Midweek Devotion: A Real Refuge

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. (NIV) 

I love the old Hebrew word for refuge. It’s “ma-oze” which means a place of strength. In Biblical times, Jewish people often referred to God as their refuge, the source and keeper of their well-being, health, and strength. In times of war, famine, or economic uncertainty, they relied on God’s constant protection. Their faith sustained them, even during some horrifying and inhumane events.

In the midst of the current critical times, we can all feel vulnerable and unprotected, as well as isolated and fearful. The lack of civility and the increase of intolerance, along with the poor economy and instability of leadership, can make us feel unsettled and unsure of the future. In times like these, our Jewish brothers and sisters would encourage us to look to God to find the refuge and safety, hope and strength we all need. 

Even Jesus spoke about this when He was preparing His disciples for the chaos that would occur in their lives after He was arrested, tried, and executed. He told them that they would experience a great deal of trouble but urged them to hold on to their faith in Him rather than give into their fear of the authorities. In other words, they could rely on Christ because He would be their refuge and overcome whatever unrest the world caused them.

So, no matter what we’re currently going through, or how chaotic things appear to be, let’s continue to trust in God as our ‘ma-oze,’ our refuge in times of trouble.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, be our constant comfort and steadfast hope during these turbulent days. When we are fearful, be faithful to us; when we are down, lift us up; and when we feel vulnerable, be our refuge and source of strength. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor John

Midweek Devotion: Lead Kindly Light

John 11:10 “It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”

About this time of year, I start to regularly watch professional football games. The competition gets intense and I enjoy seeing teams from all over the country doing their utmost to beat their opponents to win a coveted place in the playoffs. I especially like the nighttime games which are brilliantly lit and the crowds are usually loud and amazing.

As I watch these games, it dawns on me that without modern lighting, none of them could be played at night. Even the great spectacle of the Super Bowl would have to be played early in the day if there were no floodlights in use. As soon as dusk occurs, the late afternoon games would have to be over quickly without the illumination of the great lights above the players and throughout the stadiums. Teams would stumble in the dark and competitors would be injured. Television broadcasting would be hopeless and even the view from the blimp in the sky would be like looking into a dark crater. Without light, the games would quickly end and none of them would be worth viewing.

Light is essential to our modern lives; it’s also a necessary part of our spiritual growth. Without the light of Christ in the world, what would our lives become? Wouldn’t the darkness of evil or corruption overwhelm our spirits and overshadow our existence? Thankfully, when Jesus comes into our lives, He brightens our spirits, enlightens our minds, and dazzles our souls. His light brings meaning and purpose, direction and encouragement to our situations, experiences, and moments. He is the Light of our world, our souls, and our hearts. If we stumble in the dark, Jesus raises us up back into His light; if we fall into despair, He is ready to embrace us and lead us kindly towards the dazzling brightness of God’s everlasting Kingdom.

Questions for personal reflection

When has Christ’s light helped me in my life? Where do I see His light in the world today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World and the Lamp for our souls. You direct our paths and give us guidance each day. Help us to follow Your light, so that we may see the way ahead that You have planned for us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 

Book Review: Looking for Terry

I couldn't stop reading this great book and finished it within two days.

It's one of the funniest and warmest books I have ever read.

I know who Terry Bradshaw is. I've watched him for years presenting pre-game shows during the regular football season. His sense of humor and knowledge of the game have always impressed me.

So, I was intrigued to read this book about his life in order to learn what made become a football player, what success meant for his life, and how he developed his wonderful career over decades.

I was not disappointed. Terry's story is full of many ups and downs, all of which he conveys simply, humoredly, and straightforwardly. The book is full of incidents and people in his life who influenced many of his choices. What did surprise me was his sincere faith that has sustained him through many issues, injuries, and illnesses. Terry Bradshaw is a practicing Christian who knows his flaws, confesses his mistakes, and seeks God's guidance every day. He also candidly expresses his experiences with depression and how medication, counseling, and support from his wife Tammy has helped him overcome it through the years.

It's a remarkable book and one which I'll return to again and again. Terry's mantra for life would be that whenever something causes you to stumble or fall, get up and start again.

The book would make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift for sporting Dads, Grandfathers, and friends instead of the annual present of ties or socks.

I rate this book with five stars, and I feel absolutely blessed for having read it.

You can view and purchase Terry's book at this link: Looking for Terry