Better Than You Think!

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Arrow

Have you ever tried something new and realized it was better than you ever thought? I bet you were grateful you braved what was ‘new’ or ‘different’.

Today, we’re going to dive into the story of Jesus walking on water and see what treasures we can apply to our lives.

  • After a long day of healing the sick and feeding 5000 men and their families, Jesus went up a mountainside to pray. –> Spending time daily with God is always a good habit, a better option, even if we’re tired.
  • In the meantime, Jesus sent His disciples off to cross a windy Sea of Galilee. Between 3:00 and 6:00AM, He walked out to His crew on the water! –> Watch for and expect God’s better-than-you-can-imagine blessings!
  • Check out the disciples’ response: “‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear” (Matthew 14:26b). (They remembered a Jewish superstition about spirits bringing disaster at night.) –> Better than panicking and jumping to the worst possible conclusion, let’s be prayerful, positive, and hopeful.
  • I love Jesus’ response, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matt. 14:27). –> Jesus provides a better thought pattern. He speaks truth and gives encouragement, strength, and peace. He is God and He is in control!
  • Then we watch Peter step forward in faith and actually walk on water! He did it, at least briefly, until he took his eyes off Jesus, looked at the wind, and became fearful. –> Ah, we need to focus on what is better, replaying Jesus’ affirmations in our mind.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

God’s ways, plans, and thoughts are better. Let’s try making them ours.

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Vision Check

Posted on July 26, 2023 by Arrow

In sunny Arizona, we are diligent in wearing our sunglasses. Our shades protect us from those bright UV rays and help us focus.

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

The gospel of Matthew records Jesus teaching about vision regarding the kingdom of God through the use of parables. One day, Jesus’ disciples questioned Him about it. “He replied, ‘The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand’” (Matthew 13:11-13).

Let’s look at these verses a little more closely.

  • What is the “kingdom of heaven”? It is described as “God’s heavenly kingdom coming to earth in the person of Jesus” (NKJV Study Bible). It includes the establishment of His rule in the lives of His people, the overcoming of evil and the consequences of sin, and the creation of a new order of righteousness and peace (NIV Study Bible).
  • Why is it a secret? It is only a secret to those who are not willing to receive Jesus’ message. To those who are truly seeking understanding and putting their faith in Jesus, God reveals truth through revelation.
  • Who receives this knowledge? Those who are willing to receive Jesus’ message have eyes that can see, ears that can hear, and hearts that understand.
  • What’s the promise? Whoever has spiritual understanding will receive more.

Jesus reassured His followers with, “But blessed are your eyes because they see” (Matthew 13:16a).

May our spiritual eyes be open, seeing and following His light, and focused on His way.

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Who Worshiped Jesus?

Posted on July 19, 2023 by Arrow

When I go on a road trip, I am usually on the lookout for something extraordinary. Depending on where I am, it may be wildlife, waterways, or breathtaking views.

In a recent scan through the gospel of Matthew, I chose to be on the lookout for occasions where Jesus was worshiped. With all of His amazing teachings and miracles, surely hearers and recipients would respond with heartfelt worship.

What did I find? Many were in awe. Some were grateful. Others were curious or even angry. And some fell on their knees. (Depending on the Bible translation, sometimes “worship” is translated “knelt.”)

  • A leper and a synagogue ruler knelt before Jesus before he worked a miracle. (Matt. 8:2; 9:18).
  • A non-Jewish woman knelt before Jesus as she pled for Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter (Matt. 15:25).

I was relieved to find occasions where Jesus was truly worshiped.

  • The wise men came to worship the “king of the Jews.” It occurred months after Jesus’ birth, possibly up to two years later. “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11a).
  • The disciples worshiped Jesus after they witnessed Him walking on water (Matt. 14:33).
  • On Resurrection Day, women had gone to the tomb and an angel explained Jesus had risen from the dead. “Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him” (Matthew 28:9).
  • Finally, before Jesus ascended to heaven, the eleven disciples went up a mountain in Galilee to meet Jesus. “When they saw him, they worshiped him” (Matt. 28:17a).

Worshiping Jesus is an attitude of the heart that acknowledges who He is. May we join the worshipers, remembering what He has done, is doing, and will do.

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A Thriving Church

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Arrow

Have you ever been a member of a group or club that after a time just sort of fizzled out? Members gradually went their own way. Perhaps original goals and purposes were forgotten or replaced. Interest faded.

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

On the apostle Paul’s second missionary trip to Ephesus, he actually stayed for two years, teaching daily.

  • Paul taught about baptism in the name of Jesus and followers were baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • He led discussions about the kingdom of God and many Jews and Greeks believed, confessing their sins and repenting of evil deeds.
  • Believers reached out to the sick and demon-possessed and God did extraordinary miracles through Paul.
  • At one point, the believers were “all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor” (Acts 19:17).

So, did this powerfully dynamic church thrive? Is it still alive and well today?

About 40 years after Paul’s trip, the book of Revelation contains a letter to the church in Ephesus. While they were commended for their hard work and perseverance during the time of persecution, they were also admonished. “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love” (Revelation 2:4). They were instructed, “Repent and do the things you did at first” (Rev. 2:5b).

Would we in today’s church receive a similar reprimand?

  • Have we forsaken our love for the Lord and His people?
  • Have we been baptized and filled with His Spirit?
  • Are we teaching and receiving truth and passing it on to the next generations?
  • Are we living out God’s Word in obedience and honoring His name?
  • Are we reaching out and praying for those in need?

When Jesus returns, may our local churches be open, growing, and thriving! And may we be doing our part to help that happen.

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Beyond Worry, Obsession

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Arrow

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He warned against worrying about what we will eat and wear. For many of us, these are not daily concerns. Oh no. We’ve replaced those concerns with others that are far more foolish.

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Ramped up by prosperity, worries have graduated to a whole new level. Today, many are concerned instead with the brand labels on clothing, shoes, and accessories. Instead of worrying about whether we’ll eat, we’re overwhelmed with reading food labels, considering crazy diets, counting calories, and avoiding carbs. Or we swing the pendulum in the opposite direction and overindulge with eating and drinking.

Our focus is on self. We want others to notice us. Self-obsession is rampant. We’re stuck in the unit we studied in kindergarten called “All About Me.”

As a test, let’s listen to our conversations. Are we concerned about others or bragging about ourselves, our family, our job, our trips, our accomplishments, or our latest purchases or acquisitions? Do we listen intently while others are sharing, or are we thinking about how we can top their story? Are we sizing up a person’s worth by totaling the cost of their jewelry, shoes, and clothing, or demonstrating love, respect, and acceptance simply because they are a person?

The apostle John warns, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).

May we replace comparing and competing with contentment and concern for others. And may our focus be on our greatest treasure, living for Jesus.

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A Hostage Situation

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Arrow

You have just been taken hostage. Freedom lost. Another is in control of your future, your destiny. The unsub is demanding your death, the penalty of past mistakes. He is making a list, and the list is long. All those things you tried to forget or sought to keep hidden, all your weaknesses and failures.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

“Enough!” someone shouts. “I will take their punishment. I will die in their place.”

It was Jesus. Stepping in to cancel your debt, forgive your sin, and pay with His own blood the debt that you owed, the punishment you deserved. You were offered life because He suffered your death penalty.

But would you accept His free gift?

According to Old Testament law, sin required sacrifice. In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus left the glory of heaven, came to earth, took on the form of a man, and became the perfect sacrifice (Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 5:9).

For those of us who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and choose to follow Him, “[W]e have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1b-2). Jesus is not only our Savior, but our Advocate.

The only ones meant to be taken as eternal hostages, being completely separated from God forever, are the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Unfortunately, others are choosing that destiny also.

May you take steps to avoid that hostage situation and exchange it for eternal life in Jesus Christ! If you do, you will experience true freedom in Him.

Today, choose life!

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Be Amazed!

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Arrow

Does anything amaze you these days? Maybe a breathtaking scene of God’s creation viewed in-person or on a computer. A new invention. An awesome skill or talent. Or perhaps a little one taking their first steps.

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he preached what became known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount.’ Hear His listeners’ response. “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law” (Matthew 7:28-29).

Why was the crowd amazed? Jesus’ message was unlike anything they had ever heard! This God-man spoke truth with authority, a sharp contrast to hypocritical religion and Greek philosophies of the day.

As Jesus traveled, He spoke to His disciples concerning events occurring along the way. Mark records, “The disciples were amazed at his words” (Mark 10:24). It seems Jesus was always taking them by surprise, putting a new spin or raising the bar on an old teaching.

In the book of Acts, we see incredible things happening among believers as the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them. As foreigners heard the disciples “speaking in his own language” (not a language known by the disciples), they were “utterly amazed” (Acts 2:6-8).

After Jesus’ resurrection, the apostle Paul boldly preached and miracles ensued. One response of a non-Jew was, “(H)e believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord” (Acts 13:12).

I pray that these days, we may still be amazed. Read a red-letter Bible and be amazed at Jesus’ teachings that sound nothing like what the world is trying to persuade us to believe today. Be amazed at His power and miracles. Be amazed that as Christians, we are a part of His heavenly kingdom. Be blessed and be amazed!

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Is Anyone Happy?

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Arrow

Okay. I know there are times when life is difficult. I am not blind. For you who are going through dark valleys, I am truly sorry and pray you have lighter days around the bend.

But today, let’s focus on being happy or at least on what to do when we feel happy. Hear this advice. “Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise” (James 5:13b). Go ahead, sing along with Christian radio, serenade the Lord from your shower, or perhaps, wherever you are, belt out a praise song in your mind. No one will be the wiser, except you can’t help but smile! 😉

Happiness is contagious. Being around happy people makes us feel better. Even if we are having a bad day, we don’t need to spread gloom. Choose to smile! That gesture alone may bring happiness to someone else.

Happiness is a choice. We decide how we will respond to people and situations. We don’t have to focus on the negative. Can we find good to help bring balance? Or release a burden to the Lord in prayer?

There are good things we can do to increase our happiness. Today, I sorted the piles on my desk and wiped off the dust. (Imagine my smile.)

Finally, hear Solomon preach. “Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor . . . Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).

Look how you’ve been blessed and be happy! And, smile!

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Road Trip!

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Arrow

When it’s time for a road trip, you know what to do. Pack clothes and other ‘must have’ items like snacks and chargers. Decide on a route. Schedule hotel reservations and possible stops or attractions along the way.

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

Your journey with Jesus, however, may go a little differently. You may be like Abraham and have only a hint as to which direction to go. Or like Moses, you may have been given a specific task. David was anointed as king but had to wait decades before placed on the throne. Joseph, likewise, would experience all kinds of drama before he saw his prophetic dreams fulfilled.

Your road trip or walk with Jesus is unlike all others. Sometimes, God reveals only a detail at a time, gives just a spark of an idea, or like with His disciples, you may simply hear, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19a). Expect the unexpected. There will be delays, detours, and roadblocks along with surprise blessings, open doors, and experiences only God could weave together in His perfect timing!

Instead of being privy to the whole road map, we walk one day at a time with Him. The keys to blessing are Trust and Obey. Proverbs advises, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

So, hang on. Through the dark valleys, remember He is with you. On mountain top highs, offer thanksgiving and praise. When you don’t know which way to go, seek His Word and His counsel. And always look forward to that day at the end of your journey when you will see Him face to face and hear Him say, “Well done.”

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Show Up or Miss Out

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Arrow

Imagine you are gathering with loved ones for a wondrous event. You have brought gifts and will receive gifts. It’s not something you can do online or in a Zoom meeting. This is something you do in person, face to face.

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What am I talking about? Attending your local church. Actually, more than just attending. It’s having fellowship with other believers and pre-believers. The Greek word for fellowship is ‘koinonia,’ which means sharing in common or joint participation.

Fellowship in the early church is described in Acts 2:41-47 and includes teaching, prayer, baptisms, singing, praising God, sharing meals and/or communion together, and meeting one another’s needs.

Before we meet others for fellowship, it helps to prepare our hearts.  We can pray for God to guide us in greeting someone new, in speaking a word of encouragement or prophecy, or having the insight to see someone in need. Pray also for open ears and a tender heart to hear the message God has for us, for discernment to recognize truth, and the ability to listen to those in need. Also, let’s be prepared to bring our monetary gift, our tithe and offering, to God.

Don’t let rebellion or fear stop you from stepping into a church setting. Today’s society has become focused on self, but Jesus came so that believers could be together and reach out and serve one another. As a Christian, you are a part of the body of Christ, the church, and all parts are needed for her to function well.

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Come join with your local congregation. Bless others and be blessed.

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