When We Are Victims.

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There was a time when the powerless had no voice. Perhaps that time is now, but with with the growth of a victim mentality, along comes a lawyer or an advocate or even a superhero. We live in an age where victimhood has become the norm.

Although there are tools that we need in our time of disability, nevertheless, let us, work to strengthen or resolved. Don’t let your batteries drain to the point that you become totally useless, powerless, helpless, and a target for further abuse! 

I don’t mean to say that there are fewer victims in our society today, but it seems as though we are more aware that we have never been before. Consider the “me too movement.” We have seen the abuse of power at the highest levels of government and corporations. We have witnessed people who have taken advantage of others because of their status or title. Consider pastors and priest who have done terrible things to children and others. Take a look at the global impact of human trafficking and the increase in lawlessness. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Today, my mind is processing, maybe even overwhelmed by the amount of news that we see. Instantly across our social media and television screens is the rise of negative information like never before. A school shooting halfway across the country is instant news alerting other schools to increase their security policies. Churches are now not only sanctuaries of worship, but leaders must consider safety procedures in the event of I repeated tragedy.

I have served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for several years. I have seen abuse, not only on the front page, but right in front of me. I have gone to court to defend children and be a voice and advocate for those that have no voice. My wife and I have been foster parents. For eight years, we advocated for young people who came from abused and neglected circumstances. We have seen firsthand levels of abuse that are unimaginable. Even as a pastor, I have seen levels of human tragedy that has almost dolled by sensitivity. I hope I haven’t become too cynical or hard hearted.

Although I have seen a lot, this article is not necessarily for the purpose of raising the alarm regarding abuse. Sorry for the hard turn. Not surprisingly, while abuse is on the rise, (at least we hear about it more often) I am also considering that our society has shifted for a victim mentality. Even the slightest of neglect is now an outcry of victimhood that requires justice! 

Justice matters and is a real thing. We need justice warriors however, what are we really calling justice? It is true that the world is not perfect. Life is not fair. We have reason to advocate for those in-need. We should be trying to make right the wrongs. However, what is an injustice? 

I lean closely to the broken-hearted. God certainly does! He calls out justice for the widow who suffers. God calls us to care for the orphan. God lifts the humble and give grace to the needy. 

God is not deaf! God is not blind. God is not heartless. It is quite the opposite! God is administering justice! God opposes the proud! 

However true it is that the world is broken, sin is seemingly let loose in the streets for all to see! We should not be surprised when evil shows itself. 

What should we do about it? What is our call to action?

We see protesters who form mobs for justice! I like Westerns like the next person. Old Western movies look for justice fighters working to make things right (in 30-minutes or less per episode). The hero of the Marvel’s comes in to save the day! 

Although there is justice needed, there certainly is an injustice everywhere, nevertheless, I would contend that somewhere along the line with allowed ourselves to become victims.

Spiritually, we have allowed those who are weak to dominate the call to action by the strong. Somewhere along the line, we have allowed people to de cry injustice and to find a perpetrator where there may need a clarification about what is injustice.

From a spiritual standpoint, we should be victors because Jesus has paid the price for our sin. We should stand strong in our faith and not allow the devil to harass us. We need to say that we “will try” or that “we can” instead of giving up with the expression, “I can’t!” It is important to be able to stand as winners not whiners. 

While there is real abuse and wrongs, yet, we should not let our circumstances dictate the outcomes! We cannot let ourselves become victims! Of course there is reason to be an advocate firnthe weak. However, we should work to strengthen the weak and encourage them to stand (on their own). 

I have been an advocate in every profession I have held. We see wrong we should attempt to right the wrong however, how we do it matters! We can't fight every foe the same way. We don't enable negative behaviors in giants or in the small. We are called to empower! 

So, what am I saying?

1. Choose your battles carefully and with wisdom.

Let me explain. every battle fought should be carefully considered. Not everything is worth fighting about. Sometimes, a good offense is better. I would also encourage you and I to consider the right strategy and armed at the right information to take the appropriate step to remedy the problem. It is better to employee wisdom not strength. 

2. Don't let what is done against you to keep you from being strong.

When opposition reveals its deadly force, don’t let it cause you to shrink back from every opportunity to advance. it’s important to recognize that we should not simply give up, but realize that with God, we can do all things through his strength at work within us. We don’t let bullies win by giving in. We have to assist and strengthened others to become victors, not victims. Just because your circumstances are intimidating, don’t let it defeat you.

3. Advocate for others by working to strengthen the powerless to grow through hardship.

Now, regarding being an advocate. essential that if we are fighting someone’s battles that we empower the powerless to become strongest. It is in adversity that they can develop the skills and the strength to grow.  I realize that there are some things that are far more destructive, but, if we are talking about opportunities to grow, let’s enable that opportunity. Let’s help someone to grow spiritually, and to become an advocate for themselves by encouraging them to deepen their understanding of this situation they’re in.

I’ve had times when I have had to take a stand and advocate through strength, and there are times, and I have been an advocate for another by standing with them in court or in real life scenarios.

By developing people to have the skills necessary that empowers them to act is more beneficial.

In summary, live life with compassion, and although you can’t control every situation, you can be the strength that someone may need to act and have courage to resolve their situation. Certainly, use the authorities in the resources that you have to help another. However, lift others up so that they will not become forever victims.

This is a complex topic for sure. Nevertheless, utilize the resources that you may know about, but don’t fight other peoples battles without first helping them to realize their part in the battle. Give them the ammunition or the resources needed to become strong stronger.

A Biblical Word View.

It’s not a typo. My title is one that comes from conviction on spiritual matters. Some may say that I may have misspelled it because I said a biblical WORD view not a biblical WORLD view. That’s right, I want to explain the difference by this phrase “world view”. You see, the world has its own view on social and political ideas.

Nevertheless, let me share with you that I do believe that we should have a biblical understanding of the topics related to both social and political items in the public square. These are debates that even good Christians will have. However, we should have the mindset of God, from the WORD of God, that helps us to know how to explain the hope that we have in Christ.

There are three important topics that I want to address. I also want to explain the idea of having a biblical word view that will guide your decisions and ultimately, what pleases God.

What does it mean to have a biblical word view? My definition, it means to believe, and to put in the context, the meaning that the Bible places on how we should live. Every decision that we make as Christians, not just a fan of Jesus, but a follower of Jesus, should come from a biblical understanding. Of course, some will argue that they are different interpretations of the word of God. I contend that too many people interpret the Bible based on opinion, not Truth. 

We are always contending for the faith, and I always attempt to balance grace and truth. Although, I believe John Wesley‘s tool called the quadrilateral which helps us to know how to balance tradition and reason as well. Framing our theology around these constructs can be helpful yet, it’s important to know that ultimately we do what the Bible tells us to do, not what man reasons in his own mind to do.

A biblical worldview is defined, in part, as an understanding of how to think, not what to think. It is a way to frame concepts that give universal understanding of topics and issues. 

It is not what to think but how to think that matters! 

Consider this definition:

A worldview is the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world. “[It’s] any ideology, philosophy, theology, movement or religion that provides an overarching approach to understanding God, the world and man’s relations to God and the world,” says David Noebel, author of Understanding the Times. Footnote. 

I would like to encourage us to take one step further in the definition to help us understand how to read the scripture. It is important to understand the Bible and to apply the teaching of the Word to everyday life. Similarly, knowing the Bible will help you gain wisdom in life that can be transferral to all of life and with others. 

Some say that I am a practical theologian. That being said, I think it’s a compliment because I define my practice according to that which I can make application to grow closer to Christ and all that I do and say. Are you a student of the Bible? 

You don’t have to be a scholar to be able to answer questions people have about life. Not don’t have to be a strict rules-follower to provide answers to the deepest questions. Simply reading the Bible is enough to find guidance in the troublesome times we live. 

There are three areas that must be considered when applying scripture. 

Tend Your Garden.

From the very beginning of time, God planted us in a garden. It is the world of which we live. Adam and Eve were given the garden of Eden, which was perfect in every way, but, they chose to go their own way instead of God‘s way. They took from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil which created the disastrous world of which we occupy today. It is a fallen and evil world.

It was not long after Adam and Eve disobeyed God that the very first act of disobedience resulted in the death, rather the murder, of a brother named Abel. Cain killed his own brother because rebellion was now part of his DNA.

It doesn’t matter where we live. We all have to work to make a difference for God‘s glory. I’m not just talking about locally, but areas of which we may have profound influence; that could be our work, our home, where we go to school, where we buy our groceries, and where we eat out at restaurants. Bloom where you are planted is often the phrase we may hear. But, it goes beyond that, it is to tend our garden appropriately.

Everything must be informed by what the Bible says. The problem is, most people don’t read the Bible. They’ve decided that they know better than God.  Surprisingly, according to research by Barna, only 4% of Christians have a biblical worldview. Let that sink in.

No wonder we are in trouble. We don’t even have the capacity to discern between right and wrong. It’s essential that we define our beliefs based on what the Bible says, not what our opinion says.

The Word, not world.

Next seems pretty obvious. Where do we get our information? I contend that the most prominent influence in our life is not politics, no worries it education. Seems to me that the media is the most powerful influence. Why? It is because it is so invasive in our lives. We all have TVs and smart phones and tablets. Beyond that I need not explain.

Since so many do not know the truth of God’s word, they resolved to find out the information they think they need by what is most popular or what their social media algorithm tells them is truth. Obviously, this is fleeting and not universal information that is true.

Consider this. You’re scrolling through your social media and ironically enough you start seeing ads for things that you were considering at Walmart or the local hardware store to purchase. You did a Google search and interestingly enough, ads start popping up in your Facebook. You see, we are being fed information based on your particular interest. Consider this. You’re having a conversation with somebody about a particular topic and, ironically enough you start seeing ads in your social media on that very topic.

Then you don’t realize that the phone is tracking you and it is listening to you. Sound invasive? It is.

We need to be in God‘s word to even have a degree of knowledge as to what we should be thinking about any particular topic. Many people don’t realize that the Bible speaks to nearly every idea that is out there. Solomon said that it is vanity, and that the world repeats itself. Just read Ecclesiastes or Proverbs sometime.

We are unmistakably being manipulated wherever we go. Why? Because we set ourselves up to the gullible and to fall for almost anything.

A City on a Hill. 

How should we then live? If I were to tell you that there are great minds that we should be reading, you may say to yourself that you’re not interested because you’re not a reader. Society wants to be told what to think not how to think. Our world tells us what to think. The talking points are universal dependent upon the particular persuasion of a political position or which educational system you have subscribed to.

The Bible tells us that we should be a shining light on the hillside. (Matthew 5:14-16) Jesus said that we are to be the light of the world and the salt of the world. The Bible gives us biblical insights and it doesn’t apologize for truth.

As we live our lives, we should recognize a tremendous influence that we have both on our friends and our families. We are to make a difference based on biblical values not personal virtues. We can be kind but if we don’t tell people why we are kind, it means nothing! 

A biblical word view is most essential. Matthew 6:33 reminds us that we should seek God’s Kingdom not our own interests. 

I wonder what the world would be like if a majority of people actually understood what the Bible has to say?

For Christians who attend church just one hour week as their only diet, I feel sorry for them because the world is a 7 -day, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year activity! 

In summary, being a person of the Word means being a person who draws from the Bible Truth and wisdom! This goes beyond feelings and popularity. It is about being a follower of Jesus coupled with the Truth of the Bible. It isn’t about simply being loving. After all, love isn’t defined very well by the world. Once you know what love is according to the Word of God, you can also find discernment on the things the press is in life! 

To Gather or Not?

Deciding IF we should gather as a congregation during a weather-related incident or prediction can be worrisome for many churches and pastors. This entry is a journal of sorts helping to tell the story of how many come to the decision to cancel. 

Weather predictions in the winter are usually what begins the process of cancelation decision. How much snow will there be? What are the road conditions? How much of a threat will the decision mean?

These are a few of the questions many ask!

Can people decide on their own if they should travel to attend church events? Of course they can! People are free to consider their travel arrangements. The predictions for snow or other issues are not the concern of cancellation procedures. We let the weather reported, traffic cams, local first responders, and emergency management officials help gage this personal decision. At your own risk is the common expression.

However, deciding whether or not someone should travel to your event or church service is a little more complicated. These are the concerns and process of deciding IF we should cancel. 

Consider any positive opportunities and being upbeat about your decision to cancel. Give grace to one another when having to make a decision to cancel services. 

1. Timing of the storm. When will the storm like snowfall total and related conditions help gage decision?

2. Those responsible for decision have to decide volunteering staff needs. Should we ask workers to take risks that they otherwise would not take?

3. Should we ask attendees to take unnecessary risks? The loyalty and support of people does make a difference. People will take the risk of travel out of their love for their church! 

4. What are the trade-offs? We don’t ever make decisions to cancel based on the profit and loss factors. No offerings will be taken except for those doing online giving. No public worship gatherings are worth risking to attend. No activity should ever be based on attendance records or reporting pressures. Organization are often having to explain their decision as if to give rationale for  not meeting.

Many pastors and leaders plan their worship like an event. Other programs like classes and activities are scheduled. Some simply skip the plan and move on but the work to plan means that some will miss out on what was expected. 

Be positive in your concern for others and considerations that must be decided! 

In short, you cannot simply repeat the plan the following week. 

Now, what does the Bible have to say about this issue? 

“Don’t forsake the assembly of believers….” Hebrews 10:25.

“… Call in the elders to pray and anoint…” James 5:14.

The church is special, sacred, and serving. Whenever the body of Christ gathers together, ministry happens. When the church is mobilized, the work of the church is effective. 

Ultimately, the church is made up of people who love Christ and others. Whether gathered physically or in our homes as individuals, the church is still active. 

Church families SHOULD gather for personal worship and reading of the Word. Church people SHOULD make every effort to check in with others and care for the needs of their family and neighbor. Likely, in a snowstorm our neighbors are defined by proximity and those who live nearby when helping and serving! Of course, we can call or text others to listen and find ways to be helpful. 

Pastors and church leaders SHOULD recognize that personal faith is not totally dependent on their activities. People are personally responsible for their faith walk and witness work. We are not to look to our church leaders and pastors as superheroes. They cannot do faith for you! 

Deciding to cancel church means being concerned for others. It is also important to give instructions for the church people to see that they are sent out to serve others! 

So here are my final considerations.

1. Pastors, send out a message asking people to check in with loved ones. It won’t hurt to make a few phone calls of your own.

2. Leaders, text and reach out to people through technology to listen and learn how we can best serve others. People will be hone so take time to ask key questions of others to better serve their needs and most especially how we should pray for them.

3. Church people SHOULD take responsibility for their family! Everyone should use the time being home to gather for prayer, personal growth in Christ, and don’t feel guilty if you need to rest. The Sabbath means resting! 

Stay active on social media! Realize the people have a little more time to scan their media feeds. Your message could have the potential of being read. 

Sent a few text message but also, message people over social media as well as posting fun-loving memes or even spiritual insights! 

Snapshots of Mercy.

Each of us experience snapshots of God’s grace! Although our life is perpetually busy with limited knowledge of the future, yet, we have extraordinary opportunities to see, though only snapshots, evidence of God’s grace He gives us. 

Today, I want to share with you a few of those snapshots as it relates to the recent death of my father-in-law, I call, Papa Don. 

I will post the obituary below, but I want to focus on what my experience has been. I am blessed to have become part of the Rumsey family. Some tease about me being an outlaw, but, I felt very much a part of this wonderful family. Yes, I love my own family who have contributed greatly to my life. I love my father and mother, who are still living. Though, I can write a whole chapter about their contribution in my life, I want to focus on one solitary life, my father-in-law.

These are but only a few snapshots. Even though it’s hard to put into words the love and the incredible experiences that he and I have shared with my father-in-law. Yet, I write this with tears. 

Picture this: We are sitting at a dinner table. I am new to this family and dating Cindi at the time. With all of the awkwardness and feelings of discomfort, while trying to get to know each other, I come to understand the humor of her dad. Someone is asking for the cantaloupe to be passed to them. I simply returned the request asking if they would pass the cantaloupe. To which, my father-in-law says, “No! You cannot elope! You have to get married the proper way.”  I took a big gulp and likely turned very red. I wasn’t sure what to say. He smiled. I blushed.

Picture this: I am taking Cindi out on a date. Nervous and uncertain, I am given instructions by her parents. Cindi’s dad simply says, “Have her home on time!“ He reminds me that Cindi‘s mother is Native American and a little bit of humor, mixed with a surprising expression. He simply said, “You know what ‘they’ do when you don’t follow instructions?” He rubs his bald head and said, “Don’t be a victim!” I got the message and I definitely got Cindi home on time.

Memories are wonderful. Flooding into my mind are the incredible memories being shaped by context and peppered with humor that was not quite understood at the time.  

Papa Don has always had a joy for living as large as his joy for Jesus. He didn’t know a stranger and he wanted to get to know me. After all, if I’m gonna get serious about my relationship with Cindi, I better get to know this family as well. He stepped into my life and made a profound, meaningful difference in me!

He anttended events in my life because he cared.

Picture this: Cindi and I are getting more serious about our relationship. Although my home is over 150 miles away from Marion, Papa Don demonstrated huge support for our feelings. He would remind me that I was dating his daughter!  

As a sign of interest, he wanted to know about my family. To do that, he decided to bring Cindi to my home to meet my parents one summer day. At his own expense, he decided to come and stay the weekend so that he could better know who I am. 

He was not shy and not intimidated in the least. It was a potential father-in-law meet the other in-laws so that he can share Jesus with them. 

These are just a few snapshots of the kind of man that Papa Don was and potentially could be in my life. He had humor and he was authentic. Both of these qualities met well with my family. There was no confusion about who he was nor who he loved. He wanted only the best for his daughter and he wanted the best for me.

Picture this: Fulfilling a promise that he had made to his daughter, he would give her away in a a most unusual way. Here I am trying to be proper at the rehearsal for the wedding with my father sitting in the front row. My dad called me over to me to tell me to straighten up, get serious, and to be proper because this is the respectable way to act. 

Then, the rehearsal music begins. My fiancé is now being escorted down the aisle by her father. He was dressed in a gorilla suit unashamed as he danced his way down the aisle. 

My father was taken back, and he turns to me to say, “Never mind, just be yourself!“ 

We all smiled that day because my father-in-law eased the tension in those moments by displaying humor, his own way.

I write these thoughts and as I reflected upon his important role in my life. With tears, I write this narrative that releases a flood of emotion in me. I am filled with joy and gratitude.

Fast forward to the recent setting when the funeral arrangements are having to be made. I said to my wife, “Cindi, don’t call on me for anything in his funeral. I don’t think that I could hold myself together long enough to say anything of substance.” She honored my request. 

Yet, here I go, writing what I wish I could have said at the funeral.

These are the snapshots of grace that evoke tears of gladness and joy that overwhelm my ability to communicate effectively.

I gathered my family around the casket of the one who has had a profound impact on me, my children, my grandchildren, and all those who gathered to say goodbye.

I’m reminded that his funeral was a home-going, but it was clear that I wanted to have a snapshot for my family to remember. I gathered them closely as we hugged one another once again realize that a man of God has now departed for heaven’s gain! Papa Don’s entry into heaven was because of his relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

How is it that one life could affect the lives of so many?

Though my father-in-law, Papa Don, didn’t remember our names in recent years, or know who we really were in his life yet, at the core of who he was is his relationship with Jesus. He had never forgotten who Jesus is!

Everywhere he would go, he talked about Jesus. Even when he didn’t know us, he knew Jesus personally.

This brief entry into my blog is very personal. It communicates what I cannot say in person. Why would I have tears for one who is going to his final home? Because, I have been blessed by his simple faith and his incredible love.

Thank you, Papa Don! You have enriched me. You have mentored me. You have stood as a giant in faith for me! I am better because of you! Thank you for letting me marry your number one (by age) daughter! 

Good Word: Humility – 3 of 4 Series

The following article references these passages: 2 Corinthians 5:7-9, 16-21; Ephesians 5:15-17; James 4:6-10  

Today, I am reminded of the importance of disciplining ourselves. A new year often prompts this reflection. A few years ago, I began to explore a new approach to my new year. Instead of adhering to resolutions or promises that are seldom kept, I found myself grappling with guilt and regret. 

Listen here. 

Eventually, I became so frustrated that I quit making resolutions altogether. Recently, however, I started a new discipline: selecting one word to study throughout the year. I would choose a scripture to guide me and then reflect on that word throughout the year, asking God to guide and develop me. The purpose of this series is to help us explore that very same opportunity. It’s a way for us to seek God’s direction.

Last week, we continued our new series on the 4-H's of the new year. Each year, we enter a time when we reflect on the past and look toward the future. Sometimes we make resolutions, but we seldom keep them. This often leads to regrets and guilt. However, God desires to have a relationship with us that transcends mere duty and blind loyalty. Grace is a gift, and if we embrace it, it will help us grow in our faith and our journey with God!

Over the last two weeks, we have carefully examined scripture to gain insight into what the Word of God can achieve in us. We have explored two of the four words that can help us gain spiritual depth in our walk with God in 2026. While we can’t predict the future, we can walk with the One who knows it!

1. Habit.
We form habits over time. Both good and bad habits arise from the heart. The Bible reminds us that “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” (Jeremiah 17:9)

2. Hunger.
We all have cravings. While exercise and diet are fundamental tactics for the New Year, no amount of New Year’s resolutions can replace what only God can do in our lives. We can cultivate a spiritual hunger for the Word of God. We can allow the Word of God to whet our appetite for Truth!

Today, we will explore what the Good Word can accomplish in our lives.

3. Humility.
A necessary next step in our spiritual walk with God and His Word is humility. We must become dependent on the Word of God. Too often, we act as if God doesn’t exist. We can be distracted enough to ignore God in our daily lives, becoming preoccupied with lesser things.

It is important to measure our spiritual depth based on the principle of faith. What faith do you possess? The Word of God helps us discover the faith we need to endure uncertainty, the unknown, and moments of insecurity.

Hebrews 11:1 reminds us of the nature of faith: it is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Faith is knowing during times of uncertainty and acting upon the unseen. Why is faith important? It matters because of the source of what we believe. The very act of faith transcends religion and beliefs; it is a gift from God.

How we interact with faith requires humility! We must “lean fully upon” God's Word, often while standing on the promises of God.

We have confidence in Christ—not in ourselves! The Bible tells us that we walk by faith, not by sight. Humility matters because it demonstrates a confidence in that which lies outside ourselves—beyond our control, resources, and abilities. What we possess is never enough, but with God, it is always sufficient!

Let’s delve deeper. This is the third of our four words. We start with an understanding of who we are, beginning with self. The world is often obsessed with itself, spending time developing our personal brands or protecting the brands we represent. 

Yet, we are called to be ambassadors for God! As followers of Christ, we should lean into Truth and apply it to every opportunity we encounter. In sickness, worry, anxiety, grief, hurt, death, and every other negative experience, we should look to God and see how He may use each situation to strengthen our faith and showcase God’s provision.

2 Corinthians 5:7-9 states: “For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him.”

What defines who you are? 

We live in a world that defines identity through the lens of self. Our identity may stem from our home life, family of origin, career, or circumstances. Consider the amusing image of cows trying to determine their location—looking at a map of life, their conclusion is simply "Meat." (While not fully accurate, it’s still humorous!)

We must look to God to understand who we are meant to be. I am grateful that I am not who I once was, yet I am not yet who I ought to be! With God’s help, I can become mature as a follower of Christ.

Our status in God’s Kingdom is not based on merit or talent. It is anchored in God’s undeserved grace applied to well-deserved punishment for outrageous sins committed through unfiltered disobedience. God does not rank us by our deservingness; He sees us all as equal in our need for grace. At the foot of the Cross, the ground is level!

We all grapple with issues of identity, regardless of age or experience. The Devil seeks to destroy us, often starting with insecurity and fear. He quickly escalates to indifference and complacency, feelings that rob us of fully realizing our potential in Christ!

Our texts remind us how we ought to live—not with false humility, but with the certainty that leads to true humility.

Second Corinthians 5:16 states: “He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” 

As we resolve to live for Christ, earthly distractions will fade, and we will grow to depend solely on God. Humility is realizing that it is not up to us—we need God for the salvation and sanctification that sustain us spiritually.

We do all things in Christ! As we develop a hunger for God, we also learn to act according to God’s Will. As we humble ourselves, God lifts us up! We need not be anxious, worried, or frustrated with life—we recognize that God’s Will is the best, and He has a plan!

We also learn to trust God’s timing and plan, saying, “if it be Your Will.” We act in alignment with God’s plan, praying for blessings through our efforts while trusting in God’s best for our lives. We walk humbly with God!

As we progress further into the book of James, which I refer to as practical theology, we see how we ought to live according to God’s plan. We are to be humble while remaining confident in God. What do I mean by this?
We can know the truth, which builds an inner core of confidence within us. We do not lord that knowledge over others; instead, we empathize with those in need.

We are not superior to others, yet we are better off because we make wise decisions through humility. Have you ever met someone who seems to know it all? They are everywhere, flaunting their knowledge as though it were a badge of authority. Their attitude demonstrates a certain arrogance.

Even though we possess the truth, grace should guide how we present that truth so that others can grow in their faith.

CS Lewis says that "pride is the grossest of sins. All other sins are mere flea bites compared to the sin of pride."

 

Pride hurts us because it pushes us away from

God.

 

"By means of symbolism, Satan's position is defined in terms of attitude. Pride is rightly considered to be "the father of all sin," - John W. Ritenbaugh (What the Bible says about Pride as Father of all Sin)

Let’s examine our next passage from James 4:6-10:

“And He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.”

We must strive to live up to our potential, no matter what the world may say. 

This reminds me of a child who grew up with a bit of an inferiority complex. When he was told by his teachers that he would never amount to much because of his procrastination, he replied, “Just you wait!”

Ephesians 5:15-17 instructs: 

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”

The Bible encourages us to live wisely. The ability to discern begins with humility. We must look to God for answers and seek His desires. This often means laying down our own opinions in favor of the truth of God’s Word.

When applying truth, consider the following:
A. Knowing God, not being God.  
B. A desire for the things of God.  
C. Acting wisely and avoiding foolishness (it’s not enough to simply be right…).

In a conversation with a waitress, I attempted to explain the importance of being a follower of Christ. She quickly responded, “My grandfather was a pastor, my father was a pastor, and my uncle was a pastor.” With that, she believed her answer was sufficient. 

However, I reminded her that God has no grandchildren. We are not saved because we attended the right church or had the right parents or embraced the right values. We are saved because of the blood of Jesus Christ shed for us, allowing for our redemption. We humbly receive that grace in our lives!

- CS Lewis: "Humility, is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."

 

I like what the author of an article that I read recently from "never thirst" website:

 

"Satan's sin was pride! The angel was in love with itself and wanted to be like God.”

 

Ezekiel 28:17 says, "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty" It (Satan) was impressed with itself. and wanted to be a god." - Never Thirst website: https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qg/ ga-archives/question/what-is-root-cause-of-all-sin/

 

As we conclude today, I want to remind you to consider our simple plan for 2026:

What is your one word that will define your New Year?

Good Word: Hunger (Series #2 of 4 on New Year 2026) H4

Last week, we kicked off a new series on the 4 H's of the new year. Each year, we enter a time when we reflect both on the past and look to the future. Sometimes, we make resolutions, but seldom do we keep them. This often leads to regrets and guilt. However, God wants to have a relationship with us that does not require just duty and blind loyalty. Grace is a gift given to us, and if we embrace it, it will help us grow in our faith and journey with God!

Listen here. 

Last week, we looked at the word "habit." We want to form good habits as we enter the new year. Habits certainly dictate our future and often originate from our hearts. That’s why this week, we need to expand our understanding of grace and growth in Christ by looking further into the heart.

This week, our word is hunger. The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful because of our lostness. We are people wandering in the wilderness, and often we are driven by our passions, which don’t necessarily mean that they are perfect or pure. The motives of the heart are judged by God.

Research shows that resolutions do not stick. Part of this is because we haven’t formed the disciplines necessary to maintain our goals over a long period. They are often impulsive and reckless. YouGov.com tells us that the most common resolutions relate to exercise, happiness, and diet. These seem like good things, but because we lack discipline, we fail, leading to even more guilt and depression as we are easily driven to failure. Yet, God has a better plan for us.

As we enter 2026, I have to ask the questions: What is your new normal? What will dictate your decisions and how you determine what is right? Since the heart can deceive us, we must ask ourselves what we hunger for. What do we crave?

This year, we must look at these four words to gain a better understanding. While today we will look at hunger, we will also gain insight by understanding humility and harmony. They are not what you think they are. Stay tuned.

These guiding words, through scripture, will give us a deeper understanding of what God has in store for us. I don’t believe that God is a cosmic killjoy. He is not out to take away our pleasures but to help us understand what pleases Him and what we should desire.

John Wesley became very disciplined, but it did not happen overnight. He failed in his first missionary journey to Georgia. He was driven by duty, responsibility, and piety. Although these are virtuous and highly sought after religiously, they did not bring fulfillment. In fact, he spent his early religious life possessed by fear and anxiety. He thought that doing all the right things would bring him joy, but it took a conversion at Aldersgate to convince him that he was missing something necessary in his life.

Eventually, he led great revivals and developed a practical understanding of holiness and accountability. One of his favorite sayings is: “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” This requires discipline, which even Wesley, in his early years, did not understand. Even though he had a deep longing to know God, pride kept him from fully entering into the relationship that God was calling him to. A life of holiness requires discipline; however, it is a gift granted through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Let’s probe a little deeper. As we examine our understanding of these good words, I must ask the questions: What do you crave? What motivates you? What is your new normal? How will you view this new growth pattern in 2026?

As we delve into the scripture, we must come to understand what it truly means to hunger for the things of God. Give consideration to each of these passages and the story that was offered to us in our reading.

Why do our cravings matter? We are ultimately defined by our actions and our motives. God judges not only the actions we take but the motives that accompany those actions. Is it pride? Is it ego? Is it personal desire stemming from yourself? Is it fear? What motivates you in your walk with God?

“If you look for truth, you will find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort, you will not get either comfort or truth.” — C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

The picture in the slide depicts praying hands. It was a backdrop at the community prayer event I attended at the State House, led by a friend of mine, Matthew Barnes. This picture shows the Indiana governor, who is helping lead in prayer. It’s remarkable to me that even national and local political leaders can find the humility to seek God through prayer. What’s even more remarkable is that many others gathered at the State House, who hold political positions, long to seek God in what they do. Beyond this, there’s an incredible backdrop of the ministry Public Servants’ Prayer. These are chaplains that serve in the State House with leaders. The hands in the picture are those of Matthew Barnes' grandmother, who leads the statehouse volunteer chaplain program. As his father stood before the crowd, he remarked that his own mother prayed for this ministry. He said, “She prayed for me as a pastor and for Matthew, who was leading a ministry from the very beginning. These are her hands.”

I love the fact that we can see faith on display instantly, like that of celebrity athletes. Russell Wilson shows his faith in a recent interview depicted in this slide.

We live in an age where everything is captured on video. News is communicated instantly, and within minutes of an incident being captured on video, it is streamed to your TV or device. Both good and bad actions are displayed everywhere we go – 24/7. Whether we’re traveling, at home, or at work, we are constantly on video. Driving to church today, you likely passed many active cameras capturing your actions. This is our present reality.

The truth is, God is always watching. He sees our actions.

Some professions make this unavoidable with their popularity. Their actions are instantly apparent, whether they are impulsive or deliberate. That’s not just a reality; it can also be good news. We hear many stories of redemption displayed as well. We see acts of kindness happening in real-time, alongside both humorous and hubris-filled moments.

We’re talking about hunger. It can often drive us to unhealthy things. If we allow our cravings to dictate our actions, we might find ourselves in destructive behaviors.

So let me ask you: What is your favorite spiritual meal? It’s important to have the right diet concerning spiritual matters. Jesus demonstrated this to His disciples and to many who followed Him into a remote place. They had a few provisions, and it was getting late. The people were hungry, both physically and spiritually. But they didn’t have much when Jesus instructed His disciples to feed the people. There were well over 5,000 gathered that day, yet Jesus multiplied the few items from a little boy’s lunch.

We know the story well. Often, we miss some of the incredible messages that the story communicates. Even though we don’t have time to go through all the details, we understand that Jesus instructed the people on how to have faith. His disciples learned how to have faith, but Jesus also taught them that we do not live by appetite alone. Look at verses 32 through 35 in John chapter 6.

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven; My Father did. And now He offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

You see, physical hunger will only lead to further hunger. It will never satisfy. However, spiritual nourishment leads to spiritual growth, bringing us to Jesus, who will always satisfy our greatest need.

God’s Word should be a daily meal. It leads us to greater growth, taking us deeper and strengthening us for the long road ahead. The Word fills and satisfies!

Consider what Hebrews 5:11 through 6:3 tells us:

A Call to Spiritual Growth

There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers for so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Instead, let us go on and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

This is a call for a deeper understanding of the word and a hunger/desire for deeper things in the world. It’s not about skimming the surface, but about going deeper.

My challenge for your new year is to establish a new normal. It’s a year where you will crave better food – a hunger for God’s word. It’s a call for all of us to live humbly as we take action. This series will teach us that it’s about having harmony through our activities and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Today, I encourage you to hunger for the word!

We are promised that we will find fulfillment in our walk with God. Eventually, according to the scripture in Revelation 7, we will never hunger or thirst again!

“They will never again be hungry or thirsty;

they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun.

For the Lamb on the throne

will be their Shepherd.

He will lead them to springs of life-giving water,

and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

As we enter into 2026, I challenge us to define the habits that are healthy. I also call us to the opportunity to be hungry for God’s word, which will always satisfy.

Do you want true success in your Christian walk? Be hungry for God’s word. Set your appetite on the things of God. Thirst and crave His word in your life.

This is why I am calling you to pick that one word that will guide you this year. Not just a resolution that requires discipline over time, but how God can lead you throughout 2026.