Does God Know My Name

Carolyn and I ate at a new Italian restaurant this week.  Lilly, the owner, came by our table, called us by name and made us feel welcome.  She favored us with her personal attention for a few minutes.  We felt special.

Our friend Niko does the same when we go into his restaurant.  He gives us his direct and personal attention.

These business owners recognize us and treat us with special care simply because we are friends. 

And then there is God.  We question, ponder, wonder:  Does God know my name?  Has he forgotten me?  Is God my friend?

Take heart my friend.  God does know your name.  He has you in His sights.

Read some of these powerful reminders of God’s care and love for you.

Isaiah 43:1b-3

“Do not fear.  I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, for you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers – they will not overwhelm you.  And when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned.  The flames will not consume you.  I am the Lord your God.’

John 10:14-15

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep and my sheep know me.”

John 10:3

“To him the gate keeper opens the gate, and the sheep hear the master’s voice.  He calls each one by name and leads them.”

Jeremiah 1:5

“Even before I formed you in your mother’s belly I knew you.”

Don’t you see?  God has been thinking of you from the beginning moments of your life.  He does know your name. 

He knows you like pecan pie, hate broccoli, wear a size nine shoe, you favor the color blue, you walk with a limp on a rainy day, and you like to arrive early for most appointments.

We are ever on God’s mind.

He never takes His eyes off us. 

We hold his attention all the time.

Be encouraged.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time

Builder to Teacher

 He was a carpenter.  He was good at his craft.  Nothing was his specialty and everything was his specialty. 

In his years of carpentry, he built myriads of cribs, cabinets for homes, work benches, tongues for wagons, and just about anything else his customers asked for.

He once made a toy baby-rattler with a little monkey trapped inside a cage for an especially close friend.  It was the delight of the child, and the parents never forgot.

Yet today nothing remains of his skill as a carpenter.  One would be hard pressed to find even a board from a bed sawn by this master craftsman.

One day, he walked away from this life.  He left it all behind – the

tools, the sawdust, the apron, and the constantly dirty fingernails.  He marked out a new occupation – that of a teacher.  He had no classroom to call his own.  He had no credentials, yet he became a teacher.

He never wrote any books.

He never penned a resume or drafted a syllabus for his classes, yet he taught, and his words echo down through the ages and reach us even today.

His voice was never recorded so we don’t know if he had a soft or loud sound, spoke with an accent, stuttered, had trouble rolling his r’s or spoke with a nervousness in his voice. 

He spoke and taught nevertheless. 

Today, we do have examples of his teachings.  His words live long after he passed from this earth.  His words echo from the ages past, for they are immortal words of hope, life and of redemption.

This builder turned teacher is called Jesus, the Christ, and his influence as a teacher has changed the course of the world.  Armies have marched for him and against him.  Men receive his words and curse his words.  People praise him and despise the mere mention of his name. 

And yet …

Yet his influence lives on. 

Here are some of his teachings.

“Come unto me all who labor and are heavy with burdens.  I will give you rest.”

“Peace I give unto you, not as the world gives.”

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

“Don’t let your hearts be trouble.  If you believe in God, then believe in me, for in my father’s house are many rooms.  I am going to prepare a place for you as well.”

“I am the bread of life; he that comes to me shall never be hungry; the one who believes in me shall never thirst.” 

“Surely I tell you; whoever believes in me shall have everlasting life.”

“Love your enemies, bless them who curse you, do some good for those who hate you, and pray for the ones who spitefully use you and persecute you;”

These are just a few of the words our builder-turned-teacher spoke while on earth.  They hold the power of life and encouragement, hope and redemption.

I pray that your heart is encouraged today by this teacher – Jesus, the Christ.

His carpentry work is long decayed.  His words still bring life. 

Praise be to God!

Internet Church

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time

Impossible-God's Favorite Word

Here is a strong word of hope for you today.  Take heart – God has not abandoned you nor this world. 

When we look around at today’s world landscape, don’t we find ourselves shaking our head and wondering where it will all end?  I do. 

And then I’m reminded of this:

“For with God nothing is impossible.”

Those words were spoken to Mary, the mother of The Christ, when she was told of her role in birthing the Christ-child.  She wondered, pondered, fretted and worried.  And then God’s angel showed up. 

For with God nothing is impossible.

Those are powerful words; hope-filled words; grace-filled words.

I love this quote:

So, my friend, take heart.  Stand solidly on the word of God and keep your faith intact. 

God is still around and watching. 

“He never slumbers nor sleeps.”

~Psalm 121:3

That is some mighty good news for today.

Be encouraged.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time

The Napkin in the Tomb

Easter’s Evidence of Hope

It was, at first appearance, an obscure object.  A simple napkin.  In this place in time, it was used as a burial piece to cover the face.

The face it covered was The Christ. 

Obscure. 

Small and insignificant. 

Who gives a mere napkin a second thought?  

(John 20:3-10)

In Jewish tradition, every young boy knew the significance of the napkin used at a banquet, especially the one used by the Master.

Tradition says this about that.  The servant boy had one job – to set the table exactly as the Master wished.  That meant every plate was to be in place, every piece of silver and every serving tray was to be exact in its placement a well.  And the napkin was present.  But there is more.

After the Master had finished eating, he would wipe his mouth, clean his fingers, brush the napkin through his beard and then wad up the napkin and toss it on the table.  The wadding was a signal to the servant that he could now come in and clear the table.  The banquet was over.  We are finished here.  Done.

If, however, the napkin was neatly folded and left to the side of the plate, that meant something entirely different.  It said:  “I will return.”

I WILL RETURN!

Christ did not casually crumple and toss the napkin before leaving the tomb.  He took care to fold it and leave it in its place, separate from the grave clothes. 

The signal was given. 

Hope sparked in the hearts of those who understood.

I WILL RETURN!

It is yet one more message for all of us.  Let it speak loud and clear. 

   The world is troubled. 

   Danger lurks on all sides. 

   Christ was taken from his followers and loved ones. 

   Yet the message speaks. 

I’m coming back.  Don’t clear the dishes. 

Better analogy.  Don’t let your hearts be troubled.  If you believe in God, then trust in me.  I am going to my Father’s house.  There I will be preparing a place for you to join me.  And I Will Come Again.

John 14:1-4

~Is your Easter blurred by events happening all over this globe?

~Are you worried that we may not see 2016?

~What about next Monday?

He speaks through a simple folded napkin.  “I may have left the tomb, but I haven’t left the scene.  My presence is with you.  My physical presence will come again."

Hope abounds through the Easter story.

Hallelujah, He Is Risen!

Hallelujah, He Will Come Again!

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time

Where Is God When I'm Lost

When I was in the first grade I was walking home from school on that first day, a walk of about a mile.  All of a sudden I stopped, began looking around and was frantic.  This six year old little boy was lost.  I didn't know what to do. 

And then I spotted it.  There sat a big old yellow tractor-trailer rig parked in an empty lot near our home.  Once I spotted that marker I knew that home was near, and I continued walking home.  As I topped the hill and rounded the last turn on Franklin Avenue, I was relieved to first spot Mrs. Gillespie’s house and then our house next door. 

On other occasions when I've gotten lost, a simple U-turn was all it took to find my way to the correct spot.

When I’m lost, I look for markers.  When I’m lost, sometimes I have to go back, closer to the beginning, and try again.

A few times in my lost-ness, I've had to call for help.  “Where are you?  I can’t find you?

And sometimes, when we are lost, we are tempted to question “Where Is God?”

Where Is God?

Great question. 

Where is God …?

  ~When people are beheaded

   ~When inflation sets in

    ~When leaders fail to lead

     ~When the economy falters

      ~When worlds collide

     ~When young children are abducted into sex-trade

    ~When our kids are addicted

   ~When bullies rear their ugly heads

  ~When we are out of peanut butter

Where is God?  That’s a question many ask on many occasions. 

My words are simple.  Here they are.

He is nearby. 

He is present in the filth, the degradation, the muck and mud of every human condition we could name. 

That is the answer, and it is a difficult answer with which to cope sometimes.  Consider this.

When God set up this whole ordered system on earth He gave Adam and Eve power over every living thing on earth.  They could do whatever they wanted except eat from one certain tree – the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

In other words, if they partook of that tree, then they took on the power of choice, and choice is the one thing God has said He would never override in humanity.

We have the greatest power on earth – the power to choose, and we own it free and clear. 

Our opening premise was one about being lost when we can’t find our way.  Do you see the connection?  Perhaps we are lost because we've made so many poor choices, and the overgrown vines of those bad choices have obscured the way.  

Our choices have hidden the markers along the way.  God has put signs in place as guide posts, yet we have trampled on those.  We've ignored them.  We've used self-will as our motto, and ignored the more reasonable signs of responsibility and respect.

And what does God think of all of this?

He is saddened at our predicament.  Oh, He wants to help, and He will if asked.  But He will not override our power of choice. 

Psalm 50:15 says this:  “Call on me in the time of trouble and I will rescue you, and you will honor me.”

Another – Psalm 86:7:  “In the day of trouble I will call upon you God, and you will answer me.”

And this one:  “You shall call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry and He shall say “Here I am.”

~Isaiah 58:9

John 14:14 offers this:  “If you ask for anything in My Name, I will do it.”

Where is God when I am lost?  He’s one request away.  He is one shout-out away. 

His short answer is … “HERE I AM!”

Reach up, or out, or call, or shout, or pray, or whatever our preferred stance may be. 

Above all, God is standing nearby.  He’s awaiting your call.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time

Finding God in the Hard Places

When the hard places come along, as they surely will, we sometimes wonder if God is anywhere nearby. 

When those we love are gone, does God know the ache and break of our heart?

When we experience any kind of loss, what then?

Though the dark places hide his face, do we still trust?

This post, I hope, is a post meant to help restore our faith in those painful moments of life. 

In the middle of these hard places, God’s great grace flows down to us just as much as it does in the middle of a spiritual experience.  The beautiful part of the grace story is this – “Grace means that God is on our side and thus we are victors regardless of how well we have played the game.”

~Brennan Manning

It is hard to play a good game when we are in the middle of the hard places.  We don’t function at our best.  We don’t think as clearly in those moments, and we sometimes let the hard places consume us.

The toughest thing to do when the hard places come along is to get up the next morning, to put on our clothes, affix a smile to our face, and place one foot in front of the other.  And then, repeat, repeat, repeat.  I’ll admit – that is tough.  And soon, I pray that you find the strength to do just that.  Here are some choice verses for us today.

“God is our refuge and strength.  He is a readily available helper in times of trouble.”

~Psalm 46:1

Hebrews 13:5b reminds us of this:  “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

I Peter 5:7: “Cast all your cares on Him (on Christ), for He cares for you.”

Matthew 28:20b:  “Remember, I am with you always – even to the very end of these ages.”

Isaiah 41:13:  “Fear not; I am with you; be not dismayed.  I – your God – will give you strength.  I will hold you up with my strong right hand of righteousness.”

Do you see the themes represented here?

~I never leave you

~I care for you

~I am with you

~I will give you strength

These are some of the great words of comfort and encouragement found in the scriptures. 

Best of all, they are your words for those hard places in life.

Claim your promise. 

Claim you anchor of hope.

Claim the presence of God himself as revealed in His great promises.

He is present – every moment - every day - every experience.

Thanks be to God.

Please listen to this most encouraging medley.

Sandi Patty - Savior Medley

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time

The Whisper We Long to Hear

When we whisper, we intend our words for some intimate someone who draws so close that we touch.  Sometimes it is a hand to their ear, and they feel our very breath as we say whatever esteeming words we utter.

Often, in odd moments during our day, Carolyn and I will whisper to each other those esteeming words couples in love love to hear.  “I love you.”

From God, what whispers do you want to hear? 

The cry of every human heart is to know that we matter, that someone, some divine being, is on duty, looking our way and caring for us.

We live in an age on the world stage when a lot of uncertainty abounds.  Who will invade whom?  Will some itchy finger push the BIG button first, before the other side can mount a defense?  Will we live to see our next birthday, or next Christmas? 

Allow these strongly encouraging words to surround you today.

When we trust,

when we listen,

we can hear the voice;

“Do not be afraid. 

I am with you.”

~Brennan Manning

The words come from the Holy Scriptures.

My first favorite passage is from Joshua 1:9.  God is speaking to Joshua.

“Be not afraid nor dismayed.  I, the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Isaiah 41:10 says this: 

“So do not fear, I am with you.

Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will give you strength.  I’ll help you.

I will lift you up with my righteous right hand.”

One night Christ was out taking a stroll on the water.  His disciples saw him and became terrified.  His words rang out.

“Don’t be afraid.  Be encouraged.  I am here.”

~Matthew 14:27

When Mary was approached by the angel who told her of what was about to rock her world, his first words were these: 

“Don’t be afraid, Mary.  You have found favor with God.”

Time and again, in the scriptures we see how God whispers to us.  His words include “Be not afraid.”

BE NOT AFRAID!

That is a whisper that can still our troubled hearts.

Thanks be to God.

Please take four minutes and watch this. 

Be Not Afraid - John Michael Talbot

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time