Underdog ∙

Underdog ∙

God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. – 1 Corinthians 1:27

Jeremiah 29:11-14

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.
12 In those days when you pray, I will listen.
13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
14 I will be found by you, says the LORD.

Released in 2021, American Underdog captures the remarkable and uplifting journey of Kurt Warner, portrayed by Zachary Levi. This inspiring film chronicles Warner’s incredible transformation from working as a stockboy in a grocery store to becoming a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and a celebrated Hall of Fame quarterback. It chronicles the inspiring Kurt’s story, the quintessential poster child of the American underdog. His life story is a testament to perseverance and faith. The film opens with a young Kurt Warner captivated by Joe Montana’s triumph in Super Bowl XIX, which sparks his dream to become a Super Bowl MVP quarterback himself.

Kurt’s path is fraught with challenges. Overlooked in the NFL draft, he finds himself unemployed and temporarily homeless. Yet, his spirit remains unbroken. Undaunted, Kurt perseveres. Taking a night job stocking shelves at a grocery store, Kurt learns a valuable life lesson: true success is not measured on the football field but instead by how one responds when confronted with overwhelming disappointment. Success is defined as resilience in the face of adversity. His tenacity leads him to the Arena Football League with the Iowa Barnstormers, where his talents begin to shine.

Kurt’s break comes when St. Louis Rams’ head coach Dick Vermeil, a former undrafted player himself, recognizes Kurt’s potential and makes him the second-string quarterback. Trent Green, the starting quarterback, is injured and out for the 1999 NFL season. Kurt seizes his opportunity and becomes the starting quarterback. Kurt wins his first game by picking the Ravens’ defense apart. His victory begins The Greatest Show on Turf and a 13-3 season record for the Rams.

Kurt’s remarkable journey culminates in a victory at Super Bowl XXXIV, where he not only secures the win but also breaks Joe Montana’s record for most passing yards in a Super Bowl. His achievements earned him two NFL MVP titles and the Super Bowl MVP honor. In 2017, Kurt’s extraordinary career was immortalized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Throughout his journey, Kurt’s faith plays a pivotal role, guiding him from underdog to champion. His story is a powerful reminder that while life may cast us as underdogs, faith can elevate us to unimaginable heights. His faith made him a champion.

Kurt realized his purpose through adversity. The Father had a far greater purpose in mind for Kurt than he could ever imagine. The same is true of each child of the King. The Father has a dream for each of us.

Ephesians 3:20 God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

The apostle Paul prays that the Father will empower the children of the King with inner strength through His Spirit from His glorious, unlimited resources (Ephesians 3:16).

REFLECT & PRAY

“Do what you can do, till you can do what you want to do” (Kurt Warner).

Father, I thank You for being the God of underdogs. You often use ordinary people to accomplish remarkable, if not supernatural, tasks. Encourage me to believe that if Kurt Warner can do it, I can, too.

INSIGHT

In a sense, all children of the King are underdogs. The Father favors the underdog and empowers them to rise above their humble beginnings. With faith and determination, we, too, can achieve greatness.

1 Corinthians 1:27 God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

Life often presents us with challenges that seem insurmountable. The Lord Jesus Christ reveals how difficult it is for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God. But the thinking on the street was that the well-off had far better prospects for entering the kingdom of God. Nothing could be further from the truth. Wealth and material possessions are stumbling blocks to the affluent. The wealthy rely on their own means rather than on the Father. True spiritual growth demands faith and dependence on the Father.

Mark 10:23-26

23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!”
24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God.
25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.

The message was shocking to His followers, who grappled with the notion that achieving salvation seemed nearly impossible. Jesus simplified the doctrine of salvation by asserting that if it relied solely on human effort, it would be unattainable for anyone. However, salvation is a divine gift, where all things are possible through God. Those who depend on their own strength and possessions cannot find salvation, but those who place their trust in God’s saving grace and love can fully embrace it (Barclay).

Through His teachings, the Lord Jesus Christ distinguishes between human limitations and God’s miraculous power. As seen in Mark 10:27, “With man, it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” This sentiment is echoed in John 15:5 Apart from Me, you can do nothing, but with Me, nothing remains impossible. Life’s demands may seem overwhelming, yet they pale in comparison to the might of the risen Son of God (Stanley).

How do children of the King actualize the power of the living God in their lives? How does the impossible become possible?

Philippians 4:11-12

11 I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Despite his circumstances, Paul mastered the art of genuine contentment. The Greek term autarkes, often translated as “content,” originally signified complete self-sufficiency and independence, a concept embraced by Greek and Roman cultures. They believed in steeling themselves against life’s inevitable challenges through sheer willpower (Barclay).

In contrast, Paul proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,” because he had learned to be God-sufficient. Unlike the philosophers who pursued contentment through self-reliance, Paul found it in his unwavering faith. He could confront any situation because he walked with Christ, whose presence enabled him to endure all trials.

Philippians 4:13 emphasizes this truth: “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” Paul shattered the notion of self-sufficiency, embracing Christ-sufficiency, a life powered by Christ’s strength. “In effect, this sentence [Philippians 4:13] spells out at the practical level the slogan of his life, expressed in Philippians 1:21 For me to live is Christ (Fee).

Kurt and Brenda Warner experienced this same strength and contentment, and it is available to all children of the King. Through faith and reliance on Christ, we, too, can find true contentment and face life’s challenges through Christ-sufficiency.

¯_(ツ)_/¯11-04-2

© Dr. H 2024

God comforts the depressed ∙

God comforts the depressed ∙

God, who comforts the depressed – 2 Corinthians 7:6

2 Corinthians 1:2-5

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

Throughout his life, he grappled with severe depression, sinking into a profound despair that led him to battle the dreadful temptation of ending his own life. Could such a person possibly serve the Lord effectively? Do severe depression or personality disorders disqualify someone? The answer is a resounding no!

Hudson Taylor arrived in China in 1854 with a vision that defied the norm. Unlike most Protestant missionaries who remained in coastal cities, he ventured into the vast, uncharted inland provinces. On June 25, 1865, he founded the China Inland Mission, leading thousands of Chinese to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ.

Taylor introduced innovative concepts, some of which faced harsh criticism. He insisted that missionaries live and dress like those they sought to reach, fully immersing themselves in the local culture.

He also recognized that single women were entirely capable of managing far-flung mission outposts independently. This policy proved remarkably successful, and by 1882, the China Inland Mission boasted 95 single women and 56 wives. Taylor’s vision revolutionized modern missions, allowing women to excel in virtually every aspect of service. By 1898, traditional gender roles were largely abandoned in many evangelical missions. Women, often barred from ordained ministry at home, found new opportunities to serve abroad, with hundreds volunteering eagerly, shaping a new history.

When faced with difficult circumstances, loss, or blocked paths, people often become despondent and depressed. Does this prevent the children of the King from serving the Father? Not! It is common for God’s children to face challenging circumstances as they fulfill His service, just as Paul did.

2 Corinthians 7:5-6

5 When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.
6 But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us.

Amidst Paul’s struggles, something extraordinary unfolded. He was encouraged by the Father Himself, the ultimate Comforter, who stands by us to console, uplift, and encourage.

2 Corinthians 1:3 God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

REFLECT & PRAY

In our moments of struggle, the Father is often working to bring about perspective transformation in our lives.

Father, help me to see that through my struggles and discouragements, You are reshaping my outlook. You are actively renewing my mind and guiding me towards change.

INSIGHT

The Greek word translated as downcast, distressed, downhearted, or depressed is tapeinos. Tapeinos connotes low-lying or lowly. As an emotional state, it means to be downhearted, lowly in spirit, or depressed. It refers to downhearted people filled with melancholy and despair. It is an experience familiar to many, reflecting our fallen human nature. Even children of the King have faced such sorrow.

However, Scripture offers a profound promise: the Father provides comfort to those who are downhearted.

In 2 Corinthians 7:6, we read that God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us . . ..

The Greek term translated as encouraged or comforted is parakaleo. Parakaleo connotes a broad semantic range of ideas to urge, implore, encourage, exhort, call to, or for. It comes from two Greek words para – “alongside” or “to the side of,’ and kaleo – to “call,” “aid,” “help,” “comfort,” or “encourage.” It suggests the act of alleviating sorrow or distress, giving emotional strength, cheering up, encouraging, comforting, or consoling. It refers to the effort to alleviate sorrow or distress and to provide emotional support.

What may initially seem distant and detached is, in truth, deeply personal and immediate. Who has been so discouraged that they sank into despair and depression? Paul himself is a prime example. According to William R. Baker, Paul’s deep concern for the Corinthians led him into depression, a sentiment woven into his very life story. Despite his relentless pursuit of the upward call in Christ Jesus, even Paul experienced moments of being downcast due to his trials. Sorrow and repentance, grief, and joy are often entwined in our lives.

From this challenging context, Paul introduces a profound principle. He distinguishes between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly grief leads to repentance and salvation, leaving no regret, while worldly grief results in death. The critical difference is that godly grief inspires a change of heart, whereas worldly grief ends only in remorse, as noted by Kruse.

The Corinthians demonstrated their true repentance by taking every possible action to rectify the damage caused by their careless actions. They developed a deep hatred for the sin they committed and were driven to atone for it, reflecting a genuine transformation (Barclay).

Conversely, worldly sorrow lacks true remorse. It doesn’t stem from regret over the sin itself or the hurt caused to others but rather from resentment at being caught. Those experiencing worldly sorrow are likely to repeat their actions if they believe they can evade the consequences.

Godly sorrow is a feeling of sorrow that acknowledges the inherent wrongness of the act, not just the fallout. It hates the sin itself. We must ensure that our sorrow for sin isn’t simply regret over being caught or exposed. Instead, our sorrow results in a desire to abandon the sin entirely (Stanley).

Ephesians 4:21-24

21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,
22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.

The Father uses confrontation that leads to grief and sorrow to bring about perspective transformation. He does not take pleasure in causing grief for His children. Instead, He delights in the fact that suffering and sorrow can lead to repentance. Paul’s heart reflects the Father’s heart; he rejoiced because the people were saddened enough to repent. They changed their minds and took action to correct the situation.

Children of the King often find themselves trapped in their history, repeatedly reliving it. Gaining awareness of this inherited legacy is the first step in breaking the cycle. Undergoing perspective transformation renews the mind and frees us to live differently.

¯_(ツ)_/¯5-15-2

© Dr. H 2024

The messenger ∙

The messenger ∙

I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. – Malachi 3:1

Malachi 3:1-4

1 “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
2 “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.
3 He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD.
4 Then once more the LORD will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.

As the 20th century drew to a close, a revolutionary technology emerged: Short Message Service (SMS). Initially confined to simple alphanumeric characters, SMS quickly evolved to include digital images, videos, sounds, and even ideograms, known today as emojis. This technological marvel made its debut in the United Kingdom in 1992.

Text messaging, or texting, soon became an efficient and convenient means of communication, transforming the way we connect with each other.

Yet, the concept of messaging is far from new. In the Old Testament, the Father communicated His messages through His prophets. The Father’s messages were often confronting and brought both good news and bad news. They were usually sent to challenge the people and provoke repentance and restoration.

In Hebrew, the word for “messenger” is malak, while in Greek, it’s aggelos, from which the English word “angel” is derived. The prophet Malachi’s name translates to “my messenger” in English, The messages of Malachi extend far beyond the time in which they were written by application to the here and now. They serve a timeless role in communicating the Father’s truth and direction across generations and cultures.

Malachi’s book is one of transitions. Malachi is the final writing prophet of the Old Testament, delivering his messages between 450 BC and 425 BC. He was sent by the Father to the Jewish people in Judea after their return from Babylonian exile. Malachi’s Book marks the closing chapter of the Old Testament in the Protestant Bible. His words mark the conclusion of the Old Testament era. His prophetic ministry ushered in a period of divine silence that stretched over 400 years.

In the Jewish historical writings 1 Maccabees of the Apocrypha, the Jewish people recognize that they are living in a time when there are no true prophets among them.

1 Maccabees 9:27 So there was great distress in Israel, the worst since prophets ceased to appear among them.

1 Maccabees 14:41 The Jews and their priests have resolved that Simon should be their leader and high priest forever until a trustworthy prophet arises.

This silence was ultimately shattered by the voice of John the Baptist, echoing through the wilderness as he prepared the way for the first coming of the Messiah of Israel, Lord Jesus Christ.

Thus, the last prophet of the Old Testament heralds the arrival of the first prophet of the New Testament, John the Baptist, the very messenger Malachi foretold. The Old Testament closes without the anticipated King or kingdom, while the New Testament begins with the arrival of the King. The Father’s promised messenger introduces His promised King, the Lord Jesus Christ, to Israel (John 1:29-31).

But how can we be sure that John is the messenger Malachi foretold? In an age where opinions often overshadow scriptural truths, it is pivotal to anchor this understanding in the Scriptures. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself confirmed that John the Baptist fulfilled Malachi’s prophecy.

In Matthew 11:10, Jesus states, “John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’” This affirmation from Christ ties the prophetic threads between Malachi and John, illuminating their historical and spiritual significance.

REFLECT & PRAY

The words of John the Baptist prepared a way in the wilderness for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Father, within Your tender, compassionate heart lies the desire to communicate and connect with each child of the King. As You send Your messages, make my heart sensitive and open to receiving them. Let the words of John the Baptist prepare the way in my heart to receive and walk with You fully.

INSIGHT

Malachi stands out among the minor prophets for his confrontational approach. His book unfolds as a fervent argument between Malachi, the Father’s devoted servant, and the defiant, materialistic religious leaders of the time. Despite all they had endured, these leaders remained stubborn and bellicose. Tragically, in their defiance of the living God, their misguided priorities led them to make terrible decisions. Even more disheartening, they learned little from the severe consequences of their actions: the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Jewish Temple, the end of the Davidic kings’ reign, and 70 years of harsh, oppressive captivity.

Upon their return from Babylonian exile, rather than devoting themselves to setting things right, worshiping the Father, and rebuilding the Temple, they squandered their time and resources on themselves and their personal pursuits. Instead of honoring the Father with the finest and unblemished sacrifices as demanded by Mosaic law, they offered Him their cast-offs, seconds, and paltry leftovers. Their petty, lackluster offerings were essentially good for nothing.

If you were on the receiving end, how would you feel if something similar happened to you? The Father was livid! His words spoken through Malachi are burning hot. You almost have to duck as you read them.

Malachi 1:6-14

6 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! “But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’”
7 “You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar. . ..
8 When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

10 “How I wish one of you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not pleased with you,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “and I will not accept your offerings.”

11 “But my name is honored by people of other nations from morning till night. All around the world they offer sweet incense and pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name is great among the nations,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

12 “But you dishonor my name with your actions. . ..
13 You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the LORD,’ and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Think of it! Animals that are stolen and crippled and sick are being presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?” asks the LORD.
14 “Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “and my name is feared among the nations!

The people are in total denial. In essence, they are saying, “We have done nothing wrong! What’s the problem? It’s just too much trouble! Besides, the Lord God Almighty does not truly deserve our best, does He? Think about everything He’s allowed to happen to us. It’s just too much trouble!”

Malachi 1:13 You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the LORD,’ and you turn up your noses at my command.

Indeed, any thoughtful child of the King would feel a surge of indignation at such blatant disrespect and disregard for the Father. How can one claim to love someone and then treat them in such a manner?

The Father calls it robbery! Were they actually stealing from the living God? Did they honestly think they could withhold what rightfully belonged to Him? Did they believe they could deprive Him of what He deserved? Indeed, they did (Malachi 3:8)!

Yet, before we rush to condemn their actions, it’s crucial to engage in some self-reflection. Turning inward, we must ask ourselves if we harbor similar attitudes. Are we guilty of robbing God too? Do we offer the Father our very best, or merely what remains? When was the last time a church received a brand-new piano instead of a used one?

As I take a moment to reflect, I can vividly imagine Malachi standing before me, confronting my misplaced priorities and poor decisions. My heart feels heavy, sadness envelops me, and my spirit is low. Deep down, I realize I am not so different from the rebellious children of ancient Israel.

I too rob God!

¯_(ツ)_/¯5-12-1

© Dr. H 2024

The Lord will provide – Yahweh-Yireh ∙

The Lord will provide – Yahweh-Yireh ∙

I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:19

Genesis 22:6-14

6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together,
7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?”
8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.

9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood.
10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice.

11 At that moment, the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”
12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now, I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.
14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

The tragedy at Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, was a heartbreaking event that profoundly impacted lives and properties. This disaster underscored critical issues in building construction, maintenance, and regulatory oversight. The catastrophic pancake collapse obliterated 55 of the building’s 136 units.

Since the 1990s, the building has been subsiding at a concerning rate of approximately two millimeters (0.079 in) per year. In 2018, an inspection revealed a significant flaw in the pool deck: it lacked the proper slope needed for effective waterproofing. Over time, accumulated water severely compromised the concrete slabs beneath the deck. The report indicated that the waterproofing had exceeded its lifespan and required complete removal and replacement. The firm warned that “failure to replace waterproofing in the near future will cause the extent of the concrete deterioration to expand exponentially.”

How can we prepare for such eventualities? How can we assist those in need? In the corporate world, particularly within banking, companies make use of “provisions” to prepare for potential future setbacks.

But what are provisions?

Provisions are funds set aside by businesses to cover anticipated future losses. A provision represents a commitment to a liability, even when the timing and amount are uncertain. Examples include funds for income tax liabilities, warranties, potential loan defaults, asset write-downs, expected legal costs, and more. To protect against these financial uncertainties, companies must allocate provisions to ensure they have adequate resources to handle these potential setbacks.

The Scriptures vividly illustrate the Father’s boundless power and unwavering love for each child of the King. He has generously provided for us and assured us that our needs will be met. But how is this divine promise realized in our lives?

Consider Abraham, who had journeyed with the Father for many years, learning invaluable lessons along the way. Yet, in Genesis 17, he faced a challenge that seemed utterly impossible by human standards. Both he and Sarah were past the age of childbearing, making the hope for a child seem unattainable.

In Genesis 17:17, Abraham chuckled in disbelief, pondering, “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” Likewise, in Genesis 18:12, Sarah laughed to herself, questioning, “How could a worn-out woman like me experience such joy, especially when my husband is also so old?”

Yet, human limitations are no match for the Father. He accomplished the impossible, triumphing over their seeming human inadequacies. Against all odds, they were blessed with a child, and in a miraculous turn of events, Isaac was born.

The Bible is replete with accounts of the Father doing the impossible. Take a moment to reflect on why He acts in such ways. The simple answer is to demonstrate that He is real and that He is actively involved in our lives.

Such acts serve as powerful reminders of His reality and active presence in our lives. As children of the King, we are called to cultivate faith and trust in His promises and provisions. The challenges He sets before us are meant to strengthen our faith and deepen our reliance on Him. By trusting His guidance, we find ourselves exactly where we need to be, with the right mindset, as the Father orchestrates everything else.

“At the age of 75, Abraham enrolled in the ‘School of Faith.’ Now he was over 100, and he was still having soul-stretching experiences. We are never too old to face new challenges, fight new battles, and learn new truths. When we stop learning, we stop growing; and when we stop growing, we stop living” (Wiersbe).

REFLECT & PRAY

“Life is difficult. Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult” (M. Scott Peck).

Father, I find myself wrestling with trust. It’s all too tempting to seize control and take matters into my own hands. Encourage me to remember that You have already provided for my needs and that Your promises are sure I am re-enrolling in the school of faith.

INSIGHT

In Genesis 22, Abraham reaches a point where his belief in the Father’s promises is unwavering, regardless of the circumstances. He has matured in his faith, ready to exhibit the depth of his trust. This chapter captures a rare and profound moment where the Father enters the time-space continuum. He reveals Himself to Abraham, engaging with him personally. Moreover, He sends His angel to prevent a horrendous tragedy, underscoring His divine intervention and care.

The lesson of Genesis 22 is straightforward and clear. The Lord will provide (Yahweh-Yireh).

Genesis 22:8 “God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”

Genesis 22:14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”).

Yahweh-Yireh literally means “The Lord will see to it,” that is, “The Lord will provide” (Wiersbe).

In the 21st century, we have an analogous expression. When we make a promise, we say, “I’ll take care of it.” Regarding His provision, the Father says, “I’ll take care of it.” to each child of the King. Amazing! He’s got our back.

“In times of testing, it is easy to think only about our needs and our burdens; instead, we should be focusing on bringing glory to Jesus Christ. We find ourselves asking, ‘How can I get out of this?’ instead of ‘What can I get out of this that will honor the Lord?’ We sometimes waste our sufferings by neglecting or ignoring opportunities to reveal Jesus Christ to others who are watching us go through the furnace” (Wiersbe).

“The Lord will provide – always. He may surprise us, He may perplex us, He may make us wait. But He will always provide exactly what we need when we need it” (Stanley).

¯_(ツ)_/¯7-1-1

© Dr. H 2024

Hearts ablaze ∙∙

Hearts ablaze ∙∙

So, they said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:32

Luke 24:13-35

13 That same day, two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem.
15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.
16 But God kept them from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces.
18 “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people.”

21 “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.”

27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment, he disappeared!
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

Rocky IV, starring Sylvester Stallone, was released in 1985. It quickly soared to remarkable heights, becoming the most financially successful sports film of its time and the highest-grossing sports movie for 24 years. In the film, Rocky comes out of retirement to fight a formidable Russian fighter named Ivan Drago. The fight was slated to occur in Moscow on Christmas.

Unexpectedly, this epic heavyweight championship bout had profound repercussions for both the fighters and the world. While the audience fully expected Rocky to emerge victorious—and he did—the fight went on to change the lives of both characters and have wider implications on a global scale.

The theme song is Burning Heart. The final lyrics are as follows:

In the burning heart just about to burst.
There’s a quest for answers and an unquenchable thirst.
In the darkest night, rising like a spire.
In the burning heart, the unmistakable fire.

Every member of the human race is born spiritually blind, insensitive, and unaware. We are fallen creatures living in a fallen world. In our natural, fallen state, we live with veiled perception, blinded to the Truth. We walk by sight, not by faith. Sometimes, something touches our hearts, igniting a fire within us. But does that feeling last? Sadly, it does not. These moments of fervor are transient. The sparks fade, the embers grow dark, and we return to our former indifference and insensitivity.

The cold, lonely darkness deepens when we feel sad, discouraged, or confused. The Gospel of Luke tells the poignant story of two people walking on the road to Emmaus, clouded with gloom and despair. Why? They had once walked with the Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples in Jerusalem, harboring high aspirations and expectations, believing Jesus was the awaited Messiah, the Hope of Israel. But then something terrible happened: He was betrayed, falsely accused, handed over to the Romans, and crucified. When Jesus died, all hope and joy seemed to die with Him.

The cold, lonely darkness deepens when we feel sad, discouraged, or confused. The Gospel of Luke tells the poignant story of two people walking on the road to Emmaus, clouded with gloom and despair. Why? They had once walked with the Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples in Jerusalem, harboring high aspirations and expectations, believing Jesus was the awaited Messiah, the Hope of Israel. But then something terrible happened: He was betrayed, falsely accused, handed over to the Romans, and crucified. When Jesus died, all hope and joy seemed to die with Him.

The two travelers were utterly dejected, grappling with the turmoil and astonishing events of the past few days. Suddenly, something marvelous occurred: the Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared, joining them on their path. However, the Father supernaturally prevented them from recognizing Him.

When someone is confused and distressed, simply talking about it can provide relief. The Lord Jesus is a master at helping people open up. What does He do? He engages them in conversation, asking questions that create a safe space for their emotions to be expressed and understood. They unload their innermost thoughts and concerns, revealing what they knew and believed.

Their hopes and expectations had been shattered, leaving them profoundly disillusioned. Unmet expectations can be devastating to our souls and spirits. Jesus had not only been rejected and crucified, but now it was the third day. Wasn’t something significant supposed to happen on the third day? Yet, as far as they knew, nothing had.

They heard rumors: an empty tomb, a missing body, and sightings of angels. But who could trust such seemingly fanciful tales? Doubts crept in, leading them to conclude that these accounts were nothing more than the imaginative musings of disillusioned and possibly hysterical disciples, their faith shaken by discouragement.

Pause for a moment. Can you imagine the thoughts swirling in their minds as they pondered the enigmatic identity of their new companion? Was He entirely out of touch? Was He dense? Was he the only guy who didn’t have a clue about what had been going on?

It seems paradoxical that those lacking insight and understanding would accuse another of being similarly unaware.

REFLECT & PRAY

But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! – Jeremiah 20:9

Father, I want my heart to burn within me and never be extinguished. Please ignite and maintain a fiery chain reaction to the Truth and the nourishment Your Word alone provides.

INSIGHT

The Word of God is profound and sublime. It often employs simple, easily understood stories to convey profound truths.

In the Gospel of Luke, a humble yet powerful narrative unfolds. The value and impact of this story far exceed the events themselves. It highlights the sadness and despair of shattered human hopes while demonstrating the power of God’s Word to illuminate and provide truth about many of life’s mysteries. Even a tiny amount of truth, when understood and internalized, can warm our hearts and ignite a passionate flame within us.

A touch of traditional faith and a brief Sunday school lesson can change everything. The Lord Jesus Christ asked probing questions that whetted the disciples’ appetites. A little spark was all it took to set things in motion.

Luke 24:27,32

27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

The Holy Spirit used gentle persuasion to prepare their hearts and minds to receive. Then came the rush of insight, and the eyes of their hearts were opened. It was a profound aha moment. Then, something even more extraordinary happened that left them forever changed. Their spiritual hunger was satisfied through the nutritious food of the Word of God. They wanted more!

How can we get excited about God’s Word? It must be read with understanding. Sometimes, this requires a tutor to show us the way. The Father provides teachers just for this purpose. We begin where we are and let the Truth of the Word speak to our hearts.

Spiritual fire deep within is available to every child of the King. Only you can prevent spiritual fires from burning hot and bright.

¯_(ツ)_/¯ 4-25-1

© Dr. H 2024