The few ∙

The few ∙

Don’t be afraid and don’t panic because of this huge army! For the battle is not yours, but God’s. – 2 Chronicles 20:15

Judges 7:2-7

 2 The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.”

 3 “Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.

 4 But the LORD told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.”

 5 When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, “Divide the men into two groups. In one group, all those who cup water in their hands lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group, put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream.”

 6 Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream.

 7 The LORD told Gideon, “With these 300 men, I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.”

During the Battle of Britain, Germany’s inability to destroy Britain’s air defenses and compel an armistice marked the first major German defeat in World War II and a crucial turning point in the conflict.

The British aircraft industry sustained production levels of approximately 180 to 300 frontline fighters and 140 bombers monthly. Hermann Göring predicted a decline in the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) strength, exacerbated by what he assumed was decreasing production. The Luftwaffe believed it had weakened Fighter Command at three times the actual rate of attrition.

However, reports of RAF losses were greatly exaggerated, creating a sense of euphoria. The Luftwaffe leadership became increasingly disconnected from reality, fostering a false sense of imminent victory. They repeatedly claimed that Fighter Command’s strength had diminished and collapsed, which was not the case. However, reality soon shattered this illusion as the RAF continued to deploy defensive squadrons at will.

On August 5, 1940, coined “The Greatest Day,” the Luftwaffe launched its most extensive series of raids, deploying 115 bombers and 35 fighters. Yet, 75 of these aircraft were destroyed, with many more severely damaged. Throughout the entire Battle of Britain, British forces lost 1,537 planes, while German forces suffered more significant losses with 1,887 planes.

Winston Churchill encapsulated the essence of the battle with his iconic statement: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Those pilots became renowned as “The Few.”

In life, we often face powerful enemies that we cannot overcome alone. However, it is during these moments that our faith can play a crucial role. When we are up against overwhelming odds, our Father fights the battle on our behalf. When there is an imbalance of forces, and our Father is on our side, victory is assured. The presence of God is more than just a theological concept; it is a profound source of strength (Thompson).

When God takes responsibility for the battle, our primary responsibility is to remain faithful. “When we align ourselves with God and His will, the Lord takes the battle out of our hands and places it in His. Big enemies become small when God leads the charge” (Stanley).

Sometimes, the Father uses only one individual (Exodus 14 (Moses); 1 Samuel 17:1-58 (David)). Other times, He chooses to work through a small group.

In Judges 7:2-7, the Lord instructs Gideon to reduce his army, emphasizing reliance on divine power rather than human strength. Initially, 22,000 fearful soldiers depart, leaving 10,000. God further reduced the size of the group to 300, who lapped the water with their hands, ensuring victory with this small contingent.

REFLECT & PRAY

“One and God make a majority” (Frederick Douglass).

Father, teach us to pray and encourage us to be strong and courageous, knowing that the final outcome is in Your hands.

INSIGHT

How does the Father win His battles? He encourages His children to pray for victory. In so doing, children of the King are called upon to achieve the Father’s will on earth as it is in heaven. That is our responsibility. Our task is to pray for His will to be done on earth. The Scriptures teach us to seek His will, not our own.

What other options do we have? We can do nothing; we can hope for the best, or we can pray to get what we think is best. The Scriptures do not encourage us to ask for what we want. But instead, we are to pray for what the Father “wants.” In Luke 11:1-4 the Lord Jesus Christ provides a model for effective prayer, focusing on God’s kingdom. This is how the Father teaches us to pray!

Luke 11:1-4

 1 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”

 2 And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.

 3 ‘Give us each day our daily bread.

 4 ‘And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

In moments of uncertainty, sometimes the best we can do is begin to pray for what we want and allow the Holy Spirit to redirect our prayers supernaturally and mysteriously to the Father’s will. What is required is that we pray and not remain silent.

So it was with Jehoshaphat.

2 Chronicles 20:6-9

 6 [Jehoshaphat] said, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.”

 7 “Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham, Your friend forever?”

 8 “They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary there for Your name, saying,

 9 ‘Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’”

Instead of giving in to fear, King Jehoshaphat gathered the people and sought the Lord with all his heart. He humbly acknowledged God’s power and authority and put his hope and trust in Him alone. Jehoshaphat recognized that God was the one with the ultimate power and authority, so he petitioned the Father for help.

He concluded his prayer by admitting, “Our eyes are upon You.” In effect, Jehoshaphat was saying, “If You don’t exercise Your authority in this matter, we are doomed. We are putting our entire trust and confidence in You and You alone.”

Jehoshaphat displayed humility, showing no signs of self-importance. We see no trace of egotism in Jehoshaphat. He made no demand that God do something that God did not desire to do. Jehoshaphat claimed no authority in himself and also no power for himself. But he wisely recognized that all power and all authority rest in God alone, and from that understanding, he petitioned the God of heaven (Stanley).

This aligns with the spirit encouragement of Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion” (Alexander the Great).

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© Dr. H 2024

Guided by principle, grounded in purpose ∙∙

Guided by principle, grounded in purpose ∙∙

A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do. – Numbers 30:2

Matthew 5:33-37

 33 You have also heard that our fathers were told, “You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.”

 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, “By heaven!” because heaven is God’s throne.

 35 And do not say, “By the earth!” because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, “By Jerusalem!” for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.

 36 Do not even say, “By my head!” for you can’t turn one hair white or black.

 37 Just say a simple, “Yes, I will,” or “No, I won’t.” Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

The 21st century has witnessed a significant decline in objective journalism and factual reporting. Unfortunately, much of today’s news is biased, leading to widespread confusion about whom or what to trust. Regrettably, much of the news is now so often biased, Fake News, that we no longer know who or what to believe. Even online fact-checkers have let us down. The courtroom oath, “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God,” has lost its weight for many people.

In 2018, former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani famously remarked, “Truth isn’t truth.”

What is authentic news? Authentic news is defined by key characteristics that guarantee its credibility and reliability: it is accurate, unbiased, transparent, and accountable, originating from trustworthy and dependable sources. By adhering to these principles, news organizations build trust with their audience, fostering an informed and engaged public.

“The Wall Street Journal” strives to answer this by committing to share information that is Guided by principle and grounded in purpose.

“United under the banner ‘free markets, free people,’ ‘The Wall Street Journal’ Opinion section has long served as a forum for intelligent, values-driven commentary. While we aim to persuade, every word we publish is the product of rigorous reporting, research, and debate. And though we uphold the same standards, we operate completely independently from the newsroom” (Street Journal Opinion).

To be guided by principle, one must be grounded in absolutes, eternal truths, and extrapolations from the Word of God. This, in turn, is based upon the assumption that God exists and that His Word is the Ultimate Truth.

Of all people on earth, the Jewish people were chosen to receive the Truth of God and preserve it for all humanity. They were to meditate on it day and night, hide it in their hearts, and live it out daily. However, human nature found ways to circumvent these practices, similar to how we might make promises today with our fingers crossed.

Some cunningly created a system of evasive swearing. Oaths were categorized into two categories: binding and non-binding ones. Oaths invoking God’s name were binding; otherwise, they were not. Consequently, swearing by God required strict adherence, while swearing by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or one’s head allowed for flexibility. “The result was that evasion had been brought to a fine art. The idea behind this was that if God’s name was used, God became a partner in the transaction; whereas if God’s name was not used, God had nothing to do with the transaction” (Barclay).

In modern America, evasive swearing has become commonplace.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Declaration of Independence concludes with a profound commitment of noble words: “We pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” Honor and duty are superior to rights and self-interest.

Father, inspire and empower me to lead a life of unwavering integrity in Your sight.

INSIGHT

Vows either took the form of a promise to give something to God, usually a sacrifice, or a pledge to abstain from something. The Scriptures are explicit regarding vows. When they are made, they are to be kept.

Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23

 21 When you make a vow to the LORD your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the LORD your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin.

 22 However, it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow.

 23 But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the LORD your God.

Yet a familiar pattern often plays itself out again and again. In times of crisis, people turn to God in prayer. And their prayers usually take the form of vows: ‘If God helps me now, then . . . [Fill in the blank, etc.]. But when the crisis passes, and the prayer is answered, there is a temptation to forget the vow.

Regarding vows, the Lord Jesus Christ had a far superior idea. His solution was not to swear at all.

Matthew 5:34, 37

 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, “By heaven!” because heaven is God’s throne.

 37 Just say a simple, “Yes, I will,” or “No, I won’t.” Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

The core of our identity, the essence of who we are, outweighs the promises we make with our words.

The Lord Jesus Christ teaches that our integrity should be so strong that others can trust our words without needing an oath (ESV notes).

How can we achieve this?

We must make a definitive decision to live by the principles found in the Word of God and renew this commitment every day. Our reputation and the lives we live speak for themselves.

We decide to be trustworthy, and that defines us. We are recognized as individuals who are dependable, reliable, responsible, truthful, faithful, reputable, ethical, honest, incorruptible, principled, and upright.

Moreover, the words of the Lord Jesus Christ contain profound layers of wisdom beneath the surface.

“In effect, Jesus is saying that, far from having to make God a partner in any transaction, no one can keep God out of any transaction. God is already there. Heaven is the throne of God; the earth is the footstool of God; Jerusalem is the city of God . . .. Our lives are God’s; there is nothing in the world which does not belong to God; and therefore, it does not matter whether God is actually named in so many words or not. God is there already” (Barclay).

But there is even more.

The fundamental truth that transcends all aspects of life is that the presence of God cannot be compartmentalized. It is imperative to acknowledge that the Father is omnipresent and transcends all spheres of existence. Therefore, the use of language, conduct, and ethical standards should be consistent across all domains of life, be it in religious settings, professional environments, or personal interactions.

Psalms 139:7-8

 7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!

 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.

The Father does not require a formal invitation to partake in specific areas of life while being excluded from others; instead, the Father is omniscient and omnipresent, encompassing every facet of human existence. Consequently, every word spoken and every action performed is within the realm of His awareness, irrespective of whether it is explicitly carried out in His name.

The Father is omnipresent and cannot be evaded, deceived, or fooled. His presence is involved in every transaction, and ultimately, all promises are made in the presence of God (Barclay).

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© Dr. H 2024

Amend the soil of your hearts ∙

Amend the soil of your hearts ∙

The seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! – Mark 4:20

Mark 4:3-9

 3 Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.

 4 As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it.

 5 Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.

 6 But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died.

 7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain.

 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!

 9 Then he said, Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.

Rice farming requires a great deal of weed control and proper fertilization. Weeds and overgrowth make it very difficult and time-consuming when performed by people alone. The Japanese overcame this challenge using an agricultural technique they developed known as aigamo. The solution was simple, “working ducks.” Commercial Japanese rice farms “employ” ducks. Ducks wade through rice paddies, nibble at undergrowth and weeds, and provide natural fertilization. The Japanese art of aigamo provides reliable, ecologically-sound rice agriculture.

Erik Andrus, a rice farmer, and owner of Boundbrook Farm, Vermont, sought answers. He found them in The Power of Duck by Takao Furuno. Andrus uses a breed of ducks called mulards for rice farming. They are active foragers. He started with 600 ducklings, mostly females, because they are smaller and more nimble than the males. The ducks stay in the fields for roughly six weeks before the grain develops on the rice plant. They provide superb weed control. They won’t eat the rice plant because of its high silica content. This innovative practice has become a crucial part of his farming success. And the rest is history (Jillian Dara).

Over the millennia, people have discovered how to improve and enrich growing environments for many kinds of crops. How can we enhance the soil of our hearts to facilitate spiritual growth? Are there weeds and thorns mixed in?

The Word of God provides spiritual seed planted in human hearts. Human hearts are likened to various kinds of soil. Some hearts are inhospitable to the word of God. Others are indifferent, opportunistic, or extraordinarily open and inviting.

How can we improve the soil of our hearts to be more fertile ground for spiritual truth?

REFLECT & PRAY

“The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground, and we must be on our guard At all times” (Wiersbe).

Father, create in me a soft, pliable, receptive heart. Enable me to amend the soil of my heart so that it may be receptive and fertile for the seed of the Word of God.

INSIGHT

To make our hearts more receptive and responsive to the word of God, it is incumbent upon us to amend the soil of our hearts, cultivating and enriching the soil of our inner being. By doing so, our hearts become fertile ground, consistently attuned to and embracing the teachings of God. As we nurture the soil of our hearts, we invite the Father, the master gardener, to take over.

The Father will address the roots of the weeds and thorns that have taken hold in our lives over the years. They took a lifetime to accumulate. Therefore, it will take time, months, or even years to restore our depleted soil caused by life’s challenges and our poor, rebellious, or ignorant choices.

How do we begin to grant the Father access? We start by eliminating the obvious.

1 Peter 2:1 advises us to rid ourselves of all evil behavior, including malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

Understanding these terms is crucial:

Malice: harboring ill and evil intentions toward others.

Deceit: guile (dolos) engaging in trickery or cunning.

Hypocrisy: insincerity, pretense, and sham. Pretending to be someone we are not.

Envy: Jealousy simply seeks what others have. But Envy goes beyond that. Seeks to deprive others of what they have. Envy is the feeling of displeasure produced by observing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others (Vine).

Slander: improving one’s image by belittling others.

Let’s also consider a few definitions (Stanley):

Anger: a strong feeling of intense displeasure or hostility due to real or imagined threats or injustices.

Forgiveness is giving up resentment (anger) against someone and your right to get even, no matter what has been done to you.

Unforgiveness is the deliberate, willful refusal to give up one’s resentment and right to get even based on the attitude that someone must pay for the wrong done.

We are encouraged to study, meditate on, and memorize God’s Word, allowing it to regenerate the soil of our hearts in ways only the Father can achieve.

Caution: Diving deep into God’s Word and exploring its depths can be challenging and even painful.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, revealing our innermost thoughts and desires.

The Father has already planted the seeds within your heart; let Him cultivate the harvest. Through the renewal of your mind and heart, new thinking and life will emerge and blossom.

Romans 12:1-2

 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then, you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

The Greek term translated as “do not copy” or “do not be conformed” is syschematizo. Syschematizo means being conformed, shaped, fashioned, or molded into a particular form. The idea is to cease allowing oneself to be pressed into a mold. The world is pressing us into its mold.

The Greek verb is in the present imperative passive. It commands us to stop allowing ourselves to be fashioned after the pattern of this evil age (Hendriksen). It’s akin to avoiding the behavior of a chameleon that changes its color to match its environment (Barclay).

The Greek word aion can be translated as “world” or “age.” Aion represents the subtle, informing spirit of the world (kosmos). The aion applies pressure to our lives to be alienated and separated from God (Bengel). Aion influences our thoughts, opinions, maxims, beliefs, principles, speculations, desires, hopes, impulses, aims, and aspirations. It is akin to being in an environment that envelops us. It is like the air we breathe. We inhale, absorb, and ultimately exhale (Trench).

The word metamorphoomai, translated as “be transformed,” is a present imperative passive verb. It suggests a continual process of being transformed by the Father from the inside out. When our thinking changes, our actions change. As our mindset shifts, our actions follow.

Matthew 9:4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?”

Right action should and will follow right thinking.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.

Ephesians 4:22-24

 24 In reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,

 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

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© Dr. H 2024

The sign of the fish ∙

The sign of the fish ∙

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace. – Titus 1:4

2 Timothy 1:9-10

 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

 10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.

Internet acronyms are often confusing. They have become popular as shortcuts for fast-paced digital communication. DYK (Do you know) some of the most popular acronyms of today? If not, DW (Don’t worry) – you soon will.

Do you need a bit of help? You might need someone to break it down. For example, ELI5 stands for “Explain like I’m 5,” which means providing a straightforward explanation without complexity.

In case you missed it, ICYMI, here are a few more: IMHO means “In my humble opinion,” and PIBKAC humorously points out that the “Problem is between keyboard and chair,” implying user error, that is, the problem resides within you.

Among symbols from the first century, one frequently encountered the acronym ICHTHUS (ἰχθύς), known as the sign of the fish. In Greek, ichthus means “fish.” The symbol of the fish became a secret way for early Christians to identify each other.

According to tradition, during the Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians in the early centuries, the fish symbol served to differentiate allies from adversaries. As recounted in ancient stories, a child of the King would draw one arc of a simple fish outline in the dirt upon meeting a stranger. If the stranger completed the drawing, it signaled mutual faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Christianity Today, Elesha Coffman).

Saint Augustine appreciated the fish symbol as a Christian emblem and a descriptor of Christ. The Greek word ichthus forms an acrostic for Jesus Christ, God’s Son and Savior.  

Augustine remarked, “It is a suitable sign for Christ because He was able to live without sin in the abyss of this mortality, as in the depths of waters.’ He saw Christ as like a fish immersed into a foreign environment. That environment being this fallen world” (MacArthur).

In the 1970s, the “Jesus Fish” became an icon of modern Christianity.

The Greek word ICHTHUS (ἰχθύς) is spelled as follows:

Iota (i), Iesous (Ἰησοῦς) Jesus

Chi (ch), Christos (Χριστός) Christ/anointed

Theta (th), Theos (θεός), God

Upsilon (y or u), Huios (υἱός) Son

Sigma (s), Soter (σωτήρ) Savior

REFLECT & PRAY

Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then, he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.

Father, thank You for providing the Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, to be the Savior of the world. What a wonderful acronym:ICHTHUS (ἰχθύς)

INSIGHT

Luke 2:11 The Savior – yes, the Christ, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

John 20:31 These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

The name Jesus in Hebrew is originally Yehoshua (pronounced Yeh-HO-shoo-ah), which was later shortened to Yeshua (Yeh-SHOO-ah). Both versions translate to “The Lord is salvation.” This name was quite common among Jewish families. It was often given to sons as a symbol of faith and hope that God would eventually send the Messiah to set up the promised kingdom and redeem His people.

In the Greek New Testament, the word translated into English as Jesus is Iesous. Iesous is a transliteration of the Hebrew word Yehoshua. Transliteration involves converting letters of a word from one language to similar-sounding letters in another, creating a new word in that language. An example is the English word “baptize,” which is derived from the Greek word baptizo (bap-TID-zo), meaning to immerse, sprinkle, submerge, dip, wash, identify, or bring about permanent change.

The Greek word Christos (Χριστός) comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach (מָשַׁח), meaning “Anointed One” or “Messiah.” This Hebrew term gives rise to the English word “Messiah” through its Greek transliteration, Messias. Both Mashiach and Messias signify The Anointed One.

The Greek term theos (θεός) is translated to English as God, while huios (υἱός) is translated as Son.

The Greek word soter (σωτήρ), meaning “savior,” describes someone who delivers others from danger or harm. This term is used for the Lord Jesus Christ, who is seen as the one who rescues those who accept Him as Lord, saving them from sin and impending judgment. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

John 1:1-14

 1 In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

 2 He existed in the beginning with God.

 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

The eternal Son of God became truly human. He subjected Himself to His own creation and its physical laws, experiencing its ups and downs. He would undergo the development of human reason and language, being taught things that, as a human, He did not know. He walked like a baby before he walked like a man. He thought and talked like a baby before he thought and talked like a man. The growing pains of the Son of God were just as real for Him as they were for us. He had to learn to be a carpenter from His earthly father, Joseph. Jesus Christ lived with a human body, mind, and soul, with all their limitations, except for sin (R. Kent Hughes).

“He really did it. It really did happen. Paul was right: “Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body . . ..” (1 Timothy 3:16)” (R. Kent Hughes).

The miracle of the incarnation is remarkable on many levels. The eternal Son of God became truly human. He became a man to sympathize with and understand what it was like to be human.

Hebrews 4:15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

No one can genuinely empathize with another unless they have personally experienced something similar. In the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world, we have not only Someone who saved us from our sins but also Someone Who, in His humanity, experienced the same challenges and temptations that we face. He fully comprehends human temptations, limitations, and shortcomings and can relate to and sympathize with us. He offers perfect guidance and support.

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© Dr. H 2024

Sentinel chickens ∙∙

Sentinel chickens ∙∙

O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD. – Isaiah 62:6

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

 1 Now, concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we do not really need to write to you.

 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.

 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

 4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.

 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the brain and central nervous system. With a mortality rate of approximately 30%, it poses a significant health risk. Those who survive the infection often face enduring physical or mental challenges. In the summer of 2024, there was a cluster of cases in New Hampshire with one death, 41-year-old Steven Perry. This lethal, incurable disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

What can be done?

Enter Sentinel Chickens.

Not all heroes wear capes – some don’t even wear clothes. Despite the rise of advanced technologies, one of the most effective methods for detecting widespread diseases remains surprisingly simple: Sentinel chickens. Sentinel chickens are an essential ally in disease detection. They play a vital role in monitoring and controlling mosquito-borne illnesses across the country.

Specially designated coops are set up in areas prone to mosquito infestations. Here, the chickens are fed and cared for and go about living “normal” chicken lives while waiting to be bitten by the mosquitos. Regular blood samples are taken from these chickens and tested for viruses like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). A positive test result indicates the presence of virus-carrying mosquitoes in the vicinity. Significantly, chickens do not fall ill from the viruses they contract from the mosquitoes, ensuring their safety. They are not harmed in any way.

Without the sentinel chicken program, assessing virus activity in an area would rely on guesswork, leaving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flying blind without crucial data until human cases emerge. This method provides an invaluable early warning system, helping to protect communities from potential outbreaks.

BTW – Chicken Little did not make the cut – too much imagination.

The Father has countless purposes for keeping His children, the children of the King, in this world. As bearers of light who are grounded in the truths of Scripture, they serve a vital role as sentinels and watchmen. With their heightened spiritual awareness and knowledge of the Scriptures, they often perceive the signs of impending danger before others do, alert to the subtle shifts that signal trouble on the horizon.

As the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Day of Judgment approaches, they remain vigilant, knowing that the Lord will return unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. While those who dwell in darkness will be caught unawares, the children of the light will stand ready, not taken by surprise, but instead eagerly awaiting the Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13).

Titus 2:13 The blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

In their role as children of the light, there is a profound responsibility to remain alert and not be lulled into complacency by false assurances of “peace and safety.” They are called to observe, discern the times, and stay spiritually awake. Their mission is to illuminate the path for others, guiding them towards truth and preparing them for what is to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

By living with this purpose, the children of the King not only protect themselves but also shine a beacon of hope and readiness in a world that often walks in shadows. Their anticipation of the Lord’s return fuels their dedication, inspiring them to fulfill their assignments with unwavering faith and courage.

REFLECT & PRAY

As the anticipated return of our Lord Jesus Christ approaches, the unfolding prophesied signs signal that the time is indeed near. This moment is not one of fear or apprehension but rather a cause for profound joy and celebration. We are called to embrace this time with hearts full of hope and anticipation, trusting in the promises of His glorious arrival.

Father, grant me the grace to remain spiritually alert and deeply aware of the unfolding of Your divine plan. My heart yearns for the return of Your beloved Son, and while I eagerly await His coming.

INSIGHT

When does a thief strike his target? No one knows in advance except, of course, the thief. So it is with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. No one knows the day and the hour of His return. We are to remain vigilant.

As the predicted return of the Lord Jesus Christ draws closer, the signs will indicate that the time is near. Rather than fear and dread, we are to rejoice.

Father, keep me spiritually alert and aware. I long for Your Son’s return, but I ache for those I love who do not know Him.

John 9:4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

In our society today, one out of three people dies from cancer. When a terminal case of cancer is diagnosed, a short period is predicted until the end. When a patient is faced with certain death, how do they react? Some people become discouraged and dismayed. They give up. While others are determined to get things right with the Father and all those they will leave behind.

As the last days of our lives approach, we should dedicate ourselves to serving the Father as much as possible until He takes us home.

1 Chronicles 12:32 The sons of Issachar, men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

This particular group of people understood the signs of the times and knew the best course of action for people to take. So it should be with us.

Isaiah 62:6-7

 6 O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD.

 7 Give the LORD no rest until he completes his work and makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.

The Father’s watchmen are guardians, like sentries on the city wall. They pray and watch for the fulfillment of the Father’s promises. His sentinels will never be silent and take no rest; they will never give up. They diligently pray that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

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© Dr. H 2024