Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, do you love candy bars as much as I do? Oh, there’s nothing better than a Milky Way, or a Milky Way with dark chocolate. And if it’s not that, how about some great new salty chips in a bag? Or even better, really hot French fries from a great restaurant. Boy oh boy, I could eat all those time and time again. But as long as I abide in that lifestyle, I’m in trouble. Whether it be my cholesterol or whether it be my blood pressure or whether it be my sugar level, it isn’t gonna be good.
And then I’m reminded of the words that we’re going to hear in a few weeks: 1 John 3:6 “Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.” Those are really tough words. But the truth is if we want to abide with God, with Jesus, we have to really work on not sinning. We have to put down the candy bar in order to live the lifestyle that we are called to live. We need to put down the sin in our life. We need to put down whatever that is that gets in the way from building that relationship with the living God. So today, I’m just wondering, what sin is in our life, in your life, in mine, that causes us to not be able to abide. To, again, sit in the lap of Jesus and live our life.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, do you remember playing Hide ‘N Seek? That’s right! When you’d go and you’d hide outside in the neighborhood or maybe inside a building with a group, whatever it might be, you hid yourself away hoping not to be found. Do you ever remember in the middle of the game standing up and say, “Here I am!” Of course not! Because the point was to not be found.
Sometimes that’s the way we treat God. Sometimes we seek God when we need something. But we hide from God when God needs something. And I’m reminded of the words of Isaiah 6:8 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am; send me.’” You know, we need to have a pure heart. We need to be honest. Do we really want that close relationship with God? Because if we do, then guess what, we can’t play Hide ‘N Seek. We’ve got to stand up and we’ve got to say here I am. Not just when we need God but when God needs us. So, how pure is your heart? How close are you to understanding what God is calling you to? I wonder, are we playing Hide ‘N Seek with God? Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Welcome to Wednesday Wondering! I’m wondering if you’ve ever had a car that had bad alignment? You know, that car that just wanted to go wherever it wanted to go versus where you wanted it to go. How about your alignment with God? Are you aligned? Are you following that direction that God has planned or are you out of alignment?
I want you to think about prayer. And that prayer is that spiritual power that aligns our lives with God so that He can choose to demonstrate His power through us. It’s interesting that in Acts 2 it says, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” You see, God had a plan and God brought people together. And people followed His leading and guiding. They were in alignment. Rather than focusing on what you or I would like to see happen, let’s realize that God may be more concerned with what He wants to see happen in us.
So, this morning I’m wondering how’s your alignment? How is your alignment with God? With the Holy Spirit? With the leading of God and being who God has called you to be? Let’s get an alignment and run the race with God. God bless. Have a great day!
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, have you ever been lost? I mean, as an adult it can be a little disconcerting but what about as a child? I remember getting lost in the store. I remember not knowing where my mom was. That feeling of being alone. I remember the strangers coming up and trying to help. I remember being in the office of the grocery store. I remember hearing the announcement go out over the intercom. I remember my mom finally coming to get me. That feeling of separation was so horrible.
And sometimes, sometimes we feel that way about God. But I want you to remember this morning from Romans 8:35 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” NO! Nothing can separate you from the love of God.
So, think about it today. Regardless of how difficult life is, God is always right there by your side. Have a great day! Keep on wondering and remember, you’re never alone. God bless.
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Good morning! And welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, what is the last thing you did before your head hit the pillow last night? If you’re like many of us, we check our calendar for the coming week. We make sure we know where we’re going, who we’re meeting with, what we need to do, and so on. We schedule our life completely. And yet, do we take time to live in the presence of God? That’s right! Do we allow for the light of God to shine into our lives. Do we allow to sit and simply live in that peace of His presence? Or are we too busy?
Think about these words from 1 Corinthians: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) How about it? Are we taking the time to really, really understand things? To really seek God’s leading and guiding? Are we taking time to simply sit in God’s presence and let Him schedule the events of our lives? Think about it! Take a look at your calendar. See if there’s room for the presence of God.
Have a great week. God bless.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, have you ever seen one of those acts where a person stands next to a wall or a target, holds a balloon in each hand, maybe a balloon in their mouth as they turn sideways; and then their partner stands far off and throws knives and pops the balloons or shoots an arrow blindfolded and pops the balloons? That takes a lot of trust! I’m wondering today, do we trust God? Do we trust God with all of our life, with every moment, in the good and in the challenging, in the happy and in the sad? Are we willing to trust God?
Remember these words from Jesus where he says in John, he leaves the Holy Spirit to teach and to remind us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) Or later on where he says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
I’m wondering today, do we trust God completely. Do we trust the words of Jesus? Do we trust the Holy Spirit is watching over us? The world is going to throw knives. But will we trust God in every moment? God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, what do you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk. Yeah, I know, pretty bad, huh?
Or, what kind of exercises do lazy people do? Diddly-squats.
What am I getting at? Are we able to laugh? Are we able to laugh at life, laugh at ourselves? Are we able to smile and to enjoy all that goes on? As we face life, it’s really important for us to be able to laugh. I mean in Proverbs (17:22 it says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Or, it says also in Proverbs (31:25), “That she is clothed with strength and dignity, and she can laugh at the days to come.” How about it? Are you laughing lately? Are you able to feel like you are truly a child of God and just enjoy the days that God has given? Start laughing a little bit.
And remember this: Which celebrity is always ready for ice cream? Reese With-her-spoon. That’s right, enjoy life and laugh. God wants to laugh with you. Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Good morning! And welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering this morning, do you know somebody that just loves to talk. You know what I mean? Talk, and talk, and talk, and talk. You’d love to cut them off. You’d love to say that’s enough, but it’s just their nature to keep talking. Nowadays, it comes across as texting. They text and text and text and you just want to be done. Sometimes it’s good when people want to talk or text or communicate.
Remember, God speaks continually to each of us. “The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech. Night after night they reveal knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1) God is always talking. The question is, are we listening? Or another way to think about it – don’t ever forget that He wants to hold your hand. That again, God wants to talk to you, God wants to hold your hand, and God wants to walk with you through life. “Yes, my soul, find rest in God. My hope comes from Him. Truly He is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress, and I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:5-6) So be thankful God wants to talk at all points. Be thankful He wants to hold your hand. Keep walking, keep wondering, God bless.
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Good morning! And welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering how are you enjoying life in our world lately? I mean, it seems like everybody has an opinion. Arguments are so easy to find, and division is just a way of life. And yet, I wonder if we remember what God tells us in Micah (6:8). What is required of us? “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” We have a higher road that we’re called to. A higher road that is one with meaning and purpose and above all being God’s hands and feet, mind, and heart in the world. And along that path remember this also: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me. My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne.” (Matthew 11:29-30) The other thing is God wants us to enjoy life. Dare even to say, to laugh! So today I’m wondering, are you living on the high road? And as you walk that high road, are you able to smile, to laugh, and to enjoy the life that God gives us rather than getting sucked into all that the news broadcasts every day. God bless. Have an amazing and wonderful day.
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Good morning! And I’m wondering! I’m wondering if you know this: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10) Do you know how special you are? That God has loved you from the very beginning of time? And the beauty of it is He never stops loving you. And He never stops walking with you and creating a new future.
Think about it this way: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) God’s creating in you. God began it long ago. God continues to create, and God will create until you are welcomed home. You are chosen. You are special. You are loved by God. I wonder – do you know that? God bless. Have a great day. And remember how special you are, and that God is still creating.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Go ahead! JUMP! That’s right – go ahead, jump! I’ve gotcha. I’ll catch ya!
I’m wondering, who do you trust? That’s right. Do you trust God? Do you let God help when you need help? We live in a world where a lot of people don’t trust people. And who do you turn to when you really need help? Today, I want us just to think: do we trust God?
I want to read to you Isaiah 12. It says it all!
In that day you will say:
“I will praise you, Lord.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.
In that day you will say:
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Who do you trust? Come on! Go ahead and jump! JUMP! God has got you, loves you, and is always with you. Have a great day. God bless. And trust!
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, have you ever heard the term: “helicopter parent”? For the most part it seems to get a bad rap in the news. Parents who are way too overprotective. And yet, when you think about God – God is a helicopter God. God is involved in every moment of our life. Whether it be good or challenging, God is present. And in those difficult times, we need to learn to relax in that. To be able to know that God is in control and that we are called to trust.
I mean, remember the words from Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Or from Psalm 46:1 where it says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Or simply in verse 10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Well, maybe being a helicopter parent isn’t great but knowing that you have a helicopter God who loves you and watches over you brings hope and peace to the world in which we live and the lives we live in it. God bless. Have a great day!
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, do you hear that? Do you feel that? Yeah, do you feel the peace? I mean, we look at the news and it’s easy to wonder what is next. Will there be another shooting? Will the economy take another drop? Will there be another war in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, who knows where? It’s easy to say there is no peace and yet God promises. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
How about it? Do you have peace? Do you have that quietness within your heart? I know I struggle. I know I have my ups and downs. But when I can find that place where God rules, where Jesus comforts, and where I can sit back and say God’s got it, it’s such a better place than worrying about all that other stuff. So, do you have it? Do you feel it? Do you know the peace that passes all understanding? God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering: have you changed your shoes today? How about your clothes? Have you changed your hair color? Or maybe, maybe you’ve changed your diet? The changes in life go on and on. And the world changes so quickly it’s almost scary. Sometimes it’s demoralizing and frustrating, sometimes we’re happy about it. Change happens a lot. Or, as one person says it, “We live in a world of unrelenting change.”
And yet we need to remember that God is the Alpha, the Omega and that God never changes and is always there. Even in a world that sometimes seems, well, too much, overwhelming, stressful, anxious. God is with us.
Isaiah 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Or from John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble; but take heart! For I have overcome the world.”
Hey, change your attitude. Change your attitude and trust God in all things. God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday Wondering! And I’m wondering when’s the last time you played “Hide ‘n Seek”? How about “Kick the Can”? Or maybe if you’re young enough you remember “Sardines.” What do all these have in common? So often we find ourselves hiding in the dark in order to win. Problem is, a lot of the time that is the way we treat Jesus as well. When it comes to our sin and our brokenness, we hide. We hide in the darkness. We think we can get away with it. We think we can keep it away from God and yet Jesus knows all. We’ve got to learn. We’ve got to learn to step into the light. Step into the light. Experience forgiveness and grace and move forward. 1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
How about it? No more “Hide ‘n Seek.” No more “Kick the Can.” No more “Sardines.” Step into the light. Let go and let Jesus heal you. God bless. Have a wonderful day.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, who is your first call? That’s right. Who is your first call? When things just fall apart, when you feel like you’re getting attacked from everywhere, who’s your first call? We have to remember that life is not perfect. And often we find ourselves in the midst of a very difficult situation. And who do we call? Do we remember that God is a mighty God? Do we make that our first call? Or do we forget?
Just remember the words of Psalm 62:4-6, “How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down—this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
How about it? Who is your first call? God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wonderings. I’m wondering how hot it is? It’s supposed to be warm. Sometimes our lives feel warm. The world, again, creeps in and stress gets to us. We get a little bit overwhelmed. We wonder what’s next. Sunday night I was blessed to be able to watch the sunset on a lake with a group of people who love the Lord. Different ages, different backgrounds and yet one Lord, one God. As the sun set, it was amazing. The clouds were all around and above the sun it sure looked like there was a thunderbird. Jen took a picture. But it was a reminder that God is in control. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Hey, I’m wondering: are we overcomers? Again, a beautiful sunset, and yet a beautiful new day to come. God bless. Don’t let the world get you down.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, who really irritates you? That’s right. When you think about it, who is it you just can’t stand? Is it the person in front of you who has to go back and check a price at the store and makes you wait in the checkout line? The neighbor who never cuts his lawn and looks horrible. Is it the coworker who seems to never do enough work and yet gets all the praise? The list goes on. Maybe its politics, maybe its religion, who knows what it is. But there’s people who really irritate us. Huh.
But then you read these words from Matthew chapter 11: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and humble in heart. You will find rest for your souls for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
I’m wondering. Should we be loving people like Jesus did? Instead of getting upset, maybe we should find out the story and why they are who they are. Maybe its time for us to be a little bit more like Jesus and love, engage, and care for, rather than simply get irritated. I know it’s easier. But you know what? God loves you, God died for you, and so we better be willing to listen to stories, to love, and to share the love of Christ. Have a GREAT day!
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering who is in control of your life. You know, we don’t like other people to control our lives. I mean, it can be as simple as speed limits, or motorcycle helmets, or taxes, or what time Mom and Dad want us home at night, the list goes on as to other people controlling our lives. We don’t like it. Plain and simple. I’m my own person. Leave me alone. Huh.
And yet what it says in Romans 8:6 “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” God wants to control our lives. God wants to be the resource that leads and guides us. God wants control. The question is, are we really willing to give God control? Every day, every moment, every decision, everything we do, is up to God. Huh, I’m wondering… Wondering if I can live that way, wondering if we can live that way. God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Good morning! And I’m wondering what are you afraid of? That’s right! Is there a spider crawling across your floor right now or maybe a snake waiting for you outside in your yard. Or maybe a clown in your closet, or who knows what else? Or maybe a little bit more realistic, have you watched the news lately? Are you afraid of World War III? Afraid of the downfall of our economy? I mean the news, they try to make us afraid of everything. What am I getting at? Well, Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Is that cool! NEVER leave you, NEVER forsake you.
I know we’re afraid of things. But let’s try and remember we’re never alone. God is always with us. God cares about us. God loves us. Have a great week and don’t be afraid. God bless.
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Good morning! And in case you’re wondering, I love you! That’s right! Those are words that sometimes we hear and they mean really nothing. Other times, we treasure them. And yet, when we think about God, do we think about how much God loves us, unconditionally? Again, we fall, we sin, but if we return to God, if we confess our brokenness, God loves us. God cherishes us. And God says, “Hey, don’t wonder, just know I love you.”
Psalm 107:8 says, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love…” Unfailing love! UNFAILING LOVE! So today, I just want you to know, you are loved. God loves you and so do I. Hallelujah! Amen.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Good morning and I’m wondering how peaceful your morning is.
Again, we turn on the TV, the radio, the podcast, whatever it might be, and it just seems that the world is filled with things that are not settled. Our own nation, our own neighborhoods, the world as a whole, filled with economic uncertainty, violence, things that shake all of us. So, where’s the peace?
We need to remember that God wants to give us peace. That Christ IS our peace. That we need to receive that gift and trust. Remember the words from Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
How about it? How’s your mind? How’s your heart? Are they guarded by the presence of God and more importantly, the peace of God? Or, are we struggling? Struggling because we just can’t find that quiet place? Today’s a day to remember: Don’t be anxious about anything. Because God’s got your back and Christ is walking with you. And so you can have that peace – that peace that guards your heart and your mind. God bless. Have a blessed day.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Good morning! I’m wondering, how did you like that snow on Monday, with that white stuff covering everything? Or maybe, maybe you really enjoy the price of gas as it inches closer and closer to 4/5 dollars a gallon? Or possibly you are truly thrilled that it’s tax time and pretty soon Uncle Sam is going to need a check or you’re going to have to wait patiently for a refund.
Are you thankful? Again, sometimes it just seems like a hard thing to do – to be thankful. And yet, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 it says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” How about it? Are you thankful? Do you trust God’s will for your life? Are you okay with, again, however things play out? Are we thankful people? It makes such a difference to be thankful! To be THANKFUL! TO BE THANKFUL in all that God is doing in our lives.
So, hey, gas: 3, 4, 5, 6 dollars a gallon. Taxes being paid. Another snowstorm. Does it really matter? God loves you. And in that we can be thankful in ALL circumstances. God bless. Have a great day!
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Good morning! Do you still have leftovers? That’s right! Easter is behind us. Some ham in the fridge, candy wrappers in the garbage, decorations coming down – what does life look like after Easter? Jesus is asking us to live a life in which we have constant communion with Him. Again, an ability to interact with Jesus even during the clutter of our lives. In all circumstances, acknowledging Him, being willing to walk and talk on a daily basis.
So how about it? Easter’s behind us but what about our lifestyle? Will it be Easter-full as we live. Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Submit to Christ. Commune with Christ. Let Christ lead every day. I wonder: what will it be like now that Easter is done? God bless, have a great day.
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Hey! Hurry up! Pick up the phone! There are other things to do! Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go!
Wait a minute, it’s Holy Week. A chance for us to be still and to walk with Christ. Again, to be one with Him in a very new and dynamic way this week. It says in Psalm 46: “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering: are you a list maker? That’s right! Do you find yourself making those lists and then checking each item off as you accomplish them? I mean, a lot of us – that’s the way we live our lives. We try to figure out all the things we should do, and then we conquer them one by one. But when we don’t conquer them, that’s when we get frustrated. And we keep thinking we can really control all things in our lives. And yet we need to remember that God takes care of us. That again, before we even make the list, God has made a list for us. He knows what we’re going to do, where we’re going to go, how we’re going to do it, and again, the challenges of life. And so, as you go through life do you wake up thinking, “I’m going to make a list and I’m going to do what I want to do”? Or do you wake up saying, “Hey, I have to accomplish a few things, but I’m going to trust God’s list for my life”?
Remember these words from Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” I hope your paths are straight and that you trust God’s list and not your own. Have a great day. God bless!
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I wonder if you remember night lights. That’s right! Those silly little lights that you plugged in and at night they kept just enough light in the room that made you feel safe and secure. As we get older, those night lights maybe change. We call them security lights. They light up our house. They make sure that we’re not afraid of someone breaking in.
As we get older, things change and we’re afraid of different things. As kids, its monsters and boogey men and snakes and spiders and who knows… When we get older its things like money, or physical wellbeing, or family members, or maybe for some of us, clowns.
But what do we do when we’re afraid? Remember the words of Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.”
How about it? As we walk through life, is God our night light? Is, again, that Easter story of Jesus’ resurrection our bright and beautiful night light? Don’t be afraid! Trust God. He is your salvation. God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering how Lent is going for you. How is your cup? Half full? Half empty?
We live in Michigan. I believe Michigan is the second cloudiest state in the union. Only to like Seattle or Washington. I wonder, how much do we miss that amazing presence of the sun. And I do mean the sunshine, but I also mean the Son, Jesus. The presence of God in our lives. How often do we simply bask in the radiance of knowing the presence of God in our lives?
What might it look like if we did that? How about this from 1 John 4:9-11, “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
How about it? Are we basking in the presence of God and are we living it out by loving one another? Well, I hope today you live in His radiance. God bless.
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering who has your ear. That’s right! Or maybe another way to say it is: whose voice are you listening to? That’s right! We live in a world in which there are a lot of voices. Whether it be the internet, whether it be the television, whether it be the radio, whether it be politics, whether it be myriads of people, and places, and things; we hear a lot of voices. And yet, do we hear the most important one?
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:1-4)
How about it? Do you know the voice of Christ? In this Lenten season, are you listening to the voice of Christ? Again, we live in a world in which we’ve got lots of voices, and those voices cause a lot of worry and stress and anxiety for people from young ages to old ages. And yet, do we truly hear THE voice – the voice of the Shepherd. Today my prayer is that you hear the Shepherd, and only the Shepherd.
God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering what you’re wondering about. Do you find yourself wondering about the economy? About inflation? About investments? Do you find yourself wondering about Ukraine, Russia, China, the Middle East? Do you wonder about the natural disasters that have happened with flooding, drought, and earthquake? Do you wonder what is next?
To wonder is one thing. But to get stressed out and filled with anxiety is another. We need to trust – trust God, trust God’s plan for our lives, trust that God is in control. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
How about it? Are you filled with some anxiety? Are you stressed out? Does your wondering turn into something that’s really negative? It’s time to trust God. To let go and to let God lead and guide and for us to follow. Have a wonderful and a blessed day. May the Lord be with you. And may you trust. God bless.
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you remember maps. That’s right! Paper maps. The ones you unfold and spread out as you journeyed across some continent somewhere. Or then the atlas that came out in a book and you could look up various places. Then it turned into MapQuest and printing out directions. Now you just look on your phone and you try to follow the little dot on the highway or byway.
When we go somewhere, we need some direction. The question today is: where do you get your direction from? That’s right! Or Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
As we enter the season of Lent, and we begin the journey to the cross, what is your guide? Hopefully, prayerfully, it is the word of God, the Holy Spirit. As we look to Christ, and figure out how is it that we might better our relationship, and serve a risen Savior and Lord. How about it? Is it MapQuest? Or is it the word of God? God bless. Have a great day! And welcome to the season of Lent.
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. And I’m wondering, how’d you do? That’s right, how did you do? No, I’m not talking about Super Bowl predictions or Super Bowl pools. I’m wondering how’d you do yesterday. Valentine’s Day. Did you let somebody know that they’re loved? Did you make a difference in somebody’s life? Did you take some time and let God know how much you love God for sending His Son? Remember Matthew 22 where Jesus replies, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.”
How about it? How did you do? Did you let somebody know that God loves them and that you did too? Well, guess what? Tomorrow’s Thursday. You can try again. But don’t forget. Share the most powerful thing: the grace and the love of God Almighty through Jesus Christ. Have a wonderful day. God bless.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. Isaiah 42:1-4 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
How about it? Do you feel like that faithful servant? I said it Sunday: I don’t like to ask for help. And sometimes it just feels like things are falling down around you and we’re afraid to ask for help. We’re afraid to cry out. We’re afraid to believe what it says in Isaiah that, you know what, God’s got us, even if we are bruised, even if we are a smoldering wick, even if we are broken! Our hope is in Him!
So, if you are having a tough time, ask for help! God loves you and that will never change. Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you’re preparing. That’s right! If you are seeking the very face of God. It says in Romans 8:6, “The mind governed by the flesh is death but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” This week we’re moving towards a communion Sunday and we’ve been asked to prepare. To seek the very face of God. To always involve God in our decisions, in our questions, in our daily lives. And so I’m wondering, are you seeking God’s face? Or another way to think about it is Jesus says, “I am an ever-present help in trouble. Trust me. Though the earth give way or the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” (Psalm 46:1-2)
How about it? Are you seeking? Are you trusting? Are you preparing to meet Jesus face to face? Have a great week and a blessed Sunday around the table. God bless.
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Yaaaawn, oh, sorry! I was yawning.
Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I don’t know, some days it just seems like… whew, I could doze off… at about any moment! I don’t know about you but sometimes I feel that way during my devotions or my prayer time. There I sit and I’m trying to connect with God and the next thing I know it’s ten minutes later and I’ve fallen asleep! Sometimes that’s the way it is in our relationship all the way through! We come and we go. We think we’re ready to go and then we show our weakness.
But the beautiful thing is that God understands that, that Jesus was aware of that. Whether that be in the garden with the disciples, whether that be with us every day, that we are weak. But what we need to remember is this: God says, “My strength and My power show themselves most effective in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) The key is keep trying. If we’re dozing off, well, get back at it as soon as you wake up. Splash a little water in your face, walk around the room, whatever it takes to spiritually wake up and reconnect with God. God doesn’t hold it against us. God just wants us to try again.
So even if you’re “yaaaaaaaawn” yawning and a little out of it, God’s always there and loves you. Have a great day! Seek Him at every turn. God bless.
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, how is your fig tree, or maybe your grapes? Okay, your olives? Just in general, your food crops? Or maybe your sheep or your cattle? How are they doing? You know God wants us to have life and have it abundantly. But sometimes we get thrown a curve ball. Sometimes we go through that valley. And Habakkuk (3:17-19) reminds us:
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.
Life isn’t always perfect. It is not always easy. Sometimes it’s downright hard, difficult, challenging, and a bummer. And yet, I’m wondering, does the truth of God’s love reign over all of that. Are we able to walk, to tread on the heights, even though we’re feeling like we’re in a valley? Today’s a day where I wonder, how are your fig trees? And does it matter? Because you know deep down God loves you and God’s got your back. I hope you’re treading on the heights and walking with the Lord. Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you’ve ever heard anybody say, “My way or the highway.” Or maybe you know somebody who kind of lives or operates in that manner? My way or the highway. But I’m wondering if each of us needs to look at our own lives and ask the question: is that the way we operate with God’s planning in our life? My way or the highway. We have ideas, we have thoughts, we have things that WE want, and do we say, “My way or the highway”?
Or do we trust God? Do we turn our lives over to God? Do we walk in a patient manner day-to-day, moment-by-moment, trusting in God’s plan and allowing for His leading, not our way? So, my way or the highway? Does it play a role in your life and in your journey with God?
God bless. Have a good day.
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering 2023. I’m wondering if you happened to watch Monday night football. Or maybe you have seen the news stories. The news stories about this young man, Damar Hamlin, who in an instant had his life changed. I wonder if you saw how, in a moment, all of these athletes, who have fame, wealth, power, health and so much more in our world’s eyes, were brought to their knees, asking God for His presence in a tragic, tragic situation. It truly reminded me of how fragile life is. And how important it is to be right with God.
Jesus says in Luke 12, “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.’” How about it? What if we were like Damar and tonight our life was demanded of us? Are we one with Christ? Is He truly our savior? Is our life committed completely to Him?
As we begin 2023, maybe we need to ask that question and really, really commit ourselves to walking with Jesus and knowing He died for us. I pray you have a great year. I pray for Damar. And I pray that God will teach us and walk with us. God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Well, welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering how tired you are. Here we are smack in the middle of Christmas and New Year’s. I’m wondering how wise the wise men really were. That’s right. You can take a look at Matthew 2:1-12 – I mean, sure they went to see Jesus. Yep, they brought some gifts. They thought they were appropriate. They cost some money; they were worth maybe a royal kind of gift-receiver. Well, what’s interesting is that they left. That’s right! If they were so wise, couldn’t they figure out that what God had called them to was to follow Jesus, to support Jesus, to again, make Jesus number one, the light in their life. And yet, did they get it?
I guess as we sit here between Christmas and New Year’s and we think about a new year, how about you and me? Do we get it? Will we make Jesus number one, or do we just say, well, we did the Christmas thing and let’s move on. Wise men. I think if we’re wise people, we’ll follow, we’ll love him, we’ll live for him. I just wonder if that’s the way it’ll be. God bless. Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Good morning. Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. And yes, it’s almost Christmas. Have you read the Christmas story? Will you read it this week? Will you read a little bit further all the way through where Jesus is brought to the temple? And an old guy comes into the story by the name of Simeon. And here this old man celebrates because, before his death, he can meet the Messiah. He is filled with great joy and yet quickly it turns to pain because he knows that Mary will be pierced. Jesus will be pierced. That there will be pain and anguish because this Messiah will change the world but also be rejected by the world.
How about it? This Christmas be filled with joy and celebration, but take some time to reflect and ask the question how is Jesus changing your life? How is Jesus challenging you? How is it that you might just be beat up, maybe pierced a little bit, in order that the good news of Christ goes forth. Have a wonderful Christmas, a blessed New Year and keep on wondering.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering about Christmas that’s just around the corner. I’m wondering about Mary. That’s right. The mother of Jesus. We take it for granted that she brought Jesus into the world but how in the world did she deal with Jesus being her child – but really not being her child? Being her son, but really being the Son of God. I mean, how difficult to watch him stumble and fall, to do his ministry, to be humiliated, persecuted, crucified. To watch him die on a cross. How challenging for a mom to watch her child suffer but also know that he really wasn’t hers.
And then of course there’s us. You and I who make Jesus God, put him up there on a pedestal, but we really don’t get personally connected. We do just the opposite of Mary – we make Jesus God, and we forget to call him friend and we forget that he walks with us every day and loves us. And so today wonder. Wonder how Mary felt. Look at the passages in the story of Christmas and Christ’s birth. Look at how she felt, what she dealt with, and then ask yourselves: do you have Jesus at a distance or is he truly part of your family and a friend? Wonder about Mary and Jesus and you.
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Good morning and welcome to this Christmas season Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering what do you think of when I say blended family? It’s a term we use quite a bit nowadays. It reflects the complicated relationships between mother, father, children, and again relationships we have. When did this all start? I wonder if Joseph and Mary and Jesus were the first blended family. Think about it. Joseph was not the father. Joseph could have very easily divorced Mary. Joseph and Jesus could have had a rather contentious relationship, and yet in a beautiful way, Joseph and Mary and Jesus show us what a blended family should be all about. The beauty of Joseph loving Jesus as his own, being concerned for him throughout his life and ministry, and again, knowing he wasn’t dad, he wasn’t father, but on this earth, he was someone very important in Jesus’ life.
So just think about the blending in your life. Think about the beauty of the complicated relationships and simply love the people. Take a look at Matthew 1 & 2, Luke 2 & 3 and look at the relationship – the first blended relationship. What a beautiful one! Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Good morning! And welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering about a lot of things. Especially since it’s Advent. That’s right – Christmas is coming! So I’m wondering about the birth of Jesus. I’m wondering if you’re wondering. Or is Christmas just Christmas, another one to put under your belt?
This morning I’d like you to think about King Herod. That’s right. King Herod, remember him? He was the guy who tried to get rid of Jesus from birth. He sent those Magi in order to find Jesus and then report back so he could take care of him. But guess what? The Magi didn’t, and Herod was frustrated. So then he just ordered the death of all male children two years and younger. I’m wondering, why? And the answer is simple. Herod had enormous power but guess what? A little baby in diapers had even more power. That’s right. Herod was afraid. Afraid of what would happen with Jesus in the world.
I’m wondering. Are you ever afraid? Do you ever wonder how life might be different? And because of that, we avoid getting close to Jesus. Hey, Christmas is coming. Keep wondering.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, what’s your nickname? That’s right! Maybe it was a long time ago in school, maybe it was just yesterday, but what do people call you? Wouldn’t it be amazing if somebody were to call you “Light-giver”? Or “Morning Star”? Or maybe “Son (or Daughter) of the Dawn”? Well, guess what. Those were names – names of Lucifer. That’s right! The devil.
Later on, in Medieval times it was “Old Scratch”, or “Old Nick”, or “Old Harry” and a bunch of other nicknames but in the beginning, Lucifer was the “Son of the Morning.” Read Isaiah 14:12. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!”
You know, sometimes we think a whole lot of ourselves. Sometimes we think we have it all together. And the truth is, much like Lucifer, we’re just one step away from falling when we give up on trusting God more than we do ourselves. So this week, as again, you think about Halloween month and all those spirit things, what’s your nickname? And are you close to a fall? Or are you living humbly, doing and being what God wants you to do and be. So again, what’s your nickname? Hopefully, hopefully it’s a good one. Hopefully you don’t end up like Lucifer.
Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
I’m wondering if you’re wandering. What do I mean? Again, we’ve been looking at whales, and at eunuchs, and at donkeys, and at giants, and, well, it’s October so I thought, why not a witch? That’s right! 1 Samuel 28 – the witch of Endor. Do you know the story? Really, it’s about where do I turn when I want to know what’s coming next.
King Saul, you know, he just passed a law against witchcraft and yet he was so worried about David that he had no place else to turn and so he went and found himself a witch. That’s right! Read the story, look into it, and ask yourself, where do you turn when you really need some answers? Sure, you might pray. Sure, you might ask God for something and some clarity. But when you don’t get it do you trust? Do you wait? Are you patient? Or do you roll the dice? Do you draw a straw? Do you look at a fortune cookie and say hey, this is my future?
Again, it’s October. Halloween. Witches all around. Which do you choose when you’re wondering? Trust in a plan of the Almighty? Or, wandering to a witch for a forecast?
Have a great day. Have a great Halloween month and again, watch out for those witches.
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you’re wondering. Yeah, wondering about what am I talking about lately. We talked about a donkey, we talked about a whale, we talked about a eunuch. Well, how about today we talk about a giant. That’s right. 1 Samuel 17:4-55, a very familiar story of a giant who is defeated by a young man with just a stone. You know who I’m talking about: David and Goliath. Again, that giant, that huge man who nobody wanted to face except for a brave young man who trusted God.
I’m wondering, have you faced any giants in your life? Are you facing any giants? And do you trust in the faithful hand of God? So, read up about that giant. Think about the giants in your life. Then load up a stone, whirl it around, and ask God to help you with your aim and take that giant down.
God bless, have a great day. Keep on wondering.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. Maybe even Wednesday Wondering of the Strange and Unique. I had you thinking about a donkey, and then I had you thinking about a whale, and now how about an Ethiopian Eunuch? Do you even know what I’m talking about? He was someone who is a different color than many of us, someone with different social status than many of us, someone who quite frankly has been mutilated in their body. And yet someone who is changed forever because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When’s the last time that you really learned from an Ethiopian Eunuch? Take a look at Acts chapter 8 starting at verse 26 and look at the amazing story of how he discovers the love of Jesus and how his life is changed forever. Once again, maybe a donkey, a whale, or an Ethiopian Eunuch. God can speak to us in so many unique and beautiful ways. God bless. Have a great day!
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
I’m wondering, when was the last time you took some advice from an animal? That’s right – an animal! A cat, a dog, a bird, maybe even a donkey. I’m wondering if you remember the story from Numbers 22:22-31, the story of Balaam and his donkey. It’s amazing to me that he couldn’t see the challenges ahead, but the donkey could. You know, sometimes we as human beings think we know best, and yet it’s often children or animals or innocence – people without an agenda that see things that we don’t. So as you look out into the future, as you look to what your next steps might be, consider all the information around you. Consider all the input from those of all creation around you and then move forward in the glory of God. Check out that story and remember, listen to some animals. Have a wonderful and blessed day.
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Good morning. Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, have you heard the call? Not just a robocall, not just a marketing call, but have you heard God call you by name? That’s right. In John 10:3 you see it stated clearly, He calls us by name. Throughout Scripture, we see Him calling people by name. Have you heard the call? Or have you stubbornly doubted or denied Him? Again, “I’m not going to pick up the phone.” Because in many ways, we need to be born again. John 3:7. The whole idea, that our whole self must be transformed to be one with Christ. And so, I’m wondering if we’re willing to take the call, to hear the call. I’m wondering if we’re willing to be changed – to be born again in order to be one with Christ. I know that’s a lot to handle just after a holiday, but may God bless you and reveal Himself to you. Have a great day.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, how many people hang up – just, about, now. That’s right.
- “Oh, it’s just another one of those recordings.”
- “Just another one of those things to remind us to be godly.”
Whatever it might be, you don’t have the time and hang up. I wonder how many of us hang up on God. When the Holy Spirit speaks and we “quench the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19 “Quench not the Holy Spirit.” When God’s Holy Spirit moves amongst us and we say, “I don’t have time. I don’t want to be more religious. I don’t want to do this.” And we quench the Spirit.
Or, when we’re struggling, and we think we don’t want to follow – Hebrews 7:5 “Despise not the chastening of the Lord.” Again, those tough times when the Lord maybe is wrestling with us and we with the Lord and we give up rather than try and learn.
Anyway, this morning I’m wondering how many of you have hung up. Hopefully, you don’t hang up on God. Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Good morning! And welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, have you ever suffered? I mean, you know, suffered. Maybe not like from a workout or because you accidentally hit your thumb with a hammer, but I mean, suffer. It says in 1 Peter 4:19, “Let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing.” Sometimes when we suffer, we need to keep God in the right place. As we walk through life and live the life He’s got planned for us, there will be ups and there will be downs. But are we committed, and will we keep our souls in Him? Remember, that Jesus had said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.” (John 11:41) And we need to remember, even when we’re suffering, even when it is the will of God, try to keep that great Spirit, and remember the presence of God and that He always hears you. So have a great day, even if you’re suffering, know that God loves you and is right by your side.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Good morning! And welcome to Wednesday Wondering. But today I’m just letting you know that I’m wondering. That’s right, when I look at these two devotions, I’m wondering how I fit. If you look at Luke 2:49, we see that Jesus is in his Father’s house, and after that we see that he grows in stature among God and man. I’m wondering how much time do we spend in our Father’s house and I don’t mean church on Sunday. I don’t even mean the church building, I mean really one with the Father. So much one that we’re reminded of Jesus’ birth. If you look at Luke 1:35 where we see that the angel speaks about how the Holy Spirit will come upon Mary, be overshadowed and the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Remember that Jesus was part human and in that we share those same characteristics. And yet he always identified with his Father. So how about it? I’m just wondering how much time do I spend identifying with the Father and living in His House. Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Hi! Will you accept the charges for a collect call from Pastor Paul? I’m wondering. Do you remember those days? Do you remember collect calls? Do you remember people calling on a home phone? Our world is changed.
The call of God is baffling. Even more confusing than you are probably right now. Where again throughout all of the Old and New Testament, God calls people to His family. And I’m wondering today, do you understand your call? In Luke 18:31 and 34, it talks about how all things have been written, and yet still they didn’t understand all of them. It’s hard, but God calls us to a purpose.
And the way that we find that purpose is through prayer. Prayer in and around the cross. “At that day, you shall ask in My Name.” John 16:26. If we ask God, if we accept the call, then we will understand who we are called to be.
So today, accept the charges. Talk to God. Pray. Begin to understand who He’s asking you to be. God bless. Have a wonderful day.
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you know that communion is right around the corner. That’s right, the first Sunday of August we will have communion together. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. As part of that, we always try to prepare ourselves, and I’m wondering have you already begun preparing or do you need to begin preparing? You know, looking at your relationship with Christ and seeing how close you are. Because sometimes we have to think about, well, let’s just say, His ways versus our ways. Sometimes we like to stay where its comfortable, and yet Jesus always tells us to go.
Take a look at Matthew 11:1 and you can see where He departs, which means we need to depart and make a difference in the world. Or take a look at James 1:4 where you can see we need to be entirely His, not just a piece of us, not just one or two things, just a couple hours a week, but do we make Jesus part of ourselves in a way in which we are entirely His, at all turns, at all corners, entirely His.
So, hey, are you preparing? Are you wondering? Are you asking, how is my relationship with Christ? Have some fun this week. Take a look. Wonder along with me. God bless. Goodbye.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, what are you good at? If you look at Matthew 14 and look at the story of Peter walking on the water, he wasn’t very good at that at all. Let’s be honest, Peter struggled with a lot of things. Whether it be denying Christ or whether it be jumping to conclusions and cutting off ears… I mean, he wasn’t really gifted. But then take a look at John 21 where Jesus looks at Peter and simply says, “Feed my sheep.” Love my people.
So often, we get lost in the storm. Our world is full of that right now. Our nation. There is so many opinions out there, so many politics, so many things going on that so many people are confused. We wonder, what are we good at, what should we be doing. And Jesus makes it pretty clear: love people. “Love people like I’ve loved you.” Peter understood that. Peter built the church on that. So let’s not get caught up in all the “what if’s” and get caught up in all the words and all the blogs and all the websites. Let’s just love people because God loved us first and sent His Son.
So, what are you good at? Hopefully you’re good at loving others. God bless, have a great day.
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering, were you a fan of Judge Judy? Yeah, that’s right, you have to look back a few years, but it was really the first of one of those crazy shows where somebody becomes a judge on TV and we watch people bicker back and forth and come to some sort of judgment. Now there’s all sorts of famous judges, famous people, paternity courts and family courts and everything on TV. It seems like everybody wants to be a judge!
I’m not sure I do though. Because if we look at Scripture, especially Matthew 7:1-2, it’s pretty clear: “Judge not, that you would not be judged.” We’ve got to be careful! Because the way we look at others and judge them is exactly the way we are going to be judged! If we think certain things are so super important, well then guess what, God’s going to look at us and see how we did in those same areas. So, I don’t want my own TV show. I don’t know if you do. But be careful! Otherwise, we just might be pointing a finger – not at others – but right back at ourselves.
Hope you’re having a great day! Turn off that TV. Forget about those court shows. Enjoy your life. Enjoy life because of the grace of God. Have a wonderful day. God bless.
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Welcome to Wednesday Wondering! And I’m wondering, when was the last time you looked at 2 Peter 1:3-9? When’s the last time you took the time to figure out that even when life seems challenging, even when it just seems overwhelming, maybe even boring – God has a plan! And God has given us everything we need to move forward. I’m wondering if you claim that promise.
Or to take it a step further, if you look at John 15:4, it’s simple. Jesus just says, “Abide in Me.” ABIDE. I’m wondering if we really take the time to abide in God, to trust His will, to find that ability to overcome in whatever this world might throw at us.
So, are we ready to get a move on? Are we going to give up or are we going to make it through? And are we going to be determined to be children of God? I wonder if we’ll celebrate this day. Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’ll be honest, I have been wondering about this one. So often we think we’ve read it all, heard it all, repeated the same verses, and then something like this happens. John 15:13, 15 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends…. I have called you friends…” So often when we read that, we think “lay down our life” means that we would die for a friend, die for Jesus. What I’ve been challenged with is that it doesn’t say “die,” it says, “lay down your life.” Lay it down – that means that you will humble yourself and serve. At every turn you’re going to lay down your life and give it to Jesus. The way we live, the way we parent, the way that we work, the way that we’re neighbors. All the stuff going on in our world right now – are we being Jesus’ followers? It really struck me. Lay down my life. To die for someone, let’s be honest, it’s kind of easy. But to lay down your life every day, every moment and live for Jesus? Wow. I’m wondering. I hope you are too. Have a great day.
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Good morning, good afternoon; I’m not sure when you get this. But will you listen? What am I getting at? That little word, “but.”
So often we say, “yes…”
- We’re going to do what God wants, but….
- We’re going to put God first, but….
- We’re going to be obedient, but….
- Well, I meant to do that, but….
It’s a pretty powerful word. I’d just like you to take a look at number one: who IS first in your life? No ifs, ands, or buts. But who’s first? Who’s needs do you put first? Who is it that you trust first? Is it God? Or is it someone or something else?
And don’t forget about that little word. The disciples struggled with it. “Yeah, I’ll follow you, but I have to take care of this first. I have to do something else first.” Who is first? No buts! Look honestly at your life and at our world. And WHO IS first? “But, Pastor Paul… But…” Just be honest with God. Who’s #1?
Have a great day!
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you’re at Bible School. That’s right. V.B.S. right now. It’s happening! Over a hundred kids, so many volunteers, so much energy. It’s not an easy undertaking. I’ve watched the leaders work hard to make it all happen. Are we at Vacation Bible School? You see, that’s the real choice. Are we going to follow, or are we going to fade away? In John 6:66, it talks about Jesus’ disciples and how some followed, and some didn’t. It’s not easy. It’s not easy to step up and to make things happen. And we have to be reminded, and I am reminded with Vacation Bible School what Matthew 18:3 says, and that is unless we become like little children and believe, we’re going to struggle. So maybe we all need to go to VBS. Maybe we all need to be committed. Maybe we all need to be like little children and follow rather than fade away. Have a great day. Thank you for wondering. God bless.
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday Wondering and I’m wondering do you remember “Hide and Seek”? Maybe when you were a kid, and you would look and look and look for your friends and your family and just seek all the time. Or maybe it’s as a parent or a grandparent or an uncle or whatever. And you watched the kids look for you and look for you and pursue you and seek you.
It says in Scripture, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33 How are you at seeking the kingdom of God? How are you at giving it your all, never giving up but always looking at every turn for the hand of God in your life? I know it’s scary. It’s probably the most difficult thing to do. And when we really trust the kingdom more than this world, it’s scary.
But we also need to remember: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35). Nobody! Nothing! So regardless of what happens, regardless of how you might move in a different direction than the world, God’s got your back. So today, seek the kingdom of God and know that nothing can ever separate you from Christ. God bless.
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Good morning! I’m wondering: how is your check book? Well, maybe I mean, how is your bank account? Or another way to say it is: how wealthy are you? Or maybe we should think about what 2 Peter 1:4 says: “that we are partakers of the divine nature.” Do you realize how wealthy you can be, to be one with Christ, to be one with the Holy Spirit? To, as Christ always told His disciples, to be one with the Father and to enjoy that power, that responsibility, that wealth of being part of the family of God! Because it’s then that we get in the habit of rising to the occasion. Ephesians 1:18 “that we might know the hope of His calling.” That’s right, that He is calling us to a divine purpose, that He’s calling us to something special in our lives here on earth. How wealthy are you? That you are a child of God and that you have a purpose that God has given you to execute in this world. Wow! I wonder how wealthy are you feeling nowadays because we are extremely rich if we walk in step with our creator, savior, and Lord. Have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I wonder if you like to watch people the way I like to watch people. I don’t care where I am, I find myself observing and it’s so interesting. Lately though, it’s been sad because I see so many people who are so angry, so frustrated. I find myself there sometimes. But lately, more and more, wherever it might be, even in church and in our own families, there’s anger. And I’m reminded that we need to think more like God, more like Christ. Or, as 2 Corinthians 4:10 “that the life of Jesus may be made manifest in our flesh.” That we may have a conscience void of offensive thinking towards God and other people. (Acts 24:16)
I’m just wondering how you’re thinking about others. Are you angry? Are you frustrated? Are you pointing fingers? Or are we trying to be like Jesus: welcoming, loving, accepting, caring, and when need be, challenging? But not angry. Not angry and hateful. Today’s a day to just wonder – how are we getting along with God and with our fellow human beings. I wonder. How about you? God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
How is your addition? That’s right! I’m wondering, how is your addition? Are you adding to your faith daily? Do you have a vision for what’s next in your life, in your faith? Whether you look at 2 Peter 1:5 or Proverbs 29:18, they both challenge us to be moving forward. If we don’t have a vision, we don’t have a future. What is it that God is calling you to? And He’s always calling us to add to our faith, to do more in order to walk with Him and change our world.
So, today I’m wondering, how is your addition? How is your vision-casting? Are you moving forward? Or, just okay with where you’re at? Have a great day. Keep on wondering and keep on dreaming of the future.
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. And I’ll be honest, this Wednesday I’m wondering. I’m wondering about a word we use a lot which is “intercession” – that we will pray for the intercession of God into the lives of others. I’m wondering, do we really get this idea of intercession? If you look at Philippians 6:18 or Hebrews 10:19, you see this idea of praying with all that we’ve got for our brothers and sisters. And yet, intercession means that it’s about what God wants for them, not what we want. It’s about our ability to put aside our agenda and simply ask for God to reveal Himself. And I’ve realized how difficult that is. We may want peace in the Ukraine, but do we want it for the well-being of others? Or because gas prices will go down? The list goes on. Why do we ask for God to intercede? It’s only when we can truly allow God to act, to live in us completely, that we allow God to get in the middle and change things. So today, I’m wondering can I really, honestly, ask for intercession for others? Or am I too worried about myself? Is it God’s agenda or my agenda? I’m wondering. I hope you wonder too. Have a great day.
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Good morning! And welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you are feeling loved. Or maybe you are sharing the love. Well, how about: do you know what love is really all about? Is it really just a “secondhand emotion” like the song says? Look at 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Begin to understand the amazing power of love and that love is something that is beautiful and spontaneous and a wonderful healing moment within our lives. So I guess I’m just wondering: how are you doing at feeling love, sharing love, and living in a manner in which love overflows? Hey, if we don’t have love, we don’t have much, period. Remember, above all, God loves you enough to send His Son. Let’s start there and let it overflow. God bless! Have a great day.
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. And I’m wondering what you want. I’m wondering what you’ll get. That’s right. We live in a world in which we often wonder what we want. What do we want for dinner? What do we want for clothes? What do we want for a job? What do we want for friends? We ask it a lot.
And then, what will we get? Have you ever gone through a fast-food drive-through, and you open the bag and its something different? In Jeremiah (45:5), God makes two promises: First – seek the great things for your life. And also know that I will give you a life to be part of. So what do you want and what will God give you? Have you been talking about that to God? Having you been sharing your heart’s desires? Have you been looking for God’s leading? Or, you’re just ignoring it all. I wonder if you know what you want. I wonder if you’re beginning to understand what God has for you. I hope and I pray that you understand He wants to make straight your path. God bless, have a great day. And I hope, I hope you understand what you want and what you get. God bless.
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
It’s Wednesday and welcome to some wondering! Mark 16:12 – “After that He appeared in another form unto two of them.” Has Jesus appeared to you? That’s right! Easter is now over with. We’ve moved past it, and it was after Easter that Jesus appeared to the disciples. Do you see Jesus? Do you look for Jesus? Do you want Jesus to be that guide within your life? It’s amazing, because once we’re willing to look for Jesus at every turn, then we can begin to understand what it means to “take His yoke upon us.” (Matthew 11:29) Understand what it means to live for Jesus and experience the invincibility of being a child of God, a sinner of His redeeming, a sheep, a lamb of His flock. So, have you seen Him? I guess I’m wondering. I also wonder, will I see you tonight at the fellowship dinner. I hope so! Even if you didn’t sign up, come and hang out. We’ll make things work! Again, welcome to Wednesday Wondering. God bless.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Hello and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you remember what Sunday was like. That’s right. Just a few days ago it was Easter and we celebrated. Around the world – celebration! And yet, you know what? So often, we forget quickly. Even Jesus, in John, talks to His disciples in John 16:32 where He lets them know that they will scatter. Scatter because they’re more concerned about their own interests.
Or we have to ask ourselves, are we really ready? The words from Exodus 3:4 where God calls him and we must respond, “Here am I.” So, it’s the Wednesday after Easter. Are you still fired up? Are you still ready to share the good news? Are you still ready to celebrate with a song in your heart? Or, have we already scattered? Have we already moved on to what we want rather than what God wants? I’m just wondering. And I hope you wonder too. God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering how much have you lost over the last few weeks? That’s right. How has your diet gone during Lent? Here we are just about to celebrate Easter and I’m wondering how much have you lost?
Okay, it’s a trick question. A trick question based on the gospel of John, chapter 3 verse 30 where it says, “He must increase but I must decrease.” This is a week to reflect on: does Christ reign in your life? Is Jesus #1? Are we and our personality and our opinion and everything else decreasing so that Jesus might increase? Because ultimately it is our job to preach the gospel – to truly be people who reflect Jesus in all that we say and do. So how much have you lost? How much are you willing to lose so that Christ might fill us up? Get ready. Easter is coming, but let’s lose a little bit more before we celebrate. God bless, have a great day.
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Boo! Did I surprise you at all? It’s Wednesday – time to wonder. You know what? Jesus surprises us. And the question is, are we ready to be surprised? That’s right. In Luke – in all the gospels – it asks us: “Be ready.” Easter is only a short time away and are you ready for the collision? What do I mean? The collision where Jesus Himself bears our sins in His body on the cross. Jesus surprises us with a visit. Are we ready? Jesus collides headfirst with sin for our benefit. Easter is around the corner. Palm Sunday is this Sunday. Are you ready for Jesus to enter your life and to collide with the sin that we all have? I’m just wondering. Have a blessed day.
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
That’s right, it’s another Wednesday Wondering. This one right in the midst of Lent. And I’m wondering, what does it mean to be crucified? What does it mean for you or I to be crucified? It says in Galatians 2:20 that I am crucified with Christ. Huh. I guess that means that we give everything we have to follow Him. So the question is, are we not only going towards the cross but are we willing to join Him on that cross? And the truth is, it’s easy for us to go away. John 6:67 – He simply asks, “Will you also go away?” I’m just wondering today: are we willing to give it all? Or are we the ones who will go away? I hope you wonder with me and make that commitment to Him and Him alone. God bless, have a great day.
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday Wondering! Welcome to the season of Lent! Welcome to March Madness! That’s right – that crazy time of year with all those basketball games, where those underdogs are going up against the chosen favorites. They battle like David and Goliath and who knows what upset might take place?
The question I have for you today is: do you feel like a winner? That’s right! Are you feeling like a winner? Because you are! You’re more than a winner, you are a conqueror! What am I getting at? Romans 8:37 “No, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.” More than conquerors! More than winners! It’s amazing! Because of the love of Christ we are changed forever. So today, in the middle of Lent, in the middle of March Madness, as you wonder, are you a winner? Because you are more than a winner, more than a conqueror. You are a child of God. God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. It’s real simple this morning: I’m wondering, do you love pizza? Ok, maybe that was easy. Do you love ice cream? That’s even easier! How about liver? Do you love liver? Or do you love dogs? Or cats? Do you love the Tigers? The Lions? You get my idea. What do you love?
If you look in John 21, you see a discourse between Peter and Jesus. And Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” Peter gets frustrated but every time says, “Yes, Lord, I love You.”
Or maybe I should ask do you love the dentist? What am I getting at? We’ve got to love Jesus, but even more so sometimes when we love Jesus it hurts a little bit like the dentist. So today, just simply ask yourself – wonder – do you really love Jesus? Do you love Jesus enough to frustration? And maybe a little bit of pain? Is Jesus #1?
Hey, have a great day. God bless.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Welcome to Wednesday Wondering and don’t forget, this is the season of Lent. Lately I’ve noticed that there have been commercials on TV for online counseling. Really creative commercials to just ask the question: how are you dealing with some challenging feelings, thoughts – maybe even depression, despair, or anxiety? None of us like to admit it. And yet, it is part of who we are. It’s part of how we have been created. It’s been said that if we don’t every now and then get depressed, how is it that we experience the highs and exaltations of life? And so given our world situation and given that depression, anxiety, despair is higher than ever before, what do we do?
1 Kings 19 reminds us: God says to Elijah through an angel, “Arise, and eat.” Arise and eat because the journey is long, and you need to be strong. We need to arise and eat! We need to take care of one another. Or Jesus when He says to His disciples: “Rise and let us be going.”
Depression can be a challenge but it’s a reality. Despair the same, anxiety the same. But the love of God can help us to overcome – to arise and be victorious. God bless, have a wonderful day.
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Good morning! And guess what – it’s Ash Wednesday, Wednesday Wondering. That’s right, the beginning of Lent. It also means that, well, quite honestly, I just came from the doctor’s office. The doctor told me a few things and now the question is whether or not I’ll listen and follow through.
How about it? Do you listen and follow through? Last week we talked about listening, but Lent is a season of commitment and of following through. Or simply put, the discipline of heeding – of heeding, of following, of doing what God asks. Jesus says in Matthew: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roof.”
How about it? Do we proclaim what God is telling us? Do we listen for God and then share what we’ve heard? Are we willing to be people who are disciplined in heeding in our lives? We do it for our doctors, we do it for our investment counselors, we do it for other people in our lives but when it comes to the Almighty, do we heed His voice? Do we stand on the roof and proclaim the goodness of God?
Welcome to the season of Lent. Have a wonderful day. God bless.
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you’re listening. I’m wondering if you’ll hear anything. What do I mean? Well, who do you listen to? It’s easier to listen to your co-workers than your boss, your team-mates rather than your coach. It’s easier to talk to your siblings than to your parents. We don’t always like to talk to the person in charge.
In Exodus, the people said to Moses, “Speak, and we’ll listen. But don’t let God speak with us, lest we die.” We struggle! It’s okay to listen to people at church tell stories and talk, but if we really hear from the Almighty, the living God, well we don’t want that because then we might be held accountable.
Right along with that is the whole idea of hearing. Do we really want to hear? Do we really believe the words from Samuel, “Speak Lord, for your servant hears.” I just wonder, who are you listening to? Are you really listening to God or just the voices around you? Are you really hearing God – taking the time? I’m just wondering. Maybe you’ll wonder too. Have a great day.
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you like the cloud game. That’s right, you know what I mean? You’re driving down the road, you’re sitting outside, you’re in your boat on the lake and there’s those clouds up in the sky. You start to look at them and pretty soon you see animals, or you see Elvis or who knows what you see but you use your imagination. Do you ever do that with God? Do you ever use your imagination to wonder what God is like, looks like, sounds like? Or is your imagination starved? You don’t even bother to try to imagine God.
In Isaiah (40:26) it says, “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?” When was the last time that you looked up and where you imagined God, where you saw the presence of God? It’s Wednesday. I’m wondering if you have time to imagine God watching over you. God bless. Have a great day!
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering whether or not you have thought about your offering. Well, you know what I mean – you’re offering. You are an offering. So often we think of offering as something we put in a collection plate. And yet Scripture is clear in Philippians 2:17, “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering, on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” Or from 2 Timothy 4:6-7, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
How about it? I’m not talking about putting something in the collection plate. I’m talking about offering our lives up, pouring ourselves out for the kingdom of God. Well, that’s what I’m wondering about, and I hope you wonder how you have been pouring yourself out as an offering for the glory of God. Have a great day and keep wondering and remember you’re an offering.
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
It’s Wednesday and welcome to Wednesday Wondering! I’m wondering, how is your vision? Or maybe I’m really wondering what is your vision connected to? When you see something, what happens? Do you just look and say, “That’s nice,” and move on? Or when you see something does something happen? Kind of like a batter in a baseball game: he sees the ball but he then swings the bat.
Throughout Scripture we’re asked to look and to see. But after the fact, do we think and do we commit ourselves to that which we see? It says in Matthew 6, “Take no thought of your own life.” What in the world does that mean? Then it goes on and it says, “If God so clothe the grass of the field shall He not much more clothe you?” Amazing! And do we commit to God’s clothing us?
So this week, look around, but don’t just look – act. Take action. God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Well, it is Wednesday Wondering and I’m wondering, have you figured out the meaning of life? What is your purpose? Or another way to look at it is, what is God calling you to? Maybe it is a lifelong calling or maybe that calling changes depending on your life stage. Early on in school, later in a profession, then in retirement, who is God calling you to be?
In Isaiah it says, “’Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ Then Isaiah said, ‘Here am I. Send me.’” How about it? Are you ready to step up? Are you ready to do something amazing for God? Not only is Jesus calling, but God is calling you to a purpose, to a plan, to meaning in life and I hope you’re willing to listen and be sent. Have a great day! God bless.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Jesus began to teach by the lake, the crowd gathered around Him. “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.” It’s Wednesday. I’m wondering if you know what comes next. That parable about the farmer and how he scattered the seed. Do you know all the details?
I’d like you to think about Mark 4:10 where it simply says, “When He was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables.” When He was alone… How much time do you spend alone with God? How much time does God spend alone with you? Over the last few weeks, I’ve been alone a lot recovering from COVID. And sometimes it was difficult. Many of us struggle in our alone time. And yet God teaches us and helps us to be wiser during that alone time.
So, I want you to think about that parable. I want you to think about sitting at His feet, just you and Jesus, just you and God and let the Holy Spirit teach you as you wonder. Have a wonderful day. God bless.
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
I’m wondering, what day is it? Is it Wednesday Wondering? Is it January? Is it 2022? This year has begun in a strange way for me. Covid has messed up so many things, including my ability to really worship. What do I mean? From Genesis (12:8) we hear about Abraham where it says: “From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.” Worship.
Worship. How has the new year been for you and your life of worship? To really give God your attention. To really lay yourself before Him and enjoy the presence of God in your life – to really worship, even in the midst of Covid, even in the midst of who knows what. Are we able to clear our minds and to give God our best?
2022 – I hope I know what day it is pretty soon, and I hope that my worship becomes amazing. God bless. Have a great day.
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Happy New Year and welcome to a new Wednesday Wondering. We’re going to be going through something entitled My Utmost for His Highest.
How about it? My utmost for His highest. Are we giving it all for the kingdom? Are we giving it all for Jesus? So all that we do promotes the highest in His glory and honor.
From Philippians 1:20, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body whether in life or in death.” How about it? As we begin the new year, is 2022 going to be a year in which we truly exhibit our utmost for His highest? This is going to be a new journey – a new challenge with a classic Christian devotional and yet again it is all about His glory and His honor and our gratitude in every day of 2022. God bless. Welcome to a new year of Wednesday Wondering.
