Category: Practice - Jethro TOOLS

A God Centered Life

5/10/2026

Proverbs 31
There is wisdom in the saying used by many in various trades; “Measure twice cut once.” This simple truth is the reminder to take a second look and reaffirm that the irreversible action you are about to take is correct. That simple wisdom is the truth that guides a repeated practice leading to success, not failure or frustration. Repeating that kind of practice leads to a lifelong perspective that carefully evaluates every situation. That is a worldview based on an experienced truth. Worldview is like a pair of glasses through which we see the world. It is a consistent filter that guides our action. A biblical worldview is the lens through which we understand all that we experience, and guides the action that we take. In Proverbs 31we see the God centered life, or worldview, illustrated and exemplified, in the description and measurement of a God fearing mother (10-31). This book provides the repeated and contrasting examples of applying or rejecting God’s wisdom in all situations. The closing chapter of Proverbs contains a summary of living by God’s wisdom that has been presented in the first 30 chapters. The woman described in Proverbs 30 has taken and applied the key factor of honoring God in every situation (see Proverbs 1:7). In the end she has consistently lived a life to honor God and she is worthy of praise (30). Her life is credible and she will be rewarded (31). Like the example of this Godly woman our beliefs will direct how we think. What we think will affect how we live, and how we live will impact our world. Do you believe that God is worthy of your honor and obedience in every situation? Wisdom is not knowing the right answer. Wisdom is understanding and believing what is right and doing what is right. A God centered life is not just knowing about God, but honoring Him by applying His wisdom to every area of life.

For More See PROVERBS

Sufficiency of God

9/21/2025

Habakkuk 3:3-19
Recently I watched an actor portray Lewis Sperry Chafer giving a speech, as part of a centennial celebration at Dallas Theological Seminary. In the speech Chafer is attributed as saying, “It is not the size of the man that counts. Not even the size of the dream. Rather it’s the size of the God who gives the dream to the man.” Our aspirations, however big or small are finite compared to the all powerful work of the all powerful God who can do more than we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20-21). God is never limited by humanity, but we as people are limited by our view and practice of confident faith in a sufficient and sovereign God. How we view God and His power makes all the difference to our perspective, and practice of faith. Habakkuk was enabled to see God and His sovereign power at work (3-7). God’s power is displayed through His unchangeable nature. Like Habakkuk, we also can have a confident hope in God who is faithful and unchanging. Even though our world is constantly changing God does not. Habakkuk closes out this chapter with his song honoring God and the confident faith that He instills within the prophet (16-19). Habakkuk confidently states that he has found God to be sufficient in all areas of his life even if everything is taken away (17). His joy is in God who saves him (18). Like Habakkuk our life is to tell the story of God’s sufficiency. He alone enables us to live a new life free from fear of the uncertainties and perils and to declare His supreme greatness. God is sufficient. Through Jesus, He has come to give us hope and conquer the control of sin in our life. Like Habakkuk our purpose is found in praising God’s work. Our proper view of God’s sufficiency and strength will guide our life and practice of walking by faith. God is enough.

For More See HABAKKUK

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

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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The Disciple's Commitment

1/5/2025

Luke 9:23-26
This summer I watched the population of rabbits grow in our neighborhood. At first we only saw a few adult rabbits and then, little by little, there were a bunch of little bunnies that began to emerge from their nesting area. It was comical watching as the little ones come out of their nest and scurry about on their tiny legs. What we saw in our neighborhood is a natural process from conception to birth, to immaturity and finally maturity. This is the life process that you and I go through. We are born to grow and be productive members in our family and society. We grow as people through learning, nurturing and guidance of those who are older. The same is true on a on a spiritual level. The Bible describes this process as being a disciple which simply means learner. However, this is more than just learning head knowledge, this involves knowledge and practice of what is learned. In Luke 9:23 Jesus lays down the challenge to be committed to following Him by stating, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Today the symbol of the cross has been popularized in the form of a necklace of an artistic graphic design on a shirt. In reality the cross is a sign of commitment even to the point of death. Jesus and His audience understood that clearly. That kind of total commitment is the sign of a mature believer in Jesus who lives, as Jesus says, without regard for one self, but is instead dedicated to the advancement of His kingdom. As in the natural life process the mature are used to nurture and grow the young. Are you willing to grow in your knowledge of Christ and be used by God to grow His family just like the rabbits in my back yard?

For More See LUKE or DISCIPLESHIP

Ministry of the Word

9/29/2024

1 Timothy 4
Do you remember the children’s story about The Little Engine That Could who had to work extra hard to keep up with the big trains? One day he had to pull a heavy load up a big mountain. The little train tried to remember all that he had learned from the old wise trains and then put it into practice. As he worked hard and strained to pull the load he kept saying to himself “I think I can, I think I can.” In 1 Timothy 4 Paul is challenging, Timothy, the young pastor, to remember what he has learned and continue practicing his faith in God by being a spiritual example for others by. Paul and Timothy realize that it is only faith in God and His salvation that will save them and the people of the church. Paul encourages Timothy to do three things. First, he is to preach God’s Word because spiritual life is found in Jesus Christ and the truth of Scripture (1-5). Others have wandered from the faith, but Timothy is to remain faithful. Second, lead in the practice of the Word because spiritual life is found in the truths of God’s Word (6-10). Timothy was given a check list in a way to keep the practice of his faith focused. Finally, Paul challenged Timothy to grow in the Word because the church needs a Godly example to follow (11-16). The young pastor was to be the example for all in the church to follow. How is your faith? Have you wandered from the truth or are you practicing the truth? What you believe about God and His Word, the Bible, will affect your life and the life of others. Unlike The Little Engine That Could, faith is not what we can do or think we can do on our own. The practice of our faith is God at work through us as we faithfully follow Him and His Word.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

The Unifying Bond

4/7/2024

Ephesians 4:1-6
Have you ever glued your fingers together? You may have been working on a project and accidentally gotten some on your fingers. That, is a problem! Glue is not the normal unifying factor for our fingers. Glue on our fingers is a false form of unity. In reality, our fingers are held together and supported by muscles, bones and skin. But, our fingers are not isolated. They are an essential part of our greater body. They must be properly united to the rest of our body for the health and proper functioning of the body. Glue on your fingers is a false form of unity that will not allow proper function. The same is true in the church. In the book of Ephesians, Paul leads the church to understand that unity comes through belief in Christ and what he as done for them on the cross. In writing Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul addresses three important factors of unity. First, our unity to Christ will influence our personal life (1). Paul was writing from prison. He was placed there because of his beliefs and teaching about Jesus. Second, our mutual unity with other believers is practical (2-3). A true believer is Jesus will live a life of faith in Christ through the practice of humility, gentleness and patience with others. Finally, our unity as believers has one foundation, Jesus Christ (4-6). Here, Paul lists seven foundational requirements for unity. Our world will seek unity based on human standards and arbitrary preferences. However, unity within the church, God’s body, is based solely on His work and His standards. Problems in the church arise when we as people decide that our unifying connection is something other than Jesus Christ. By using the glue of false unity we find that our faith has lost its true unifying connection to Christ and the ability to live using His strength and power in our life. May Christ alone be the one that connects and empowers us for His service.

FOR MORE SEE EPHESIANS

What is a Disciple?

1/21/2024

Luke 14:25-35
Summer camp was fun. It was the anticipated annual event that I remember attending as a kid. There were many activities and things to learn and do, but my favorite was the skill class, and for that I always chose archery. I was, and still am, intrigued by the skill needed to shoot an arrow and get it to hit the center of the target. It is actually harder than it looks. In the skill class the teacher helped us learn the technical side of archery and the form needed to shoot correctly. However, there was much more. We were required to memorize safety rules and implement them at all times in the class. I quickly learned that listening to the teacher and doing what he taught really helped my efficiency in using the bow and the accuracy of shooting the arrow. As I progressed in skill and knowledge the teacher gave me the task of helping others learn the technicalities of archery and do it safely. The same is true for a disciple of Jesus Christ. We begin our spiritual life when we not only believe, but accept that Jesus has paid the price for our sin. It is from that point forward that we are given the challenge to “hear the word of God and obey it!”(Luke 11:28). A true disciple of Jesus is literally a committed follower who accepts His teaching as valuable for all of life and puts it into practice. In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus gives several key characteristics of a disciple. It all begins with a relationship with Him (26) and a commitment to Him (27). Like in archery, when we depend on Jesus and listen to Him as our teacher we will have something of spiritual value, that can be passed on to others, that will guide them in their daily walk with Him.

For more see LUKE or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS or DISCIPLESHIP

Why Meet Together?

2/12/2023

Psalm 95:1-7
Much preparation has taken place, and now we gather with friends and family to share the joys and sorrows of a win or a loss. We honor and cheer the hero’s of the play by calling them the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT). It does not matter if it is Football and the Super Bowl, Baseball and the World Series, Hockey and the Stanley Cup, Soccer and the World Cup, or Tennis and a Grand Slam, we participate with passion, and praise the people with the greatest of plays. There is nothing wrong with enjoying sports as a participant or a passionate observer. But, let’s stop and think for a moment about how this same drive relates to the spiritual life. What if that same preparation, passion and practice were true of our spiritual lives? Those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Savior have become part of His family and His body the church (Colossians 1:18). However, unlike sports, the purpose of our gathering is not to praise the ones who are seen, but the One who is unseen. The believer displays the authenticity of their relationship with God through their fellowship with other believers and their worship of God. Much like a sports game, but in a spiritual arena, fellowship is a shared partnership, purpose, and participation. In fellowship the believer connects with other believers in Jesus to strengthen their faith, participate in service for God, and grow in passion for God who saved them. Our purpose of gathering in church and fellowship with other believers is to display the greatness of our Savior through our lives and our words. Everything about us is to scream and shout that God alone is worthy of our total devotion. On earth there may be people that we celebrate, but as believers in Christ we must always worship and celebrate Jesus as the greatest of all time.

For more see PSALMS or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Commitment

1/8/2023

Luke 9:23-26
Recently I was reviewing some of my illustrations and came across a computer file titled Confidence Control and Trust that contained a letter from some long time family friends and believers in Jesus Christ. They wrote about the recent passing of a family member and those now left behind. The letter continued by stating that three days before that loss the boss had called the husband in for a difficult conversation which led to him being laid off from his job. I saved the letter because of the second to last paragraph where their commitment to Christ was restated regardless of how dark and difficult their present situation looked. Their stated desire was to be sensitive to what God would have them do and respond accordingly. For the disciple of Christ commitment to Christ is not just when life is easy. Commitment for the disciple means following in the difficult times. In Luke 9:23 Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This verse speaks of the sacrifice of self and the imitation of the selfless attitude and action of Christ. There is also the sacrifice of service as we are challenged to pick up our cross. The cross was well known in Jesus day as a source of suffering that would lead to death. Jesus notes that sacrifice and suffering are marks of those who chose to be committed followers of Him. Jesus says that this is a daily practice, as illustrated by my friends. A disciple of Christ is a committed follower of Christ who practices what Christ has taught and follows the model of how Christ lived. Commitment to Christ counts the cost of following Him in the present and unashamedly follows Him each day, even in the difficult ones. Are we disciples of Jesus who completely believe only in Him and are committed to living only for Him?

For more see LUKE or DISCIPLESHIP

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 the Heart

9/11/2022

James 3:13-18
Years ago I remember reading Famous Monkey Last Words by Paul White. This book is part of a children’s series where the author uses animal characters to teach a spiritual truth. The main characters are a wise giraffe, a friendly but strong hippo, and a mischievous monkey named Toto. Through out the various stories Toto is the one who places himself in difficult circumstances all because he has not acted wisely. In Famous Monkey Last Words, the curious Toto wanted to see a zebra. The giraffe, as his teacher, had told him to never stand behind a zebra. However, Toto did not listen and walked right up behind the zebra and smacked it with some thorns. Well, you can imagine what happened! The zebra kicked, and the little monkey Toto went flying. He had been taught and reminded, but he did not apply the knowledge to his life. In the final verses of James 3, the author records a thought provoking question by asking, “Who is wise?” (13). James says that wisdom is proven by living out what you know to be true with humility. True wisdom does not act in self centered ways (14) which point to an ungodly alliance with Satan (15) and leads to a life of disorder (16). The alternative for disorder is living by God’s wisdom (17). The rule of God and His wisdom in our lives is displayed through the purity of an upright life that seeks God’s peace (18). James wants his audience to see that the internal issues of the heart directly impact our speech and life. God’s wisdom will change our speech and life as we allow God to change our heart and thoughts. There are many things that may cause us to lack peace. When we ask God for wisdom, (see James 1:5), and submit by faith, believing that His ways are best, He will give peace.

For more see JAMES

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

Act Justly: The Corruption of People

5/29/2022

Micah 1:1-2:2
Roman mythology personifies justice as a blindfolded woman holding scales and a sword. The scales are used to represent a balanced view of the case, which shows support and also opposition to the competing sides. The blindfold is meant to symbolize that justice is to be impartial, not showing favoritism to any side, any person or be influenced in any way. Finally, the sword pictures the authority that justice holds to bring final judgment in the case at hand. Often justice is measured from the view of the one that has been harmed unjustly. However, justice should be measured by a fair judge who is pure and unbiased. Seeking justice on a human level will always be faulty, because of our flawed and sinful human character. The human mind and emotions will not always be impartial and accurate. On the other hand justice from God will always be accurate because God is pure. In Micah chapter 1 the prophet sees God’s coming judgment on his people because of their sin. God delivers His authoritative message through Micah stating that He as the just judge will bring judgment on the sinful (2-5). Micah sees the way sin has corrupted the people and through his tears calls the people to repent of their sinful ways (8-16). God seeks a pure people who will worship Him alone and put into practice what they know from God to be true and just. This passage helps us see that justice is based on God’s authoritative discerning judgment. Do we submit to God’s authority on a daily basis? Do we worship the giver of correction and seek His perspective? Do we put to use daily what we know to be true spiritually? Justice is God’s correct action that corrects us to live a life that is pleasing to Him and is an accurate reflection of Him toward others.

For more see MICAH

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

Simeon & Anna: Praise for God's Grace

12/19/2021

Luke 2:21-38
Waiting is not an easy thing to do. Lately I have been irritated with other drivers. For example, at a traffic light that just turned green, someone three cars back starts honking their horn because everyone else is not moving fast enough to suit them. Perhaps you have experienced what I am talking about. We do not like to wait in line in traffic, or really anytime at all. We are in an instant society that relies on high speed internet, fast cell phones, microwaves and drive through coffee shops. We don’t like to wait. Very simply, we do not live patiently while waiting. In Luke 2:21-38 we see that Simeon lived a righteous life while he waited to see the Savior as God had promised him. He faithfully followed God’s direction by going to the temple where he saw Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. He then spoke with perception and wisdom about this baby as the Savior for all people. As if on cue, Anna steps in and begins to praise God for the redeemer that God has sent. Both of these people were elderly and had spent many years waiting for this moment. God worked through the patient devotion of Simeon and Anna to spread and affirm His message of the Savior. God’s desire is to develop our devoted faith in Him and our persistent and consistent practice of righteousness. This kind of righteousness is not instant or intermittent devotion that lacks the refinement of persistent faith in God. Simeon and Anna were known as righteous people who lived by faith while they patiently waited for the Savior to arrive. God desires that we persistently follow Him in faith, patiently wait for His return and tell others of our Savior. That is what Simeon and Anna did.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Abraham an Example of Faith

6/20/2021

Romans 4
Termites are great little critters that God has designed to consume wood and create new composted soil for new trees to grow in. However, it is not a good thing when termites get into the wood of your house. If you build a new house you will use different termite barriers to keep them out. If you live in an existing house and find termites you need to put a chemical in the ground surrounding your house. This chemical goes into the ground as a liquid and then dries as a crystal. The termites then take the chemical back to the nest and it kills the nest and they do not destroy your house. The home owner must completely trust the unseen work of the chemical. In much the same way we must trust the unseen work of God to save us and make us righteous. In Romans 4 Paul records four ways that Abraham lived a righteous life by faith, completely believing God’s promises and trusting God’s power. He believed God by faith and did not try to work or earn God’s approval through his righteous actions (1-3). His religious practice was a sign displaying his faith in God and His promises (9-12). Third, his righteousness is gained by faith not through heritage or legalistic practice of the law that God gave (13-15). Finally, he was declared righteous by God through his faith by God’s grace (16-25). Like Abraham and the termite chemical we need to trust what we can not see. God is at work to forgive our sin, make us acceptable to Him, and righteous in His sight through our faith and belief in Jesus Christ. Abraham lived by faith and we can follow his example as we live by faith.

For more see ROMANS

Partnership with Grace

5/16/2021

Philemon 17
The “POP” and flash caused me to jump! The unexpected noise occurred when I turned on the light switch. Now I have a burnt out light bulb to replace. Have you ever had the unexpected happen when you expected the light to operate as normal? We all know that lightbulbs do not last forever, but that is what we expect of them. In this verse Paul is asking Philemon to continue functioning as he has in the past as a servant and encourager of the church. However, he is asking for more. This request requires new levels of spiritual practice. Paul first asks Philemon to trust him as a partner and to display grace to Onesimus by accepting the runaway, back. Paul wants all this to be done genuinely, as if he himself were standing in front of Philemon. This was most likely a life changing moment for Philemon. The past was no longer normal as Paul challenged Philemon to new heights and greater practice of his faith. This faith is based squarely on the grace that he has received from Jesus himself. May we like Philemon continually respond with God given grace to the unexpected explosions in life. Who knows, there might be someone like Onesimus that needs to see Jesus through us. Like Philemon, others in the church and community will be watching and they will learn from our example.

For more see PHILEMON

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

Practice of Thankfulness

11/23/2020

Verse: Psalm 9:1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart
Thought: What the heart thinks the mouth says.
Prayer: Lord may my heart be so full of your goodness that my mouth overflows with your praises.

Verse: Psalm 75:1 We give thanks to you O God… for your name (presence) is near
Thought: Though God is not seen His actions make His presence known.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for helping me see you through your wonderful work in my life.

Verse: Psalm 92:1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to your name
Thought: Thanks is music to God’s ears.
Prayer: Lord thanks for all you have done. May my praise be music to your ears.

Verse: Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name
Thought: I am most thankful when I have called out and prayed for God’s involvement.
Prayer: Lord, thanks for your faithful listening. May I always declare your greatness to the world.

Verse: Psalm 106:1 Give thanks to the LORD for He is good and his love endures forever
Thought: The love of God cannot be separated from the goodness of God
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the goodness that you pour out through your everlasting love.

Verse: Psalm 119:62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws
Thought: True righteousness and justice is found in God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thanks for being the reliable perfect standard of what is right.
For more see Psalms 119

Verse: Psalm 139:14 I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made
Thought: God’s design of us is more important than what others think of us.
Prayer: Thank you God for the attention and thought that that you have taken in designing me. May my view of my self accurately reflect how you made me.

For more see Thankfulness

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.

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