Mystery Disclosed!

Posted on September 29, 2021 by Arrow

Everyone loves a good mystery, whether we are hearing it, reading it, or watching it painstakingly unfold on the big (or small) screen. As a kid, sifting through and narrowing down the suspects, rooms, and weapons in a Clue game was always intriguing.

But, did you know that before Christ came to earth, “the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to [us], searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow”? Peter noted that “Even the angels long to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:10-12).

Paul eluded to these secrets as well writing, “the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations” (Colossians 1:26) and “the mystery hidden for long ages past” (Romans 16:25).

Praise God that now those mysteries have been disclosed! The ‘who’ is Jesus, the Son of God. The ‘place’ is Jerusalem where Jesus paid for the sins of the world and rose from the dead. The ‘time’ of His death and resurrection was 30AD, and we can read about the ‘circumstances’ in the four gospels.

We have been blessed to have all this information available 24/7 at our fingertips. It does not need to remain a mystery. It has all been spelled out. What angels and prophets longed to understand has been revealed to us, and not to just a chosen few. The good news of salvation is for all people. And ‘all’ means all, no mystery there.

May we treasure the truths we have come to know!

Posted in Devotions, Encouragement, Evangelistic Message, Salvation, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Reconciler & Ambassador

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Arrow

According to Webster, ‘reconcile’ means to make friendly again, to settle (a quarrel, etc.) or to make compatible or content. An ‘ambassador’ is an authorized representative or messenger.

As believers, we have experienced the gift of being reconciled to God. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection and our belief in that good news, we have a friendly and loving relationship with God. Our debt has been settled. Jesus’s death paid the price for our sins. We can come confidently into the presence of God without guilt or shame because God sees us holy through His Son, Jesus.

Once we are reconciled to God, we take on a new role or assignment, one of a reconciler. Paul explained to the believers in Corinth, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” and “he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

We have both a ministry and a message, a ministry to show God’s love to others and a message that shares the idea that all can become righteous because of what Jesus did. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Now that good news should not remain our secret! May we boldly go forth as ambassadors and encourage others to be reconciled to God.

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

You Are a Masterpiece

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Arrow

Recently, we stood atop Arizona’s Mogollon Rim. Before us was a spectacular view of pine-covered mountains and valleys. The smells and sounds were a far cry from the city surroundings we’d left behind.

That view, along with late night stargazing, is just a sampling of God’s handiwork. But, believe it or not, the creation of you as a human being is far superior. Only people were created to share God’s image, made in His likeness and reflecting His nature (Genesis 1:26).

Take a look in a mirror. Then, like David, speak these words to your Creator Father God:
“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day” (Psalm 139:13-16).

God created you, different from all others, yet one of His own. He has given personality, talents, and abilities unique to you that no one else can duplicate. God knows you intimately, your strengths and weakness, and He loves you.

But He’s not finished. The Apostle Paul explained, “There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears” (Philippians 1:6).

Your challenge today is to allow the Creator to continue ‘working’ in you, surrendering to the Master as He works on His masterpiece.

Looking forward to a flourishing finish!

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Motivation, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Seekers of Truth

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Arrow

Today, there are many voices to weigh and discern. Views on where to find truth and who is speaking truth are countless.

After Jesus’s arrest, He explained to the Roman governor, Pilate, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37).

Earlier in Jesus’s ministry, He taught His disciples, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

The question is, are we truth-seekers? When searching for answers to questions that deal with our eternal destination and how believers should live, I suggest we go to the Word of God, the Holy Bible.

Psalm 86:11 says, “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” At the end of verse 10, David proclaims, “(Y)ou alone are God.” King David was known as ‘a man after God’s own heart.’ He was a seeker and worshiper of the one, true God.

Pilate’s response was different. After listening to Jesus, Pilate responded with a curious, “What is truth?” In other words, he chose to ignore and disregard the truth Jesus had specifically shared. He rejected Jesus’s claims as king and Son of God.

On our journey, may we be seekers of truth and as seekers, search out and find truths clearly revealed in Scripture.

May you be blessed as you read God’s Word.

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

God’s Response to Rebellion ~ Not What You Think

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Arrow

Today my Bible reading included Psalm 78. Here’s the gist. As an instructional psalm the author gently calls the audience to listen up and remember. Remember the wonders of God, how He had worked miraculously in the lives of the Israelites even when they were stubborn and rebellious.

 “(T)hey did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his law. They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them” (Ps. 78:10-11).

What was God’s response? He divided the sea, guided them, and gave them water.

“But they continued to sin against him” (Ps. 78:17). “(F)or they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance” (Ps. 78:22).

God’s response: He sent bread from heaven and gave them meat.

“In spite of all this, they kept sinning” (Ps. 78:32).

God’s response: “Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities … He remembered that they were but flesh” (Ps. 78:38-39).

“Again and again they put God to the test” (Ps. 78:41).

God’s response: “He chose David his servant … to be the shepherd of his people” (Ps 78:70-71). And, God promised that from David’s offspring, He would establish the throne of His kingdom forever (2 Samuel 7:13).

Jesus came from the line of David as the final King and Shepherd. Despite all our sin and rebellion, Jesus came to love us and die for us in order for us to have an eternal relationship with Him.

How should we respond?
1) May we remember His great sacrifice, the ways He daily blesses and forgives us, and tell this good news to the next generations.
2) When we remember the wonders He has done, we can know that we can trust Him with our future.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

Posted in Devotions, Encouragement, Inspiration, Motivation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment