Sunday, January 12, 2025

The Fight on a Snowy Day

 


Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. I Chronicles 11:22 NKJV

A pristine snow covered the ground, covered the snags, and leveled the dips. The sun glistened and sparkled in the cold. Benaiah trudged home alone across the snow. He pulled his cloak close as the wind whipped around him. He had walked since sunup and now the cold was beginning to bite through his whiskers. He should look for shelter, but where in this barren land? 

There, a hole in the snow. Perhaps there was a cave. Benaiah moved closer. A thatch partially covered the hole as if something or someone had fallen through. Again, the wind whipped his cloak, reminding Benaiah he needed to find shelter soon or he would succumb to the freezing temperature. He hoped no one or nothing was still in the pit. Grabbing a piece of the thatch he lowered himself into the dark pit. 

A low growl came from the dark end of the pit, growing louder and coming closer. As it entered the light of the hole, Banaiah saw a huge male lion shaking his head from side to side as he continued to growl at the man who invaded his privacy. 

The growl became a roar. Benaiah reached for his sword tucked under his cloak. He snatched the lion's mane before it could lunge for him. In warrior motion, Benaiah swiped his sword across the bare part of the lion's neck, slicing through to the jugular vein. The lion reared back, pawed the air, then dropped to the floor of the pit. Benaiah wiped the blade clean across the fur of the lion before tucking it away. The odor of blood was nauseating. The smell was not unfamiliar to Benaiah who fought many battles for David. He would rest before facing the snow and cold again in the morning. 

It seems odd to find such a story in the middle of the stories of David's mighty men. There was no one involved but Benaiah. His act was one of self-defense. A closer look will show us the heavenly meaning behind this earthly story. 

When I think of snow, I think of beautiful, quiet, and peaceful. Serene in all its glory, but is it? The snow completely covers the ground causing us to miss the dips and pits that trip us and cause twisted ankles, broken legs, and tragic falls. And so the world looks good. It promises beauty and peace and a prosperous life. When we try to find our hope in the things of the world, it covers the pitfalls and hides the tragedies.  

We often think we can shelter in our families, friends, and even church. We should never let our guard down. For Satan, walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He may lie quiet as a small thing in our lives and homes but his roar will grow in intensity unless we, like Benaiah, are armed with the sword of the Lord. Jesus used scripture to thwart Satan's temptations in the wilderness. We too must be armed and ready to face our lions with the word of God. Though the battle may leave its stench in our memories, through Christ there is rest before we face another day. 

Heavenly Father, help us hide Your word in our hearts that we might not sin against You and that we may stay every attempt of Satan to destroy our testimony before others. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Have you read a story that seemed strange or out of place? 
Have you tried to analyze the reasoning for the story?
Here's a few suggestions to think about. 
II Kings 5:1-4 Why would the little maid care?
Luke 1:38-39 Who did Mary tell first? What happened for her to go to her cousin? 
Try picturing the situation. 
How does it feel, or taste, or smell? 
Imagine the conversations. 
How would you react in the same situation?
Write down your thoughts and watch the story emerge.
Look and listen for God's message.



Sunday, January 5, 2025

A Year's Worth of S.O.A.P.

 


Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 KJV

Daily Devotional? Read through the Bible in a Year? How much time will these take out of my busy schedule? I thought I might take into account how much time I spend watching TV. I thought I'd also see how much screen time I use daily. Out of 16 waking hours, I spend ____  WHAT???WOW!!! 
If I give 10% of my income, could I not give 10% of my time? WOW again, that would be over an hour and a half each day. So maybe if I skip 15-30 minutes of TV or screen time that would give me time to do a little Bible study. 

I use the S.O.A.P. method. It usually takes 15 -20 minutes. Then I do a five-minute devotional. I'm often surprised how well they mesh together. 

Here's the journaling method I do with my Bible reading. Reading and journaling is usually about 20 minutes.

S. Scripture - I prayerfully read a chapter and allow God to impress one or two verses on my heart. I copy that scripture as the heading of today's reading. 

O. Observation - In my own words, I write my observations about the context of the verse. In other words, I retell the story. 

A. Application - How has God impressed upon me to apply these verses in my world? 

P. Prayer - I write my prayer about applying this scripture in my life.

The verse I chose today was from John 12: 1-11 with an emphasis on verse 9. Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 

My observation was that people came to see Lazarus because he knew what it was like to be dead and then come back to life. They probably had questions like; "Did you go toward a light? Was it scary? Did you hover around and watch people as they mourned for you? Did you go to paradise or heaven?" One of the biggest takeaways I had was that Lazarus was a man just like the people and they wanted to see someone whose life God had resurrected from death to a new life.

My application became my Christian walk. I say I am a Christian and people watch me every day to see how God has changed me, how He has delivered me from a lost/dead state to a new/resurrected life in Christ.

Usually, folks don't really come to church looking for God. They came because someone invited them. People want to see how God can change us in such a way that we are new people/creatures in Christ. They've never known what it is like to have their lives completely changed. They are curious to see how it works. 

My prayer was of course personal and individual but here are my thoughts.
Heavenly Father, help me demonstrate my life in Christ every day so that others might see the wonderful change Jesus makes in my life because I have asked for forgiveness and salvation. May others be so affected by the change that it would cause them to turn to Jesus as well. In Christ Jesus's name. Amen

Hey Kids:
Paul wrote these words to young Timothy. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 
II Timothy 3:15.

You can use S.O.A.P. You can do your own study or find out where your parents will be studying each day. God may reveal something different that you can share at the family altar time. God has something for each of us no matter how old or how young. We'd love for you to share with us, but most importantly, share with your family and demonstrate Christ to others.  

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Be the Light


Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ~ Philippians 2:14,15 

What is there about candlelight that draws me to it?

Perhaps it's the ambiance it creates. 
  • It never grumbles or complains
  • It burns brighter and brighter
  • It dances with the flickers of light
  • It reflects that dance on the walls
  • It comforts with warmth
  • It opens up the vision 
  • It draws others to it
The longer it burns the shorter it grows, but it never goes out as long as there is wick to burn.

So when I grumble and complain am I drawing others to Christ? Will others listen when I try to witness? Who would want to be a part of something or someone who promotes sadness and makes others around them unhappy or depressed? No one. 

How can I create an ambiance of joy, peace, happiness, love? 
Perhaps by leaving the grumbling and complaining behind, giving it all to Christ.
No matter the situation, He is working things out for His purposes and our good.

Perhaps by living a blameless and harmless lifestyle.
Demonstrating love and kindness to all people goes a long way in the midst of a divided and hopeless people.

Perhaps by shining as lights in the world, creating an ambiance of joy, of peace. People must first know we care before they will listen to the message of salvation. 

Heavenly Father, help me be your light. Help me create that ambiance of peace and comfort, of joy and dancing. Thank you for the privilege to shine for you even to my waning days. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Have you had the privilege to have candlelight this Christmas? Was there a fireplace or woodstove to watch? How did it make you feel? 

Perhaps you could draw a picture of your smile or write a poem or short story about your feelings of peace. Jesus is our peace, our joy. How can you reflect Him in your life?