Jethro TOOLS - Blog: Signal Light

Courage in the Culture

1/11/2026

Ephesians 3:12-21
Obstacles and opposition; these are the problems that courage overcomes. However, as I stood shaking, my courage was gone. Zip, zap, gone. It all started with an invitation to an obstacle course. Two unimposing poles stood in the clearing. The challenge was to climb the first pole, stand on the top and then jump and grab on to the second pole. Sounds easy, right? Even with safety ropes and a harness strapped to me the pole still swayed. Somehow I managed to climb up and stand on the flat top of the pole that was no larger than a small dinner plate. That is when it hit. I lost all courage and excitement for this insane adventure. It is amazing how I could stand on almost nothing and the eight feet to the next pole was an impossible leap of faith. I froze in fear. I had lost my courage to overcome the obstacle. The same in true in our lives. Fear keeps us from moving forward, while faith motivates us with the knowledge that nothing will harm us. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, chapter three is the transitional hinge from theological truths to practical application. Paul closes the first half of the letter with a prayer for their inner strength (16). He does not pray for external or physical solutions, instead, he prays for their inner perspective. He desires that they know Christ and His power and love for them (17-19). At the point of salvation the believer in Jesus positionally comes into instant possession of all the resources available in Christ. Paul is challenging His readers to not only believe in their head, but know experientially by faith, the vast resources of Christ that give freedom to live courageously for Christ. Knowing Christ is like the safety line on the obstacle course. That relationship allows us to courageously take steps of faith in obedience to Christ call. That perspective and practice is counter to our culture.

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Counter to the Culture

1/4/2026

Ephesians 1:17-23
Fitting in, as people we are created for relationships and desire acceptance. Yet at times we are willing to compromise our values and beliefs to gain the fleeting praise and acceptance of others. This is simply called peer pressure. We often think of this term in relation to teenagers who are pressured by their peers into making unwise decisions. However, we can be pressured to conform even when we are older. It is often said that, “Everything is for sale and everyone has a price.” The book of Daniel records perhaps the best recognized examples of a response to peer pressure. The first chapter records Daniel and his three friends in a foreign land in training to serve the king. Daniel resolved in his mind not to defile himself with the food that was unclean and unacceptable by God’s standards (Daniel 1:8). Later in the book the three friends of Daniel are threatened with death if they did not worship the gold statue of the king. In the face of immense pressure they reaffirm their belief in God to deliver, and their resolute refusal not bow to the statue (Daniel 3:16-18). Where does that kind of confidence come from? In Ephesians chapter one Paul prays that the Ephesian church will know God better (17). He prays that they will know the hope, riches and power found only in knowing God (18-23). Our hope is based on Christ and not on what we dream to achieve. Our wealth is found in a merciful God who lavished on us the gift of His Son who died for us to make it possible for us to become part of His family. The same unmatched power that God used to raise Jesus from the grave is now resident in the one who places their faith in Christ to save them. Through God’s power we can withstand temptations and live counter to the pressures found in our culture.

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Christmas Time: Entrusted

12/28/2025

Titus 1:1-4
What are the similarities between the sports of Football, Basketball, Soccer and Hockey? Each of these are team sports with a goal, and a ball, or puck. The teams strategically battle over who controls the play, and ultimately who scores with the playing piece. The ball, or the puck, is given to a selected player to begin moving toward the goal. Within each of these sports, the players must learn how to protect the ball or puck from the opponents in order to successfully carry the play to the goal and score. Players are entrusted with the most important piece, and given the opportunity to participate in the advancement of their team. To be entrusted with something means that you have been given something, and it is now your responsibility and under your care. The same is true in the spiritual arena. For example, Paul tells Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him (2 Timothy 1:14). Later, in the letter that he composed to Titus, Paul gives a similar message. He says that, as a servant and apostle, he has been entrusted with the message about Jesus Christ (1). Following that thought he then tells Titus that he has been entrusted with preaching the message God gave him (3). Notice that what is most valuable to Paul is that which has been given to him. Paul states it differently, in 2 Corinthians 4:7, referring to us as clay pots that hold valuable treasure. The container is the carrier that has the privilege to display its contents. As believers in Jesus Christ, we carry the message and the power of the gospel within us. Our goal is to be on mission like Paul. We are to be servants of God, daily advancing His agenda, and delivering His glorious life-changing message to others. Like a hockey player, we have ben entrusted with a mission, and a single goal, to honor God and deliver His message.

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Christmas Time: Explained

12/24/2025

John 1:1-8
We are now into the Christmas season. Your mind and your calendar may be full with all the things that you need to accomplish between now and December 25. In our busyness we often forget or neglect the real meaning of Christmas, Jesus born as Savior of the world. The cradle does not exist without the cross. However, the Christmas story begins before the cradle. As John begins the fourth book in the New Testament he highlights six essential truths about Jesus the savior born in the manger. John opens the first chapter by explaining that Jesus is God’s personal communication to us (1). Second, he explains the preexistence of Jesus in the beginning (1). Thirdly, John explains that Jesus is God (1-2), who fourthly gives life (3-4). Fifth, John explains the opposition of the darkness and evil to the light and truth of God’s communication of Jesus as Savior (5). This finally leads John to explain his role as a messenger who declares that belief in Jesus is essential (6-8). God designed and planned to personally reveal Himself to mankind through Jesus. John writes these things so that we, his audience, may believe that Jesus is the Savior and by believing we may have life in His name (John 20:30-31). This message is true for the audience of John’s day and for us today. Has the power of God displayed to us through Jesus overcome your darkness? Belief in Jesus is essential for life in Him. It is only through belief in Him as savior that we find our true purpose in life. We have been designed to reveal His greatness and light to people lost in a dark world in need of the light and life found only in Jesus. May the joy of Jesus fill you with His message. May the light of Jesus guide you as you daily walk with Him. He came to give His life so we can have true life by believing in Him.

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Christmas Time: Spoken

12/21/2025

Hebrews 1:1-4
A number of years ago my daughter gave me a short note on a small piece of paper. On it there were nine neatly written items that made up her birthday and Christmas wish list. At the bottom there was a star followed by an explanatory note, “Most Wanted.” Glancing back to the list a star highlighted item number seven which read, “Night Table - made by Dad.” Thus began a journey of cold weather construction in a cramped unheated shed. An individualized night table complete with a drawer was made for each of the kids and quietly placed by each of their beds very late on Christmas Eve. I have saved the note and use it as a book marker in my daily devotional book. It reminds me of the way that I need to come to my heavenly Father and ask for what is needed and that which I desire the most. A gift created by my father’s hands made just for me. Hebrews chapter 1 opens by telling us that God has consistently and repeatedly delivered messages revealing Himself and His plans for salvation (1). His best and most perfect form of communication was personally made through the sending Jesus to be our savior (2). Being God He is the perfect gift that has been communicated, but also provided (3). Jesus, fully God yet in human form (Philippians 2:5-9), is just what humanity needs most. He is far superior to any thing else that could grab our attention (4). Christmas time is often a time of secrets and trying to guess what a gift is. God understood our deepest need. He spoke, promised and delivered the very best gift, Jesus in the form of a baby. The great God who spoke the world into existence now displays the same power to save and transform our life. Jesus, is a gift given directly from the Father. What joy! What hope! God has communicated His love to us.

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Christmas Time: Appropriate

12/14/2025

Galatians 4:1-7
One day a little turtle decided to climb a tree, while two crows watched with interest. Inch by laborious inch the little turtle made his way to the top to the tree. Upon reaching the top he flapped his little arms as hard as he could and promptly fell straight down. Undeterred he decided to try climbing the tree again. As he moved toward the tree one crow says to the other, “I’d sure hate to see him hurt himself. Do you think now is a good time to tell him that he is adopted?” Being adopted often carries with it some residual questions about the past, but the ultimate question that is asked is … Where do I belong? That question was answered at the time of adoption, and that question for each one of us is answered at Christmas. Galatians chapter four tells us that at just the right time God sent His Son Jesus to purchase our freedom from sin and give us the full right to be called His children (4). He gives us a place to belong in His family as one of His rightful children. As believers we can experience freedom from the past slavery of sin. We now experience blessing from God who faithfully keeps His promises and makes adoption possible. He sent His son at just the appropriate time so we could be belong to Him. Just as turtles can never climb trees, or fly on their own, so we can never be good enough to be made acceptable to God. The good news of the gospel message is that Christ makes this possible for us. Those who are outside God’s family are extended the offer to no longer be slaves, but sons, through faith in Christ. Being a son changes everything. We now have access to the Father, who has made it appropriate for us to be His children. Jesus is the best and most appropriate gift at just the right time.

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Christmas Time: Past

12/7/2025

Micah 5:2
The popular Christmas song, Over the River and Through the Woods, was originally written as a Thanksgiving poem by Lydia Maria Child who published it in 1844. Through the years the words have been slightly adjusted to reflect a Christmas theme. Included in the words of the song is the purpose, a holiday trip to see grandparents. There is a joy and expectation as the travelers await the promise of being with loved ones and enjoying time with them. Promises; we like it when they are kept and we become frustrated when they are broken. On a human level some will say promises are made to be broken. However, God always keeps His promises. Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus the prophet Micah foretells the coming birth of a baby who will rule as king. As Micah records God’s words, under God’s inspired direction in chapter five, he predicts a specific place, Bethlehem, and a specific person who will rule (2). This child yet to be born will have a permanent rule as king who has been sent from God for a specific purpose. Micah 5:2 is one of the prophetic references that points to Jesus. Yet, it was years between the time of this writing and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem; still, God kept His promise and brought about the incarnation through the birth of Jesus. As we enter the Christmas season, I hope that you experience joy as you reflect on God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. We are called to believe God’s Word, trust that He will fulfill His promises and bring us to a joyous reunion in His home. That is only possible by believing that Jesus came to save us (Luke 19:10). The rule of Jesus as King in our hearts and lives will bring true peace. Are you trusting the King and His timing to bring you to His home?

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Rule of God

11/30/2025

Psalm 93
My parents enjoyed music. My father was very skilled musically, especially on the trumpet, while my mother was able to play the piano quite well. For all of their efforts I have no real skills in music other than making noise. However, my parents did try to cultivate an interest in the fine art of music. I remember being taken to special musical plays, Christmas and Easter cantata’s, and even beginner music lessons with a recorder. Nothing worked. Eventually, they gave up and just bought me some cassette tapes to play in the stereo of my first car. Regardless of my disconnection with music to this day, I can still remember going to musical events called the King’s Choir, the King’s Quartet, or the King’s Brass. These were displays of impressively talented individuals blending voices or instruments in rapturous harmony. It was truly music fit for a king. In life, the rule of a good king is honored with what is the best. The rule of a good king is based on the proper use of power for the good of the kingdom. Psalm 93 is written to tell us of the good rule of the greatest king. The author describes the Lord God as the all powerful and supremely sovereign king. He is the eternal God (1-2); He is the all powerful God (3-4); and He is completely righteous (5). The eternal God praised in Psalm 93 is completely different from the false gods people worship either past or present. The LORD God is unique and unrivaled in His rule in the present and for all time. Psalm 93 reminds us that God is the perfect ruler in three ways. First, only God is deserving of our worship because He alone is eternal. Second, only God is deserving of our submission because He alone is all powerful. Third, only God is deserving of our obedience because He alone is righteous. Is Jesus, the king ruling your life today?

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Resting in God

11/26/2025

Psalm 92
What is rest? Often when we think of rest we think a day off work equals rest. In the musical world there is a musical symbol for rest that tells the musician to stop playing the instrument and be silent for a specific musical measurement of time. We also think of rest as taking a nap or sleeping longer, and hopefully waking up feeling rested, and not tired. On another level, the Bible speaks of a sabbath rest. We are to imitate God and His work at creation. As He worked for six days and then rested, we are to do the same. Biblical rest involves ceasing from work, but it also involves also involves a trust in God to supply. When we come to the place of realizing that our effort is not sufficient it is then that we can fully rest in God to abundantly supply. The author of Psalm 92 invites his audience to praise God. The praise of God is to be natural, but how does the praise of God lead us to rest in God? If you notice the heading in your Bible, this Psalm was written for the Sabbath day. What is to happen on the Sabbath day? This is the day that God’s people are to rest. In Psalm 92 the author exhorts his audience to praise God for His care and deliverance. Praise declares God’s greatness (1-4) and delights in Him and His work (10-15). When we rest in God, as described in the Bible, it is to be a time not only of ceasing work but also praising God for how He cares for us and delivers us each day. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says that He will give rest to those that come to Him. Have we ceased our work and come to Jesus for true refreshing rest? If that is true then we can truly praise Him as described in Psalm 92.

For More See PSALMS

Reassurance from God

11/23/2025

Psalm 91
Where do we find reassurance today? We use seat belts and airbags in cars for safety at high speeds. If we purchase a new car we automatically receive a new car warranty. If we purchase a house we have to option to get a home inspection to find any problems. If we purchase a new appliance we can buy an additional warranty. To top it off, we purchase health insurance to assist in covering unexpected and large medical bills. We purchase all kinds of things to provide a sense of security and safety. We want the assurance of safety in all areas of life. We strive to minimize the risks and seek to make our safety guaranteed so we can live without fear. However, the author of Psalm 91 takes a look at life and declares that reassurance and safety are found only in God’s presence (1-4). It does not involve the purchase of any security plan. Instead it requires a devoted relationship with God that depends on Him for all things. When we cease our own striving for safety and confidently declare that God is my refuge, then we will see Him as our sure defense. Verse 4 contains a very descriptive word picture of a bird sheltering its young under its wings. The author confidently affirms that when we, by faith, believe that God is our only defense and savior, He will protect us as His children. Note that the picture is more than just a description, it is the reality of a relationship with the only God who is able to save us. As we draw near to God, it is then that we find His reassuring embrace even as the storm rages. Everything that will touch us must come through the shelter and loving embrace of the all powerful God who is our refuge. A devoted relationship with the sovereign God allows us to rest in His reassuring protection in all situations.

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New Life New Future

11/16/2025

John 14:1-7
Forever together, this is the thought forms the desire and plan for a wedding. Love motivates a young couple to begin thinking about the future and the celebratory start to that relationship called a wedding. In different cultures the process that moves toward the wedding will look different. When we look at the Bible and see a wedding we must realize that there are differences between now and then. In Jesus day the husband would make a promise to his future bride that he would come back for her. In the mean time he would go and build a house attached to his fathers house. When the house was completed the husband would return for his bride and take her to his fathers house for the wedding and its celebration. In John 14 Jesus speaks with His disciples regarding His departure. They are deeply troubled (1) but He reminds them that He will prepare a place at His fathers house for them (2) so that one day He will come back and bring them to be with Him (3). Jesus is using the cultural example of a wedding to explain the spiritual truth of the future for those who believe in Him. The only way to become part of God’s family is through a relationship with Jesus, His son. While waiting for His return those who believe have the joy of telling others of their wonderful savior. Do you know Jesus as your savior? Have you placed your faith in Him as your only savior? Jesus tells His followers, and us today, that belief in Him is the only way to gain entrance into heaven, His fathers house (6). Belief in His salvation is essential in order to be included in God’s family for all eternity. Each of us must answer the question, What will you do with Jesus? How we answer will determine our future for all eternity. Will you spend life with Him or separate from Him?

For More See JOHN

Greatness

11/9/2025

Mark 9:30-37
The other day I anonymously completed an act of service for the second time. If I told you what I did, it would cease to be service, because I would then be boasting. I could have been paid for the task, but if I had been paid, then it would become a job, and not service. Yes, it actually happened and it met a need, but it was never acknowledged or appreciated. The act was costly in terms of my time, energy and resources, yet I did it anyway. The action was something prompted by God that, by faith, I believe God will reward in the future. So for now it will remain an anonymous act of sacrificial service that I get no credit for accomplishing and gain no benefit from completing. In Mark 9 Jesus defines greatness in terms of service, not in terms of status or high position. He did this to answer a question and a brewing argument between His disciples. Jesus says that greatness is defined by voluntarily lowering yourself and serving, not just a select group, but all, without any thought of personal benefit (35). In other words, in God’s economy, sacrifice and service define greatness that will be rewarded by Him alone. Earlier in Mark 8:34 Jesus lays out the cost of following Him in terms of self denial and picking up a cross. In His day, under the rule of the Roman government, picking up a cross meant that you were walking to your certain death. Jesus wants His disciples to be ones that understand His assignment and take action to serve to promote Him, and not themselves. This can only be done with the attitude of a servant that places themselves last and others first. The greatest servant will never place themselves above any assignment or action with an attitude of superiority. Greatness is eternally defined as serving all, which was embodied by Jesus and should be imitated by us.

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Suffering

11/2/2025

1 Peter 3:13-4:6
It has been said we are either in a trial, coming out of a trial or about to go into a trial. That is true of each of us. Trials are the events in our life that introduce pain into our life. Pain is the hurt that is felt, while suffering is the continued condition of feeling the pain. Some years back I was diagnosed with cancer. That was a trial that I had never experienced before. I had a serious condition that required immediate attention and surgery. Enter pain. The testing and surgery introduced pain into my life that I had never before experienced. For months I continued to suffer with the lingering side effects and pain as I recovered from surgery. Eventually the hardship of suffering decreased, the pain subsided and the trial ended. Was there any benefit to the suffering? Good health was the outcome, but is that the only outcome? In God’s eyes pain and suffering does have a purpose and a good outcome. 1 Peter 3:18 tells us that that the death of Christ was for the purpose of bringing us to God. Through the pain and suffering God brought good. 1 Peter 4 reminds us that we are to live in imitation of Christ having the same attitude (1). The message of the gospel is proclaimed through the pain of suffering. We can only know restoration to God through Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us. That is good news. In much the same way God redeems our suffering as we submit to Him using our pain for His purpose. On a human level that is hard. We want life to be pain free. However, I can personally say that God allowed me to tell others of His love and grace through the suffering caused by cancer. God wants to redeem your pain for His good. Will you let him?

For More See 1 PETER

Spiritual Maturity

10/26/2025

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
All grown up. That is a phrase used by grandparents to describe grandchildren who have surpassed them in height, but are they mature? Two years ago I planted several cranberry bushes in the yard. With much water and some fertilizer they are now taller than I am. Are they all grown up? Are they mature cranberry plants? Not yet, they still have to produce cranberries. Even though the plants have flourished and look healthy they have not produced the fruit that marks them as mature. The same is true regarding spiritual maturity. Our spiritual age and general spiritual health make it clear that we are getting enough to eat spiritually. However, if we are only measured by what we take in we still have some growing up to do. In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul commends a group of believers for their spiritual growth and the maturity of their faith, love and hope (3). The work of faith in their lives, by God, looks to the past and guides their present living (4-5). Their labor of love matures them through their personal practice and witness of their faith under pressure (6-9). Their hope remains steadfast and matures through the confident expectation of God’s future regardless of the present reality (10). These believers had a faith in God that changed them. They possessed a love that caused them to serve as active witnesses while possessing a hope in Christ that was exercised under pressure. That is a growing and maturing spiritual life. They did not allow their circumstances to limit their growth. Instead they allowed their hope and faith to direct their life to be lived as a loving witness for Jesus in all circumstances. The problem is that often we allow our circumstances to limit our spiritual growth. We look at the size of the problem rather than the greatness of our God. Ask God to mature your faith, love and hope through your circumstances.

For More See 1 THESSALONIANS

Hope

10/19/2025

Lamentations 3
What is hope? Hope is a very strong emotion that gives meaning and purpose to life. Hope is the expectation of something better in the future that helps us overcome problems or pain in the present. Hope is essential for a well balanced life and mental well being. Without hope people often give up and ask, “What is the use?” Hope looks to the future and desires something good while at the same time it shapes our present thinking and action. The problem is that when we use the word hope we often lack the certainty and confidence that what we hope for will occur. However, Biblical hope is based on faith in God plus the certainty of the all powerful God that we serve. Being human, we live in this continuum of time and space and we become discouraged when hope is not fulfilled. I appreciate what Jeremiah the author of Lamentations writes in chapter 3. In spite of the past sins and the present situation because of sin Jeremiah finds a renewed perspective of hope that only God can give (21). He describes God as never failing (22) and faithful (23). A confident faith in the character of God shapes our present perspective when, like Jeremiah, all may seem hopeless. Are you filled with hope? Where do you place your hope? If we are attentive we may examine our life and see ways that we have placed our faith and hope in other sources rather than God. The people of Jeremiah’s day wrestled with this just like we do. So what is the solution? A mature faith with a clear God honoring perspective will look past the present to the faithful and unchanging God who is at work bringing about His desires in the present. Our hope is to be based on Him not the solution to our circumstance. The message of the gospel is that we find hope in Christ alone.

For More See LAMENTATIONS

Discouragement

10/12/2025

1 Kings 19:1-18
Talk about discouragement. I watched as all my hard work slid to one side and oozed all over the bottom of the refrigerator. It all started with a dream. I had heard a news report where a baker combined a cake with a pie. The concept is fairly simple. Take a fully baked pie and turn it upside down in a cake pan. Next, pour a cake mix over the pie and bake. Repeat the process with two more pies and complementary cakes, then turn them over, stack them together, slather them with icing and enjoy. My problem was that the cherry pie was not firm enough and the chocolate cake was not cool enough. My elaborate dream ended up in a disastrous pile of goo in the fridge. What a mess! My wife and I laughed, because that is all we could do. I was disillusioned and discouraged. However, with new hope, a new plan and new pies I was able to finally pull off a towering delight that combined three cakes and three pies. First Kings 18 records the events of the disillusioned and discouraged prophet Elijah. Previously, Elijah had seen God perform a great victory over the false prophets, provide rain to the drought parched land, and the energy to out run the king and his chariot. Now, Elijah was spiritually disillusioned with the results of Mt. Carmel, physically drained from running, and emotionally discouraged. Has your dream turned to despair? Elijah was there. The queen threatened his life and he ran in fear (19:3). How can we live life with God’s point of view and not discouragement and fear? This Bible text calls us to remember God’s past work, believe that God is in control, find strength in God, listen to His word and follow His directions. When we do, God becomes central and the circumstances become secondary.

For More See 1 KINGS

Security

9/28/2025

Psalm 20
Some years ago I ended up with appendicitis. After a trip to the doctor’s office I was told go to the hospital immediately. My day and those following were turned completely upside down. After surgery there were some complications that led to a longer than expected recovery. The problem was that up to that point I was generally healthy, now I was confined to a bed in a hospital room. I was walking through the deep waters of troubling times. Perhaps you have been there. I could have, and did pray for God to return my health. However, I also prayed for God to use my unexpected problem and pain to gain His victory for His purpose. God answered that prayer, and over the next week or so I had multiple opportunities to talk with doctors, nurses and other staff about Jesus. Life is not about us and our problems, rather it is about how God is magnified through them. Psalm 20 opens with people praying for the king (1-4). Their prayer was not for the removal of the troubles but that David, the king, would believe God’s power and see His perspective. David and the people respond in complete confidence trusting God (5-8). The prayer for the king in troubling times was key for his confident faith in following God. How do we pray for others during times of trouble? Do we pray for their release from trouble or their practice of faith when in trouble? When we face times of trouble ourselves, do we invite others to pray for our spiritual perspective and a commitment to continue trusting God? We help others and ourselves grow in faith in times of trouble when we pray for God’s presence as we practice a Godly perspective of the problems at hand. Our prayer and praise turn our attention from the problem to our God who gives security in times of trouble.

For More See PSALMS

Sufficiency of God

9/21/2025

Habakkuk 3:3-19
Recently I watched an actor portray Lewis Sperry Chafer giving a speech, as part of a centennial celebration at Dallas Theological Seminary. In the speech Chafer is attributed as saying, “It is not the size of the man that counts. Not even the size of the dream. Rather it’s the size of the God who gives the dream to the man.” Our aspirations, however big or small are finite compared to the all powerful work of the all powerful God who can do more than we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20-21). God is never limited by humanity, but we as people are limited by our view and practice of confident faith in a sufficient and sovereign God. How we view God and His power makes all the difference to our perspective, and practice of faith. Habakkuk was enabled to see God and His sovereign power at work (3-7). God’s power is displayed through His unchangeable nature. Like Habakkuk, we also can have a confident hope in God who is faithful and unchanging. Even though our world is constantly changing God does not. Habakkuk closes out this chapter with his song honoring God and the confident faith that He instills within the prophet (16-19). Habakkuk confidently states that he has found God to be sufficient in all areas of his life even if everything is taken away (17). His joy is in God who saves him (18). Like Habakkuk our life is to tell the story of God’s sufficiency. He alone enables us to live a new life free from fear of the uncertainties and perils and to declare His supreme greatness. God is sufficient. Through Jesus, He has come to give us hope and conquer the control of sin in our life. Like Habakkuk our purpose is found in praising God’s work. Our proper view of God’s sufficiency and strength will guide our life and practice of walking by faith. God is enough.

For More See HABAKKUK

God of Faith

9/14/2025

Habakkuk 3:1-2
Where do you turn when life falls apart? If you have a fire, you would call the fire department. If you have a broken water line, you would call the plumber. In each instance, you have a belief, based on the facts, that this person will provide the solution. Confidence is defined as a firm trust or belief that is founded in something or someone. You could say you have confidence in a chair, but never prove it until you act and sit down. We see this confidence in God in the life of Habakkuk. The first two chapters of this book deal with Habakkuk questioning God’s actions, which are then followed by God’s responses. However, in turning the page to chapter three, Habakkuk models how we should pray in confidence for God’s action. He may not fully understand why God chooses to act the way He does, but he believes God and turns to God in prayer (1). This is the third cycle of conversation between the prophet and God, and it begins with Habakkuk’s emotional prayer. It records a deep cry for God to act in justice against sin while addressing God as the only sovereign LORD who is capable of dealing with national corruption. We often approach prayer with a lack of confidence because we can’t see God and do not see His action. Habakkuk tells us that confidence in God is found in who He is as God and the faithfulness seen in His Word (2). Habakkuk prays, remembering that God is in control and that He alone has provided the answers and hope. In his prayer, Habakkuk seeks God’s desires of revival and spiritual renewal within his country, and he prays for God’s mercy to transform rebellious hearts and lives. We must remember that prayer rarely practiced, is rarely continued, and rarely missed. Habakkuk models how to confidently pray when all seems when all seems hopeless. Are we praying?

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Living by Faith

9/7/2025

Habakkuk 1:12-2:20
As I walked toward the garden I noticed movement. Further investigation revealed several small green and yellow birds inside the netting that covered the berry plants. With a total length of about four inches they were small enough to wriggle through the mesh that kept larger birds from eating the berries. The problem is that once inside they could not figure out how to get out. Would I step into their world and release them, or would I allow them to continue to suffer? The book of Habakkuk records the on going conversation between God and the prophet Habakkuk. The author, Habakkuk, questions when God will put a stop to the sin, injustice and idolatry (1:12-17). God counters with the challenge to live by faith (2:4). Habakkuk, as one who was righteous, was to take his eyes off others and truly live a life of faith that contrasted the sin of others. He was to live this upright God honoring life because of his faith in God. When all others are being unfaithful to God Habakkuk was to live counter to his culture and display his confident belief in God. Habakkuk saw the problems of sin within his own country of Judah, but he also saw the greater sin of the coming Babylonians. This grieved him and caused him to question God. Do the conditions in our world deepen our dependence on God and commitment to Him? Like Habakkuk, God still calls us to live by faith trusting His sovereign power and plan. God is at work calling us to Himself and cleansing us to live a righteous life through faith in Him. Like the birds that were caught, we need a savior to step into our world and free us to live by faith for Him alone. God has accomplished that through Jesus. This passage reminds us that the righteous will live by faith trusting in the only sovereign savior, Jesus.

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Questions of Faith

8/31/2025

Habakkuk 1:1-11
Try picking up a copy of pretty much any news paper, and take a look at the headlines. Does it inspire confidence and hope? I recall observing others in various settings reading their news paper and commenting or even debating what is reported. They would praise to political stance of the leader fighting corruption while hoping that something would change. They would recall times of rebellion that led to reform, but all too often what was once good took the slow slide to corruption. Why is it that most of what we see in the news is not inspiring or hopeful? News organizations like bad news, because bad news sells and bad news is the reality of what is seen in our world. We see the reports of murder, violence, embezzlement, greed, wars and impropriety. Yet as we look back through time, not much has changed. Habakkuk faced the same situation as he looked at his country. The king was evil and wicked (Jeremiah 23:13-19), and he led the nation down the same path. In the Old Testament book named after him, Habakkuk records his questions directed toward God that could still be echoed today. Habakkuk cries out from a heart of desperation asking if God answers prayer (2) and if God is going to act against the sin and corruption (3-4). God responds by giving hope and by reminding Habakkuk that He is sovereignly at work in unexpected ways (5-6). God offers hope to the desperate and discouraged and help from His unlimited sovereign resources. He has the end goal in mind not just the immediate fix. Often we may watch the news and read the newspaper and become distraught and discouraged over the rampant sin that surrounds us. The book of Habakkuk reminds us to embrace God and trust Him in all situations, even in the times that are seemingly hopeless. God does answer prayer. Keep praying. God is at work. Keep trusting Him.

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Members Who Serve

8/24/2025

Romans 12:1-8
What motivates you? We may be motivated by hunger so we begin a search for food. We may be motivated by self protection so we live life fearing many things. We may be motivated by greatness so we live a life focused on our fantasy of self elevation. There are many things that may motivate us. Satan even used hunger, pride and self preservation as motivating factors to tempt Jesus (Luke 4:1-13). But a temptation is only a temporary motivation, because once we yield the temptation we find that it does not satisfy. Even John, one of the disciples, mentions the fleeting nature of our worldly desires (1 John 2:17). So where should we look to find something worth living for, a lasting motivation? In Romans 12, Paul urges his audience to present themselves wholly to God because He is worthy (1-2). In other words, the believer is to be motivated serve God because of what Jesus Christ has done for them. Sin and self are no longer master of the believer. Christ has saved the believer to be conformed to Him and changed by Him. The believer is to be dedicated to God alone (1-2) and serve God’s purposes alone (3-8). Worldly thinking says that our purpose and motivation in living should be found in what we gain for our self. Ion the other hand the believer in Jesus Christ, who has been transformed by Christ, marches to a different drum beat and follows a different master. As a member of Christ body, the church, the believer in Jesus finds their significance in serving others and building the body. Self is removed from the center and Christ now rules the body, mind and action of the believer. Christ has not only saved us from sin, but He has saved us for His purpose of being a blessing that builds others for His kingdom. What motivates you?

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Membership Standard

8/17/2025

1 Corinthians 13
“I don’t like my job!” Have you ever said that. There is part of every job that is unpleasant. Most jobs are tolerable, some are terrible, while many jobs are terrific. Yet within every job there is often one component that is unpleasant and therefore we often avoid doing it. Simply avoiding the task does not remove our responsibility to complete it and therefore complete our job. The same is true when it comes to living the christian life. The church of Corinth was having a problem exercising genuine faith, love and service to God. As a whole they had distorted their relationship with Christ and turned it into a practice of self centered love. In essence they had turned their relationship with Jesus Christ into a self centered religious practice. In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul challenges their distorted spiritual practice by addressing love as the central standard measurement for believers in Jesus Christ. This passage highlights what is wrong in the Corinthians spiritual practice (1-3), and what is actually the display of true love (4-7). The distinguishing characteristic of love within the believer is progress in Christlike maturity (8-12). We are immature and can never measure up to Christ’s standard of love, but there is progress over the course of our spiritual life. We are called to be followers of Christ and follow His example (1 Peter 1:13-16). Love is to be the substance of our actions because Christ loved us first (1 John 1:19). This passage is simple, yet so deep and confronting. If we are honest it is difficult to love and be loving. Yet, our belief in Christ the Savior who loves us changes us and connects us with His body the church so we can become people who serve with His love. Christ and His display of love for us is the standard measurement for our love and service. That is a hard job, but one that is attainable through His grace and strength.

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Member with Others

8/10/2025

1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Arm wrestling is a sport that has gained popularity in recent years through one of its main participants, Devon Larratt. It may not seem like it, but arm wrestling is a very technical sport, and Devon Larratt has taken on the task of fine tuning and developing every part of his body to make it more powerful than that of his opponents. On a quick look one might think the best arm wrestler to be a big person with bulging biceps. However, Larratt has studied and developed even his smallest muscles by growing them in strength and endurance. The result is an impressive world recognition as one of the greatest arm wrestlers of all time, and he has the championships to prove it. His success is founded on very part, even the little parts doing their job. The same is true of the church. Every part of the church body is called on to serve at their maximum capacity for the benefit of the whole body and the honor of God. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that the church, God’s body, is like a physical body that is made up of many parts (12-14). A body that is divided leads to discord and dysfunction (15-17). Every part of the body is designed and placed by God to perform a specific purpose for the benefit of the whole body (18-20). The individual functions with in the body of Christ to bring honor to Him (21-26). Each individual member is committed to the others because they are connected through Christ (27). Christ is the unifying factor that changes our relationships with everyone, and particularly those within the church. The problem is that we live in a world that is individually centered. This thinking is counter to Pauls teaching. How can God use you and your relationship with Him to strengthen other believers to make His body, the church, stronger?

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Member with Christ

7/27/2025

Acts 2:37-47
What is the best group to join? As people, we are not created to be alone. To solve that we spend time searching for places that we like and people that like us. We move to neighborhoods and communities we like. We become members of a country, communities, groups, associations, and even members of a family. The Bible refers to those that believe in Jesus as members of His body, a spiritual family called the church. The difficulty is that we view the church as a building. You may be asked, “What church do you belong to?” Our normal response is some form of directions to some building. The person who believes by faith in Jesus as their savior is made a member of God’s family (Romans 6:3, 1 Corinthians 12:27). The church is not a building, but the believers that gather together in a building are the church. In Acts 2 we see the beginning of the church, and the initial steps of church growth. It begins with Peter’s message encouraging people to believe in Jesus (14-39), and concludes with many people responding (41). These new believers, or new members, of the early church devoted themselves to the teaching of God’s word, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer (42). This chapter highlights what God does as He changes people, their beliefs about Jesus, and association with Jesus. You see, the early church was made up of people who had originally been opposed to Jesus. In coming to Christ they were changed by Christ. They now desired to learn of Christ through His word and live out those truths in a spiritual community with others. They were a changed people, who are now members with Christ. They had changed hearts and expressed the transformation through changed lives (46-47). Are you relationally connected to Jesus Christ and His church? Are you growing in Christ with others?

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