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.

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“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.

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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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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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