Praying for anonymous in Waco.

James 5:16

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working”

A few weeks ago, I was blessed to gather in worship, and fellowship in one of the rallies with many of our Baptist family from all over the state. Once that beautiful service was over, and I was getting ready to leave, someone handed me an index card that they had found on the floor, I noticed it was an anonymous prayer list that read as follow:

1.     Pray for Strength to do what is right

2.     For understanding

3.     For friends and family

4.     Just pray, please help

 As I read the words “Please help” my heart was burden for this person, so I brought the card back with me, I feel a great need to pray for this requests, and part of that prayer is for this person to know that it’s not alone.

As fellow believers we must pray for one another, but many times we tend to only pray for those that are close to us. Those that we see every day and we are familiar with, but very rarely we pray for those we don’t know.  Many of our brothers and sisters around the world suffer persecution, and many don’t enjoy the same freedoms we do. They have burdens, and I know that we provide help for our brothers in need, but along that help, we should also bend our knees and join in prayer with them.

I do not know how long it will take for this anonymous prayer request to be answer. But my prayer is, that God’s Holy Spirit can let them know that someone is praying alongside them. I don’t believe that I was handed the index card by chance, but God placed it in my life, so that I can pray alongside this person in their life story. Let us pray for one another, and with that same spirit, won’t you join me today and pray for anonymous in Waco. That they're cry for help was heard, and for these prayer request to be answered. May God bless this person to obtain the strength to to what is right, for the understanding the Holy Spirit gives, for the friends and family that are part of this story, and for this person to be reassure that help is on the way.

Pastor Lius.

1000 Days of COVID Operations

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” ― Ferris Bueller.

OK, that is not a Bible verse like we normally start with. But I received a communication on Tuesday from Weslaco’s Office of Emergency Management that reminded us there had been 1000 days of COVID operations in Weslaco. While there were days during that time that it felt like life was at a stand still, most of us are back to the fast-paced living that characterized our pre-covid life. Looking back, much of those 1000 days feel like a vague memory, almost like it never happened. I wonder if we might need to stop and look around to see what God has done and contemplate what God is doing in our midst?

I know when I have a headache I pray for and long for a day when my head is free of pain. Then when that day comes, I quickly forget to give thanks for my answered prayer and rarely celebrate my day without a headache. Instead, I move back to my fast-paced life and forget the gift of grace found in a pain-free head. When we’ve gone through family struggles, prayer dominated my landscape. But as we begin to rise out of the valley of the shadow of death we quickly fall back into the normalcy of life before the valley and often forget to give thanks for what God has brought us through.

Perhaps our daily scripture reading, meditation, and prayer time can be a way to stop and look around once in a while. Not to see the world like Ferris Bueller, but to see the world as God sees it. Giving thanks to the Father in everything and seeing his goodness and mercy that has followed us all the days of our lives.

In the end, the 1000th day of COVID is just another day. But taking the time to look back at where we’ve been can be a great way to remind ourselves that dwelling in the house of the Lord forever has already begun!

Psalm 23: 4-6 ESV

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Ray Sanchez is the Pastor of Administration and Worship at FBCW. His Fantasy Football Team is fighting for not last and he looks forward to firing all of his players in preparation for next year’s league. But looking back, the season of fellowship, podcasts and trash-talking has been a joy!

Exercise Your Gift

By Annie Yorty

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11, NLT)

Oh, I can’t stand this! Groaning, I tossed and turned on my bed in frustration. Just as it had a million times before, my mind commanded my right hand to flex. But this time, the appendage, packed in layers and layers of gauze encased within a rigid form and covered with a stretchy bandage, refused to obey. The bulky cast dangled at the end of my arm like a heavy bowling pin with four puffy fingertips protruding. A week out from joint replacement surgery, I already felt claustrophobic, barely able to resist clawing the wrapping off my arm. The pain, initially excruciating, had subsided enough that I yearned to move. To stretch just a bit. To simply use my hand. But, bound and immobile, it seemed disconnected from the command center of my brain. 

My useless hand made me wonder how often I’ve constrained spiritual gifts God graciously gave me when I was born again as His child. His Spirit places these abilities within us for an eternal purpose. They enable us to “do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). 

Apostle Peter lists two of the gifts which may be infused into us by the power of the Holy Spirit—speaking and serving others. We find additional gifts listed in other books of the New Testament—teaching, encouragement, giving, mercy, prophecy, leadership, and more. “It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have” (1 Corinthians 12:11 NLT).

God supplies us with the strength to use our gifts. Often, however, like my immobilized hand, there seems to be some disconnect between the power source and implementation. I sometimes find my gifts hanging limp and useless. At times, a lack of courage prevents me from acting. I’ve been too timid to step out of my comfort zone. Other times, I’ve focused on the gifts of others and judged my Spirit-filled abilities to be insignificant by comparison. I admit I’ve also used my gifts selfishly, tending to my own needs and neglecting to edify others. If these attitudes become habits, my spiritual gifts will languish and even atrophy from disuse. I don’t want to be a dead weight dragging down the Body of Christ. I’d rather be vibrant and sensitive to the Head of the Body, Jesus Christ, flexing my gifts at His command.

During recovery from surgery, I exercised my hand as it healed. I started by wiggling my swollen fingers to encourage a flow of life-giving blood. As the feeling gradually returned, I stretched and strengthened each digit. When healing stalled, I sought an occupational therapist who specialized in hands. He assigned targeted, repetitive tasks that built up weak areas. Just as I exercised my hand, we need to use our spiritual gifts. Like my hand therapist, God cheers for us as we start small and gradually increase in flexing our spiritual gifts to do the good things He planned for us from before we were born. When we get stuck in our progress, God shines through our weaknesses by designing circumstances that target our need for growth. I practiced for months to achieve the goal of all five fingers working together properly. I rejoiced when my right hand finally resumed normal tasks of writing, brushing my teeth, closing buttons, tying shoes, and much more. Life was so much easier! God created the interdependence of bones, muscles, and tendons in my hand. He also fashions a Body out of all the uniquely complex members of His family. He unifies us to operate under the power of the Holy Spirit. We serve others, perhaps weakly at first, until we become healthy, functional vessels of God’s grace. How satisfied I felt when I could finally stretch and use my fingers again. But nothing physical will ever compare to the pleasure of exercising our spiritual gifts for God’s glory. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
What spiritual gifts have you received to serve the Body of Christ? What might be holding you back from exercising your gifts for God’s glory?

A Season of Waiting

A Season of Waiting

by Rick Hamlin, Contributing Editor, Guideposts, Dec/Jan2022

Advent is a season of waiting – for Santa Claus. For the Christ Child. For the presents under the tree. We know very well what we’re waiting for. But do we see the spiritual gifts that come with the waiting?

Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

When my mom’s minister visited on what turned out to be her last day on earth, she asked him to read this Bible verse. At the time, I thought it was a curious choice. No longer. In her own way, Mom was preparing us, her four kids by her hospital bedside, for what was to come, showing us that waiting for the Lord is a source of strength.

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains. (James 5:7)

The word Advent is derived from the Latin for “to come.” Not only Christ’s coming that first Christmas at Bethlehem but also the promise that Christ will come again. In waiting, we celebrate past, present and future joy all at once.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

Admittedly, the waiting can be the hardest part. “Oh, Lord, how long?” we might ask if we’ve been praying for a while. In the end, we discover that our prayers have been answered, often in ways that we would never have expected. Think of what extraordinary things the shepherds and wise men must have seen. Wonders beyond their wildest imaginings.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as we wait for your Son, Jesus, to come again, we celebrate that promise with joy and hope. Thank you for being our source of strength and fill us with the spirit of patience as we wait for our King. Amen.

I Won’t Do That: Will I Answer God’s Call Jonah 1:1-3

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1:1-3)

I Won’t Do That: Will I Answer God’s Call

Jonah 1:1-3 

The book of Jonah has so many interesting elements that captivate our attention.  We can probably see parts of ourselves in the wayward prophet, hearing the call of God and then heading in the opposite direction.  The effectiveness of Jonah’s disobedience in the lives of the pagan sailors is ironic; after tossing him overboard, these hardened men “feared the LORD exceedingly” (1:16).  Jonah’s Psalm-fueled prayer from the belly of the great fish through which God was delivering his wayward preacher from the storm-tossed sea has a lot to teach us about using the prayerful language we find in our Hebrew Hymnal to guide our ongoing commune with God in good times and bad.  We gag a little when the great fish vomits Jonah onto the shore and can imagine the prophet’s bleached skin and foul odor being the first thing the Ninevites noticed about him when he entered the city, finally being obedient to God’s call.  His crabby use of 5 Hebrew words in a judgment sermon says a lot about his headspace, even in this season of obedience: “40 Days Until Nineveh Toppled!”  Remarkably, the Ninevites respond with a complete, sorrowful, repentant fast, turning away from their wicked violence in hopes that God will change His mind about this sentence of judgment.  God responds to their repentance by mercifully answering their cries, delivering them from the promised doom. 

Jonah’s angry response to God’s mercy toward the Ninevites and God’s response to Jonah reveal what this whole episode of fleeing the presence of the LORD, being swallowed by a great fish and spit up on dry land, and crankily responding to the call of God has been about.  The Message renders this interaction in the light of the sparing of Nineveh like this: “Jonah was furious. He lost his temper. He yelled at God, ‘God! I knew it—when I was back home, I knew this was going to happen! That’s why I ran off to Tarshish! I knew you were sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness! So, God, if you won’t kill them, kill me! I’m better off dead!’” (4:1-3).  Jonah fled from the LORD’s presence, because he was afraid God, in His great mercy, would deliver these hated enemies from the judgment Jonah predicted.  Jonah didn’t want to be wrong, and he didn’t want these terrible people to be saved.  God then sends a here-today-gone-tomorrow plant to give Jonah shade and takes it away to initiate a conversation with his unformed prophet:

God said, “What’s this? How is it that you can change your feelings from pleasure to anger overnight about a mere shade tree that you did nothing to get? You neither planted nor watered it. It grew up one night and died the next night. So, why can’t I likewise change what I feel about Nineveh from anger to pleasure, this big city of more than 120,000 childlike people who don’t yet know right from wrong, to say nothing of all the innocent animals?” (4:10-11)

Did Jonah have any right to be angry about the death of a plant that he neither planted nor watered, whose life and death was completely in the Creator’s hands?  Didn’t the Creator of the universe and Redeemer of Israel have the prerogative to forgive, redeem, and restore whomever He wanted? 

We’re not given Jonah’s response, because it doesn’t matter how Jonah responded to God’s questions.  What’s at issue in this story is how we the readers will respond.  Will we answer God’s call?  What if God calls us to do something we don’t want to do?  What if God calls us to go somewhere we don’t want to go?  What if God wants to use us to bring forgiveness, redemption, and restoration to people we’d rather see experience something more along the lines of fire and brimstone?  Jonah’s story reminds us that God is calling us in just such a direction.  God wants to use us to show lost, broken, hurting, sinful, and misguided people His merciful love.  That person or group that we tend to see as beyond the scope of redemption is precious in God’s sight.  In the light of that important reminder, I hope we’ll each ask ourselves: will I answer God’s call or respond like Jonah by saying, “God, I’d do anything for you, but I won’t do that!”

Friends are a medicine for the soul.

Proverbs 27:9

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice”

This week my wife and I traveled to Houston to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family.  An unexpected bonus on this trip… I got to visit with a very dear friend that I had not seen in years. As we shared a meal and talked about the good memories, and the bad, I was reminded of how valuable our friends are.

We may have many acquaintances in our lives, but only a few people make it to the friend list. Those friends are a treasure in our lives, because they get to see the good and the bad of our lives, and a true friend is there during those moments.

As we talked and talked, I was reminded of a saying that we have in Mexico, “To relive memories is to live again” and as we were transported to our years in high school, we laughed at all those funny stories, and many adventures we had. But not everything was laughter, as we were sadden as we looked back, and remembered the many people we have lost touch with through the years.

As we wrapped up our evening, my dearest friend almost made me spill out my drink in laughter as he recounted a story the only way he knows how, with comedy, he is a very funny guy. I sat there for a moment, and I thanked God for the great blessing of the first friend I ever made in the U.S, I never dreamed that he would become such a great friend for life. Good friends are hard to find, and when we find them, we must treasure them, because they bring joy to our heart, and they are always there to give us heartfelt advice with the occasional funny story.

Dear father thank you for the friends and family that are part of our lives, and thank you for our Familia of faith.

Pastor Luis.

Thanksgiving: A Story of Persistence

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden, posted on crosswalk.com the devotional

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:12-14 

Here is a part of the Thanksgiving story you may not know. While the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in October of 1621, it was not until October of 1777 that all 13 colonies celebrated Thanksgiving, for the first time. At one point, our first president, George Washington, proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving, but conflict and difficulties among the colonies put an end to its observance.

It was a magazine editor, Sarah Josepha Hale, whose work led to the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday we observe today. Hale wrote letters to governors and presidents, and editorials in magazines, books and newspapers, promoting the observance of Thanksgiving. In 1863, after 40 years of letter writing and campaigning (that’s not a typo, she really wrote letters for 40 years), Hale’s persistence paid off and President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving. Since then, every president has supported Thanksgiving. Forty years of dedication, persistence and passion, all to make sure that this country would celebrate a National Day of Thanksgiving each year. Impressive.

We can learn from Hale’s perseverance. It took her 40 years to accomplish what she set out to do. Just like her story, the Christian faith is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. Each day of our life is another day to choose between right and wrong, to help someone in need, to read our Bible and pray. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:12-14, Christians are called to persevere, to press on. Sometimes it can feel like an unrewarding task. It is hard, but important, to look to God for the BIGGER plan. What if Hale had chosen to give up after one year or ten years? Her goal would have been left unfinished. Press on towards the call of Christ! Endure! But be forewarned, just like Sara Josepha Hale, it may take 40 years to see the fruit of your labor!

Giving Thanks: Thanking God Forever

BY James and Rose Dekker, as posted on todaydevotional.com

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.” Psalm 136:1

Read Psalm 136

I remember hearing this psalm as a child, and it seemed to go on forever. As I grew older, though, I realized the writer of Psalm 136 wished to show readers repeatedly that God’s love endures forever.

Read and re-read this psalm as a truly attentive child of God who is daily growing to know God better. Practice lectio divina by carefully reading aloud the first part of every verse, reflecting on every phrase. The verses of Psalm 136 recall concrete examples from history in which the Lord showed his enduring love. If you wish, look up the full report of each of those examples in the books of Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, and Judges. Then try to identify personally with as many of the instances of the Lord’s enduring love that the verses suggest to you.

Can you identify any of the Lord’s great wonders that awed you? That comforted you? Can you name a time in your life when the Lord led you through the desert? As you mull over each verse and each example of God’s love, repeat the psalms refrain again and again. What do you think is the most fitting response to God for his enduring love in all its instances? How can you, your family, and your community thank God for his enduring love?

Eternal God, I offer my heart thankfully for your enduring love in my life. Forgive my faulty memory. Bless me with better memories of your love. In Jesus name, Amen.

Poem on Being Thankful

Submitted by Robin W.

Comment RW: Part of celebrating Thanksgiving is to reflect on gratitude – so why not express it with poetry! Here is a poem I found online a while back that I thought was an interesting way to reflect on being grateful. Don’t get me wrong – I believe gratitude is about the many blessings God gives us too, family, friends, health. But more importantly, He gave us Jesus. Because of God’s goodness and love for us – He gave us His only Son, whose sacrifice was and still is the ultimate act of gratitude.

No matter what we are going through this season, we have Jesus to lean on.  May you experience many faces of God’s love and grace this Thanksgiving!

JAMES 1:2-4

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Be Thankful
Poet Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

I Won’t Do That: Will I Live a Life that Pleases God? Micah 6:8

 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

I Won’t Do That: Will I Live a Life that Pleases God?

Micah 6:8 

            I thoroughly enjoy writing these Monday devotionals each week for the nearly five people who read them (give me a shoutout this week if you’re one of those awesome people). My favorite part of this exercise is getting to share stories that didn’t quite make it into Sunday’s sermon.  Sometimes the story that I enjoyed the most didn’t quite fit into the structure of the message and it’s painful to leave it on the cutting room floor.  These devotionals give me the space to share that different perspective on whatever text we’re considering from the scriptures.  This week is one of those weeks.

            Micah shares such a simple, but difficult calling for what it means to live a life that honors God’s requirements for us as His people.  The calling is simple, because it’s not hard to understand, but it’s difficult, because it requires a whole life commitment to honor God in how we engage the world around us.  Because of His work in our lives, God now requires that we do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him.  A life that is pleasing to God is one in which we: act in fairness and equity toward others; approach the world in a way that shows others the kind of loyal, covenant love God shows us; and live in humble communion with the One who saves us by grace.  It’s so simple.  But a lot of people in Micah’s day and a lot of people today hear that challenge and say, “I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that.”  Many, like Micah’s neighbors, are willing to make great sacrifices and offerings to God but unwilling to live with obedience in these practical ways.

            As I thought about this challenge and what a life of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God looks like today, I kept thinking about a really interesting experience I had a while back.  We were taking a love offering for a family in our church who was going through hard times.  I shared a bit about their struggle without mentioning their names, because, though I knew they needed help, they hadn’t asked for any and weren’t expecting any.  We collected that offering and the next week I got to go deliver a check for them that Cindy had prepared.  When I sat down in their living room, handed them the check, and explained our desire to help, the wife, though very appreciative of the gift seemed perplexed.  She asked, “Was this the offering that we took on Sunday?”  I told her that it was.  She smiled and said that she had leaned over to her husband and said, “That family’s going through what we’re going through.”  Then she reached in her purse and found some money to contribute when the plate was passed.  From their situation of struggle that was so significant that we decided to take an anonymous love offering for them, this family found a way to give, thinking they were helping someone who was also struggling in the same way.  I’m not sure what doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God will look like as we go through this week, but I suspect it will look something like that.

Fellowship at the Annual Meeting

 Acts 2:42-47

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

This week, as I attended the BGCT annual meeting, I was overjoyed to reconnected with many friends that I had not seen for many years. I got to hear all the great things that God has been doing in their lives and ministry, and as I spent time with old friends and making new ones, it reminded me of the words in Acts 2:42. It says that these believers were devoted "to the fellowship"--to each other. They gathered joyfully and sincerely, filled with gladness. There was laughter and song. People came into the fellowship not out of a sense of obligation or fear but out of a desire to be with fellow believers.

True fellowship exists when people can be open and honest about their struggles and their needs. God invites us to experience such fellowship ourselves in communities of faith where believers are deeply devoted to each other's welfare.

I got to experience genuine fellowship, as we sang, and partake in the Lord Supper in unity with our wonderful Texas Baptist Family, and even though we may speak different languages and come from many diverse backgrounds, we can experience that fellowship because we are all united through our Lord Jesus.  As I said my goodbyes, I look forward to next year’s family reunion, to have another chance to fellowship with our Baptist family.

Father God may you bless our Texas Baptist Family, and as we navigate the many problems we face, let your will be done, and let us be guided by your spirit.

Pastor Luis.

Not Being a Jerk is NOT Enough

27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:27-36

This past week, I got to serve on the Resolutions Committee for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Each year, the resolutions committee speaks to and for the Texas Baptists messengers by deciding what should be resolved at each year’s annual meeting.

This year, we passed a resolution that Pastor Parker summarized as, “We believe the Bible, but we don’t have to be jerks about it!” In fact, everyone loved that and actually preferred that wording!

In the current cultural climate, our Christians ideals are often attacked because our God-inspired world-view puts us out of step with the culture around us. The easy responses to those attacks are to join the shouting matches and social media frenzies, live with anger and hate toward certain groups, or just ignore it all together: but that is how the world lives.

I don’t always enjoy the words of Jesus. I don’t want to do good to those who hate me, bless those who curse me or pray for my abusers. I don’t want to turn the other cheek to harsh social media posts against Christians. Yet, that is what Jesus calls me to do. Jesus seems to be asking way more of me here than just not being a jerk!

Who are your enemies right now? Who hates you, curses you, or steals from you? Now think about how you can love them, bless them, and pray for them. For me, it is easier to start by not being a jerk; but cultivating a Jesus-following life where I pray for my enemies can shape me enough to bless them and eventually love them. Not being a jerk, unfortunately, is just not quite enough!

When was the last time you loved, blessed, and prayed for your enemy? It may have been a while, but you can start now!

Pastor Ray is the Pastor of Worship and Administration at FBC Weslaco. He is done with his two year rotation on the Texas Baptists’ resolutions committee and is happy to attend the Family Gathering in McAllen this next July 16-18 as a regular guy! He hopes you will attend as well and volunteer for the numerous service opportunities that will be available.

This is not technically a fantasy football devotional, but I think it is safe to say that you should love your fantasy football enemy for the week as well - with a little loving trash-talk!

The Good Shepherd’s Comfort

DANIELLE HITCHEN, as posted on Encouragement for Today daily devotional

Lee en español

“The LORD is my shepherd … your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1, 4 (ESV) 

“Stop eating play dough,” I tell my 3-year-old for what feels like the millionth time.

“BE KIND,” she hollers back at the top of her lungs.

Sighing, I insist that the kindest thing I can do is ensure she doesn’t ingest the indigestible. Much to her loud and obvious displeasure, I remove the play dough and put it away in a bin out of her reach. While her ongoing reaction grates on me, I remind myself that after persistently warning the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience, God allowed them to be taken captive and enslaved. Hopefully, most of us (preschoolers and adults alike) don’t need to experience Old Testament-level discipline before we listen and obey. In our day-to-day usage, the word “discipline” tends to be associated with punishment — but Scripture describes discipline more like instruction and protection. Psalm 23 wonderfully illustrates this type of discipline, saying of God, our Shepherd: “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

Shepherds regularly employed both these instruments to ensure their flocks were safe:

• A rod was a short club for prodding the sheep in the right direction and fighting off threats.

• A staff had a long crook on the end for redirecting the sheep — pulling them away from danger and placing them back on the correct path.

As I reflect on the discipline of the Lord in my own life, I find the psalmist’s language helpful in understanding and identifying how God has been at work. The Good Shepherd’s rod is in play every time I open my Bible. Like a standard shepherd’s rod prodded sheep, God’s Word prods me in the right direction and fends off the lies and attacks of the enemy. The Good Shepherd’s staff is more subtle. It is most visible to me in circumstances like the unexpectedly closed doors that redirect my plans or the sermons or conversations that convict and redirect my spirit.

While I often want to respond to the frustration, disappointment, pain or discomfort of “staff” experiences like my 3-year-old did (hollering at God, “BE KIND”), I remind myself that no matter how I feel, the objective truth is that the Lord’s discipline is an act of loving kindness. In retrospect, I’m always grateful for God’s protection — for His severe mercy in refusing to allow me to eat the metaphorical play dough.

Friends, the Good Shepherd desires the flourishing of His beloved flock. His rod and His staff are there for our comfort — a persistent reminder that the Shepherd is present, watchful and protective, guiding us in the way of life eternal. By the use of His rod and His staff, the Good Shepherd guides us deeper into His will and encourages us to cling to the promises of His Truth that we might walk in faith and repentance, following the way of life. May His rod and His staff be a comfort to you this day and every day.

Good Shepherd — thank You for loving us enough to discipline us. Guide us with Your rod and hem us in by Your staff so that we may walk in obedience and obtain the joy of eternal life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

A Good Friend

By Robin Wiley

No greater love has a person than this: than they are willing to lay down their life for their friends. Now, you are my friends, if you do what I command you, to love one another. You didn’t chose me, but I chose you. I chose you to be my disciples and friends. I don’t call you servants because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing, but I call you friends because you know what the master is thinking and doing. You know the inside of the master’s head and heart. You are my friends. (John 15:12-17)

Thomas Aquinas said a long time ago, “There is nothing on earth to be prized than true friendship”.[1] Such a relevant statement for our world today where we all need special people to laugh, share secrets and celebrate life with, and it’s not just about enjoying only good times together. True friends will journey through the ups and downs of life, divorces, health challenges, and even a precious loss. It’s easy to be friends when life is easy, but a real friend never allows someone they care about to go through difficulties alone. Whatever hardships the world has in store, true friends stick together and get through them together. I hope you’ve had an experience like that.

Friendships are a deep part of my core and I have enjoyed friend relationships with both males and females but the closest are with nine ladies I have known since the late nineteen eighties, over thirty-seven years ago. We are a tight-knit group, with our own families now, but we make time to spend a weekend trip together at least once a year. Well, we did that for many years until the pandemic, followed by nonstop illness such as cancer, early onset dementia and heart issues. We’ve had a group text thread going between us for many years which stays pretty active with family updates and prayer requests. I love how we are eager to share both the good and bad news of our lives with each other, like an engagement or baby announcement, or devasting news like a death or cancer. We are never too far away to offer each other encouragement and support.   

Things finally settled down enough to plan a trip for late fall, so we recently met together for a weekend in Canton,Texas where they host this large monthly antique/trade marketplace. We rented an AirBnB house in nearby Tyler and had such a sweet visit despite having to deal with some weather challenges. A large tornado came very near to where we were staying, and in our neighborhood, warnings and sirens were blasting very loudly and frequently. Keeping our eyes on the local news and watching the radar on our phones gave us some indication the worst part of the storm would miss us, but I think it was the way we comforted and reassured each other which helped the most. One of my friends even commented that she was glad she went through this emergency with us ladies rather than her husband because he would have overreacted and had them sitting under a table with pans on their heads like helmets (something he saw in a movie once LOL).

The Bible has quite a lot to say about friendship, starting with Abraham who was called a friend of God. He is the only person in the whole Old Testament who is given that high honor. We are “descendants of Abraham (John 8:33-47) and to be a called a friend of God is an incredibly high honor.

Like the great old hymn “What a friend we have in Jesus” says: Jesus is our greatest friend. To think of Him as a friend is to allow God to come down to our size, so we can understand who God is. During the last three years of His ministry, Jesus and his disciples had become very good friends, walking, talking, fishing, sailing, and hanging out together. Jesus was not only their Master, Lord and King, but Jesus had become their good friend, someone they could trust, someone they could count on, someone who would not put them down. It was during their last meal together, where Jesus spoke the scriptures mentioned above in John 15. He places a heavy value on the disciples He considered to be His best friends.

Jesus feels the same way about us today. I strive every day to consider Him to be like one of my oldest and dearest friends. He is ready to listen, ready to comfort or carry our burdens; all we have to do is talk to Him. Jesus was a friend of sinners, and I take comfort in that. God is a friend of imperfect people. God knows our shadow side and still likes and loves us. For me – that is a good friend.

Prayer for today:

Thank you, Father, for the friendships in my life. Each one is a special gift you specifically placed to enrich my life. Your son Jesus is the ultimate gift of salvation and forgiveness with helping to become the best version of myself for your kingdom. It is by His name I proclaim victory with my prayer. Amen.

[1] https://www.inspiringquotes.us/author/9350-thomas-aquinas

I Won’t Do That: Will We Trust God’s Simple Solutions? 2 Kings 5:1-14

Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”

So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”

But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.” So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. (2 Kings 5:1-14)

I Won’t Do That: Will We Trust God’s Simple Solutions?

2 Kings 5:1-14

            The other day Lisa and I were discussing this passage and she said, “That reminds me of the story of the man who thought God was going to save him from the flood.”  That little comment sparked the memory of that familiar anecdote.  If you’ve heard it before, it probably did for you too.  If not, it goes something like this: An announcement rang out that the river had burst its banks and flood waters were rising and everyone needed to evacuate.  One man stayed behind, believing God would save him.  The waters rose and the man climbed on top of his kitchen table to stay dry and a man in a rescue boat came by, offering to carry him to safety.  “No thank you; God is going to save me.”  The next day he had to climb on top of his roof to escape the flood waters, but when the second rescue boat came by, his response was the same.  The Lord would save him.  The following day, the man was soaked, standing on the very top of his chimney to try and stay out of the rising flood waters when a helicopter dropped a rope and a man called out to him, instructing him to tie the rope around his chest and be pulled to safety.  “The Lord will save me!” he shouted, waving the rescuers away.  The man drowned.  Standing before the Lord, he admitted, “God, I’m a little disappointed.  I bore witness to three different people that I had faith that you would save me, and you didn’t.”  To that the Lord replied, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter.”

            That story has resonance as we read Naaman’s tale and consider how he almost missed a great experience of healing, because the packaging didn’t come the way he expected it.  How many times do we miss out on God’s kingdom purpose for our lives because we’re looking for God’s movement in the grandiose, public, exciting, and fancy displays of life, while He’s revealing Himself in the poor, lonely, and unfortunate soul we just ignored?  How many times do we miss opportunities to grow into what God has called us to be because we fail to heed the simple instructions God has laid out so clearly for us in His word?  Will we love as we’ve been loved?  Will we serve as Christ came to serve?  Will we forgive as we’ve been forgiven?  Will we learn to trust God’s simple solutions, or will we keep looking for “silver bullet” fixes that disregard the way God tends to work in the world?  Will we head back to Syria to wash in one of those beautiful, non-healing streams or will we heed the words of the prophet, no matter how foolish they sound, and scrub up seven times in the muddy Jordan River (or whatever that looks like where we live today)?  This encounter between Elisha and Naaman reminds us that God’s way might just be crazy enough to work!

Veterans Day Devotional

Two decades after World War I, which officially ended November 11, 1918, the U.S. passed legislation to have a legal holiday every November 11th, honoring veterans who served in that war. As time marched on and more wars were fought, Veterans Day became a national holiday honoring American veterans of all wars.

Before personally knowing someone who fought in a war, I didn’t give much thought to Veterans Day, other than the commercial aspect of a few good sales. I regret my previously flippant recognition of this important day.

Before Bill went to fight in Iraq, he was an electrician with the same company for 25 years. His children were mostly out of the nest and he and his wife were looking forward to their retirement years. However, after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Bill joined the Virginia Army National Guard. It seemed unlikely he'd be called to serve overseas since the reserves had not been called up for war since World War II. His family was shocked when he left for the war in Iraq and was gone for 18 months.

When Bill returned in 2005, his family welcomed home a courageous and radically changed man who had lived through horrible events. His time away was spent in chaos.

He recounted how deeply the enemy hates and wants to destroy all Americans. He carried the bodies of young men in his unit whose lives were cut short by the dining hall suicide bomber in Mosul. The horror stories could fill a book.

His heart was broken for those in his unit who suffered and died; most of them young enough to be his son. He cried for their parents; knowing how devastating it would be to lose a child. Bill was awarded the Purple Heart for his war injuries during battle. He still struggles with the memories of all the evil, death, and danger. He has severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) along with physical pain from his injuries. He’s totally disabled.

Bill's one of thousands of veterans who are celebrated on this day. They fought so we could be safe from our enemies. They demonstrated the greatest love for us. A national holiday is hardly enough to show them our gratitude and respect. We can’t undo anything they’ve been through, but we can do what the Bible tells us to do – love them and pray for them.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:13-14, 17 NLT)

Lord Jesus, you are not a stranger to war and know the stress our veterans have felt. Please comfort and strengthen them with your Holy Spirit. Meet each of them right where they are today and speak to their souls. You've brought them through many trials. Help them see your mighty hand at work in their lives and know how much you love them. Heal their hearts as well as their bodies. Help us to show our sincere thanks to them and help us all never to forget the sacrifices that they've made. Help us to love them just as you have loved us.

Beth Patch is a writer and senior Internet producer/editor for CBN.com.Beth earned a MA in Journalism from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia and a BA in Mass Communications from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. After 17 years in a professional real estate career, Beth had what she calls a mid-life calling (as opposed to a mid-life crisis), to step away from real estate and follow God's leading into Christian media, where she serves in her current position.

She has a passion to present inspirational writings and media content to a global audience. She leads writing workshops at several Christian Writers Conferences.

Dropkick Me Jesus

Updated from Oct. 29, 2019

Matthew 28:19-20”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in  the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

John 10:27-30 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Dropkick Me, Jesus (Lyrics by Paul Charles Craft)

Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goal posts of life
End over end, neither left nor to right
Straight through the heart of them, righteous up rights
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goal posts of life

Verse 1:

Make me, oh, make me, Lord, more than I am
Make me a piece in Your master game plan
Free from the earthly tempestion below
I've got the will, Lord, if You got the toe

Verse 2:

Bring on the brothers who've gone on before
And all of the sisters who've knocked on your door
All the departed, dear, loved ones of mine
Stick 'em up front in the offensive line

Verse 3:

A lowly bench warmer I'm contented to be
Until the time when you have need of me
The flash on the scoreboard that shines upon high
And the big Super Bowl way up in the sky

We get our theology (a fancy word that means what we believe about God) from all sorts of places. I’m not sure an old country song should be the basis of deep theological reflection, but there are some interesting pieces in the prayer, “Dropkick Me, Jesus” sung by Bobby Bare and written by Paul Charles Craft.

I love the humility in this song. “Make me…Lord, more than I am…[and] make me a piece in Your master game plan.” These lines demonstrate that in addition to needing Jesus, we also need to join in God’s great plan for the world. I love the offensive line as a nod to the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) that have come before us and the idea of sitting on the bench while humbly waiting for our time in the big game. But while we shouldn’t be fighting for the stardom enjoyed by today’s athletes (and church leaders), the bench is not the place to which God has called us. The Great Commission at the end of Matthew reminds us that we all have a role to play in discipling, baptizing and teaching as a part of God’s kingdom.

Perhaps the greatest theological shortcoming in Dropkick, if taken literally, is pitting our will against God’s toe. The implication here is that I’ve got my life in order as long as Jesus is capable of kicking me through the uprights. Most likely, “I’ve got the will, Lord if You’ve got the toe” is meant to be ironic because we all know that Jesus has got the toe! The real question is do you have the will?

Jesus has already done everything he needs to do to bring us into his kingdom. Those of us who are believers are then called upon to “follow [him]” (John 10:27). And even though Jesus continues to protect us, his work on the cross has already gotten true believers through the goalposts of eternal life.

In these crazy times, I am thankful that we have the assurance of eternal life. But right now, it is more important to get off the bench and get into the game as we are called to bring glory to God in everything we do (Col. 3:17).

I don’t think that Bobby Bare or Paul Charles Craft wrote “Dropkick Me, Jesus” to be a theological treatise. Most likely, they just wanted to bring a smile to your face and figured even Christians need a good kick in the backside every now and again.

Ray Sanchez is the manager of the Elisha’s Bears Fantasy Football Team (3-6) in the Baptist Ballers FBCW Fantasy League. His team is sooooo bad that CCCKromer beat him this past week with 4 empty spots on his starting roster. Pastor Ray’s only hope may be for Jesus to dropkick Elisha’s Bears straight into the playoffs. Enjoy “Dropkick Me Jesus” and our Commissioner’s Report podcast below.

The Commissioners: FBCW Fantasy Football Podcast

Gracious Words Flow from a Gracious Heart

By Jessica Van Roekel, as posted on Crosswalk the devotional

“The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:23-24, NIV.

Many years ago, I made a bad first impression because of the way I spoke to someone. My speech was the opposite of gracious. At the time, the words spewed from my mouth like a dam that had burst and nothing could stop the flow. Not only did I bring damage to someone else’s heart, I damaged my own with the regret I felt after the destruction was complete. It didn’t matter whether I felt justified by what I said, my words were out of control and filled with disgust, two characteristics that flow opposite of the fruit of the Spirit.

If I think I can guard my mouth and guide my tongue without addressing my heart—I am a fool. Remorse filled me after that incident. I repented. I apologized and sought forgiveness from the one I wounded, but I couldn’t heal the damage I caused. Only God could do that. But what I could do was address my heart. When we start with the heart, the body will follow because what is in our heart influences what we say and do. How much of our hearts are surrendered to the Lord? We can allow him full access to redeem every little corner or we can hold part of ourselves back, thinking we can control what we say. However, those little judgmental thoughts that we don’t think impact anyone because we don’t say out loud eventually find their way to the surface. Stressors in our life are like riding over a bumpy road with an open cup of coffee. One of those bumps is going to hit just right and words we never dreamed we would say rush out.

The Old Testament law dealt with ceremonial laws and relational laws—how to relate to God, each other, and non-Jews. Focus on the “right” outward behavior rather than an inner heart position was the standard for holiness in the Pharisee’s minds. Defilement through unclean food or people was a huge part of their focus. They focused more on man-made interpretations of God’s law of what they should eat instead of knowing the heart of God’s law, which was a way to have a holy relationship with God. But Jesus flipped their understanding upside down. It wasn’t what they put into their mouths that defiled them, but what came out of them that defiled them. Throughout God’s Word, the heart represents a person’s entire inner being. This includes our intellect, emotions, motives, desires, and free-will. An impure heart will corrupt our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. When we follow Christ, we must live in a way that reflects a new and transformed heart, one that is different than before with its natural bents and desires. A heart that submits to the transforming work of Jesus Christ is one where true change begins. Even though the world tries to tell us that we live in a bubble of “do what feels right to you,” we have the amazing opportunity to bring our feelings and thoughts in line with God’s word. What we see and read and listen to can help or hinder our inner transformation. We get to choose whether we will put off the ways of the old nature and put on the ways of the new. Our transformation happens in tandem to our spiritual maturity. What spills from our heart when we’re stressed or frustrated can bring life or destruction. It’s been more than two decades since my words ran away like an unbridled horse, but I’ve not forgotten the pain on the recipient’s face or the fear in their eyes whenever our paths crossed. Since then, I’m motivated to say yes to the Lord’s reordering and refining of my heart’s contents.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
What is in your heart that sometimes spills out? Is it gracious and healing or bitter and resentful? The different types of stress in our lives shakes the contents of our heart. There are days when we won’t extend a godly response and we can use the remorse we feel as an opportunity for God to do an amazing transformative work. Then, the next time something shakes us, a godly response can impact those around us and reveal how God has been at work in us.

LADYBUG

A sweet story by my sister-in-law Lucinda Zamora-Wiley who is a gifted and talented poet and writer. Here is a story she submitted (and was published) by GuidePost “AngelsOnEarth.org” publication Mar/Apr 2014

It had taken eight years to get pregnant again. Now in my fourth week, I rushed to the doctor with abdominal pains. Please, let this baby survive, I prayed, fearing another miscarriage.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a ladybug sitting peacefully on my side-view mirror. The first one I’d seen since my miscarriage all those years ago. It felt like a sign back the, that God was with me in my grief. Now I believed the polka-dotted creature had reappeared to let me know that my baby and I were in God’s care. The doctor confirmed that everything was fine.

Two months later, I had another scare. On the way to the doctor, a ladybug alighted on my windshield. Once again, our baby was okay.

In my final trimester, I started a ladybug collection to keep my faith strong. An enamel ladybug from a flea market for my rearview mirror, a ladybug stapler for my desk Friends, family, even my students surprised me with ladybug journals, stuffed animals and key chains.

Soon, we welcomed our baby girl. We named her Ava, Latin for “bird.” In honor of those little red ladybirds – my own personal reminders of God’s loving care.

Where has God shown Himself or comforted you in your life?

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for showing up in our lives in the simplest of ways. Your loving touch has a healing effect on our spirits and souls. Help us to turn to you in all times, not just when we are hurting or feeling anxious. Teach us that your presence is a gift, given freely to us through your love and your son Jesus. Keep us near you. In the powerful name of Jesus – Amen!

I Won’t Do That: Will We Rest Quietly?

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.

There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks 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. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:1–19)

I Won’t Do That: Will We Rest Quietly?

1 Kings 19:1–19

Roel Rosales has started refereeing football games in his retirement.  This has been a great way to participate in youth sports while keeping his body in shape and his mind engaged in something he enjoys.  Roel described an interesting experience about a huge, botched call that no one in the stands or on either sideline noticed.  The mistake was so egregious that he began to doubt himself.  Did he see the play wrong?  Could he really have been the only one in the whole stadium who noticed what happened?  He eventually brought up the issue during a later officials’ conference at midfield it was determined that he was right, but it was too late to correct the mistake that had been made.

I mention that, because I kept thinking about Roel’s experience when I was reading commentaries regarding this passage in preparation for today’s devotional and the accompanying sermon.  Commentary after commentary seemed to express a snarky, preachy tone in God’s voice as He addresses the broken prophet.  Numerous lines were written about where Elijah went wrong, how his faith was inadequate and misdirected, and what God was teaching him through this encounter.  I kept reading and re-reading the passage and thinking, “Am I the only one who sees what I see in this story?”  I began to doubt myself and question my reading.  Finally, toward the end of my searching, I found a few authors who saw the tenderness of God in the angelic cake He sent to Elijah through His messenger and heard the compassionate tone that I heard in the “gentle whisper of God”.  I think most of the sermons I’ve heard preached on this text and most of the material I’ve read written about it that depict God in a frustrated, finger-wagging way have brought something to the story from our own stories of over-functioning, pick ourselves up by our own bootstraps approach to life and ministry.

What we find in Elijah’s story is far more encouraging when we find ourselves beat down by life.  Here we encounter a God who ministers through naps, baked bread, and jars of water.  In a world full of flash and noise that can leave us feeling spiritually depleted, we need this God who sometimes speaks in the sound of “a gentle whisper” or “deafening silence.”  Elijah’s lowest point introduces us to a God who cares enough to listen and reveals Himself in our hurt.  Elijah was ready to quit, but this experience with the living God energized him for the good ministry to which God was still calling him.

Could it be that God is calling us to serve Him through consistent seasons of quiet rest?  What would that look like in our story?  Will we answer that call or turn up the noise to drown out the still small voice of God and say, “I would do anything for you, God, but I won’t do that.”

Dr. Steven Parker has been the senior pastor at First Baptist Church Weslaco for 15 years and takes this rest stuff seriously. While preparing his sermon on this passage, he had a terrible headache and could barely keep his thoughts straight. On his lunch break he took about an hour nap on his office couch and woke refreshed with a clear head and the ability to finish the great sermon written for this past Sunday.