Frank’s Reflections

This may be your time. You’re the beneficiary of someone’s prayer, or you could be an answer to your own prayer. Maybe you’re attending or participating in an event to prepare you for the future. Such is the case for me. This month is special. Years ago, I had an appointment to have a stent inserted into my heart. The doctor tried and then said he couldn’t do it. Open heart surgery was the solution.

As a result, I became the recipient of God’s plan to write while continuing to share the gospel on Sundays. Most Sundays, now, I’m filling in for some pastor, and weekdays I’m writing or editing something.

When I was training for the ministry, one of my professors told the class that someone should write. That was in the 1970s. Today I’m writing blogs and books. The fourth one, They Had To Ask, is due out shortly.

Life, like ours, is full of answered prayers. Some we prayed for. Others are answers to others’ prayers. God arranges His divine appointments for His glory—strange times, daytime, night time, unfamiliar places, familiar places, or where you are. 

God knows what He’s doing. His plan for you has always been His plan. He waited; He nudged you along patiently maneuvering you toward His destination. Even amid distractions and turmoil, trusting His guidance can bring peace. Do you believe, “A man’s steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?” (Proverbs 20:24 NKJV). 

This year can be your breakout year or another year of nourishment to keep you growing. Whatever comes your way, you can rest assured that God is with you.

May this year be one of obedience and reliance on our Lord.

Most people under the age of 50 make New Year’s resolutions. Those over 50 have quit making them because they don’t keep them for more than a week or two.

The thought that comes to mind is, “What does God want you to do in the coming year?” Three things may be on your list. One, be faithful in attending God’s house; two, read the Bible on a regular basis, and three, do better in your praying.

Matthew 6:33 reminds Christians to seek God’s leadership in all matters. When believers decline to do so, they rob themselves of God’s blessings. We all have the same 24 hours a day. What we choose to do with those hours is the basis of our eternal rewards. As the above scripture reminds us, we are to seek God first.

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) emphasize the same thought. The first four Commandments encourage us to put God first in our lives. We are to have no other gods. We should not worship carved images. Nor use the Lord’s name in vain. And finally, we are to honor the Sabbath. If we put God first, then the remaining six commandments are easier to obey.

You may be thinking that’s Old Testament, but what about the New Testament? The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 reiterates the same principle. First, we are to acknowledge our heavenly Father; we are to honor Him as holy; we are to advance His Kingdom; and we are to respect the Lord’s Day for worship. By doing these four, God promises to supply our daily provisions for life. We can ask forgiveness for our sins and receive deliverance from the evil surroundings of our world.

When someone asked Jesus about the greatest commandment, He replied (Matthew 22:37-39). We are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and our neighbors. God is telling us to put Him first and then help others before ourselves. That doesn’t make sense to most of us, but that’s what He desires of us.

Back to our primary thought: Our priorities. Our most pressing matter should be about God, not ourselves. When we put God first, He takes care of the rest.

May the Lord God bless you in this coming year as you try to serve Him.

God has a way of interrupting—unexpectedly. He comes without warning with something to get your attention.

The shepherds outside of Bethlehem experienced that phenomenon. It was dark. Shortly after sunset, there were angels all over the place, grabbing their attention. The shepherds received news that the Messiah had arrived. He’s lying in a feeding trough at nearby Bethlehem.

They went to satisfy their curiosity and found the baby, parents, and animals in the inn’s barn.

The astrologers were stargazing when a bright new star appeared in the sky. Unusual to say the least. Saying, “Follow me, and I’ll show you the Christ child.” Their journey took some time. Upon arrival, they asked the local governor, “Where is the King of the Jews?” The governor had no clue. He told the local religious scholars. They replied Bethlehem. The stargazers found the new child king. They worshiped Him and left gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The gold would finance the Lord’s way to Egypt. The frankincense reminds us of the sweet smell of His earthly ministry; the myrrh would momentarily erase the smell of death.

Life has interruptions. Some good. Some not so good. Some unwanted. But what we do with interventions is up to us. The shepherds could have said, “I’m tired, or sleepy.” Maybe, they thought they would do it tomorrow. The shepherds couldn’t wait and chose to investigate, and as a result, their curiosity became a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1) started their journey to see the reason for the new star. They followed the radiant star until it rested over the King of Kings.

Whenever our Lord gets your attention, He has a purpose. Actually, a privilege for you. It’s to see, to do, to help, or to keep someone safe. It’s an errand that’s deeply gratifying and rewarding. All it takes from you is your consent to be obedient. The question arises, what will you do now, or will you wait?

FYI: I usually write blogs in the afternoon. This one came late at night. I was ready for bed. Suddenly, the words came, as if to say, “do it now,” and I did in record time. When God gets your attention, do it! 

The small town six miles south of Jerusalem has a special place in scripture. Bethlehem is its name—the place where things happen. Remarkable things. Below are some of the remarkable events occurring there.

Ruth relocated there with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after her husband died. Needing food, she worked as a harvester. There she met the owner of the field and later married him, which placed her in the human lineage of our Lord (Matthew 1:5).

Years later, the prophet Samuel anointed David as the second king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). This town also had a well that quenched its residents’ thirst. David, when in battle, longed for its refreshing water—two of his men went through enemy lines to secure some of that special water (2 Samuel 23:15; 1 Chronicles 11:18).

A prophecy concerning this hamlet states that it would be the Messiah’s future birthplace (Micah 5:2). For this event to take place, the Roman emperor would issue an official decree. All adult males should return to their birthplace with their family, fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus’ birthplace 700 years earlier.

Small places may seem insignificant, but when God is involved, His plans can bring about great things that go unnoticed by society and are revealed only in His timing.

So, don’t despair. When God is in the plan, patience and faith become our strength. Insignificance in the eyes of man is always part of God’s greater purpose. When we trust that He is at work, His results will surpass our hopes.

Remember, no one in Bethlehem ever thought it would be the birthplace of the one who would change the world. Great things do happen in little places when God’s plan unfolds.

About this time, 2,000 years ago, a couple started a life-changing journey. They were young. She was with child. Jesus was going to make His appearance soon. This duo would be the first to see the Messiah.

The journey was long and difficult for an expectant mom. All their belongings were on the back of a donkey. They were going to Joseph’s birthplace, Bethlehem, a small village a few miles south of Jerusalem, for a census.

Upon reaching their destination, with Mary in labor, they tried to check into the only inn, but the innkeeper said there was no room. The only available shelter for Joseph and Mary was a cave used for the animals. Joseph tried to comfort his wife with a pile of hay as her pains grew more frequent.

Soon, the Son of God was here, bound in the body of an infant, placed on a bundle of hay in the animal’s feeding trough. Not the reception one might expect for the King of Kings. But that’s what our heavenly Father had in store for his only begotten Son. Nothing special. No fancy crib, clothes, or toys. Just His parents, animals, and fresh air.

What do you think about the Lord’s birthing situation? Had the Lord been born in a mansion, ordinary people wouldn’t have seen him. The innkeeper would still miss an opportunity of a lifetime.

Joseph and Mary witnessed and experienced the holy event—the birth of Christ. This young couple was in the right place for God’s provisions. These loving parents welcomed their Son, loved him, and cared for him. Bethlehem experienced what no other town would ever experience: the birth of the Savior. It was unique.

You, too, are unique. Your birthplace doesn’t matter. God brought you forth at the exact time and place for you to fulfill your mission, just like Jesus.

Jesus could have complained about His poor surroundings, but He didn’t. Nor did He resent not being rich in the world’s eyes. Instead, our Lord focused on His mission—to redeem and care for you.

How are you responding to His generosity? Complaining or sharing? He shared!

Have you ever thought about how much God loves and cares for you? A minute of reflection astounds the human mind. Just the fact that God cares for me is hard to fathom. But He does.

Psalm 86, especially verse fifteen, highlights God’s caring spirit, emphasizing His mercy, graciousness, slowness to anger, kindness, and truth toward every believer. Below are some thoughts to ponder.

God is merciful toward each member of His family, meaning He does not give us what we deserve. He provides for us even when we do not acknowledge Him. Would you do that for someone who ignores you? We may for a while, but somewhere along the way, we would get tired of the neglect. But God doesn’t. He loves us, which leads me to the graciousness of our God.

Our Lord is gracious to us even though we are stingy with what He provides. There is something in our flesh that says, “It’s mine,” and “I want to keep it that way.” God doesn’t think like that. He shares with all His family whether we deserve it or not.

Why is our Lord so slow to anger? I can’t answer the question. I just know that He is. He’s very patient with me. How about you? Do you sense that attribute of God with you? If you would think about it for a moment, you would agree that our God is slow to anger.

Why, you may ask yourself, is God like that? The psalmist said, “He is abundant in loving kindness” (NASB). How abundant is abundant? I don’t know, but I have experienced it, and many times I have ignored His kindness. We are all guilty of that, but God keeps on with His kindness.

The last word is “truth.” God is always truthful. He can’t lie (Titus 1:2). I can’t conceive that attitude in our God. Every one of us has spoken lies. We started long ago in our childhood. Even today, we are hesitant about telling the truth in certain circumstances. But God always is truthful. Even Jesus acknowledged that (John 14:6).

All I can say is, we serve a great God. May we be more mindful of His presence in our lives.

In moments of divine intervention, we take the time to express our gratitude toward the God of heaven. 

Daily tasks can be routine, non-adventurous, tedious, but necessary. Yet in their normalcy, life goes on as usual. Complacency breeds the sin of ingratitude. 

Thankfulness is an expression of appreciation to God. As our nation routinely sets aside a day called Thanksgiving, we may forget the faith and gratitude of our forefathers. They traveled to America in search of religious freedom, trusting in God’s guidance.

Many who sailed on the Mayflower didn’t survive their first year in the land of the free. In gathering their first harvest from their gardens, they observed a celebration meal with the attitude of Thanksgiving in 1621, recognizing God’s provision. 

It took 242 years before Abraham Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday in November to be a National Day of Thanks. That was 162 years ago. 

If you are fortunate to gather with family this Thursday, take a private moment to thank our God for His blessings and the gift of living in the land called the United States of America. Your meal and those gathered, whether few or many, are a gift. Yet every meal we are privileged to eat should be one of deep appreciation for the provisions that allow us to be in America.

May our Lord continue to bless our land and His people. Would you pause to thank God for His goodness? 

Taking time for yourself is not selfish. A busy person may think, “I don’t have time to do so.” Burning the candle at both ends cuts the life of the candle in half. Yes, the light is brighter for a while, but for how long? Soon, there is darkness.

The psalmist wrote, “Be still, and know that I am God” (46:10 KJV). An active person doesn’t know how to be still. You fight inactivity like a three-year-old not wanting to take a nap. Naps or breaks in your schedule are good. They reenergize you.

The believer may learn this lesson from a child or a hospital bed. Jesus even realized He needed rest (Luke 8:23). If the Son of God needed a nap, what does that say about us?

Several weeks ago, I hit a mental brick wall. Creativity vanished. My solution was to post excerpts from previous books. This week, I decided to quit hitting my head against the brick wall and instead do some enjoyable reading. Being still, refreshing my soul, and refilling my tank.

High-octane activity drained my inner creativity and motivation. Then I stumbled (Holy Spirit intervention) on the above verse. While I thought, I decided to read some seldom-read versions of the Bible in my library. “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God” (Amplified Bible). Then reading The Message, stating “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

The word “traffic” caught my attention in the verse. I had to remind myself to quit watching everything and look to God. See who I am. God—the Almighty—nothing is too hard for Me. Then, for some reason, I read the same verse in the Christian Standard Bible, “Stop your fighting, and know that I am God.” 

Question, “How long have we meditated on our all-powerful, all-knowing, caring God?”

If you set aside a minute or two and reflect, it will change your day.

When you know the answer, why do you ask questions? In the above book, Jesus asked the Disciples 90 questions. Below are excerpts from the book, He Had To Ask, 

SEIZE THE MOMENT TO WITNESS  

Do you not say, “There are yet four months, then comes the harvest”? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest!  

John 4:35 ESV 

Picture this: in a profound conversation with a Samaritan woman at the well near the village of Sychar, the Lord revealed Himself as the “I AM” (v. 26 NLT). Her reaction was immediate. She rushed back to the village, proclaiming, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did!” (4:29). The news spread like wildfire, and the men were eager to meet Jesus.  

How would you respond if someone knew all your past? What would you do? 

A TWO-WAY STREET 

How then will you understand all the parables?  

Mark 4:13 NKJV 

When Jesus asked the disciples, “How will you apply what you have learned?” He challenged them to depend upon God. Depending upon Him is a daily adventure. Trusting God for His leadership in each situation can be a challenge. One never knows when serious issues, such as health problems, financial difficulties, or relationship conflicts, will present themselves.  

A daily breakfast in the Word provides our strength for the day. 

PRAYERS COUNT 

Do you not yet perceive nor understand? 

Mark 8:17b NKJV 

The spiritual understanding of Christians is always a work in progress. It was true with the disciples 2,000 years ago and is true today. The more we pray, the more we grow spiritually. The more we grow spiritually, the better our service to the Lord.  

THE LOAD IS LIGHTER 

Are your hearts hardened?  

Mark 8:17c ESV 

Why do we soon forget what Jesus has accomplished in our lives? How He has orchestrated our steps to be at the right place and time to hear the life-transforming gospel.  

When we accepted the gospel, the Lord gave us eternal life with Him (John 10:20). After that, we realized we were changing because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We became new creations to walk in the newness of life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4). 

KEEP THE ETERNAL PICTURE IN SIGHT 

What do you want me to do for you?  

Mark 10:36 ESV 

We are like these disciples sometimes. Occasionally, we ask God for things totally out of place for us—responsibilities and things that are not ours to have—duties we cannot rightfully manage. God’s answer of no is a reminder about asking God for some wrong things. Before asking, it’s worthwhile to think about what you are requesting Him to do. This introspection can prevent us from being presumptuous or overly selfish in our asking. We are all guilty of being selfish in our prayers, but we can strive to do better.

In case you are interested, They Had To Trust is available at:

Barnes and Noble: ebook version: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/they-had-to-trust-frank-caudle/1147939154

paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/they-had-to-trust-frank-caudle/1147939154?ean=9798988459507

Kobo:

ebook version: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/they-had-to-trust?srsltid=AfmBOop2wOEMR32VMTYs_VUyeGRlr0phERlUJXThXvfq8qHLjOuYJoW9

Amazon:

paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMMZWGMC/

Wherever you are in life, you need encouragement at times. The short excerpts from the book They Had To Trust may be for you. Hope you enjoy.

Abigail

Abigail . . . was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance

1 Samuel 25:3 NKJV

Abigail, the wife of Nabal, lived to do right.

Abigail’s arranged marriage to Nabal was a disaster. Her husband was a well-known scoundrel who took advantage of any situation for his own good. 

Bad relationships are terrible. What can you do? Endure, bail, or try to make the best of it.

Amos

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Amos 3:3 KJV

Unqualified describes Amos’s thoughts about himself. He’s uneducated. His only meaningful conversations are with sheep. They aren’t the most intelligent animals in the world. Sheep do have one outstanding quality: They know their shepherd’s voice. Because of that, they follow his voice wherever he goes.

Amos learned to converse with the Lord long before the Lord gave him an assignment. Talking to God is one thing for the believer, but listening to God is quite another…

Andrew

He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), and he brought Simon to Jesus.

John 1:41-42 CSB

Some people are unique, unusually distinctive. They tend to walk to the beat of a different drummer. They may be part of the crowd but are quiet, always accessing their surroundings. That’s Andrew. He was one of the Lord’s twelve disciples, and before he saw the Lord, he was a disciple of John the Baptist. Upon seeing the Messiah, Andrew followed Jesus and stayed with Him (John 1:35-40).

Daniel

Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself

Daniel 1:8 NASB

As a child in your church, you heard about Daniel. What you may not know is his heritage. He was a descendant of the tribe of Judah, a lineage known for its faithfulness to God. He became an immigrant as an innovative, fast-learning, handsome, competent young man.

Captured and transported 600 miles to…

In case you are interested, They Had To Trust is available at:

Barnes and Noble: ebook version: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/they-had-to-trust-frank-caudle/1147939154

paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/they-had-to-trust-frank-caudle/1147939154?ean=9798988459507

Kobo:

ebook version: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/they-had-to-trust?srsltid=AfmBOop2wOEMR32VMTYs_VUyeGRlr0phERlUJXThXvfq8qHLjOuYJoW9

Amazon:

paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMMZWGMC/