Massive Problem   

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Arrow

Setting: The reign of Hezekiah (715-686 BC), king of Judah, who did “right in the eyes of the LORD”.

Massive Problem: Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah (2 Kings 18:13).

1st Attempt to Solve Problem: Hezekiah paid the silver and gold Sennacherib demanded (2 Kings 18:14-16).

Result: The Assyrian army advanced to Jerusalem.

2nd Attempt to Solve Problem: Hezekiah sent for advice from the prophet Isaiah.

Result: Encouragement from Isaiah: “Do not be afraid of what you have heard . . . Listen! I am going to put such a spirit in [Sennacherib] that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword” (2 Kings 19:6-7).

Result: More threats from Sennacherib.

3rd Attempt to Solve Problem: “[Hezekiah] went up to the temple of the LORD and spread [the letter] out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD” (2 King 19: 14-15a).

Result: Isaiah messaged Hezekiah that God would defend and save the city. “That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp” causing Sennacherib to withdraw and return home (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Wow, talk about an answer bigger than we could hope or imagine! That’s how our God works!

So many lessons to learn from Hezekiah. When we are feeling overwhelmed, we can turn to God and His Word to find encouragement. And God is attentive to our prayers when we lay it all out before Him, even when our problem seems massive.

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Hear God speak: “I am the LORD, the God of all people. Nothing is too difficult for me” (Jeremiah 32:27 GNT).

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Mounting Frustration

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Arrow

Have you ever just had it with people who continue to make wrong choices? You know the outcome of their decisions is not going to be pretty. You may hint at or perhaps even flat out warn them, but their mind is set. (And inside, we know that we have been that same source of frustration to others.)

Today, as I vented my frustration with others to the Lord, I recalled that Jesus could relate. Let’s review a few of His experiences.

  • Jesus became frustrated over the slow learning curve of His disciples. As He taught and demonstrated servanthood, they argued over who among them was the greatest! (Luke 22:24)
  • At one point, Peter outright disagreed with Jesus in which Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23).
  • Jesus was surely frustrated again when Peter refused to heed the warning that he would deny Jesus three times the evening of Jesus’ arrest (Matthew 26:34-35).
  • The Pharisees and teachers of the law were another source of constant frustration for Jesus. With hardened hearts and closed minds, they refused to accept His teachings or even His miracles as from God. Jesus finally responded, calling them “blind” and “hypocrites”, “like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones” (Matthew 23:26-27).
  • Jesus physically demonstrated His frustration when He zealously turned over tables and scattered swindlers taking advantage of pilgrims visiting His Father’s temple (Matthew 21:12-13).

All that to say, yes, Jesus understands when we come to Him with our frustrations. May He be our source of peace, comfort, and wisdom in each situation.

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Sticks and Stones

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Arrow

Sticks can be used to build a fire. Stones can be used to construct a wall or building. But “sticks and stones” together take on a whole new meaning. Rather than building something helpful or constructive, they typically refer to hurtful words and attitudes that tear us down.

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Everyone has experienced a jab or unkind word and been confronted with someone with a bad attitude. The challenge is getting out of a funk after you’ve been hurt.

Sometimes music or a change of scenery helps. Other times, it feels good to vent about the painful experience. Sharing with a safe friend or journaling can also ease the blues. Some people create actual blues (music) or dump their emotions through songwriting.

That’s what King David of the Old Testament did. He authored many psalms discharging emotions like frustration, fear, guilt, and anger as well as psalms filled with rejoicing, praise, and thankfulness.

Let’s look at a few Scriptures that may help with hurt feelings:

  • Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”I imagine God holding my broken heart in His healing hands and being comforted, knowing He is close by, aware of what’s happened.
  • Isaiah 41:10, a personal favorite, also reminds us of God’s nearness. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • The verse just before this reassures that no matter how we feel, God does not reject us. “I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you” (Isaiah 41:9b).

So, if you happen to be feeling blue, I pray you will experience God’s presence. Know that He is near to hear, help, and hold you.

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On Guard

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Arrow

As our teenage grandchild visited and we nonchalantly turned on the TV, I was reminded of some good advice from God’s book of wisdom, the book of Proverbs.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away all perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:23-27). I love how The Message ends the passage with “leave evil in the dust.”

Wikipedia defines perversion as “a form of human behavior which is far from what is considered to be orthodox or normal.”

Perversion is all around us these days. TV, movies, music, and the internet perpetuate a perverted view, much different from how God’s Word has directed us to live. Even antenna-only TV is rampant with inappropriate language, immorality, and violence.

These are not the things that should be entering our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts, nor those of the next generations.

Most think that watching a show with questionable values is harmless, but those words and images have entered the mind. And when we repeatedly participate in allowing junk in our head, that garbage influences and deceives our heart and mind.

It is our job to stay “on guard” and stand our ground. Make better choices. Strive at living a life of holiness and purity so that we can experience God’s promised blessings.

Let’s close with one more Proverb. “In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them” (22:5).

May we stand on guard, protecting and defending our hearts and minds as well as those around us.

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God’s Wonderful Word

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Arrow

Last year I was gifted a beautifully illustrated coffee table rendition of the book of Psalms. This morning, I spent some time soaking in Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible. Today I thought I’d try to summarize its 176 verses.

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Psalm 119 is a celebration of the Word of God. Some of the synonyms the unnamed author uses for God’s Word include law, testimony, precepts, statutes, commandments, and righteous rules (ESV).

God’s Word is viewed as a gift from God that endures forever. It teaches and counsels, imparts life, help, peace, strength, and understanding. Additionally, God’s Word provides knowledge, truth, wisdom, and good judgment. While acting as a light and lamp, it prevents one from stumbling, pointing the reader to right choices in order to avoid sin.

The author is completely in awe of God’s Word and responds to it with delight, love, and a joyful heart. He meditates on it, longs for it, fixes his eyes on it, and desires to remember, and not forget it. He boldly sings God’s Word, claiming it is “sweet to taste.”

He chooses to cling to, trust in, and hope in God’s Word. He considers it a blessing and heritage, having greater worth than riches. It causes him to offer God praise.

Upon seeking God’s Word, he then speaks it to others. His companions are those who also seek God’s Word, and he grieves for those who don’t keep God’s law. When threatened by enemies, it is God’s Word he turns to for guidance and comfort.

Here are a couple verses I treasure:

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

I encourage you to read and fall in love with God’s Word. Find a verse to memorize and be blessed.

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Our Heavenly Home:  A New Earth

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Arrow

At the end of May (2025), I wrote about spiritual graduations. Today I thought we’d look at our future, ultimate “graduation” when our new eyes in our new body will experience our new heavenly home, a New Earth.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. . . . I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. . . . Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God’” (Revelation 21:1-3 CSB).

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In his book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn describes this Heaven on earth. We will have “a restored and perfected version of our familiar bodies”, live on “our familiar Earth” and have “familiar relationships.” We will experience the comforts of “home” with all the blessings of our Creator God making all things new.

According to Revelation 22:4, it appears that in some essence, we will see the face of God. We will worship the One who loves us beyond measure and not be bored. We will join multitudes in praise, adoration, and service.

The Apostle John teaches that those who believe Jesus is the Son of God will overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5). In Revelation, John lists blessings for those who overcome.

  • Given “the right to eat from the tree of life” (2:7).
  • “[N]ot be hurt at all by the second death” (2:11), that is the “lake of fire” (20:14).
  • Given “hidden manna” (supernatural sustenance) and “a white stone with a new name written on it” (2:17), possibly a symbol of victory over God’s enemies. Our new name identifies our distinctive character. (NKJV Study Bible)
  •  “[A]uthority over the nations” will be given to those who do God’s will to the end (2:26).
  • Dressed in white and their name acknowledged before the Father and His angels (3:5).
  • Live in God’s Presence and have the name of God written on them (3:12).
  • Given the right to sit with Jesus on His throne (3:21).

Looking forward to our new heavenly home and praying you will be there!

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Are We Prepared?

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Arrow

I write this as my husband and I are preparing for his knee replacement surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning. Prescriptions picked up, linens cleaned, and a walker borrowed. Check, check, and check! We are ready.

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When we choose to live for Jesus, we become part of His kingdom here on earth. But we also know that Christ’s kingdom has a future aspect which will come when He returns a second time. Let’s see what Scripture teaches about how we can be prepared for His next arrival.

Jesus warns, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44). The verses just prior to this compared Jesus’ surprise arrival to the unexpected entrance of a thief. Believers are reminded to “keep watch.”

Jesus also encourages His followers to be “faithful and wise servants” who continue doing the work they are called to do. He continues, “It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns” (Matthew 24:46). That work includes the Great Commission where Jesus said, “[G]o and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20a).

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable of ten virgins who are waiting a lengthy time for the bridegroom (Jesus) to come. A problem arises when some of the ladies assume the bridegroom will return soon. They are unprepared to persevere in the waiting. Here, Jesus reminds us to remain faithful over the long-term, living a life that honors Him.

It appears we have plenty to do as we prepare and wait for Jesus to return. May we be faithful and diligent servants.

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Share the Music

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Arrow

Have you ever received a text from a friend or family member that included a link to a song or perhaps just a couple lines of song lyrics? People share either because something touched their heart and/or they thought the message would touch yours. It’s always nice to be reminded that someone is thinking about you and wants to send you encouragement or guidance.

I realized the other day that if you received a song based on Scripture that this is an example of what Paul was talking about when he wrote, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19a).

This is more than a song or special music in a church service or gathering. Paul included this suggestion in a paragraph of things to practice in our daily lives along with giving thanks and making the most of every opportunity. It is an example of one way we can communicate with believers and non-believers alike.

In another letter, Paul advised, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

Teachings from God’s Word or Bible verses put to music are a beautiful way to share God’s truth. Music touches our hearts and minds in a unique way, differently than hearing a sermon or reading Scripture.

So, whether we are listening to or singing ancient Psalms put to music, newly composed songs of praise and celebration, songs that give thanks, or those recount the acts of God, they all have a place in our lives today.

And when we sense the Spirit whisper, “Share this with (insert name)”, let’s do it.

Here is link to my current favorite song based on Scripture. Enjoy!

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Give Up or Give In

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Arrow

The young couple searched for their first house. But each fixer-upper they looked at produced disappointment. Either their offer was not accepted or the ‘fixing’ was beyond their ability. Finally, the wife lamented, “We’re never going to find a house!”

Grief and giving up come naturally, and quickly.

The chiropractor’s patient headed out to the desk after her regular adjustment. “Do you think my back will stay in place this time?” she quipped to the doctor.

“After all these years, you know that answer,” replied Doc.

But this patient hung on to hope. Perhaps someday, it would happen, Lord willing. She was not about to give up, at least not yet.

Besides, Romans 15:13 was a scripture she had planted in her mind. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

We decide what is flowing in our mind. Fear or faith? Negativity or hope?

Now, I’m not saying that we should never feel disappointed or sad. What I am saying is we determine how long we’re going to replay that pain and despair in our mind. And for goodness’ sake, we need not be anxious and worry over something that has not even happened!

Sure, God’s timing is typically not ours. So, what do we do in the waiting? Instead of giving up on hope, let’s give in to God’s will and God’s timing. Trust that He is in control and He knows best.

Memorize the following verse and add your name after the word ‘you’, as if God is addressing you face-to-face. “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7).

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The Problem with Truth    

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Arrow

I read the most interesting sentence the other day found in The True Jesus by David Limbaugh. (Yes, the brother of the late Rush Limbaugh.) In discussing the message of Jesus, the author said, “[S]ome would accept it and others would reject it, because the Truth causes division” (page 105).

Truth causes division. Limbaugh was referring to Luke 12:51 where Jesus says, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Jesus continued, explaining that families would be divided against one another.

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Clearly some people would accept that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. They would come to understand that He came to die for the sins of all people so that they could have a right relationship with God. Others would deny and reject all of the above.

Doesn’t that seem strange? Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus said He was the Truth. For those with childlike faith, this is not  complicated. They simply believe Truth. They believe Jesus was who He said He was. Period.

For others, Jesus presents a predicament. Hardened hearts battle and reject what Jesus offers. They busily struggle to find their own “truth” which leads to no lasting satisfaction or peace. No forgiveness. No eternal life with the Father.

Perhaps deep down inside, some recognize Truth, but refuse to surrender. They choose to play the world’s game and risk their eternal destination day after day. They figure they have plenty of time to choose Truth . . . later.

Hear the warning: “Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God . . . so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception” (Hebrews 3:12-13 CSB).

Don’t be deceived! Experience the joy of Truth!

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