Stuck at the Start

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Arrow

The runners walk to their lane, attempt to shake out their nerves, then carefully place feet in the starting blocks and fingers just a hair behind the starting line. They lean forward with hearts pounding, anticipating the starter pistol.

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Each participant chose to be a runner. Decided to join others in this event. Made the commitment to attend on race day. But what if that’s all they did? What if when “GO!” resounded, the runner stayed in the blocks? Or maybe bolted forward a few yards and abruptly or perhaps casually, stopped.

Have we witnessed this in Christianity? Friends or family accept Jesus as Savior, but never take another step forward in walking with Him. Or maybe quit just a few paces into their race.

Jesus challenged His soon-to-be disciples with, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). Upon acceptance of the invitation, forward movement was expected.

The invitation, however, was not for Jesus’ disciples alone. Jesus clarified, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

Being a Jesus follower requires surrender and sacrifice. It weighs obedience greater than convenience and others above self. Christians are to grow in spiritual maturity and bear spiritual fruit. They strive to stay on the path of righteousness.

If you know someone who is ‘stuck’ in their race, now is the time to give an encouraging word, perhaps a gentle prod. Seek the Lord for just the right words to cheer them on.

If you are the one who is ‘stuck,’ I encourage you to look where God wants you to step right now. Remember His love and His sacrifice for you. Trust Him. Take Him at His word and step forward. You can do it, for you are not alone.

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Don’t Panic! Pray

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Arrow

I’m writing a picture book about a kindergartner who panics when he arrives at school and sees a substitute. The poor child is on the verge of a meltdown when he suddenly remembers he should pray instead.

Okay, this picture cracks me up! But adults do the same thing.

The other day, all of a sudden, my computer started doing random things. A weird box popped up. It was stuck in a loop. Had I gotten a virus? Was I being hacked? I restarted the contraption, but it wouldn’t allow me to log in. I shut down. This time, I started her up while whispering a prayer. Aha! I noticed my Bible was resting on my keypad. Drrr! Once I moved it, everything worked fine!

How many of us react with a panic mentality? And, how often? Here’s what I need to remember. Pray before panic. Or, better yet. Skip the panic. Go directly to being a prayer whisperer and continue in that mindset.

As I recall, many of God’s people had good reason to panic. Daniel was thrown in a den with hungry lions (Daniel 6). Three others were thrown in a fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Joseph was imprisoned after Potiphar’s wife brought false charges against him (Genesis 39). Queen Esther risked her life by going before the Persian king uninvited (Esther 5). Don’t doubt for a minute that these heroes of the faith were not having some intense conversations with the Lord Almighty!

But panic is NOT our friend. Nor does it help. We need to go to the Lord in prayer and cast our cares on Him. Go ahead. He can handle it.

The apostle Peter shared this wisdom, “Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (1 Peter 4:7). Self-control includes remaining calm. Turns out, prayer is the perfect ‘substitute’ for panic.

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Jesus Prayed for You!

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Arrow

Have you ever experienced someone praying specifically for you? Perhaps it occurred at your baptism or wedding ceremony, or during an illness or catastrophic event. Sadly, many of you may have never heard words of faith whispered over you.

Well, I am here to inform you that Jesus halted everything one night and took time to pray for you! When? On the evening of the Last Supper. The apostle John records many details of that momentous night, when the eternal future of the entire world weighed on Jesus’ shoulders.

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Before His final walk to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for Himself, for His disciples, and for all believers, present and future. Jesus’ prayer for all who would believe in Him is found in John 17:20-26. He asked His Father:

  • That all believers would become one in heart and mind, in complete unity.
  • That believers would be in the Father and the Son.
  • That the Son would be in believers as the Father is in the Son.
  • That believers would be with Jesus and see His glory.
  • That the love the Father has for the Son would be in believers.

And what was the purpose of this oneness? Unity would be a testimony to the world regarding two things:

  • That God had sent His Son, Jesus.
  • That God loved the world, just as God loved the Son.

A portion of The Message Bible puts it this way:
“Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me” (John 17:23).

Jesus said oneness among believers was possible because He had placed in believers the glory the Father gave Him. May we be one in Christ.

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Counsel Needed

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Arrow

I don’t know about you, but I could use some good counsel most every day. The problem is, where will I get it?

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Scrolling through the Old Testament, I found that the kings of Judah who did what was right made it a point to “First seek the counsel of the LORD” (1 Kings 22:5). While Psalm 1:1 warns us not to “walk in the counsel of the wicked,” Proverbs includes “counsel and sound judgment” as traits of Wisdom (Proverbs 8:14). There, we also find another source for counsel, “the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:9).

Probably the most popular verse regarding a counselor is the one sung at Christmas in Handel’s song from the Messiah, ‘For Unto Us a Child is Born.’ “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). These titles pointed to the Messiah, Jesus.

In the New Testament, Jesus taught about the Counselor that God would send to believers once Jesus left earth and went to heaven. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16). Jesus added, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

I thank God for His Spirit, our Counselor, who is always with us, teaching, guiding, whispering encouragement and comfort, and speaking wisdom into us.

May we take time to listen, having ears and eyes and hearts open and receptive, saying, “Holy Spirit, speak.”

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“Get ‘Er Done”

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Arrow

For those of you not familiar with this catchphrase, it can be translated “get her done,” meaning, get the job done. Today, let’s take this idiom a new direction.

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One bad habit young readers have is guessing at words. They avoid slowing down to blend sounds together and to examine context clues. They ignore that their guess makes no sense because their goal is to just “get ‘er done!”

What about us adult readers? How do we approach reading God’s Word? Is our goal to simply get through a chapter or complete the devotion for the day? Or do we slow down to comprehend and absorb text?

Here are a few tips to consider:

  • Pray before reading. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus and to open your heart and mind.
  • Read the text slowly and deliberately.
  • Re-read the text.
  • Ask questions like who, when, where, and why. See if your questions might be answered in surrounding verses. Also ask, “How does this speak to me?”
  • Meditate, think on, and remember what God taught you and take action to apply His teaching or truth.

Recently, I heard a gal speak on a few verses that I’d read many times. I was amazed at the gems she uncovered that I had never considered and questions she raised that had never crossed my mind.

Scripture is exceedingly rich and our God longs to teach us, give us clarification and insight, and help us unearth treasures in His Word.

May we be like the early Christians in Berea who “examined the Scriptures every day” (Acts 17:11) and not like the Sadducees whom Jesus corrected with, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matthew 22:29).

We will never “get ‘er done” but we can sure dig in!

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To Sleep or Not to Sleep

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Arrow

Today as I was seeking God’s direction on what to write, I found myself awakened by the dishwasher. Whoops! I had fallen asleep. So, You want me to write on the topic of sleep, Lord?

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Let’s follow this theme and explore where it leads.

  • First, sleep is a blessing from the Lord. Psalm 127:2 concludes with “For he grants sleep to those he loves.”
  • When we have trouble sleeping, we might meditate on Zephaniah 3:17b. “He will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” As you lie down, allow the Lord to quiet your heart and mind as you imagine Him singing over you. Hand your burdens over to Him and rest.
  • Obviously, sleep has a purpose. Our bodies and minds need rest. Other times, God uses it for another purpose, to reveal hidden truths or prophecies or give direction. God spoke to Abraham while he was in a deep sleep (Genesis 15:12) and gave dreams to many like Jacob (Genesis 28:12), Daniel (Daniel 7:1), and Mary’s husband, Joseph (Matthew 1:20). Perhaps to us, one night.
  • Scripture strongly warns against too much sleep. “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9) Proverbs 6:10 notes the consequences as poverty and scarcity.
  • Ecclesiastes shares the wisdom of balancing work and sleep. “The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep” (Ecc. 5:12). This reminds us to examine our motives for working hard. When our goal is to glorify God with our riches, sleep is sweet.
  • Finally, we can be reassured God never sleeps. “He who watches over you will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3b).

May your sleep be sweet.

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Fear or Faith

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Arrow

Ready for a little trivia? What do you think is the most frequent command in the Bible? If you guessed, “Do not be afraid,” you are correct. It is found 70 times in the NIV Bible.

In the story of Esther, her cousin suggested that perhaps she was the one God wanted to use to save His people from annihilation. Esther’s initial response was fear. Stepping up to speak to the king without an invitation could cost her life.

Hear her cousin’s response. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place” (Esther 4:14a). Either way, God would save His people. The question was, would Esther be a part of the miracle.

Think about it. Are there times God has whispered a request and we refused because we were frozen in fear?

A prime example of fear winning out was when Israel was perched on the edge of the promised land. Rather than moving forward in faith, the masses heeded the advice of ten fearful spies. The outcome being Israel wandered forty years in the desert. What a loss!

Choosing fear over faith can have disturbing consequences. Blessings are forfeited and the work God has in mind for us to do is not completed, at least not by us.

One way to conquer fear is to admit the worst thing that can happen. Say it. What if it happens? Would God still be with us? Would He make a way for us? Would He give us courage and carry us through it? Absolutely!

So, next time we sense God’s calling, let’s step forward in faith and do our best. That’s all He asks. He’ll do the rest. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

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The Wisdom of Proverbs

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Arrow

Don’t you love when a problem arises, and someone has the wise and perfect answer or solution? The book of Proverbs is full of such wisdom. In it, there is advice for everyone.

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Proverbs chapter 4 proclaims, “Wisdom is supreme” and points out some of the advantages to gaining wisdom.

  • “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you” (Prov. 4:6a).
  • “Love her (wisdom), and she will watch over you” (Prov. 4:6b).
  • “Esteem her (wisdom), and she will exalt you” (Prov. 4:8a).
  • “Embrace her (wisdom), and she will honor you” (Prov. 4:8b).
  • “She (wisdom) will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor” (Prov. 4:9).
  • Words of wisdom “are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body” (Prov. 4:22 CSB).

The chapter ends with words of wisdom we can apply today.

  • “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Prov. 4:23). Let’s be careful what we expose our heart and mind to. If we fill them with good and honorable things, our words and actions should follow.
  • “Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips” (Prov. 4:24). If we are not listening to garbage, we will be less likely to speak it. That includes gossip, lies, slander, hateful words, deceitfulness, coarse talk, and foul language.
  • “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you” (Prov. 4:25). Let’s not compare ourselves or our possessions to others. Try not to be led astray by temptations or waste time on distractions. Ask God what He wants us to focus on.

Want to grow in wisdom? Try reading a Proverb a day for a month. It’s a great reminder of the wise things to do and foolish things to avoid.

Be wise and be blessed.

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Responding to Anger

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Arrow

Everyone can recall the unpleasant experience of being around an angry person. Today, I thought I’d brainstorm how we might respond to angry people. (We are assuming we are NOT the angry person.)

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Typically, the worst way to respond to an angry person is with more anger. Resist the urge. It usually makes matters worse. This is also NOT the time to try and use reason. Emotions are too hot to engage in a rational conversation.

So, let’s begin by peeking in Proverbs. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1). Try to keep your volume down and your tone respectful and calm. This is probably not the time to share your opinion. It may help to show empathy and try to relate to their point of view or understand their circumstances.

Other times, it’s best not to say anything at all. Just, zip it! Perhaps, the best thing you can do is give the angry person some alone time and space to cool off. This may be an opportunity to put yourself in a ‘time out’ so you don’t escalate the problem and so that you can take some time alone with God.

Be still and go to the Lord in prayer. Dump your emotions, hurts, confusion, and mistakes on Him first. Take time to seek God’s wisdom, guidance, and peace.

Finally, be aware. Is there a need you can help meet, an act of love that will help smooth things over? Remember, “Love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8b). Jesus’s half-brother summed it up well, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

Let’s aim to live by those words.

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Inheritance Promised

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Arrow

Have you ever been treated unjustly? Not received the honor, recognition, tip, or promotion you deserved? Been falsely accused and perhaps even punished for something you didn’t do? Perhaps, you did not receive your fair share in a business deal or promised inheritance.

Injustices in this world abound. Sometimes, the inner child in us wants to stomp and rage, “It’s NOT fair!!” or at least collapse in a puddle of tears.

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Hear this word of encouragement today. “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, in order to make your hope secure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:10-12).

These are the points that jumped out at me:

  • God, the One in control of the entire universe, is just.
  • God remembers the good we’ve done. Helping others is a gift to God.
  • Continue to help others no matter what “reward” we receive . . . or not.
  • Stay faithful and be patient.
  • Believers, AKA Christ followers, are promised a heavenly reward, an inheritance beyond anything we can imagine, and we will NOT be robbed of it. God promises!
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