June 2023
Steve Russo

On Mother’s Day 1909 while attending church in Spokane, Washington; Mrs. John Dodd wondered why there was no day set aside to honor fathers.

Her thoughts were prompted by memories of her own father, William Smart. His wife had died young, and he was left to raise six small children. Mrs. Dodd realized that there were lots of other men just like her dad.

After church, she shared her thoughts with the pastor. With his help, she drafted a letter to the Spokane Ministerial Association, explaining the idea for a Father’s Day. They liked the concept, but gave it to the YMCA, thinking they were a better organization to get it started. One year later, Spokane became the first city in the United States to observe Father’s Day.

Mrs. Dodd wanted June 5th – her father’s birthday – as the official date. Because this was too close to Mother’s day, it was pushed back two weeks. Mrs. Dodd suggested that people wear a rose to show respect for their fathers – red for living dads and white for those who’d died.

In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson inaugurated the celebration of Father’s Day. But the fight to gain official national recognition hadn’t been won. Eventually, in 1957, Senator Margaret Chase Smith accused Congress of discriminating against fathers. “Either we honor both parents,” she said, “or neither.” In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a Congressional Resolution, putting Father’s Day on equal footing with Mother’s Day. At long last, Mrs. Dodd finally achieved her ‘special day.’

Today Father’s Day has been imported to many countries around the world. Although the designated day might be different, the concept of celebrating Dads is still the same.

It’s crazy how long it took to get a human resolution passed to honor fathers when it’s been part of God’s plan for centuries. In Ephesians 6:2 Paul writes we are to “Honor our father and mother. This is first.” If we do, we’ll experience a long, full life.

Make a special effort this month to honor your Dad with lots of love and respect. If you’ve lost your Dad, why not do something to honor his memory.

May 2023
Steve Russo

Lying has become a way of life. It’s so common today it’s become acceptable – even in the church. We have a generation of people who are so vulnerable they will believe anything. How many times have you heard, “but I read it online.”

Humorist, novelist and travel writer Mark Twain said: “A lie can travel halfway around the world while truth is putting on its shoes.”

The Ethics Resource Center reports that telling lies is a universal problem and is increasing. The report says the businesses where people are most likely not to tell the truth are hospitality and food, arts, entertainment and recreation. The report also says there are liars today in every segment of our population including judges, lawyers, physicians, educators, executives, coaches and professional athletes; and even members of the clergy, law enforcement and news media.

It bugs me to look into someone’s eyes and know they’re lying to me. No one likes to be lied to. Some people have lied so much for so long they don’t even realize it. There’s another problem when you know someone has lied – how do you know if they are telling the truth and if you can trust anything they say.

People lie for lots of reasons: low self-esteem, to avoid embarrassment, get their own way, make themselves look better, convince others what they want them to believe. Some justify it by saying “I’m only exaggerating.” But it’s still a distortion of the truth. It’s not straightforward nor honest.

Lying can come back to haunt you. It undermines trust in others, relationships and organizations. The Bible speaks strongly about lying in Proverbs 12:22 (NLT).

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”

It’s not easy to quit lying if you struggle with being honest – whatever the reason may be. But it’s worth it. You have to decide to intentionally stop, live with the consequences of your lies and determine to tell the truth in the future.

Next time you know someone’s lying to you, try gently asking them, “do you really want me to believe that?” It just might help them stop this harmful habit.

April 2023
Steve Russo

A ninth grade biology teacher began the first day of class by directing students attention to a dead frog floating in a jar of formaldehyde. He promised an automatic “A” to anyone who was able to bring the amphibian back to life.

As you guessed, no one in the class collected on his offer.

Despite all our medical breakthroughs and scientific advancements, humanity hasn’t managed to find an answer to the problem of death. Death is the inevitable, inescapable fate that awaits us all.

“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.”
Hebrews 9:27 NLT

This is exactly what makes the resurrection of Jesus so amazing and mind-blowing. Following his crucifixion, Jesus was dead. Lifeless. Just like the frog in the jar in the biology class. But the story doesn’t end there.

Jesus rose again! His resurrection wasn’t metaphorical or figurative. It isn’t a fairy tale. It was actual. It was physical. It happened. Jesus defeated death.

Paul the Apostle uses these words to describe what happened. “I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”
1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 NLT

Has death been defeated in your life? If not, there’s no better time than right now to take care of it by establishing a personal relationship with God. All you need to do is confess your sin to God in prayer, asking him to forgive you and cleanse you from all wickedness. Surrender your life to him as Savior and Lord. Ask him to help you live your life for and like Jesus.

Death will be defeated and your life on earth will never be the same. It’s a whole new way to live – here and for eternity.

April 2022
Steve Russo

Who ever thought words like war, refugees and Covid would be part of our daily dialogue. Fear and anxiety is everywhere. Life as we know it is dramatically different than it was just a few months ago. People wonder will things ever be back to normal again. Many are asking “is there any hope for the future?”  I was part of a Teen Summit recently, sponsored by the local city where I live and we have our offices. The question was asked of the students, “What causes the most anxiety in your life right now?” One of the responses I received was “the future.”

Peter, an early follower of Jesus, wrote his letter to those who were struggling with life challenges and difficult times.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

We have living hope when we become part of God’s family as a result of surrendering our lives to Jesus, and deciding to live our lives for and like him. This hope is ours because Christ shed his blood on the cross when he died for our sins and conquered death through his resurrection. Because Jesus rose from the grave on that very first Easter, we can have assurance that one day we will also have life after death. Living hope gives us confidence for the present as well as for the future. Instead of fearing the future, we can have courage to face whatever challenges we experience in our daily lives or what’s happening on the world stage.

God is sovereign and knows the future, and his plans for you are good and filled with expectation. Remember the promise we have in Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Life with Christ is an endless hope. Life without him is a hopeless end.

March 2022
Steve Russo

For the first time since the end of World War II, war’s broken out in Europe. In an unprovoked attack, Russia invaded the Ukraine. It’s heartbreaking to witness this injustice and imbalance of power. In a short time, the war has reeked devastation and cost many lives. But the courage and resolve of the leaders and people of the Ukraine is amazing.

It’s a very interesting time to be alive – especially for those who’ve never experienced a war like this in their lifetime.

There’s a sense of anxiety and fear that’s coming at us from many directions – including the pandemic, out-of-control inflation and supply shortages. The news feeds are relentless and cause a sense of uncertainty. Events like this shouldn’t surprise us. But they can leave us with a loss of what we should do.

The Bible confirms that what’s happening is to be expected for those of us who follow Jesus. “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately” Matthew 4:6 (NLT). We have no idea how long this war will last, the loss of life that will occur or when ‘the end’ will happen, but we do know who holds the future.

Where should we turn in uncertain times like these? The best place is God and his Word.

“I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, ”Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those who hearts are right. The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.”                                                                                                    Psalms 11:1-6 (NLT)

 

Put your trust in the God of the Bible; pray for the people of the Ukraine and ask God if there’s something specific you can do to help.

 

February 2022
Steve Russo

No matter what the pollsters claim, no one can accurately predict all that’s going to happen in the next 12 months. The best forecasts are really just educated guesses.

During the Korean War, American POWs in North Korean camps experienced a death rate of 38 percent, the highest in US history.

This death rate mystified the military because the POWs were given plenty of food, water, and shelter and weren’t physically tortured.

So, the military asked Major (Dr.) William E. Mayer to do a study of 1,000 POWs and what he discovered was surprising. He defined it as “a lack of resistance, and acute passivity.”

These POWs suffered from “mirasmus” or, as the soldiers actually called it, “give up-itis.” By encouraging suspicion and self-criticism, withholding positive letters from home, and only sharing bad news of deaths, adultery, and divorce, the North Korean captors had completely eradicated hope for the POWs, and it was literally killing them.

Hope matters. It encourages and motivates. And the Bible reminds us that hope is available to us no matter what circumstances we face.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”                                    Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Do you suffer from “give up-itis?” Are you depressed, weary or heartbroken over a loss? Are you struggling with fear and anxiety? Do you ever feel like you just can’t go on? Let’s be real. Life isn’t always easy, but there is hope – a hope that heals, restores, gives you power and peace.

When you place your cares on Jesus and look to Him as the source and sustainer of your life, you’ll find confident, everlasting hope. Remember – Jesus will not abandon you! He is the cure for “give up-it is.” Check out this promise Paul wrote in Romans 15:13 (NLT).

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

A good way to beat “give up-itis” is to set aside time to consistently read God’s Word and lean on Jesus. You can give him everything you’re concerned and worried about; and He will give you help and strength to keep moving forward.

January 2022
Steve Russo

No matter what the pollsters claim, no one can accurately predict all that’s going to happen in the next 12 months. The best forecasts are really just educated guesses.

Changes in our society and world have not only increased in speed and intensity, but also in their unpredictability. Consider how the pandemic has totally changed the way we live. How can anyone succeed in life when the future seems to be so uncertain?

Begin by involving God in all your plans. It’s craziness to make plans without consulting Him first. He’s the only one who really does know the future. So, we should trust him. But sometimes it’s easier to say it than to do it. Letting go and relying on God can be tough.

Proverbs 16:1 reminds us, “We make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer” (NLT). This verse doesn’t mean that we should not make plans – just because God has the final outcome in his hands. Instead, we should look at it as a unique partnership between our efforts and God’s sovereign design. We need to use our minds, our creativity and seek out good advice from others as we plan. But ultimately, the results are going to be up to Him. In the planning process we should ask for God’s guidance and then take action on our plan as we listen to and depend on Him.

While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live it until it actually arrives. Lots of people spend so much time worrying about the future they’ve got no time to enjoy the moment! Planning for tomorrow is wise use of your time – but worrying about it is not. When planning is done well – including seeking God’s advice – it can help eliminate worry. But if you’re consumed with anxiety, it’s difficult to trust God.

Jesus said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34 NLT). God will take care of your today and your tomorrow if you trust him. Look toward the future by living a day at a time.

December 2021
Steve Russo

So, the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

That’s John 1:14. Isn’t it amazing to think that this verse was fulfilled two thousand years ago on the very first Christmas when Jesus – the Word – became flesh and lived among us, full of hope and unfailing love.

Think about it. The Son of God voluntarily assumed a human body and nature – all without ceasing to be fully God – and came to this planet we call home. However, he did limit his power and knowledge by submitting to the Father’s will.

When Jesus was born, God became visible and tangible. He is the perfect expression of God in human form. Jesus showed us everything possible about God’s character that could be communicated in human terms that we could grasp.

He is the perfect example in every way – a model of what we are supposed to be like. Through his life Jesus showed us how God thinks and as a result how we should think as well. Jesus also demonstrates how we should live and treat others.

He shows us not only how to live but also gives us the power to live in that way. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you and me to enable us to face the day-to-day struggles of living this side of heaven. It’s this same power that will also enable us to experience life the way we were designed to from the beginning. Because the living God is our source for this power, it’s unlimited and will never run out.

Ultimately, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for the sin of the entire human race. He was born to die for our sins so that we could live – abundantly and eternally. This is the priceless ‘gift of Christmas’ that God gives to each one of us to enjoy and to share.

Talk about “Good News” – that’s what Christmas is all about!

November 2021
Steve Russo

We are a generation of consumers. Our culture has created a sense of discontentment inside of us when it comes to material things and as well as our situation in life. Advertisers bombard us with seductive images of new cars, new clothes, new smart phones, and iPads – all kinds of technology designed to supposedly make our lives more satisfying. Social media pushes the need for more followers. Our appetites are enticed with digital pictures of the good life and lots of ways that we can have it all.

But this consumer mentality creates a problem of being dissatisfied with our present possessions and place in life. It’s like we never seem to have enough of anything. Solomon, one of the wisest men to ever live, realized this problem generations ago when he wrote:

Just as death and destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.                                                                                                                           Proverbs 27:20 (NLT)

Are you satisfied with your life?

The only way you can counter the stressful tug of discontentment is to develop a deep, intimate relationship with the living God. Paul, an early follower of Jesus, knew how to be content no matter what his circumstances. He shared his insight with other Jesus followers writing the following words from jail.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.                                                                                                                               Philippians 4:12 (NLT)

The secret Paul had discovered was Christ’s power at work in his life. That’s how he could write these words:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

We need to learn to depend on God’s promises and Christ’s power to help us experience satisfaction.

If you always seem to want more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you how to be satisfied in every situation. Take some time to reflect on all that you do have to be thankful for. God will supply all our needs but in a way that He knows is best for us. You can be content in any situation when you’re sure of God’s unending care and concern for every detail of your life.

October 2021
Steve Russo

I attended a close friend’s birthday party recently. It was a great evening with lots of good food and music. The weather was near perfect. Another guy at the party approached me. “Hey Steve – I bet you don’t realize who I know and hang out with. Let me tell you.” He proceeded to go on for several minutes bragging and name-dropping about all these rich and famous people he claimed to be tight with. Then he said, “you probably didn’t ever think I would actually know these kinds of people and hang with them.” My response was simply, “Nope. That must be cool for you.” What I really wanted to say was more like, “that don’t impress me much.” But instead, I just quietly walked away.

Humility is a character trait that’s sadly missing in our culture today. It clashes with the current valuation of self-worth, self-realization and elite mentality that’s prevalent in our world – including the church. Ego and name-dropping seem to be pretty high up on the food chain. Too many people are trying to play the elite or celebrity ‘wanna be’ card.

Psychologists have said, according to some studies, healthy doses of ego directly feed into your willpower; which means it could help you stay focused on a major project or stick to a diet. But they’ve also determined that humility is important. It helps you to have accurate self-perception, modest self-portrayal and an ‘other-oriented mindset.’ But this is opposite of pride, arrogance and an inflated sense of our importance and talents. It’s not an either-or situation. Instead, it’s about maintaining a healthy balance.

The Greek philosopher Socrates held that wisdom is – above all – knowing what we don’t know. I don’t care how much you know or who you claim to know. I want to know how much you care about me as a person.

Just look around. We could use a whole lot more humility and a lot less ego. It’s time to stop lifting ourselves up and start lifting up others. Let God take care of the rest. Jesus said,” But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 (NLT)