What IS That Sound?

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Arrow

As I stepped outside early for my walk/jog, I was serenaded by mourning doves. Ah, so peaceful!

But, before I rounded the first corner, I heard the neighborhood woodpeckers. Mind you, this sound in no way resembles the woodpeckers I’ve enjoyed in the woods. Oh no, these release their speed-drilling talent on the metal vents on roofs and on the stucco that covers the outside walls of homes.

It’s just not right! That sound should not be correlated with woodpeckers.

As I continued on my trek, I thought of how sometimes the things that come out of our mouths don’t correlate with who we are as God’s people. Are we complaining or arguing? Speaking negatively about another believer? Speaking untruthfully or being unnecessarily critical?

Here are some verses that remind us of what we should or should not sound like:

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11a).

“Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14). (Don’t sound like annoying woodpeckers.)

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25).

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).

The book of Proverbs is rich with wisdom about words. Try reading a chapter a day for a month. Then repeat.

Sorry if woodpeckers got a bad rap-a-tap-tap today. Just trying to drill the lesson home.

May we be “innocent as doves” (Mtt. 10:16).

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Improvement, Motivation, Self-Improvement, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

‘Noble’ Times Three

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Arrow

Need an easy-to-learn memory verse? One that rolls right off the tongue? Try Isaiah 32:8. For me, the rhyme, rhythm, and repetition slip easily into a tune or chant. Try it a few times: “But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.”

But, what does it mean?

Let’s start with a definition. Noble, as an adjective, means having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals. It refers to excellent or superior quality, mind, or character.

Isaiah uses the term to describe three things in one short verse: a man (or person), plans, and deeds.

For application, I want this verse to describe me. I want to be that noble person. I want to be in tune with the Holy Spirit and God’s Word so that I strive to live by His principles and reflect Jesus in my life.

Next, I desire for God to guide my plans, praying for doors of opportunity to open and wrong ones to close, and for my priorities to be right. I also pray for the Lord’s help in how to use my time, talents, and skills for the work He has for me to do.

Finally, I want my deeds to be noble, of excellent or superior quality. I shouldn’t be content doing a half-way or incomplete job. I should offer God my best.

Now, in no way, am I anywhere close to achieving the ideal of being or acting noble but having this verse in my heart and mind helps remind me what I’m striving for.

So, one more time: “But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.”

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Motivation, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Where Is God Anyway?

Posted on August 3, 2022 by Arrow

When kids ask where God is, it can be difficult to explain. As humans, we are limited to being in one place at a time. So, when I tell children that God is in heaven and also say that He lives inside us and is with us all the time, it’s easy to see why they are puzzled.

So, I was thrilled when I found this verse in my Bible reading: “For the High and Exalted One, who lives forever, whose name is holy, says this: ‘I live in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the oppressed” (Isaiah 57:15; italics added).

Did you notice the word “and”? For me, it jumped right off the page. There it was. A verse that basically clarifies that the Holy, Eternal God is in heaven, high and above all, AND, because He transcends our idea of time, He is simultaneously with those who call Him Lord. 

I think the next time a child asks me, “Where is God?”, my best response may be, “Everywhere!” Afterall, Scripture teaches He is all-seeing, all-knowing, and omnipresent, defined as “present everywhere at the same time”.

Psalm 139:7-10 declares, “Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there your hand will lead me; your right hand will hold on to me.”

So, not only is God right beside you or living in you . . . but He is also seated in the highest heaven reigning over all.

Praising God for His Presence!

Posted in Bible Study, Devotions, Encouragement, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Be a Shelter

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Arrow

Years ago, my husband and I became foster parents. We strived to meet the needs of a young child, providing a safe home and loving environment. We put together a kid-friendly bedroom and gathered clothes, toys, and school supplies. We helped her with homework and I spent hours on weekends learning how to do her hair that was much different than mine.

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

Isaiah 32:2 says, “Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.” Some commentators interpret this verse as describing how the kings of Israel were to care for God’s people.

But I think we can apply it for today. We can view it as encouraging believers to reach out and care for those in need, being a reflection of Jesus.

Look around. There are a lot of storms people are going through right now. Housing problems, financial troubles, health issues, loneliness, and feeling overwhelmed are a few of the obvious ones.

As we look to Jesus as our protector and refuge in storms, may we be that to others. Perhaps we can provide shelter or be a wind break. Provide a meal or cool drink.

Jesus’ half-brother, James, reminded believers that, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).

Though we only had that one foster child for only a few months, it made a difference for that one. We can all make a difference for someone.

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Life Purpose, Motivation, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Humble Tool

Posted on July 20, 2022 by Arrow

Hmm. What kind of people does God use? Sometimes we become duped into believing that He only uses the “perfect” ones, the ones that have their act all together, or have flawless families.

Hello! Those people don’t exist!

Note that Jesus’s disciples included many fishermen, business owners, possible tradesmen, a zealot, and a tax collector. Each had his faults and issues.

In reading the book of Isaiah, I was surprised that God even used the idol-worshiping king of Assyria as a tool to punish His own people, Israel. God called Assyria “the rod of my anger” (Isaiah 10:5).

God has a work for all believers. Paul offers us this challenge. “Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58b).

When writing, I pray the Lord will guide me so that readers may be drawn closer to Him. But I also feel the need to remind myself that this is not for my glory. I do not deserve the credit. I am but a tool longing to be used by my Father in heaven. When I read something I’ve written in the past, many times I find myself thanking God for His inspiration because I know I am not that good!

In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah had a scribe/secretary named Baruch. The special message Baruch received from the LORD said, “Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not” (Jeremiah 45:5a).

Being used by God is an honorable and humbling experience. May we remember Paul’s quote from Jeremiah, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).

Do it all for the glory of God!

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Inspiration, Life Purpose, Wednesday Whisper | Leave a comment

Grab It and Hide It

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Arrow

I was talking with a friend and in the conversation, she referred to the pastor’s recent sermon. Silently panicking, I drew a blank, trying hard to remember the message I just heard that week. Luckily, she dropped a few clues that jogged my memory.

Later, I was reminded of the story Jesus told describing how Satan comes to steal away God’s Word. Matthew 13:19a “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.” 

While I feel I understood the message, my brain had difficulty retaining it. (You may not have this problem, but if you do, you may want to keep reading.) 

I have decided that I need to return to that old habit of notetaking. Yes, I am including one more item in my bag as I go to church, a small notepad. And, if I forget the notepad, I can always type notes on my phone.  

This way, I can work on hiding God’s Word in my heart (Psalm 119:11). I feel I am literally grabbing that truth by writing it down. By reviewing it the following weeks and mulling it over and meditating on it, I am actively hiding God’s Word in my heart so that Satan cannot steal God’s precious truth and teachings from me. 

For football fans, you may imagine yourself as the receiver grabbing the perfect pass, tucking in that ball, and keeping it safe, close to your heart, not allowing the opposing team to steal it from your tight grip.

Either way, my new offensive strategy is grab it and hide it.

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Motivation, Self-Improvement, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Stormy Conditions

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Arrow

There is nothing like being in a boat on a desert lake when a summer monsoon rolls in. Blue, clear skies gradually become dotted with clouds which skiers focused on riding the wake ignore until dark clouds and strong winds steal their attention. Tension and fears rise as rain turns into hail and boats battling wind and waves swarm to ramps to painstakingly take turns being trailered.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the time when Jesus suggested a boat ride with His disciples across the Sea of Galilee, knowing full-well that a brutal storm would assault without warning. Fearing for their lives, His followers were astonished to find Jesus sleeping soundly in the stern. Jesus’ rebuke at the wind and waves and the immediate calm revealed again who He was, God in human form.

We all face fierce storms in life and I’m not talking about weather. When troubles are brewing, we can be reassured that God knows they were coming. We can be comforted in the fact that we are not alone. He is in that ‘boat’ with us and is fully aware of our situation, fears, and inadequacies. We can depend on Him, trusting that He is in control and will help guide us to the other side.

The disciples knew exactly who to turn to when in desperate need. And, so can we. Jesus told His followers, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:26). He wasn’t upset that they were demonstrating little faith or that they were fearful or that they didn’t understand who He was. Jesus, God in human skin, was with them . . . in stormy conditions, meeting their needs and bringing peace in their storm.

He’s in our boat too, if we invite Him along.

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Inspiration, Motivation, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Forward Grace

Posted on June 29, 2022 by Arrow

My guess is that on a regular basis, you either receive a forwarded message or forward one. If you’re like me, you try not to forward too many, no matter how incredulous, because you don’t want to be that (annoying) person!

I recently learned that there is something believers are to forward frequently. But before I could grasp the concept, I had to comprehend this verse. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

Each believer has received a spiritual gift or gifts (like teaching, giving, healing, evangelism, prophecy, etc.). We are to use these gifts to build up the church and serve one another. But, how do we faithfully administer God’s grace?

Grace is that free, undeserved favor we receive from God. It is not something we can earn or attain on our own merit. We experience God’s grace in His gift of salvation and other blessings.

But, how can we forward grace? I think grace will be demonstrated when we use our gifts to serve others in love. We can bless others when we refuse to hold a grudge and not keep a record of wrongs. In our eyes, others may not deserve this grace . . . but neither do we. We reflect God’s character when we share what God has blessed us with. We forward His grace as we love and serve others.

An important key is found in the following verse. “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides” (1 Peter 4:11b). So, we are not left to conjure up this grace all on our own. Once again, God is our source. He not only provides the grace for us to forward to others, but the strength to do so as well.

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Improvement, Inspiration, Motivation, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Worry Not

Posted on June 22, 2022 by Arrow

I love songbirds. Finches and mockingbirds serenade our neighborhood with delightful melodies. (I try to ignore the annoying squawks of grackles!) As I listen to their different refrains, I note that birds seem to go about their day without a care in the world. While watchful, they don’t appear worried.

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

Another love is flowers. All colors and varieties, even cactus blossoms in the spring! While most blooms are delicate and temporary, they are stunning in their unique hue, shape, and texture.

As I gaze in wonder at God’s creation, I am again reminded that He is the creator and caregiver, keeper and provider, not just of birds and flowers but of us, His favorites, those made in His image.

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He pointed out, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:26-27).

Next, Jesus added, “See how the lilies of the field grow … If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry” (Matthew 6:28b, 30-31a).

As God’s precious children, may we remember our Father created us, loves us, and cares for us. We do not need to worry about tomorrow. He has provided for today.

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

What Are You Good At?

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Arrow

I recently heard the best-selling Christian author, Max Lucado, ask, “What do you like to do and what are you good at?” He had learned long ago that he had a knack for writing. He enjoyed writing and people complemented his work. Writing became his life’s work and his books have blessed millions.

In the Old Testament, Saul was anointed the first king of Israel. Early on, Saul was described as “an impressive young man without equal” (1 Samuel 9:2). He was good at leading God’s people into victory against their enemies . . . until he wasn’t.

One of Saul’s problems was his refusal to follow God’s lead. The LORD said, “I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions” (1 Samuel 15:11). The prophet Samuel rebuked him. “The LORD anointed you king over Israel. And he sent you on a mission . . . Why did you not obey the LORD?” (I Samuel 15:17b-19a).

Sadly, the Lord eventually rejected Saul as king and chose another who would serve Him wholeheartedly.

Lucado and king Saul. Two people with gifts, talents, and opportunities to be used by God.

The wonderful thing is God has gifted and chosen all believers. He has work for us to do. Will we seek Him out and learn what our mission is? Then, will we follow through?

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

What are you passionate about? What do you enjoying doing and what do you do well? Whatever it is, identify it and get to it. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

May we keep up the good work God has called us to do.

Do it all for the glory of God!

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Life Purpose, Motivation, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , | Leave a comment