used to refer to God alone. God is the source of all things good and all good in us. God is good all the time, in all circumstances, and in all seasons. Give Him praise and thanksgiving for His infinite goodness. And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.