How Does Light Meet Needs?

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Arrow

As I chatted at church Sunday, I got chilled. Thankfully, I stepped out of the shadows into the sunshine. Ah, hugged by warmth.

Monday, I sat to enjoy my indoor Christmas lights. (Yes, they’re still up.) The glow imbued my heart with joy and delight.

I clicked the light behind my rocker in order to read (since my book was actually made of ink and paper). Words came into view.

When I peeked outside, I saw the effects of the desert’s light. Tomatoes were turning red, grapefruit blushed, and bushes burst with orange and yellow blossoms.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Light is a blessing! It can provide warmth, allow us to see clearly, and reveal obstacles. It brings delight and causes maturation.

What did Jesus say about light? “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Jesus came to provide clarity, to show us the way to the Father, and introduce us to the abundant life, a spiritual richness from connecting closer with God.

Light meets needs. It provides comfort, delight, clarity. Encourages maturation. Reveals obstacles, dangers, and best of all, truth.

Jesus also taught, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a).

As light, believers are to shine brightly, breaking through and replacing spiritual darkness. We can:

  • Reflect Jesus (or resemble Him) in our words and actions.
  • Share biblical truth in a comforting, encouraging, and delightful manner.
  • Show others the way to Jesus, His gift of salvation, and eternal life.
  • Guide newer believers toward maturity in Christ.

Let’s not be like the fading star on top of my Christmas tree. That’s all wrong! Instead, let’s “shine like the stars in the universe as [we] hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:15b-16a).

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

Reflecting on God’s Provision: A Year-End Gratitude Guide

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Arrow

Remembering what God had done was celebrated regularly by Israel in the Old Testament. The nation held three annual feasts or festivals to offer thanks to God for deliverance from Egypt and the bounty of harvests.

The Bible has numerous stories of individuals recounting, thanking, and praising God for what He’s done. Here are a few:

  • After years of infertility, Hannah thanked God for the birth of her son, Samuel (1 Samuel 1:27-2:1).
  • Miriam (Moses’ sister) and King David wrote songs recounting God rescuing His people from enemies (Exodus 15:1-21; Psalm 18, 34).
  • When God parted the Jordan River (at flood stage!) so Israel could cross over into the promised land, Joshua instructed that memorial stones be set up as a reminder to future generations of how God provided (Joshua 3-4).
  • In the New Testament, Paul thanked God for friends and encouragement (Acts 28:15).
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

As the year ends, let’s take a few moments to recall and recount what God has done in our lives.

  • What needs were met?
  • In what situations did God make His Presence known?
  • What doors did God open?
  • What opportunities and blessings did He provide?
  • What prayers did He answer?
  • What wait finally came to an end?

Even as all prayers are not yet answered and all problems not resolved, may we remember and trust that God is still working. We can thank Him for being faithful and just, righteous and loving, and always present. Remember, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Focus on how God did provide and help, even in small ways. Maybe write a list or create some kind of memorial. Take the time to share with others what God has done, perhaps even with other generations.

Comment on one way God provided for you.

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

Christmas = Christ Came

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Arrow

Christ came from

Heaven, humbly becoming part of the human

Race

In order to

Save our souls from

Transgressions or sins against God by

Making a way for our relationship with God to be restored by dying in our place

As the perfect

Sacrifice and Savior, the substitute for those who believe Jesus is the Son of God.

Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christ is a title for Jesus. It means anointed or chosen one. “Christ” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah” which means deliverer or savior.

At the end of the John’s biography of Jesus’ life, the apostle wrote, “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31 NKJV). If you haven’t read the gospel of John, now would be a great time.

May your Christmas be blessed by knowing with full assurance that you believe that Jesus is the one and only Son of God, that you have acknowledged your sin and accepted God’s forgiveness, and made Jesus Lord of your life.

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

Nativity Insights

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Arrow

Below are some interesting insights regarding the circumstances and cultural setting of Jesus’ birth. [From Kristi McLelland’s Luke in the Land Bible study.]

  • The journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 94 miles.
  • Their trip was most likely on foot, not on a donkey, since Mary and Joseph couldn’t even afford a lamb for Jesus’ dedication at the temple.
  • The couple would have traveled with a caravan for safety.
  • Bethlehem was a village of a few hundred people, many related and descendants of King David. Therefore, family members may have been around or nearby for Jesus’ birth.
  • A typical house had two rooms and was built above a cave. A larger room was for eating and sleeping together. A second room was smaller and used as a guest room.
  • Families brought their animals in at night to protect them. They were their assets.
  • When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, it seems all guest rooms were taken. They probably found privacy in a cave with animals.

Where to find the First Christmas story:

  • Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and her response is followed with her visit to her relative, Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45).
  • Matthew 1:18-25 tells how Mary and Joseph each learned they would become the “parents” of Jesus.
  • Luke 2:1-7 relates the couple’s trip to Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth, followed by the angel’s announcement to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20).
  • Matthew 2:1-12 recounts the story of the magi or wisemen visiting Jesus in a house when He was a toddler. After a long journey, the magi arrived about two years after they initially saw the star which they believed to be a sign that a king had been born.

Be encouraged, friends. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6a).

Praising God for His greatest gift ever and wishing you a blessed Christmas!

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

Wearing God’s Armor … Even at Night

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Arrow

I admit, sometimes I wake up at night with my brain stressing over problems or upcoming tasks and events.

It helps to pray or recite memory verses or worship songs. These give my brain something different to focus on.

But early this morning, I wondered if the armor of God could help? Ephesians 6:11 instructs believers, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Paul goes on to clarify our real struggles are against spiritual forces of evil (Eph. 6:12). Then he lists the armor we are to put on:

  • Belt of Truth ~ We need to make sure our words and thoughts are true. We shouldn’t allow our imagination to dream up scenarios that may never happen.
  • Breastplate of Righteousness ~ Believers are forgiven and seen as righteous in God’s eyes. Let’s not dwell on past sin. That said, sometimes, we need to do a heart check. Are we living right? Is God’s Spirit awaking us to sin we need to deal with?
  • Footgear of Peace ~ When living in God’s peace, we have the support and protection we need, and with the Spirit’s help, we can spread the gospel.
  • Shield of Faith ~ Our faith protects us from the flaming arrows (lies and distractions) from the evil one. This is where we choose to trust in and rely on God.
  • Helmet of Salvation ~ God protects and transforms our mind so we become more like Jesus.
  • Sword of the Spirit ~ The Word of God is our one offensive weapon. May we meditate on and memorize Scripture in order to be ready to counter Satan’s lies.

So, in addition to our PJs, I think we’d best wear our armor, even at night.

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

Miracles ONLY the Messiah Could Perform

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Arrow

I love learning something new! I read the following information in a Bible study called Luke in the Land by Kristi McLelland. Kristi credited Ron Mosely, author of Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church for this teaching. Apparently, she also felt the need to share.

We know from Scripture and other ancient documents that Jesus was not the only one performing miracles in the first century. Some could heal the sick. Others drove out demons (Matthew 12:27). But there were some miracles only the Messiah, Jesus, could demonstrate. These four miracles became known as messianic miracles.

  • The healing of leprosy, a disease that affects the skin, eyes, nose, and nerves, was unheard of in Jesus’ day. Luke 5:12-14 describes the healing of one leper and Luke 17:11-19 records Jesus healing a group of ten lepers.
    This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
    • Jesus also had the ability to drive out mute demons. Mark 9:17-29 tells how even Jesus’ disciples were unable to rid this type of demon from a boy.
    • In John 9:1-11 we find Jesus healing the blind, something no one else had ever done! There are at least four different accountings of Jesus healing the blind.
    • Finally, Jesus raised the dead. John 11:39 says Lazarus had been dead for four days when he walked out of the tomb. At the time, many Jews believed the soul remained near the body for three days hoping for life to return. After all hope was gone, Jesus proved He was the Messiah by raising Lazarus.

    Jesus fulfilled messianic prophecies like those found in Isaiah 35:5-6, and He explained, “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you” (Luke 11:20).

    The evidence speaks. Jesus—God in flesh, the Messiah—came!

    Posted in Bible Study, Devotions, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

    What Was Jesus Thankful For?

    Posted on November 26, 2025 by Arrow

    It’s Thanksgiving week! When searching for verses regarding thanks, we typically turn to the book of Psalms. David and others wrote beautiful songs of thanksgiving to God. (For examples, see Psalms 100, 103, 136, and 95:1-7.)

    In the gospels, we find those who had been healed (or their parents) thanking Jesus for their miracle.

    But can we also find instances where Jesus gave thanks? Here are a few I found:

    • Jesus readies to feed the crowd of 5000 men, plus women and children. “Then [Jesus] took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people” (Matthew 15:36).

    I love that Jesus gave thanks before the food was multiplied. We can also be thankful for the little things, expecting God to do something great!

    • In the midst of Jesus’ teachings, He prayed, “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people” (Matthew 11:25 MSG).

    Religious leaders were blinded and stuck in their traditions while the uneducated and regular folk believed through faith. Today, may Jesus’ faithful followers be thankful for the understanding God has provided.

    • Just before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He “looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me” (John 11:41 NIV).

    Again, it is interesting to note that Jesus gives thanks before the miracle. And God always heard His Son’s prayers just like He hears ours.

    It’s eye-opening to see Jesus giving thanks to His Father for whatever God was doing throughout His day. What a great example to follow!

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

    Can Jesus Relate?

    Posted on November 19, 2025 by Arrow

    Sometimes I’m afraid we picture Jesus on His throne in heaven seated next to the Heavenly Father and think, “How can He possibly relate to what I’m going through?”

    This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

    Remember, Jesus was God in the flesh. He experienced all the things humans experience. Joy, pain, laughter, grief, exhaustion, anger, injustice, and more.

    Was Jesus ever frustrated? Let’s see.

    In Matthew, Jesus vents to His disciples with, “You of little faith, . . . Do you still not understand?” (Matthew 16:8-9a). Or how about when His inner circle of disciples kept falling asleep when Jesus asked them to watch and pray the night of His arrest?

    Think how the crowds and religious leaders responded to Jesus’ miracles and teachings. He was criticized, cut down, and called names. The teachers of the law said Jesus was “possessed by Beelzebub”, the prince of demons (Mark 3:22). The hypocritical Pharisees tried to correct and trap Jesus as they wrongly interpreted God’s Word. Even His own family said, “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21b).

    And with all the evidence of Jesus’ miracles among the masses, the healings, multiplying of food, and raising the dead, most still did not believe!

    Yes. Jesus can relate to us.

    Hebrews 4:15 portrays Jesus this way: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.”

    Be assured that in our struggles, Jesus can relate. He has compassion and can empathize with us. Therefore, He is the One we turn to for peace and comfort in the midst of chaos. After all, He turned chaos into creation! (Genesis 1)

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

    Stay the Course

    Posted on November 12, 2025 by Arrow

    I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ll say it again. I love fishing! Over the years, we have found “our spot” to catch fish.

    The problem is “our spot” can be windy at times. The goal to stay in “our spot” can be difficult to maintain. The anchors provided in the rental boat are not very heavy and even with both anchors down, we can slowly be blown across the lake.

    The same thing happens in our spiritual life. The goal of staying on course is challenging. Temptations come to blow us off track. We give in to peer or worldly pressures. Priorities get out of whack.

    Time to remind ourselves again about our goal. John 14:21 says, “The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and reveal myself to him” (CSB).

    When I’m sitting in that boat, focused on my line, it may take a while before I notice I have drifted away from my spot. There I sit, no fish biting, not catching anything. No reward! When I finally look up and look around, I see why. I am off course.

    How do we stay the course in our spiritual lives? First, we need to be in God’s Word. The Bible is “our spot” to find daily bread, food that feeds our soul and provides direction or redirection when we get off course.

    We also need fellow believers who will point out when we are off track. We need to be plugged into a church, a body of believers, and meet with them regularly.

    Finally, we need to be talking to and listening to our heavenly Father, whose Spirit will lead us.

    And what a reward! To be led and loved by the Father!

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

    Do What You Do

    Posted on November 5, 2025 by Arrow

    It is wonderful to see God’s people stepping up and meeting a need in an area in which they have been especially gifted. Our church recently had a family worship night in which the kids and their leaders led us in the songs they sing in children’s worship. To see those passionate adults jumping with joy with the kiddos was a treat!

    Some people flourish in behind-the-scenes service. Some are gifted to lead large groups. Others one-on-one or small groups.

    The church, or body of Christ, needs everyone. Without you, some need remains unmet. The apostle Paul wrote, “[S]o in Christ we who are many form one body . . . We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:5-6a). Then Paul provides a partial list of gifts: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing or giving to those in need, leading, and showing mercy.

    In another letter to the churches, Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). He mentions a few more gifts: workers of miracles and healings, those able to help others, administering, and speaking in tongues. And this is still not a complete list. There are many ways to serve in the church.

    To identify your giftedness, ask, what am I passionate about? Is there a way I can use my talent in serving the Lord? What need do I see within my local church that is not being met? Sometimes God opens our eyes to a need that no one else sees.

    Pray about it. Try out an area in which you can serve and go from there. Simply put, do what you do.

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