Watch Your Step!

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Arrow

I enjoy a little hiking, but if you know me, you know I don’t want the path to be too rugged, too steep, or too long. Can anyone relate?

On one trail that tended to remain muddy after rain or snow, we found stepping stones strategically placed to help the next trekker. (Not as meticulously as the photo below, but you get the point.)

It reminded me of God’s help on my life path. If I carefully followed the steps in front of me, I would stay out of the muddy wetland and remain dry. If not … yuck!

Scripture teaches that God desires to provide daily direction and encourages us to stay on “paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3). He longs to lead us on the best paths, those that are “straight,” “level,” and “firm” (Proverbs 4:11, 26).

When I read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105), I imagine the lamp as something that shines close by, on just the very next step. And, it’s up to us whether we will take that step. When we venture off on our own, we typically find a dead end or dangerous or painful consequences.

When we seek God, He is faithful to lead us back to the right path. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

May we not be too proud to ask for directions.

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I AM

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Arrow

What’s in a name? Expectant parents spend hours laboring over a name for their child. They may research the meaning and background of names as well as who has shared the name. A name is important in that it may point to one’s character or personality.

When Moses asked God His name, God replied, “This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:14).

I AM echoes with supreme authority, absolute power, and unequivocal truth. I AM is eternal and immeasurable, beyond our ability to comprehend.

I AM breaks the barriers of time. It portrays God as present in every millennia. I AM is always in the state of ‘being.’ God always was, is, and will be.

After Jesus was arrested, the high priest questioned Him. “‘Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?’ ‘I am,’ said Jesus. ‘And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven’” (Mark 14:61-62).

Not only was Jesus the Son of God, He was claiming to be God Himself, God in flesh. He proved His claim by fulfilling every prophecy recorded in Scripture, many having been spoken hundreds of years in advance. Jesus demonstrated He was God by the miracles, signs, and wonders He performed and by defeating death by His ultimate resurrection.

I pray that when you face the great I AM and if He asks you if you are a believer in His Son, that you will be able to honestly and joyously reply, “I am.”

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Surprised by Satan

Posted on February 2, 2022 by Arrow

All seemed to be going well. Then, something caught your eye. It had your attention and soon, your full-blown focus. As you approached, it drew you closer. And, before you knew it, wham! You were caught. Trapped.

At first glance, it appeared harmless or you justified it as so, but in your heart, you knew it was Temptation. Surprised by Satan’s scheme, you never guessed how deep it could drag you down and how far off your path you’d wander. You’d let down your guard and fallen into sin.

God warns us about Satan’s character and his deceitful tactics:
“Do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27).
“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8b).
“When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44c).

God also provides us an offensive plan:
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11).
Therefore, “Be self-controlled and alert” (1 Peter 5:8a) and focus instead on “him who is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 24). That is, keep your eyes on Jesus.

Just when you think you’re safe, just when you least expect it, that attractive bait will catch your eye. Only this time, you can be ready. Remember, the lure is a lie. Be alert so as not to be surprised. Identify it for what it is, a trap of Satan. Resist, flee, and be victorious.

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory! (1 Corinthians 15:57)

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Huddle Up

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Arrow

Football fans understand the importance of the huddle. There, players receive the plan, check strategies, and hear the next step to take to reach the goal. It’s where they receive insight, direction, and encouragement and are expected to give their best.

Hey, that sounds very similar to what we do when we draw near to God. In our mind, we step in close to listen so as not to miss ‘the call’ as the world is screaming its agenda. Much of the time, we are silent. Sometimes, we ask questions … and then, listen some more … or take time to read the ‘playbook’ (God’s Word).

Your small godly huddle is also a time to ‘catch your breath’ between ‘plays.’ There, you receive God’s direction, correction, and encouragement. At times, He may give you a slap on the back or a slap on the hand. Depending on the situation, He may cheer you on, dry your tears, or surround you with comfort and peace.

Without a routine ‘huddle,’ we miss out on offensive and defensive strategies, insights we need in order to succeed. We fumble and fail to mature, go the wrong direction, and don’t focus on our goal of living Christ-like.

Like football players, we experience the best outcome when we follow the given plan. Blessings are ‘scored’ and the ‘Coach’ and ‘teammates’ rejoice with us when we walk in obedience, giving our all.

“You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence” (Acts 2:28). “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Take time for the huddle.

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Who Me? Couldn’t Be!

Posted on January 19, 2022 by Arrow

Remember when your teacher called on you, and your hand wasn’t even raised? It felt like a dirty trick, especially when others around you were clearly volunteering!

Seems like a similar thing happened to Moses when God spoke to him from a bush that was on fire but not burning up.

God’s message to His newly chosen leader was (1) I have seen the misery of My people, (2) I have heard them crying out, (3) I am concerned about their suffering, and (4) I have come down to rescue them out of that land. (Exodus 3:7-8)

Finally, God was going to rescue the Israelites out of their Egyptian captivity. It sounded like a great plan to Moses … until he heard the rest of God’s message. “So now, go. I am sending you” (Exodus 3:10). Wait. What?

Moses’s excuses began. But, I didn’t raise my hand! Who am I? What if they ask me questions I can’t answer? What if they don’t believe me or listen to me? I don’t speak well! I’m not qualified. And finally, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it” (Exodus 4:13).

God met Moses where he was. He promised Moses He would be with him. He gave Moses miraculous signs to show the Egyptians. God even sent Moses’s brother along as his mouthpiece. Moses accomplished the work God assigned and Israel successfully left Egypt for the Promised Land.

God has a work for us as well, whether our hand is raised or not. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Know that God will be with us and will help us with whatever He has in mind.

Who me? Yes, you … and me. May we watch and listen for God’s calling and surrender to what He calls us to do.

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Seasons of Waiting

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Arrow

I may have told you this before, but I love fishing! I always have hope that the next cast will bring in a fish. A typical fishing day consists of casting and waiting. While waiting for that illusive fish, I nap, snack, read, practice memory verses, snack, pray, work in a puzzle book, and eat lunch.

Life is filled with ‘seasons of waiting.’ Look at the prophet, Elijah. He was sent to Israel’s wicked King Ahab to announce that for the next few years there would be no rain. Then, God sent him to a brook to avoid Ahab’s vengeance. Elijah went as told and God commandeered ravens to bring Elijah food.

Then, Elijah waited. Probably for about three years. He waited for God to provide his daily food and water, waited for God to protect him, and waited for a signal that God had something else for him to do.

But in that waiting, God was working. God knew that Elijah would soon go to minister to a widow and her son outside of Israel and after that, confront hundreds of false prophets on Mt. Carmel. God used that time to prepare Elijah for his future work or calling.

God uses our ‘seasons of waiting’ to prepare us as well. That time is not wasted. Instead, it is an opportunity to learn, grow in our faith, and be transformed so we are ready for the next work God has for us. In other words, keep casting and do not give up hope.

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:13-14).

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Experiencing the ‘God Who Sees Me’

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Arrow

Hagar was an Egyptian maidservant, the property of Abraham and Sarah. When Sarah requested that Hagar sleep with her husband, Abraham, in order to create an heir, we assume that put Hagar in a fairly awkward situation. But actually, in the ancient Middle Eastern culture of that day, it would have been predictable, especially since 75-year-old Sarah was childless.

We also imagine that once Hagar was pregnant, everyone was pleased, but young Hagar began to despise her mistress. And Sarah paid the price for intervening in God’s plan and using a surrogate mother. She was angry with Abraham and possibly humiliated by Hagar’s pride. Sarah’s frustration led her to treat her maidservant so harshly that Hagar ran away.

Hagar fled into the wilderness, pregnant and without a plan. That’s when God stepped in. The angel of the LORD met her and spoke practical guidance, a word of prophecy, and comforting encouragement.

Hagar was reassured that God heard her cries and “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me’” (Genesis 16:13).

And God sees us . . . wherever we are, whatever trouble we have gotten ourselves into, whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, whether as result of our own doing or not. God is aware of every unfair situation, every injustice, every unkind act, and every wrong done to us. God sees.

May we go forward in faith, trusting God sees all.

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Wise Men Still Seek Him

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Arrow

Did you notice the three ‘Wise Men’ or ‘Magi’ at Christmas? Even though popular art often includes them in the manger scene with baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, they actually didn’t show up till about one to two years later. And, they weren’t kings. And, we don’t know how many came.

What we do know is they studied the stars, and upon learning the king of the Jews had been born, they took action. Costly action. They planned, financially supported, and made the journey of about 900 miles, if from Babylon. Traveling to Jerusalem, they expected King Herod to be aware of the momentous event of Jesus’ birth and know His whereabouts. When he didn’t, they were overjoyed to again see and follow His star.

But what was the purpose of their trip? “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). The magi worshiped Jesus, paying Him honor and offering Him their finest gifts.

For the coming New Year, may we consider how we too can worship this king of Kings. The great thing is, we don’t have to search for Him. He is always near.

What time and gifts can we offer? What sacrifices can we make? How can we bring Him glory and honor? May we acknowledge who He is and give Him our best for He alone is worthy, Christ the LORD ~ the Messiah of the Jews and the Savior of the world!

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Delivered on Christmas

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Arrow

What special gifts do you think you will receive this Christmas? What will be inside those packages wrapped in holiday paper, topped with ribbons and bows, or gracefully placed in a gift bag gushing with tissue paper?

In one of Jesus’ recorded prayers, He states repeatedly what God sent us on Christmas … or rather who.

  • Referring to His disciples, Jesus said, “and they have believed that You (Father) sent Me” (John 17:8).
  • Praying to the Father, Jesus said, “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:18).
  • Jesus continued, “… that the world may believe that You sent Me” and “that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:21, 23).

What I have omitted so far is the opening lines of Jesus’ prayer where He reveals the power punch of receiving the One delivered to all the world on Christmas, the gift of eternal life. “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

Simply put, God sent His best, His Son, God in human skin. When we believe that fact and receive this incomprehensible gift, we are promised eternal life with Him.

My prayer is that you have received Jesus, the Son of God, delivered to you on that first Christmas.

May your Christmas be blessed!

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Unseen

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Arrow

In Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, He provided instructions for Christian living. Jesus used the religious leaders of that day as an example of how not to act.

When giving to the needy, these leaders, or Pharisees, would announce their gift at the synagogues with trumpets. When praying, they loved to stand in the synagogues and street corners and babble on and on. When fasting, they would put ashes on their head and look somber, making their sacrifice obvious to all. The world was their stage and their performance made for a good theatrical production, but God knew each hypocritical heart.

Instead, Jesus taught to give in secret, that there is a time to pray privately with simplicity, and that we should fast so as not to be outwardly noticeable. He added, “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). Jesus honored those who served in an unseen manner.

I found it noteworthy that many times Jesus also referred to the Father as unseen. Think about it. When the sun rises, God doesn’t accompany it with angelic applause or announce it with, “Look at My amazing power, children!” He is usually quietly working behind the scenes. In fact, many times we have to make an effort to look for evidence of His Presence.

Perhaps during this season, we can be more aware of His unseen Presence among us as well as include an anonymous gift on our Christmas list.

May we give, pray, and fast in an unseen manner for an audience of One, knowing that the God who is unseen surely sees all.

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