An Appointment to Keep

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Arrow

Appointments. Recently, they have been missed, postponed, canceled, rescheduled, and canceled and rescheduled again. We face disappointment because many of our planned visits, meetings, gatherings, vacations, and celebrations have not occurred as we had hoped.

So, where do we find a hope that does not disappoint? The apostle Paul writes, “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us (Romans 5:5). To whom does God pour His Spirit? To those who believe and follow Him.

Even though we disappointed God by giving in to temptation and rebelling against Him in disobedience, Jesus, the Messiah, kept His appointment. He came to save all people. To believers, Paul explains, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9). We are appointed for salvation. Now, that’s an appointment to keep!

Appointment

Jesus kept His divine appointment. The question is, will we respond to His invitation by believing that He is God’s Son and choosing to follow Him. If we do, we are guaranteed an eternal heavenly appointment. From our viewpoint, it may appear delayed, but it will never be cancelled! Don’t miss it!

“They cried to You and were saved; in You they trusted and were not disappointed” (Psalm 22:5).

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The Living Word

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Arrow

Living in the desert can be hard on annual spring flowers. The pansies we planted late in January recently succumbed to our 100+ temperatures, and it’s only May! Gone are those delicate, colorful faces … until we plant anew next year.

When we think of living things, people, plants, and animals typically come to mind, but the writer of the book of Hebrews adds this to the mix. “For the word of God is living and active” Hebrews 4:12a. In this instance, ‘living’ does not refer to something that’s changing and growing, but actually life giving! It speaks to and applies to our lives, no matter the decade or century in which we live.  

In Old Testament times, one way God spoke was through prophets. He yearned for His people to hear, see, listen, pay close attention, follow, obey, understand, and take to heart His message. (Isaiah 42) Unfortunately, their usual response was to ignore Him. God even accused them of being blind and deaf, paying no attention. 

Bible w pen

Today we are blasted with information, teachings, and opinions from every side. ‘News’ is quickly outdated and discarded. So, instead of whiling away endless hours each week on something that will ‘wilt’ and tomorrow be gone or useless, may we use at least some of our precious time reading the living Word, hearing from a living God who has a message for each of us. May we have eyes that see, ears that listen, and a heart that desires to follow His plan for our lives.

I challenge you to open a Bible and experience God talking to you.

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For Life

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Arrow

Look around. There are people out there on the front lines and behind the scenes fighting against evil, fighting to protect and care for others, fighting for life. We thank them, respect them, and support them.

All around us, people are choosing life. They are working hard to protect the healthy, wearing masks, scrubbing down their surroundings, and washing their hands. Others are serving the sick, striving to create an immunization, and searching for a cure or at least a treatment that will reduce the severity of symptoms. Choosing life is costly. It takes time and energy. Choosing life is not convenient. It is an act of love and self-sacrifice.

So, can we apply this ‘fighting for’ and ‘choosing life’ to the youngest of God’s creation, the pre-born? From the earliest stage of development, science and medical knowledge verify that even an embryo is a distinct, living, growing, whole human being. I challenge you, if you haven’t done so recently, to check out ‘human fetus’ online and prepare to be amazed. That baby within the womb is not a ‘blob’ of cells, but rather a life carefully and wonderfully made by God, the Creator of the universe.

Scripture says, “Oh yes, You shaped me first inside, then out; You formed me in my mother’s womb … You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, You watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before You, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” (Psalm 139:13-16 The Message)

Horton

Remember the words of the great theologian, Dr. Seuss, “A person’s a person no matter how small.” And be thankful someone chose to give you life.

May we stand to protect and value all life as well as support those who are pregnant with precious, little ones.

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Exhale Exaltation

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Arrow

Remember (or imagine) the feeling of diving down to get something off the bottom of the swimming pool in the deep end? Your arm strokes and kicks propel you downward. Then, with the object in hand, you thrust off the bottom, jetting upward. As you break through the water’s surface, your lungs refill what was rapidly depleting.InhaleLet’s do that today. Let’s all take a deep breath of God’s goodness, love, and faithfulness. Psalm 89:15 says, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your Presence, O LORD.” Today, let’s choose to applaud our Creator. Look around. What are we thankful for? It doesn’t have to be anything major. Remember, God works in the details. It may be something someone else would consider insignificant, but to you, it touches your heart that your Heavenly Father presented you with that specific blessing today.

I know if your favorite sports team was winning or if you were attending an amazing concert or event, you’d be applauding full on! Psalm 89:16 adds, “They rejoice in Your Name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness.” FYI, ‘exult’ means to jump for joy; with elation or jubilation. So, let’s release that pent up energy to the Lord today, because after all, “He is more awesome than all who surround Him” (Psalm 89:7b). There is no one more worthy of glory, honor, and praise. Breathe Him in and then exhale exaltation to the King of kings! It is just what the ‘Doctor’ ordered!

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Wednesday Whisper ~ Voices

Posted on April 29, 2020 by Arrow

All is well with my heart and soul until … What is that voice in my head? What is with the hateful, vengeful words that are trying to break into my mind, daggers of lies and blame aimed at my heart? Whether hauntings of our past or a battle in our present, there is a truth that rings louder and stronger if we listen carefully. Hear instead the end of the 23rd Psalm. Verse 6 says, “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Heart Hands Sunset

Ah, love, God’s unfailing love, sometimes translated kindness and mercy, emotes a strong sense of goodwill especially to those in need. Remember that Shepherd who has been with us throughout everything? He not only leads us, but His love and goodness follow us. The word ‘follow’ in this verse means to literally pursue aggressively or chase, like an enemy with hostile intent. Only in this instance, the Shepherd’s love and goodness are coming for and enveloping us sheep … all the days of our life! 

So let’s pause and soak in His love. Let it flood and overflow our heart, mind, and soul. Allow His love to wash away the pain and bask in His goodness. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1). Open your ears and heart to hear His whisper, “I love you, I love you, I love you!” Let it echo in your mind and replay it often, chasing the unpleasant away.

Enjoy being in His Presence here on earth and look forward to being “home in the house of GOD” in His heavenly kingdom. Know that He yearns for us to live with Him as His special guest in His holy, royal house. May we welcome and experience His love.

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Wednesday Whisper ~ Dinner, Anyone?

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Arrow

Just imagine … tables covered with the finest linens, china, crystal, and fresh flowers. The elegantly decorated room is humming with family and friends arriving for an elaborate dinner … all to honor you! Or, would you prefer a quaint table for two in a less conspicuous setting?

Ps. 23_5 (2)

What is the occasion? In ancient times, meals were an expression of the bond of friendship. Between national leaders, a meal signified the overlord offering protection to his guest as treaties and covenants were formed.

Psalm 23:5 says “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Now imagine you are having that dinner with your Lord. He has prepared the table just for you and Him. Your enemies, held back by His power, may not participate. They can merely watch and regret that they had not joined in a covenant with this King, rejecting His salvation time and time again.

As you feast with your Lord and King, He lifts a small bottle of oil and anoints your head. The anointing identifies you as the honored guest. As you bow before Him, you are overwhelmed with the thought that He has also chosen you. He has a special work for you to do and as you walk with Him in obedience, your banquet cup of blessing overflows. The blessings remind you that you have done nothing to deserve this honor. His love and desire to have a relationship with you made the way for you to banquet with Him. “He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love” (Song of Songs 2:4).

See you next Wednesday with the last verse of the 23rd Psalm.

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Wednesday Whisper ~ Victory in the Valley

Posted on April 15, 2020 by Arrow

Psalm 23:4 says “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Ps. 23_4For those of you in that valley right now, this is a SHOUT OUT … because I’m there too. And, this is what I know:

  • I am walking. I am NOT standing still or quitting. I am making forward progress.
  • I will go THROUGH this valley. I will come out on the other side. The valley will end.
  • A valley is the low area between hills or mountains, which means I was on the mountain before and I will be AGAIN!
  • This is NOT death. This is a shadow. A shadow may darken what I see but it only blocks part of the light. A shadow itself is harmless.
  • Jesus not only conquered the shadow because He is the Light, but He decimated death. That is what we celebrate on Resurrection/Easter Sunday!
  • There is evil out there. (Drrr!) BUT, our God is bigger! “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
  • I will NOT live in fear. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Memorize that.
  • My God, the Holy Spirit, my Shepherd/Savior is with me everywhere, ALL the time, by my side.
  • With His rod, I imagine my Shepherd beating the living daylights out of whatever is trying to attack or harm me. My Shepherd is all powerful and ALWAYS on guard.
  • With His staff, the Shepherd gently guides and brings me back when I start to wander off.
  • Oh yeah, I forgot the first two words, ‘even though’. In other words, even IF or even WHEN the worst happens, we are not alone and God has a plan.
  • Finally, if you’re NOT going through a valley right now, you will or you have. Praise God for the mountains and hills for they strengthen us for the valleys. And remember, the cool, refreshing streams are found in the valleys.

See you next Wednesday with Psalm 23, verse 5.

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Wednesday Whisper ~ Restored!

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Arrow

Old cars, antique furniture, historic buildings, ancient works of art, and even broken relationships. What once was considered worthless, hopeless, and perhaps beyond recognition can be restored, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, and returned to its former state … or better.

Psalm 23:3 says, “He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” So, why would we sheep, whose every need is met by the shepherd, need restored? Because, each of us was born with a sin nature. Our ideal relationship with God was damaged once sin entered the world. And once again, our Shepherd stepped up to meet our need. By dying for our sin, Jesus paid the price and took on our punishment. He made a way for us sheep to have a restored relationship with the Father/Shepherd.

But still being sheep, we tend to wander off, think we have a better plan, and doubt His goodness. Not having the best sense of direction, we usually head straight for trouble. The loving Shepherd, in His mercy, comes to search for us (Matthew 18:12) and if we allow Him, He sets us back on the right path.

Ps. 23_3

Walking with Him, day by day, the Good Shepherd transforms us pathetic humans (sheep) and gradually restores our hearts, souls, and minds. “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

See you next Wednesday with Psalm 23, verse 4.

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Wednesday Whisper ~Hammock & Ice Tea

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Arrow

Ah! My favorite resting place, a hammock strung between two tall pines near the lake with a glass of raspberry ice tea in reach. Time for some significant shut-eye, right? Well, that depends. If I start worrying about whether the rope holding the hammock is sufficiently knotted, or if the dam at the lake will give way and flood the campground, or if gnats are doing the backstroke in my tea, I will NOT be getting much sleep. We’ve all had restless nights in restful places, and many of us may be experiencing that now. So what can we do?Ps. 23_2As we continue to look at the 23rd Psalm, we see how a shepherd cares for his sheep. Verse two says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.” Now if you are a human, that may not mean much, but if you imagine yourself as one of the shepherd’s sheep, it’s a whole, new, woolly story. First, the shepherd ‘makes’ the sheep lie down. Why? Are we too dumb to know that we need to stop what we are doing and take time to rest? Sometimes. So once down, will the flock rest? Only if they feel secure. Sheep are very fearful animals. If they sense danger or feel insecure, they will not rest. And neither do we.

When Jesus is our Shepherd, the ‘green pasture’ is a safe place because we know our mighty Defender is standing guard right beside us. The Shepherd provides, once again, everything His ‘sheep’ need, nourishing food, a calm source of water to drink, and a comfortable, safe place to rest. True rest is found when we trust Him with our anxious thoughts, fears, and worries. As you lie your head on the pillow tonight, visualize releasing your worries. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Be at peace and be refreshed. Your Shepherd is near saying, “I’ve got this.”

See you next Wednesday with Psalm 23, verse 3.

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Wednesday Whisper ~ Meet Needs?

Posted on March 25, 2020 by Arrow

Ps. 23_1

What roles or jobs have you had where you met the needs of others? What did you have to do to ensure that you carried out that task? My first job at age 15 was at Tastee Freez. I learned how to make ice cream treats, cook on the grill, work at the register, clean ice cream machines, and much more … all for $1 an hour! Without really thinking about it, I was meeting the needs of customers by helping provide a clean environment where they could enjoy tasty food … well usually. At least once, I forgot the banana on the banana split!

In the Old Testament, we find that as a youth, David was a shepherd in charge of his father’s sheep. He learned specifically what his sheep needed and what he had to do to keep them safe. In Psalm 23, David wrote about the Lord based on that experience but from an interesting perspective. He said the LORD was his shepherd, which made David a sheep. The Amplified Bible puts it this way, “The Lord is my shepherd [to feed, guide and shield me]; I shall not lack.” And The Message modernizes it like this, “GOD, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing” (Psalm 23:1).

Why don’t we need a thing? Because when we accept the truth that we are like needy sheep who need a perfect Shepherd, He promises to meet our needs. Our God who loves us beyond comprehension wants to meet our needs and He already knows what they are. So, let’s stay near that Shepherd, trusting Him in our time of need.  Be encouraged with this, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

See you next Wednesday with Psalm 23, verse 2.

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