During the Middle Ages, children were often given the responsibility of running through recently planted gardens while clapping pieces of wood together to scare away the birds. They were called "crow-scarers."

Each spring, after planting our garden, we put a scarecrow owl on a post to scare birds away and protect the seeds. We also place a black garden hose that looks like a big snake between the rows.

Jesus compared the Word of God to seeds being planted. He warned of "fowls of the air" which are looking to devour that seed. Just as literal scarecrows can help protect the seeds, perhaps placing some spiritual scarecrows in our "heart" garden would be good. We must "keep" (guard) our heart "with all diligence" to protect the valuable Word of God (our Bible reading).

A few spiritual scarecrows to consider:

• Review. We check our garden frequently and move the scarecrow owl around. Likewise, it might be helpful to read again and meditate on the Bible reading that has been recently planted in your heart.
• Prayer. We do not leave the seeds laying on top of the ground, but we cover them with a layer of dirt. Prayer after Bible reading can be like that—carefully preserving and protecting God's words.
• Praise. Like the children clapping pieces of wood together, praise and thanksgiving will chase away the "fowls" (thoughts of discouragement, unbelief, and depression).

​What spiritual scarecrows are you establishing in your heart garden today?

Bedtime with children can be challenging. They want the door open or the light on or a drink or another hug—anything to keep them awake. As exhausted parents, we look forward to everyone settling down so we can go to bed and REST. Yet, when we do finally lay down, we do not keep one foot on the floor, just in case the bed cannot hold us. We fully rest, trusting the bed and mattress will fully support us.

Today, we live a fast-paced life. Coffee and sugar keep us going. Busyness, stress, and a lack of sleep produce anxiety, forgetfulness, and irritability. We sing "I can trust Jesus," yet like Martha, we are anxious and troubled about many things (Luke 10:41). It is kind of like trying to sleep with one foot on the floor.

The word rest is translated as "to be at peace, to be still, to be calm or quiet." This restful, peaceful living is promised to us when we live in God's presence, submitting ourselves completely to His will.

The secret to tranquility is to "take my yoke upon you, and learn of me" (Matthew 11:29). To "learn of" Him brings understanding that no matter the problem, He is in full control; that He is working ALL things together for our good; that He will supply ALL our needs.
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When we take God's yoke (allowing Him to be in full control—leading and guiding us), He will give us the soul rest so vitally needed! "A calm and peaceful heart is life and health to the body" (Proverbs 14:30 AMP). Instead of spending so much time being worried and fearful (with one foot on the floor), let us "REST in the Lord."

​An old legend is told of a group of travelers who were preparing to retire for the night when they were visited by a celestial being. The travelers were told to gather as many pebbles as they could and put them into their saddlebags. "Travel a day's journey, and tomorrow night will find you GLAD, and it will find you SAD."

Although this simple task made little sense, the travelers picked up a few pebbles and put them in their bags. The next evening, they discovered every pebble had turned into a diamond. They were GLAD they had diamonds, but SAD they had picked up so few pebbles.

Every time we come to the house of worship, there is "much treasure." Yet, in the moment, it may only look like a "pebble"—small, insignificant, common, and worth little. Pebbles can be in the form of a song, message, testimony, or verse of Scripture. They are words of truth, advice, direction, and encouragement that might seem unimportant at the time. Like the pebbles in the story, effort must be put forth to pick up these truths and store them in our hearts and minds.
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There will be days when trials and temptations come our way. Depression tries to work, or doubts plague our minds. That is when God brings to our remembrance a testimony, song, message, or godly counsel (a "pebble") from a recent worship service to encourage and strengthen us. It is then, we realize our "pebble" has turned into a "diamond!"

Mephibosheth was only five years old when word came that his father (Jonathan) and grandfather (King Saul) had died in battle. As Mephibosheth's nurse fled with him, "he fell, and became lame."
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After David became king of Israel, he asked if there were any "left of the house of Saul." David and Jonathan had been close friends, and David promised to show kindness to Jonathan and his family (1 Samuel 20:15). King David was told of Mephibosheth, who lived in Lodebar.

The word Lodebar means "no word or thing, no pasture, no communication, a parched dry place, no shepherd." This was where Mephibosheth was living. King David sent for him, brought him to the king's palace, set him at the king's table, and restored the family lands to him.

Isaiah 53:6 says, "All we like sheep have gone astray." For one reason or another, we all left the King's house and ended up in a spiritual Lodebar—a place of no Word and no Shepherd. Like King David, God is seeking for ones to show kindness to. He is sending His servants to the dry, parched places, the places where there is no Word of God and no Shepherd (Jesus), so they can bring people back to Father's house.

When we arrive at Father's house, we find He restores that which was lost and gives us a place at His table where we can "eat bread alway." What a beautiful picture of God's love reaching to the farthest, most desolate places, desiring to bring the lost home to a good place where they are well-fed and have a good Shepherd!

​The determination of a baby learning how to walk is inspiring. No matter how many times he falls, he gets back up and tries again. There are usually cries, tears, bumps, and bruises, but something within drives him to get back up and take another step. Much praise and encouragement often accompany this important milestone: "Good job! You can do it!" Hand clapping and smiles let the baby know how proud everyone is of him. The more he walks, the fewer the falls. Yet, every time he falls, he gets back up.

Jeremiah wrote of a people who had fallen spiritually. Israel had backslidden and refused to "arise" and "return" to God. Many Christians (especially early in their walk with God) find habits and old sinful ways hard to let go. But like the baby's loving parents and friends, our Heavenly Father and the Church of God are sending words of encouragement to the one who is struggling to walk: "With God's help, you can do it! We love you! We are praying!"

Imagine when a baby is learning to walk, someone who is very negative saying: "You fell again. You're worthless! You'll never learn to walk!" How discouraging. We have an enemy of our souls who is doing his best to make us "fall, and not arise." He does not want to see anyone successfully walking with Christ.
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If you are struggling in your walk, like the determined toddler, keep trying. If you are a seasoned saint of God, like the proud parents, keep encouraging. Both of these, combined with fervent prayer, will bring about people who are determined to walk with the Lord.

In Old Testament Israel, a year when the grain harvest failed and the summer crop (grapes, figs, olives) was unproductive meant a dark winter of famine was coming. A proverb says, "One season of hope after another has passed, but the looked-for deliverance never came, and now all hope is gone."

Thankfully, this was a good year for my garden, but as I began cleaning up the dead plants at the end of the summer, I found several tomatoes that had ripened and then fell to the ground. I had been too tired and too busy to harvest them when they were ready. 

While working in the garden, this verse came to my mind. Often, we think of it as referring to a sinner missing his opportunity to be saved. However, God's people are needed to work the harvest. Luke 10:2 says, "The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few." Could it be that like those ripe tomatoes, some souls were ready for the harvest and only needed a "labourer" to show them the way of salvation? Could it be that busyness, weariness, and the cares of life kept us from working in the "garden," and now "the harvest [opportunity] is past"?

It is easy to think of all the tomatoes that were harvested and count the loss of a few missed tomatoes as no big deal. While that might be true of a literal harvest, God's "labourers" consider every soul to be of great value! "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9).

After the Ark of the Covenant was taken by the Philistines and then returned to Israel, it remained in the house of Abinadab for many years. When David became king of Israel, he desired to "bring again the ark of God" to Jerusalem. The Ark had been neglected "in the days of [King] Saul." With great rejoicing and singing, David and 30,000 "chosen men of Israel" (2 Samuel 6:1) accompanied the Ark as it traveled. Our text says they "played before God with all their might!"

Yet, in the next two verses, we read that "the oxen stumbled," Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark, God became angry, and Uzzah died. No doubt, the rejoicing and singing immediately stopped. Something was out of order! God is a god of order, and the Ark was where His presence dwelled. It was not to be treated lightly or as something common.

In Numbers 4:14-15 God made it clear the Ark was to be carried on poles on the shoulders of the priests (not in a cart). Not only was God's law disobeyed, but a lack of reverence was shown when (though well-intentioned) Uzzah touched that which was holy (the Ark). Later, David said, "We sought [God] not after the due [proper] order" (1 Chronicles 15:13).

This sobering account serves as a warning to us today. We might come into worship service and sing, play an instrument, and rejoice with "all our might," but if something is out of divine order somewhere in our lives, God will not be pleased. It would be wise to ask God to search us: "Is there anything out of order in my life?" Good intentions are not a substitute for obedience to God's commandments. 

​How quickly weeds grow! Recently, while working in a flower bed, I noticed that weeding in areas where there were no plants or flowers was not nearly as difficult as working under and around the plants. When weeding a creeping phlox, I had to lift the plant to get to the roots of the weeds. Some of the more firmly entrenched weeds required a tool to remove them.

As I worked, I thought about how ministers, evangelists, and teachers work hard to remove the spiritual weeds in our lives. It often takes a skilled, loving pastor who knows his people to remove the weeds under and close to the plants. Just as weeding might require moving the plants around and loosening the soil for the coming rain, often preaching can make people feel uncomfortable. Are there times when pastors make decisions or preach something that we do not like? Some have said, "He's getting in my sandbox." Or perhaps we could say, "He's working in my flowerbeds."

There might some firmly entrenched weeds that need a removal tool. The pastor might feel impressed to call for a revival. The "plants" (the congregation) find that their schedules have to be rearranged. This can be inconvenient. However, a week or two of continual preaching pokes, prods, and begins to remove some of those stubborn weeds. While the "plant" (our flesh) does not enjoy the weeding process, God knows that it is vital!
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God promised to give us "pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding" (Jeremiah 3:15). Today's verse admonishes pastors to "take heed ... to the flock." Just as skilled shepherds care for their sheep and seasoned gardeners care for the plants in their garden, God's pastors are ever watching and weeding out the things that (if allowed to grow) will choke out the lives of the people. What a blessing to have a God-called pastor!

King Saul was determined to kill David. Envy and jealousy had filled his heart, and he continually sent men to find and slay David. David fled for his life. He said, "There is but a step between me and death" (1 Samuel 20:3).

After counseling with God's prophet Samuel, David traveled to Nob (a city of priests) where he hoped to receive comfort, counsel, and supplies. When David asked Ahimelech the priest for a spear or a sword, Ahimelech told him he had "the sword of Goliath . . . if thou wilt take that, take it."

What encouragement the sight of that sword must have brought! It was a reminder of the victory God had given David in spite of the incredible odds that were against him. Not only that, but this sword had been tested and proved. Goliath would not have had an inferior weapon.

How many times are we in severe trials, and we wonder if we are going to make it? We have an enemy who is trying to kill us spiritually. Like King Saul, he is relentless! This account of David tells us how we can have victory:

(1) Counsel with spiritual leaders
(2) Make worship services a priority
(3) Take the tested and proven Word (the Sword of the Spirit)

​It is easy to lose sight of the power there is in God's Word! It must be our DAILY bread. We have an enemy who is ever working to destroy us. It would be good to start every day with the Bible. Let us say, like David, "There is none like that; give it [to] me!"

Years ago, there was a shooting close to my local Walmart. For a few hours, it was thought that there was an "active shooter" in the area. As I was paying for my groceries, the cashier said to me, "Be SAFE out there!" I certainly did not FEEL safe walking out to my car.

How often do we make decisions based on feeling safe or feeling unsafe? Consider what makes you FEEL SAFE. Having enough money makes me feel safe. Many years ago, we went through a financially difficult time, and we did not have enough money for all our needs. That created stress and anxiety. Being in control also makes me feel safe. When our children were learning how to drive, they were in control of the car (not me), and at times I did not feel safe.
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Have you ever considered that keeping the Gospel to ourselves makes us FEEL SAFE? Sharing our faith with others often requires stepping out of our comfort zone (a place of safety). After Jesus' death, the Christians stayed together in Jerusalem. No doubt, there was a feeling of safety in numbers, but the Great Commission was "Go!"

Consider men and women who stepped out of their comfort zones. Abraham left his country, not knowing where God would lead him. Moses led over a million Israelite slaves out of Egypt. Noah built an enormous ark. Esther went to see the king without being summoned. They risked much but saved many.

For many, Christianity consists of reading the Bible, praying, and attending worship services. There seems to be little risk or courage required. However, God needs people who will step out of their comfort zones and share the Gospel. "If we expect great things from God, we must attempt great things for God" (William Carey).

​With God's help, we can "be strong and of good courage, and DO IT!"

​When reading the story of Corrie ten Boom, who hid Jews from the Nazis, I find myself thinking: "If only she hadn't opened the door to the man who betrayed her, she would not have been arrested. She could have stayed in her home, safe with her family." Perhaps I have been looking at this story with earthly eyes. What if Corrie's arrest and imprisonment were God's plan all along? God needed missionaries to go to the Ravensbrück  concentration camp and share the Gospel with the many women who were facing certain death.

Although the cost was high (Corrie's father, sister, brother, and nephew died), Corrie's prayer was: "Lord Jesus, I offer myself for Your people. In any way. Any place. Any time." She had "set" her "affection on things above."

When suffering, trials, afflictions, and persecution come our way, James 1:2 tells us to "Count it all joy." This is difficult when we have an earthly mindset, but when our eyes are "set . . . on things above," we learn that trials and joy are not incompatible. Third John 1:4 tells us the greatest joy is "to hear that my children walk in truth." While we do not enjoy the suffering, we can find great joy when God uses it for His glory!

The danger is in becoming too attached to the "things on the earth." "When we focus on earthly things, our eyes slip from the 'things above'" (L. Hoover). When that happens, we need to refocus and "set" (an action word) our mind on "things above." This will require laying down things, plans, ideas, and opinions that are not part of God's plan and submit to His plans and ideas. When we do this, the songwriter tells us that "the things of earth will grow strangely dim."

Over 130 years ago, a young man in West Africa escaped captivity from a neighboring tribe and ran through the jungle until he reached the city of Monrovia. There, he met a missionary who told him of Jesus, and this young man gave his heart to God. His name was Samuel Morris.
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Samuel had a strong desire to go to America and learn more about the Holy Spirit so he could return and tell his people about God. Though penniless, God provided a way to America, and soon Samuel was enrolled at Taylor University in Indiana. Morris' strong faith in God seemed to touch all who knew him. Often, he could be heard in his dorm room "talking to my Father."

After coming down with a severe cold, Samuel died. His desire to take the Gospel back to Africa was fulfilled, but not in the way he had planned. Many young people were so inspired by Samuel's faith that soon after his death, they felt the call to be missionaries in Africa. Through Samuel's "bonds" (illness and death), many were "much more bold to speak the word without fear."

The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote at least four of the Epistles. It might have seemed that his "bonds" (persecution and imprisonment) were hindering him from doing God's work. Yet, Paul understood God had something far greater in mind. Through Paul's "bonds," many Christians were strengthened ("waxing confident").

What "bonds" might you be dealing with today? Persecution, afflictions, trials, or the loss of a loved one can be devastating! You might think: "Why would God let these things happen to me? Doesn't He know how much they are hindering me?" The lives of the Apostle Paul and Samuel Morris remind us God sees the WHOLE picture. He knows that MANY can be encouraged and become bolder for Him by your "bonds." We must let God do His perfect work.

Texting while driving has proven to be dangerous. Because it is so distracting, it has been banned in almost every state. Every time our phone rings, pings, vibrates, or receives a notification and we pick it up, we are being conditioned to respond to distractions. The art of being quiet and still is being lost. (Some call it "boredom.")
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When Jesus visited the home of Lazarus, Martha was greatly distracted by "much serving," but her sister Mary "sat at Jesus' feet and heard his word" (Luke 10:39-40). Mary was quiet and still while Martha was "cumbered about" (being dragged in different directions).

Paul wrote of the importance of not allowing things in this life to distract from serving the Lord. It has been said, "If the enemy cannot destroy you, he will distract you." Consider: what do you find distracting during your time of personal devotions? Do you find yourself continually checking your phone for a text or to see if you have a notification?

What distracts you during the worship service? Are you prevented from sitting at the feet of Jesus and hearing His words by your phone or by thoughts of "much serving" (what needs to be taken care of after the service)? Martha tried to distract her sister from hearing the words of Jesus. Do you allow people to prevent you from hearing God's words? Is texting or talking during the worship service a distraction?

Our ATTENTION is a valuable resource! The enemy will use whatever he can (phones, worldly cares, people) to distract our attention from what is most important. Hebrews 12:2 in the Amplified Bible gives this good advice: "Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus." By ignoring all that tries to distract, we are choosing the "one thing [that] is needful," that which Jesus promised "shall not be taken away" (Luke 10:42).

​Near the Valley of Salt, in a deep valley surrounded by high mountains, is the city of Petra. In Bible times, it is believed that the only way into this city and valley was through a long, narrow cleft in rocks that were as high as 250 feet. This natural defense was where the nation of Edom lived and successfully defended themselves. Obadiah 1:3 describes them as those who "dwellest in the clefts of the rock" (places of safety).

It was a time of repentance for Israel. God was angry because of the calf they had made and worshiped. Moses was interceding with God on Israel's behalf, and he asked God, "Shew me now thy way, that I may know thee [understand God's nature and character] . . . Shew me thy glory." Moses greatly desired a closer relationship with God. God told Moses, "There is a place ['a clift'] by me" where Moses could see the goodness and glory of God. This "clift" was where Moses' request (to know God in a greater way) was answered.

Many Scriptures describe God as "the Rock." First Samuel 2:2 says, "Neither is there any rock like our God." However, we cannot have a close relationship with God for our "sins have hid his face from" us (Isaiah 59:2). When we come to God, repenting of our sins, God places us in a "clift of the rock." Jesus provided this "clift" when He was beaten, wounded, and crucified. Just as God covered Moses with His hand (verse 22), the blood of Jesus covers all our sins. It is in this "clift" that we find safety, salvation, and refuge. It is where our "life is hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Thank God for the "place by me," the "clift of the rock" (Jesus), that has made a way for us to be saved and have a close relationship with God!

The destruction of Jericho is a well-known Bible story, but a lesser-known account is of the curse of Jericho. Joshua warned Israel of what would happen to the man who rebuilt this stronghold—his firstborn and youngest sons would die. For 530 years, the fortifications (walls and gates) of this city were not rebuilt.

In the days of the wicked King Ahab, Hiel of Bethel (one of the most wicked cities in the kingdom) rebuilt Jericho. Perhaps he was emboldened by the wicked time he was living in, but time had not changed God's words. When the foundation of the city was laid, his oldest son (Abiram) died, and when the gates were set, Segub (his youngest son) died. Some historians say this was a Hebrew saying, meaning that ALL Hiel's children died. What a high cost for going against God's warning and rebuilding a stronghold!

Consider strongholds in your life that have been pulled down. God wants these ruins to be a reminder (a memorial) of His great power. Yet, the enemy is always looking for ways to rebuild these strongholds. Paul wrote, "If I build again . . ." If a previously destroyed stronghold begins to be rebuilt and fortified, it will be because WE have allowed (or caused) it.

Just as evil days, no doubt, affected Hiel, causing a disregard of God's warning, the lack of God in our culture can affect us as well. "A little sleep" (Proverbs 6:10), spiritually speaking, can dull our memory of the seriousness of past strongholds. Temptations to rebuild come, and we think, "I can handle it this time."

​Paul warned of the danger in rebuilding things that have been destroyed. The story of Hiel the Bethelite should be a serious warning that there is a HIGH COST to building again what God wants left in ruins.

An Irish proverb says, "A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything." Many times, when I have been overly upset, my mother has told me to go to sleep; things will look better in the morning. God made our bodies to require a good night's rest. Sleep is a time of renewal for the body. It is when tissue is repaired, growth takes place, the immune system is boosted, and energy builds up for the next day.

Just as the "outward man" (the body) needs daily renewal, "the inward man" also needs to be renewed "day by day." Not getting enough sleep dulls judgment, hinders memory, weakens immunity, and makes us moody and short-tempered. Likewise, consider the spiritual dangers of failing to experience daily renewal. It affects spiritual judgment, memory, immunity (to temptations), and temper.

A "sleep debt" builds when we do not get enough sleep. Just 30-60 minutes less sleep than needed, over time, create this deficit. Research has shown that while people seem to adapt, not feeling this lack, it affects us physically and mentally.

When we fail to give enough time to our spiritual renewal (Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation), a "spiritual deficit" begins building up. We might not notice this lack and begin to "adapt" to less time with God. A five-minute prayer and a Scripture or two seem to be enough; yet the inward man needs much more.

Is your "inward man" renewed, refreshed, and strengthened, or are you experiencing a "spiritual deficit"? Each day God has a plan for the renewing of your inner man. Just as God fed Israel in the wilderness with daily "manna," He has everything your "inward man" needs for whatever is facing you today.

A closet full of clothing, while usual in many homes today, was certainly not common in Bible times. The basic wardrobe was a tunic and some type of head covering. Shoes and a coat were often optional, due to cost. The coat (or cloak) was frequently used as a covering, especially on cold nights. Because of its value, a coat was in danger of being stolen while its owner was sleeping. Great care was needed to watch and keep those garments.
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The Christian is given valuable spiritual garments, such as: "the robe of righteousness" and "the garments of salvation" (Isaiah 61:10), "the garment of praise" (Isaiah 61:3), clothing of mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness, and love (Colossians 3:12-14).

An entire wardrobe is made available to the Christian. Yet, there is a "thief" who is looking to steal our spiritual garments. The most dangerous time is when the Christian becomes spiritually sleepy (not watching over his garments as he should). Luke 21:34 lists some things that can bring about a spiritual unawareness: "surfeiting" (excessive indulgence in something) and "cares of this life" (the cares, worries, and anxieties of everyday life).

Just as maintaining a literal wardrobe requires washing, ironing, and sometimes mending, we must take care of our spiritual clothing as well. Deuteronomy 4:9 AMP has some good advice: "Only pay attention and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life."

When was the last time you checked your spiritual garments for tears, stains, or wrinkles? Is any of your clothing missing? It is only by watching and keeping that we can keep our garments spotless and wrinkle-free.

How many times do we worry and fret over our problems—"we have toiled all the night"—and when the morning comes, we find we have accomplished "nothing"? The old saying comes to mind that "worry is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but does not get you anywhere." I certainly have sat in my chair at night with anxieties and cares robbing me of peace and sleep. 

Jesus told Peter to "let down his net." This did not make much sense to Peter. He had fished all night (the usual time for fishing) and had not caught anything. No doubt, he was exhausted and discouraged. Now, Jesus was asking him to do something that seemed like a waste of time and effort.

However, Peter's next words are a great challenge to us today: "Nevertheless [even though I am weary, even though it does not make sense, even though I have only a little faith] at thy word I will . . . ." God wants us to trust Him, to cast our cares on Him, to take our burdens to the Lord and LEAVE them there. We are tired (we have toiled all night), and we are discouraged (we have caught "no fishes"—we have seen no answers to our prayers). It is time to take God at His Word and "let down the net."

Our dog Romeo frequently brings us "gifts" of dead possums. It is not uncommon to find them on the sidewalk or in the back yard. They are especially offensive when the weather warms up, and they start to smell. So, we take them out to the woods behind our house and bury them.

In this verse, the word "cover" (in the original language) conveys the idea of burying or hiding something offensive by putting something else over it. How many times have we been offended by someone's actions and words, and we rehearse that hurt over and over again in our thoughts? We are tempted to tell others of how badly we have been treated as well.

Instead, Peter was challenging us – "charity" (love) makes a covering for that offense. With God's help, we can turn our thoughts away from those offenses and even, if possible, "hide" them from others. Perhaps, like our dog's dead possums, others might not realize how their words and actions have affected us. They might not have meant to bring hurt or offense. Whether intentional or not, "charity" puts a covering over that hurt, so that it cannot be seen by us or by anyone else.
 
The next time hurts and offenses come, let us remember this verse, and with God’s help, place a "covering" over that hurt.

​When measuring distance, there is an old phrase that says, "As the crow flies." Called "the crow road" in Scotland, this describes the most direct route, traveling in a straight, direct line. It is the shortest distance between two points, but usually the traveled road is not "as the crow flies."

When the children of Israel left Egypt, the shortest and most direct way to the Promised Land was only a few days journey by a well-traveled caravan route. However, God did NOT lead them by this way. Why? Because it led through "the land of the Philistines." The Philistines were a strong, warring people, and God knew the Israelites were not ready for that. It would have greatly discouraged them from pressing on to the Promised Land. 

How many times do we wonder why our path in life cannot be easier or shorter? We feel as if we are going around in circles, taking the long way, making unnecessary detours. Could it be that God sees some "Philistines" ahead we are not ready to face? "As the crow flies" might be the quickest but not the best route for us. Lord, remind us of this story of the children of Israel when we are wondering why things are not going as we think they should. It very well might be Your hand preventing future, unnecessary discouragement. 

Jericho was a well-fortified stronghold preventing Israel's progress into the Promised Land. In Bible times, a stronghold was a place of safety where Israel's enemies retreated after an attack. Israel could not take possession of the Promised Land and allow those strongholds to stand.

Spiritually, strongholds are anything that hinder our walk with God.  They could be unforgiveness, depression, pride, addictions, negative thought patterns, a critical attitude, or a bad temper. These "fortresses" are hard to defeat (thus the name "a STRONG hold").

Another stronghold is arguments (human reasoning) "against the knowledge of God" (verse 5). When we feel that we know how to handle life's situations (without searching the Word or seeking Godly counsel), we have allowed the enemy to begin building a stronghold in our mind.

How can we pull down the enemy's strongholds? When Israel was ready to enter Canaan, Moses sent twelve spies. One of their tasks was to look for any strongholds in the land (Numbers 13:17-19). By using our God-given weapons (the Word and prayer), we can identify where the enemy has built strongholds in our life.

Once you have located a stronghold, surround it with God's Word. If your stronghold is fear, read 2 Timothy 1:7; if it is depression, read Psalm 42:5. Starve it by not allowing supplies and reinforcements (your thoughts) in. As the children of Israel marched around Jericho in obedience to God, let Him guide you concerning your personal strongholds. "The weapons of our warfare are ... MIGHTY through God!"

In 1887 Asa Chandler created the first coupon, which could be redeemed for one free glass of Coca-Cola. Soon Coca-Cola was being served in every U. S. state. The idea of coupons was a huge success! Today, it is estimated that at least 75 percent of Americans use some form of coupons.

Often, in the fine print of a paper coupon, you will read, "Redeemable at . . . ." The manufacturer has issued that coupon in hopes that you will exchange (redeem) it for a discount on a certain product. Many times, there are terms and limitations, such as: a coupon is for a specific size and has an expiration date.

The word "redeem" in the Greek means "to buy out of the marketplace." Merchants would carefully seek to find the best bargains, not missing the smallest opportunity. The window of opportunity might be very short (like a coupon expiration date).

Paul wrote we must be aware that "the days are evil." An evil day is a day that prevents us from buying up opportunities to do what is right and good. Daily, we must remind ourselves to "redeem" opportunities while being alert to anything "evil" (that which could keep us from doing the Lord's business).

Every day we are given "opportunity coupons": a time to read the Bible, a time to pray, a time to send a card or text of encouragement, a hand to lend to someone in need, or a spiritual gift to exercise. With an increased awareness that the "days are evil" (working to steal our time), we can be like the wise merchants, ever looking for opportunities to "redeem the time."

When the children of Israel set up camp in the wilderness, the tabernacle was placed in the middle and the twelve tribes camped on each of the four sides (three tribes per side). Numbers 2:2 says, "Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard." Standards (flags, banners, etc.) often included colors or drawings that represented families and tribes. They showed where the family or tribe was to camp and what that tribe stood for.

In battle times, flags boosted morale and showed the troops where to gather. In the intensity of a fight (before the time of radios), vocal commands and bugle calls might not be heard. The soldiers were trained to follow the flag. Being a flag bearer was a high honor and dangerous! Often soldiers were assigned to protect them. The flag bearer could not turn and run from the battle in fear, for the army was following that flag!

Today's verse tells us that God's banner over us is "love." That is what drew us to Him. He loved us so much that He gave His Son to die for our sins. Yet, what is a banner or a flag without a standard bearer? God needs His people to CARRY that banner of love, showing a lost world where there is hope and that God is a God of love. When life gets hard and trials come, we are tempted to flee, but who will be lost if we (as flag bearers), turn and run? It is a great honor and privilege to carry the banner for Christ! God will protect us. Let us stand true and lift up the banner of Christ. There are so many who need to see it.

Booker T. Washington was a freed slave who desperately wanted an education. In 1872, he traveled more than 300 miles to Hampton Institute. He only had a few dollars when he arrived at the school (not near enough for tuition). The head teacher, Miss Mackie, told Booker to sweep the floor of a classroom. Booker swept and mopped the floor; he dusted the furniture and washed down the walls. He cleaned that room thoroughly from top to bottom. When Miss Mackie returned, she was so impressed that she hired Booker as a janitor at the school, which enabled him to afford the tuition. Three years later, Booker graduated and soon became a teacher at Hampton Institute.

How many times do we do the bare minimum (just "sweep the floor")? Do we rush through reading a Scripture verse or two and say a quick prayer, thinking that is all that is required? Might the word "faithful" in this verse encourage us to do a little more? What could happen if we put extra time and care into our daily devotions? Had Booker only swept the room, he quite possibly might have missed the opportunity of the janitor's job. What opportunities are we missing by failing to be faithful in the little things?

The story of Booker is inspiring. Just as he was determined to get into that school, we should be determined to be "faithful," not doing just enough to get by, not being faithful in only the big things (that which is most noticeable), but also being faithful in "that which is least" (the little things).