Basic Truths | Finding God in Everyday Life

  I’m a very shy and introverted person by nature. I’m better when I’m among people that I know well. Many people have told me that their first impression of me is a negative one because they think I’m unfriendly. At least some of them like me better once they’ve gotten to know me!   We all tend to form opinions about people when we meet them for the first time. It’s just part of human nature. Often our first impression completely changes once we’ve gotten to know them.   When I was little, the first impression I had of Jesus was a sort-of-superman with a halo around his head, who went about teaching people and doing all sorts of miracles. Those impressions changed as I got older. I saw Jesus travelling through the land, teaching in very measured tones, being very laid-back and holy, not letting anything bother him, loving those around him in a very spiritual way. That vision carried over to how I related to him.   I was reading Luke’s Gospel the other da...

  In my medical practice, I was often called on for second opinions by patients who were unsure of another doctor’s diagnosis. Most of the time I was in agreement, but sometimes I came to a different conclusion. I could see in some cases that the other doctor focused on a single thing in reaching their opinion and ignored everything else that pointed in a different direction. We use the term premature closure for that type of thinking and it has become more noticeable now that doctors are spending less and less time listening to and examining their patients.   I see the same problem in America today. Politicians and even leaders of Christian congregations and organizations make statements that seem to directly contradict Jesus’ teachings. They may even quote a particular Bible verse to support their position, ignoring all the other verses to the contrary. It’s not for me to judge another person so I make no assertions as to their motives, but I’m saddened, even angered som...

  I’ll start with a story. I’ll try to make it as short as I can.   Several years ago, I was leaving a friend’s house and stopped to help bring some things inside. They objected, but I said, “It’s OK. What difference will a few minutes make?” Those words echoed in my brain as I said them. As I was driving home, I came upon an accident that had just happened on the freeway. I stopped to help out. Another gentleman stopped after me and told me that I could go on, that he’d stay until the police arrived. Since it was already after midnight, I agreed, thinking to myself that those few minutes I stayed at my friend’s house may have kept me out of the accident.   The following day, I read in the paper that, a few minutes after I left, a car came down the freeway, lost control and ran into the accident scene, killing the man who had taken my place. I was stunned. I struggled to take it all in.   A few days later, I went to see a friend to help him with his taxes...

  I was an avid coin collector when I was little. Back then, you could still find old coins in your regular change. I’d regularly check my parents’ change and all the coins I got on my paper route. Sometimes, I’d even get a roll of coins from the bank so I could look through them. Once in awhile I hit the jackpot when we found some old coins that had been put away somewhere and then forgotten. I’m not an active collector now but I still have all my old coin books.   It’s interesting who and what goes onto the face of a coin. I was fascinated by the different designs that were on the state quarters a few years ago. I’m amazed at the quality of the designs and inscriptions that I see on some ancient coins.   When I see an old Roman coin, I’m reminded of the time when Jesus’ enemies tried to trap Him with a question about paying taxes. He said to them,   “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said to them,...

  My wife sent me to the grocery store today because they were running a special (cake mix for 50 cents!). One of the advantages of being retired is that I can go to the store first thing in the morning before the specials are sold out. I got there early but the shelves were already close to empty. It reminded me of the days when Black Friday was only on the day after Thanksgiving. People would wait for hours outside stores in the middle of the night, even in bad weather, in order to be able to get a great deal.   When you think about the great deal God has for us - eternal life with Him in heaven and His love and help here on earth - you wonder why our churches aren’t filled to overflowing with enthusiastic people. Why aren’t there more takers? Some people undervalue the offer, not accepting it for what it is. Others overvalue the cost, not wanting to give up their worldly lifestyle.   Jesus said, “ The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a...

  I’ve written before about our pepper plant. It was a runty little thing when I pulled it up out of the veggie garden a few years ago to beat the frost. We kept it inside for the winter and put it out on the porch once the weather turned warmer. It’s now in its third year and, although it doesn’t look like much, it’s becoming more and more productive. We currently have four peppers growing and some additional flowers that might become new peppers.   Our little pepper plant has taught me several things.   1. Don’t waste your talents. I could have let the first freeze kill it off and start anew the next year but I thought it was worth keeping. In the same way, God values us. He may have a particular task for us to do. There may be others who could do it, but He may want us to do it. We are all called to service. Peter writes, “ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter ...