Fixing What We Think Has Broken

 “Cry out for insight and ask for understanding. Search for them as for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.” (Proverbs 2:3–4 NLT)

The pond’s levee was leaking, forming a pool of standing water on the neighbor’s property. We hired a company to take care of the problem. Once the work was well underway, the man in charge of the operation said he didn’t think the pond was the problem, but the water pool showed differently. After truckloads of dirt, heavy equipment, and many hours later (which were all pricey), the work crew discovered the pond didn’t cause the water leakage as our neighbor and we thought. An underground spring on the neighbor’s property adjoining our pond was the culprit-causing leak. You are welcome!

Sometimes what seems factual is not; sometimes, we delve into “fixing” what we think has broken without a thorough investigation. We need God’s wisdom and understanding as we look below the surface of situations, digging into the evidence presented. The truth found is not always what we thought, and the process may be rigorous and costly but worth the effort if truthfulness and God’s best are essential factors in the matter. When we seek God’s wisdom through prayer and reading His Word, we find the knowledge of God and understand the fear of the Lord.

Training Wheels

 “. . .O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him to Me.” (Mark 9:19)

How old were you when you “graduated” from a tricycle to a two-wheel bike? Some children jump on without fear and master it quickly with just a little help. Others need coaxing to boost their confidence and training wheels for stability with the hopes of confidently riding one day soon like “the big kids.”

Only Jesus could take twelve men, some of them uneducated—unlikeliest—and disciple them along for three years, preparing them for the journey ahead. The men intently listened to His teachings and watched as they saw and took part in His mighty acts and miracles. How frustrating it must have been for Jesus that His disciples could not heal the man’s son (vs. 17–18). Why? Jesus said it was their unbelief. You sense the mounting frustration as He asked how long He must put up with them. They still had much to learn, yet He knew their training wheels must come off; He would soon leave.

God places faithful, more seasoned Christians, sometimes called mentors, in our spiritual paths to encourage and teach us along our daily walk with the Lord. But the day comes when those teachers must let go a little, sometimes a lot. The trainee must learn to depend on God, not the mentor. Their responsibility is to spur God’s people on, encouraging them to excel in godly living and ministry and, when ready, train someone else. When the time is right, the mentor takes a step back after removing the training wheels and lets the believer ride like “the big kids.” But it is never wise to appoint responsibilities to unprepared disciples eager to make them more faithful. It will not. They will face undue burdens, and the ministry involved will reflect that poor decision.

Jesus did have to leave His disciples, but not as orphans. Because Jesus was faithful in fulfilling His life-task, God sent another Comforter just like Jesus—the Holy Spirit—the One who would walk alongside them, the same One who walks with us today. One day your God-assigned-mentor who instructed and encouraged you as you prepared for your faith journey must step back—not go away—but give more room as you rely on the Comforter who is always with you, guiding and encouraging you.

Jesus never doubted nor wavered in ministry because He communed daily with His Father and obediently followed His instructions. Eleven of His disciples would later in life prove themselves faithful to their tasks, leaning on the Holy Spirit’s power. By God’s grace, we, too, can fulfill our appointed assignments if we walk by faith, depending on God’s Holy Spirit.

Oil and Water

“Walk with the wise and become wise, walk with fools and get in trouble.” (Proverbs 13:20 NLT)

Stir vigorously, whip with a whisk, mix with a mixer. No matter your technique or your resolve to blend oil and water, the two substances cannot meld—never. Momentarily, just for a few seconds, the two liquids combine but quickly separate because they are opposites; their chemistry is different, so they resist each other. This resistance of opposites should have the same effect on some acquaintances and friendships.

As Christ-following believers, Jesus commands us to minister to a lost and dying world and those believers who strayed from God’s care, needing re-direction. But Scripture warns us: “. . .Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT). Minister in the name of Jesus but beware of temptation’s “blending in” pitfall to reach their salvation or restoration goals.

A “coming together” should never happen among God’s people who embrace and live by His commands with others living contrary to them, embracing world values. Opinions are immaterial—stand with God, no matter what fallout happens due to your stance: “For if ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part, He is evil spoken of, but on your part, He is glorified.” “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” “Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:14, 16, 19). 

Wise Investments

 “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. . .” 2 Timothy 3:14

Because we have studied the Bible together for years and know everyone by name in the class, we sometimes wrongly assume all have the same biblical knowledge. But the comment, “I know you’re probably all familiar with the story of. . .” reveals the truth when seeing “deer in the headlights” stares from some of your study-friends.

Whether ten years, twenty, fifty, or only one year, time does not signify the depth of a Christian’s biblical knowledge or spiritual advancement. A lifetime of listening to God’s Word proclaimed does not guarantee the Word has gone from the hearing ear to planted deep into a listening and receptive heart. A new Christian can surpass a believer of many years by hungering for the Word and wanting to grow in the Lord. But with little hunger, there is scant growth. The Bible teaches that discipleship and mentoring are essential.

Are you willing to share your life with someone else? Are you ready to introduce people to Jesus or help them grow in their faith, investing your time, resources, knowledge, and life experiences? No one is beyond the need for help while traveling our spiritual journey. Encouragement, instruction in God’s Word, knowing someone cares, accountability—all are vital to faithfulness in our daily walk and spiritual growth.

If you are diligent in keeping yourself apart from the corruption of this world, willing and caringly walk alongside another, reminding them and yourself of God’s expectations, you fulfill your calling (2 Peter 1:1–11). Jesus commissioned us to spread the Good News and make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20); wise investments in others’ lives are life-changers. A crown of righteousness awaits us, faithful ones (2 Timothy 4:8).

Conquerors

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35)

A creative person, thousands of years ago, made one of the simplest of tools: the wedge. A wedge is an object made of iron, wood, or other thick material on one side that narrows down to the opposite side. The wedge is useful to split, separate, or prop something open. A safely used iron wedge can split a boulder; an ax, another form of a wedge, can split a large log; wooden wedges are useful for keeping a door open or help seal a gap.

As useful as a wedge is, the opposite is true of destructive and disguised “wedges” that creep into our lives unnoticed: the unstable person who rejoices in separating friends, spouses, coworkers, or causes discord among a congregation of believers; an unexpected illness or monetary crisis may be the culprit; a false accusation that ended your employment. . .

A wedge used correctly is helpful but wrongly used, as in relational separations, causes grief. But the Apostle Paul declared there was nothing (no wedge) that could separate us from God’s love. No situation, person, or thing in heaven or on Earth—no power, angel, or demon; no trouble that might come our way, not even life or death, could separate us from the love of God (vs. 38–39). Paul’s life-experiences confirmed this fact for him, and the Holy Spirit inspired him to write: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (v. 37). 

Perfectionism

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as you Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

Unmet expectations. Friendships, marriages, families, and church memberships rise and fall. People come and go in relationships because someone hoped for and expected more or something different, yet it didn’t happen:

Someone ended a long-standing friendship because of broken confidence. After many years, the spouse still ignores the importance of remembering and acknowledging specific dates, particularly the wedding anniversary. People, including children, compare each other by academic or athletic ability, productiveness, or social standing. The preacher doesn’t visit parishioners enough; the music is boring, the children are too noisy, the youth don’t do enough.

Expecting perfection from imperfect people is not only unfair but causes results that are sometimes irreparable. There is only One who walked perfectly; His name is Jesus. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus commands perfection from the listeners. Knowing our limitations to live blemish-free, Jesus called for them (and us) to set a goal towards mental and moral character pleasing to the Father. We all should strive for flawlessness in this life even though we cannot consistently live that way. And if we cannot succeed in living flawlessly, we should not expect it from others.

As God’s children, we will one day live without blemish in heaven with God, our Creator, and Jesus. One day God will bring heaven down to a newly created Earth where everything is completely perfect. Until either of those events happen, we must live patiently and considerately of one another.

Simple Yet Profound

 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Today's passage is profound yet simple; even a child with a little guidance can grasp its meaning. So, why is it that we sometimes veer off the right path or rebelliously choose to disregard God’s easy-to-understand guidelines? In these verses, God teaches the way to right living. But often, we choose to live opposite of His instructions when we:

Put full confidence in ourselves.

Depend on personal wisdom and logical reasoning.

Disregard God’s presence and activity in our lives.

Restrict or ignore God’s divine guidance.

Even backtracking from the end of verse six to the beginning of verse five, Solomon, the writer’s explicit instructions give assurance of God’s guidance when we trust Him:

God will guide your thoughts, words, and actions when you obey Him.

Recognize and give room to God’s presence and activity in your life.

Follow God’s instructions even when they seem illogical.

Put your confidence in the Lord with everything that’s within you—trust Him.

In your comings and goings, times of need, assurance, or direction, instinctively run to God first, not as an alternative. Relying on oneself diverts life’s God-appointed way to live, inviting unnecessary struggles God never intended His children to handle. Verses one through four say if we learn, remember, and obey commands, we will have a good life here on earth and eternal life with Him in heaven. Obedience leads to a state of well-being and God’s best. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Spring Cleaning

 “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; behold old things are passed away; all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Spring ushers in new life-signs: birds search for nesting homes; buds peek out on plant life. Spring is also the time many homeowners spruce up their houses and property. With the renewal of old nests, dead foliage cleared, clutter, and grime cleaned the newness of growth and freshness of clean is soon visible. But unexpected inclement weather or life-events upset any calendar’s best-laid plans.

After surrendering your life to Christ, a change took place, and you became a new person, “all things became new” in your life. There are no preset times of year or calendar planning to keep your newfound life in Christ unsullied and prepped for further growth. A yearly Spring cleaning will not suffice. Without hesitation, you must cast off the “old things” (actions, attitudes, and thoughts unpleasing to our Father) as quickly as you sense their reappearance. As you seek forgiveness and cleansing from all that needs to go, God makes way for the new that awaits.

Water and food are vital for survival and healthy growth for God’s creation. As His child, grow spiritually healthy by drinking from the Spring of Living Water and feasting on the Bread of Life. Daily communion with your heavenly Father through His Word and prayer are essential to your walk with the Lord. If you allow His words to take root in your heart, guard your mind, and direct your way to walk, you will flourish and stand firm during life’s adversities, sometimes blowing in like a storm. As you persevere and develop a closeness and love for and dependence on the Lord, you honor God and are a channel of blessing for others.

But Lord

 “Yes, Lord, I will follow You, but. . .” Luke 9:61 (New Living Translation)

God spoke. You heard Him. But because it didn’t make sense, you mulled the conversation over in your mind. You may even discuss the matter with Him to see if He would clarify or reconsider the directive.

 

It was a stormy day. The rain was so heavy that I could barely see as I drove down the long street. Then I saw a woman in the distance walking towards me on the road's shoulder. My heart went out to her at once because she had no umbrella and carried several paper bags of groceries. God spoke to me very distinctly by the Holy Spirit, telling me to ask her if she would like a ride. I didn’t mind having her ride with me, but because of the circumstances, no one else nearby, and I was a stranger, I knew she would not accept my offer. (If I were in her place, I would not have accepted the invitation.) After sharing these thoughts aloud, I said, “But Lord, You know she won’t get in the car with me.” He again said to extend the offer.

As I neared the woman, I rolled my window down and asked if she would like a ride. With a scowl on her face, she rudely said, “Well, no!” and kept walking. I rolled my window up, and with a miffed attitude, I said, “I told You she wouldn’t get in the car with me!” God so sweetly replied, “But you did what I told you to do.”

The man speaking to Jesus wanted to follow Jesus but felt he must first take care of life’s pressing matters and offered his excuses (which included taking care of his parents until they died). I didn’t deserve a loving response from God that day. Why do I sometimes question or doubt His directives when He has always proven Himself faithful? Whenever I think of this incident, God reminds me to not “second guess” Him but trust Him—by faith obediently follow without any “buts.” 

Dirty Truth

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6 Amplified Bible)

It was the most unusual tree, like no other magnolia I had ever seen—all three feet of it. After researching several gardening books, I found no magnolia species with soft, lime-green leaves. Watering and regular feeding did not alter the tree’s appearance nor encourage blooms. What kind of magnolia tree did not grow or display an array of beautiful flowers?

After fifteen years, the sad little tree had grown to around seven feet and managed to put out a few flowers per season. After mentioning our disappointing tree to a farmer friend, his response was, “What kind of dirt do you have in your yard?” When he heard it was clay, he said to add nitrogen to the soil all around the tree. We carried out his advice, and the results were astounding; we saw immediate improvement, growth, and blooms.

The once-anemic-looking magnolia tree now proudly stands more than thirty feet tall. Its full branches boast of lush, dark green leaves and plate-sized flowers fill the tree each year. The beautiful sight confirms that even though the tree ate regularly, it was starving; it needed more than a typical tree diet to thrive.

The once-sickly tree stirs several questions: Do you sometimes look or feel “off-color” and insignificant? Have you grown “tall” spiritually? Does your life produce lush and ripe, or puny and tasteless? What’s in your dirt? The dirty truth is your life-soil may need a nitrogen boost. New believers in God’s redeeming grace are babes in Christ. For them (and mature Christians) to live righteously, they must nurture themselves daily with God’s Word, communion with God (prayer), keep a teachable spirit, and walk obediently in God’s truths. By doing these things, the soul is satisfied, and healthy Christ-like growth will happen. You will find complete satisfaction as you give God access to the soil of your life and yield in service to Him each day. Your life’s “fruit and blossoms” will bring much glory to His great name and bless others. 

Dry Bones

 “Thus, saith the Lord God unto these bones: Behold I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.” (Ezekiel 37:5)

God “carried Ezekiel out in the Spirit of the Lord” to a valley filled with dry, parched bones. The bones represented the spiritually dead condition of God’s people, Israel. Spiritually dead individuals, marriages, families, churches, and much more still fill valleys today.

Life is full of difficulties, twists, and turns. Even the best-prepared, well-trained soldier of the Lord becomes weary. Neglecting or refusing to admit you are vulnerable to weariness, that you are not an army of one of your own making, can be hazardous to your health. Not only could you face physical depletion but emotional and spiritual as well. When you ignore your spiritual well-being, you become God’s rebellious child. You may have already reached the place of inward dryness and emptiness, feeling less and less useful in the Lord’s work. It’s important to remember who you belong to when times of weariness, rebellion, dryness, and doubt happen.

God showed Ezekiel in a vision that by His Word and power, He could revitalize the valley of scattered bones: give them ligaments, muscle, cover them with skin, breathe life back into those bones, so they live once again. That’s what God wanted for His beloved Israel, who had rebelled and strayed from His care. One day after they repented, He would breathe life’s breath back into their dead-like dry lives. God revived bones in Ezekiel’s vision and can do the same in our lives, just as He did for Israel. Why would we doubt God’s ability to restore those who are weary, head-strong, broken, and spiritually dead—dry bones filling valleys?

God is always for us and with us. If life-battles left you feeling exhausted, crushed, or distant from your Creator, call out to Him in repentance; ask God to breathe fresh life back into your “dry bones.” Once He refreshes you, rise, and carry on in His strength as a good soldier of the Lord.

Blindsided

 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

In a moment, it can happen—an insecure, discontented someone uses false accusations to make a point in others' presence. That person took the unsuspecting victim off-guard; the confrontation was unexpected. The confronter was well-prepared and blindsided their target.

How Christians handle true or false accusations is vital. If the charge against you is correct, remedy the situation to the best of your ability. Sadly, some people who claim they are Christ-followers use discrediting gossip and lies for personal gain, making themselves feel better and look better in others' eyes. Arguing with such people is fruitless. And when answering the accuser’s charges, always do it with truth, without retaliation. Truth needs no rehearsal because it doesn’t change, and God is the avenger. But the perpetrator must carefully rehearse and memorize the lies lest the story deviates each time told.

Because we live in a fallen and sinful world, life is full of unfairness; we have all experienced it or have been participants in injustice. The enemy of our soul is always at work to shake us to the core of our foundation. But as we faithfully persevere in the Lord’s work, our labor is not in vain; God uses our faithfulness for His purposes. 

God sees all and knows all. One day everyone will stand before Him, our Maker and Righteous Judge, to give account for every thought, word, and action. Turn the tables on that devilish act by “blindsiding” someone today with an unexpected, genuine compliment—bless instead of slander.

Tenacity

 “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)

The sight was inspiring. How a flower seed made its way under the driveway was a mystery, but the wonder was how it managed to break its way through the concrete. A tenacious and determined seed had hope of sending down roots and making its way into the sunlight. Determination turned into accomplishment as the sprout broke through the surface and a beautiful purple petunia blossomed. Though hope for the seed’s survival seemed impossible, tenacity overcame all obstacles, and the seed bloomed because it was rooted in good soil and reached for life-sustaining light..

Life is often a struggle: doing what you know you are supposed to do and not doing what you know you shouldn’t—both take steady determination with dependence on God’s help. In striving for righteousness, you may lose heart when you fail. But as you persevere, rooted, and grounded in Christ Jesus, you, too, can push your way through the “concrete” of life with sprouts that bloom for God’s glory.

God always leads His children on the pathway to righteous living but will never force obedience. Each child of God must make that choice—a determined decision. You know what He expects, and you know what you must do, so press forward, reaching for God’s light, His excellency. When you yield to His authority, the desire carried out will be “sweet to your soul” (v. 19)—you will sprout and blossom for God’s glory. Beautiful flowers await your decision.

The Most Incredible Love Story

 “And He [God] said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah, and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” (Genesis 22:2)

He dares not to tell Sarah of God’s instructions. Abraham wanted no one or nothing to dissuade nor stop him from God’s appointed mission. He was rich with herds of bulls and flocks of sheep, yet God told him to sacrifice his most precious possession, his beloved Isaac, the son of promise. Why would God ask for such a horrific act from him?

First, know this: God will never need any of us to sacrifice a human life. The sacrificial death of His Son was the only one necessary for all time. Secondly, God knew Abraham’s heart; He knew he would not withhold Isaac. So, why this mission? Abraham needed to see his faith and total devotion to God carried out and that he was no longer the weak, bendable, truth-twister he once was. The grief-filled father had a three-day journey to mull over God’s instructions, plenty of time to turn around and go home, but he continued. After arriving at his destination, Abraham passed the test by binding his son, putting him on the altar of sacrifice, and raising the knife to slay him. God intervened, supplying a ram in Isaac’s place.

Genesis 22 is the account of Abraham’s unshakable faith. Knowing that after he sacrificed his only son as instructed, the God he served, depended on, and loved more than anything or anyone else, would bring his Isaac back to life (Hebrews 11:17–19). That’s faith! That’s genuine love and true devotion of God! It is notable here that Solomon would later build God’s temple, the place of sacrifice, on this mount Moriah and Calvary was not far away.

This biblical account of Abraham’s confidence in God foreshadowed the day when God the Father sacrificed His beloved and blameless Son for all of humanity’s sins. There was no substitutional ram caught in the bushes; He loved the world so much that He summoned His only Son as the one-time-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:6–12). Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, willingly died in our place on the cross at Calvary and paid the impossible-to pay-sin-debt for us.

Do you believe God’s Son came to Earth, died for you, victoriously rose from the dead, and now reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords? If you believe in Jesus and called on His name for salvation, you have the promise of everlasting life with the Father. God’s love story is the most incredible love story ever told: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Time-out

“He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son. But he who loves him disciplines and trains him diligently and appropriately [with wisdom and love].” (Proverbs 13:24 AMP)

The four-year-old faced the familiar yet dreaded corner of the room—again. After the designated time expired, Dad asked, “Son, are you sorry for what you did?” The youngster shifted his gaze from the corner and looked his dad straight in the eye. Without a word, he slowly shook his head sideways, left to right, choosing to stay in the corner.

This true story may have sparked an array of reactive thoughts:

In amazement to the youngster’s stubbornness: What?

Those who have been there and sympathize: His parents sure have their hands full!

Someone who has not had or dealt with children: If that were my child, I would have. . .

Empathetic and supportive toward the parents: Bless your heart, what did you do?

Stubbornness, rebellion, and other such unfavorable tendencies are significant offenses, and you must address them not only early in childhood but throughout adulthood. Determination to have one’s way; the mindset that I’m right, you are wrong; and blatantly disregarding what God says will assuredly invite life’s discipline. Continued disobedience is an invitation to more than a “time-out” with your face in a corner. When it happens, although painful sometimes, thank God that He loves you enough to correct you (Hebrews 12:6). If you live life as you choose and never experience God’s hand of discipline, the Bible says you are not His child (Hebrews 12:8). 

Which Way?

“For we are His workmanship [His own masterwork; a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set] so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. (Ephesians 2:10 AMP)

I lack a good sense of direction; people who don’t share my dilemma should consider themselves blessed. Before the days of GPS, if I had to drive to an unfamiliar place alone, my sweet husband would draw directions (with pictures) for me to reach my destination safely and promptly. If the trip involved one-way streets, he would also include a return route. Why would he painstakingly take such actions? Because he loves me.

We are God’s masterwork, each uniquely made. He designed a personal masterplan for each of us before time began. His way is perfect, and we need no GPS; He is our guide. The paths He prepared are the ways we should live and the good works we should do. Following His charted course, we bless our Father, He blesses us, and by our obedience, others receive blessings.

Sometimes, as we travel life’s road, we get distracted and veer off God’s route. We then find ourselves going the wrong way, sometimes on one-way streets, traveling dark and unfamiliar places, taking wrong turns, and other times, we blatantly choose to go our own way. Those uncharted routes throw us off our destination and into circumstances not designed for us.

Out of His great love, God pre-mapped directions ordained for us to stay the course and not lose our way. Which route do you travel, the Way-Maker’s path or your own? 

The Answer is Love

“Oh, my Lord, give her the living child.”  (1 Kings 3:26)

What parent would give their child away? What possessed her to do such a thing? Love. Often, the answer is love.

Two women of ill-repute gave birth to sons; one died in the night. Because both women claimed to be the living child's mother, they brought their dispute before King Solomon. Upon hearing their arguments, the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.” Upon hearing the king’s verdict, the child's true mother pleaded with the king to spare her son and give him to the imposter. The other woman quickly replied that she wanted the baby divided in half, and each could have the child. Solomon looked at the mother who begged the child’s life be spared and said, “Give her the living child . . . she is the mother thereof.” How did he know? Love—to spare her child’s life, she would let him go to another.

A childless couple with a deep love for children housed foster children for years, and after the last of them safely returned to their homes, they became house parents in a facility for children. During that time, God connected the couple with a woman expecting a third child, a baby for whom she was unable to provide for his needs. Respecting the sanctity of human life, the mother chose the couple to adopt her child at birth. How could she give her child away? Love. Knowing they loved and served the Lord and would love and teach her baby God’s ways made the decision easier. Another child, one born with special needs, spent his first five years in an orphanage because his biological parents didn’t want the responsibility; they abandoned him. Why? Lack of love. God again intervened, opening opportunity's adoption-door, leading the once-childless-couple to the boy living in another country. Both adoptions were “a God-thing.” God intersected the hearts of a young couple with two boys needing rescue, and His incredible love made way for it to happen.

Before He laid the world’s foundation, God knew only the blood of a spotless sacrifice could redeem sinful humanity; so, He sent His sinless Son to die a cruel and shameful death to pay our sin-debt. Why would God not spare His only Son? Love—His unconditional love for undeserving people—for us. If you haven’t received the gift of God’s salvation through the sacrificial death of Jesus, know that the Father loves you. His saving grace through the cleansing power of Jesus’ precious blood makes it possible for you and me to spend eternity in heaven. But you must first invite Jesus into your life. He is our only hope of eternal life with the Father (Ephesians 1:4–8). 

Forgetting to Remember

 “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me.”  (Isaiah 46:9)

Have you ever been in a situation where you know you did the right thing; you were obedient to what you perceived God said to do, yet you see little evidence of your obedience? That is where she found herself; wondering if she missed something or made a wrong turn. That’s when God’s love-filled rebuke spoke to her heart, gently reminding her that He was in control and knew the result of the waiting period for the journey. Most impressive about that moment with God was that He spoke with such gentleness—she felt His love.

Why was she so impressed with the presence of God’s love in His rebuke? She deserved a harsh scolding; she forgot to remember “the former things” He did of ages past; she momentarily forgot God’s faithfulness and greatness. Different thoughts of did I do the right thing? And what should I do next veiled the truth that her journey was already a success because she was obedient. Since God instigated the voyage, she didn’t need a strategy, only continued obedience. She repented of her faith-lapse and surrendered herself afresh to the Faithful One, thankful that He controls our wait times in life.

Forgetting to remember can sneak up on you when your journey and world events differently unfold as you thought they would or should. And don’t be surprised if God lovingly reprimands you for not waiting on His timing. He loves you much, has always watched over you, and is the One who sometimes gently reminds, “Don’t forget to remember—Me.”

 

Altering the Wrong Course

 “My son despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him. For whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son He receiveth.”  (Hebrews 12:5–6)

Why do parents correct their children? Love (Proverbs 13:24). Why does God discipline us? Love (Proverbs 3:11–12).

 If you are a product of “good old-fashioned” spankings, your parents or caretakers were firm believers in punishment for wrongdoing. When they found you guilty, corrective acts followed. Or, you may innocently have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and swept up in a “group discipline” (it can happen when you have siblings). When traveling with my family as a child, it was never a good thing when my daddy parked the car on the side of the road when my siblings and I continued our rowdiness after warnings. He would open the door, get out of the car to find, and cut a long, green, slender stem from a bush. After lining us in a row, he proceeded with “a switching.” Did he intend to hurt or scar? Not at all. Did he intend to sting and make a lasting statement? Yes, and it worked for me! It did not take many trips to learn how to avoid that switch. Discipline was a matter of importance and never taken lightly.

God, our Father, loves us deeply, so much so that He will “spank” or “take a switch to” us when necessary. After His warnings, sometimes, because of our rebellion and stubbornness, drastic measures are needed. And our loving Father will do whatever it takes for us to choose His way instead of ours. Altering the wrong course in life is the only way to head in the right direction.

I never doubted my parents’ love for me, and I know God’s love for me is more incredible than my mind can imagine. I don’t question His discipline nor doubt His love because He is never wrong and always wants His best for me. And He wants the same for you.

Hard, Cold, and Sealed

 “Verily I say unto you; wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” (Mark 14:9)

Three Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, and John, give their accounts of an evening meal in Bethany, where Jesus and His disciples were among the guests. Mary entered the room of men, carrying an alabaster box of spikenard, a costly, fragrant perfume used to anoint kings. She walked up to Jesus, broke the box, and poured the oil on their beloved Teacher. Some of the disciples thought within themselves that she wasted the oil on such an act. Judas, the treasurer (and embezzler according to John’s Gospel) of the ministry’s funds and the disciple who betrayed Jesus, chastised Mary for wasting the oil they could have sold to help the less fortunate. In turn, knowing their hearts, Jesus rebuked the disciples, saying Mary’s deed would serve as a memorial to her wherever people proclaimed the Gospel throughout the world. In her act of worship, Mary unknowingly anointed our Lord, the one called King of the Jews only days before His crucifixion.

We must guard our hearts against becoming as Judas’—hard, cold, and sealed like the alabaster box (of marble-like substance). His greed placed him in a position for Satan's use in the betrayal of Christ. He faced shame and regretted his actions but did not repent; he never acknowledged Jesus as Lord and did not enter God’s heavenly home after ending his life. We, too, risk allowing the enemy of our soul to manipulate us for his purposes by our disobedience, stubbornness, selfishness, greediness, and a host of other sins that stand in the way of—seal us from—our usefulness to God’s kingdom work. So, we must stay clean before our Lord and come to the end of ourselves and, like Mary, pour out to Him in the act of worship. Like the container of expensive oil, a believer’s broken life releases the priceless, fragrant contents of Christ as a balm of blessing to others. As we pour out to them, the pouring is unto our Lord.

Only the disciples criticized Mary’s deed of “pouring out,” and Jesus rebuked them. You, too, may face ridicule or rebuke by others for “wasting” God’s precious resources entrusted to you. But as you pour yourself out in service unto the Lord, do so in humility as Mary did when she dried Jesus’ feet with her hair. Today God reminds us of her expression of devotion recorded in His Word as a memorial to her, just as Jesus said. Our dedication and service to the Lord may go unnoticed on this side of eternity, but remember, God records everything in His books.

 

A Root to Kill

 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

 It is a fact; we need money for food, clothing, housing, medical needs—they are not free; it costs to live in this world. The warning here is not having money but to long for and love it.

God supplies our every need, and we should rest content in His provisions. We didn’t bring anything into this world, and nothing goes with us when we leave it behind. Lustful desires entice us daily and, if not watchful, will draw us away from God’s goodness. When our soul’s enemy sees someone unsatisfied with God’s provisions, willing to do whatever it takes to gain wealth by this world’s riches, he will bait his hook accordingly to oblige. He will snare that person by their yearnings and fulfill the flesh's desires—caught by the tempter (James1 :13–15).

In mentoring, Paul taught Timothy true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth, warning him about the dangers of greed. Those who long for riches are vulnerable to harmful desires’ entrapment that causes some believers to turn from the faith, falling into grief and sometimes destruction because they craved wealth. Timothy was to teach the wealthy not to trust in their money but God and guard themselves against pride; to do good, be generous, and willing to help others in need instead of hoarding riches. By doing so, they would store up true riches for the future. 

Paul’s admonition is for us also. We must never set our hope and security on the uncertainty of riches but on our trustworthy God who, without fail, supplies our every need.

Perfect Harmony

 “And above all these things, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”  (Colossians 3:14)

 We dress for each day in an orderly fashion; we don’t put on shoes then socks. In this passage, the apostle Paul instructs believers about the importance of our daily “wardrobe,” saying the most significant action is to put on love. But to what “things” was he referring? With what should we clothe ourselves, with love as the greater significance?

God is love. God chose us. God demands that we be holy as He is holy. To live in holiness, we must first clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (v. 12). We should respect the fact that other people have faults, just as we do. If someone offends us, we should forgive them, just as God forgave us (v. 13). After donning these “garments,” the most excellent attribute we wear is the garment of love.

Let’s be honest. What good is a covering of love on a person concealing a selfish, rude, and hateful, prideful, and unforgiving heart? None. From such, God will not receive glory. So, what are we to do? Just as we usually clean-up before putting on fresh clothes, we are to “put to death the sinful things lurking within” (v. 5 NLT): sexual immorality, lust, evil desires, greediness, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, dirty language, lying—these are things of our old sinful nature. Rid yourself of them!

When we dress correctly, love will bind us harmoniously together with fellow believers. If you don’t love others, you don’t know God, for God is love (1 John 4:8). Perfect harmony will not only honor Christ but also usher in His peace.  

Set Apart and Purpose-driven

 “Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee. . .” (Jeremiah 1:5)

From the moment of conception, your life-journey began. Before God created anything, He knew you. He knew the day you would be born, and He knows the day you draw your last breath. He formed you, you exist for a reason, you have a purpose, and God deeply loves you.

Although God spoke the words of this passage to Jeremiah, calling him as a prophet before he was born, bask in the truth and the beauty of God’s great love for us. “Just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world so that we would be holy [that is so that we would be consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight” (Ephesians 1:4 AMP).

Creator God planned before the beginning of time for His prized creation’s adoption into His family. Our part in His plan is to say “Yes” to His gift of deliverance and salvation made possible by His unconditional love and grace through the blood of Christ. Once adopted into God’s family, we have the privilege of fellowship with our Maker, to love and serve Him, and when our time on this earth has ended, we have the promise of eternal life with Him. 

As God’s child, you are God-gifted, set apart, and purpose-driven for service. Your life’s purpose is to obey and carry out the Father’s will with those gifts. Wherever He plants you, serve faithfully, fulfill your calling, stay moldable, grow, flourish, and bear fruit in God’s name for His glory.

The Big "If"

 ". . . We will come unto him and make Our abode with him. . ." (John 14:23b)

 God is so longsuffering with us, isn't He? What will it take for us to "get it”—the fact that He loves us? Why do we doubt His love or sometimes miss His activity in our lives? The Bible gives us a clue: Jesus said those who love Him have and keep His commandments. Those who love Him, the Father loves. Jesus said He loves those who love the Father and will show Himself to them (v. 21). The more we love God, we will recognize His activity.

With the cross looming before Him, Jesus reinforced truths He taught His disciples over their three years of ministry together. Time was running out—He would soon leave them. They needed to "get it" before He completed His mission.

When Jesus announced His departure, His disciples had questions. To Judas’ question, He said, "If a man loves Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him" (John 14:23), adding that people who don’t obey His words don’t love Him. Jesus said He spoke the Father’s words, not His (v. 24). How can we express to God our love for Him? By keeping His words, accepting the gift of Jesus. Jesus gave the disciples (and us) a new commandment to love one another just as He loved them (13:34). By showing this kind of love, the world would recognize them (and us) as His disciples.

A familiar song’s lyrics say that the world needs love. But rather than a "feeling" kind of love, this place God created needs genuine love, God’s love. Out of God’s great love, Jesus completed His mission on earth when He died on the cross for us and kept His word by taking up residence within each of us who said "Yes" to God’s offer of salvation. The promised Holy Spirit stays with each believer until we meet the Father face to face. That’s God’s, unconditional love. The thought for today is, where do you and I stand with the big “if?” We know the requirements.

Is All Well?

 "Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you. . . The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:3–5 NLT).

 God's message, delivered to the Israelites before entering the land of promise, is the same for us today. Parents were to instruct their children and obediently live out God’s commands every day. As the family sat at home, traveled, went to bed in the evening, and when they woke in the morning, God wanted His Word taught and followed (vs. 6–7). Did you notice the promise for obedience? All would go well with them (v. 3).

Think about the repercussions of neglecting to obey God's commands carefully. Is there any wonder why families are in crisis today? Sadly, in many households, children rule the home rather than the parents. Church attendance depends on what activities are on the calendar. Electronic devices have overtaken everyday communications. How diligent are you to teach your children to love God and obey Him? You may be thinking, but that was the Old Testament times. Yes, it was, so let’s fast-forward to the New Testament.

When the scribes asked Jesus, which commandment was the greatest, He replied by quoting the same passage in Deuteronomy, adding: "And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:39–40). All of God’s commandments hinge on two: Love and obey God, and love others as yourself. Are you diligently teaching your family to love, obey and serve God wholeheartedly, and love others? “. . . Be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you.” Is all well with you?

Three Things

“And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

 Love is one of those words in the English language that is “all over the place” in meaning, usually associated with feelings. We love God, family, friends, pets, chocolate, coffee, vehicles, house, clothes, hair, job, seasons, holidays; this list is lengthy. But the Bible is clear about love. As Paul instructed Corinth's church about spiritual gifts, he focused on love (charity), agape—God’s love. He said people who could speak different languages; had great wisdom; were godly, sacrificial, generous, and caring gained nothing if love’s attributes were missing:

Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.

Love does not demand its way.

Love is not ill-tempered nor keeps records of when wronged.

Love doesn’t rejoice about injustice but rejoices when truth prevails.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures. 

Agape lasts forever.

Three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest is God's love.

Lover of My Soul

 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16–17)

An unattractive little caterpillar spins a cocoon around itself and stays encased until it breaks out, as a beautiful butterfly. We, as sinners, are bound like that butterfly. But unlike the butterfly, we cannot break free of sin’s binding death-grip. Only the sin-cleansing power of Jesus’ blood can set us free and put us in right-standing with God. And once in Christ Jesus, God makes us new; the old is gone (2 Corinthians 5:17), and the Holy Spirit of promise eternally seals us as His child (Ephesians 1:13).

God’s love story is unlike any other. He sent Jesus to earth for the world’s salvation; God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die in our place so we would not perish in our sin. Jesus, the only way for eternal life with the Father, yielded to His Father’s will, dying for you and me. The Lover of my soul is unmatchable and indescribable—my mind cannot understand such love. 

February often stirs thoughts and gestures of love: flowers, candies, cards, gifts, and sometimes marriage proposals and weddings. As you think about love this month, remember the most extraordinary love story ever told of God and His Son.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God . . .” (1 John 3:1a)