Lead On, O King Eternal

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“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” -Psalm 90:12

Thousands gathered on Sunday at the State Farm stadium in Arizona to remember Charlie Kirk. More were across the street in an overflow location, while the rest of us watched from our living rooms. The scene displayed worship of God and patriotism for America, neither of which we are to be ashamed of. There is room to have a high view of God and gratitude for the country we live in without it becoming idolatrous.

When someone young dies, it makes people stop and consider their own mortality. “If he died so young, then it can happen to me too”. The reality of living under the curse of sin is that death doesn’t have an age number. So the question to consider is, what will we do with the time God has given us?

In Psalm 90, the first psalm written and the only one penned by Moses, we are encouraged to consider how to live our lives well. Moses is writing this at the end of his full 120 year life. He has witnessed an untold number of deaths as an entire generation died in the wilderness. He understood life is short and filled with pain. His prayer is to have wisdom while on earth and to live out the beauty of holiness. The answer to his prayer comes at the end when he pleads, “Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as You have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May Your deeds be shown to Your servants, Your splendor to their children. May the beauty of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands” (vv. 14-17). The way to live our lives with wisdom instead of wasting it is to learn how to be satisfied in God alone. This is what enduring joy looks like.

No matter what circumstances we face, enduring joy comes from remembering God’s presence with us always and standing upon the promises of the Bible. For the Christian, the bedrock of His presence and promises came from Calvary. When we live with eternity in view and can say Jesus is enough for us, humility and boldness for Christ will follow. A friend of Kirk’s who is not a professing Christian commented that Charlie was a “joyful warrior”. When you die, will others have to speak of Jesus when they talk about you because He was in everything you did and said?

My prayer is that spiritual revival will spread in this nation and across the world. Seeds were planted on Sunday as the gospel was shared by many speakers. I pray it will take root. The death of Charlie Kirk is an eye opener that this war is spiritual, masked in culture and politics. It is bigger than us, but we serve a big God. We can be faithful to do the works God has prepared for us by simply doing the next right thing out of love for Jesus. My personal world is very small, homeschooling my son with autism. Part of God’s plan for me is to teach him the truth about Jesus through songs of praise, Bible stories and even by my flawed example. Whether you are constantly surrounded by people or less visible in the world, God can and will use you if you surrender to His will of obedience. I pray God gives us more opportunities to share the gospel, encourage other believers to persevere, and disciple those in our sphere of influence.

You were made for such a time as this. It is not an accident that you live where you live, have a certain job or know the people you know. In Kirk’s last interview, just an hour before he was shot, he was asked what life quote he lives by. He answered with Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” The Lord is at work. Let’s join Him as He leads on. Matthew Henry in his commentary on Psalm 90 notes, “Let us pray that the work of the Holy Spirit may appear in converting our hearts, and that the beauty of holiness may be seen in our conduct.” Our enduring joy for now will one day lead to eternal joy if we do not give up. Keep going beloved Christian, imitating the faith of saints who have gone before us.

Grace upon grace,

April

A helpful understanding of Psalm 90 🙂

Our Turning Point

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“Yet is is far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness.” -W.L. Watkinson

It has been one week since Charlie Kirk was murdered. He was a force for good in politics, promoting civil discourse, patriotism and Biblical values. More than just a conservative activist, Charlie was a man of faith. He was a soldier for the Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost. As Abigail Dodd noted, Kirk was “a man in the arena”, alluding to the famous speech by Theodore Roosevelt. Charlie understood that we don’t stop fighting for freedom, namely religious freedom and freedom of speech. These gifts are never to be taken for granted. It is not lost on many of us that he wore a t-shirt with the simple but powerful word, ‘Freedom’, the day he was shot.

This man in the arena lived out his faith by going into the lion’s den of some of the most hostile and liberal universities. He went there to engage dialogue on political and cultural hot topics, but his main purpose was always to point people back to basic Biblical truths. Men and women are biologically different, all of life is sacred created in the image of God, go to church, get married, have families, were constantly woven into his talks. He was an apologist, defending the validity of Jesus’ bodily resurrection, the accuracy of Scripture and why Christianity is the only religion that improves civilization. Charlie Kirk evangelized the Christian faith under the job description of activist. Less than three months before his death, Kirk was asked in an interview what he wanted to be most known for when he was gone. He thoughtfully replied, “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing; most important thing is my faith.”

Two passages in Scripture came to mind following the news of Charlie’s death. John 15:18-21 speaks of how Christians should expect hatred from the unbelieving world. Typically in the West, being persecuted for your faith looks like cancel culture, losing a job promotion, rejection from peers or even family. It normally doesn’t require losing your life. Yet that is exactly what happened to Charlie which is why his martyrdom is such a big deal. If you can be killed for your faith, for speaking freely and truthfully in the freest country in the world, then nowhere is off limits. Believers know this is what we have signed up for. It is not an easy path, but the Bible says if anyone wants to follow Christ he must “deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). For the Christian, our lives are no longer our own, but bought with the precious blood of Christ. For most of us, it will require courage and obedience just to get up each day and live out the truth we know, dying to selfish desires. But it might cost us everything, like it did for Charlie.

The other passage in Scripture that keeps coming to mind is in Ephesians 6, “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (vv. 11-13). Spiritual warfare has always been a reality this side of Heaven, but there are times in history which are like needles that burst our bubbles of acceptance in this world or assumed safety. This is one of those moments, a turning point, that draws a line in the sand of standing for truth. We either tell people Jesus Christ died for sinners, defeating death and is Lord of all like Charlie did, or retreat in silence and cowardice. An event like this can help refine our own faith, eroding the fear of man and death out of our hearts. Jesus reminds us to “not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in Hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Vigils instead of violence have filled universities across America, and in cities around the world like London and Sydney. Martyrdom doesn’t kill the message, it makes it spread like wildfire. Believers are rightly evaluating their own lives in how each of us are living out the gospel faithfully right where we are. Will we talk with co-workers, neighbors, family, friends and strangers even about the hope we have? Have we been doing the work God has called us to? Unbelievers may be considering for the first time their own mortality and eternity. People who consider themselves religious but not zealous might be open to hearing why you are completely sold out for Jesus. Isn’t it just like God to use the death of one of His children to spread the gospel even further?

Charlie Kirk carried a torch that is now passed on to us. Whether you’re 10 or 90, all of us can live with boldness and mercy toward others. His death is a call for all Christians to shine their lights brightly by staying faithful in speaking the truth with love, discipling and serving others for the glory of God. It wasn’t just a call on Charlie’s life although God had a specific purpose for him, as He does for you. But we follow Charlie’s example of evangelism because he followed Jesus’ example. The question is, are we ready? Have we woken up yet?

Grace upon grace,

April

“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” -Ephesians 5:13-16

Remembering Charlie Kirk

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1993-2025

Q: What is your only comfort in life and death?

A: That I am not my own, but belong- body and soul, in life and in death- to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.

–Heidelberg Catechism

Charlie Kirk, a conservative voice and an American patriot who founded Turning Point USA, was assassinated yesterday in the middle of a Utah college campus crowd. He will be sorely missed for his courage to articulate not only conservative values, but the gospel to millions. Not many are willing to speak up for what is true, for fear of backlash, and Charlie paid the ultimate price with his life leaving behind a wife, two small children, family, friends and a country he impacted for good. I thank God for his example and pray He will raise up more Christians to boldly declare what is true, exposing lies with love and self-control as Charlie did.

Grace upon grace,

April

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” -Titus 2:11-14

Starling Murmuration

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“The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” -Psalm 19:1

Currently my son is learning about birds for science. A few days ago we (and I mean we, because homeschool has been my second education) learned about starling birds. Mostly they are a nuisance because of how rapidly their population has grown, but there is one interesting fact. Starlings will group in large numbers and do a type of dance in the sky around dusk. I looked at a number of videos to make sure this wasn’t AI, because their graceful swirls seem almost unbelievable. Here’s a video to see:

If the God of the Universe designed one type of bird to display His glory this way, then how much more does He care for us, created in His image? More than that, how much more are we the beloved Church precious to the One True Living God? I think our understanding of who God is and His love is very limited, but He does give us glimpses in His creation, the church body, the Bible, and in the sacrificial gift of His Son Jesus. God is sovereign over all, which means He knows all about you. Your trials and joys have not escaped Him. He isn’t scrambling for a plan B because He “messed up your life”. The God of Heaven with all glory and power knows those who are His, perfectly loving you every step of the way.

Grace upon grace,

April

God Knows

‘God knows

all about

the boats,’

said an older

missionary

to the younger.

Fretting

over its late

arrival

and missed opportunities

was not on

the older’s agenda-

it was on

God’s.

He knows all about

your trials,

dreams and

circumstances too.

We don’t give

God enough credit

sometimes.

If He perpetually

orders the skies,

commands a blazing

star

to rise by day

and set for

sleep,

if He calls

trees to grow,

birds to gather

flowers to bloom,

is He not

watching over your

every moment too?

If the lioness

hunts for food

as He provides

for the hummingbird

and ladybug,

is He not providing

and protecting

you,

a soul He

fashioned from

nothing?

Give Him glory

for His wisdom

and power,

love and attention

to such a lowly

and favored creature

that is Man.

Loving others

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“Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.” -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” -Proverbs 25:20

I’ve been thinking about this quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was a famous American poet, the most popular in his day and still considered one of the greats. But his life was filled with tragedy. His first wife died after a few short years through a miscarriage. Longfellow’s second wife died from burns she received when her dress caught fire. He was unable to write for a time after her death, devastated from the loss.

Most of us have no idea the struggles another is facing. Maybe our lives are so busy that we hardly stop to notice others and get to know the people around us. The sin of assumption is easier than the work of emotionally navigating relationships. It can be awkward, requiring a lot of patience and persistence. The grumpy cashier, an overbearing boss, a distant family member or a chronically depressed friend- compassion over condemnation is the desire of every hurting heart. How would I want to be treated when I’m a mess? How would Jesus respond? Some exteriors are harder than others because of past wounds perhaps. Jaded, those walls go up out of self preservation. It isn’t the Biblical solution, but easier to understand broken people (which we all are), once we realize this mode of survival.

In reading the Gospels I have noticed how incredibly patient Jesus is with the disciples. He doesn’t write them off when they don’t understand a parable, lack faith, or sin. The Lord Jesus is also compassionate toward the needy crowds. They wanted His time, His teaching, His miracles- it was never enough. Jesus’ heart went out to them because He saw they were like sheep without a shepherd. The Lord rebuked the religious leaders because He knew their thoughts and hardened hearts, yet even in this He restrained His hand. Jesus chose not to annihilate them on the spot, but dispensed mercy instead.

The Gospels highlight how complicated we are in our emotions, experiences and limited understanding. But the need is very simple. Every person longs to be seen, loved, accepted and understood. The only one to perfectly fill this demanding task is Christ Jesus. Once we belong to Him, He tells us to go be like Him to the hurting world. One way we can do this is to think the best of others instead of assuming their thoughts and motives for the worse. A gracious spirit can circumvent a whole hosts of relational difficulties. Even if a person is hard hearted, we know no one is beyond the Great Physician’s reach, not while they still have breath. This is the Age of Grace, which Christ commands us to imitate. Pray for those who reject you, who are unkind, or you sense need more encouragement.

God tells us not only to love those who are happy and easy to get along with, but the chronically downcast, the rude, the ones who annoy, revile, gossip, snub or persecute you. Jesus told Peter to forgive again and again (Matthew 18:21-22). It pleases the Lord when we notice the overlooked and love them with a smile or kind word. God desires for us to be merciful and forgiving rather than act like a Pharisee in outward worship. Patient and prayerful. Even if the one with a heavy heart or vindictive spirit never changes, the Lord is changing you by how you respond. Grace overlooks the thoughtless comment and learns not to take everything personally. More often than not there is something else troubling them that has nothing to do with you.

Jesus loved without condition. He saw people as they longed to be truly seen, like they actually mattered. This is the Christian’s template. It is only through the Spirit’s power we can supernaturally act against our human response to avoid and back away. So we learn to pray for His power to work through us, displaying the love of Christ to a hurting loved one, friend, or acquaintance. Our sphere of influence is the broken world Jesus commands His people to love.

Grace upon grace,

April

Growing deeper: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; Luke 6:27-38

Life Enjoyed

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“It’s not what happens to you in life that matters… it’s how you handle it that determines your character.” -Chuck Colson

Wisdom is living by preparing to die.

Enjoying life

is not wasteful.

Finding joy

in the little things

is to live

life on purpose.

Practicing joy

leads to

wonder

in the grand,

awe

in the miniscule.

Fighting for joy

creates a heart

of worship,

a mind continually

renewed in what is

good, beautiful and true.

God is the Giver of all

good things.

Be a gracious

receiver

with eyes wide open

to the thousands of blessings

poured upon you

every day.

Take joy

by giving back

a grateful heart.

Live for joy

because this is

God’s good design

for His chosen people.

It is wisdom lived out.

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” -Westminster Shorter Catechism

Pockets of Grace

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Rest

and roses;

time to think.

Dark chocolate

and daffodils;

time to pray.

Birds that sing to soothe

my heart,

a cocoon to

fall into

after a weary

day.

Coffee

and carnations;

time to read.

Laughter and tears

of being understood,

comforted.

A phone call

to spread joy.

Spring days

and sunflowers;

time to encourage.

Good news

and red geraniums;

time to write.

Pockets of grace

like seeds

scattered throughout

my life.

To the Caregiver

/ RedeemedInGrace / 3 Comments

Most of the time caregivers are overlooked. Rightly so, the dependent needs our attention. Whether a person gives care to young children, the sick, the disabled, or the elderly, I had them in mind when writing this note of encouragement. Blessings on your day.

To the Caregiver

Someone needs to hear today

that their doing is

worthwhile.

It isn’t glamorous,

flashy or very exciting,

but someone needs you.

Your someone depends on

you.

What a gift to be

needed.

It may be draining

and wearisome and

monotonous.

And yet the gift

we give everyday

is in the giving of

ourselves;

the hands and feet

of Christ manifested

in our serving

the one in need.

Your service might be

for a season or lifelong,

but I want to tell you

-it matters.

How we care for the ones

given to us demonstrates

the love and patience

of Jesus

or becomes a

missed opportunity.

Keep moving forward

in moments of despair

or frustration.

God is there.

God is here.

He sees you

and leans in

when we ask

to operate in His

strength, not ours.

The Lord’s grace will be

enough

in your weakness.

Don’t lose heart.

The power of God

is demonstrated in our

weakness,

The love of Christ

displayed in our actions,

The Spirit comforts

and encourages us to

persevere

another day.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” -Isaiah 40:29

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

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“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” -Psalm 27:14

I believe it was J. I. Packer who said, “Trust God and get going.” Waiting is active, faith building muscle with every decision. It takes courage and discernment which the Holy Spirit provides when the Christian asks for it (James 1:5). Throughout this psalm David is steadily trusting in God’s character and promises. This verse is no different, except now action must be taken on his part. Wait on God.

When Christians pray, we bring praises and petitions to the Throne of Grace. The believer must then trust God’s will through those prayers. As we wait for Him to act the believer is also obeying what he already knows to be true in Scripture. Faith is not a passive activity where we treat Yahweh like a genie and sit on our hands. Nor is the faithful Christian to approach life apathetically, with a hyper focus on God’s Sovereignty, thereby excusing man’s responsibility. God has granted Christians the privilege to co-labor with Him. So then, we commit ourselves to His kingdom work each day with courage and power from the Spirit.

For David, and all Christians with seen and unseen enemies, we are to leave room for God’s power and His wrath. Vengeance belongs to Him and He will repay with perfect justice (Romans 12:17-21). This is something David understood, as he entrusted himself to the Lord’s care in this psalm. The longer a believer faithfully walks with God, the more enemies he will accumulate. This is actually a good thing, for if the Christian finds they get along with the world just fine then what it is they are conforming to? Believers are united to one another through Christ, but divisive to worldly standards of doing what is right in our own eyes (Romans 1:18-32).

Truth is hated, therefore God is, so Christians should expect opposition and persecution. It may take on extreme measures, like for David, who ran for his life. It could cost us our jobs, homes, or relationships. Typically in the western world it looks like cancel culture. Being snubbed, treated unfairly, overlooked with intent- these are all ways to inflict harm without directly bearing responsibility. This too, is in the Father’s hands.

The comfort believers have when despised is that nothing is permitted without the Father’s consent. If He allowed David to literally run for his life, it was meant to strengthen his faith, as well as us. Because of David’s experiences we have the beautiful psalms he penned to sustain us in our own weariness. Conformity to Christlikeness is more important to God than easy living. If God knows what is best for His people, and He does, then it is wise to wait for Him to act and not operate out of our own strength. Stay diligent in obedience, trusting in the Almighty’s way. He is our fortress against evil doers and suffering. What then, do we have to fear?

Grace upon grace,

April