Not far from where we live is an old cabin that is slowly falling down. In years past, we have seen people stay there, but now it is completely uninhabitable. We drive by and think, "How sad!" It did not take someone with a sledge hammer or chainsaw to destroy that home. Simply neglecting to maintain and care for it has, in time, had a destroying effect.
 
I have often said, "Oh, I neglected to tell you" or "I neglected to take care of that," but this verse reminds us of the one thing we MUST NOT neglect – "so great salvation." How tempting it is to skip a daily Bible reading, prayer, or a church service! We think, "Just one won’t matter that much." But one almost always becomes two and soon a regular habit of neglect is established.
 
The enemy knows many Christians will avoid sins like stealing, killing, cheating, drinking alcohol, or taking illegal drugs. Yet, how easy it is to neglect a few things here and there! King Solomon described it as "a little sleep, a little slumber" (Proverbs 6:10). The songwriter told of the serious end of a life of neglect: "Through neglect, I’m lost at last" (Soon the Summer Will  Be Ended).
 
This Bible verse is a reminder as we start each day to not neglect those things that keep our spiritual house strong and secure. ​

If you have ever driven a car that needed an alignment or pushed a grocery cart with a crooked wheel, you know how difficult it is to go forward while being pulled to the left or to the right.  From the moment we wake up until we fall asleep, there are demands for our time and attention—responsibilities, social media, technology, a job, or school. Is it any wonder that we often feel like we are "out of alignment"?
 
When your car is "out of alignment," tires wear out prematurely, it causes extra stress and fatigue to the driver, and it is a safety concern. An alignment will make sure all four wheels point in the same direction.
 
Just as Bible reading and prayer, silence and solitude are much needed spiritual disciplines. Jesus spent time alone with God, making sure His will and life was in alignment with His Father's.
 
In this age of technology, we seem to be addicted to noise. Times of silence can be unsettling. Often, we are uncomfortable being alone with our thoughts. We would rather keep busy so that we can push aside our true needs. In silence and solitude, distractions are removed, and God can bring to the surface inner problems and needs that we have been ignoring.
 
Today, let us create a space where we STOP (talking, doing, socializing, being entertained) and START (listening to what God has to say). It might be painful as God reveals what is out of alignment in our life, but when we allow God to do His perfect work in us, we will find true rest and peace.
 
"We are silent at the beginning of the day because God should have the first word, and we are silent before going to sleep because the last word belongs to God" (Dietrich Bonhoeffer).

The French Revolution lasted ten years, but for many people 1793-1794 was the worst. One politician said, "Let's make terror the order of the day!" During this "Reign of Terror," it is believed that 300,000 people were arrested, 17,000 were executed, and 10,000 died in prison. 

When Paul called on Christians to "persuade men" because we know "the TERROR of the Lord," this was not the kind of terror he was talking about. Other versions translate this as "the FEAR of the Lord." To fear God is to have respect and reverence for Him, to understand He is holy, just, and righteous, and to learn how much He hates sin. This fear includes a strong desire to not displease the Lord.

To gain this healthy "fear of the Lord" requires getting into God's Word (Bible reading and study). Psalm 119:38 promises that God's Word (when proved and confirmed) produces fear (or reverence for God).

Proverbs 2:1-5 has great instructions for understanding fear and finding Godly knowledge.
Verse 1 - RECEIVE  God's words 
Verse 2 - APPLY your heart to understanding
Verse 3 - CRY after knowledge
Verse 4 - SEARCH for knowledge and understanding
Verse 5 - "THEN shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."

It is dangerous to be a Christian (a "salesman" for Christ) and have little real fear (reverence, understanding, and knowledge) of the Lord. "We fear men so much because we fear God so little" (William Gurnall).

(How Do We "Persuade Men"? - Part 1)

 ​John Henry Patterson is regarded as “one of the greatest salesmen of all time." He purchased the National Cash Register Company after cash registers used in his own store showed a profit of $5,000. Yet, in 1884 there was no market demand for cash registers. Patterson and his salesmen had to "persuade" store owners they needed this product.
 
Patterson realized his salesmen were unprepared. He said, "One half of our salesmen are so ignorant of their product that they will actually prevent a man from buying, even though he wanted a cash register." Although many of his salesmen resisted, Patterson created a mandatory sales manual and training schools for his employees. Sales doubled the first year, and by 1914, the NCR company was producing 110,000 cash registers per year!
 
As Christians we are to be witnesses, ambassadors, and one might say "salesmen" to "persuade" others to follow Christ. Yet, how many times have we not known HOW  to do this? Are we fearful of questions about our faith because we are unsure of the answers?
 
The Scripture says "KNOWING." It might help to learn from Patterson who required his salesmen to learn the sales manual by heart. "KNOWING" is going to require some work: Bible reading and Bible study. Just as Patterson's salesmen had to go to training school, the Christian also must take advantage of learning opportunities (Sunday school, youth services, church services).
 
In today's culture, it is more important than ever that God’s people "be ready always to give an answer … of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).

(How Do We "Persuade Men"? - Part 2)

There is a children’s song that says: "The more we work together, the happier we’ll be. For your work in my work, and our work is God’s work." Paul wrote to let his Christian brothers and sisters know that he thanked God for them every time they came to his mind. Why? Because of their "fellowship in the gospel" (verse 5). It blessed Paul to hear that they were working together in spreading the Gospel.
 
When I think of my church family, there are so many things to be thankful for, but like Paul, I believe the greatest blessing is that we are "workers together with him" (2 Corinthians 6:1). It might be cleaning the church, sending cards, working in the dining hall, testifying, singing, praying, or fixing food for a funeral. These are just a few of the many ways the family of God works together in sharing the Gospel. There is an old saying, "Many hands make light work." What a blessing to be a part of God’s family and work together! I, too, thank God every time I think of you. 

​My parents had six children, and keeping track of all of us must have been challenging. Once they forgot my youngest sister after a church service. She stood, patiently waiting, outside the church building because she knew as soon as our parents "remembered" her, they would be back.
 
Many verses in the Bible tell  of people asking God to "remember." Yet, why would they ask that, as God never forgets? The Hebrew word for "remember" is defined as "to bring someone to mind and then ACT on that person's behalf."
 
When God "remembered" Noah, He dried up the waters; when He "remembered" Rachel, she had a son (Joseph); and when He "remembered" Israel in bondage, He sent a deliverer (Moses).
 
When we read that God "remembered," we also find that there was action. Verses that tell us God "remembered" are followed by proof that He never forgets.
 
When we cry out to God, "Remember, O LORD," it is not because He has forgotten us or our needs, but because we need Him to move on our situation. God KNOWS we need Him. He is waiting for us to realize our need and call out to Him: "Remember [me], O LORD."

In these two verses, we read of Phebe and learn that she is a Christian, a servant, and a helper of many including the author of the Book of Romans (Paul). I could find no other mention of her in the Bible. Yet, there is much more to Phebe’s story than what was recorded here. It is believed that due to her name, she was a Greek named after the god Apollo. She is noted as being at Cenchrea, a port outside of Corinth (a very wicked city). Was she married? Did she have children? Was she wealthy or accomplished? Was her family well known? None of these details about her have been historically preserved.
 
Phebe is remembered for what she did for the cause of Christ. These verses remind us that when our life is over, what TRULY MATTERS is what we have done for Christ. "Only one life, so soon it will pass, Only what’s done for Christ will last."

Bad news travels fast. Often a phone call, text, or email can bring "evil tidings." The phone rings or we hear a text notification, and our heart seems to stop. We think, "What now?" Can you imagine what Job must have thought as each messenger came running toward him? In Job 3:25 he said, "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me."
 
Sometimes we are tempted to say: "I knew this would happen! Nothing ever seems to go right." Evil tidings have a way of depressing and discouraging us. But this verse says we do not have to be afraid of them. Evil tidings will come; good news will come. Only God knows what today holds. The key is to have our heart FIXED (or focused) on the Lord. It was only when Peter stopped looking at Jesus and focused on the water that he began to sink.
 
The next time bad news comes, this verse is a good reminder to focus our "heart" (thoughts) on God. When our eyes are "fixed" on Him, we remember that God is in full control of the problems of life (the "evil tidings"). Nothing is impossible when you put your TRUST in God!

​In the book Great Expectations, a young man named Pip sought after wealth, status, and education. He was greatly dissatisfied with his life, and as he cultivated relationships that he thought would help him become a "gentleman," he abandoned the moral guidance of his youth. In the end, he had no spiritual values and no meaningful  purpose.
 
Where are we placing our expectations? In people, things, education, or accomplishments? Will any of these bring long-lasting peace and fulfillment? This verse tells us to "wait ONLY upon God." Our "expectation" (what we live, hope, and long for) must be with God. A key word, though, in this verse must be remembered: "wait." In His time, God will reveal His plan for our life, and it will exceed all our expectations!

In Jesus' day, the phrase "a grain of a mustard seed" was often used to describe anything of a small quantity or weight. Yet, this small seed can grow into a plant that is 8 feet high, providing a place for birds to rest in its branches. Another common phrase used in Bible times when describing respected teachers or Rabbis was, "He is an uprooter of mountains." While physical mountains are exactly where God placed them, there are often things in our life that look just as impossible as moving a physical mountain.
 
However, the smallest amount of faith planted in good ground and watered with prayer and the Word will grow into a tall, strong plant that provides rest and encouragement for you and for others in your life. This faith, based in God's Word, can take hold of His promises. He hears us (1 John 5:14), and He can do greater things than we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). I am so thankful that God is mindful of me when my faith is weak due to the great mountain that is in my way! What a good reminder that nothing is impossible with God!

​If you have ever had doubts about God, His purpose for your life, or if He truly loves you, you are in good company. The Bible is full of people who had doubts. (Job, Abraham, Gideon, and Thomas are just a few.) But Daniel was known as a "dissolver of doubts." In the East, this was described as "a dissolver of knots."
 
Doubts can make you feel like you are tied up in knots. Asaph described them as "too painful" (Psalm 73:16). What he knew about God did not match up with what he was seeing. Doubts often come because we misunderstand what God is doing.
 
What should we do with doubts? Starve them? Ignore them? Or take them to God? Doubts can lead to UNBELIEF or to FAITH. It all depends on what you do with them. Asaph took his doubts to church. He said, "Then understood I." Thomas joined the other disciples on Sunday, and Jesus knew exactly what Thomas needed to hear.
 
When life does not seem fair, when pain or death comes your way, doubts are often not far behind. You might wonder, "Why would God let this happen?" In those times, it is good to do as Asaph and Thomas and take those doubts to the Lord. We might not get all our questions answered, but spending time with Him brings "knowledge, and understanding." Doubts begin to dissolve when we learn that we can trust Him. He is the Ultimate "Dissolver of Knots."

​It is believed that the average person thinks 30,000 thoughts every day. Imagine how many pages that would fill if written down! How many of those thoughts are negative, discouraging, accusing, and overwhelming? This Scripture verse tells us we MUST take action: "bringing" (lead away). We cannot entertain these thoughts, or they will begin to take root.
 
How can we bring our thoughts into captivity? A few ways I have learned that are helpful:
 
• Remove or limit anything I read, see, or hear that promotes negative thoughts.
• Choose to think on the good things (replace negative with wholesome).
• Take those thoughts to God (prayer).
• Use the sword of the Word (find a Scripture that helps me).
 
The thought life is where most of our battles are fought. The more I work to take every thought "captive," the stronger the walls of my mind become. Thoughts can greatly trouble us, but God has made a way of escape. Thank God for His Word!

From a small child, I was taught that lying is wrong.  Many Bible verses warn against the sin of lying. Yet, some lies are harder to detect than others. For example, there are lies that we are tempted to tell to ourselves, lies such as: “I never get it right. I’m not good enough.  I'll always fail; I might as well not even try."
 
Jesus told the Samaritan woman that we are to worship God in spirit and in truth (honesty). This verse stresses the importance of serving God "in truth" as well. The enemy is so good at convincing us his lies are truth. We need the spotlight of the Word to reveal any lies that could hinder us from serving God "with all your heart."

One of my favorite Scriptures for when the lies about my self-worth try to work on me is, "I have inscribed (a picture of) you on the palms of My hands" (Isaiah 49:16 AMP). What a blessing to know the TRUTH - I have great value in God’s eyes!  And YOU do too!

In Pilgrim’s Progress, when "the way" became rough, Christian and Hopeful found a path "very easy for their feet" (By-path meadow). How many times when the Christian way becomes difficult are we tempted to look for an easier way?
 
This chapter was Moses’ Farewell Address to Israel, and this verse was to the tribe of Asher. These people lived on a rocky seacoast, and shoes made only of leather would not have protected their feet from the sharp rocks. Thus, the importance of "shoes" made of "iron and brass."
 
There is an old saying, "We do not go to Heaven in silver slippers." Why? Because "the way" will, at times, be difficult. God knows this, and He gives us "equipment proportioned to our work, shoes fit for the road" (MacLaren). The durability of our shoes will match the roughness of the road.
 
So it is with our strength. God knows the road you will be traveling today, and He has promised to give you strength for today. This strength is not for weeks or months but for "days." God knows exactly the amount needed for today. When tempted to look too far ahead and begin worrying about the future, this verse is a good reminder that when we get to that part of "the way," God will provide the "shoes" (strength) that we need.

​One of my greatest blessings has been to be raised in a Godly home where I was taught the truth of God's Word. It was evident that my parents and my grandmother knew who God is. I could tell they had a close, personal relationship with Him. But there came a time in my life when I had to know who God is for myself.

Jesus asked His disciples who others said He was. After they answered, some say this or that, Jesus made the question more personal: "But whom say YE that I am?"
 
I have done my best to teach my children who God is to ME. They have seen me so blessed that I cry and have heard me talk of my relationship with God, but there has come a time in each of their lives when God has asked this question of them. Why? Because although a Godly heritage is a treasure, it is going to take something deeper and more personal to withstand the storms of life. 

Who is Jesus to you? How do you answer that question?

When it comes to why you do or do not do certain things as a Christian, do you say, "Mom and Dad makes me" or "That’s what our church teaches"? Consider if you gave an "answer" that is personal. This verse says to “be ready to give an answer . . . of the hope that is in YOU.” I often view this verse as a challenge to study and know my "WHY," which is so important! However, the first part of this verse tells HOW we can prepare to give an answer: “sanctify the Lord God.” How can we make God holy (sanctify) as He is already holy? The answer is "in our hearts."
 
When we give God the first place in our hearts (giving Him the time, obedience, love, and honor He deserves), we are making Him holy. Others can see the calm in the storms and the peace and joy we have by letting Him be in control. The more we let God be holy in our lives, the more it will cause the unsaved to question, "What do they have that I don’t?" When questioned, we are "ready to give an answer." We can tell of our relationship with God. There is nothing quite like a personal testimony to let others know how wonderful God is!

It is always a blessing each spring when my garden is finally planted!  Although it is a lot of hard work, I look forward to having shelves full of canned vegetables at the end of the year. The word "regard" in this Bible verse actually means "to keep or preserve." "Discretion" is the spiritual wisdom for daily living that we all so greatly NEED. But how to get it?

The words "my son" bring to mind the instruction of a parent. What wisdom and great understanding our parents have! They have seen and experienced much. There is an old proverb that says, "When an old person dies, a library burns down." How much more so when that older person was saved!

Many times in my life I have asked myself, "How did my mom handle this situation?" Or I have remembered stories others have shared with me of how they handled difficult experiences. These were like jars of wisdom that I could open when needed. What a blessing these older saints have been to me! It is my desire to preserve and pass on what I have learned from them to others. 

There is a character in one of the Charles Dickens’ classics whose name is Uriah Heep. He continually reminded everyone of his "umbleness." Of course, that is quite the opposite of what this verse is saying. Commentators say this verse describes a special garment that servants put on when they were preparing to serve the master. Some call it a "servant’s girdle."
 
Too often humility is thought of as saying: "I could never do that. I’m not qualified. There are others who can do it much better than I could." Yet, the humbleness described here is about  a willingness to SERVE in whatever way the Master needs. God promises to give the "grace" needed for that task.

​As I get dressed for the day, this verse is a good reminder to also PUT ON the "servant’s girdle" of humility and be willing to serve others. Lord, who needs my help today?

From the first day we found out a new baby was coming, we began planning for that child. Supplies were bought, books on childcare and pregnancy were read, and room in our home was set aside. We talked about how to discipline, instruct, and give guidance. We had dreams and plans for raising and guiding each of those children.

How much greater are the plans of our Heavenly Father for His children! From the beginning of the world, He has had a plan in place for each one of His children. Another version of this verse says, "Neither hath the eye seen a God beside Thee, who will work for him that waiteth for Him." Paul quoted this verse and said "those who love him."

​There will be many times in life when we are unsure of our next step. Why is God taking so long to reveal His will? Isaiah assures us of how wonderful these plans are. We can trust Him in our waiting. He has been planning our future for a very long time!

​There are certainly plenty of things happening these days to make us fearful and anxious. “What if ...” is often a dangerous road to start down. Paul said to “be careful [full of care, anxious] for nothing.” Consider that Paul was writing this as a prisoner of Rome, facing certain death. He could have easily been overcome with fear and worry.
 
But how do we NOT allow fears to overwhelm us? Paul did not leave us guessing. He told us exactly how to overcome this powerful tool of the enemy: prayer and thanksgiving. In one of my darkest trials, when fear was about to take me under, I felt like God impressed me to thank Him all day long. As I made the bed, I said, “Thank You, Lord, for a comfortable place to sleep.” I thanked Him for a lily that bloomed out of season. It was not long until the fears began to lose their power over me.

​“If a thing is great enough to threaten to make me anxious, it is great enough for me to talk to God about” (commentary). If it matters to you, it matters to the Master. 

"Safe" is a word we hear often today. The cashier at the grocery store tells me to "be safe out there." I pray for safety as my family leaves the house each day. The government tells us how to be safe during a pandemic. But Paul talked of the safety in hearing well-known truths. There is a real danger that comes with hearing the truth preached over and over. Human nature wants something new and exciting, but Jeremiah 6:16 advises to "ask for the old paths."
 
When our children were young, we would often go through our family rules concerning what they could or could not do. They had heard it all before, and I am sure there was an attitude of "I already know this." But the rules were repeated for their safety and to keep them out of trouble. The next time truth is preached and the flesh starts to say, "I already know this," it would be good to remember this verse. These truths (the old paths) are a safeguard to me, protecting me from getting off the narrow way. 

​Jesus told his disciples to go into the village, find a certain colt, untie it, and bring it to Him. If the owner questioned them, this was to be their answer: "the Lord hath need of him." When I think of all I have, I wonder if there is something God "hath need of." It could be possessions, money, or time. It could be my talents and abilities. God might need to use my hands, feet, or words today to reach out to someone.

I find it interesting that the owner of the colt did not refuse the disciples. Verse 6 says, "And they let them go." But Jesus already knew this. He told the disciples, "Straightway he will send him hither."
 
When the Lord needs something of me, can He say the same? Can He say, “She will do this immediately ('straightway')"? Everything I have ultimately belongs to God. What a good reminder to quickly answer the call: "the Lord hath need."

​The blind beggar Bartimaeus was determined to get help from Jesus. Possibly, he had tried to get Jesus’ attention in the past but could not get close enough. Or perhaps his faith was being tested. On this day, Bartimaeus placed himself close to where Jesus would pass by. Verses 47-48 show the earnestness of his request for Jesus' help. He cried out, and when others tried to quiet him, "He cried the more, a great deal."
 
What are we struggling with today that we would like for Jesus to heal? Is it a physical affliction, a strained relationship, a lack of spiritual eyesight, anxiety, or depression? Whatever it is, we can learn from Bartimaeus. He went where he KNEW he would find Jesus. He cried out for help (no doubt, multiple times). He did not let the opinions and criticisms of others stop him, but "He cried the more."

Can you imagine Bartimaeus' joy when he heard these words: "Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee"? What a blessing to know the Lord is calling for me and you, saying: “Come unto Me. Tell Me what you need. Don’t let others stop you. I am waiting for you.”

​One figure of speech our society often uses is "I’m starving!" Usually, we are not actually starving, just very hungry. I wonder if we have ever said "I’m starving" when it comes to spiritual food? My kitchen has a lot of food in the cabinets and refrigerator, but I will remain hungry if I do not put forth effort by walking into the kitchen, pulling out the ingredients, and preparing a meal.
 
Jesus told us we need to put forth effort if we are spiritually hungry: "come to me." His storehouse is full of everything we need, but we must pull out and mix together all the ingredients needed for a well-balanced, nutritious meal (prayer, Bible reading, meditation, Bible study).
 
As a wife and mother, the food I prepare is often not for me only, but it is for my family as well. One of my married children might come over, see leftover pizza in the refrigerator, and say, "Mom, can I have some of that?" Likewise, our spiritual food might feed others as well. Many times I have had opportunities to share with others what God has spiritually "fed" me. Oh, the importance of seeking God for our daily bread!