Frank’s Reflections

We hope you have had a wonderful week, enjoying the bone-chilling cold and beautiful snow. Unfortunately, we ended up having more ice than snow in many areas. That brings me to the reason why there was no new blog this week.

On Tuesday, around 12 noon, Frank thought it was a good idea to get the mail from Monday evening. There is a long driveway with a hill to the mailbox. He slid there only to find out there was no mail. As he began back down the hill, he fell on his back. Thank goodness, he did not hit his head and was able to continue his journey.

Sadly, the next part of his sliding adventure was much more catastrophic. He fell and slid down to a curve in the driveway. At this point, he was thrown onto the grass and continued sliding. He landed on his left side, fully conscious, but unable to get up.

No one in the house knew he was outside. My 10-year-old grandson came in and said, “Nana, granddad is lying in the snow on his left side!” We quickly ran through the garage and looked out. By this time, my daughter and her husband were there with him. It took a lot of work, but they finally got him on a sled and into the house.

He was taken to the Chippenham hospital by ambulance. The ER was full of people who had fallen on the ice, so we waited a very long time to see all the medical staff we needed. Nine hours later, he was admitted to the ICU TRAMA Center with 10 broken ribs on his left side.

This has been a very hectic week, but God blessed Frank beyond measure. He is in tremendous pain when he moves in most any direction, but there is very little that can be done for the ribs except pain medication. He told me today that he had been able to witness to several nurses and other hospital staff. Thank goodness! God is in control!

The community of Bethany grieved over the death of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, who had died a few days ago. When Jesus arrived at the tomb with Martha, he said, “Take away the stone.” Martha commented, “Lord, by this time there is a stench” (John 11:39 NKJV). Jesus replied, “If you would believe you would see the glory of God” (v-40). Four words brought my eyes into focus: “If you would believe.” 

My thoughts, and maybe yours, ask, “What do we believe Jesus can do in the 21st century, particularly in and around our lives?” Did your mind go back to God’s interventions in the lives of Bible characters? Mine did. Below are some verses to remind us all just how great our God is.

The three Hebrew children told Nebuchadnezzar, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace” (Daniel 3:17), and God did.

Paul wrote, “Being fully convinced that what He promised He was able to perform” (Romans 4:21).

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

“For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

The book of Hebrews records, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe” (Hebrews 11:6). 

James emphasizes, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally” (1:5).

Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you” (Matthew 8:13).

What do you think about your reliance upon Jesus as you read these verses? If you’re like me, you believe your faith has room to grow. I believe that “All things are possible with God” (Matthew 19:26), and I want to be a person God can use to do His will. I hope that is your heart also.

Making mistakes can be devastating, even career or life-changing. God, in His infinite wisdom, included such people in the Bible. They are there for us to learn from their errors. Their sins didn’t eliminate them from God’s use. Their errors encouraged them to trust God despite their past. No one is perfect. God still chooses to forgive and is willing to use sinners in the future.

Below are some examples who rose above their past and allowed the Almighty to use them for the benefit of others.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, about the age of 50, watched your first-born Son die upon the cross. She didn’t run back to her home and say to herself, “Why should I try trust God now?” Instead, she went to the Upper Room and prayed with the Disciples (Acts 1:14). Then she saw the power of God and answered prayer on the day of Pentecost.

Peter, the big mouth disciple, said, “I’m better than others, and I will never deny you, Jesus,” but he did. Yet God used him on the day of Pentecost to speak, and 3,000 experienced a relationship with Jesus. Peter even wrote two books of the Bible. God does forgive and use repentant people in His work.

Samuel, an Old Testament prophet, was a foster child. Given by his mother to Eli, the priest, to raise. God spared Samuel from the lifestyle of Eli’s two sons. By his godly living, Samuel won the hearts of his community. Young Samuel could have resented his foster parent and his new family, but he didn’t. Living for God was his heart’s desire, which God blessed.

God chose to use Moses, another adopted child and murderer. At age 80, God spoke to him: “I want you to lead others, Israel,” and he did. Later, Moses failed to follow God’s instructions about securing water from a rock. Shortly after that, Moses spent 40 days listening to God, resulting in the Ten Commandments to Israel and the world. Proving that God uses people after they sin. Moses led Israel for 40 years. 

Paul, persecuted believers! Yet God used him to start many churches and to write much of the New Testament. The believer’s life wasn’t easy for him. Paul endured beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment, yet he kept serving God (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

The above individuals experienced the love and grace of God. By society’s standards, some of them should never accomplish anything for God. But the grace they experienced is the same grace that is available to you. With that knowledge, what will you dedicate yourself to do for our amazing God because your past is in the past?

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?