Manna Mañana

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Arrow

Join me for a moment in imagining God’s ‘To Do List’ in about 1446 B.C. when He heard Israel crying out to Him from Egypt:

  • Call Moses to lead Israel.
  • Send 10 plagues to show Pharaoh I am God.
  • Free Israelites from slavery.
  • Allow Israel to cross the Red Sea on dry ground.
  • Annihilate Egyptian army.
  • Lead Israel to shade and water in the desert.

Now mentally check off every item because God completed each one. Why, then, were the Israelites grumbling again, this time about food? Did they really think God would overlook the fact that His children would need nourishment in the desert?

I’m ashamed to admit we have the same short-sightedness or memory loss or lack of faith today. We Americans just celebrated Thanksgiving, where hopefully we took the time to recall and thank God for His many blessings, but have we already jumped back on the grumbling track?

Exodus records, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions’” (Exodus 16:4). God has not changed. The template remains the same. God provides for us in His way, in His time. We are expected to listen, follow His instructions, and trust He will provide.

If God provided manna (bread from heaven) for more than two million people for 40 years in a desert, we can trust He will meet our needs for each mañana (tomorrow).

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Thank You, Father

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Arrow

For all the air we breathe today,
For love no one can measure,
Wisdom in Your whispers, Lord,
Your word, our greatest treasure.

For strength and inspiration,
Open doors and guiding light,
For keeping all Your promises
To make all wrong things right.

For being near, for calming fear,
Your Presence by our side,
Mighty Warrior and Defender,
In Your arms, we’re safe to hide.

For You are our Provider,
Friend and Savior, Truth and Way,
We thank You, thank You, Father
For the blessings of each day!

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” ~ Colossians 4:2

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Beyond Belief

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Arrow

I believe in wearing deodorant, a seatbelt, and my wedding band. I feel these items benefit me and, in some cases, those around me. But, in these instances, if I don’t actually DO these things, my belief is irrelevant.

Many people say they believe Jesus is the Son of God. They have heard promises in Scripture like John 3:16 that says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” True, those who believe are saved. But when we stop at this entry level of faith, we miss out on the greater blessings God is yearning to pour into our lives.

Jesus’ half-brother, James, encouraged and perhaps shocked believers with this: “I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (James 2:18b-19). He emphasized that faith includes action. Paul described it this way, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6b).

So for those of us who do believe Jesus is the Son of God, may we seek the Lord today and follow His lead in where to step forward … beyond belief.

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Fighting Back

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Arrow

Ugh! My mind was awhirl. I awoke way to early, hit with a reminder of one of the previous day’s failures, something I should not have said, or should have said or done differently, followed by a full-blown attack with me as the punching bag.

When this happens, we can evaluate what is true and decide what to do differently in the future, including whether an apology is needed. But, when our mind continues to hit the ‘replay’ button, we need to move from defense to offense!

Reading or quoting Scripture against our enemy is powerful. It was the weapon Jesus used when tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Other times we find victory in reminding the enemy who he is talking to. Hit it!

Because I am a child of the King,
I am saved.                (Acts 4:12)
I am forgiven.            (Acts 13:38)
I am justified.             (Acts 13:39)
I am a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am righteous.          (2 Corinthians 5:21)
I am redeemed.         (Titus 2:14)
I am called.                (Romans 8:28)
I am adopted.            (Ephesians 1:5)
I am known.              (1 Corinthians 8:3)
I am His.                     (Psalm 100:3)
I am blessed.             (Revelation 1:3)
I am heaven-bound. (2 Peter 3:13)
I am chosen.             (Colossians 3:12)
I am holy.                   (Colossians 3:12)
I am dearly loved … (Colossians 3:12)
By the great I AM!

“Fight the good fight”! (1 Timothy 6:12)

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Neighborly

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Arrow

When driving through my neighborhood this last month, I couldn’t help but notice the political signs dotting many front yards. (The same is probably true of your area.) While we do have the opportunity to vote in America, we do not have a choice of whom to love.

Jesus clearly taught, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). He expounded on this teaching with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), demonstrating that everyone is our neighbor. The following categories should not factor into who we show God’s love to:  political preference, race, nationality, economic status, address, their employer or employment status, popularity, the make of their car, or the brand name or style of their clothes. This list could laboriously go on and on, but you get the point.

Let’s make a conscious effort to love all people without favoritism or discrimination and offer a helping hand to those God puts on our path.

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Spur On

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Arrow

This verse from Hebrews came to mind this week:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (10:24).

I decided to query my horse-loving, horse-owner/rider friend about the role of spurs. She explained that spurs are used to encourage the horse, to move it forward, or in another direction, or with more intensity. She described spurs as an extension of a rider’s legs that are used as an aid in training. She also warned they should be used appropriately. According to Webster, the verb form of spur means to urge or incite.

When we apply this to our Bible verse, I imagine believers giving each other that extra ‘nudge’ in the ribs or word of encouragement, a reminder to continue demonstrating acts of kindness and love. Instead of becoming complacent in our current form of ‘quarantine,’ may we contemplate how we can reach out, step out, text out, and look out beyond our own tiny world and spur on that friend, family member, neighbor, or fellow believer by sharing a word of encouragement or act or love.

Consider yourself nudged.

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Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Arrow

What time is it anyway? It is always time for something! Time to get up or go to bed. Time to go to work, school, or church. Time to begin a project or end a vacation. Time to plant or harvest. Time to milk the cows or collect the eggs. And, depending on where you live, it may be time to see evidence of changing seasons.

Long ago, the prophet Hosea warned the rebellious nation of Israel what time it was. He begged the people to return to righteous living, be productive, and repent of their wicked ways. He encouraged them to make a radical change and restore social justice, loyalty, and mercy in the land. So, what time was it? The key words of Hosea 10:12 say, “It (was) time to seek the LORD.”

That says it all. If only Israel would have listened and responded with obedience, God would have poured out His rich blessings upon that nation. Instead, Israel was invaded by Assyria. Many lost their lives while several thousands of others were deported and made servants.

Now is the time for us all to seek the Lord, to seek Him above self and receive His blessing. Whether we confess our sins or the sins of our nation, whether we repent and/or seek God’s guidance in our daily lives, proclaim Him as our Savior, or all of the above, let’s take the time … let’s make time … to … seek … the … Lord.

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No Footprints

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Arrow

Couples walking hand in hand, joggers getting in their daily run, and children racing the waves back and forth, all leaving footprints on the shore. Muddy footprints mark a rainy day and the footprints of grandkids running through wet grass dot the sidewalk. The presence of others leaves a sign.

When God’s people were fleeing Egypt, they appeared trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. They cried out in despair. Moses reassured them, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). As Moses stretched out his hand, the sea was driven back with a strong wind and the people of God walked across dry ground all night between two walls of water. God’s presence was undeniable.

“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen” (Psalm 77:19).

God’s presence remains real today. If you watch carefully, you will observe Him opening doors and defending His children. He is interceding and answering cries for help all over the world. He powerfully brings healing and meets financial needs. He works in intricate details against insurmountable odds, helping the helpless and hopeless. He has left no footprints since His resurrection, but His Presence is ever present. Hear His whisper. Let Him soften and heal your heart. Turn to Him. He is right beside you!

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Things Above

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Arrow

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” Colossians 3:2.

Things above? You mean like cirrus clouds, draping power lines, and planes leaving white trails across the blue sky?

No. Things above, as in the things of God. His glory, goodness, and grace. His majesty, mercy, and might. His promises, patience, and power. His faithfulness, forgiveness, and friendship.

Spend a few minutes focused on these amazing character traits of God. Close your eyes and let your mind take you beyond what you see, hear, and feel. Let your imaginings revel in the greater, the deeper, the wider and higher. Bask in the things above.

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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.

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