God Is Present and Working

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Arrow

I was enjoying my early morning walk. All was quiet. A few clouds reflected the sun that would soon peak over the horizon. A beautiful sight.

Then I noticed what was missing. For the last few mornings, I could see the waning sliver of a moon smiling down on me. But not today.

I knew I could not see the moon because my view was blocked by clouds. It wasn’t that the moon had disappeared. No, the moon was most assuredly present. Just not within my view . . . at that moment.

This was a great reminder. God, like the moon that morning, was and is present. When I can’t see evidence of God active in my life, it doesn’t mean He is not present or not working.

That’s what faith is all about, right? I like to pair these verses:

  • “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). We believe one hundred percent in God, His Presence, His love, and His sovereignty or ruling power over creation.
  • “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). We go to the Father in prayer because we believe that He exists and blesses those who follow His will.

Before my morning was over, the moon slid into sight. Of course, it had been there all along.

Likewise, be assured, my friend. God is present and He is working. One of these days, He will reveal what He has been doing in our life and we will be confident that He has been there all along, weaving together just the right details.

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On Duty

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Arrow

The phrase “on duty” may conjure up images of police officers and medical workers, or, if you have a swimming pool, it may describe your designated lifeguard.

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In John 18, we find “the girl on duty”, one of whom I had never paid much attention.

The scene occurs after Jesus was arrested and taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest. Jesus’ disciple, John, was allowed in the courtyard. Peter, however, was forced to wait outside until John “…came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in” (John 18:16b).

She is also referred to as “the girl at the door” (John 18:17) and a servant.  

Apparently, her “duty” was to watch the entrance to the high priest’s courtyard. She would have been aware of who was coming and going. Perhaps, she even saw a bound Jesus brought in by the temple guard.

Then she saw Peter and asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” (John 18:17). We know Peter’s response becomes the first of his three denials of knowing Jesus.

But, what can me observe about “the girl on duty”?

  • First, she was there, “on duty”, doing what she was expected to do.
  • Being “on duty” brought her blessing. She may have seen Jesus, the Messiah, and was at the location of where His religious trials took place.
  • She saw and spoke with Peter, thus becoming part of a prophecy spoken by Jesus Himself regarding Peter’s denials (John 13:38).

What can we learn from this girl?

Like her, may we be “on duty”, doing the work God has called us to do and using the gifts and resources He has blessed us with. We never know how God will use us to move His plans forward.

For progress and joy in the faith,

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How Stubborn Can We Be?!

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Arrow

It is nearly impossible to make someone do something! Whether they are 2, 12, or 92. We can try to sweet talk, reason with, bribe, and threaten them. But if their mind is made up, forget about it!

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This reminds me of the majority of religious leaders in Jesus’ day. They heard Jesus’ teachings and would have been aware of or witnessed His miracles.

But Jesus did not fit into their preconceived mold of what the Messiah would teach or do. They refused to believe He came from God

For example, in John 11, we find Jesus’ friend, Lazarus, sick and his sisters desperately sending word to Jesus. By the time Jesus and His disciples arrive, Lazarus has been dead for four days. All hope is gone.

Then Jesus arrives . . . with power and a plan! He makes His way to Laz’s tomb. The stone sealing the entrance is moved. Jesus prays and then shouts, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43).

And . . . wait for it . . . “The dead man came out” (John 11:44a).

The results? Many put their faith in Jesus. But most religious leaders refuse to believe the evidence and eyewitness accounts. Instead, they plot how to permanently get rid of Jesus.

Jesus had previously pointed out the religious leaders’ problem, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). What a sad state!

This reminds me of the need to evaluate our thinking. Do we refuse to believe the evidence in front of us? Do we read God’s Word in search for truth and take it to heart or stubbornly ignore what it says?

Let’s do a heart check and ask the Lord. He will let us know.

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The Progression of Belief

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Arrow

Progress comes in all forms. As a teacher, it was delightful to see my young students grow from non-readers to fluent readers.

Today, let’s follow the progression of belief of a man born blind.

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The story occurs as Jesus travels near Jerusalem. After Jesus heals the man, others who had witnessed the man’s blindness demanded an explanation.

“He replied, ‘The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see’” (John 9:11). At that point, the healed man knew Jesus only as a man.

Next, the man born blind was brought to religious leaders for questioning. “’What have you to say about [Jesus]?’ . . . The man replied, ‘He is a prophet.’” (John 9:17)

Perhaps coming to terms with his miracle, the man gave Jesus the highest designation he could imagine, a prophet.

Later, the religious leaders grill the man born blind again, demanding details. The man innocently answered, “Do you want to become his disciples, too?” (John 9:27). By now, the man perhaps assumed Jesus was a teacher or rabbi with disciples and/or he decided he would also be a disciple or follower.

The man’s reasoning progressed, and he testified that Jesus must be from God since he could now see. (John 9:33)

Later, the man saw Jesus again and Jesus clarified that He was the “Son of Man”, a Messianic title. “Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him” (John 9:38).

That’s the best progression ever! From being blind to seeing clearly, both physically and spiritually, from unbelief to belief! The best part is, when we come to belief in Jesus, the transformation process begins!

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There’s a World That Needs Saving!

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Arrow

I attended the Charlie Kirk memorial on Sunday. What a moving and inspirational time! Masses of believers gathered, worshiping the Lord and celebrating the life of a young man who dedicated His life to what God called Him to do. Charlie’s schedule of being on task from 5:00AM to 11:00PM gives a glimpse of how he accomplished so much in his short lifetime.

One of the take-aways for me was this line attributed to Charlie: “There’s a world that needs saving!” A beautiful succinct summary of what our work on earth is all about. A needy world surrounds us. People need to see the love of the gospel lived out. They need to hear the Good News of salvation explained in a way and with language they can understand.

The Kirk service was more than a funeral. It was a call to arms, a revival, a wake-up call, and hopefully, a real “turning point”.

May the following Scriptures light a fire under us, motivating us to do the work we believers have been called to do.

“Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58b).

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20a).

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works I me” (Colossians 1:28-29).

We don’t know when we will take our last breath or when our neighbors, family, and friends will take theirs. May we share the message of salvation lovingly and boldly in order to, as Charlie would say, “make heaven crowded.”

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Hate or Healthy Disagreement

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Arrow

In today’s climate, we hear a lot about hate, hate crimes, and hate speech. But I feel a lot of things get thrown into the “hate” category that don’t belong.

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For instance, voicing a difference of opinion about something is completely normal. I regularly think differently than my spouse, kids, friends, peers, co-workers, and even complete strangers.

I bet you do too. Having contrasting views and beliefs is typical, and it sure doesn’t mean I hate the individual or group for not thinking like me.

One key characteristic that separates people from animals is our mind. Humans have the unique capacity to reason, analyze, and critique at high intellectual levels. We can communicate deep emotions and strongly held opinions. We can discuss and debate. If we choose, we can also listen.

But just because someone disagrees with us or communicates attitudes and beliefs that do not align with ours does NOT mean we cry “hate speech” or “hate map” or “hate crime”.

Many, many people disagreed with Jesus, and He disagreed with them. Yet, the response He exemplified was not one of hatred or violence. He boldly spoke truth and called it like He saw it, but He never endorsed harming another person.

Jesus replaced the hyperbolic Old Testament verse “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” with a new teaching: Turn the other cheek. (Matthew 5:38-39)

And when He mentioned the old adage “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy”, He turned the world upside-down setting the new precedent: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).

Simply, Jesus instructed us to love. Who? Everyone. May we use self-control, and speak and demonstrate love.

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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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