Category: Communication - Jethro TOOLS

Message of Joy

12/29/2024

Isaiah 6:1-3
The Christmas letter… Long or short, it has turned into an annual feat that tests our writing skills and organization. As we attempt to summarize a year in words, or even photos we find ourselves being forced to become even more concise. What is the main idea that we want to communicate? What happened this year? What matters most that others need to hear? How can we communicate those key, life defining highlights of the past year? Have no fear, Christmas cards are here. If you are like me you will notice that many of the Christmas cards carry a theme of peace, hope or joy. Notice that the card companies do not promote happiness. Why is that? Happiness is a short term pleasure, whereas joy is long term sense of satisfaction that all is well. As we turn to Isaiah 61, we find that message of joy. This chapter opens with God’s select servant declaring the message of good news that He will bring (1). This people centered savior will bring joy that is found in God’s favor (2) to those who are broken, and held captive in the darkness of sin (1). That is definitely good news of great joy that is worth celebrating. The people looked forward to the day when this savior would come and deliver them from sin and restore His joy to their life and their land. Fast forward and we see Jesus quote these same words in Luke 4:14-21 as he began His earthly ministry. In His own words He stated that He is the promised one spoken of in Isaiah 61. Jesus brought God’s good news of salvation to all people. For us, that good news should still bring a deep sense of satisfaction. That is joy worth writing about in the annual Christmas letter. The joy that we have in Jesus as our savior needs to be heard from us all year.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

The Song of the Church

9/22/2024

1 Timothy 3:14-16
In the days before internet there were mail order catalogs from companies like Sears or JC Penny. It was from these catalogs that you could order almost anything from jackets to jewelry or jeans, they had it all. On those long winter nights my father would pull out the catalog and tell us a story. He was a man of many talents, including an educated imagination. Dad would open the catalog to men’s section and pick a character, then flip through the catalog telling a story about this one man and his escapades. For example, the man would go to town to get a washing machine as a Christmas present for his wife. However, the story would have a problematic plot twist, like lots of snow that caused the man’s car to get stuck. So, he would buy snow boots and sled to pull the washing machine home and have Christmas with the family. Through the turning pages of the catalog, my father would point out different people and items that would visually make his story leap off the pages and into our imaginations. Catalog stories were a household activity that built the relational bonds within our family. In much the same way Paul tells Timothy that the church is to be a place of relationships in a household, and a pillar of strength and foundational support (14-15). Believers in Jesus, and the local church body that they form, need to be intentionally relational in their commitment to each other. Together their lives are built on the truth of scripture. Together they have a story to tell of Jesus who has saved them that will be remembered for generations. Just as my father made our relationship come alive through his stories, believers belonging to the local church also have a story of truth and songs of faith reminding them of their relationship with Jesus. Are you connected to a church family for support and strength?

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Transformation: Can God Change Me?

3/31/2024

Luke 24
If you want to spark a conversation try asking this question… “What would you do if I gave you a million dollars?” The answers are as varied as people and their individual personalities. However, underlying the answer is a root belief that something will change because of this new reality. This gift has the ability to remove concerns and worries. It changes ones perspective. The same is true of Easter. In Luke 24 the followers of Jesus were confronted with the resurrection of Jesus and that changed everything. The disciples who first saw the empty tomb (1-12) were confronted with God’s reality and the choice to believe that Jesus is alive. The troubled men walking on the road were presented the open Scriptures (13-27). The searching of the scriptures changed their perspective. The death of Jesus was necessary for true change to be offered and salvation to be a reality. Jesus opened the eyes of these men to see (28-32) that he died and returned to life. The reality that Jesus is alive and that he accomplished salvation moved these men to excitedly tell others of this new reality (33-36). Not only did they hear about Jesus being alive, they believed because they saw him. They were filled with joy and that changed their communication with others. For us today, it is easy to talk about what brings us joy. However, the joy of these disciples moved them to tell others who doubted about Jesus. The opening of our mouth as a witness naturally occurs because of our joy in Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus should challenge our doubts; change our beliefs about salvation; our understanding of God’s word; and our communication about Him. Jesus is alive and our belief in Him changes everything.

For more see LUKE or EASTER

The Disciple's Characteristic: Commission

3/5/2023

Deuteronomy 31:1-8
One of the greatest paintings of all time is the work of Michelangelo, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel located in Rome. This enormous piece of art literally pictures much of the Old Testament from Genesis to the kings and even several prophets. The central part of the ceiling illustrates scenes from creation to the flood, with the central pieces showing God creating Adam and Eve, followed by their fall into sin. The main character is God, and Michelangelo depicts the human response to God. This is best illustrated by God reaching out to create Adam. This enormous project was commissioned in 1508 and finished in 1512. The contract, in today’s money, paid him approximately $600,000 in gold coins. Today when we think of a commission, we think of a sales person who earns a commission from selling a car; or an artist, like Michelangelo, who is commissioned to paint a picture. However, a commission is more than that. When used in the Bible the giving of a commission involves authority, communication, action, and completion. In Deuteronomy 31 Moses challenges the people (1-6), and commissions Joshua (7-8). Moses wants the people to experience God’s promised land, and Joshua is commissioned to lead the people into the land under God’s authority. A commission is where someone is given the authority by someone greater to complete a task. Joshua is reminded by Moses, that God will go before him and be with him (8). That is God on a mission with His servant. God’s commission for our lives begins with His authority over our lives. We must listen to His Word and respond obediently by seeking to complete His desires. Are we on our own mission? Are we under God’s commission? Are we living a life of omission, refusing to follow? A disciple responds to God’s commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

For more see DEUTERONOMY or DISCIPLESHIP

Why Pray?

1/29/2023

Luke 18:1-8
You hear the screaming child before you see them. You know, the one in the store in the next isle over that throws a temper tantrum because a wise parent just told them, “No.” There was the certain type of food or specific treat that was just refused and the result is a vocal show complete with flailing arms. The child has gone completely out of control screaming for what they desperately think they need. We groan when we see that play out, but do we not do the same thing with God at times? We think we know what is best and exactly what we need, so we proceed to tell God what He must do for us. Our request turns to a loud demand and then to a scream and God refuses to answer. James 4:3 states that we do not receive from God because we ask with wrong motives. Instead, our prayer should be like the woman in Luke 18:1-8 who persistently asked the judge to do what is right. Her persistence is faith in action. But, what keeps us from prayer and seeking God’s righteousness in our life and our world? The main issue is a lack of faith that displays itself through our response to pain, problems, and pride. When we are in pain we incorrectly think that God is distant and does not hear. When we face problems we attempt our solutions rather than His, because in pride we say that we do not need God. At times we simply do not pray because we do not believe that God hears or is powerful enough to work. Prayer is our communication of faith to our loving heavenly Father who is able to work. God sees, knows, has the solution, and is able to work. Will we let Him? Will we pray?

For more see LUKE or DISCIPLESHIP

Christmas & Influence

12/27/2022

Luke 1-2
Influence is the ability to bring change to a situation or person based on insight, knowledge, and power. An influencer is someone who uses their personal ability to promote the change. In our world of technology, companies will contract influencers to promote their product. Those who watch and follow these influencers are then influenced to use the product them selves. However, there is not a single influencer who is able to influence everyone. In contrast, as we consider the events of Christmas, we see that God uses His influence and sovereign power to bring necessary change into our world. First, God displays His sovereign influence over nature and the rules of conception, as seen in Mary; and the standard operation of the sky, as seen with the shepherds and wise men. Second, God displays His sovereign influence over people, as He gathers a cast of unrelated and unconnected characters to converge on the little town of Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph traveled from the North, shepherds came from the fields and wise men traveled from the East. All these people were under the influence and direction of God, and submissive to His leading and plan. This leaves one last group, us. We, as people, are easily overwhelmed and influenced by schedules, events, catastrophes, and changes to our individual world. However, the Christmas season brings us face to face with the reality that the sovereign God has brought hope and change to our world through the birth of Jesus. The good news of Jesus’ birth and salvation should continually influence us. When changes come, do not fear, but submit and trust God like Mary and Joseph. When information is given by God, respond with joy and tell others like the shepherds. When God’s direction is made clear, follow wholeheartedly like the wise men.

For more see LUKE or SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS

Jesus Role as Prophet

12/22/2022

John 1:1-18
I remember going off to college and my Mom telling me to write each week. Well… That never happened because it took too much time. I had to get paper, compose my thoughts, and then walk to the post office to mail it. A phone call was so much easier. However, it was funny how much there was to talk about when I went home for Christmas. Communication in person is always more personal, relatable and believable. Throughout the Old Testament God used various prophets to communicate with His people. The prophet is a messenger who delivers a message, a corrector who points out what is wrong, and a teacher who tells the right way to live. As savior, Jesus, fulfills the role of divine prophet. In the Gospel of John we see that God planned to send Jesus as the perfect way to communicate to people who God is, the need for Him and God’s solution of salvation. This Christmas message communicated through Jesus calls us to listen to God’s Word, believe God’s truth and accept God’s grace. Jesus was the messenger who communicated God’s message to man-kind. This Christmas I hope that you hear God’s message of love, truth and grace communicated through Jesus.

for more see JOHN or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Harvest Time

8/14/2022

John 4:1-42
During the cool days of spring I get out and turn over the soil in the garden, add fertilizer, and imagine the crops that will be grown. There are the standard sweet carrots, luscious green lettuce, deep red tomatoes, as well as beans, onions, peppers, herbs, and squash. All of these will add special flavors to the dinner table in the months to come. However, between turning the soil over in the spring, and harvesting in the fall, there is quite a bit of work. Seeds need to be planted, then transplanted and protected. For the plants to flourish and produce a crop weeds must be pulled plus fertilizer and water added at the right time. The beginning of a garden always starts with the end in mind, the harvest. The gardener will always work to see the crops produce. In John 4 Jesus spends time in anticipation of a spiritual harvest and then calls on his disciples to respond. John records that it begins at a well (6) while the disciples went into the city for food. As Jesus waited, a woman came to get water (7). In the process of talking, Jesus turned the conversation from the daily physical need of water to the woman’s deep spiritual need of salvation (13-14). In doing so Jesus was willing to cross cultural barriers in order to communicate the message of salvation. He helped her to see her needs and challenged her spiritually, which she found uncomfortable (17-20). As the disciples returned (27), the woman then left her water jar, to go back to the city and tell others of Jesus (28-29). Jesus challenged the disciples to see the people as a spiritual harvest (34). The end result is that the community was changed (41-42). The same can happen today as we serve our Savior in the spiritual harvest in our communities.

For more see JOHN

Love Mercy: Judgment of Powerful People

6/12/2022

Micah 3:1-12
At one time we lived close to several hydroelectric dams. These were simply made by moving mountains of earth to stop the flow of a river and create a huge lake. The water was then funneled through a series of pipes and turbines that would spin enormous generators and produce electricity. I remember being able to take a tour inside of the dam and see its operation. It was fascinating to see the 10 large generators at work providing power for many people. On the other hand, I have seen the power of storms knock out the electric lines and leave our community without electricity for almost a week. Shortly after the storm, various neighbors had their own personal generators started and were powering their own homes. Each of these produced power. One was for the benefit of the individual and one for the benefit of many. The use of power to benefit the group or the individual is what Micah writes about as he begins chapter 3. This is the prophets’s second message of this book which contains the emphasis of loving mercy. God, through the prophet Micah critiques the self centered action of national rulers (1-4), false prophets (5-8), and local leaders (9-12). In bringing judgment on these powerful people Micah highlights the ways in which they incorrectly used their power and position for their benefit. Each did not use their power and position to display mercy to those that they were given to serve. For us today, the lessons are clear. We must love God and the mercy that He has shown to us, even though we are undeserving. We must act by faith, using God’s power, to display His mercy to others. Our words are to be saturated with God’s Word in order to communicate God’s mercy. Do you love God’s mercy that brings change to your life?

For more see MICAH

What is Prayer?

7/18/2021

Luke 11:1-13
It was moving day and I remember praying. I simply asked God to hold off the rain. I was concerned about carrying wet items into the house, but more concerned about safety and slipping on the angled unloading ramp. I prayed and God answered. Then there was the time when Dad died and I drove through the night asking God, “Why?” God did answer but only partially. Finally, there are the lists of requests that I have made and God has seemingly answered, “No.” I think that often our prayer life is tied to answers that we get. When God answers then we keep praying, but when God does not answer… well the prayers get shorter or nonexistent. In Luke 11:1-13 we see Jesus give instructions on how to pray. When we pray we declare that we depend on God for all things because we firmly believe that He alone is reliable. We come requesting God to provide our daily needs, forgive our sin and keep us from sin (3-4). At times we don’t persist in prayer because we face challenges in life and question if God cares. As Jesus illustrates in verse 5-8, persistence in prayer believes that only God can provide what is needed because He cares. Prayer strengthens our faith in God as we confidently ask His direction, seek His answers and knock on the doors that only He will open (9-10). When we pray asking, seeking and knocking we communicate our belief that God is in control of all things, even when we may not see it. Because God is in control we call on Him in prayer. Finally, in verses 11-13 we can thank God for displaying His goodness by giving us His Spirit to guide us in all things. God desires a continual relationship with us through our prayer with Him.

For more see QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What is a Disciple?

7/4/2021

Luke 14:25-35
This summer I have been desperately trying to grow some berries in the back yard. The berry patch has been fenced to keep deer from eating the berries, however the other day I saw robins inside the fence having a snack of their own. Well, that just could not be tolerated so I upped my game and placed netting over the fencing and the berries. Now, the angry birds sit on top of the net and unsuccessfully attempt to peck their way through to the berries below. They are obsessed but they soon give up. On the other hand, you could say that I am firmly committed to keeping the berries even though it may cost me. My commitment is to preserve the berries and savor the flavor long after harvest. In a similar way the disciple of Jesus is one who is committed to the message of Jesus and lives to bring His life changing message to others. In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus gives a description of the person who truly follows Him as His disciple. There is a priority of their relationships (25-26). Their commitment to Christ is public (27) and consistent (28-30). Their dependence is on Christ alone and not their power or possessions (31-33). Jesus makes it clear that a true disciple will serve till the end always carrying the message of Christ to others (34-35). Likewise, our commitments in this life may involve many things, but do we have a single minded devotion that makes Christ the priority in all areas of our lives? Now if you will excuse me, I need to go to the store for some berries rather than waste a pile of time chasing angry birds.

For more see QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Greetings of Grace and Peace

1/10/2021

Ephesians 1:1-2
How do you greet other people? This is a serious question that deserves consideration. Some may use ‘Hi,” or the more casual “Hey,” or perhaps combined with the question “What’s going on?” We may not think of words as having power, but they do. The words we chose to greet others with will set the tone for the conversation. In Ephesians 1:1-2 Paul opens the letter to the Ephesians by greeting them with grace and peace. By themselves these words contain powerful truths. When used in combination they remind us that we have been given the undeserved gift of salvation so we can have peace with God. Grace is the foundation of salvation that brings peace between God and sinners. Grace also guides believers to live at peace with others. We do not have to look hard to see people and countries in turmoil as they seek solutions to their life problems without God. Our world desperately needs peace with God and others. They will only see grace and hear peace through us as we carry God’s life giving message of salvation to them. Greetings… grace to you and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:2).

For more see Ephesians

Solving Misunderstandings

7/2/2020

Joshua 22
Have you ever had a conflict with someone that seemed to come out of no where? It happens to everyone. How do you begin to define the problem and then take steps to solve the misunderstanding. Today, let’s examine some common roots of misunderstanding and see how we can solve issues of poor choices and dumb actions that lead to heated words … hopefully in a positive manner. This example of misunderstanding begins with everything being just normal. The people, under Joshua’s leadership, had just completed the conquest of the land and now they were heading to their homes. The initial hint of a problem slides into the event as Joshua talks with the two and a half of the tribes who had land across the Jordan river.

We pick up the story of misunderstanding in Joshua 22. Everything is is returning to normal and Joshua stops the two and a half tribes before they leave. He reminds them to keep following God (5). There was a peaceful parting of ways as they left with Joshua’s blessing. Then the story takes a turn. Even today we see that sometimes people just do dumb things. That is exactly what happened as the two and a half tribes built an altar (10) almost immediately after the conversation with Joshua. When you are faced with a decision think about the impact of this decision beyond the present moment. Ask yourself, “How will this decision affect others now and in the future?”

Well, to be sure, someone was watching and reported to the rest of the nation what had just happened on the other side of the river. The first response to the problem across the river was to fight (11-12). The rest of the nation was ready to go to war against the two and a half tribes. However, cooler heads prevailed. It was decided that Phinehas the priest and tribal representatives should go and talk with the trouble makers across the river (13-14). The problem was that they accused and attacked the altar builders with their words (15-20). They did not gather information in order to formulate a wise response. The lesson is simple. In solving a misunderstanding we need to listen first and then talk. We need to get the other side of the story, but all too often we rush to judgment just like these leaders.

What do you do when you are wrongly accused? How do you react? All too often our first response is to defend ourselves and our reputation. In doing that the pent up internal emotion boils over into external expression and the fight is on. However, there is hope for this group of Israelites in their wise response (21-29). They first of all include God in the conversation and highlight the fact that God knows their intentions. Second, they emphasize the value they place on their relationships with others and God. Finally, they highlight their previous commitment to Joshua (5) and their loyalty to God. For us, the lesson is clear. When we are accused wrongly the way to solve the misunderstanding is to respond honestly and calmly. Honesty without calmness will only pour fuel on the fire.

We are bound to have conflicts with others. The important thing to keep in mind is, “How do we respond to the misunderstanding?” Solving a misunderstanding is critical to avoiding a costly conflict. We can see reconciliation in our relational misunderstandings as we intently listen, and honestly communicate with calmness.

For more see CONFLICT RESOLUTION