Hark!

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Arrow

“Hark, the herald angels sing …”
Hark? Listen carefully, pay attention, focus, hear and consider.

Listen up, shepherds:  Your Messiah was born today in Bethlehem. You will find Him wrapped in cloths in a manger. (Luke 2:11-12)

Listen, Mary:  You have found favor with God. You will be pregnant and give birth to a son. He will be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:30-35)

Listen, Joseph:  Take Mary as your wife. The child is from the Holy Spirit. Name Him Jesus because He will save people from their sins. (Matthew 1:20-21)

These real-life characters, not just figures in a nativity scene, actually heard a word from the Almighty God. And God continued to speak. When Jesus’ body was transfigured, appearing in a glorious state, God spoke from a cloud, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mark 9:7b). Jesus spoke these encouraging words, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

God continues to speak to us today. Whether your Christmas is noisy and hectic, whether you experience a calm, silent night, or perhaps, a blend of both, may you take time to listen to what God is saying. He has a message especially for you … if … you … listen.

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Prepare Him Room

Posted on December 16, 2020 by Arrow

Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room …

Let’s pause right there and focus on that last line from the Christmas carol Joy to the World. I do ‘prepare a room’ in our home when we have guests spend the night. I dust and vacuum and make sure there are clean linens. I try to create some space in a closet, making room for our guests’ belongings and luggage.

But the phrase “Let every heart prepare Him room” obviously has a completely different meaning. What role have we allowed Jesus to play? Have we so filled our lives with other things that we have basically hung a ‘NO VACANCY’ sign on our heart, leaving ‘no room’ for Him? Or, do we treat Jesus as a temporary guest during emergencies or on special holidays? Hopefully, we have welcomed Him in and asked Him to reign as King, wholeheartedly surrendering to Him.

If we decide to welcome Jesus in, the amazing thing is that we don’t need to have our lives ‘cleaned up’ first. He comes in and helps us with our mess. The other point to remember is that He wants more than one small guest room. He desires to reign in every area of our life.

King David, known for his devotion to God, gave his son the following charge: “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts” 1 Chronicles 28:9a.

On the first Christmas, there was “no room” for Jesus.
More recently, He waits outside and gently knocks.
I pray you have made room in your heart and welcomed Him in.

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Evangelistic Message, Inspiration | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Reader, Did You Know?

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Arrow

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary, Did You Know?” I’ve changed the words to speak directly to us and added Scripture references for your own personal study. “Mary, Did You Know?” ~ Lyrics by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Reader, did you know that Jesus really walked on water? (Matthew 14:25)
Reader, did you know that Jesus came to save all sons and daughters? (John 3:17)
Did you know that Messiah Jesus came to make us new? (2 Corinthians 5:17)

That the baby Mary delivered came to deliver you? (John 8:36)
Reader, did you know that Jesus gave sight to a blind man? (John 9:1-7)
Reader, did you know that Jesus calmed the storm with a command? (Matthew 8:23-26)
Did you know that in heaven Jesus walked where angels trod? (John 6:38)
That all who kissed the baby Jesus kissed the face of God? (John 10:30)

Jesus caused the blind to see (Matthew 20:29-34),
The deaf to hear (Mark 7:32-35),
The dead to live again (John 11:43-44).
He made the dumb to speak (Matthew 9:32-33),
The lame to leap and give praises to the Lamb. (Acts 3:6-8)

Reader, did you know the Jesus is the Lord of all creation? (Colossians 1:15-16)
Reader, did you know that Jesus will one day rule the nations? (Revelation 12:5)
Did you know that Jesus is heaven’s perfect Lamb? (I Peter 1:19)
That the baby in the manger is the great I AM? (Mark 14:61-62; Exodus 3:14)

Dearest Reader, I pray you know Jesus as your Savior, the Christ of Christmas.

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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

Posted in Inspiration, Poetry, Wednesday Whisper | 1 Comment

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.

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

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)

Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Inspiration, Wednesday Whisper | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

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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