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.

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

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.

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

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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Adjusting My Focus

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Arrow

Once upon a time there was an author, me, who reigned in her little queendom (a term borrowed from one of my pastors) and was fairly content . . . except for one major hiccup. It had been almost one year and ten months (but who’s counting!) since she had signed a literary contract. True, the book for that contract was about to be released and for that she was thrilled and grateful! But still her heart yearned for another.

Then today while reviewing her memory verses, that author was spiritually poked by the Holy Spirit. Did her current goal or focus need tweaked, her thinking realigned? Gradually, she began to realize that instead of focusing on a contract, she should be rejoicing over the opportunities God had given to share the message she’d been given. You see, in the last few months, God had opened doors for her to speak on Christian radio programs, podcasts, and even a stint on a TV show. Simply put, her focus needed to remain on her message.

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

Anyone who knows this author recognizes that answering questions in interviews is not something she would ever wish for. But sometimes God has other plans. And if His plan is to get His message out, He typically calls those who don’t feel qualified or up to the call.

So, how are we doing with allowing God to adjust or change our focus? King David wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

This may not be the most comfortable prayer to say, but it helps our blur become focused on God’s will for our lives.

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Calling All Wanderers

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Arrow

Ever take time to do a slow read through Scripture? I’ve been enjoying a slow read through the gospel of Matthew, even reading the footnotes and looking up some cross-references. Doing a slow read may not allow time for covering a vast number of verses, but you will dig out treasures you’ve missed in the past.

One gem that surprised me recently was from Matthew 18. The section was titled “The Parable of the Lost Sheep”. After reading the parable a few times, I finally realized that this parable was not about a lost sheep, but a wandering sheep.

Let’s review. A man has 100 sheep, and one wanders off. He leaves the 99 to go look for it. Jesus said, “And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off” (Matt. 18:13). Jesus then gives the application. “In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost” (Matt. 18:14).

Jesus had been talking about “little ones” previously in this same chapter saying, “little ones who believe in me,” basically referring to believers.

Let’s face it, many of us believers experience at least one time in our life where we wander, perhaps walk in disobedience or rebellion. It’s not a journey we are proud of, but it doesn’t surprise our heavenly Father whose love for us is not based on our actions.

If you are currently one of those ‘wanderers,’ come back to the flock. Bring joy to the heavenly Father by returning to Him. Notice Jesus included a subtle warning that a wandering sheep could eventually “be lost” and that would be a travesty and certainly not the Lord’s will.

May we sheep stick together.

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Feel Like a Whack-a-Mole?

Posted on August 9, 2023 by Arrow

Ever feel beaten down, rejected, or discouraged?

As an author experiencing nearly two years of rejections and hearing that my agent wants me to edit a manuscript AGAIN, I can relate to the moles in this photo. I get all excited about a story, think it’s ‘just right’, pop up smiling and eager to hear good news, then WHAM, I get pounded back to fix it again. (At least, that’s how I feel. In reality, I know I have an excellent agent who is only trying to bring out my best writing.)

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

So, what do we do when we feel this way? First, go to the Lord. He knows what’s going on and understands our emotions. Think how discouraged Jesus must have felt with His disciples. They did not comprehend His teachings (Matthew 15:15-16), failed to heal a demon-possessed boy (Matt. 17:16), and abandoned Jesus when He was arrested (Matt. 26:56).

God was so gracious to me yesterday. When I read my daily devotional, it was just the encouragement I needed. It reminded me that the Holy Spirit is our help and our strength. He gives wisdom, grace, faith, and hope.

Instead of giving up, let’s remember, “[B]ut those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

We have experienced God intervening on our behalf before and He will do so in the future. Let’s keep on with patient endurance, not giving up, and dare to ‘pop up’ again.

FYI: The book which I signed a contract on nearly two years ago is available for pre-sale now at Lifeway, bhpublishinggroup.com/product/the-greatest-book-ever/.

The Greatest Book Ever! (A Little Book about the Greatest Book) is a rhyming picture book that highlights incredible Bible characters, amazing miracles, and events all to get kiddos excited and motivated to hear and read God’s Word.

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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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