分类: Power - Jethro TOOLS

Christmas Time: Spoken

12/21/2025

Hebrews 1:1-4
A number of years ago my daughter gave me a short note on a small piece of paper. On it there were nine neatly written items that made up her birthday and Christmas wish list. At the bottom there was a star followed by an explanatory note, “Most Wanted.” Glancing back to the list a star highlighted item number seven which read, “Night Table - made by Dad.” Thus began a journey of cold weather construction in a cramped unheated shed. An individualized night table complete with a drawer was made for each of the kids and quietly placed by each of their beds very late on Christmas Eve. I have saved the note and use it as a book marker in my daily devotional book. It reminds me of the way that I need to come to my heavenly Father and ask for what is needed and that which I desire the most. A gift created by my father’s hands made just for me. Hebrews chapter 1 opens by telling us that God has consistently and repeatedly delivered messages revealing Himself and His plans for salvation (1). His best and most perfect form of communication was personally made through the sending Jesus to be our savior (2). Being God He is the perfect gift that has been communicated, but also provided (3). Jesus, fully God yet in human form (Philippians 2:5-9), is just what humanity needs most. He is far superior to any thing else that could grab our attention (4). Christmas time is often a time of secrets and trying to guess what a gift is. God understood our deepest need. He spoke, promised and delivered the very best gift, Jesus in the form of a baby. The great God who spoke the world into existence now displays the same power to save and transform our life. Jesus, is a gift given directly from the Father. What joy! What hope! God has communicated His love to us.

For More See HEBREWS

Rule of God

11/30/2025

Psalm 93
My parents enjoyed music. My father was very skilled musically, especially on the trumpet, while my mother was able to play the piano quite well. For all of their efforts I have no real skills in music other than making noise. However, my parents did try to cultivate an interest in the fine art of music. I remember being taken to special musical plays, Christmas and Easter cantata’s, and even beginner music lessons with a recorder. Nothing worked. Eventually, they gave up and just bought me some cassette tapes to play in the stereo of my first car. Regardless of my disconnection with music to this day, I can still remember going to musical events called the King’s Choir, the King’s Quartet, or the King’s Brass. These were displays of impressively talented individuals blending voices or instruments in rapturous harmony. It was truly music fit for a king. In life, the rule of a good king is honored with what is the best. The rule of a good king is based on the proper use of power for the good of the kingdom. Psalm 93 is written to tell us of the good rule of the greatest king. The author describes the Lord God as the all powerful and supremely sovereign king. He is the eternal God (1-2); He is the all powerful God (3-4); and He is completely righteous (5). The eternal God praised in Psalm 93 is completely different from the false gods people worship either past or present. The LORD God is unique and unrivaled in His rule in the present and for all time. Psalm 93 reminds us that God is the perfect ruler in three ways. First, only God is deserving of our worship because He alone is eternal. Second, only God is deserving of our submission because He alone is all powerful. Third, only God is deserving of our obedience because He alone is righteous. Is Jesus, the king ruling your life today?

For More See PSALMS

Faith and Saving

6/29/2025

Proverbs 3:1-12
Returning home, the house was strangely silent. The flick of the light switch produced no result. The steady hum of the old refrigerator was nonexistent. These and more were the symptoms discovered today as we walked in the front door. The power was off. There was no electricity coming into my home to provide the power necessary to operate normal functions within my home. As with electricity, our lives need the connection to God’s power for successful operation. The book of Proverbs provides powerful word pictures that resemble life and give guidance on how to live a life of wisdom that honors God. Proverbs 3:9 tells us to honor God with our wealth. That is accomplished by giving back to God the first and best of what He has given us. This is a gift that reminds us of God’s rightful authority over our life. The very next verse tells us that when we apply this wisdom that honors God first it will lead to His blessing (10). The problem is that we as people want shortcuts to prosperity. We incorrectly think that righteousness leads to prosperity, therefore I will be righteous because I want to be prosperous. In doing so we love ourselves first and God takes a very distant second place. Prosperity should lead us to thankfulness and serving God with what He has given. When we save solely for our purposes we miss the security of God’s blessing. We must love God for who He is not what we want to get. God in His wisdom and grace has given us His best in Jesus. In Christ our perspective on the power of saving is changed. He saved us so we honor Him with the blessings He has given us. God wants His power to flow through our lives and bring honor to Him. Is it time to flip the perspective switch in our life from saving to honoring?

For More See PROVERBS

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 as a Witness

8/11/2024

Acts 1:1-8
Just down the street, from my home, a new house is being built. Have you ever paid attention to the process of building a home? Several months ago several large pieces of heavy equipment arrived on the site and began digging the foundation. Then concrete was poured and now the walls and roof are going up. There is a small crew of workers at the new house site each day moving the project toward its designed completion. But what if each of the workers decided to construct what they wanted without regard or communication with the others? The end result would be nothing but disorganization and chaos. There would be wall without doors and stairs going to nowhere. However, each of the workers reads the house plans, listens to the boss, and does what is being communicated. The same is to be true in the church. The early church, in the book of Acts, saw continued growth with many people coming to faith in Jesus. In Acts 2:41 about 3000 people believed and were baptized. Stop and ask yourself why. The answer is found in looking back to the beginning of the book. In His last words to His disciples Jesus promised power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). This promised individual spiritual power brought change to each disciple and they spoke of Jesus the savior who is alive and no longer in the grave. God gave His power to His disciples to build His church through their witness. The same is true for us today. The promise of the Spirit’s indwelling and transforming power is true for everyone who believes in Jesus. God desires that we listen to Him, point others to faith in Him and thus see His body, the church, built for Him. As believers we are empowered by God’s Spirit for God’s glory to proclaim God’s message! Let us live each day using His power by participating as His witness.

For More See ACTS

Participate in Service

8/4/2024

Matthew 20:20-28
Have you ever been to a restaurant where the service was poor? One time, we as a family stopped at what appeared to be a good restaurant. We walked in, found a seat and waited, and then waited some more. Our stomachs began to growl. The kids began getting restless and started to complain. If my memory serves me correctly, we were there about 40 minutes and not a single waiter stopped at our table. Needless to say we eventually got up and walked out because the service did not meet the need of our hunger. In Acts 2:42-47 we see that the early church had been changed by placing their faith in Jesus, and now they were intent on serving. Their work was done to benefit others through their sacrifice. They were not concerned about positions or power, instead they were intent on serving. Through their work of service they continually gave testimony to the fact that Jesus changed them. Yet, if we go back in time we find that the disciples previously had been more interested in positions of importance rather than serving. In Matthew 20 we pick up the recorded story when two disciples approached Jesus, along with their mother, asking for a favor (20). In their ambition and pride they desired positions of greatness alongside Jesus (21). Hearing this conversation the other disciples became angry (24). Jesus stops the argument and reminds them that He has come, not seeking a position, but to serve and sacrifice Himself for the benefit of all (28). Jesus, the greatest servant, served to meet our greatest need of salvation from sin. Christ chose service over self in contrast to the disciples. He came and served sacrificially to meet the hunger of our soul. Like the early church, our service is to be a living testimony of the gospel message and how our savior met our greatest need.

For More See MATTHEW

Magnification

12/11/2023

Luke 1:46-56
Have you ever picked up a magnifying glass? At various times I remember finding one and being amazed at how large the letters on a page can be. However, in using the magnifying glass all that is enlarged is only within the frame of the glass. If you want to see more you need to move the glass. For example, you might use a magnifying glass to see an ant in greater detail, but you would not need one to see an elephant. In Luke 1:46 Mary begins her song that magnifies or exalts God. She is not describing God as small, instead she sings of His greatness and grandeur by drawing attention to His work as the Mighty One on her behalf (49). This is a contrast of power. Mary is weak but God is mighty. God worked on her behalf and accomplished that which was humanly impossible. Mary was the willing servant that God used to bring about the greatest impossibility, the birth of Jesus, God’s son, to be the Savior of the world. Today’s culture is often absorbed with self. It is seen in the gathering of attention and perhaps followers to be seen as great. That view and practice is much like taking a magnifying glass to an ant and making it look big. In contrast to that, Mary magnifies God through her song. She describes the greatness of God and His work in her life and world as she has submitted to Him. She is not attracting attention to herself. Instead, Mary describes the greatness of God and His salvation and blessing that only He could make possible through the birth of Jesus. Mary’s belief of God’s greatness directed her life, her joy and her speech. From her song she desires that others would know God’s greatness. Are we doing the same with our life?

For more see LUKE or SONGS of CHRISTMAS

Invitation to Worship

6/18/2023

Psalm 95
Do you remember the school song from your high school or college days? Most schools will have some sort of theme song that is used on various occasions to emphasize the school and its values. I vividly recall one song from one of my previous schools. The song All Hail the Power of Jesus Name was written by Edward Perronet and it captures, in words and music, the picture of honor and submission given to Jesus as the King above all kings. The words of the first verse begin,
All hail the pow’r of Jesus name! Let angels prostrate fall, Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, and crown Him Lord of all.
I still remember sitting in chapel and hearing the words of the chorus echo through the auditorium. Crown Him, crown Him, crown Him rolled like thunder through the student body each time we lifted our voices in praise. The worship of God is an expression of praise from our lips, but it is also the submission of our heart, our attitude, and ultimately our life to the King of all. For us as people the concept of submission is often difficult. We as people, at the core, are rebellious and prideful, as we seek our own way apart from God. Our worship of God is not looking for what we can get from God. Instead, the worship of our life and our words is to seek the glory of God by declaring His greatness and submitting to His way in our life. May the constant worship of our great God and savior Jesus Christ continuously roll through our lives each day with thunderous reverberation as we crown Him Lord of all. So, like Psalm 95, I invite you to join me in worship. It is a simple invitation that you can pass on to others as well. Come let us worship and bow down.

For more see PSALMS or INVITATION SERIES

God's Sovereign Persistence

5/21/2023

Job 2:1-6
What do you do when you need fresh produce for a meal at home? Well, the answer is one of two things. The first option is that you may start a garden or plant some fruit trees. However, the results are not instantaneous. The second option is to go to the local grocery store. Upon entering the store you walk to the fresh produce case and examine the fruit and vegetables. You will look for bruises, bad spots, and unappealing bumps. Fruit that is shipped to our local grocery store will often arrive bruised from harvest and transportation. However, regardless of the lumps, bumps, and bruises a banana is still a banana. God made our fruits and vegetables to be consistent on the outside with what is on the inside. If you cut an apple open you do not expect to find a peach. The same consistency is true in the life of Job. As we move into chapter two we again see God’s rule over Satan (1-2). He is the defeated foe as God rules in the life of Job, His servant (3). However, Satan is not done, because he desires another chance to destroy Job (4-5). Yet, God in His sovereignty, allows Satan another chance to turn Job against Him (6). The sovereign persistence of God controlled Satan and kept Job. God, in His sovereignty, acts to preserve His servant. God is persistent in bringing about His plan in Job’s life and ours. We need to trust that only God can save us. Our effort to save ourselves is futile. Our enemy, Satan, is determined. However, God is all powerful, displaying His sovereign persistence. He knows the past, present, and future. His desire is that we submit to His rule and purpose in order to display His honor and glory through us. Like fruit that is squeezed and bruised, the servant of God under pressure displays God’s greatness to sustain and preserve.

For more see JOB

Reflections on Worship

2/13/2023

Psalm 95:1-7
The sun was just setting in the western sky as I stepped our for a short evening walk. However, my eyes were distracted by the sight of flashing beacons on a plane as it flew overhead. My prayer was, “Lord, you know that we live in a busy world where we use what you have given us and flaunt our power only to neglect your power and grace that you display in the simplicity of the setting sun. Thanks for allowing me to see that illustrated before me.” In almost the next instant, my ears heard the scream of an ambulance and my eyes caught a glimpse of its flashing lights as they sought to solve someone’s emergency. Then in perfect contrast, from the other side, my ears heard the joyful honk of geese as they peacefully winged their way to their evening rest. Again my thoughts turned to praise, “Thank you God that you have placed us here to be your witnesses to people in pain, and yet we are still blessed to hear creation sing out your praise.” This simple stroll outside illustrates that worship of our great God can occur anytime and any place. Psalm 95 gives two invitations, first the invitation to praise God (1), and second the invitation to worship Him (7). As we recognize the greatness of God we should be drawn to honor and worship Him. Along with the psalmist, I invite you to come and sing out your praise to God through a heart full of worship. His greatness is on display for all our world to see. May you hear creation sing out our Creators praise, and hear the call to come and worship Him for His greatness and grace that He constantly puts on display for us.

For more see PSALMS

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

Submission of Desires

9/18/2022

James 4:1-10
In a number of combat or wrestling type sports there is a universal term and signal for submission called a “tap out.” This submission is the result of one opponent being placed in a position that chokes them or strains an arm or leg joint. The one under the control of their opponent taps the other person or the floor several times with their hand before further injury is sustained. This tap signals to the referee that they have given up and are submitting the victory to their opponent. As we move into James 4 the emphasis is now on submission to God and not our worldly selfish ways. Our worldly way of thinking tells us to insist on our own way. However, that form of thinking and operation is selfish and lacks faith in God. James opens this chapter by asking his audience about the source of their conflicts (1). He points out that conflict is the result of worldly personal and selfish desires (2-3). Worldliness is a love for the power, possessions, and positions of this world over and above a love for God. James says that a love for the things of the world and a love for God can’t exist together. In saying this he challenges the spiritual unfaithfulness of his audience (4). Thankfully, he does not leave his readers without hope. In verses 7-10 James gives the solution to this conflict. He notes that the selfish condition of worldliness finds its cure only in the grace offered through Jesus Christ and humbly submitting to His authority. Today, our situation is not all that different. It is easy to allow the self-centered attitudes of our world to influence our thoughts and action. We need faith to let God be the authority in our life and the humility to submit. That is what you call a spiritual tap out.

For more see JAMES

Control of Speech

9/4/2022

James 3:1-12
Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? One of the great social problems of our technological age is that anyone can make a comment online and be completely anonymous. It is all so convenient to hide behind a computer or smart phone screen and spill vile hate filled words toward some other person or even a local business. It is statistically proven that we are a very lonely people who long for connection, but we are failing at the basic element of relationships… communication. We all want good relations with the people around us. None of us really likes having an enemy. Yet in our twisted human minds we sometimes think that if we speak evil of someone that somehow it will make us even with them and change the situation. However, speaking evil pushes us farther apart while speaking good will draw us together. With evil words there is a wall of hurt and insult between people. With the good there is a bridge of trust and truth that is built. In chapter three, we see James begin to address the issue of speech as it relates to our faith. He notes that our speech may be such a small part of our overall being, yet it is very powerful in directing the course of our lives or others (1-4). James becomes even more pointed with his words as he addresses the common problems of our speech that are present even today (5-12). He sees that our speech is easily filled with the pride of self promotion. It can become the source of destruction, and easily be corrupted with impurities that do not honor God. The problem is that we are numb and perhaps unaware because our faith has been separated from what we say. So, who are you talking to and what are you saying? Is your speech clearly reflecting your faith in Christ?

For more see JAMES

Love Mercy: Judgment of Powerful People

6/12/2022

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

For more see MICAH

Do You Know?

5/22/2022

Job 38-41
Did you know that about 50 percent of people fail their first driving test? A driving test is given to examine what we know and how we can apply it to various situations. It is easy to spout off answers that we assume to be correct, but do they do not work in driving situations. Gaining the head knowledge is important, but equally important is the application of those truths to life. You may be one of those people that failed the drivers test the first time and dreaded going back to retake it. Many people do not do well on tests for various reasons. Imagine if you were Job and God told you to answer His questions. That is the exact situation that is played out in Job 38:4. God begins the exam by asking Job what he knows about creation in chapters 38-39. There is a pause in the test as God gives Job a chance to respond. Job wisely has no answer (40:1-5). God then continues with a second exam that asks Job about God’s power as displayed in the animal kingdom in chapters 40-41. Job could not explain God’s working in his personal life because he did not understand God’s knowledge or power. Creation is a clear display of God’s sovereignty and knowledge. Through the tests God desired that Job see His knowledge and trust His moral purposes worked out in life. Like Job, we need to trust God and allow Him to work out His plan and purpose in our life. Suffering is not necessarily about what is wrong with our life and what God must do for us. Suffering instead teaches us to trust God and His character and not to demand His blessing. The lesson from Job is simple, we can trust God’s knowledge and power because it is based on His trustworthy character.

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

Whom Shall I Send?

5/1/2022

Isaiah 6
Years ago I worked for a printing company that produced anything from business forms to business cards and brochures. One of the key steps in the printing process was a quality check. The easiest way to make sure that a customer received a quality product was to wash your hands. Printing ink on your hands would leave dirty fingerprints on the printed message. Similarly, as kids I am sure we all heard the same message… WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST! Mom always mandated we clean up first before coming for a meal. Cleanliness is a priority for health and none of us wanted to have sand in our sandwich. In Isaiah 6 the prophet Isaiah had a vision of God and His complete sovereignty and power (1-2). But what followed was earthshaking praise as the angels declared God’s holiness (3-4). At that moment Isaiah realized his shortcomings, sin and impurity in comparison to God (5). However, God took the unclean Isaiah and purified him in preparation for speaking God’s message of truth to a sinfully corrupt people (5-6). Then God asked the question, “Whom shall I send?” (8). That question is staggering. The God of the universe seeks the involvement of sinful Isaiah. Like Isaiah we need to clearly understand who God is. However, our view of God will impact our view of our self, our world and the urgency of His message. We need to realize that God desires to cleanse us because He seeks to use us to deliver a clear message about Him. Our view of God will impact our response and availability. Like a dirty smudge mark on printed paper sin in our lives will distract others from God’s message. Remember that God cleans us and calls us so He can use us. What a privilege and responsibility! Today, God still asks, “Whom shall I send?

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

Follow God's Lead

9/5/2021

Exodus 7:1-13
Some of you may groan, while some of you will shout with joy. Why? Well, in a couple of months we will see our first snow. The arrival of snow brings various winter activities including hockey. In the game of hockey the opposing teams try to score on the opposite goal. When some of the rules of play are broken a penalty is assessed. The player charged with the penalty is removed from playing for at least two minutes while his team must play shorthanded. That is called a power play. With this advantage the stronger team presses to score a goal over the weaker team. In much the same way we see a power play take place in Exodus 7:1-13, except Pharaoh incorrectly believes that he has the advantage. God makes His plan of action very clear to Moses (1-4) and outlines His purpose (5). God states what He will do and that the goal is for the Egyptians to know that He is the LORD. God directs Moses with His ability and works by His power (8-13) to display His strength to Pharaoh. For us today we must follow God’s leading. Like Moses, the advancement of God’s message should be our passion. We must believe that the plans of God are only accomplished through God’s power, while the resistance to God’s message is God’s problem. As believers in Jesus Christ we are called to live these principles by faith following His leadership as His people. Moses submitted to God’s leadership in his life while Pharaoh resisted God’s power. When we follow God’s leading we submit to His power and submit to His work through our lives. Like Moses, we need to allow God’s power to be displayed through us so others can know that the LORD alone is God. That is God’s power play.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

The Power of Grace

3/19/2021

Ephesians 2:1-10
The other year we were without electrical power because of a wide spread wind storm. What is the first thing that you would do when the power goes out? With the electricity out you needed to see in the darkened room so you would hurriedly grab a flashlight. Quickly you flick the switch on only to discover that there is no power in the batteries. Have you ever had that happen? You may stumble and fumble in the dark as you rummage through that storage shelf in the closet or some box in hope of finding new batteries. When you do find batteries it makes a difference similar to that of night and day. In much the same way Ephesians 2:1-10 states that we are spiritually dead and powerless without the saving grace of Jesus Christ. God steps in with His mercy and love and makes us alive by His grace through faith in Christ (5). We who were unresponsive and spiritually dead (1-3) now have been given new power through the Savior (4-5) to live a new life (8-9). The purpose of the new life is for the glory of God (6-7), and the service of God (10). Like a flashlight with new batteries we have been created to shine and spread the light of Jesus through His transforming power displayed in our lives. Let us continue to live the reality of the changes that God has made in our life and display the changes so others can clearly see the power of Jesus lived through us.

For more see EPHESIANS

Prayer for Transforming Knowledge

3/14/2021

Ephesians 1:15-23
After a long, dark, cold winter many people in the north often find themselves infected with Cabin Fever or Seasonal Affective Disorder. These two do not sound like real diseases but they affect many in the population. Each year numbers of people come down with the symptoms of irritability and depression which are the result of hours in a dark house isolated from the world. The cures are fairly simple… get outside and do something or at least turn on all the lights inside and use bright colors to decorate. Likewise, in Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays that the church will know about God and translate that into a deep relationship with God. He first praises them (15-16), then secondly he tells them what he is praying for them (17-23). He wants them to have the perspective of Godly hope, the value of Godly riches and the power of God’s strength. Paul prays that they will understand what they already have in Christ and that they would implement this knowledge in their life. Like the simple cures for the mid winter blues, Paul provides encouragement and prayer for others who need it. Like the Ephesian church, we also need the encouragement and prayer of others to motivate our spiritual growth. Who is praying for you? Who are you praying for?

For more see EPHESIANS

Mighty God: Big Gift Small Package

12/13/2020

Isaiah 9:6
I remember a Christmas long ago when my father gave each of us boys a big gift. I do not remember what the gift was, but I do remember that it was small. Now when you normally receive a gift at Christmas you expect to remove the wrapping paper and expose the gift. That was not that happened. You see my father was a wise man who liked to inject a bit of humor at unexpected times. This was one of those times. I removed one layer of paper only to expose a second and then a third layer. Then I found a box and upon opening the box I discovered more layers of wrapping paper and then another box. This process repeated itself numerous times. While my mix of frustration and anticipation increased so did the laughter from my father. He was thoroughly enjoying seeing his plan at work. In Isaiah 9:6 we see God do the opposite of my dilemma. Through Isaiah, God promised to send His presence and His power in the form of a child yet to be born. Isaiah foretold of a son who would be born who would be the Mighty God. Isaiah is making very clear that the baby born would be the God, who has the power to save His people. What situation in life are you facing that is overwhelming? God sent Jesus, just as Isaiah recorded, to be our Mighty God who saves us. I hope that this Christmas you see the small package that God sent but the big things He brings as Savior of the world.

For more see Isaiah

Purpose of Submission

4/11/2020

Luke 22:42

The night was as dark as the ice which the headlights on my car failed to help me see. I rounded the corner and spun out of control into the other lane. Sliding sideways, all I saw were the headlights of the other car bearing down on me. God answered a desperate prayer and just before impact the tires hit a patch of dry ground and the car shot into the brush filled ditch. The car was a mess, but I was safe so I could tell others how God spared my life.

When we pray what do we pray for? The situations of life often cause us to not hear God’s perspective and desired action. We often find our selves in a crisis and call out to God or we do not pray because life seems to be fine. In the garden Jesus prayed but His perspective was different. He prayed for the Father’s will. God’s will is expressed in His gracious disposition to accomplish His desire. God’s desire is to seek and save the lost, which is why Jesus came to earth (Luke 19:10).

In the verse we are looking at today, Jesus made a request to remove the coming events of suffering. This is Jesus displaying His humanity. In this request we also see His deity. He asks the Father if He is willing. As people this is often uncommon because we often come requesting our will from our perspective. God’s will may not be humanly easy but it accomplished through the power of God. Jesus humbly submitted to the Father’s will to be accomplished through His life. The submission of Jesus allowed God’s grace to be displayed for all to see, even us today.

There are several lessons from this verse for us today. First, God’s will may not be humanly easy. In His humanity Jesus knew that the suffering and the cross would not be easy, yet in His deity He knew that it was necessary for salvation to be accomplished. Second, God is honored through our lives as we submit to His will. If we believe that God is sovereign, then we also know that God knows what He is doing to accomplish His plan. God will work through our lives to bring about an outcome that will honor Him. Third. God’s will is to allow His grace to be seen through us. We, as undeserving as we are, honor God by submitting to His work in our lives and through our lives. His work through us allows others to see the His gracious hand at work in us inviting others to experience His grace for themselves. Fourth, God will always accomplish His will through His power. He will not fail. We can always trust His power and His grace.