How Stubborn Can We Be?!

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Arrow

It is nearly impossible to make someone do something! Whether they are 2, 12, or 92. We can try to sweet talk, reason with, bribe, and threaten them. But if their mind is made up, forget about it!

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This reminds me of the majority of religious leaders in Jesus’ day. They heard Jesus’ teachings and would have been aware of or witnessed His miracles.

But Jesus did not fit into their preconceived mold of what the Messiah would teach or do. They refused to believe He came from God

For example, in John 11, we find Jesus’ friend, Lazarus, sick and his sisters desperately sending word to Jesus. By the time Jesus and His disciples arrive, Lazarus has been dead for four days. All hope is gone.

Then Jesus arrives . . . with power and a plan! He makes His way to Laz’s tomb. The stone sealing the entrance is moved. Jesus prays and then shouts, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43).

And . . . wait for it . . . “The dead man came out” (John 11:44a).

The results? Many put their faith in Jesus. But most religious leaders refuse to believe the evidence and eyewitness accounts. Instead, they plot how to permanently get rid of Jesus.

Jesus had previously pointed out the religious leaders’ problem, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). What a sad state!

This reminds me of the need to evaluate our thinking. Do we refuse to believe the evidence in front of us? Do we read God’s Word in search for truth and take it to heart or stubbornly ignore what it says?

Let’s do a heart check and ask the Lord. He will let us know.

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The Progression of Belief

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Arrow

Progress comes in all forms. As a teacher, it was delightful to see my young students grow from non-readers to fluent readers.

Today, let’s follow the progression of belief of a man born blind.

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The story occurs as Jesus travels near Jerusalem. After Jesus heals the man, others who had witnessed the man’s blindness demanded an explanation.

“He replied, ‘The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see’” (John 9:11). At that point, the healed man knew Jesus only as a man.

Next, the man born blind was brought to religious leaders for questioning. “’What have you to say about [Jesus]?’ . . . The man replied, ‘He is a prophet.’” (John 9:17)

Perhaps coming to terms with his miracle, the man gave Jesus the highest designation he could imagine, a prophet.

Later, the religious leaders grill the man born blind again, demanding details. The man innocently answered, “Do you want to become his disciples, too?” (John 9:27). By now, the man perhaps assumed Jesus was a teacher or rabbi with disciples and/or he decided he would also be a disciple or follower.

The man’s reasoning progressed, and he testified that Jesus must be from God since he could now see. (John 9:33)

Later, the man saw Jesus again and Jesus clarified that He was the “Son of Man”, a Messianic title. “Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him” (John 9:38).

That’s the best progression ever! From being blind to seeing clearly, both physically and spiritually, from unbelief to belief! The best part is, when we come to belief in Jesus, the transformation process begins!

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There’s a World That Needs Saving!

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Arrow

I attended the Charlie Kirk memorial on Sunday. What a moving and inspirational time! Masses of believers gathered, worshiping the Lord and celebrating the life of a young man who dedicated His life to what God called Him to do. Charlie’s schedule of being on task from 5:00AM to 11:00PM gives a glimpse of how he accomplished so much in his short lifetime.

One of the take-aways for me was this line attributed to Charlie: “There’s a world that needs saving!” A beautiful succinct summary of what our work on earth is all about. A needy world surrounds us. People need to see the love of the gospel lived out. They need to hear the Good News of salvation explained in a way and with language they can understand.

The Kirk service was more than a funeral. It was a call to arms, a revival, a wake-up call, and hopefully, a real “turning point”.

May the following Scriptures light a fire under us, motivating us to do the work we believers have been called to do.

“Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58b).

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20a).

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works I me” (Colossians 1:28-29).

We don’t know when we will take our last breath or when our neighbors, family, and friends will take theirs. May we share the message of salvation lovingly and boldly in order to, as Charlie would say, “make heaven crowded.”

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Hate or Healthy Disagreement

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Arrow

In today’s climate, we hear a lot about hate, hate crimes, and hate speech. But I feel a lot of things get thrown into the “hate” category that don’t belong.

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For instance, voicing a difference of opinion about something is completely normal. I regularly think differently than my spouse, kids, friends, peers, co-workers, and even complete strangers.

I bet you do too. Having contrasting views and beliefs is typical, and it sure doesn’t mean I hate the individual or group for not thinking like me.

One key characteristic that separates people from animals is our mind. Humans have the unique capacity to reason, analyze, and critique at high intellectual levels. We can communicate deep emotions and strongly held opinions. We can discuss and debate. If we choose, we can also listen.

But just because someone disagrees with us or communicates attitudes and beliefs that do not align with ours does NOT mean we cry “hate speech” or “hate map” or “hate crime”.

Many, many people disagreed with Jesus, and He disagreed with them. Yet, the response He exemplified was not one of hatred or violence. He boldly spoke truth and called it like He saw it, but He never endorsed harming another person.

Jesus replaced the hyperbolic Old Testament verse “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” with a new teaching: Turn the other cheek. (Matthew 5:38-39)

And when He mentioned the old adage “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy”, He turned the world upside-down setting the new precedent: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).

Simply, Jesus instructed us to love. Who? Everyone. May we use self-control, and speak and demonstrate love.

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Massive Problem   

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Arrow

Setting: The reign of Hezekiah (715-686 BC), king of Judah, who did “right in the eyes of the LORD”.

Massive Problem: Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah (2 Kings 18:13).

1st Attempt to Solve Problem: Hezekiah paid the silver and gold Sennacherib demanded (2 Kings 18:14-16).

Result: The Assyrian army advanced to Jerusalem.

2nd Attempt to Solve Problem: Hezekiah sent for advice from the prophet Isaiah.

Result: Encouragement from Isaiah: “Do not be afraid of what you have heard . . . Listen! I am going to put such a spirit in [Sennacherib] that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword” (2 Kings 19:6-7).

Result: More threats from Sennacherib.

3rd Attempt to Solve Problem: “[Hezekiah] went up to the temple of the LORD and spread [the letter] out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD” (2 King 19: 14-15a).

Result: Isaiah messaged Hezekiah that God would defend and save the city. “That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp” causing Sennacherib to withdraw and return home (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Wow, talk about an answer bigger than we could hope or imagine! That’s how our God works!

So many lessons to learn from Hezekiah. When we are feeling overwhelmed, we can turn to God and His Word to find encouragement. And God is attentive to our prayers when we lay it all out before Him, even when our problem seems massive.

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Hear God speak: “I am the LORD, the God of all people. Nothing is too difficult for me” (Jeremiah 32:27 GNT).

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Mounting Frustration

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Arrow

Have you ever just had it with people who continue to make wrong choices? You know the outcome of their decisions is not going to be pretty. You may hint at or perhaps even flat out warn them, but their mind is set. (And inside, we know that we have been that same source of frustration to others.)

Today, as I vented my frustration with others to the Lord, I recalled that Jesus could relate. Let’s review a few of His experiences.

  • Jesus became frustrated over the slow learning curve of His disciples. As He taught and demonstrated servanthood, they argued over who among them was the greatest! (Luke 22:24)
  • At one point, Peter outright disagreed with Jesus in which Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23).
  • Jesus was surely frustrated again when Peter refused to heed the warning that he would deny Jesus three times the evening of Jesus’ arrest (Matthew 26:34-35).
  • The Pharisees and teachers of the law were another source of constant frustration for Jesus. With hardened hearts and closed minds, they refused to accept His teachings or even His miracles as from God. Jesus finally responded, calling them “blind” and “hypocrites”, “like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones” (Matthew 23:26-27).
  • Jesus physically demonstrated His frustration when He zealously turned over tables and scattered swindlers taking advantage of pilgrims visiting His Father’s temple (Matthew 21:12-13).

All that to say, yes, Jesus understands when we come to Him with our frustrations. May He be our source of peace, comfort, and wisdom in each situation.

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Sticks and Stones

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Arrow

Sticks can be used to build a fire. Stones can be used to construct a wall or building. But “sticks and stones” together take on a whole new meaning. Rather than building something helpful or constructive, they typically refer to hurtful words and attitudes that tear us down.

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Everyone has experienced a jab or unkind word and been confronted with someone with a bad attitude. The challenge is getting out of a funk after you’ve been hurt.

Sometimes music or a change of scenery helps. Other times, it feels good to vent about the painful experience. Sharing with a safe friend or journaling can also ease the blues. Some people create actual blues (music) or dump their emotions through songwriting.

That’s what King David of the Old Testament did. He authored many psalms discharging emotions like frustration, fear, guilt, and anger as well as psalms filled with rejoicing, praise, and thankfulness.

Let’s look at a few Scriptures that may help with hurt feelings:

  • Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”I imagine God holding my broken heart in His healing hands and being comforted, knowing He is close by, aware of what’s happened.
  • Isaiah 41:10, a personal favorite, also reminds us of God’s nearness. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • The verse just before this reassures that no matter how we feel, God does not reject us. “I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you” (Isaiah 41:9b).

So, if you happen to be feeling blue, I pray you will experience God’s presence. Know that He is near to hear, help, and hold you.

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On Guard

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Arrow

As our teenage grandchild visited and we nonchalantly turned on the TV, I was reminded of some good advice from God’s book of wisdom, the book of Proverbs.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away all perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:23-27). I love how The Message ends the passage with “leave evil in the dust.”

Wikipedia defines perversion as “a form of human behavior which is far from what is considered to be orthodox or normal.”

Perversion is all around us these days. TV, movies, music, and the internet perpetuate a perverted view, much different from how God’s Word has directed us to live. Even antenna-only TV is rampant with inappropriate language, immorality, and violence.

These are not the things that should be entering our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts, nor those of the next generations.

Most think that watching a show with questionable values is harmless, but those words and images have entered the mind. And when we repeatedly participate in allowing junk in our head, that garbage influences and deceives our heart and mind.

It is our job to stay “on guard” and stand our ground. Make better choices. Strive at living a life of holiness and purity so that we can experience God’s promised blessings.

Let’s close with one more Proverb. “In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them” (22:5).

May we stand on guard, protecting and defending our hearts and minds as well as those around us.

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God’s Wonderful Word

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Arrow

Last year I was gifted a beautifully illustrated coffee table rendition of the book of Psalms. This morning, I spent some time soaking in Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible. Today I thought I’d try to summarize its 176 verses.

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Psalm 119 is a celebration of the Word of God. Some of the synonyms the unnamed author uses for God’s Word include law, testimony, precepts, statutes, commandments, and righteous rules (ESV).

God’s Word is viewed as a gift from God that endures forever. It teaches and counsels, imparts life, help, peace, strength, and understanding. Additionally, God’s Word provides knowledge, truth, wisdom, and good judgment. While acting as a light and lamp, it prevents one from stumbling, pointing the reader to right choices in order to avoid sin.

The author is completely in awe of God’s Word and responds to it with delight, love, and a joyful heart. He meditates on it, longs for it, fixes his eyes on it, and desires to remember, and not forget it. He boldly sings God’s Word, claiming it is “sweet to taste.”

He chooses to cling to, trust in, and hope in God’s Word. He considers it a blessing and heritage, having greater worth than riches. It causes him to offer God praise.

Upon seeking God’s Word, he then speaks it to others. His companions are those who also seek God’s Word, and he grieves for those who don’t keep God’s law. When threatened by enemies, it is God’s Word he turns to for guidance and comfort.

Here are a couple verses I treasure:

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

I encourage you to read and fall in love with God’s Word. Find a verse to memorize and be blessed.

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Our Heavenly Home:  A New Earth

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Arrow

At the end of May (2025), I wrote about spiritual graduations. Today I thought we’d look at our future, ultimate “graduation” when our new eyes in our new body will experience our new heavenly home, a New Earth.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. . . . I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. . . . Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God’” (Revelation 21:1-3 CSB).

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In his book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn describes this Heaven on earth. We will have “a restored and perfected version of our familiar bodies”, live on “our familiar Earth” and have “familiar relationships.” We will experience the comforts of “home” with all the blessings of our Creator God making all things new.

According to Revelation 22:4, it appears that in some essence, we will see the face of God. We will worship the One who loves us beyond measure and not be bored. We will join multitudes in praise, adoration, and service.

The Apostle John teaches that those who believe Jesus is the Son of God will overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5). In Revelation, John lists blessings for those who overcome.

  • Given “the right to eat from the tree of life” (2:7).
  • “[N]ot be hurt at all by the second death” (2:11), that is the “lake of fire” (20:14).
  • Given “hidden manna” (supernatural sustenance) and “a white stone with a new name written on it” (2:17), possibly a symbol of victory over God’s enemies. Our new name identifies our distinctive character. (NKJV Study Bible)
  •  “[A]uthority over the nations” will be given to those who do God’s will to the end (2:26).
  • Dressed in white and their name acknowledged before the Father and His angels (3:5).
  • Live in God’s Presence and have the name of God written on them (3:12).
  • Given the right to sit with Jesus on His throne (3:21).

Looking forward to our new heavenly home and praying you will be there!

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