Jesus had just delivered a powerful rebuke to the Pharisees. When He finished, they asked Him for a sign. He did not accept their challenge, but rather used Jonah as an example of the power of God to show that the “signs” had already been shown for hundreds of years.

While Jesus was speaking, His mother and brothers were seen standing outside. Someone told Jesus that they wanted to speak to Him. His answer was, “Who is my mother? And who are my brethren?” Looking to His disciples, He declared that they were His mother and brothers. He is trying to make a point. The spiritual relationship is greater than any physical relationship. Jesus had already said this once in Matthew 10: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” This is a simple interpretation—“Love me more.”

This simple interruption resulted in a powerful lesson for the Pharisees, the disciples, and anyone else who happened to be listening. This was not the first time God used an interruption to teach a valuable lesson. We read examples of this over and over again throughout Scripture. One such example is in the text between the Pharisees’ request for a sign and the interruption. Jesus spoke of Jonah and His miraculous three days and nights in the belly of the great fish.

Jonah was minding his own business, going about his daily activities, when he had an interruption. The Lord said. “Go to Ninevah, that great city, and cry against it.” But Jonah was not in any mood to go to see an entire city of heathen people and try to persuade them to change their ways. His solution was to run! And run he did, onto a ship headed in the other direction. Once again, the Lord interrupted his plans. He sent a storm as a sign that he needed to fulfill his spiritual obligation over his own personal feelings; and to get His point across, He put Jonah inside a great fish to think things over. After three days and nights, Jonah went to Ninevah and changed the entire city.

Noah had a similar experience. He was living his life, raising a family, and doing things God’s way. The Lord looked down on the earth and said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” Noah found grace in God’s eyes, and He determined that He would save him and his family. So, Noah’s life was interrupted to build a boat—not just any boat; but one big enough to take animals of every kind. On top of building a boat, he had the responsibility of trying to persuade the people to repent. For some 120 years, Noah preached and built until the Lord finally put him and his family on the ark with the animals to be saved.

Acts 8 finds a man named Philip, having been called into service to care for the Grecian widows, going about his daily routine. An angel of the Lord spoke to him and told him to go to the desert and there he would find his assignment. Like Noah, Philip didn’t question his mission; he just went. On the way, he found a man, a treasurer of Queen Candace, riding along in his chariot reading from the book of Isaiah. The man saw Philip, invited him into the chariot, and asked for help in understanding the prophecy he was reading. Philip taught him about Jesus; and, seeing water, they stopped so Philip could baptize him. The man left Philip and went on his way home, never to see this evangelist again.

These are three stories out of many in Scripture which show God interrupting daily lives and pressing someone into His service. Jonah didn’t want to go. Noah and Philip showed no resistance but were called into service and obeyed.

God’s interruptions are for a purpose. They fix the attention, not on us, but on the task. We don’t always know why our lives get interrupted, but there will always be a reason. Jesus used the interruption of His mother and brothers to fix the attention of the hearers on the spiritual rather than the physical. The same was true in each of our examples. They will surely be the same with us today.

Sandra Oliver

All Christians (men and women) should be adorned inwardly and outwardly with only what is fitting for one of God’s children. Our outward appearance should neither shame the name of Jesus or our Heavenly Father, and nor should we have moth-eaten clothes or nakedness instead of the spiritual clothing God has intended. We know that man looks on the outward appearance while God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (NKJV).

So, where should our focus be? Should we think only about our outward appearance? Why do we spend so much time thinking about “what we shall wear”? What should we do? Why?

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:25-34)

Christian women know we brought nothing into this world, and we will take nothing out. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:7-9).

Most women want durable clothing, but what is it, and how do we get it? We know that only eternal things will endure. “And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing” (Isaiah 23:18 KJV). When men or women are subject to the authorities that God sets over them, it is a beautiful thing before Him. Being subject to authority is being subject to God and not men (Romans 13:1-7). That is durable clothing.

Christian women should choose between outward adorning and the hidden heart (1 Peter 3:1-4). When seeking the favor of God, the Christian woman will rend her heart and not her garments (Joel 2:12-13). Our Heavenly Father sees particular beauty in meekness. Fasting, afflicting our physical bodies or tearing our clothing is not what God wants; He wants us to turn to him and tear away every worldly thing from our hearts.

The Christian woman will be adorned like the holy women of old (1 Peter 3:1-6). She also will adorn the doctrine of God (Titus 2:9-10). We notice that good fidelity (faithfulness) adorns, and in that way, we can be an attraction to God’s doctrine. Notice other things that may be bound on our hearts (Proverbs 6:20‑23; 7:2‑3). We must believe the promises and have faith that God’s laws are good. That is beautiful in God’s sight. Fulfilling the covenant that we make as Christians is beautiful. Knowing and keeping His laws is also beautiful in God’s sight.

The Christian woman binds God’s words like frontlets between her eyes (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 11:18). Knowing and following the commandments of our Heavenly Father makes us beautiful in His sight. Knowing the Word and keeping It ever before us is also beautiful in God’s sight.

The Christian woman is clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5). God particularly favors those who humble themselves to submit. The humble will find more of His favor.

The Christian woman is clothed in strength and honor (Proverbs 31:25). Spiritual strength is standing strongly for what is right and good. God praises (honors) those who are good in His sight.

The Christian woman avoids spiritual nakedness; she keeps (guards) her garments (Revelation 16:15). This was something the Laodiceans had not done. Will we guard our spiritual clothing so that we are not naked and shamed? “Can a man take fire in his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, And his feet not be seared?” (Proverbs 6:27-28). This may be understood in both a physical sense and a spiritual sense, too. We must guard our spiritual wardrobe.

How must we buy white raiment from Jesus (Revelation 3:18)? The Laodiceans were not clean and white. They were lukewarm and unconcerned for true holiness. They trusted in their own riches and had not clothed the inner man of the heart.

How does a bride adorn herself (Isaiah 61:10)? What is the wardrobe of the bride of Christ (Psalm 45:10-15)? The picture of walking in white is typical of a wedding ceremony. We know that faithful, worthy children of God will marry Christ. How can the Christian woman expect to walk with Jesus in white (Revelation 3:4)? White clothing indicates purity of heart and mind. White clothing is also symbolic of what is clean and pure. What else must we do or be to walk with Jesus in white (Revelation 3:5)?

As the bride of Christ, will we make ourselves ready (Revelation 19:7)? Christ’s bride must be fully clothed in righteousness. Will we be prepared and adorned to be the bride of Christ? The bride of Christ also is arrayed in fine linen. Let us note what the “fine linen” of the saints really is (Revelation 19:8). “And to her was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteousness acts of the saints.” Notice that righteousness is the right acts or deeds of the saints. Will we be dressed in a fine linen wedding garment? May God help us all to accomplish that goal!

Beth Johnson

It’s a grim outlook if you watch the news to see how we’re measuring up as a nation. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen several studies-have-shown reports covering such topics as mental/ social/ physical health of children and adults, the education system, anger management, social media, etc. None of them have been positive. Reports are also coming in daily of the latest commodities to experience cost inflation, political scandals, and terrorist activities. I have no idea how accurate what we’re being fed actually is, but I’m not surprised that many around us seem to be affected by it.

Perhaps in your congregation you’ve experienced an increase in people showing up and looking for something. Neal pointed out to me that many of the Bible studies and baptisms here have been young adults from the community. They seem to be searching for solidarity and truth. One young woman even said, “I want to believe. I just don’t know what to believe.” She simply wanted to know about God and the Bible. Another word that keeps coming up from searchers is “community.” People are tired of disconnectedness and superficial relationships. They’re looking for family, support, and a good place to belong.

I imagine every generation thinks the condition of the world during their lifetime is the most ridiculous. Think about what our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents experienced! But no matter what is going on out there, the church stands secure (Daniel 2:44), has a solid foundation (Eph. 2:20), is full of purpose (Eph. 2:10), and is all about community and support (Rom. 12:5). What a contrast to the senselessness around us!

Let’s keep our eyes and hearts open to the souls who are hungering for more than what the world has to offer.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. (Eph. 2:19-21)

By Kathy Pollard

Ephesians 5: 13- 14a “But the light makes clear how wrong those things are. Yes, everything is made clear by the light”

Gotta be honest –I’m not a fan of winter. Darkness prevails long after my first cup of morning coffee. Darkness returns long before the first inkling of a dinner plan comes to mind. But thankfully, my favorite season has arrived: SPRING! Behold the beauty of new life in radiant color. I am ecstatic! That is, until all the glorious sunshine rushes through the windows and displays to the world my entire vintage collection of winter dust!

And just like that, my favorite spring season collides with my least favorite: spring-cleaning season. All that visible nastiness destroys my, “Out of sight, out of mind,” peace and I feel compelled to head to the cleaning supply aisle at the store – the aisle I successfully rushed past all winter long.

But spring-cleaning is scriptural. Chapter 5 of Ephesians instructs us to rid the filthiness from our lives and clean out all the nastiness of evil, greed, unwholesome speech, and sexual sin.

Like the bleakness of the winter season, our lives without Christ are filled with darkness. But the light of the Lord shines and exposes the dirt in our lives. When evil is exposed by God’s light, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work purging any speck of sin from our lives. Once clean, we can redecorate ourselves with good deeds, clean living, encouraging words, and thankfulness.

Yes, spiritual spring-cleaning is hard work and exhausting. But like spring-cleaning, the transformation is worth the effort. So, let’s dust off our Bibles and disinfect every hint of sin from our lives as we prepare to reap incredible joy in God’s light.

Father God, may we always strive to live a life that is clean and spotless in your light. Thank you for the grace to forgive the stains we fail to remove.

HELPFUL HINT: Leave it to my sweet mother to find a positive in the winter season. Understanding that low lights can hide dust, she enjoyed entertaining by candlelight all winter long. Her guests thought her to be a romantic, when in reality, she just didn’t have time to dust. You’re welcome!
Blessings for a glorious spring,

Rita Cochrane

Is my name written there?
My destination is where?
Each day of the week, yes seven,
Mark my daily journey to heaven.
No amount of bragging
No foot dragging
No denial
No trial
Will improve my odds,
As this journey requires many foot trods,
To reach this life’s destination.
I am on my journey to my heavenly nation.
With God to help me all along the way,
I will joyfully arrive in Heaven one day.

Mary A. Wright

The writers of the Bible weave a theme of purity from the beginning of time and throughout the New Testament. There is a reason God put so much emphasis on purity. In order to see God, we must be pure in heart (Matthew 5:8).

The roadblocks for being pure in heart are those things of the world—lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. They are not of the Father, but they are of the world (First John 2:16).

Adam and Eve were the first to be faced with the sin of pride. Satan’s subtility provided the perfect approach to the woman. Though she had been told not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Satan convinced her that it was not only good for food, but it would make her as wise as God. God’s warning, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die” (Genesis 3:4) didn’t stand against the devil’s promise that Eve would know “good from evil.”

Eve ate the fruit, gave it to Adam, and they immediately knew they were naked. They made themselves aprons of fig leaves. They recognized that they were not appropriate for God’s presence. Before this, they were naked but unashamed. In verse 10, Adam tells God that they hid because they were naked and ashamed. After God pronounced His punishment on Satan, Adam, and Eve, verse 21 says that He (God) made them “garments of skins and clothed them.” Obviously, the fig leaves weren’t sufficient.

The sins that involve the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eye are apparent through Scripture as well. When Moses climbed Mount Sinai to receive the law, God had some instructions for him. “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments” (Exodus 19:10). God was about to come into their presence, and He wanted them to be unstained and holy. They had to come before Him purified in body and spirit. Sadly, their fear and unbelief led them to make an idol, and their lusts overshadowed their memory of their life of slavery in Egypt. Led by their own sinful hearts, they worshiped the idol and were found partying when Moses came down from the mountain.

King David, a man after God’s own heart was confronted with nudity. He saw it, he liked it, and he acted on it. He committed adultery in his heart even before he committed the physical act. His adultery caused him to lie and even commit murder. When Nathan, the prophet, confronted him, David admitted his sin, but the enormity of his sin came with a price.

God condemns lustful intent in Matthew 5:27-28. Just looking at a woman in a lustful way is sinful. What about the woman’s part? Will we be held accountable for our dress? When we appear in clothing (or lack of clothing), and a man has lustful thoughts, who is responsible? He is, of course. The Bible says so. But can we say our hearts are pure when we wear clothing specifically designed to entice?

Paul, speaking in Second Corinthians 6, says that he had put no obstacle in anyone’s way so that no fault could be found with his ministry. Paul didn’t want to do anything that would cause someone else to stumble. We should feel like Paul. We should not want to do anything that would cause someone to stumble.

Paul exhorted Timothy to “be an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (First Timothy 4:12). In his second letter to the young Timothy, he says, “If anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” Then he tells Timothy to flee youthful passions. To do this, one must pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, and “those that call of the Lord from a pure heart.”

It’s that time of year when the birds are nesting, the flowers are growing, and the women take off their clothes. Nothing is left to imagination. Christian women cannot participate in immodest dress and expect to see God. Immodesty is a sin. Then there is that big question, “Just what is too short? Just what is too tight? Just what is too low cut? Just remember that the heart determines our choices. Those that are pure in heart will make good choices, and they will see God.

Sandra Oliver

‘Home’ is a word that you feel. It is often associated with security, belonging, rest, and love. It seems to me that God blesses us with a home three times over:

• Our Family Home– We have the one we grow up in and the one we create as adults. If we build them with biblical wisdom, they can be “precious and pleasant” (Prov. 24:3-4).
• Our Church Home– This household of God is filled with brothers and sisters who love and honor one another (1 Tim. 3:15; Rom. 12:9-10).
• Our Heavenly Home– The Father’s house is filled with many rooms (John 14:2-3), will last forever (Matt. 6:19-20), and is built by the One who loves us most (Heb. 11:16).

Our family homes aren’t perfect, are they? As much as we love each other, we still experience strife, heartache, and disappointment. Yet our homes are most dear to us, and we do our best to protect and cherish them.

Our church homes aren’t perfect either because they are filled with imperfect people. Sometimes there are personality conflicts and growing pains. But we sure need each other (!), and we thank God for the love and support of our Christian family.

Only our heavenly home will be perfect. As much as we enjoy our special homes here, the best one yet is waiting for us. There will be no tears or disappointments. God is filling it with light, love, rest, peace, and true comfort. That’s what we have to look forward to! HOME.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

(John 14:2-3)

By Kathy Pollard

Philippians 3:13b-14: “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.”

Here’s a riddle for you:

We create them, yet we despise them. As soon as they appear, we cannot wait to be rid of them. What are they?

The answer? Regrets!

Have you ever pondered regret? Tracing it back to its conception, regrets were born on the sixth day of creation as God fashioned humans with  freedom of choice. God created us but we created regret.

Regrets are plentiful, coming in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Relatively few days are void of regrets, but gratefully most are insignificant in the scope of life. Perhaps we begrudge eating that extra helping of dessert as we attempt to zip our jeans. Or maybe we choose to delay laundry and it turns into a deplorable mountain of smelly socks.

However, other regrets are not so easily overcome and produce great difficulties. Words spoken in haste can cause immediate anguish, holding the power to fracture solid friendships. Actions motivated by jealousy and pride bring remorse as they backfire and hurt those we love most. And idle gossip is powerful enough to crush spirits and create great divides.

Since regret is so very problematic, why is it we, humans, create so much of it? Because regret is a tricky little thing, clearly visible only when looking behind. By the time our past actions come into clear focus, it is too late to avoid them. Those deeds, good or bad, have already etched a place into our story.

Friends let’s stop here to praise the Holy Spirit for including Paul’s story in scripture, for if anyone modeled a life lived beyond regrets, it was Paul. His past was filled with all things regrettable. But once a Christian, Paul realized his past lay in direct opposition to his future in Christ. So Paul’s focus changed and he forged ahead in his new life.

Although Paul wrote of forgetting his past, we know from scripture he never disregarded his former life. He referenced it as he spoke and wrote his epistles of encouragement. But Paul chose not to live in accordance with his memories. Instead, he used his past to fuel his future kingdom work.

At some point, our actions will guarantee us regret, requiring we bring it before the Father and make amends with those we have hurt. Then we may store our regret in the past where it belongs, using it only as fuel to live out the beautiful, productive life God calls us to live.  Remember friend, our prize lies not behind. It lies ahead in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Father God, help us to use our past failures to insure our future with You.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane