Category: Pastor’s Thoughts

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

– Philippians 4:8

Our bodies are amazing in their complexity. Despite those who believe we are nothing more than random mutations perpetually evolving, the reality of a Creator is undeniable. There are just too many processes in our bodies that all work together to keep us going. For example, just the metabolic operation is pretty remarkable. From just a nutrition perspective, something that is nutrient dense is high in those things that are necessary and beneficial to our bodies and the metabolic process. From healing to hair growth, cognitive functions to our circulatory system, proper nutrition is one of the main determining factors for our health.

Because our bodies need nutrient dense foods in order to maintain itself, we have natural cravings for those nutrients our body needs. It is a way our mind and stomach alert us to the immediate requirements our body is longing for. The more nutrient dense the food, the more beneficial it is to the necessary biochemical processes in our body.

Junk food is the opposite of nutrient dense food. That’s where the name came from. We associate the word junk to describe something that is useless or worthless. From a nutritional standpoint, junk food is low in the overall quality of macronutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. Junk food generally contains more calories with less benefit than other healthier choices. That’s why they are called empty calories or junk food.

Our physical bodies are a reflection of our spiritual existence in many ways. The old adage, you are what you eat easily applies to both. What we choose to put into our bodies determines our overall health and how we feel on a daily basis. Just as it is important to choose what we put into our bodies, it is even more important to choose with care what we put into our mind because this is what determines our overall spiritual wellbeing.

The world is a giant buffet offering us all sorts of choices. Unfortunately many of those choices are low in what we need and high in what damages us. In other words, junk. We can stuff our face with what the world has to offer and yet we remain empty, unhealthy, sick and lost.

On the other hand, Jesus in Matthew 4:4 firmly states, Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. This is the best nutritional advice there is when it comes to our faith and our spiritual wellbeing. Not only does God’s word bring life, it also brings healing, patience, joy and the ability to face each day with the confidant hope that only comes from the Lord. 

From a physical standpoint, good nutrition matters mainly because God has given us our bodies in order to glorify Him. This is not something we should get hung up on, but we should be aware of it. However, what is most important is filling our life with God’s truth and the Gospel message. 

We eat everyday in order for our metabolism to give us the energy needed to get through the day. Scripture is what helps us get through the day, stand against the chaos of the world, fight the attacks of the enemy and to stay focused on Christ. Everyday we go without ingesting God’s Word cause us to be more and more malnourished. 

Isn’t it time to get your spirit into shape? It starts with the nutrient dense food of the Bible.

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”

    says the Teacher.

“Utterly meaningless!

    Everything is meaningless.”

-Ecclesiastes 1:2

For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

-Colossians 2:9-10

Hollow is the sound that something empty makes. The official definition of hollow is this: having an empty space or cavity inside instead of being solid. In other words it’s a void. Here is where this word gets interesting, hollowness applies to different aspects of what we see, feel and experience. 

Something can be physically hollow. In many ways this can be beneficial. Hollow structures can provide strength with minimal weight. The wings of a bird are hollow allowing them to take to the air. A hollow space also has value when it comes to insulation. When it comes to instruments, a hollow area creates a warmer tone, increases natural volume and makes the instrument lighter to hold. 

However, hollowness doesn’t just apply to physical things. There can be a hollowness in a person’s emotions. Unlike with the physical features displayed in hollow things, emotional hollowness holds no positive attributes. Hollowness in an emotional sense involves an inner state of detachment that causes numbness, depression, apathy and a distinct and evident psychological void. It can be caused by numerous reasons including traumatic events, abandonment issues, deep hurts or neglect, many times stemming from childhood events. Emotional hollowness is the response of our brain shielding us from our feelings running wild and causing us to fall into an overwhelmed state. But this protective mechanism comes at a high cost. Without the ability to properly process emotions, a hollow or empty approach to life takes the place of healthy relationships, attitudes and outlook. 

The most dangerous condition of hollowness we can experience in our life is spiritual hollowness. What makes it so serious is that people can go through life unaware of the void that is within them. We live in a prosperous nation and with that comes the luxury of distraction. The danger comes when the hollowness emanating from our very soul is muted to a large degree with the pleasures, entertainment, recreation and preoccupation with ourselves. 

The knock that exposes our spiritual hollowness comes by way of the Holy Spirit’s conviction. Once the emptiness of our lives begins to become unmistakable, the things of the world really do become meaningless. As the fullness of Christ in our life begins to take hold and grow within us, we notice the hollowness in the conversations around us. It is then that we really begin to see that many people talk about a lot of things without actually saying much. 

When our thoughts revolve around the Lord and our conversations lead to the beauty and truth of Christ, others are naturally drawn in. Not all will agree, some may even be offended, but there is an undeniable substance invading the void of this world. It is in these times we come to the conclusion that if our life, if our day and our mindset does not involve Christ, the hollowness echoing through the world can never and will never fill it. 

As born again believers we are called to be salt and light bringing the essence and significance of Christ to the conventions we are involved in.

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,

“In returning and rest you shall be saved;

    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

But you were unwilling, and you said,

“No! We will flee upon horses”;

    therefore you shall flee away;

and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”;

    therefore your pursuers shall be swift.

– Isaiah 30:15

Technology is a great thing. Few can argue the point that technology helps us save time, allows us to do things that seemed impossible a few decades ago and when used correctly brings the world closer. The smart phone has allowed us to condense many different things into one convent package. A camera, a calculator, a calendar, a computer, a way to check our email and let’s not forget a phone complete with our personal phone book. The convenience cannot be denied, as long as you keep it charged, updated, protected and on your person.

But then there are those times. Those times when our technology slows down. Our phone begins to act a little sluggish like a constipated elephant. Too much this or that running, too many pictures, too many open apps. Bloated information that we probably don’t need. Maybe our phone is just too old to keep up with all the updates. Whatever the reason, in a world that expects instant gratification, we want what we want and we want it right now. When our phone or any other piece of technology isn’t working correctly an overwhelming frustration drives the most patient person to contemplate finding the nearest hammer.

So we ask an expert or call tech support or run to google, if we have another working device available that is. The answers and advice seem to always be the same. Turn it off, unplug it, restart the operating system. That should always be the first step because it’s the easiest and it often solves the problem. 

That break in the normal process, a simple disconnect works wonders. So often in our busy, activity packed, stressful lives, we too need a reset. Taking time to simply unplug from the world is most likely something we all know we need to do, but how often do we actually do it?

The world never relents. It is in constant motion grinding on us, wearing us down, forever taking from us and never giving back. With every year, the machine only gets bigger and the noise, the activity, the pull from every direction on us only increases. 

When the world is pulling on us, dragging us down into what seems like a bottomless pit, the best thing we can do is to step away from the struggle. By breaking the resistance, the tension is released. The hardest lesson for many to learn is to simply let go by unplugging for an hour or a day or even a week. That’s what vacations are meant to accomplish. However, far too many times we find ourselves more tired, more stressed and potentially in a worse off place because instead of taking a break, we packed way too much into that time away.   

When we intentionally take time and dedicate it to the Lord, a refreshing cascades over us. Nothing else can accomplish this because there is nothing else that compares to quietly sitting with the Holy Spirit. Matthew 11:28 is an important verse we need to be keeping front and center. Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  

Is it time to unplug, to reset yourself in the Lord, to take a break from the normal course of the world?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Many long for the happy go lucky, not a care in the world, everything is copasetic view of the world. Is this a reality or just a pipedream? The advertising machine that drives our materialistic fetish with things seeks to convince it is. And the marketing business is well oiled and effective. We are often told that we deserve this or that and if we take the time to read between the lines, the implication is that their product will bring happiness into our lives. And don’t we all deserve to be happy after all?

It is dangerous to think we can be happy all the time. It can be deadly (spiritually as well as emotionally or physically) to prioritize happiness in our life. When we focus on seeking what makes us happy, the disappointment and letdown becomes immense. What becomes glaringly problematic is the everchanging and subjective nature of happiness. What may make one person happy is not the same thing that makes others happy. The result of this ever changing idea of happiness is capitalized by consumer marketing and social media influencers. The ugly reality is that they are attempting to sell you on their unattainable product of happiness.

Joy on the other hand is vastly different from happiness. While happiness is an emotional response, joy is founded in an identity in Christ. Joy in the Lord is rooted in the comfort of knowing Jesus and living within His care and authority. To experience joy is much different than seeking emotional gratification through life’s circumstances.

Joy enables us to celebrate Christ, to endure pain, agony, trials and tribulations, to extend compassion, to acknowledge the greatness of God and to pick up and carry our cross daily – simultaneously. The reason is, joy is not found in our abilities or what the world has to offer. Contrary to happiness, joy is a component of the Fruit of the Spirit. Because joy is found in the Lord, it is not limited to what the world has to offer.

In Romans, Paul shows that joy and peace come from believing in Christ who encompasses hope. It should not be hard for us to see the connection between joy, peace and hope, even in the darkest of valleys as well as the highest of mountaintops. Paul goes on to state that this reciprocates through the Holy Spirit, so that we may abound in even more hope. It is a perpetual synergistic cycle.

Through the experience and expression of our faith, the Lord’s joy and peace come into our life. Hope emanates from here and a snowball effect begins to occur in the born again believer. Our joy grows, our peace abounds and our hope overflows, continually as we trust and follow the Lord. 

Nothing on this earth can come close to what God can do in our life. Therefore seeking happiness and making an idol will always fail. Happiness has a component in our life like our other emotions like sorrow, anxiety, sadness or surprise. However, just like all our emotions, they are never to drive us, but rather direct us to the loving arms of Jesus.

If you are struggling with the wants and cares of this world, running on the hamster wheel of emotions, never getting anywhere and in fact losing ground, it’s time to simply stop. Move away for your own effort and seek the standards of His Word. Look to the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to redefine and refine your relationship with Christ.

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

– 1 Timothy 1:17

We live in a disposable society. That’s an unfortunate but accurate statement. It seems people have slowly become accustomed to moving on from just about everything they encounter in life.

In today’s ever changing materialistic economy are we encouraged to buy new, to upgrade, to simply dispose of appliances, automobiles and really anything mechanically based. Gone are the days when the local repair shops were busy, teeming with everything from broken toasters to transistor radios. This has been replaced with landfills full of washers and refrigerators barely five years old.

Technological devices turnover at an even more rapid pace. Not only have we been convinced we need the latest and the greatest, the tech companies urge our compliance by outdated software and eliminating upgrades. For the younger generations this has simply become the normal practice.

Unfortunately a disposable mindset has even invaded our social norms. Marriage, family and friendships are easier to walk away from than ever before. Instead of seeking reconciliation, in many cases the option for estrangement and alienation allows pride and unforgiveness to take root.

For the Christian specifically, the idea of a disposable church continues to grow. A consumer driven attitude has encouraged immature Christians to jump from church to church avoiding authentic community, needed conviction and offensive Biblical truth.

The most disgorging aspect of living in a disposable society is when it overflows into how we view life. Abortion is the blackest abyss that any culture can ever fall into. It is reprehensible that human life at any point from conception to the sick and elderly could ever be viewed as something we can simply throw away because those are deemed as unnecessary or irrelevant.

One of the fundamental aspects of God is His eternal nature. Without a beginning nor an ending, God is literally everlasting. It is a wonderful attribute that He passes on to us through His Son. The Bible is full of accounts where broken people are called and used by God to do great things. In the Gospels we see Jesus concerning Himself with those that had been deemed unfit and disposable. The broken and blind, the sinful and the sick found repair so to speak in the words and touch of Christ. Because the Lord seeks restoration over refuse attests to His overall attitude on life itself. 

If we are to aspire to be like Christ, that means we must also adopt His views on life, reconciliation and relationships. This can only be done through a born again relationship and the subsequent empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Jesus profoundly expresses the dichotomy between disposal and repair in John 10:10. 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

As Christians, we are obligated to model Christ’s example of life to those around us and to a world shrouded in darkness.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

– Acts 20:24

What do you picture when you hear the word retire? Most likely the first thing that comes to mind is someone who has reached a certain age and is leaving the job market. They have put in their years and have come to a place where all the toil of employment is now behind them and they can spend their golden years doing whatever their heart desires. At least that is the image that has been portrayed in the last century.

Now think about the word recess. What comes to mind? For most, it will harken back to the past years of elementary school. Those wonderful times the children took a break from the challenge of sitting still as the teacher attempted to shape their young minds. Recess was invigorating because it allowed a time for a break, a time to reset, a time to allow the mind to unfocus so it could then refocus. The really good teachers understand the importance of recess and strategically use this break time as a way to cultivate and focus the learning process.

Two different words that encourage very different initial thoughts. One is deemed appropriate for the older crowd and we tend to think they deserve it because they have earned it. The other, the younger crowd who needs it in order to keep them under control for the more important things.

But have you ever thought about retirement and recess from a Biblical and faith perspective? A Biblical view of retirement is much different then what is embraced today. The modern idea of a leisure-based retirement is a first-world cultural invention. On the other hand, the Bible views retirement as a reassignment, not a retreat. It is a transition of activity and the important use of experience. The transition into the more mature years of life should be a time for the sharing of wisdom and looked at as a shift in vocation rather than an excuse for withdrawal for personal enjoyment.

The idea of a recess is much different. The pattern of work and rest was established in creation. A recess should be thought of as a deliberate time of rest or in Biblical language a sabbath or sabbatical. It serves as a time of withdrawing from the day to day activities of ministry.

Numerous times, Jesus withdrew from the crowds to pray and spend time with His Father. There are three main principles we can learn from Jesus in terms of a recess. First, a recess protects us from burnout. No matter how much we love people and talking about Jesus, we need a break in order to keep our focus on the bigger picture. Second, a time of recess is needed to find and reestablish clarity and focus on the Holy Spirit. In silence, we position ourselves to be able to hear God’s voice. Third, when we place a priority on recess we demonstrate our dependence on Christ as our Lord and sustainer. Modeling the practice of dedicated rest is an example to others that the love of God includes His care for us.

To gain a complete understanding, we now must consider the word reassignment. Reassignment by definition is moving to a new role in order to complete a different task. Our purpose in Christ never changes, which is to glorify God. However our assignment does. Just like the changing of the seasons, the opportunities to build the Kingdom also changes. This is a lifelong process that doesn’t end until we step into glory.

Instead of taking a cultural approach to retirement, recess and reassignment, the faithful believer should always turn to the Scriptures when it comes to our next steps on the faith journey.

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

– 2 Timothy 2:22

Food is essential. We have to have nourishment if we want to operate correctly from a biochemical and physiological standpoint. But food is much more than simply an obligatory necessity. We also take pleasure in food. With all the different flavors, we develop preferences and cravings that bring a factor of satisfaction. In addition to that, meal time has a social and community aspect that all cultures partake in. We eat to celebrate, we eat when we are stressed and we eat when we need comfort. 

For restaurant chains, advertising their food is essential for their business. They take every part of the eating experience and use it for their marketing purposes. It seems like you can’t go through a commercial break without at least one of the advertisements being for food and most likely it’s cheaper and less quality fare.

As with most corporate advertising, the food you see on the commercials is never an accurate representation of what you actually get. Sure it may look good, however your past experiences always speak louder. Technology has yet created an accurate way to present a good product. You cannot smell, let alone taste the food through your screen. However, it is meant to entice your tastebuds and need for community to the point that your hunger overrides those past experiences.

But then something odd happens. There is a shift in how you process the food commercials. Instead of longing for their food and how good you think it will taste, you start thinking about how disappointing it actually is and how badly it would make you feel.

Temptation for the mature Christian works in a similar way. Temptation to sin is advertised and displayed all around us. It’s enticing because our human sin nature seeks, even craves the depravity of the perverted world. On top of that, like the commercials pitching substandard food, the temptation of sin never stacks up the actual engagement. The truth is, sin will always let you down and leave you empty, regretting those decisions.

When we seek righteousness and a Christ honoring life, we come to the realization that how good we think the sin would make us feel, we have a deeper Holy Spirit inspired understanding of how negative the results would be. 

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he conveys this principle of Christian maturity. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Don’t fall for the false promises of this world. Be careful with what the culture is pitching you, because the outcome   will never live up to the hype. Quite the contrary. The world can only offer a weak counterfeit of those things that only God can bring into our lives. 

Like the steaming pieces of pizza we see smiling people enjoying on a commercial, we come to the reality that the food not only disappoints us, it also gives little satisfaction. Add to the detrimental effect of low quality food and hopefully a lesson has been learned. How we look at and treat sin and temptation in our life should be no different. We must never forget our last experience with sin. The reality of the emptiness, disgust and remorse should be powerful reminders that draw us back to the righteousness of the Lord.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

– Philippians 2:3

The legendary Green Bay Packers football coach Vince Lombardi famously said, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” A simple motto that so many have subscribed to, it has changed the way the general population as well as business, politics and especially sports conduct themselves. 

In a competitive culture, winning equates to success and success has everything to do with power. Therefore, why would anyone want to be on the losing side? As a result, winning has become the ultimate goal. Tragically, far too many have falsely based their identity on their ability to win. To maintain that sense of identity, no cost is too great as long as a perceived win is possible. Lying, cheating, stealing and whatever deceptive tactics that are needed to win become acceptable when winning and the success and power that supposedly come with it are the objective.

The perception of winning actually triggers a chemical reward in the brain. However, as with any reward driven addiction, it cannot be sustained because no business, sports team or individual will always win. For many, the crash and subsequent letdown is a harsh reality that too often causes people to lose their rational thought. 

  

Take gambling for example. Winning is exhilarating. It causes the person to believe they actually continue on a “winning streak.” So they chase the win at any cost. In the process, something interesting happens. Winning just one time alters the brain’s reward system by triggering a massive dopamine release. That same dopamine release starts to occur during the anticipation of risk rather than just the win. This creates a powerful neurological loop driven by unpredictable outcomes, near-misses and the urge to chase losses. Instead of the belief they can win, the fear of losing begins to take center stage. 

Unfortunately this reaction is not simply confined to gambling. The reason an all or nothing focus on winning is so dangerous is because it has a 0% sustainability rate and will always descend into a fear of losing. Losing success, losing power, losing one’s self. Inherently winning is not a bad thing.  However, unlike Coach Lombardi, it can never become the only thing.

For the Christian, one of the sweetest moments in our public life is leading someone to Christ. We even call this winning someone to Jesus. But the motivations are much different than those of the world. To glorify Christ and testify to His wonderful sacrifice is the main motivation. That means the reward we receive isn’t for us, but for us to give to Christ. 

When we focus on Christ, when our desire is that our identity is founded in Him, our character, our encouragement, our ability to love and even our integrity is changed. We no longer have to win at any cost, because Jesus already did, once and for all. Through His example, we do not count ourselves better than others or see them as someone to beat, rather we see them as potential brothers and sisters in Christ. Success is redefined in our life based on God’s standards. 

The power that the world chases is eclipsed by the power of the Holy Spirit in our life. To say that our idea and motivation to win has changed is but a reflection of a changed and yielded heart to our Savior. Maybe the best way to say it would be, winning is everything because Jesus is the only thing.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

⁃ Philippians 4:8

Why do we wash our hands? That’s probably not a question we think about very often. As a child, we sing our A,B,C’s while making suds because our parents and teachers tell us to. Then we enter a phase where it is socially acceptable to wash our hands. When we get old enough and can comprehend germs and bacteria, we wash our hands because we know it will prevent illnesses. 

In third world and developing nations, many of the leading diseases that lead to sickness and death can be greatly diminished by simply being diligent in the washing of hands. By washing your hands, you physically remove bacteria and viruses, keeping them from entering your body and stopping them from spreading to others. 

Now of course the most effective way to wash your hands has to include soap. Soap molecules actively break down the invisible oily layers on your skin where germs, viruses, and dirt hide. Bacteria and viruses naturally stick to and live in the oils on our bodies. Because oil and water do not mix, rinsing with plain water simply doesn’t work for proper hygiene. When we use soap, it actively breaks up the surface tension of the water, allowing it to penetrate and wash away the trapped grime. Soap also destroys viruses and bacteria by rupturing there protective membranes rendering them harmless.

If you have ever had surgery or stitches or just about any medical procedure, you know that there are always strict hygiene practices employed. That’s because it is much easier and better to prevent illness than to have to treat an infection. Therefore many steps are taken to avoid what could potentially become a chronic or life threatening condition.

When we think about hygiene, it is almost always from a physical mindset. But we find many instances in Scripture that warn us of the dangers if we don’t look at hygiene from a spiritual perspective. Many of the physical dangers we can face from improper hygiene are similar to the spiritual ones that endanger us.

Our very thoughts, if unbridled, are like the dirty hands that bring sickness. If what we allow into our minds and thought processes are not filtered and cleaned, they have the potential to take root and cause us harm spiritually in the same way viruses and bacteria can take hold if we don’t wash our hands. 

Scripture is the soap that we need to keep our thoughts on God and that results in mental hygiene. Physical soap can be harsh because of its chemical make up. But it is that very make up that enables it to be effective. In a similar way, Scripture can seem harsh in how it brings conviction into our life. But it is that conviction that points out sin and temptation and draws us closer to Christ. 

We do not simply wash our hands or take a shower because we are filthy. Rather, good hygiene is part of our daily routine. How we look at keeping out thoughts pure before the Lord should also be a daily routine. Time in Scripture, prayer and surrounding ourselves with others who are strong in the Lord are all ways to practice good mental hygiene. 

Paul gives us appropriate hygiene instruction is 2 Corinthians 10:5-6, We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.

1 John 3:1-2

If you have ever been to a third world nation or a reservation in the western United States, you have most likely noticed an abundance of stray dogs. Strolling around freely, sleeping in unlikely places, eating whatever they can find. To the visitor, it appears both unnatural as well as concerning. Looking a bit mangy, absent of a collar and perpetually roaming around, the loan dog wanders through life each day becoming more feral simply trying to survive.

Since dogs are naturally pack animals, the common instinct is for these strays to gather together and form groups. Now instead of the occasional loaner, these packs of stray dogs are seen with both contempt and caution. Ruled by dominance, a pecking order is determined by strength and control. Better than being alone, the prospects for these dogs are not favorable. Just like with humans, those they associate with determine their future. For the stray dog packs, that is a cruel and short life.

As once domesticated dogs with the intention as human companions, the unfortunate part  is when left to their own accord, all the negative traits of stray dogs emerge and are highlighted. The result is far from man’s best friend as they are quickly reduced to just another menace to society.

However, if you take one of these young strays and give them a home, something incredible happens. When they are provided with care and structure, they can naturally become a great pet and companion, loyal to their owner. 

A lone stray simply tries to survive, a pack of strays becomes a danger to the community, but one that has been adopted into a family becomes a treasured companion.

Interesting how dogs and people are quite similar in this respect. When we are alone in life, most of the time we are just exercising, simply surviving in a complex world. Instead of being alone, longing for community, we seek whatever is available. However, many times the groups we fall into out of loneliness or desperation only amply the dysfunction. What we really need is a home. One where we can, not simply survive, but thrive in hope and vitality. 

God’s plan for us is one of community and health. He calls us from alienation into adoption with Himself. He provides us with His Church, a place to belong and to be nurtured. He feeds us, takes care of us and even disciplines us when needed. Not only invited in, He pursues us, meeting us where we are, but loving us too much to let us stay there. We now have a home where we can feel safe and secure.

Most of all, we can belong. Belonging to the King and living in the Kingdom. This new reality of life causes hope to spring up in us. Unlike the stray dog that merely tries to survive another day, the hope that comes with being adopted into Christ is eternal. The confidence in knowing that we will be with Christ forever displaces fear and loneliness and in its place strength and purpose abound.  

If you have ever felt like a stray dog, don’t settle for what a pack can offer. Find your home in Christ and the family He provides.