Why Gather?

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Arrow

To gather … or not to gather, that is the question. Or more importantly, why do believers gather at all?

In looking back at the early church, we see that Christ followers met to hear the apostles’ teaching, to have fellowship, and to eat the Lord’s Supper together, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice. We know they spent time in prayer and powerful miracles took place. Believers also came prepared to share with others who were in need. For some time, they gathered in the temple courts daily as well as met in people’s homes. The description in Acts 2:42-47 notes that the people were devoted, filled with awe, had glad and sincere hearts, praised the Lord, and enjoyed the favor of all the people. Sounds like an amazing experience!

Obviously, that occurrence cannot be entirely duplicated if one is home alone. Today, we try to do some of those things via Zoom meetings, but you must admit, it is not the same. Raising our voice in song, or hands in worship, or even whispering private praises to our King is somehow elevated to another level when done among and with others. In a group gathering, whether small or large, we have the opportunity to reach out and meet someone new, speak or receive a word of encouragement one-on-one, or perhaps connect to rejoice or grieve with others.

So, if you are able to gather corporately or in a small group, I would encourage you to do so. I also understand that for many, the risk of Covid is too great. In that case, I pray you will personally experience a blessed time with our Lord and His church via whatever means you have available. May we all take the opportunity to regularly join with other believers in praise and worship, receive and apply Biblical teaching, participate in giving, and witness God doing a mighty work in His church.

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

Crowd Influence

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Arrow

“… but everyone else … is doing it/has one/gets to …”

And the traditional response is … “If ____ jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?”

I thought about the influence of the crowd recently when studying Acts 3 and 4. The apostles Peter and John had healed a man who was unable to walk, announcing that they were healing him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (3:6). Wow, did that rile up the religious leaders! The two apostles were seized and put in jail for the night.

When the religious council met the following day, they found themselves in quite the predicament. Peter and John had done nothing illegal, but the group of rulers, elders, and teachers of the law could not bear to hear anyone proclaiming the name of Jesus. The leaders threatened the apostles to not speak any more of Jesus and then, shockingly, released them! A key influence in their decision is revealed. “They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened” (Acts 4:21b).

But wait a minute! Aren’t these the same residents of Jerusalem who just a short time prior had been persuaded by these religious leaders? Pilate had appealed to the crowd and tried to release Jesus, knowing He had been falsely accused. That time the outcome was different. “But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed” (Luke 23:23).

The voice of crowds, reporters, and social media echo in our head, demanding the action we must take, who we should support, and what we should believe. May we stop, do our diligent part in finding out the facts, and prayerfully seek discernment from the Lord.

Then we can cast educated votes! (Check your state for voter registration deadlines. Here in Arizona, the deadline is October 5th.)

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

Butting In

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Arrow

Somewhere … in the back of her mind, she vaguely recalled there was a plan, but now that plan seemed absolutely inappropriate and impossible! What difference would it make if she had an idea to make her dream and God’s promise come true now? Well … sort of. With a little finagling, she could make it happen.

Sarah thought she had it all figured out. God had promised her and Abraham a child, but now at age 75/76, it apparently was time for her to intervene. Surely, God had forgotten His promise or they had misunderstood what He meant. God must need her help!

Many times, we have the same attitude. We think we know better than God, that His timing and way of doing things are wrong. We demand our way, interfering to control people and/or circumstances to change an outcome, timing, or both. Personally, I have found that butting in usually backfires in my face. Like Sarah, we make the situation worse and must suffer consequences.

Sarah’s answer was to give her maidservant to her husband Abraham (an ancient custom). Her foolish intervention would be a source of hostility for all generations once Sarah gave birth to her own promised son, Isaac, at age 90. (Genesis 16:1-18:15; 21:1-21)

Thank God for His mercy, grace, and forgiveness when we foolishly butt in. BUT may we learn from Sarah’s mistake and patiently wait on the Lord, surrender to His plan, and trust that He knows best and is working even when we are unaware.

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

Posted in Devotions, Encouragement, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

No Fair!

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Arrow

Parental favoritism, sibling conflict and jealousy, rejection and betrayal by family members, false accusations and imprisonment, forgotten by friends, and faced with the challenge of world hunger. Poor Joseph! These were completely unfair and easily overwhelming situations that he was confronted with. (His story is recorded in Genesis 37, 39-47.)

So, what was God doing during Joseph’s turmoil? As a slave in Egypt, we find “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered … When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes” (Gen. 39:2-4a). While in prison, “the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden” (Gen 39:21). God also gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams, which came in handy when Pharaoh had disturbing ones. Pharaoh noted that Joseph had the spirit of God, discernment, and wisdom, and therefore, put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Joseph, with the Lord’s help, was able to plan and prepare for the predicted famine. And, he eventually provided for his own family who had betrayed him.

Adversity, struggles, and suffering truly test our faith. Waiting for the Lord to intervene on our behalf is difficult at best. While this part of Joseph’s life is described in a few short chapters, it actually covers thirteen years as a slave and prisoner with God by his side working out the details, providing, and blessing in the midst of unfair treatment. If Joseph can do it, we can too, for we remember that “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more” (Psalm 10:17-18).

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

Three Words for Everyone

Posted on September 2, 2020 by Arrow

A really amazing thing about the Bible is that you can find yourself in there. The Old Testament stories provide examples we can follow or avoid. The Psalms are heart expressions that often relate what we are feeling or experiencing. Proverbs give advice that might be just what we need in a particular decision or situation.

And when we read of Jesus’ interactions with people during His short time here on earth as the physical incarnation of God, we see His heart and ways on display, teaching us what God is really like. There are many examples in the Gospels of Him teaching, healing, delivering from spiritual darkness, encouraging, and overall just genuinely caring for people. People just like us, with issues very similar to ours.

One thing we notice, however, is that He did not force Himself on anyone. Jesus helped those who came to Him or were brought to Him. Notice what He says in John 6:37. “The one who comes to me I will never drive away (or cast out)”. He accepts and helps us when we come, and does not add a list of pre-qualifications or requirements. So, wherever we are today, doing well or not too great, whatever we are wrestling with, whether we are coming to Him for help the first time or after many times, or coming back to Him after whatever, Jesus has three words for us: “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28a).  He won’t turn us away.

(Special thanks to my husband for writing today’s “Wednesday Whisper.”)

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

Respond with Kindness

Posted on August 26, 2020 by Arrow

When driving down the freeway last week, an aggressive, apparently angry driver zoomed around me, braked in front of me, then, continued to slow far below the speed limit. When I changed lanes to pass him, he sped up to prevent me. I decided then, I was not about to play his ‘game.’

Our responses matter. Life is not a game with a goal to ‘beat’ our ‘opponent.’ Believers answer to a higher calling. The apostle Paul wrote, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Pride and egos need set aside. Our response may require us to simply bow out of an antagonistic situation or humbly answer with a word of kindness. “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24) whether driving, sharing on social media, or conversing in public or our own home. Instead of answering ‘in kind,’ may we respond with kindness.

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged | 2 Comments

An Offering of Praise

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Arrow

Almighty
Breath of life
Counselor
my Delight
Everlasting
Father
Glorious light
He is Holy
Invisible
Jehovah
our King
Lord of lords
Mighty One
Name above all things
One and Only
Prince of Peace
Quiet
Redeemer
Son of God, Savior of the world
Truth to all believers
Unchangeable
Victorious
Wonderful way
eXalted
Yahweh
Zealous for His name

May we daily bring an offering of praise to honor, glorify, and magnify our Lord, our Creator, our Savior … because life is NOT ‘all about me.’
Praise hands“(T)o the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” (Jude 25).

Posted in Blog, Devotions, Encouragement, Song Lyrics | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Friends Forever

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Arrow

Last night as I lay down to sleep, I was suddenly struck with the sadness of a changing relationship. My illustrator whom I had become very close with was now moving on to her next project and so was I. A picture book by Cori Doerrfeld quickly came to mind called Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend! It reminded me that saying ‘good-bye’ to one person or thing meant saying ‘hello’ to someone or something else.

I was also encouraged in that since my illustrator friend is a sister in Christ, I know we will always have a special connection. We may not share or chat on a regular basis anymore, but the bond we have will remain.

Friendships are treasures to be cherished. Consider taking time today to thank God for your friends or perhaps check in on a friend. Scripture says this about friends: “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel. Do not forsake your friend…” (Proverbs 27:9-10a).

Yes, friendships may change but that does not mean they end. I imagine many friendships will be renewed and strengthened in heaven and there will be endless opportunities for new ‘hellos!’ This week, while we are out and about, let’s smile and be pleasant (even with a mask). Who knows? It may lead to a new friendship.

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

Mission: Possible

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Arrow

“Your mission, Dan/Jim, should you choose to accept it …
As always, should you … be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape/disc will self-destruct in five/ten seconds. Good luck.” Ha! If these missions had been ignored, there would not have been a TV or movie series.

The amazing thing is, God has also given each of His children a mission. Before Jesus’ arrest, He prayed for His followers saying, “In the same way you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world” (John 17:18). And similar to Mr. Phelps (or Dan or Jim), we decide whether to take on our assignment.

Our broad mission of sharing God’s love and plan of salvation can be accomplished in a plethora of ways. For me, I try to encourage you in your walk with Jesus in the “Wednesday Whisper.” Another part of my ‘mission’ includes writing for children. I feel especially blessed to share with you that my debut picture book, Before Your Birth Day, has just been released!

Now it’s your turn. What is your passion? What are your gifts and talents? How could God blend those with your willing spirit to help accomplish the mission He’s assigned you? Listen to where He is calling you. Step into the light He is shining in front of you. Most of the people in the Bible could not have guessed the future God had in store when they stepped forward in faith and said yes. When “all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27b), there is no ‘Mission: Impossible.’

MARKETINGBeforeYourBirthDayRGB72

Graced with delicate illustrations, Before Your Birth Day is a rhyming celebration of life that traces the miraculous development of preborn babies from conception to birth. It is a perfect gift for moms-to-be or for those with a sibling on the way.
Now available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649490119/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_5XHkFb5G3M6FT

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Inspiration, Life Purpose, Motivation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

To Speak or Not To Speak

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Arrow

As an aspiring author, I thought it would be ideal to remain anonymous and use a cool pseudonym. After attending a writers’ conference, I learned publishers were not so keen on that idea. Apparently, they want as many people as possible to know the author’s name, and having an online presence, including social media, was where the author should start.

Adult at ComputerNow that I’ve entered the once frightening Facebook world, I’ve found I need an extra dose of wisdom to know when to speak and when to keep silent. Many ‘behind-the-screen’ commenters quickly turn vicious and combative, especially when we take a stand for godly principles. Hmm … what to do?

By watching Jesus in the gospels, we observe remarkable self-control. He was able to remain still or respond calmly to insults, snide questions, and false accusations. Other times He returned a brutal volley with an appropriate, strong rebuke, setting the record straight.

Our dilemma is knowing when to speak, and if we do, what to say. We need discernment and wisdom that only come from the Lord. We must pause, being cautious not to spew a knee-jerk reaction. We need to pray, taking time to listen with an open heart. And then, if led to respond, do so with a respectful tone.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” … “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b). “The (person) of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a (person) of understanding is even-tempered” (Proverbs 17:27). So, as we continue to ‘socialize’ online, may our mouths speak, or our fingers type, messages that are pleasing to the Lord or not ‘say’ anything at all.

Finally, to those of you who follow me on my anonymous blog at www.pointingtheway.live, “Surprise! I am Teresa J. Krager. 😉 It’s nice to finally meet/greet you! If you wish to learn more about me, visit www.teresakrager.com.

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Motivation, Self-Improvement | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment