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June 7

Wednesday, June 7th, 2023

Warning signals are designed for a purpose-a warning that something big is coming.

Our community has tornado sirens. When heeded they save lives or at least lets us know something is coming. When the tornado made its way through our neck of the woods a couple of months ago-and landed in some areas- the only casualties were those who failed to hear or heed the warning.

When the tsunami hit Indonesia in 2010 (has it been that long ago?) over 400 people lost their lives. It didn’t have to be.  They had a warning system of buoys that had become detached and drifted away. My question would be whether it happened because of the tsunami or from neglect or forgetfulness to check them. In any case, it was a tragedy which could have been avoided.

We have fire and smoke detectors in our houses. If heeded they save lives. What good would it do if we heard them go off and say, “Oh, that’s just the fire alarm. I’m going back to sleep”?  said no wise person ever.

We have a warning system “built in” to each one of us. It is called the conscience. For the most part, that is enough. We have been given the ability to discern right from wrong.

For some-and I am referring to Christ followers-our system has another mainspring: the Holy Spirit. We all know our consciences can be hardened-seared it is called-where what is right and what is wrong is skewed. Oftentimes it is unreadable. The Holy Spirit (who is Christ in you) helps us to know right and wrong.

If you are a follower of Christ, stay sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. Stay open to those nudges, those gentle tugs on your spirit, that say yes or no.  I’ve noticed those tugs are good warning signs when they need to be, and good lights to light my path.

But you must listen!

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May 31

Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

There is a saying you may have heard or will hear from time to time: “You can take that to the bank.” When a person uses that phrase it means “what I have said to you is a sure thing.”

The Bible is filled with “take-it-to-the-bank” moments:

  • “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10
  • “We all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” Romans 3:23

Can anyone really argue with the logic-and the TRUTH-of those two statements? I think not. There is not a person on this planet who think someone is perfect and has never sinned or done anything wrong.

There are many other statements you can take to the bank. Let’s give another scenario: You are feeling overwhelmed. You are feeling alone. You are feeling like you are drowning. You are anxious. You feel abandoned, like you are in a boat in the middle of an ocean without a paddle. You are being tossed around by a storm and YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER IT. But God’s take-it-to-the-bank words come to you in the nick of time to reassure you: “You are not alone. We are in this together. I promised you I would never leave your or forsake you. You belong to me. Trust me. You are safe.”  I’ve just given you a different take on the passage that says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” He says, “I am with you, even to the end of time.”

Those words-trusting those words-turn panic into peace; bad news into good news; fear into faith; confusion into calm. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you in my righteous right hand.” (ESV)

And…You can take that to the bank.

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May 18

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

I’m continuing my devotional series on women in the Bible whom ladies from OVCF talked about on Mother’s Day.

Lady #1- Mary of Bethany

Lady #2- Tamar

Lady #3- Sarah

Lady #4- Lydia

Today is Lady #5

Last night-in fact, a lot nights this past month or so-Jo and I have spent at the local sports complex watching boys and girls playing ball. It seems as if once or twice a week for the past month we have been at the complex walking from field to field (there are 8 of them), watching children of all ages play ball and often chatting with their parents. To make this a bit more interesting is the fact that I have read to 5 different Kindergarten classes for this past school year and some of those students are playing ball. “Hi Mr. Bill!” are words I hear often. I know their faces but only see the close to 100+ students 1/month, so I’m often clueless as to all their names.

What strikes me, of course, is the amount of time the parents give to their children. Some of them are at the park 2-3 times a week. Some may even sleep there! 🙂 Does their child realize the sacrifice their parent is making for them?  (Have you ever watched T-ball? Then you know exactly what I mean). 🙂 🙂

Probably not.

That sacrifice seems minor in comparison to the one Hannah made. Childless in a society that looked down on childlessness, she begged God for a child. Eli, the priest at the time, thought she was drunk and when she corrected his accusation, he pronounced that God would give her an answer. That answer was Samuel.

There was one caveat. Hannah had promised that if God would give her a son, he would be given to God for His service. When Samuel was weaned, she gave him to God and Eli to fulfill her promise.

WOW! A long-awaited answer to a longing and a prayer given away. I wonder how she felt. This is my opinion here, but I believe that while she ached to give her son to the Lord, she also knew she had made a promise. Samuel became a stalwart figure in the history of Israel.

The story doesn’t end there. Elkanah, the husband, was with her on keeping that vow. They also had 3 more sons and 2 daughters. Not bad for a woman whose womb had been closed and was the object of ridicule by Elkanah’s other wife (Peninnah).  {My note: I wouldn’t brag about that name. Just sayin’…}

Hannah made a promise; kept that promise and reaped the favor of God. I’m not saying making and keeping a promise will always turn out like this, but I do know, and can say, that one can ever go wrong keeping a promise to God.

Ask Hannah. (For more of this story, see I Samuel 1-2).

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February 9

Thursday, February 9th, 2023

I’m not much of a science person, or a math person, or a “this mathematical principle if used here will solve this problem” kind of person. I got left in the dark when science and math genes were handed out. 🙂 It seems strange then, I guess, that my favorite TV show of all time is MacGyver. I know it was just television, but his ability to solve things with his mind-and seemingly at the drop of a hat-astounded me. The later version was even more math/problem oriented than the original (and yes, I liked that one also till it got a little “weird”). Anyway, I can remember him using or stating a principle that even I can remember hearing when I was taking the class: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

My intention in this devotion is not to delve into that statements truth or untruth…as if. For the record: it is true (so they tell me).

I want to apply it to prayer. We often say, “God will answer your payer-in His way, for His glory, and in His time.” That doesn’t make waiting any easier, but it does leave us something to think about.

If God has perfect timing (and He does), why do we get so bent out of shape when we have to wait? Let’s think about this. If every action has an equal and opposite reaction, what would happen if God does answer our prayer according to our time table? Who knows what domino effect could take place if it was?  Maybe, just maybe, God overruled something that could have messed up the space time continuum. 🙂 Seriously, what if God answered how we wanted and when we wanted and all chaos broke loose in our lives?

Some prayers are answered right away.  But some prayers-because of the sovereignty and omniscience of God-are not. And that turns out to be a good thing because the ONE who knows us best loves us the most.

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January 24

Tuesday, January 24th, 2023

I may be wrong in my assessment (I have been known to be wrong a time or two) 🙂 , but I think one of the hardest parts of the Christian walk is practicing the Scripture which says, “Be thankful in all things.” (I Thess. 5:18)

“In everything give thanks.” Seriously? Does the Bible really say that? Does it really say to give thanks when my heart has been torn apart by a wayward child? By a health crisis? By a domestic crisis? By a financial crisis?

The short answer is Yes. Notice it does not say “Give thanks for the event/crisis.” But it does say, “Give thanks in the crisis.” Let’s substitute during for in. While the crisis is happening, or even after it, I am to give thanks.

I can remember a story from Corrie Ten Boom’s book, The Hiding Place. She and her sister, Betsy, were prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp and her sister told her they needed to give thanks for the fleas-the fleas that were in their hair, their clothes, their bedding. Sounded strange to Corrie until they came to realize the guards left them alone because of the fleas. They were free to have Bible studies and talk to other prisoners about Jesus because of the fleas and without fear of the guards.

Giving thanks in the situation NOT for the fleas. We are not asked to go all stoic as though nothing is bothering us. No, we are being told by Paul that while we are in the crisis, an attitude of gratitude and faith can change our perspective.

We can also see God working…even though we don’t understand. I don’t have to say, “Father, thank You for this cancer” (or whatever the crisis is), but I can pray, “Father, I thank You for Your presence and peace that is within me in spite of this crisis.”

Be thankful in all things.

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October 17

Monday, October 17th, 2022

One of the most amusing events in the Bible is found in a passage I read this morning-Acts 12. Every time I read it I chuckle.  For several reasons.

First, the story. Peter is put in prison when Herod “feasted on” the Jews being pleased he had James put to death. BTW: his ego gets him in deep trouble later in the same chapter-verses 20-23. Anyway, Peter is imprisoned between 2 guards. How funny is that? Those two guards were a captive audience! There were also 2 guards watching the door to the prison. Peter is suddenly awakened by an angel (he does not know it is), taken outside the prison and then realizes it was an angel who freed him. Peter then heads off to the house of Mary, the mother of John, where they were praying for him. He knocks on the door and Rhoda answers it. She is so amazed to see Peter that she leaves him standing at the door and runs in to tell the others. 🙂  Then when she tells them Peter is at the door, they don’t believe her.

Two things stand out to me:

1. Was Peter’s release not what they were praying for? And yet, they didn’t believe Rhoda. I find it amusing Rhoda left Peter standing at the door. And I also find it somewhat amusing (if that is the right word) that they did not believe Peter was at the door…when that was what they were praying for!

2. I stand convicted. How many times have I seen God answer prayer only to be amazed. Amazed is not a bad word, because God’s work is sometime amazing. Maybe a better word is surprised. And even better one…shocked.

Let me clarify: I never want to lose the amazement of God working and answering prayer. But I also should not be amazed that He does. Does that make sense?  In this story, I would rather be Rhoda-so excited over seeing an answered prayer-than the ones praying for his release and doubting it happened.

May I never lose the wonder that comes from following Jesus and seeing God work.

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September 8

Thursday, September 8th, 2022

In yesterday’s devotion I wrote about Principle #5:

God’s will is a flashlight, not a crystal ball; walk to the edge of the darkness and wait.

That got me thinking how some approach God’s Word (GW) with what I called the “crystal ball” or “floodlight” approach. Before I go any further though, I need to say one or two very important thoughts:

  1. I firmly believe GW is inspired by God and is totally inerrant (without error). I base that on 2 Tim. 3: 14-17, especially verse 16.
  2. I also firmly believe it is God’s primary way of speaking to His people. All things, all claims of people saying, “God told me this or that” must have their foundation in GW. For someone to say, for example, “I killed those people because God told me to” is hogwash and the person is either psychologically delusional or fishing for a reason to justify sin. God will NEVER violate His Word.

With those thoughts in mind, there are those who treat GW like a crystal ball or expect a floodlight to shine down on them with a neon sign and say, “Do this!” Some even expect a floodlight to highlight a verse. You have probably heard the story of the man who used this approach by opening his Bible and pointing to a verse. It said, “Judas went out and hung himself.”  He hurriedly closed his Bible and opened it again and pointed to another verse. It said, “What your hand finds to do do it with all your might.” That wasn’t what he wanted to hear either so he closed his Bible, opened it and pointed and the verse said, “What your hand finds to do, do quickly.”  That is the shotgun approach many take to finding guidance in GW. It is like they are expecting the Bible to be a crystal ball, rub it and all truth will come out. It is like they expect that approach to give them all the insight they need to make a right decision and to know God’s will.

Nope. While I believe GW is living and active, I don’t believe it is a crystal ball telling us what to do and when to do it. God has given each of His children the Holy Spirit and that Spirit leads and guides us. But he will never lead us to act contrary to the Word. God guides us by His Word and shows me the path I am to walk, but there is no neon sigh that lights up, either in GW or in life, which says, “Choose me!”  I go back to my friend’s statement (see August 17 post) where he said, “Bill, choose the one. In any case, even if it is the wrong one, God will not abandon you.”  He was right.

God will never lead us astray. The Holy Spirit will never say, “Go your own way.” Pray. Seek His will. Read His Word for wisdom and guidance and strength to follow. Walk with Him to the edge and wait. To borrow a few lines from The Trail:

If God loves me, then He protects me. He guides me by His Word and shows me the path to walk. A safe path, because He knows where the danger lies. So I walk to the edge of the darkness and wait. (p.110)

God’s Word is a lamp not a crystal ball to rubbed, nor is it a floodlight that will shine down to highlight an action to take. We are given His Spirit and a mind to make decisions that will always be in line with GW.

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August 17

Wednesday, August 17th, 2022

As I said in yesterday’s post (and so eloquently put by Ryan in his comments), one of the hardest things to do is to give up control, or at least the semblance of it. This is especially true when a decision needs to be made and one has several options.

Back in the early 80s, I found myself in a situation like that. I had been pastoring a church that just about killed my spirit. It was very legalistic, i.e. “We are right; you are wrong; and we will argue about it.” I didn’t know that at first, plus I was desparate to find a church since I’d been asked to leave from the previous church by the Sr. Pastor. To make matters tougher, money was very tight and I went through some burn-out.

Anyway, I interviewed at one church and scheduled a time to preach. In the meantime, another church asked for an interview which I had. The conundrum was the second church was more inviting to me but I had no promises with them. Church #1 has already had me come to preach and asked me to come.  (I had scheduled the interview before the “trial” sermon). What should I do?

I asked a friend. His words were wise: “Bill, there is no right or wrong. Take church #1. You already know their decision. You can’t make a wrong decision in this because God will be with you no matter what you choose. He will not abandon you.”

He was right. While the 3 years there were good ones, learning ones, and ended dubiously, the other church never called me back. In fact, several months later-six maybe-a young couple from that church reached out to me and found out what happened. They not only profusely apologized but sent some expense money (out of their own pocket).

My issue was control. I was unsure at the fork in the road and needed to make a decision. I wanted it to be THE. RIGHT. ONE. At least in my mind. I reached out to my friend because I wanted him to tell me what only God could. In a way, he did.

He told me to “Trust God.” He doesn’t make mistakes. And even though I may choose the one that gives me a rockier road, He will not abandon me.

TRUST GOD at the fork in the road. Seeking His desire does not give a wrong choice. One may be tougher and bring some learning lessons, but neither can be wrong.

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August 10

Wednesday, August 10th, 2022

As you read through Isaiah, there are some great passages. I’m about to hit some of them soon. but there are also some confusing ones-not confusing in the sense of “I don’t understand what it is saying”-but confusing in the sense of “How can this happen?”

A case in point is Isaiah 38-39. In chapter 38 King Hezekiah is on his death bed.  A boil seems to have ravaged his body to the point of death (39:21; 2 Kings 20:7). Hezekiah prays (more like wails) and God hears his prayer. He promises Hezekiah 15 more years of life (2 Kings 20:6).

But in those 15 years, two things happen which taint Hezekiah’s legacy.

1. He lets his head get too big. His pride is such that he opens his treasuries and shows the representatives from Babylon all he has (2 Chron. 32:25). Isaiah rebukes him and tells him that someday Babylon will come and carry away all his treasures.

2. Manasseh is born. One of, if not the most ungodly of kings, is born during the additional 15 years. A son like him is sure to taint a legacy.

Not all that happened during that 15 years is bad. For more on Hezekiah, I encourage you to read 2 Kings 20 and 2 Chronicles 32.

What a picture of contrasts don’t you think? A man who cries out to God for more time is given 15 more years. While he did some good things, Hezekiah is often remembered for his two missteps: pride gone awry and a wayward son.

What confuses me, of course, is his inability to acknowledge God’s answered prayer by a humble spirit. But I guess I should not be too shocked. I’m the same way. Blessed beyond measure, I sometimes fail to say thanks, but also take credit for my “state” and lose sight of where it came from. My pride rears its ugly head and I decide to do things my way. EPIC. FAIL.

“Father, may I humble myself before You and remember where it all came from.  Please help me to not lose sight of that truth.”

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August 9

Tuesday, August 9th, 2022

Have you ever read a passage of Scripture-least you think you have-and not have it register? Then one time you read it and BAM! the light goes on. This morning was one of  those times.

The Scripture in the spotlight: Isaiah 37: 14-20. (Please take a moment  and read it).

Sennacherib (S), the Assyrian king, planned to invade Judah. He sent his lackeys to threaten and badger Hezekiah into surrendering and not trust God. God surely would not save them. Outgunned and out-manned, Hezekiah does something totally unusual: he takes the letter from S, reads it, then heads to the temple and lays it out before God. Then he prays. It was not an “I’m scared spitless and don’t know what to do” kind of prayer. It was simply a prayer that acknowledged God’s power and might, Hezekiah’s weakness against S, and his trust that God would save them.

God answers Hezekiah’s prayer through Isaiah. I like the words Isaiah says in verse 21: “Because you have prayer to me (God) about S…” God is acknowledging Hezekiah’s correct response to the threat.

Now watch the result. Verses 36-38 -> 185,000 Assyrians dead. Not by Hezekiah’s hand or his army. “The angel of the Lord went out and struck…” Hezekiah didn’t lift a finger. S went home in disgrace and was eventually assassinated by his own sons.

Hezekiah averted a disaster by going to God first. What a great lesson! Instead of moving in his own strength (to sure defeat); relying on his own army; or even surrendering to S, he went to God and laid it all out before Him.

There’s gotta be a lesson there! 🙂

“Father, may I not  fret and worry and scheme in my own strength. Let me bring it all before You, lay it all before You, and trust You implicitly. “

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