Note from Dave: I originally posted this back in 2022. As we enter what will likely be a very divisive, noisy, protracted, rhetoric-filled, blame-game, and name-calling presidential election season, I am re-posting it again today, because I believe it is an important message for all of us to hear and live by.    

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I remember growing up listening to my dad, a staunch conservative, discussing politics, religion, sports, life, with our next door neighbor, who tended to be liberal in his views. These two men, who would go on to be lifelong friends, apparently did not see eye to eye on much. I remember overhearing their discussions, their disagreements, often heated, but never personal. There was no name calling, no bullying, no interruptions, no put downs. They dialogued, they listened to one another, they debated, and likely, in the end, they just agreed to disagree. Afterwards, they had a beer together.

It seems that these days, from backyards to national and international stages, discussion and the differing of opinions has turned from dialogue to diatribe. No longer is it good enough to simply discuss the issues, but rather, what is commonplace these days is to verbally (and yes, sometimes even physically) attack one other rather than discuss and debate both the issues we agree upon and those on which we disagree. No longer do we agree to disagree, instead we infer, sometimes outright stating, “I am right, you are dead wrong. My ears are closed to hearing what you have to say, and until you see it my way, you will continue to be wrong.” All we tend to hear is blah, blah, blah.

Around the same time when this post first appeared in 2022, I wrote about becoming a bridge builder, being someone who unites what is divided. In that post, I stated that Jesus-followers (and I am) are called to be peacemakers. I encourage you to read that post by clicking here.

Today, I want to look at what the Bible instructs regarding the words, the tone, the language, that comes out of our mouths. How are we to talk to one another, both in our loving conversations and our heated debates?

In my opinion, a good place to start is found in Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome (Greek: rotten, putrid) talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” The KJV puts it this way; to minister grace unto the hearers.

In Colossians 4:6 we find these words – “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”

Let’s look at Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft (gentle, tender) answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” And just three verses later, this sage advice – “A soothing tongue (speaking words that build up and encourage) is a tree of life, but a perversive tongue (speaking words that overwhelm and depress) crushes the spirit” (15:4, AMP).

Notice that none of those verses say that we must agree with one another 100% of the time. But they do all instruct us to talk in such a manner as to never cause harm, to never tear someone down, to never attack another person’s character or insult them in any way. Kindness, even in the heat of battle, is sweeter than honey. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24).

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). What if we all prayed those words before we open our mouths, no matter what the situation, no matter whether the discussion will be easy or hard, pleasant or contentious.

If we all did that, just imagine the difference it could have! If we just allow the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to guide our words, even in the midst that next dialogue in which you and someone don’t see eye to eye.

Let us move from verbally attacking each other to a place of dialogue and discussion, maybe in the end simply agreeing to disagree. Then, let’s go have a beer together! 

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We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick, but the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder, as the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink, the waiter brought a tray.

If you are a connoisseur of 60s music, you might recognize those words as the first verse of Procol Harum’s song, “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” This song, released in 1967, is widely regarded as defining that year’s Summer of Love. Yet, its psychedelic melancholy tone could not be more characteristically different from the songs of that era.

The band’s lead singer, Gary Brooker, said that the musical inspiration for the song came from Bach’s “Air on a G String.” About that same time, his band mate, lyricist Keith Reid had been at a party in which he overheard someone tell a woman, “You’ve turned a whiter shade of pale.” And from there, the song was born. This enduring classic is one of my favorites. In fact, it is one of my go-to songs when my brain needs to calm itself. I sometimes put it on repeat mode in my headphones. Earlier this week, I listened to it for most of the morning as I sat working at my desk.        

Those first verse lyrics could be used to describe life in this fast-paced chaotic spinning out of control world we live in. The chorus of the song goes like this – And so it was later, as the miller told his tale, that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale.

Figuratively speaking, have you ever been a whiter shade of pale? Maybe you are there right now. Do you agree that the world in which we live can easily cause all of us to have that sickly whiter shade of pale look and feeling. So, what is the antidote to counteract that “feeling kinda seasick” kind of feeling?     

The Bible is filled with “be still” verses. One of those verses is Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” That verse sounds like good medicine, but, come on, seriously, how is it even possible these days? Let’s look at v.10 in its context. It comes near the end of a chapter that encompasses the idea of stillness in a world filled with utter chaos. A world in which control of is constantly fought for. Maybe a world much like the one we live in today. Before continuing, click here to read Psalm 46 in its entirety. 

This command to be still needs explaining to understand its meaning. This command to be still comes from the Hebrew verb raphah, which means to “be weak, to let go, to release.” It implies surrendering control. In Hebrew grammar, when there are coordinating imperatives (“be still” and “know”), the emphasis is on the second imperative. So, we are to be still (let go) in order to know (be sure) that God is in control. It means that we let go so that we can objectively know the saving power of God. It means we give up trusting in man and manmade things, so that we can know (experience) the sufficiency of God. I wrote about the sufficiency of God’s grace yesterday. Click here to read that writing. 

So, in a world that often causes us to look ghostly or even a whiter shade of pale, God promises us that in our giving up control (stillness), we will see (know) more and more of Him, regardless of what swirls around us. And more of more of God helps us, and allows us, to be still. Releasing control shifts from being a power struggle to being a promise. A promise that guides us, protects us, is refuge for us, even in a world that causes us to have a whiter shade of pale feeling.        

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 “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Ben Franklin

That adage, or some version of it, has been used over and over throughout the years. I am not here to debate the validity of that statement, but I trust you agree that in life not much is guaranteed. Your “till death do us part” marriage suddenly ends in divorce. The job you have had for a decade unexpectedly ends because your company closes its doors. You have kept yourself in good physical condition, only to find yourself now facing the decline that comes with aging. A lifelong friendship is ruptured over a seemingly meaningless disagreement. A loved one who you just talked to a few days ago is killed in a tragic accident. A dream you poured your heart and soul into for six years ends unfulfilled. You get the idea; here today, gone tomorrow.

Today I want to look at a two-letter word that offers us a certainty that is here today and here tomorrow; a promise that withstands the test of time.

In the beginning verses of 2 Corinthians 12, Paul tells us that he has an affliction, the precise nature of it we do not know. Paul pleaded with God to have this affliction taken away, but his “thorn” remained. That takes us to these words we read in v.9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”     

Notice what God says to Paul, and to us today – “My grace is sufficient for you.” Did you see that little two letter word? I-S is!. God does not say, it might be, it could be, or maybe it will be. Instead, YHWH (God’s covenant name, first revealed to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3, usually written as LORD in our modern day Bibles) promises that His grace is, and always be will, sufficient for us. He is all we need as we walk through life, facing everything thrown our way. His grace has no limits, it has no measure, it simply “is sufficient.”

That BIG little two letter word is an unequivocal and unequaled guarantee, exceedingly more so than even death and taxes, that withstands the test of time.

So, my question isn’t whether you understand that truth, instead, my question is, do you, and will you, fully embrace that truth, and walk out your journey knowing and trusting that God is all you need? God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and they often don’t make sense to our human minds. We are called to trust in the Lord and not rely on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Right now, no matter what your circumstances, God says to you – “My grace is sufficient for you.”

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If you are like me, at the end of a long trip, you just want to get home. We love to go to the beach for our vacation. This year, for ten days! Yea! In advance of any trip, we are methodical when packing. Clothes are neatly folded in the suitcases. The bags filled with other vacation supplies are orderly. Everything has its place. When I pack the car, it too is well thought out.

When it is time to come home, well, that is another story. Not so methodical. Not so organized. Not so neat. We just want to get packed and get home. Any little distraction is often annoying.

Close your eyes for a minute and picture yourself in Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago. You and your family had gone there for the weeklong Passover celebration. On the way to the city, you got delayed. Something about a guy on a donkey and people lining the streets. You come to Jerusalem every year, but for some reason, this year the streets and shops all seemed busier than in previous years. On Friday you wanted to do some last-minute sightseeing but some of the places you wanted to visit were jammed packed. You heard that there had been quite a bit of commotion right outside the city on a hill.

Now today, it is time to go home. You and your family had a really nice week, but everyone is tired and ready to get home. You pack your bags and get dressed, log on to the airline’s website to print out your boarding passes, then get ready to go down to the lobby for one last continental breakfast … when suddenly there is a heightened excitement out your window; something about a tomb being empty! Your initial thought, ugh, I don’t need this today, but maybe I can get some good pictures to post on my social media channels. And just think, years from now, what a great story it might be – remember that year…

So, you rush downstairs to see what all the excitement is about!

Early in the morning, women went to the tomb and found the stone closing the tomb’s entrance had been rolled away. An angel told them Jesus was alive – “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said (Matthew 28:5-6).” They excitedly (probably with fear and joy) left to tell the others.

Let me pause for a minute. There were two groups of people in the Jewish culture during this time whose word was considered unreliable in court: shepherds and women. Yet, God chose the excluded, shepherds (Jesus’ birth) and women (Jesus’ resurrection), to testify to the greatest news ever told! I believe that using shepherds and women to announce the news adds validation to the birth and resurrection of Jesus. If this “Jesus story” was fabricated, as some claim it is even to this day, why would those writing the story use the unreliable to validate it? I believe it also gives us hope. Jesus wants to use you and me, ordinary people, maybe even at times feeling like excluded people, to share this Good News with the world!      

John tells us that after being told the news, “Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first (John 20:3-4).”

Imagine yourself running with the two disciples; are you pushing past them, wanting to be the first one to the tomb? Or do you hold back, hesitating, doubtful that the news is true, tired and ready to get home and get on with life?

Be honest, do you live your life believing, not just in your mind, but also in your heart, that Jesus is alive? Do others see that in you?

The stone has been rolled away and the tomb is empty! Click here to read Luke’s account.

Later that evening, after dinner, when two men who had encountered a third man on the road to Emmaus earlier in the day (Luke 24:13-35), now recognized him as Jesus, they returned to Jerusalem, and we read this… “It is true! The Lord has risen and appeared to Simon” (Luke 24:34).

Jesus has risen and is alive to give all those who ask new life. Receive His love and embrace your new life today!

Let me end with this. The truth is that every one of us needs to be saved from ourselves. If you have never given your life to Jesus, Easter is a perfect time to do so. All you need to do is pray these simple words, or something similar –

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. I give myself to you.

Happy Easter!

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I ask you to quiet yourself and reflect upon a time in your own life when something ended, or seemingly had ended, not how you had hoped. If you are like me, you were likely filled with sadness as your mind went through all the “whys” and “what ifs,” wishing things could have been different?

Different faith traditions call today by a variety of names, most commonly Holy Saturday, Black Saturday, or The Great Sabbath.

We know from the gospel accounts of Jesus’s death that after He was taken down from the Cross his body was placed in a tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the ruling council who had not agreed with the decision to crucify Jesus. After the body was placed in the tomb a stone was rolled in front of the entrance. (Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42.)

We also know from Jewish law that the body was placed in the tomb before 6 p.m., the hour that the Sabbath began, all work was required to stop. (The Sabbath is sundown to sundown.)

The synoptics (Matthew, Mark, Luke) tell us that Mary Magdalene and Mary, Jesus’ mother, were at the tomb when Jesus was placed in it. You have probably been at a graveside service when the body of a deceased loved one was lowered into the ground. Tears flowed and your heart ached, knowing that you will never see that person again on this earth. Allow yourself to imagine what it must have been like at the very moment the tomb was sealed.

The only reference in scripture as to what happened on this day, 2,000 years ago, is found in Matthew’s gospel (27:62-66). The chief priests and other leaders met with Pilate to tighten up security at the tomb, knowing that Jesus said that He would in fact rise from the dead, and that the disciples might be devising a plan to steal the body and claim Jesus had in fact risen. They too, should have been resting on the Sabbath, as required under the Law. At times, we are no different – keeping God’s commands when they are convenience and easy, violating them when they are inconvenient and hard.        

The disciples, heartbroken at the death of Jesus, observed the Jewish Sabbath in sorrow. They had allowed the darkness of their current situation to block out the promise that Jesus made to them – “for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hand of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise’” (Mark 9:31).

But, today, don’t let yesterday, the darkness of Good Friday, keep you from anticipating and seeing tomorrow, the light of Easter. I readily admit that in between feeling is often an uncomfortable place to be. Except for the fact that in this case, we know the rest of the story! The darkness will soon be replaced by light.

“Just remember this, my girl, when you look up in the sky, you can see the stars and still not see the light” (Already Gone, the Eagles).

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These days, to get to the person we really want to talk to, it seems like we have to jump through hoops. If you have ever tried calling a company for service or warranty-related issues, you know what I mean. It is just one layer after another of computer-generated instruction. Press 1 for service followed by Press 1 for Internet problems or 2 for TV problems. On and on. Or stay on the line and the next technician will be with you shortly. And finally when we finally do talk to a live person, they are either the wrong person or there is a language problem. I have known business or community leaders who do not have open door policies. Instead, you need to go through their assistant to schedule a meeting. And even then, it was the assistant who actually delivered my message.

It is so often like the “great and powerful” Wizard of Oz – hidden behind the curtain, only heard, never seen. That is until Toto pulled back the curtain.       

Some 2,000 years ago, on what we today call Good Friday, Jesus cried out one last time, dying by crucifixion after being nailed to the Cross. Have you ever been by someone’s side when they died? Picture yourself on that hillside. What is running through your mind as you watch Jesus struggle and then breathe His last breath?

To read the gospel accounts of Jesus’s death – Matthew 27:45-56, Mark 15:33-41, Luke 23:44-49, John 19:28-37.

One passage in the death of Jesus narrative often gets overlooked, and in my opinion, this passage really does change everything. Let’s look at it.

First, here is the context. We read in Exodus chapters 26 and 27 that in the Tabernacle the Most Holy Place (sometimes called the Holy of Holies), the innermost chamber of the temple, was separated from the Holy Place by a curtain (veil). God resided in the Most Holy Place. Any Israelite could come to the temple to pray or to bring an offering, but only priests could sacrifice the animals or burn incense in the Holy Place. And only the high priest could enter The Most Holy Place one day a year (Yom Kippur) to offer blood for his sins and the sins of the world.

What that meant is that in Old Testament days, people did not have personal access to God. We see this is Hebrews 9:7, “But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.” (I encourage you to read this in context in Hebrews 9.)

Okay, now let’s look at the passage that I think so often is glossed over. When Christ died on the Cross, we read these words in Matthew 27:50-51, “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.”

The curtain (veil) referred to in that passage is the curtain that separated the people from the presence of God. What does that mean for us here and now? Because of Christ’s death on the Cross, through His blood, we now have personal access to God. Jesus is now our High Priest and through Him we can come into God’s presence.

So, take some time right now to reflect upon what it means for you to be able to come into the presence of God, to be able to walk right in. Close your eyes and picture God saying to you right now, “Come on in!” It really does change everything!