A Day in the Life of Jesus by James R. Coggins

Posted on March 15, 2022 by jrcoggins

Mark 1:21-35 describes one day in the life of Jesus. He and his followers were in Capernaum. On the Sabbath day, He preached in the synagogue and cast a demon out of man who was present. Then they went to Peter and Andrew’s house, where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, who had been in bed with a fever. In the evening, more people came to Jesus for healing. This passage raises a number of interesting points.

First, Jesus taught “as one who had authority” (verse 23). We do not do that. We relate what God has told us in Scripture. Jesus was God and could speak directly as God. Many of us would like to speak divinely, to have our words accepted as God’s truth, but we cannot. We claim as Christians that God has given us the Holy Spirit, but even when He gives us divine words to speak, they remain His words, not ours. We are not infallible and should be wary of thinking and saying that we are.

Second, Jesus and His followers showed up to worship in the synagogue, but a man possessed by an evil spirit was also there. We often think of our church buildings and worship services, or even our own Bible study and prayer times, as oases, as havens of rest. But they are spiritual battlegrounds. Not everything we hear at such times is of God. We need to test all things and cast out what we find to be evil.

Third, there was the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. Paul mentions that Peter had a believing wife who traveled with him (1 Corinthians 9:5). We do not know what the mother-in-law thought of Peter’s decision to become an itinerant preacher. However, we know that she was healed and she then served food to Jesus and His followers. I must confess to having a niggling uneasiness when I read this passage. After being healed, the mother-in-law immediately began to serve. A voice whispers that Jesus was being selfish here, that He didn’t heal her for her sake, but only so she would serve Him dinner. Isn’t it a bit much to expect a woman newly risen from a sick bed to do all the work? But another voice whispers that when Jesus heals, He heals completely. The woman was perfectly capable of serving. Moreover, the fact is that it is not Jesus who was selfish, but it is we who are selfish. Jesus came to serve, but we think that it is we who are the center of the universe. We are so glad that Jesus saved and healed us because we are convinced that we are important, and that is the end of the matter. The reality is that God has saved us and expects us to serve as He has done, out of gratitude and love and a serving heart. Yes, we are important, but so is Jesus and so are other people. We were not healed so we could rest but so we could work.

Fourth, I read this passage many times before I noticed that people brought the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus “after sunset” (verse 32). Why? Did it take that long for the news of Jesus’ healing powers to spread and for people to get there? No. The synagogue meeting probably took place in the morning. The people did not bring the sick to Jesus because it was the Sabbath day (that’s why Jesus was in the synagogue) and Jewish law forbade traveling more than a few steps on the Sabbath. How do we read this? As the people of God waiting patiently for God’s time to heal? Or as another example of human legalism delaying the healing work of God? After all, Jesus had already healed the demon-possessed man in the synagogue and Peter’s mother-in-law. The Sabbath is for meeting God and being healed, not for following manmade rules.

Finally, Jesus got up before dawn the next day to go and pray. One of the remarkable things about this is that Jesus had had a late night the night before, healing all of the people who had come to the house. It must be remembered that the people who came after sunset would have had to come from a distance (the people who were within “a Sabbath day’s journey” could have come during the day), and they would not have started on the journey till sunset, so some of them would have arrived well after dark, perhaps late into the night. One might have thought that Jesus would have chosen to sleep in the next day and pray early some other day. He did not. Jesus needed physical rest after His long night of work, but ministering to people was even more spiritually exhausting than physically exhausting. In contrast, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the apostles chose physical rest over spiritual refreshing and as a result were too weak to resist the temptation to betray Jesus when they awoke. This passage is a reminder that spiritual refreshing is more crucial than physical refreshing.

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Getting Rid of Rubbish by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Gary Chan on Unsplash

I recently started attending a Bible study with a small group of ladies. I love meeting with them and looking deep at God’s word. This past week, one passage jumped out at me and had me considering my own actions and thoughts.

We began by reading Philippians 3:5-6, where Paul is talking about having confidence in the flesh. I’ll start with part of verse four.

“…If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”

Paul had an exceptional heritage as you can see. He had every reason to be proud of who he was and who he had been. According to the Pharisees, he’d served God with zeal and worked hard. But what does he say in the next verses, Philippians 3:7-8?

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ…”

Paul counted all his fleshly background as worthless or rubbish. Although where he came from brought him to greater knowledge, it still counted as nothing compared to what he gained in Christ. He had no reason for pride in his past or his heritage.

As I read those words, God brought to mind my past since I have become a Christian. The question formed in my mind—Is my church attendance, my service, my time given, rubbish? 

That sounds pretty drastic. My first thought was an emphatic, “No!” And, yet, as I pondered this question and the reason God laid it on my heart, I had to admit there was some truth there. There have been many times I’ve been prideful over the fact that I am so faithful to attend church and/or Bible study. There have been times I’ve been a bit judgmental of people who weren’t regular attendees or didn’t go to Bible study or serve in some capacity at their church. 

Rubbish. All rubbish. Who am I to be prideful? I am a sinner saved by grace. Aren’t we all? I am sharing this because I see this as a common problem in the church today. We tend to see ourselves as a bit better than others. After all, we gave up time to come to church. We read our Bible. We pray. We may even serve in some capacity in the church or community. 

Yet, as long as we take pride of any amount in what we do for the Lord, it becomes rubbish. What we have in Christ is Him. His love. His grace. His mercy. No matter who we are and where we’re at in our Christian walk, we are to be loving and humble—not considering our works to elevate us above anyone else. 

This was a hard lesson for me to consider. I don’t want to believe I might be prideful, yet sometimes I am. I’m sure there were times when Paul’s background crept into his thoughts too. When that happens, we must take those thoughts captive and banish them. We must remember we are only in Christ because of His grace, not because of any of our works or our background. 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)

Be rid of the rubbish and glory in Christ. Serve with a humble heart, considering others above yourself. That is what I’m working toward.

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Black Angus: A Dramatic Dialogue by James R. Coggins

Posted on March 9, 2022 by jrcoggins
Illustration by Lincoln Doucette.

There are many black tails from the Scottish borderlands, but for shear betrayal, none can bleat the saga of Black Angus.

One fine misty morning, Angus was confronted by his brother Peat, saying, “I have a bone to pick with you.”

“What? You have a beef with me?” Angus demanded.

“Yes. What is all that lowing I hear?”

“I don’t know what you mean by lowing,” said Angus, taking the high road. “Are you talking about Bonnie and Heather?”

“I don’t care what you cull them,” Peat said sheepishly. “Bonnie and Heifer don’t belong this side of the Clyde. A true Scottish Highlander raises sheep, and you shouldn’t have imported those cows from England.”

“They are not English cows. They are Scottish cows, as any fool can see from the bagpipes underneath.”

“Bah! Don’t spin me a yarn. They are still cattle,” prodded Peat. “You shouldn’t be braising them in the lamb of Scotland.”

“You’re still living in the pasture,” Angus said. “Hay, when you come to a fork in the road, you need to change with the tines. You’re bleating a dead horse.”

“Hair it is! I newe it!” Peat cried. “It’s a slippery soap. If we let you bring in cattle, next you’ll want to bring in horses. Pretty soon, we’ll be overrun with elephants and giraffes!”

“Nay,” Angus said hoarsely. “I’d never bring in elephants and giraffes. They’re too hard to milk.”

“You’d butter stop stocking my anger or I’ll cream you,” Peat shouted.

“Don’t dance around the subject. A reel Scot wouldn’t fling such accusations,” Angus said. “You’re butchering the language.”

“You’ve always been the black sheep in the family,” Peat retorted.  

“You don’t realize what’s at steak,” Angus said. “You eat so much mutton, it’s affecting your health. You look haggis, your eyes are lassie, and you’re bordering on colic.”

“I ought to chop your head off,” said Peat. “There’s nothing better than a bit of mutton with tartan sauce.”

“Are you threatening to kilt me?”

“Yes. Scots should have brave harts, and you are nothing but a sniveling cowherd.”

“It’s just my allergy to lanolin,” Angus explained.

“I can’t take any moor of this. Wool never agree,” said Peat. “Ewe are a disgrace, and when a Highlander betrays his clan, it is better if he fleece.”

“I would prefer to hide,” said Angus defiantly.

There being no horses available on which to make his escape, he went on the lam.

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You Are Loved!

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Author Mary Alford

If you ever have any doubts about how much God loves you, all you have to do is open His word. His love for us flows from the pages of the Bible and is written in the red-letter words spoken by Jesus.

In John 3:16, Jesus spoke of the love God had for us,

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.

This is the greatest expression of God’s love toward us of all time. God loved us so much that He willing gave His only Son to die on the cross so that His sacrifice could bring us back to God.

And nothing, absolutely nothing can ever separate His children from God.

Romans 8:38-39 says, For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And one day, we will be with God forever.

John 14:1-3 tells us, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

At that time, there will be no more suffering. No more tears. No more death.  

Revelation 21:4 tells us, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

What an amazing love story is written throughout the Bible for us to see how much God sought after us when we went astray, and how He proved His love for us over and over again.

So, if you ever doubt that you are loved, open the words of the special love story, written from the heart of God, just for you.

All the best…

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

Among the Innocent – Coming June 2022

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Reverence Part 1 by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Bridget

A few months ago I started a new habit. Each morning I take a moment to kneel on the floor. In that moment I tell God that I am handing my day over to Him. I tell Him that I want all my words and actions to be for His honor and glory.

Kneeling in prayer is often found in the Bible. But I don’t believe many people do this today. I realize this is difficult for some with disabilities. So don’t try it if you can’t get back up! If this is the case, then in your prayer, tell the Lord you are kneeling in your heart.

Kneeling before God is an act of reverence. We show God that we respect Him and fear Him with a godly fear. I feel the art of reverence is being lost, little by little, with each generation. For example, we all know that many people use the Lord’s name inappropriately. Too many people do not give God a second thought, let alone give Him respect. Even Christians allow their pride to get in the way and stop them from fully surrendering to our Holy God.

God is greater than everything we know and can imagine. He is the only One who is completely holy and righteous. Our best efforts are filthy rags in His sight (Isaiah 64:6). We deserve the worst punishment. But thanks to His unfailing love, we have been given the gift of salvation. He gave us life and breath. Each day He shows us mercy and grace. There are so many reasons why we should show God reverence.

If reverence is an area in which you would like to grow, simply ask God to help you. He certainly will oblige. And even just the fact that you asked will help turn your heart around. You also can make it a practice to get on your knees each morning, as I do. This practice has helped shape my days for the better. It reminds me to praise Him and to honor Him. It reminds me to do my best each day, for His glory. It reminds me to not allow minor circumstances to affect my attitude. It reminds me that my whole life belongs to Him.

I challenge you today to take some time to evaluate your heart’s posture before the Lord. Do you need a renewed sense of reverence? If so, then pray about it and take a moment to get on your knees, either physically or in your heart. And He will be faithful to meet you there.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. – Psalm 95:6

Photo by Mimi Moromisato on Pexels.com

Originally posted on bridgetathomas.com © 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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Don’t Assume by Julie Arduini

Posted on March 2, 2022 by juliearduini

Back in January I distributed a survey for my newsletter readers. Honestly, I thought I knew the answers for the direction they wanted..

I send two newsletters a month, per their 2021 input. The first newsletter is about writing. The second, sent mid-month, is more of a personal update.

I asked in the 2022 survey their thoughts on the first newsletter. Did they want to hear about the writing process? Publication? Excerpts? Recipes? Giveaways?

My assumption was readers would want to know the nuts and bolts about writing. How do we create characters? Where do our story ideas come from? What does an agent do, anyway?

I assumed wrong.

Readers were pretty emphatic they wanted to learn more about my writing. They wanted to read past and current excerpts. Behind-the-scenes information. They didn’t want to read about other authors, and that really surprised me.

Recipes and giveaways have their place, but that wasn’t the top interest. That surprised me, too.

Those results were a good lesson for me. I didn’t know my readers as well as I thought, and now I’ll do my best to create content that fits their interests.

It’s a wide swing of topics, but it also reminded me of a recent post I shared on Facebook. February 28 is Rare Disease Awareness Day. Our daughter has Albrights Hereditary Osteodystrophy. This was a late diagnosis but the symptoms were there all along, but we were also dealing when she was younger with chronic asthma, and congenital hypothyroidism.

I write about this because we came across strangers who assumed quite a bit. Based on a glance they honest to goodness would approach me and lecture me. I kid you not. Offer unsolicited advice. One lady was so bold that she was physically touching me and would not let go. I finally told her she was only looking at a piece of a giant puzzle. That we had a team of specialists working with her. Even that didn’t appease her. Exasperated, I asked her if she knew Jesus as her Savior. Before she could answer I said, “Well I do, and He takes care of her. I trust trust Him. Good day.” And I ran home and sobbed.

Like me with the survey, that woman and others like her assumed they knew a situation. I ended my Rare Disease post with a challenge to be kind when you see a circumstance you think you understand, because sometimes what we encounter in kindness is more rare than the diagnosis we’re dealing with.

—Julie Arduini

The world is topsy-turvy lately. It’s easy to make assumptions. I do it. Let’s take March and surrender our assumptions. Confess we don’t know everything. Realize people need compassion and support. Then, offer it. What a way to wrap up winter and begin spring.

If you’re curious about my newsletter, you’re invited to subscribe. It’s free, and I offer some free reads as a thank you.

Happy March!

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Location, Location, Location by James R. Coggins

Posted on March 1, 2022 by jrcoggins

Mark 1:4-20 describe the ministry of John the Baptist and the beginning of the ministry of Jesus.

John the Baptist preached in the desert/wilderness near the southern end of the Jordan River, where it empties into the Dead Sea. He was preaching mainly to the people of Judea (southern Palestine) and its capital Jerusalem (1:4), but he was also on the main road that led from Galilee in northern Palestine to Jerusalem. It is interesting that John was in the wilderness, not in Jerusalem. The people who were interested in meeting God had to come out to him. No revival in history has ever started in a church headquarters.

It was also perhaps safer for John to avoid the cities, although this did not stop Herod from throwing John in prison. This was Herod Antipas, who inherited Galilee and Peraea (on the east side of the Jordan River) from his father, Herod the Great. This suggests that John was living on the east side of the river, even though he was drawing most of his followers from Judea on the west side of the river.

Jesus came down the road from Galilee and was baptized by John, but then went into the wilderness rather than continuing on to Jerusalem. Among other things, this kept Jesus out of the way when John was arrested.

Jesus centered his ministry in Galilee, in the north, although he made several trips to Jerusalem, especially for the Jewish feasts. Thus, while John prepared the way for Jesus, he did so by preaching to a somewhat different group of people. However, when Jesus went to Jerusalem to be crucified, the church of believers that resulted was first based in Jerusalem and Judea, among the people first impacted by John. The church spread rapidly in both Judea and Galilee, among people who had been prepared. Jesus, in the beginning of his earthly ministry, preached a message similar to John’s. John preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). Jesus preached: “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)

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The Significance of Cockpit Resource Management by James R. Coggins

Posted on February 23, 2022 by jrcoggins

Modern passenger airplanes are extremely safe, with overlapping safeguards (including having a pilot and co-pilot). An airplane rarely crashes due to a single problem. Usually, in an airplane crash, one or more mechanical issues are compounded by one or more pilot errors.

“Cockpit resource management” is a training process that was developed after it was discovered that planes were crashing due to flight crews’ failure to properly respond to crises. One of the prime issues was the previous command structure in which the pilot had absolute authority to fly the plane and make decisions. Less experienced co-pilots were reluctant to challenge this authority or even make strong recommendations. When the pilot made a mistake, when the pilot misunderstood a situation, when a pilot failed to see and understand a problem, when a pilot became distracted or too narrowly focused, there was no way to correct the mistake or save the plane.

For example, one crew of three was so focused on a burnt-out landing gear light that none of them noticed that the autopilot had been turned off and the plane was descending into a swamp.

Another crew was so focused on another landing gear problem that the plane ran out of fuel and crashed into a neighborhood.

Another highly regarded pilot thought he was still heading toward the airport when he had already passed it. The much younger and less experienced co-pilot timidly suggested the truth. The pilot ignored him and flew the plane into the side of a mountain.

Another pilot insisted that the plane was lined up with the runway and ignored the co-pilot’s warning that they were badly off-course. They crashed.

Another pilot trusted his own faulty speed gauge while ignoring the co-pilot’s accurate gauge and put his plane into a fatal stall.

Cockpit Resource Management is intended to foster a less-authoritarian cockpit culture in which co-pilots are encouraged to question captains (pilots) if they have observed them making mistakes and to even take control of a plane in extreme cases. It encourages respect, teamwork, and cooperation. One key element is communication, both speaking up and listening, making clear objections, and giving clear orders. Another is delegating and dividing responsibilities. For instance, in the first example, disaster could have been averted if one pilot had focused on fixing the light (responding to the crisis) while the other flew the plane. This requires trust, and not just the others trusting the pilot to fly the plane. It also requires the pilot to trust subordinates enough to listen, really listen, to their concerns, and also to trust them to carry out delegated tasks without supervision, thus freeing the pilot to focus on his/her own tasks.

If Cockpit Resource Management is so crucial for air travel, could it also provide useful guidance in other fields?

Could prime ministers, presidents, and other political leaders benefit from learning to listen more to their subordinates (and even constituents)? Would it be better if they were able to delegate tasks more effectively rather than micromanaging? Are their subordinates able and willing to challenge leaders when they are wrong, instead of blindly supporting them and going down in flames along with them?

And what about the church? How many churches and ministry organizations have foundered because strong and autocratic leaders have been unwilling to listen to advice and warnings? Because such leaders have failed to trust their associates and followers? Because their followers have failed to warn them when they began to veer off-course?

Proverbs 11:14 (NIV) says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 15:22 repeats, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

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Persistence

Posted on February 22, 2022 by Author Mary Alford

This little guy’s name is Cody, and he loves taking walks. It’s like a new adventure for him every single day.

My husband and I walk each morning around our property. We live on seventy acres, so we have our walking trail mapped out through the pasture in front of our house, into the woods, past the stock tank near the woods, and then across the back pasture to the house.

Even though we walk the same path every day, (sometimes twice in a day), it’s like a brand-new experience every time for Cody.

He has recently discovered some abandoned gopher mounds on our property and he loves to dig in hopes of discovering one of those furry little creatures that used to live there.

Don’t worry, so far the score is the gophers 100—Cody 0. It’s a game to him, but he does it with the persistence of someone who is certainly going to achieve their goal one day, (or probably not in this case).

I think Cody is one of the best examples of how to live each day. Be persistent. Life is filled with challenges. We all have our gopher mounds where we feel as if no matter how hard we try, we can’t overcome. But if we get up each day, and approach that mound with the same determination as Cody, with God’s help, all things are possible.  

In 2 Timothy 4:7–8, Paul says, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.   

Continue to fight the good fight. Finish the course. Keep the faith. Like Cody, be persistent. You will get through it.

All the best,

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

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Convinced by Love by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on February 21, 2022 by Nancy J. Farrier

A few weeks ago, we adopted a new dog. She’s a black lab mix, according to the shelter, and a little over a year old, so still in puppy stage. She’s sweet and affectionate, enthusiastic and energetic. 

I named her Aeonium after my favorite succulent, Aeonium Arboeum Zwartkop. The shiny purple-black leaves on this plant remind me of the shiny black of my dog. Because Aeonium is a mouthful, we call her Oni. (Oh-knee)

Our biggest challenge with Oni comes when we go on our morning walks. My husband and I walk two miles every morning, going through our quiet neighborhood. The homes are spread out but almost everyone has a dog or a horse that distracts Oni. 

Oni arrived at our house with zero manners on leash. She would lunge to the end of the lead, trying to get to the barking dogs or whatever distracted her at the moment. We tried what little we knew to get her to obey, but were quickly discouraged. We finally hired a dog trainer we had used before. She’s come twice now to our house for lessons and is amazing. She’s shown us new techniques we wouldn’t have thought of and taught us about dog behavior and why Oni does what she does.

This was not a miracle cure, but we have had a breakthrough since the second lesson last week. Oni is doing better. Her owners are even learning too. (Ha!) We are slowly becoming more of a team as we learn how to encourage Oni to pay attention to us and not to the distress of barking dogs or snorting horses.

As we work with Oni, I am reminded of my walk as a Christian and of many others I’ve observed. So often, we want to lunge toward the challenges or intrigues of the world to check out things that are best left alone. Not all of those dogs are saying to Oni, “Come on, let’s play.” Some are clearly saying, “I want to control you and will hurt you to do so.”

Just like Oni is confused about what dogs to approach, it’s hard for us to tell what is okay to do and what is not okay, especially when we are new to the Christian life. We want to investigate every little thing that interests us and forget how damaging or dangerous some can be. We get so excited, we jump at a chance without praying first and checking to see if this is something that will be for our good or will glorify God.

We do get better as we age in the Christian life. Remembering to pray comes easier. Seeking God’s will for our every decision becomes a habit instead of an oddity. Staying within the bounds of what’s safe is clearer, even though we do at times forget or ignore those bounds.

I am reminded of Psalm 23: 4 – 

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (NKJV)

Walking in the world is what we do every day. There are pitfalls and temptations that are difficult to see. It’s like walking through the shadow of death in that living in the world is death to our souls while living in God is life eternal. We have to be in the world physically, but must keep our focus on God and His will.

The end of the verse says, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Very few of us are comforted by the idea of a rod. We think of beatings. We think of pain. Yet, the shepherd referred to in this passage, used the rod to scare away predators, while using the crook of the staff to hook around the neck of the sheep and pull the animal to safety. Having God there to protect us and pull us back from danger is a comfort. He’s looking out for us, making sure we are staying within the bounds of safety. 

As we work with Oni, we give her treats when she walks alongside us. When she is most distracted by barking dogs and lunging at the end of her leash, we stop and wait. She’s learned when that happens to come sit in front of me and I reward her for her good sitting and behavior. Then as we walk on, she is much calmer.

God always rewards us for our good behavior and for listening to Him. When we do that, we have peace. Our lives , or our inner selves, are much calmer no matter what is happening around us. We have many little blessings that show us we are pleasing God in our walk. 

While we all tend to lunge at the end of the leash when we interact with a particular trigger of ours, just as Oni does when she sees dogs. I do hope as we pray about this, we can learn to sit at God’s feet. To study what He has to say. To be convinced by His love that we are doing what’s right.

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Seeking God’s Timing by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Bridget

One morning I had to attend a meeting across town, so I planned to go through a drive thru for some much needed caffeine. I also planned to pay for the bill of the car in line behind me, because it is fun to anonymously bless someone.

As I turned into the parking lot, a couple of other cars hurried to be the next one in line. They thought they were getting ahead, by getting in front of me. I shook my head because I knew that they really would have benefitted to be behind me, because I would have paid for their bill.

It made me think of the Bible verse, “So those who are last will be first and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16)

And then I realized it is the same way with God and people. He wants to bless us and He wants the best for us. Unfortunately we tend to run ahead because we are impatient. We want what we think is the best thing. And we want it now. But God can see that we have missed out on a blessing, by not waiting for Him to work things out.

I know I personally have a bad habit in this area. I jump and think later. I know I should prayerfully seek God, His plan, and His timing first. But too often, I don’t do it. I see something shiny and I grab it.

This fast paced world we live in plays a big role in why we are this way. We have everything at our fingertips. We don’t have to wait until the weekend to go to the bookstore to buy the book we want. Instead we can download it on our tablet right now. Need something from Amazon? You can have it delivered tomorrow. Drive down any road and you will see someone who is in too big of a hurry. In our small town, my husband and I often see vehicles pass on a double yellow line, and the car they are passing isn’t going slow. We have too much on our plates and we need everything on our to-do lists done yesterday. We have too much to do at our jobs, and not enough time to do it. We run from work to home with barely enough time to throw dinner on the table before we go to bed and do it all over again the next day.

But we don’t have to fall victim to this world and its ways. And we don’t have to settle for second best. The key is to trust God and His timing. It sounds simple, but it’s not always easy. But it all comes down to a choice. Either we believe that God has our best interest in mind or we don’t.

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14

My husband and I enjoy seeing, and taking pictures of, wildlife in the mountains – bears, deer, turkey, horses, and even coyotes at times. But one of my favorite pictures is of a bird, just sitting on a fence. I think I like it so much because he seems to have it all together. He is not worried or stressed. He is confident and at peace. (See picture below.)

We can be like that too. In fact, there is even a Bible verse about this. “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” (Matthew 6:26)

From now let’s try to wait on God and His timing. Instead of running ahead towards something that we think we can’t live without, let’s wait and allow God to give us His very best.

Image by Bridget A. Thomas 🙂

(Originally posted on bridgetathomas.com. © 2019 Bridget A. Thomas.)

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It’s All About Love Book Review by Julie Arduini

Posted on February 16, 2022 by juliearduini

This review originated at juliearduini.com but I’m so moved by the book that I wanted to share it here. I have a giveaway, so please check it out! I can’t think of a more fitting read this Valentine’s week than It’s All About Love by John Murray.

—Julie Arduini

It’s All About Love is the true story of a husband lovingly caring for his wife through her many years of suffering with Parkinson’s disease. If you are a caregiver, you will quickly identify with the struggles and difficulties they face. If you are dealing with such issues, then this book will give you great encouragement.

What people are saying…

“It’s All About Love is a raw, honest, and breathtaking glimpse into the realities of life as a caregiver. John offers a fresh perspective through the lens of love …. If you are a caregiver or know someone who is, this book will be a healing balm to those with a hurting heart.” – Holly Guy, Coach and Writer at Wholeness Haven, VA, USA.

“John Murray, who in his own words is, “just an ordinary 82-year-old husband taking care of his 78-year-old wife” Rita, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008. I appreciate the author’s occasional flashes of humour and his commitment to respecting Rita’s dignity. Every action she undertakes, even putting on her glasses, takes a long time. But he says, “we soon learned that time is not of the essence.” He cares for Rita because he loves her.” – Elma Schermenauer, Author

“This book is a wisdom book for lovers. Lovers whose own lives are owned by devotion to the daily care of the ones whom they love. This is a book of purest prose, easy to read because of John’s winsome writing style and hard to read because care is an indispensable and demanding gift of love. Read it and you will be thankful for John’s evident honesty. The book needed to be written.” – Dr. Ron Unruh, Author and Artist

“John describes the many facets of caring for a loved one with a progressive and debilitating illness. The author aptly conveys the feelings of overwhelm and helplessness in wanting to protect his loved one from the ravages of the disease. As you read, you will find the encouragement you need to “keep on keeping on” and know that there are others who see your heart and understand the complexities that you are dealing with.” – Deborah Harrison, MSW (retired)

“John openly acknowledges his fears, discouragements, and frustrations, but his reflections are always undergirded by a resolute trust in God’s loving and providential care. It’s All About Love is a beautiful story of marital love and faithfulness expressed in sickness and in health, for better or for worse. Canada’s aging population ensures that the Murray’s story will be experienced in many families. John’s realistic yet hope-filled study not only helps us understand the unique challenges of caregiving but will encourage those already involved to persevere, as well as help prepare those who will one day find themselves caregivers.” – David Daniels, Pastor & Freelance Writer

“John is a new friend, met on-line in connection with our shared experience of caring for a spouse with Parkinson’s. And what a friend, so sympathetic and encouraging! His courage and stickability in the face of Rita’s extreme physical disabilities will surely encourage many out of self-pity, defeat, even despair into true love and high achievement.” – Priscilla Diana Maryon Turner, MA, DPhil Oxon., ODNW, Author

“I was moved by the book, so many emotions arose. As a former 24/7 caregiver to my wife, I can readily identify with all that is written here. I believe the author’s strong faith has helped sustain him through this part of their journey together. This book will be a blessing to many, particularly those who are spousal caregivers.” – David North, M.Ed. Retired Principal

“John’s positive attitude shines through in everything he writes. His book will inspire other caregivers that their service is never meaningless or in vain, or that they are alone.” – Jennifer Friesen, Pastor to Seniors

JULIE’s REVIEW:

It’s All About Love is a small book, but don’t let that fool you. The author packs it not only with his journey as a caregiver to his beloved Rita, but with practical information all caregivers should memorize and use. Everything from planning ahead, when to know it’s time for more help, maintaining dignity for your loved one, there is so much here.

Beyond the caregiving information I wish I’d had in 2020 when that was my role, the love story the author pours out is one of the most beautiful I’ve read. This is a husband living out his vows, and I was so moved by both John and Rita. He even wrote a poem for her, and it brought me to tears. I loved, loved, loved this book.

If you aren’t a caregiver, chances are you know one or you will be. It’s All About Love is a must have for your caregiving resources. It’s also a beautiful love story to read. I can’t recommend this book enough.

There’s even a giveaway!

I was provided with an extra copy to give away. Because the author resides in Canada, I’m opening this giveaway up to anyone in NORTH AMERICA. Please leave a comment below why you would like a copy, and I’ll choose a random winner February 26.

I was provided a copy of It’s All About Love for review. I was not compensated, and all opinions are my own.

You can also purchase It’s All About Love on John Murray’s website.
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The Good News by James R. Coggins

Posted on February 15, 2022 by jrcoggins

Many modern commentators deny the divinity of Jesus, arguing that He never claimed to be God. However, the book of Mark declares at the beginning, in what serves as a title, “The Beginning of the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1).

“Beginning” may refer to the beginning of the book, or it may refer to the idea that Jesus’ earthly ministry was only the beginning of the Kingdom of God. Acts 1:1 says that the Gospel of Luke described “all that Jesus began to do,” implying that Jesus would continue to work, through the church, as described in the book of Acts (and, by extension, through the church in subsequent centuries).

The title also makes clear that Jesus is the Messiah, tying Jesus in to all that God had revealed in the Old Testament. This is clear, first, in the name “Jesus,” which means “Yahweh saves”—Yahweh is the name by which God revealed himself in the Old Testament. The “Messiah” was the coming Savior prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Mark 1:2-3 then cites the words of “Isaiah the prophet” as an example: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way—a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” This is actually a compound quote from Exodus 23:20, Malachi 3:1, and Isaiah 40:3. Mark is obviously referring to John the Baptist, but there is a sense in which not just John the Baptist but all of the Old Testament is a forerunner to Jesus.

Then the writer of Mark (presumably John Mark, reflecting the teaching of Peter) states plainly that Jesus is “the Son of God.” Now, Peter did not understand this fully at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry—Jesus only revealed this information slowly—but by the end of Jesus’ life on earth, this fact was absolutely clear. Later commentators may not like the claim, but it is one made clearly by Jesus and by His followers.  

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How Best to Serve by Vicki Hinze

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Vicki Hinze

When faced with tumultuous times, we often stew, our focus scattered, and that leaves us feeling overwhelmed. We start thinking, “I am one person. What can I do?” We talk to ourselves like this until we are overwhelmed with the enormity of the challenges and we feel less and less powerful to do anything. Feelings of inadequacy abound, and a sense of helplessness that, if we continue on this path, leads to hopelessness, and so we do nothing because we don’t have a clear vision of anything we can do that will make a difference.

We’ve all been in this dark and heavy place and none of us like it. The thing is, we are not helpless nor are we hopeless. In truth, we are powerful beyond measure. Why?

Because we never stand alone. The creator stands with us. He promised to be with us always, and He is, which means we are never reliant only on ourselves and our own skills, assets, and abilities, but on our own and His!

If we stay our eyes on Him and follow His lead, He will make ways where there are none. He will walk before us, create a path to a place that we can follow.

The challenge for us is in looking at something and seeing this huge and overwhelming big picture. When we see it, we start with the negativity because it seems so big and we feel so small. This isn’t by mistake, it’s by design, and that design can be benevolent or malevolent.

If it is from God, then it is to remind us to stay our eyes on Him and rely on Him.

If it is from the enemy, it is to intimidate and frighten us into those dark places so we do nothing.

Spiritual warfare is fought in such ways. There’s an old saying that the devil’s greatest deception was in convincing people he didn’t exist. If you are being attacked, it isn’t because you’re weak. It’s because you are powerful and have the needed skills and abilities to make significant change for the better for yourself, your family, and for others. You must be stopped!

Only you can choose to stop, or to press onward and upward. Only you, exercising your free will, can decide if you will walk in the light or sink into the darkness. In making this choice, you advance spiritually or digress spiritually.

Choosing goodness and light, you choose God. And the very moment you do, God will act. Opening doors, spurring ideas to aid and assist, lighting the path. It won’t always be easy; nothing worthwhile ever is, but He is with you, taking every step with you without fail.

It’s important to understand the importance of free will in this process. God gave us free will. We make our choices and create our reality as a result of those choices. He didn’t gift us with partial free will–only when our choices aligned with His will. No, He gifted us with total free will. So even when we make less than wise choices, we bear the consequences of them so we learn that bad choices have consequences, these specific consequences, and we make fewer unwise choices and more wise ones.

God wants us to rely on Him, to stay our eyes on Him. But He won’t force us. We make the free will choice, and He rejoices by staying at our side, aiding and assisting us all the way.

We learn to trust His ways as best. Heed His warnings. Embrace His nudges.

When we do this, regardless of what happens, we are at peace with it because we know we have walked the path we were destined to walk. There’s enormous peace and power in that.

Along the way, we learn to discern. We know His voice. His ways. His peace. It gets harder and harder for the enemy to attack because we know to hit our knees first, not as a last resort. That spares us a lot of difficulties, and makes us really tough targets to be attacked.

How we can best serve becomes more clear with time, but a great beginning is always in prayer. Not just for yourself. But for others. The Bible tells us to love one another and to seek wise counsel in times of uncertainty. Who is more wise than God?

We best serve by helping others, and there is no greater help to be offered than to pray, seeking the wisest counsel from the wisest counselor.

Blessings, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Nora’s Review of: Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Vicki Hinze

DEADLY TARGET

(Rocky Mountain Courage #2)

ELIZABETH GODDARD

Published by: Revell

Type of Book:

Christian Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Suspense

FROM THE BACK COVER: Criminal psychologist Erin Larson’s dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell’s father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin’s help to solve the case. She’s good at what she does. The only problem? She’s his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted–and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

NORA’S REVIEW: Criminal psychologist Erin Larson and Nathan Campbell find themselves in an explosive situation as they work together to get to the bottom of a cold case Nathan’s father had been working on. All Nathan’s father had the chance to tell him was, “trust no one.” Erin finds herself in an uncomfortable situation with her mother. Why hadn’t she seen the signs of trouble? After all, it was her job to notice signs of someone who was going to commit suicide. 

Elizabeth Goddard pulls out all the stops in this intriguing, edge of your seat suspense, it’s an explosive adventure that has Erin and Nathan spinning out of control, trying to pull on the correct thread in this mystery that would bring them answers and not have them chasing something down an empty rabbit hole. This author weaves a riveting, complex story that has just the right blend of mystery, suspense, and romance that had me staying up late wanting to know how this all ended up. This is a great escape and a novel that would work for your next book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent 

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

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