The gospel, according to Luke

I vividly recall the first time I saw a disheveled man standing in the median of a busy downtown intersection, holding a cardboard sign with the oft-parodied phrase, "Will Work for Food." Having never before witnessed such a demoralizing display of desperation, I wondered what set of circumstances must have tragically transpired that would force one to trade manual labor for mere sustenance. Three days later, the answer came in the form of a lengthy newspaper article detailing a fresh scam that began on the west coast, in which these "ragged and downtrodden" would appear homeless and destitute merely to prey upon the gullible and compassionate. In many cases, these imposters were making hundreds of dollars a day from well-intentioned Samaritans who succumbed to the ruse and contributed cash to the "needy" (Matthew 24:11). Although I hadn't given to the cause, I still felt that a part of my trusting nature had been taken from me as I learned first-hand the invaluable life lesson that everything is not always as it seems. Living in the city can be an eye-opener, but the next time you come across the homeless, one without means or without hope, take stock of your own blessings and give generously as the Spirit leads (Luke 18:22). After all, when you do look them square in the eye, you just might be looking into the face of Christ (Matthew 25:40).

Morning has broken

Yesterday, the summer air was pierced by the gleeful shouts, squeals and laughter of children as the youngest among them marked a momentous milestone. Parents and friends gathered to celebrate this third birthday and enjoy food, fun and a festive atmosphere filled with gifts galore, swimming pool play and a surprise visit from the Good Humor Man, dealing delicious ice cream treats to beat the heat. Today, however, not a creature is stirring and all is still. As I contemplate the contrast, I smile at the thought of both occasions. Although happiness can be found within large groups, it is also present when we spend time alone with God (James 4:8). Shutting out the noise (and turning off the home electronics) to focus on Him is a foundational “must” in order to build and grow the personal relationship that grounds and centers the Christian life (Psalm 37:23). While there is nothing He doesn’t already know about us, sharing our thoughts, feelings, doubts and fears directly allows Him to calm, soothe, refresh and inspire us (1 John 3:19-20). Being part of the crowd and watching a newly-minted three-year-old dive into a Spiderman birthday cake is good for the heart, but remembering to schedule personal quiet time on a daily basis accomplishes a similar goal, with long-term benefits. Morning has broken, so savor the silence… another tsunami of sound is certain to soon be heading your way.

Saving grace

The immense popularity of TV’s “Dancing with the Stars” prompted a reputable publication to recently put forward its own Top 10 countdown, an all-star line-up of amazing dancers throughout history, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Anna Pavlova, Gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, Martha Graham and Fred Astaire. These truly talented individuals magically moved audiences with their unique style, elegance, rhythm and grace, qualities that today sadly seem to be in short supply. Style may come and go and elegance requires effort, but grace, in the form of simple forgiveness, is without a doubt the hardest for us to muster. God, fortunately, has no problem bestowing grace and does so abundantly (Ephesians 2:8), no matter how many times we sin and fall short or how many times we promise and then disappoint (1 Timothy 1:13-15). It’s always easier to forgive others when you know and understand their personalities and intentions, even if their actions on occasion betray their words. Yet, far too often, we withhold compassionate grace when we feel the perceived injustice merits a particular punishment (Luke 6:37). Saving grace for dispensation at the appropriate moment or for a particular person is commendable enough in the long run, but finding forgiveness immediately for even the smallest of infractions can make a world of difference between a stylish samba and a bumpy bossa nova in the dance of life. God’s saving grace is amazing and I hear the music… who’s going to lead?

This is how it feels to be free

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).” Freedom is top of mind today as we celebrate our nation’s legal separation from Great Britain and mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The colonies have come a long way in two-hundred plus years and now, the holiday is filled with parades, barbecues, fairs, concerts, baseball games and fireworks, along with political speeches, ceremonies and special events designed to specifically commemorate the occasion. Many will also take time to honor and remember those who gave their lives fighting for the cause of freedom during wartime. Jesus Christ died on the cross at the hands of Roman guards, an entirely selfless act that frees us from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:22) – the wages of which are death. But, how free is freedom and what does it cost? The price of freedom, which affords us certain rights and privileges, carries with it responsibilities (giving our time, talents and resources in service to others) not to be taken lightly or for granted. So go ahead, throw your troubles, cares and worries to the wind and spend the day being “free.” It’s exhilarating and refreshing... and, since freedom, by definition, means we may do as we choose (1 Peter 2:16), let's make sure -- knowing what we know about God and prioritizing accordingly -- we all choose wisely.