The Orange Illustration

Orange is a color, but also a fruit. Growing up in the Midwest, oranges were not plentiful. But when I lived in California, my in-laws had some of the best orange trees ever!

I’m no longer there, so I have to go to my favorite produce store. Before my Goddaughter came to visit, I had gotten some delightfully sweet ones.

On the second day of her visit, I said, “Let’s have one of these oranges. They’re the best ones ever.” I handed her one, only to have her turn it over and hand it back to me. The underside was black.

It was not only surprising but disappointing. We knew the heart of this orange would be no better, so I threw it in the trash.

Once again, a godly principle made an impact. When God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint a king, he saw seven possible candidates. But God said, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” (I Samuel 16:1-12)

Perplexed, Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse said, “The youngest one is out tending sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him. We’ll wait.” When David arrived, “God said, “Anoint him, he’s the one.”

The most famous verse in this story is 1 Samuel 16:7 . . . the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.

This is a principle from which God never varies. Jesus taught about people as fruit trees. He said, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20).

Read further and you see that Jesus refers to fruit as actions (Matthew 7:21-23). If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior, that’s good. But how are you living out your faith?

On judgment day, we’ll be called into accountability for both our actions and our words (Matthew 7:21-23, 12:33-37).

We are to be fruit inspectors. First, we must inspect our own lives. Who knows us best? We do!

Next, we need to inspect the lives of those we choose as best friends. Are they bearing good fruit and encouraging us to do the same?

Today's challenge: Aim to be the good fruit-bearing tree, in both actions and words.

Pixabay: Oranges, Fruits, Grove; Hans. 

 

The Torn Veil

A veil can sometimes also be called a curtain. Of course, that puts it in a heavier weight category than a wispy bridal veil.

In celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus, we rarely hear about the miraculous tearing of a temple veil. I recently heard Rick Renner, Bible teacher/author, explain that the torn veil was a hand-breadth thick, taller than any human could simply reach, and 300 priests were needed to install and pull it into place.

I was trying to take notes, but I missed the dimensions. I want the details, so I’ve ordered a copy of his latest book: *Easter: The Rest of the Story. The point is that at the time Jesus gave up His life, a temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Luke 23:45-46). This powerful act of God indicated the transition from the Old to the New Covenant.

Here’s why. The temple had two veils. In the temple Courtyard, the first veil separated it from the Holy Place where the priests could enter to do their assigned duties.

Beyond that, the second veil separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Only the High Priest could enter there, and only once a year. On the Day of Atonement, He would enter with the blood of animals as a sacrifice for his sins and those of the people.

That helps us understand these scriptures: Hebrews 9:11-15; 10:24-25; 1 Timothy 2:5-6. There we learn that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant. With His blood, He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin to God.  

Something else amazes me. We, as believers, are chosen to be a royal priesthood, a people of God with heavenly assignments (1 Peter 2:9).

We are to minister to one another. For example, have you shared the wonderful virtues of God with anyone lately? Have you spurred someone on to love and do good deeds? Are you faithful in meeting together? (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Why not thank God for the torn veil? I say, “Thank you, God, for Jesus, our new and better way. Amen.”

*Easter: The Rest of the Story, Rick Renner, Harvest House Publishers, 2025, available through christianbooks.com, or anywhere books are sold. CB says it will be shipped in May.

Pixabay: Jesus, Crucifixion; GDJ.

  

Be-Attitudes and Blessings

I love reading the Bible, God’s living word. Anyone reading the Bible over a length of time has probably read the same scriptures more than once. You may also have learned something new each time.

That’s what happened to me this week. I’m working my way through the Book of Matthew, re-reading it this time in the *Amplified Version.

One day this week, I read Matthew Five. Even though I’ve read it many times, I read it again the next day. I made some notes while I looked at it as a whole, instead of single verses.

Let’s look at the rewards first. Those who practice the “Be-Attitudes” will find:
1.    The kingdom of heaven is theirs; they shall be comforted, and inherit the earth.
2.    They will be filled with righteousness, obtain mercy, and see God.
3.    They shall be called the sons of God, and in the kingdom of heaven, they will have great reward.

Do you see anything undesirable there? I don’t. From the Amplified Version let’s consider how to obtain these blessings:

1.        First, we need to be poor in spirit (humble ourselves before God).
2.          If we mourn, we will be comforted by God’s matchless grace.
3.          The meek (the patient and long-suffering) will enjoy God’s favor regardless of outward conditions.
4.          Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, as born-again children of God, will enjoy His favor and salvation.
5.          The merciful will find satisfaction in God’s favor, regardless of outward circumstances.
6.          The pure in heart will enjoy happiness produced by God’s favor and the revelation of His grace.
7.          The makers and maintainers of peace will be spiritually prosperous with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor.
8.          Those persecuted for righteousness’ sake (being and doing right) will prosper in spirit as born-again children of God.
9.          When people persecute you (saying false things against you because you serve Jesus) be glad and remain joyful, for your reward is in heaven.

These “be-attitudes” and blessings are Jesus' teachings. But if you read John 12:44-50, you will find they are also the words of His Father in heaven. 

I hope today’s post inspires you to take your Bible and review Matthew 5:3-12.  Ask yourself: How do I measure up?

*The Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer: Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures in The Everyday Life Bible is taken from The Amplified Bible (AMP) and is used by permission of the Lockman Foundation and the Zondervan Corporation. Additional text copyright 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Amplified Bible copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation.

*Pixabay: Winner, Champion; Conmongt.

  

Who Cares

A lot of people care. I see it in friends and family, co-workers, and leaders of various kinds. Who would argue with the idea that the world is a better place because of people who care?

This week I was talking with someone whose life is taking an unexpected turn. He is close to retirement, but due to his wife’s health, he is becoming a caregiver.

As we talked, I was reminded of the daily challenges in my care-giving days. I had been retired one year when Dad needed help because he could no longer drive.

To this day I’m grateful my husband agreed and was willing to make necessary life adjustments to also help Dad. A few years later, I became a caregiver for my husband.

A caregiver’s life becomes the life of the cared for. As a widower, Dad was used to getting up and going to Denny’s for breakfast every day. I always enjoyed breakfast at home, so that was just one of my adjustments.

There were also challenges with all the doctor appointments and calls to the insurance company. Except for my bout with breast cancer, I’d been healthy and doctor visits were not ongoing.

When hospice was needed, they were a big help to me as well as Dad. It was a relief to be able to call his nurse if I had a question. But home health aides, the chaplain, and the social worker were also supportive and encouraging.

To me, caregiving was “tiring.” But in the conversation this week I heard the word “draining.” I think that’s a better word for it. After all, the person giving care is on tap 24/7.

Who cares? I’m hoping you do.

First a word for Caregivers: Love is expressed, said Jesus, by being willing to lay down your life for a friend (John 15:12-13). I’m sure this also applies to love in acts of service to family members.

Now a word to Non-Caregivers: The challenge this week is to consider how you can encourage a caregiver by showing them that YOU CARE!

Pixabay: Hands, Arms, Reading; GDJ.