Alive and Active Life

We are ending one year and approaching a new one! That brings unknowns and opportunities. The coming year will be filled with blessings, as well as challenges and troubles. Still, it’s like a fresh blank page on which you write more of your life story. What a fantastic privilege – and responsibility! What will you write on your fresh blank page this next year?

The end of a year blends into the beginning of a new one by the simple passing of days. This process happens all year, but when those few days end one thing and begin another, they are noteworthy. Christmas celebrations do not dim New Year’s festivities. People approach a new year with hope, even if they live in difficult circumstances. If nothing else, people hope against hope for something good in the new year.

Real living happens in the process of blending the old into the new. Jesus brings new life all the time. He said He is making all things new. (Rev. 21:5) Then in Jn. 17:3, it says that knowing the Lord IS eternal life. Jesus will fill each moment of your life to overflow with His own fresh new life – If you let Him.

Jesus adds new memories to what is already meaningful. This comes about as you hold tightly to all His commands and promises. He erases what should not be there and helps you accept things that cannot be changed. Jesus heals wounds and brokenness. He is the God of endings and beginnings even as He bridges continuity between the two.

So, we can conclude Jesus has new memories you can write on your fresh blank page. You can live in His ways, experience His help, and have a Companion as you “write” your new life chapter.

How do you blend years successfully? This process takes pensive exploration, but healthy people engage this activity each year. Many spend time in review, contemplation, and planning for what’s ahead, even though it’s unknown. Being thoughtful in leaving one thing and entering another means making decisions that can bring about change, boost worthy endeavors, and seek out greater good.

What can you focus on as one year slips into another? As one moment slips into a new moment all year long, what valuable traditions can you bring forward to aid in a new year, a new week, a new day, a new moment? Truly, each new moment is a time slot to unlock and activate your potential as a person. It’s also a chance to connect with the power you were intended to live with. This power comes from the Person who wants to share each moment with you. Jesus loves you deeply – each moment of your life.

What new things will you make room for in your heart and schedule? You are an active player in filling your fresh blank page – a partner. So, you have some thinking to do. As you consider both your successes and failures from this past year, what kinds of changes should you make? You can expand the territory of your heart – and your schedule – to make room for new growth and fresh experiences.

Even with the highest aspirations and best intentions, you cannot accomplish what is needed to move from one year to the next in a healthy manner. You need a Companion who knows all things, has no limitations, and shares His power with His friends. Ask the Lord for wisdom, power, intimacy, and peace as you intentionally work to marry the old with the new in your life. After all, He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. (Is. 9:6)

Let’s examine what those four names say about your Companion and your Power Source.

God is also the Extraordinary Strategist! Only He knows how to blend the “fresh new” and the “valuable old” in your life. He knows how to marry the best of both in the very place you actually live your life – the NOW that fills your fresh blank page.

Once you pursue a plan for this new year, your choices will affect your life – every fresh blank page. Your choices will also affect others. In other words, you have influence. Why not use this powerful phenomenon for as much good as possible?

Let your decisions, words, attitudes, and actions be a clear testimony to Jesus Christ and His character. Your life is a story that can point people to God. This power and influence begins with complete surrender to the Lord. Paul calls it “living sacrifice.” So being surrendered is the first thing you can do to pass the baton.

The second thing you can do to pass the baton is to work to encourage and informally train others your life touches to trust and obey God. Each person has fresh blank pages to write their story on this next year, too. Why not help set them up for success? Be a friend to them. Pray for them. Speak kindly and truthfully into their life.

So what will you do with your fresh blank page? Here are some thoughts and questions to help as you think about this.

May you remember God is with you as you end one things and begin another. Look to God, your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace!

What is the best gift you’ve ever received? Was this special present something you received when you were a child? Or does this memory come from when you were a teen? Maybe your most favorite present came after you became an adult. Whenever you received it, you likely still remember it as the best gift ever!

I remember receiving a very special gift when I was a child. I loved it and sat for hours learning how to play my new ukulele! But one day when I was hanging something on the wall above my bed, I came down right on top of my precious ukulele – and broke it in two. I had forgotten to put the instrument away. So this gift became both a happy and a sad memory.

When I was a teen, my family got a super-cool mini-bike – like a little motorcycle. It was so much fun and made me feel free and grown up. I rode it all over the neighborhood. However, somehow I got myself discombobulated with the mini-bike one day – and ruined my very best, very cool jeans. They were bell-bottoms! So this gift also had both happy and sad memories attached to it.

In college, I received my very own “hot pot” – a plug-in, very small appliance to heat water for cocoa or tea to keep me awake as I studied into the night. But one night, I was so hungry! With nothing in my dorm closet except popcorn kernels and oil, the adventurous side of me decided to use my hot pot to make fresh popcorn and keep the “sleepies” away as I studied. Oh my! Bad decision. Soon, I had fire blasting out the top of my hot pot! Fortunately, I got the fire out before anything was damaged. But yet again – a great gift accompanied with some embarrassing moments became a mixed-bag of memories.

Over the years, I’ve figured out many times good gifts run alongside difficulties, mistakes, and mishaps. So many good things in this life seem to become tainted by the brokenness of this world. The human family has learned to accept this most of the time. And people obligingly, and sometimes grudgingly, try to make the best of things.

Well, no matter what your age when you remember receiving your best gift ever, God wants to give you His best gift ever this Christmas. Not only does He want to give you more of Jesus, His Son. He also wants to give you peace and joy. In a world that is broken and struggling, that is a wonderful gift to receive.

In Jn. 14:27, Jesus says, “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.” God gives “not as the world gives.” His gifts are forever. And they run right alongside the brokenness so common in this life.

Frankly, this fact is a rich blessing. Rather than diminishing gifts from God, the sorrows and losses of life seem to accentuate and emphasize the beauty God has given to help us remember – “I AM with you.” Emmanuel: God With Us.

God’s gifts keep hope alive.

Christmas has lights, smells, special goodies, surprises and gifts. It also features tender moments, carols, visits from friends and family, and the wonderful nativity story. For children, it’s like magic. Adults who choose to see the “magic” still present join children in awe and wonder. These are the folks that have eyes to see God’s best gift ever.

All these holiday experiences and blessings – and the best gift ever – start with a baby. The best news of all time is wrapped around this precious baby, along with the swaddling clothes. The opportunity to be forgiven of all sins and to live forever is the unthinkable act of God as He packed into that tiny baby – His greatness the universe cannot contain. With ears to hear, the Baby brings glad tidings to anyone who will listen.

When Jesus became a man, He often said, “Whoever has ears to hear.” Jesus also opened blind eyes so people could see. And He healed broken hearts so the crushed in spirit could come alive again and live with hope. He did these things to help people run in His reality alongside the reality of sorrow. Guess what He says. He says, “Behold, I am making all things new!” (Rev. 21:5) All of this together is the best gift ever.

Because God’s timing to complete His promise – all things made new – has not yet come, life is a mixed bag right now. The good gifts fill our lives alongside the sufferings. The knowledge of these good gifts in our tainted environment is the “happy-sad” state we live each day in. But this is not a hopeless condition. It is pregnant with hope, just as the virgin was pregnant with a Savior.

The Baby Jesus has come, and He gives us Christmas. He gives Himself – the best gift ever. From the manger to the cross to the empty tomb – the man, Jesus, continues to give the best gift ever. His dear presence in our loneliness, His intimate friendship in our sadness, His wisdom and counsel in our confusion, His healing for our broken hearts – this is all part of the gift.

The Man Jesus is yet to come back to earth to bring a reality where everything will be new. There will be no mixed bag. The good will not run alongside the disappointments. There will be no sadness. In fact, it will be like having Christmas all the time.

Christmas reminds that more gifts from God’s dimension are coming. Christmas gives hope. If you struggle with stress, depression, sadness, illness, or fatigue, Christmas is a promise of hope.

Even with losses, why not make choices to receive the Baby who promised to make all things new?

Did that Baby lie? I doubt it. That holy child changed everything forever for anyone who believes. Why not Reach Back to God with all your heart. Lean into Him in deeper faith.

It’s time for a warm cup of cheer, seasoned with God’s comfort and encouragement. Drink from God’s cup! Let Him refresh you every day. Open up and let Him quench thirsts in your hidden, inner heart. Joy. Cheer. Celebration spiced with hope. A Baby is born to help bear all your burdens.

“Baby – You give us Christmas. You give us Your very life.

Then, You add in freedom, peace, joy, wisdom, and hope. 

If you’ve ever experienced sadness in the holidays, you know how hard it is to jump into cheer and celebration when your heart is hurting. Sometimes sadness is because life is hard all year, filled with losses, bad news, declining health, broken relationships. At times you can’t even pinpoint why you feel sad. Melancholy lingers even when you are grateful for many blessings. But Christmas is still going to come. So if you are sad, how do you get through the holiday sadness?

There’s a reason we celebrate Christmas – and Thanksgiving – each year. It’s because God cares. The person who chooses to believe this even when their heart is breaking, receives from God. Ps. 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

God makes it His business – His priority – to love and tenderly care for those who are in this sad state – brokenhearted, crushed in spirit.” He is a professional when it comes to triage. And “you” are His priority! Why? Because He loves you deeply and wants to help. God cares about holiday sadness, too. He can teach you a lot about managing sadness.

Think of it this way. Jesus has two names that are linked, but almost like opposites. “Man of Joy” and “Man of Sorrow.” You can imagine how joyful He was as He spoke everything into existence at creation. From the clear blue ocean to flowering green meadows to towering majestic mountains to powerful, bounding animals to delicate, transparent blossoms and even a flavor-packed, juicy strawberry.  But then consider how filled with sorrow He must have been as He saw the devastating effects on His once perfect world and His own dear children when they fell into sin. Jesus knew how to live with the tension of both joy and sorrow.

When Jesus lived on this earth, He was ever-present in the celebration of life while simultaneously participating in human sorrow. He joined the human condition by becoming one of us. Jesus was born into the human race and experienced the full spectrum of our joys and sorrows. He was even tempted in every way we are – but without sin. (Heb. 4:15)

Yes, Jesus became a baby! And that’s why we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas . . . because God cares!

Let’s talk about losses. What do you do with them? How can you accept them and go on? How do you rebuild when you still feel your sorrow so sharply? What do you do with sadness in the holiday season?

I’m going to pull from Scripture to provide practical examples of people who also experienced losses – even despair.

The Apostle Paul had many terrible things happen to him. I’m guessing he didn’t like most of them. In fact, he tipped his cards when he said he was under such great pressure inside – beyond his ability to bear – that he despaired of life, itself. (2 Cor. 1:8) That’s serious, and it’s coming from the great Apostle Paul! It doesn’t sound like the guy who talked so much about “rejoice! I will say it again – rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4)

Paul was practicing authenticity by talking about his sadness and discouragement. He was being honest, counting the severe cost of living in a broken world while living for Jesus.

Truly, however, Paul was doing both. He was in the habit of rejoicing in all circumstances. And he was in the habit of being transparent about how hard life can be. This is a healthy balanced person who has come to terms with life, and still has a good dose of hope. This kind of individual knows that joy and sorrow run alongside each other for much of life’s journey. They join the Man of Joy who is also the Man of Sorrow. This helps them live in God’s reality even in a broken world. Accepting this is a huge leap into strength.

After much thought, sorrow, and prayer, Paul decided God would make up his losses in some miraculous way.

This is the point where Paul’s suffering and grieving began to shift. This is where he applied positive steps that kept him healthy. He accepted he would not see those restorations right away, necessarily. Yet, he also identified something else that was incredibly important . . . even more important than his sufferings. He realized knowing Jesus Christ, and sharing life with Him, is more critical than anything else. Whether or not he felt it, he chose to have Christ! Paul figured out – nothing else is more valuable in life – ever! So, he went after that with all his might by faith.

This same principle is for you as you walk through sadness in the holiday season. Be courageous and accept that you might not see restorations of some things now. Remember in your sufferings, Jesus Christ is sharing your life with you. That means He’s sharing your sufferings with you. You have a Companion. He lives in you if you believe on Him. And you can live your life in His reality much more deeply and fully than by your doubts and feelings. Draw close to Jesus and receive His life and healing.

One redemption of his sufferings and losses is the millions of people Paul has encouraged over the centuries. You may have a small circle, but you can encourage others in their losses by how you choose to trust Jesus in your own losses. It’s like setting the pace for those you care about. A good runner endures the pain of training, makes the sacrifices, and chooses healthy options so they can run a strong, solid race. You can run a strong race. You can inspire others.

In Phil. 3:8, Paul says, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” Then in Phil. 3:12 he says, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” And finally, Heb. 12:1 urges all of us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us . . .” 

Paul knew Jesus would make up to him everything he’d lost in this broken life. So, he trusted God with abandon and resolve. He believed God “super-cared” about him with deep, eternal love. This man accepted the Man of Joy / Man of Sorrow as his best Friend, his dearest Companion, his Savior and God. And he trusted every word that came out of God’s mouth as he simultaneously suffered to the point that he despaired of life, itself.

There is another writer of Scripture who figured some things out through the hardships of life. His words also help with sadness in the holiday season. He had sorrow, struggled with depression, and even had some weird things happen to him. Yet, he began to see how God interfaces with people as they experience sorrow, loss, and suffering. It was David, the shepherd, king, and psalmist who said what we quoted earlier in this article, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34:18)

That principle David penned in his sufferings is for you as you work to manage your sadness. Jesus is close to your broken heart. He promises to save you (and heal you) as you experience the crushing of your spirit. Please – believe this. Hold onto it. Draw close to God and let Him comfort your heart during the holidays. To receive His comfort, you need to open up and receive it by faith. This doesn’t make everything go away. It enables you to receive His comfort.

Later in history, the prophet Isaiah said Jesus (the Christmas baby) would come “to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Is. 61:1-3)

Jesus, the Man of Joy / Man of Sorrow, wants to comfort you, to provide for you. He wants to give you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, to anoint you with His oil of joy this Christmas and bless you with His garment of praise. Will you let Him do these things for you even as you walk through holiday sadness? You can find the miracle of amazing grace, satisfying joy, and abiding peace that co-exists alongside your sadness. There is still reason to rejoice!

Jesus really cares about your losses, your depression, your heart, and your sadness in the holidays. He wants to help you through in healthy ways. He also wants you to make good choices to be a healthy person. If you will trust Him and wait on Him, He will heal your hurting heart and give you hope again.

You can have an Alive and Active Life even with holiday sadness. Hold tightly to the Lord this Christmas.

For centuries, people have cried out for compassion. Many folks have suffered significantly. Individuals, nations, big people, small people, old people, young people – all have had tormentors, severe losses, broken health, damaged relationship, inadequate basic provisions, lost dreams and pursuits, and so much more.

In fact, just remembering this reality helps when going through “light and momentary troubles” that don’t even register on the same scale as suffering some others have had. 2 Cor. 4:17 says – for everyone, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” “Them all” refers to all the troubles a person is bearing up under. Stress. Grief. Pain. Trials. Deep discouragement. For some – torture.

Interestingly, the verse right before says, “. . . we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Now, how would a person be renewed day by day in terrible times? I think it’s because of Jesus and His compassion? And that has a ring of mercy, kindness, hope.

Still, suffering is suffering. Jesus cares about the big stuff and the little stuff. And He wants to help in every scenario. Why? Because He really does care about everything – deeply.

Scripture says, “May Your compassion come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need (we are brought very low).” (Ps. 79:8) The psalmist is crying out for help! And he’s pouring out his heart to God. He is literally verbalizing his situation to God, how it’s affecting him, how he feels about it all, and how desperately he needs God’s help.

God wants you to you cry out for compassion to Him. He wants you to involve Him in all details of your life. In other words, He wants a real and authentic relationship with you, down to the nitty-gritty. The Lord truly and sincerely cares about your details. No one will ever care and have compassion like Jesus does continually.

Having said that God cares deeply, urging you to bring it all – the whole package – to Him, I am going to add a qualifier with 8 points.

God scans the earth to strengthen those who put faith in Him – no matter what. (2 Chron. 16:9) Even when they can’t explain or understand, they simply trust and obey. Here’s an interesting Scripture that talks about such people.

Heb. 11:16 says that people who respond to God in full confidence – even in terrible sufferings and persecutions. “. . . they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

Whenever you see the word “therefore,” stop and ask what it’s there for. Look at this verse. It’s astonishing. God is not ashamed of these people who trust Him against all odds. Why? Because those folks are already living in the reality of the better country God is preparing for them. They know God is with them in their current sufferings. And they know He is helping, working in the details, providing strength and hope.

BUT – they are even more interested in the coming reality. So much so, they have chosen to “live in it now” by faith! Let this sink in! This is a game-changer for everyday living.

We speed the process of receiving God’s compassion by engaging it with all our hearts. We block/hinder it by focusing on doubts and lost dreams instead of God. Compassion from Jesus is immediate for the person who opens up to receive with a child’s faith – without questions having to be answered first.

For the person who insists on realizing their dreams or satisfying their doubts first, receiving compassion never becomes reality.

Repeating woes, grief, and doubts in your head only puts barriers in place so compassion is blocked. However, choosing to respond by opening up to compassion starts a whole new way of living. It looks like this.

God has deep compassion for you in any situation you are in. He loves you deeply and wants to help. However, it is your response back to God that determines whether or not you will receive His deep and rich compassion. You have the power to receive it – or to block it. Which will it be for you?

SEE THE SONG LYRICS BELOW – AND CHECK IT OUT ON YOU TUBE!

These can help you keep growing in your walk with the Lord.

These lyrics contain perspective, a balanced approach to life, hope, and worship.

Everyone needs compassion,

Savior, He can move the mountains.

So take me as You find me,

Chorus

Shine your light and let the whole world see.

What exactly does “in a nutshell” mean? And why talk about it as we approach the Christmas season? According to a phrases resource * I found, it means – “In a few words; concisely stated.” I suggest at this busy, exciting holiday time, getting Christmas in a nutshell might be helpful. So what does that look like?

Before today’s content, here’s a peek – an Easter egg. Later in this article are pictures of one of my tree ornaments – a favorite of my grandchildren. It just happens to be in a nutshell!

How did we start saying, “in a nutshell?” If you could write what you are saying, descriptive and clear to fit inside a nutshell, you’d have to be to-the-point! Brief. Succinct.

Apparently, the poem, Iliad (Homer), was so succinct, it was described as enclosed within a nutshell. *

Impossible in Homer’s day to put the Iliad into an actual nutshell using stylus on parchment, modern nanotechnology makes that possible.

In fact, some Bible versions now exist that fit inside a walnut. Some, pinhead size, are readable with a microscope. *

This well-known saying challenges people to “cut to the chase,” implying a summary of what’s most important – a “sum up.”

This style of succinct communication is helpful . . . to a point. However, the enjoyable, unique flair of each person’s style adds color and depth to a nutshell message. In a similar way, this describes Christmas in a nutshell.

A nutshell approach to Christmas helps define the central purpose, creating a boundary that aids development of a good plan for the holidays.

Then, personal flair and individualistic style can be added to make holiday time fun, meaningful, creative, and memorable. Focusing on the simple nutshell message of Christmas means worship can happen.

Here are 3 resources that help people get Christmas in a nutshell. I am providing encouraging content taken from them in this article for your holiday consideration.

The reason I mention these 3 tools before we get into this article’s content is because – they have changed my life by helping me keep Christmas in a nutshell and create spaces for worship. (More about them at the end of this article.)

These tools were developed out of my own frustration associated with the holidays. One year, in all the hustle and bustle to get everything done, I pretty much missed Christmas in my heart. To my sadness and regret, it came and went – it was just gone! That was a game-changer for me and drove me to seek God for wisdom and practical application in planning future Christmases.

The Lord answered my prayers. Brief, succinct, critical defining points helped me turn things around to create cherished celebrations that focused on rest, fun, and worship. These ideas annually help me keep Christmas in a nutshell.

What do you do with so many Christmas options? That’s almost as bad as no options at all. With prayer and thought, a pen and notepad – or your device – you can do 5 things to prevent the hijacking elements of Christmas.

Following is an excerpt from Prepare For Christmas Without Missing It. This portion does not include the practical ideas or action steps of a plan you develop. Instead, it’s the nutshell portion – succinctly defining the meaning of Christmas to leave space for worship.

Jesus is a very unique and awesome King. He is extremely intelligent. Creative beyond imagination. Wise and alert. Kind and good. Strong and courageous. Loving and merciful. Unafraid of anything. Very much in charge.

Yet, His Kingdom is not of this world. How He carries out Kingdom policy is inside-out and upside-down to the world.

WHAT KING IS BORN LIKE THAT?!

Jesus walked everywhere in sandals with fishermen. His ride was a stinky fishing boat, and His pulpit was that same boat. His food was often fish. Jesus’ stories were packed with hidden meanings and trimmed with delightful word pictures. His miracles were amazing – often multiplying fish (fish, fish, and MORE FISH).

Jesus didn’t have a company and wasn’t the president of anything. His countenance was joy. He didn’t have stock or shares in anything except an invisible, unmeasurable, unmatched government.

WHO LEADS LIKE THAT?!

Jesus laughed and cried publicly. He never minced words, deceived, or made empty promises. Every political

Even though He was King of the Universe, He paid taxes! (To not offend earthly rulers of earthly governments.)

WHO LIVES LIKE THAT?!

He had no real estate, house, or land. Jesus was falsely accused and remained silent. He was traded for a

His purpose was to be Emmanuel forever: “God With Us.”

WHO SUFFERS LIKE THAT?!

Jesus rose from the grave, not through the tomb entrance, but through many feet of solid ROCK! He was gone before the stone was rolled away. He appeared and disappeared in a new human body – a seed of what He promises to anyone who trusts Him for eternal life.

His servant Lordship was displayed through actions like cooking breakfast on the beach for His hungry disciples who had fished all night.

WHO ATTAINS BEING THE GREATEST PERSON AND POSITION POSSIBLE, YET SERVES LIKE THIS?!

This King is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. All government will be on His shoulders.

He invites you back into the royal position He created you for. Jesus chose to be called Emmanuel: “God With Us – God With You.” He is for you!

Companionship instead of loneliness. Comfort in your sorrows. The governing of your life on His shoulders. This is Jesus.

You can connect with Jesus during busy December using Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel. The content focuses on Jesus in a manner that helps you want to know Him more.

A.W. Tozer was right. “God is so vastly wonderful, so utterly and completely delightful, that He can without anything other than Himself meet and overflow the deepest demands of our total nature, mysterious and deep as that nature is.” (p. 40, The Pursuit of God)

This is Jesus who became a baby. Emmanuel who gave His life for you and forgives your sins. He shares His life with you by living inside you when you trust Him for salvation. And He gives you an incredible future that never ends.

WONDERFUL AND MARVELOUS . . .

JESUS, THE BABY IN A MANGER . . .

THIS IS CHRISTMAS!

2. You can still order your copy of Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel to use for your brief Bible Study during busy December. It’s our most popular resource with a succinct devotional each day of the month. In other words, it’s Christmas in a nutshell.

* CREDIT: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-a-nutshell.html

As we enter the holiday seasons and the final portions of this year, most of us get pretty busy. Still, it’s essential to ask questions that matter most during these months of celebration. One question in particular often associated with Thanksgiving, affects life every day. What exactly is gratitude? Have you regularly asked yourself that question? I’ll throw in another question – “part B” to the first question. Are you “doing gratitude” each day?

Over the decades, I’ve asked myself – “what is gratitude?” Most often, exploring gratitude hasn’t even been at Thanksgiving for me. It’s been a lot more “every day” than that. After all, doing gratitude is a daily thing. And I’ve noticed three things about gratitude in recent years that I missed in younger years.

There is SO much good connected to being thankful. So far – in summary, gratitude keeps you on the path, lifts your heart, and gives you a plan by connecting you sincerely and securely to God.

Gratitude is important to your personal character development. It also builds integrity and healthy life patterns. Thankfulness actually connects your soul to the world around you, to other people, nature, the arts and culture, and more. It also grows character you can hang your life on.

We already mentioned doing gratitude connects you securely to God who created you and loves you deeply. When you sincerely trust God, you find yourself thankful for His abiding love, His interventions, and His attention to details of your life. You see things you didn’t see before. And you notice stability forming in your relationship with God.

So, we can safely announce – doing gratitude grows character needed for an Alive and Active Life.

We spend all our lives learning and growing. Training never ends as you do life with God. So it’s natural to discover more about gratitude over the years and learn how to get rid of excess baggage.

Apparently, gratitude is one of the basic character qualities God wants for His children. He helps you become practiced in deeper thankfulness.

Let’s look at what the dictionary says about gratitude. The definition is: “the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.” Synonyms for gratitude are: “thank, thankfulness, appreciation, gratefulness.” This definition “sticks” even in adverse situations!

So, that’s where we start. Choosing to be thankful. It’s a decision, not a feeling. As life progresses, a thankful heart cultivates a richer journey. Plus, the more you do something, the better you get at it. You become proficient. In fact, you find gratitude connects you to your own life – the person God created you to be.

What would it look like to get good at doing gratitude? What would change if you lived with a thankful heart even in difficult times?

I find myself defining gratitude a bit differently as years go by. In past seasons of life, I had always defined it as being thankful. There was a popular phrase – “have an attitude of gratitude.”

In recent years as I’ve continued learning and growing, I’ve discovered fresh, new depths to doing gratitude. These have enriched my life and increased my desire to be thankful. When I wake, the new day is a backdrop to explore choices of thankfulness to live an Alive and Active Life. I want to share specific points I figured out. But first, some ideas about a tracking list and a good cleaning.

A simple list of blessings reminds you there is so much to be thankful for. Right now, put pen to paper or dictate into your device the blessings present in your life. Include everything you can think of . . .  and see how long your list gets.

This list actually gives you a document you can use when your heart is hurting, when you have a bad attitude, when you feel lost and confused, and when you need healing, compassion, strength, and grace. Doing gratitude during difficult scenarios is hard. It involves resolve and discipline.

But as you practice being thankful during hard times, God does something deep inside you. He provides a protective force field around your soul. Then He gently exposes your spirit – where you are broken, hurting, wounded, needy. As you trust His promises, as you obey in all scenarios, and as you keep doing gratitude, He heals, strengthens, and polishes your spirit. This polishing brings a credibility and brilliance to your life story.

When you polish a precious gem in hard to reach places (ring, necklace, tie clip, bracelet, cuff links, etc.), grime must be cleaned from around cuts and mountings – and even from the back side of the mounting. After the polishing, the jewel “pops” and sparkles more. After that deep cleaning, the gem reflects light more brilliantly.

When you let God polish your heart in hard to reach places – yes, even the back side – God can remove the dingy film from your soul as you live in a sinful world. He can fix the broken, ease the hurting, and heal the wounds. But couch your request with gratitude.

Gen. 50:20 says, “You intended it to harm me, but God intended it for good.”  Terrible things intended for evil can showcase God’s grace as you trust Him to intervene in your problems and as you let Him polish your life.

If you can’t find your gratitude, simply come to God and ask Him to help. Don’t be afraid. God loves you deeply! Resolve to believe His Word. Obey in all things. Rejoice even in hardships. Start doing gratitude. This rolls out a new cycle of an Alive and Active Life. Intervention and polishing follow.

God knows what’s inside you – your past, your current difficulties and losses. But He also knows your future. Jesus promises to never leave or forsake you. He promises healing, strength, wisdom, deliverance. That’s His part.

What’s your part? “Do not be afraid. Do not be terrified.” (Deut. 31:6) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your [issues] remember God who can do something about them . . . and He will direct your path.” (my interpretation of Prov. 3:5-6)

As you trust and obey, God is honored. As you practice His presence, He knits Himself into you so you cannot unravel the two of you. Sincere thankfulness gives you a secure, rich, and practical heart.

As you train to be more appreciative, God’s character literally forms in you. A joy sparkle shows up in your heart – the glow of His polishing. 

A couple of questions – then ten points to help.

Visit our website for articles, podcasts, shareable images. Sign up and have articles come right to you. Select Alive and Active Life on your favorite podcast app. Check out our excellent books and tools that help your daily Bible Study. Make your devotional time Alive and Active!

Thanksgiving! This holiday of gratitude is celebrated in various ways at different times of the year, depending on your country and culture. When is your Thanksgiving? How do you celebrate? If you had a Gratitude Scale that could measure how thankful you are, on a scale of 1 – 10, where do you fall?

A Gratitude Scale is a super simple tool that helps you get in touch with your own level of gratitude. In other words, it helps you measure how thankful you are. The scale ranges from 1 to 10 where 1 represents “not very grateful” and 10 represents “very grateful.”

Of course, by nature of how you use it, the Gratitude Scale is very subjective. That’s because it’s a “self-evaluating” and “self-reporting” tool. However, it helps you ask yourself questions. If you answer with honest, sincere responses, you can get a good read on where you land in gratitude.

With the Gratitude Scale, you can even develop your own questions, if you wish. It’s critical to ask relevant questions that identify and reveal your level of thankfulness at the roots of your life. Be hard on yourself in the right way as you form and then answer questions. Here are some great questions you can use.

Now take all your answers from those questions. Study them. What do they tell you – about you? There are likely some action steps you can pull out. As you pray over your answers in sincere honesty, you are ready for the final 3 questions.

So! Now that you know what a Gratitude Scale is, after seeing the kinds of questions you should ask yourself, and answering as truthfully as you know how – what score did you give yourself? Where did you rate your level of gratitude? Does your score depend on your mood? Your circumstances? Health? Level of fatigue or frustration? Other people in your life?

Does your score agree with God’s score for you?

Remember: If you skew your answers, your score will be skewed. But if you prayerfully search your soul and answer honestly, your score will be a good indicator of your level of thankfulness.

By practicing two things, you will pass two important tests and push your score closer to a 10. That’s right. This is great news. In other words, you have a lot of control over your level of thankfulness. And you are the only one who can decide if you will live your life in gratitude back to God. Whatever you decide – to be more grateful . . . or not-so-much – you influence people around you. So make your decision pensively and soberly.

Before we identify the two things you can do to get closer to a 10, I want to tell you about someone who scored really high on the Gratitude Scale. Here’s the story.

Luke 17 tells the story of ten lepers Jesus healed. Lepers were outcasts. Not included. Pushed away from the community they once were a critical member of (perhaps even a professional contributor to). They had to live away from the safety, provisions, fellowship, and atmosphere of families and neighborhoods. They were the “untouchables.” People passed on the other side to avoid contact.

No human contact! Think about that. What a deprivation. A grievous suffering. A biting price to pay for something that is out of your control. This ostracization and shunning is a terrible thing to condemn a person to. It is as bad, if not worse, than the leprosy, itself.

When Jesus came through town, He had a different approach. He completely understood the disease and how to correct it. But He also knew about a leper’s starved heart, aching soul, and mind that craved conversation and stimulation. He knew the isolation and rejection. And being the Creator of all human hearts, He knew the temptation to question one’s value under such a judgement.

Jesus was in the habit of getting right up close to lepers. Smiling at them. Welcoming them to be near Him. He touched them. Lovingly. Kindly. Warmly. And they felt His love in their aching flesh. They felt His esteem for their lonely hearts. His sincere interaction stimulated their minds. And His intimate contact and care ministered to their need to belong again.

Jesus was in the habit of speaking to people that had been pushed aside, judged, mistreated, disavowed. He spoke to these ten lepers. For the first time in years, they felt respected.

Jesus was in the habit of using truthful, simple words that brought huge results. Powerful words like, “Be clean.” “Go show yourselves to the priests so they can welcome you back into the community.” “Believe in Me.” “Come.”

There are two tests in this story. Ten lepers passed the first test. But only one passed the second test. Here’s how.

The First Test – Ten men decided it was worth the risk of trusting Jesus when He told them to show themselves to the priests. You see, Jesus had not yet healed them when He told them to do this. The men were healed on the way. They had to exercise faith in Jesus first by starting out on their way before they would notice any healing. Ten men passed the “Faith Test.”

The Second Test – One of the men who noticed he was healed as he was on his way, was so filled with thanksgiving that he did something the other nine did not. Gratitude must have been something he practiced in his spirit, despite his terrible disease and grievous conditions. It flowed immediately from his heart. It came out freely. In fact, gratitude changed his direction. It put him on a different, better path.

As he became aware of his blessing of healing, he promptly turned around and went back. His need to express thanks to Jesus overcame his own agenda. He put everything on hold just to pause and thank Jesus! Only one man passed the “Gratitude Test.”

The only way to pass the tests of life is to practice these two qualities ahead of time. That means commit to practice faith and gratitude.

Very few people pass the “Faith Test” these days. Even fewer pass the “Gratitude Test.” If you choose to exercise faith and gratitude, you will get closer to a 10 on the Gratitude Scale every time!

Did you know you leak? Whatever you spend time practicing (habits, patterns, moods, character) leaks out of your life. As it leaks out, you expose what is inside you. Why not let faith and gratitude give you away? The same is true if you do not have gratitude. Bitter, angry, prideful, spiteful qualities also leak.

What have you been leaking this Thanksgiving season? Would others identify a leak of faith and gratitude? Do you pass these two tests?

Application Questions are in the section, “Questions To Use For The Gratitude Scale.”

Below are additional Scriptures for your exploration of gratitude:

Visit our website for articles, podcasts, shareable images. Sign up and have articles come right to you. Select Alive and Active Life on your favorite podcast app. Check out our excellent books and tools that help your daily Bible Study. Make your devotional time Alive and Active!

What do you use to tell time most often? A clock on the wall? Perhaps you wear a wrist watch or carry a pocket time piece. Many people use their phone clock. Some people are blessed to live in a college community with a bell that tolls the hour. Whatever you use – what time is it?

In current culture, what time is it?

Anne Graham Lotz has a teaching in which she asks – “Do you know what time it is?” Then she drills down deeper and asks – “What do you want to be doing five minutes before Jesus returns?” Both are sober questions that deserve sober answers. But that second question provides opportunity to engage pensive exploration of your thought-word-attitude-behavior choices. It’s a reality check for your heart. I use it as an accountability question to guide and measure steps, decisions, interactions, reactions-in-the-moment, and daily responses.

All it takes is looking around at the signs of the times to get an idea what time it is.

Yes, all those things are going on right now in our world. As far as – “What Time Is It” – it’s probably much later than you think. How do you know if it’s getting close to the end times? Can a person get a clue or claim a hunch as to when Jesus will return to set things right again?

It’s a sure thing! He will set up His glorious Kingdom, effective government, strategic community, freedom for daily living, compassion for every individual, peace on earth, and joy.

Jesus told His disciples signs that will happen near the time He will return. That detailed list is in Mark 13 and again in Luke 21. Jesus closes out with these words, “. . . when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.” (13:29) “. . . when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (21:31)

I guess we can get a clue. It seems God intended people to get a hunch.

Given those words from Jesus, Himself, we really could be close to the time He returns! Still, the very first disciples thought Jesus would return before their lives ended. All through history, followers of Jesus have thought the end might be very soon. Although we cannot determine when Jesus will return, we can use Scripture and discernment to know it is probably close.

Did you know Jesus has chosen to not know when He will return? He told His disciples in both Mt. 24:36 and Mk. 13:32, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Jesus is satisfied to not know when He will return. It is enough that His Father knows and will keep Him duly informed. Incredible!

Why do we have issues trusting our Father with the unknowns in our lives? The trust Jesus (fully human and fully God) places in Father provides another practical example for us. We don’t need to know everything before we decide to trust and obey!

“Be very careful, then, how you live.” (Eph. 5:15a) Your daily choices matter. The quality of character you exercise is critical. In order to make a statement for Jesus with your life e-pistle – your life story – you need to be accurate and careful what you “write” into each day. To be a light in this dark and sinful world, yes – even to this very intelligent and technical i-generation – you also need to be practical and relevant in your life story.

Contrary to much of what we see in the world today, I believe with all my heart – Integrity still matters. I also believe wisdom will guide if you seek and obey God. Prov. 4:6 personifies wisdom as a valuable companion. “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will watch over you.”

Qualities to help you write your life story each day:

Are you working to live with these qualities?

Is. 5:20-21 says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.”  

This sounds like the world today – upside-down. Topsy-turvy.

Woe is promised to a person who turns God’s right-side-up reality into upside-down.  Scripture specifies:

As we already discovered, the warning word used for those who flip God’s reality upside-down is woe. Woe means “anguish, grief, affliction, distress, despair.” God says these will affect you if you do not live within His reality.

On the bad news side, God declares the soberness of your condition. On the good news side, He gives a Savior to provide deliverance from all that is upside-down in the world and in your life. What a gracious exchange through Jesus who was born to grow up and die in your and my place.

How can you understand God’s will and know how to follow it? Each life is so unique and different. Here are some helpful action steps:

The best way to understand God’s will is to desire (a choice you can control) Him above all else. Make Jesus your First, Most, and Best.

Instead of being filled with something temporary and transient, why not be filled with God’s Spirit? Here are some practical ways you can be filled with Jesus:

Original design is living in partnership with God, enjoying His love, and showing deep respect for Him. You need His intimate involvement in these troubled times.

So, what time is it? It’s the right time to slip into the original design. Partner with God. Believe everything He says. Obey His commands. He is good and faithful, and He always keeps His Word.

It’s tempting to think that loving God, obeying His principles, and worshipping Him is old-fashioned. Perhaps it is. But it’s the only way to live a purposeful life. The original design helps you know God better and yourself better.

Time is growing shorter. Jesus will return. You can enjoy God and yourself more each day. This helps you enjoy life and other people more. Spend daily time with Jesus to slip into the original design. Let your life make a difference.

* Material for this article is developed from my book More E-pistles For An i-Generation. Check it out on our website, along with other excellent Bible Study materials. Your daily devotional time can be Alive and Active!

If you were to stand in the middle of a busy intersection of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, you’d get significant impressions. Besides being concerned for your safety, you’d also notice it doesn’t always go well. The hair-raising screech of tires and squeal of brakes in a near miss of cross traffic. A motorcycle driver almost clips you with his daring zig-zag around another car. A pedestrian pushes through and almost knocks others over. Someone does lose grip and drops a package. Then there’s the motorist in a hurry and blazes right through a red light. You are almost run over as a bicycler whips by you. On top of all that, there’s the airplane overhead much too low for comfort. You haven’t even thought about a possible pick-pocket.

That intersection picture is how life seems to go too often. So much coming and going, pushing and dodging, very little down time, even fewer pauses for reflection, just gotta go somewhere and get “it” done.

There’s drain from unavoidable demands and forward thrust necessary for progress even when things go well. But things don’t always go well. Many days, it doesn’t always go well as you live your life. What can you do on days like that?

If it weren’t for people, life might go more smoothly. People affect what happens every day as they exercise their free will. Every decision affects something. Plus, the landscape is always changing. Business, education, politics, medicine all have a push for results. People come and go. Special occasions do the same. Events absorb planning time and resources – and then they are over. Careers demand your best . . . and then come to an end. Health takes a turn for the worse. Things you never dreamed would happen – happen. All these things involve people.

Some people leave you with precious and treasured memories. Others leave you with moments of hurt and slander. Still others add significantly to your growth. Every once-in-a-while, you find people who are loyally dedicated to your life for the long haul. They form rare and treasured relationships.

Even with good relationships and well-laid plans, life doesn’t always go well. You need a lot of tug and pull to navigate unpredictable scenarios life throws at you. Your patience and flexibility will be tested again and again. Creative problem-solving skills are a must, and they are continually put to the test. Throw in betrayal, loneliness, strong opposition, unforeseen necessary deviations, lack of provisions, treachery, desertion, health issues, and more. After all that, you would not be mistaken to say you have had a tough life filled with troubles!

With all that can go wrong, what hope do you have for a meaningful life? How can you hold out for good things to happen? Is there any guarantee smoother days will come?

There’s a limit to how much tug and pull you can offer. And still – life remains very unpredictable. With so little control, you can get tired. Sad. Anxious. Reasonably concerned. Confused. Grieved.

Jesus, Himself, gave the heads up – “In this world you will have trouble.” (Jn. 16:33) He spoke to the unpredictable state of affairs in this world. But another game changer levels the playing field with hope – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8) In other words, as you work to man-handle all the unpredictable issues that come into your intersection, there is something you can utterly depend on. Something that never changes. Something that is strong, firm, dependable. That something is Someone!

Jesus is always the same, and so is His Word to you. You have options, promises, directives, wisdom, companionship, and a place where you can pause to rest. Jesus calls you to Himself. “Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28) He is your “get-away!”

Couldn’t you use a little more rest in your life?

There is a good case for hope if it’s placed in God. Dependable hope is the reason people can trust God. It flows out of an interesting teaching Jesus gave His disciples. “Whoever tries to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for My sake, will save it!” (Mt. 10:39) This is an exceptional teaching! If you give your life up to Jesus Christ completely, you will save yourself.

This is where you find hope. And the only reason it works is because God is faithful. He’s always the same. He loves you and will never forsake you even when others may. The Lord matches your faith with strength, power, and companionship.

1 Thess. 5:8 reminds that the hope of your salvation is your helmet. You need a helmet in your intersection.

2 Timothy 4:17-18 lays out a practical, logical plan of how life-changing hope holds you steady in the worst of times and in the best. Here is the case built from these verses. It’s a good summary theology statement.

How can you say it better? God is FOR you! If there is any side to be taken, and if you are trusting and obeying Him, God will always pick your side – every time! This doesn’t mean He will do things your way. It means He will do what He knows is best for you. Even when you are not trusting and obeying Him, He is doing everything possible to woo you back to the safe place of faith. God honors and rewards faith. That’s the side He stays on.

There is no limit to the countless and creative ways God can strengthen you. It always starts with the truths from His Word at some level. So, be in the Word every day.

When you adopt this disciplined approach to God’s Word, you have instant access to it at all times. It’s inside you. And it literally becomes your DNA. The joy, the adventure, the anticipation is to see what God will “somehow” do. His strength always shows up for the person who trusts Him. It appears in big and little ways – from a smile, to a nature scene, to a song, to quiet moments, to a kind response, to provision, to deeply needed peace, and more.

When you start living in the above two realities, The Lord Is On My Side, and The Lord Gives Strength, you have a message to share with the i-generation. And it’s not about you. Not really. Although your life e-pistle – your life story – is intimately involved, your real message is all about Jesus Christ. He gives you hope that you want to pass on. Strong hope. You gave up your life to Him down to the detail of daily living – and He saves your life and gives it back to you with peace and joy attached.

Not only does God measure what dangers you will be exposed to, He literally steps in as a shield when you trust Him. He puts Himself between you and the enemy. You need this in your intersection. Life can get pretty sporty! Who will protect you? Who will step in?

Ps. 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who trust Him, and He delivers them.”

Ps. 91:11-12 says, “He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. One their hands they will bear you up  . ..” 

God takes care of people who trust Him. He strengthens them to do what they otherwise couldn’t do. And He shares His own personal resolve with those fully committed to Him. 2 Chron. 16:9 says, “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strength those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

Patiently wait for His interventions. Keep trusting Him. Commit your ways, heart, soul, and mind to Him. He deserves it. God is faithful.

We already mentioned Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb. 13:8) The Lord will never abandon or forsake you, though others may. He loves you deeply. He will never love you less, no matter what you do. His love is strong, dependable, eternal – and it doesn’t depend on you. It depends on Him.

You can:

Look up Mt. 10:39; Mk. 8:35; Lk. 9:24; Jn. 12:25. Just skim through these verses.

Pen to paper:

Content for this article is from Session 87 of More E-pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age and from 2 Timothy 4:9-22. Check out our Bible Studies to help your devotions be Alive and Active!

Scary stories are scariest if you are in the story, but you don’t know what is going to happen. The risk is significant, the outcome is uncertain, and the danger is elevated. All the unknowns make scary stories hold your breath and hope things turn out OK. If you already know how things turn out, most of the “scary” is gone.

If you have gone through a scary time, you know from experience how your stomach churns and anxiety levels are almost intolerable. It’s not at all like a fun suspense movie you watch. It’s real! Adrenaline has spiked. And you just hope you make it through in one piece.

The same is true for people through history who live through scary times. In some cases, the stakes in their stories are very high. For some it’s life-threatening. Even people in Bible times had such experiences. I want to share one of these scary stories. It was exceedingly scary for the people involved. In fact, I strongly suspect they thought they had met their end. But then something happened that changed everything, and scary took a turn for amazing.

Here’s the story.

It is blackest night. Cold. Wet. And they are far from shore – too far to get to safety quickly. Groping in the dark with only the light of the rising moon, they wonder how fast they could row back to shore, go home to their wives and kids, and rest their aching muscles from a very long fishing expedition.

Suddenly, without warning, a terrifying storm hits. It is so sudden and violent, it feels like evil, itself, rising up against their small craft and tiny lives. In a matter of seconds, their admirable career efforts of bringing a catch of fish to take to market and provide income for each of their families, is hijacked into terror. They are tossed around like autumn leaves ripped off a tree and flipped in every direction.

Experience suddenly means nothing because this storm is more than any of them have experienced. In fact, experience tells them there’s a slim chance they’ll survive. It would take a miracle! Perhaps having heard terrible tales of brave men at sea is the only way such a storm has touched them . . . and only in their imaginations. Still, it’s a scenario of hope against hope.

They fear the worst. Yelling, desperately screaming orders at each other, there isn’t a doubt in their minds their boat is going down. Crashing waves provide the backdrop while jagged lightening spotlights terrified expressions! Whipping winds thrash strands of hair across their faces.

The mast creaks and groans. The sails might as well have not been tied down because they are ripping apart under the fierce pressure. Fear grips their hearts as they ponder – no one has ever explored the depths of their sea – and that is their destiny: the depths! They would never see land again or their beloved families.

The end closes in on them. Yup – they are “goners!”

How did this happen? One minute telling jokes and enjoying memories. Laughing. Slapping on the back. The next minute, literally fighting to stay alive! “God, help us! Please God, help us!”

And then it gets worse!

Where is God? Isn’t Jesus God? Where is He, anyway? Why on this terrifying night did He choose to “go do something else?” If He is God, doesn’t He see them?

There is no peace in scary stories! Everything is out of their hands. But – is it in God’s hands?

God hears His beloved disciples crying out, screaming for help. He sees it all as He looks down from His place of prayer on the mountain miles away, Jesus sees and hears their helplessness through the wicked storm. THAT’s good eye sight! THAT’s excellent hearing!

And so – He does something. Jesus, who IS God, goes to the rescue. He defies principles of physics He created . . . supersedes what is normal . . . walks on the water toward their boat. Then –

– He almost passes by. What?! Why?!

The disciples see Him, all right and are even more terrified! Apparently, they are not thinking about faith, confidence, or peace right then. Terrible just went to horrible! The ghost is coming right at them! They already suspect the storm isn’t a “normal storm.” Now, their suspicions are validated. The ghost comes closer and closer. The terror they feel trying to stay alive in the storm slips off as they now face a much greater terror from the spirit world. Can you hear them –  “No!! A ghost! God, help us! ”

Scary stories aren’t supposed to happen. They’re just supposed to be tales you tell others or read in books. Ghost stories. Chilling tales.

I wonder if they believed they’d be heard, or if they were just panicking and throwing out a last prayer. Perhaps they had resigned to the inevitable unfairness of life. “Why? We are just being dependable, caring for our families, doing our jobs, working hard each day – and now we’re gonna die!”

Then the ghost says, “It’s Me! Don’t be afraid.” More screams! But – one man pauses.

What Peter does next reveals amazing faith, absolute abandon to loving Jesus, hoping against all hope, and I think just a tiny bit of ”crazy!” He has a hunch the ghost really is Jesus, and says, “If it’s really You, invite me to walk on the water to You.” 

This is desperate. Courage. It’s noble, telling of faith and character, something you don’t conjure up unless it’s really inside you. This tells what kind of man Peter is – what Jesus sees when He looks into Peter’s heart.

Jesus simply says, “Come!”

In radical, passionate response to “the ghost,” Peter does the unthinkable: he gets out of the boat and fully expects to walk on the water! Does that not amaze you? Peter goes from absolute terror one minute to complete confidence the next. Then he jumps over the side of the boat, doing the unthinkable act he has become famous for.

What changed Peter from terror to confidence?

Peter knows by getting out of the boat and walking straight into that storm, he was placing faith in Jesus. Peter knows Jesus well enough to throw his terrified heart and any remaining hope straight at the ghost with a “slim chance” of a miracle! He remembers Jesus:

This is the focal point when scary turns into strong. Strong faith. Resolved obedience. Dependable intervention. Eternal promises kept. It couldn’t have come at a better time because Peter and the others were on the threshold of yielding to death. But – Peter’s faith is rewarded. The ghost is not scary. He’s the Savior, the Redeemer, the Rescuer. And He is doing what is easy for Him – intervening, rescuing, loving.

Think about it. Peter is the only other man in recorded history besides Jesus to walk on water. And that unthinkable experience came in desperate moments of one of the scariest stories of his life. Not only did he open up to receive Jesus’ intervention. He participated in the miracle.

Are you terrified. Maybe you’re just scared. Concerned. Confused. Uncertain. Perhaps your scary stories involve being betrayed. Gossiped about. Misrepresented.

Good news. The Jesus who walked on water to help His terrified friends is already walking your direction to help you. Will you let Him just walk by as He tests your faith? Or will you call out to Him – “Jesus, help me! I believe you with my feeble faith. Have mercy on me. I need a miracle!”

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move a mountain. (Mt. 17:20) Impossible is a word that will slip off your vocabulary as you let your storms and scary stories be the stage for Jesus to show Himself in your life.

You can move from terror, anxiety, and worry to confidence, hope, and strength. You just need to believe the right ghost story!

Read about this story in Mt. 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-50; Jn. 6:16-21.