Bumper Sticker Religion

 

We have a lot going around of what I call “Bumper Sticker” Religion. By this, I mean we tend to fill our lives with short, snappy statements that really sound good and really seem to make sense.

Such statements include: “John 3:16”, “Forgive and Forget”, “Let go and let God.” Of course, there are a whole lot of other, similar statements.

Obviously, few things are rarely as simple as they seem.

Surely, “John 3:16” is a simple statement that refers to the Scripture and is somewhat separated from these others but it is my fear that other such statements often do more harm than good.

I want to set the record straight.

Faith in Jesus is the beginning; faith in short, pithy statements is often a distraction.

Relationship with God is not initiated with cuteness and conciseness of communication; instead, relationship begins with revelation from God Himself and that revelation comes through prayer and/or the Word of God.

Relationship takes intentionality and some degree of work. And by work, I don’t mean accomplishment and defeating the impossible; what I do mean is that series of efforts of knowing Him.

(Of course, we could never get this part right on our own; we need His strength and His grace.)

And we are further equipped with the knowledge that as we draw hear to Him, He draws near to us. (And that’s the effort I’m talking about: drawing near.)

Never rest upon the concept that uttering the right words is enough.

Never rely on the thought that the summation of spiritual healthiness is achieved by a bunch of verbal gymnastics.

Instead, let us each draw near to God … let us establish a habit of seeking Him … and let us enjoy the journey.

If this article interests you, write me with your comments at: jgarrett1958@hotmail.com

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover

I had been working at a restaurant for several months as a cash register operator. I have always been pretty good at working with other people and have also found myself able to find a place of commonality with almost everyone.

One of my techniques is that I always look for some “in” in each person’s life, whether it is the manner of dress during the depth of winter, military clothing that they might be wearing indicating that they might have been actively involved in the armed services, to unfamiliar accents to … well, you get the idea.

Recently, a young lady came in on a Sunday morning.

After eating, she came to my register to check out.

Her bill was $12.83.

She paid me in all one-dollar bills.

So I, using my “skill” in finding an “in” to create conversation AND by the fact that I was working in the food preparation business, came to the following conversation:

So I am guessing that you are a waitress/server.

Again, I am just looking for friendly conversation.

And she, looking at me … but quickly turning away to leave, says “No. I am a stripper.” … leaving my dropped-jawed.

The moral of this story is that we should assume NOTHING of ANYONE.

Each of us is who each of us is. While we all have opinions of one another, we are sometimes short of the mark in getting that assumption correct.

On that note: no one really knows us except of God … and ourselves.

While we often are influenced by others’ opinions of us, the truth is that that it is we … and God … who are the true influencers of who we are and what we become.

Don’t let the nay-sayers and doubters sway you from your progress and personal determinations.

Follow who you are becoming … and be proud of it.

 

Dr. James Garrett can be reached at: jgarrett1958@hotmail.com

Earth, Wind, and Fire

This is a post from one of my students from Ashland Theological Seminary, Dr. Darrell Williams. It is reposted with his permission. If you appreciate this blog, please send Darrell a thank you note at darrell527@sbcglobal.net

“¹¹ Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; ¹² and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” (I Kings 19:11-12 NKJ)

In I Kings 19 we read of the prophet Elijah dealing with the earth, the wind and fire. Elijah was on the run from the evil Jezebel for his obedience to God concerning the false prophets. He took off on a journey into the wilderness. The angel of the Lord directed him to go and stand on the mountain. It is here that Elijah deals with earth, wind and fire. As Elijah stood on the mountain, a great wind came that was so strong that it broke the rocks of the mountains into pieces. We all have been in storms and experienced issues of life where it seemed that everything around us was falling apart. The Bible says the wind “broke the rocks into pieces” but notice it also says “but the Lord was not in the wind.”

As Elijah continued to stand on the mountain, an earthquake occurred; like so many of us the storms of life rage around us and as we are shaken pieces of our lives fall around us. We may begin to lose our footing and find ourselves in a state of panic. If the storm itself were not enough, now the very foundation of our lives is moving, unsteady. The Bible says “but the Lord was not in the earthquake….”

And finally there are the fires that spring up in life; the small sparks as well as the uncontrollable blazes; those issues that may test our patience as well as our perseverance. For pastors, it sometimes seems that congregations have several “small fires” burning throughout the church at all times. Despite your wise counsel and fervent prayer, Sister XYZ married the guy who could not even spell “LORD”, and now she and her “husband” are having marital difficulties. THERE IS A FIRE BURNING. Deacon XY has been way out of order in his duties; the congregants are beginning to notice so you must deal with him. THERE IS A FIRE BURNING. The pipes burst in the church from the cold weather and Trustee Y doesn’t have the “time” to handle the business to have it repaired therefore service may have to be canceled or moved to another location and it’s Friday. THERE IS A FIRE BURNING. The Bible says “the Lord was not in the fire.”

Throughout the earthquake, the wind, and the fire the Lord was not in any of them. But in verse 12 it says “a still small voice” was where He could be found. When you are faced with the trials and issues of life you must position yourself in a place to hear that still small voice of God. Your building/temple of your physical body may be breaking into pieces with the foundation of all you have ever known shaking around you, fires and flames hot against your face but the Lord can be heard in that still small voice if you seek Him.

Notice where Elijah was when this happens, he was on a mountain alone; by himself. When was the last time you went away by yourself to seek the face of God? It could be somewhere in your own home that is peaceful and quiet free of distractions or for pastors it could be at the church. The Lord told me that He wants to speak to you while you try and handle the earth, wind and fires in your life. But when He speaks you MUST recognize HIS voice!

So be encouraged even during your storms, the earthquakes and fires of life that the Lord is still there yet take a lesson from Elijah and go to that quiet place and meet God there.

Concentrate on the last sentence of this letter. As the words get smaller it is more difficult to read. The big letters are easy to see but as the letters get smaller you must look more closely. The Lord is waiting to talk to YOU.

How will He do it? In a still small voice!

Be Encouraged

Doc Williams

Trust the Process 1

I am sorry that I had to resend this. After I received a copy, I realized that certain links were not working. Thank you for understanding. (j)

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)

Consider the process of carbon being turned into diamonds. Scientists tell us that diamonds are formed from carbon, much like coal, that has undergone a process requiring great time, great heat, and great pressure. In fact, these same scientists tell us there is a limited amount of space, 90 miles beneath the surface of the earth, where this process can take place. Further, they tell us that the process of the formation of diamonds requires a temperature of at least 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They also tell us that it takes several million years for diamonds to form. (I don’t agree with them on this point because I do not believe the world is nearly that old.) What I want us to see through all this is the fact that a diamond, that valuable stone that some consider to be a woman's best friend, comes to us through a process. Notice it takes a GREAT length of time. It takes GREAT heat. And it takes GREAT pressure ... all of this in a LIMITED amount of space HIDDEN deeply beneath the surface of the earth.

Life Principle: In fact, I would like for us to realize that every good thing comes by means of a process. And the process, while often painful and time-consuming, and many times cramped and hidden, is a necessary part in the production of anything of true value.

Rest assured, as far as God's Kingdom is concerned, you are valuable.  And God wants to take you through the process

And in this matter, consider the Biblical Patriarch, Abraham. God took Abraham through the process. The Bible tells us that Abraham stepped out in faith … not knowing what he was to face or where he even was going. 

Genesis 12:1 The LORD  had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you." 4 So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. (Gen 12:1 NLT) 

Notice these things about Abraham’s adventure: 1) God said, “(Abram, you) go!” 2) God said, “I will show!” 3) God said, “I will bless!” And 4) God said, “You (Abram) will be a blessing to others!”

Life Principle: God’s process requires faith.  Faith to begin ... faith to stay in the process ... and faith to complete the process.  Trust the process. It will bless you … and others.

Notice, too, that Abraham began his adventure at about 75 years of age. Why is that an important statement? Because there is not a “too young” or “too old” age to begin your adventure. There is not a “too anything” in order to start being used by God. The limits we place on being used by God are limits that are artificial or at least merely conceived in our own minds; they are not God-imposed limitations.  Notice, too, that when God spoke to Abram to begin the process of becoming a great nation, he (Abram) had no children and Sarai was barren. But God’s process doesn’t recognize our human limitations; eventually, Abraham fathered his chosen son when he was 100 years old (and his wife was 90.)

Life Principle:  The process has NOTHING to do with age or any human set limitations. It is all about preparing us ... maturing us ... completing us.  Trust the process. 

As in each process that all God’s servants go through, Abraham’s faith was tested by the sacrifice of his son, Isaac. Notice that this was part of the process. Because ALL processes always contain pressures of some kind. At least we call these pressures ... pressures, tests, trials, and all sorts of other things. And these pressures are painful … but necessary for God’s work to be completed in us … and I assure you, God’s “begun” work will be brought to be a “completed” work. Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (NLT)

Be reminded of thee things: The process ALWAYS requires obedience and sacrifice.  The process always requires testing.  And The process will be painful ... but the end result always will be worth it ... for the Kingdom of God ... and for you and me.

Life Principle: The process may require us to sacrifice the very thing we believe to be the answer ... the way to the blessing.  Trust the process. 

Abraham completed the process and walked out his purpose and was blessed by God. He truly did become the father of many peoples. And he was a very financially (and otherwise) prosperous man. And he did become a blessing to the world. In fact, his blessing continue reach the entire world. Did you know that more inventions and achievements per capita that have been for the good of the world have come out of Abraham’s descendants, Israel?

And know this as well: You, too, will be better because of God' process. And you, too, will be used of God to bless the world.  

Life Principle: Stay in the process, obedient and faithful.  You will see how God used the process to prepare you and use you and mature you and complete you.  Trust the process. 

Through God’s process in Abram/Abraham, His plan prospered in that process. And God's plan for you will prosper in the process ... both His Kingdom plan and His personal plan for you.

Life Principle: The diamond is a very beautiful stone. It required much time, intense heat, and great pressure. And its worth is valued by all ... Not just those who shop at Jared's or similar jewelers. As a small stone is valued only after it has passed through the long time, the extreme pressure, and the intense heat, so our true value is revealed only after the time, the pressure, and the heat of the process. Trust the process.   

So a Biblical truth is now revealed: God takes His children through the process. In fact, there a multitude of Biblical illustrations I could state here.

One is of Daniel’s three Hebrew friends who faced the process. We know them as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Let’s look at what the Bible tells us about them: 

Daniel 1:6- Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 

Daniel 1:19- 20- “The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.” (NLT)

Yet their lives were extremely uncomfortable.

Daniel 3:12- “But there are some Jews-- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-- whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up." 

Daniel 3:14- “Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up?”” Daniel 3:16-17- “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.” (NLT)

And we just need to notice that sometimes the process is uncomfortable.  Trust the process.

But let’s move on: these young men were willing to die in the process.

Daniel 3:18-  “But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (NLT)

So you see, dying to self is part of the process. We must trust the process ...even as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. In in their lives, God’s plan prospered in the end  

Daniel 3:24-25- “But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?" "Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did," they replied. "Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!" Daniel 3:28-29- “Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!" (NLT)

The three Hebrew children prospered in the end ... as did God’s entire plan and Kingdom.

Daniel 3:30- “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon. (NLT)

The Biblical character Job also faced the process.

Job 1:8- “Then the LORD asked Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless-- a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil." (NLT)

Job’s process was a particularly uncomfortable one.

Job 1:12- "All right, you may test him," the LORD said to Satan. "Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don't harm him physically." So Satan left the LORD's presence.” (NLT)

And Job was so intent on serving God that he was willing even to die in the process.

Job 13:15- “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.” (NIV)

But the again, as did Abraham and the three Hebrew children, the Kingdom of God prospered in the end, Job prospered in the end, and you, too, can prosper when the process is over.

Job 42:10- “When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes. In fact, the LORD gave him twice as much as before!” (NLT)

Or consider for a moment one of Jesus’ closest followers, the one called the Beloved: John the disciple also faced the process. It, too, was an uncomfortable process. Historians tell us that he was boiled in oil. He was later exiled to a prison island called Patmos. And through the process, God’s Word, written by the hand of this “man in process” went out to the Kingdom of God. And it’s still enlarging the Kingdom of God. Have you ever heard of the Gospel according to John or the Book of Revelation? Some reliable theologians and historians say this same John wrote 1, 2, and 3 John as well. The important fact is that through this John, this “man in process,” the Kingdom of God was extended and is still being extended.

Life Principle: The process is uncomfortable.  Some kind of dying will go on in the process.  Choose to stay in the process.  But it is working in you something great. 

So truly, the process is always for His good … and for our good as well. Again, I like to remember that passage in Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)

We, too, either are facing the process or right in the middle of it. And it will, in all probability, be an uncomfortable process. There may even be a sense of “death” in the process. But we should remember those famous words of Job 13:15- “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.” (NIV) And we will prosper in the end ... as will His Kingdom. 

Romans 8:28- “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (NLT)

Life Principle: The process is preparing you ... Maturing you ... Completing you.  You see yourself as that piece of coal.  God sees the diamond He created you to be ... and He is after that diamond.  Trust the process.

Pastors Jim & Cheri Garrett

419.346.2069

Polished Arrow Ministries’ Mission

To Equip, Encourage, and Restore
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PAM Website

Trust the Process 1

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)

Consider the process of carbon being turned into diamonds. Scientists tell us that diamonds are formed from carbon, much like coal, that has undergone a process requiring great time, great heat, and great pressure. In fact, these same scientists tell us there is a limited amount of space, 90 miles beneath the surface of the earth, where this process can take place. Further, they tell us that the process of the formation of diamonds requires a temperature of at least 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They also tell us that it takes several million years for diamonds to form. (I don’t agree with them on this point because I do not believe the world is nearly that old.) What I want us to see through all this is the fact that a diamond, that valuable stone that some consider to be a woman's best friend, comes to us through a process. Notice it takes a GREAT length of time. It takes GREAT heat. And it takes GREAT pressure ... all of this in a LIMITED amount of space HIDDEN deeply beneath the surface of the earth.

Life Principle: In fact, I would like for us to realize that every good thing comes by means of a process. And the process, while often painful and time-consuming, and many times cramped and hidden, is a necessary part in the production of anything of true value.

Rest assured, as far as God's Kingdom is concerned, you are valuable.  And God wants to take you through the process

And in this matter, consider the Biblical Patriarch, Abraham. God took Abraham through the process. The Bible tells us that Abraham stepped out in faith … not knowing what he was to face or where he even was going. 

Genesis 12:1 The LORD  had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you." 4 So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. (Gen 12:1 NLT) 

Notice these things about Abraham’s adventure: 1) God said, “(Abram, you) go!” 2) God said, “I will show!” 3) God said, “I will bless!” And 4) God said, “You (Abram) will be a blessing to others!”

Life Principle: God’s process requires faith.  Faith to begin ... faith to stay in the process ... and faith to complete the process.  Trust the process. It will bless you … and others.

Notice, too, that Abraham began his adventure at about 75 years of age. Why is that an important statement? Because there is not a “too young” or “too old” age to begin your adventure. There is not a “too anything” in order to start being used by God. The limits we place on being used by God are limits that are artificial or at least merely conceived in our own minds; they are not God-imposed limitations.  Notice, too, that when God spoke to Abram to begin the process of becoming a great nation, he (Abram) had no children and Sarai was barren. But God’s process doesn’t recognize our human limitations; eventually, Abraham fathered his chosen son when he was 100 years old (and his wife was 90.)

Life Principle:  The process has NOTHING to do with age or any human set limitations. It is all about preparing us ... maturing us ... completing us.  Trust the process. 

As in each process that all God’s servants go through, Abraham’s faith was tested by the sacrifice of his son, Isaac. Notice that this was part of the process. Because ALL processes always contain pressures of some kind. At least we call these pressures ... pressures, tests, trials, and all sorts of other things. And these pressures are painful … but necessary for God’s work to be completed in us … and I assure you, God’s “begun” work will be brought to be a “completed” work. Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (NLT)

Be reminded of thee things: The process ALWAYS requires obedience and sacrifice.  The process always requires testing.  And The process will be painful ... but the end result always will be worth it ... for the Kingdom of God ... and for you and me.

Life Principle: The process may require us to sacrifice the very thing we believe to be the answer ... the way to the blessing.  Trust the process. 

Abraham completed the process and walked out his purpose and was blessed by God. He truly did become the father of many peoples. And he was a very financially (and otherwise) prosperous man. And he did become a blessing to the world. In fact, his blessing continue reach the entire world. Did you know that more inventions and achievements per capita that have been for the good of the world have come out of Abraham’s descendants, Israel?

And know this as well: You, too, will be better because of God' process. And you, too, will be used of God to bless the world.  

Life Principle: Stay in the process, obedient and faithful.  You will see how God used the process to prepare you and use you and mature you and complete you.  Trust the process. 

Through God’s process in Abram/Abraham, His plan prospered in that process. And God's plan for you will prosper in the process ... both His Kingdom plan and His personal plan for you.

Life Principle: The diamond is a very beautiful stone. It required much time, intense heat, and great pressure. And its worth is valued by all ... Not just those who shop at Jared's or similar jewelers. As a small stone is valued only after it has passed through the long time, the extreme pressure, and the intense heat, so our true value is revealed only after the time, the pressure, and the heat of the process. Trust the process.   

So a Biblical truth is now revealed: God takes His children through the process. In fact, there a multitude of Biblical illustrations I could state here.

One is of Daniel’s three Hebrew friends who faced the process. We know them as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Let’s look at what the Bible tells us about them: 

Daniel 1:6- Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 

Daniel 1:19- 20- “The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.” (NLT)

Yet their lives were extremely uncomfortable.

Daniel 3:12- “But there are some Jews-- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-- whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up." 

Daniel 3:14- “Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up?”” Daniel 3:16-17- “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.” (NLT)

And we just need to notice that sometimes the process is uncomfortable.  Trust the process.

But let’s move on: these young men were willing to die in the process.

Daniel 3:18-  “But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (NLT)

So you see, dying to self is part of the process. We must trust the process ...even as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. In in their lives, God’s plan prospered in the end  

Daniel 3:24-25- “But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?" "Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did," they replied. "Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!" Daniel 3:28-29- “Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!" (NLT)

The three Hebrew children prospered in the end ... as did God’s entire plan and Kingdom.

Daniel 3:30- “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon. (NLT)

The Biblical character Job also faced the process.

Job 1:8- “Then the LORD asked Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless-- a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil." (NLT)

Job’s process was a particularly uncomfortable one.

Job 1:12- "All right, you may test him," the LORD said to Satan. "Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don't harm him physically." So Satan left the LORD's presence.” (NLT)

And Job was so intent on serving God that he was willing even to die in the process.

Job 13:15- “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.” (NIV)

But the again, as did Abraham and the three Hebrew children, the Kingdom of God prospered in the end, Job prospered in the end, and you, too, can prosper when the process is over.

Job 42:10- “When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes. In fact, the LORD gave him twice as much as before!” (NLT)

Or consider for a moment one of Jesus’ closest followers, the one called the Beloved: John the disciple also faced the process. It, too, was an uncomfortable process. Historians tell us that he was boiled in oil. He was later exiled to a prison island called Patmos. And through the process, God’s Word, written by the hand of this “man in process” went out to the Kingdom of God. And it’s still enlarging the Kingdom of God. Have you ever heard of the Gospel according to John or the Book of Revelation? Some reliable theologians and historians say this same John wrote 1, 2, and 3 John as well. The important fact is that through this John, this “man in process,” the Kingdom of God was extended and is still being extended.

Life Principle: The process is uncomfortable.  Some kind of dying will go on in the process.  Choose to stay in the process.  But it is working in you something great. 

So truly, the process is always for His good … and for our good as well. Again, I like to remember that passage in Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)

We, too, either are facing the process or right in the middle of it. And it will, in all probability, be an uncomfortable process. There may even be a sense of “death” in the process. But we should remember those famous words of Job 13:15- “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.” (NIV) And we will prosper in the end ... as will His Kingdom. 

Romans 8:28- “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (NLT)

Life Principle: The process is preparing you ... Maturing you ... Completing you.  You see yourself as that piece of coal.  God sees the diamond He created you to be ... and He is after that diamond.  Trust the process.

Pastors Jim & Cheri Garrett

419.346.2069

Polished Arrow Ministries’ Mission

To Equip, Encourage, and Restore
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Thanksgiving Thorns

I didn’t write this … nor do I know who did, but I think it an absolutely fascinating look at thankfulness. Read and be challenged … then pass it on.

 

 

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her Birkenstocks when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind.

Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss. Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location. Her sister had called to say that she could not come for her long awaited holiday visit. THEN! Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer.

"She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder.

"Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?"

"Good afternoon, can I help you?" Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk.

"I....I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.

"For Thanksgiving? Do you want the beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the 'Thanksgiving Special'? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"

"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."

Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."

Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara...let me get your order."

She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.

"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk.

Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers?

She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.

"Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again." She said, as she gently tapped her chest.

Sandra stammered, "Ahh, that lady just left with, uh....she left with no flowers!"

"That's right, said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."

"Oh, come on! You can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.

"Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do, today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery."

"That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."

"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.

"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I NEVER questioned Him why those GOOD things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, "WHY? WHY Me?!" It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about the thought that her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is, I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."

Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement...twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously.

"Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?"

"No...I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem. The Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny, here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us.

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"

"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too...fresh."

"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious.

We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."

Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment.

"I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.

"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."

"Thank you. What do I owe you?"

"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."

It read:

My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."

Praise Him for the roses, thank Him for the thorns.

Chick-Fil-A’s Stand for Biblical Marriage values

I don’t normally post other author’s views here but this one is so well written and stated that I had to.

And, by the way, we DO support Chick-Fil-A’s stance on Biblical marriage values. This DOES NOT mean that we hate homosexuals … in fact, we love them … and those who live in a homosexual lifestyle and who know us will attest to that fact. It is also NOT to be perceived as a condemnation toward anyone; it is simply a support for Biblical marriage values.

We also are thankful for the privilege of living in the USA and having the right to SPEAK forth our convictions and those that we understand to be Biblical convictions.

Anyway, here is the link to the post: http://www.perrynoble.com/2012/08/01/ben-jerrys-chic-fil-a-political-correctness/

Bumps in the Night

Well, it finally happened: I was out exercising my new found lifestyle and hobby, running. It was a hot day so I waited until night-time to begin my run … after 11 PM to be semi-exact. Now mind you, running on the sidewalk is tough, especially for someone who, in his 53 years of life, has NEVER run a complete mile until now. And this part of the sidewalk is dark. There are street lights but they are shielded by the overgrowth of trees.
So you stay alert … because it’s dark, and because it’s late, and because … well, it’s just a smart practice.
I have a long row of tall, evergreen hedges to my left and Willow Avenue to my right … and I’m running … well, sort of …it’s still plodding along at this point, but I am making forward progression in a slow, 235 lbs., almost-54-year-old male sort of way.
And I hear sounds rustling in the hedges. They’re right beside me, and behind me, and in front of me. I am about to get attacked by an angst-filled mob of teens … or a pack of vicious dogs or coyotes … or maybe even something worse.
My ears perk up. My eyes are searching. My body goes into high alert as the blood pressure rises and the breath rate increases. Even the fine hairs on my legs, arms, and back are standing at attention.
Then suddenly …wham … I am hit from the left side … again and again and again. It starts about knee level but the sensations quickly arise to my thighs, my hips, and my mid-section. I am startled and frightened, but I am alive … for the moment.
Then it hits me … all of this commotion is simply the water sprinkler system coming on. The sounds are initially air flowing through the pipes and then … water: cold, wet water.
Did I mention wet?
Did I mention cold?
Then realization of the hilarity of all of this strikes me. This is the kind of scene that my three grown children would hold over my head for many years to come if they found out … and thank God, no one saw it or was around to take pictures … or even worse, to videotape this whole episode and post it on YouTube and FaceBook.
I felt foolishness, relief, and humor all at the same time.
I was safe. I was delivered. I was free.
And as I later surveyed the situation, I realized that a spiritual parallel had just been reenacted in my life. In fact, all of this reminds me of a reality that is presented in the Scriptures.

Isaiah 14:16-19 (HCSB)
¹⁶ Those who see you will stare at you; they will look closely at you: “Is this the man who caused the earth to tremble, who shook the kingdoms,
¹⁷ who turned the world into a wilderness, who destroyed its cities and would not release the prisoners to return home?”
¹⁸ All the kings of the nations lie in splendor, each in his own tomb.
¹⁹ But you are thrown out without a grave, like a worthless branch, covered by those slain with the sword and dumped into a rocky pit like a trampled corpse.

These verses immediately follow the famous passage that describes the scenario when Lucifer was cast out of the heavenlies, so this, too, is in reference to Lucifer, the fallen one, the enemy, the deceiver, satan, the devil.
Today, many have cowered in fear because of the accusations and attacks of the enemy. And many others have dreamed up in their minds a concept that he is capable of and responsible for so many things that he, in fact, is not. Isaiah is reminding us that we will look upon him, and sneeringly say, “Is this the man who caused the earth to tremble, who shook the kingdoms, who turned the world into a wilderness, who destroyed its cities and would not release the prisoners to return home?” (Note the tone of sarcasm in Isaiah’s statement.)
Isn’t it amazing how much fear we waste on those things that are unknown … and how much stress is wasted on those things that we hear, those people that we suspect, and those events that we wrongly anticipate?
Just as I “survived” the attack of the murderous water sprinkler system, so too we will overcome our seemingly deepest situations, if only we will keep our focus on Him and allow Him to bring us through these situations. And if we can keep these things in mind, He can even cause us to overcome our fears and our anxieties.
Think about it … and get up and run through your situations and fears.

He STILL Does Miracles So Great

 

Today is the day that we honor and thank God for His miracles.

It is the first birthday of our “miracle-baby,” Aaron Joseph Bunts.

In celebration of his miraculous birth and his marvelous first birthday, I encourage you to read this post by my wife, Cheri.

http://cherigarrett.wordpress.com/

Enjoy.

Pastor Jim

Happy Anniversary Baby … Got You on My Mind

While the lyrics from the song by Little River Band tell a story of separation and pain, I say them to my wife of 35 years today with joy and awe.

Happy Anniversary Baby … Got You on My Mind.

It has been a good, growing journey that we have travelled from SC, to FL, to SC, to FL, to MI, to OH, to IL … and we’ve done it together … and in many situations, with three great kids in tow.

We’ve lived in cities like Simpsonville, Lakeland, Pensacola, Baker, Crestview, Pontiac, Toledo, Ashland,Mokena., and others

We’ve served churches in places like Greenville, Possum Kingdom, Shady Grove, Cantonment,Sylvania, Napoleon, and others

We’ve travelled to places like St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, Antigua, Haiti, San Juan, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Cartagena, Bogota, Medellin, San Fernando, Tobago, the Keys, Breckinridge, San Antonio, Toronto, and many other places.

And through it all, I have seen our love for one another grow in strength and maturity.

I have also seen God’s grace toward us extended in mercy, provision, and instruction.

And I have seen you grow. No longer are you the same little, shy girl I married on June 2, 1977. Oh, you still have some shy moments but you are increasingly walking in your giftings and callings, speaking to crowds of hundreds, and yet, still taking the time for the one or two … to pour into their lives, to wipe away a tear, or to speak encouragement and hope.

And I have watched you raise our children … and they have profited well from your loving instruction. You’re a great mom.

I see you loving our nine grandchildren, how they love and adore you … and I am learning from you in that arena as well. You’re an awesome Mimi.

And you have drawn things out of me that I never realized were there. You have given me the strength to keep on going, the wisdom to know when to stop, and the love to ease my chaotic, moody soul. You are in incredible mate.

You believe in me. …and I can soar with that thought.

I believe in you, my little butterfly, my mariposa. and I thrive on seeing you soar as well.

You complete me … I often get the accolades, and I know that God is my source … but you are my backbone.

I make a pretty good presenter … but you are my organizers … and I see you stepping into your own as a presenter more and more as each day goes by.

I know this is a chaotic tribute to you … but each word is real, is pregnant, is layered, and is textured. There is a lot more behind this than just words on a page (or screen); there is a love, an emotion, a feeling, a commitment, and yes, a covenant that I reaffirm with you.

I simply want to take this time and space to thank you, my wife of 35 years for sharing with me all your love, your hope, your dreams, and your desires. I look forward to growing together even more in the next 35.

I love you.

Happy Anniversary Baby … Got You on My Mind!!!

The Hem of His Garment

This is a rather lengthy blog, but I think the information contained in here is vital for most Christians in this 21^st century. I am going to focus on a practical application of the power that raised Jesus from the dead: His ability to raise us from our infirmities and difficulties. And the way I want to do that is through a story found in Mark 5.

Mk 5:25-34- “A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse — after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she thought, "If I just touch His garments, I will get well." Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My garments?" And His disciples said to Him, "You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?'" And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction." (NASU)

In this passage, we find a description of a woman with an issue of blood. Grammatically, this story is what is called an inclusio. It actually invades and sits in the middle of another story: the story of the daughter of Jairus.

In Jairus’ story, Jairus was an official of the Temple in Jerusalem. And he had a daughter who was 12 years old. (All of this important because there is an issue that is being made … as we will see later.) As Jesus was going to the home of Jairus, He is confronted by large crowd of people. The Bible describes this crowd as “pressing in” on Him. And there, in the midst of the crowd, was this woman with an issue of blood. By Jewish law, this woman should not have been there because she was “unclean.”

Leviticus 15:25-26- “Now if a woman has a discharge of her blood many days, not at the period of her menstrual impurity, or if she has a discharge beyond that period, all the days of her impure discharge she shall continue as though in her menstrual impurity; she is unclean.” (NASU)

She was possibly around 24 years of age because she had dealt with this issue of blood for about 12 years. Implications are that this “issue of blood” was some part of a normal menstrual cycle, though her illness was certainly not NORMAL. Also, notice an interesting concept arising if you accept her age as being 24. For sure, her story fits in the middle of a story of a 12-year-old girl. 12 years of age was the normal age for a young lady to begin her cycle of womanhood. In fact, the differentiation between children and adults in the Bible was recognized between the ages of 12 and 13. Even today, Jews celebrate the Bar/Bat Mitzvah when children cross that bridge between childhood and adulthood. They become, literally, sons/daughters of the covenant.

But, back to our story, this woman came with a distinct purpose of touching Jesus in order to be healed. She knew she was unclean: she had had the issue of blood for 12 years and had spent all that she had (to fix it) and was not helped at all. She also knew she was not supposed to be there in the midst of that crowd: she was unclean.

In other words, this was a woman who knew the Law of the Lord. Some have suggested that this woman was a Gentile, but evidence speaks clearly (in my mind) for the case of her being an understanding, believing, practicing, law-abiding … but desperate … Jew.

Again, it my belief that this is further magnified by the fact that this story occurs in the midst of a story about Jesus going to the home of a man who was an official of the temple in Jerusalem. That, and there is the allusion to the number 12, which IS used as a Biblical connotation to the people of God (the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 Disciples, the 12 gates in the book of Revelation, etc.)

So here is my theory, not only did this woman know what she was doing, but she also knew what she was going to do in order to procure her healing.

So, let’s look carefully at the Biblical description of the mode of her healing:

Mark 5:43-48- “And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him and touched the fringe (tou kraspedou) of His cloak (tou himatiou), and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. And Jesus said, “Who is the one who touched Me?” And while they were all denying it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing in on You.” But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me.” When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

The Messianic Renewed Covenant (Bible) says, “Luke 8:44- “She came up behind him, and touched the tzit-tzit of His garment; and immediately her flow of blood stood.”

Allow me to take a moment to give a description of the covering Jesus wore. Certainly, He wore some type of garment. This garment probably had fringes and tassels attached to the bottom perimeter … but we’ll get to that shortly. Contrary to pictures that we often see, it is my belief that Jesus’ garment did not include the prayer shawl (tallit) as we know it. The modern prayer

shawl is worn in the synagogue and in the home by Jewish males (and some females) as a covering. To Christians today, it is a reminder of the clothing Jesus wore.

In fact, the Bible does not command wearing of the tallit. Instead, it simply takes the garments that people already were wearing to cover themselves and instructs them to add fringes (tzit-tzit) to the four corners of these. There are some Jews today who wear an undergarment that openly shows these four tassels. This garment is called a tallit katan.

       

Today, because Jewish people wear Western clothes instead of Eastern clothes, they keep this Biblical law by wearing a four-cornered garment as an undershirt. The little tassels are coming out of the four corners about the beltline, hanging down in front of and beside them. This fulfilled/fulfills the command regarding the tzit-tzit.

Numbers15:37-41- “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord. When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God. 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!”^[1]

See also Deuteronomy 22:12.

It is my summary that the tallit, the prayer shawl, then, serves not only as a fulfillment of the Torah, but also serves as a living reminder of God Himself.

So I want to give you a few details concerning the tallit; hopefully that will explain my summary … and hopefully, it will bring a renewed sense of healing, deliverance, and hope to you.

There are 613 tassels on every prayer shawl. By the way, do you know how many laws the Rabbis tell us there are in the Bible? 613. These tassels are, in fact, reminders of the 613 laws of God. In other words, when the people of Israel see these, they are reminded of their responsibility to obey the Law, and of their calling to be a holy people unto the Lord.

Additionally, there are also four tzit-tzits (large tassels) on the tallit: one on each corner. These represent the four-letter name of God, יְהוָ֥ה (usually understood as Yahweh.) This is often called the tetragrammaton, a word of Greek derivative meaning “word with four letters.” Also, the Hebrew word for “name” is “shem”. It literally means, “name, reputation, reknown.” In other words, one’s name also declared his/her reputation. To speak one’s name was to state one’s reputation. So, to see a visible statement (such as the tzit-tzit) was to be reminded of the name … and therefore, the reputation of the Lord.

Again, besides reminding the wearer of the name of God, the tzit-tzit, too, are fulfillments of the law of the Lord. The Torah commands us to wear tzit-tzit (fringes) at the corners of our garments. “You shall make for yourselves twisted threads on the four corners of your garment with which you cover yourself.” Deuteronomy 22:12

  

Some ancient Jewish traditions hold that the threads of the tassels were white to symbolize righteousness … but there was also a conspicuous blue thread among the tassels to symbolize the heavenly origin of the commandments. And Jews would wrap these tzit-tzit around their fingers to remind them of the power of God. (This is probably where we get the idea of tying a string around our finger as a reminder … so as not to forget things.) In addition, in some Jewish traditions, there are 39 windings in each of the tzit-tzit. This equals the numerical value of the Hebrew words "the Lord is One."

Now, let me bring the story to full-circle: When the woman with the issue of blood touched the fringes of Jesus’ garment, the tzit-tzit, she touched His personal outward, physical symbol and reminder of God’s righteousness and power. Because she believed this manifestation on her part of touching the tassel on the hem of His garment would heal her, it did. This was an outward act of an inner faith.

So, let this serve as a reminder to you today: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, the same power that healed the woman with the issue of blood, the same power that we are reminded of in the tallit (prayer shawl) is available to you and me today. The power was not and is not in the cloth fringe; it was in the “being reminded of” that the woman with the issue of blood was healed. It is in this same sense of “being reminded of” that we are healed and that we are made overcomers today.

Be reminded … Be an Overcomer … in HIM.

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^[1]Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible : New Living Translation., "Text Edition"--Spine., 2nd ed. (Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004), Nu 15:37-41.