Crosswalk.com--The Devotional

[Judy Harder]

Love You Forever
by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Entertainment Editor

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. – 1 John 4:16

One of my mother's favorite books is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. For those of you who haven't read it, the story begins with a young woman rocking her newborn baby to sleep as she sings this lullaby:

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
My baby you'll be.

The book then jumps forward through various stages the child's life, from troublesome toddler, to stubborn adolescent, to crazy teenager. In each instance, the mother is left shouting "This kid is driving me CRAZY!" Yet, whenever her child is asleep, she always makes her way into the bedroom to sing:

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
My baby you'll be.

It's amazing how such a small book can hold so much meaning. In only a few pages the author was able to capture the very essence of motherhood; its frustration, its unconditional love, and perhaps something more. Whether he intended to or not, I believe Munsch also created a perfect allegory for the gospel of Christ. How can we look at that messy, misbehaving child and not see ourselves? And how can we look at the mother and not see a reflection of God's love?

I sometimes wonder if God has ever shouted "These kids are driving me CRAZY!" Heaven knows we've done enough to earn that much. Yet no matter what we do, no matter how much we change, Christ is always there with outstretched arms, whispering over us:

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
My baby you'll be.

Intersecting Faith and Life: This Mother's Day, thank your mom for all the amazing things she does.   

Further Reading

Romans 8:31-39

[Judy Harder]

3 Ways My Mom Reminds Me of Jesus

"Her children rise up and call her blessed..." (Proverbs 31:28).

I've got a good family. And while I love all my family members so much that it hurts, and in vastly different ways, it's May, so I've been thinking a lot about my Mama. I have always known my mom was the actual greatest, but the older I grew, the more I began to recognize really concrete reasons for it. How much I had learned from her. How much her example has shown me about being a wife, or dealing with kids. How to keep a good face and a good heart when you're in uncomfortable or distasteful situations.

Some of the things she's imparted to me may seem small, or silly. When I'm outside and it's sunny, I always think about soaking up Vitamin D. I never let my students get away with using the phrase "the reason is because..." in their essays.

But more than those little things, my mom has made such a big impact on me because she reminds me of Jesus. Here are three Christ-like messages she has ingrained in me (whether by her words or simply her actions):

"You are Always Loved."

Of course my mom loves me. I suppose for most of us, that's a given. But it makes such a difference when she tells me that every time she sees me. No matter what mistake I make, no matter how grumpy I am, no matter how grumpy she is, I know that nobody will ever love me as much as my Mama loves me.

I have a unique relationship with my mom because I was her first daughter, and one she had wanted and prayed for many years before my birth. Whenever we've gone through a rough conversation, or even if I'm just feeling downtrodden, she's never hesitated to remind me that she has loved me and wanted me since before I was even born. And I know that my mom never stops praying and hoping for her children. This persistent, unrelenting love reminds me so much of Jesus' parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'"

This portrait of God that Jesus paints is simple: God loves you so much that he will never give up on you. Likewise, my mom is a mom who never gives up on me.

"You Are Always Welcome."

I used to assume that all families pretty much work like this, but the older I get, the more I realize how rarely we exhibit true, pure, hospitality even to our closest family members. Growing up, outsiders were routinely welcome to join us for meals, for sleeping over, or for jam sessions. Every time I talk with my mom, she reminds me that I'm welcome to pop by, expected or not, anytime I want. If I ever need something, or even just need to talk, I know she's there for me.

But more than just welcoming me into her home, my mom welcomes me into her heart and life, totally unconditionally. Sure, she taught me manners and morals, and hopes and expects I'll live by them. But none of her children has turned out perfect. And she has never given me ultimatums on our relationship, or implied that I would be kicked out, unwelcome, or treated as an outside if I said certain things, dressed a certain way, hung out with certain people, or even believed certain things. She lets me live my life, and I know she'll always be a phone call away. She'll always leave the front door open when she knows I'm coming over.

Just like the Father in the parable of the prodigal son. The son had rejected his father, thought of nothing but instant gratification, chased empty pleasures, and eventually returned home broken. What was the father doing, all this while?

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him... [And] the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found' (Luke 15: 20-24).

No conditions. No interrogations. Just a warm welcome home.

"You Will Always be Fed."

Does this one seem silly, or out of place? It doesn't to me. My mother was the first one who showed me what the ministry of feeding can look like. Sometimes a person just needs to be offered a hot meal, whether that person is your child, a guest in your home, or an underfed person standing on the street corner. This attitude of abundance and generosity is imprinted all over my childhood memories.

Food brings life to the body. Think about how often God worked on Israel's hearts through food! He gave them manna in the wilderness. The most sacred Jewish holiday, Passover, is a meal of bread and herbs, symbolizing the oppression of Egypt and the God who was big enough to free them from it.

And then the Lord's Supper.

Whoever eats of the bread and drinks of the cup proclaims the Lord's death until he comes.

Implemented in an upstairs chamber 2,000 years ago, it started off as a Passover meal, but was given fresh significance. We still practice this new sacrament of bread and wine in churches, every month, every Sunday, every day – to remind ourselves that God sustains. God provides. Jesus fed thousands with loaves and fish, and God feeds us with his Spirit. And one day, we will join him at the greatest bridal feast of all.

Where we will be fed.
We will be welcome.
And we will be loved.

That's what I see reflected in the life of my sweet mother. That's why she reminds me of Jesus.

[Judy Harder]

Seventy-Seven
by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Entertainment Editor

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – Romans 12:17-18

In a perfect world, Christians would be people without any disagreements. Unfortunately this isn't a perfect world, it's a fallen one, and even the Church sees its share of conflict between members. Pastors argue, Churches split, and professed Christians hold grudges against their brothers and sisters. This last one is something I particularly struggle with. A few years ago I was in a really bad place; I was feeling hurt and angry because of something some other Christians had said to me.

When I finally confided this to one of my friends, I can remember saying,

"I just hate them so much."           

It wasn't until later that I learned the disciple Peter had been in a similar situation. Look at what Jesus said to him,       

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. – Matthew 18:21-22 

But Jesus didn't stop there, he continued by telling the parable of the Servant and the Master. It begins with a kind man who dismisses his servant's enormous debt,       

"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. "Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." – Matthew 18:28-35

As Christians, we are commanded to forgive those who wrong us. Not just because God wants us to love one another, but because he first loved us.           

Intersecting Faith and Life: Is there anyone in your life you are struggling to forgive? Remember the parable of the King and his servant.

Further Reading

Luke 17:3

[Judy Harder]

Pharisees on Facebook
by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Entertainment Editor

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. – John 13:34-35

I have a friend who loves starting debates. Every once in a while he'll post an article or question on his Facebook page, then send out a request asking people to share their thoughts. These questions can cover every topic from politics to pop-culture, and typically generate good discussion. There was one post however, where things got pretty grim. It all started when my friend posted an article about a group of Christians who went to a Gay Pride parade holding signs that read "We're sorry for how the Church has treated you." Personally, I was pretty touched at the article, but as you might expect on such a hot button issue, not everyone felt the same way.

It didn't take long before the whole discussion exploded into a big honking argument and I remember leaving the thread in disgust, both by what others had written and how I had responded. The most unnerving part however, happened three days later when I picked up my Bible and read a passage where the Pharisees interrogated a man Jesus had just healed.           

Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?" Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from." The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out. – John 9:26-34

We like to think we are different from the Pharisees, but the truth is we're not. The Pharisees were the religious elite of the day, but they were so full of pride at their own self-righteousness, they could not even see the work of Christ when it was literally standing right in front of them. Instead, they argued and hurled insults at their enemy, a man who had done them no harm at all. I hate to say it, but that sounds a lot like me sometimes.

As Christians, we must remember that everything we say and everything we do reflects the presence of God in our lives. If we respond to others with cruelty, should we be surprised when their perception of Jesus is twisted? But if we respond in love, than perhaps they'll begin to understand how Christ sees them. So ask yourself, how does the world see Christ when they look at you?

Intersecting Faith and Life: Are you loving others the way Christ has loved you? Consider your actions.

Further Reading

John 9

[Judy Harder]

Who Determines Your Identity?
by Kelly Givens, Editor, iBelieve.com

Last year, in between jobs, I worked as a temporary administrative assistant at a financial planning firm... during tax season. It was as challenging as you might imagine. I had no experience in taxes but suddenly found myself surrounded by tax forms, calculators and clients who expected me to have the answers to all of their tax issues. I might as well have been in a foreign country trying to communicate in a language I barely understood.

I started with grand ambitions: I told myself that I would learn all about taxes; I took an incredibly challenging online tax course, learned a ton about deductions and exemptions, and strove to be cheerful and helpful to my colleagues and our clients. Things were going great - I was exhausted but felt helpful, felt like my boss appreciated me and thought my coworkers were glad to have me around. Until the worst imaginable thing happened.

A customer claimed to have dropped off his taxes to be done, but his paperwork was nowhere to be found. All of the most important documents he owned and had trusted to us had somehow vanished. Worst of all, I had been the person handling the coming and going of most of the client's paperwork the day it went missing, so the blame fell on me.

I was nauseous with anxiety. I felt the cold condemnation of my coworkers as they repeatedly asked me what I had done with this man's documents. All I could say over and over was, "I don't know. I don't remember taking his paperwork. I am so sorry." I listened as they whispered accusations behind my back. I felt them watching me like a hawk, seeing if I would make any more careless mistakes. Worst of all, my boss was totally stressed out and I felt the weight of everything on me.

I went home that night and cried my eyes out. I prayed fervently that God would somehow miraculously make the documents appear. I prayed for the strength I needed to face work the next day. I truly felt as David did in Psalms 55 when he prayed,

Fear and trembling have beset me;
horror has overwhelmed me.
Oh, that I had wings of a dove!
I would flee far away and stay in the desert.

All I wanted was to run away and never face my coworkers again. And I couldn't even think about what the client would say when he found out that all of his tax information was gone.

My husband and I went to Bible study that night, and together our small group prayed over the situation, prayed that the missing documents would be recovered, and prayed for my peace. One person's prayer in particular stuck out to me:

Father, I pray that Kelly knows her identity is not in what she does or doesn't do, but in what you have done for her. I pray she knows that no amount of mistakes could make her any less your daughter.

Those words were a balm to my wounded spirit. I pictured Jesus holding me, reminding me of his great love for me and that even though I had messed up, my mistakes didn't define me, he did.

I am a daughter of the King. Being reminded that my identity rests not in my success but in Christ's sacrifice gave me the courage I needed to face another work day. I realized I had been finding my identity in what other people thought of me and in a job well done, instead of resting in the knowledge that no matter what, I am a beloved, redeemed child of God.

The next day at work, the missing files were found. The client had dropped them off in our overnight drop-off box, and the documents were wedged at the top of the chute. While having my name cleared was a relief, I look back and am more thankful for the lesson God taught me. When it comes to my identity, it's not what I do or don't do that defines me, it's what Christ has done for me.

"He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me."  -Psalm 55:18

Intersecting Faith and Life: Where do you find your identity, in the knowledge that you're a child of God, or in the things you do or don't do? Remember, the thing that separates Christianity from all other world religions is that it's not what we do that saves us, it's what Christ has done for us. You're a child of God! Celebrate this today instead of focusing on your successes and failures.

Further Reading:

Psalm 55
John 15
Romans 8:1

[Judy Harder]

Are You Reciting the Gospel by Yourself?
by Alex Crain, Editor, Christianity.com

"...with Him... Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking
of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem."
Luke 9:27 NASB

It's good to see that the idea of 'preaching the gospel to yourself everyday' is becoming more popular. At least that's how it seems to me. Things that point to the gospel are popping up in all kinds of places and ways, not only in big and new movements but in short videos, articles and Twitter messages ("gospel tweets"). A caution in the way we think about the gospel was brought to my attention recently in chapter two of True Spirituality. If you're not following along in our weekly journey through this important and helpful work by Francis Schaeffer, I invite you to join us. 

In chapter two, Schaeffer mentions our Scripture passage today (above) where we see Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration about His impending departure—His death.

It's subtle, but notice that they're not just making a passing mention of the fact. Rather, they were actively and continuously speaking about it. They were dwelling on the gospel; at least the substitutionary atonement part of it. And with the Object of their redemption (Christ) standing right there, no doubt there must have been more than just theological accuracy in their conversation. Probably more like amazement and deep gratitude. As they thought of all that Christ was about to endure for their sin, I'm sure they had correct thoughts about the gospel. But Christ's own presence energized their orthodox theology. 

At times, there can a detached, tearless way that we think about the gospel. When I have well-articulated and familiar facts about Christ's life/death/resurrection/ascension, and they are just empty echoes down the icy corridors of my thoughts, the diagnosis is simple: I have broken fellowship with Christ. It's evidence of unconfessed sin.

Schaeffer reminds us that when we rehearse the gospel, we must do so in the presence of the Living Christ; in humble worship of Him. He is not a distant figment of man's imagination. He is the God Who is there. Just as Moses and Elijah were "with Him"... in His presence, so we too must continuously rehearse the gospel while recognizing that we are in the presence of the God Who is there. The Christian life flows from the constant spring of dwelling on the gospel with the Redeemer Himself. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:     

Remember this paraphrase of john piper: the gospel is like blood, it's supposed to course through your veins not be carried in a bucket.

John Owen, (a 1600s Puritan) often prayed, "Lord, may I commune with You in the doctrines I espouse." Make this your prayer and experience today. 

Further Reading

John 15:1

The Gospel in Six Minutes (John Piper, video)

"While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that man can be, Thou, God art present there."
From the hymn, "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" by Isaac Watts

[Judy Harder]

Editor's Note: This devotional was originally published in 2008. We're re-running it today in honor of Keeper, whose earthly journey came to an end peacefully May 19, 2014.

Keeper Lessons
by Meghan Kleppinger

I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"
Psalms 91:2

Everyone loves those "dog movies." You know the ones – like Homeward Bound and My Dog Skip, and Benji, and Lassie. Actually, I can't watch those movies because I crumble to pieces whenever I see an animal in harm's way, or treated with cruelty. Yes, I know they're fictional and special effects are used, but it started with Old Yeller when I was five... and please don't ask me to explain the rest of that story!

Well, these days, I feel as though I'm living out one of those dog story movies.

I adopted a 5-year-old collie mix last November that had been rescued by an animal society on the day she was to be euthanized. I was told she was friendly but hand-shy and that she had been abandoned and probably abused. I quickly found this to be true and it nearly drove me to tears each time I would go to pet her and she would flinch.

About two weeks after the adoption, my dog started having seizures. I can't begin to explain the fear that consumed me. It was nothing compared to the terrified and confused look in my pup's eyes. The vet told me that she will have to be on epilepsy meds for life and that whoever gave her up probably did so because they didn't think she was worth the effort and cost.

I love this dog and I'm committed to keeping her healthy and safe, but I've had the most difficult time communicating this with her. I even named her Keeper as a reminder that she has found her forever home and that she is, indeed, a keeper.

The other day while I was walking her, a huge black dog jumped out of nowhere and attempted to attack her. I don't know how to explain my reaction when this happened. In mamma bear fashion, I didn't think, I reacted. I started screaming at this dog, "Get off of her!" and threw myself between the two of them. Eventually, I managed to pull out and then walk away, a little shaken, but unscathed. I saw two wet saliva spots on her skin - attempted bite marks - and realized how fortunate we were.

God started to impress some things upon me as we walked home. Here I had this dog that was abused, abandoned, unwanted, and considered worthless by someone. She has trust issues but at the same time wants so badly to please me.

It made me think of us humans. We have trust issues. We have hurts and pains that we don't understand and don't want to revisit. Sometimes it's hard for those of us who have been hurt to obey God's call to trust Him.

What God reminded me of was that He doesn't just tell us we can trust Him, or command us to do so, but through scripture and through circumstances in our lives He shows us over and over again that we can trust Him.

I took my dog out for a walk again the same day as the earlier attack and I nearly had a nervous breakdown as I saw two huskies approaching us. I knew them to be friendly dogs, but the last thing I wanted was for Keeper to go into her Alpha-dog "I'll protect you and myself" mode. She doesn't initiate attacks, but she doesn't shy away from them either.

Anyway, rather than showing her teeth or barking, like she normally does, she hid behind me.

I had spent months petting, hugging, grooming and feeding her, and telling her that she was "my girl," but it never seemed to be enough to gain her full trust. On the day of the attack, something happened. Something clicked. She saw by my actions that I cared for her and that in turn, she could trust me.

God reminded me that Jesus stepped in and, knowing the cost, paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. Though others may think us worthless, He thought we were worth being saved to the point of death. He has proven that He cares for us and can be trusted.

Why then, do we so often try by ourselves to fight those battles that threaten us each day? Why do we go into alpha-dog mode when He has told us that He will go before us and fight for us?

Keeper ran behind me when we saw those two huskies because she knew I would protect her. Most of all, what God taught me through my dog that day is that I need to do the same... I need to seek His protective covering and let Him take care of me.

Intersecting Faith & Life: As Proverbs 3 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Further Reading

Psalms 20:7
2 Chronicles 20:17
Why God Can be Trusted: Letter to the Hebrews
Learn How and When to Trust in a World of Betrayal

[Judy Harder]

Trials of Prosperity
by Alex Crain, Editor, Christianity.com

"...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:11-13

A friend of mine who lives in another part of the country (let's call him Joe) works as a recruiter. He specializes in finding jobs for lawyers, consultants, and accountants. When Joe places someone in a job, the hiring firm pays him a percentage based on the annual salary. A few years ago, when housing prices began taking a nose dive and the job market dried up, my friend nearly lost everything.

Every week, Joe and I would talk on the phone and pray together. We asked God to provide for our families and help us not get consumed with worry. God faithfully met our needs and the answers to prayer for Joe's finances came in small quantities, until just recently when the floodgates opened.

Last year, Joe made a couple of moderate placements while he tapped away at something he called his "needle in a haystack." A law firm in Asia was seeking a senior partner whose starting annual salary would be around $3 million. The bonus for Joe would be the biggest in his career if he could land it. Well, Joe's candidate eventually got the job. When Joe called me to share the news, we rejoiced and praised God together.

Then, because this less-than-joyful bit of news was fresh on my mind at the time, I shared with Joe (anonymously) about an acquaintance who was no longer living for God. He had inherited a good amount of money around the same time Joe's income had dried up to a trickle. The inheritance money fueled secret vices that eventually led him to the point of abandoning his wife and six young children for another woman. My wife and I stayed in this family's home just a few years ago. We still can't believe it.

Joe and I still pray on the phone and ask God to bless his business and keep him close to God as he tastes financial success. In light of the tragic break up of this other family, we've become more aware what a blessing it is to just have daily bread. The temptation to forget God in times of abundance is strong. When God allows trials of prosperity in our lives, we need to depend on Him even more.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Though it might sound cliché, Satan will destroy us if he can. As Luther's hymn says: 'His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate.' No matter our circumstances, God wants us to trust Him, not piles of money.

Further Reading:

8 Things Contentment Opposes, by Tim Challies

Philippians 4:1

[Judy Harder]

What Hath Worldview to Do with Memorial Day?
Alex Crain
Editor, Christianity.com

"...let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..."
Genesis 1:26 NASB

Begun as a ritual after the American Civil War to honor fallen soldiers, Memorial Day seems to have broadened in recent years. Many people view it as a day to remember deceased friends and loved ones, regardless of military service. The propriety of this phenomenon is not so much the focus of this devotional. What is of interest, however, is the fact that there even exists a universal human urge to honor the dead. Thinking worldview-ishly—what perspective besides the Christian's is able to provide a consistent and satisfying explanation for this?

Take atheistic evolution, for example. 1How do invisible realities like love, honor, and dignity evolve by random processes in a purely material universe? These are enduring aspects of human personality. Each is non-material, but each is very real. Deep down, we all know that they exist. Yet atheistic evolution, which says that these things can be nothing more than the product of chemical reactions in our brains, renders them meaningless. (Somehow, that little factoid gets swept under the rug in biology class though, doesn't it?)

At a fundamental level, we know that these ideals aren't just the product of chemical reactions in our brains. Oh, someone might protest that they are just chemical reactions. But if you could follow that person home and observe him for a while among his friends and loved ones, you'd see a different story played out.

The image of God is something which humans cannot contain or fully eradicate. Sooner or later it pokes out and finds expression. In an unguarded moment, the God-denier looks into the eyes of his beloved, or cradles a child or grandchild in his arms and knows deeply that the love he's experiencing is not a mere product of bio-chemistry. In The God Who Is There, author Francis Schaeffer said it this way:

"Though your system may say love does not exist, your own experience shows that it does." (chap. 2, conclusion)

We humans have an insuppressible knowledge that love is real and that there is something eternal and significant about us. We may not be able to put our finger on it or explain it precisely, but the Bible says that the living God has made mankind in His image. At the very least what that means is that we are distinct from animals. The ability to reflect on ourselves and write an essay about it (or read one), sets us apart from every other species. This is a function of the image of God at work.

God specially created us as rational and moral creatures possessing complex, intangible elements of personality. We are self-conscious; we reflect on memories of ourselves and others; we experience love—on and on. These are distinctly human qualities. We are unique in our "mannishness" as Schaeffer called it. Elsewhere, he wrote concerning this, saying:

God thinks and we think. The world of thoughts is that which distinguishes me as a man.

[Therefore,]...the battle for people is centrally in the world of thought.
(True Spirituality, chap. 9: conclusion)

Granted, people don't always live in full awareness of these deep truths. But a so-called "non-religious" holiday like Memorial Day can help shock the awareness back, if we pause to consider it.

As Christians, we are right to observe Memorial Day. Honoring the dead is something completely consistent with our worldview. We might also observe Memorial Day by looking for opportunities to graciously challenge others to think about where their worldview leads them, and why they do what they do.

Intersecting Faith & Life: When a non-Christian friend, neighbor, or family member brings up the subject of Memorial Day, ask them why they think humans honor their dead. Seize the occasion to start a conversation that points others to their Creator whose image they bear.

Further Reading:
Colossians 3:1 (esp. 3:10)
The Myth of Neutrality (a worldview & apologetics study by Greg Bahnsen)
How to Know Truth and Evaluate Competing Worldviews, by Chris Daniel


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1The deficiencies of other worldviews are demonstrable re: honoring the dead. However, for the sake of brevity, the discussion is being limited here to atheistic evolution.

[Judy Harder]

Traveling Mercies
by Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk.com Managing Editor

You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day.
Psalms 91:1

With Memorial Day weekend's arrival, summer travel season is upon us (well, for those who haven't been grounded by the economy, anyway), so I've been reminiscing upon all the times the Lord has watched out for me on the road through all my journeys. Here are just a few examples:

When I helped my wife - before she was my wife - move from Columbia, South Carolina to Farmville, Virginia, we rented an auto transport to trail her car behind the U-Haul so that we could both ride together in the truck. I had helped load her car onto the transport before we left. We decided to get out of town and onto the interstate before we gassed up. We'd traveled up and down hills, across several railroad tracks, on the interstate, in stop-and-go traffic... and it was raining. You'll understand the reason I tell you all that momentarily.

When we pulled into the gas station, we realized we didn't have Valerie's key chain. It held the keys to her car, her new home, her old home, and several expensive keys to the University of South Carolina. Neither of us had any idea where they could be. I got out of the truck to think... and I spotted them, there on one of the two-inch thick beams of the auto transport. I yelled for Valerie, who came to look. I carefully touched the keys with my fingertips... and they dropped to the ground. Neither of us could believe our eyes, or that those keys had remained there of their own accord over the route we had driven. It had to be the Lord. If not, well, He got the praise and glory anyway.

Another time, when I was just a boy, my mother's station wagon had a flat tire on a remote stretch of road outside Tucson. My sister and I were in the car as my mother struggled to get the hubcap off. In those days, on that model, a special tool was required to be able to get to the lugnuts. We didn't have the tool. Just then, a guy rode up on a bike. He happened to have the tool. He handed it to my mother, who to this day swears he was an angel. I'm not sure I can argue with her.

At other times there have been individuals who showed up with just the right help during blowouts, or - believe it or not - airline personnel who actually made my trip better than it could have gone. The most memorable of these instances, truly, have come during times I prayed, read my Bible, and had decided in advance not to get bent out of shape about delays or other problems. One such cross-country trip resulted in an out-of-nowhere upgrade to first class from Philadelphia to Seattle, where I also ended up in position to calmly solve a dispute between passengers. Indeed, the Lord has been gracious to me in travel.

My wife's family has a tradition before every trip they take to read Psalms 91. It reminds them that God is their refuge as they go, wherever they go. And of course before every trip we take, my family prays for safety, and mercy... and the opportunity to minister, even if it is an inconvenience to our plans.

One way or another, this prayer is always answered. Still, it's hard to remind myself of goodness and opportunity in delay. Sometimes I still feel that the trip, the vacation, is my time... that whatever gets in the way shows that the Lord does not care, or did not "bless" our travels. That's when I remember Paul's travels. I am certain the Apostle didn't think shipwrecks and imprisonment were helps toward spreading the Gospel. But in the end, they were. Are our travels - no matter what purpose we think they hold - any different?

Jesus told a story about a traveler who had been robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the road. Those who passed him by had in mind only their own agendas and their desire not to be inconvenienced, even if they were priests by vocation. What would you do? Would you have the time, yearning, and empathy to interrupt your travels to do as the Samaritan did?

Understand that I am not discounting that the Lord must lay on your heart the decision to stop and help, especially in these troubled and dangerous times. But do be open to it. So few times anymore do we venture outside our home or neighborhood. Those times we do should not merely be restful, but ministerial. Pray that God would give you opportunities to serve him - and yes, to see His glory in watching over you! - as you go.

Intersecting Faith & Life: This summer especially, be on the lookout for fellow travelers who are stranded. Rising gas costs could cause some motorists to run out of fuel. Consider taking along a spare gas container and can of fix-a-flat to assist stranded folks who might be in need of genuine help (and the gospel message).

Further Reading

Luke 10:25-37
Psalms 91
5 Trips to Make Memorial Day Memorable
A Father's Summer Trip Road Rules
Tips to Keep Your Family Vacation Affordable and Fun