Category: Submission - Jethro TOOLS

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

Suffering

11/2/2025

1 Peter 3:13-4:6
It has been said we are either in a trial, coming out of a trial or about to go into a trial. That is true of each of us. Trials are the events in our life that introduce pain into our life. Pain is the hurt that is felt, while suffering is the continued condition of feeling the pain. Some years back I was diagnosed with cancer. That was a trial that I had never experienced before. I had a serious condition that required immediate attention and surgery. Enter pain. The testing and surgery introduced pain into my life that I had never before experienced. For months I continued to suffer with the lingering side effects and pain as I recovered from surgery. Eventually the hardship of suffering decreased, the pain subsided and the trial ended. Was there any benefit to the suffering? Good health was the outcome, but is that the only outcome? In God’s eyes pain and suffering does have a purpose and a good outcome. 1 Peter 3:18 tells us that that the death of Christ was for the purpose of bringing us to God. Through the pain and suffering God brought good. 1 Peter 4 reminds us that we are to live in imitation of Christ having the same attitude (1). The message of the gospel is proclaimed through the pain of suffering. We can only know restoration to God through Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us. That is good news. In much the same way God redeems our suffering as we submit to Him using our pain for His purpose. On a human level that is hard. We want life to be pain free. However, I can personally say that God allowed me to tell others of His love and grace through the suffering caused by cancer. God wants to redeem your pain for His good. Will you let him?

For More See 1 PETER

The Disciple's Mission

1/19/2025

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

Foe More See MATTHEW or DISCIPLESHIP

Worship the King

12/22/2024

Matthew 2:1-12
The other day as I walked into church I was swarmed by some bubbly bouncing children. Hollering out my name they excitedly asked, “Do you know what day it is?” I was certain that it was Saturday, but decided to play along, “No, I do not know what day it is.” It was then that it all spilled out from various directions, one of them had a birthday that day and another one had a birthday the very next day. With all the excitement and jumping around I was able to join in the celebration by singing Happy Birthday. As Christmas is almost upon us I am getting very excited. Do you know whose birthday it is? In Matthew 2 we pick up the Christmas story of some very excited Magi, commonly known as Wisemen. These men were led by God to come and worship the new king that was born (1-2). Their inquiry of the new king deeply troubled the current king (3-6) because he and the others surrounding him were not interested in another king (7-8). Disregarding the discouraging response the Magi remained intent on following God’s direction to the new born king (9). Arriving at the house they were not somber. Instead they were filled with joy (10) and humbly honored Jesus, the baby born to be our Savior and king (11-12). God graciously invited the foreign dignitaries to come and worship and they did so with honest joyful expectation. Do you know whose birthday it is? At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Like the Magi, a true desire to worship will align our heart with God’s in a proper attitude of joy and humility that seeks to serve Him alone with all that we have. This Christmas lets truly celebrate the birth of Jesus as we submit to Him as the king of our life.

For More See MATTHEW or CHRISTMAS

Ministry of Character

10/13/2024

1 Timothy 5:17-25
I have a very quiet old dog. She can be a real character at times. For example when she wants a treat she walks over to me, puts her nose on my hand and just stares at me. Her funny little quirks just make me laugh. However, character goes beyond the external actions to the motivations of the heart. Our character is much like the foundation of a house. It is silently below the surface supporting all that is seen above ground. Character can be described as the individual qualities of a person that are formed deep within the moral fabric of ones life. Our character can be good or bad and that can lead to a good or bad reputation based on our actions. As we open the letter of 1 Timothy, again we hear the wise words of the spiritual elder Paul, instructing Timothy on how to form a ministry based on character. First, Paul notes that dedicated servants of God build dedicated people for God (17-18). Timothy is reminded that the teaching elder is dedicated to serving God and building people for God. Second, the reputation of Godly character is highly treasured otherwise it’s hastily tarnished (19-20). Godly leaders in the church are essential examples of faith and practice for the church. Third, Godly character formed by being faithful to God is a continual practice not an irregular event (21-25). Timothy needed to select and develop faithful Godly leaders who would provide stability for the church. We can be characters or live a life of God honoring character. Are we dedicated to God’s way, building a reputation for living God’s way, and continuing in God’s way? There is an old saying that says, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. However, God can reshape our character no matter how old we are using His Word, His Spirit and His church if we let Him.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

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 Will & Our Guidance

4/2/2023

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

For more see ISAIAH or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Clarity

1/15/2023

Matthew 10:24-33
What makes a good job great? Many would answer by saying, higher wages, more time off, and improved benefits. However, the greatest single factor that will help an organization is leadership. Research consistently shows that good leadership will benefit an organization and help retain employees. We like a consistently organized boss that cares about us, and organizes our work by producing everything we need to do the job. We also like to have an orderly work place. None of us will tolerate continual chaos. We live with a desire to be in charge or follow good leaders. This all is the result of being created in God’s image. You see, we were created with an internal sense and desire for order by an orderly God. Our desire for order and clearly defined authority in work is a small redemptive glimpse of our deep desire for God to control our world and our life. The problem is, we may want God’s order and authority, but often do not submit to it. As we examine Matthew 10 we note that Jesus is preparing to send His disciples out on a ministry assignment. He describes to the twelve that they must clearly understand authority as they go (24-33). Why? Jesus makes it clear that when confronted with persecution the disciple must know the truth and imitate Christ (24-25). Secondly, when faced with fears the disciple will be confident in the authority and power of Christ (26-31). Third, the disciple who believes the authority of Christ will speak of Christ (32-33). It is interesting to note that Jesus began this training session by giving the disciples authority as mentioned in verse one. Do we clearly understand Christ’s authority? Do we live by His power and authority, confidently proclaiming His name and greatness? Has Christ truly transformed us?

For more see MATTHEW or DISCIPLESHIP

Christmas & Influence

12/27/2022

Luke 1-2
Influence is the ability to bring change to a situation or person based on insight, knowledge, and power. An influencer is someone who uses their personal ability to promote the change. In our world of technology, companies will contract influencers to promote their product. Those who watch and follow these influencers are then influenced to use the product them selves. However, there is not a single influencer who is able to influence everyone. In contrast, as we consider the events of Christmas, we see that God uses His influence and sovereign power to bring necessary change into our world. First, God displays His sovereign influence over nature and the rules of conception, as seen in Mary; and the standard operation of the sky, as seen with the shepherds and wise men. Second, God displays His sovereign influence over people, as He gathers a cast of unrelated and unconnected characters to converge on the little town of Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph traveled from the North, shepherds came from the fields and wise men traveled from the East. All these people were under the influence and direction of God, and submissive to His leading and plan. This leaves one last group, us. We, as people, are easily overwhelmed and influenced by schedules, events, catastrophes, and changes to our individual world. However, the Christmas season brings us face to face with the reality that the sovereign God has brought hope and change to our world through the birth of Jesus. The good news of Jesus’ birth and salvation should continually influence us. When changes come, do not fear, but submit and trust God like Mary and Joseph. When information is given by God, respond with joy and tell others like the shepherds. When God’s direction is made clear, follow wholeheartedly like the wise men.

For more see LUKE or SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS

Submission of Life

9/25/2022

James 4:11-17
The cool morning air caused me to grab a jacket on the way out the door. During my normal morning trail walk with the dog I met one of the regular walkers who smiled and said, “I did not recognize you, but I recognized your dog.” We shared a good laugh and then continued on our separate ways. As I walked away I began to think about what had just been said. As a believer in Jesus Christ, God wants my life to be so in tune with Him and submissively under His control that others see Him first. My conversation reminded me to be submissive to God in all areas of my life so others will see Jesus first before they see me. In the closing part of James chapter four, we are reminded to submit our life to God in two areas that we struggle with even today. The first area is our speech and specifically judging others (11-12). When we judge we demand that others conform to our imperfect standard rather than God’s. In doing so we elevate our selves to be more important than others. However, a life of faith willingly submits to God’s view that we are all sinners in need of God’s perfect correction through His perfect grace. Secondly, James addresses the worldly issue of self sufficiency that seeks to be in control of life (13-16). James helps us see that a life of faith will humbly submit to God who knows all and His perfect plans. Living by what God has made clear is a life submitted to Him and His authority (17). James reminds us that a submissive life lives by faith by trusting God’s authority in what is right in the present and His plans for our future. When others look at us who do they see? Do they see Jesus first?

For More see JAMES

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

How Faith Behaves in Serving

8/28/2022

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

For more see JAMES

Walk Humbly: Charge Against the Sinful

6/26/2022

Micah 6:1-16
The guilty party arrives in court and hears the legal case against them. The law has been broken and justice is required. The judge reads the charges, explains their seriousness and the importance of following the law. In the course of presenting the charges the guilty party is given a chance to respond and enter their plea. Their guilt is already known. They have a choice to humbly accept the charges as read or disagree in pride. When one shows true humility the judge will often show leniency and provide a lighter sentence. There are even examples of judges stepping out of their position, coming alongside the guilty party and paying their fines for their infractions of the law. In Micah 5 we saw God present a new king and a new way to live. Now, in Micah 6 God is bringing the legal case against His people for their sin. They need to humbly see their wrong and the seriousness of their rejection of God (1-5). God has made his desire clear (8) and it is not being religious and doing religious things (6-7). God desires a transformed life. He will bring punishment as a means to bring correction (9). The prideful rejection of God and not living His way will lead to God simply releasing the people to their own ruin as a resulting consequence of their sin (16). Today, we need the humility that the people of Micah’s day lacked. We need to walk humbly with our God by agreeing with His assessment of our sin. He tells us how we should live though His word. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” When we walk humbly with God we long for His will to be lived out daily in our life through submission to His ways. Are we walking humbly with our God who has given us salvation?

For more see MICAH

Why Are You Persecuting Me?

5/8/2022

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

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

Following God's Plan

9/19/2021

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

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

God of Power

9/12/2021

Exodus 7-11
Buzz… There it was, an active bee nest under an old tree in the corner of my yard. On my own I was powerless to handle them. I would be stung and forced into submission, running from their nest. However, I knew that there was a cure for this conqueror of my yard. A simple can of bee spray knocked out the nest. I needed the bee spray to free me from the problem of being held captive by angry and aggressive bees. In Exodus 7-10 Moses, under God’s direction, continues to confront Pharaoh and demand that Israel be released to worship God. Repeatedly Pharaoh refuses and God proceeds to bring ten plagues as judgment against Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt. Through each of these plagues God displays His supreme power over the strength of Pharaoh and the gods that Egypt worshiped. But, Pharaoh refused to submit and the plagues increased in severity. The first ones started by bringing difficulty, then they moved to bringing sever discomfort and finally destruction of the nation. The most powerful nation of its time found its economy, resources and people in shambles. All of this brings up an important question. How do we respond when we are confronted with God’s power? Do we continue to fight God and firmly hold to our incorrect beliefs and our power like Pharaoh? Remember, the bees could not withstand the power of the bee spray and Pharaoh could not stand against God’s power. We need to respond to God’s display of power in our life and world by submitting to Him. God desires that we recognize Him as God alone, worship Him as God alone and follow Him alone. May God give us the faith to follow Him completely as we trust in His power for each day.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

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

Submission to God

8/22/2021

Exodus 4:18-31
Wrestling is a technical sport that seeks to combine the wrestlers strength and physics to overcome the opponent or at least score more points for a technical win. Within the various forms of wrestling there is a submission move called the tap out. This is simply where one opponent sees that they are trapped and unable to overpower or out maneuver their opponent so they tap the other wrestler with their hand. The stronger wrestler then releases their hold once the opponent has submitted and taped out. In Exodus 4 God reminds Moses of His power and Moses learns to submit. Moses still had concerns and fears for his life but God displayed His power and calmed those fears by telling Moses that it was safe to return to Egypt (19). However, Moses had not fully submitted and was forced to learn that submission to God must be complete (24-26). Moses had not obeyed God and instead compromised by not acting on what God had required of the nation as a physical sign marking them as His (see Genesis 17:10). It was only after Moses learned to listen to God (18-23) and completely obey God (24-26) that he was able to freely speak for God (27-31). The lessons of submission to God’s word and God’s way had to be learned first before Moses could see God work among the people. Moses again learns that his work for God must be done God’s way under the direction of God’s word. Do you feel the squeeze of pain in your life? Sometimes God may use that to draw us to Him. Perhaps it is time to tap out and submit to God completely. He will help you live life by His strength as you follow Him in faith.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Prince of Peace

12/27/2020

Isaiah 9:1-7
A number of years ago I had to complete some outdoor survival and team training. One of those events involved intentionally tipping the canoe you were in, flooding it and then reversing the process by getting the water out and then climbing back into the boat. All this had to be done in the middle of the lake. It sounds impossible but it can be done. The three of us in the boat, along with all the others, were unceremoniously dumped. The funny thing is that some people just screamed, some shouted orders and others complained because their peaceful ride was upset. This year has been filled with screaming, shouting and complaining. We have wanted peace our way but none has been found. In Isaiah 9:6 the final name describing the coming savior is Prince of Peace. This name describes one who rules because He has overcome every obstacle to a peaceful rule. Jesus, the promised child in Isaiah 9:1-7, came to offer the final solution to all our problems. Our struggle is that we, all too often; scream, shout and complain because our plan has been upset. Remember, Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. That means that He not only has the solution, He is the solution. May we be people who submit to His leadership and rule in our lives this year.

For more see ISAIAH

Provision of Hope

11/1/2020

Ruth 2
As I grew up my parents started giving me a weekly allowance. I do not recall exactly how much it was, but it was small and less than a dollar. There were the days when the snow piled high and I was bored so I just picked up a shovel and went to work clearing the driveway. That evening or the next day my father would give me a couple extra coins for the work I completed. It was very easy for me to slip into the mindset that what I gain in this life is all a result of my hard work. If this is our thinking we miss the point that God provides what we need, withholds what we do not need and at times blesses us with more than we need. Through this we hopefully learn to depend on God to provide as we submit to His plan for our life. In Ruth chapter 2 we see Ruth head out to work as a poor person seeking to gather food to eat. Ruth submissively sought permission for the freedom to work. In His sovereignty, God provided an abundant blessing in the present that brought hope to Ruth and Naomi. Today we must be cautious that we do not confuse our present reality for the plan that God is working out through our life. In big or in small ways God wants our submission to Him and His purposes worked out in our life. Submission to God and His plans may not be easy, but it is beneficial as God provides for today and provides through us a blessing for others tomorrow.

For more see Ruth

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.