Author: Jon Harris

There was a marriage once proclaimed dead but against all odds, it came back to life. The couple found reconciliation and even came out stronger, forgiving each other, owning their parts, acknowledging their weaknesses. The wife was near death more than once but she lived and is a beloved grandmother and mother. The husband was dead in his own sin but he was raised to life through forgiveness and faith which resulted in him living life abundantly.

This couple has seen a lot over the last fifty plus years of marriage. They face new challenges every day but one thing that does not waiver is their faith and hope in the eternal. The husband in this marriage has been known to say for many years “keep the faith eh!”, reminiscent of 2 Timothy 4:7.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

On top of all of it all, this couple has built a legacy in shepherding Christ-following relationships in their children, grandchildren and in discipling relationships.

I for one am a great benefactor of this legacy as the husband and wife in this story are my parents and the day this post was published on their wedding anniversary. The lessons taught and observed in them being humble, putting others first, thinking before speaking, loving others, turning the other cheek, giving, serving, forgiving, and listening resonate with me daily. In these teachings I have become equipped to lead myself, my family, in the workplace and in organizations where I serve. Ultimately their love and sacrifice has equipped me to live fearlessly with eternity in mind and so for that I am grateful beyond words.

Similar to what I’ve seen through my own family, in Acts 9:26-43 we find two “no way!” stories, once dead, now alive.

The believers meet Saul after his conversion but before understanding his major change of heart. This is the guy who set out to punish and kill the believers, yet now is following as they are, and speaking boldly as a proponent of Jesus and the resurrection. He was once dead in his pride and then became more alive than ever after his transformation. He was once the self-proclaimed foremost of sinners and went on to become the foremost in preaching and teaching the Gospel. Saul (Paul) was responsible for writing much of what we know today as The New Testament.

We also learn of a believer named Tabitha who became ill, died, and was washed for burial. People had surrounded her weeping and mourning over the loss. She was dead, no doubt about it. Then Peter arrives at the scene, sends everyone away, and begins to pray. I’m thinking “Why pray now, she’s dead?”… But God.

Peter speaks to Tabitha, telling her to get up, then she opens her eyes and sat up. Dead then alive!

If God can raise the dead, transform my parent’s marriage, guide them through illnesses, transform their hearts and save a sinner like me, there is nothing he cannot do. This resurrecting power is not a magic trick, you can’t buy it, and you cannot even earn it because it is freely given when we choose to put our faith, hope, trust and our life in Jesus.

Why not take one simple step in trusting him today whether for the first time or trusting him more than ever? Start with one area such as your finances, career, marriage, illness, or a broken relationship. If you open your heart and let him work, you will see what might seem dead now come to life eternal.

We all want to be loved. We want to be accepted. We want to be received warmly by others. To hear our name. To be valued.

My wife is currently traveling for an extended period to spend quality time with friends and family. One thing that has stood out is witnessing online and hearing from her about the joy that she has had while reuniting with loved ones. Equally impactful is how she has been received so warmly and lovingly. It brings me great joy to know that she is being well taken care of and loved. I miss her terribly and can’t wait for her to be back home safe and reunite as a couple and as a family.

Less than a week after Amy returns, I’ll be traveling solo for business and to visit my sisters and parents. One thing I look forward to is the warm welcomes; those initial moments when you make eye contact and there is no need for words. Loving eyes and big hugs; and yes even many of my work colleagues give big hugs as we are like family.

Typically greetings are influenced by the amount of love, respect and gratitude we have for the other person. We also tend to have “more heart” when the reunion is long overdue, or if the time together is due to the need to grieve together, or if the occasion is related to a much anticipated event.

Next time you see a friend or family member, make a mental note how they received you and how you received them. Did you feel loved? Did they?

In the same way, how do you envision a face-to-face meeting with Jesus?

In today’s reading (Luke 7:36-50) “A Sinful Woman Forgiven” we find two different greetings. One marked by a man who did not even meet the bare minimum courtesy, and a woman who showed great love and adoration. The man judged Jesus and the woman harshly by questioning Jesus’ response to the woman and referring to the woman as a sinner (as though he himself had no sin).

The man’s response had an inward selfish focus. I sense that perhaps he invited Jesus to his home to show off to others and/or to gain favor with Jesus. The woman’s response was selfless. She wept at the feet of Jesus, pouring expensive perfume onto him. She humbled herself to the lowest point. Maybe her tears were a result of guilt or joy as she knew her great debt was paid. Either way, Jesus knew her heart and deemed her to be forgiven.

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47)

I regret sometimes being like the judging man by looking at the sins of others and thinking how awful they are (and of course how much better I am). Or worse, taking for granted the price paid for me to be forgiven. All of my sins, all of your sins. In return, like the woman’s response, he wants our hearts, all in. How would you greet Jesus today?

Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. (CS Lewis, Mere Christianity)

Which city is your favorite? Is there a city you’ve not visited for a long time? If you went there today, what do you think has changed since you were there last?

I’m writing to you today from one of my favorite cities, one I’ve not been to in nearly twenty years. It was and is a magical place with new adventures around every corner, incredible food and even just the smell of food makes you feel good. There are beautiful attractions, and there is always something to do. While here, one of my sons asked me “What has changed since your last visit?” Great question!

What’s changed?

What struck me the most was not necessarily the landscape or food or things to do, it was the behavior of the people; specifically their (our) obsession with mobile devices. On the subway people used to look at each other, talk to each other, or read from paper. They used to observe their surroundings, they used to “just be”. Parks, cafes, restaurants, ground transportation, and museums all felt “free” where now it feels like we are almost imprisoned by our phones. We cannot set them down for a few minutes without wondering what we are missing. They are modern idols and it gave me a sinking feeling of a glimpse into the end times.

As we close out 2021 today’s reading in Revelation 21-22 (the final two chapters of The Bible) warns of idolatry and other sins that can keep us from eternal life.

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

Going back to the title of the post, asking if this is the end: We don’t know and we won’t know until it is in fact the end (and too late to make a change). If you put your trust in Jesus, even in these times of death, mourning, crying and pain – you are assured of life everlasting. Jesus didn’t remain a baby in the manger, he wasn’t just a good teacher nor merely some cool rebel talking peace and love. He was a man, his life and miracles are documented, he was crucified and he came back from the dead. People witnessed these things and went so far as to be crucified themselves rather than denying what they saw.

While the scary words in Revelation should give us chills, this resurrection and life eternal should also give us joy, peace, and hope!

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

While it is the end of another calendar year, this moment can be a new beginning. Forget the New Year’s resolutions that you’re going to break anyway and make this the greatest eternal resolution you’ve ever made. Check out Jennifer’s brief post titled “Are You In?” as it will will give you clear instruction as to what to do next in your faith journey through some simple verses and prayer.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

Is it possible that those who seem to be enemies in our life were actually put there for a reason? Those who are mean, persecute, lie, cheat, and steal. Those who disappoint and fail us over and over. Why must we suffer at the hands of others, especially those who call themselves Christians?

While wrestling with unloving (or downright hateful) thoughts about others, even brothers or sisters in Christ, I’m realizing the only thing that keeps me sane or free from guilt is to confess and then pray for these people. There is no other way.

Reading through today’s chapters (1 John 3-4) was pretty easy and at first made me feel pretty good about myself. I think about how bad some people are (such as the aforementioned enemies) and how I’m not like them, and “oh how loving I am toward so many.” And then while talking to one of my sons what these enemies have done, I realized I’m also an enemy to some and did the exact same thing as my enemy. I’ve yelled, have been mean, and have been just as selfish (or more) than anyone else.

And in this confession is where peace is found. A release from the guilt. A prayer for my enemy. Gratitude toward my loving Heavenly Father who forgives. Acknowledgement that God first loved us, even when we were HIS enemy through our sin. There is no better feeling than freedom and joy in acknowledging Jesus Christ lived, died, and was resurrected for us.

Today’s reading has a multitude of examples as to God’s loving nature and how we should respond. Here are some of them (paraphrased and some other thoughts along with the chapter and verse):

• He calls us his children. (3:1) Envision God saying to you directly, “You ___(insert name)___ are my child. I am for you. I love you. I am with you. I will never leave you. Rest in my love my child.”
• We heard from the beginning, love one another. (3:11)
• Loving other believers proves we have passed from death to life. (3:14) Like a baptism, death, burial, resurrection.
• Hating a brother or sister in Christ is murder. (3:15) When we think of the worst sins of others, don’t we think of murder? And yet God considers us murderers when we hate. Let us repent and be grateful for the forgiveness that Jesus gives us here. Haven’t we all had this hate at one point?
• Real love: Jesus giving up his life. We must also give up ours. (3:16)
• Love and compassion; giving to others is loving them. (3:17)
• Love is a verb (actions not words). (3:18)
• Love comes from God. (4:7a)
• When we love, we show that we are children of God and that we know him. (4:7b)
• God showed his love by sending Jesus. (4:9)
• Real love (repeated so pay attention)… God loved us before we loved him. The sacrifice of Jesus took away our sins. (4:10)
• We must love others because God loved us. (4:11)
• We show God’s love when we love each other (4:12)
• God is love. (4:16)
• Our love grows more perfect as we live in God (living like Jesus). This removes our fears. (4:17)
• Perfect love removes fear. (4:18)
• Why love others? He loved us first. (4:19)
• We make ourselves liars when we hate our fellow believers. (4:20)
• It is a commandment to love other believers. (4:21)

Ask God to reveal in your heart of anyone whom you might have hateful feelings for. Confess of this, then pray for this person (or people). You may find that your change of heart will be noticeable in the lives of your enemies and friends, and in turn may influence a change of heart on their side as well. I am starting to see this in some of my own relationships that are “under repair” and it is transformational.

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. (1 John 4:18)

Last week when the plane touched down in the city where I live I had an overwhelming emotion that almost brought me to tears. I was finally home; tired, not really physically but emotionally. Too much travel, too many events, too many items on the “to do list”… too much of too much…

Leading up to that business trip I told my family I will not travel for work until late January. It only took me four days to start formulating plans to break that promise. Fortunately while authoring this post I became convicted and am going to stick to the promise. That’s the Holy Spirit at work.

The pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be this slow again. (Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister)

That’s a quote that I use often in business as it rings true for technology, competition, innovation as well as global crises. Those words could bring anxiety and they could bring excitement depending on your attitude toward change. I use the quote to inspire and challenge, to change mindsets from “soon this will all be over” to acceptance of the new reality, to prepare for and even embrace constant change rather than fearing changes and quickly becoming irrelevant.

With the constant change, are you finding it more difficult to slow down and rest? Look at your events calendar for the past few months… Is it completely full? And what about the space between appointments, what happened then? I confess to actually having pride in seeing my calendar booked nearly every hour of every business day. Yes I know this is the wrong path and I also know I’m not alone in this mindset. God knows your heart, you can admit it too.

Real rest

God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. (Hebrews 4:1)

Note that Hebrews 4:1, 3, 7 refer to his rest, God’s rest. When we soften our hearts, submit to him and his will, and turn to him for rest we receive something much better than a long night’s sleep. There is peace, true rest and freedom in being nearer to our Heavenly Father.

When is a better time to rest than December as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ? Dedicate time over the next several weeks to unplug, to literally turn off the mobile phone or go out for a walk without the phone or any other electronic communication device. Listen for His voice today.

So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted:

Do you want to make a difference in your family, group of friends, at work, at the organization where you serve? If so, you must learn to lead well.

Do you consider yourself a leader? If not, think again. Leadership is influence and regardless of our job or family situation, we influence others in every interaction we have. We can either influence in a good or bad way and as Christ followers we have huge responsibilities.

Consider the most impactful interactions you had over the last week or so. Which of them left you feeling joyful and which left you feeling guilty, depressed or upset? Which ones effectively moved people to a greater good, a greater cause, toward the desired result? The difference typically comes down to whom we put first in our leadership; others (servant leadership) or ourselves.

Philippians 2 has some verses that guide us on how to lead with the best example coming from Jesus.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)

We can lead like Jesus:

When we realize our position of authority is not about us. When lead not by our title (at work, at home) or our social status, but by our actions.

A situation arose this week where I chose to draft a text message out of anger. From my point of view: The other person was wrong, they failed, they didn’t meet their own commitment, then they made excuses. After writing the message I had mixed feelings, some satisfaction and some darkness that came from guilt. While my angry response was clever and eloquently written, thankfully I chose not to press send. A few reasons which made this turn out positively:

1. Like Jennifer mentioned in yesterday’s post, while I am prone to sin, I surround myself with good company. My wife said “you should not send that” and she was right.
2. I felt the gentle tug and conviction of the Holy Spirit telling me “no”.
3. It’s the frequent reading and studying of God’s word that feeds my soul. Today’s reading alone covers so much of who God is and how we should respond to life’s most challenging situations. One example:

⁷ Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. ⁸ I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.  (2 Corinthians 2:7-8)

This time, and let’s get real, my “hate” message turned to a message of love, and who among us can say we regret giving love to anyone?

On this theme of feeing our souls, 2 Corinthians chapter 1 provides some wonderful education as to who God is and why we can and should trust him in all things. As I read and studied the chapter a few times seeking a theme to write about today, these attributes started jumping out at me. Name any other entity ever that does even one of these things perfectly, always. Impossible, but not with God!

• He is our Father, Jesus is Lord (v2)
• He is compassionate (v3)
• He is our comforter, the source of all comfort (v3)
• He comforts us so that we can comfort others. (v4) I love his plan and how he reveals himself to us with the intent that we are his “boots on the ground” to do his will in loving and comforting others.
• He is trustworthy,
  • he raises the dead (v9)
  • does what he says he will do (v19)
• He rescues us (v10)
• He listens and responds to prayers (v11)
• He gives grace and wisdom (v12)
• He is unwavering (v18-19)
• His promises are fulfilled (in Christ) (v20)
• He gives us courage and hope, enabling us to stand firm for Christ (v21)
• He commissioned us, anointing us (v21)
• He identifies us as his own through the Holy Spirit. We belong to him! (v22)

Challenge: Who comes to mind when you think about someone who needs comfort? Act now, even a few encouraging words make a huge difference!

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:1-2)

A recent decision by a colleague left several people quite frustrated, upset and somewhat angry. The decision had negative impacts to peoples’ time and priorities. Schedules had to be rearranged, thus impacting personal and professional plans.

What made matters worse was that there would be no discussing nor changing the decision. It seemed selfish and arrogant. How could he not see the other side of the situation? Doesn’t he care about others? Why is he so stubborn?

I went to bed that night with this on my mind and had a rough sleep trying to process things. Waking up the next day I felt tired, defeated and just as upset as the day before.

Then I prayed.

Why God are you letting this happen? Change the other guy’s heart. Help him see the truth. Fix this please. This cannot be in your will. He’s wrong.

“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:34)

And then it hit me. The more I prayed, the more I felt my own heart soften, I began to accept the situation for what it was. This was different than “getting over it”, it was unexplainable peace. Then thoughts of praying for the other person, for God to work in that man’s life. The more I became focused on praying for mercy, grace and healing in the life of the other person, the more I felt the much-needed grace covering me.

It felt like I was starting to remove my will which made room for God’s will.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out! (Romans 11:33)

Takeaways:

1. Those who do not know Jesus had no hope in this situation. An opportunity to pray for and share with those who do not yet have this hope.
2. Another reminder to take everything immediately to prayer. I was selfish in allowing this to fester in the night and ultimately, I suffered by waiting too long. Lost sleep, bitterness, sadness that likely could have been prevented.

For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36)

Today’s reading: Romans 11

Looking ahead for my readings two weeks from today I read the following which greatly applies to today’s theme. He comforts us in our troubles SO THAT we can comfort others, what a mighty God we serve!

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

A man fell asleep while listening to preaching well into the night. Unfortunately this tired guy was sitting near an open window and therefore plummets to the ground and dies. The great news is God had a different plan for him and also for a good friend of mine!

⁷ On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper. Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight. ⁹ As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. ¹⁰ Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. “Don’t worry,” he said, “he’s alive!” ¹² Meanwhile, the young man was taken home alive and well, and everyone was greatly relieved. (Acts 20:7, 9-10, 12)

One of the recent and beautiful answers to prayer this year has been meeting our brother and sister in Christ, Blake and Meggan Panzino and their three amazing boys. Blake has a fascinating and almost unbelievable story similar to Eutychus. But again, God had a different plan! Blake is taking over the remainder of the post for today. Thank you Blake for sharing your story with us!

As a new follower of Christ I was on fire for the Lord. I would spend hours studying the Bible, it was as if every word was speaking directly to me… And then I read about Eutychus.

I was also only a few years removed from sleepwalking out of a 3rd story window. My life was saved that day for the first time and then again a few years later when a friend shared the glory of the gospel!

During my recovery from that fall I felt a gentle tug at my heart but I resisted.

On the surface I could point to the ever present pride and ego raging throughout my body, that was definitely part of it. My misunderstanding of the gospel played a part as well. When I focus harder though there was an even greater block to me accepting my salvation… I didn’t think I was worthy. I didn’t think a sinner like me could ever be pure enough to come before the throne.

I had to put down the preconceived notions of a rule book meant to keep me from “fun” in order to see that he was calling me to a life more abundant than I could ever have planned for myself.

What does your calling look like? Sometimes its indirect and sometimes it is quite literally your story verbatim.

God wants more for us. Your wake up call may not resemble a 30 foot fall out of a window (it might) but what is it? How is he calling you? How are you responding? With pride and arrogance thinking your way will lead to favor? Or humbly submitting and recognizing that you can’t do this on your own strength?

Today’s reading: Acts 20-21

When we are confronted with some painful truth, we’ve basically got two ways to respond. Accept, own, and move forward to resolution or dismiss, deny and spiral downward. One reflects a repentant and honest heart which leads to joyful living, the other reflects a selfish heart as we make excuses (lies) to ourselves and others. As we avoid the truth, tell lies, etc. and seem to get away with it, we tell more and more lies, thus building up inward and outward conflict, anger, and depression.

In January 2016 I shared thoughts on Acts 2:22-24 where Peter succinctly and eloquently shares The Gospel of Jesus Christ (in what I call a pocket sermon). My key point was the reaction from the crowd as they were “Cut to the Heart“. Their hearts were convicted, and rather than deny and deflect the truth, they owned it by asking “What then shall we do?” (Acts 2:37b).

In today’s reading (Acts 5) we find another pocket sermon from Peter and the apostles after they were again confronted for preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus after they were warned not to.

“We must obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. ³¹ God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5 29b-32)

After this sermon we find a significantly contrasting response. Instead of repentance, there was rage to the point of murderous intent.

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. (Acts 5:33)

Just like Jennifer pointed out yesterday, these guys couldn’t stop talking about what they believed in. Jennifer talks about Crossfit, Aldi and Aquaphor because they have been put to the test; they are as trustworthy as Earthly things can be, which of course all of them will someday fade away… Sorry Jennifer!

I love what happens next with the Pharisees and the council after they were enraged. Gamaliel (a Pharisee) wisely recommends to basically put the preaching and teaching to the test. If it isn’t from God, it will fade away, but if it is, you can’t stop it. While that crew missed the message, I at least give them credit for knowing GOD IS GOD and he cannot be moved, he’s undefeated and will be for eternity!

³⁸ So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, (Acts 5:38-39)

The message of Jesus has been spreading for over 2,000 years and it isn’t going to stop. It is trustworthy, and whatever you or I are in denial of today, there is one thing to be sure: Our days on this Earth are numbered, there is no denying that. What happens next is up to us. In physical death it will be similar to the impacts of our decisions here on Earth: We either accept, own, and live a joyful life (eternal) or dismiss, deny and reap the ultimate eternal consequences of death and separation.

If you’re in denial today (or even if you’re not), I challenge you to take one small step and ask God to reveal himself to you. If you do this with pure intent, start thinking now about how you will respond WHEN he revels himself. Will it be acceptance or denial? There are no small miracles because he’s a big God. He’s calling you today, how will you answer?