Deep Thoughts & Little Happenings – Page 4 – I looked, and I thought about it; I saw, and I learned this lesson. Proverbs 24:32

April 29, 2021April 29, 2021

Learning from Baseball: The Offer

Key Verse:

It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NLT)

What do all Major League Baseball players have in common? Each one received an offer to play for a team in the league. They all chose to accept The Offer they were given.

There’s a spiritual parallel. The Bible tells us God draws us and grows our desire to be Jesus-followers. And Jesus-followers telling others about the Good News of Jesus is all part of His plan.

You may be asking, “What’s the Good News?”

In a nutshell? Jesus is The Good News.

Why? Jesus is the One who bridges the gap between our sinfulness and God’s holiness. Jesus is the only way our relationship with God can be restored.

You’re probably wondering why the relationship was broken. Long ago, doubt in God’s word being right and His character being good grew into the first act of disobedience. That was the day sin came into the world and infected all mankind. Sin created separation between us and God because holiness and sinfulness cannot co-exist. (You can read all about God, creation, and the first sin in the first three chapters of Genesis.)

Jesus is God in the flesh. Yes! God clothed Himself in flesh and subjected Himself to the limitations of the flesh. But Jesus also had the same Holy Spirit every single Jesus-follower is given at the time of our salvation.

Salvation? What am I talking about? Okay, Jesus left His kingdom, came to earth and lived a sinless life in the flesh, willingly died a gruesome and undeserved death on a cruel Roman cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and was resurrected again on the third day. The death and burial of Jesus removed the barrier of sin. His resurrection overcame the power of death which is the final penalty for sin.

Salvation is freedom from sin and its penalty.

All people sin, so there’s no finger pointing here. Jesus is the only person who has never sinned.

Jesus paid the wages of sin for everyone. Forgiveness of sins is a done deal, but we have to take what’s been so freely given. We cannot earn our salvation. But, we can choose to believe Jesus earned our salvation for us, and then live the rest of our lives by faith.

If you haven’t already accepted The Offer, you don’t have to wait for a “right” time. You can accept The Offer right now! The Bible is clear…

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

If you just accepted The Offer of salvation through Jesus, CONGRATULATIONS!

With your acceptance, you’ve been given the promise of new life. Yes! It’s true! A life lived by faith in Jesus creates change in us.

Believing in and following Jesus brings with it a progressive change in our thoughts and actions. Why? What we believe will always influence our choices and changed choices create changed lives. The changes may be less noticeable in the beginning, but no worries; change will come.

Let’s stop there for today. We’ll take a deeper look at living a life of faith and change next week.

Between Then and Now:

1 Read the books Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. If you’re not familiar with the Bible, these are the first four books in the New Testament and their location is listed in the Table of Contents. These four books are called the Gospels because they’re about the life of Jesus.

2 If have not already accepted The Offer of salvation through Jesus, what’s holding you back? This is not a rhetorical question…formulating your answer will bring clarity to your questions or concerns about Jesus and salvation.

3 If you have accepted The Offer, why did you? Again, this is not a rhetorical question…formulating your answer will bring added clarity for those times when you’re the one sharing the Good News of Jesus with others.

A word of caution: Don’t get hung up on a prescribed timeline. In baseball, it may take someone until their high school or college years before they discover their love of the game. That’s why today’s verse is important. The Good News of Jesus is like a seed planted. It’s not a comparison game of how long ago the seed was planted or how few or how many people nurtured the seed. It’s about the seed being planted so it can grow. God will complete the work ! Just know…God has not forgotten you or the one you love. He hears all your prayers, and He wants them to accept His Offer of salvation even more than you do.

Digging Deeper:

Jeremiah 29:13, Luke 19:10, John 1:1-18, John 3:16-17, John 6:44, John 14:6 & 15-21, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-13, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:16 & 22-25, Ephesians 2:8-10, Thessalonians 4:13-18, & Hebrews 11:1

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021

Learning from Baseball: Who’s in Charge?

Key Verse:

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (NLT)

Today I’m sharing another spiritual parallel baseball season has me remembering. It is not a new truth, but it is a foundational truth for all Jesus-followers.

There are four umpires in each Major League Baseball (MLB) game. Home Plate Umpire is the one “in charge” of the game. The other three are called Base Umpires and are stationed near the bases. Home Plate Umpire says when play begins and ends. He’s the one who decides if a pitcher throws a ball or a strike or balks. He decides whether a batter checked his swing, foul tips, or is hit by a pitch. He’s also the one who calls the runner safe at home. **

Umpires know how the game is supposed to be played. They know the rules of baseball, and they’re the ones who determine whether the players are safe, out, have or have not committed an infraction, and everything in-between.

Okay, I’m guessing you’ve already recognized the spiritual parallel.

God is the creator of all life. The Bible is His written word, and He is the final authority on what is right and what is wrong. God is the only One who can say whether or not we have met the requirements to safely enter the Kingdom of Heaven (His home).

No worries! He’s made a way. Yes! He’s provided all we need to be on His team and get safely Home.

The way is Jesus!

But what about all the living we do between becoming a part of the team and going home? It’s right there in the middle of living where we learn and practice.

The middle of living is also where we are most susceptible to the danger of forgetting who’s “in charge” and has final authority.

We get distracted by our own point of view. In our daily relationships, conversations, challenges, praises, heartbreaks, surprises, and responsibilities, we forget to remember.

I’m definitely on Team Jesus. I have no worries about going Home. But…

Sometimes I resemble the batter who swings too late or too early and either misses the ball completely or makes a bad connection and pops up, flies out, or hits into a double play. Other times I’m like the batter who gets called out watching.

Either scenario puts me at a crossroad.

Will I argue or accept the call?

I’ve gotten better, but there are times I still catch myself trying to convince the LORD my thoughts, words, or actions (or lack thereof) were right.

Yes, I know this is the same as saying God’s wrong!

Yes! I know I’m not trusting Him or His thoughts and ways.

Yes! I know I struggle against His authority because I’m trusting my own understanding of the situation and focused on my own Point of View.

Maybe that’s why 1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1 are two of my favorite verses. They’re filled with promise and hope for those of us who forget.

And God is faithful. He always keeps His promises!

Next week we’re going to look at getting the call to be on Team Jesus.

Between Then and Now…

1 Practice daily the disciplines of reading your Bible (listening to God) and praying (talking to God).

2 Take some time to think about the situations when you are most prone to argue your point of view.

3 Ask Jesus to show you what you’re not seeing, what you’re missing, and how to correct the problem and get a hit.

Digging Deeper:

Proverbs 3:5-6, John 3:16, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 8:1, 1 John 1:9,

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Fun Fact: In 2014, the Instant Replay Review System was implemented – MLB Coaches are now allowed to challenge some calls of the umpire. Reviews are examined by umpires at the Replay Command Center in New York City who have the final decision on whether to uphold or overturn the initial call. ***

** Umpire (Baseball) – Wikipedia

*** Instant Replay in Major League Baseball – Wikipedia

April 15, 2021April 21, 2021

Learning From Baseball: Influence and Impact

Today’s Scripture Passage:

1 Corinthians 12

Key Verse:

If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (NLT)

If you don’t follow baseball, you might not know the Washington Nationals did not get to play the first four games of this year’s season.

Why? Because four team members tested positive for Covid. And five more players, plus a staff member, were quarantined due to contact tracing.

That’s right! The disease created a rippling effect of impact on the entire team. And it didn’t stop there. It also affected the other teams they were scheduled to play.

Now please don’t misunderstand the point of this. I’m not implying Covid is the result of sin, and I have no idea if the team members’ choices played a part in them contracting Covid. That’s not my intent!

But…

I am thinking about how insidious sin is. Yes! Jesus-followers are not immune. We’re freed from sin and forgiven for our sin, but we must never allow ourselves to forget the dangers of practicing sin.

Sin will infiltrate every fiber of our lives and impact all those around us. Just like Covid infected one member of the team and spread to others. Our sin is like an infection in the body of Christ.

Jesus cautioned His disciples about the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

But Jesus also said the Kingdom of Heaven is like a little “yeast” that spreads throughout an entire batch of dough.

All I want us to think about and remember today is…

We are responsible for our choices and our choices determine what type of influence we are in every one of our relationships.

Are we going to be like the bad company that corrupts good character?

Or are we going to be the faithful companion whose life helps others rise up and become both healthy and beneficial members of the body of Christ?

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 101, Matthew 13:33, Mathew 16:5-12, 1 Corinthians 5, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 5 & 1 John 1:9

1 Pray before reading this week’s Digging Deeper verses. Ask Holy Spirit to help you understand what you’re reading and how each applies to your life.

2 Who are the people who influence your choices? Are they bad company or faithful companions? What about you? What permeates the lives of those around you?

3 Is there something you need to confess? If so, talk to Jesus about it today. Don’t wait! Forgiveness and cleansing are promised to all who confess their sins.

April 8, 2021April 21, 2021

Learning From Baseball: Be a Team Player

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Romans 12

Key Verse:

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)

Baseball season has begun, and I’m a fan. More specifically, I’m a Washington Nationals Fan. I chose them as “My Team” back in early 2008 after we returned to Northern Virginia with plans to retire in the area. Our entire family are sports fans, but I’d never had my own team. I deliberately waited until we were settled in one place, but once chosen, I quickly began calling myself a Nats Fan.

Honestly, the Nats were hard put to win a game in those early years, but I didn’t care. We went to games or watched on the local station, MASN. I got to know the players and which positions they played. I cheered for them by name.

I knew how to cheer. I’d watched George and the children play enough softball and baseball games to know a lot of the proper terminology; pitcher, catcher, batter, baserunner, infield, outfield, umpire, bases, pitcher’s mound, batter’s box, dugout, etc.

What I didn’t realize was how much more there is to baseball than hit the ball and run the bases, or catch the ball and get the runner out. I didn’t grasp just how crucial it is for each player to do their part and only their part. I didn’t understand the importance of each position and the part each position played in the overall success of the team.

Yes, I knew playing well won games, but baseball requires all nine positions to play their part well. Starting pitchers can help you win, but they can’t win the game singlehandedly. They need teammates who are fielding hits and getting outs. They also need those same teammates to get on base and score runs. Clutch hitters need others to be on base in order for their hits to have maximum benefit. A grand slam only happens if the bases are already loaded when a homerun is hit.

All team members must learn and practice regularly the work of their position. The same is true of every Jesus-follower, and today’s Scripture addresses this type of teamwork in the church. Each part contributes to the success of the whole. No one position has more value because each position is needed. How do we know this? Holy Spirit wouldn’t give us our gifting for the body if the body didn’t need it.

The body is all Jesus-followers everywhere which includes the local church where we serve and worship. Reminder, the church is not the building; the church is the people.

Holy Spirit assigns us our position in the body. The position may change as the body changes but what is required of each position is to do our part. My part will support the other parts. If I try to do the part of another, I will neglect my part. Neglecting to do my part is disobeying the One who has given me my position in His body.

Digging Deeper:

1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 5:20 & Colossians 1:18

Jesus Journaling:

1 Take time this week to read the Digging Deeper Scriptures.

2 Set aside some time to do a Spiritual Gifts Survey (if you haven’t already). If it’s been a while, you may want to take it again. Ask Jesus to help you learn and practice using your gifts and playing your position well.

3 Read Ephesians 6:18.

April 1, 2021April 1, 2021

How to Keep Yourself from Being Taken for a Ride

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Proverbs 15:1-2 & Proverbs 16: 21 & 23-24

Key Verse:

Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)

I recently received a gift from a friend which included a note about a conversation we were part of several years ago. The words of the note took me back in time and I once again felt the impact of truth shared that day. I felt the joy the conversation created in me all over again.

This was a timely reminder of something I needed to remember.

My thoughts influence my words!

Yes! All of my words! That’s a BIG reminder, right?!

The gift and note reminded me of a time when the words spoken were a blessing. But what about times when critical or careless words are spoken?

Have you ever been wounded by words?

Why? Because words reveal the thoughts of the speaker.

Have you ever wounded someone with your words?

I’m guilty! I too often find my mind returning to the same train of thought. I hop on and allow it to take me for a ride. Before I even realize it, I’m far from where I want to be. The train I’m on is affecting both my words and choices and bringing anything BUT benefit to me or those around me.

“insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results.”
This “definition of insanity” first appeared in 1981, in a document published by Narcotics Anonymous.

We must make different choices if we want different results!

Easy to know, but harder to do.

I have every intention of NEVER letting my thoughts return to the same old train, but I often find myself hopping back on and going for another ride.

But how do I stop? I’m learning I must…

1-Be alert to my train of thought and which direction it’s taking me!

2-Be ready to jump on another train of thought – immediately, without hesitation! This requires me to know which thought train I want to ride.

I don’t know about you, but I want my thoughts going in a direction that helps me speak words of life and healing to all who hear them!

We all live a life of influence, but …

What kind of influence are we?

Jesus Journaling:

1 Be aware which train your thoughts are riding.

2 Read Philippians 4:8. Begin memorizing one Bible verse at a time. Use those verses to redirect your thoughts when you find them going in the wrong direction.

3 Read Psalm 19:14. Make these words a daily prayer. Be alert to how the LORD uses your prayers to bring sweetness and healing into your relationships.

FYI: Although I know these truths, I still get on the wrong train of thought and allow my words to deliver hurt instead of healing. I’m praying the words of Psalm 19:14 for myself right alongside you!

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021

How to Be Part of a Controlled Burn

Today’s Scripture Passage:

James 3:1-12

Key Verse:

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29-30 (NASB)

Two weeks ago, we were at Deep Cut Trailhead in the Manassas Battlefield National Park (MNBP). It was a beautiful day, but we hadn’t even gotten to the low-lying sections when we found ourselves squishing and sinking with every step. We decided to turn around and come back another day.

One week later, we returned to find something entirely different. The trail was no longer surrounded by fields covered with golden windblown grasses. The gold was now a blackened scar lining each side of the trail and stretching out in all directions. The change was startling.

This was no haphazard burning.

The burns smoothly outlined both sides of the trail.

We were witnessing the aftermath of a controlled burn!

This week we were on another MBNP trail when we saw a Park Ranger and stopped to chat. He asked if we’d been to Deep Cut since the burn.

Turns out he was one of the rangers who watched from afar. He was still excited about seeing professionals from all over the state use their knowledge and equipment the day of the burn. He was also eager to share his experience.

Did you know the MBNP does a controlled burn twice a year? They do! He explained the benefits. He talked about all the time and effort required to plan and execute such a precise burn. He shared the months of planning and coordination required between the park and the one who would eventually oversee and be held responsible for the results of the burn.

He told us those assisting with the burn must be qualified fire fighters. They must also be unwavering in their commitment to follow instructions throughout the entire process.

I was barely walking away before I was hit with the spiritual parallel.

There is a big difference between burning a field and a controlled burn.

The timing and conditions must be exact. Those doing the planning must know the importance of both. They must also know how to keep track of them. Delays and cancellations of a burn are sometimes necessary. Burns are not done unless all conditions are right. Burns are not done if the timing is not exact.

To burn at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions can bring destruction instead of benefits!

It is much better to cancel a burn than to burn at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions!

So, what’s the parallel? The Bible (God’s written word) tells us…

Our God is a consuming fire; He uses fire to refine our faith and test our works. God lives in all those who have been saved by faith in Jesus and are sealed with His Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit baptizes us by fire at the time of our salvation. This is the fire God uses to test and refine our faith.

The Bible is also very clear about the fire in our tongues. Yes! What James wrote about the tongue was written to those who were already Jesus-followers.

So, who’s the expert on a controlled burn? Holy Spirit!

Holy Spirit uses our tongue (words) when we are completely committed to following His instructions. Using the right words at the right time and in the exact right conditions will bring benefit to those who hear them.

Even the right words at the wrong time or in the wrong conditions can do damage and grieve Holy Spirit.

Read today’s verses again…

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

I do not believe it’s an accident these verses were written to us in back-to-back order.

Our words are supposed to give grace to those who hear them.

BUT

We grieve Holy Spirit whenever our words do not give grace to the hearer.

I think words that grieve Holy Spirit must be the careless words Jesus was talking about in Matthew 12:36. Look at what He said, “But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m all too often guilty of using careless words!

And since my words originate in my thoughts, I can only assume when my words grieve Holy Spirit, my thoughts grieve Holy Spirit too!

“May the words of my mouth
and the thoughts of my heart
be acceptable in your presence,
Adonai, my Rock and Redeemer.” Psalm 19:15 (CJB)

For the curious…

There is already new growth at Deep Cut (we went to look). That’s Right! The controlled burn removed what was not healthy and made room for new growth. How’s that for exciting?!

Jesus Journaling:

1 Take some time to remember the most encouraging words others have spoken to you. What was it about those conversations that influenced you to make wise choices that were pleasing to the LORD?

2 Spend some time thinking about your conversations during this past week. How many of your words were spoken (or written) carelessly? Ask Jesus to make you sensitive to His timing and conditions in every conversation.

3 Talk to Jesus about learning a new way of thinking, so your words will give grace to the hearers and won’t grieve Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper:

Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:3, 1st Corinthians 3:12-14, Hebrews 12:28-29, & 1st Peter 1:6-8

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021

Receiving the Renewable Energy of Trusting Jesus

Key Verse:

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

Photo taken by George Coulson at Manassas National Battlefield Park, November 24, 2020.

I sat on the porch and marveled at all the colors the LORD was using to paint the morning skies. I listened as songbirds sang a chorus of praises and marveled at the grace of the larger birds soaring overhead.

Those large birds are birds of prey and have captured my attention a lot lately. I’ve pointed them out to George and together we’ve watched and marveled over their ability to stay aloft without ever moving their wings. They appear to just rest on the air, pivoting and tilting, rising and swooping down only to rise again, slowly moving closer and further away until they are only a dot on the horizon.

Those birds are part of the path the LORD’s been leading me to follow for a while now. It started with The Joy Challenge last Thanksgiving and continued with an in-depth look into Matthew 11:28-30 as we welcomed in this New Year.

Through it all, the LORD was opening me up to a place of new understanding. Revealing more of the relationship between joy and trust, and obedience and rest. I began asking questions.

How is it possible to live a life of wholehearted obedience and still be rested.

How is it possible to live in full tilt faithfulness to Jesus without becoming weary in my walk or work?

His answer came yesterday morning. I was reading what King David wrote in Psalm 23:3 when the connection finally came like a spark of electricity running straight to my heart.

I was seeing the same paradox Isaiah wrote about in today’s key verse, and I realized something new and wonderful. Read what Isaiah wrote…

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Now look at what David wrote about the LORD…

He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

My strength is renewed as the LORD leads me along right paths!

Renewed strength comes while I live my life trusting Jesus.

Trusting is following wherever He leads.

Trusting is doing what it is right in His sight!

It is in the trusting enough to follow that you and I are refreshed and our strength is renewed!

The LORD’s strength is like renewable energy!

I quickly looked up renewable energy.

Renewable Energy is energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power. (Oxford Dictionaries – Cortana)

This led me to look up what Jesus said in Acts 1:8 about the power we receive from Holy Spirit. Read what He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Holy Spirit is the source of our power and His power will never be depleted. No matter how much Holy Spirit power we use, there is an endless source of Holy Spirit power at our disposal.

Holy Spirit power is the original renewable energy!

I finished by reading what Paul wrote in Galatians 5:25. “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

I know, none of this is new information, and yet…

I’m beginning to realize just how much more there is to experience as a Jesus-follower.

I feel like the child who knows she’s supposed to catch the ball in her glove but can’t seem to make her body obey what her brain tells it to do. That’s why opportunities to practice what we know is such a big part of learning.

I definitely need a lot more practice when it comes to living a life of joy, trust, obedience, and renewed strength in Jesus. I don’t want to settle for knowing about it. I want to experience it – ALL of it! Don’t you?!

Jesus Journaling:

1 Be on the lookout for any of those big birds soaring high overhead. Notice how they allow the air to determine their direction. Talk to Jesus about the areas of your life where you are weary. Ask Him if it’s possible you’re so weary because you’re fighting the direction He’s taking you. Ask Him to help you find a place of renewed strength.

2 Is there something you have a desire to do but are struggling to begin? Talk to Jesus about your struggle. Maybe it’s because you’re not sure it’s a desire He’s given you, or you’re not sure how to start, or maybe it’s something else entirely. Whatever your reason, be honest with Him. Expect Him to hear you and respond!

3 Write down one thing you’re going to do as an act of trust and obedience and begin practicing it. Stick close to Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead you AND renew your energy as you trust and follow.

March 11, 2021March 12, 2021

Let Your Shiny Thing Go!

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Philippians 3:7-16

Key Verse:

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. Philippians 3:8-9a (NLT)

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is a great story of perseverance and love. It’s about a boy named Billy and his two redbone hunting hounds. Billy works and saves to buy two pups, so he will have his own coon hounds. Billy goes to his grandpa for help when it comes time to train his pups; he needs a fresh coon pelt for giving them the scent.

Grandpa tells Billy to drill a hole in a hollow log and put something shiny inside. The size was very specific and important; the hole needed to be barely big enough for a coon to slip his paw inside. Apparently, racoons cannot resist anything shiny.

The trap worked. Why? The trapped coon refused to release the shiny object, and he couldn’t pull free while clutching his shiny prize. All he had to do was let it go!

The principle of letting go to live free doesn’t only apply to freeing oneself from a hollow log trap.

It’s also a great principle for living in the freedom of truth. Why?

Have you ever struggled to forget a hurt?

Or refused to value a person with a differing point of view?

Have your feelings ever controlled your choices?

Has a past sin haunted you, filled you with shame, or consumed your future with fear?

Do you find yourself thinking “if only _______ hadn’t happened” or “if only I could have or do __________”, I would be happy?

Whatever our shiny thing is, we don’t let go because we consider it both valuable and harmless. We hold on tight because we see it through the eyes of our own understanding.

That’s what Jesus was talking about in John 8:32 when He said, “the truth will set you free.”

Jesus isn’t trying to rob our joy. Just the opposite! Look at what He said in the last part of John 10:10, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Jesus wants all of His followers to have rich and satisfying lives!

Don’t confuse what Jesus gives with the riches of this world. A rich and satisfying life is so much more than money, power, or control over our circumstances.

A rich and satisfying life doesn’t mean having no more troubles. Jesus told us in John 16:33 we will have troubles in this world. But Jesus also said to take heart because He has overcome the world.

King Solomon knew the importance of letting go. That’s what he was talking about in Proverbs 3:5, when he wrote, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on our own understanding.”

We can’t trust our understanding AND trust the LORD at the same time.

We must choose!

We each have a question to answer…

Am I going to trust the LORD, or am I going to trust my own understanding?

Choosing to trust the LORD makes it possible to “let go” of our own understanding and live by faith. That’s where we learn more of Him and His faithfulness to us!

The more we know Jesus, the more we delight in Him. The more we delight in Jesus, the more our desires align with His. How do I know this?

In Psalm 37:4, David writes, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Read it again, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” One more time, “He will give you your heart’s desires.” That’s right!

He will give us our desires! Woot! Woot! What we desire will NOT be shiny things that trap us but truth that sets us free!

In case you’re wondering, the coon never let go, Billy’s pa killed the coon, Billy used the coon’s pelt to train his pups, and both pups became great hunting hounds.

Jesus Journaling:

1 What shiny things trap you? What are your reasons for holding onto them, and why do those reasons make it harder for you to let them go? Ask Jesus to show you the truth behind why He wants you to let them go, and what He wants you to have instead.

2 Do you feel like freedom in Christ is for others but beyond your grasp? Talk to Jesus about it, read His word (the Bible), and expect Him to show you how to fully experience the rich and satisfying life He wants you to have.

3 Is there a step of faith you’ve been hesitating to take? If so, what is causing your hesitation? Talk to Jesus about what has you trapped and unable to take that first step of faith.

Warning…There is someone who wants to trap you. He’s the enemy of every Jesus-follower. Be careful! Don’t allow yourself to blame your enemy for your desires (those shiny things that hold you captive). James 1:14 clearly tells us they are “our own desires.” Our enemy uses our desires against us. He sets his traps with our desires. Jesus calls our enemy a thief whose “purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” That’s right! Our enemy wants us to hold on tight to our shiny things; he wants us miserable and stuck in the trap of our own desires and understanding.

FYI: There is one truth we must never compromise…Jesus is the only way for us to be saved (John 14:6 & Act 4:12).

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

Will You Help a Friend in Need?

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Matthew 7:1-5

Key Verse:

Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:5 (NLT)

It’s easy to read today’s passage of Scripture and zoom in on the get the log out of your own eye. But look at the end of verse 5 again, “then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

Jesus did NOT say get the log out of your own eye then leave your friend struggling with the speck in her eye.

We’ve all experienced the irritation of having something in our eye. Our eye waters and becomes painful and distracting. We’re battling a tiny speck we can’t see but know is there. We need help and finally give up and ask someone else to take a look.

The same is true of our spiritual eyes. Sometimes, we just can’t see what’s is causing all the trouble. We know something is there. We feel the irritation and painful effects, but it’s as impossible to see as a speck in our physical eye.

That’s when God’s grace provides a friend to help us. This is a friend who loves us at all times…yes, even when we’re not at our best and struggling with a “speck” of sin. This is a friend who is humble and gentle at heart, loves us enough to draw near, look closely, and do the delicate work of hurting us to help us.

God’s grace comes to us in many ways, but I think fellow believers are some of the most wonderful and miraculous gifts of God’s grace in our lives. Why? It takes a true friend to remove a speck with love and without condemnation; a friend with a genuine desire to help us when we are in pain and our eyes are full of tears.

I’m thankful to have more than one friend willing to speak truth to me. Truth spoken from a place of genuine love. Admittedly, it hurts! And I can struggle with feeling offended or a need to defend myself. It doesn’t matter that I know I had a speck or needed help. It doesn’t even matter that I asked for help. The pain of seeing my “speck” of sin always sends me scurrying away for some serious Jesus time.

It usually starts with a good old-fashioned vent and cry session. After I calm down, Jesus helps me move from godly sorrow to repenting and confessing. That’s when His forgiveness and cleansing come. Oh what joy!

Oh! One other thing I’ve noticed is the clarity of hind sight. Once a speck is removed, I can see how Holy Spirit uses my relationships, circumstances, and God’s word to prepare me to accept the truth of my sin and my need for help.

I’ve learned, no matter how painful the process, the removal of a “speck” of sin brings blessing. The longer a speck is in the eye, the more damage is done and the higher the risk of long-term consequences.

So, next time a friend comes to you, shares a pain, and asks if you see a speck in their eye, don’t talk yourself out of sharing the truth of what you see. Remember you’re the one they’ve come to for help. They trust you to speak truth in love.

Jesus didn’t tell us not to help our friend. He said to be sure our own eyes are free of debris before we help.

Jesus Journaling:

1 When you’re struggling with a speck you can’t see yourself, do you ask someone for help? If yes, who and why did you choose that person? If no, why not?

2 What are some early signs of a speck you’ve come to recognize in your own life?

3 What causes you to doubt yourself when it comes to helping a friend with a speck?

Digging Deeper:

Proverbs 17:17, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 4:14-16, 1 John 1:9

February 25, 2021February 25, 2021

We’re Ambassadors Living in A Foreign Land

Today’s Scripture Passage:

2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2

Key Verse:

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Philippians 3:20a (NLT)

I too often concern myself with what is of no consequence in the Kingdom of Heaven. I forget an important truth…

Those who belong to Jesus are citizens of Heaven!

Citizens of Heaven are Ambassadors on earth and in the cities where they live.

Ambassador
– an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.
– a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.
Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

I (and you) must remember we’re not meant to live as dual-citizens.

We’re only representatives living in this foreign land.

Who are we here to represent?

Jesus Christ!

What are we here to promote?

Reconciliation!

We are Ministers of Reconciliation for Jesus.

We are Ambassadors for Jesus Christ living in this world and surrounded by people who are dying in their sins apart from Him.

I learned something else about ambassadors during my Bible time yesterday. Isn’t the LORD amazing?!

I discovered ambassadors are also the king’s messengers to other citizens of their home country who are also living in a foreign land. I included those verses from Jeremiah in the Digger Deeper section below, but the message was sent to encourage God’s people.

It was God’s reminder to trust Him, believe His promises to them, to help them understand He put them there for a purpose, and to know He would fulfill His plan for them. His message also admonished them to work for the peace and prosperity of the city where He sent them, and to pray for it (the foreign city) because their welfare was linked to the welfare of the place they were living.

God’s word is very clear, those who are in Christ Jesus are new creatures. We’re no longer citizens of this world but of His Kingdom. While here, we’re to seek His Kingdom, do what is right, and trust Him for all our needs. We’re to encourage one another to live and work and love well. We’re to work for the good of the place He sent us to live. We’re to pray for it, and we’re to pray for one another. May we be found faithful ambassadors!

LORD, we’re so thankful to be citizens of Your Kingdom. Thank You for the privilege of being your representatives here. Help us to grow in our relationship with You, so we will represent You well. Give us compassion and courage, and teach us to love those around us as You love them. We want to love as citizens of Heavens and not citizens of this world!

Digging Deeper:

Jeremiah 29:3-14, Matthew 6:32-33, John 17:14-16, Ephesians 6:18, Hebrews 10:25, 1 Peter 2:10-12 & Revelation 1:5

Fun Facts:

I just learned the difference between a citizen and a denizen. They both reside in a particular country but denizens are foreigners. I guess that makes us denizens!

Denizen
– an inhabitant or occupant of a particular place.
– a foreigner allowed certain rights in the adopted country.
Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator