PULELULU SUNE 24, 2026

SAAME 86-89; SAAME 56:1-4

Where does your mind go and your heart run when life doesn't make sense?

Ko e fe ‘a e potu ‘oku hola ki ai ho loto mo ho ‘atamaii ‘i he taimi ‘oku taumu’a valea ai ‘a e fononga?

I counseled a woman who had enjoyed a wonderful life. She and her successful husband had two wonderful children. She attended a good church and was surrounded by a group of devoted friends. But in an act of unfaithfulness and betrayal, her husband forsook her, and she lost everything. After she realized the extent of her loss, she had no life in her eyes, no spring in her step, and no hope in her heart. She was burdened by the uncertainty of her future. Where would she live? How would she survive? I couldn't answer all of her questions, but I knew one thing: she was not without hope. I told her that even in the face of all the grief and loss, she would stand. I told her this not because she was strong, wise, and capable, but because the most important person in her life, the one who was near to her and who would give the grace to continue, had not

forsaken her. We talked about the rock of hope that was hers in the steadfast love of the Lord, a love that never fails. I did my best to help her see that his steadfast love was as real as all of the loss that had so devastated her. Then we talked about the decisions she needed to make to move forward in her new circumstances.

When our comfortable plans for our life come crashing down, God can seem distant and inactive. Psalm 89 paints a picture for us of two colliding realities. It first celebrates God's steadfast love:

I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. (Ps. 89:1)

This is the rock of hope for believers of all generations, for Old Testament Israelites as well as people in the pews in Chicago. We all experience the bright mountain peaks and dark valleys of life. Things happen that make us think life is over. In our trouble, we can be tempted to think that God has withdrawn his presence and his promises. But nothing can break his commitment to love his own.

When we read the first verse of this psalm, we might think that it's going to be a happy psalm, but it's not. Psalm 89 is a lament. It was written in a moment when it seemed as though God had turned his back on his children, rejecting them and withdrawing his love. But his discipline in the face of their sin was not a sign that he had withdrawn his love.

The surest indication of the steadfast love of the Lord is the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. His sacrifice assures us that our sin will not cause God to withdraw the grace of his love. Today, in your trouble, remember where your hope is found: in the steadfast love of the Lord. That love is forever.

 TUSITE SUNE 23, 2026

SAAME 80-85; ‘EFESO 2:8-10

The grace of the gospel promises us both forgiveness and restoration. God will restore us to himself, and he will restore what sin has broken.

Ko e kelesi ‘o e koosipeli ‘oku ne palomesi mai ‘a e fakamolemole mo e fakafo’ou. ‘E fakafoki kitautolu ‘e he ‘Otua kiate Ia pea te ne fakafo’ou ‘a e me’a na’e maumau’i ‘e he angahala.

Workers were restoring a house across the street from us, and I couldn't resist checking it out. I asked whether I could look around. They told me I was welcome, but that I should be careful. A man in the kitchen was swinging a sledgehammer, knocking down walls. A guy on scaffolding in the living room was carefully prying old crown molding off the wall with a small hammer and little wedges. Elsewhere an electrician was using a meter to test the condition of the wiring, I loved that this grand old house, once barely habitable, was going to be made new again. But it wasn't just going to be restored; it would end up in better condition than when it was first built. I've thought about that house throughout the years, because it was a beautiful picture of God's restorative grace. Just as a carpenter uses a variety of tools to restore a house, God uses a variety of means of grace to restore what sin has damaged. The great divine restorer knows exactly what tool to use at exactly the right moment in order to restore what sin has broken. Because sin has wreaked such damage, we are all broken-down people living in a broken-down world, so the restoration themes in the Bible are precious and comforting. 

Psalm 80 is a prayer for restoration, one that we would do well to pray again and again until God makes all things new again. "Restore us, O God. Let your face shine, that we may be saved!" is its main cry. It's repeated three times throughout the psalm:

Turn again, O God of hosts!

Look down from heaven, and see;

have regard for this vine,

the stock that your right hand planted,

and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.

They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down;

may they perish at the rebuke of your face!

But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,

the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!

Then we shall not turn back from you;

give us life, and we will call upon your name!

Restore us, O LORD God of hosts!

Let your face shine, that we may be saved! (Ps. 80:14-19)

The psalmist asks God to turn his face of rescuing grace toward his children and restore them. "Give us life," he pleads.

Where do you need restoration? Where in your life do things need to be made new? The great restorer offers you his restorative grace today. He has the necessary skills and always uses the right tool. Cry out today for his restorative craftsmanship, and watch what he, in mercy, will do.

 MONITE SUNE 22, 2026

SAAME 78-79; TEUTALONOME 6:4-9

More important than children's education, socialization, or physical development is the nurture of their souls. May their hearts be captured by the things of God.

Mahu’inga ange ‘i he ako faka’atamai ‘a e fanau, mo honau tu’unga fakasosiale mo ‘enau fakalakalaka fakasino, ka ko e fafanga mo e tutupu honau laumalie. ‘Ofa ke puke ‘e honau loto ‘e he ngaahi me’a ‘a e ‘Otua. 

When our children were small, they asked probing questions based on their keen observations. Luella and I knew we were parenting thinkers. If you are a parent or caregiver of little ones, it is vital to understand that these little theologians, philosophers, and archeologists will dig through the mountain of their experiences in order to make some kind of sense out of life. Sometimes we accuse our children of not thinking, but, in truth, they never stop thinking. Our children are meaning makers. They will develop ways of thinking about their identity, about what is important in life, about what is right or

wrong, and about relationships. And the sense that they make out of life will then determine how they live. Every day our children are observing, learning, interpreting, connecting, concluding, associating, and developing a view of life that will guide every word they say, every action they take, and every decision they make.

Because this is true, it is important for parents to start early and work often to instill in their children a view of life that has God in the center and on the throne. It is important that your children begin to understand that everything comes from the Lord, exists through him, and was made for him and his glory (see Rom. 11:36). Parents, hear the instructions of Psalm 78:5-8:

[God] established a testimony in Jacob

and appointed a law in Israel,

which he commanded our fathers

to teach to their children,

that the next generation might know them,

the children yet unborn,

and arise and tell them to their children.

so that they should set their hope in God

and not forget the works of God.

but keep his commandments;

and that they should not be like their fathers,

a stubborn and rebellious generation.

a generation whose heart was not steadfast.

whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Don't miss the vision here. We are called to faithfully teach our children the things of the Lord so that their children, yet unborn, will set their hope on God, remember his commands, and not rebel against him.

You may be thinking, "It's all we can do to keep our kids under control and put three meals on the table." But remember this: every one of God's commands is accompanied by his grace. He will meet you in your weariness and weakness and help you to do what he's called you to do. Someone will answer your children's questions. Some system of thought will capture their hearts and minds. May God use you, parent, to lead them to the one who is wisdom, so that they follow him, and their children and their children's children do as well.

 SAPATE SUNE 21, 2026

SAAME 74-77; KOLOSE 3:16-17

May the gospel be the song that wakes us up in the morning, carries us through the day, and puts us to bed at night.

‘Ofa ke hoko ‘a e koosipelii ko e hiva ia te ne ofongi kitautolu ‘i he pongipongii, fataki kitautolu ‘i he lolotonga ‘o e ‘ahoo, pea fakamaloloo’i kitautolu ‘i he po’uli ‘a e ‘ahoo.

No matter who you are, where you are, how old you are, or what you believe, you will sing. And whether you are aware of it or not, the songs that dominate your personal playlist are a window into your soul. What. songs do you love to sing the most? What songs bring the greatest joy to your heart? What songs do you sing in times of sorrow? What songs do you sing in times of joy? What songs wake you up in the morning and put you to bed at night? What songs best express what you hold dear? What songs provide you with the most comfort? What songs capture your heart?

Most of the songs in the Psalms were for public worship; many were written to be sung as people were going up to the temple in Jerusalem. But I love these verses of Psalm 77, which take us into the private world of an Old Testament believer:

I cry aloud to God,

aloud to God, and he will hear me.

In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;

In the night my hand is stretched out

without wearying;

my soul refuses to be comforted.

When I remember God, I moan;

when I meditate, my spirit faints.

Selah

You hold my eyelids open;

I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

I consider the days of old,

the years long ago.

I said, "Let me remember my song in the night;

let me meditate in my heart." (Ps. 77:1-6)

Notice that the psalmist composes these lines in a time of trouble. He is so distressed that he cannot speak. But rather than meditating on his troubles or complaining silently in his heart, he sings. Remembrance in song is a means of finding comfort in distress.

Do you complain your way to sleep? Do fearful thoughts drive your sleep away? Do the pressures of the next day capture your thoughts? Do disappointments haunt you as you attempt to rest? May God meet us in the night. May he remind us of his presence and care. And may he place a night song in our hearts, one that puts us to sleep with the comfort of the gospel of his goodness and grace. Tonight, remember your Lord, and sing yourself to sleep.

 TOKONAKI SUNE 20, 2026

SAAME 70-73; SEMISI 5:1-12

Life looks radically different when we view it from the perspective of eternity.

‘Oku kehe ‘aupito ‘a e mo’ui ko eni ‘i he taimi ‘oku tau sio’aki ‘a e vakai faka-’taniti. 

Sometimes life doesn't make sense. In these moments it's hard to understand what God is doing. It's difficult to see the blessings of his presence, promises, and grace. Sometimes trouble overwhelms us and solutions escape us. This is when we can be tempted to look around and conclude that those who do not acknowledge God and who rebel against his commands have comfortable and successful lives. In these moments life doesn't seem right or fair.

This was the experience of Asaph, who penned Psalm 73:

As for me, my feet had almost stumbled,

my steps had nearly slipped.

For I was envious of the arrogant

when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

For they have no pangs until death;

their bodies are fat and sleek.

They are not in trouble as others are;

they are not stricken like the rest of mankind..

Behold, these are the wicked;

always at ease, they increase in riches. (Ps. 73:2-5, 12)

Asaph essentially says, "God, I don't understand what is going on. Why do the wicked seem to have such easy and prosperous lives, while my life is hard?" Then Asaph says,

All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. (73:13)

He essentially says, "God, I've believed in you and obeyed you-and this is what I get?" But Asaph makes a significant theological mistake that deepens his discouragement and weakens his trust in God. Asaph is in a state of functional eternity amnesia. When you forget eternity, your view of the present becomes distorted. Notice what causes Asaph's heart to change:

But when I thought how to understand this,

it seemed to me a wearisome task,

until I went into the sanctuary of God;

then I discerned their end....

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;

you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.

But for me it is good to be near God;

I have made the Lord God my refuge,

that I may tell of all your works. (Ps. 73:16-17, 25-28)

Asaph comes to understand that, when viewed from the vantage point of eternity, God's moral scales are not imbalanced. The wicked may have pleasure now, but their ease is as impermanent as a dream that evaporates when you awake (see Ps. 73:20); their lives of prosperity will be followed by eternal doom. God's children may experience brief trouble now, but we are promised a never-ending eternity with our Lord in a place where peace and righteousness reign forever.

When life seems difficult, don't give way to eternity amnesia. This present moment is like an evaporating dream in comparison to the endless glory to come, which is yours because of the presence and power of God's eternal grace.

 FALAITE SUNE 19, 2026

SAAME 66-69; MATIU 5:13-16

Only God's grace keeps us from reducing our lives to a pursuit of our own comfort, pleasure, and glory.

Ko e kelesi pe ‘a e ‘Otua ‘oku ne pukepuke kitautolu mei he mo’ui siokita ‘o e kumi pe ‘ete lelei ‘a’ata mo hoto langilangi.

Most of my happiness and joy come from experiencing things that give me pleasure or comfort. I tend to grumble when things get in my way, when I have to wait, or when I feel weakness or pain. I love when people quickly agree with me, and I enjoy being in control. The battle for glory still rages in my heart, confronting me with difficult questions: Will I shrink life to the size of my own glory, or will I live for the expansive and eternal glory of God?

Psalm 67 confronts us with the grand purpose of God's grace:

May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face to shine upon us,

that your way may be known on earth,

your saving power among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you!

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide the nations i upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you!

The earth has yielded its increase;

God, our God, shall bless us.

God shall bless us;

let all the ends of the earth fear him!

Selah

God pours his grace on us, both for the good of our redemption and so that, through us, his glory would be seen and known throughout the whole earth. The ultimate end of the gift of God's grace is his own glory. God's grace was never intended to stop with us. He desires that all people everywhere would see his glory and give him the praise that is his due: "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth" (67:1-2). Why does God bless us with his grace? So that his way might be known on earth. God's grace drafts us into an army of people who live, work, relate, and speak in order that the plan, purpose, and glory of the Lord  would be known around the entire earth. Embedded in the gift of God's grace is a call to live as his evangelists. His grace doesn't end with our justification and sanctification, because through us he wants his presence and glory to be seen everywhere.

And remember, God gives us all the grace we need to be ready and willing evangelists of the glory of his grace wherever we go.

 TU’APULELULU SUNE 18, 2026

SAAME 58-65; SELEMAIA 17:5-8

Between the "already" and the "not yet," life is one big and continuing battle of trust. Your actions serve what your heart trusts.

‘I he vaha’a taimi ‘o e “ ‘osi ma’u” mo e “te’eki ai”, ‘oku tau fononga’i ‘a e feinga tau ‘o e falalaa. ‘Oku tau fakahoko ‘a e me’a ‘oku falala ki ai hotau ngaahi loto.

It is inescapably true that you are always putting your trust in something. Your decisions might be shaped by your trust in a friend. Maybe you are fearful and anxious because you don't trust your boss. Marriages rise and fall according to the level of trust that spouses have in one another. Maybe you act in certain ways because you trust your feelings. Perhaps you have too much trust in your culture and, because you do, you allow it to counsel and guide you. You might struggle to trust what your church teaches or the worldview that your parents sought to instill in you. Maybe you're discouraged and depressed because you don't trust anyone or anything.

Because our lives (our thoughts, desires, choices, words, and actions) are shaped by whom or what we trust, life on this side of eternity is an unceasing war of trust. An army of God-replacements constantly battles for our trust. So we must ask ourselves, "Trust in what or whom will shape my actions, reactions, and responses today?" Every scripture was given for our conviction, instruction, and transformation.

Regarding trust, Psalm 62 is insightful and practical:

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

for my hope is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my salvation and my glory;

my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your heart before him;

God is a refuge for us.

Selah

Those of low estate are but a breath;

those of high estate are a delusion;

in the balances they go up;

they are together lighter than a breath.

Put no trust in extortion;

set no vain hopes on robbery;

if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God,

and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. (Ps. 62:5-12)

Do you have this kind of unbending trust in the Lord? Does God alone rule your heart? What causes you to question his goodness, thereby weakening your trust in him? Is your trust in the Lord built on the foundation of your experience or on his word? Psalm 62 calls us to "trust in him at all times." That includes the times when he seems distant and uninvolved as well as when he seems near. The "steadfast love" of the Lord is seen most clearly in the person and work of his Son. In Christ we have the grace we need to defeat our fears and to give our hearts to trusting God, no matter what. Today, look up and trust God.