類別: Security - Jethro TOOLS

Challenge the Culture

2/1/2026

Colossians 1:9-12
What can weigh over 100 pounds and is known as a semi aquatic rodent? If you guessed the beaver, you would be correct. A beaver will work tirelessly to build dams that create and expand its water habitat. This increase in water allows the beaver greater mobility, protection and access to more abundant sources of food. However, a busy beaver will also create conditions that attract incests, birds and fish. As beaver influenced wetlands increase so also do the benefits for migratory birds, deer and moose increase. A simple beaver will work tenaciously to bring lasting change and influence its surrounding community. Believers in Jesus Christ are to do the same. We are called to bring the message of Jesus to a world that is dry and in desperate need of His life giving water (see John 4). We influence our world for Christ by appropriating His power and seeing Him use us to bring His lasting change within our community. In Colossians 1 Paul prays that God would supply this church with an abundant supply of the knowledge of His will (9). He prays the they would find spiritual stability in living for God (10), and the spiritual strength to patiently endure under pressure (11). The disciple who understands that their past is paid by Christ, and their future is secure in Christ, is presently able to live a life of joy that honors Christ (12). Regardless of the circumstances the believer finds their secure standing in Christ. Knowing that we belong to Christ we therefore have hope in all circumstances. From the position of spiritual security we are able to give joyful thanks to God. We are called to challenge our culture by living counter to our culture and spread the contagious joy of knowing Christ within our culture. When we do, God will use us to leave a lasting spiritual legacy that will influence our culture for Him.

For More See COLOSSIANS

Courage in the Culture

1/11/2026

Ephesians 3:12-21
Obstacles and opposition; these are the problems that courage overcomes. However, as I stood shaking, my courage was gone. Zip, zap, gone. It all started with an invitation to an obstacle course. Two unimposing poles stood in the clearing. The challenge was to climb the first pole, stand on the top and then jump and grab on to the second pole. Sounds easy, right? Even with safety ropes and a harness strapped to me the pole still swayed. Somehow I managed to climb up and stand on the flat top of the pole that was no larger than a small dinner plate. That is when it hit. I lost all courage and excitement for this insane adventure. It is amazing how I could stand on almost nothing and the eight feet to the next pole was an impossible leap of faith. I froze in fear. I had lost my courage to overcome the obstacle. The same in true in our lives. Fear keeps us from moving forward, while faith motivates us with the knowledge that nothing will harm us. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, chapter three is the transitional hinge from theological truths to practical application. Paul closes the first half of the letter with a prayer for their inner strength (16). He does not pray for external or physical solutions, instead, he prays for their inner perspective. He desires that they know Christ and His power and love for them (17-19). At the point of salvation the believer in Jesus positionally comes into instant possession of all the resources available in Christ. Paul is challenging His readers to not only believe in their head, but know experientially by faith, the vast resources of Christ that give freedom to live courageously for Christ. Knowing Christ is like the safety line on the obstacle course. That relationship allows us to courageously take steps of faith in obedience to Christ call. That perspective and practice is counter to our culture.

For More See EPHESIANS

Reassurance from God

11/23/2025

Psalm 91
Where do we find reassurance today? We use seat belts and airbags in cars for safety at high speeds. If we purchase a new car we automatically receive a new car warranty. If we purchase a house we have to option to get a home inspection to find any problems. If we purchase a new appliance we can buy an additional warranty. To top it off, we purchase health insurance to assist in covering unexpected and large medical bills. We purchase all kinds of things to provide a sense of security and safety. We want the assurance of safety in all areas of life. We strive to minimize the risks and seek to make our safety guaranteed so we can live without fear. However, the author of Psalm 91 takes a look at life and declares that reassurance and safety are found only in God’s presence (1-4). It does not involve the purchase of any security plan. Instead it requires a devoted relationship with God that depends on Him for all things. When we cease our own striving for safety and confidently declare that God is my refuge, then we will see Him as our sure defense. Verse 4 contains a very descriptive word picture of a bird sheltering its young under its wings. The author confidently affirms that when we, by faith, believe that God is our only defense and savior, He will protect us as His children. Note that the picture is more than just a description, it is the reality of a relationship with the only God who is able to save us. As we draw near to God, it is then that we find His reassuring embrace even as the storm rages. Everything that will touch us must come through the shelter and loving embrace of the all powerful God who is our refuge. A devoted relationship with the sovereign God allows us to rest in His reassuring protection in all situations.

For More See PSALMS

Security

9/28/2025

Psalm 20
Some years ago I ended up with appendicitis. After a trip to the doctor’s office I was told go to the hospital immediately. My day and those following were turned completely upside down. After surgery there were some complications that led to a longer than expected recovery. The problem was that up to that point I was generally healthy, now I was confined to a bed in a hospital room. I was walking through the deep waters of troubling times. Perhaps you have been there. I could have, and did pray for God to return my health. However, I also prayed for God to use my unexpected problem and pain to gain His victory for His purpose. God answered that prayer, and over the next week or so I had multiple opportunities to talk with doctors, nurses and other staff about Jesus. Life is not about us and our problems, rather it is about how God is magnified through them. Psalm 20 opens with people praying for the king (1-4). Their prayer was not for the removal of the troubles but that David, the king, would believe God’s power and see His perspective. David and the people respond in complete confidence trusting God (5-8). The prayer for the king in troubling times was key for his confident faith in following God. How do we pray for others during times of trouble? Do we pray for their release from trouble or their practice of faith when in trouble? When we face times of trouble ourselves, do we invite others to pray for our spiritual perspective and a commitment to continue trusting God? We help others and ourselves grow in faith in times of trouble when we pray for God’s presence as we practice a Godly perspective of the problems at hand. Our prayer and praise turn our attention from the problem to our God who gives security in times of trouble.

For More See PSALMS

Faith and Earning

6/22/2025

Colossians 3:22-4:1
Labor Day… We know it as a holiday, a day off work, a time for a vacation and the last weekend to get away before school activities take off. Labor Day was created as a national holiday to honor all the workers and their influence on our country and society. It is nice that workers have a day off and are recognized for their efforts, but most only look at the vacation not at the reason for the day off. Work is hard regardless of the job. It may not be physically tasking but a job can be mentally draining. Often you may hear someone stating how hard their job is or how bad the boss is. Did you ever stop to think that your work is one way to display your faith in God? In the book of Colossians, Paul seeks to apply the truth of Christ ruling as supreme in the believers life. Christ has changed the believers relationship to God, therefore all other relationships change because of Christ. Even in the work environment, the believer is to be a true image bearer of God who loves them, made them and saved them. At the time of this letter Paul addressed slaves (3:22-25) and owners (4:1). Each group was part of society, and people from each group were also believing members in the church. God desires that all Christians, who have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, live differently. A worker is often self reliant, trusting in their abilities to perform. An employer is hoping that they can get a lot of work out of a cheap employee. Both are trusting themselves for their security through their abilities and management. However, Paul challenges the church in Colossae to trust God for their future, to work diligently and be fair in compensation. They were to live by faith, even in their work. May we do the same.

For More See COLOSSIANS

Walk in Spiritual Victory

6/9/2024

Ephesians 6:10-20
Growing up in the country of snow and ice there was a simple process that was repeated in the fall and spring of each year. That project was changing car tires from summer tires to winter tires. Summer tires were good for dry or perhaps even wet roads, but winter tires were essential for traction in snow, and especially grip on ice. The main difference between winter and summer tires were the steel studs that are installed in the tread that provided control in slippery, ice covered road conditions. In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul closes out his practical emphasis to the Ephesian church by challenging them to walk in spiritual victory and use the spiritual armor that God provides. Throughout this section of verses Paul describes the battle armor of the Roman soldiers that was known by his audience. Paul uses that that picture of armor to illustrate spiritual truth when dealing with the real enemy, Satan (12). In verse 15 Paul address the feet of the soldier that provide a foundation, direction and stability. Each soldier would strap a sandal to their foot that would have small nails in the soles. These prepared sandals would guard against slipping in battle. Likewise, Paul reminds the Ephesian believers that their security in life and stability in spiritual battle are found only in the gospel of peace (15). The schemes of the devil may be difficult and distracting. However, the one who believes in Jesus as savior finds the ability to remain calm even when under attack. Do we use what God has given to us when facing spiritual battles? We are in a real battle with a real enemy who seeks to destroy us. We need real protection and real power to stand in opposition to the enemy. The good news is that stability is found through trusting Jesus as savior. In Him we find peace in conflict, a firm foundation of grace, and the ability to stand without slipping when under attack.

For More See EPHESIANS

What is Salvation?

1/14/2024

Romans 8
Several years ago a dog was dumped in our neighborhood. She was a dirty, hungry mess and did not trust people. I first noticed her just lying in the road, most likely where her previous owners had dropped her. She soon became the conversation of the neighborhood as various ones tried to catch the dog, feed the dog and some even called the police to catch the dog. Nothing worked. She was lost and alone after being rejected by her previous owners. I decided to offer her a chance at a new life. One where she could belong, be fed and secure. That took time. I started by talking to her and letting her experience my presence from a distance. Gradually she tolerated me, to a point. Next, I introduced food, the tasty treats that enticed her and met her deep hunger for more. I remember tossing the treats and coaxing her closer and closer until finally she was eating out of my hand. As you can guess, the rest is history. I now have a 40 pound ball of fuzz who trusts me and enjoys being with me more and more each day. Is that not what God does for us? We are lost and alone in a world of sin and Jesus pays the price for our sin so we can be set free to live a new life with Him. He saves us from the power of sin and a life ruled by sin. He alone gives us peace and helps us trust Him each day. Finally, by believing in Jesus Christ as savior, we find peace and security in the presence of God as we move from this life to the next. Just like my dog, Jesus seeks to have a relationship with us and save us from sin, give us victory over sin and guarantee our future with Him.

For more see ROMANS or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Responding to a World that Lacks Love

2/13/2022

Psalm 94
At one time in life we lived in a warmer climate where there were an abundance of gecko lizards. At night these little guys would crawl across the outside of our windows seeking to snatch a tasty bug as a midnight snack. In the process of moving south we brought with us the two family cats. These two were hunters, and previously they kept our home and the area around the house free from mice. Now the cats had a new prey, gecko lizards. However, God has designed these lizards so it is possible for them to detach their tail in order to escape a predator. Well, like all cats, our two would often play with the critters they caught. On several occasions I watched as the cat wrestled with the new found catch only to realize that the lizard deployed a defense mechanism and they had nothing but a wiggly tail. The cat had a quizzical look on its face as it looked for the lizard without success. Like the cat we can chase after the things that we think are real only to find that they will never satisfy. Psalm 94 records a message highlighting the importance of where we turn for our security and love in the midst of a selfish, violent world that does not show love. What do we do when we are not loved? The Psalmist challenges us to pray (1-7) and seek God’s righteous solution. We can be assured that God knows our situation (8-11). He will never leave us (14) and He will protect us (17). Our response to the troubling influence of evil in our world is to be completely persuaded that God alone is always faithful (18). We should continually speak of God’s truth, greatness and love. Like the cat we must not pursue other lesser things that distract us from God.

For more see PSALMS

Danger When Following God

10/17/2021

Exodus 14:1-14
Paralyzed with fear… Have you ever been there? One time I climbed a pole on an obstacle course and had to stand on the swaying top which was about the size of a dinner plate. Once on top, and 20 to 30 feet in the air, I had to jump to another similar pole about 8 feet away. I knew I had a safety line that would catch me, but as I stood on top of the swaying pole I could not make my body jump. Eventually, I threw myself off my perilous perch, missed the other pole, but was caught by the safety line. It is amazing how quickly I forgot the confidence and security that the safety line provided. Likewise, in Exodus 14:1-14 we see the nation of Israel forget the strength and protection of God. They had just seen God humble Pharaoh, the most powerful king at that time. Now they look up to see that Pharaoh has changed his mind about releasing them (5-9) and is now racing after them with horses and chariots. They responded in fear (10-12) seeing only their coming destruction not the power and protection of God. Moses then stepped in and delivered God’s message to the people (13-14) saying three things. First, do not fear; second, stand firm; and third, see God’s salvation because He will fight for you. Like the nation of Israel, fear will often paralyze us and blind us from seeing the power of God. We struggle to control danger and fix it before it hurts us. Fear calls us into action to protect ourselves from danger, but faith tells us to be still and let God fight. Our response to danger and fear is a chance to honor God and let Him display His greatness in our situation and through us.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Six Steps to Develop Loyalty to God

4/28/2021

Psalm 119:113-120
Loyal Devotion to God and the Word

Six Steps to Develop Loyalty to God
1. Priorities are Made Clear (113)
   When you love the word of God you will be loyal to God alone

2. Security is Made Certain (114)
   When you love the word of God you will find God to be your defense

3. Temptations are Confronted (115)
   When you love the word of God you will find that evil loses its appeal

4. Confidence is Practiced (116-117)
   When you love the word of God you will find God to be your deliverer

5. Wisdom is Made Known (118-119)
   When you love the word of God you will become discerning through its teaching

6. Obedience to God Alone (120)
   When you love the word of God you will know the God of His word

For more see PSALM 119

Future Secured

1/31/2021

Ephesians 1:13-14
It was a dark night and I heard it, or rather them. Footsteps scurrying quickly through dry crunchy leaves. Then the unmistakable sound of claws grasping wood. With my senses heightened I heard the unmistakable growl and hiss of several raccoons having an animal argument in the trees behind my house. Now if I had not observed raccoons behaving like this on previous occasions I am sure I would have been frightened thinking that something out there was coming to get me. Thankfully that was not the case. Leading up to this event I had observed these raccoons and listened attentively in order to understand the truth about the critters that share my back yard. As we examine Ephesians 1:13-14 we see that the audience has previously listened to the gospel message of salvation. This listening led to an understanding of the truth it contained and ultimately belief in the message. The author, Paul, goes on to explain that they were then marked as believers in Jesus by the Holy Spirit’s presence in their life. Being marked with a seal shows authenticity and provides security. Paul is reminding the Ephesians of Christ’s work of salvation and their belief in it. This belief instantly leads to being authentically and securely marked by the Spirit of God as belonging to God. If we believe in Jesus, then we know that we have become His children and that we belong as heirs with a secure inheritance. That brings comfort to us as we wait until we are finally called home to heaven and the process of our redemption is finalized. Until that time, we can have the confidence that Spirit of God will keep us as children of God even when we may be frightened by things that we can’t see or understand in the dark of our life.

For more see Ephesians

Faithfulness in the Rain

4/30/2020

2 Chronicles 6
“Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day.” That old saying might have been going through the mind of the little bird that is nesting in my garden. You see yesterday it rained all day. We have had so much rain that we are surrounded by a lake on three sides of our house. In the midst of the rain, I happened to look out the window and watched as a little bird swooped in through the rain straight into the birdhouse in the garden. This is a bird house that I just finished rebuilding because the other one was falling apart. The unique thing is that this one has an old license plate for a roof which makes it nice and dry. As I watched I realized that this house was better and dryer than any nest built by that bird. It was safe and secure from predators, plus it was dry and stable. Then it hit me, I had a front row seat to exactly what our heavenly Father does for us. In the midst of the storms of life He provides a secure resting place because He is faithful. As Solomon prays he recounts the faithfulness of God in times of peace and storm, and requests His continued faithfulness in the future. We can do the same right now in the midst of our storm as we rest in the shelter of His faithfulness.

For more see 2 Chronicles 7:14 Series

Love that Never Changes

4/1/2020

Romans 8:31-39
One of my favorite stories is about an elderly couple who seemed to be having a bad morning. The old man was reading the morning newspaper and his wife was banging pans and dishes in the kitchen. She was not happy. Finally she slammed down a plate of food in front of her husband. He dropped the edge of the newspaper, looked at his wife and asked what was wrong. With a little quiver in her voice she looked at him and said, “You never tell me that you love me any more.” The old man thought for a moment and replied, “Well, I told you that I loved you when we got married and if that ever changes I’ll let you know.” That is probably not the best way to handle that conversation, but in the humor of the story I think we can see ourselves and our relationship with God. You see, we have a habit of walking through life and perhaps not recognizing God’s consistent faithful love and care. He shows us the greatness of His love through Jesus and the gift of salvation. At times the difficulties and pain of life may lead us to doubt God’s faithful love and we miss seeing His on going care and provision. It is at that point we begin to doubt that we are still loved. Paul reminds us that nothing will ever be able to separate us from God’s love (39). Right now, you may feel like you are drowning in fear and doubting if God sees you and cares about you. If you believe in Christ as Savior and are trusting Him for salvation you are secure in the love that God has for you. Do not fear. God always loves you and always will. His love never changes.

Music in the Air

3/26/2020

Psalm 34
Take a walk and what do you hear? I happened to take a walk and heard frogs singing their chorus, geese and ducks and their boisterous communication plus many other small birds and a slow moving egret. In all of that natural harmony the wind whistled through the tree branches rustling the grass and the sun peeked out from behind a rain cloud in a perfect crescendo of God’s masterful musical arrangement. It was a good walk. Then there was a bike rider that zoomed by listening to his own music while ignoring the symphony around him. Psalm 34:8 highlights the use of human senses to know the goodness of God. When we are able to turn off our noise we can then discover our refuge in God and the orchestra that He has created for us. Just listen and you will hear His music for you. Find your rest and refuge in God alone.

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.

Boo!

10/4/2011

What is fear? It is an emotional response to circumstances and surroundings that seem out of our control. These feelings may be real or imagined. Fear seems to have its root in a misplaced security and trust. The response to fear for every animal or human is fight or flight. Fight what may cause pain or run away.

Have you ever studied a rabbit? These animals have a flight mentality. They are low on the food chain and many other animals want them on their dinner plate. The problem is that they are very fast and can change directions quickly. On top of that God has allowed the rabbit to blend with its surroundings.

I have seen rabbits out run a hawk and fox. I have also seen times when they were not as successful. Perhaps you might want to consider the time when the cat brought a baby rabbit to the back door. Rabbits, especially young ones, do not handle stress well. Any change in their environment leads to a very high amount of stress. Rabbits, especially the wild ones, are easily stressed and can drop dead from fear. The cat may not kill the baby but the stress can and most often does kill an otherwise healthy baby.

As we walk into the fall months we notice the change of colors and the day light hours that are shortening. Along with the darkness comes Halloween. Often this event is noted for the chance to scare friends and family. For some it is fun. For others it is completely frightful and people have the choice of how they respond… fight or flight. Try scaring someone and watch for the reaction, it will be one or the other.

So why do we respond in fear to certain events in our lives? Could it be that we in a way like the rabbit have set our boundaries of security? Anything outside the nest and the sense of normal that we plan and control causes the response of fear that produces a fight or a flight instinct.