simplelife

"Christ is risen," we say to each other on Easter. "He is risen indeed," we respond. Some people insist on calling this celebration "Resurrection Day." If we are identifying the event, that's what it is. I find it less important to change the name than to acknowledge its power and unique claims. History pivots on this day. The addition of bunnies and eggs and tulips remain a mystery to me. When we came to our current place of service, I was asked about hosting the annual "Easter Egg Hunt." "Is that an Indonesian tradition?" I asked. No, but the Americans who previously attended the church thought it was fun for their kids. (Most expats had repatriated.) It was a lot of work to add a foreign party game to a wonderful day and seemed like a distraction. "What do Easter eggs have to do with the resurrection of Jesus?" I persisted. Nothing, I was told. So we dropped it. Instead, we host a potluck like the early Church did. They...

Today is a day of silence. On this final day of Lent, we remember the submission of Jesus. He has been killed in the most terrible way. His disciples have experienced a great blow - their leader has been bloodied, crucified, and buried. He has submitted to the plan of God, which seems unthinkable and cruel. This Sabbath is a quiet and waiting day when any work of God is hidden. The descent of Jesus into Hades to lead the captives into freedom? Unseen. The coming resurrection? Not imaginable. So the disciples (like we must do sometimes in the "between") wait. God is at work but they do not see it. God promises strength to his people. But that strength is not power to do what we want, the way we want it. The strength of following Jesus is submission.  It is the confidence that God has plans and purposes for me. He makes the way. Life is not my fight to win or my striving to accomplish my goals. The glorious power of Easter is coming, though I may not know it. Knowing that allow...

  "Finally, Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be nailed to a cross.  So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. "He had to carry his own cross. He went out to a place called the Skull. In the Aramaic language it was called Golgotha.  There they nailed Jesus to the cross. Two other men were crucified with him. One was on each side of him. Jesus was in the middle. "Pilate had a notice prepared. It was fastened to the cross. It read,  jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews."  ( John 19:16-19) I never have watched the movie  The Passion of the Christ . I've never looked forward to Passion plays at church, where someone reenacts the terrible pain of the crucifixion. Why? I just can't stomach such cruelty. The story of Jesus' death is a terrible story. So much suffering. So much humiliation and pain. Such undeserved brutality. But each year we remember. We wonder again how God loved humanity so much that he gave his one and only Son to die for our sins. Jesus to...

I am posting this with permission from Kevin in 2021. I couldn't say it better. More of Kevin's poetry at Desiring God Blog (click link below). If He Had Faltered Even Once ( A poem to ponder during Lent:) They spit upon His meekness,  And struck Him in the face.  Their floggers swung with hatred;  They stripped Him in disgrace.  Deep worked the Roman anger  That tortured Him, a Jew;  Yet this His contemplation:  “They know not what they do.”  His people cheered “Hosanna,”  Then had Him crucified.  They freed corrupt Barabbas;  To sentence Him, they lied.  He hung outside their city,  Where leaders mocked Him too;  Yet this, the hurt He carried:  “I would have gathered you.”  No angels came to help Him  When Heaven on Him fell.  The Devil tried to reach Him  Through ev’ry lie in hell.  Unthinkable the anguish  As Father crushed the Son,  Yet this His firm conviction:  “Th...

Disciples of Jesus have been accused of being narrow-minded.  That's not necessarily bad. Keep in mind, narrow-mindedness is not only true of us, but of everyone else in some aspect of life. Depending on how "broadness" is defined, narrowness can be a good thing. Every task and vocation needs its definitions and delimitations. We need specialized information and practices that provide safety and direction. I'd rather have a waiter in a restaurant with a food certificate than one in calculus or home decor.  I don't think I'd like an airline pilot who was so broadminded that she treats a 747 with the same flexibility as a jet fighter.  I really don't want my doctor to be so broadminded that he experiments on me with unproven medical techniques. There are limits in our relationship with God, too. God, being the creator, gets to define those limits and lay out the boundaries for what pleases him and moves us closer to him. Jesus, beloved by many and hated by o...

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24  I say to myself, “The  Lord  is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. Lamentations 3:22- 24 We approach much of life, whether relationships, a book, or even a cup of tea with expectations. Based on what we know and have experienced, we make assumptions on what's coming. Sometimes we are happily surprised by "more than!" and sometimes we feel disappointed by what we find. These past days, I've been surprised and delighted by conversations, visits, and information that have nudged me in new directions. I've had to let go of some older expectations as a result. Consistently, constantly, God who knows everything, opens up the world to us in fresh ways. Whether people study medicine, science, biblical archaeology, or other aspects of what-can-be-known, God seems to delight in letting us discover fresh truths. The...

 God chose you. Imagine that. All your blessings of relationship, wholeness, and service to the world flow out of that.  The Apostle Paul writes: Praise be to the God  and Father of our Lord Jesus  Christ, who has blessed us  in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him  before the creation of the world  to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us  for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- to the praise of his glorious grace, which  he has freely given us  in the One he loves. In him we have redemption  through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that  he lavished on us . With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will   according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach th...

God has no limits - and scripture says that Jesus is the unlimited expression of God. The angel said Jesus' name would be Immanuel (God with us). And so when Christ comes as the living Word of God, he tells and shows us about God. But we have trouble understanding how God works  - even with a living model. Sometimes God's ways are so wonderful and beautiful that we can't take it in. Sometimes he lets us interact with others in ways that are fantastic ... or uncomfortable. Sometimes, we don't have any idea what comes next. Thousands of years ago, Job and his friends discussed their discomfort with God's vastness and how they couldn't grasp his plans (even back then). They said: Can you fathom the mysteries of God?  Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?  They are higher than the heavens above-what can you do?  They are deeper than the depths below - what can you know?  Their measure is longer than the earth  and wider than the sea.  Job 11:7-9 NIV Wh...

It's hard to submit ourselves to someone else's will.  Yet Jesus did just that. With the intention of winning our salvation, he left the glory of heaven and was born as a human child. He lived and worked in an agrarian economy and died a horrible unjust death. "Father, if it's your will, take this cup from me," he prayed before encountering hostile religious leaders and an unjust court. "Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done (Luke 22:42)." Now, he is Lord of all. "Every knee shall bow" to him, says the writer to the Romans. (Romans 14:11) The prophet puts it this way: "The Lord will be King over the whole earth." (Zachariah 14:9) You have a choice when you will submit to God, now or later. But you will submit. Coming under his all-loving care, bending your own will to the One who knows the past, present, and future, is a good choice.  Because you and I will bend our knee some day and confess that he is Lord of all. Challenge: W...

I used to get a lot of spankings. I was a wild child - and spanking was that generation's solution to put a stop to a tantrum, divert a kid's attention, or calm the storm. (Today I'd probably spend half my childhood in a naughty corner.)  As you can imagine,  I never enjoyed it. But I never doubted my parents' love for me. I knew they saw me, were doing what they thought was right, and never hit me in anger.  My fellow passengers and I endured a long flight in the USA where a 3-year-old child threw a fit when I asked for my aisle seat back. She screamed at me and her mother for 4 hours.  Her mom had no idea what to do. She  tried to cajole her daughter in her window seat. She attempted to appease her with snacks, and gave her treats. Nothing helped. That poor little girl could not settle down. Without discipline and boundaries, the youngster had no control of her emotions and demands. It was an exhausting trip for us all. I pitied her and our fellow tr...

It's painful to lose things. Sometimes we have to wave goodbye to a friendship, a job, or a home. Sometimes it seems like God is angry with us or that it's our fault. But Jesus offers a different perspective. Jesus talks about the value of the hard times, when things are pruned away.  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.   He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (John 15:1-2) ." Sometimes what you leave behind is something that has outgrown its season or taken energy away from your true purpose: a fruitful life. Other times we don't know why  we are being reshaped.  It can hurt.  The writer to the Hebrews notes: " No  discipline  seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11)." Challenge: Think of som...

Those who follow Jesus must carefully build on a solid foundation. We're bombarded with "good causes," trendy re-interpretations of scripture, and a hard tug to be cultural acceptable rather than living out biblical principles. Paul's warning is clear: "According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)." Challenge: Have you examined the foundation of your faith lately? Is Jesus and his teaching still the bedrock under the life you are building? Or has there been a drift toward social acceptance, amoral values, and indifference to the people that God cares about?

During Lent, we say we want to focus on the life and death of Jesus. We aim to set aside distractions and diversions to reflect on what God has done for us. Yet our hearts are drawn away by broken relationships, physical illness, financial concerns, and other things.  In the middle of war and famine, Isaiah encourages God's people to remember who they serve and who they belong to. He writes: "You are my witnesses,' says the Lord, 'with my servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me there was no God formed, neither will there be after me. I myself am Yahweh. Beside me, there is no savior' (Isaiah 43: 10-11)." No lucky charms, no superstitious rituals, and no personal actions will save you. There is only One with the power to intervene, to save, and to bring you in harmony with God, people, and nature. Challenge: What are you focused on or distracted by? Have you been reconciled to God today - and accepted ...

Today, many noisy voices demand justice and equality. There are protests and uprisings and rebellions against real and perceived injustices.  Scripture encourages God's people to live upright and moral lives, taking care of orphans, the stranger, widows, and the poor. Yet the way we do that matters. Compare the anger people display today with the attitude of the Messiah (the savior) God promised to send: "Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen in whom my soul delights: I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout nor raise his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.  "He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice. He will not fail nor be discouraged until he has set justice in the earth, and the islands wait for his law. (Isaiah 42:1-4)" Challenge: Pray and ask God what bruised and broken people he wants to serve through you. Where can you quietly and p...

How did people around Jesus not know who he was? He shunned publicity, asked people not to talk about their miraculous healings, and left town when he got too famous. He wasn't interested in others' expectations of him. He had a life to live and offer up, the righteous Son paying the debts of the unrighteous ones.  A few people did notice who he was and why he was sent. God revealed that to them. Would you have been one of them? John the Baptist was.   "The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)" Challenge: Where is God at work? Do you recognize Jesus when he shows up to save you from your sins? When he comes to mend what is broken in you, are you willing to let him in? If not, what would it take to recognize and accept his offer of reconciliation with God?

Some of us are looking for offense. We've been hurt or sidelined so many times that someone just has to look at us crosswise and we become angry. Sometimes it's such a habit that we feel angry all the time. But Jesus offers a better way. When we depend on him, he can change us from the inside out. Here's the goal, put succinctly by one of the disciples of Jesus: "So then, my beloved brothers (and sisters), let every person be soft to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19)." Wouldn't it be easier to take the burden of anger off our shoulders and lay it at the foot of the cross? Challenge: Watch what sets you off. What elicits a sharp reply or a trigger temper? Are you willing to ask Jesus to replace your anger with his better way of forgiveness and kindness to others?

Life can be overwhelming. Maybe you've been hurt but someone you trusted. Scripture assures us: "He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3)." God has come to heal and help you, no matter what has broken or wounded you in the past. Today, he stands ready to touch you. He alone can give the ability to forgive (though you may not forget a trauma). He can help you to move on to the next season extending his grace and mercy to others as it has been extended to you. "If you do not forgive, your father in heaven also will not forgive you (Matthew 6:15)," Jesus warned his disciples.  You can choose to live in your pain. Or you can choose to be healed. Challenge: What grievance, wound, or scars do you want to release to the loving care of God? Can you bring that to him now and accept his healing?

Don't assume that things have to go well for you to worship. Every day is full of God's mercy, regardless of your position or situation. Maybe your heart is breaking. Maybe you're feeling depressed. When God's goodness surrounds us, the night becomes as day. You may not have instant happiness or jump to life. But you can recognize that there are still blessings of provision and goodness around you.  Live in that assurance. Not all is lost. God is still loving and kind and this too will pass. "Let your mercies quickly go before us. Grant us peace, that the downcast and broken hearted may praise you (3 Maccabees 2:20)."  Challenge: Whatever is happening in or around you today, what are you grateful to God for? 

Eyewitnesses wrote and spoke about the death of Jesus. There was no doubt in their minds: they had seen his cruel killing by the Roman soldiers. They knew death - and that was it.  You could have asked anyone in the early church and they would have said the same thing. Jesus died, was buried, and shocked everyone when he rose from the dead in the power of the Holy Spirit. "That same power is at work in you," Paul says. He died for you. For me. For us. His death was purposeful and accomplished what God set out to do. "The punishment that brought us peace was on him (Isaiah 53:5)."  He died for each one of us: murderers, liars, slanderers, thieves, adulterers, gossips, gluttons, blasphemers, haters, the disobedient and indifferent. "Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit ..." 1 Peter 3:18 Challenge: How aware are you of the cost of yo...

Even a small candle illuminates a dark space. I have a few candles scattered around the living room. Their glow lasts weeks on the power of 2 AAA batteries. I leave them on 24 hours a day; it takes more power to wink things on and off than to leave them shining. We're like that too. It takes more effort to hide the light than to let it out. John said, "The true light that gives life to everyone was coming into the world (John 1:9). Once Jesus shines his light into our lives, we naturally reflect that all around us. It is life-giving to us and everyone who accepts the light of life. We need a recharge from Jesus, his power flowing through us, to maintain the light of his Good News. The world needs his light - and so do we. Challenge: Consider the cost to yourself and the Kingdom of God. Are there places Christ wants to expose and light up, that you are keeping in the dark?  In what ways are you hiding the light of Christ from those around you?

We can't take shortcuts to building character or doing God's will. The temptations of Jesus ( read about them here ) remind us that the devil promises quick results, even on things God is intending to do.  Being willing to wait and let God work things out in his own time means we may be uncomfortable. We may doubt the process. We might wonder if God can be trusted. Yet the cross of Jesus reminds us that - at the perfect fullness of time - God is always in control of creation and salvation. He often intervenes or directs in ways we would never choose or dream into being. The apostle Paul reminds us: "But when the chosen time came, God sent his Son . A woman gave birth to him. He was born under the authority of the [Mosaic] law. He came to set free those who were under the authority of the law. he wanted us to be adopted as children with all the rights children have.  "Because you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. He is the Holy Spirit. B...

Are you following Jesus? Are you willing to be his disciple when things are hard? Jesus said,  " Whoever does not take up  the ir  cross  and follow me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38) Challenge: What area of your life is a struggle? What would it look like to follow Jesus and lay down your rights in this matter?

If you follow Jesus, have you told your kids and their friends about him? Don't take for granted that they understand and will become disciples. Tell them! Their future depends on it. " The ir children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear  the   Lord  your God as long as you live in  the  land ..." (Deuteronomy 31:13)

Want to be strong? Start with your internal life. Submit to God's commands and align yourself with God's nature of goodness and peace. " Observe  the refore all  the  commands I am giving you today, so that you may have  the  strength to go in and take over  the  land ... "(Deuteronomy 11:8) Challenge:  What do you need to take a closer look at today?  Choose one of the perfect and holy qualities of God. How may God  be developing that in you? 

Does Christianity seem silly? Do people around you scoff at your faith? That's always been the way people have resisted the love of God and divine wisdom. Who would have thought of dying and suffering as a way of redeeming us? God did. " For  the  message of  the   cross  is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is  the  power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18) Challenge: Remember today that the power of God comes through the cross, through suffering, and laying down our rights to serve others. Is there something you need to adjust in yourself to align your life with Jesus?

Can you imagine giving your life for someone? Is there anyone you love enough to die for them? On the other hand, while we were still sinners and God's enemies, he died for us.  "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) Challenge: Reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, leaving behind the glories of heaven to come to live and die for us. What should your response be?