Widen Your Focus

 

Our earthly home is no “hit or miss” operation. I, for one, am thankful God had a plan. His first act was to separate “light” from “darkness” to create “day” and “night” (Genesis 1:1-5).

Next, He created a vault called “sky” to separate the waters above and below it (Gen. 1:6-8). He gathered the water under the sky to create “seas,” and dry ground became “land” (Gen. 1:9-10).

He had the land bring forth vegetation, seed-bearing plants, and trees. From then on, they would reproduce themselves (Gen. 1:11-13). How’s that for good planning?

We are told He added lights to the sky: (1) to separate day from night, (2) to serve as markers for various times, and (3) to give light to the earth. The greater light (sun) ruled the day, and the lesser light (moon) ruled the night, plus He gave us beautiful stars to enjoy (Gen. 1:14-19).

Living creatures were then created to fill the seas, and winged birds were to fly over and live on the earth (Gen. 1:20-23). However, the land was also filled with livestock, wild animals, and creeping ground creatures (Gen. 1:24-25).

God continually reviewed His work and declared it “Good” (Genesis 1:1-25), but the best was yet to come.

He created mankind in His own likeness. They were to rule over all of His Creation. And all living things, including mankind, were created male and female to reproduce themselves. At this point, God looked at His Creative work and declared it “Very Good” (Gen. 1:26-31). Then He rested from all His work on the seventh day and declared it “holy” (Gen. 2:1-3).

As I was driving to a memorial today, I looked around me at the beauty of God’s creation. The sky was dark with rain clouds far off, but I was driving in sunshine. Next to the road, I saw people hiking the nature preserve trail. The difference today was a girl on horseback.

I started to think about animals and how they respond to us. My family enjoyed a part-Persian cat named "Bootsie," and we enjoyed our friends’ Shitzhu named “Sasha.” We used to joke that our pets had us trained as much as we had trained them.

Driving along, praising God for His Creation, is nothing new for me. I agree with the Psalmist David: I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips (Psalm 34:1).

The next time you’re out and about, widen your focus. Notice the great variety of colors and shapes around you. Who knows, you might get so happy you even break out in song (James 5:13).

Pixabay: Earth, Planet, Atmosphere image; AlexAntropov86. 

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc., Used by Permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com.

Powerful Winning Words

A childhood rhyme says, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” By experience, both children and adults know that could not be further from the truth.

But words also have power for good . . . building up instead of tearing down . . . overcoming evil with good . . . stopping arguments and formulating peace.

Do you have a Bible? You have access to some of the most powerful words in the world:

 My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty,

But it will accomplish what I please,

And it will prosper where I send it

Isaiah 55:11

For the word of God is living and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword,

It pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.

It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Jesus understood the power of God’s Word and set an example for us in its use. After Jesus’ water baptism by John, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tempted (tested) by the devil.

Read about it in Matthew 4:1-11. You’ll see the devil refers to scripture three times, but misinterprets it. Jesus, on the other hand, knows God’s word and applies it correctly.

Three times, Jesus refutes temptation by saying, “It is written.” He then follows up with an appropriate scripture.  

How can we use God’s powerful words? First, God’s Word will help us live God’s way. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” As we read our Bibles daily, God’s word can help us avoid temptation.

But we are also warned that the devil is our adversary, prowling around seeking someone to devour. We are told to resist him, standing firm in our faith (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus did this by knowing and applying scriptures when and where needed.

Powerful winning words are not automatic. Jesus said: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Remember: Daily food keeps us strong, both physically and spiritually. 

Pixabay: wooden blocks, visual concept; printablue.

  

A Time to Speak

I love Solomon’s classic contrasts in the Book of Ecclesiastes. While expressing “to everything there is a season,” he contrasts “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7, 3:1-9).

This past weekend, America celebrated 250 years of existence. That’s not long in comparison to many other nations around the world, but to us it was worth celebrating.

Along with the history of the nation's founding, we heard many patriotic hymns and songs. We also heard many prayers for America. Some were prayers of thanksgiving, while others were prayers for God’s continued mercy upon us.

What makes a nation? People! And such a wide variety, too. In America, we have fifty states, each with a varied history of its early settlers; however, it’s been my privilege to talk with missionaries. I’ve always enjoyed learning that each country has its own variety of people and cultures.

How can we ALL speak to the LORD? Psalm 100 gives some guidelines. The first verse says we can “make a joyful noise.” Psalm 98:4-6 tells us that joyful noise can be shouts of joy or songs of praise with instruments of various kinds.

Sometimes, I enjoy singing or making music on an instrument myself. At other times, I enjoy worshiping the Lord while listening to a CD or DVD of Christian songs. And, of course, church worship includes singing by the congregation, such a joyful sound.

Here are two basic guidelines: (1) Enter His gates with thanksgiving, then (2) go further into His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). I picture it this way. First, I thank God for the things He has done, and then I praise Him for who He is.

Psalm 100:5 gives us three reasons to praise the LORD: (1) He is good, (2) His love endures forever, and (3) His faithfulness endures to all generations. Isn’t it easy to say “Praise the Lord” for all that?

Speak up wholeheartedly. Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His Holy name (Psalm 103:1).

Pixabay: Diversity, Earth, Family; GDJ.

Peace by Choice

Peace is an everyday challenge. It’s often hard to feel calm or safe when so many things happen over which we have no control. Peace exists both on the outside, in the world around us, and on the inside, as reflected in our feelings and emotions.

The world can cover up anxiety and postpone worry, but it’s a temporary fix. Jesus can calm the waves of anxiety and winds of worry that come and go unbidden. Here’s a good example.

The disciples were frightened by a mighty windstorm that threatened their boat on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was sleeping in the stern, so they shouted, “Wake up! Don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” Jesus got up and said to the winds, “Be still,” and the winds died down. You can read about it in Mark 4:35-41.   

Jesus’ peace can keep us steady. Sometimes we’re climbing the mountain of anxiety, and other times we’re stumbling into the valley of despair. Hard times come to all of us, but like the disciples, we can call upon Jesus for help.

The world’s way to peace often involves alcohol, drugs, sexual pursuits, or adrenaline highs, but none are long-lasting. Jesus says His peace differs completely from the world’s (John 14:27).

Jesus experienced the peace of God Himself. Consider these examples:

•          Satan tempted Jesus as He does us (Luke 4:1-13)
•          Jesus endured great opposition from religious leaders (Matthew 16:1, Matthew 21:23)
•          He was misunderstood by the people closest to Him (Mark 6:1-5)
•         Jesus was faithful, even unto death (John 19:28-30)
•          He forgave His enemies while dying on the cross (Luke 23:33-34)

How is Jesus’ peace accessible to you? His peace comes through a relationship. Matthew 11:28-30 mentions taking Jesus’ yoke and learning from Him. Walking closely with Him will give us rest for our souls. That kind of peace sounds good to me.

Receive His peace by choice: (1) Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, (2) believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and (3) you will be saved and justified before God (Romans 10:8-11).

You can also read “The Road to Salvation” in Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, and 10:13.

Pixabay: Lake, Boat, Fisher; huynetsoft.

A Day for Dad

The Bible says to honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12). How do we do that? There are many ways, but how about these ideas for starters: Listening to them, respecting them, and showing gratitude for who they are and what they do 

I grew up as a PK, or "preacher's kid." In the professional world, Dad joined the Ministerial Association wherever we lived. But to me, he was a "pastor."

Pastor brings to mind pasture. Pasture brings to mind sheep. Sheep need a shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14). That was the type of relationship Dad had with people in his congregations.

Dad loved to study God's Word. In fact, I was blessed by his preaching from both the Old and New Testaments. 

I've heard people say, “You preachers have it easy. You only work on Sunday.” Not true. With Dad, ministry was twenty-four/seven.

Sometimes people came to our home, sometimes to his office. He went to them, too, through hospital and home visitation. He felt it was important to care for God's sheep in practical ways and everyday settings.

My life was greatly influenced by his consistency. Although compassionate to the wayward, he held himself accountable to personal principles. For example, his word was his bond. 

Before Dad passed away, I was his caregiver for two and a half years. I often saw him read his giant print Bible and get down on his knees to pray. This matched my childhood memories.

For the last three days of his life, he was in a hospice care center. My oldest brother sat by him most of that time. 

One day, while enjoying a cup of hot tea in a deli, I felt prompted to go home and get my Bible. I wanted to honor my Psalm One Daddy.

Standing close to his bedside, I said, “Dad, according to Psalm One, you are a blessed man. You have not taken advice from the wicked, but you’ve walked in the ways of the Lord as you’ve read and studied His word.”

“You may not have felt prosperous, but God met your daily needs. You have consistently produced spiritual fruit as you’ve shared God’s Word and prayed for people."

“And there are people in the churches you pastored who have continually loved the Lord and raised their families to do the same.” 

Then I read Psalm One out loud, but Dad never responded. Hospice says hearing is the last to go, so I believe he heard me. 

Dad died in 2012, but today is Father's Day, and I'm honoring my father by sharing this special memory. 

Pixabay: Ai Generated, Dad, Heart; GDJ.

A Self-Made Challenge

I just finished the Book of Ecclesiastes by King Solomon. OK, I’ll admit it. I made myself read it!

I’ve read it before but never studied it. My large-print *Life Application Study Bible (New International Version) motivated me with its footnotes, cross-references, introductory notes, and charts. We are blessed to have such help available

I’ve always enjoyed the classic beauty of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Solomon wrote, “There is a time for everything,” then contrasted positive and negative events in our lives. It’s worth a read!

Ecclesiastes opens by using the word “meaningless” four times in the NIV (in the King James Version, the word is “vanity”). Not exactly words to draw us in, but this time I determined to plow on through it. Raised on the plains, plow was exactly how I felt about it. . . breaking into fertile, untouched territory, one chapter a day. Footnotes were the biggest help. Then I considered cross-references.

I discovered some “meaningful” scriptures along the way. For example, as a history major, I could agree with Solomon that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10).

From other Scriptures, I also knew he was correct in saying “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked” (Ecclesiastes 3:17). Also, it’s better NOT to make a vow to God than to make a vow and not fulfill it (Ecclesiastes 5:4-7).

I finished the book and then paged through to review. Chapter two caught my attention because sixteen verses in a row were extremely self-focused: “I” will do this, “I” will do that. My previous note in the margin said: Great accomplishments with no eternal motives.

At the end, with his focus on God and not himself, Solomon said, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:12-13).

Remember: All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Even the Book of Ecclesiastes!

Ready for a self-made challenge? You might be pleasantly surprised, or at least get a feeling of accomplishment.

*Life Application Study Bible, Lge. Print (NIV: New International Version) is published jointly by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. and Zondervan. Life Application Study Bible copyright 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2004, 2005 by Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, IL 50188. All Rights Reserved. (Note: Available where Bibles are sold. I purchased from christianbooks.com. It comes in different translations.)

*Pixabay: Explore, Word, Letters; WOKANDAPIX.

What Am I?

A passing comment this week caught my attention and wouldn’t fade away. By the time you finish reading this, you might ask yourself the same question.

I don’t remember who said it, but here’s the comment: The word “disciple” comes from the word “discipline.”

I had always thought of discipline as a verb: Action taken to train, control, or punish those who didn’t see any need to obey/follow certain rules.   

Now I was reminded that discipline could also be a noun, meaning: Mental self-training or preparation, while developing a system of obedience to rules of conduct.

Here’s where it becomes personal! Jesus said the Holy Spirit would come and lead us into all truth (John 16:12-14); however, it is always our choice to follow what we learn, or not.

Why do I say that? For two reasons:

(1) Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24 and Luke 9:23).  

(2) Jesus’ final instructions were to “make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Words tend to change meanings over time. For example: (1) In Acts, disciples were all who believed in the risen Lord, (2) Then, with the Great Commission, disciples became those who responded in faith to Jesus Christ for salvation, and (3) Eventually, “disciple” became an equivalent to the word “Christian” (Christ One).

In our time, the Great Commission resembles a Great Evangelism program. I really appreciate the ministries that: (1) Not only call people to salvation through faith in Jesus, but (2) Also offer materials and further teaching on how to become a committed “disciple,” learning/obeying Jesus’ teachings.

So, I’ve asked myself, “What am I: A Christian, or a Disciple?”

I’ve always considered myself a Christian, believing in Jesus as my Savior. Now, I’m going deeper and identifying as a disciple.

By God’s grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, I desire to: (1) Continually learn and obey Jesus’ teachings, and also (2) Try to encourage others with what I learn.

How about you?

Pixabay: Screen, TV, Watch TV; geralt.