The Job

In a 2013 Gallup Poll, 30% of Americans were satisfied with their job, 52% were neutral about it, and 18% were dissatisfied with their work.

If you’re part of that unfortunate last percentage, chances are that you’ve experienced some of the feelings below in your workplace.

1.  Underappreciated, underpaid, and undervalued - You’ve often felt the value you add to your company job-wise is not noted or appreciated (by your boss). Your salary in no way reflects you contribute to your organization. You are extremely proficient at your current position.

2.  Misplaced, underutilized, and a rule follower – You are completely certain your company has you in the wrong spot (for your talents and abilities). You’re constantly asking your boss for more work to do, but they don’t seem to pay attention to your request. You do your best look busy (after your regular work routine is completed).

You want what the job guidelines say you are entitled to as an employee. When that doesn’t happen, your boss (or human resources) is alerted. Speaking up for yourself (when it is needed) labels you as a troublemaker.

Think about this. There’s a display (near the front of my Staple’s store) for The Inspired Office by Cynthia Rowley. Here is the description for the desk organization products on exhibit. (Notice the italicized words.)

“I’ve got a theory. If you love your workspace, you’ll love your work a little more. A unique collection of office essentials put in bold vibrant hues and lush elegant patterns. It will inspire [and delight] you. [It will] give your day just a little more joy.”

My job as a cashier involves lots of multi-tasking (in finalizing a purchase). It can often be a crazy juggling act of all I’m required to do as a customer service representative. I wish I could honestly admit my work environment is always lovely, inspiring, and joyful. I’m an imperfect employee, and my attitude (about work drama) can affect how I interact with my patrons

It’s important for both you (and me) to keep in mind the clear direction of the Bible on what a Christ-conscience employee is.

1.  The boss you are working for in your job for is not a finite human, but a divine, all-knowing God. When you ask Him help you, make sure you recognize what you are requesting. (Proverbs 16:3, Job 12:13, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Galatians 6:7-9, Colossians 3:23)

2.  In your workplace, you should be a motivated employee of integrity, loyalty, and working above guidelines. Your word should be your verbal contract to your organization. Be an example of excellence. (Proverbs 4:24, 10:4, 12:11, 14:23, Ecclesiastes 2:24, 9:10, Ephesians 4:28, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Timothy 4:12)

3.  Be generous (and not lazy) in assessing and helping out those in need. (Proverbs 6:6-11, 12:11, 13:4, 21:25, 1Timothy 5:8)

4.  There’s more to work than the paycheck (and all that it represents). What about your reputation while you are there? Have you ever wondered what others say about you in private? Do you believe it’s good or bad? (Matthew 5:16, Luke 16:10, Galatians 6:9, 1Timothy 6:10)

There is a Yiddish proverb that says, “Man plans and God laughs.” Proverbs 16:1 (MSG) seems to agree with this quote. “Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.”

You may think you have both your life (and you career) all planned out as it should go. Did you ever think to check with the Almighty to see if the two of you agree on those strategies?

No one knows the unique surprises God may allow in your future. (James 4:14) Always be available and open (for both the unexpected and needed). Through it all, your Heavenly Father will be right there with you (to help you figure it all out. Just ask for His guidance.

Hot Flashes

The muggy, hot weather from mid-July to September is known as the dog days of summer. The name comes from the rising and the setting of Sirius (the Dog Star) during this time of year (and not from how a canine reacts to summer temperatures).

It is vital to know the difference between heat exhaustion and a heatstroke. Below is what you need to know to possibly one day save someone’s life.

Heat exhaustion happens when one’s body overheats due to hot weather, exercise, or a combination of these two. During a time like this, one may experience heavy sweating, weakness, disoriented (anxious, confused), dizziness, nausea, headache, fast heartbeat, and dehydration (evident by dark-colored urine).

This ailment can be treated quickly by removing the patient from the heat into an air-conditioned building. If that isn’t possible, find a cool, shady location. Drink plenty of water (or other beverages) Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which will can dehydrate the patient and make the issue worse.

Remove tight (or unnecessary) clothing to cool the patient down. Taking a cool shower, bath, or dabbing the skin with cold water are helpful in bringing the body temperature down. If things do not improve in thirty minutes, a doctor should be contacted, or heat exhaustion could progress into the more serious condition of heat stroke.

Heatstroke happens when one’s body has reached an internal temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (or higher). In addition to all of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, it has the ability life-altering ability to cause damage to the organs and brain and could eventually result in death (if not treated immediately).

In addition to the symptoms of heat exhaustion, look for a flushed (or red) appearance to the skin, intensity of headaches may increase, elevated body temperature (to at least 104), lack of sweating, muscle weakness (or cramps), vomiting, fast heartbeat (and breathing), and seizures.

What can be done to help someone with this medical issue? Call 911(emergency medical personnel) immediately. In addition to performing the above steps for heat exhaustion, one can also apply ice packs to the person's armpits, groin, neck and back. These areas contain a lot of blood vessels close the surface of the skin. Dealing with them can help the patient feel cooler.

The heat index measures how hot it feels outside in the shade. (It is not the same as the outdoor temperature.) A heat index of 90 degrees or higher is dangerous. Here are suggestions to use when this is the case.

.                             1.  Wear clothing (that is loose-fitting, lightweight, and       light-colored). Wear a hat (or use an umbrella). Use sunscreen strength of with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.

2.  Drink plenty of water before beginning strenuous outdoor activity. (Avoid alcohol and caffeine; sports drinks can help.) Plan fewer vigorous activities outside. If you must, do them during the cooler times of the day (before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m).

3.  When outside, take twenty minute drink breaks frequently. If you have a chronic medical problem, ask your doctor about how to deal with the heat (or fluid consumption outdoors)

It matters little what season of the year is (or the temperature outside), the Heavenly Father’s love for you has always been constant. Can the same be said of you for Him?

Hosea 13:5-6 (MSG) compassionately provides us with this reminder from God (of where He was during those difficult times in your life).

 “I took care of you during the wilderness hard times; those years when you had nothing… [and I] gave you everything you needed.”

Chill Out

If you’re extremely stressed out, and someone casually gives the title of this post to you as advice, does that help to calm you down or infuriate you even more? Stress is defined as a feeling of emotional or physical tension that occurs in a variety of situations some people consider difficult (or challenging).

Physical anxiety refers to a reaction of the body to various triggers (like pain after surgery). Stress management involves controlling (and reducing) the pressure that occurs in stressful situations by making emotional (and physical changes). The amount of stress and the desire to make changes will determine how much life adjustment occurs.

Stress can be brought on by many different things. They may include having a negative attitude; a poor diet (which weakens one’s immune system in dealing with unpleasant events); not getting enough physical activity (inactive lifestyle), no support system of family and friends, and failing to relax at times (with hobbies or outside interests).

What can you do to process stress more effectively? It’s important to deal with your life with a positive attitude (and not focus on the negative), exercise regularly and eat foodstuff that is nutritionally sound (try to avoid junk food), plan something fun into your life that will relax you, and diligently seek to find a trustworthy individual that you can be open and honest with about what’s happening in your world-both the good and bad.

Trust me; this last item is the most important, in my opinion. It has the ability to positively transform the outlook on your entire existence. I know, from personal experience, that faith in God has the power to gets people through what others would consider intolerable.

Psalm 55:22 (MSG) provides this additional insight on this last point. “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders – He’ll carry your load; He’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin.”

Maybe you are mentally and physically exhausted (and anxious) about the current outlook of your life, Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) provides a trustworthy method of dealing with this that comes straight from your greatest admirer, Jesus Christ. “Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with Me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me, and work with me –watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Do you need this right now? You know where to find it. The Almighty has always been patiently waiting to hear from you. (Revelations 3:20)

*Thanks for the suggestion of this blog topic goes to my wife, Bobbi L. Kinker. The informational material provided on stress was adapted from the article, “Stress Overview” courtesy of Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health (ADAMH) on the Federal Occupational Health website (www. foh4you.com). Please check the above website out for much more material on the topic of stress.

Eight Things Healthy Couples Don’t Do*

Last week, I saw a woman slam the car door in her husband's face and storm off inside the grocery store. Then there was the couple sitting next to me, the man staring at his phone the entire time his wife shared with him her concerns about one of their children. I saw someone post a rant on Facebook about their spouse that ended with, "Men!"

Relationships are hard, and we've probably all done something similar to the examples above. But that doesn't excuse the cavalier mistakes we sometimes allow for in our romantic relationships. Dating and especially marriage relationships can be tools for showing Christ's love—to the other person and to those around you. Too often, we take our spouses for granted and forget that good relationships don't just happen. They take work.

It's often harder to see the good relationships, because they aren't out slamming doors and stomping around and airing grievances on social media. Here are eight things healthy couples don't do:

1. Post Negatively About Each Other on Social Media

Only 12-year-olds post negatively about their boyfriends or girlfriends on social media. It's a catty way to get attention and vent, when the emotionally healthy response is to talk your grievances over with your spouse when the time is right. Don't fall into the trap of getting others on your side, on social media or otherwise, because healthy marriages only have one side. Don't fall into the trap of getting others on your side, because healthy marriages only have one side.

2. Make Their Career a Priority Rather Than Their Relationship

Yes, career is important. But as you are being pulled in every direction imaginable, something will get less attention, less time. Something in your life will have to be sacrificed. Your goal is to make sure that "something" isn't your relationship. You can always find another job, but you only have one chance to make it work with the love of your life.

 3. Have All Their 'Together-Time' With Technology

Of course there will be plenty of times that you're together and using technology, but healthy couples know how to put down their phones and computers and turn off the TV to spend quality time together. Healthy couples don't check Twitter on dinner dates. My husband and I have a rule that we put our phones upstairs each night after work so our dinner or together-time is not interrupted.

4. Avoid Hard Subjects

Relationships are about intimacy. If you can't talk about the hard subjects, then your intimacy factor is off. There are seasons of marriage that are easy, and other seasons where you must make difficult decisions together. Nothing should be off-limits between the two of you, and conversations should always be approached with an abundance of grace and kindness.

 5. Punish One Another

Punishing one another often comes out in the silent treatment or withholding sex or affection. Healthy couples know when it's good to take a break from a disagreement, but also know how to come back together and find a resolution.

6. Withhold Forgiveness

Relationships run on forgiveness. You can't have a healthy relationship without abundant forgiveness. The best relationships forgive quickly and frequently. Living with another person will always bring conflict and hurt feelings; the trick is knowing how to handle it. Forgive, and ask for forgiveness.

7. Say 'Yes' to Everything

Healthy couples have good boundaries—with family, with friends and with each other. If I've had a long week at work and my husband asks me to rally and go out with friends on Friday, whose fault is it if I get mad at him on the way home because I didn't want to go in the first place? Mine. Healthy couples know their limits, know how to ask for help, and understand that "no" is a complete sentence.

8. Throw in the Towel

Healthy couples don't give up when things are hard, even when things are really hard. If your spouse is important to you, you can get through this. Quitting is never an option for healthy couples.

*Written by Ruthie Dean on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.

Wildflower

Guess who?

On July 29, 1996, I became a member of a brotherhood that has been going strong for thousands of years. I’m referring to becoming the father of a daughter. If you are blessed enough as a man to get this opportunity, the full responsibility of your duties weighs heavy on you as soon as that squirming bundle of human life is placed in your arms.

Through the years your child will portray both the good and bad qualities of both you and your wife. (Ezekiel 16:44) As a father, you pray your daughter has grabbed onto the moral values (and beliefs) you’ve lived and spoken to her in the midst of both the good and bad of life, and that she will one day find her place in this world (whatever that might be).

Proverbs 1:8 (MSG) is the plea of all fathers when they have advice for their daughters (whether it’s wanted or not). “Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee.”

I want my daughter, Allena, to always know that when I am unavailable (no matter the reason) that her perfect Heavenly Father is available any time (24/7) with the right advice. (2 Corinthians 6:18) Currently, my daughter will soon be twenty, and at the end of August 2016 experiencing dormitory existence for the first time (at a nearby Christian university).

On July 29, 1996, I became a member of a brotherhood that has been going strong for thousands of years. I’m referring to becoming the father of a daughter. If you are blessed enough as a man to get this opportunity, the full responsibility of your duties weighs heavy on you as soon as that squirming bundle of human life is placed in your arms.

Through the years your child will portray both the good and bad qualities of both you and your wife. (Ezekiel 16:44) As a father, you pray your daughter has grabbed onto the moral values (and beliefs) you’ve lived and spoken to her in the midst of both the good and bad of life, and that she will one day find her place in this world (whatever that might be).

Proverbs 1:8 (MSG) is the plea of all fathers when they have advice for their daughters (whether it’s wanted or not). “Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee.”

I want my daughter, Allena, to always know that when I am unavailable (no matter the reason) that her perfect Heavenly Father is available any time (24/7) with the right advice. (2 Corinthians 6:18) Currently, my daughter will soon be twenty, and at the end of August 2016 experiencing dormitory existence for the first time (at a nearby Christian university).

Before all of this, during the time period she started dating, I wish I had known “The Rules for Dating my Daughter” that I saw on a t-shirt on my Facebook page recently.

There are many interpretations of the “The Rules for Dating my Daughter”. Here they are this version in their entirety (and bluntness) for those fathers that can still use this (now or in the future).

1.  Have a job.

2.  Be home thirty minutes early.

3.  I am everywhere.

4.  She’s my little princess, not your “score.”

5.  Understand I don’t like you.

6.  I do better research than the FBI*.

7.  Know you ABC’s: Abstinence, Boundaries, Curfew.

8.  If you pull into my driveway and honk, you’d better be delivering a pizza.

It’s important for fathers to know what Psalm 144:12 (MSG) declares, “Make our sons in their prime like sturdy oak trees; our daughters as shapely and bright as fields of wildflowers.” Wildflowers grow wherever their seeds are scattered. I believe every father’s wish for his daughter (regardless of age) is that they can thrive wherever life places them (with true beauty and grace).

If you are the father of a daughter, remember, (and don’t ever forget) that your role is crucial (and not optional) in the development of your female offspring.

*Federal Bureau of Investigation

Robert and baby Allena napping (blurry)

Field of wild painted daisies

The post inspiration

A Family Resemblance

When a couple chooses to start a family, there are basically two options with many variations in between those two points. In a natural birth, God chooses the child. In an adoption, the parents choose the child (or in the end does God have a say in that too).

When you put faith in the Almighty for your eternal destination, a wonderful thing happens. He adopts you into His family. (Ephesians 1:4-5) You have been pursued (and chosen) by the Almighty. Romans 8:14-17 (CEB) summarizes the divine process like this:

All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.  You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” 

The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children.  But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with Him so that we can also be glorified with Him.

When someone is brought into the family of God, the Heavenly Father and His valuable wisdom (and love) become completely available to the new adoptee. The process starts with full emancipation (from one’s previous sinful habits) by the Heavenly Father.

Emotionally and spiritually, your history has been wiped clean, and you get a fresh new start. You know have the power to overcome the terrible things in your past.

As a dearly loved child, you now can have an intimate relationship with the Almighty. He is a father that can never disappoint you. You are permanent addition to this divine family connection that can never be revoked. (John 10:28-30). This process is a reminder of your connection to the Almighty as His son or daughter.

Spiritual adoption has both its pluses and minuses. As God’s heir, all of His riches (and blessings) are also yours. (Psalm 73:25-26, I Peter 1:4) You now bear a family resemblance to His character.

Part of being a child of the King may involve suffering. (Acts 5:41, Philippians 1:29, I Peter 4:16) Though no one wants discomfort, its benefits include: one’s faith growing stronger (Ephesians 6:16), increased rewards in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21), and the message of the Bible being given to others. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Humans tend to have the habit of identifying their future possibilities with past mistakes. Instead, I John 3:1(MSG) provides this information about one’s true identity (in Him).

“What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it – we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who He is or what He’s up to.”

Christian artist, Matthew West, added to the above thought in this abbreviated version of his song, Hello, My Name Is. Do you identify with these lyrics?

Verse One

Hello, my name is regret
I’m pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life
I’m the whisper inside
That won’t let you forget
Hello, my name is defeat
I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win
I’ll drag you right back down again
‘Til you’ve lost all belief

Chorus

Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, I have been set free
"Amazing Grace" is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King

Verse Two

I am no longer defined
By all the wreckage behind
The one who makes all things new
Has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life

*Inspired by the sermon “Because You Belong…You Are God’s Child!” (Installment Three) Pastor Dave Jansen, July 24, 2016, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH

Hearing Aid

I enjoy viewing someone who has the talent to alter both their voice and bodily gestures to imitate someone famous (that I know). That’s why the USA channel’s First Impression fits my personality well.

This game show guides three of America’s best celebrity impressionists through a series of improvisational games until one individual comes out the champion. One of the two co-hosts is comedian, Dana Carvey. He was a cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1986 to 1993.

Among the many impressions he did on SNL, my personal favorite was the edgy, bigoted, judgmental Church Lady. I chuckle at this character because I believe she’s all too common in many houses of worship across the world today.

In his 1824 book, Lacon: or, Many Things in Few Words: Addressed to Those who Think, author, Charles Caleb Colton, made a comment that many of us have heard often. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

If the above statement is true, which I believe it certainly is. This question needs asking, “Who are you becoming more like in your daily life?” Can you answer (with no doubt at all) that you are taking active steps to reflect the brilliant image of Christ in everything you do, or are you forgetful in putting the truth you know into real-time use?

James 1:22-24 (MSG) makes this stern recommendation. “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other.

Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.”

No one needs to tell you that transformation is required in your relationship with the Almighty. You know it. Are you and becoming a likeness of His grace? Does your spiritual hearing need aid from a divine source?

Don’t allow fear to hold you back from doing what needs done because we both know that is the Devil whispering lies into your ears. I’m sure if you take one small step to your Heavenly Father; He will be there to help you with the rest of them.

I’ve said some form of this many times before, but please allow its truth to sink deep into your soul right now. You are eternally loved by God. (That will never change.)

What’s the Percentage?

On July 29, 2016, our daughter, Allena, will be celebrating her twentieth birthday. (It seems like she was just a toddler yesterday.) Her first “official” birthday card to be received came from our former church.

On the front background of this Dayspring Greeting Card (www.dayspring.com), one can’t help but notice (and be cheered by) all of the many bright, colorful party hats.   In the foreground in fancy black font trimmed in white are the words, “Sometimes, its okay to be silly.”  

When you emotionally mature (we all grow up at different ages) and know what the right thing is to do, is it ever correct to act like a reckless fool? (See picture below.)

I Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV) makes this assessment.  “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became [an adult], I put away childish things.”

Proverbs 22:15 (MSG) adds this insight. “Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.” Both of these verses to me communicate both discipline and acting smart for your age.

Psalm 16:9 (MSG) admits, “I’m happy from the inside out…” Job 5:2 (MSG) makes this confession. “The hot temper of a fool eventually kills him; the jealous anger of a simpleton does her in.” If you’ve ever known someone overly confident of (or happy with) themselves, they can make some very stupid mistakes.

I believe God wants His children to be happy. He occasionally provides fun, joyful, restful times in our lives that we can spend with those we love.

“[There is] a time to…laugh… and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4, NIV) God loves His children to have appropriate fun.

“On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation so He rested from all His work.” (Genesis 2:2, NIV) If taking a break is important to your Heavenly Father, it should become part of your routine.

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…” (Psalm 37:7, NKJV)

“He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love.  The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.” (Psalm 30:5, MSG)

My hope for you is that when friends and family speak your name that strength of character is associated with it. (Proverbs 22:1) Philippians 4:5 (NIV) and Ephesians 4:31-32 (MSG) make these assessments about one’s moral fiber. 

“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do…”

“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, and profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”


If you had to rate your character (with a percentage) on how you are progressing with all that was mentioned in this post, what would that number be? Have you arrived, or is there some personal self-improvement you need to do?

The inspiration

What’s the Percentage?

On July 29, 2016, our daughter, Allena, will be celebrating her twentieth birthday. (It seems like she was just a toddler yesterday.) Her first “official” birthday card to be received came from our former church.

On the front background of this Dayspring Greeting Card (www.dayspring.com), one can’t help but notice (and be cheered by) all of the many bright, colorful party hats.   In the foreground in fancy black font trimmed in white are the words, “Sometimes, its okay to be silly.”  

When you emotionally mature (we all grow up at different ages) and know what the right thing is to do, is it ever correct to act like a reckless fool? (See picture below.)

I Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV) makes this assessment.  “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became [an adult], I put away childish things.”

Proverbs 22:15 (MSG) adds this insight. “Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.” Both of these verses to me communicate both discipline and acting smart for your age.

Psalm 16:9 (MSG) admits, “I’m happy from the inside out…” Job 5:2 (MSG) makes this confession. “The hot temper of a fool eventually kills him; the jealous anger of a simpleton does her in.” If you’ve ever known someone overly confident of (or happy with) themselves, they can make some very stupid mistakes.

I believe God wants His children to be happy. He occasionally provides fun, joyful, restful times in our lives that we can spend with those we love.
“[There is] a time to…laugh… and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4, NIV) God loves His children to have appropriate fun.

“On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation so He rested from all His work.” (Genesis 2:2, NIV) If taking a break is important to your Heavenly Father, it should become part of your routine.

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…” (Psalm 37:7, NKJV)

“He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love.  The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.” (Psalm 30:5, MSG)

My hope for you is that when friends and family speak your name that strength of character is associated with it. (Proverbs 22:1) Philippians 4:5 (NIV) and Ephesians 4:31-32 (MSG) make these assessments about one’s moral fiber. “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do…”

“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, and profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”


If you had to rate your character (with a percentage) on how you are progressing with all that was mentioned in this post, what would that number be? Have you arrived, or is there some personal self-improvement you need to do?

The inspiration

Nameless and Unknown

You will find in doing God’s will that often there will be no human recognition for being obedient to the Almighty’s request. You will enter in to complete your divine task, and then quickly vanish like the morning fog. (James 4:14)

The finest scriptural example of the above is Jesus feeding of the five thousand people found in biblical passages Matthew 14:13-18, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-15, and John 6:1-15.

The account goes as follows Jesus (and His disciples) left by boat to arrive at the countryside of the city known as “Bethsaida”* for a solitary time to rest. (Jesus may have been emotionally recuperating from the death of His family member, John the Baptist, from a beheading by King Herod.)**

Like the paparazzi with a famous movie star, over ten to fifteen thousand men, women, and children had figured out Jesus location on the far shore of the Sea of Galilee.  (It was also known locally as the Sea of Tiberias.) It was the time of the Feast of the Passover.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, had compassion for these helpless people, His sheep. He could not leave the many (physically or emotionally) ill individuals not healed, or uninformed about how God’s kingdom truly worked.

Hours later (when dinner time would be appropriate), the disciples wanted to send this large mass of people away to get something to eat. (The reason for sending the multitude away was this was an isolated location, and it was late in the day).

Possibly, Jesus could see their exhaustion, and wanted them to be fed there instead of leaving (and possibly never returning).

Upon this daunting task, the disciple, Philip, let Jesus know it wasn’t practical (or possible) to try to feed this many individuals. (Who could tell if enough food existed in neighboring towns to meet the need?) Philip was sure that not even eight months worth of wages could even start to pay for the food rations that would be needed.

Jesus knew the wonder that was about to happen. Jesus was made aware that a young boy (specifically unidentified in scripture) had five small barley loaves and two small fish possibly (smartly assembled in a small container by a loving parent for this adventure).

To prepare for dinner, Jesus had the people sit down in the vast grassy area in orderly groups of fifty and a hundred. He blessed the food (looking up to Heaven), and then divided it up into small pieces.

The disciples distributed the bottomless supply of food to the crowd. Everyone there ate until they were completely satisfied. The disciples also gathered twelve baskets of bread pieces from the ground. (Nothing was wasted.)

Reading this familiar narrative (from my childhood in church), my desperate longing is to be useful to the Heavenly Father while I’m alive. Getting credit for accomplishing His purpose (whatever it might be) is of no significance to me. I want to remain spiritually active as long as I have breath in my lungs. What are your emotions on this topic?

Psalm 119: 124,132 (MSG) makes this touching request: “Let your love dictate how you deal with me; teach me from your textbook on life. Turn my way; look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love You.”

My actions to wife and daughter may not always strongly demonstrate my love to God. (The Almighty always knows my true intention.) In my time of need, I want to know that the Heavenly Father is there to do the miraculous (whenever and wherever that needs to happen).

The question for you is do you have faith in to the Heavenly Father when you can’t see how it’s all going to work out in the end? Can you give up control to God to gain what is right for you? (Psalm 60:11-12)

*This was an unrepentant city Jesus denounced for its sinfulness. (Matthew 11:21, Luke 10:13) The miracle of Jesus walking on the water occurred somewhere close to this city. (Mark 6:45-51) Jesus healed a blind man here. (Mark 8:22-30) This was the hometown of disciples, Philip, Andrew, and Peter. (John 1:44, 12:21)

**Luke 1:36-38, 41, 62-63, Matthew 14:1-12, Mark 6:14-29, Luke 9:7-9, John 11:1-44