Category: devotional

If we were making a top ten list of the best things Jesus ever said Luke 19:5 has to be included.   We read, “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.'”  Isn’t that great?  Basically speaking, Zacchaeus in the eyes of the community, was a despicable man.  He had been disfellowshipped, or excommunicated, from the local synagogue.  Everyone, even Zacchaeus, thought he was going to hell. Then Jesus came.

There are many stories of human misery in the Gospels that instantly change when Jesus came.  There were lepers, the blind, the deaf, the lame, families with dead loved ones and then Jesus came.  What an amazing difference there is between Jesus and the founder of another huge religious group who came with an army and swords.

Mrs. Zacchaeus had no time to prepare.  It was a come as is.  Many years ago the governor of Massachusetts came to visit our across the street neighbor. It was great fun watching all the preparations.  Painters painted, a yard service mowed and trimmed, caterers brought in a feast.

Jesus will come as is.  Just open the door.  Don’t worry about the refuse of everyday living.  Just open the door.

I’ very sure Zacchaeus never again worried about going to hell.  Now that Jesus had come to his house he knew he was going to Jesus’ house.  That’s the way it works. One invitation elicits a return invitation. You come to see me and I get to come and see you.  If you listen you will hear Jesus say to you, “I must stay at your house today.”  How grand!

Written by Roger Bothwell on September 9. 2013

Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org

 

While thinking about a top ten list of the things Jesus said, I would like to add yet another.  To the woman apprehended in the world’s oldest profession Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.  Go and sin no more.” Please note, He did not place her on probation.  She did not have to prove herself with six months of good behavior. He understood her.  He knew her past.  He knew her situation.  Best of all He knew her future – a place in His kingdom.  It just doesn’t get any better than this.

This occurred in the midst of a prove-yourself religion.  The culture was all about righteous behavior measured by a strict set of rules.  Jesus isn’t saying that obedience isn’t important.  Of course it is. Obedience keeps us from harming ourselves and others about us. But what it doesn’t do is earn us a place in His kingdom.  The purpose of the law is to protect us from ourselves.  Obedience to the law keeps us alive until we are old enough to understand why God, our protective Father, gave us the law.  That is why Paul says the law is a school master.  Eventually we graduate and live safely and sanely.  The law is written on our hearts. “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”  Galatians 3

Did the woman leave Jesus and continue on as usual?  We should never believe that.  To all her customers she must have said, “Out of business.”  That’s just like us.  Once we have Jesus we are out of the sin business.

Written by Roger Bothwell September 10, 2013

Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org

 

In the early 70’s Chevrolet defined America as “baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and (of course) Chevrolet.”  At that time one of my friends and his family became naturalized American citizens.  It was a time of great joy.  To celebrate we gave them a baseball, a can of Vegelinks (they were vegetarians), an apple pie and a Chevrolet. The Chevrolet was a model that cost us $4.95.  It was all we could afford.  Their joy came to mind as I read Ephesians 2:19.  “You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.”

So what things could we mention to aid us in defining our new citizenship?  Someone mentioned a crown.  Honestly, I’m not interested in a crown neither streets of gold nor a mansion.   Paul does mention in  2Timothy 4:8 a crown of righteousness.  That’s okay.  Actually that’s more than okay.  That is terrific.   As for golden streets, forget it.  I would rather have beautiful green grass streets.   Citizenship in God’s Kingdom need not be about material stuff.  From the plethora of yard sales I see each weekend I opine that people grow tired of their things.

A few verses later in chapter 3:20 Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”  That is not hinting that we should not bother to wonder and speculate.  Our imaginations are one of our gifts.  Our imaginations are the seedbed of dreams and aspirations.  I would love to hear from you regarding this.  If you were defining God’s Kingdom what would you mention in place of “baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and Chevrolet”?

Written by Roger Bothwell on November 1, 2013

Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org

 

I paused to watch some construction.  It reminded me of a childhood summer when several new homes were being built in my neighborhood.  I haunted the masons, carpenters, plumbers and electricians.  They didn’t seem to mind for often they included me in the soft drinks purchased for the mid-morning break.  As a result of such time spent I learned several new vocabulary words for which my mother was shocked and punished me for using.  While I have never again used them I still know them and I am fearful when I become old I might lose my sense of propriety and once again use them.

At the close of Ephesians 2 Paul speaks of God building a “holy temple”.  Christ is the cornerstone and the apostles are the foundation.  He closes with “In Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.”   It would not be becoming to lose my propriety and thus bring disrepute on the Spirit that dwells in me.  If I did, would God move out and would I cease to be a “holy temple”?   I am comforted by the Old Testament story of Samuel selecting a replacement for Saul.   I Samuel 16:7 says, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Jesus knows our flesh is weak.  He knows what we want to be. He knows that our humanity often does and says things we would not do if we were in control of our cognitive functions. Just in case someday you hear me saying something awful and you later you see me in heaven, just remember that Jesus was more interested in my heart than my mouth.

Written by Roger Bothwell on October 31, 2013

Spring of Life Ministry, PO 124, St. Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org

 

Brian Williams, the news anchor for NBC each evening at 6:30, often invites guests to speak to a particular story.  When they are finished Mr. Williams concludes by saying, “As always.”  Since my awareness level has been raised I am hearing it quite often in many arenas.  But what does “As always” mean?   I looked it up and all I could find was “forever” or “no change.”   So if you are my friend and I say to you, “As always” that must mean you will be my forever friend.   However, if I don’t like you and say to you, “As always” that must mean I will never like you.  Ouch. “As always” is a major commitment.  When we get married we only vow until death do us part.

God can make and does make that commitment to us.  John 3:16 is the ultimate “As always” promise.  God so loved – always.   Shall not perish – always.  Have everlasting (always) life.   Hebrews 13:8 puts it this way, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Jesus told His disciples that if we see Him we also see the Father.  In the Old Testament God often comes across as being harsh.  In the New Testament He is like Jesus – very forgiving.  He didn’t change.  As the centuries rolled by people got to know Him better.  The Old Testament is the story of Jehovah contending with the plethora of gods that surrounded Israel.  Sometimes some of the attributes of those pagan gods were transferred to Jehovah.  But finally Jesus came.  That was revolutionary.  Jesus was like dark glasses being taken from human eyes and there was Jehovah and Jesus – the same.  It was awesome.  He is “As always.”

Written by Roger Bothwell on October 30, 2013

Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org

 

In 2013 the game four of the World Series ended abruptly when the Red Sox pitcher picked off the Cardinal’s runner on first base.   It was the last out in the bottom of the ninth inning.  One pitch to first and it was over.  The runner was caught napping.  I am tempted to use this as an analogy to us.  Satan is watching to catch us in a weak moment; therefore, we must ever be vigilant.  However idealistic that may sound it is just not practical.  We can lose the joy of salvation by constantly watching out.   Jesus even said to His disciples that last night in the garden, “Watch and pray so you will not fall into temptation.”  But in that context He also noted that as willing as is the spirit, the flesh is weak.  It is a miserable life to be constantly looking over our shoulders without a moment to relax.  There has to be time to relish our salvation and to be happy.

As in all things this is a call for balance.  Yes, we need to be on guard.  No, we should not make ourselves paranoid.  This is where divine help comes to our aid.  The Holy Spirit is our soul-guard.  Upon our request He watches out for us.  When the Spirit sees trouble He warns us by bringing it to our attention.  God knows our need to think about life, our children, our grandchildren, our jobs, our spouse, our communities.  We can live a heads-up life without fear that we will be picked off at first.  The first base coach failed to warn the Cardinal runner.  The Holy Spirit will never fail to warn us.  So relax and enjoy your Christian walk.

Written by Roger Bothwell on October 29, 2013

Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org

When I was in high school I asked my Bible teacher how we knew Scripture was inspired.  His answer was less than inspired.  He said, “Because it says so.”  Then he showed me 2 Timothy 3:16.  “All Scripture is God breathed (inspired) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, . . .”   His answer left me wanting to argue with him but I knew better.  He was a narrow man.   Self-testimony doesn’t prove anything.  I could tell you I was Batman but that wouldn’t make me Batman.  Paul, who wrote 2 Timothy, was not talking about his letters. He did not think he was writing Scripture anymore than David thought that when writing the Psalms.  Paul would especially argue with us about Philemon being Scripture.

Scripture becomes Scripture through the years because of its value and internal worth.  It is useful for teaching, rebuking and correcting.  It draws us closer to God and prepares us to be better people. Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.”  An interesting question arises.  What about people who use the Bible for vindictive, selfish purposes?  For them it ceases to be the Word of God.  They have perverted it into something evil.

Reading is a unique process.  When we read we bring all our life experiences to the page.  We filter the words through our wants, needs and education. Each of us reads something different even though we use the same pages.  This is why we very much need to pray for the Holy Spirit’s assistance when we read.  Without the Spirit’s guidance we read what we want to read.  With the Spirit’s tutelage we read what God wants us to know.  Without the Spirit it is ink on paper.  With the Spirit it becomes Scripture.

Written by Roger Bothwell on October 28, 2013

Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 9457

Rogerbothwell.org

 

On January 8th 1956 Jim Eliot along with four other young men were killed in Ecuador by the very people they were seeking to evangelize.  A memorable statement was found in his journal.  “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”  It is a variation of a line written in 1699 by Philip Henry, Matthew Henry’s father.  “He is no fool who parts with that which he cannot keep, when he is sure to be recompensed with that which he cannot lose.”

Through the years this thought pops into my head at the least provocation.  Today I got this month’s copy of Popular Mechanics and once again I thought of it as I read the cover article, “Survival Secrets – 20 Fatal Mistakes.”  It tells us how to cope with dangerous situations. But it neglected to tell us how to cope with the reality that we all will die somewhere, somehow.  So I will.  You and I are going to die.  Now comes the very big and huge HOWEVER.  However, when we accept Jesus we instantly crossover from death to life. John 5.  Jesus, the one who never lies, said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”  John 11

I do understand why Popular Mechanics did not mention this. But I would be remiss if I did not. Jesus – The Resurrection is the headliner of our lives.  As Jim Eliot said this is something we cannot lose. No one can snatch it from us. It is the gift that keeps on giving forever and ever and ever and ever.  Please don’t make the really fatal mistake of not accepting the gift.

Written by Roger Bothwell on September 11, 2013

Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org

It’s interesting to see what becomes of churches that are sold.  Some remain churches but others become almost anything.  A church we built in Calhoun, GA. became a bank. This afternoon I passed a church that now serves as a martial arts center. If we think of martial arts as being the skill to defeat others in physical combat, there is an irony involved.  If we think of martial arts as learning the ability to defend oneself there is an interesting correlation with the church’s original intent.  Peter tells us in his first epistle, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Let’s be honest. We are no match for Satan.  He has been around for the entire history of earth. He knows people and how to defeat us.  We need self-defense.

Actually self-defense really is a poor term to use because we can never learn enough to be a match for him. However, Psalm 91 is very reassuring. There is a defense for us.  “If you say, ‘The LORD is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.”

We can never forget Daniel’s response to the king after Daniel spent the night with some very hungry lions.  “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me.”  Awesome.

Written by Roger Bothwell on September 13, 2013

Spring of Life  Ministry, PO Box 124, St.Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org

Today I heard someone use the word “fetching” as in “She is very fetching.”  I think it has been years, perhaps decades, since I have heard that word.  Words are like clothes and haircuts.  They go out of fashion.  When I sit down to write I have different piles of words on my desk.  There is a pile of nouns and a pile of verbs.  Then there are piles of adverbs and piles of adjectives.  There is no end to the various ways they can be assembled into sentences. “Fetching” is in the adjective pile.   However, if we remove the “ing” the result is “fetch.”  Then it moves over to the verb pile.  “My dog is a retriever but does not know it.  She will not “fetch.”

Perhaps “fetching” has grown old because of the women’s movement. It sounds pejorative.  I am reminded of Samson saying to his father.  “The woman pleases me.  Get (fetch) her for me.”  It sounds so much better to say she is lovely, pretty or beautiful.

One thing for sure is God does not fetch us.  He could.  He is all powerful.  Instead He comes to us. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”  Talk about respect.  He will never force us to come nor will He force His way on us.  He is inviting.  He woos.  He loves us and longs for our company but He knows what love is.  Love cannot be forced or fetched.  Love draws.  Love creates desire.  If you have not read I Corinthians 13 recently, do so.  Delight yourself by reading it in a few different translations for different nuances.  God is not self-seeking.  All that He does He does for us.

Written by Roger Bothwell on October 25, 2013

Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574

Rogerbothwell.org