Responding to Insults: Insights from Scripture

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Arrow

Most everyone has experienced being made fun of, whether as an individual or in a group, both as a youngster and as an adult.

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Being made fun of is not a new phenomenon. In the Old Testament, we find the story of Nehemiah, who traveled to Jerusalem to help rebuild the protective city wall. Three officials from enemy territories who were incensed over the project showed up regularly to make fun, mock and ridicule, and even threaten Nehemiah.

Nehemiah responded with faith. He trusted the Lord would help His servants build the wall. He also prayed regarding his enemies.

Jesus was also regularly made fun of, especially by the religious leaders. They even mocked Him as He hung on the cross. Sometimes Jesus endured mocking silently. Other times, He spoke up in His defense, calling out the hypocrisy He witnessed.

Finally, think of Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and enabled to speak in languages they did not know. They were accused of being drunk!

Peter’s response was exemplary. He didn’t lose his cool or answer with name calling. He stood up and explained their ability to speak in other languages was a fulfillment of prophecy. Peter then shared that Jesus was the Messiah and about 3000 believed and were baptized.

How should we respond when others hurl insults? James, Jesus’ half-brother, recommended, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19b-20).

It is wise to release our painful hurts to God and trust Him to deal with the situation. If we also feel led to confront, may we do so calmly and respectfully.

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God’s Plan: Order to Our Day

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Arrow

Ever feel overwhelmed with disorder? A sock drawer, garage, or budget? It seems the more I look, the more things I find that need organized or reorganized.

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Wait. Is God a God of order?

He may not have had a day planner for creation, but God no doubt had a plan. The first thing He did was replace chaos with order (Gen 1). Creation had to have a specific order. Before people could exist, land, water, oxygen, and plants (for food) needed to be created.

When Noah, who had never seen a boat, built the ark, God must have guided the order of the build-out. And there’s no way all the animals arrived at the same time to board. God must have set some schedule of internal signaling.

God guided Joshua regarding the order in conquering the thirty-one Canaanite kings. And the Holy Spirit led Paul when to preach in what cities on each of his missionary journeys.

We can be reassured, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). Paul applies this to the church, writing, “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

As a child of God, we are reminded God has a good plan and purpose for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28). Remember, “[W]e are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

In order to do those good works, our lives need to be ordered so we have time to do the work He prepared for us. We need to pray over plans and follow the Lord’s lead. Let’s begin by asking and listening for Him to order our day today.

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Always Available

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Arrow

Occasionally when I send an email, I receive a quick, “I am currently out of the office.”

When trying to make a doctor appointment, we may hear that there are no availabilities … for months! Perhaps we are reassured that we can be “put on a waiting list” or “are free to call back to check for cancellations.”

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Some of us are old enough to remember hearing a busy signal on a phone. Today, we are more likely to be invited to “Please leave a message after the beep.”

When attending large events, we may be ushered into an overflow area to watch a video of what is happening on the main stage. Not exactly what we were hoping to experience.

Even our friends and family are not always available every minute of every day.

But … the Lord is.

We can be awed by the fact that God is always available. Anytime. Everywhere. He never asks us to “Take a number” and we never get a busy signal or voicemail.

He is always “in”. Ready and waiting for us to come, to communicate, and commune with Him. He hears our hearts and listens to whatever is on our mind.

May you be encouraged with these Bible verses:

  • “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8a).
  • Jesus promised believers, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).
  • “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Know that God is present and always available … for … YOU.

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Sacrifice – What Does it Mean for Christians Today?

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Arrow

The word ‘sacrifice’ has taken on a different meaning from Old Testament times. So, what does it mean for Christians today?

Old Testament sacrifices were typically offerings or gifts to God to demonstrate gratitude for His provision. For example, Adam’s and Eve’s sons brought plant and animal offerings. When God gave the law, it included instructions on how to properly bring offerings for thanksgiving as well as offerings to atone or pay for one’s sin.

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Eventually, a temple was built in Jerusalem where priests would receive worshipers’ offerings. Even Mary and Joseph, as followers of the Law, brought an offering to the temple following the birth of Jesus.

Today, there is no temple in Jerusalem. No altar. The sacrificial system that demanded blood has ended because Jesus was the perfect and final sacrifice. Jesus’ death on the cross paid for the sins of the entire world so no more blood is required.

So, what sacrifice is required today?

First, in our tithes and offerings. Believers are to bring at least a tenth of what God has blessed them with financially. But there’s more. In the New Testament book of Hebrews, the author writes, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16).

A sacrifice always costs the giver something. It’s the least we can do considering what God has done for us.

A sacrifice of praise takes time and effort. We stop to consider and reflect, choosing the best words or songs to offer our Lord. God is also pleased when we share, serve, and sacrifice for others.

Let’s bring Him our best. 

Comment/share how someone sacrificed for you.

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Knead Some Love

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Arrow

I am blessed to have a daughter-in-law who is a baker of sourdough bread! My favorite is when she treats me with a loaf with mix-ins. Not just any mix-ins though. I realize some prefer cheddar, jalapeño, and herbs, or cinnamon and brown sugar. But she knows my fav is white chocolate and raspberry. It’s totally dessert! (Yes, I agree with the motto, “Life is short. Eat dessert first!”)

Now, let’s imagine that delectable loaf as a loaf of love. Everyone kneads some every day. (Couldn’t resist.) And we all choose who and how we are going to love those we come in contact with or with whom we have connections.

Are we stingy and toss a few crusty crumbs from a distance? Or are we generous, bringing a basketful of bountiful love with joy, kindness, encouragement, and peace.

When we know a person well, we have an advantage of being privy to their preferences and needs, perhaps even figured out their love language. (You may want to check out Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages or his newest The 5 Love Languages & Their Dialects.)

According to Chapman, love languages include words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. With this information, we know better what mix-ins to sprinkle into someone’s loaf, what truly touches their heart. It may take some additional thought and planning but should be well worth the attempt.

Hear Jesus’ recipe: “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35 CSB).

May our words and actions reflect the love of God who gave His all to all.

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When the Task Is Too Big

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Arrow

You know the feeling—the task that looms large. It’s so overwhelming, you don’t even know where to begin! You procrastinate or cry. You try complaining, hoping to be consoled by others. Or even suggest others who are more suited for the job. But the assignment is yours.

I have always been a fan of the Old Testament character, Nehemiah, perhaps because he took on a massive project, stuck with it through difficulties, and successfully completed the task sooner than any thought possible!

The Task: Rebuild the wall surrounding Jerusalem after the Babylonians conquered and destroyed the city.

The Beginning: Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king of Persia, asked the king to provide all the materials needed for the project in Jerusalem and for letters for safe conduct along the way. But the real starting place for Nehemiah was on his knees, praying and fasting before the Lord, asking God for favor and success.

The Plan: Upon his arrival, Nehemiah rallied the town folk. Each volunteer would work on the section of wall near their own home and/or business.

The Problems: Men who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem regularly came to mock, ridicule, intimidate, and threaten the Jews, causing the workers to become weary, fearful, and discouraged.

The Strong Finish: Nehemiah prayed and encouraged the workers to persevere and trust God. After a century and a half of lying in ruins, Jerusalem’s wall was completed in only 52 days!

God’s Math: Unlikely person + overwhelming task + severe opposition + GOD = SUCCESS

May we remember and repeat Nehemiah’s determination. “[T]he gracious hand of my God [is] upon me . . . Let us start [fill in the blank] . . . The God of heaven will give us success” (Neh. 2:18, 20).

Steps to success: 1) Pray and fast. 2) Plan. 3) Do the task.

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Do We Notice Those in Need?

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Arrow

I was at Walmart making a beeline for the few items I wanted to grab. Then, I heard something … or possibly heard something. I took a couple more steps. There it was again, I think. The faintest, “Ma’am?” I turned to see an elderly woman sitting on a bench. She needed help, wasn’t feeling well, and decided she wanted 911 called.

That, I could do. It only took seconds to get a clerk’s attention and help was on its way.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Later, I thought, how many times have I missed these opportunities? That voice or look that pleads, “Please, help me.” Those nudges from the Lord that bump us with a direction to go or a message to share. Sometimes, people are too timid or too proud to ask for help but if we watch and listen carefully, we may pick up on hints of what we can do.

John 9 begins simply with “As [Jesus] went along, he saw a man blind from birth” (John 9:1). Jesus was just moving through His day. So, how would He know there was a need? The blind man wasn’t calling out or asking to be healed. He was silent, probably just sitting along the road. But Jesus saw! He took notice and helped.

Matthew notes Jesus’ heart for people. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus saw people. He saw individuals and showed compassion.

As we go along, may we notice those who need a hand, a help up, or even a smile and kind word. May we have Jesus’ eyes and ears as well as be His hands and feet.

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See and Share Evidence of God

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Arrow

Below is a photo of Sunday’s sunset. Thankfully, my husband noticed it and encouraged me to come and see. I’m so glad he did. To me, that sky was evidence of God’s Presence and His handiwork, a blessing of beauty and wonder.

It reminded me, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” (Psalm 19:1).

Romans 1:20 explains, “For [God’s] invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse” (CSB).

Of course, God reveals Himself in many ways, grandiose and miniscule. But do we notice? And when we witness His wonders, do we tell others?

The world appears to be blind to what God is doing. Romans 1:25 tells us many have “exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator” (CSB).

Those of us who have “seen” have a responsibility. I would have completely missed that sunset if someone hadn’t told me about it. Sometimes we need a witness sharing with us.

And sometimes, we are a witness to others, pointing out the evidence of God. To do this well, we need to ask God for the sensitivity to notice what He is doing. Be detectives on the lookout for evidence. Then, we share what we have noticed. Boldly brag on God’s attributes and actions.

It may be as simple as exclaiming to a stranger at the carwash, “Hey, check out that awesome sunset God painted for us!”

You can do it! See and share.

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Blessings in Life’s Storms

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Arrow

Today, if you read Acts 27, you will find yourself at around 59AD, in a storm … on a ship with Paul … headed for Rome. There is nothing fair about why Paul is on this ship as a prisoner. No religious leader, Roman commander, local governor or king found a reasonable charge against him. Yet, there he was.

Even before Paul got on the ship, a commander swooped in to save him from being “torn to pieces” by a raging mob in Jerusalem. Later Paul’s nephew learned of and reported a plot to kill Paul.

Once safely on board, Paul again faced grave danger when the ship became lost at sea, swept off course by “a wind of hurricane force”.

Let’s see how God continued to protect Paul in the midst of this chaos and send blessings.

  • God sent an angel saying, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you” (Acts 27:24). I love how others were blessed merely by Paul’s presence on the ship.
  • Then, when the ship was grounded and breaking apart, God foiled the soldiers’ plan to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. Because a centurion, a Roman officer, wanted to spare Paul’s life, all prisoners were safe.
  • Watch God keep His promise: “[E]veryone reached land in safety” (Acts 27:44).
  • Once on shore, the entire boatload of people was blessed when “the islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all” (Acts 28:2).

I am in awe that even in our troubles, God sends blessings. May we recognize and be thankful for all the ways God meets our needs during life’s storms.

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How Does Light Meet Needs?

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Arrow

As I chatted at church Sunday, I got chilled. Thankfully, I stepped out of the shadows into the sunshine. Ah, hugged by warmth.

Monday, I sat to enjoy my indoor Christmas lights. (Yes, they’re still up.) The glow imbued my heart with joy and delight.

I clicked the light behind my rocker in order to read (since my book was actually made of ink and paper). Words came into view.

When I peeked outside, I saw the effects of the desert’s light. Tomatoes were turning red, grapefruit blushed, and bushes burst with orange and yellow blossoms.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Light is a blessing! It can provide warmth, allow us to see clearly, and reveal obstacles. It brings delight and causes maturation.

What did Jesus say about light? “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Jesus came to provide clarity, to show us the way to the Father, and introduce us to the abundant life, a spiritual richness from connecting closer with God.

Light meets needs. It provides comfort, delight, clarity. Encourages maturation. Reveals obstacles, dangers, and best of all, truth.

Jesus also taught, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a).

As light, believers are to shine brightly, breaking through and replacing spiritual darkness. We can:

  • Reflect Jesus (or resemble Him) in our words and actions.
  • Share biblical truth in a comforting, encouraging, and delightful manner.
  • Show others the way to Jesus, His gift of salvation, and eternal life.
  • Guide newer believers toward maturity in Christ.

Let’s not be like the fading star on top of my Christmas tree. That’s all wrong! Instead, let’s “shine like the stars in the universe as [we] hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:15b-16a).

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