Unpredictable Jesus

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Arrow

I just love it when we have unexpected showers in our desert, those not included in the meteorologist’s forecast or on my weather app. But the other morning, I was like, “What is that sound?” Outside, I saw it! Rain!

The downpour reminded me that Jesus could also be extremely unpredictable. Let’s peek back to recall Him catching people off guard.

Religious leaders were frequently shocked to see who Jesus ate with, what kind of people He healed, and the “unlawful” acts of kindness He did on the Sabbath.

At one point, a group was trying to find Jesus. They knew He had not boarded the boat the disciples left in so they assumed Jesus was still in the area. Little did they know that He had walked on the water to the boat to join His disciples! (John 6:16-25)

Then, there’s the time Jesus chose to pass through the typically avoided region of Samaria. His own disciples were surprised to see Him actually speaking to a Samaritan woman (a no-no in Jesus’ day). And who would have guessed that this woman was the first person Jesus chose to reveal His true identity to as the Messiah? (John 4:4-27)

So unpredictable!

Then, why am I surprised when Jesus doesn’t work in my life the way that I expect? The LORD reminds us, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways” (Isaiah 55:9a).

I imagine Jesus is in my “boat.” But He’s not stopping at any of the places I expected and I find my days “interrupted” in unforeseeable ways.

I have a choice. I can be impatient, whine, and complain or I can accept this adventure with joy and hope, knowing that I am not alone and reassured that He has a better plan . . . which may include some rain.

May we be flexible and teachable on our journey with Jesus!

Enjoy the ride!

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Leaders Impact Nations

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Arrow

Whether we look at ancient civilizations or the more recent activities of nations, those in leadership have great powers of influence that effect the future of many.

In the Old Testament, we find that after the reign of King Solomon, the son of David, the nation of Israel was divided. Jeroboam became the first king of the northern nation of Israel and sadly influenced all nineteen kings after him.

Jeroboam not only turned away from God, but he led the entire nation to worship idols. God’s message to Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah was “[God] will uproot Israel from this good land that he gave to their forefathers and scatter them beyond the River, because they provoked the LORD to anger. . . And he will give Israel up because of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit” (1 Kings 14:15b-16). In 722 BC, the northern kingdom fell to Assyria and was taken into exile.

More recently, the impact of other dangerous leaders has been felt. In the early 1900s, atheistic Bolshevik leaders seized control of Russia, rejecting religion and promoting a Marxist ideology. The communist experiment caused the suffering of many generations and killed millions. This was followed by Nazi leaders taking control of Germany in the 1930s, ruining a nation and devastating Europe.

What about America? A powerful influence indeed. Her Founding Fathers were heavily influenced by biblical principles, the very principles that today are being rejected. Those who boast as “progressives” are leading our nation in a downward spiral, championing abortion, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, transgender ideology, and more. Freedom of religion is being lost to “freedom from religion” and freedom of speech is threatened when not politically correct.

If God addressed America today with “Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray” (Isaiah 9:16), then may she heed this warning, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20a).

With America’s elections less than a month away, may we prayerfully and wisely seek God’s guidance in voting biblical values. And may God raise up godly leaders!

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Strength for Your Workout

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Arrow

Typically, we think that we work out in order to become stronger, but in reality, we need some strength to even begin our workout. Or even, to begin our day. Most need a little something to get going whether it’s caffeine, a hearty smoothie, or protein bar.

Our soul and mind need a healthy start as well, so today let’s focus on some strength-building Bible verses.

“The LORD gives strength to his people” (Psalm 29:11a). God is the source of strength.

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you” (Psalm 84:5a). Dependence on God for strength brings blessing.

“[B]ut those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31a). Putting our hope in God gives strength.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). The strength of the Lord will help us through life’s trials.

“If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11b). God gives us strength to do His work. Accomplishing His work then brings God praise.

Finally, Paul prayed this for believers and it is my prayer for you as well: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:16-17a).

No one enjoys feeling weak either physically or spiritually. The great news is we have a God to turn to when experiencing spiritual weakness. Scripture says that in our weakness, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-11).

May we go to God for strength each day. He has a never-ending supply and knows just what we need for our present situation.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

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Training for Today

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Arrow

When we participate in “training,” we typically have a goal in mind. Perhaps we hope to improve our strength or acquire a new skill, at least that’s what I imagine.

But when I read Oswald Chambers’ devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, I found that Chambers flips our thinking about goals. The author suggests that instead of thinking God is leading me to a desired goal that the process or training is the actual goal.

Chambers uses the event of Jesus walking on water to expound on this idea.

After Jesus fed the five thousand, we find, “Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd” (Mark 6:45). The goal: Bethsaida, across the Sea of Galilee.

Of course, we know part-way toward their “goal,” the disciples are confronted by heavy winds that prevent their progress. Then, literally, out of the blue, they see Jesus . . . walking on water!

Chambers states, “What He desires for me is that I see ‘Him walking on the sea’ with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see ‘Him’” (My Utmost for His Highest, Updated Edition, July 28).

The disciples’ focus changes to what Jesus wants them to see now. Jesus wants His disciples to see Him now.

God wants the same for us. Our goal is the preparation. Our “training” is for the present. Do we trust Him in the now? Are we being obedient moment-by-moment now? Oswald teaches, “God training is for now, not later.”

“[T]rain yourselves to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8).

May we train well today.

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A Prescription of Praise

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Arrow

After last week’s “Dose of Encouragement”, I thought a “Prescription of Praise” sounded like the logical follow up.

In many of King David’s Psalms, this “man after God’s own heart” felt free to vent his emotions and dump the garbage and junk overwhelming his life. The amazing thing is most of the time these poems or songs ended in praise. David could lay his pains and complaints, worries and fears at the Lord’s feet, trusting He would help him through his difficult days.

Praise has a way of lifting our hearts and minds above our circumstances into the presence of God. Our attention turns upward and beyond. It is there we receive hope and encouragement from our loving heavenly Father.

Here are some verses of praise to whisper, sing, or speak aloud. Feel free to find others that touch your heart personally.

“From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you…. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Psalm 71:6, 8).

“It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night . . . For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands” (Psalm 92:1-2, 4).

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens” (Psalm 68:19).

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns’” (Psalm 96:8-10a).


Praise the Lord for He is worthy of our praise!

Give Him praise and be blessed!

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A Dose of Encouragement

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Arrow

Whether we like it or not, some days we just need a word of encouragement. Our plans plummet, circumstances suck, and expectations are exterminated!

What we need is a good dose of God’s Word to sooth our sores, lift our spirits, and fan the flame. So, here we go!

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Wow! We are invited into God’s family, becoming His child!

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23a). God deeply loves us, no matter what!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Jesus also said He would never leave us. His name is Emmanuel, God with us.

“[B]eing confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). God is working in us. Good thing! We need all the help we can get!

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4). God is behind the scenes working things out.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, . . .  let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). We have our own race with a whole crowd cheering us on! Let’s stay in our lane and go!

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7). Let’s persevere. Our reward is waiting.

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God’s Temple, Then and Now

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Arrow

Have you ever seen God’s temple in Jerusalem? No? Oh yeah, it’s not there!

In the Old Testament, King David desired to honor God by building Him a great temple. Instead, God assigned David’s son, Solomon, the job of building God’s house.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Hear what happened when King Solomon completed the magnificent structure in 959 BC. “Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud … for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13b-14).

Unfortunately, after Solomon’s reign, the kingdom divided and idolatry became rampant. Jerusalem, along with her temple, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC and God’s people were taken into exile.

In 538 BC, the exiles, under Persian rule by then, were allowed to return to Jerusalem and encouraged to rebuild the temple. After many delays, the temple was finished and dedicated in 516 BC.

This was the same temple where more than 500 years later Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus and where 12-year-old Jesus was found “sitting among the teachers.” It was also where Jesus performed miraculous healings and angered religious leaders.

Jesus even prophesied the temple’s destruction, “[N]ot one stone here will be left on another” (Matthew 24:2). Jerusalem’s second temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. Now what?

With the onset of Christianity, a temple building was no longer necessary. Jesus became the final sacrifice on the cross, taking on Himself the sins of the world. There was longer a need for priests. Jesus made a way for believers to speak directly to the Father. Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit to live inside the hearts of His followers.

Paul taught believers, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Learning from the history of previous temples, may we be aware of the very presence of God in our lives. May we strive to be pure and holy and worship Him only. May we remember and be grateful for the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf and live to honor God.

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A Shaking from God

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Arrow

During my college years in California, I experienced an earthquake while living in an apartment. I was very thankful the building stood the test!

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Today I’d like to look at the book of Haggai again. (Check out last week’s devotion from Haggai if you missed it.) The people of Haggai’s time were not going to experience an earthquake per se, but God did promise to shake things up.

After God’s people rebuilt the temple, they were discouraged because it paled in comparison to the previous one. Haggai encouraged them with, “‘I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:7).

Things would not always remain as they were. God promised that one day He would shake up the powers that reign and do a little rearranging. Not only would the wealth of the nations bring splendor to God’s temple, but Jesus, “the desired of all nations,” would be in that temple numerous times.

Twice in Haggai 2, God promises to “shake the heavens and the earth.” Powers and kingdoms would be overthrown and God’s day of judgment would come. (Persia would fall to Alexander the Great.)

The writer of Hebrews uses the same description for the future coming of Christ, indicating that whatever can be shaken will be shaken “so that what cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:26-27).

The question is, when our life gets shaken, will we collapse or stand firm? Will our faith and relationship with Jesus remain? Is our life built on a foundation that won’t give way?

James encourages us with this. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

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Bring God Pleasure

Posted on August 21, 2024 by Arrow

I’m wondering, does my work bring God pleasure? Do my current projects or the things I’m spending my time, effort, and energy on actually please the Lord?

Let’s hear from Haggai, a prophet to the Jews who returned to Jerusalem after being exiled. The year was 520 BC and Haggai delivered four short sermons.

In his first sermon, Haggai scolds the Israelites. “Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways’” (Haggai 1:5). Nothing the people were doing was turning out right. They were short on food, clothes, wages, etc.

Then God told them precisely what to do. “‘Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,’ says the LORD” (Haggai 1:8).

Then we hear why God had not been blessing their work. “‘You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?’ declares the LORD Almighty. ‘Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house’” (Haggai 1:9).

The Lord’s house, the temple, was still lying in ruins. The foundation had been completed 16 years earlier but neighbors began to intimidate God’s people so they turned to work on their own houses instead.

What did God say would please and honor Him? It wasn’t a secret. God gave clear instructions: Go, bring, and build.

Today, we are God’s temple. 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, “For we are the temple of the living God.” God lives in the hearts of believers.

So, let’s consider the work we are doing. Is our goal to bring God pleasure or are we focusing on our own desires?

When Israel had a change of heart, the LORD “stirred up the spirit of the whole remnant” and the work on the Lord’s house began.

May we also be stirred to do the work God has for us to do.

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Another Door Closer

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Arrow

Closed doors are typically viewed as disappointments. Whether it’s a house you were dreaming of purchasing, the job you longed for, or a witnessing opportunity that didn’t end as you hoped, closed doors happen.

So, is there a way to look at closed doors as something positive?

Let’s follow Paul on his second missionary journey. Paul and Silas headed out from Jerusalem. They traveled north through Syria and Cilicia stopping to strengthen the churches and picking up Timothy along the way.

Then, “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas” (Acts 16:6-8).

Talk about closed doors! I wonder how Paul felt about that? Was he discouraged, confused, angry, or doubting his purpose or mission?

Whatever he felt, God soon gave clarity. Paul received a vision at night in which a man from Macedonia begged Paul to come and help.

Look what God had done. Paul and his team just “happened” to be in the port city of Troas, where they soon put out to sea headed northwest for Macedonia. Paul knew exactly where he was to preach the gospel next, and the gospel would eventually spread to Europe.

Of course, it’s a lot easier to praise God after we experience open doors. But maybe we can learn to thank Him for the closed doors as well, especially if we remember that He is working behind the scenes on our behalf. We can trust that He knows best and is working for our good. And besides, it means we are another closed door closer to the one He will open!

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