A Time to Ignore

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Arrow

Junk mail, commercials, announcements inside stores, and honking cars in parking lots. These are just a few of the things we choose to ignore.

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I was surprised to notice that Jesus also chose to ignore certain people or at least their comments. One day, Jesus was again surrounded by a crowd. A synagogue ruler, named Jairus, knelt at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to heal his daughter who was at home dying. As Jesus headed toward Jairus’ home, He was interrupted by a woman who needed healing from a bleeding issue. (We find this story in Mark 5:21-43.)

The first people Jesus ignores are His disciples. When the woman with an issue of blood touched Jesus’ cloak, He knew immediately that power had been released and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” (Mk. 5:30b). The disciples, in ignorance, try to point out to Jesus that He was surrounded by an encroaching crowd. “But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it” (Mk. 5:32).

The next people or statements Jesus ignores are when He is informed that Jairus’ daughter is dead. “Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe’” (Mk. 5:36). Upon arriving at Jairus’ home, Jesus also ignores the mourners and those who laugh at Him when He claims the child is not (permanently) dead.

Jesus’ words and actions remind us that some people will not understand our faith and the ways of God. Sometimes we do not need to stop and reason with them. There will always be those who refuse to believe or choose to mock us. We need to remain focused on the mission at hand. So apparently, there is a time to ignore. May we do so with godly wisdom.

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Garden Well

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Arrow

Ah! After a long dry spell, there is nothing better than clouds that send blessings of rain. Rain waters the earth and makes it bud and flourish. Withering plants are revived to produce seeds which eventually yield a harvest for those living on earth.

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The prophet Isaiah explains this process in Isaiah 55:10. Then He likens rain and snow to God’s word. “[S]o is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

In the New Testament, we find Jesus teaching The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4). He explains that as the farmer sows the word, the people (compared to seed) respond differently. Some fall prey to Satan. Some demonstrate sudden growth but fall away quickly due to an inability to persevere through troubles. Others are overcome and deceived by worldly worries making them unable to produce fruit. Finally, some grow and flourish, producing seed and a crop.

As believers, our task is to spread God’s Word. We pray that as we share our testimony and point others to Jesus that the seeds of truth will not be stolen by Satan. Sometimes we encourage and water or teach believers, especially those new in the faith. Other times we help pull weeds, pointing out areas of deception.

But even if we see little or no ‘crop,’ our job is to tell the Good News. Multiplication is God’s job. Let’s review God’s promise in Isaiah. “[My word] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11b).

May we garden well!

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Look Up!

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Arrow

Admit it. Sometimes life is difficult. Our mind is filled with recounting burdens, unfair situations, and circumstances beyond our control.

One summer day as I took a dip in the pool, I noticed our area was surrounded by low, gray clouds that refused to drop rain in our dry desert. The hopeless clouds portrayed how I was feeling.

It was then the Lord spoke to my heart. “Look up.” I looked up . . . way up. There, clouds were but meager whisps. And between those whisps was a sliver of the moon. To me, a gentle reminder of God’s ever-present Presence.

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When we look up, above and beyond our current struggles and troubles, we remember we are not alone. Not only are we not alone, but our Lord is near. He is close enough to hold and heal broken hearts. He is close enough to stand between us and the annoyances and struggles that are surrounding us. When we look to Him, we experience a little buffer zone, a quiet space that pushes back the burdens that are trying to weigh us down.

Then, I recalled the chorus of the old hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”

Let’s remember, “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always” (Psalm 105:4).

Look up and be blessed!

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Come and See, Go and Tell

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Arrow

How do you respond when someone tells you about a new mouth-watering place to eat or a ‘must-see’ movie?

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Sometimes, we’re all in and eager to check out their recommendation. Other times, we make note of it or politely nod, planning to completely ignore their suggestion.

Now, how would you respond if someone told you they saw the Messiah!?

Three days after Jesus’ death, women came to the tomb and were greeted by an angel who explained Jesus had risen and said, “Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples” (Matthew 28:6b-7a). As they were on their way, Jesus met the women and reminded them, “Go and tell my brothers…” (Matthew 28:10).

How did the disciples respond? “When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she [Mary Magdalene] had seen him, they did not believe it” (Mark 16:11). The gospel of John inserts that two disciples ran to the tomb. After looking inside, we find John’s reaction. “He saw and believed” (John 20:8b).

What made the difference? Experience.

But can we experience Jesus? Today, we can experience the Lord in many ways. Reading the Bible, watching Christian videos like The Chosen, and listening to sermons or Biblical teaching all provide such opportunities. The Holy Spirit and other believers can speak to our heart as well, but we need to have open ears and softened hearts. In other words, we need to make the effort to ‘come and see.’

Then we have a responsibility to ‘go and tell.’ We can’t keep the Good News to ourselves. Later, when religious leaders warned Peter and John to keep quiet about Jesus, they replied, “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

May we follow their example. Once we ‘come and see,’ let’s ‘go and tell.’

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Called Into Service

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Arrow

All of us have been asked to help others. A family member needs help moving, a neighbor needs a hand fixing their leaking roof, etc. A request may hit you as an easy or overwhelming task. Lately, I’ve been asked to babysit and ‘puppysit.’ (I can do that.)

Sometimes the request for help is totally unexpected as in the case of Scripture’s Simon from Cyrene. Let’s meet this man, who is somewhat obscure, yet briefly mentioned by gospel writers Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Simon was from Africa, traveling with his two sons (and perhaps his wife). They were on their way into Jerusalem probably to celebrate the Passover. Simultaneously, Jesus was being led by Roman soldiers to Golgotha to be crucified. Weakened by His previous beatings and flogging, Jesus was no longer able to carry His cross (or 30-to-40-pound beam of the cross).

That’s when Simon was pressed or called into service by Roman soldiers. Luke describes the ordeal. “[T]hey seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus” (Luke 23:26).

Imagine being torn from your family and forced into a scene of chaos. Simon walked behind Jesus, who was probably a complete stranger, viewing His torn and bleeding back, and followed by a large group including women who were mourning and wailing.

That’s probably one of the most difficult calls we can imagine, and honestly it appears Simon was not given a choice. We typically are.

We will be called into service for we are called to serve the Lord as well as one another. Paul writes, “[S]erve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13c). It may be impromptu or planned, be a simple act or require great sacrifice. May we be willing do as the Lord requests. And . . . do it all to the glory of God!

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From Undercover to Courageous

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Arrow

Do you believe people can change? Can they change thought patterns? Or perhaps even personality tendencies?

Well, Jesus is in the life-changing business, and not only at the time of our salvation. His transforming work in us is a life-long process. Let’s look at a couple of people Jesus influenced.

Joseph of Arimathea is mentioned briefly by all four gospel writers. We learn he was rich, good and upright, and a prominent member of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council). John’s description includes, “Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews” (John 19:38b).

This Joseph reminds me of another undercover disciple. Remember Nicodemus? He also was a member of the Sanhedrin. He came to Jesus at night, perhaps secretly, wanting to avoid the crowds or being seen with Jesus. Jesus explained to him the meaning of being ‘born again’ and God’s plan of salvation for all who believe.

The most amazing thing about these two men is after Jesus’ crucifixion, we find them stepping up in a courageous gesture, no longer undercover. Joseph of Arimathea boldly goes to the Roman governor, Pilate, and asks permission to take Jesus’ body. Nicodemus joins Joseph in preparing Jesus’ body for burial. Together, they place Jesus in a new tomb belonging to Joseph.

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As members of the Sanhedrin, it would have been difficult to support Jesus openly. But later, God clearly called them to step up, especially since Jesus’ disciples had fled upon His arrest and His family was no doubt overwrought with grief.

Only God knows who we can become and what we can accomplish. With Him by our side, we can push down fear and do the work He has called us to do, for “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).

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Wrong Way Fatalities

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Arrow

Arizona, like many states, is experiencing a growing number of wrong-way driver fatalities. I was surprised to learn that more than half of these deaths occurred in rural areas and not surprised that the majority of drivers were highly intoxicated.

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Recently I awoke from a dream where I was standing on a freeway at night shouting warnings to cars that were headed the wrong way. Some immediately did a U-turn. Others ignored me.

I think if Jesus were preaching today, that scenario could have been included in His parables. Can you hear it now? Listen to the parable of the wrong-way driver. He is barreling full-speed ahead into catastrophe. The problem is, if this story jumps to the spiritual realm, there are more wrong-way drivers than right-way drivers!

The part of this ‘parable’ we can apply is to have sincere concern for those who are going the wrong way, who have not accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord. Are we doing our best to urgently warn them, to lovingly share that there is a better way? A goal of believers should be to live for Jesus and encourage others to join us on that journey.

Listen to what Jesus told His disciples. “‘You know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:4-6).

Let’s do our best to point as many as possible to the true and right way, salvation through Jesus Christ.

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Take Interest

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Arrow

A theme at one of our local churches is “Take Notice, Take Interest.” The motto is printed on t-shirts and signs to remind attendees to be aware of and make time for others.

I considered this theme after I worked at a booth at a convention. On the one hand, I had some wonderful conversations with those who stopped by. I was able to share my passion for writing faith-based books and listen to others’ stories, their struggles and dreams. I was also able to encourage young people who were interested in becoming authors and curious about my journey. I met people who were silly and serious, excited and exhausted.

On the other hand, I felt I missed out. I should have stopped into a few more neighboring booths and asked about their products and passions. Sure, I smiled at and greeted them, but no real connection was made because I simply did not put forth the effort or make the time. I know there were blessings and perhaps opportunities for ministry that I missed because I didn’t take more interest in others.

The apostle Paul taught, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Paul commended his mentee, Timothy, as he wrote to believers in Philippi, “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare” (Philippians 2:20).

I encourage you to take interest in and make time for others. Blessings await those who invest in the lives of others. And if you miss an opportunity today, surely there will be another tomorrow.

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Feed the Children

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Arrow

Occasionally a small group of us joins with others to pack food, either for a local food bank or an organization that reaches worldwide like Feed My Starving Children.

After the last time we packed, I awoke the next morning vaguely remembering a dream. I was giving an infant a bottle and heard the words, “Feed my starving children.” I got the impression, though, that this was not referring to physically feeding kiddos but instead, providing spiritual food.

Considering what the world is trying to force feed our children lately, this may be a calling for those of us who have connections with children . . . which is probably all of us. Since many youngsters are literally starved of truth, we must take advantage of the opportunities God provides to share some spiritual nutrition.

Long ago Moses gave this practical advice, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

We are not expected to give a formal lesson, although some have that gift. What we are called to do is include God and His ways in our conversations with children. Look around. What can we point out to be thankful for? Pray with little ones for specific needs. Testify how God is working in our life.

Think you’re too old, or too out of touch, or don’t have the time for today’s children? Nonsense. Jesus said, “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5).

If you are looking for a resource, my children’s rhyming picture book was officially released yesterday, September 5, 2023. Its purpose is to get children excited about God’s Word by spotlighting amazing Bible characters and events. You can order The Greatest Book Ever! A Little Book about the Greatest Book at http://readthegreatestbookever.com. Let’s draw the children in and point them to Jesus!

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Examining a List

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Arrow

When children are young, they may be asked to look at a list or a set of objects and identify which one doesn’t belong.

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In Scripture, we find lists but typically everything seems to fit. Genesis 1 lists what God created. Exodus 20 has the ten commandments. In the New Testament (Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12), we find lists of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and in Galatians 5, the fruit of the Spirit.

Recently I was stumped when I came across a list in 2 Peter 1:5-7. It says, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”

Did you find anything odd or seemingly out of place? Perhaps not. In this list of virtues that lead to a fruitful Christian life, I was surprised that knowledge was included. The rest seemed a reasonable fit into the category of qualities or character traits.

But why was knowledge included in this list of virtues? According to the NKJV Study Bible, knowledge, in this verse, is referring to “practical wisdom.” We gain this practical wisdom by learning God’s truth in Scripture and applying it to our lives. For that to happen, we need to invest time and effort, read and study God’s Word, and listen to Bible teachers/preachers.

Finally, Peter instructs us to “possess these qualities in increasing measure” (2 Peter 1:8). May we continue to grow in our knowledge of Scripture and strive to put it into action.

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