Trust in the Midst of the Unknown

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Arrow

Ever not know where you are headed? Have you experienced putting your trust in the Lord, not knowing what the future held?

Moses led the nation of Israel out of Egypt. Their future was full of unknowns as they crossed the desert on their way to the Promised Land. When they grumbled about food, God provided quail and something they named “manhue” or manna which literally translates, “What is it?”

This “What is it?” was a blessing of bread rained down from heaven. God told Moses, “… in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God” (Exodus 16:12b).

The manna came with special instructions and would be a test for God’s people. They were told how much to gather and when. Their daily nourishment required depending on God. If they doubted what He said and gathered manna their own way, the result was stinking maggots. Whoops!

I love that no matter how much they gathered, they all had the right amount. No one had too little or too much. One day at a time, Israel would depend on God to provide and so should we.

God wants us to know that He will provide for us. When we trust and live in obedience, He will fill us and we will have what we need.

The wisdom of Proverbs says, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD” (Proverbs 16:20).

Let’s replace our worry and striving with walking in obedience and trusting the One who knows all.

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Surprised by Jesus

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Arrow

People surprise us all the time. Our police officer friend has a passion for riding horses. A teacher friend enjoys refurbishing furniture. We were surprised to learn that of our various pastors, one played in the NFL, one was an excellent soccer player, and one competed in ice hockey in Canada.

The more time you spend with someone, the more you learn about them and get to know them.

In the gospels, I find that the disciples were regularly surprised by Jesus. Let’s jump into the story where Jesus and His disciples were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus was sound asleep while His disciples were frantically trying to save the boat from being swamped! They actually feared they might drown so they cried out to Jesus. As Jesus rebuked the wind and water, all calmed down and Jesus asked the men, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25).

Now that had to hurt! But basically, Jesus was wondering: Why are you panicking? Don’t you know Who I am? Don’t you understand what I can do? Don’t you grasp how much I love you? Don’t you know that I have a purpose and plan for your life?

The disciples clearly did not know that when Jesus said, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake” (Lk 8:22) that they would actually arrive on the other side of the lake.

We learn more about the disciples when we hear their response, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him” (Lk. 8:25b). Even though the disciples had witnessed numerous miracles, Jesus continued to surprise them.

And He will do the same for us. As we spend time with Him, we get to know Him better. But there will always be more to learn. Knowing Jesus is a life-long pursuit.

Spend time with Him and be surprised!

Be encouraged, my friends!

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Waiting Well

Posted on June 19, 2024 by Arrow

Okay, this is the blog I need to read. But first I need to write it! Waiting well is not my strong suit. Am I ever going to get it right?

This year I’ve been reading My Utmost for His Highest, the classic devotional by Oswald Chambers. I read it decades ago, then received it as a gift eleven years ago. Apparently, this was my year to read it again. (I had waited long enough.)

Sometimes we find ourselves in those long, silent seasons of waiting. Well, not really silent. God continues to teach, lead, inspire, and bless. I’m just not hearing . . . what I want . . . yet.

God got my attention with Oswald’s reading for April 4. “If we are willing to wait, we will see God pointing out that we have been interested only in His blessings, instead of in God Himself.”

Ow! That hit home. Like God’s children in the wilderness, I focused on what I wanted God to give me. I focused on me, not Him.

How can I make the shift? While reading God’ Word, I can ask: What is God teaching me about Him? I can strive to view Him separate from His blessings.

When we focus on who God is, we can be reassured that He is in control. He is working behind the scenes. He is worthy of thanks, praise, and honor. He loves us beyond measure. He is eternal and sees the present and future. He knows all. God has a plan and He is good.

The prophet, Isaiah, reminds us, “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18).

May your hearts be encouraged, my friends!

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Do Different

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Arrow

Most of us like to blend in, to not be the oddball or odd one out. Others thrive on sticking out, but to what end? Let see what Jesus did.

As I read John 8:1-11, a phrase jumped out, “But Jesus.” As a backdrop, in John 7 we find Jesus teaching in Jerusalem on the last day at the Feast of Tabernacles when the city is overflowing with Jews. The response of listeners varies and religious leaders send guards who unsuccessfully arrest Jesus. The chapter ends with, “Then each went to his own home” (John 7:53).

The following verse, John 8:1, says, “But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives” (my italics). Jesus knew there was trouble brewing and probably went to spend time in prayer with His Father. He didn’t go home like everyone else.

Sure enough, the following day, the religious leaders set a trap for Jesus. They brought before Him a woman caught in adultery and asked His opinion. The woman was made to stand before the group of Pharisees who were accusing and judging her.

Then we read, “But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger (John 8:6b italics mine). Twice, Jesus bent down and wrote, perhaps Scripture verses or names, something so significant that it changed the minds of the woman’s accusers who eventually turned and walked away.

Jesus was different. He didn’t stand to accuse the woman. He bent down low, encouraging her to leave her life of sin. Jesus was known for speaking and responding unlike others.

Likewise, our habits, responses, and the way we spend our time should be different from the world.

Imagine your own story. Today, others are (fill in the action or description), BUT (your name) (fill in your different action/description). Let’s be okay with being and doing different.

Do it all for the kingdom of God.

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Try Again

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Arrow

Granted, life can be frustrating. Perhaps the goal we hoped to reach by now is nowhere in view. Our dream not realized. That intimidating task, incomplete.

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

May you find encouragement, like I did, in a fishing story found in John 21. The scene occurs after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples appear in a quandary as to what to do next.

Peter decides to go fishing and others join him. “So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing” (John 21:3b). Talk about frustrating! At least four of these guys had been career fishermen.

From the shoreline, they hear the dreaded question, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” (Jn. 21:5). So now add a dose of humiliation to frustration.

Then the wise guy on shore offers unsolicited advice. “‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish” (Jn. 21:6).

You guessed it. The “wise guy” was Jesus encouraging His children to try again because He was about to provide an abundant blessing. Look again at the promise at the end of verse 6. “Throw out your net . . . and you will find some.”

Notice, the fishermen had to do their part before God did His. They had to “throw out” AGAIN in the midst of humiliation and hopelessness. They had to throw out that net one more time, even though they had already fished all night long.

Let’s not give up, dear brother and sister. God is with us. He has a plan and will provide. May we keep up the good work and leave the timing of our “haul” to Him.

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Fit for Service

Posted on May 29, 2024 by Arrow

Many people choose to go into the military. Once the decision is made, they receive training to hone their physical and mental skills needed to serve. They also learn the values and traditions that come with being a soldier.

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

In Luke 9, Jesus describes what “fit for service” means in the kingdom of God. But before Jesus reveals His conclusion, He gives numerous examples of those who wish to follow Him but fail.

To the first interested party, Jesus responds, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). The Message interprets it this way. “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.”

Jesus does not promise His followers comfort or even a place to call their own. And it’s clear we don’t “fit in” with the world’s norms and values.

Others whom Jesus called to follow Him chose to put people or projects ahead of the kingdom of God. Jesus responded explaining the urgency and priority of putting the kingdom of God first.

Finally, Jesus concludes, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

“Fit for service” means we’re willing to give up or surrender and go with God. We’ve made a decision and should follow through with that commitment. We are facing forward. There is no need to look behind, focusing on the past, because we are following the One in front of us, Jesus.

May we march forward for the kingdom.

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God Wants to Bless You!

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Arrow

Do you enjoy blessing others, making their day, surprising them with that perfect little something, or bringing a smile to someone’s face?

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Well, God desires to do that for you!

I was pleasantly surprised when I read Deuteronomy 8. Basically, the Lord shares His heart when He says that His desire is for things to go well with Israel.

In Deut. 8:10-13, God wanted Israel to eat and be satisfied, to build fine homes and settle down, and to have large flocks and herds. He wanted the nation’s silver and gold to increase and for all she had to be multiplied. Wow! Now that’s a blessing!

But when we look closer, we see that blessings come with conditions. God had expectations for His people. He explains, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands…” (Deut. 8:10-11a).

God wants His people to remember what He has done and remember that blessings come from Him. He expects us to give Him praise and thanks so that we do not become proud in our own accomplishments and forget Who actually provides.

Romans 10:12 says, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him.”

May we live in obedience to Him and remember that He is our good Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11).

Be blessed!

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Accounting 101

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Arrow

Debt is a tricky thing. If you don’t keep paying it down, debt grows. And when someone owes us, frustration can grow.

In Jesus’ “Parable of the Unmerciful Servant” in Matthew 18, He recounts the story of a servant who owed so much money to the king that he could never pay it back. His insurmountable debt represents our sin and how we could never do enough to pay for it.

The story goes on. After the king wipes the servant’s slate clean, the servant is expected to do likewise to those in debt to him. This is the part of the parable we struggle to apply.

Whose ‘account’ in our mind says, “Balance Due!” Who owes us respect? Where did we not receive an honor earned? Perhaps an inheritance stolen or wrongfully dispersed. Who owes us debts of kindness and love? Do we keep a running tally of those who wrong us?

Look again. Imagine Jesus saying, “I paid all those debts . . . every one. Jesus continues, “I have more than enough to cover where others have robbed or shorted you.”

Hurtful memories are replaced with Jesus’ words reminding you that He loves you, has chosen you, and favors you.

Jesus paid every debt—our debt and the debt of others–when He was willingly crucified.

Look at those accounts again with a fat marker and write, “PAID IN FULL” or “CANCELLED” or “FORGIVEN.”

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

Forgiving others does not mean they did no wrong. It means we hand their debt to us over to Jesus. And He takes care of it. Forgiving others also frees us from the bondage of bitterness.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

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Remember the Poor

Posted on May 8, 2024 by Arrow

We finally did it. We visited missionary friends whom we’ve supported for years. Did we have to purchase tickets for flights, make sure we had current passports, and receive special vaccines? Nope.

We simply drove to this third-world-type nation located less than two hours east of Phoenix, Arizona. We arrived at the San Carlos Apache Reservation with two cars full of donated food and toiletries, very little compared to the need we saw.

The lack of nearby job opportunities, transportation, and other factors have led to rampant poverty. (Unemployment is above 75%.) Small homes filled with thirty family members of multiple generations is typical. Many houses have no electricity. Alcoholism, illegal drug use, abuse, poor health, suicide, and gang activities are common.

But in the midst of all this, there is hope. In 2002, Dale and Diana Lawrence, with a lot of help from God, started Arizona Reservation Ministries in Globe, Arizona. The goal of their team is to “come alongside the San Carlos Apache Nation so that they will know of God’s great love for them.”

This is done through outreach ministries to adults, children, and youth. They have a program for building homes and also work hand-in-hand with the churches on the reservation. Meeting the physical needs of people leads to meeting spiritual ones, and is done with intentionality and much prayer.

In Galatians, Paul writes that the one thing the church leaders in Jerusalem requested of him was, “[C]ontinue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do” (Gal. 2:10).

May we also eagerly “remember the poor.”

If God puts Arizona Reservation Ministries on your heart, there are many ways to help. For specific prayer needs, ways to give, information on short term ministry, or for more about ARM, go to https://azrez.org/.

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What Do I Do First?

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Arrow

This spring, I attended my grandson’s first T-ball game. What a riot! Turns out the order in which players do things is important. For these little tikes (4-5-year-olds), it was a lot to remember! First hit the ball. Then put the bat down. Then run to first base. Where is that again?

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

As believers, sometimes we get things out of order as well. Lately, I’ve been focusing on a specific need. I think about it multiple times a day, like every time I hear my phone “ding!” I mention it during my prayer time and wait for God to move. I also remember that while waiting, I should ask God what He wants me to learn.

Finally, the Holy Spirit hit me upside the head with a Scripture I learned in a song decades ago. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus taught that His kingdom includes those who receive God’s Word and who rely on Him, putting Him above other things. Allowing God to rule on the throne of our heart means surrendering to Him all areas of our life.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus prayed to His Father, “[Y]our kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). He also prayed for God’s will to be done above His own when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

First things first. Seek Him and His will.

Now when my phone “dings,” my goal is to remember to pray for God’s will to be done, but it’s taking a while for that to become automatic. (Good thing I’m not ‘out’ after three strikes!)

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