IS IS IMPORTANT

How important is one little word?  VERY!!!!  Take the word “is” for example.

Psalms 46:1 -- God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9 -- But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

 

Habakkuk 3:19 first part -- The Sovereign Lord is my strength; …..

How important is the word “is”?  These and hundreds of other Bible verses show that a tiny, two-letter word is extremely important.  What strength would you find if Psalms 46:1 said God “might be” our refuge?  Would you rejoice if the Lord told you, “My grace will come close to being sufficient for you and my power will be nearly perfect.”?

“Is” IS important.  What about the “Word of God”?

2 Timothy 3:16 first part – All Scripture is God-breathed …..

 

Psalms 119:89 – Your word, LORD, is eternal;  it stands firm in the heavens.

The meaning of 3:16 in 2 Timothy would change if it read, “All Scripture is pretty close to what God said…”  What if Psalms 119:89 was miscopied and said, “Your word, LORD, is good until the next reprint.”?

One more.  Can we get through life without “hope”?

Romans 15:13 -- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Hebrews 10:23 -- Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 

What if the Bible said, “You have sinned over and over.  There is no hope for you”?  Or if, instead of hope, the Bible said, “May the God of wishes ……”?

When giving an overview or the cliff notes or in your own words, make sure you let those listening or reading know that is what you are doing.  Words have power!  That is why quoting Scripture accurately is so important.  If you cannot quote the Scripture accurately, LOOK IT UP!!  Believe me --- I am not a person who remembers chapter and verse.  I spend a lot of time looking it up!

 OH NO —- NO WI-FI

We had finished playing our nightly game of Quiddler, which is the only game I can get my hubby to play, when I found out there was NO WI-FI!!  I took a deep breath.  I took another one.  No wifi meant Bill could not send his nightly message to our kids saying good night and I love you.  I do have limited cellular service so I sent them his message.  BUT — BUT — WHAT ABOUT FACEBOOK?  How am I supposed to know what everyone is doing?  How can I post my political ideas?  I will miss ….

I was being dramatic.  No wifi does mean I cannot get on Facebook, Instagram, or Prime Video, but it is not the end of the world.  It is not like life aimed this straight at me.  Our retirement community is experiencing a glitch.  I would say a pretty big glitch for the offices and those that require wifi.  But what will I do with my time?

And isn’t that where this is leading?  Our time… a precious commodity.

A gentleman, at church, told me he got rid of his TV and it is the best thing he has done.  He now uses his time reading the Bible.  Reading in depth, instead of hurrying so he could watch a show.

• My in depth study comes when I prepare for a Sunday School lesson.  Daily reading?  Do I allow watching “MKR .. my kitchen rules” on Prime Video to take precedence over Bible reading?

There are a number of people who get up early to read the Bible and a devotional.  Bill does his at 6:00 AM.

• If I wake up at 6:00 AM, I consider that early.  Since Bill does his reading and Upper Room at 6:00, I grab my coffee and go back to the bedroom so I don’t disturb his reading time.  Could I make this my reading time?  Not making an excuse, just stating the fact that my brain needs at least two cups of coffee to function.

There are couples that study together.  Many women study after everyone is in bed.  There are Bible studies available.  There are studies on the Bible app.  There is no excuse for not having the time to read the Bible everyday.

• But … But … BUT, I sure can find those excuses.  I have to admit, my reading is not on a schedule.  I need to learn from my friends and spouse. I need to set a time (and not before I have my morning coffee) to read every day, so the day does not slip away.  I need to set a place where I can read without distractions.  I know what I need. 

I need two things:

I need to set a time and place.  The way I sleep, maybe that time is during the night instead of during the day.  I usually wake up at 3:00 AM and am awake for about an hour.  An hour of time, in a room by myself (Yes, we have separate bedrooms.) and with no TV.  Maybe I am to read the Bible at 3:00 AM.

I need someone to hold me accountable.  So easy to make an excuse to myself why I didn’t read that day.  What if I had a person who expected a message every day telling them what I read?  Telling them what I discovered?  

Yes, I need to set a time and place.  I need to find someone who will hold me accountable.

What about you?  Do you read the Bible every day?  Do you need to set a time and place?  Do you need someone to hold you accountable?  

MORE THAN WORDS ON THE PAGE

“God, you awake?”

“Isaiah 40:28.”

“I looked it up.  You mean you never get tired or weary?  I bet you get tired and weary after our conversations.”

“Nope.  Not even after talking to you.”

“Want to hear a funny?  I’ll just go ahead and tell you:  I just got a present labeled, 'From Mom and Dad,' and I know darn well that Dad has no idea what's inside.  Isn’t that a hoot?”

“Does that remind …”

“You’re going to turn this into a lesson, aren’t you?”

“I might if I thought you were listening.“

“I am all ears.”

“Do you know all the gifts I have given you?”

“Well, …..  I know Bill is a gift from you.  The kids, grandkids, friends, ..”    

“Yes, these were all gifts, but what about the other gifts?”

“I am confused.  ….”

“You confused? What a shocker.”

“Okay.  Okay.  Are you done now?  I don’t remember gifts all wrapped and tied with a nice bow and a gift card saying, “From God.”  When did I get these gifts?” 

“They were not wrapped.  I thought that was a good idea until the Angels Union pointed out how much wrapping paper costs and the amount of trash it would add to landfills.  That means my gifts come unwrapped.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

“I like the joy gift.  I try to use these, but the self-control one causes my mouth a bit of a problem.  Just the other day ..”

“I know about the other day.  Your interaction with the telemarketer was way overboard.  They are annoying, but next time, try a bit of self-control.”

“My goodness, do you know everything I say and do?”

“We need to wrap this up  -- get it, wrap this up --   or your readers will get tired and miss the good part.

You have many gifts available and they will free you from sin.  They will lead you to be kind and gentle towards others.  They will increase your faithfulness and give you peace.  You have been given the gift of love and joy.

When did you receive these gifts?  The moment you walked down the aisle on a Sunday so many, many years ago, confessed your sins, and accepted Jesus into your heart.”

“I remember that Sunday.  I remember feeling so free because Jesus became mine.  Mine.  Not because my Grandma wanted me to believe.  Not because my Sunday School teacher wanted me to believe.  I just flat out believed!!!”

“And at that moment, every gift I have for you — the Fruits of the Spirit, mercy, grace, forgiveness, …”

“God, if you list them all, this blog will never end.  So, make it quick.”

“You are getting a bit bossy.  The cliff notes: I want each of my children to believe — to have faith — to feel the love I have for them —  to accept and use my gifts.”

========================

Are you still reading?  Bless your heart.  I decided to have a conversation with God, and He decided that 5:00 AM would be a good time to talk.  God has given you gifts to help you as you navigate every day!!  Don’t forget about his gifts.  Remember them and use them.  They are worthless; if you close your Bible and leave them as just printed words on a page.  Especially when a telemarketer calls.

A challenge:  Keep a notepad with your Bible and write down every gift you come across.  You might be surprised how long the list will get.  I’ll give you the first one:  God’s love.

 

 ZOOM

The theme of our 2025 VBS is ZOOM.  I ordered some supplies and passed on a few ideas.  Those teaching will have lessons.  There will be crafts, snacks, and games.  There will be excited kids and exhausted adults.

Why ZOOM?  We will help the kids ZOOM into God’s Word and God’s World to find the things they miss when they don’t look closely.  This idea is not just for kids and VBS.  Adult “kids” need to apply ZOOM when they read and study God’s Word and look at God’s World.

One time Bill and I drove by a flower farm.  It was beautiful. From one end of the field to the other, the flowers blended as one color stopped and the next began.  From the road, the flowers were pretty, but there were no details.  We could tell the flowers were gladiolus, but we couldn’t see the stems.  We couldn’t see how the colors blended slowly from a light shade at the bottom of the flower petal to a dark shade a the tips.  We had to ZOOM in to see the details.  To see their true beauty.

Sometimes we read the Bible that way.  We read as if we are in a rush to get down the road.  Or, if we are participating in a reading plan, we hurry to make up for the days we missed.  We are reading words, but not ZOOMing in on the meaning.  We miss the beauty of seeing how words tie the past to the present   We know the story so we quickly read it and miss the meaning.  We rush instead of ZOOMing deep into the verses and miss so much of what God wants to tell us.

This week, don’t fly through the Bible.  It is not a contest to see who can read the most verses.  Take time and ZOOM into the meaning.  You might find an answer to a problem or words of joy or a new direction for your life.  

THE TENT

The Merriam-Webster dictionary:  Tent:  a collapsible shelter of fabric (such as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping outdoors or as a temporary building

I know very little about tents.  Many people set up tents for shelter when camping.  I prefer to camp in a room with a bed, water, and a bathroom.  Many people set up open-sided tents for shade when having a picnic.  I will gladly sit under that tent, and adding a fan would be a bonus.  Is there a deeper meaning to tents?  Hey, this is a Christian blog.  Did you think I was going to let you off with let’s go camping and give me shade?

TENT — THE SEARCH FOR A DEEPER MEANING (aka Google tent)

In biblical teachings, the word "tent" holds significant spiritual and symbolic meaning.  Tents represent not only physical shelter but also serve as a metaphor for the transient nature of life and the divine presence of God among His people.  Throughout Scripture, tents are associated with itinerancy, community, and the promise of God’s guidance, reminding us that our earthly existence is temporary and that we are to seek a lasting home in the heavens.

Abraham’s tents were not simply places to rest; they were sanctuaries where he worshiped God and honored His promises.

Moreover, the tent as a metaphor for spiritual growth emphasizes the importance of creating sacred spaces in our lives.  Whether through prayer, meditation, or community worship, we can establish "tents" where we invite God into our daily routines.  This practice fosters a deeper connection with the Divine, allowing us to experience His love and guidance amid life's challenges.

The above is from https://bibledictionarytoday.com/words/tent/

Tents in Scripture carry deep symbolism, representing both physical shelter and spiritual truths.  They reflect God’s presence and guidance throughout life’s journeys.

Tents symbolize faithfulness and hope for an eternal home, echoing a yearning for permanent communion with God.  They remind you of the importance of hospitality and welcoming God’s presence in your life and community.

Each biblical narrative emphasizes the significance of tents as more than mere structures; they represent moments of divine encounter and the journey of faith, highlighting God’s guidance throughout life’s transitory paths.

This section is from https://biblicalchronology.com/biblical-meaning-of-tent/

TENTS — NOW IT’S MY TURN

Why am I thinking about tents?  Our church is going to set up a tent each Wednesday, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM.  This will be a prayer tent open to all.  As a traveler heads home after work, it will be a place for a moment of prayer.  It will be an opportunity to request a prayer or ask a person to sit with you as you pray.  It will be a place to step into a sacred space — allowing the soul to listen for God’s guidance.

I like this idea.  Hopefully, when people enter the tent, they will find hospitality, welcoming, and a sense of community.

A simple tent, set up beside a busy highway.  I like this idea.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask that you bless this offering to our community, and I ask that you give our church patience and time to allow this new adventure to grow.

I pray this tent becomes a place where daily lives will be interrupted, while prayers are offered.  Make this a sacred space, where you can be worshiped with prayer, and lives can be changed.  Allow your Spirit to enter this tent to comfort and guide all who enter.

Amen and Amen

 MY VISION: THE FOUNDATION

I am standing.  Looking at a slab of cement.  I am trying to figure out what I am seeing.  A woman, dressed as if she is an angel in a play, appeared at my side.  “Amazing,” she said.  “Absolutely amazing and it will change the world.”

I looked at the empty slab of cement again.  What am I missing?  The woman called it amazing.  Why? And where had she come from? Maybe I needed to get a step closer.  It looks the same and I cannot get closer without stepping up onto the cement.  Turning toward the woman, “What am I missing?  It looks like every other slab of cement that is ready to build on.”

“For now, instead of stepping on the slab of cement, try walking around it.  Be observant,” she replied.

I tried to walk around it, but it seemed to grow.  Every time I got to a corner, the corner moved.  It is not possible for solid cement to move. 

“Why have you stopped?” she asked.  “Keep going.  You will figure it out.”

Eventually, I was out of breath and sat down.  From there, I looked closely at the corner … And then I knew …..

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV

I knew I was standing beside the foundation of the church.  Turning toward the woman, —- I looked behind me, to the left, and to the right.  The woman was not there.  The slab was just cement to some.  BUT, as I stepped upon the slab, I knew I was stepping onto the foundation upon which God’s church is being built.  As I stepped upon the cement, I saw them – the apostles and prophets and believers -- and realized why the foundation corner had kept moving.  The corner moved to make room for all believers who were part of his church.

THE CHURCH

Our pastor has been working through a series: What is the church?  My answer?  The church is God’s Hope.  His hope that the church will change the world, because Jesus is now the cornerstone of the church’s foundation.

Last Sunday we celebrated a risen Christ.  Jesus did not sit down, at the right hand of God, and say, “Well, my job is done.  They are on their own now.”

No.  No.  A risen Christ did not return to his Father and leave the believers helpless.  He left his disciples to go forth and teach.  He left his disciples and, those that began to follow them, to grow his church into a fellowship of believers.  Christ said he would always be with them.  He gave them and all believers the gift of the Holy Spirit.

I think Jesus sat down, at the right hand of God, and said, “You sent me the best disciples.  They listened and learned.  They will receive the Holy Spirit and will feed your children.  They will withstand the evil that will come to them and rely on your power to stand strong.”

I think God will tell his Son, “Well done, good and faithful servant!  You are the cornerstone of my church.  The church is my hope for the world.”

We are the church!  We are God’s hope for the world!

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.  Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

Mark 16:19-20 NIV

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.””

Luke 24:49 NIV

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.  Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”

John 20:17 NIV

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:38-39 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.

Acts 2:42-43 NIV

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!”

Matthew 25:23 NIV

 

 THEY MISSED IT

“What is going on?  Did I miss a holiday?”

“Another crucifixion.  It is that street preacher.   Want to go?”

“Na.  Seen one crucifixion, seen them all.  Besides, my little lady has a to-do list and I better work on that.  Baking bread, for the early market, sure makes me tired.  Free bread is a good benefit, but all I want to do is go home and sleep.”

“After the to-do list of course.”

“Of course.  Maybe she is in this crowd and won’t be home. She thought this Jesus was a great teacher.  She even used the word Messiah one day.  If she is in this crowd — hey, move over, we are trying to get home — anyway, if she is here, she can tell me all about it when she gets home.”

And the two men went home.  

They missed it.  Mary did not miss it.  The tears filled her eyes as she saw her son hanging on the cross.  Mary kept rubbing her hands, as if surprised there were no nails.  Her whole body had shook with each hit of the hammer.  And the sound…metal on metal …the sound echoed in her head like thunder.  She controlled her breathing.   She did not want to pass out.  She wanted Jesus to see her standing tall and not once did she hide her eyes.   Mary had no idea where her strength was coming from.  It was as if God himself was supporting her.  

And in an instant, Mary was no longer looking up at the cross.  She was in a stable.  Holding her son.  Son.  What an amazing word.  And Jesus was perfect.  How could a baby’s eyes seem to see into her soul.   As she drew the baby to her breast, 

Jesus was speaking to her.   — When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ 

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭30‬

At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭42‬

And the Jewish Sabbath began. 

The two men who went home?  For them, it is a normal day.  They did their job.  They went home.  They missed it.