I sprained my ankle four weeks ago. While our grandson and family were visiting, we went to the zoo. While walking, I stumbled on an uneven surface, falling face down and coming up with a bulging knee, thinking that was the worst of it. It wasn’t long before I discovered my foot wasn’t enjoying the walk back to the entrance. In the ER the next morning, the x-rays revealed it was only a sprain; thankfully, nothing was broken.
Hearing from my son and grandson, who have endured a few sprains in their lifetime, left me with the facts: it takes longer to heal a sprain than a broken bone. Ugh. After three weeks, I assumed I was ready to walk. I set the timer for five minutes, only to find I tweaked my foot, as my son Matt called it, forcing me back to using my wheely chair (really my drafting chair, which I use in my recording studio).
One night, while pondering and worrying about the healing process, I was engaging in the “what if’s” of not walking. So many things I usually do can’t be done without two walking feet. Walking to another room, scurrying around the kitchen for meal prep, going to the grocery store, walking to the mailbox, getting to church. We often don’t appreciate what we have when we have it. My husband and I had been walking thirty minutes daily until this happened. But now, I am lifting light weights and exercising my arms since my foot doesn’t work, at least not yet.
After a night wrestling with anxiety, the next morning during my Bible reading time, I finished the Old Testament book and paged to the New Testament Book of Philippians. In the Final Exhortations, it was as if God was speaking directly in follow up of my anxious thoughts the previous night. The sixth verse grabbed my attention. Although I can say this verse by heart, it was fresh, stand-off-the-page, bolded: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
How often have I been anxious only to have God bring His comfort again, “Do not be anxious ABOUT ANYTHING! (my emphasis), You would think at this stage of life, I would have conquered this kind of worry. However, God is so good, kind, and patient to remind us one more time.
The next verses affirm I need to keep practicing the “do not be anxious” part. Look at verses 8 and 9. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
As I closed my devotional time after reading the Philippians passage and repenting, a new calm settled in my mind. Remembering that God has my life in His control, I can rest in what He allows. Yes, a non-walking foot may hinder my comfort and make life a bit more challenging, yet His loving affirmation reminds me, “Do not be anxious about anything.”
The same God who sees the sparrow that falls (Matthew 10:29-31), knows how many hairs I have on my head (Luke 12:7) and knows where I will sit in a room before I do (Psalm 139:2), certainly doesn’t want me to be anxious. He’s got this, and I have Him, and therefore I have peace! I just need to keep practicing!
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
God can take the fear from our minds and give us peace. Enjoy the video song and let it fill your heart and soul with the promise from God’s Word, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 youtube:https://youtu.be/N3mM-oiSOtA
The world’s patterns fail to bring love and happiness, but the Author of marriage knows how to make it last a lifetime. Adapting God’s ways will instill ongoing, fulfilling joys between husband and wife.
I hope you will read and let me know your secrets for a long, happy marriage. My recently published article on Christianity.com is here.
(The picture is of me marrying a sweet couple from my congregation).
How do we grow stronger in faith and love for God? Though I remember walking down the church aisle at a tender age to give my life to Jesus, many years have passed, and I’m still learning what it means to seek God wholeheartedly, surrender to Him, and do what He says. The wealth of knowledge derived from God’s Word and the experience of His presence and surrendering my will to His have taught me the significance of obeying and trusting God’s way above my own.
Find these three ways in my online article at Christianity.com here.
The Inspired Written Word and the Eternal Living Word are forever inseparable. The Bible is Christ portrayed; Christ is the Bible fulfilled. One is the picture, the other is the person, but the features are the same and proclaim their identity (Pierson, Arthur T., Knowing the Scriptures: Rules and Methods of Bible Study, p. 33).
Our knowledge of Jesus is limited without an in-depth understanding of the Scripture. We learn who God is through the window of truth in the Sacred Pages of Scripture. And we understand who we are.
In my previous post, the advantages of reading the Written Word of God teach us God-secrets, right and wrong, keeps from sin, guides, and intensifies love for God and others (read it here). More than half of Americans wish they read the Bible more. Don’t be one of them. Become a student of the Word.
Photo by Timothy Eberly Unsplash
The Bible is often neglected when it’s thought to be irrelevant or hard to understand. Others say, “I just don’t have the time.” Bible reading isn’t for the casual Christian or the religious person. But it is for those earnest and persevering truth-seekers who pursue abundant spiritual growth and answers to the questions of life.
This Book is the Eternal Living Word about the Eternal Living Word, Jesus. He is the Word. Jesus spoke the Word of God and continues to speak. Each page is alive! (Hebrews 4:12-13).
The Bible is God’s book, divinely articulated through pen and paper, always new, with a superhuman level. Though reading through many times, it can never be fully discovered. The Spirit of God imparts heaven to the reader and brings a depth of soul-work through correction, conviction, instruction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), as it prepares one for the eternal.
The Scriptures portray and reveal Jesus and the Father. “In the Person of His Son, the Logos, the Word incarnate, the Father made Himself known as never before, with new clearness and fullness of revelation” (Pierson, p 4).
“We are to learn the mind of God from the words of God.”
Gregory the Great
JESUS IS THE WORD
Jesus was present in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” and in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”
Notice this triple description of Jesus, the Word— In the beginning, Jesus WAS the Word, was WITH God, and WAS God.
In the creation account of Genesis 1, God spoke a word, and it happened. Nine times in this first chapter, “And God said” (let there be light, sky, plants, etc.) is followed with the affirmation, “And it was so.” God’s spoken Word, out of nothing, brought everything into existence. With a word, the stars were set in place. A word stopped the oceans from covering the earth. A word gave man the breath of life.
“And the Lord said,” continues to speak his voice through the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles as they filled the pages of the sixty-six books of the Bible we hold in our hands.
Jesus came to earth as the Word of God, telling God’s love to His children. “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” John 1:14
With the power of His words, Jesus called Lazarus from the dead after four days by saying, “Lazarus, come forth.” And he did.
When Jesus healed the sick of the palsy, He said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk” (John 5:8). And Immediately, the man did.
Calming the storm, Jesus said, “Quiet! Be Still!” Then the wind died down, completely calm (Mark 4:39).
Just one Word, the storm calms. Just one Word, healing happens. Just one Word, the dead rise.
The Apostle John further describes Jesus in Revelation 19:13-15, “and his name is the Word of God” who strikes down the nations with one Word from his mouth, like a sword.
JESUS AND SCRIPTURE ARE ETERNALLY INSEPARABLE
Jesus and the Scriptures are eternally inseparable. The Bible is Jesus; Jesus is the fulfilled Bible. The Scriptures give us the picture of Jesus, and Jesus is the person, both containing the same features and proclaiming their true and similar identity.
You have magnified Your Word above all Your name (Psalm 138:2NKJV).
Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton Unsplash
SCRIPTURE TESTIFIES OF JESUS
Jesus told the religious Pharisees that although they studied the Scriptures, the Word didn’t dwell in them, nor did Jesus. “…nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” (John 5:39).
Following the Resurrection, on the road to Emmaus, Jesus declared to the perplexed disciples, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).
Dr. Pierson emphasizes the Scripture and Jesus. “In the volume of the Book, it is written of Me” (Psalms 40:7). The Holy Scriptures and the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ are so inseparably bound together, that whatever impairs the integrity and authority of the one correspondingly affects the other. The written Word is the Living Word enfolded: the Living Word is the Written Word unfolded (Pierson, pg 28).
Jesus is the Word of God, who came in the flesh to help us understand God’s greatness, love, mercy, and forgiveness. We hold in our hands the divine words from God’s mouth. When we read the Scripture, we are reading the Word of God. “These are the faithful and true sayings of God” (Revelation 19:9, 22:6).
God spoke at creation, and it was so.
God spoke to and through the prophets, “And the Lord said.”
God spoke through Jesus, the Word Carrier to earth.
God speaks through Scriptures, God’s Holy Word, individually to each of us, and reveals life-changing God-secrets!
CONCLUSION
How much do we value the Word – the Old Testament and the New Testament? One without the other is incomplete. In the Old Testament, Jesus is defined as a prophecy and amplified, explained, and illustrated in the New Testament.
The Old Testament prophets longed to see what we now see and understand through the pages of Scripture. Although hidden from their time, the message is now unveiled through Jesus and the pages of our Bible, the inspired written Word of God.
Peter reminds us, “Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow” (1 Peter 1:10,11).
from John’s Gospel, Chapter 1
Isn’t it extraordinary that our Bible, the WORD OF GOD, carries the same title as that of Jesus, the WORD OF GOD? If we love Jesus and desire to know Him more, do we maintain the same desire for the pages that testify of Him?
Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Our Bible delivers the changeless truths, exact, unvarying, and eternal words spoken from God’s mouth. Since the beginning of the earth, God’s appointed sun still rises each morning. The stars still shine each night, and seasons come and go. What God said in the beginning “was so.” Nothing has changed, nor has His Word.
The more time we spend getting to know the written Word, the more we will know and love Jesus. his divine Book mirrors its Author as it reveals, unveils, magnifies, and glorifies Him from whom it originally was given. Can we love Jesus without loving the Word of God? It seems impossible.
PRAYER
Lord, I desire to love Your Word. Help me embrace it. I long to love you, Lord, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
In anticipation of my forthcoming January interview on “Coffee and Connect with Lundstrom Ministries,” I have crafted an acrostic centered around the essence of PEACE— Prayer, Eternity, Assurance, Contentment, and Endurance. These elements stand as steadfast anchors, embodying God’s purpose, as affirmed by the timeless wisdom of Romans 8:28, assuring that all things work together for my ultimate good. Within the acronym, each letter unfolds as a symbolic anchor, with the initial letter—P representing the profound significance of prayer.
P – Prayer
Too frequently, my mental landscape becomes consumed by worry, weaving intricate patterns of unlikely scenarios and fixating on the worst-case possibilities. In these moments, I unwittingly overlook God’s inherently good purpose for every facet of my existence. It’s a paradox, as someone astutely expressed, “Peace is not found in the absence of problems but in the presence of God.” Allow me to illustrate this paradox with a personal experience.
Early in my ministry years, what seemed like an endless period of about three months was marked by a heaviness and dark cloud descending on me each night as I lay down to sleep with terrifying dreams depicting my family enduring torture for our faith. Desperate to break free, I kept reading the scriptures, praying, and seeking to understand.
Weeks passed, and the weight showed no signs of lifting. I grappled with the purpose behind this unsettling experience—was it a preparation for some future trial, a revelation of sin within me, or simply a test of my faith? Then, on a Saturday night, during my usual prayer for the Sunday worship services, I heard the unmistakable voice of God and hastily transcribed His words. Immense relief swept over me. My focus was immediately drawn to the scriptures, where the words leaped out at me in bold print, conveying God’s loving care for me, both now and in the future. At that moment, God’s peace enveloped me, dispelling the confusion that had clouded my understanding. I knew, without a doubt, that God had met me in that time of prayer.
That night, the ominous cloud still lingered as I settled into bed. However, armed with the passages of scripture that God gave me, I audibly recited them back to Him. Through hearing the scripture with my own ears, my focus fastened on God’s promises. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).
Each passing day grew progressively brighter. The dark heaviness and horrifying dreams no longer gripped me. In their place, peace took root. The promises in Isaiah 54, which had been given to me during the trying period, unfolded: “This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17b).
Plodding through the rough places when we didn’t think we could take anymore has taught me the truth: God is peace, and it begins with prayer. The comfort of Philippians 4:6-7 tells me I can bring all my concerns to my loving Lord, and as I do, my anxiety will allow peace to “guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.”
Another companion verse from Isaiah 26:13 reaffirms, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”
Set your heart and mind on things above
Colossians 3:1-2
E – Eternity in view: Perspective Shifts Everything
We reside in the state of Arizona, with the presence of beautiful, majestic mountain ranges. A mere twelve miles from our home stand the Santa Rita’s. As we make the drive towards them, a remarkable phenomenon unfolds. The closer we come, the more their grandeur expands, looming larger and more awe-inspiring.
In a parallel way, redirecting our earthly focus towards the eternal echoes this experience. Through prayer and the word of God, the proximity to Jesus is magnified. The closer we come to Him, the more expansive and profound He becomes— a towering presence far greater than our earthly troubles. It’s a perspective shift where the enormity of God dwarfs the scale of our problems.
In Colossians 3:1 and 2, Paul reminds us our hearts and minds can be filled with eternity’s focus. “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” And verse 15 continues, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since, as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Shifting our focus toward heaven, like David when facing Goliath, employs assurance in God’s promises of care. I wonder if Peter might have walked safely to shore with Jesus that stormy night had he maintained his focus on Him, steering clear of the turbulent distractions surrounding him.
A – Assurance in God’s Word: A Rock-Solid Foundation
Thankfully, we have an anchor of assurance in God’s Word. We can hold firmly to it as Psalm 119:105 declares: His Word is a lamp for our feet, illuminating the path ahead.
While living in Minnesota, we faced a battle instigated by the county government, which aimed to jeopardize our well-being by imposing substantial property taxes, putting our retirement funds in peril.
The focal point of contention was the land itself, specifically what lay beneath it—- a previously undisclosed dump site, absent from our property deed. The four-year struggle pushed us to our limits. Our mainstay verse, tailor-made for our situation, came from Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Through the miraculous workings of God, our house was spared, and the legislature shifted the burden from us to the responsible party, the state, allowing us to emerge from a trial that once seemed insurmountable.
God is faithful. His Word is true. We have the assurance we are on a rock-solid foundation, and “when the storm passes, the righteous stand firm forever” (Proverbs 10:25).
C- Contentment: Embracing the Now
In a world constantly urging us to strive for more, contentment can seem unmanageable. Yet, there’s profound peace in embracing the now and acknowledging God’s blessings around us. Philippians 4:11-12 nudges us to be content in all circumstances, whether in want or plenty.
Though not easy, recognizing what we have been given through the shed blood of Jesus and the blessings that come from being Him will carry us through any situation and into eternity.
Prayer, with eyes on Jesus, and standing on God’s promises will bring us contentment as we trust in God. Contentment comes through being thankful. Our family, friends, home, food, spiritual blessings, and much more than we deserve are gifts from the One who gave us life and breath, “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17).
We can weather life’s storms by growing these anchors of Prayer, Eternity, Assurance,Contentment, and Endurance.
E – Endurance: Weathering Life’s Storms
David’s life stands as a profound testament to endurance. Personal setbacks seemed insurmountable as he grappled with years of evading murderous King Saul. Despite being anointed as the future King of Israel, David, in a pivotal moment, returned from his time with the Philistine King Achish to find Ziglag in ruins and his loved ones taken captive. Overwhelmed, David and his men wept until they had no strength left to weep.
David had already spent years enduring a relentless pursuit by Saul, compelling him to live in exile. Seeking refuge in the Philistine territory proved futile, as he faced rejection from the commanders of their king. David’s challenges escalated as the families were taken captive and the city lay in ruins. After years of navigating the hardships of seeking sanctuary, he faced the disheartening reality that even his trusted men wanted to kill him.
What did David do? He had the anchors of peace through the struggles, and David “found strength in the Lord his God” (2 Samuel 30:6).
He led his men to recover all that was lost in that divine strength, realizing the Lord had granted them victory. Instead of succumbing to despair, David restored their families and everything that had been taken. David shared the spoils of victory with friends and elders in Judah, spreading God’s bounty.
David’s resilience, fortified by prayer and an eternal perspective, gave him the assurance and confidence to endure the trial as described by Proverbs 14:30, “A heart of peace gives life to the body.”
The next time a storm comes, we have all we need to survive and come through victoriously.
I’m so thankful God meets every need, including a peace that passes understanding. Prayer and an eternal perspective with assurance in God’s Word produce God’s “peace which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). This assurance cultivates the confidence to bolster endurance, helping us weather any storm that life may present.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1,2
Many people around the globe are facing persecution and death because of their faith. Terrorism, inhumane attacks on Israel, and our nation’s deterioration of Judeo-Christian standards cause concern. If the time comes, would we have the courage to face martyrdom for our faith?
According to Open Doors World Watch Trends, 5,621 Christians were martyred last year. Christians killed in 2023 numbered 80% more than five years ago (3,066).
Considering martyrdom is a harrowing prospect that prompts a myriad of emotions. Yet, it also finds comfort in the unshakable faith evidenced by those who’ve gone before.
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Plate VII, Death of Cranmer.
November 1 marks a significant event called All Saints’ Day, a time for Christians to remember and honor the martyrs throughout history. Considering the state of our world and the call to commitment in the face of adversity, this blog post will delve into the history of All Saints’ Day, exploring its roots, evolution, and significance for believers today.
Remembering Early Christina Martyrs
The history of All Saints’ Day can be traced back to the early Christian era when martyrdom was a common occurrence. Stephen, the first martyr in the New Testament book of Acts, is described as full of God’s grace and power, performing great signs and wonders. While being stoned by unbelievers, he said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 6:8-7:60).
Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna in the 2nd century, was a disciple of the apostle John and a faithful defender of the apostles’ teachings against early heretics. When Christians were interrogated and required to bow before the Roman emperor and renounce Christ, if they refused, they were brutally executed. Polycarp was bound and burned at the stake, but then stabbed as the fire failed to consume his body.
William Tyndale (1494-1536) was an English theologian and scholar who translated the New Testament into English. In 1536 the Church of England considered him a heretic. He was strangled and burned at the stake. His famous last words were, “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.”
Another significant Reformer, Thomas Cranmer (1489-1536), the Archbishop of Canterbury, authored the book of Common Prayer, still used by many Christians today. Cranmer was arrested and tried for heresy under Queen Mary and burned at the stake in 1536.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), a German pastor and theologian who opposed the Nazi regime’s persecution of Jews, was executed for plotting the death of Adolf Hitler. He was hanged on April 9, 1945, at a POW camp, just days before the end of World War II. His last words, “This is the end—for me, the beginning of life.”
Countless others throughout history have suffered martyrdom for their allegiance to God. The early Church recognized the significance of honoring martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice, and All Saints’ Day was born.
Early Christian Martyrs and the Need for Commemoration
The Feast of All Martyrs was practiced in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition and eventually made its way to the Western Christian calendar. This early commemoration laid the foundation for the concept of honoring all saints.
A most significant step in the development of All Saints’ Day came during the reign of Pope Boniface IV. In the 7th century, he consecrated the Pantheon in Rome, a pagan temple, into a Christian church dedicated to the martyrs. Today, it’s known as the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs.
The Shift to November 1st
The date of All Saints’ Day was initially celebrated on various dates. In the 9th century, Pope Gregory III officially designated November 1 as the universal date for All Saints’ Day to Christianize the pagan festivities of Samhain at the end of the harvest season.
Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), a pagan festival, celebrated on October 31 between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice. Deceased ancestors were invited to visit the living during their festivities. To avoid unwanted attention from the supernatural, masks and costumes were used to disguise oneself from wandering spirits. These customs and traditions influenced the Western world’s Halloween practices in a more secular and commercialized form.
The Spread of All Saints’ Day
Over time, All Saints’ Day spread throughout the world. Today, it is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, often marked by church services, lighting candles, and remembering those who gave their lives for the cause of the gospel.
The Importance of All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day is both a historical tribute and a celebration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their unwavering faith in the promise of eternal life bestowed by God. It echoes the words of the apostle Paul to young Timothy; “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).
In moments of reflection, we ponder: Would we, like these martyrs, be willing to lay down our lives for our faith? All Saints’ Day reminds us that we stand for something greater than life itself—our profound faith in the gospel. Following the example of Jesus, who bore the weight of our sins while innocent and sinless, we are reminded by 1 John 3:16, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
As Hebrews says, because “we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
The “great cloud of witnesses,” the martyrs, offered their lives for us. In gratitude for their sacrifice, we are inspired to live with the same unwavering dedication and determination for the gospel’s sake. Our heartfelt prayer remains that the Lord’s return comes before the need for such selfless sacrifice reaches our shores. In the meantime, we treasure the memory of those who bravely stood for their faith, and we, too, fix our eyes on Jesus as we run the race marked out for us.
