Thoughts on Persistence

Thoughts on Persistence
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Saturday, November 29, 2014

What Child Indeed

It is interesting to ponder the baby who became a King.  He was brought into the world into such humble settings.  His place of birth was less than wonderful.  His first swaddling left much to be desired.  His first visitors were farm animals, and then came shepherds fresh from the fields. 

Not a very exciting way to welcome THE KING, was it? 

His birth surprised the establishment of the day as well.  They were looking for a deliverer. 

Instead they got a baby.

They were looking for a warrior to overcome their oppressors. 

Instead they got a baby.

They were looking for a hero.

Instead they got a baby.


But most of all they got love.


Ponder the child in the manger. 


Love expressed in the most wholesome, beautiful way.

Love expressed in innocence.

Love expressed in cries in the night, just like the sounds any normal baby would offer.

Love expressed through a lifestyle of peace, compassion, caring, passion. 

Never before had the world seen
such a life, nor would we ever see it
again in such a pure state.


This baby, this little one named Jesus grew to become …

Well, what do you need this Christ Child to be in your world?

Do you need …
A friend?                         He is.
A healer?                          He is.
A savior?                           He is.
A comforter?                      He is.
A model of integrity?          He is.
A pathfinder?                        He is.
A protector?                           He is.



What child is this?

Indeed, what child is this!


P Michael Biggs
Offering Words of Hope
At Christmas


Saturday, November 22, 2014

Reasons to Say "THANKS"


In a world that has more needs than answers, there are still some opportunities to pause and say “Thanks”.

Say “Thanks”
For the companion who walks beside you
For the memory of the companion who once walked beside you
For kids and grandkids and the uniqueness of each

Say “Thanks”
For whatever measure of food you have to eat
For whatever measure of clothing that is covering your back
For heat in public buildings and homes

Say “Thanks”
For your source of income and whoever supplies that income
For those who serve those in need
For medical professionals

Say “Thanks”
For law enforcement professionals
For military units and their fearless response
For government official who have a thankless job

Say “Thanks”
For the friendly hands that have benefited you throughout your life
For that special neighbor who never refused your call for help
For the reliability of water that comes through the plumbing

Say “Thanks”
For a supportive co-worker who never fails to help
For those bosses who graced your life at odd moments
For bosses who gave you constructive guidance

Say “Thanks”
To the driver who allowed you to enter the freeway lane
To the server who brings your morning coffee
To the cook who makes your eggs to perfection

Say “Thanks”
For our siblings
For extended family members: aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents

Say “Thanks”
For your minister and spiritual leaders
For writers who enlighten your life
For song writers who bring joy to your day

Say “Thanks”
To radio and TV personalities who give consistent information
To retail clerks who work on holidays so you can buy their wares
To the stranger headed your way later today

Say “Thanks”
To God above for mercy
To God above for grace that continually flows down

In all things, give God Praise and Thanksgiving.


Happy Thanksgiving!



P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Does God Provide?

The ultimate question is this … Can God really provide what He has promised?

Let’s look at one particular story in the Bible for our answer.  In Genesis 22 we read about the story of Abraham taking Isaac into the mountains.  Here is a modified telling of this story.

Abraham and Sarah were barren for a bunch of years – well into their nineties, and finally God made a promise to Abraham that He would bless him with generations of descendants.  Low and behold Sarah got pregnant with Isaac.  Isaac was God’s plan for continuing Abraham’s line, which ultimately led to the birth of Jesus. 

Time passed.  Isaac grew.  When he was in his early teens God tapped Abraham on the shoulder and said, “Go into the distant mountains to a place I will direct you and sacrifice your son Isaac.”

That was pretty simple and direct. 

It was a three day hike to the place God had chosen and off they went.  All along the trail I can only imagine the conversations Abraham was having with himself mostly, and with God sometimes. 

“You promised to bless my line with generations upon generations, and the beginning of that line is Isaac, and yet you have commanded me to go and sacrifice him to you.  Why?  What are you thinking?”

And on they pressed. 

At one point Isaac looked around and asked, “Father, where is the lamb for the sacrifice you say God wants us to make?”

And Abraham answered, “Never mind son.  God will provide the lamb.”

And on they walked.

On the third day of their journey, Abraham saw their destination in the distance. 

As they got closer he commanded his fellow travelers to stop and make camp while he and the boy went ahead to make the sacrifice.  He even said, “And we will return.”

WE!  That was faith speaking.

On they went until they came to the place to which God had directed him.  He built the altar, lay in the firewood and actually placed Isaac on the altar. 

Got the picture?  Abraham had a promise from God – “Isaac is my plan to bring multiple generations to your lineage.”  Yet God had commanded that Abraham sacrifice him on an altar in the mountain.

So he tied Isaac down.  He bound his hands and feet, and he sharpened the knife.  And as he raised his hand to strike the deadly blow, a voice from the heavens called out and stopped him.  

The voice said, “I know that you trust God and He has first place in your heart, for you were willing to sacrifice your only son as God directed.”

Perhaps with a trembling hand and weak knees Abraham slowly lowered the knife, and as he did, he heard the bleating of a ram.  Its horns were caught in a nearby thicket. 

The message came loud and clear.  “Because you have obeyed me, I have provided a substitute sacrifice and I will bless you with abundant blessings and descendants.”

What is the message that reaches us in this narrative?

I think it is this.  God wants our trust and our obedience. 

~Trust that He always knows what is best for us in every situation 

~Obedience that we will follow and obey as we discern the voice of God.

You see, God provided the lamb for Abraham that day. 

And a few thousand years later He provided another substitute lamb for us in the form of His own son.  Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for us to provide a way to God’s side for eternity.

This gives me hope today.  When I think of this story and all of its ramifications, I see the hand of God and the wisdom of God at work. 

My mind automatically goes to this thought – God provided for Abraham in the middle of his sacrifice, and if He can do that, I believe He can reach across the generations today and provide for our needs as well.

The name for God that we see here is Jehovah Jireh (translation – God provides).

GOD PROVIDES!

Does God provide?

Yes indeed!

Please watch this:

God Has Provided the Lamb
The Bill Gaither Trio

 Click below for this video




P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time


Saturday, November 8, 2014

Don't Drown in Your Failures

Are you swimming in failures?  We all do at one time or another.

I have some good news.  First – a quote.

“You do not drown simply
by plunging into the water. 
You only drown if you stay
beneath the surface.”
~Paulo Coelho


This is a great metaphor that has a ton of life applications.  For today, let’s consider this one.

So you have fallen into some kind of predicament.  Perhaps it is a moral sin, a vice that has reared its ugly head, or some serious vow that has been broken.

What now?

Wallow if you must, however, I hope you find the strength and grace to stand once again and overcome your fall.

The great promise from God is this:  “My grace is sufficient for you.”  And in another place we find this:  “Cast all your cares on him (Christ), for he cares for you.”

That is the message I have for you today.

Sure, sometimes we sink down into the mire of life, but we don’t have to stay stuck in the mud and muck. 

God in his mercy and grace continually stretches out His hand to lift you up onto solid ground again and again.

I used this phrase a couple of weeks ago, yet it is still pertinent.
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

If you feel you are drowning in your sin, reach out your hand one more time.  His grip is sure and His ground is firm.

Thanks be to God.


P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time


Saturday, November 1, 2014

How Rich Is God

In the grand scheme of things, just how rich is God? 

Consider this.

I John 3:1 says he lavishes us with love.
James 1:5 tells us that He doesn’t just dole out wisdom.  Oh no.  He gives generously to all without finding fault.

Romans 2:4 tells us God is rich in tolerance, kindness and patience.

I Timothy 1:14 says He gives grace exceedingly abundant and indescribable.

He overflowed the banquet table when the prodigal son returned home.

He flooded Peter’s boat with fish beyond counting.
He made better wine and in more abundance at the wedding feast.

He provided manna for the throngs of Israelites during their 40-year hike in the wilderness.  And he gave them quail to eat.  He never let their sandals wear out all during that time.  And He provided a flame to lead at night and a cloud for the daytime.

How rich is God?

His grace is sufficient.
His mercy is everlasting.
He forgives and forgets.


God promises to meet all our needs. (Philippians 4:19)

He bestows bounty even when a brother or sister is in need of forgiveness.  His admonition was not just to forgive seven times.  Oh no.  He said “forgive seven times seventy.” 

That is bestowing riches.
Generosity abounds.

And His grace shows up best in weak people.  He give generously, liberally, he does not withhold, even though we may deserve justice.  We find grace.  We find a giving Heavenly Father. 

And to cap it all off, His promise is this … if we call on the name of Jesus Christ, we shall inherit eternal life.

Inherit! 

And what did we do to deserve this?  What price did we pay?  What good deeds were required?  How many trips did we have to make to Africa, or New Zealand, even Las Vegas to earn these gifts, this grace thing?

None.

Not in your righteousness. 
Can’t earn it.
Can’t pay it back.
Don’t even deserve it.

He just gives, and gives, and gives again and again.

This old hymn comes to mind here.

His love has no limits,
His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Please watch this


We are heirs, and joint heirs with Christ.

We have a very rich Papa.



P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time