Last weekend, I attended my first-ever Major League Baseball Postseason game. While I have been to many MLB games across the country, this Postseason game stood out. I made many observations during my time at this Postseason game. Among the things, I took note of was the atmosphere. The energy prevalent among the crowd in attendance was unlike anything I have seen in person at a MLB game. In addition, there is a sense of urgency in the Postseason. There is a realization by all Postseason teams that if they do not win this time of year, their respective seasons can end without winning a championship.

Typically, you do not see this type of urgency most of the year in Major League Baseball. During a year where each team plays roughly a month’s worth of Spring Training games before participating in a 162-game regular season, it can be easy not to have a sense of urgency. It can be easy to get tired along the way. There will be both good and bad days. What if every team played every game with the same urgency that exists during a Postseason game?

Life can often be like a baseball season. There are many days, both good and bad. There are days we may not be up to the challenges we face. As Christians, do we ever find ourselves like this? Do we ever get worn down by what life can throw at us? Do we ever feel the work we do is meaningless? No matter the circumstances we face, we need to remember the work we do for Christ is significant, no matter how big or small. We need to maintain a certain energy level in our lives as Christians. Paul the Apostle alludes to this idea in Galatians 6. Galatians 6:9-10 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

While every day may not bring the most excitement, do not overlook the small things. We need to go after each day with as high of a level of energy as possible.

This morning Douwene returned to our house shortly after having left. She had found a rather expensive looking piece of equipment in the middle of the road. On it was a message. If found call such and such a number and you will receive $100 as a reward. Well, she called, and a very friendly and appreciative gentleman said he’d be around to pick up the equipment. So, while viewing him on camera (from my Summit Office) I remotely opened the garage door and he left, in the place of the equipment, a $100 bill.

This week we have been studying, in our daily devotionals, The Parable of Hidden Treasurer.

Matthew 13:44–46 (ESV) ⁴⁴“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ⁴⁵“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, ⁴⁶who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Friend, which of us having found the hidden treasure would leave it hidden in the ground? In every relationship there are givers and there are takers. I would submit to you that the givers are those who have found the treasure and have not left it buried in the ground.

“[Jesus’] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Living the Christian life is difficult for many reasons. One of the greatest obstacles Christians must overcome is forgetfulness of God’s promises – the very promises which give us hope so that our faith perseveres. We can only overcome this by constantly reminding ourselves of God’s promises of the future and the present. One passage that can remind us of God’s promises and our proper response is 1 Pet 1:3–11, which I have provided above in the ESV. There are five things I want us to reflect on: (1) God has given us everything we need for life and piety; (2) God has given us great promises that allow us to be partakers of the divine nature! (3) Our proper response is to supplement our faith with various virtues; (4) These qualities are for our benefit so that we can confirm our calling and election as Christians; (5) If we lack these qualities, we are blind by our choice.

Reflect on these truths. Memorize these verses. Remind yourself of God’s blessings and of our proper response. Then go do it.

In his book, Building Classic Small Craft, John Gardner described the term and use of the word “fair”.  

“Fair” is a trade term meaning a continuous, uniform sweep without lumps, holes or irregularities of line of any sorts.  The ultimate test of fairness is what boat builders call a “good eye,” which a few seem to come by naturally, but which most must acquire through practice and experience.

The ones I have known with this “good eye” gained this perspective thru experience.  My father could look at a bolt or nut and instinctively know which size wrench to ask for or if a fence line was straight or a “little out of sorts”.  The experienced craftsman knows where to stand; looking at all angles to find the right perspective- The Good Eye.

Robert Cumming, an acclaimed art critic, was examining, Filippino Lippi’s, a 15^th century Italian painter, The Virgin Child with Saints Jerome and Dominic.  The proportions of the scene troubled him. It appeared that the people would fall out of the painting if it were tipped.  It was then that Robert Cumming realized that he had the wrong perspective.  The painting was intended for a place of prayer not an art gallery.  In view of all around him, Robert knelt as if he was praying and all the details of the painting were in perfect perspective.

We look around life and lack that “good eye”.  Everything seems as if it is about to topple over.  We wonder why.  Maybe we are too proud.

Peter understood this problem and wrote in 1 Peter 5:5-7 these words:

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your
elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Prov. 3:34

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

It is all a matter of perspective.  Only when we humble ourselves, get down on our knees, pray and look up that we can comprehend life and the problems surrounding us. That is how we can have that “good eye”.  Then we can tell what is “fair” and good. 

Does Jesus see me? I mean does He really see the inner person that I am? Does He know my temperament? Does He know what makes me tick? Yes, my Jesus sees! John 1:47 JESUS SAW Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”

Does Jesus see me? I mean does He see my suffering? Does He know how long I’ve been struggling? Yes, my Jesus sees! John 5:6 When JESUS SAW him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”

Does Jesus see me? I mean does He see my heart breaking? Does He see my tear-stained pillow? Yes, my Jesus sees! John 11:33 When JESUS SAW her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.

Does Jesus see me? I mean does He see my vulnerability and my fears and my loneliness? Yes, my Jesus sees! John 19:26 When JESUS SAW his mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”

Friend, many have not returned to the assembly since COVID started. They are wondering if Jesus sees them. Why not send them a weekly text, till they return, so that they may know – Yes, my Jesus sees!

The past century has produced a plenitude of Bible translations. Many of these translations market themselves as the “best” translation available. But which translation actually is the best?

First, one must determine the goal of the translation. As noted by the ancient Christian scholar and translator Jerome, translations can be word-for-word or sense-for-sense, but not both. This is because languages of idioms, syntax, words, and style that cannot be accurately translated from one language to another. Additionally, with  a distance of 2000 or more years between the biblical authors and ourselves, there are concepts completely unfamiliar to us that will not make sense when translated literally. Therefore, one must determine for herself whether a literal (word-for-word) translation best suits her needs. 

Regardless of whether the translation philosophy is literal or free, all translation involves interpretation. Translation involves taking not only words, but the concepts of those words into one’s mother tongue. There are places where the Greek or Hebrew are ambiguous. The translator is forced to decide on what English word best conveys the meaning of the author in a particular context. For instance, translations for Hebrews 2:10 translates the term archegos in several ways because the term could mean a variety of things. The ESV has “founder,” while the NASB has “author” and the NRSV has “pioneer.” All three are very different concepts in English. The first English term relates to building or establishing a structure or system, the second has to do with writing, and the third has to do with being a first explorer.

So, which is the “best” translation? All of them. Whatever translation helps you love God’s word and keeps you interested in it, that is the one you should read devotionally. Every translation has its weakness and none of them are objectively perfect. Nevertheless, there are some objectively terrible “translations,” such as the Passion translation that are not worth your time or money.

A final tip on translations: use multiple translations when studying the Bible. Whenever there is a disagreement among the translations, you likely need to do a word study or consult  commentaries on those particular words or phrases because they are difficult to convey in the English language. When studying, I recommend starting with literal translations (e.g., NASB, KJV) and supplementing them with more “free” translations or paraphrases (e.g., the Message, NLT). This way you can have the best of both worlds.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Two weeks ago, in the teen class, we discussed Nehemiah. Nehemiah was one of the great leaders of the Bible. He was a layman, not a priest nor a prophet. However, he led a group of Jews to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls and later served as Governor of Judah for twelve years.

We have many biblical examples of men who needed to be convinced to be leaders. Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Saul, and Jonah are just a few who hesitated, or resisted, a call by God to lead. However, Nehemiah saw a need and rose to lead the people to accomplish a great task.

In a time where great leaders are hard to come by, we can learn much from Nehemiah. Neil Pollard, in a recent article, suggested a number of characteristics that Nehemiah exhibited as a great leader:

Compassion (1:1-4)

A strong prayer life (1:5-11, 2:4, 4:4-9, 9:5-38)

A proven record of leadership (1:11)

Courage (2:2-3)

Ability to plan the work well (2:7-9)

Ability to communicate (2:17-18)

Positive (2:20)

No stranger to sacrifice (5:14-18)

Feared God (5:15)

Hospitable (5:17)

Avoided distraction (6:2-3)

Followed through and aimed for completion (6:15-16)

These are characteristics we can all strive to improve.

As far as we know, Nehemiah did not come from a prestigious background, or have a great education, or an extensive leadership training program. He was a servant in the King’s household. When he saw a need, he was moved to action, and he rose to lead his people.

In society and in the church, we need more people like Nehemiah.

From the beginning of time global gaslighting has existed. All that is needed is a people who have more faith in “mother earth” than our Father in Heaven. Should I, as a Christian, be afraid of their prophecies (predictions) or have faith in God’s Word? “Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (Psalm 46:2–3, ESV)

His Word gives us a global warning as to how the world will end, “waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn” (2 Peter 3:12)!

But, until that day, Christ will (not global gas lighters) sustain the world. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16–17, ESV)

Finally, His Word says that I have no need to fear any “superpower” either (Daniel 2:44–45 ESV). Friend, the best thing you can do for our climate is to obey its Creator.

It is obvious that as someone who teaches Bible classes I want you to go to those Bible classes. However, I do not just want you to go to Bible class: I want you to believe that Bible class is of great benefit; even more, I want you to seize those benefits offered in these classes!

What are the benefits of Bible class? The most obvious benefit is that you are learning God’s word. The teachers (hopefully) spend a great amount of time in the Bible during the week preparing themselves to teach the class in order to maximize the benefit you receive from the class. God’s word is a gift to us, and it can bless us with knowledge, encouragement, and faith-inspiring characters and stories. Discussion of these stories as a group can help you learn and internalize the Word in a very special way.

A second benefit is encouragement from Christians. We all need encouragement. The lesson will hopefully encourage you. Even if you just sit passively in Bible class, you can still absorb some helpful information or hear some encouraging insight that will get you through the week. But before and after the classes is also a time we receive encouragement. It can be worth going to Bible study just to talk to people before and after the class.

If these benefits do not persuade you to go to join Wednesday night Bible study, hopefully your sense of duty can convict you. Even if you think you do not need encouragement, you are still called to encourage others (1 Thes 5:11). How can you encourage other Christians if you are not with those Christians? Additionally, we are supposed to submit to our shepherds (Heb 13:17) and our shepherds expect all members to be at Bible classes. Finally, knowing the Bible is something that every Christian should desire to do, since God took the time to reveal it to us and thousands of people have labored and spent countless hours and resources to make sure that you had access to it.

I hope that you do not think two hours each week to spend in corporate Bible class is too burdensome. We all spend far more time on things of far less eternal importance. I can guarantee you that at the end of your life you will either be thankful for all the time you could spend with the saints in Bible study, or you will regret that you did not take the time to do so.

One of the more frightening things to me is to be awakened during the middle of the night by tornado sirens. The realization that something in a matter of minutes could flatten my house is unbearable. There are many things in life that frighten us. These vary from individual and the way we respond does as well. The way a person perseveres from this is known as courage. J.R.R Tolkien was once quoted saying “Courage is found in unlikely places.” This simple quote got my mind racing about the accounts of courage in the Bible.

In 1 Samuel 17, there is one of the many examples of courage displayed throughout the Bible. It is one that is often used as a metaphor in sports. Young David up against an unlikely opponent, one not many believed he could defeat, Goliath, the Philistine giant.

In verse 45, we see the courage David has. ⁴⁵ “Then David said to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶ This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Continuing down in verse 49:  And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.

David stood up to the Philistine. He was an unlikely person to defeat an opponent that overpowered him in every way possible. There was one thing David had on his side, and that was the Lord. David displayed true courage standing up to the Philistine. When we think there isn’t a way to overcome a fear or frightening situation, confront it knowing the Lord is with us.