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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Need an Alignment?

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Arrow

More than I’d like to admit, my lower back slips or gets whacked out of place. It used to happen while snowboarding, playing flag football, and the like. Now, just looking at a vacuum or a bed that needs sheets changed unnerves my spine. When the discomfort persists, I make an appointment with our trusted chiropractor to get relief.

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

Like a spine, our spiritual lives also need regular adjustments. Misalignment with God’s Word may exist whether we are in pain or not. Perhaps we are not living life to the fullest because we’ve lost our spiritual range of motion and are stuck, not maturing or growing in the Lord. Or, our priorities may be out of place.

Worship, God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers are a few things that help keep us in alignment.

Worship reminds us who we are and who God is. “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:6-7).

His Word reveals His will for our lives, gives guardrails and directions. It’s up to us whether we make adjustments to stay in line. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

Finally, regularly connecting with other believers provides encouragement and accountability. The apostle Paul taught, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We shouldn’t miss opportunities to attend church and be involved in a small group. Both help keep us in line.

May we surrender to God’s alignment and go forth stronger than ever!

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Phone a Friend

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Arrow

There used to be a game show on TV that gave players the option to “phone a friend” if they were stumped on a question. Contestants would hear their friend’s opinion and decide if they wanted to follow their recommendation or not.

The great thing about having Jesus for a friend is that He can be reached anytime. He is always available to hear what we are stumped on. He always has time to listen, even if everyone is ‘calling’ Him simultaneously.

We can also be reassured Jesus has the answer to our question. After all, He is God and knows all. Our problem is hearing His answer. That may take time, patience, a quiet heart, and a spirit of discernment. Sometimes, it means reading God’s Word, listening to wise believers, or both.

The most important call we can make is calling on Jesus for salvation. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6). The apostle Peter testified, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Also, when we find ourselves in a predicament, instead of cursing His name, we should call on a real friend, the One called “a friend of ‘sinners.’”

And, here’s a warning you may not have recently heard. One day all believers will be raptured to be with Jesus. Then the earth will be left, as least for a while, without anyone who calls Jesus “friend.” Many theologians believe that shortly after that event, the Tribulation will begin and great horrors will occur.

Seriously, I would call on Jesus, accepting Him as Lord and Savior, sooner rather than later.

Feel free to forward this to a friend.

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Bruised, Not Broken

Posted on May 25, 2022 by Arrow

Reeds are tall grass-like plants that typically grow in wet places. They have long, flat, broad leaves with hollow stems.

Why am a talking about reeds? In the book of Isaiah, the prophet talks about the One who is to come, the Servant of the Lord, namely, Jesus. Isaiah describes how the servant Jesus will treat people. “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth” (Isaiah 42:3).

The “bruised reed” represents poor, hurting, and needy people. Bible scholars explain that “not break” is an understatement and that the author is emphasizing the positive equivalent. Not only will Jesus “not break” them, but He will “mend” or “restore.”

A hollow reed stem can be easily bent and bruised, becoming injured and weak. Likewise, the world is full of “bruised” people. The good news is Jesus came to mend broken lives and to bring healing and restoration to those who are wounded physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Another verse in Isaiah says, “[T]he LORD binds up the bruise of His people” (30:26), a beautiful image of our Savior administering first aid, spreading healing balm and placing bandages on our hurting souls or hearts.

When we feel we are ready to break, remember that Jesus cares. He has mercy and compassion and is always ready to help us in our time of need. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

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Beyond This World

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Arrow

While attending a Christian college, I simultaneously attended a secular state college to get some of the classes needed for my degree. I was surprised when the professor at the latter asked on the first day of class, “Who believes in UFOs?” I thought, Is this a trick question? Like, of course there are unidentified flying objects. Do you mean, do I believe that aliens exist? No.

But I do believe there exists a whole other world beyond the one we see. The Bible teaches of a spiritual world, one that includes forces of both good and evil.

Jesus taught His followers that they did not belong to this world, that is, the world we experience with our senses. He said, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own…but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:19).

Instead, believers are ‘at home’ in the spiritual kingdom of God. Jesus explained, “My kingdom is not of this world” and “my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36). Jesus brought the kingdom of God to earth when He came as a man, and we continue to pray for His kingdom to increasingly flourish by doing God’s will here on earth (Matthew 6:10).

In doing God’s will, believers can overcome the evil one. The apostle Paul warned, “…[T]ake your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:11-12).

In the end, evil will be destroyed and nothing will compare to our eternal heavenly home far beyond this world!

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A Meeting in the Air

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Arrow

No. I’m not talking about a meeting on an airplane or in outer space. Today, let’s talk about that curious day when in one swift swoop, all believers in Jesus will be swept up to meet Him in the air. Most refer to it as the Rapture.

What can we know about this beyond-Zoom meeting? The Apostle Paul wrote this description to the church. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

In a blink, all true believers will be gone. Can you imagine the fallout? A world that, at least for a while, has zero Christian influence and little moral restraint. What a horrible plight! I pray none of you experience being left behind, especially if what follows is the Great Tribulation.

So, what should we be doing until that incredulous day? Paul made that clear as well. “Be at peace among yourselves … (W)arn those who are irresponsible, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. (1 Thessalonians 5:13b-15).

May you be rapture-ready! (If you are not sure, see my website, http://pointingtheway.live and see “True: God’s Plan of Salvation” under the Devotions tab.

Until we meet!

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