ARE YOU RESOLVED?

The end of the year is nearly upon us.  New Year's Day looms near.  Are you one of those who makes a new year's resolution?  Should you be?  

There are some resolutions that should be made and not just at the new year.  We all need to resolve to be more like Christ; to know Him better; to spend more time in his word and in prayer.  Here is another idea.

My husband got me a new book for Christmas.  I had recently reread the minor prophets and noticed Jonah's response to his preaching in Nineveh and then what Nahum had to say to Nineveh some time later.  The book he got is about these two prophets and God's response to Nineveh at these two different times.

As I was reading I came across this paragraph:  "The comedic duo Penn and Teller, known for their longrunning Las Vegas magic show, are outspoken atheists.  One night after a show, a fan waited in line to meet Jillette Penn and gave him a Bible with a kind inscription.  Penn was touched by the gesture and released the following statement:  'If you believe that there is a heaven and a hell and you think that it's not worth telling people because it might make things socially awkward:  How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize?  How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them?'"(The Two Prophets to Nineveh by James E McCarthy)

How often do we fail to talk to someone about the Lord because we think it won't matter or they won't listen anyway or it just isn't the right time or (fill in the blank)?  The truth is we are being like Jonah who really didn't want the people of Nineveh to experience the grace and mercy of God.  Wow!  This really hit me.  

How about this resolution.  Resolve to share the gospel with everyone you meet in any way possible.  Love them the way Christ loves them.  After all, we are supposed to be imitators of Christ.

 It's That Time Again!

As hard as it may be to believe 2025 is coming to its end.  2026 is just around the corner.  

For those of you who have been following a "read through the Bible in a year" program, you are almost finished for the year.  Time to plan for next year.

I have been reading through the Bible every year for quite a few years now, and I can honestly say that it has been a wonderful blessing.  I look forward to starting afresh each year.

I want to share some ideas for those who want to give it a try in 2026.

When I first started I used LaGard Smith's chronological Bible divided into daily readings.  That book has developed into what is known as The Daily Bible which also includes some devotional thoughts.  I used this method for several years.  I began to feel that I wanted to get into the New Testament earlier in the year.

I found a daily Bible reading schedule in a (I think) calendar book I got with a homeschool order.  It included four daily readings from different parts of the Bible which made it possible to get through the entire Bible in a year.  I used this method for a lot of years and shared copies of the plan with others.  Schedules like this are readily available online should you want to try this method.

At some point, I started switching between different versions; using one version for a year then choosing another for the next year.  I found this to be very helpful in understanding different passages.  It also can cause different scriptures to jump out to us.

A new tool that was brought out several years ago is the "Reader's Version" of the Bible.  This is the Bible with no chapter and verse markings.  The idea is that the reader can just read without the interruption of chapter markings.  Now, there are several different versions in this format.  I began using these and really enjoy them.  I can highly recommend them.  I have used the ESV, CSB, NKJV and ASV.  There may be other versions out there in this format.  

Whatever plan you choose, do something!  Make the decision now to start a daily Bible reading plan.  Let the Holy Spirit give the blessings that come through scripture.  

If you feel like you can't read that much in each day, choose a plan that will take you through the Bible in two years.  They are available.

 ARE YOU A JESUS FREAK?

Back in the days of the hippies and flower children there were also the Jesus freaks.  The term was applied to those who were part of the "Jesus movement."  It was not considered a complimentary term for the most part.  Dictionary.com defines a freak as "any abnormal phenomenon or product or unusual object."  As a general rule, people do not like being referred to as freaks.

But, in truth, as followers of Jesus we should be abnormal in comparison with the world.  We should be an unusual object to worldly eyes.  Not that we should put on silly glasses and totally crazy clothes, lol!  But as a follower of Jesus my life should look different from the lives of my non-Christian neighbors.  

Do we look just like the average citizen to those who look at us closely?  Let's consider how we should be "freaks" for Jesus.

A true follower of Jesus will consider His will in every decision.  Should I buy a new car?  Do I need a bigger house?  Where will I go to school?  Who will I marry?  How will I spend my money?  For example, do I need the newest car or can I be satisfied with an older model in good condition which I can purchase without debt?  Should I even carry large amounts of debt?  Should I work to pay off all bills and wait to buy the new appliance until I have saved the money?  

A true follower of Jesus will spend time in his word every day and will meditate on his teachings.  Life can become very busy and it is tempting to squeeze our time reading the Bible and praying into a few quick moments as we rush on to the next thing.  How do we prioritize our time?

A true follower of Jesus will rejoice in Him!  We will take joy in sharing him with others.  We won't be shy about bringing him into our conversations.  

A true follower of Jesus will obey his command to take the gospel into all the world.  Some are able to relocate to an area where the need is great, while others are able to help send them.  Being sure a share of our income is dedicated to ministries which are sharing the gospel is one way to help in the mission.  

Jesus will come first!  If we make this true in our lives we will certainly be an unusual object to the world.

Consider these scriptures:

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  Matthew 10:37 (ESV)

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.  Luke 14:26 (ESV)

 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.  Luke 14:33 (ESV)

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, John 8:31 (ESV)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  John 14:15 (ESV)

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.  1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV)

Let's all work to be "freaks" for Jesus! 

YOU ARE WHAT YOU... 

I expect we have all heard the saying, you are what you eat.  Now, this isn't a blog about nutrition, but I would have to agree that there is a lot of truth in that saying.  What we put into our bodies becomes part of us.  If we make sure to eat the foods that build muscle, bone and brain, we are most likely going to be healthy.  On the other hand, if we can't resist junk food and soda, we are heading for disease.  

But, this post is not about what we eat, but instead about what we think.  Scripture is full of exhortations to think about good.  Consider the following verses: 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
     Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:4-9 (ESV)

Here we are told quite a bit about how we should think.  He starts by telling us to rejoice.  Rejoicing has to come from joyful thoughts.  When we think about what God has done for us through Christ, when we consider the many blessings he bestows on us, we have reason to rejoice.  

Next, he tells us not to be anxious.  Anxiety often follows negative thinking.  Then follows the well-known list of things we are supposed to think about.  The result--peace.  

We are constantly being inundated with things, which if thought on, can lead to anxiety and a lack of peace. 

We need to feed our minds with a diet of regular meditation and study of God's word, continual
prayer and daily worship.  These will build a healthy spirit.  If, however, we choose to fill our minds with mental "junk food" our spirits will grow weaker. 

When you choose entertainment be sure it will build your spirit.  Watch out for movies, television programs, music, books and video games which lead to spiritual illness.  Temptation is all around us to "enjoy" such things.  Satan tries to tell us that we are strong and a little bit won't hurt us.  Don't listen to him.  He is the father of lies.

When you wake up in the morning, start with prayer.  Thank God for keeping you through the night.  Ask him to bless the coming day to his service.  

Meet with God early in the day by reading scripture and thinking about what he is telling you.  Maybe you are someone who likes to journal, if so, write your thoughts on the scripture.  

Pray throughout the day.  We are told to "Pray without ceasing." in I Thessalonians 5:17.  When the Spirit brings to mind a prayer need, pray as you go about your daily tasks.

When evening comes, take time to worship before you go to bed.  Before you drop off to sleep go over some memorized scripture and praise God.  

Think about the following story: 

Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

 GOT STRESS?

If you have any stress in your life, welcome to the club.  We all have stress, worries, concerns, things that get us down.  As Christians we know that we are not supposed to worry.  We are not supposed to fret (Psalm 37).  But, we do struggle.

I am gradually reading through Timothy Keller's book on prayer.  So far, I would say that it is an excellent book and I recommend it.  The other day, I came across this paragraph:

"Years ago I was preaching on the Lord's Prayer and commented--rather offhandedly--that since adoration comes before asking for 'daily bread,' we need to spend time thanking and praising God for who he is before we go to our prayer list of needs.  One woman in my congregation took this to heart and a couple of weeks later related what a difference the advice had made.  'Before,' she said, 'I would run right to my prayer list and the more I went through all the problems and needs the more anxious and burdened I would get.  Now I've started spending time thinking about how good and wise he is, and how many prayers he's answered of mine in the past.  And when I get to my own needs--now I find I can put them in his hands and I feel the burden coming off me rather than on me.'"  Timothy Keller, Prayer, pg 190

I have usually started prayer with some praise and thanksgiving, but this really resonated with me.  Some years ago I started writing down requests whenever someone would ask me to pray about someone or something.  As we all know, it is easy to say you will pray and then forget to do so.  Keeping the list has been very helpful.  Then of course, there are the needs of my children and grandchildren.  

Maybe you have children who have left the Lord.  Perhaps you lost a loved one and the grief is still powerful.  Maybe you are overwhelmed by the evil in the world.  Perhaps abortion has struck close to home.  You might have a child or grandchild who has bought into the transgender lies.  It is so easy to become anxious even as we pray fervently.

It is when we stop to think of the greatness of God and all the amazing things he has done in the past and even in our own lives that we can rest and know that he is taking care of things.  

Consider Psalms 106 and 107.  The psalmist recounts many mighty deeds of the Lord.  He praises God and calls on him to act.  

Sometimes just remembering the creation, where God spoke all things into being, can remind us that God is bigger than all the problems.  

Have you seen the images sent from the James Webb Space Telescope?  With this amazing technology we can see more of the great works of the creator.  The writer of Psalm 8 calls the creation the work of God's fingers!  How can we not praise such a God!?

Spend time meditating on the greatness of God.  Consider his mighty works.  Remember how he has worked in your life in the past.  Look at the kingdom of Israel and how God worked for them.  Thank him!  Praise him!  Adore him!  Then lay all your burdens down before him.  Give him those wayward children.  Give him the grief, the pain, the sorrow.  The God who created the world, raised the dead and healed the sick, is able to take all of those things and leave you with peace and trust.

 

 

FORTRESS

"But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love."  Psalm 59:16-17 (ESV)

This morning in our morning worship after breakfast, we read Psalm 59.  Today when we read the psalm I was struck by the idea of fortress.  What is a fortress?

Dictionary.com gives these two definitions of fortress:  1. a large fortified place; a fort or

group of forts, often including a town; citadel.  2.  any place of exceptional security; stronghold.

The psalm says that God is the fortress of the psalm writer.  Looking at the above definitions it seems obvious that the second definition is closer to what the psalmist is thinking.  

God is indeed the place of exceptional security.  He is a stronghold.  He is impregnable.  When we are in God, our fortress, we need not fear the enemy.  

The enemy will constantly attack our fortress.  We will face the flaming darts of the evil one.  He will try to lure us from our stronghold, our fortress.

As long as we stay in the fortress, we will be conquerors.  We need to keep our focus on our fortress.  If we stray, we are in grave danger.  

We might be tempted to believe that we are strong and can fight the evil one alone.  This is the pride that comes before a fall.  We are weak and hopeless outside of our fortress.

As Christians we also have a fortress that might be defined as the first definition; a large fortified place.  We have the body of Christ, the church.  Being a part of the body gives us strength.  We have each other's back.  We help each other stay in the fortress and resist the evil one.  We have even more to rejoice in than the psalmist had.  Just as the writer rejoiced in God, his fortress, and sang of God's strength and steadfast love, we can do the same.  We praise God and rejoice in the body of Christ.  

Stay in the fortress!  Don't wander away!  Sing praises to God, our fortress!

Search the term fortress in your Bible study program and you will find many times when God's people recognized God as their fortress.

1. 
   

A PARABLE

There was once a wealthy man who owned many, many sheep.  This man hired shepherds

and assigned them sheep to care for.  

One young man excitedly started his job as a shepherd.  The master gave him five sheep, a beautiful ewe and four lambs.  The young man was to care for the sheep and report to the master on how things were going.

This young man loved his sheep dearly.  He made sure to take them where the grass was rich and the water was clean and calm.  He watched over them carefully.  There were many wolves in that country just waiting to grab a sheep or a lamb.  The young man kept vigilant watch over those precious sheep.  

The sheep in turn loved their shepherd.  They listened to his voice.  They relied on him.  They trusted him to protect them.  Because of the good care and their peaceful trust the sheep throve.

The young shepherd was very careful to report to the master every day.  He told him of the progress the sheep were making.  When there was a problem or concern with the sheep he would talk to the master and listen to his advice.  All was well.

Along with wolves in that country there were also worthless shepherds.  These men would ignore their sheep and try to lead the good shepherds astray.

One day, our young shepherd was accosted by one of the worthless shepherds.  He was told that it was ridiculous to spend so much time with his sheep.  He needed to have a little fun and let his sheep take care of themselves now and then, they would be fine.

The young man knew better than to listen to such lies and refused to trust the worthless shepherd.  However, he began to be tired.  It was such a lot of work to protect his sheep.  He began to skip a day now and then of talking to the master.  He decided that he already knew enough about taking care of sheep and didn't need to listen to the master anymore.

He started thinking about all the fun things he could do if he had more time for himself.  He decided he could take a few minutes every day to just relax and do something fun.  

At first it seemed to be fine.  The sheep were still healthy and safe.  The young shepherd was confident that he had everything under control.  Pretty soon he was talking to the master only a few minutes once a week and then only once a month.  

One day, one of the lambs was sick.  It began to lose weight and couldn't keep up with the ewe and other lambs as they grazed.  Then a prowling wolf came and caught the lamb.  

The young shepherd was upset, but told himself that it wasn't his fault, accidents happen and he still  had the other four sheep.  

One day, after he had been having a lovely time with his friends and their sheep, he couldn't find his sheep.  They had wandered off.  He did manage to find them, but sadly one lamb had broken a leg.  

Finally, the day came when the master called all his shepherds to come to his sheep farm and bring their sheep.  As each shepherd arrived, the master inspected their sheep and gave a judgement.  Some shepherds were praised for their faithfulness in caring for the sheep.  Others were sent away in disgrace.

As our young man approached with his remaining three sheep, he had all his excuses ready.  The sheep were contrary, they needed too much attention, he deserved time for himself.  He wasn't worried.  The master looked at the once beautiful ewe.  She was now tattered and worn from trying to watch the lambs herself.  She had lost weight and was in distress.  The two remaining lambs were sick and dying.  

What do you think the master did to that shepherd?   "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."  Matthew 11:15 (ESV)

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,"  Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)

"Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them."   Colossians 3:19 (ESV)

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
  Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)