Take Inventory

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Arrow

Stores do it, schools do it, hospitals do it. They regularly take inventory. They may also create a list of what they need, but first they notice what resources or supplies they already have.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

As we visit the book of Ruth again, we find that as Naomi returned to Bethlehem from Moab, she had a message for those welcoming her back. “‘Don’t call me Naomi,’ she told them. ‘Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty’” (Ruth 1:20-21a). (I find it interesting that the name Naomi means “pleasant” while Mara means “bitter.”)

But had Naomi truly returned to her hometown “empty?” True, her husband and two sons had died. And yes, one daughter-in-law chose to stay in her own homeland. But her other daughter-in-law, Ruth, elected to join Naomi. Not only did Naomi have a daughter-in-law who then worked the fields to provide for them, but Ruth eventually married a Hebrew named Boaz and they would become the great-grandparents of king David.

Wow! God turned Naomi’s “emptiness” into unimaginable blessings.

In the New Testament, we see Jesus taking care of “emptiness” at a wedding feast after His mother explained, “They have no more wine” (John 2:3b). Jesus took stock of what they did have, water and large water jugs. Then, He changed the water into wine.

At the feeding of 5000, the disciples took inventory of what they had. Two fish and five barley rolls. The problem was, they assumed it was not enough.

Let’s not make that same mistake. Instead, let’s inventory what we do have, release it to God, and allow Him to make of it what He wishes. It may be better than we can imagine!



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Putting on the New

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Arrow

Whether it’s new shoes or a new haircut, putting on something new feels good. That small change often helps us feel better or more confident.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Last week we looked at the character, Ruth, in the Bible. At one point, Ruth was told to change her clothes before going to visit her possible, future husband. This change may have meant adding an outer garment that covered her entire body except her head, or it may be interpreted that she changed out of her widow’s or mourning clothes, indicating her time of grieving had ended. Either way, Ruth made an obvious change.

In the New Testament, Paul instructs believers. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Note that before we “put on,” we must first “put off.” Seriously, we can’t wear our new shoes on top of our old ones. Similarly, in Christ, we must trade our old habits and ways of thinking for the new. I find that unfortunately this is not a one-and-done deal.

Being “made new” or becoming more like Jesus is a process. Paul also wrote, “… inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16b). We need to regularly take an account of what we’re “wearing.” It’s easy to slip into old habits and forget to continue to apply the Biblical teachings we are receiving.

As we dress each day, we can make a mental note or pray to “put on” the attitude of Christ and with God’s help reflect His behavior.

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A Welcoming Table

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Arrow

Surprise! Uncle Arnie calls and announces that his son and daughter-in-law are in town. Would we like to get together? God’s grace and remembering that we had some good dinner options in the freezer helped me respond with, “Come on over!” God’s blessing reigned that evening as we ended up singing oldies together, something we never would have imagined doing with some folks we barely knew.

In the Book of Ruth, we learn that recently widowed Ruth joins her widowed mother-in-law as she returns to Bethlehem from Moab. A gentleman named Boaz (a resident of Bethlehem) invites Ruth the Moabitess (historically an enemy of Israel) to share a meal. The compassion, generosity, and acceptance Boaz demonstrates to this foreigner raises her status from one considered lower than his servants to someone worthy of sitting alongside the harvesters or as part of his family.

All believers are called to be hospitable, even if it is not our area of giftedness. Today, a shared table may simply be inviting others to join us at a restaurant. The task is not that difficult but the ramifications may be better than you can imagine.

Jesus said, “… When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed” (Luke 14:12-14a).

Reaching out to others that are different from us may stretch us in a way where all are blessed. Watch for an opportunity to share a meal with someone new.

Do it all for the glory of God!

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A Lesson From Grandpa

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Arrow

A college gal set aside a few days to visit her grandparents. Arriving at their home late on a Saturday night, the young lady planned to relax on Sunday morning. To her surprise, Grandpa was shocked that she would even consider missing an opportunity to be in the Lord’s house. In his mind, going to church was a posture of thanksgiving for all that Jesus had done.

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

That testimony caught my attention. Since the pandemic, believers have become more lackadaisical with church attendance. It became so convenient to stay home in our jams and “watch church” that for many, it replaced attending church.

Let’s quickly review just a few things Jesus did for us:

  • God left heaven to come to earth as a human
    baby.
  • Jesus was tempted in every way.
  • Jesus was falsely accused, beaten, flogged, and nailed to a cross even though He did no wrong.
  • Jesus died a criminal’s death to pay for the sins of the world.

May our attitude be more like that of king David, who wrote in the Psalms:
I’m asking GOD for one thing, only one thing:
To live with him in his house my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.
That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.
God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down.
I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof!
Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to GOD” (Psalm 27:4-6 The Message).

May we sacrifice the PJs and get our butts in church. It’s the least we can do for the One who wore a crown of thorns for us.

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Concern for Others’ Hearts

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Arrow

Atherosclerosis or “hardening of the heart” occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked with plaques. We know from Scripture that this “hardening” can happen spiritually as well.

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

The author of Hebrews warns, “So, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden our hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8a).

Paul warns Christians not to live as unbelievers who, “… are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts” (Ephesians 4:18). In verse 19, he describes them as having “lost all sensitivity.”

In Jesus’ day, the hard-hearted Pharisees and teachers of the law had lost their sensitivity to the heart or true meaning of God’s Word. Because of this, most refused to hear and see who Jesus was, the Son of God.

Our task to reach those who have hardened their hearts is challenging. Sometimes people’s hearts become hardened when they experience painful situations in the church setting or with believers. In many instances, they are looking for excuses why not to believe and why not to attend church. Sadly, we provide that.

Perhaps we could take a proactive stand in doing all we can to prevent others from becoming hard-hearted. Remember that people are watching us. When we fail, we should admit our wrongs and ask for forgiveness. We should do our best to represent Christ, living a holy life, separated from sin and set apart for God.

May we take heart and be sincerely concerned about the hearts of others, doing all we can to demonstrate the love of Christ and represent Jesus well.

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Evidence of Change

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Arrow

A friend of mine fell and broke an arm. Eventually, there will be more tests and therapy to check for evidence of healing and improved motion and strength.

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

This week I’m looking again at the teaching of John the Baptizer. Like my friend’s doctors, John was hoping to see evidence of improvement. He warned his listeners to “produce fruit” giving proof that they had repented of their sin. The crowd basically responded with, “How do we do that?”

John gave three examples.

  • “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same” (Luke 3:11). In other words, we should share with those in need, not hoarding extras for ourselves.

Sharing with the needy has endless possibilities. We can give away material possessions, demonstrate hospitality, or mentor in our area of expertise. We might share financially and with encouraging words.

  • When tax collectors asked, “[W]hat should we do?” John told them, “Don’t collect any more than you are required to” (Luke 3:12a-13).

This could translate into not being greedy. Don’t take advantage of or cheat others. Be people of integrity.

  • Finally, John instructed soldiers, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay” (Luke 3:14b).

The Message version interprets this as not harassing or blackmailing others and being content with our pay or rations. Again, in whatever ‘job’ we find ourselves, let’s treat others the way we want to be treated while being honest and content with what we’ve received.

The apostle James described it this way, “… faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). In summary, our attitudes, words, and actions should show more and more evidence of a lifestyle of faith.

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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!

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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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