Divine Design

“I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14)

People differ: tall, short, head-full of hair, thin, or balding; overweight, underweight; talkative or reserved; athletically inclined or not-so-much. These characteristics came to mind because people often discuss these traits, sometimes with bullying or ridicule. While lack of personal care can alter our outward appearance, God, Maker, and Creator of everyone and everything decides one’s physical and character qualities. He uniquely wove each of us—we are one-of-a-kind.

An October thirty-first birthday is sometimes another topic of tease and ridicule. My heart goes out to those with that birthdate, including our daughter, who indeed had her portion of ridicule. But we have no control over our day of birth, even if it was a scheduled date or emergency surgical delivery. Solomon tells us there is a time for everything, including the day we are born (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2). God ordained your divine design and date of delivery. He planned your personality, abilities, physique, hair, eye color, fingerprint, and DNA—everything unique that makes you who you are before the world began. Almighty God has always been and will always be in charge of all His creation. He has a perfect plan for your life. Seek Him. Surrender to Him. Praise God and rejoice in your life in Him every day.

Judging a Book by its Cover

“Judge not that ye be not judged."  (Matthew 7:1)

When searching for a good read, what grabs your attention first? A solid-colored, hardcover book with a “ho-hum” title or one with an intriguing dust jacket and title that entices you to open it and investigate? Although content is essential, first impressions matter because we often judge by what we see, and not only in books. But sometimes, we’re wrong.

The problem of judging people by their “cover” (other than it being wrong) is that we’re unaware of their “contents.” We haven’t walked where they walked, and unless they tell us, we don’t know what they’re thinking, though some people consider themselves mind-readers. By criticizing others, we expose the possibilities of evil hidden in our lives (Romans 2:1). Except by God's grace, we can say, do, and be that which is offensive to others and contrary to what God wants of His children.

Jesus warns us against rash, unjust judgment towards other people (not the same as drawing conclusions based on apparent evil conduct). Others will judge you by the same standard of verdict you use on them. By which perfect person are you making evaluations? Yourself? Rather than be critical, Jesus said we should examine our behavior. The actions of others that disturb us most are often the same problems as ours—we want their behavioral patterns to change while ours remain unchanged. Judge yourself. Ask God for help to rid your life of the aggravating behaviors you see in others; only then can you rightly form an opinion and offer them support. It’s okay to judge a book by its cover but not people—only God is qualified for that.

 

Circle Breaker

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is through Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24)

We had a dog whose thrill in life was flushing birds from the large azalea plant at the driveway's edge. She repeated the daily routine: barking and running circles around the bush, creating a shallow rut that began and ended at the same point. She rid the azalea bush of birds each time, but they soon returned because that was where they nested.

It may seem like you are traveling in a never-ending circle of poor choices and performance. You do your best to change the cycle, but soon, you are back in the rut of the same path. Those old habits you flush out keep coming back to roost. But there is a way out of life’s rut; His name is Jesus. 

Christ died in our place to free us from the penalty of sin. When you ask God to forgive your sins, He will. When you invite Jesus to be Lord of your life, He will—you have a fresh start. But when (not if) you falter along the way, that path doesn’t have to become another encircling life-rut. Call out to your Father when you see an old familiar path forming; trust Him to break the unwanted circle and set your feet back on course for faithful service, and He will. 

You Ought To

“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” (1 John 2:6)

The commercial featured a dad sitting with his young son under a tree. The boy glanced at his dad and mimicked his moves as he leaned back on the tree and crossed his legs. The dad took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lit one, and set the package down on the ground. The boy looked at his dad, then reached over and picked up the cigarettes, looking at them in his hand. That message could apply to inappropriate things we see, hear, participate in, and anything harmful or unhealthy for our well-being. We influence others.

If you are God’s child, you ought to walk as Jesus walked—act the way He did. We decide daily whether to follow Jesus’ example and what kind of example we are to people around us. Godly influences make a difference in everyone’s life, but especially in shaping the lives of children; they look for life patterns—Christ-following parents or someone trustworthy should be that influence. 

What a joy to see our children surrender to God’s call and watch them walking in the steps of Jesus, faithfully serving our Lord. What a blessing that even as adults following Jesus, they continue looking to us as life patterns. No matter our age, godly influences are essential to our spiritual well-being. In whose steps are you walking today? We ought to imitate Jesus, walk as He did, devoted and obedient to His Father every day. Someone is always watching.

Cop-Out

 

“Declare His glory among the heathen; His marvelous works among all nations.” (1 Chronicles 16:24)

God’s Word has been proclaimed and recorded on stone, parchment, paper, tapes, disks, and electronic devices to declare God’s glory, tell of His greatness and wondrous works. God has done and continues to do His part, and we should shout it out as did the many faithful of times past. How do we do this, carry out the Great Commission of spreading the Good News? Word of mouth is always a good starting point; hand-written notes are a nice personal touch; donating Bibles and funds to supply them are blessings to people without one. Magazine and newspaper articles, books, recordings—social media—are more ways of telling others about God and His love.

Interestingly, the New Living Translation of the Bible uses the term “publish” rather than “declare” the glory of God and His marvelous deeds to everyone. Who would have thought only decades ago that telling all nations about God and His Son could happen without physically sending people around the world or even to our little spot in it? From the comfort of our home, workplace, or place of worship, we can post Bible studies, sermons and music, daily devotionals, and words of encouragement electronically via the Internet, reaching places we may never visit.  

Waiting for God to “inspire” you to tell others about Him is a cop-out; believers are commanded to declare, or publish, the Good News of God’s love, amazing works, and salvation through Jesus—now (Matthew 28:19–20). Helpful resources are available; we have no excuse.

Eye of the Beholder

“. . . for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8)

Opinions differ; what one person sees as beautiful, another may see as plain or ugly. Some people see wildflowers as weeds, a nuisance, while others intentionally grow them for their natural beauty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The eye’s pupil (apple), the small dark circle in the center, is priceless; the lens and eyelid cover the eye for protection. God made us in His likeness. His eyes are always on us; He loves, covers, and protects His children—we are precious in His sight. Psalm 17 describes David’s understanding of the significance of the eye’s protected apple while fleeing his enemies, seeking shelter under the shadow of God’s wings. God covers and keeps safe the apple of His eye—those He treasures.

Some of the Creator’s children are like weeds; others are like wildflowers. Whether weed or wildflower—no matter how weedy or needy—we are all precious in God’s sight. He loves and protects us. But when anyone mistreats His treasured ones, they have touched “the apple of His eye.” Jesus said how we treat others is the same as doing it to Him (Matthew 25:34–46). That thought should cause us to think twice before “touching”—treat unkindly, neglect, or harm—the apple of God’s eye, His prized possession.

Revive Us Again

“Wilt thou not revive us again that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?” (Psalm 85:6)

How many times have we asked God to restore us to the right place of living from which we have fallen—again? We, our nation, need reviving. But before that can happen, we must repent—acknowledge our wrong-doing, turn away from it and go back to where we left God.

We want God’s grace, forgiveness, and favor. Making promises to God in exchange for a desirable answer to a need is unnecessary; God only wants a sincere, repentant heart. But when we do, He holds us accountable to keep our word. I wonder how many promises people made to be a better person on that dreadful day, 9/11? How many vows have people made on behalf of a loved one or for oneself, pleading for God’s intervention in life or His healing touch? God takes the words of our mouth, which are as a vow, seriously. We want God to revive us so we once again can rejoice in His presence, but will we live rightly before Him when He does?

As the psalmist turned to God for mercy and forgiveness on behalf of His chosen people, he said he would carefully listen and do whatever God instructed. He was confident of God’s love for His people, trusting what God required was right for their best. But he also knew the danger of returning to their former wicked and foolish ways, of which God would forgive (v. 8).

When we confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness, He is faithful to forgive and restore. We, like the psalmist, can be confident God wants what’s best for us. But we would be wise to heed the warning Jesus gave the paralyzed man healed from his bed-ridden state: “Behold, thou are made whole: sin no more, lest a worst thing come unto thee” (John 5:14). Jesus, knowing the man’s sins that led to his infirmity, told him if he repeated them, he would suffer worse consequences—a dire warning for us individually, God’s Church, and as a nation. 

Walking Backward

“. . . Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.” (Jeremiah 7:23)

But it was not well with God’s people. They would not listen, refused to be taught, and rejected His words. Truth had vanished from them. Because they kept living the way they wanted, stubbornly following their evil desires, they went backward instead of forward. Jeremiah warned them, but God told him not to expect His wayward people to listen (vs. 24–29).

Jeremiah delivered this message thousands of years ago, but God’s truth stays the same: Obey Him, live according to His instructions, and it will be well with you. If it seems you are not going forward in your walk with the Lord, evaluate yourself. In your findings, have you rejected God by not listening to Him, refusing to be taught His Word? Have you dismissed what you heard? Is truth crucial in your life? Or is it vague and masked in shades of gray, or has it disappeared? Are you stubbornly following your desires rather than God’s commands (the Bible) and counsel? If the Holy Spirit convicted you as you read these questions, you are walking backward; doing so is unsafe for both your physical and spiritual well-being. Resolve to step forward. Seek God’s forgiveness and live according to His commands that it may be well with you.

But it was not well with God’s people. They would not listen, refused to be taught, and rejected His words. Truth had vanished from them. Because they kept living the way they wanted, stubbornly following their own evil desires, they went backward instead of forward. Jeremiah warned them, but God told him not to expect His wayward people to listen (vs. 24–29).

Though it was thousands of years ago that Jeremiah delivered this message, God’s truth remains the same today: Obey Him, live according to His instructions, and it will be well with you. If you are going backward instead of forward in your walk with the Lord, evaluate what you observe about yourself. In your findings have you rejected God by not listening to Him, refusing to be taught His Word? Have you dismissed what you heard? Is truth crucial in your life; is it vague and masked in shades of gray, or has it disappeared? Are you stubbornly following your own desires rather than God’s commands (the Bible) and counsel? If the Holy Spirit convicted you as you read these questions, you are going in the wrong direction.

Walking backward is dangerous, for both your physical and spiritual well-being. Resolve to step forward. Seek God’s forgiveness and live according to His commands that it may be well with you. 

Curb the Frenzy

“The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” (Psalm 126:3)

By the time October arrives, ideas and shopping trips for home decorations and gifts to exchange are well underway in many households. If not keenly on guard, preparing for holidays can consume our thoughts and time. One news commentator labeled this time of year as “holiday chaos,” and I thought, How sad. How did being thankful for God’s blessings and celebrating the birth of Jesus who died so we could have eternal life become labeled as chaotic?

We each determine whether November and December evolve into holiday frenzy rather than time set aside to acknowledge the “great things” the Lord has done for us. As you shop for and exchange gifts this year, focus on God’s gifts to us: Jesus (John 3:16), the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17), gifts of the Spirit and people (1 Corinthians: 12–13; Ephesians 4:7–13), love, grace, forgiveness, freedom, and many more. His provisions meet and surpass our needs, and though our material gifts pale in comparison to God’s, we can give of ourselves and share our blessings with others which pleases our Father. Meditating on and basing our actions on God’s gifts can ward off holiday stress.

Enjoy this time of year with the warm and inviting fragrances, decorating, family and friend gatherings, and gift-giving, but keep the activities in perspective: Thanksgiving and Christmas are about God, the Sustainer and Provider of life, the Giver of all good gifts, not us. 

Chaotic Times

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:10)

We live in chaotic times with differing opinions about health, political, biblical, and personal issues. Temperaments on edge flare; mouths open, and wham! How an uncontrolled tongue must grieve God; unbridled words stir up a mound of trouble and uncontrollable fires.

James instructs us that contradictory speech—the same mouth that encourages and comforts, speaks unkind, vindictive words that cause destruction—should not be part of believers’ conversations. Because we are God’s creation, made in His likeness, we are to treat others respectfully, regardless of their stance on any issue. Lives are precious to the Creator of all; everyone matters. While we should always firmly address matters that oppose God’s authority, sometimes, less crucial, non-life-threatening ones are better left alone and unsaid. Once spoken from an unguarded mouth, we cannot retract regretful words.

David asked for protection and restraint not only over his mouth but also his heart, knowing if he dishonored his Maker or mistreated others, God would not accept his prayers (Psalm 141:3–4). Our Father offers us the same protection if we ask Him. Though God is faithful, we decide whether His protective covering stays in place.

Held Captive

 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5)

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, again defending his apostleship and standing up against those who opposed the doctrine of Christ, comparing the trials and hardships he faced in ministry to warfare. As ministers of Christ, believers engage in battles that aren’t hand-to-hand but spiritual, battles against sin, the god of this world, our thoughts, and like Paul, false teachings. If we enter any conflict relying on our strength and wisdom, defeat is sure; victory depends on our following God’s instructions and the leading of His Spirit. The Word of Truth and God’s power tear down strongholds—fortified places of error and sin—and take captive every thought, reasoning, purpose, and wicked plan that raises itself against God’s authority. “Every high thing” that needs to fall includes pride, self-confidence, and stubbornness to yield to God’s leading, enemies that believers must take as prisoners and bring them to Christ, our Savior.

When the Word of Truth goes forward, the lost can choose to accept or reject the Savior God sent to rescue all; believers decide whether to return to the covering of God’s care—truth sets the captives free if they let it. In this battle against evil and unseen forces, our Father didn’t leave us defenseless; we have His armor (Ephesians 6) but must put it on to be protected and effective in the Lord’s work.

Matters of the Hands and Heart

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)

Packing more into a suitcase than it can hold and overloading the dishwasher can result in wrinkled clothes, broken clasps, and dirty dishes. Sometimes we try to make more things fit in life when there’s no room; cramming something into a day that isn’t God-ordained is an invitation for unwanted results.

God’s diligent workers know they can’t carry out daily tasks without His leadership, wisdom, and strength. Resolve in your heart (where thoughts take form) that you give all you do to Him. Matters of the hands and heart that you roll onto the Lord should agree with His perfect will that begin and end for His glory—this sets and keeps your thoughts on a steady course. Trust and depend on God without adding to or taking away from what He gives you.

Recipe for Desserts

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)

Have you added or eliminated something to God’s preparation for your walk with Him today? He has a perfect plan for each of His children, but we often take matters into our own hands, creating to-do lists or projects that are not in sync with His design. Whether your plan includes or excludes something good or bad, big or small, tampering with God’s “recipe” for your life sometimes results in desserts or spelled backward: Stressed.

God cares about your life, what makes you happy, sad, weary, or discouraged. He says to throw all your burdens onto Him, everything that causes concern or anxiety; His grace and strength will help you endure all that life holds. Though circumstances may not change, and trials and disappointments come, God promises to safely keep the righteous, those in right standing with Him.

The Devil Made Me Do It

 “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” (James 1:14)

Catching a mouse with peanut butter on a mousetrap works every time. Why? The irresistible fragrance lures the mouse; the overwhelming desire to have the bait overrides the danger involved. When fishing with a worm, its wiggling attracts the attention of interested passersby. Some fish investigate the enticing lure and cautiously nibble the bait, while others are unsuspecting or over-confident and take the bait to satisfy their appetite.

God told Adam and Eve they could eat from every tree in the garden except one (Genesis 2:16). The serpent approached the couple standing near the tree of good and evil, convincing them they would be as gods, knowing good and evil, if they ate the fruit. So, they ate. The devil didn’t make them eat it; the tree nor its fruit made them eat it. They were drawn to the fruit by their desire for the forbidden. What do we do when we see a sign saying, “Wet Paint?” Touch the object.

Yielding to temptation is a sin, not the lure that draws you. This world and the enemy of your soul dangle bait, enticing you to live contrary to God’s commandments. Succumbing to sin’s attractions can cause over-confidence or failure, then you’re overwhelmed with guilt and condemnation, making life seem hopeless. The goal is to destroy your testimony for Christ.

After a season of fasting, the devil tempted Jesus when He was most vulnerable: hungry, thirsty, and alone in the wilderness. But Jesus didn’t yield to the devious temptations, nor did He let His strengths be a source of pride. Instead, He turned to the truth of God’s Word, and the devil left Him (Matthew 4:1–11).  We, too, can be victorious over temptation’s lures: Stay alert and avoid the bait. Surrender to God, resist the devil, and he will leave you (James 4:7). 

Giving Away Secrets

 “And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily. . . That he told her all his heart.” (Judges 16:16–17)

The barren wife conceived just as the angel of the Lord said. She gave birth to a miracle son and called his name Samson; he was not to cut his hair because he was a Nazarite from the womb. And the Lord blessed him.

“How can you say you love me?” touted the pagan Philistine woman Samson loved. Delilah relentlessly badgered him for the secret to his great strength, not out of curiosity, but for money gained by relaying that information. Samson lied to her three times, but because he was tired of her nagging, the fourth time she asked, he told her his strength lay in his uncut hair, or he would be like any other man. Samson had forgotten the consequences of revealing the answer of a riddle to his coercing wife, one that should have stayed untold. His weakness in keeping a secret then cost him his wife and her father’s lives and the death of one thousand men (14:5–15:16). Delilah lulled Samson to sleep on her lap and called for a man to come in and cut off his locks. His long hair or physical stature wasn’t the secret to his strength, but keeping his Nazarite vow and God’s laws. Having abandoned his commitment to God, he was unaware the Lord was no longer with him; the Source of his strength was gone. Giving away his secret to Delilah cost him not only the departure of the Lord but his very life (16:28–30).

Beware of being a Samson. Your successes don’t lie in your accomplishments or abilities—you would not succeed without God’s grace and help. And telling “all your heart” in moments of weakness or for some advantage can be dangerous. Choose carefully with whom you “tell-all” and consider what consequences may come from it (Proverbs 18:7). Remember, the enemy of your soul is always listening. There are some secrets meant for you and God alone, who is always trustworthy to keep the most profound secrets secret. But praise God, when we fail, He doesn’t abandon His children: “For He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). 

Trail of Evidence

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32)

Freedom does not magically happen; liberty is costly both in the physical and spiritual realm. But there is only one everlasting freedom. If you follow the trail of evidence, freedom begins with God. He—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—created everything that exists (Genesis 1:1. 26). The Word was in the beginning; the Word is God, and “the Word became flesh” (Jesus) and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14). These are truths established before time began.

People often misquote the statement that truth sets one free by omitting Jesus’ stipulation: He said if we read, study, and obey His Word, then we as His disciples would know the truth, and that truth would set us free (v. 31). Jesus said He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” and no one goes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6). So, what does this evidence mean? Jesus said His Father loved the world so much that He gave His only Son to die to pay our sin debt. And whoever believes and receives this truth of the Father will have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Continue the trail of evidence: When Jesus left this life, the Father sent the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit), to guide us into all truth (John 16:13), just as Jesus said He would (14:16, 17). The only way to know and experience The Truth and everlasting freedom is to invite Christ into your life: “If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (v. 36). The trail of evidence proves the truth of God’s Word.

The Closed Door

 “. . .and the Lord shut him in.” (Genesis 7:16)

Sometimes when our dog goes outside, the door closes behind him instead of staying slightly ajar. When that happens, he runs around the house, checking the other entryways. But if all doors are closed, he knows one will eventually open because he is part of the family.

For one hundred- and twenty years, Noah obediently proclaimed a coming flood but was mocked by the community. He implicitly followed God’s instructions in building an ark with only one door and window during those years. When God told him to board his family, the animals, and critters, the Lord, not Noah, closed the door for the good and safety of all in the ark.

As a child of God’s family, the doorway to Him is always open. But when a door in life closes, and you run to another and find it closed, sometimes the first instinct is to pry one open, creating a path of your own making, one your Father never intended. If they are closed, it is for your good, not harm. Because God loves you, He opens the right door at the right time; His decisions are always with your best in mind and for those you influence.

After a year on the ark, Noah opened the window and saw that the land was dry (8:13) and was ready to exit, but it was a month later, God told him it was safe to leave (v. 16). What Noah saw looked safe, but God knew differently. Because he waited on God, Noah, his family, and the animals walked on solid ground and experienced God’s best. So will we if we leave the opening and closing of life’s doors to our Omniscient—All-Knowing—God.

Eye of the Storm

 “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

When the weather forecast warns of a storm brewing, we pay closer attention. When the winds reach 74 mph or greater, the storm becomes a hurricane. As winds swirl in a circular motion, an eye forms in he center of the storm. Decisions made before a storm worsens can be a matter of life or death. But we often miss the warning signs of life-brewing storms, and if noticed, sometimes dismiss them as insignificant. With little or no preventative actions taken, one is easily set off-balance as the storm increases. Home life, family relationships, personal well-being, occupation, friendships, finances can suffer the after-effects of neglecting proactive measures. But there is hope.

No matter how violent the storm, no matter the cause of your life-storm, there is a place of stillness, a calm: the eye of the storm. God is not only in the center of life’s storms; He is the eye. He sees, knows, and is the One in control of the barrage of the winds and waves of life’s “stuff” trying to overwhelm and defeat you. Jesus extends an invitation always available for God’s weary children to join Him when life is in turmoil; He offers to help to carry the load of your burden and supply the rest you need (Matthew 11:28). You can lay down in peace and safety under His care and sleep well.

 

When the weather forecast warns of a storm brewing, we take notice. Once noted as a tropical storm, we pay closer attention. As winds travel in a circular motion, an eye forms in the center of the storm, and when those winds strengthen to 74 mph and greater, the storm is classified as a hurricane. By this time, the weather has our full attention, and preparations are underway or complete. Decisions made before a storm worsens can be a matter of life or death.

As the human eye observes stormy conditions, the seriousness of the revelation is weighed, and actions are taken accordingly. But in life, warning signs of a brewing storm are often missed and if noticed, sometimes dismissed as insignificant. When little or no preventative actions are taken, one is easily set off balance as the storm increases. Home life, family relationships, personal well-being, occupation, friendships, finances, and other avenues of life suffer the after-effects of neglecting proactive measures. But there is hope . . .

No matter how violent the storm, no matter the cause of your life storm, there is a place of refuge, a calm: the eye of the storm. God is not only in the eye of life’s storms; He is the eye who sees and knows the storm. He is the One in control of the winds, waves, and barrage of life's "stuff" seeking to overwhelm and defeat you. Jesus extends an invitation that is always available for God’s weary children to join Him when life is in turmoil; He provides rest and help with the load of your burden (Matthew 11:28). You can lay down in peace and safety under His care.

 

Go Ahead, Be Contagious

 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Mathew 5:16)

Escaping infectious diseases is almost impossible; some are preventable by vaccines; others are not. We learn to accept the transmissions of germs as “part of life.” Although not a disease, negativism is also contagious, spread by people who extinguish any fires that hint at the Holy Spirit working in one’s life or area of ministry. Having grown accustomed to their misery and lack of joy, they long for company. So stay alert. Minister to the pessimists, doubters, scoffers, and gossipers, but avoid lingering in their company lest you “catch” their infection.

On the brighter side, have you ever considered encouragement contagious? It can be! According to the book of Proverbs, laughter works as medicine (17:22), and a joyous spirit can light up a room (15:30). As you walk in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit within you, wherever you go; to whomever you minister, you have a spark that can ignite that person’s life into a blazing fire for the glory of God. Sometimes it takes only a smile, deed, or a few kind words to minister to the discouraged, lonely, or heartbroken. Never underestimate God’s power; let your words and works shine as a light, bringing refreshment and vitality to the people He sends your way daily. 

Is All Well?

 “It is well.” (2 Kings 4:26)

With the death of her son, how could this mother say all was well? She learned much from God’s prophet as he frequented their home. Knowing her child was a miracle from God and that God was the miracle-maker, this mother went immediately to the prophet who could intercede on his and her behalf. She waited with an anxious expectation on the power of God, the power of prayer, and unwavering faith that all would be well.

This unnamed woman showed great kindness to God’s prophet by supplying a meal each time he passed through Shunem. After several visits to their home, she and her husband added a small “prophet’s room” furnished with essentials for lodging. When Elisha asked his servant what he could do to repay her kindness, Gehazi said she had no child, and her husband was old. The prophet called for the woman and said, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” And at that season the following year, she bore a son, just as Elisha said.

The child became ill one day while in the field, and his father carried him home. On his mother’s lap, he died—her miracle son was gone. At once, she brought him to the prophet’s room, laid him on the bed, and told her husband she was going to meet the man of God. When he asked the reason why, she assured, “It shall be well.” Elisha saw the woman at a distance and sent his servant to ask if everything was well with the family. She replied, “It is well,” until she reached the prophet. Falling at his feet, she poured out the brokenness of her heart. Returning to her home, Elisha, miraculously by the power of God, brought the boy back to life. The woman fell at his feet in gratitude and took up her son.

Is all well with you? We have Someone to whom we can pour out the brokenness of our heart. As we place our confidence in the fact that God knows the best for us and others, we, too, can say, “It is well.” Can you pray with an unfettered faith, trusting our all-powerful God with your most profound need? Rest in His foreknowledge, wisdom, and care; He is the same miracle-making God today. 

Before the Storm Ends

 “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. . .” (Psalm 32:5a)

After the second hurricane (within six weeks of each other) barreled its way through the same areas in our state, someone posted this question on social media: “Would someone please throw Jonah overboard?” The question made me wonder why Jonah didn’t just jump into the water if he knew that would quiet the life-threatening storm instead of asking the mariners to throw him over and spare them the anguish and guilt they experienced? God’s providence. Jonah knew his disobedience was the cause of God’s displeasure, and the crew was going to perish in the storm with him unless he went overboard. Jonah told the seamen of his God, who was Master over the wind, sea, and all creation, and they were to throw him over. The men were introduced to the One True God and cried out to Him rather than the helpless gods they knew. They were amazed by God’s power, made sacrifices to Him there in the boat, vowing to serve Him (Jonah 1:1–16). God’s providence.

Disobedience to God kicks up life storms. Our storms affect us; innocent bystanders—family, friends, and coworkers—sometimes feel the residual effects of God’s discipline directed our way. The sailors, acknowledging the One True God, reluctantly yet obediently cast Jonah into the sea, and the raging storm stopped. Before life storms end, the sin that stirred the tempest must be confessed, abandoned, and cast down. Only by turning to God in repentance followed by obedience to His instructions will the disturbances be quieted. When God’s discipline ceases, and the storm is over, there will be a trail of debris to be cleared, but your soul is calm, and you find rest in God’s peace.

Although Jonah vowed to follow God’s instructions while in the belly of the great fish that swallowed him, once on dry land, he was angry that God didn’t destroy the Ninevites—by choice, Jonah’s storm continued.

The Danger of Teeter-Tottering

“Chasten thy son while there is hope and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Proverbs 19:18)

With a horrified look, a newlywed guest in our home asked, “Aren’t you going to stop her?” He considered me an uncaring mother, negligent of my child’s safety by allowing her actions. My reply was, “Watch.” Our fourth-born child was determined to teeter-totter in the counter stool she had turned upside down. After ignoring repeated warnings of what might happen, it tipped over; and she cried because it hurt. Why did I allow the toddler’s stubbornness to continue knowing what was inevitable? She had to learn a lesson the hard way. Although she longingly glanced at that overturned stool the rest of the evening, she never went back to it. Lesson learned.

Some lessons are more challenging to learn than others. Leniency is granted in some situations, while others need staunch disciplinary action. Sometimes God extends mercy, and other times He is firm. Because we love our children, we discipline, regardless of the tears. God does the same. Our children were not fond of discipline but didn’t reject us because of it. Today, they are God-fearing adults with children and grandchildren of their own, practicing the same type of discipline that helped them as children. Lessons learned.

While we may err in handling some situations, God never has erred and never will. Our heavenly Father warns, and we choose whether to heed or disregard His instructions. He knows the individual needs of His children and is aware of each one’s willingness to receive or stubbornness to reject His loving care. The danger of teeter-tottering with God is how hard a fall we are willing to take. Lesson learned? 

The Perfect Storm

 “. . . To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice.” (Matthew 18:37)

Not only my eyes but my heart zeroed in on one sentence in the closing thoughts of an article posted by a trusted friend who handles the Word of God accurately: “Truth creates a storm because God intends for it to force people to make decisions about it.” My first thought was how others reacted to Jesus when He spoke the truth: He was trusted, followed, hated, or ignored. Everyone who heard Him had to decide the truth of His Deity, and what a storm that kicked up!

The religious leaders hated Jesus because He loosened their prideful grip on the people, pointing them back to God when He spoke. The ones who should have rightly led the people stirred them up, plotted against and lied about Jesus, and smugly watched as He died on the cross. They stirred the people against Stephen, a deacon in the early church, for proclaiming the truth. Having accused the religious leaders of hypocrisy in not keeping God’s law and murdering Jesus, they stoned him to death. The apostles performed miracles and spoke the Word of God with boldness, and multitudes believed the truth they preached. But that same truth stirred the religious leaders’ jealousy, and they imprisoned the apostles.

“Truth creates a storm, and God intends for it to force people to make decisions about it.” Believing God’s truth sometimes comes at a high price, but all who reject God’s truth will suffer throughout eternity, separated from their Creator. Our nation’s current trend has positioned us for the perfect storm, one created by truth and humanity’s evil nature. The clash between the two has the people stirred up. Lies, deceit, and plots to entrap are rampant. The right decision of who and what you believe is crucial, and now is the time to decide. Honor God—base your decision on who believes and follows God, upholding His truths, not humanity’s opinions. 

If the Iron is Blunt, Whet the Edge

“If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10)

Sound advice from King Solomon, the wisest person in biblical history: More strength is required using a dull ax, so sharpen it. Much like using a dull ax, carrying out a task without the necessary skill or knowledge requires more effort, and the desired outcome will be lacking. Wisdom says to first hone the skills needed in that area before taking on the challenge. God will not assign you a task that He didn’t first equip you to carry out. But to succeed, you must willingly surrender to His will and “sharpening” in your life.

Getting much knowledge doesn’t make one wise. Sifting through what one has experienced and learned, separating the needless from the beneficial, and applying that understanding and knowledge for practical use is wisdom. Giving the reverence due to the Creator is the beginning of such learning. (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).

As we journey this life, we gain wisdom from different sources: successes, failures, educational training, nature, people, and circumstances. But God’s Word is the most excellent resource because it teaches truth, exposes what is wrong and how to correct the wrong, instructs us how to be right with God—it equips us for right-living (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Yielding to the Bible’s truths demands setting ourselves aside and bowing to God’s authority. Not doing so is one reason why we often repeat life’s failures. After processing the information we receive, we then decide what is honorable to God and valuable to our Christian walk and apply it—live it out daily. Surrender to God’s whetting stone to sharpen you for His glory and success in life. 

The Other Side of the Door

“Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in.” (Revelation 3:20a)

Family members and good friends feel comfortable walking into your home without knocking or advance notice because they know it’s okay; some may give a quick knock as they make their way inside. Not so with Jesus. Although God wants “all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4), He never pushes His way through anyone’s life-door. Jesus died to save all humanity, but salvation comes only to those who invite Him into their lives. He stands on the other side of everyone’s heart’s door and knocks, waiting for an invitation to enter. Whoever hears His voice and opens their door to Him, He will enter: make Himself known, cleanse, unconditionally love, and forgive.

Jesus said, “I am the door: by Me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved . . .” (John 10:9). Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6); we can’t earn our way into heaven by being good, doing good works, or loving God and others. When He knocks, and our hearts let Him in, we accept His invitation to enter His door of salvation. We are saved by confessing with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believing that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). You become a sheep of the Father’s pasture, and Jesus, The Door to the sheepfold, will protect you, feed you, and provide a place of rest. Those who reject Jesus’ knocking—do not repent and turn to God—will spend eternity separated from the Father who loves them. Jesus doesn’t knock indefinitely. If you haven’t yet said yes to Jesus, open your heart’s door before it grows cold and callous; invite Him into your life before the opportunity is gone. 

Fatal Procrastination

“Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” (Proverbs 3:28)

God expects His children to act neighborly, pay our debts, give wages to those who have earned them, provide for our families, to show love and kindness toward the less fortunate. He entrusts believers in His Son with blessings to be shared, not hoarded—wealth, spiritual knowledge, whatever they may be. Some people receive more than others; only God knows how each person will handle their blessings. If God stirs your heart to assist someone in need or just bless someone and you delay in acting, your procrastination can be fatal to the spirit of giving. No matter how reasonable the excuse, putting off until tomorrow what you should do today is disobedience. Besides, none of us knows what tomorrow holds: busyness happens, and the scurry of the day delays meeting the need. God doesn’t promise us a tomorrow; the opportunity for obedience may expire. We should “owe no man anything” but love (Romans 13:8).

God’s Word is clear that we are not to withhold good from “those to whom it is due” (does not apply to the lazy or irresponsible) when we have the health, resources, and time to help (v. 27). Whatever form or abundance of blessing God lavished, He expects us to be faithful stewards of His investment. If He has blessed you with much, God expects much from you (Luke 12:48). “Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). If you don’t act when you know you should, you have sinned.

Can You Hear Me Now?

“Hear my cry, O God; give ear unto my prayer. (Psalm 61:1)

A frustrating question to ask and a question the person on the receiving end of a conversation dreads to hear: Can you hear me now? That phrase says interference has occurred during a conversation. In remote areas, phone calls are affected by the lack of tower signals, making the addition of a wireless signal booster beneficial.

Amid times of turmoil, grief, fear, doubt, or stubbornness, God’s children may wonder if He hears their heart-pleas as they are laid bare before Him. What causes such thoughts since we know God is everywhere, seeing and hearing everything? In feeble attempts to escape life’s dealings, we sometimes self-isolate, drift from God, or neglect to stay in tune with Him, causing weakened communications. God and signal towers don’t move—we do.

How it must grieve God’s heart when asked, “God, do you hear me?” Of course, He does. The question is, “Do you hear Him?” Are you even listening for His voice? In his distress, as he fled for his life, the psalmist David turned to God, knowing He not only attentively listened but heard his plea (Psalm 17:6). Keeping his line of communication open “from the end of the earth” (v. 2), David trusted God as his strong tower and the shelter of His wings for rest and protection. You and I can do the same. God is our strong tower; His signal is always strong; it never needs boosting and never drops, no matter where you are. Whenever a communication glitch occurs, the fault is from our end of the line, not His.

Rescue Shots

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD, thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)

Rescue shots are not injections but applications for hair, a preventative measure to guard against the potential damage of split ends and dryness. One small dab used regularly turns unmanageable hair into shiny, healthy, and stronger hair.

Moses is now dead, and God handed Joshua the task of completing the journey into the Land of Promise. What a daunting appointment: leading millions of people in the shadow of such a great and faithful leader. Moses, his mentor, was no longer with him to give advice or reassurance—all responsibility was on his shoulders. It’s no wonder that God, on several occasions, reminded Joshua to be steadfast, courageous; not to be fearful or discouraged. He knew the new leader's challenge: difficult times, frenzied people to deal with, and some still wondering why they left the security of Egypt’s captivity. When Joshua felt overwhelmed, God would apply a “rescue shot” of encouragement, reminding him that he was never alone. God would fight for him, and with him as Joshua’s strength.

Even faithful, Bible-believing, steadfast believers in Christ have days when life seems frizzy, tangled, and dry—unmanageable. Responsibilities pull us in different directions. The same “rescue shot” application is available for us. The message of Joshua’s God (our God) is unchanging: be strong, courageous, unafraid, and be not dismayed. God is always with us wherever we go; He never abandons His children. He will fight for us and with us. There is no need to fear; He is our strength. Like Joshua, we need only take God at His Word, trust Him, and faithfully fulfill our calling.

Coloring Inside the Lines

“Thus, saith the Lord, ‘Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk therein.’” (Jeremiah 6:16)

Coloring was one of my favorite past times as a young child. Before I colored a page, I heavily outlined each object with the crayon of choice. Though this process took a little longer, it was easier to stay inside the lines once I set each boundary, and the finished picture looked nice.

At the beginning of creation, God set boundaries in the heavens; everything stays in its place. For humanity, He set boundary lines through His Word, making clear the paths of blessing we should walk in this life. When you are uncertain of the path to take, especially at crossroads, stop: ask God which way to go; seek a trusted source; learn from God’s Word how His faithful people handled such decisions. The “old paths” are the trodden ones proven trustworthy by the saints of old. The excellent walkway is the narrower one, more difficult, leading to blessings and rest for weary souls.

The people told Jeremiah they would not walk that right way. Rejecting God’s boundaries, His ways, and His paths, they had no rest for their souls spent in captivity. God’s “old paths” have not changed over time; they are the same good and trustworthy choice today. Coloring outside the lines in a coloring book makes unattractive results; living contrary to God’s Word produces an unbalanced life and one that does not draw people to Christ’s saving grace. Choose to color—live—inside God’s guidelines. Experience refreshing rest and the Father’s blessings for a life well-lived. 

Hearing From God

“And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, ‘Samuel, Samuel’. Then Samuel answered, ‘Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth’.” (1 Samuel 3:10)

Some people yearn to hear from God but say they don’t. Why is that? To hear from God, you must be prepared to listen and receive His message.

Eli served as Israel’s high priest, a lifelong appointed position, delivering God’s messages to the people. But God told Eli he would judge his house, and no sacrifice could purge the iniquity of his family (v. 14). Eli had failed in his parental duty to discipline his evil sons (who would take his place one day). Under the priest’s care and serving as his attendant, the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. On three occasions, Samuel heard his name called during the night and, thinking it was Eli, went to his side, each time asking what he wanted. Eli realized the Lord was speaking to the child (not him) and instructed Samuel on what to say. When God called his name again, Samuel, in obedience to Eli’s instructions, replied, “Speak Lord, for Thy servant heareth.” Samuel, now positioned to hear from God, received and obediently delivered the message as God instructed (vs. 15–18).

God said if we love Him, we will keep His commands. Because we sometimes fail in that respect, it is often more comfortable and convenient to hear from God’s servants than Him. There is nothing wrong with following instructions from those who teach and proclaim God’s truths, but those messages are easier to put on hold, ignore, or dismiss without a second thought or regret. If you depend only on hearing from others, you are side-stepping, even avoiding God. Once we know God has directly spoken to us, we make one of three decisions: Obediently follow His instructions or give God our pitiful excuses of why we can not—will not—obey Him, or we ignore His voice.

Are you positioned to hear from God? Is your heart clean and unencumbered like that of a child before Him? Is your readiness to hear God speak without any preconceived plans of your own? God longs to commune with His children, but conversation involves both parties speaking with one another. All too often, we do all the talking without waiting for God to speak. Are you ready to be still before God—to hear and receive from Him? Are you prepared to obey?

Before the Bounty is Evident

“A faithful man shall abound with blessings. . .” (Proverbs 28:20a)

Because of your love for and faithful service to God, you may wonder, Am I a blessing to others? The focus and bent of believers following Jesus should be knowing, loving, and serving God, not the impact our lives make. As we follow the example of our Lord, who daily surrendered to and sought His Father’s will, God will carry out what He wants through us. But why are some Christians more productive than others?”

Consider the process for a successful garden. Before the gardener enjoys fruit, vegetables, or flowers, what does the grower do first? The gardener prepares the soil. It is tilled, broken up finely. Then the weeds, grassroots, and other obstructions to growth are removed, giving seeds or seedlings the proper environment in which they can successfully root and flourish. Finally, the garden must be regularly fertilized, watered, and periodically inspected for any intruders that hinder successful growth.

Your life is God’s garden. He knows your capabilities because He made you, and His Spirit dwells in you, but preparation is necessary before the bounty is clear. Are you willing to ask God to “plow through the soil” of your heart? Dare you ask Him to expose every weed, blade of grass, and root that must go—all the petty things that tend to bog you down and trip you? Are you so committed that you want no stone left unturned? If you are, ask Him to begin plowing. As He reveals obstructions, confess them and, with His help, throw them out. Your life is now ready to flourish for Him, abounding with blessings. As with other gardens, the plantings in your life must be fed, watered, and inspected for intruders that want to stunt or destroy your life’s fruit.

Once God’s garden is flourishing, the bounty may not be clear to you or me. It’s God’s business when, how, and to what degree your life and mine impacts others. Our business is to know God, love, surrender to, obey, and follow Him. Keeping our lives free of intruding “weeds, grass, and pests” is our responsibility, as well as keeping it nourished with God’s Word and cleansed by the power of His Spirit. Our faithful God—The Master Gardener—takes care of the results. The question is, “Will you and I be faithful to do our part in tending His garden?”