Category: Control - Jethro TOOLS

Power of Faith

6/21/2026

Genesis 14
In my younger years, I eagerly accepted the offer to borrow a boat and go fishing. After receiving directions, I set off to the best fishing spot on the lake. There is no way to explain the thrill of the wind on your face powered by the whine of a boat motor under your control. I found the special fishing hole and dropped the anchor to enjoy some fishing. Eventually, I realized that the fish were not biting, so I started the motor and headed for shore. The problem was the boat handled poorly. As I turned a corner I saw the problem: I was dragging the anchor that I had forgotten to pull up into the boat. Genesis 14 records the continual drag of human sin by providing the account of the first war. It was a conflict that pitted people groups against each other based on power, control, and money. Sodom, the city that Lot had moved to had been conquered, and then it raised a failed rebellion against its oppressor (1-16). Hearing this, Abram stepped in, rescued Lot, and defeated the invaders. As he returned, he was greeted by two kings. One king praised God for bringing about the defeat (17-20), and one sought to use the situation to gain an ungodly influence over Abram (21-24). Abram displayed the power of his faith by pursuing the invaders and allowing God to use him to defeat the enemy. Abram also displayed the power of his faith by discerning the difference between righteous, God honoring friends and self centered, ungodly acquaintances. Our enemies may be internal problems or external pressures, but still we are called to live by faith and allow God’s power to be displayed through us. The company we keep will corrupt our faith, like the drag of a boat anchor, or build our faith. True faith accesses and uses the transformative power that God gives us to live for Him.

For More See GENESIS

Restored

3/16/2025

Romans 6
The old shed on the back corner of our property seemed like a worthy investment. So in the spring, after thinking and planning repairs all winter, I started. The building had settled and rotted its original support beams, requiring the foundation to be rebuilt. Once the shed was level and stable the roof and the door were replaced to keep the structure dry and free from roaming critters. Since the outside was able to withstand the extremes of weather, I turned my attention to the inside to make the shed functional. A simple shelf and some hooks made a once rundown and deteriorated building useful again. In many ways we are like an old shed. God sees us, and purchases us, to restore us to the functional purpose that He designed us to be. In Romans chapter 6, Paul calls this process sanctification. From the point of salvation, God begins a process of removing the practice of sin from the life of the believer. The control of sin is broken (1-14) through what Christ has accomplished on the cross for us. But God does not just leave us there. He wants to restore us to the true servants that He originally intended us to be. There is a change that takes place as the believer no longer serves sin, but gives the control of their life to God (15-23). Gradually, the practice of sin is replaced with purity and a righteous life that pleases God. Sanctification is God’s life long process that He works in us to restore us to His standard. Speaking of our relationship with Jesus, Peter writes, “like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You Shall Be Holy, For I Am Holy. (1 Peter 1:15). What we believe will change the way that we live. What we live will prove what we truly believe.

For More See ROMANS or SHEBA

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

Walk in Wisdom

5/12/2024

Ephesians 5:15-21
The terms wise guy and wise man are different. A wise guy refers to a person who makes sarcastic responses. However, on the other hand, a wise man is different. In the second term, wisdom is used to describe the person that does wise things. So what is wisdom? How is true wisdom different from someone using a witty comeback? In order to effectively answer that question we must clarify the difference between knowledge, understanding and wisdom. First, knowledge is knowing what is right. This is knowing in your head what is the right response. Second, understanding is discerning what is right. This is understanding the right response to the situation. Third, wisdom is practicing what is right. Wisdom takes the knowing plus the understanding and turns it into doing what is right. As Paul continues his letter to the Ephesian church he address the practice of wisdom as it relates to the life of the believer. Paul challenges his audience to walk in wisdom (15-16). So how do we live a life that is noted for wisdom? Paul provides four pointers designed to help the believers in Ephesus and us today. First, wisdom is learned from God (17). Knowing God and His will for our life is the beginning of wisdom. Next, Paul points out that wisdom in the life of the believer is the result of God’s Spirit having control of the believer (18). What fills us is what controls. Is the Spirit of God in control of your life? Third, wisdom is spoken to others, but it comes from an attitude of joy that displays the spiritual foundation of our words (19-20). Finally, wisdom is lived relationally as we honor God by submitting to others (21). God will transform us by His power as we seek His ways and His wisdom. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom we should ask God for wisdom.

For More See EPHESIANS

God's Character - Sovereignty

4/30/2023

Job 1:6-11
Have you noticed how much the automobile industry has changed lately? Just stop and compare the very first car that you can remember with the one that you use today. When I grew up there was no air conditioning, no power steering, no power windows, and the heater only worked for the front seat. Now we have all kinds of creature comforts and amenities to enjoy while driving. In spite of all the cameras and gizmos, we still have to drive the car. The driver, even though they do not understand all the technology, is the one that uses all the benefits of technology and engineering to direct the car down the road. To carry this analogy even further, God is sovereign, and in His sovereignty He controls the vehicle of our life and every life in the world. He does this out of His grace. In the book of Job we see God use His sovereignty to display His grace and power. God rules over the angels (6) establishing His purpose and will. In these verses we also see that God rules over Satan (6-11). Even today, we see and feel the influence of Satan, and forget the sovereign power of God over Satan. This passage reminds us, that God is sovereign in all of life, including even today. Like Job, we may not see or understand God’s power and work. However, God in His sovereignty is at work to bring about his purposes in and through our life, just as He was in Job’s life. You may feel like you are stuck with a broken down vehicle on the side of life’s highway. Remember that God is in control. In His sovereignty He knows what is going on. He will work to bring His blessing, if not now, then in the next life. Our job is to trust Him, rest in His grace, and follow Him faithfully like Job.

For more see JOB

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

Submission of Life

9/25/2022

James 4:11-17
The cool morning air caused me to grab a jacket on the way out the door. During my normal morning trail walk with the dog I met one of the regular walkers who smiled and said, “I did not recognize you, but I recognized your dog.” We shared a good laugh and then continued on our separate ways. As I walked away I began to think about what had just been said. As a believer in Jesus Christ, God wants my life to be so in tune with Him and submissively under His control that others see Him first. My conversation reminded me to be submissive to God in all areas of my life so others will see Jesus first before they see me. In the closing part of James chapter four, we are reminded to submit our life to God in two areas that we struggle with even today. The first area is our speech and specifically judging others (11-12). When we judge we demand that others conform to our imperfect standard rather than God’s. In doing so we elevate our selves to be more important than others. However, a life of faith willingly submits to God’s view that we are all sinners in need of God’s perfect correction through His perfect grace. Secondly, James addresses the worldly issue of self sufficiency that seeks to be in control of life (13-16). James helps us see that a life of faith will humbly submit to God who knows all and His perfect plans. Living by what God has made clear is a life submitted to Him and His authority (17). James reminds us that a submissive life lives by faith by trusting God’s authority in what is right in the present and His plans for our future. When others look at us who do they see? Do they see Jesus first?

For More see JAMES

Hope - Encouragement to Live by Faith

1/30/2022

Revelation 1:1-8
Do you remember the Merry Go Round from a school playground in your child hood. I remember one where several of us boys would get on while the others remained off. The task was very simple. If you were on the Merry Go Round you tried with all your might to stay on. If you were off the Merry Go Round your job was to spin it as fast as possible to make those that were on the Merry Go Round fall off. I remember being on the Merry Go Round and spinning so fast and so long that I thought it would never stop while my brothers and friends were just laughing at me. Have you ever wanted something to end, but had no power to stop it? The spinning problem just seemed to go on and on without an end in sight. Perhaps you feel like that now. Perhaps you see this year is a repeat of the previous year, or you feel like this month will never end. Your thoughts are sort of like being on the Merry Go Round as you scream, “Stop the world and let me off!” The book of Revelation is a reminder to remain faithful even when the world and our life seems to be spinning out of control. Revelation reminds us that in the end Jesus wins and controls everything. That was an encouragement to the churches and individuals John was writing to who were struggling to hang on amid pressures and persecution of their faith. Today we may read the book of Revelation looking for answers about the future. However, the emphasis throughout this book is to remain faithful to Jesus by obeying what is written (Rev. 1:3) and hang on to our faith. Make Jesus your focus and not the problem that is spinning out of control.

For more see REVELATION

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

Faith or Control

7/25/2021

Exodus 1
A while ago I had the chance to be the adopted Dad to a dog named Sky, a rescued two year old Australian Shepherd. He was timid if not fearful when my daughter first made our introduction. In the time I had this rescue dog I made several observations.

He realized that he needed help
He sought out help and someone to save him
He allowed the new master to clean him
The cleaning and healing is a long and sometimes painful process
He accepted a new home and master
He desired to be with the master
He desired to work for the master
He desired to please the master
He desired to sit at the master’s feet
He trusted and depended on the master’s provision
He enjoyed the master’s care

Just like this rescued dog we need to continually develop a life of dependence on our God and faith in His control of our world. In Exodus 1 we see Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, deal with his fears through oppression, control and even murder. God desires for us to live lives like the midwives. In the middle of Pharaoh’s actions to oppress, control and kill we see the midwives obey God rather than man. In our daily lives, like Sky and the midwives, we must choose faith in God and His future over fear.

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

Prince of Peace

12/27/2020

Isaiah 9:1-7
A number of years ago I had to complete some outdoor survival and team training. One of those events involved intentionally tipping the canoe you were in, flooding it and then reversing the process by getting the water out and then climbing back into the boat. All this had to be done in the middle of the lake. It sounds impossible but it can be done. The three of us in the boat, along with all the others, were unceremoniously dumped. The funny thing is that some people just screamed, some shouted orders and others complained because their peaceful ride was upset. This year has been filled with screaming, shouting and complaining. We have wanted peace our way but none has been found. In Isaiah 9:6 the final name describing the coming savior is Prince of Peace. This name describes one who rules because He has overcome every obstacle to a peaceful rule. Jesus, the promised child in Isaiah 9:1-7, came to offer the final solution to all our problems. Our struggle is that we, all too often; scream, shout and complain because our plan has been upset. Remember, Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. That means that He not only has the solution, He is the solution. May we be people who submit to His leadership and rule in our lives this year.

For more see ISAIAH

Keys to Belonging

5/12/2020

2 Chronicles 7:14
What does it take to own a car? Keys allow me to start the car. A drivers license allows me to take the care on a trip to town. Insurance is important because it allows me to fix the car if I have an accident. The big thing that a car needs is money. It takes money to buy the car, money to pay for gas and money to buy insurance. Cars are expensive. All of these things are important to operating a car, but they do not make me the owner of the car. I can do all of these things and still not own the car. The owner is the person whose name is on the title. The title is the legal document that makes it crystal clear who the car belongs to. If my name is not on the title then I am not the owner.

As we look at 2 Chronicles 7:14 we see that God has ownership on His people. Right in the beginning of the verse we see God speaking and referring to the people as His. God owns His people and His people belong to Him. That ownership and belonging is a relationship where the people are confident in their position belonging to God who faithfully cares for them. Others recognize those who belong to God because of their connection and confident trust in God who owns them. Like a car there are two possibilities to God’s ownership. The first response is acceptance, belonging and allowing God’s control. The second is simply rejection. There is no middle ground. Ownership is based on God grace not on our actions (Ephesians 2:8-9). Who holds the keys and the title that belong to your life?

For more see 2 Chronicles 7:14 Series

The King Rules

5/12/2020

2 Chronicles 7:14
Let’s play a game. How about checkers or chess? These board games have multiple pieces and if you follow the rules, each of the player pieces is limited in what direction they can move. However, there is one player piece in checkers and chess that can move in multiple directions. That player is the king. The ability to move in any direction makes the king valuable for the game but also strategically powerful. The game of chess or checkers is won when the king wins. In the game of life there is one king, and that king is God. Kings are powerful and control all that goes on in their kingdom. Earthly kings have a limited kingdom with borders, but God rules over all creation. Kings want their people to listen to them and God as the king of creation desires that we as people listen to Him. The problem for us as people is that sometimes we don’t like to listen to others much less God. It takes a person who is humble to put their desires aside to listen to the king for His plan for His kingdom. The problem is that we often want God as the king to make the kingdom acceptable to us. God’s desire is that we listen to Him and humbly submit to His leadership in our lives. Our humble submission to God allows others to see that God is in sovereign control of our life and His kingdom.

For more see 2 Chronicles 7:14 Series

Broken Made New

5/5/2020

Romans 10:9-10
What did you do when something breaks? The other day I had a piece of plastic break on the bottom of my car. I had to pull off the road and use a small piece of rope to tie up the broken part and keep it from banging around as I drove down the road. Right now you could look under my car and see the rope and know that I am telling the truth. You have heard my confession of what I have had to do and you believe that what I said is true. You can affirm the truth and agree with my story because of what you see. As Paul writes this passage he uses the this same idea in relation to salvation. To confess with our mouth simply means that we affirm or agree with something by what we say. What are we to say? Paul says that in order to be saved we need to confess or say that Jesus is Lord. This word Lord simply means master or the one in control. Salvation comes by confessing that Jesus is now the one that is in control of our life and by believing that His is raised from the dead. He died on the cross to pay for sin and He rose from the grave to show His power over sin and death. Without the resurrection the death of Jesus has no power because everyone dies. However, Christ is alive and that is what the believer in Jesus Christ holds on to. So to review, salvation has two parts a confession that Jesus is now the one in control of my life and a belief that is from the heart that God raised Him from the dead. Paul states that when you do that you will be saved. Have you done that? Who else do you know that needs this simple message of hope to fix what is broken and experience new life?