Category: Confidence - Jethro TOOLS

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.

For More See EPHESIANS

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

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?

For More See HABAKKUK

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.

For More See HABAKKUK

Supremacy of Faith

5/11/2025

Hebrews 11:1-3
Have you ever been on a trust walk? The idea is simple. One person covers their eyes with a blindfold and the other person leads them in, around and under obstacles of varying degrees of difficulty. The question that is asked the blindfolded individual is, “Do you trust me?” A wise person will select a faithful and reliable person before attempting this activity. The deeper question is, why is faith difficult? For starters we want to know what is know what is ahead before making a commitment. In a way we lift the blindfold, take a quick look, formulate a plan, then drop the blindfold and follow. In John 20:24-25 we see Thomas doubting the reports that Jesus is alive. He basically says, “I need to see Jesus and touch him or I will not believe.” The following verses record Jesus appearing to the disciples again. This time He turns to Thomas challenging his unbelief (27). To see and believe is one thing, but to believing without seeing, that is completely different (29). Faith is difficult because we like to see what is ahead so we can plan appropriately. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is “being convinced of what we do not see.” Like a blindfolded game participant we must have complete calmness that the one leading us will accurately provide directions. Yet, along with that calm assurance in the leader, we must be convinced that what they tell us is accurate. Just like the game, faith is to affect every area of our life. Faith changes the thinking in our head from doubts to belief. Faith challenges our heart to find Christ completely reliable, and that will change our action to willingly do what we are told. In a blindfolded game of trust many will freeze in fear. In life God calls us to confident assured faith in Him that does not lift the blindfold.

For More See HEBREWS

Confidence in Crisis

12/1/2024

Isaiah 7:1-17
The musical honk of geese grabbed my ear and turned my attention to the ice covered lake. On this wind blown cold winter day the lake had just begun to freeze over. Yet there was a distant silver silhouette of steam that marked open water in the otherwise frozen lake. I strained to see if the geese were there. They were not. Then again and again I heard them until finally they appeared over the trees. There were hundreds of them, all in their signature “V” formation, heading to a warmer climate. Just because I did not see them did not mean they were not there. In the same way, just because I do not see God at work does not mean that He is not there and able to do the impossible. In Isaiah 7 we see that the king has just faced the opposition of two neighboring kingdoms (1). In the process of the failed attack, the prophet Isaiah appeared and challenged king Ahaz and his belief in God (1-9). Ahaz had the opportunity to calmly experience God’s peace in the problem (4), yet he did not have the faith to stand firm in the trial (7-9). In the following verses this plays out in his refusal to believe that God can work (12-13). Regardless, God promised an impossible sign that would challenge this stubborn king and encourage us today. The promise is the birth of a baby who would be called Emmanuel, meaning God with us (14). Like Ahaz, our belief in God for the impossible is required. The only way to find peace in a conflicted world is to trust in God and His salvation. Fear can control us, but God offers His assurance if we believe in Jesus as Savior. Remember that God’s perspective is completely different from what we can see. Just like geese, when He shows up to save us, it is a beautiful sight.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

What is Prayer?

2/4/2024

Luke 11:1-13
When we think of prayer I believe that we often have three basic responses. First is the emergency prayer. This is treating God like the emergency room in a hospital or calling 911. We only pray in an emergency and about emergencies in our life. The second type of prayer is the memorized prayer. This is the bed time prayer that we might have been taught that is said every night or a repetition of the Lord’s prayer. This is simply a memorized prayer just moves through the words that are always said without seeking a real connection with God. This leads us to the third type of prayer and that is the relational prayer. This type of prayer is where the communication is open, honest and thoughtful. This is what Jesus wanted to teach His disciples about prayer. As we look at what is known as the Lord’s prayer in Luke 11 notice that the disciples asked to be taught how to pray (1). That opening statement is important because what follows is clearly an example of how to pray not what to pray, as in just repeating the words. In teaching the disciples how to pray Jesus noted that prayer is relational (1-2) and practices dependence (3-4), persistence (5-8), confidence (9-10) and faith (11-13). So, let us pray using what Jesus taught… Father, we come today declaring our relationship with you as the one who rules our life. We depend on you for all things because we believe that you are reliable. Help us to persist in prayer because we know that you care. Strengthen our faith to declare in confidence that you are in control even when we may not see what you are doing. Thank you, for displaying to us your consistent goodness. Thank you for guiding us by your Spirit in all things because you desire a continual relationship with us. We have all that we need in you because of what Jesus has done on the cross for us, amen.

For more see LUKE or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS or PRAYER

The Disciple's Characteristic: Obsession

2/19/2023

1 Corinthians 6:9-12
Why do car manufacturers place the steering wheel in front of the driver? Why not in the back seat or the trunk? Why not let the passengers in the back seat have all the controls for the lights, the radio, the heat and the turn signal? The purpose is so the driver can focus and on the most important thing, driving. All the controls are centered within reach of the drivers seat so the driver can control every aspect of the car as it is directed down the road. Our lives are much like that of a car. We have been made for the purpose of being directed and moving. All of our emotional switches and character knobs exist to fine tune our operation and function as we move. The problem is that we think that we, as the car, do not need a driver. We need Christ in our lives as Savior and need to give Him operational control. We need Christ inside, not as a passenger, but as the driver. We need to allow Him to have the driver’s seat to take us where He wants us to go. Disciple’s of Christ will allow Christ to have full control of their lives. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-12, Paul writes to the Corinthian church, who had allowed the world and culture to influence their spiritual lives and relationship with God. This church struggled with allowing Christ to control every area of their lives even to the point of justifying and making excuses for sin (12). Paul says that the spiritual excuses are not beneficial for their spiritual lives. He closes the verse by stating, “I will not be controlled by anything.” Paul is stating that, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, his only desire is for Christ to control his life and be the source of his confidence and perspective. We must be obsessed with knowing Christ and allowing Him alone to drive our lives.

For more see 1 CORINTHIANS or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Confession

1/22/2023

Mark 8:27-38
The courtroom was packed, and everyone waited for the outcome. The audience absorbed the information of the crimes committed as the prosecutor presented his case. The accused man looked unconcerned and even seemed to fidget about as he sat next to his lawyer. The prosecutor finished the volume of charges against the defendant and sat down. At that point the accused man jumped up and blurted out, “I did it completely different, in fact let me tell you what happened.” We normally think of a confession in a criminal sense where the guilty party confesses committing certain crimes. However, a confession admits wrong or a confession admits beliefs. Either way a confession is based on truth. In Mark 8:29-30 Peter responds to the question Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s response is one of certainty, confidence, and clarity that Jesus is the Savior. But, the greatest moment for Peter understanding and declaring who Jesus is followed by the downfall of not wanting Jesus to go through with the divine plan of salvation (31-32). Peter wanted a Savior without the cross. Jesus corrects Peter and then presents a challenge to His audience (34) that involves personal loss and commitment. Jesus levels the challenge that anyone who wants to be known as His follower must not only believe, but also submit and serve His desires and plans as King. In hearing these words it is easy to miss what Jesus taught. We think we have to give up something to follow Jesus when He has already given us everything if we believe in Him as Savior. Our problem is that we just do not comprehend all that we have in Christ. If a trial was held today would there be enough evidence to convict you of your belief in Jesus Christ and your commitment to Him? Would you admit to it?

For more see MARK or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Clarity

1/15/2023

Matthew 10:24-33
What makes a good job great? Many would answer by saying, higher wages, more time off, and improved benefits. However, the greatest single factor that will help an organization is leadership. Research consistently shows that good leadership will benefit an organization and help retain employees. We like a consistently organized boss that cares about us, and organizes our work by producing everything we need to do the job. We also like to have an orderly work place. None of us will tolerate continual chaos. We live with a desire to be in charge or follow good leaders. This all is the result of being created in God’s image. You see, we were created with an internal sense and desire for order by an orderly God. Our desire for order and clearly defined authority in work is a small redemptive glimpse of our deep desire for God to control our world and our life. The problem is, we may want God’s order and authority, but often do not submit to it. As we examine Matthew 10 we note that Jesus is preparing to send His disciples out on a ministry assignment. He describes to the twelve that they must clearly understand authority as they go (24-33). Why? Jesus makes it clear that when confronted with persecution the disciple must know the truth and imitate Christ (24-25). Secondly, when faced with fears the disciple will be confident in the authority and power of Christ (26-31). Third, the disciple who believes the authority of Christ will speak of Christ (32-33). It is interesting to note that Jesus began this training session by giving the disciples authority as mentioned in verse one. Do we clearly understand Christ’s authority? Do we live by His power and authority, confidently proclaiming His name and greatness? Has Christ truly transformed us?

For more see MATTHEW or DISCIPLESHIP

Conformity to God's Standard

11/27/2022

Romans 8:28
William Payne Stewart was an American professional golfer who lived from 1957-1999. He was at the peak of his career, having won eleven PGA events and three major championships, when he tragically died. At the age of 42 he was killed in an airplane accident because the plane cabin did not pressurize resulting in a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. The plane traveled for hours on auto pilot until it finally ran out of fuel and crash landed. People around the world grieved the loss of this flamboyant golfer who was in his prime. Yet, in the pain, God was at work. You see, Stewart and several others on board that doomed flight were believers in Jesus Christ. Through the sorrow of their passing God brought about His good. Others came to faith in Christ through their death. Often we define good as being what is pleasant to us. However, in Romans 8:28 good is defined in the context of the following verse as being conformed to Jesus Christ. Our conformity is based on confidence in the ultimate goodness of God’s work and His shaping of our character in the process. God works in the lives of those who believe Him to bring about His purposes displayed through their lives. Some of those life events may be peaceful from a human perspective while others may be painful. Ultimately, however long or short, our lives are to be lived to honor God. Though the span of years that God allows us we are to consistently display God’s power at work transforming us into the likeness of His Son. Like pottery in the hands of the potter we are molded and shaped under the watchful eye of our loving Father for the purpose of displaying His greatness. Who is shaping your life? Remember, God’s plans are to bring about His good in your life and display you as His masterpiece.

For more see ROMANS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

The Purpose of Trials

7/10/2022

James 1:1-12
Do you know what an anagram is? An anagram is when you take a word or phrase and rearrange the letters to make a different word or phrase by using all of the letters only once. For example, some simple ones would be heart that turns into earth, part becomes trap, or secure that becomes rescue. Try it with any word and see what you can come up with. In fact why don’t we try one together! Let’s take the word trial. An anagram of trial could be trail. As we begin a new study in the book of James, we see that the author wants his audience to develop a faith that is lived out in everyday life and displayed through their actions, and attitudes that motivate their actions. James begins the first chapter by noting that faith in Jesus Christ brings stability to life in the midst of trials. A trial is simply God allowing difficulty and or pain to deepen and encourage our confidence in Him. James notes that trials have the purpose of growing an enduring faith in God (2-4). The practice of faith in trials causes us to seek God’s wisdom (5-8) which requires personal humility (9-11). James says that God will reward this life of faith (12). To summarize, James is not interested in his audience simply stating that they have faith. His desire is that they have a faith that impacts their behavior. Perhaps put another way, James wants his audience to view trials as a way to walk the trail of faith that God has for each believer. As we walk by faith down the trail of trial we humbly depend on God for the wisdom and strength to endure. This week may your faith impact your perspective of your trial so you can see that this is God’s way to grow you as you walk His trail.

For more see JAMES

Walk Humbly: Confident Hope in God

7/3/2022

Micah 7:1-20
Yesterday I stepped in a water puddle in the kitchen. No, there was not a hole in the roof, but I did discover that there was a hole in a pipe. Previously I had heard a scraping noise in the kitchen. I later determined it was a mouse. Yet now, a water line to the dishwasher sprang a leak. Unknown to me, the mouse had chewed the water line but not enough to cause a flood until later. However, there was hope. The very reliable and well stocked hardware store was still open. So after a trip, purchasing a new hose and some time for installation the dishwasher is back to being useful and reliable for the future. In Micah 7 we see that the nation of Israel was hopeless without God (1-6). They were facing the consequences and ruin of sin that had chewed away at their life. Now, God is calling them back to a correct walk with Him. However, because of the sin, the present situation is troubling. Micah, in verses 7-10, presents a confident attitude of trust in God even when things are looking bad. Micah reminded the people to walk humbly with God and rely on Him alone for their future to experience His restoration and work through them (11-20). The same is true for us today. We must walk through life humbly following God and His directions. If we do not, we will end up in trouble like the nation of Israel with leaking un-contained sin. However, if we do choose to walk with God and allow Him to properly orient our life we will find hope in the present. In walking with God we will find that He is completely reliable now and in the future. Micah desires that we, like the nation, find our confidence and hope in God. Are we walking humbly with our God?

For more see MICAH

Danger When Following God

10/17/2021

Exodus 14:1-14
Paralyzed with fear… Have you ever been there? One time I climbed a pole on an obstacle course and had to stand on the swaying top which was about the size of a dinner plate. Once on top, and 20 to 30 feet in the air, I had to jump to another similar pole about 8 feet away. I knew I had a safety line that would catch me, but as I stood on top of the swaying pole I could not make my body jump. Eventually, I threw myself off my perilous perch, missed the other pole, but was caught by the safety line. It is amazing how quickly I forgot the confidence and security that the safety line provided. Likewise, in Exodus 14:1-14 we see the nation of Israel forget the strength and protection of God. They had just seen God humble Pharaoh, the most powerful king at that time. Now they look up to see that Pharaoh has changed his mind about releasing them (5-9) and is now racing after them with horses and chariots. They responded in fear (10-12) seeing only their coming destruction not the power and protection of God. Moses then stepped in and delivered God’s message to the people (13-14) saying three things. First, do not fear; second, stand firm; and third, see God’s salvation because He will fight for you. Like the nation of Israel, fear will often paralyze us and blind us from seeing the power of God. We struggle to control danger and fix it before it hurts us. Fear calls us into action to protect ourselves from danger, but faith tells us to be still and let God fight. Our response to danger and fear is a chance to honor God and let Him display His greatness in our situation and through us.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

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

Six Steps to Develop Loyalty to God

4/28/2021

Psalm 119:113-120
Loyal Devotion to God and the Word

Six Steps to Develop Loyalty to God
1. Priorities are Made Clear (113)
   When you love the word of God you will be loyal to God alone

2. Security is Made Certain (114)
   When you love the word of God you will find God to be your defense

3. Temptations are Confronted (115)
   When you love the word of God you will find that evil loses its appeal

4. Confidence is Practiced (116-117)
   When you love the word of God you will find God to be your deliverer

5. Wisdom is Made Known (118-119)
   When you love the word of God you will become discerning through its teaching

6. Obedience to God Alone (120)
   When you love the word of God you will know the God of His word

For more see PSALM 119

Future Secured

1/31/2021

Ephesians 1:13-14
It was a dark night and I heard it, or rather them. Footsteps scurrying quickly through dry crunchy leaves. Then the unmistakable sound of claws grasping wood. With my senses heightened I heard the unmistakable growl and hiss of several raccoons having an animal argument in the trees behind my house. Now if I had not observed raccoons behaving like this on previous occasions I am sure I would have been frightened thinking that something out there was coming to get me. Thankfully that was not the case. Leading up to this event I had observed these raccoons and listened attentively in order to understand the truth about the critters that share my back yard. As we examine Ephesians 1:13-14 we see that the audience has previously listened to the gospel message of salvation. This listening led to an understanding of the truth it contained and ultimately belief in the message. The author, Paul, goes on to explain that they were then marked as believers in Jesus by the Holy Spirit’s presence in their life. Being marked with a seal shows authenticity and provides security. Paul is reminding the Ephesians of Christ’s work of salvation and their belief in it. This belief instantly leads to being authentically and securely marked by the Spirit of God as belonging to God. If we believe in Jesus, then we know that we have become His children and that we belong as heirs with a secure inheritance. That brings comfort to us as we wait until we are finally called home to heaven and the process of our redemption is finalized. Until that time, we can have the confidence that Spirit of God will keep us as children of God even when we may be frightened by things that we can’t see or understand in the dark of our life.

For more see Ephesians

Confidence in Christ

8/9/2020

Philippians 3:1-16
The political season is upon us and we see people trying hard to get our vote this fall. Just this week I have seen several instances in the news where certain political figures made reference to their church attendance or their beliefs that were supposedly guided by the Bible. For some reason the Bible was not agreeing with the way they lived. Their desire was for another vote and their confidence was in their supposed religious practice. As believers in Jesus Christ we are to live differently. Our confidence is to be in Christ alone and His work to make us righteous. In Philippians 3:7-8 Paul emphatically states that all his past supposed righteous acts were nothing more than garbage compared to knowing Christ. Today, we still face the struggle of trying to gain our own righteousness. Paul says it can’t be done apart from Christ. When our righteousness becomes a ritual we have settled for religion and not a relationship with Jesus. Personal confidence kills true spiritual life. Religion can never transform your life, only a relationship with Jesus can transform your life.

The LORD is My Shepherd

5/13/2020

Psalm 23:1
Today, many of us may not understand the life of a shepherd, but we find great comfort in the simplicity of Psalm 23. David wrote this Psalm and he understood the importance of a shepherd to sheep. As you read the first verse you can see David reflecting on his sheep herding experience. He credits God as his shepherd who provides all that he needs. David never lacks anything because God knows exactly what he needs, just as he knew exactly what the sheep under his care needed. God in His faithfulness and care provides what is needed to the people under His care. David pictures himself as a sheep looking to God as his shepherd for his needs to be met and listening to God for directions in life. This Psalm is more than just a few words on a page. This is a song of praise to God that expresses a deep confident reliance on God as the shepherd who cares for His sheep. This is also a Psalm that was to be learned by others and sung in praise to God. Are you finding all your needs being met in the LORD as your shepherd? Are you confidently communicating praise of the LORD, your shepherd, to others?

For more see Psalm 23

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.

Faith in the Sufficiency of God

3/19/2020

Habakkuk 3:3-19
Growing up in our house there was never a lack for one thing…food. Mom always made sure there was enough to eat at the table regardless if it was a regular family meal, a picnic or a huge feast with many people invited and the table extended. On Mother’s Day we pause to praise our mother’s for what they have done but also who they are. Habakkuk has come to the same place. After questioning God and understanding God’s plan of action, Habakkuk praises God for who He is not just for what He has done. Habakkuk realizes that God alone is sufficient even if everything else is taken away. He encourages others too praise God even in times of uncertainty because God is trustworthy.

Faith in God

3/19/2020

Habakkuk 3:1-2
Confidence is something that employers look for in a new hire. Our confidence in the ability of someone else is often doubted. Confidence in God … well we struggle with that because we as people desire an outcome that is acceptable, understandable, and comfortable. Habakkuk desired to see God change his world. However, the test of his confidence and faith in God came to a climax when God revealed what He was about to do. God would judge and punish sin in a dramatic way. Habakkuk was stunned, yet he was confident that God would work out His perfect plan just as He had done in the past. When life seems to fall apart hang on to God through persistent prayer and with an unwavering trust in what He is doing.