KLOVE RADIO FEATURES – AUGUST 2024
BORING CHRISTIANITY –
As a young Christ-follower, I coined the phrase, “If it’s boring, it’s not of God.” It was a bit overstated, but it made a good point: the God who makes galaxies is not predictable, unexciting, and repetitious, and so, if we are authentically representing Him, neither should we be. Recently, the #1 golfer in the world was so good and so rarely made mistakes that one of his competitors referred to his golf as “boring.” Implying that he was so predictably excellent, it was less exciting to watch. It made me think. Do I want my relationship with God to be “faithful or erratic?” Should my spiritual and physical disciplines demonstrate consistent self-control or laziness? And does my commitment to my wife need to be 100% faithful? Hmm. Perhaps “boring” Christianity would be OK after all.
IMMATURITY & INSECURITY –
Sad to say, even after following Jesus for over fifty years, I’m often saddened by my immature responses to pressures in my life. I know better! It caused me to reflect that immaturity and insecurity are conjoined twins. Growing up or growing anxious is always my choice. Feeling good or bad is often a reflection of Who I trust. The Bible provokes us to be strong in Jesus, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) If I am not secure in my faith and trust in Jesus, then my insecurity will sadly lead to immature responses.
SURROUNDING TRUTH –
I heard a Bible verse recently that surrounded two marvelous qualities of God with a word that God promises will set us free. It’s the word “truth.” Proverbs 3 says, “Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Proverbs 3:3, AMP) Many voices are proclaiming their truth, which is not just false but misrepresents the heart of God because they entirely lack the mercy and kindness of God. As there is no greater responsibility for those of us who profess to have a relationship with God, may the truth we proclaim will set people free, always be immersed in the merciful kindness of the God who alone is Love.
BE LIKE GOD: BLESS! –
Would you like to live blessed? I’m certain you would! Thankfully, it’s God’s nature to bless, and that’s why He encourages each of us to be a blessing and bless others. We are only walking in the character of God when we are blessing others. Believe in the power of blessing! As “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21), so are blessing and cursing. While many in our society believe that cursing makes them powerful, it’s a blessing that demonstrates true strength. Many scriptures affirm this life-giving principle: Acts 20:35 says, “Greater is he who gives a blessing than he who receives a blessing.” And Ephesians 1:3 says, God has blessed each of us with every spiritual blessing.” While Psalm 133 affirms, “For there the Lord commands the Blessing: Life forevermore.”
THE GOD OF ABUNDANCE –
All of us, at times, struggle with the pressures of lack: lack of finances, lack of peace of mind, and lack of hope. Yet, everything good that God is and has for each of us is in abundance. Whether it’s love, joy, peace, grace, or mercy, God’s blessings are abundant to each of us. So, how do we access these blessings? We need faith, obedience, and a close relationship with God. Trusting in God’s promises, following His commandments, and seeking His will through prayer and meditation on His Word can help us align our lives with His plans. Practicing gratitude, serving others, and living a life of love and compassion also attracts God’s blessing and favor. Ultimately, having a humble and open heart, surrendering our will to God’s will, and seeking His guidance and direction are vital to experiencing His abundant blessings.
“IF YOU ARE NOT A STRONG SWIMMER, YOU WILL DROWN!” –
Recently, when the temperature in our northern California town was 113, I went to a waterpark with six grandsons and a son-in-law. The final ride in our four-hour water-thon was so intense that the lifeguard looked at each of us and said, “This ride is disorienting. Unless you are a strong swimmer, you will drown. So, I need to look each of you in the eye, ask you a question, and hear your response. ‘Are you a strong swimmer?’” After being propelled down a winding shaft, we were violently thrown into the bottom of eight feet of water. It was no joke! The next day, when the assassination attempt took place, I couldn’t help connecting that chilling sentence, “If you are not a strong swimmer, you will drown!” to the season we are in. Let me say to each of us, “Be strong spiritually, or you will drown!”