Kathy Collard Miller's Blog, page 17
May 24, 2020
You’re Off the Hook; God’s Got It!
Are you thinking right now, “Kathy, what do you mean by that?”? Here’s what I mean. Sometimes we can feel responsible for the response of someone and it feels as serious as if we’ve failed to help someone find Christ as their Savior.
Sometimes I think of this with a metaphor like, “I’m holding up the Titanic.” The burden of making something happen seems so great, it’s as if I must make sure the Titanic doesn’t sink.
I’m so glad Jesus never felt like that. Just look at his interaction with Nicodemus. Jesus has just told this spiritual leader he must be born again. Nicodemus misunderstands and says, “How can these things be?”
In that moment I would have treaded lightly not wanting to mess things up, thinking, “I need to help God work by not offending Nicodemus.”
Yet Jesus goes for the jugular and is confident enough to say to Nicodemus, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? (John 3:10)
Nicodemus, the “teacher of Israel,” has come to Jesus in the night whether because of fear of being seen with the rebel Jesus, or he wants an extended time with him without the crowds interrupting them. Or he doesn’t want anyone to think he needs to be taught. After all, as a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin, everyone believes he knows everything.
He comes to Jesus with flattery. “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (3:2). He might be thinking, “I hope this covers up my feelings of inadequacy and neediness.”
Notice Nicodemus doesn’t ask a question but John 3:3 says, “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ “ Answered him?
Jesus delves right into the question in Nicodemus’s heart which the Pharisee most likely can’t even formulate.
Nicodemus just knows his knowledge of the Law doesn’t quench his spiritual hunger. Other Pharisees aren’t willing to admit their striving for perfection isn’t working. Or they believe their efforts are working.
The Greek word for “again” is a vague adverb with three possible meanings: born from the beginning, born a second time, or born from above. Which door do you choose Nicodemus? And Nicodemus goes for the “earthly” door. I must re-enter my mom’s womb, which although is impossible, is a way of solving a riddle with human ingenuity. The door meaning “be born from above” will open revealing the fulfillment of the Law in a perfect heaven where there is no need to strive. But Nicodemus is depending upon the door of knowledge, not an eternal perspective.
Jesus replies, “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (v. 12). Jesus is saying, “You are wanting to solve your spiritual hunger with man-centered solutions. I am offering you a completely God-centered way because the Holy Spirit must make the new birth possible—‘from above.’ All your knowledge won’t open the door for you into heaven, nor will your striving for perfection.
“You are at the first step, admitting your need. Now believe I am descended from heaven in a miraculous birth as foretold. Recognize my powerful Spirit must do the work just like the wind makes a difference. You can’t control it. You only see the results. Your new life will result from my powerful work of a heart change, not more human effort.”
Nicodemus must have made a heart commitment to Jesus because he later defends him before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51) and helps Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus (John 19:39-40).
It’s not up to you. It must be the Spirit moving in a heart.
Here are two questions to ask yourself along with a prayer.
What situations of life most seem like God is not powerful enough to make a difference in your loved one’s life?
How could trusting God’s power make a difference in the way you respond to someone?
My great God, I praise you for your power, which sees no obstacle, even the resistance of a human heart.
Thank you that I can trust your will is never thwarted or changed.
Would you share as a comment on my blog post to this question: When did you trust God was powerful enough to take care of a situation you initially wanted to control? 
(This is an excerpt from my newest book, God’s Intriguing Questions: 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus’s Nature.
This new book is a companion to the first book, God’s Intriguing Questions: 40 Old Testament Devotions Revealing God’s Nature, both co-written with my husband, Larry).
SHHHH! HERE’S A SECRET: The Kindle edition of my Old Testament devotional book will be 99cents starting Tuesday, May 26th, 2020. Don’t worry I’ll let you know).
May 15, 2020
Be More of a Biblical Self-Feeder
You may be thinking, what is that? Although I’ve heard a few other people use that term, and their definition may be different than mine, I would define it as directly studying the Bible, the Word of God, rather than depending upon other means. Dare I say it? Like a devotional.
Don’t get me wrong. I love devotionals. I write devotionals. My latest book (co-written with my husband, Larry), is a devotional: God’s Intriguing Questions. But I’d like to challenge us to be more of a biblical “self-feeder.”
Lately, I’ve felt the Holy Spirit’s nudge to again return to directly studying the Bible more than other means. I’m not saying “only,” but “more than” other means. TWEET THAT!
Curious? Then here’s a suggestion which may make you gulp:
Read a book of the Bible every day for a month.
Are you thinking, “you’re kidding!”? Feeling intrigued? Overwhelmed? Bored? You may be envisioning reading the whole book of Isaiah and needing to sit for three hours every day.
Those were my reactions when I first heard this idea years ago. But my curiosity won out and I started with a short book: First John. I read it through in fifteen minutes in my devotional time. I continued each day and in that first month, only missed three days.
I was shocked at my reactions. I thirsted for the Word more even though I’d been a Christian at that time for over forty years and a faithful Bible reader and author of women’s Bible study books. Over several months, I became convinced of this idea’s worth. Second Timothy 3:16-17 was proven true: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
If you’d like to consider this idea, here are some benefits:
By day fifteen of most months, I was convinced there couldn’t possibly be anything more I could learn. Yet on the last day of reading 1 Peter, I saw something new. Amazing! That happened most of the time.
Contrary to fearing boredom, I actually looked forward to reading. Reading a large portion over and over again emphasized the overall message God intended in a complete book. From the book of Amos I noticed the theme that God judged the Israelites’ performance because it didn’t include a commitment from the heart. I recognized God was pruning my motives so that I desire more completely God’s glory rather than my own.
Reading one book a month made me hungry to memorize significant verses I’d been reading every day.
If you’d like to try this, here are some ideas:
Start with a short Bible book.
If you’re too busy, modify the plan by reading one chapter for a week. Or divide a long book in half. Read the first half one day and the second half the next day.
Try alternating Old Testament and New Testament books. Or read them in chronological order. The Narrated Bible has the books printed in order.
Use different resources like print and on-line commentaries, or on different days refer to Study Bibles with comments. This way you don’t have to read everything available in one day.
Finally, don’t condemn yourself for taking it slow or skipping days.
The goal is to draw closer to God and allow Him to speak to you, not accomplish a plan. TWEET THAT!!
I hope these ideas will be inspiring to you. I was blessed by it. I pray you will be too.
How do you want to be more of a biblical “self-feeder”? Or what have you found that fits into that category?
(After I wrote this blog, I discovered the website www.theselffeeder.com. You’ll find more wonderful ideas there for this idea).
May 10, 2020
I Have a YouTube Channel! I’m excited!
I’ve begun regularly filming videos in three broad categories: faith, mothering, and marriage. I’d love for you to stop by and subscribe or just check it out: LINK RIGHT HERE
Here’s one of the videos. I hope you’ll enjoy and find it draws you closer to God. I share about the attributes of God and how I personally study and concentrate on the nature of God.
My other readers and I would love to hear about your favorite attribute of God. Please comment.
(By the way, Donna won the drawing to receive “Little Faith, Big God” by Debbie W. Wilson. Congratulations, Donna! I’m sorry everyone couldn’t win but I encourage you to purchase your own copy of Debbie’s wonderful book.)
May 6, 2020
What About Jesus’s Questions?
Since our book, God’s Intriguing Questions: 40 Old Testament Devotions Revealing God’s Nature was published, I know what you’ve been thinking. “Hey, what about the questions Jesus asked?”
Well, we heard you! Very soon, “Book 2” of God’s Intriguing Questions will be released. It’s titled God’s Intriguing Questions: 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus’s Nature. So I thought I’d give you a little taste of it with one of the devotions you’ll find there.
Why were you looking for me?
Luke 2:49
Our three-year-old granddaughter loves to hide from me, Kathy, under the clothes racks as her mother shops. But one time, I couldn’t find her. My heart raced as I envisioned someone taking her. Oh, God, help me find her. Keep her safe. In a few moments, she ran up to me giggling. I was both relieved and irritated.
Mary and Joseph must be experiencing the same panic when Jesus is missing. After the Passover festival, they travel toward home a full day before they realize Jesus isn’t with anyone in their large caravan of relatives and friends. Turning back toward Jerusalem, they must be running at times, worried and scared.
Mary and Joseph have momentarily forgotten who Jesus really is. They only think of him as a defenseless little boy when he is actually God incarnate. TWEET THAT!!!!
Then Joseph and Mary find twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple—the last place they expect. He is sitting calmly, listening and asking questions of the religious teachers. Mary’s fear takes over and she chastises her son, in effect, blaming him for her worry.
“Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress” (2:48).
We are like Mary. God, you aren’t showing up when I need you. I’m worried and it’s your fault. Why do I have to hunt for you and wonder if I’ll ever know your will? Our fears swirl around in our minds. We forget God’s work on our behalf in the past. Then when we come to our senses, we chastise ourselves for not trusting him.
The way to come to our senses and remember the truth is to think of the boy Jesus’s response as he corrects his mother, “Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house?” and as many versions word it, “at my Father’s business?”
Mary says, “Your father and I have been searching for you.” Mary downgrades her son’s status as God who is also human to only human. In a sense, Jesus reminds her, “Yes, you are my human mother but Joseph is not my father. He raised me in obedience to God, but God is my Father, and my identity will never change.”
When we react in any way of fear, distrust, anger, lack of self-control—any time we are operating in the flesh and not being controlled by the Holy Spirit—we have downgraded God’s qualities in our mind. He hasn’t changed but our perception of him has in the moment. TWEET THAT!!!!
Yet, God is forbearing and long-suffering. He has reasonable expectations of those in his human family. As we face problems challenging our trust in God’s abilities to come through for us, God knows we will struggle. He is not deluded thinking we will someday “arrive” at perfection while on earth. He is with us for the long haul of a life-long process of sanctification.
We need not fear his impatience even though he corrects us and reminds us of his identity as everything perfect and everything we need.
Do you ever believe the lie God shouldn’t be forbearing with you? Why?
What do you say about yourself when you fail? Can you find a verse speaking the truth about your God who won’t give up on you?
My precious Lord, I praise you for your capability to be forbearing. Thank you for understanding my struggle and knowing how you will help me little by little.
I hope you are as excited as we are about our next book on God’s questions.
Will you share? What question did Jesus ask that is your favorite? And why?
May 2, 2020
Book Drawing: “Little Faith, Big God” by Debbie W. Wilson
Read below how to enter the drawing. And here’s an excerpt to give you a tasty sample of a wonderful book you’ll want to read.
Have You Ever Doubted God’s Goodness?
by Debbie W. Wilson
“Do you give samples of your chicken salad?” my friend asked our server.
“No ma’am,” he replied, leaving us to ponder our menus.
“I guess I’ll order something else,” she said.
As we enjoyed our meal, the manager dropped by our table to ask how our food was. We told her it was great. Then my friend repeated her question.
“We aren’t able to offer samples because we make each dish fresh when it’s ordered,” she said.
Her answer provided a legitimate reason for why they wouldn’t offer samples. But I still wasn’t convinced. I couldn’t imagine them chopping celery and nuts for one serving of chicken salad at a time.
When I arrived home, I received an email from my friend, who frequents the restaurant we’d just left. She’d remembered that their chicken salad was not the prepared dish we’d pictured, but a green salad with a grilled chicken breast on top. I laughed at our misunderstanding.
Chicken Salad and the Bible
I know God’s ways are perfect. But sometimes they don’t look that way. TWEET THAT!!!!!
I’ve wrestled through some Old Testament laws and the book of Job. Add to this the suffering I see around me. While I choose to trust him, some pesky questions still bother me. One day, I asked God:
Why would you allow Job to suffer so much loss, pain, and misunderstanding when you said no one was as righteous as Job?
Why did you treat slaves differently than free people and women differently than men?
Why do you allow unrighteous judges to take away the rights of the innocent to protect the wicked?
Why do you allow a faithful believer to suffer on a deathbed of pain and the wicked to die peacefully in their sleep?
God addressed my questions and then used the chicken salad incident to quiet my lingering doubts.
I realized that if a restaurant manager had good reasons for what first appeared to be arbitrary rules, then my wise Father also has good reasons for how he runs the world. TWEET THAT!
God is like the ocean; I’m like a child trying to understand the mysteries of the deep from my small pail of water. I can’t understand someone so much greater than I am. But I can trust that he is wiser and more loving than I can imagine.
Job got the opportunity to bring his questions to God. Instead of explaining the background of Job’s circumstances and his good intentions for Job, God asked Job to explain the mysteries of the seen world.
If Job couldn’t explain the mysteries of creation, how could he hope to understand the mysteries of the Creator? Job’s questions evaporated in that tiny glimpse of God’s majesty.
I used to say that some questions wouldn’t be answered until we get to heaven. Now I think that when I see the Lord, my questions will no longer matter.
“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11 esv).
Faith in a Person
One key characteristic sets people with commendable faith apart. They trust God’s character and align their behavior with his revealed will.
If we focus on the size of our faith, we’re in danger of becoming either paralyzed by our inadequacy or proud and self-reliant. We aren’t enough for life’s challenges (2 Cor. 3:5). Jesus is the object of genuine faith. And he’s always enough.
(Excerpt from Little Faith, Big God, Feb. 11, 2020)
Thank you, Debbie, for sharing those inspiring words. Debbie’s book will help you know God cares more about you than your performance. Hebrews 11 shows ordinary people who, by faith, pleased God. By exploring these biblical men and women who failed, got up again, and finished well, Little Faith, Big God will inspire you to persevere in your faith. Present-day stories and guiding questions invite personal reflection, application, and discussion. Let the ordinary people from Hebrews 11 show you how to live strong and finish well.
Debbie wants to celebrate the release of her new book Little Faith, Big God with you by offering a copy to the winner of the drawing! To enter the drawing, please leave a comment on this blog post. Only US addresses can win. The drawing ends Saturday evening, May 9th, 2020. UPDATE: DONNA WON THE COPY OF ‘LITTLE FAITH, BIG GOD.” Thank you to everyone who entered the drawing. I hope you’ll consider purchasing the book. I know you’ll be blessed.
“Delightful… I highly recommend Little Faith, Big God …” -Josh McDowell, Christian apologist and best-selling author of Evidence That Demands a Verdict
Click here to watch the Little Faith, Big God Trailer.
Drawing from her walk with Christ, and decades as a Christian counselor, life coach, and Bible teacher, Debbie W. Wilson helps readers enjoy grace-filled lives. She is an Advanced Writers and Speakers Association certified speaking and writing coach. Debbie enjoys a good mystery, dark chocolate, and the antics of her two standard poodles. Refresh your faith with free resources at debbieWwilson.com.
April 27, 2020
Guest Post: “‘No Matter What’ Faith” by Rebecca Barlow Jordan
deeper intimacy with God.As a bestselling, inspirational author, she has authored, coauthored, and contributed to over 20 books, including her Day-votions®, 40 Days, and Daily in Your Presence series. For several years she was a co-writer for Guideposts’ Mornings with Jesus devotionals, and she is also a contributing writer for Crosswalk.com and a devotional writer for their Crosswalk Couple devotions. In addition, she has sold over 2000 greeting cards, devotions, articles, and other inspirational pieces. Rebecca is also a minister’s wife, mom, and “Mimi” to four grandchildren.
You can find more about Rebecca on her website where she blogs weekly heart to heart encouragement and is also active on Facebook and Pinterest.
I asked Rebecca if I could share her poem with you because its insights make Habakkuk 3:17-18 come alive and applicable for today’s challenges. The background of the biblical book of Habakkuk is that the prophet struggles with surrendering to God’s plan of allowing the Assyrians to attack the Israelites, not only killing most of them, but also taking many into exile. After his struggle, Habakkuk expresses his surrender as,
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT)
Do You Want “No Matter What” Faith in God?
Is your faith in God struggling right now? Would you like to know more about “no matter what” faith in God? Can you make the following declaration of faith?
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We find “no matter what” faith in God when we decide to trust Him in all things–even when times of discouragement, difficulty, or despair threaten us to turn away. But one 
thing I have learned. You can read the rest of Rebecca’s original blog post here.
April 20, 2020
Worry Is Like A Rocking Chair ….
That’s a fun anonymous quip, but unfortunately it’s true. In our minds we think worry takes us somewhere “good” but actually it’s fruitless and powerless. Many times we don’t even want to worry but it seems to overwhelm us. We wonder why.
In this particularly fearful time of the pandemic, let’s look at some reasons why we worry.
Worry comes from believing I know what’s best
MOTIVE: I don’t like feeling I’m not smart.
Many times when I worry, I’m basically believing I know better than God.
There was a time in my life when I worried about my children. I reasoned they were young and vulnerable. Plus, I believed any difficulty was not good for them. I justified my worry by calling it prayer and then told God what to do. I thought being a good mom meant convincing God shouldn’t give challenges to my children.
In time, I was able to have a heart change of trusting God enough to believe He intends good through every challenge every person faces, even my children! It was hard to let go and diminish worrying but over time I could focus on the truth which brought peace. I really began to believe James 1:2-4:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Interestingly, a few verses later, James writes, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
I truly believe that every challenge, trial, and difficulty is a “good” gift. We just have to learn to define “good” the same way God does–as for our best because we are drawing closer to God’s loving heart when He provides, strengthens, and assures us of heaven.
Worry helps me feel powerful
MOTIVE: I don’t like feeling out of control.
I grew up hearing, “Why, of course worry works. What I worry about doesn’t happen.” It’s a humorous saying but it shows how we’re trying to impotently control circumstances rather than trusting the most powerful potentate there is. The next time you are tempted to worry, ask God, “Am I demanding my own way to feel powerful?” Many of us grew up feeling voiceless. Feeling powerful seems to make sure we’ll be heard.
But worrying doesn’t really bring us the ability to speak the truth in love. It only paralyzes our feelings and thoughts. We can let go of worry by knowing God hears our deepest longings and promises to do what is best for us.
Worry helps me feel included
MOTIVE: I don’t like feeling left out.
When something threatening occurs to those I love and I’m not being included, Satan whispers, “I guess they don’t think you’re very important.” Without examining my heart’s motives, I text or email and say, “I was worried about you,” with the hope they’ll respond.
Now I’m realizing I’m looking to another person to provide the affirmation of my importance rather than God. I’m depending upon another for what God wants to provide. He’s the only One who can provide it perfectly. Other people will always fail me at some point.
Worry helps me feel helpful
MOTIVE: “I don’t like feeling left out” with a twist.
I can say I was a part of God’s provision or protection. After all, didn’t I pray for this very thing? Of course I was actually worried but it’s better to say, “I prayed for you.”
I may tell others I’ve been praying but if it’s motivated by worry, I might be expecting someone to point out the powerful prayer partner I’ve been. Then I should really admit I expect them to say, “Thank you for worrying.”
My grandmother often said to me, “Kathy, I was worried about you.” I never felt very supported by her words. I wanted to hear her say, “Kathy, I prayed for you.” I’ll never forget the day when that is what she said. I’ve never forgotten it even though it’s been over five decades ago.
In each of these situations, the Holy Spirit is eager to reveal our motives and empower us to resist worry.
Pay attention to what’s motivating you and consciously rehearse God’s faithfulness, power, and sovereignty. He is big enough to fight for you. No need to worry. He knows exactly how He intends to bring good for you and glory for Himself.
(This is an adapted excerpt from my book Pure-Hearted: The Blessings of Living Out God’s Glory.)
April 13, 2020
Book Giveaway: “Staying Power” by Carol & Gene Kent and David & Cindy Lambert
There are many books on marriage (Larry and I even wrote one!) but this new book by Carol & Gene Kent and David & Cindy Lambert is unique yet important for every couple.
Staying Power offers hope and help especially for couples going through very difficult circumstances that require special TLC. Yet at the same time, it offers wisdom every couple will appreciate. But if you are looking for more than the usual “how to do marriage” book, then this is it. And I’m so grateful I can alert you to it with a book giveaway of …. drum roll…
5, yes FIVE, winners! So be sure to follow the instructions below for entering the drawing. UPDATE: the winners are: Kelli Lawson, Janet Powel, Donna Holder, Denise Smith, and Amy. Congratulations to you. I will email you.
I personally love to look at a book’s Table of Contents. Here it is for Staying Power:
Table of Contents
We’re in This Together … or Not
Make the Next Right Choice
Anger is Not the Enemy
Forgive Freely
The Right Word at the Right Time
An Articulate Silence
The Power of Serving while Suffering
Divine Surprises
Say Yes to Guilt-Free Time-Outs
Never Give Up
Kissing the Scars
The Strength of Weakness
And here’s an excerpt from Chapter 7 which really touched me and emphasized how healing in the midst of trauma can come from serving others.
Yes sometimes we have to arrive at a certain point of healing and that’s fine. But once we reach that, we can be healed more deeply reaching out to others. (By the way, Carol and Gene Kent’s son, J.P. is in prison serving a life sentence for murder).
Carol writes, “For a while, my own grief over the incarceration of my son kept me self-focused. My thoughts swirled around fear of the future; I stressed over trying to make sure my son was safe, and I was anxious about what others might think of our family. Eventually, an important change took place, and I remember just when.
We were standing in line with other families waiting to go through security at the prison. We spoke to those around us and met lonely wives and children who had been separated from their husbands and fathers due to incarceration. We met inmates who needed Bible studies and reading material. We noticed that the visitation room was short on items that children could use to do activities with their incarcerated parent during their visits.
Gene and I launched the nonprofit organization Speak Up for Hope (www.SpeakUpForHope.org), which benefits inmates and their families. Friends of this ministry donate thousands of dollars each year so we can provide inmates with excellent reading material, postage, electronic tablets, care packages, and greeting cards to send to their family members. … (Carol and Gene share the many other ways this ministry helps).
Then Carol continues:
The following weekend we were standing in line at the prison, waiting to get through security. A new guideline had been put in place for the visitation area: Women were no longer allowed to wear sleeveless shirts or blouses. I looked up and noticed that a woman who had already waited for over two hours to make it to the front of the line had been turned away–she was wearing a sleeve-less blouse. She was sobbing.
I suddenly realized that Gene was no longer standing next to me. I looked around and spotted him in the parking lot, apparently returning from our car. He was carrying a black T-shirt. … He approached the woman and said, “Here, put this on and go back to the front of the line. It’s my gift to you today. Have a wonderful visit with your family.”
He returned to my side in the line. I said, “So that’s what’s been happening to your T-shirts!”
He smiled and said, “It’s my ministry.”
Ever since the day I found out about Gene’s T-shirt ministry, we’ve been working together to pass them out to visitors who need them in order to pass inspection.
The more we continue to serve others together, the less we focus on our own loss. As we invest in the lives of others, God doubles our joy.” TWEET THAT!
Thank you, Carol, for including in your book such a powerful story of God’s empowerment for dealing with the challenges facing marriage. All of us are hurting in our marriages in ways either big or small. And thinking of others can bring joy and healing. Carol and Gene, along with David and Cindy, share many other stories and very significant practical, biblical ideas for persisting in marriage even when storms hit us. And every marriage faces them!
I know you want to be one of the 5 winners for this drawing. Just make a comment on this post on my blog and I’ll enter you into the drawing. Only US addresses can win, I’m sorry. I will draw the winners on Monday evening, April 20th. UpDATE: winners chosen and mentioned above.
Read the first chapter of Staying Power (Click here)
Here is more information about the authors:
Carol and Gene Kent are the founders of Speak Up Ministries, which includes Speak Up Speaker Services, a Christian speakers’ bureau; Speak Up Conferences, equipping the next generation of speakers and writers; and Speak Up for Hope, a nonprofit organization that benefits inmates and their families. Carol has authored more than twenty books, and Gene serves as chief operating officer of their ministries. They are both fans of tracking down the best cup of coffee in every city they visit, and their favorite activity is watching sunsets together.
Cindy and David Lambert have been influencing the Christian publishing world for decades, both as editors and as authors, having authored more than twenty books between them. They have six children and nine grandchildren and love to launch their kayaks together from the dock in front of their log cabin in Michigan.
April 12, 2020
The Resurrection is Evidence Jesus’s Messiahship is Real
Christ’s Resurrection Assures You
by Kathy Collard Miller
We often focus on the beautiful gift of salvation through Christ’s death and forget the importance of his resurrection. In I Corinthians 15:3-4, the Apostle Paul stresses both: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
Jesus is no longer in the grave! Jesus’ resurrection verified him as the true Messiah. Many men died on crosses and some may have claimed to be the long-awaited Messiah, but none of them rose from the grave. Without the resurrection, Jesus death as evidence of his Messiahship is suspect. But the resurrection confirmed Jesus’ words: “It is finished.”
The empty grave declares God saying, “See? It really is true! Jesus was no imposter. This is my stamp of approval. I’m satisfied with my Son’s death on the cross in your place to wipe away all your sin. Therefore, you can live in confidence.” Romans 4:5 affirms, And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. Do you notice “who does not work”? Working for our salvation or to keep our salvation is not needed.
No wonder Satan loves to attack our security. When we are wondering whether enough has been done we become nervous. When someone “sees us” as imperfect, we wonder if they are questioning our salvation. Our lack of confidence motivates our defensiveness and anger.
When we counteract Satan’s questioning whispers with the truth, we live confidently. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20).
The same resurrection power is available to you and me. We won’t use it perfectly, but we’ll grow stronger, which is the process of sanctification. Additionally, because he’s no longer in the grave, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. No wonder we can be assured of our salvation.
April 7, 2020
Jesus Can Be Our “Tent Peg” in This Uncertain Time
Recently, someone commented on a blog post of mine from 2016. I was so blessed that somehow a woman found my post and the Lord used it to minister to her. I couldn’t remember much from what I wrote about the Bible’s reference to “tent peg” so I looked up my post.
As I read it, I thought, “Wow, this could help us all in this uncertain time. So I’m reposting it and praising God that it might be re-used by Him.
Here’s what I wrote:
I love words! And I love finding out the meaning of seemingly obscure words in the Bible. For instance, what in the world does the word “nail” or “tent peg” in Zechariah 10:4 mean:
“From him shall come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler–all of them together.” (ESV)
This verse refers to Christ and I was curious about the “tent peg” reference. In some Bible versions the word “pin” or “nail” is used. The word “nail” was particularly curious to me.
Here’s what I found. One commentator says the Hebrew word yathed can refer to:
a peg that fastens the cord of a tent
a nail used in building with timber
peg for hanging up arms and utensils on the walls of a house.
It’s definitely the idea of supporting and providing a strong load-bearing resource.
Curiously, this idea of a nail or tent peg is mentioned other places, although not to Christ, but to other people. Isaiah 22:23-24 tell us about God choosing a man named Eliakim to be a “peg.”
“I will drive him like a peg in a firm place,And he will become a throne of glory to his father’s house.
So they will hang on him all the glory of his father’s house, offspring and issue, all the least of vessels, from bowls to all the jars” (NASB)
Unfortunately, he failed at the task. Isaiah 22:25 tell us,
“In that day,” declares the LORD of hosts, “the peg driving in a firm place will give way; it will even break off and fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut off, for the LORD has spoken.”
Although Eliakim failed, we can depend upon Jesus as our peg and nail because He will never loosen His grip on us nor be pulled away from His working in our lives.
Michael P.V. Barnett writes,
“It is good to know that not only did Christ bear the load of our guilt and sin, but that He is ever able to bear the load of our troubles and cares. We can hang it all on Him.” (Beginning at Moses: A Guide to Finding Christ in the Old Testament).
Amen!!!!!
P.S. If we’re looking to another human person to be our tent peg or nail, guess what? He or she will eventually be like Eliakim. Not capable of pulling the load of being our strength and provision. Only Jesus is strong enough.
How do you rely upon Jesus as your strong tent peg in this uncertain time?
(Thank you to congerdesign’s photo I found at Pixabay.com which I used for my meme)
