Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Accepting God’s Gifts

Paul Merideth

God is excellent at giving good gifts. I can’t say that’s always been true of me. My track record for gift-giving is demonstrably defective by the sad array of useless appliances and discarded tchotchkes at our house. But God knows us so well; he knows what we need and how best to meet those needs. The gifts that God gives are wholesome, valuable, and lovely. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17). His gifts are never a flop. Odd, then, that anyone would refuse God’s good gifts. Wouldn’t it be strange to be approached by a friend who offers us a beautifully wrapped present, a gift chosen with care, and then wave them away with a barely cordial “no thanks.” That actually would be quite rude. Why would anyone refuse a gift, especially one from our Creator? Maybe God’s gifts have gotten lost in the clutter? Perhaps they’re not what we think we asked for? Could it be the wrapping doesn’t suit our style, so we refuse? Maybe we’re confused and have mistaken a blessing for a curse.

I can’t detail all the varied gifts God may offer you; there are just so many. I suppose, however, I could try mentioning a few. He provides forgiveness through Jesus, strength through the Spirit, and encouragement through the church. He has gifted us with his Word, the Bible, so that we may know his will and learn the historical record of his ways. His redeeming grace fills us with hope and guards us against defeat. He brings light and love into our lives with joys, both small and great. He often works through others to bless us with compassion. God’s gift-giving abilities are impressive.

My advice is that you be open to receiving the gifts he offers you. Don’t shake your fist in the face of a gracious God who desires to bless you. Don’t be rude; receive with a glad and humble heart what the Lord offers you. C.S. Lewis said, “God gives his gifts where he finds the vessel empty enough to receive them.” Perhaps, if you’re having a hard time seeing the gifts, then adjust your focus and look again. The problem is likely your poor attitude, not God’s negligence.

Amid Jesus’ public teaching ministry, he once talked about having an open attitude to the gifts God gives. Jesus made the point that we, even fallen humans, find delight in giving good gifts. If we can demonstrate generosity, albeit in an inexpert way, imagine how much more capable God is to gift us with blessings. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11). God is offering you his gifts, and it’s your choice to receive or reject them. I encourage you to accept.

  • 16th Week of 2024 Reading: LUKE 9:23-24. And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
  • Prayer to God: “Lord, guide us on the path of discipleship, that we may follow your teachings with humility, serve others with compassion, and spread your love to all. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
  • Helpful Resource: Check out the articles at Christian Courier. I have vivid memories of hearing Wayne Jackson teach and preach whenever he visited F-HU. Although he passed away in 2020, his legacy of excellent bible teaching remains alive on the Web.
  • Sermon Preview: I’ve been thinking a lot about the notion of divine authority vested in the Bible. It is a really tough sell today to convince folks that God’s Word has the final say in all matters of faith and practice. I suspect a sermon along these lines will emerge soon, likely Sunday. You’re invited to come and worship with us.
Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Total Eclipse of the Heart

The eclipse is almost here, and apparently, it’s a big deal. I’m amazed at the news reporting that predicts the expected mass influx of umbraphiles for those communities in the swath of totality.

I wonder, though, if being without daylight for four minutes will really give us any new perspective; probably not. It seems mostly a momentary novelty. I’m sure we’ll all get right back to work afterward. Don’t get me wrong, the eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that indeed points to the power and wisdom of God. That God created the universe with such sophistication and complexity should humble any thoughtful person and activate profound awe and wonder at His majesty.

But the eclipse has been mostly demystified, and the truth is we know the daylight will return after just a few minutes of darkness. No big deal.

What is a big deal is when the darkness doesn’t dissipate. What happens when the light doesn’t return? To fall into permanent spiritual darkness is the worst fate imaginable. A total eclipse of the heart, where we become blocked off from the light of God’s goodness, is a picture the bible uses of eternal destruction. In Jesus’ judgment parables, the unfaithful will be cast into “the outer darkness.” “In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30).

Paul Merideth

Thankfully, we are invited to remain in the light. Jesus is the “light of the world,” and whoever follows him will “not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). And both as individual Christians and as God’s people, the church, we are to be a light to the nations. Jesus said to his disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). And all God’s people are told to, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1-2).

It’s going to get dark for a bit on Monday. Perhaps those brief moments of midnight will spark a thought or two. Maybe it will remind us how thankful we are as Christians to have escaped the doom of outer darkness and have instead been welcomed “into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). That beautiful promise is an excellent motivator, pushing us to get out and shine our Christian light.

  • 14th Week of 2024 Reading: JOSHUA 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
  • Prayer to God: “Heavenly Father, I stand amazed at your presence. Help me be in awe at your wisdom and power displayed in the majesty of your creation. Remind me not just of your strength to create but also your grace to save. Thank you for the blessings of this life you give to your children. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
  • Helpful Resource: Check out the resources at Apologetics Press. I especially enjoyed Branyon May’s video “Our Complex Cosmos.” I think you’ll like his scientific survey and the lessons we can learn about God’s glory.
  • Sermon Preview: I’m glad to be home after being away on a mission trip. Thanks for all the prayers on my behalf. As I get ready to resume my preaching duties here at Northside, I plan to preach this Sunday about “light” (apropos in light of the upcoming eclipse) and then a set of lessons about “the nature of the church.” You’re invited to come and worship with us.
Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Ad Fontes

Paul Merideth

What’s your source? It’s a critical question. From journalists to physicians, doing the job properly means getting to the source of the facts and doing a careful evaluation. After all, we make life decisions based on the information we receive, so we must get our facts straight. The rallying cry of the European Renaissance movement was the Latin phrase, ad fontes. It means “back to the sources.” It called for an intellectual recovery in areas of classical values, theology, literature, and art. Perhaps we need something like that today. If not as a global movement, then at least as a personal mantra. What’s your source of authority in life? Where’d you get your information about how to live your life?

We should tremble in terror at the thought of setting our source for life’s decisions on TikTok. We need something more substantive than that, don’t we? Shouldn’t we rally to the source of life’s authority that’s reliable and truthful rather than faddish and fickle?

Scripture cuts through all the malaise and declares, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men… rather than according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Sobering words, don’t you think?

Where’d you get your information? To consider the source means we only take opinions seriously that are informed. It means that when it comes to life’s big questions, we’re discerning and scrutinize the sources for truthfulness and integrity. It means we look to divine revelation embodied in the Bible as the sole valid source for all matters of faith and practice. It means our life is guided by the reliable compass of God’s Word, lived out in the community of true believers.

Be warned that lousy information can come from many different sources and perspectives. Untruths can be touted from powerful microphones and popular apps. Especially alarming is the dilemma that we may get caught in an echo chamber. This can happen when we hear warped perspectives and opinions repeatedly. An echo chamber is an environment where people only encounter information or views that reflect and reinforce their own. Echo chambers can create misinformation and distort a person’s perspective. Hence, they have difficulty considering opposing viewpoints and discussing complicated topics. These prisons of closed-mindedness are fueled partly by confirmation bias, which is the tendency to favor information that reinforces existing beliefs. We must escape the echo chamber of religious misinformation. We must break free of soundbite theology and feelings-based faith. Let’s reach back to the source and root ourselves in God’s inspired, inerrant, authoritative Word. “The sacred writings make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the people of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

It’s a critical question. Where we derive our authority, our source, for life’s decisions has eternal repercussions. We would be wise to go back to the right source.

  • 8th Week of 2024 Reading: 1 TIMOTHY 3:16 “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
  • Reflections: It’s frightening to think about how much disinformation and untruth we face daily. One of my great fears is that I go sideways in my thinking and decision-making because I believe lies. The only recourse I have is to pray to God for wisdom and discernment. How can we better trust in God to help us cut through the lies around us and see the truth? I think we must lean “not on our own understanding” but live each day in faith and fill up with God’s will and word. How can you sharpen your senses for discerning truth and developing wisdom? What bad opinions do you need to lay down? Or how has believing a lie ruined you from reaching a spiritual goal?
  • Prayer to God: “Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom to discern your will and guide me to make choices that honor you. Please bless those around me. In humility, I seek your wisdom. In courage, I follow where it leads. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
  • Video Devotional Spotlight: Bible Study #4
  • Current Reads: I’ve almost finished working through The Great Dechurching by Jim Davis and Michael Graham. It challenges us to be faithful to God in this age when folks are less engaged with the church. The good news is that many are willing to reconnect when we engage with them in an authentic way. It’s an eye-opening and sobering read.
  • Interesting News: Check out Jon Nielson’s article in Christianity Today, “Theology Is Not a Waste.” It’s often a tough sell to convince people, even Christians, about the important role of theological study. I think you’ll enjoy his take.
  • Sermon Preview: As I mentioned above, I’m almost finished reading The Great Dechurching and am building a sermon where I pull from the survey work done by its authors. I plan, in an upcoming sermon, to pose the questions: Who’s leaving? Why are they going? And what will it take to bring them back? Hopefully, I can offer some helpful answers to these questions as we explore God’s word for solutions. You’re invited to come and worship with us.
Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Peace Within

Paul Merideth

We’re surrounded by violence. We see it reported in the news and experience it firsthand in our communities. Even our youngest and most vulnerable can’t be shielded from its reach. Violence is a dreadful expression of humanity’s dark side. It geysers forth from the cracks of our brokenness. Only the wicked revel in its existence. It makes good people grimace. Whenever violence erupts, it reeks of pain, tears, and broken hearts. It causes profound hurt and leaves lasting scars.

It’s so jarring because we’re made for peace, not violence. Upon being created, humanity lived in a tranquil garden. Our progenitors experienced peace as they basked in the brilliance of God’s grace. And ever since Eden’s expulsion, we’ve been trying to get back a semblance of that peace. We often haplessly grope for it in the most futile and expensive ways. But Jesus came to bring true peace and often spoke of it. He knew we desperately needed it. Thus, the purpose of his incarnational redemption mission was to undo the damage done by Adam and Eve. Near the end of his earthly ministry, he said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). To find true and lasting peace we must access it via Christ. Peace within is peace in Christ.

The solution to the problem of violence isn’t just the subtraction of something; it’s the addition of something. You see, true peace isn’t found in the absence of violence. True peace is found in the presence of God.

  • 6th Week of 2024 Reading: ISAIAH 53:4-6 “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
  • Reflections: In what ways has violence contaminated your mind? Do you fixate on violence too often or dream incessantly of the downfall of others? Let’s try to fill up with good and noble things and leave no room for violent thoughts.
  • Prayer to God: “Heavenly Father, help us to think rightly about your goodness and mercy. Please calm our mind’s restless knots. Guide us to find and cherish peace in your Son. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
  • Video Devotional Spotlight: Bible Study #3
  • Current Reads: In one of our small group Bible classes, I’m leading a study of the book of 2 Corinthians. I’ve learned a lot from the scholarship of David E. Garland in his New American Commentary: 2 Corinthians. Trustworthy commentaries can be a helpful tool for better understanding God’s word. When we read a good commentary, it’s as if we’re getting extra after-school help from a teacher to understand the subject matter better. Not all commentaries are equal, but those by Garland have been a great help to me.
  • Interesting News: World magazine has a well-written article by Andree Seu Peterson titled Hope for the Bleak Midwinter. You might want to check it out for a dose of muscularity to help push through the dark winter months.
  • Sermon Preview: Sunday I plan to preach a sermon I’m calling “Protected By His Presence” based upon Genesis 39:2; “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man.” Like Joseph, we all see our circumstances change over time. Few of us, though, will have experienced such a precipitous collapse as Joseph. And if you have, how encouraging to know that Scripture includes the stories of God’s intervention in the lives of people like you. You’re invited to come and worship with us.
Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Faith Over Fear

I hope you all have a peaceful and joy-filled Christmas. One of the beautiful things about this time of year is the extra attention given to the blessings associated with faith. Christian faith spotlights God’s love and grace, his desire to show us favor and care. Through Christ’s redeeming work, God has taken away our deepest fears and replaced them with profound peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

I’m struck by how many times in the narratives surrounding the birth of Jesus we have to hear the reassurance: “Do not fear.” When angels show up to deliver a message, that’s the first thing they usually have to say. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

We habitually need reassurance. After all, fear so quickly creeps in when uncertain events arise. That’s the case with Joseph and Mary. And so God sent a messenger to give them reassurance. It’s true of all of us as well.

Fear debilitates. It impairs our thinking, acting, and judgment. To quote Frank Herbert in his masterpiece sci-fi novel Dune, “Fear is the mind-killer.” Fear also causes us to lash out and attack others in desperate self-preservation. Fear prompts defensiveness. It makes us rash. It makes us harsh. It makes us sin. Fear inhibits our ability to rightly respond to the good things of God. Fear puts up blinders that hinder our ability to see the beauty of God. We need less fear and more faith.

The coming of Christ separates us from our fears. The incarnation of Jesus was God’s masterstroke of breaking into a broken world with hope and rescue. In the coming of Christ and his subsequent atonement work at the cross and empty tomb, sin and fear are defeated. We boldly believe that fear will ultimately be beaten at his anticipated second coming when all things will be made new. In the Christmas season, we’re invited to both fixate on his first coming and keep watchful for his second. When he comes again in glory to receive his own, we will inhabit a new heaven and a new earth together, and all our fears will vanish.

Today’s world can be scary, and most of us find ourselves grasping for something temporal for security, whatever that may be. We live in a world where it is tough to be fear-free. But amid anxiety and insecurity, Christians have true peace and true security in the one place it has always been and can still be found.

Paul Merideth

I hope you have a Merry Christmas. Remember, we can have faith even in the face of fear because we have a heavenly father who has sent salvation through a Savior, Christ the Lord. Therefore, fear not.

  • 51st Week of 2023 Reading: PHILIPPIANS 2:15-16 “That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
  • Prayer to God: “Lord of All, we give you thanks for your abundance and all the great things you have given us, especially the gift of Your Son. We ask your blessing upon our food, work, life’s provisions, and friends and family. We also pray that you will look kindly upon all in need with great mercy. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
  • Video Devotional Spotlight: Confidence in Christ
  • Reflections: Have you counted your blessings lately? Why not do an inventory today of all the good that God has poured into your life and cap off your review with a prayer of thanksgiving.
  • Sermon Preview: I’m finishing my sermon series on Matthew’s Gospel with a look at the crucifixion in 27:35-50. The birth scene of Jesus is humble, tender, and beautifully simple. Except for the angelic host onlooking, it was a private happening in obscurity. The death of Jesus, however, was a humiliating public spectacle. Yet, it is in the cross of Christ that we locate our Christian identity. You’re invited to come and worship with us.