Monthly Archives: January 2019

Life sometimes feels like standing on a beach with wave after wave crashing into you. Just when you regain your balance from the last crisis or disappointment, the next one hits, threatening to sweep your legs out from under you and drag you under.

If you’re feeling like this right now, then hopefully this advice I found on a sign in Hawaii will help. The sign said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf!”

James 1:2-4 gives us similar advice. It says, “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 that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Today we may be no more able to stop the trials which come our way, then we can stop the waves from crashing on the shore, but how we respond to these challenges is up to us. We can give up and let them drag us down or we can use them to grow stronger and to carry us toward our goals. We can drown in a whirlpool of despair or we can learn to surf. The choice is ours.

Today, I choose to surf!

After taking the red-eye back from Kauai, driving home through pouring rain from Seattle, spending Thursday running errands, and a busy day at work yesterday, I’m so glad it’s finally Sabbath! I really need it!

That’s the thing about vacations. After spending 9 days relaxing it’s hard to get back into the swing of things. It’s hard to concentrate on work, when your mind is back in Hawaii!

Our last day in Kauai we spent exploring the beautiful Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” That description may be a little generous because Waimea pales in comparison to the Grand Canyon, but it is still amazing! Spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges, and sheer cliffs covered in lush vegetation make it one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

In the afternoon we hiked down into the canyon, hoping to reach the top of the waterfall, but we took a wrong turn and ended up on the cliff trail instead. While I was a little disappointed in not getting to see the falls up close, the view from the cliff trail was amazing! We stood on the end and just drank in the beauty around us. It was well worth the hike!

Sometimes in life we make a wrong turn, ending up far from where we intended to be. This can be discouraging, but, thankfully, we serve a God who can use even life’s detours to lead us into a beautiful place. We need only trust in Him and remember He promises in Romans 8:28 “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” – even our wrong turns!

God bless and have a Happy Sabbath!

Yesterday, Ana and I climbed Nounou Mountain, also called the Sleeping Giant, here in Kauai. When we started we thought it would be an easy hike. We were wrong!

The higher we got the steeper the trail. Towards the top we came upon a staircase of rock where we had to climb up using handholds and footholds. Unable to see what lay above, all we could do was keep moving. Step-by-step we kept going and before we knew it we were standing on the peak, the beauty of Kauai spread below us.

Many times in life we can’t see the way ahead. The way seems to hard to handle, obstacles appear on every side, and there seems no clear way through. Our options are limited and defeat seems inevitable.

Martin Luther King Jr., whose life we celebrate today, had some good advice for those of us facing such a situation. He said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving.”

Life isn’t always easy, but we must “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9. So, whether climbing a mountain or facing a problem which seems as big as one, take Martin Luther King Jr.’s advice and “keep moving”, trusting God to show you the way.

God bless and have a great day!

This morning, I got to watch another spectacular sunrise on the beach in Kauai. Watching the clouds light up like fire, I was reminded of Jesus words in Mark 13:26-27, when he said, “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”

This text was especially meaningful to me because, yesterday, my cousin Benji’s family and friends gathered for his memorial service, celebrating his life which ended much to soon. Obviously, we couldn’t be there, but they were in our thoughts and prayers.

Benji was a wonderful person who loved life and brought much joy to his family and friends. He will be terribly missed. However, our grief is tempered by the knowledge this is not the end. Soon we “will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds…” On that day, “he will send his angels and gather his elect…from the ends of the earth…”

Never again will parents have to bury their children or children their parents, for “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4. No more memorial services, no more graveside tears, no more loved ones left to carry on alone.

When Jesus comes again no longer will we look to the horizon each morning for the sun to rise. Instead, with Benji and others we have lost, we will be “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Until then, we will rejoice at each new sunrise and give thanks each time it sets, knowing we are one day closer to the day when the Son will rise with healing in His wings. (Malachi 4:2). On that day we will all go home, never more to part. May that day be soon!

This morning I started the day in the pre-dawn darkness on the beach, waves crashing at my feet and a cool wind blowing in from the ocean. There were only a few stars visible and scattered clouds dotted the skies.

As I sat there, praying and listening, the eastern horizon slowly began to lighten. The beach began to fill with other early risers, each of us waiting in eager anticipation for the sun to rise over the ocean.

As the first streaks of light reflected off the clouds there was a tension in the air, none of us wanting to missing even a moment of the drama unfolding before us. Then, as the edge of the sun peaked over the horizon, we relaxed and drank in the beauty of the scene. A new day had dawned.

Lamentation 3:22-23 tells us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

No matter how badly I messed up yesterday, no matter my failures and mistakes, God’s “compassions never fail. They are new every morning…” As surely as the sun will rise each morning, great is his faithfulness. As unending as the waves upon the shore is His mercy for his children.

This Sabbath, as you welcome the new day, welcome Jesus into your heart. Feel the warmth of His love fill your soul and know your sins and mistakes have been forgiven and hurled “into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19.

It’s a new day, a new beginning. Let’s make it the best day yet!

Happy Sabbath!

Our first full day here in Kauai, Ana and I walked over old lava flows that make up the rocky coastline. Walking there was difficult, as the surface is very irregular and one wrong step could lead to a twisted ankle or worse. One good thing about it, though – it was solid!

The last couple days we’ve been walking on the beach. What a difference! The sand is smooth, with a gentle slope, and feels good under our feet. It looks like you could walk on it forever. That is until you take a step and the sand shifts under your feet. Suddenly you find yourself struggling to stay upright. This gets even worse when the waves crash on the beach and loosen the sand even more.

In our lives we have a natural tendency to walk on the smooth ground, to take what’s seems to be the easy way, to follow the crowd. In doing so, we are setting ourselves up for a let down, for Jesus warns, “broad is the road that leads to destruction.” (Matthew 7:13 NIV)

Although rocky the way “and narrow the road that leads to life” it is the only sure path for our feet. Built on the Rock Christ Jesus and guided by the Word of God, the path of the Christian is not always easy, but the footing is sure and we need never walk it alone. Jesus, who cleared the path before us, walks beside us, and He promises, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Today, don’t make the mistake of walking on shifting sands. Stick to the rocky way, follow the narrow path, holding tightly to Jesus’ hand and He will lead you safely Home.

One of the places Ana and I have enjoyed the most since our arrival in Kauai is the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful lighthouse stands 180 feet above the Pacific Ocean on Kilauea Point. A national historic site and refuge to the Red-footed booby, the Hawaiian monk seal, and many other types of wildlife, this is one of the most beautiful places on the island.

For 63 years the Kilauea Lighthouse’ 9000 pound Fresnel lens reflected light from it’s lamp across the ocean waves, warning sailors away from jagged rocks which lay below. We will never know how many lives were saved because of the way that lens faithfully reflected the light.

Jesus said, in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” Just as the lens in the Kilauea Lighthouse reflects the light of the lamp, so we are to reflect Jesus, the light of the world, to all we meet. By our words and actions we are to warn them away from the temptations which threaten to shipwreck their souls and point them to the safe refuge found only in the arms of Jesus.

In order to do this we must make our relationship with Jesus a top priority. The Kilauea Lighthouse required a tremendous amount of maintenance to keep it functioning properly. In fact, the pulley system which moved the lens had to be reset every 3.5 hours to keep the light pointing in the right direction.

Likewise, if we are to continue to properly reflect Jesus to the world, we too must reset are spiritual lives frequently, spending time daily in prayer and Bible study, realigning our lives with the light shining from the Cross. Then, as we “with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory,” we will be “transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The Kilauea Lighthouse no longer shines, a victim of the ravages of time and the advance of modern technology. Today, make sure your light never goes out. Spend time each day with Jesus and His Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to polish out the defects in your character, that you will, wherever you go and whatever you do, always do this one thing – Reflect the Light!

This morning, sitting in a lounge chair on the beach, well before sunrise, my attention was drawn to a particular star. There were thousands of stars scattered across the sky, but this one shone brighter than all the rest. It’s light cast a shimmering path across the ocean to where I sat.

As I watched, a cloud passed between me and the star, and suddenly the path across the sea disappeared. For a few moments, the darkness around me seemed deeper than it was before. Thankfully, the wind quickly blew the cloud away and the star once again lit the way across the waves.

Sometimes the storms of life may block your view of Jesus, the “bright Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16 NIV) Overwhelmed by the darkness pressing in on every side, you may be tempted to lose hope, to fear you’ve been left alone to battle the storm on your own.

It is at times like these you must cling to God’s Word. Claim His promises. Study the prophecies. Read the stories of Peter, David, and Daniel, of men and women, who have faced the storm and whose faith has carried them safely through the dark. Like a chart guides the sailor, God’s Word will keep you safely on course, “a lamp for [your] feet, a light on [your] path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Storms will come. Difficulties and disappointments, may obscure your view of Christ, but the Bible declares, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

When clouds hide the way, hold strong to your faith. Even in the darkest night you don’t need to be afraid. You can trust God’s Word to light the way. Make Scripture your guide, “a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)

Today, no matter how fearsome the storm, my friend, don’t worry about the clouds. Just open your Bible! Trust in the Light!

Yesterday Ana and I had a great time exploring Kauai. We’re on the east coast near Lihue and there is so much to see. We saw a replica of an ocean-going catamaran, a pond where Hawaiian royalty raised fish, and the beautiful valley where Jurassic Park was filmed.

What we enjoyed most were the Lava Tubes on the coast. Standing on the jagged old lava beds we watched as the waves crashed into the tubes, sending plums of water into the air. It was so cool! I could have stood there and watched the show for hours!

There was one spot where the waves would pour into this narrow channel. Each wave filled the channel a little more until an especially big wave would hit, forcing all that water down the channel until it hit the rock at the end, sending it shooting into the air. I could see the waves coming and the pressure building, so I had plenty of time to get out of the way, but one time I didn’t heed the warning signs and got totally soaked.

Thinking about yesterday’s adventure, I realized we all are in danger of making a similar mistake. Like the waves building in the channel, we can all see the signs our world is in trouble. There is a storm coming, “a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.” (Daniel 12:1). Yet, secure in our comfortable lives, we are failing to heed the warning signs and are in danger of being swept away when the waves of strife crash upon our shores.

I could have avoided getting wet yesterday if I’d just paid attention to the signs, but I waited too long. Don’t make the same mistake in your own life. The time to prepare is now. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Today accept Jesus as your Savior, make Him the source of your strength, because “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.” (Psalm 37:39).

This morning don’t make the same mistake I did. Heed the warning signs and take refuge today in Jesus Christ, the Rock of your salvation.

God bless and a have a wonderful day!

It’s about 5:30 AM here in Hawaii (yes, I’m an early riser, even on vacation). I’m sitting in the gazebo of our hotel’s beautiful garden, listening to the world slowly wake up around me.

I can hear water running nearby, a rooster announcing the new day, and, in the distance, waves breaking on the beach. My mind is quiet and my soul is at peace. All-in-all, not a bad way to start the day.

Granted it’s easy to feel at peace in a place like this, but circumstances do not have to determine your state of mind. No matter where you, no matter what you are doing, no matter what is happening in your life right now, remember “the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV)

Today, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this; He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:5-6).

Give Him your cares and your worries, your heartache and pain, and He will give you “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3).

Whether on a beach in Kauai or walking the crowded streets of Seattle, Jesus says to each of us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Put your trust in Him today, and “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).

God bless, have a wonderful day, and “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).