Reminders for Your Spiritual Journey

The story of Nicodemus in the Bible, is one that illustrates the fact that there are different kinds of strength and weakness and sometimes, when we think we are strong, we are actually most vulnerable because we might be relying on the wrong kind of strength.  Nicodemus was a devoutly religious man.  He was well educated in the Old Testament and was someone who counseled others on the laws of God.  He was greatly respected and he thought of himself as someone who knew everything.  He thought his greatest strength was in his own ability to quote scripture and do everything according to the laws of God.

On page 29, of his book titled Help Is Here, author Max Lucado invites readers to consider whether faith is more like a rowboat or a sailboat.  In a rowboat we must provide our own power to make progress.  A sailboat offers power from the wind.  In the Bible story of Nicodemus, Lucado explained that Nicodemus specialized in gripping the oars while Jesus offered a taunt sail. Whereas Nicodemus fixated on what he could do and what he thought he knew, sailboat faith focuses on what God has already done.  One exhausts and the other exudes power. In other words, when we rely on our own strength alone, we can do some great things, but when we rely on God and follow His plans rather than our own, we can do much greater things because God’s strength is so much greater than our own.

Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths". This passage encourages complete reliance on God's guidance rather than human intellect, highlighting that God's wisdom surpasses our own limited comprehension. Sometimes, like Nicodemus, we get to a point when we realize that we need what God has offered when he sent Jesus into the world to clarify that our strength is limited, that we do not have all the answers and we need God’s wisdom and strength to get us through scary or difficult times.

God’s promise comes from, a key Old Testament verse where God encourages His people not to fear because He is with them, promising His strength, help, and support through difficult times. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10. In the New Testament, a passage in 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” In the words of an unknown author, "If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it.” Praise be to God for his unspeakable strength and grace.

British publisher Ernest Benn (1875-1954) said, “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”  His assessment still seems quite accurate all these years later. The Week, 5/24/24, p.17. Almost all politicians are prone to make promises, saying that if you elect me, I will make your life better in some way.  Sometimes they follow through, but all too often, they fall far short of what they say they will do.  Maybe that is one of the reasons it is so hard for us to put our trust in anyone, including God himself. 

It is true that no human being can guarantee that the things they promise will come to pass, so we often take their assurance of they will definitely do, give, or arrange with a healthy dose of skepticism.  God’s promises, on the other hand, can be completely relied upon. In the Bible, God promises: His constant presence, provision, protection, forgiveness, peace, guidance, strength, hope, and eternal life.  He also offers believers support in troubles, wisdom for decision making, and the assurance that He fulfilled His promise of salvation through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.   

God’s promises are very specific.  For example, in Deuteronomy 31:8 He says: "I will never leave you." In Jeremiah 29:11 He says, "I have plans to prosper you." In Philippians 4:19 He says:” I will provide for all your needs" and in John 3:16 He says: "I will give you eternal life."  The only thing he asks in return, is that we believe Him and trust Him completely.  Therein lies the problem, because we tend to apply the same skepticism to God’s promises as we do to the promises of human beings. What’s more, we are by nature impatient and often grow weary and frustrated when we have to wait for God to respond to our requests or when God does not fulfill His promises in the manor we might have hoped or anticipated. Turning our lives and expectations over to God, requires that we not only believe that he is true to His Word, but also that he always has our best interest in mind, no matter how we might perceive what happens.

The truth is that it is almost impossible for us to have a complete level of trust on our own.  The key is to not only believe, but to also trust that God will help us through whatever doubts or apprehensions we might have. His power and understanding are the source we need to let go and let God work in our lives.  It is only than that we are able to overcome our doubts and fears and trust God to fulfill all His promises in a way that is best for us. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight". Proverbs 3:5-6.

Entertainment can be the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment as in sitting in front of the TV to be entertained. It can also be an event, performance, or activity designed to entertain others such as a theatrical performance. Sometimes it is the action of receiving a guest or guests and providing them with food and drink. In all cases, entertainment provides a diversion from our everyday lives and helps us get away from our usual problems and pursuits.  It can be a way to refresh our minds and bodies.  Whether we are a provider of entertainment or a consumer of it, we all need it to refresh our mental and physical wellbeing. 

God Himself rested after creation, showing that rest and relaxation are integral to life, and He desires us to find satisfaction and joy in His provisions.  Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 states: ^“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”  All activities, including entertainment, should ultimately be used to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 puts it this way: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Rest is necessary for well-being, allowing for recuperation from work and life's busyness. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30. Elsewhere, scripture mentions feasts, festivals, and friendship as essential parts of life. 

Like many other things, entertainment can be either good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, and however we choose to participate in it, we need to be sure it is wholesome and beneficial. The bible describes leisure as a God-given gift for enjoyment, rest, and spiritual renewal, not inherently sinful, but it must be balanced with responsibility and done to God's glory, avoiding neglecting our duties. Christians are to use free time for worship, fellowship, serving others, and enjoying creation, while ensuring activities like sports or hobbies don't replace God as our central focus. 

Entertainment becomes sinful when pleasures become more important than God, replacing worship or divine calling. Allowing leisure activities to cause neglect of work, family, or spiritual responsibilities is a misuse of time. Entertainment shouldn't become a temptation or cause others to stumble in their faith. In essence, Christians should view our leisure as another facet of stewardship, using our time intentionally to honor God, build up ourselves and others, and enjoy the blessings of life, rather than just escaping work or pursuing worldly distractions.