分类: God's Direction - Jethro TOOLS

Faith and Our Walk

6/1/2025

Hebrews 11:5-6
5:30am arrives once every single day. Like clockwork, I am awakened to the jingle of a dog collar and the click clack of dog toe nails on the hard floor. This is the morning routine of my old dog who wants to go outside for her morning walk. The consistent daily walks have gradually strengthened my dog and helped maintain her health. Old dogs need walks to maintain their health. The same is true for the believer in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that, “we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).” Like an old dog the walk of faith is essential for the believer in Jesus Christ. It is a daily action that proves spiritual life and health is based on the foundation of faith in Christ alone. This was true of Enoch in Hebrews 11. Enoch consistently lived for God (5) in contrast to his father Cain (Genesis 4:17). You see Cain had murdered his own brother (Genesis 4:8), who was Enoch’s uncle. Think about the family dynamics. The actions of Cain would have been known and perhaps retold. Out of this Enoch chose to live a different life, a life of faith, in contrast to his father. God rewarded Enoch and his faith by taking him from this life so he did not experience death. The continual persistence to live a life of faith was rewarded by eternal life with God. Enoch is listed is Hebrews 11 as an example of faith because he walked with God. He is also an example of what God can do in redeeming a life from the practice of sin. When we walk with God we consistently seek His presence and direction and faithfully allow Him to lead us away from sin and closer to Him, just like my old dog.

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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.

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The Disciple's Mission

1/19/2025

Matthew 4:18-22
As a boy, I had always enjoyed dogs, but never had a chance to have one. Perhaps we never had a dog because Mom and Dad had moved frequently. Eventually, when I was about ten, we settled into a home that I would consider home. Arriving home from school one fall day, I noticed a dog tied up in front of the house. It turns out that some friends needed to find a new home for their dog and my parents approved. Well, that began the process of getting to know the dog and trying to train the dog. There is an old saying, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.” That was definitely true of this character. He should have been a good candidate to pull a sled. He was broad and muscular, but he lacked the motivation. He would pull for a bit and only when he wanted to. When he realized I was on the sled the ride was over. I was on a mission to develop him into a sled pulling dog and he wanted nothing to do with my trick. My plans and dreams for him could never compare to his desire for his enjoyment fulfilled his way. You could say it was a training disaster. However, when it comes to reshaping our lives and retraining us God has a plan, but it takes our submission. In Matthew 4 Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to follow Him (18) and promises to make them into something different (19). Change is not easy because we become comfortable with our way. Like these disciples we are called to follow Jesus and allow Him to change us, reshape us and use us for His purposes and honor. Like my old dog; Are we willing to submit to our savior and His new direction for our life? When we do we will find that our life has an exciting new meaning and purpose.

Foe More See MATTHEW or DISCIPLESHIP

Preserve Solid Faith

9/1/2024

1 Timothy 1:18-20
Broken windows, holes in the hull, plus a tilting deck. That is a simple description of various boats I have seen abandoned on the beach. I often wonder what they were like before they were left to rot in the sun and surf. What did they do or not do that led to their undesirable defeated demise? I can recall one boat that is a faded green and a dirty white laying unmoved, at an angle, in the tidal mud for years. A boat that was once valuable and useful is now nothing but wasted junk that clutters the beach. Lighthouses, maps and guides are all available to prevent shipwrecks. The same is true in our spiritual life. We need direction and guidance to navigate the often treacherous waters in our daily life. In 1 Timothy 1:18-20 Paul addresses Timothy regarding the issue of spiritual shipwrecks. He closes out this chapter by naming two men who wrecked their faith because they focused on other things rather than the Biblical truth of the gospel message (20). They rejected personal faith in God and thus blasphemed God through their life. These men were removed from positions of teaching and influence to be taught a lesson. The spiritual shipwreck was public and a visible warning for all. The collapse of faith is evident still today. What do we need to do to combat it? First, we need to be servants, like Timothy, who are committed to serving only God’s agenda in our personal life and church life. Second, we need to be like soldiers who fight for the truth of the gospel not personal preferences and legalistic concepts (19). Finally, we need to be like sailors and use the word of God to navigate life correctly, living as helpful examples of faith not harmful misdirectors. Only by faithfully following Jesus can we find purpose, power and direction to combat the treacherous waters of life.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Participate in the Word

7/21/2024

Psalm 119:105-112
How often do you read directions? When I much younger I remember being at a meeting with my father. The speaker gave each attender a test with a page full of questions. The instructions were to read everything before beginning the test. I still remember that day. I turned the page and began frantically trying to answer questions before the allotted time ran out. As my time ran out I looked at my Dad sitting calmly, looking around the room. He was done, and I was not. The test was actually a test to see if you would listen to and obey the instructions. I did not listen, and I did not read everything first before beginning. The final line at the bottom of the page said this, “Now that you have read this entire page please write your name at top right corner of the page and wait for further instructions.” In life directions are important, but it also important to have reliable instructions from a reliable source. In Acts 2:41-42 the early church had a devotion and dedication to the Word of God. The apostles taught the Word of God and the new converts were faithful in listening and acting on what it said. Psalm 119:105 teaches us that the Bible contains the words of God that provide clarity in the present and direction for the future. Like a lamp the Bible allows us to see what is at our feet and guides us as we take another step of faith. The problem is that we as people do not listen carefully to instructions. We will often search everywhere else for answers without examining the truth in the Bible and God’s words recorded for us. Like the early church in Acts 2, we need to love the Lord, love His Word, and live His Word. That only happens by listening to His directions.

For More See PSALMS

Learning the Word

6/30/2024

2 Timothy 3:14-17
Our days can be busy, seemingly impossible, and at times we might even be disoriented and in need of direction. Through all of life directions are given to us in order to guide us. Drivers follow road signs and road maps. Carpenters follow blueprints for building a house. Pilots are trained to follow the instruments in their plane. Even if we are lost in the woods we know that moss grows on the North side of trees in the northern hemisphere, water always flows down hill, and the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. In life we have resources that provide direction and keep us from being disoriented. In much the same way God has given us His word to keep us from being spiritually disoriented. As Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3, he reminds this young pastor that his life has been influenced by Scripture (14). Previously he reminded Timothy that his mother and grandmother faithfully instilled Scriptural truth through their teaching and example (2 Timothy 1:5) leading him to salvation in Christ (15). Like Timothy, we can see that God has given His word to equip us with a spiritual roadmap. It comes down to believing that God is God and His word carries His authority. He, as the true supreme authority, inspired and directed the Biblical authors in their writing (16) to write His exact words. When we value God and His word we will allow it to teach us and equip us for His service (17). Our life and service will only have substance and direction when we base our lives on God and His word. Reading the word of God daily, pondering its truth and doing what it says will strengthen our faith and keep us from being disoriented as we focus on Christ.

For More See 2 TIMOTHY

Hope Under Pressure

2/18/2024

Ruth 2
Have you ever heard the whisper of wind through the branches of a pine tree? The other day I was out for a walk and felt a slight breeze on my face and heard its whistling whisper as it moved through the needles of a large pine tree positioned right by the road. I could not see the wind but I could see its effect on the pine tree as it gently swayed its branches. The result of the wind passing through the pine branches with their long needles was a soothing, almost musical song. I stood in the middle of the road transfixed, watching and listening to the tree dance and sing. It reminded me of how God works in our lives. You see we may not see Him, but if we pay attention we can see His action that provides motion and music all around us. A tree that does not bend with the wind will be broken under its pressure. In Ruth chapter two we see Ruth in a place of acceptance and submission in her situation. She does not remain bitter like Naomi, instead she takes the step of faith, seeking God’s provision of food (1-3). Ruth finds herself in a field belonging to a close relative and begins to see God provision (4-13) and blessing (14-16). Up to this point, Naomi, Ruth’s mother in law, has been in a bitter fight with God resisting His movement and work in her life. However, as Naomi hears of Ruth’s day and sees the abundance of her effort she credits God and for the first time begins to express hope (19-22). God will faithfully provide and give hope even in the pressures of perplexing problems. Like Naomi, the music of hope in our lives is best played as we submit to God and bend under His direction. When we do, we are able to sing a song of praise in the midst of pressure… just like a pine tree on a windy day.

For More see RUTH

Hopeless

2/11/2024

Ruth 1
Have you ever faced the fear of uncertainty and the pain of loss? We all have to one degree or another. There is the loss of a job, the loss of a loved one or the loss of health. Each one of these carry with them their own complications, uncertainties and fears. A while ago I was talking with a friend who had lost his job. It was pretty easy to see his pain and hear his frustration. The answers of why and what next were not clear. However, through the present hopelessness he did not waver in his confident belief that God was in control and that somehow God would provide either where he was or some place new. At that juncture in time he was not willing to move unless God made it absolutely clear. Would you be able to display that same confident faith in God alone and His provision? As we pick up the story of Ruth, we see in chapter one that Naomi has faced the loss of her homeland and her family (1-5) and now she plans to make the transition home empty handed with nothing but personal hopelessness (6-14). In the midst of her pain God provides the blessing of a faithful and loyal daughter in law, Ruth, who even though she is grieving the loss of her own husband is led to be a blessing to her bitter mother in law (15-18). Ruth trusts God and seeks to display her faith by following Him, serving Naomi, even if that takes her away from her own homeland. We all face painful, heart wrenching situations in life. Let me encourage you to be used by God, even when you lack hope, to be a blessing to others like Ruth. In contrast, Naomi turned bitter toward God (19-21). Remember, God is at work redeeming even the worst of our life situations. Don’t go to another place or seek another position unless God makes it clear. Trust in God alone.

For more see RUTH

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

Vision From God's Word

10/30/2022

Proverbs 29:18
Normal vision goes by a measurement of 20/20. As we age and have genetic or other health issues our eyesight will become weaker. We begin to notice this by not being able to see clearly up close or have difficulty seeing far away. We may be able to tolerate this for a bit, but eventually we will need to see an eye doctor who will measure what it will take for our eyes to be corrected back to normal 20/20 vision. The eye doctor will give a prescription, and when we walk out of the doctor’s office with new glasses everything looks brighter because we can see clearly. Proverbs 29:18 talks about vision, but often it is misunderstood and misapplied. Often this verse is used to teach organizational leadership and the development of personal goals and dreams. However, vision in this verse has to do with the communication of God’s message. The prophets would receive a message from God and then they would communicate that to the people. Without God’s word to direct their lives they would lack divine direction. The writer of Proverbs leaves a challenge to his audience that includes us today. We need to practice or keep God’s word in order to experience His blessing. We need to spend time with God in His word enjoying His presence and greatness. As God speaks to us through His word we need to respond and allow His truths to transform our life. By continually placing God’s word to use in our daily life we will experience true joy in walking with Him. God has a vision for our life and our world. His desire is to communicate that to us, transform us by His grace and use us to carry that message of grace, and hope found only through Jesus to our world so they too can see clearly.

For more see PROVERBS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

How Faith Behaves in Serving

8/28/2022

James 2:14-26
There is an old, often repeated, story that is told about fishermen. The fishermen in this certain town would gather together regularly and talk about fishing. They would pray for days when they could go fishing. Then they would tell each other about all the great tools that they had for fishing. Some would even write books on fish and fishing, and those who wrote the books would often hold large conferences and talk about how to fish. One day a young man decided to go out to the river and fish. He only had a simple pole and line with a simple hook and bait. After a number of attempts he finally landed a fish. As he brought the fish home everyone was asking him how he caught the fish. His reply was simple and to the point. He said, “I just got tired of talking about fishing and decided to give it a try.” In the closing verses of James 2 we see James, the author, illustrate what the activity of real faith looks like. He begins by asking a question about someone who claims to have faith but does not back it up with action (14). He then follows that key question with four examples of faith in action. First, faith displays its reality by serving the needs of others (15-17). Next, James points out that faith serves God because even the demons believe but do not submit and serve Him (18-19). Third, through the example of Abraham we see that faith serves God by not questioning His direction or provision (20-24). Finally, the life of Rahab reminds us that faith in God is displayed by serving others who follow God regardless of the potential personal cost (25-26). Remember a dry line never catches fish. People like fish are only attracted to the lure of our faith that is displayed right in front of them.

For more see JAMES

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