Helping the Sick

Posted on August 25, 2021 by Arrow

Sick family, friends, or neighbors? What can we do?

Last week, we saw how instruction, knowledge, and wisdom can be found in God’s Word. Today, I’d like to ‘feverishly’ search out what we should do to help the sick among us.

“Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well” (James 5:14-15a). According to James, a faithful believer should pray for the sick, and those in church leadership have added responsibilities.

Jesus surprised His listeners when he taught that when we help others, it’s as if we are caring for Jesus Himself (Matthew 25:35-40). Clearly, we have been given the task to look after the sick, making sure their needs are met. Meals, medication, transportation, etc. along with a word of encouragement and prayer seem like the least we can do.

May we be faithful to do what the Lord has called us to do. Let’s do our part and leave the rest up to God.

May you be blessed with good health.

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Daily ‘Cup of Dew’

Posted on August 18, 2021 by Arrow

Acronyms and abbreviations have become a part of our daily lives … and not just when texting. LOL! Many acronyms and abbreviations relate to one’s occupation. When I taught elementary school, there was a whole list of education-related abbreviations. As a writer, I’ve learned a whole new set. Even many businesses and churches are now known by the initial letters of their name.

After studying the book of Proverbs a couple years ago, I worked to create an acronym that summarized the key concepts that echoed throughout the book, the things we are to search out and that God would provide. The teachings of King Solomon focused on wisdom, knowledge, instruction, understanding, prudence, and discernment. These are the things I wanted to remember to daily ask God for as I studied His Word and desired to apply it to my life.

With a little manipulation, I came up with:
            Knowledge
            Understanding
            Prudence (and Purity)
            Discernment (and Discretion and Decision-making)
            Instruction (and Insight)
           Wisdom

I continue to use this memory aid today. For me, it’s asking God for a daily, heavenly ‘Cup of Dew.’ I realize it’s not a perfect letter match, but it works for me. (If you create your own mnemonic acronym, I’d love to hear it!)

“For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

I encourage you to search out godly knowledge, wisdom, instruction, and the rest found in the Word of God. You’ll be surprised how this ancient text will speak into your daily circumstances. Really, take a sip.

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Bedtime Thoughts

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Arrow

One of my favorite childhood picture books was Dr. Seuss’ One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. It concludes with a cozy scene. “And now good night. It is time to sleep. So we will sleep with our pet Zeep. Today is gone. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. Every day, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” Of course, the illustration is complete with smiling, sleeping children.

What about us? When our head finally lands on our pillow, can we take a deep breath and close our eyes with a smile? Do we recount the blessings of the day? Recall the things we are thankful for? Surrender our worries and burdens to the One capable of carrying them through the night? If we awaken in the wee hours, can we again let go and ignore the fears that fight to haunt us or prod us into consciousness?

Psalm 63:6-7 says, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” Here’s another favorite: “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

These verses remind us to remember our God. We are in His loving care as He is near and ready to help. For that we may even sing to Him, perhaps not aloud if someone is sleeping nearby, but we can sing to Him in our hearts. Recalling worship songs or encouraging Scriptures helps put our mind at rest. We may even imagine the Lord singing a symphonized lullaby over us so we can sleep soundly with a smile.

May the Lord bless your rest.

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When Friends Betray

Posted on August 4, 2021 by Arrow

Friendships. They grace our lives with love, encouragement, and commitment. Friends come alongside us on our journey and share our victories and failures. They cheer us on and perhaps admonish us as needed. The one with a faithful friend is truly blessed.

Other times, friendships are hurtful and disappointing. Listen to King David as he cries out to God over the loss and betrayal of his friends. “Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress . . . Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends—those who see me on the street flee from me. For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life” (Psalm 31:9, 11, 13).

In the same chapter, we find who David chooses to trust. “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God’” and “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (Ps. 31:14, 5).

I’m sure you recognize that last phrase. Jesus chose to echo those words of David as He hung on the cross. Jesus likewise had experienced the betrayal and abandonment of His closest friends, His disciples.

In the midst of their suffering, David and Jesus knew the One to turn to, the One who would never leave, who would never betray, who they could depend on, and who would always love them no matter what. Their Heavenly Father, the Almighty God, and Faithful Friend.

We can turn to that same One.

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The Next Gen in Danger?

Posted on July 28, 2021 by Arrow

Let’s step back in time …  
The nation of Israel had been freed from slavery in Egypt, had completed their ‘wandering’ in the desert, and had conquered the nations who had previously inhabited their Promised Land. With God’s help, each tribe took possession of its inheritance and the people served the Lord throughout their lifetime. Sounds great, right? 

However, just three verses later, we are told, “Eventually that entire generation died and was buried. Then another generation grew up that didn’t know anything of GOD or the work he had done for Israel. The People of Israel did evil in GOD’s sight; … they deserted GOD, the God of their parents.” (Judges 2:10-12).

Wait! How could they not have heard about how God had protected the Israelites during the ten plagues and how God had provided during their 40 years of travels in the desert? How could they not have been impacted by the defeat at Jericho and other battles where God clearly intervened and brought victory?

Step back to today … How are we doing?
Are we sharing with the next generations how God is working in our life, how He has met our needs, opened doors, and answered prayers? Testifying about God’s goodness and sharing the teachings of Jesus should be a natural part of our conversations.

After Israel received the Ten Commandments, they were instructed, “Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

It is our responsibility to inform the next generation and if we live long enough, the next and the next. Besides our testimony and teachings from God’s Word, resources abound to help us with this assignment.

(The following information describes rhyming picture books written by this author, Teresa Joyelle Krager, and inspired by God’s Word.)

Before Your Birth Day (2020) celebrates life and traces the amazing development of preborn babies, a great gift for the expectant mom or for that child with a sibling on the way.
Adam Plus One (2021) portrays God’s incredible creation story and Adam’s search for a compatible companion.
Books can be purchased by contacting the author through her website: http://teresakrager.com. (See Contact under Menu.)

May you be inspired to encourage the next gen!

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I Need You, Lord!

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Arrow

Ever have one of those days? Recently, I turned to Phil Wickham’s “Battle Belongs” song for encouragement. In it, I found truth and hope because its message is grounded in Scripture. Let’s face it, I needed the Lord. I began to wonder if there is ever a time I don’t need Him and quickly concluded with a resounding NO!

I began reviewing my “Help Me, God” prayers:
Help me know what to say and do.
Help me know how to love, forgive, and reach out.
Help me know how and when to respond.
Help me be safe.
Help me understand and have wisdom.
Help me know how to give and how to spend.
Help me know when to ask questions and when to be still.
Help me feel better physically and emotionally.
Help me grow spiritually.
Help me be brave, strong, and courageous.
Help me know what to write and what to do with it.
Help me do Your will.
Help me … because You are the answer to all I need!

I recalled the chorus from the old hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour”:
I need Thee;
O, I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee.

Hebrew 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

God is near. God is listening. He’s only a prayer away and promises to help us in our time of need. Wow, I think that’s all we need.

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Raise the Bar

Posted on July 14, 2021 by Arrow

The 2021 Olympics are looming! Between July 23 and August 8, we will be awed by new world records, stories of overcomers, and testimonies of perseverance. We will watch and cheer wildly as athletes compete and attempt the ‘never been done before.’

Jesus exemplified that ‘never been done before’ in that He lived the perfect life, never giving in to the temptation of sin. Even His enemies admitted that Jesus was a “man of integrity.”

According to Siri, integrity is “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” If we think about it, we hope that everyone we deal with, whether a banker or babysitter, mechanic or mail carrier, friend or family member, is a person of integrity.

In the book of Proverbs, righteousness and integrity seem to go hand in hand. “The integrity of the upright guides them” (11:3) and “Righteousness guards the man of integrity” (13:6).

God has set the bar high for believers. We are to be people of integrity and righteousness. The Apostle Paul wrote, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Paul goes on in Ephesians 4 to give examples of righteousness. Speak truthfully and with wholesomeness, deal with anger issues, don’t steal, share with the needy, and get rid of bitterness, rage, brawling, slander, and malice. Instead, be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

Looks like we have plenty to work on. May we aim high and with the help of Jesus, begin acting a little more like Jesus. May we practice and persevere.

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Who Qualifies?

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Arrow

The 2021 Summer Olympics are looming and nations around the world are deciding who qualifies to participate in this elite event.

I got to thinking … if I were to compete in the Olympics, what sport would I pursue? I did a little gymnastics in junior high, ran some track in high school, and participated in football when college dorm halls competed. (Okay, it was flag football.) Let’s face it, I could never qualify for the Olympics.

So, if this earthly quest is attained by only a few, how does one ever qualify for living in heaven for eternity? How can we be a part of the kingdom of God?

We know we are all sinners, but Jesus received the ‘perfect score.’ He lived and died without ever sinning. The best part is, when we choose to believe in Him, God sees us with Jesus’s perfect score. God actually sees us as righteous! “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:22-23).

All are welcome and encouraged to join God’s team. All qualify as righteous just by believing in Jesus. The Apostle Paul continues, “That if you confess with our mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

We do not ‘qualify’ by anything we do. And we are not disqualified by anything we have done. Jesus qualified and paid the debt for us all by His death on the cross. So, I pray you are already on God’s team. If not, I pray you will choose to join the winning team. Your ‘entry’ has already been paid. All you need to do to ‘qualify’ is believe. Then, I’ll meet you on the streets of gold!

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Well-Chosen Words

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Arrow

This week you are receiving my 100th “Wednesday Whisper”! My aim is to keep ‘the whisper’ brief, sending a word of encouraging Scripture with practical application and a smattering of smiles.

Focusing on the theme of brevity, I was reminded of the monumental confrontation on Mt. Carmel between the prophet Elijah and the 950 false prophets assembled by wicked King Ahab (1 Kings 18). After the false prophets cried out to their gods all day long without receiving a trace of their existence, Elijah stepped forward and prayed for God to reveal Himself.

How long do you think His prayer was? How long did it last? Two verses. That’s it. And the fire of God burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the soil, and the water that saturated it all! Wow!

Whether we are praying or sharing a word, a lot can be said in a few short comments. Sprinkles of well-chosen, spirit-led messages can bless, teach, correct, inspire, and give hope.

Perhaps that’s partly what Jesus meant when He said we should be the salt of the earth. (Note:  When our grandkids over-salted the popcorn recently, the treat was not pleasant or even edible. We all learned that sometimes a sprinkle is enough.)

The Apostle Paul also reminds us, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). Like planting a few small seeds or sprinkling water on wilting plants, may our well-chosen words have a powerful impact and make a difference to those around us.

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Do You See It?

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Arrow

The book of Esther is unique in that it contains no religious concepts or vocabulary. God is not named or alluded to, but does that mean He was not present?

The melodramatic, true story of Queen Esther is wrought with intrigue, justice, and humor, and God is found throughout, working behind the scenes, responsible for each ‘coincidence.’ Nothing else could explain a young Jewish girl becoming the queen of a vast Persian Empire. Or, the timing of Esther’s cousin overhearing the plot to kill the king. Or, Esther receiving special favor and pardon. Or, the scheme to annihilate all Jews in Persia completely backfiring. (You’ll have to read the short story to learn what happened to the villain and the holiday that ensued the Jews’ victory.)

Clearly, the absence of God’s name cannot be interpreted as the absence of God’s Presence. Isaiah 64:4 says, “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”

Look around. Where is God working in your life? Is He opening and/or closing doors of opportunity and protection? Do you see His favor upon you as you walk in obedience? Do you experience His guiding and providing in unique ways … just in the nick of time? 

The challenge this week is to ‘see’ His work in our life. Believe me, He is a God of action, longing to do more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

May we acknowledge and give thanks for God’s Presence and His acts on our behalf.

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