Before, During, and After the Storm

“And He said unto them, ‘Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?’” Matthew 8:26

How Jesus’ piercing words must have stung the disciples’ hearts, “O ye of little faith.” These men had not traveled a long while with Jesus when they were faced with hurricane-force-like winds and waves whipping over and into their ship, but they had experienced firsthand miracles He performed. Yet, when this sudden storm erupted in their lives, they lacked faith in His ability to care for them. Though some of us have traveled with Jesus longer than others, are we different from those first followers? How substantial is our faith that He will care for us before, during, and after the storms of life?

Crisis and life storms sometimes come unexpectedly, often accompanied by warning signs, but are so subtle that we overlook them. Other times, they are so vivid, we can “taste” them. No matter the crisis, storm severity, or elusiveness of the signs, we must stay attentive. What we do first when faced with life’s uncertainties indicates what we believe about God. If we do not instinctively run to Him first, seek refuge in Him, depend on Him for help and direction, a habit needs forming. Good habits don’t happen naturally; we create them by repetition. God will not make us do anything, including trust Him. We develop this trust by turning to Him in times of need, loving Him, and depending on Him for everything in life.

Jesus was impressed that a Roman soldier felt unworthy to be in His presence or ask Him to go to his servant to heal him. Instead, by faith believed Jesus could heal his servant just by speaking the words. Jesus said He had not seen such great faith in all of Israel (Matthew 8:10). That’s the kind of faith we need. 

The Best-Kept Secret

“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Secrets. God has secrets, secrets that belong to Him. We have no business concerning ourselves with those things God chooses to remain hidden—they would overwhelm us anyway. Because our God is gracious, He kept nothing secret for us to know Him and live rightly, revelations belonging to our children and us—His forever promise. But we must first listen when He speaks and receive the message to take possession of what God says belongs to us. It is vital we read God’s Word, receive its truths, apply those truths to our lives, live them out, and teach His revealed Word to our children.

Secrets. You may sometimes share secrets with someone knowing they go no further. Other times, you reserve innermost thoughts and concerns for your contemplation only. Then there are the secrets you’ve locked away so long ago that they are now dry bones. You want no one, including God, knowing those. But God knows your every thought, concern, and flaw. He knows about the skeletons. The Lord, our God, is a keeper of secrets. He loves you and can be trusted, but you must let Him into your heart, allowing Him to rid you of your secret burdens and bring healing and peace.

Secrets. You don’t keep a significant event secret unless it’s an intended surprise. You plan and spread the word by phone calls, invitations, flyers, social media, publications, inviting others to take part in the event. But there is a secret, or it seems so because it’s often so well kept. Why is life’s most important message not shared with family, friends, and others? Lack of knowledge, know-how, or confidence? Fear of rejection? No event in history compares to Jesus dying on the cross in our place; His death and resurrection make it possible for us to know and belong to God, to live with Him forever. God’s resources—boldness, wisdom—are available to share the Good News of Jesus; begin with how He changed your life. If you can plan and carry out short-term events, you can share the best-kept secret that governs where one spends eternity. Make a joyful sound; spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves (John 3:16)!

About That Dream . . .

“For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3)

Have you ever wondered why confusing, ridiculous, or frightening dreams sometimes disrupt your rest? King Solomon, who many commentators attribute the book of Ecclesiastes, tells us plainly: dreams come from the busyness of a day and the cares of life that concern you. The remedy? Free your heart and mind of lingering thoughts before falling asleep—talk with the Father and deal with those issues that have your mind cluttered.

Solomon linked a heart and mind filled with life’s many concerns and activities with someone who thinks by their many words, impresses God and others (a fool). Solomon instructs us on how to approach God in prayer and worship: in humility and with reverence. Our words should be few and well-chosen, not for the correctness or pleasant sounding to the ear, but words you will stand by. Think before you speak to God; choose your words carefully. Think before you make promises; He expects you to keep that which you pledge to Him.

God is not impressed with flowery language, nor do we entreat His favor by using a multitude of words, even though He urges us to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God is concerned about one’s attitude towards prayer, about the content and origin of prayers—prayers from a sincere heart, words directed by the Holy Spirit. If your conversation with Him is lengthy, let it be Spirit-led as when Jesus went out alone into a mountain and prayed all night (Luke 6:12). Solomon summarized dreams and fools’ words by saying they are insignificant and filled with worthlessness. We need not fear dreams or fools’ words, but one should reverently fear God. Worship Him with awe-filled respect because of who He is—Almighty, Holy God (v. 7).

Not a Typical Worship Setting

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. . .” (Acts 16:25)

What would spur a prayer meeting and song service at midnight? People saved, false accusations, beatings, and imprisonment! Would a combination of such events stir your heart to worship and pray?

Luke, the physician, meticulously recorded events in the book of Acts that led to Paul and Silas’ arrest while obediently spreading the Gospel in Macedonia. The Romans charged them with illegally teaching, introducing new gods, and unacceptable worship practices. The men were severely beaten, thrown into the inner, most secure dungeon, and their feet fastened in stocks. The jailor’s duty was to guard them.

As Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God at midnight, an earthquake shook the prison. Cell doors flew open, and the chains fell off all the prisoners. Thinking the prisoners had escaped, the jailor drew his sword to kill himself (he would have faced a horrible death for letting them escape under his watch). But Paul called out for him that no one ran. The jailor fell before the two men and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” He and his household met Jesus that night.

How could these men wrongfully imprisoned, their feet bound in stocks, suffering unbearable pain from the beatings, worship God? They were grateful for what God accomplished. They felt blessed because God counted them worthy to carry out His work and had graciously carried them through the ordeal. You or I will not likely experience a situation like that of Paul and Silas. But when life seems unfair, bleak, and dark, trust God as they did. Pray and praise Him despite your circumstances—He is always at work in your life, and He is worthy of all praise. Wherever you are, when you call on His name, you have made an altar. In those moments, pray, be grateful for His goodness, sing praises—worship God. If miracles can take place in a dark and nasty dungeon, they can happen in your life too. 

Not One Iota

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10)

If a person could keep all God’s commands, which is impossible because then that person would be perfect like Jesus; but if one could, yet fail in only one point about a person or thing, that person sins against God’s authority and is guilty of all God’s laws. Disobeying God’s Word or twisting it to fit your circumstance—even if that one offense is a mere iota, just a speck—you are guilty.

If you’ve convinced yourself that God overlooked your particular or insignificant situation, He did not. If you think He “turned a blind eye”—ignored what you did wrong—He did not. But He may “turn a deaf ear”—refuse to listen to you, ignore your excuses. God doesn’t allow rewrites or twisted versions of His Word to oblige disobedience. He holds us accountable.

Inflow and Outflow

“He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

A river is a natural body of water that flows and empties into another more significant body of water. It gains more water from rainfall and other springs, rivers, streams, and other water sources as it moves along. The river takes no thought of what it touches along the way; its purpose is to make its way to empty into another one.

As born-again believers filled with God’s Spirit and all His attributes, it is a natural desire to follow God and be all He created us to be. But in that desire, we can become entangled with concern about the “flow” that proceeds from our lives, thinking: Am I helping others? Is my life an influence? The moment you stop to consider how your outflow influenced others—to see who you blessed or what impact you made here or there; you hinder the flow. Your duty is not to inspect your life’s results but to continue flowing and emptying under the Holy Spirit’s leadership, and all the while, gaining fresh infilling to continue the outpouring. God oversees the results.

Even if you could sneak a peek of what God carries out through your daily Christian walk, you wouldn’t understand the complete picture of His work; His thoughts and ways are much higher than yours. God’s activity behind the scenes and what it does under His direction is not your concern, nor are the lives your river touches. People who influence your life most are often those unaware they are doing so, not the ones who assume themselves a blessing. The same is true of you and me in the lives of others.

Our Father wants your surrender more than what your heart wants to do for Him. As the Holy Spirit works within and through you, be watchful for any obstacles that could disrupt the flow of His work. Don’t allow anything or anyone to come between you and Jesus, the Source from whom all blessings flow. 

A Piece of String, a Weight, and a Bubble

“. . . the Lord stood upon a wall, made by a plumb line with a plumb line in His hand.” (Amos 7:7)

How can a wall be off an inch unless the carpenter misplaced or didn’t use a plumb line or level? Without these vital tools, how would one know to position the studs correctly? More importantly, how would one set a reliable foundation?

A plumb line is a weight suspended by a string and used as a vertical reference line. Lowering the weight causes the line to pull taut. Top and bottom points are then marked and used as guides for a straight line. In today’s passage, the Lord is standing on a completed wall appropriately constructed—the wall is straight. The Lord spoke to His prophet Amos using this imagery as the “straightness” by which He would judge Israel’s sin and unrepentance. The plumb line in His hand will mark a reference point for the straight line used when He stands amid His people, judging with a correct, just, and strict judgment, with no mercy (v. 8).

Praise God we live on this side of grace: Jesus bore our sins on the cross. His blood paid the price for the death we deserved. As believers, we are God’s chosen people, and though He visits us with mercy, we are accountable for our actions and unconfessed sins. Jesus is the perfect standard by which God measures your “straightness.” Do the reference marks of your life lean to the right, left, or hang straight? If God laid a level across your life, where would the bubble settle? Would it drift right because of your way, to the left to please others, or would it be centered on God’s standard for right-living? Our standing, our relationship with God, decides where the string, weight, and bubble settle.

The Blame Game

“Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9)

God asked the question but knew exactly where Adam and Eve were. They were hiding, and He knew where. When God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to care for it, He gave them only one command concerning food in the garden: Eat freely of every tree except one (2:15–17). But they disobeyed. Immediately convicted of their wrongdoing, they hid. And thus, the blame game began. Adam blamed Eve, the wife God gave him; Eve blamed the serpent, one of God’s creations, implying their failure was God’s fault.

Offering invalid reasons for neglecting one’s duty has spanned thousands of years to our present day. Excuses and blame will continue until God makes all things new on this earth. Have you ever noticed the word but, if, or when is often used in statements people give as valid reasons whether to do, say, think, or feel something concerning a person, thing, or mission—even if that person is God? Moses doubted God’s sustaining power to use his ineloquent speech to deliver the Hebrews from Egypt by saying, “But they (the Egyptians) will not believe me” (Exodus 4:1). Gideon wanted a sign from God when he said, “If You will save Israel by my hand, as You said. . .” (Judges 6:36). Thomas said he would believe Jesus rose from the grave only when he put his finger in the nail prints and his hand in the side of Jesus (John 20:25).

Before you cast judgment on these Bible characters, remember that you, too, have “invalid reasons for neglecting your duty”—or excuses—just as I do. If we are honest with ourselves, we’ll admit we are sometimes guilty of the blame game. When we use our paltry excuses for the whys and why not of life, we accuse God. We declare if He had or had not acted, things would have been different. No, they would not. God blessed us with the ability to choose right over wrong, but we choose wrongly sometimes.

Have you neglected your duty on a matter and convinced yourself that your excuses are valid? They are not. Where are you? You cannot hide from God; He knows where you are. King David, the man after God’s own heart, set an example on how to respond when faced with admitting failure. Rather than offer excuses for his behavior, he confessed his sin and asked God for forgiveness; God forgave him. We have the same opportunity to make the right decision (1 John 1:8–10).

Wise Investing

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you. . .” (2 Corinthians 12:15a)

Investing hard-earned money into a retirement fund can be nerve-rattling at times. A shift in world events causes the stock market to soar or plummet—your invested dollars may multiply like rabbits or fall rapidly like a rock. But it’s an investment, a risk you’re willing to make, trusting it will pay off in the future.

Paul learned the joy of wise investing when he invited a young man to walk alongside him in ministry. Timothy’s mother was a believer, but his father was not. From a child, he was taught the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother and, although young, Christians in his hometown and surrounding cities highly respected him. Impressed by his godly character, God’s apostle invited Timothy to join him in ministry to further instruct him in the knowledge and faith of Christ. Paul taught him to share the Gospel, and Timothy often stayed behind to minister in places where they planted new churches. Paul developed a father’s love for Timothy and called him his son.

Is there someone who looks to you as a mother or father figure, or a sister or brother they never had? New and not-so-new believers long to know what step to take next, hungry to learn and grow as a believer but don’t know where to begin. Paul saw an opportunity to help someone develop as a Christian and willingly invested in young Timothy.

Mentoring, investing your life in other people to help them personally, takes time, resources, dedication, and sometimes sacrifice. Wherever Paul ministered, he was willing to “spend and be spent” for the cause of Christ. He made a wise investment in Timothy, and the “payoff” was evident from the fruit produced. Are you willing to be like Paul?

Battle Strategy

“When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them, for the Lord thy God is with thee. . .”  (Deuteronomy 20:1)

Moses encouraged God’s people before they entered Canaan, reminding them of their divine deliverance from Egypt. His encouraging words—God’s truths are for us today. Challenges will happen: not if, but When you go to battle. Be prepared because the time and place of conflicts often take us by surprise. You neither sought nor wanted the struggle, but one thing is sure, you will be in the heart of it. Your opponent is someone or some “thing,” and often, the forces are powerful and appear overwhelming, outnumbering you, no matter who or what you face. But, Be not afraid of them. Don't fear when you see the enemy before you, behind you, and all around you. You can stand boldly, confidently, and courageously not because of who you are, not because of who you know, not because of a multitude standing with you. There is only one way to face the enemy without fear: For the Lord, thy God is with thee. Who or whatever enemy you face, an Army of One is with you; God outnumbers them and fights for you. He will never abandon you in the battle or after the battle is won. He goes before you, is behind you and all around you—He holds and covers you. God is with you and for you.

Whom or what do you trust? “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). When you remember the name of the Lord your God, what do you recollect? Start with the day He saved your soul.

The Saga of Old Faithful Continues

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

This time, the issue was not merely an overlooked, corroded connection, nor was it a low charge on the battery. The tractor's age had finally taken its toll, and I thought, This is the end of Old Faithful. It served its purpose for the twenty years we owned it and countless years before; it had fulfilled its duty. Pieces of the old relic lay strewn about on the lawn, and I wondered if there was any hope of its resurrection one more time. Although the battery still showed signs of life, it was faulty. Once replaced with a new one, Old Faithful was on the move again, performing usual tasks.

King David had grievously failed. Psalm 51 is David’s confession of his sin and plea to God for forgiveness after being confronted by God’s prophet, Nathan. David knew that only by God’s power and cleansing could his life be made right again. He needed his feelings and affections made right; he needed a clean heart—a new heart and a right spirit.

Life circumstances have taken their toll. Your situation may not be like King David’s but much like that of Old Faithful. Pieces of your life lay around you;  you are weary from use but still have a desire for usefulness. You show signs of life, but you feel broken.

The remedy for all three situations is something new: A new battery resurrected the tractor. A new heart and spirit revived David. Child of God, instead of settling for repaired or restored pieces of a shattered life that has caused you to drift from God, like David, cry out to your Father for healing. Only by God’s divine power can your heart be made new, your feelings and affections made right before Him so you can fulfill your life’s purpose. 

What a Lucky Coincidence!

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.’” (Isaiah 46:10)

If you read about our dog’s escapade yesterday, you will understand my appreciation of the coincidence that his “skunking” and drooling on the family room rug happened when it did. I hope the word coincidence grabbed your attention: I do not believe in luck nor coincidences.

 I set an agenda, not in stone, but a plan to bathe the dog and vacuum and shampoo the rug on Friday. The tasks aren’t big chores but combined are “enemies” of my knees. But an unexpected family need on the workday put my plan on hold. Had I bathed Scout and cleaned the rug when planned, I would have (without choice) had to repeat both tasks the next day. That was no “coincidence” but God’s timing and another of His unusual life lessons to share with others.

God-winks. I first heard the word in a movie (A God-wink Christmas) described as “An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astounding that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when in answer to a prayer.” The movie attributed God’s hand at work in the circumstances of two people’s lives, not a coincidence. Grant it, my “God-winks” were not astounding and not in answer to prayer, yet I acknowledged them as God’s handiwork. He loves me so much—His timing blessed me by taking care of little things in my life that made a big difference. My reference to God-wink about God’s activity may concern you. But if God laughs at the wicked (Psalm 37:13), can He not also “wink” at His children as He intervenes on their behalf, as if to say, “I’ve got you covered in this?” Almighty God knows all from before the beginning to the end and what hasn’t yet happened. His Word stands: He carries out His purposes. Nothing is too small or significant for our Father, who loves us.

When Life Stinks

“That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)

Awakened from a sound sleep at six o’clock in the morning with, “We have a problem,” is not the most desirable way to begin a day. After my mind processed that this was not a medical emergency, I asked, “What’s wrong?”

Before you learn what happened, let me say that our little dog does not have one ounce of maliciousness in him. He is the most friendly and likable dog we have ever owned and dearly loves the outdoors. After he awakens each morning, he goes outside. And, as with most mornings, he is immediately hot on the trail of some creature that walked about outside our house as we slept—such is life in the country. But this morning, Scout was not trailing the usual rabbit, squirrel, or raccoon but was introduced to Mr. Skunk. He only wanted to say Hello, but the little critter sprayed him in the mouth, unaware of our dog’s cordial intentions to play with a new friend. (Beware of the friends you choose in life!) After his encounter, Scout ran indoors, drooling everywhere, including on the only rug in our house. We handled the problem in stride—we put “stinky” outside until we enjoyed our morning coffee. Afterward, we tackled the house and dog odor.

Bad things happen to good people (and animals). When life stinks, as God’s children, we should resemble Him, do good towards those who spitefully treat us. We are to imitate our Father: He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us, sinners that we are (Romans 5:8). Without distinction, God allows good and evil for the just and unjust; He knows the heart of every person and pardons whom He will. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:7–9). God said vengeance belongs to Him, not us. He holds all things in His hands; we must trust He honors His Word, or we will be most miserable. This morning I thanked God for today’s life stink. Why? The answer will be in tomorrow’s devotional.

FYI:  To neutralize skunk odor for a medium-size dog: Mix ¼ cup baking soda, two teaspoons mild laundry detergent, one bottle of peroxide, and ½ bottle of water—use at once. Work the mixture well into the coat and leave it on for five minutes. Rinse well. Then rinse with a solution of one cup vinegar and 5 cups water, followed by a bath using your pet’s regular shampoo. Odor gone!

Cabbage, God's Word, and You

“As newborn babies desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2)

Cabbage is one of those vegetables that many people must develop a taste for, but well worth the effort. This vegetable, with few calories, is packed with nutritional benefits and keeps its value no matter how or how long you cook it. But to receive the power-packed health benefits, you must ingest.

God supplies food for our physical survival and His Word for spiritual growth and stability. Inspired by God and penned by men, this Word teaches us what is true and false, right, and wrong. It shows us how to correct what is wrong in our lives and teaches us how to live right. His Word is our “road map” as we travel this life and an avenue by which we hear from Him, filling it with nutritious essentials needed to thrive in our Christian walk. Whether preached, taught, hummed, sung, whistled, thought, or written, God’s message and values stand strong, unchanging, and without error. But unless you “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” you will not profit from the blessings the Father holds for those who put their faith and trust in Him (Psalm 34:8). God’s Word must be “ingested”—taken in to receive the full healthful benefits.

Believers should long for the Word of God as desperately as a newborn baby cries out for milk. Nourished by a steady diet of the pure and unchanging truth of God’s Word, believers grow and mature as they claim and live out its promises. By lessons learned from our experiences of God’s goodness and faithfulness, we can encourage others to “taste and see” for themselves. 

The Missing Piece

“. . . the multitude wondered when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:31)

Jesus, full of mercy and compassion, cared for the physical needs of the masses who followed Him as He performed miracle after miracle. They were awe-struck when He made the dumb speak; the maimed (hurt, damaged, mutilated: armless, handless, footless) completely whole; the crippled walk, and the blind to see. While they looked for physical healing, He wanted spiritual healing as well for their total well-being. Though Jesus healed them physically, many stayed spiritually broken.

Today, we too marvel when The Great Physician heals physically, yet sometimes forget He wants wholeness within as well. So often, life strikes an unexpected blow, and something breaks—again. It may be your pride, your heart, your family. You pick up the pieces and put them back where they belong. But the repairs of brokenness are now obvious; stress lines are visible; the “fixed” is more fragile than before, and you were unaware of a missing piece—until you noticed the empty spot. As you search diligently for the part, with tears streaming down your face, you realize you have been mending yourself, and your “glue” wasn’t holding.

Our efforts can’t heal life’s brokenness; pieces will fall again. In the busyness of self-repair, we sometimes miss our Father’s nearness when He whispers, “Child, I am here, trust Me.” In the moment of your submission, He mends your brokenness. As you surrender to the Father’s care, inviting Jesus to fill your life, you experience true healing—you can live in wholeness. Praise God that Jesus is the missing piece of broken lives, and God’s “glue” holds.

The Pecking Order

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3

Because we accommodate most dietary desires of birds in our little corner of the world, we have a large variety of species and sizes attracted to our bird feeders. They all share in the bounty, except for one that thinks he has preeminence over the property. Mister Blue Jay is the yard bully and quite proud of the fact. He doesn’t play nice, nor does he share except with his kind. He is the king of the birds, forcing all others to vacate the feeders. That is until Mister Woodpecker arrives. It matters not which species of woodpecker; the blue jay flees every time; not forced to leave; he does so voluntarily—his bluff called. Unlike the jay, woodpeckers allow their fellow feathered friends to feast alongside them.

In the pecking order, the bigger and more aggressive bully their way to the top by "pecking" others into submission. This pecking order exists with animals, fowl, God’s other creatures, and sadly, with people. As His prized creation, God holds us accountable for our actions, and though some people puff themselves up as supreme above others, they are not. Yet, they bully their way through life as though they are. Paul admonishes us not to do anything out of selfish ambition or conceit, instead, with humility like Jesus. One day there will be an accounting; not one of us is more important than another. God created us equal, and we should treat each other as such—with love and respect.

Entrapment

“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, keep the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)

Stop! Remember what happened the last time? The same scenario is about to play out; this time, ignore the bait. You can do this, but only with God’s help. Decide in your heart to escape the trap.

How many times has a conversation entrapped you? The enticing words and tone were familiar, yet you blindly walked into the snare, unprepared for what followed. The signs were there, you even felt the churning inside, yet you opened your mouth and blurted out a response. You were enticed and entered a conversation that ended with words you wished you had kept to yourself. But you took the bait; your words fell on each participant. And the enemy in your midst is feeling quite smug with your cooperation—again.

The New Testament describes the tongue as a small part of the body, a fire, a world of wickedness that corrupts the whole body. It can set life on fire, flames from hell (James 3:6). Words can entice, agitate, inflame another person to act wrongly. Sometimes it takes only a little spark to get that fire going into a blazing inferno. Proverbs 15:1 says a gentle response can disarm grievous words that stir anger.  

How can we avoid entrapment by words? Recognize familiar signs, be on guard when around certain people, and like David in this Psalm, put your mouth under lock and key. He knew the enemy had snares laid in wait for him (v. 9). He told himself that he would be mindful of his actions and not sin in his speech, bridling his tongue when tempted to say something wrong lest He offends God (39:1). Bridle your mouth; better it is squeezed with a bit of discomfort than to say regretful words and set a conversation on fire. Like David, ask the Lord to stand guard over your mouth and keep the door to your lips. He will because He wants your best.

Root Bound

“Thou preparest room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.” (Psalm 80:9)

The plant looks perfectly fine but turning the pot over, roots are poking through the drainage holes. It may be root-bound, and if planted in the ground, its roots stay within those tight circular confines, never spreading to the surrounding soil—stunted. There are two ways to help a root-bound plant: Gently “tease” the roots to loosen before planting, or, if they are too entangled, a more drastic measure is needed. Make vertical slits in the sides of the root ball with a sharp instrument and slice a deep x in the bottom of the root ball before planting. Once the roots have breathing room, they find their way into the surrounding soil.

You’re stuck, not moving backward, yet not moving forward. Every way you turn, you face a barrier. You may be root-bound, just like the pot plant. If you’re unsure how you got this way, ask God what caused you to spiral within a confined area—He wants your life to be productive. Maybe you’ve stopped reading and listening to God’s Word, and your “roots” are searching for nutrients, but your negligence has them bound. Ask God to loosen the matted mess that is choking your life spiritually; if precision cuts are needed, the discomfort is worth the outcome. As each root untangles, ask for forgiveness (if needed) and wisdom as you delve into God’s Word for counsel and nourishment to grow. Once you are tangle-free and reach deep into the rich, fertile soil God has prepared, you will flourish and produce fruit for His glory. Just as God did what was needed for the Israelites to fill the land of Canaan, He will establish you for productiveness.

What Am I to Do?

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8)

“How shall we come before the Lord?” was the question God’s people asked the prophet, Micah, in verse six. He replied that God had already shown them not only “how to come” but what God required and how to accomplish it. Could it be they thought or hoped God changed His mind of what He required? If they did, they were wrong.

Before God’s chosen people entered the Land of Promise, Moses asked and answered the question, “What does the Lord your God require of you?” They were to fear God, live a life pleasing to Him, love and serve Him with all their heart and soul, and obey His commandments and decrees—for their good (Deuteronomy 10:11–13).

Jesus said that all the law and what the prophets spoke “hang” on two commandments: Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–40). We are God’s chosen people, and He has shown us what is good—that which is profitable for us and pleasing to Him. Keep His commandments and benefit the blessings or disobey and await the consequences.

God’s directive has not changed: Do what is right; embrace and extend mercy; and do everything covered in love for God and one another. But you cannot fulfill God’s requirements unless you belong to Him. To join His family, admit you are a sinner, ask God to forgive your sins through the shed blood of Jesus, believe that He died and rose again, invite Jesus into your life, and submit to His authority. Only then can we walk humbly with our God.

Look What I Can Do!

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)

Once he was spotted, the mockingbird had us entertained for over an hour. What caught our attention? First, it was his beautiful song. But oddly, he repeated the same tune over and over. When we located him, we became an audience of two, and he kept us in laughter. If the bird could have spoken, he would have said, “Look what I can do. Look what I can do!” He was at the top of a telephone pole, jumping up and down, singing his heart out. Every third jump, he spread his barred wings and fluttered, chirping away while airborne—quite a spectacle. With a bit of research, I discovered he was a male in search of his female soulmate. Male mockingbirds use this technique to draw attention to themselves to find a female in the vicinity also looking for a mate. If no female responds, they move to a new location and repeat the process until they find one. The bird’s actions are God-given for a specific purpose; doing what he was supposed to do to find a mate. That afternoon, Mr. Mockingbird was still performing, but by evening, he was with his soulmate.

People are sometimes like that mockingbird. They do this or that, wanting someone, anyone, to take notice of their noble, sacrificial deeds. Like birds jumping, singing, and fluttering, they do whatever it takes to draw attention to themselves. Sometimes they use a splash of color or do something extraordinary to catch your peripheral vision as they strive for the spotlight. People driven by the “Look at me” mentality may have the unique ability to speak melodious words that draw attention to themselves and leave their listeners spellbound. Their actions and words have nothing to do with a God-given purpose. Instead, they reveal, This is all about me.

Jesus said when you give offerings, help others, do good deeds, fast, pray, whatever you do, if you do it to call attention to yourself—long for recognition and receive acknowledgment for your actions, your reward will be here on earth only. He stores none in heaven.

Your Father, who sees everything in secret, will reward you openly when you serve Him with the right heart. Which would you prefer? Applause from an audience here or a “Well done” with stored blessings from God?

Deadheads

“. . . And every branch that bringeth forth good fruit He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2)

Pruning is a needful process that encourages a plant’s growth. Spent or faded flowers (deadheads) on a plant rob its growth as the roots draw moisture and nutrients to feed the stems or branches and what is attached, even if it’s dying. Pruning is necessary for removing that which hinders growth and encourages healthy plants to be more fruitful. However, plants cannot self-prune; they are dependent upon their caretakers.

Pruning is a tedious process but well worth the effort for vegetation as well as God’s children. God planted us on this earth for fellowship with Him and to bring glory to His great name. As we go about doing our Father’s work, we sometimes grow weary and neglect to care for our “plant.” Wrong attitudes and actions develop faded and spent results along the way. Unlike a plant, people can self-prune, but we often do so sparingly to avoid the agony of severing a piece we long to keep. When God prunes His children, productive ones or those burdened with the world’s cares and selfish desires, He knows exactly where and how much to cut back for healthy growth to sprout; cuts that will encourage more productiveness.

Although the pruning process seems hurtful, the trimming paves the way for a healthy, fruitful plant that is pleasant to the eye. There are no deadheads in God’s garden. He not only wants you to bear fruit for His kingdom but much fruit.

Behind Bars

“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions ae like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19)

Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah as his wife. For twenty years, they waited for a child, but alas, she was barren. Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife; God heard his prayer, was gracious, and Rebekah gave birth to twin boys. What rejoicing! But as the boys grew, their parents did the unthinkable: Isaac loved Esau and Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:28). This favoritism triggered a deceitful scheme carried out by Rebekah to trick Isaac, when he was old and almost blind, into pronouncing the firstborn blessing over Jacob instead of Esau. Once spoken, Isaac could not rescind his words. Esau was so furious he vowed to kill his brother once their father died. Rebekah heard of his plan and told Jacob to flee to her brother and stay with him until Esau cooled down. But a lifetime passed; she died, never seeing her beloved Jacob again. 

Deceit, lies, strife, and harsh words are just a few things that can separate family and friends. Offenses cause hurt feelings, and bars go up. Esau’s poor decision of selling his birthright to Jacob kindled a fire that ruled his life. He was unaware that he imprisoned himself with his anger and unforgiveness. He stayed behind self-made bars, refusing to reconcile with his brother. He was unaware he held the key to unlock the door of his prison. Many years later, when Jacob took the first step towards reconciliation, Esau unlocked his prison door and opened his barred life. He embraced his brother, and their families reunited. But years were wasted—lost.

Your life behind bars may not be due to deceit, lies, or harsh words but feelings of unworthiness to receive forgiveness for a past discrepancy. Or to finally let that “thing” go that has gnawed away at your life. Child of God, look down at your hands; you hold the key to your prison’s door. God wants you to live in freedom. Today is a new day; it can be your day of release. Surrender to the Keeper of your soul. By God’s grace and with His help, freedom is within reach.

Snagged

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Have you ever snagged a line while fishing? One thing worse could have happened: a big fish on the line caused the snag, and it got away, hook and cork attached to its mouth. A thread in your favorite sweater caught on your bracelet; a tree fell across the road, and, you must turn around; an unexpected fender-bender. Snags happen.

Every day we face problems of some sort. Some are big, some are small and hardly noticeable, yet both are irritating. So, what should we do when faced with life’s snags? The key to overcoming obstacles is to be joyful, pray continually (v. 16, 17), and be thankful. We can pray without ceasing because prayer can happen anywhere at any time. But to always be joyful and grateful? If you can think of no other reason, rejoice because Jesus died in your place. Gratitude from that standpoint will lead to further joy because of what He’s done in your life.

You listen as a youngster tells of his day fishing and being the only one going home “fishless” until suddenly, he snagged one. And it was a big one—one that someone else lost because it had a hook and cork dangling from its mouth! Hearing his story and seeing the excitement on his face, would that not give you reason to say, “Thank you, Lord, for saving that fish for him?” Even though you know there are plenty of fish, God allowed you to be part of his blessing and gave you cause to rejoice. That sweater with a pulled thread—be thankful you have one, and the snag is not so bad. The tree and the accident that delayed, postponed, or canceled your plans could have been deterrents to something far worse on the path ahead. Snags are sometimes reminders for us to pause and look to God.

Now, consider the good snags. What? Do you think there are no good ones? What about that great deal you snagged with the online order that offered a discount at checkout or that “blue light special” when you just happened to be in the store? Did you snag another big fish, one that you brought home? Yes, there are good snags, blessings we unexpectedly catch.

God is in control. He works all things together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). What He works out may not be intended for you, but someone else, and will always be for the greater good. Trust His wisdom. Rejoice, pray, and give thanks—this is God’s will for us.

The Truth of the Matter

“That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10–11)

Just because a person says, “I don’t believe God exists,” does not negate the fact that God does indeed exist. He always has and always will exist regardless of what His prized creation speaks or thinks. Some people know there is a God who created all that is yet choose not to accept the gift of Jesus as their Savoir and Lord. By not choosing Jesus, who died in their place, they reject the God they know exists. What a dilemma, but one easily rectified—that is, unless that person waits too long. God promises no one another second of life on this earth; each one is a gift.

You may believe in the One True God and Jesus as your Savior and Lord, but do you live what you say you believe? Did I hear, “Who does she think she is?” I’m the one who writes these devotionals first to myself before I share them with you; the one who, when lazy or falters in my Christian walk, reminds me of what I’ve written (if the Holy Spirit had not already reminded me). Not one word God gives me goes out before it has first confronted me squarely in the face. So, do we live what we say we believe? Not always, but we have a faithful heavenly Father; He will forgive and cleanse when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). I trust His Word.

The truth of the matter is that one day, regardless of who you are and what you speak or think, every knee will bow to Jesus, and every tongue will confess to God (Romans 14:11). God is the One and Only Living God, and Jesus is Lord whether one believes those truths.

Remnants

“And God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness’. . .” (Genesis 1:26a)

As a young girl, my mama taught me the basics of sewing. Another blessing later in life was the fabric shop owned by my mother-in-law and her mother. These two blessings afforded me the privilege of spending many hours in that little shop helping with the sales and buying fabric to sew for my girls and me. I learned that an average bolt of fabric held fifty yards of cloth. Once the yardage on a bolt was low, the material was removed, folded, and placed on the remnant table. The remnant table also held fabrics with slight defects and pieces that the clerks mismeasured.

Have you heard the expression, “cut from the same cloth?” It means two or more people are similar in characteristics, attitudes, or behavior. Our Triune God: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, created man in His image, male and female (v. 27). Because He made us in His likeness, we are “cut from His cloth” and called His child. But somewhere along the way, we knew something was wrong yet did it anyway. At that moment, we sinned our first sin, and that sin separated us from God. We were, if you would, “cut from the bolt.” Severance from the bolt that holds the cloth did not happen because the yardage was low, or because of any defect, nor poor measuring. People are on the remnant table, separated from God, by choice. 

But God, who is rich in mercy, did not create you to stay on the remnant table: He “passes by the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage” (Micah 7:18). He pardons the guilt of sin through the blood of His Son, Jesus. Once you confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, turning from your sins, and invite Jesus into your life, He takes up residence within you. God washed away your sins and restored you to the “Bolt” from which you came.

Does your life reflect the characteristics, attitudes, and behavior of God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit? Are you “cut from the same cloth?” You can be; you need only ask. Your Maker wants to hear from you to show you His unfailing love.

Do Not Enter

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee saying, ‘This is the way, walk ye in it. . .” (Isaiah 30:21a)

We replaced the decades-old house with a new bluebird box, let it “season” it in the sunshine and rain for a few weeks, then mounted it securely on a pole. Oddly, after a year, there were only curious observers but no occupants. Their instincts warned them not to venture inside the house. It’s as though there was a posted warning sign: Enter at your own risk. Finally, two years later, the birds felt safe and raised many families in their new home.

God’s children have instincts too, but something far more significant. When we face an uncertain situation, head towards danger, or go the wrong direction, the Holy Spirit speaks to us, saying, “Do not enter,” yet, He never leaves us dangling. He will instruct us, “This is the way; walk in it.” But unlike the cautious bluebirds, we often forge ahead, disregard God’s warning, and suffer consequences that affect us, those within our circle of life, and those our lives would influence.

Jesus sometimes taught with parables using birds, grass, flowers, seed, and soil. What we do with that knowledge governs the path we take. Listen to God’s voice; He always leads the right way to walk. Listen and obey.

Remove the Barricades

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” (Isaiah 43:19a). Isaiah spoke this message from the Lord for His chosen people of Israel, assuring them of future rescue from Babylon's captivity. These words offer us hope and deliverance every day as we walk this life. Unfortunately, some people neither desire nor accept alterations. They repel the “new thing” because it requires something with them or within them must change. So, they set up roadblocks of words, actions, and emotions to deter that shift, roadblocks hidden away in families, workplaces, churches, and friendships. Roadblocks that squelch God’s “new thing.”

Change sometimes happens slowly, while at other times, springing forth quickly. We can look forward to it with anticipation or dread when it begins. Modifications to our lives can be challenging at times, but when God is the “Changer,” His timing is always right, and He supplies everything we need in the process. Will you trust Him with your changes already planned and on the way? Remove the barricades and experience His best.