Thought Life

Thought Life

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthian 10:5

How do we do that? How do we stop ourselves from having negative thoughts, especially when sometimes bad thoughts come unbidden?

The scripture isn’t saying just bad thoughts, but Every thought. Let me give you something to think about. God Almighty is omniscient. In other words God knows our thoughts. Not only does He know them, but also knows the intention of our hearts. If the tongue is a fiery dart, then our thoughts are the gasoline for the fire.

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” James 3:6

Our Lord Jesus said it’s not only the action that causes us to sin, but the thought—the intention.

“But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:28

So what can we do?

Wash our minds with the word of God. The more time we spend with Jesus—praying and reading the Bible—what we put in our minds is God honoring. We need to stay away from things that cause us to trip, whether it’s a movie, magazine, book or that friend who loves to ‘share’ about others.

When I read the Bible I keep a piece of paper and a pen nearby. When a distracting or unbidden thought comes, I write it down for later attention and refocus on the Word. Believe me, distractions happen... often. But, by taking every thought captive (exercise control), we become aware of how sin can creep in.

“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22

Let’s make spending time with Jesus, in His word and in prayer, a priority—taking our thoughts captive and thinking before we speak about another person. And above all, love the way God loves us—unconditionally and with grace.

“Above all love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

by Eve Montano

This is the Day

This is the Day

“At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’” Mark 6:25

One Saturday morning several years ago, my neighbors—who also happen to be Jehovah’s Witnesses—came knocking on my door. During the course of our hour long conversation, and out of curiosity, I asked why it was that they didn’t celebrate birthdays. The answer they gave was given as such: There are two birthday parties mentioned in the Bible, and both of them include a death.

In Genesis 40 we read about Pharoah’s birthday feast at which he hung the chief baker who had been imprisoned with Joseph. And then, of course, we read from our text here in Mark, that King Herod—during his birthday celebration—makes an oath which results in the beheading of John the Baptist.

Isn’t it true that we have to be so careful with how we interpret scripture? Taking the examples of two ungodly men and putting a period on the end of the sentence that says “Birthdays equal death and so God must hate birthdays,” seems to me to be a whole lot of legalism and not much grace. This is what Paul says:

“One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; And he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.” Romans 14:5-6

Whatever we do, we should do to the glory of God alone. If we read scripture through the lens of this truth, we can see how Jesus’ perfect grace fulfills the law in perfect righteousness. GotQuestions.org says this, “True service and holiness are simply the outworking of the Spirit, the overflowing of a life dedicated to the glory of God. When our focus is on loving God rather than simply serving Him, we end up doing both.”

In His grace, God gives us a spirit of discernment to know how to live a life focused on bringing Him glory. And to those who don’t know Him, He has revealed Himself, and His truth. Even King Herod recognized that John was a righteous and holy man. He knew in his heart that killing John would be an act of defiance toward God Himself.

By reading into every story in the Bible and committing ourselves to flesh out any perceived disgrace or error on the part of others—with the intent of working to be better than the other guy and self-made righteous—we put ourselves right back under the burdensome yoke of the old covenant.

Jesus has given us freedom. So whether you celebrate a birthday by thanking God for another year, or you choose to overlook that day in order to lift Him up—do it with your whole heart—with your eyes set firmly on the goal of bringing Him glory.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

by Siara Borning

Transitions

Transitions

“Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.” Psalm 25:4

I am so inexpressibly thankful that in May of last year, I graduated high school.

Now, I cannot express the mix of anticipation and apprehension I’ve felt as I prepared to start college this new semester.

I know…I know. Maybe it’s not that big of a deal. But it’s a whole new experience that I’m excited to have the privilege to gain. So—honestly—it’s a big deal to me. 😊

Since I graduated 9 months ago, I’ve learned you have to make what seem like huge decisions, even when you don’t feel “ready.”

Whether that’s deciding (which I did) not to start college right away or deciding it’s time to start (which I’ve done now), it requires looking past the uncertainties, the unknowns, the “what ifs,” and simply just begin—somewhere—trusting God to carry you…trusting that He’s equipped you to do your best.

It’s been a hard lesson for this stubborn child, but God is ever gracious, loving, and kind to me. He has brought me this far, and I’m excited to see where we go next.

Here’s to the beginning of college life! 🥴

by Kaylee Kissack

The Hem of his Garment

The Hem of His Garment

“A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, ‘If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Mark 5:25-28

If I can just touch his robe, I’ll be healed. Matthew’s account is more explicit.

“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him and touched the hem of his garment:” Matthew 9:20 (KJV)

The New Living Translation states, “She touched the fringe of his robe.” This is a direct reference to Numbers 15:38-41 where the people of Israel were directed to make fringes, or tassels, for the borders of their garments as a reminder to obey all the commands and be holy to God—a reminder of his covenant with them.

“I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt that I might be your God. I am the LORD your God!” Numbers 15:41

The significance of “touching the hem” is lost for us in modern culture. However, it helps us understand this woman’s mindset when we look at what was common practice for the people of her day.

In ancient times, garments were woven and decorated to show the person’s identity and status in society. The hem and tassels of the outer robe were particularly important, with the hem being symbolic of the owner’s identity and authority.*

She knew about Jesus…she was calling upon him in her covenant relationship, to release his authority and grant her petition—to heal her. She was intentional in her action. It wasn’t just his clothes she wanted to touch. It was the fringe or tassel, the symbol of his identity and authority. Oh, how that enriches my understanding of his statement, “Your faith has made you well.” (Mark 5:30)

On Valentine’s Day, I had my own “touch-the-hem-of-his-garment” moment. I was blessed to be on CCEA’s Israel tour. My day in Jerusalem began with an unanticipated “face plant” on the marble floor of our hotel bathroom. My cheekbone bore the brunt of the fall and it was immediately obvious that I would need stitches for a cut next to my eye.

Spiritually, I grasped the hem of his garment. It’s you and me, Jesus. I’m just along for the ride. If you have a ‘divine appointment’ for me, bring it on.

He guided me through a bewildering day of taxi rides and medical offices among people who (mostly) didn’t speak my language. I saw parts of Jerusalem and its cultural diversity that aren’t on any tour guide’s agenda. He guided me to the right people when I didn’t know the way and he worked me into two compassionate doctors’ busy schedules to see that I received the necessary treatment.

After five hours he returned me safely to our hotel. No one accompanied me, but throughout the day I was acutely aware I wasn’t alone. His strength to keep me level headed and (mostly) unemotional was strongly evident. Faith—intentional faith— in him to keep his promises kept me grounded.

Two days later my face was rich in color, from deep purple through the rainbow to saffron yellow. Dark glasses and wavy hair mercifully hid the damage from the view of others. While we were partaking of communion on the grounds of the garden tomb, God spoke to my heart. “Look at your face. The damage is but a small picture of what my Son took—from head to toe—as he hung on the cross for you.”

Tears flowed with a deeper comprehension of the meaning when Pastor Bob said Jesus’ words, ‘Remember Me.” I took off my sunglasses.

It will take awhile for the marks of my adventure to fade. In the meantime—when you see me—be reminded what God does when we touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.

What is your need today? Healing of your health? Finances? Relationships? Guidance? Reach out and touch his hem. Just as he acknowledged and healed this unnamed woman, he will respond to you. He knows your name. You are his.

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:15-16

by Marilyn Allison

*”Letting Our Tassels Show”
from OurRabbiJesus.com



Testimony to a Faithful God

Testimony to a Faithful God

Floods of sorrow pour upon me like thunder… yet day by day the Lord pours out His steadfast love upon me, and through the night I sing His songs and pray to God who gives me life. Psalm 42:7-8 (LIV)

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou has been Thou forever will be.”*

“Do you hear that?” The nurse in the trauma center couldn’t believe her ears. The hallway was vibrating with the sound of a deep masculine voice that sang, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.

Amazed, she hurried down the hall to the bedside of a man who—she was sure—would not make it much longer, if even through the night.

“Floods of sorrow had poured upon him” and now he lay—body crushed and broken—choosing to use what was still functioning—his voice—to praise the God he loved and for whom he had lived over the course of 50 years.

He wasn’t supposed to be there. Not in a hospital trauma ward. He was supposed to be officiating at a wedding and enjoying cake and punch at the reception. He and his wife had traveled at least 8 hours to get there. Having formerly been on staff with the father of the groom and close as family friends, the trip was joy filled and uneventful until the unthinkable happened.

The new, right passenger tire blew out and the car careened across southbound I-5 onto the meridian. It slid rapidly, creating a berm that flipped the car. When the dust settled he was on the ground where the car landed, shattering his hip. In addition, the hot exhaust pipe seared part of his ear and he was pinned helpless under the weight of the car.

In the meantime his wife of 34 years, slumped securely in her seatbelt with a broken neck.

The man’s seatbelt had released, or was never buckled. He had not grown up with that safeguard and felt it was uncomfortable.

When the first responders reached the scene, they carefully removed the couple from the wreckage and transported them to the closest medical facility. Shortly after, Patricia Irene Lewis, (Phil’s wife) went in God’s grace “Home” to be with the Lord she had loved and served all of her life. It was Phil who was now choosing to sing praises in the darkest night of his life.

While he lay there, I am sure the Angels bent down to listen to him singing and to watch while—day by day—the Lord poured our His steadfast love over this man, His child.

God tells us in His Word that He sings over us and rests in His love for us (Zephaniah 3:17)..

That is how, if we choose to believe it, we too can…
“…through the night sing His songs and pray to God who gives me life.”

Be encouraged. “God is not finished with you yet. Don’t put a period, where God puts a comma.”

Patricia Lewis went “Home” to glory in 1991. Phil Lewis, after a long recuperation and recovery period, returned to pastoring the little, rural church in Northern California. Four years later, his dynamic personality and amazing stamina returned and became an asset that would lead him to follow the Lord as a Missionary Bible Teacher in Ethiopia—the land where his parents had followed the call as pioneer missionaries.

Before he left on his first assignment , a mutual friend introduced him to Darla Lewis, a widowed Pastor’s wife from a nearby town.

God would put their lives together and bless them both with a new song that neither of them expected could ever happen again. They spent ten years together in Africa, then his weakening health forced their return to America. Through the graciousness of Pastor Bob Kopeny, Phil was brought on staff as Assistant Pastor in the area of Missions. During the next seven years he was able to nurture, encourage and develop missionaries and help them establish or continue with previous mission sites around the world.

In 2015, Phil’s weakened body slipped silently into the arms of his Father in Heaven who lovingly took him “Home”.

How I miss him, but I am not alone. Jesus remains with me, just as He was faithful to be with Phil. My husband’s faithfulness to God taught me that I too can “sing songs in the night when floods of sorrow pour upon me like thunder”.

God’s love is steadfast and, day by day, my Father and God is pouring His love over me. He gives me Life.

Now that is something to sing about!

by Darla Lewis

* Excerpt from Great is Thy Faithfulness
1923 Hope Publishing Co.