The Way of the Lord

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Arrow

From where we live in Arizona, most of our road trips include maneuvering steep, winding roads on mountains and across valleys.

The gospel writer, Luke, describes a much easier road or “way” to Jesus. He quoted the prophet Isaiah, “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation’” (Luke 3:4b-6).

Being a former kindergarten teacher, I imagine the above photo of mountains made of playdough-like material. Go ahead, smash those mountains flat. Fill in the valleys with extra dough. And straighten out that road. Ah, the way is now easy.

Luke described John the Baptist as the voice calling in the desert, preparing listeners for Jesus. Salvation did not and does not require acing a series of tests, accomplishing great feats, or perfection. Salvation simply comes through belief in Jesus and repentance from our sins. In repentance, we turn from the dark, defiant road of living for self and make a U-turn, choosing to live for Jesus.

Another gospel writer, Matthew, wrote, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14).

I pray you join the few and experience the way of the Lord, a way blessed and guided by His Presence.

Enjoy the greatest road trip ever!

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Evangelistic Message, Salvation, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

If God Says “Yes,” Why Would We Say “No”?

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Arrow

We pray and ask God for our deepest desires. Sometimes, we see that what we long for is happening. Why, then, would we ever sabotage it?

This is exactly what the nation of Israel did long ago. With God’s help, Moses had led the nation of Israel out of Egypt, right to the door of Canaan, the land God had promised to Abraham’s descendants. God then instructed Moses to send men to explore the land. Upon their return, the spies announced that the land was rich with blessings, but ten of the twelve spies shared their fears of the inhabitants.

Joshua and Caleb, the other two spies, warned Israel, “If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land . . . and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Numbers 14:8-9).

What happened? Israel chose to abandon any plans of moving forward to take the Promised Land as their own. The generation that had seen God protect them from the ten plagues suffered by Egypt, walked between the parted Red Sea on dry land, received water from a rock, and manna from heaven refused to trust God with their next step.

God longed to answer Israel’s prayer for freedom and land ownership. It was Israel who chose fear over faith. The result? Forty years of wandering in the desert until that generation died off. The next generation would move forward to conquer the Promised Land.

Lesson learned? When God answers our prayers with opportunities, let’s remember:

  • Do not fear.
  • God will lead us.
  • God is with us.

Go forward in faith!

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Incomparable Love

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Arrow

According to Webster, love is a “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties.” Each of us longs to experience this kind of ongoing relationship.

People, however, can be fickle, moody, rude, ignorant, self-centered, and extremely cruel. Sometime without warning, words like flaming arrows pierce our tender hearts leaving us feeling broken, defeated, and perhaps, in a puddle of tears.

Who, then, is the one most capable of healing brokenness? Who loves us more than anyone in the whole world? Who is always listening, always near, and always faithful? Whether you call Him Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Jesus, or Daddy, He is always ready to wrap you in His arms of compassion and proclaim His never-ending, incomparable love for you!

If you are hurting right now, may this verse and chorus from “My Daddy” touch your wounded heart.

Verse 1:
Last night I went runnin’ home
Cryin’ from the pain
Hurtful words still stinging
Echoing again
And when I reached my Daddy
Suddenly I knew
His cheeks were streaked with tears
Because He’d heard them too!

Chorus
I know my Daddy loves me
I know my Daddy cares
I know He sees my joy and pain
He listens to my prayers
He waits for me with open arms
And knows just where to start
He touches me so tenderly
And heals my broken heart.

The apostle Paul wrote, “And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17b-19 The Message).

May you encounter His incomparable, measureless love.

Happy Valentines Day!

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NOT a Coincidence

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Arrow

My daughter-in-law ‘happened’ to let me know that a package for her daughter (my granddaughter) did not arrive as planned. I checked my emails and credit card history and voila, I only thought I had completed the order for her gift. When I tried to order again, the item was no longer available for delivery to her area. So, I checked with our local store. It just so ‘happened’ that it was available for pick up. And, it just so ‘happened’ that we were driving to see this family (who lives in another state) in a few days.

I do not believe any of these things were mere coincidences! I believe God is always working behind the scenes, and sometimes it’s abundantly clear.

Another example is when we experience closed doors. During the covid years, it was impossible for me to get my board book manuscript published. For publishers, the costs of printing were soaring and supply chain issues were insurmountable. For me, I was sorely disappointed and didn’t want to hear the words, “Let’s wait.”

Then I remembered a favorite scripture, “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:13-14). Those words helped ease my frustration and gave the promise of hope which was encouraging.

Now I’m hoping that lone board book will turn into a series. I am reassured that God is working behind the scenes and can open doors I never imagined. I trust that His ways and His timing are better than mine, so I am more comfortable waiting for His better plan.

One thing I know, our daily ‘happenings’ are not just coincidences. They are wonderfully orchestrated by a God who loves us.

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Drink Diligently

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Arrow

On cold winter mornings, it is always nice to have something warm to drink. Whether sipping tea, coffee, or cocoa, you feel the heat slide down to warm you deep inside. The only problem is, the comfort and satisfaction are extremely temporary. Within minutes, even the cup of hot delight is cooled.

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

As believers, we know that we need to “drink” in God’s Word and tune in constantly to the Holy Spirit. The problem is we are forgetful, easily distracted, and speak and act before thinking. (I’m thinking I need more of an IV rather that a cup.)

The author of Hebrews writes, “Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God” (Hebrews 6:7). What a beautiful picture!

We are that land. We need rain falling often in order to produce a crop. And we need to continue to drink. The best part is the results. I mean, there are actual results and blessings for those who continue to drink. Imagine the crop you could produce with God’s help. Not only is your life transformed, but you influence others. Non-believers are touched by your kindness. Doubters become believers. Lives and hearts are changed by your acts of love, service, and generosity.

The author of Hebrews continues, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end…” (Heb. 6:10-11).

May we drink diligently from God’s Word so fervently that we allow it to change our lives and influence the lives of others.

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Spiritual Health

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Arrow

You know those times when you are feeling really crummy? Perhaps you have a cold, ate the wrong foods, or put your back out. Ugh! You’d do almost anything to feel better.

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

But when we’re in a spiritual slump, sometimes we are content to just stay there. Rather than making an ‘appointment’ with the All-Knowing One, we try to solve the problem ourselves and ‘prescribe’ our own ‘treatment plan.’ We seek advice online or in self-help books and ignore the Word of God. We binge the latest Netflix series or take frequent ‘doses’ of social media instead of attending church or small group.

Romans 12:1-2 provides a ‘prescription’ for spiritual health and how to specifically put our faith into action. “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you” (The Message).

As we offer our life to God, putting Him first, He transforms us from being self-centered or people-pleasers to being more spiritually healthy and mature believers. Being made new is a process. Similar to becoming physically healthy, spiritual health and growth takes patience, practice, and perseverance.

Let’s be a healthy part of the body of Christ!

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What Do We Want?

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Arrow

At holidays and birthdays, we may hear family and friends asking, “What do you want?”

In Scripture, we find some interesting requests presented to God and Jesus:

  • In Old Testament times, after being led by a number of judges, Israel asked God for a king. Why? Well, all the other nations had one (1 Samuel 8:19-20). Even though it was not what was best, God conceded, and gave Israel what she wanted.
  • In the New Testament, we find the disciples, brothers James and John, asking to sit at the right and left sides of Jesus in glory (Mark 10:37). Clearly, they wanted honor. Jesus’ response puts all followers in their place. “[A]nd whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:44).

Jesus also taught, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35). This requires flipping our priorities, being willing to sacrifice self and put Jesus first.

This teaching is exemplified in Jesus’ instructions to the young rich man. “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21).

Still wondering what we should want? The apostle Paul says, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection . . .” (Philippians 3:10a). More than simply knowing Christ, Paul wanted to experience God’s Son and His power.

With so many choices, may we examine our heart and consider what we really want. David wrote, “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). May we allow God to put the right desires and ‘wants’ in our heart.

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Jesus’ Tender Touch

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Arrow

Greeting family and close friends is often accompanied by touch, whether it’s a hug, a strong handshake or fist bump, or my favorite, a grandchild running into my arms.

Today, I want to look at the story of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law.

The day begins with Jesus teaching on the Sabbath in Capernaum. The entire story is described in three short verses. “As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon [AKA Peter] and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them” (Mark 1:29-31).

Let’s dig into the details. At that time, the main Sabbath meal was served immediately after the synagogue service. The problem is Peter’s mother-in-law is lying in bed sick. The gospel writer, Luke, also a physician, says she was “suffering from a high fever” (Luke 4:38). Perhaps Peter’s wife had stayed home to care for her.

Next, Luke adds that they asked Jesus to help her. Note, this is what believers should do. We go to Jesus on behalf of those who are sick or in need and ask (or pray) for Him to heal and help.

I love Jesus’ response! He immediately takes action. The gospel writers describe the scene in various ways: Jesus went to her, He bent over her, touched her hand, took her hand, rebuked the fever, and helped her up. I imagine this as a very tender moment. It was personal.

Likewise, Jesus cares about us. He personally knows our needs and is able to tenderly touch our hearts, bodies, and minds to bring help and healing.

May we bring Him our needs today.

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Don’t Miss an Opportunity

Posted on January 3, 2024 by Arrow

Don’t you just hate it when you miss a great opportunity? Maybe you hear about an event too late, circumstances mess up your plans, or you ‘chicken out’.

I love the story of Bartimaeus. As a blind man, he supported himself by begging along a busy road near Jericho. One day, he asked about a growing commotion and learned Jesus was passing by. He must have previously heard about the healing miracles of Jesus because he immediately took action. He didn’t have time to consider his options, check his calendar, or worry about possible unpleasant consequences. He jumped at this opportunity and shouted for Jesus’ attention.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

“Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more” (Mark 10:48a). Note Bartimaeus’ persistence. This was a man who believed that Jesus could heal him and he was not about to give up.

I find it interesting that the crowd said, “Jesus of Nazareth” was coming by, but Bartimaeus called Him “Jesus, Son of David,” His Messianic title. This blind man, who had never seen Jesus, had faith that Jesus could heal his blindness because he believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

So, what was Jesus’ response? Jesus stopped and called for the blind man to be brought to Him. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus knew exactly. “Rabbi, I want to see” (Mark 10:51).

“‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road” (Mark 10:52). Bart definitely made the most of his opportunity.

Do we? The apostle Paul warns believers, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Let’s keep our spiritual eyes open and not miss out on opportunities God puts in our path.

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No More Tears

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Arrow

Most of us have dried the tears of another, whether a family member or friend. If not, we’ve at least witnessed someone drying another’s tears.

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

Drying someone’s tears is an act that demonstrates compassion, intimacy, and tenderness. It’s a gentle reminder that says, “I’m here for you. And I feel your pain.” I really love that this is something God does for us, His children.

Revelation 21:1-4 teaches that God will make all things new. He will bring down a new heaven, new earth, and even a new Jerusalem, compared to a beautiful bride dressed for her husband. John records what he hears God say in a vision. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4).

Scripture tells us God sees our tears (Isaiah 38:5). David wrote,
“You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?” (Psalm 56:8 NKJV).

God wipes our tears. Imagine the intimacy of the moment. He is so close that He touches our face. He knows what caused each tear. And He wipes it away, forever. For in His new kingdom, there will be no crying, no sadness, no pain, no death. That door is closed. That world is gone. No more tears. Period. All will be made new.

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