Author: Dave Burchett

Recently our family was rocked to hear that my wonderful, kind, beautiful niece Debbie would be fighting a difficult battle in the months to come. When she heard the words bladder cancer she had the predictable responses of shock, fear, and sadness. Here is what I love about this woman. She took in the news, processed it, determined that she would fight with every ounce of strength she possessed and made it known that she was trusting God. Deb adopted a verse from Isaiah for the difficult road ahead.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

This past week Debbie enjoyed a family beach getaway as she prepared for battle. Debbie knelt down and wrote this in the sand.

I loved the imagery of writing these words of trust on the sand canvas of God’s creation. But it also reminded me that soon the waves and tide would wash away those words. Each day will require a commitment from Deb to the truth that God is always present in her trial. Each day we, as the community who love her, will join in prayer and encouragement for Debbie and others we love that are fighting battles.

When Joni went through her cancer journey we adopted a song from Casting Crowns.

The lyrics are a powerful reminder of who God is and that He is always there. I can’t explain why things happen. I have learned in my years of following Jesus that He does not let suffering go in vain. He brings beauty out of ashes. When I cannot see how any good can come out of a trial I trust my Abba Father in faith. Believe me I don’t always “feel” that but I can move forward in faith because I have seen over and over how God redeems trials and that He is our hope in the storm.

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth

Peter talked about the inevitability of suffering. I love that he wrapped up that reality check with an incredible promise of hope.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. (1 Peter 5, NLT)

That is a promise that we can hold onto during the storm. Jesus meets us there and not in theory. He suffered. He agonized with God the Father. He knows the human condition. He has already been there. When you have nowhere else to turn but to Jesus you find out that you should have turned to Him first all along.

I am trusting that promise from 1 Peter for my dear niece Debbie today. I would be honored if you felt led to join Team Deb in this battle by praying for her and her family. This remarkable women has a big heart and she is trusting a bigger God. I am looking forward to a not too distant day when Debbie can share with joy how her faith won over fear.

I was introduced to Christianity in a church that put a legalistic leash on my behavior. By strict rules they believed they could force me to live a holy life. You can imagine how that worked out for a teenager in the sixties. Our denomination reminded me of characters from the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. We did not have the dreaded knights who said, “Ni” but we definitely had the dreaded pastors who said, “No.”

I’m certain there were several volumes filled with things that were forbidden and, not surprisingly, most of them were man-made rules. Here is a sample platter of no-no’s I was asked to follow.

NO movies. (Might have been in violation)
NO drinking. (Too young so I got holiness points for this one)
NO mixed swimming. (I kid you not)
NO television. (The temptation of Mr Ed, The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction was too strong)
NO cards. (More holiness points)
NO rock-and-roll music. (Definitely in violation)
NO smoking. (Nailed this one)
NO slacks for women.
NO long hair for men. (Deduct holiness points)
NO makeup for women.

I remember asking my grandmother what she thought about the no makeup law. She smiled and gave this memorable reply. “If the barn needs a coat of paint I think you should paint it.” She was my first dispenser of grace.

It’s not surprising that it took me a long time to figure out freedom in Christ. Ironically, there are a few verses that strongly emphasized the word “no” in the New Testament that our marauding moralists somehow overlooked. For example, this little “no” verse would have come in handy (capitalization and italics added for emphasis).

There is NO condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2, NLT

That would have been a refreshing mist of grace to our parched flock. Or how about these “NO” verses?

This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is NO fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:17-19, NIV

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is NO commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31, NIV

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps NO record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6, NLT

I have been crucified with Christ and I NO longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! Galatians 2:20-21, NIV

That is a very different “no” list than the first one.

NO condemnation.

NO fear.

NO commandment greater than to love God and your neighbor.

NO record of wrongdoing when you love one another.

NO longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.

I can be holy because of Christ and not because of my anguished rule keeping. There is joy and freedom in that second list.

NO kidding.

Parts of this article excerpted from Stay: Lessons My Dogs Taught Me about Life, Loss, and Grace

The grand kids love the spectacular optical effects of 3D movies. They feel like they can reach out and touch the images floating right in front of them. It takes sophisticated film techniques and amazing creative talent to produce these stunning results. But there is one component that is essential to seeing all of the beauty, magic and wonder of a 3D film. A special pair of glasses that cost a few pennies make the millions of dollars of 3D production come to life.

During one spectacular nature scene we were surrounded by a flock of birds. We fought the instinct to duck as they came flying right at us. Then I took off the glasses and the magic was gone. The image was blurry and flat. There was nothing special about the images without the 3D lens.

There is another lens we can put on that changes everything. It is the lens of grace. The lens of grace doesn’t cost even a few pennies. That ability to see others as Christ sees us was paid in full on the Cross. This  lens is completely free and always available. When we put on the lens of grace we can see the beauty, magic and wonder in a world that often seems blurry, angry, and confused.

When I put on the lens of grace I see my relationship with Jesus in full and guilt free clarity. I see Jesus standing at my side and explaining that I am completely changed. I see Him telling me that my sins are forgiven and I can quit relitigating past mistakes. I see Him explaining to me that all of those things that used to be true about me are no longer true. I see Him repeating that, because I tend to nod my head without really believing it. Jesus explains to me that no matter what the accuser might say, those things that used to define me are dead and buried at the Cross. I see Jesus telling me that I have the Holy Spirit to comfort me and provide an unshakable source of strength.

He reminds me gently that I don’t have to grit my teeth and try harder to win favor and please Him. He tells me for the ten thousandth time that sin does not have power over me anymore. And I see His demeanor being just as patient and kind as the first time He told me that truth.

And putting on the lens of grace changes how I see others in remarkable ways. Looking through that lens reminds me that I am the Prodigal son who bowed before the Father with nothing to other.

Yet the Father ran to forgive me when I acknowledged my sin and need. While I was still dirty and clothed in filthy garments of sin, I was forgiven, accepted, justified, and wrapped in the robe of righteousness. I was no longer condemned. Satan would have me forget that the robe of righteousness is wrapped lovingly around me. The author of lies reminds me (constantly) that I still wear dirty clothing. He suggests that I don’t deserve to wear the robe until I clean myself up. That is the power of this story. The robe of righteousness is never earned. It is a gift of  grace. Even on my worst day the Father wraps me up in this precious garment because of His Son, Jesus.

How differently I would live if I remembered that truth every day. I am a saint. I am wrapped in the robe of righteousness. I am a new creature who is forgiven, accepted, and cloaked in this incomprehensible gift of grace. Even in my failure Jesus loves me anyway and just as much.

The more I understand the depth of grace the more I am compelled to give grace generously and freely to a hurting world. If I am receiving grace, I must also give it. If I welcome the generous gift of grace, I must become more generous. If I accept the gift of forgiveness, I must forgive. If I marvel at God’s unfailing love, I must also love others. Through the lens of grace I seek to understand instead of condemning. I see those irritating people as children of God seeking the same dose of love and grace that I need everyday. And yes, the lens of grace keeps me from hating those who oppose me and allows me to pray for them.

The lens of grace reminds me of my mission.

My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—
the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. (Acts 20:24, NLT)

The lens of grace changes everything. I just need to remember to put them on.

(Parts of this article were excerpted from Waking Up Slowly: Spiritual Lessons from My Dogs, Kids, Critters, and Other Unexpected Places)

What if we are stubbing our toes on the sacred every day and not realizing it?

That is one of the taglines promoting my book Waking Up Slowly. The book suggests that we are the most connected culture in history but arguably the most disconnected from the awareness of God’s presence. I examine twenty-one different attitudes and actions that cause me to miss the sacred moments that I believe can be found in every day.

But like the believers of the early church at Galatia I have an amazing ability to forget what I have learned (and written). Paul could have addressed this to me in recent weeks.

You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for He is the one who called you to freedom. (Galatians 5:7-8, NLT)

I run along smoothly for a day. Sometimes two. Then I forget who I am. Not my actual name. I generally can recall that. I forget who I am in Christ. I forget that God has my back and my future. I fret about silly things. The answer to Paul’s question about who has held me back from the truth is simple and convicting. That would be me.

And then I get a postcard from God in the most unexpected way.

During our annual beach trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama I was wading in the Gulf with daughter-in-law Holly and almost two-year-old Madeline. Nestled in her Mom’s arms she giggled when the waves crashed around her. Suddenly we heard this frightening bombshell from Madeline.

“Paci…wawa!”

Her beloved pacifier had fallen into the Gulf. Parents and Grandparents know this moment of abject panic and Madeline was predictably unhappy. I began frantically searching for it but Holly assured me there was a backup and a backup to the backup at the house.

I decided to go to edge of the surf anyway and see if it might wash ashore. Nothing. A few minutes went by and I gave up the search. I walked a few yards down the beach and explained the story to our neighbors.

“If you happen to see a pacifier wash up on the beach you can be the hero of the week! We are in the yellow house over there.”

They laughed and we chatted a bit more. I started to leave with this line.

“If Jonah’s whale spits up the pacifier let us know.”

As I turned to rejoin the family I looked down. To my sheer amazement I saw  this incredible sight two feet from my two feet.

I am not proud of my reaction.

“I think that is her pacifier,” I said knowingly as if pacifiers routinely roll in with the tide and I had to double check to make sure this one was hers. The couple was amazed. A young man in his twenties had been listening to the exchange and he responded with the most honesty.

“How the H*** did that happen?”

I just laughed. I had an idea that God had just sent a postcard to his forgetful child in the most playful way. I had written from Psalm 139 that God knows everything about me. That He is everywhere I am. And that God ordains everything about me.

What are the odds of a pacifier depositing itself two feet from me on the beach several minutes after it went in the drink? By the way, the current was very strong that day. I know it is possible. I know that some will write it off to coincidence. I am choosing to believe that a loving Father decided to have some fun with His child. The God who created the Heavens and earth can no doubt direct a little piece of plastic to a predestined destination. I don’t mean to compare my little water miracle to the deliverance of the children of Israel but I can proclaim His greatness.

“Who is like you among the gods, O Lord—
glorious in holiness,
awesome in splendor,
performing great wonders?  (Exodus 15, NLT)

You should have seen the look on Holly’s face when I returned with the treasure. Even better was the joy on Madeline’s countenance. She may not get the theology yet but she sure understands gratitude.

Call it luck if you wish. I call it something else. A postcard from God.

Join me on a journey to become more connected to God and one another.

Dan Fogelberg was a gifted songwriter who wrote “Leader of the Band”.  Fogelberg’s father was a musician and he passed that talent down to Dan. Parts of the lyric made me think of my own dad in his final years..

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul

I thank you for the kindness and the times when you got tough
And, papa, I don’t think I said ‘I love you’ near enough

My dad knew how much I loved him. Still I wish I had told him more. But this is the portion of the song that continues to impact me as his son.

My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
I’m just a living legacy to the leader of the band

Paul Burchett was a wonderful, kind, loving, and flawed man. I have the flawed part down. I hope I am learning to live out his legacy of joy, kindness and love that he modeled so well. I realize with each passing year how much the leader of the pack impacted me. Every dad impacts the lives of their children. Children sporadically listen but they always watch.

Only with the perspective of age and life experience can I begin to comprehend what this man accomplished. Born in the dirt poor Appalachian hills of Kentucky, he never achieved higher than an eighth grade education. Yet he became a career success in corporate management by having a Masters in Common Sense and a Doctorate in Kindness.

Perhaps he couldn’t help me with calculus or composition but he taught me that all of God’s children are to be valued. That everyone is important and deserves to be treated with dignity.

He taught me the concept of grace. When I was in junior high I somehow manage to establish “credit” at a hobby store. I ran up a debt that was monumental in those days. When my dad found out I was terrified. But he taught me that grace means unmerited forgiveness for obvious guilt. He taught me what forgiveness looks like and what it means for someone to pay for your mistakes when it is undeserved. I got a little foretaste of how Jesus would pay a debt for me that I could not pay later on in my life.

He taught me that humor is a gift from God. That laughing at life and especially at your self makes it a whole lot easier to deal with daily frustrations.

He was not perfect. Like all men he made mistakes but even in failing he taught me valuable lessons. He modeled with his humility and deep contrition the wisdom written by the Apostle Peter.

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter, 4:8, NLT

My Dad taught me it was okay to say “Forgive me” and “I’m Sorry”. God’s Word consistently paints an image of God as our Father. Many people struggle with that picture because they can only relate to an angry, dominating or distant father. I thank God that I was blessed with a father who gave me a clear image of how I can relate to God as my Heavenly Father.

My friend Bart Millard of MercyMe sings a powerful song about seeing his dad when he makes it home to Heaven some day.

I’m gonna wrap my arms around my daddy’s neck, and tell him that I’ve missed him. And tell him
All about the man that I became, and hope that it pleased him. There’s so much I want to say,
There’s so much I want you to know.

When I finally make it home. When I finally make it home.

I am so grateful that I had a dad that helped me to understand the real love of a father and what it means when God says I am His child.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!  –1 John 3:1

That is what we are! A child of God. Even if your earthly father fell short I pray you can believe that amazing promise today.