Category: Perspective - Jethro TOOLS

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

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

God's Will & Our Guidance

4/2/2023

Isaiah 46:8-13
Palm Sunday begins the Biblical record of Jesus entering Jerusalem, with people praising Him and welcoming Him. However, by the end of the week the same people were mocking Him and seeking His death. This is known as the Passion Week. The people are passionate about a new king that is coming to save them, but they only see a political savior. The religious leaders are passionate about killing Jesus, because they only see a spiritual rival. However, Jesus is passionate about people that are lost in sin. He comes as the perfect sacrifice, because He is the only one able to save from sin. From our perspective we might wonder how God could work out His perfect plan of salvation in the midst of misconceptions and misconstrued justice. The trial that Jesus faced was unfair and unjust, yet Jesus offered His life to take our sin and its judgment on Himself. One might wonder if God really knew what was going on. God did, because in eternity past the Godhead knew that sin would corrupt the world and its people. Therefore, it was decided that Jesus would enter the world to provide the payment for sin once and for all. Only God was pure enough to pay for sin, but God is eternal and cannot die. This required that God become man, in order that through the perfect life and death of Jesus we might have new life in Him. That is God’s will ruling the events of time to make His ultimate plan for salvation a reality. Isaiah 46:10 says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” To know God’s sovereign will for our life we must submit to Jesus and His rule in our life. Have you done that? Are you doing that?

For more see ISAIAH or DISCIPLESHIP

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

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

I Can Do All Things

11/6/2022

Philippians 4:10-13
This week a friend of mine sent me some pictures of my favorite car, a Ford Mustang. I don’t know why, but I have always liked that car. I can clearly remember the first time I saw one when I was about 6 years old. The car in the pictures was a much newer model, yet it still had some of the classic body lines and contours that reminded me of the much earlier version. We discussed, in jest, how I could convince my wife and possibly trade my current vehicle for this one. However, in the end I decided to be content with the car that I have because it is a gift from God, but that is for another story. You see things may make us content for a little bit, but if my contentment is wrapped up in things have I not lost my commitment to God? We can have all the material possessions of this world and lack peace in our circumstances. If we lack a contentment in what God has provided, and a commitment to Christ, we are spiritually lost. Christ provides all that we need for today and eternity. His powerful work of grace on the cross provides new life, new power and new perspective for all of life’s circumstances. If we do not have Christ we have nothing. We do not have His power for living and His joy that sustains. We need a commitment to Christ and a contentment with His provision to have peace in our circumstances. That is the message of Philippians 4:13 which states, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” We need joy in the Lord not our circumstance. We need joy for how God is working in others through our circumstance. We need contentment with what God has provided in the circumstance, and a commitment to God in all of our circumstances.

For more see PHILIPPIANS 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

What Are You Doing Here?

5/15/2022

1 Kings 19:1-14
Years ago I learned the value of sunglasses while on a fishing trip. The sun was out and the water was clear, but the fish were not biting. I could sort of see the fish in the stream but my lure was just not getting to them. The problem involved a scientific term known as light refraction. This is an optical illusion where light changes direction when in contact with water. The reality behind the science is that my hook was traveling behind the fish and not in front of the fish where it could be seen. I only learned that after using sunglasses from another fisherman that cut down the light so I could see clearly. Just as our physical perspective can be skewed without sunglasses so our spiritual perspective can be distorted without God’s perspective. In 1 Kings 19 Elijah came to the point of believing that he was the only one left serving God (10, 14). In reality he was not alone because there were over 7000 who had not bowed down to the idol Baal (18). However, his twisted perspective led to disillusionment and discouragement. How can we live to see God’s perspective when we are distracted by discouragement? First we need to rely on God’s perspective and not be influenced by the fear of evil that surrounds us (1-4). Next we must depend on God provision (5-8) and remain where He has placed us (9-10). Discouragement will lead to fear and running away yet God calls us to trust Him. Finally, we need to seek God’s presence (11-14). God brought Elijah to a place where he saw God’s power and heard God’s voice. Today, God still asks, “What are you doing here?” Like Elijah we often get to this location because of fear. God helps us live by faith with His perspective.

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

Why Are You Persecuting Me?

5/8/2022

Acts 9:1-9
Years ago one of my elderly uncles caught a raccoon. I do not recall all of the details, but as you know raccoons can be a bit of a bit of a nuisance getting into garbage cans and even into your house. Knowing my uncle, this was probably the case with this troublesome critter. Rather than moving the animal from his farm he decided to make the animal his pet. To make a long story short he succeeded. The raccoon would eat from my uncle’s hand. However, if anyone else walked up the raccoon would snarl and hiss aggressively. My uncle had taught the raccoon to submit and to trust him alone and not fight him. In the same way, Acts chapter 9 records Saul submitting to Jesus Christ. Saul was a bitter enemy of the church (1) who sought the imprisonment of as many as possible (2). However, human power is no match for God’s power and God caused Saul to lose his eyesight (8). Immediately Saul realized that persecution of the church is actually persecution of Christ. Jesus asked him the question in verse 4, “Why are you persecuting me?” That question is important because it points to the reasons and beliefs behind the actions. Saul became a changed man after Jesus confronted him with the truth of his actions. He no longer sought to save himself and what he thought to be religiously correct. Instead he began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God (20). Saul’s spiritual transformation began with the submission of his will and his way to God’s will and God’s way. His action, vision, perspective, and speech all changed. Like Saul, God may use any number of things in any number of ways to get our attention and submission. God may need to break us before He can use us. Today God still asks, "Why are you doing this which is against me?"

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

Be Faithful

2/27/2022

Revelation 2:8-11
I had noticed the small but also big footprints that are distinct of a rabbit in the snow around my house. I was not surprised knowing that we have a family of rabbits that have made our garden their home. However, I was surprised to see a rabbit come racing out from under the steps as I was cleaning up the most recent snowfall. With typical wide eyed fear the little guy stopped for just a moment to see if I was a friend, foe, or just the obnoxious landlord. Having determined I was the latter he raced off without giving me a second glance. A rabbit naturally wants to stay out of sight or run away from what sees them. The pressure of survival easily raises their fears and places them in a state of stress. Funny; are we not like rabbits in many ways? In Revelation 2 we see John record the words of Jesus to the second church, the church of Smyrna. Jesus knew they had already suffered much which led to their poverty (9), and that their suffering was going to increase (10). For the church in Smyrna there is not much hope. However, Jesus tells them not to be afraid and to be faithful (10). Why? He does not criticize or correct Smyrna, instead Jesus reminds this persecuted and fearful church that He is sovereign and has overcome death (9). Like the church in Smyrna it is easy for us to be so preoccupied with survival that we neglect seeing Jesus as the one who has the solution even if we do die. Our tendency is to be like the rabbit and run to survive on our own. We are reminded not to be afraid, even of death. Jesus offers life to those that remain faithful even to the point of death. That is hope for those in distress.

For more see REVELATION

The Vision of Jesus Christ

2/6/2022

Revelation 1:9-20
With the Winter Olympics just around the corner we wait, hoping our favorite athletes overcome the obstacles and opponents and win. Yet this one moment and victory in time is not just by chance. If it was by chance then every one of us would be in the Olympics looking for our chance. In fact the athletes that we cheer for have been preparing, practicing and persevering in their sporting event for years. They have restricted their diet and refused certain activities all to focus on their development and training. In Revelation 1:9-11 John recounts how he arrived on the island of Patmos. Very simply he was exiled to the island because of his teaching and preaching about Jesus. In the midst of his persecution and banishment he was able to be an encouragement to the people and churches addressed in this letter. John was a spiritual brother and fellow partaker in the tribulations and spiritual blessings that the audience was experiencing (vs. 9). Then in verse 10 John mentions being in the Spirit in fellowship and worship of God. In these verses we see that John does not allow his circumstance to change his relationship with other believers; neither does he allow his circumstance to change his worship. It was through his exile on Patmos that God spoke and told him to write (vs. 11) what became the book of Revelation. It is often easy for us to allow our circumstances to impact our spiritual perspective and even our spiritual life. Note that John’s life was not easy and yet it is out of the trials which he was in that God called him and used him. Perhaps God is preparing you through your present circumstances for something He has not yet revealed. Practice faithfulness to Christ in the present.

For more see REVELATION

Dependence of Faith

10/10/2021

Exodus 13:17-22
Have you ever wondered where you are going? This is a question that involves more than just a road. This question involves a life direction and the purpose of that direction. A number of years ago I sat in Edward’s kitchen drinking coffee and talking with him late into the night. The conversation turned to how God leads us to certain locations at different times of our life for His purposes. I still recall his words, “God places you in muddy waters so you can clean them up.” Those simple yet profound words reminded me of God’s leading presence and my need to depend on Him alone. In my human perspective I may only see certain things, but God is at work not only in the situation but also in me to develop a faith that depends on Him. In Exodus 13:17-22 God leads the nation of Israel out of Egypt. The people needed a faith in God that depended on Him alone. God’s path out of Egypt required faith because it was not the direct route (17-18). God knew the people would turn back to Egypt if they faced conflict, so He led them in a different direction. In life we may want the direct route, but God sees the obstacles and wants to build our faith to depend on Him. We may want the efficient route but God measures efficiency in faith that depends on Him. God’s purpose in all the places that He takes us is to develop our faith to depend on Him at all times. God’s path is one of peace, as we depend fully on Him, even though the water may seem muddy at times. God’s purpose is to work in the situation and in us, to bring us hope and build our dependence on Him.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Following God's Plan

9/19/2021

Exodus 11
The 2004 sports film titled Miracle reenacts the journey of the 1980 American Olympic Hockey team and their quest to win Olympic gold. The pivotal moment in this movie comes after a lackluster performance in an exhibition game against Norway. Even though they tied the Norwegian team the coach, Herb Brooks, made them stay and skate long after the ice arena shut down for the night. Herb Brooks continually instructs that they skate the on ice drill one more time. Finally, the exhausted team captain hollers his name and states that he plays for the United States. That moment ended the drill and solidified the team as they now understood that they played for one team and for one purpose. In Exodus 11 God now says that He will act one more time “so that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 11:9). Previously, God had sent 9 plagues with increasing levels of intensity yet Pharaoh refused to submit. One would think that by this time Egypt and Israel would have learned the power of God. However, God was working to multiply how the Egyptians and Israelites viewed His greatness. He wanted His people to know that He alone was the sovereign God above all who deserves their complete submission and loyal following. God displayed His power multiple times through the plagues in order to build faith in Him alone. Today, just like Moses, we may be impatiently waiting for God to finish what He is doing. We want God to deliver but we have not seen it. When we find ourselves in that situation we need not fear because God is at work. We need faith to see that God is at work and we need to follow His plans that always work.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Discouragement of Faith

8/29/2021

Exodus 5-6
Fishing was the best way to spend the afternoon. So my brothers and I decided to load my car and head toward the river. After some fishing we decided to part ways. My brothers would fish their way up the river and I would drive to the river canyon and scout better fishing locations. The goal was to meet at the canyon. After scouting for fish and not finding any I decided to wash the car. This was my first car so like any teenager I wanted to keep it shiny. I found a perfect little pond and backed in and then, with wisdom that was a bit late, decided to see if I could drive out. Nothing happened as the tires spun on wet slimy rocks. I was discouraged as my brothers walked up laughing at my predicament. We then had a long hike to beg a family friend for a tow. I still remember his words, “You are stuck where?” In many ways that’s what discouragement does. It keeps us stuck in places that we don’t need to be. In Exodus 5:1-5 Moses and Aaron deliver God’s message to Pharaoh. It was not accepted and in their discouragement the people blamed Moses and Moses blamed God (Ex. 5:15-22). God encouraged Moses to see His perspective (Ex. 6:1-8), yet discouragement blinded the eyes of the people and Moses (Ex. 6:9-13). God wanted the problems to deepen their faith and transform their trust in Him. However, discouragement only sees the problem not God who is bigger than the problem. My problem and discouragement caused me to turn to a friend for a tow. My friend just laughed at my problem because he had a solution to my problem. We all get discouraged. Just remember that God is bigger than the problem. Keep trusting Him.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Preparation of Faith

8/8/2021

Exodus 2
Does God make mistakes? From our limited perspective there are times when we begin to doubt and question what God is doing. In our study of the book of Exodus we have seen that God originally led Jacob and the family of Joseph to Egypt to survive a famine. Now, fast forward, and things are not going well. The people are enslaved and life is not looking good even for the babies. As we saw from Exodus 1, the king was doing all he could to control the growth of the nation of Israel which included the killing of the baby boys. In the middle of this chaos in Exodus 2 God is still at work as Moses is born. He survives the threats of the king as his mother made a basket and placed him in it in the river (3). Does God know what He is doing? Yes, because Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the basket with Moses (4-6) and works out a plan to have the baby cared for until he can be raised by her in the palace (10). Does God know what He is doing? Yes, because Moses spent 40 years being trained as a leader by the greatest leaders of the day (see Acts 7:22). However, his training was not over as God took him from the palace to the desert for another 40 years of training (15-22). Right now you may look at your life and feel like God has forgotten you in the desert. God does know what He is doing. God trained Moses in the palace and the desert for His purposes of development and refinement. God was building a humble servant leader out of Moses. God used every bit of training in the palace and the desert to mold Moses. God is doing the same molding in our lives through the experiences we face.Trust God, He knows what He is doing as He shapes our lives to be used by Him.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Motives for Life and Ministry

5/9/2021

Philemon 12-16
What motivates you to respond to the situations that surround you? Years ago, I had an assignment for a class that I literally took to the streets to see how people would react. I dressed like a homeless person and sat on the sidewalk right outside the main entrance of the Bible School I was attending. As I called out to different ones, they all walked past and even tried to stay as far away from me as possible. Yes, those who did nothing were from the same school I was attending. Most responded out of fear, annoyance, safety or security. One young man had his conscious pricked, and he circled back to double check on me. After a short conversation I told him that I was a student like him and this act was part of a class project. He was shocked that he was the only one to stop. Again I ask, What motivates you to respond to situations you see? As Paul writes to Philemon in verses 12-14 he addresses the motives of service that are based on relationship, function or compulsion. However, in verse 15-16 he emphasizes a motive of spiritual purpose that has an eternal perspective. Paul desires for Philemon to respond to Onesimus as a brother in Christ and seek his best interests. Today, Are we doing what we do out of service and love for God? Are we serving to bring God’s perspective and spiritual change in the lives of others? May a love for God guide our motives and direct our service so we respond correctly, as God would have us, to the situations around us.

For more see PHILEMON

Problems? Try Refreshing

4/25/2021

Philemon 4-7
Computers are great but they can run into communication and connection problems which causes you not to see everything that is available. That is when the refresh option comes into play. This simple feature takes all of the old information and requests new information. After a few moments the newest version of the information is sent and you can now access all the fresh, new items. The refresh option takes the old, adds a new perspective and gives it new life. In the letter to Philemon we see Paul record a prayer that he is praying for Philemon (4-7). In that prayer Paul notes that he is encouraged to see Philemon displaying Godly love for other believers (7). Philemon has been influential in refreshing others. He literally helped calm their inner emotions. Have you ever had someone step into your life and give you a new perspective that calmed your fears? Apparently Philemon was one who started with the current problems and helped others see their problems from God’s point of view with God’s solutions. His faith (5) naturally caused him to display God’s love and refresh others through God’s love with hope and a new Godly perspective. May God help us be ones who refresh those around us, just like Philemon.

For more see PHILEMON

Distractions from Faith, Love & Hope

2/21/2021

1 Thessalonians 4
How do birds fight? Some birds apparently fight by making as much noise as possible. The other day I heard a flock of crows squawking in the trees. When the racket did not subside I decided to investigate what was disturbing them, and the neighborhood. Upon review, I counted six crows hollering about another critter in the tree. I could not see the reason that they were upset, but it was more than likely a hawk. Crows are territorial and very protective and they realize that the hawk is a predator. Eventually the racket stopped because the hawk decided it had enough noise and harassment for one day and left. In many ways we as people can be distracted from what God has for us by the noise of our society. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul instructs this new church to display the purity of their faith by living a holy life that is not preoccupied with sinful lusts (1-8). Next, he encourages them to love others instead of being preoccupied with personal influence (9-12). Finally, Paul encourages the church to have the perspective of hope in contrast to misguided fears about the future and grief over believers who have died (13-18). To avoid the raucous distractions of our world we would do well to heed this teaching on the purity of faith, the practice of love and the perspective of hope.

For more see 1 Thessalonians

Real Faith in Real Practice

9/13/2020

Hebrews 11:23-29
Bees are needed to pollenate flowers, trees and vegetables in the garden. The problem arises when they sting and leave a swollen lump. Now the bees that make honey are not the problem because they are more docile. The aggressive bees that attack are yellow jackets. Recently I was stung by one of these bees. It was an unprovoked attack. All I was doing was sitting outside and enjoying the evening. I am now highly motivated to do something with the bad bees. I know how too easily make an effective bee trap and I have all the ingredients to make a bee trap… but I do not have a bee trap. Why? The answer is simple. I have not put the knowledge and the ingredients together to work on the problem. In Hebrews 11:23-29 we see that Moses was noted for his faith. However, if you look back in his life you can see times when he acted on his own without depending on God (Exodus 2:11-15). Our action can never be called faith when God is not relied on completely. Moses learned that lesson and he became a great prophet and leader for God. Today we can say that we know all about faith and we may have all the pieces needed like my incomplete bee trap, but it is not faith until it is assembled and used. Remember that faith in God is not real faith until it is put into practice and God is depended on completely. Ask God to increase your faith in Him by increasing your vision of Him and His plans for your life.

For more see HEBREWS

A Life of Faith is More Than a Game

9/6/2020

Hebrews 11
Games of trust are always a good learning activity for a team. They are also a good activity for social observation. I recall one such trust game where a board is placed between two chairs and a blindfolded participant is helped to step up on the elevated board. The participant and the board are then lifted off the chairs. Without letting the blindfolded participant know, the board is then lowered almost to the floor where they are told to jump off. The blindfolded person always expresses fear of the height and not being able to see even though they are being reassured that they will be fine. In many ways, that is often the response that we have to God. We can’t see what the future holds and it is all too easy to stay put rather than take the step of faith and follow God’s calling. In Hebrews 11:22 we see that Joseph was commended for his faith. His life was filled with plenty of times when he could have chosen not to follow God, yet he saw that God took what was meant as evil and turned it to good to accomplish His purpose (Genesis 50:20). I would challenge you to take an inventory of your life. Could God be calling you to follow Him in faith, so He can use your situation for His purposes?

For more see HEBREWS

My Strength and My Song

5/6/2020

Exodus 15:1-7
I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. His name is Horatio. He was a businessman in the Chicago area in the late 1800’s. However, there are three great tragedies that entered his life. The death of his young son, the Chicago fire of 1871 which destroyed his business and financial investments, and finally the death of his four young daughters. Several years after the fire he decided to go to Europe with his family but at the last minute he changed his mind and sent the family on ahead by boat while he dealt with some business affairs. During the ocean crossing there was a collision with another ship and for Horatio only his wife survived. In full disclosure, I have not actually met him but I appreciate the depth of his life that he has communicated. You see several weeks later as he traveled on the same ocean route and neared the spot where his four daughters died he wrote the words to a song that you should know. His name is Horatio Spafford and the title of the song is “It is Well With My Soul.” I would encourage you to find the song and review the words in light of Horatio’s story. He was a man of faith who had lost much in this life yet he confidently stated that all was well with his soul. He could agree with Moses and the people in Exodus 15:2 that the LORD is my strength and song and the LORD has become my salvation. Try finding a verse of scripture or good song like this one and let it continually roll through your mind today. Allow God to use the words to draw your thoughts to Him as the source of our salvation, hope and joy.

Closer Than You Think

4/10/2020

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

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

I wish I knew then what I know now

4/9/2020

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

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

Perspective for Discouragement

3/23/2020

Nehemiah 4:7-23
Problems, we all have them. If we think someone is without problems then we do not know them. The cure for discouragements that distract us from following God is to pray and seek God’s face, see His perspective and follow His plan. In Nehemiah 4 we begin to see the rise of opposition to the work that God has called the people to do. Those that struggled, sacrificed and overcame are the ones that are remembered in history and through the book of Nehemiah. What job has God called you to do? Be faithful and persist even in the difficulties. God will provide all that is needed to accomplish His task.

Three simple action steps practiced by Nehemiah:
1. Pray - address the fear(s) and uncertainties with God
2. Perspective - remember that God is greater than the problem
3. Plan - see what can be done to work toward God’s goals

Mountain Top Perspective... While in the Valley

3/19/2020

Psalm 121
Where do you turn when life is long, hot, dry and hard? Where do you go for protection and security? In a battle situation the position with the greatest advantage is always the high ground. If you are above your enemy then you will have greater visibility and an easier position to defend. As we think about this picture let’s review the background of Psalm 121. Most likely this Psalm was written for travelers to sing as they travelled to Jerusalem. Yes they sang as they walked in much the same way as we might sing on a long car ride to pass the time and drudgery.

The Question of Hope, Help and Security
Imagine David walking on a winding road through a valley on the way up to Jerusalem which geographically sits on top a mountain in the hill country. He begins with a question about where his help comes from (1). As a military leader he was seeing the best position on top of the hill. He realized that he was in a vulnerable position and his eyes confirmed what he saw. What do you eyes see? Do you only see the present difficulties and the difficult position that you are in? David’s view was beyond the mountains to God who is above the mountains. He had eyes of faith to see what others might not see. He wanted help and he knew that he had to look above and beyond his present situation to God who is greater than the present situation.

God is Helper
In verses 2-8 David is reminded about five key actions of God. The first is that God is a helper (2). David is certain of who his helper is. There is no one else who helps like God. He also sees that creation reminds him of the one who is helping Him. David sees that the all-powerful God who made the heavens and earth is helping him. That alone gives hope for today. David was trusting God alone to help him. Are you trusting in God to help and save you?

God is Guarding
Next, David sees God as the one who guards him (3). He states that God will not allow your foot to slip. The path of life is always filled with uncertain slippery situations. David finds his confidence in God to guard his steps and keep him from slipping. But notice what he says in verse three. This guarding that God does is not just a one time event. David sees that God is always attentive and watching over his life. God is always faithful and will not doze or even take a short nap or rest. God sees your situation, God knows the difficulties of your situation and God is certainly attentive to your situation. David knows that God cares about the events of his life and you can know that God cares about you and the events of your life.

God is Watchful
Thirdly, David sees that God is watchful (4). He understands God’s care in verse three but moves to a greater understanding of God’s overall knowledge over all of life in verse four. God does not sleep or slumber and because this is true God knows all that is going on. He is always watchful and thus always knowing. Remember how David started this Psalm with a reference to the hills and the high ground? David in a way sees life from God’s perspective on high and realizes that always aware and always watching all the events of life. There is nothing that surprises Him. People may question and challenge why certain things happen, but David realizes that God wants him to trust in Him because He knows and is watching over all things.

God is Protector
Next, David sees God as more than just passively watching, but being active in protecting and sustaining (5-6). The best place to be on a very hot day is not out in the open but in the shade of a large tree or building. The only way to find protection from the burning heat is to step into the shade. Rest in the shade is found as one sits down and leans back on the tree as the sun beats down. Protection from the heat of life’s problems is only found as we rest in the shade of God’s presence at this present moment. The sun’s position may change but David is confident that God will keep and protect those who seek shelter in His presence. However, David does not just end with one event during one day. He sees God protecting all day and all night. David’s view of God’s power is not limited to one event or situation. He trusts God for all of life’s events during the day or the night.

God is Preserver
Finally, David sees God as the one who protects and preserves his life (7-8). God is not limited in time or power because David states that God will protect from all evil. This powerful God will not just protect life but also preserve the soul of those who trust Him to save or preserve them. God is faithful and unchanging and He will protect and preserve when you go out to start the day and when you come in to end the day. David says that the LORD will always be the one who saves from now and forever. David is confident that God will save forever. I hope that is true for you. God wants to not only save from the problems but also for all time. Will you trust Him like David?

Where do you turn when the difficulties of life are as high as the mountains? When we trust in God alone as the only one who helps, guards, watches, protects and preserves we can find rest in His presence when the problems in life heat up.