Blog Archives - Jethro TOOLS

Faithfulness in the Rain

4/30/2020

2 Chronicles 6
“Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day.” That old saying might have been going through the mind of the little bird that is nesting in my garden. You see yesterday it rained all day. We have had so much rain that we are surrounded by a lake on three sides of our house. In the midst of the rain, I happened to look out the window and watched as a little bird swooped in through the rain straight into the birdhouse in the garden. This is a bird house that I just finished rebuilding because the other one was falling apart. The unique thing is that this one has an old license plate for a roof which makes it nice and dry. As I watched I realized that this house was better and dryer than any nest built by that bird. It was safe and secure from predators, plus it was dry and stable. Then it hit me, I had a front row seat to exactly what our heavenly Father does for us. In the midst of the storms of life He provides a secure resting place because He is faithful. As Solomon prays he recounts the faithfulness of God in times of peace and storm, and requests His continued faithfulness in the future. We can do the same right now in the midst of our storm as we rest in the shelter of His faithfulness.

For more see 2 Chronicles 7:14 Series

Stitches for Stability

4/29/2020

2 Corinthians 13:11
I slipped and felt the burning, searing pain run through my leg. What do you do when you look at your leg that is ripped wide open and bleeding? In my case I had to jump in the truck and drive an hour to get a number of stitches to close the wound. We have lived in places where there were no emergency services, no fire trucks, no ambulances and no 911 phone calls. It is now a joy for us to be close to a fire house, near a hospital and have the 911 emergency number that actually works. The emergency services exist to bring us as people back to a safe and stable life. In this verse, Paul is closing his second letter to the Corinthian church and he challenges them with five things that will bring stability to their lives and the life of their church. These five are still valuable and needed for us today. If we want to experience the love and peace of God we need to be people of God who first of all are filled with joy that comes from God. This joy finds it roots in a deep satisfying relationship with God that is not shaken by the circumstances of life. Paul desires that they be people that are filled with joy because they know how God has saved them and and are confident in what He continues to do. Secondly, we need to be spiritual growing to be made complete in God. The Corinthians had been corrected by Paul so they could understand and live in a way that pleased God. Third, Paul wanted them to be encouraged by his words. The word encouraged here literally means to call alongside. We can encourage others as we come alongside them by lifting them up with our positive words and the use of Scripture. Next, Paul wants them to be like minded and agree with each other. This is not just being nice to get along. Paul’s desire is that his readers will be united on the truth of God and the practice of His word in their daily lives. This leads us to the fifth and final point of living in peace. His point is to be a peace loving person not a problem making person. The practice of these five things in our relationship with God and our relationships with others will lead us to experiencing the blessing of love and peace from God. To put it simply Paul is saying that if you want to have a life of stability you first must have an intimate fellowship with God and allow that relationship to impact your conduct. Paul had provided some spiritual stitches that he hoped would hold and bring stability to their lives and their church. The same can be true for us today.

Authentic

4/28/2020

Colossians 4:5-6
You are what you eat in that healthy foods will help you maintain good health or junk foods will deteriorate your health. You are what you believe. Now that is something to think about. Believe it or not our deep seated beliefs and even unstated beliefs will impact the way we live. In the book of Colossians we see the author, Paul, giving his final instructions to his readers. He has instructed them in what they should know about Christ and the false beliefs of the false teachers. He now concludes his instruction on how to live for Christ. Paul notes that the beliefs held by the Colossian church are reflected in how they live. Very simply the goal of the believers conduct and conversation is to represent and present Christ to those who do not believe. Perhaps it is even more simply summarized in the word authentic. Today we can show that Christ is supreme in our lives through our personal conduct and our speech. Both of these will be a reflection of our faith in Jesus Christ. If we believe that Christ is supreme it will show in how we live and what we say as we seek to bring others to Jesus. If not, well … you are what you eat.

Directionally Challenged?

4/24/2020

Proverbs 4:10-19
A compass is an essential survival tool, but many today do know how to use a compass. We have become comfortable with electronic directions or simply asking someone. Have you ever been lost and in need of directions? When we need directions some of us will ask the first person we see while others of us will hold off in hope that we will recognize something just around the next corner. How often do we do the same in our spiritual life? When we practice the wisdom that God gives it is not just a functional ritual, instead it is something that revolutionizes our function. The operation of our life begins deep below the surface of what can be seen through our life. Wisdom begins by accepting all that God offers. God’s wisdom is useful but it is also valuable for all of life. The father in Proverbs 4 challenges his son to guard his heart and the wisdom that God offers. As we see from today’s scripture passage accepting and following God’s wisdom is not only valuable it is essential because life for all eternity depends on it. God provides a compass for our life. All we need to do is respond to His wise and loving direction. Let God’s wisdom revolutionize your function and direction.

How to Pray for Others

4/22/2020

Colossians 4:2-4
Prayer is often needed but often neglected. Far too often prayer is only an activity based on a current emergency or difficult situation. As Paul begins the conclusion of this letter we see him become more and more practical in his application for the Colossian church. He mentions the importance of prayer as a daily, continual practice for the life of the believer. If a believer prays it shows a continued faith and practice that Christ is supreme their life and practice. However, Paul moves beyond just a personal focus to prayer. He makes the request that his readers pray for him. Prayer involves an alignment of our heart with God’s heart by seeking the accomplishment of God’s purposes. Today we can show that Christ is supreme in our lives through our personal practice of consistent prayer. Ask God to enable His message of salvation through Jesus to be spread through His people being a witness for Him. I am praying for you. Who can you pray for?

Enough is Enough

4/21/2020

Leviticus 23
Sit down to the dinner table at a family gathering and there is almost more food than you can imagine. The best part is what you see is all the well known family favorites. After a wonderful meal out comes the dessert and your stomach barely has room. But how long will that meal last. You may wander off and visit with family, take a nap or go outside and play a ball game with the younger generation. Pretty soon you will have the crowd back in the kitchen looking for more to eat. The best of meals will never keep you satisfied forever. In Leviticus 23 we read the instruction given to the nation of Israel regarding a series of festivals. The last one mentioned is the feast of booths (33-44). During this time of celebration the people were not to work for one week while they lived off the produce of the land and the shelter that God provided. They were faced with a constant reminder that God provided all that they needed. That is a good reminder for us today. God is sufficient. He provides all that is needed for all of life. God is enough.

For more see 2 Chronicles 7:14 Series

Teaching of Wisdom

4/16/2020

Proverbs 4:1-9
What is wisdom and how do you get it? A search of the internet will provide some very interesting ideas. In Proverbs 4 we see that wisdom is passed on from one generation to another. As the father begins his instruction we can hear the passion that he has for his sons as he challenges them to listen to what he has experienced and learned from his father. Today, we need to remember the words of God the father spoken through Jesus with love. Just as in Proverbs, we are challenged to value and embrace the salvation that God offers through Jesus and live it, displaying His work of grace on our behalf.

Following in Wisdom

4/15/2020

Proverbs 3:1-12
Do you remember what your parents taught you? This is more than just when to put on a jacket and always wear socks. What wisdom for life was passed on? Often as parents it is easy to emphasize preferences rather than priorities. Beginning in Proverbs 3 the author highlights that wisdom is found in more than just what a parent desires or the personal drive and accomplishment in life. True wisdom is found in a desire for God and how we are to live in relationship to Him. Our relationship with the LORD is founded on trust, respect, and honor. When we seek other things we can not expect to find God’s wisdom and direction. Let us seek God in order to find His wisdom and direction. Knowing God is the beginning of wisdom. Let us thank God for the wisdom He gives and walk in it.

How far does oatmeal fly?

4/14/2020

Psalm 28
Have you ever had one of those mornings… I crawled out of bed and made my way to the kitchen for breakfast where nothing sounded overly appealing. To sooth and unenthused appetite I settled on a bowl of oatmeal. Simple enough…that is what you may think. I managed to locate the bowls in the cupboard and the oatmeal at the opposite end of the kitchen. So far so good as I scooped a half measured cup into the bowl. Then I moved to the sink to add water. Now you need to know that I have done this hundreds of times, but this time was different. As I added water the bowl slipped out of my hand and proceeded to empty its contents all over me and the counter. Now as you observe so far the contents are liquid thus the starchy mess did not stay on me but followed the gravitational pull toward the floor as it oozed over the edge of the counter and down the cabinet. That may be bad enough but the oatmeal fling is not over because somehow in process the bowl was not only dropped but spun. Now for the scientists in the audience there is a concept called centrifugal force where items that are spun get thrown outward from the center point. I hate science because I had oatmeal spread from one end of the kitchen to the other. As I stood there in my half asleep stupor I seriously contemplated going back to bed hoping that this would all go away by the time I got up tomorrow. Well after almost 30 minutes of cleaning and moping up sticky oatmeal with wet bath towels I had a load of wash to do. It was about that time that I decided that oatmeal is a very unhealthy breakfast item. I immediately changed the menu and made a waffle using pancake batter. I am so thankful that I can always find my strength and joy in the Lord as I trust Him each day (Psalm 28:7) and not in a bowl of oatmeal. Oh, you are still wondering how far does oatmeal fly? Sixteen feet… I measured.

Treasure of Wisdom

4/13/2020

Proverbs 2
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6). James challenges us to ask God for wisdom and not doubt the knowledge and understanding that God gives in order to act wisely. In Proverbs 2 we see that seeking wisdom takes effort (1-5), but it is God who is the giver of wisdom (6-9). As we practice living a wise godly life we will find stability in all of life. As we listen to God and walk in His wisdom we will find that what He offers is useful in all areas of life. Knowing God is the beginning of wisdom. Let us thank God for the wisdom that He gives and walk in it.

Purpose of Submission

4/11/2020

Luke 22:42

The night was as dark as the ice which the headlights on my car failed to help me see. I rounded the corner and spun out of control into the other lane. Sliding sideways, all I saw were the headlights of the other car bearing down on me. God answered a desperate prayer and just before impact the tires hit a patch of dry ground and the car shot into the brush filled ditch. The car was a mess, but I was safe so I could tell others how God spared my life.

When we pray what do we pray for? The situations of life often cause us to not hear God’s perspective and desired action. We often find our selves in a crisis and call out to God or we do not pray because life seems to be fine. In the garden Jesus prayed but His perspective was different. He prayed for the Father’s will. God’s will is expressed in His gracious disposition to accomplish His desire. God’s desire is to seek and save the lost, which is why Jesus came to earth (Luke 19:10).

In the verse we are looking at today, Jesus made a request to remove the coming events of suffering. This is Jesus displaying His humanity. In this request we also see His deity. He asks the Father if He is willing. As people this is often uncommon because we often come requesting our will from our perspective. God’s will may not be humanly easy but it accomplished through the power of God. Jesus humbly submitted to the Father’s will to be accomplished through His life. The submission of Jesus allowed God’s grace to be displayed for all to see, even us today.

There are several lessons from this verse for us today. First, God’s will may not be humanly easy. In His humanity Jesus knew that the suffering and the cross would not be easy, yet in His deity He knew that it was necessary for salvation to be accomplished. Second, God is honored through our lives as we submit to His will. If we believe that God is sovereign, then we also know that God knows what He is doing to accomplish His plan. God will work through our lives to bring about an outcome that will honor Him. Third. God’s will is to allow His grace to be seen through us. We, as undeserving as we are, honor God by submitting to His work in our lives and through our lives. His work through us allows others to see the His gracious hand at work in us inviting others to experience His grace for themselves. Fourth, God will always accomplish His will through His power. He will not fail. We can always trust His power and His grace.

Closer Than You Think

4/10/2020

Luke 22:41
Have you ever been alone? It is interesting how the solitary stillness of time can play havoc on the mind. Some cultures around the world initiate their young men into adulthood by having them spend time alone in the wild. Leadership schools will also employ a similar technique. In each instance there are built in safeguards and the young or inexperienced are actually being watched by others through the dark hours of the night. Jesus withdrew from His disciples about a stones throw away. Far enough to be distant but not immediately present. The disciples had heard Jesus recent ominous prediction of a betrayal (Luke 2210-19, 22) by those who were close but yet so far away. It is interesting to note that Jesus did not run from His betrayers or His disciples in some of the darkest hours of His life on earth. Instead He knelt to pray in the distance where He could be seen. He submitted Himself in prayer to the Father who is unseen yet present while remaining present for the disciples and their yet unknown dark night.

There are several lessons from this verse for us today. First, the distance that we may feel during the darkest of our nights is not as great as we think. The Father did not abandon His Son in the garden and neither did Jesus leave His disciples. As we look at our lives we may think that God has left but in reality He is closer than we think. Second, the connection to to the Father is maintained through submission and prayer. Some times our heart may need to follow our actions. Jesus acted out His submission as He knelt and communicated through prayer. Through prayer we find God’s strength to face the dark nights of our lives and realize that He is closer than we think.

Protection

4/9/2020

Luke 22:40
I have had sales people approach me and tell me of their superior security system that they can install in my house. I just smile and look at my dog knowing that it costs much less to feed him per month than it would to pay for the security system. There is protection in a security system and a dog, but can you take your system for a walk? Jesus, in this verse, is trying to protect His disciples from falling into temptation by drawing them deeper into a relationship with Him. Often when this verse is read the thought is that the temptation is not praying. Jesus knew what would tempt them, and it was more than the action of not praying. Jesus challenged His disciples earlier about failing in their belief in Him (Luke 22:31ff). Prayer is a practice of belief in the reality and strength of God. Jesus wanted His disciples to pray, find their protection in God and withstand the temptation to turn from their relationship with Him.

There are several lessons from this verse for us today. First, our belief in the reality and truth that Jesus is savior is often the first area that Satan attacks. We like the disciples fall into temptation by failing in our belief. Second, the importance of prayer in withstanding the temptation of Satan’s lie about Jesus. Prayer is our connection to the all powerful God and seeking His help to withstand the temptation to not believe. Is your prayer life protecting you as you connect to God’s power?

I wish I knew then what I know now

4/9/2020

Luke 22:39
Hindsight is 20/20. That nugget of wisdom is something I used to hear my grandparents say. It basically means that if you look back at a situation you will see what you did not see previously and you will see how you could have reacted differently. We as people live life often wishing that we could have the foresight so we would not regret what we see in hindsight. As we look at the events leading up to the crucifixion we see Jesus operating as normal. Being God He knew what the future held and he continued to act intentionally in the present for the future (Luke 19:10). He continued to spend the nights on the Mount of Olives. This practice is first recorded in Luke 21:37 and would be a benefit for Judas his betrayer (Luke 22:48). The disciples did not understand what the future held, even though Jesus tried to prepare them (Luke 22:35-38), and they continued to follow Jesus.

There are two simple lessons from this verse for us today. First, God knows the future and is intent on displaying His power and grace for all to see. Jesus acts as He has normally been acting by going to the same place. God never changes or alters His course of action because He knows the future. Second, disciples will follow their savior even though they do not know the future. Is your relationship with Jesus close enough that you will follow Him even when you do not have a 20/20 view of the future?

Deer Limpy

4/7/2020

Psalm 103
Deer Limpy
I have watched him for several months. He was the single deer who could not keep up with the others so he was often alone, trying to eat what he could as he limped along. So in order to keep all the deer straight I gave him the name Limpy. I don’t know how it happened but his back leg was bothering him to the point that he would not put weight on it. But then the other evening, just before the sun set, I noticed him in the back yard. He was still limping but not as bad. Time does not heal all wounds but for Limpy it has seemed to make it bearable. I wished that I could help, but I could not. For us as people, if we know God’s faithful forgiveness beginning at salvation, we can look back on life and see His faithful healing and praise Him. Psalm 103 is a call to praise God in light of His past action which is based on His sovereign and faithful character. As we recall the faithful actions of God on our behalf the outcome should be praise and worship of our God. David wrote this to remind himself not to forget any of the benefits that God has shown to him. Praise helps us focus on who God is and not on who we want to be or what we think we need. God calls each of us and says, "come to me and allow me to show you my greatness and grace." Reread Psalm 103 and listen carefully; you just might hear God say, "dear limping one… let me work on that."

Saturated Sponge

4/6/2020

Colossians 3:16-17
The other day I went looking for a plain old sponge in the store. I did not want the ones with a scrub pad on one side I just wanted an ordinary sponge. The job I had in mind was for the sponge to soak up water and hold that water. I needed that sponge to be able to transfer the water to a bucket. But, have you ever had a sponge sit unused for such a long time that it turns hard? Time without water and the sponge becomes brittle. In order to rejuvenate the sponge it needs to be immersed in water to bring it back to its full functional form. In the same way Paul challenges his readers to let God’s Word into their lives so it stays in their lives. In doing so the Word will permeate every part of their life. Just like water in a sponge we need to allow God’s Word to alter every part of our life including our expressions of joy, our functions of faith all the way down to the foundation of our fears. The life truly lived for Christ will display the life changing power of His word. The more we let God’s Word in the more it will come dripping out like a useful saturated sponge.

Screaming Tree Bark

4/5/2020

Job 19:23-27
Cottonwood trees are fast growing, huge leafy trees that provide a large shade canopy for any thing underneath them. The wood of a cottonwood tree will dry back to almost a yellow, while the brown bark is two to three inches or more thick. I remember learning how to take a piece of this soft outer shell of this tree and along with a simple pocket knife make boats, airplanes or even animals. Being a soft wood, a fallen cottonwood tree, along with its thick bark, would rapidly decompose. I learned to gather multiple pieces of this bark and let them dry so I could use them in the future. I remember many times sitting behind the house, creating my new greatest toy to play with or perhaps even send to Grandparents as a gift. However, never once did I hear the bark of that tree scream out or complain about being cut with a knife. Never once did I feel resistance from the bark as I finished shaping it with sandpaper. As the maker I was in charge and I was the one that was revealing something useful and beautiful out of something that was rough and unpresentable.

Have you ever thought why we as people are not more like cottonwood tree bark? I mean the bark silently bears the carvers shaping without complaint, yet we as people complain loudly when God reshapes our lives. God has His way of looking at our lives and seeing the potential with His gentle touch and skillful shaping. He redeems what was formerly not very beautiful and shapes it through a life long process into what is beautiful. In the book of Job we see a man who lost everything in life proclaim his confident trust in God who is his redeemer. Job says, “I know that my redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). Job knew that God would some how, in some way redeem the mess of his present life for His honor and purpose. God is doing that in in your life and mine. Trust Him to start the work and trust Him to complete the work…and try not to scream about it.

Where do you go when you hurt?

4/3/2020

Psalm 42
How do you feel today? Broken? Hurt? Hopeless? When we are broken physically we go to the Doctor and get some medicine for an illness, a cast for a broken bone or surgery for something more serious. The Doctor can help if we are broken physically. But where do we go if we are broken emotionally? We may have experienced deep loss of a family member, a broken relationship or the searing damage of untrue words. When we walk through these times we can talk to a friend or perhaps a counselor. However, all too often we may choose to talk to no one because we believe no one cares. Being broken physically or emotionally leads to the third area of being broken spiritually. Perhaps there is the lingering sin that needs God’s grace or the truckloads of emotional scars with no hope of a cure. This is where all hope is gone and there is no possibility for future joy. At this point we believe that no one can heal the hurt, not even God. When life seems at its darkest the possibility for life and new hope shines brightest. God extends His mercy, grace, comfort and healing to those who turn to Him for a cure to their brokenness. The author of Psalm 42 knew the hurt of hopelessness. He says, “put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God (5).” The author knew the pain of physical, emotional and even spiritual loss and yet he found hope in God. No matter how bad you hurt or what you feel today you can still trust God.

Hot Water

4/2/2020

Colossians 1:13-18
Have you noticed the differences between a potato, an egg and coffee? On a simple observation the potato is firm all the way through, the egg has a tough exterior to protect a fragile interior and the coffee grounds are just small and lacking much substance. However, try placing each in a pan of boiling water for an hour. The firm potato turns to mush, the hard shelled egg becomes hard all the way through, but the coffee releases a wonderful aroma and flavor. When we face the trials of life an opportunity is placed before us to display what we are made of. Strength and strategy are used to describe a victor. This is true in a High School basketball game, politics, health or war. The strong one can be defeated if the opponent has a better strategy. The hot water of life’s strategic trials can turn our seeming firmness to mush that lacks any strength. The heat of trials can also turn those of us with a tough exterior shell into permanently hardened people with a hard heart. Or we can choose to be like coffee and allow the heat of trials to release the aroma and taste of Christ from our lives. Satan will attempt to use the trials to defeat us, but the believer displays that their strength is in the Lord.

In the book of Colossians we see that Paul, the author, is emphasizing the strength and strategy of Christ is all things. He is doing this to help a group of people that he has not met come to a correct understanding of God that leads to a correct practice of their faith. The church of Colossae has been infiltrated with false teachers and teachings stating that belief in Jesus is not enough. Paul begins his correction after giving a warm introduction (1:1-8) and a summary of the letter (1:9-10). Now in verses 13-18 Paul points out that Christ is superior in all areas of life. There should not be a separation of the sacred and the secular for the believer. Christ is to be supreme in the life of the believer in the good times and the hard times. Nothing is to be added and nothing more is needed. Is Christ your source of strength when you are in hot water? You see, when you are in hot water Christ has the best strategy to allow His strength to be seen through you.

Love that Never Changes

4/1/2020

Romans 8:31-39
One of my favorite stories is about an elderly couple who seemed to be having a bad morning. The old man was reading the morning newspaper and his wife was banging pans and dishes in the kitchen. She was not happy. Finally she slammed down a plate of food in front of her husband. He dropped the edge of the newspaper, looked at his wife and asked what was wrong. With a little quiver in her voice she looked at him and said, “You never tell me that you love me any more.” The old man thought for a moment and replied, “Well, I told you that I loved you when we got married and if that ever changes I’ll let you know.” That is probably not the best way to handle that conversation, but in the humor of the story I think we can see ourselves and our relationship with God. You see, we have a habit of walking through life and perhaps not recognizing God’s consistent faithful love and care. He shows us the greatness of His love through Jesus and the gift of salvation. At times the difficulties and pain of life may lead us to doubt God’s faithful love and we miss seeing His on going care and provision. It is at that point we begin to doubt that we are still loved. Paul reminds us that nothing will ever be able to separate us from God’s love (39). Right now, you may feel like you are drowning in fear and doubting if God sees you and cares about you. If you believe in Christ as Savior and are trusting Him for salvation you are secure in the love that God has for you. Do not fear. God always loves you and always will. His love never changes.

Folly and Wet Boots

4/1/2020

Proverbs 1:20-33
I remember when I was in grade school my brothers and I would have a competition… who could get across the frozen mud puddles without falling in. We would laugh at each other and the threat of getting wet feet. Some of us always went home with wet feet and had to face the wrath of Mom because she always told us to wear boots so our shoes would stay dry. The noise of laughter and a brothers dare caused us to not hear wisdom.

On the occasion that we would wear boots we would head to the same puddles in the spring time. However, this time the rules were different. The goal was to see how far you would dare walk into the water with out the water coming over the top of your boots. Inevitably, the ongoing challenges existed. If one of us seemed to be having success the others would throw large rocks into the puddle to create a splash and cause the water to flow into the others boots. The noise of laughter and a brothers challenge caused us not to hear wisdom.

Listening, it is one of the most difficult lessons that we must learn. We first learn this lesson from our parents, then from teachers in school, and then we turn around and expect our children to listen to us. Listening for life learning is important, but it is more important to be able to listen to God and the wisdom that He provides for life. Our world has always been a place full of distractions, yet God’s wisdom is always available. We just need to seek Him and listen to Him above the noise of our world. In the book of Proverbs the writer describes wisdom using human characteristics to help the reader relate too and understand the actions of wisdom. In God’s wisdom we find peace to guide our path in life. As we know God we know peace (33). Ultimately as we listen to and walk in God’s wisdom (20-21) we find that what He offers is useful in all areas of life (22-28). Wisdom has offered what is truly good but the fool has rejected what is good (29-31). Knowing God is the beginning of wisdom. Let us thank God for the wisdom that He gives and walk in it.

As we walk through this time in our life and our world it might be good to pause and ask ....
How is God calling to us to turn and listen to His voice? God's wisdom is available, just listen. Perhaps God has allowed this time to adjust your schedule to be quiet enough to listen to Him.

How are we responding to God's voice of wisdom? God's wisdom is useful, accept it. God reveals Himself and His truth in His book the Bible. Be wise and ponder what God reveals in the Bible for its usefulness each day.

How are we handling life? God's wisdom brings peace with Him as we walk with Him. When we know God we will know peace. Do you know Him and His peace?