What Are We Spreading?

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Arrow

Some things in life we wish were never shared. A cold. Covid. Bed bugs. Classroom teachers always dread the call from the school nurse requesting the class be brought in for head checks. Lice is another bug that quickly spreads.

Other times, sharing and multiplying is a life-changing experience. Recall Jesus’ “Parable of the Sower” in Luke 8. When the seed or God’s Word was spread on good soil or to those with a noble or good heart, the outcome was spectacular. “It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown” (Luke 8:8).

Jesus follows up with another parable, “A Lamp on a Stand.” Again, sharing the light or God’s truth with others is the work of all believers. The purpose being, “so that those who come in can see the light” (Luke 8:16).

Hear this from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. “You are the light of the world. . .  [L]et your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14a, 16).

Kristi McLelland, a Bible study teacher, encourages believers to be a river, not a lake. A lake simply holds the water it receives, whereas a river receives and gives. Its water flows through and nourishes other places.

Likewise, we should take what we are receiving in our knowledge of the Scriptures and share it with others.

Be a farmer; plant seeds of truth. Be a lamp; give light to those in spiritual darkness. Be a river; let God’s Word overflow to others, offering living water and eternal life.

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What Amazed Jesus?

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Arrow

What do you love to find? Editors search for typos. Friends hunt for antiques. My uncle is hooked by an estate sale. And people still mine for gold in streams!

I love treasures in Scripture. Here’s my recent find. In the entire Bible, there are only two times where Jesus is recorded as being “amazed.”

In Luke 7, we hear the story of a Centurion (Roman soldier) sending highly respected Jews to Jesus. Their mission was to persuade Jesus to come to the Centurion’s home to heal his servant.

Jesus agreed and was on His way when He received another message. The Centurion had a change of heart! Grasping the scope of inviting the Messiah into his home, here is part of the message the Centurion sent with friends: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Luke 7:6b-7).

“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel’” (Luke 7:9; italics added).

This is incredible and sad at the same time. The faith of a humble Gentile amazed Jesus.

The other recorded instance of Jesus being “amazed” is more somber. Jesus was in His hometown, Nazareth. The residents were impressed with Jesus’ teaching yet perplexed that one of their own, a commoner, could be different from them. Jesus’ reaction? “And he was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mark 6:6; italics added).

Both times Jesus was “amazed,” it was by a person’s faith. A generous portrayal of faith and a painful lack thereof.

May our lives demonstrate amazing faith!

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Trust in the Midst of the Unknown

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Arrow

Ever not know where you are headed? Have you experienced putting your trust in the Lord, not knowing what the future held?

Moses led the nation of Israel out of Egypt. Their future was full of unknowns as they crossed the desert on their way to the Promised Land. When they grumbled about food, God provided quail and something they named “manhue” or manna which literally translates, “What is it?”

This “What is it?” was a blessing of bread rained down from heaven. God told Moses, “… in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God” (Exodus 16:12b).

The manna came with special instructions and would be a test for God’s people. They were told how much to gather and when. Their daily nourishment required depending on God. If they doubted what He said and gathered manna their own way, the result was stinking maggots. Whoops!

I love that no matter how much they gathered, they all had the right amount. No one had too little or too much. One day at a time, Israel would depend on God to provide and so should we.

God wants us to know that He will provide for us. When we trust and live in obedience, He will fill us and we will have what we need.

The wisdom of Proverbs says, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD” (Proverbs 16:20).

Let’s replace our worry and striving with walking in obedience and trusting the One who knows all.

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Surprised by Jesus

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Arrow

People surprise us all the time. Our police officer friend has a passion for riding horses. A teacher friend enjoys refurbishing furniture. We were surprised to learn that of our various pastors, one played in the NFL, one was an excellent soccer player, and one competed in ice hockey in Canada.

The more time you spend with someone, the more you learn about them and get to know them.

In the gospels, I find that the disciples were regularly surprised by Jesus. Let’s jump into the story where Jesus and His disciples were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus was sound asleep while His disciples were frantically trying to save the boat from being swamped! They actually feared they might drown so they cried out to Jesus. As Jesus rebuked the wind and water, all calmed down and Jesus asked the men, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25).

Now that had to hurt! But basically, Jesus was wondering: Why are you panicking? Don’t you know Who I am? Don’t you understand what I can do? Don’t you grasp how much I love you? Don’t you know that I have a purpose and plan for your life?

The disciples clearly did not know that when Jesus said, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake” (Lk 8:22) that they would actually arrive on the other side of the lake.

We learn more about the disciples when we hear their response, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him” (Lk. 8:25b). Even though the disciples had witnessed numerous miracles, Jesus continued to surprise them.

And He will do the same for us. As we spend time with Him, we get to know Him better. But there will always be more to learn. Knowing Jesus is a life-long pursuit.

Spend time with Him and be surprised!

Be encouraged, my friends!

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Waiting Well

Posted on June 19, 2024 by Arrow

Okay, this is the blog I need to read. But first I need to write it! Waiting well is not my strong suit. Am I ever going to get it right?

This year I’ve been reading My Utmost for His Highest, the classic devotional by Oswald Chambers. I read it decades ago, then received it as a gift eleven years ago. Apparently, this was my year to read it again. (I had waited long enough.)

Sometimes we find ourselves in those long, silent seasons of waiting. Well, not really silent. God continues to teach, lead, inspire, and bless. I’m just not hearing . . . what I want . . . yet.

God got my attention with Oswald’s reading for April 4. “If we are willing to wait, we will see God pointing out that we have been interested only in His blessings, instead of in God Himself.”

Ow! That hit home. Like God’s children in the wilderness, I focused on what I wanted God to give me. I focused on me, not Him.

How can I make the shift? While reading God’ Word, I can ask: What is God teaching me about Him? I can strive to view Him separate from His blessings.

When we focus on who God is, we can be reassured that He is in control. He is working behind the scenes. He is worthy of thanks, praise, and honor. He loves us beyond measure. He is eternal and sees the present and future. He knows all. God has a plan and He is good.

The prophet, Isaiah, reminds us, “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18).

May your hearts be encouraged, my friends!

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Do Different

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Arrow

Most of us like to blend in, to not be the oddball or odd one out. Others thrive on sticking out, but to what end? Let see what Jesus did.

As I read John 8:1-11, a phrase jumped out, “But Jesus.” As a backdrop, in John 7 we find Jesus teaching in Jerusalem on the last day at the Feast of Tabernacles when the city is overflowing with Jews. The response of listeners varies and religious leaders send guards who unsuccessfully arrest Jesus. The chapter ends with, “Then each went to his own home” (John 7:53).

The following verse, John 8:1, says, “But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives” (my italics). Jesus knew there was trouble brewing and probably went to spend time in prayer with His Father. He didn’t go home like everyone else.

Sure enough, the following day, the religious leaders set a trap for Jesus. They brought before Him a woman caught in adultery and asked His opinion. The woman was made to stand before the group of Pharisees who were accusing and judging her.

Then we read, “But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger (John 8:6b italics mine). Twice, Jesus bent down and wrote, perhaps Scripture verses or names, something so significant that it changed the minds of the woman’s accusers who eventually turned and walked away.

Jesus was different. He didn’t stand to accuse the woman. He bent down low, encouraging her to leave her life of sin. Jesus was known for speaking and responding unlike others.

Likewise, our habits, responses, and the way we spend our time should be different from the world.

Imagine your own story. Today, others are (fill in the action or description), BUT (your name) (fill in your different action/description). Let’s be okay with being and doing different.

Do it all for the kingdom of God.

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Try Again

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Arrow

Granted, life can be frustrating. Perhaps the goal we hoped to reach by now is nowhere in view. Our dream not realized. That intimidating task, incomplete.

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

May you find encouragement, like I did, in a fishing story found in John 21. The scene occurs after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples appear in a quandary as to what to do next.

Peter decides to go fishing and others join him. “So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing” (John 21:3b). Talk about frustrating! At least four of these guys had been career fishermen.

From the shoreline, they hear the dreaded question, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” (Jn. 21:5). So now add a dose of humiliation to frustration.

Then the wise guy on shore offers unsolicited advice. “‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish” (Jn. 21:6).

You guessed it. The “wise guy” was Jesus encouraging His children to try again because He was about to provide an abundant blessing. Look again at the promise at the end of verse 6. “Throw out your net . . . and you will find some.”

Notice, the fishermen had to do their part before God did His. They had to “throw out” AGAIN in the midst of humiliation and hopelessness. They had to throw out that net one more time, even though they had already fished all night long.

Let’s not give up, dear brother and sister. God is with us. He has a plan and will provide. May we keep up the good work and leave the timing of our “haul” to Him.

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Fit for Service

Posted on May 29, 2024 by Arrow

Many people choose to go into the military. Once the decision is made, they receive training to hone their physical and mental skills needed to serve. They also learn the values and traditions that come with being a soldier.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

In Luke 9, Jesus describes what “fit for service” means in the kingdom of God. But before Jesus reveals His conclusion, He gives numerous examples of those who wish to follow Him but fail.

To the first interested party, Jesus responds, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). The Message interprets it this way. “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.”

Jesus does not promise His followers comfort or even a place to call their own. And it’s clear we don’t “fit in” with the world’s norms and values.

Others whom Jesus called to follow Him chose to put people or projects ahead of the kingdom of God. Jesus responded explaining the urgency and priority of putting the kingdom of God first.

Finally, Jesus concludes, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

“Fit for service” means we’re willing to give up or surrender and go with God. We’ve made a decision and should follow through with that commitment. We are facing forward. There is no need to look behind, focusing on the past, because we are following the One in front of us, Jesus.

May we march forward for the kingdom.

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God Wants to Bless You!

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Arrow

Do you enjoy blessing others, making their day, surprising them with that perfect little something, or bringing a smile to someone’s face?

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Well, God desires to do that for you!

I was pleasantly surprised when I read Deuteronomy 8. Basically, the Lord shares His heart when He says that His desire is for things to go well with Israel.

In Deut. 8:10-13, God wanted Israel to eat and be satisfied, to build fine homes and settle down, and to have large flocks and herds. He wanted the nation’s silver and gold to increase and for all she had to be multiplied. Wow! Now that’s a blessing!

But when we look closer, we see that blessings come with conditions. God had expectations for His people. He explains, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands…” (Deut. 8:10-11a).

God wants His people to remember what He has done and remember that blessings come from Him. He expects us to give Him praise and thanks so that we do not become proud in our own accomplishments and forget Who actually provides.

Romans 10:12 says, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him.”

May we live in obedience to Him and remember that He is our good Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11).

Be blessed!

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Accounting 101

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Arrow

Debt is a tricky thing. If you don’t keep paying it down, debt grows. And when someone owes us, frustration can grow.

In Jesus’ “Parable of the Unmerciful Servant” in Matthew 18, He recounts the story of a servant who owed so much money to the king that he could never pay it back. His insurmountable debt represents our sin and how we could never do enough to pay for it.

The story goes on. After the king wipes the servant’s slate clean, the servant is expected to do likewise to those in debt to him. This is the part of the parable we struggle to apply.

Whose ‘account’ in our mind says, “Balance Due!” Who owes us respect? Where did we not receive an honor earned? Perhaps an inheritance stolen or wrongfully dispersed. Who owes us debts of kindness and love? Do we keep a running tally of those who wrong us?

Look again. Imagine Jesus saying, “I paid all those debts . . . every one. Jesus continues, “I have more than enough to cover where others have robbed or shorted you.”

Hurtful memories are replaced with Jesus’ words reminding you that He loves you, has chosen you, and favors you.

Jesus paid every debt—our debt and the debt of others–when He was willingly crucified.

Look at those accounts again with a fat marker and write, “PAID IN FULL” or “CANCELLED” or “FORGIVEN.”

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Forgiving others does not mean they did no wrong. It means we hand their debt to us over to Jesus. And He takes care of it. Forgiving others also frees us from the bondage of bitterness.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

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