Blog - Mustard Seed Ministries

GOD GIVES GOOD GIFTS

Bob Sutter — Sat, 08 May 2021 13:53:37 +0000

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 NKJV

Early in life, my husband and I were quite poor. We had four small children, and we both worked hard, but we still struggled.

One day, an acquaintance said she had heard we needed a better dining table. Would we like a table? She had a table and chairs she could give away. I said, “Really? Thanks!”

A friend of ours drove his truck to pick it up and then stopped by our house. He looked funny as he helped bring the table into our kitchen. “They gave me this, too,” he said, embarrassed, putting a can of spray paint on the counter. We all stared at the table. It was black, metal, rusted, and ugly. I guess we were supposed to spray it to make it presentable. It was obvious the people unloaded it on us, instead of taking it to the dump.

I never forgot that incident, remembering how dismayed and hurt I felt with the bad, thoughtless gift.

Maybe that is why I can rejoice that God delights in always giving His children good gifts, according to James. Sometimes, God even surprises us! Our library was giving away free books, and I just happened to notice a Puritan devotional in perfect condition. This book is such a treasure that I figure I will read it every day for the rest of my life! On another day, God saved my life from two large, dangerous dogs who had charged at me unexpectedly; I was able to get to safety. A third gift from God was a ministry I never knew I would love so much—serving women in jail. And the wonderful list goes on.

God will never run out of good gifts.

“Dear Father of lights, thank You for Your good and perfect gifts. May we not forget to thank You. Amen.”

EVERY GOOD GIFT COMES FROM GOD

Bob Sutter — Sat, 08 May 2021 13:49:38 +0000

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 NKJV

Early in life, my husband and I were quite poor. We had four small children, and we both worked hard, but we still struggled.

One day, an acquaintance said she had heard we needed a better dining table. Would we like a table? She had a table and chairs she could give away. I said, “Really? Thanks!”

I never forgot that incident, remembering how dismayed and hurt I felt with the bad, thoughtless gift.

God will never run out of good gifts.

“Dear Father of lights, thank You for Your good and perfect gifts. May we not forget to thank You. Amen.”

(dedicated to the life of Luis Palau, Nov. 1934 - March 2021)

Bob Sutter — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 13:28:29 +0000

Well done, good and faithful servant,
your legacy will live on...
May harvest come from the seeds
you planted for the Kingdom.

Heaven welcomed you home
with wide and open arms,
the streets of gold so much brighter
than all our worldly charms.

You preached, you taught,
you boldly spoke the Word
and now you live with Him,
great is your reward!

We're grateful for your life
and the example that you set,
and we will see you again,
it's true, but...just not yet.

by
Cindy J. Evans

HIS HELIOTROPE

Bob Sutter — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 20:44:51 +0000

"Heliotrope plants grow in one-sided clusters that follow the sun..." (from Better Homes & Gardens)

Lord, let me be a heliotrope,
following the Son.
Lord, let me grow in you,
until my time has come.

Like the plant following the light,
let me follow You and burn bright.
Plant me in your Word
and may I always move Sonward.

"The heliotrope tends to follow the sun—that is, turn its blossoms toward the sun." (Merriam Webster)

by
Cindy Evans
Duluth, GA

GUIDING LIGHT

Bob Sutter — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 14:50:58 +0000

Message: Read 2 Corinthians 4:3-8 TLB

Jesus replied, "There are twelve hours of daylight every day, and during every hour of it a man can walk safely and not stumble. Only at night is there danger of a wrong step because of the darkness. John 11:9 & 10

My great-uncle wrote a book about his life experiences growing up on the midwest prairie. His father had come to America, lost his wife and infant son in Chicago, continued by covered wagon to Nebraska with the remaining children and built a dug-out on the side of a hill for them to live in.

Everyone had to work. So as a teenager he worked long days for another farmer and had to start home late in the day on Fridays to have a weekend with his family. There were no roads or fences. His only sense of direction came from the sun. As a consequence, he would lie down on the prairie and sleep until the sun came up.

By the same token, the "glorious light of the Gospel" is what keeps us on the right path lest we go astray.

Prayer: Lord, let your light so shine on us that we do not stumble in our walk with you. Amen.

Madeline Peterson

MESSAGE IN THE SPRAY

Bob Sutter — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 14:31:02 +0000

I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. Genesis 9:13 NLT

The orange-red sun was melting into the water as the easterly wind increased over the Gulf of Mexico. I was nervous about sailing overnight from the sheltered islands of the Dry Tortugas to mainland Florida. The forecast of squalls worsened a long moonless night at sea.

Our family Christmas cruise to this island paradise of white beaches fringed with swaying palms was coming to an end. New to deepwater sailing, I dreaded the night sail through eerie darkness.

Leaving Loggerhead Key lighthouse astern, we set sails in a stiffening breeze and building seas, salty spray flying as the bow knifed through each wave. My anxiety grew as I steadied myself in the galley to heat up the traditional beef stew for a sunset supper.

The Lord’s encouraging words suddenly sang out: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43”2) NIV.

Climbing up to the cockpit with steaming bowls of stew, I looked forward and lifted a prayer of thanks. The fiery sun was sliding into the watery horizon. As the boat’s bow knifed through cresting waves, the spray refracted the sunlight, sending up beautiful rainbows. Walking up on deck, I let each small rainbow renew my courage and give comfort for the night’s sail.

I remembered God’s promise to Noah after the great flood—setting His rainbow in the clouds as a covenant between them (Genesis 9:13). My uneasiness vanished as I felt God’s company with us.

That long-ago cruise taught me to look for God’s messages in troubled waters and thank Him for his presence in the moment. He always reassures me of his watchfulness.

God of our troubled waters,

Open our spiritual eyes to Your messages of safekeeping in unsettled seasons, unique ways you remind us of Your watchful companionship. You are with us in our tempestuous seas and dark nights. Exchange our worries for worship, burdens for blessings, and anxieties for awe. Amen!

Sara Lewis (MD)

THE GODLY CHURCH

Bob Sutter — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 23:52:33 +0000

Dear Margaret,

Yes, you understand the American society. The United States is a divided country. The left is a bully and they want to be united but it is around their principles that they want to be united. They would have us believe that lying, if it promotes their cause, it is OK. But this world is a loss world and the majority of people are sinners that are not saved by grace. But the United States has been through a number of these moments in history and has got through them. The people of the United States are looking for God. This pandemic has disrupted their lives and they are looking for something different.

THE GODLY CHURCH
A church, that God is a part of, tells the truth about human nature that without the Spirit of God – human nature is sinful and lost. Also, it talks about a God who loves with a Divine love [not a human love that is somewhat fickle]. Jesus, with the Fathers approval, sacrificed His life to ransomed us from eternal death. I am not sure that we truly understand what Jesus has done for us. Forever joy in paradise!

A Godly church promotes repentance [a sincere act of confessing and being very sorry for one’s past sinfulness]. God’s love is in the repentance – it is the only road to paradise – all other roads lead to suffering. One cannot do God’s will on their own will-power but it takes the Holy Spirit that lives within them, to provides the strength that and motivation for salvation. It is the power of the Holy Spirit within that makes one a Child of God. There is no other way for salvation to work.

A church that preaches from the Word of God [the Bible] is imperative. The Holy Bible is the only true book that tells what God’s will is and leads us to Heaven. It has the requirements that we need to trust and obey.

We cannot do things of God perfectly, but we must try, by the Spirit within us, to trust and obey God to find the path to Heaven. God is our security if we walk with Him and He has a plan in this life for each of us. If we love and trust God, He will guide our life by a plan that is the best for us. We place our confidence in Him and Him only to have the stability that He gives to us.

God is not a respecter of persons, but He loves us dearly if we trust in Him. Therefore, all humans are in the same boat no one is better than anyone else no matter what his position is in Christ. But God has certain people in authority, who are to be respected [if they promote Godly wisdom].

God has path for us to follow and it is the best path through this life and if we trust and obey Him, He will lead us away from dire consequences. He will lead us into tests that change us to make us more Godly because He loves us. These tests are painful but show His loving hand in trying to make us better Christians. These tests help us to grow and earn the respect of those around us. This is God’s way of making us more like His Son Jesus and more fitting for Christian life on this earth and beyond.

As we grow in Christ, we have a clearer image of what it takes to trust in God. It is the only path that gives us the power to resist sin. If we sin, and have the spirit of sincere repentance, God will forgive us and take us back into His arms of love. We have all sinned.

As we listen to what God says, He will lead us on the path to paradise. Some people will say that they do not hear God talking, but we must listen and allow God to speak. As we ask Him to speak He also speaks to us through His Word and our experiences. As we experience God in prayer, something we do daily, we learn to hear Him and obey.

There are consequences if we do not follow God’s direction. Even if God forgives us there can still be consequences that we will have to live with. Therefore, we must be cautious in what we do and have God’s permission. If we follow God’s way there is our love for God and His Devine [perfect] love for us.

Blessings,
Bob Sutter
Mustard Seed Ministries, Inc.

Purpose In Suffering

Bob Sutter — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 17:35:20 +0000

""Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." I Peter 4:19 NKJV

God doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we want. But He always has purpose in what He does.

One member of our church--I'll call her Sharon--has attended church services regularly for years, despite unimaginable trials. Sharon survived birth, but her twin died. She grew up with one functioning eye; an artificial one was added to the other socket.

As a child, she endured sexual abuse.

Sharon's grown daughter survived a refinery explosion at her job, but died from burns soon after.

Sharon is prone to cancer in the mouth. Consequently, she has had repeated surgeries to eliminate the disease. That means most of her tongue, teeth, and part of her jaw have been removed. It is hard to understand her speech as she tries to enunciate.

One day her entire face was surgically lifted up to eliminate more cancer. After receiving many stitches under the jawline, she discovered she would never be able to lift her head very high to look people in the eyes. This complicated operation was repeated for a second time.

Lately, Sharon has lost her ability to swallow and cannot eat food or drink liquids. A tube has been inserted for sustenance.
She bought a wheelchair to get around.

But she continues to be a functioning part of our church. She has been a co-teacher for Sunday School and writes out birthday cards for all members.
Sharon says she gets discouraged at times. "God does not always answer my prayers. Pray for me."

I have determined that Sharon is a powerful testimony to me about faithfulness. Just watching her slowly enter the sanctuary every week and sit in her spot encourages me to be faithful.

Our trials may not always be about us; they may be for a witness to someone else.

"Lord God, thank You for the many shining examples of patient, suffering saints You have given us in the Word and who surround us daily. Amen."

Linda Jinkens (WA)

God's Sin Lists

Bob Sutter — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 17:32:32 +0000

Title: God's Sin Lists

"All Have Sinned and Fallen Short of the glory of God" Romans 6:23

As I read the news I have heard many definitions of what is sinful stated by politicians and talking heads. This drove me to God's Word to find God's opinion as to what He feels is sinful.

Perhaps the simplest definition of sinful behavior is falling short of the glory of God.

Further study in my exhaustive Concordance Bible helped my confusion and I found there are two sets of ten in the Bible that clearly tell mankind what God calls sinful.

In the Old Testament the Ten Commandments specifically lists ten things that are sinful. Deuteronomy 5:6-17 and Exodus 20:2-17 are Almighty God's instruction to His chosen people.

Interestingly, in the New Testament The Holy Spirit by inspiration explains there are also Ten Unrepentant Lifestyles that make it impossible for a person to enter the Kingdom of God: Fornicators; Idolaters; Adulterers; Effeminates; Homosexuals; Thieves; Covetous; Drunkards; Revilers; Swindlers. I Corinthians 6:9.

Everyone sins, Romans 6:23 tells us, but confession of our sins and repentance from those sins is necessary, I John 1:9, as ongoing sinful lifestyles cannot enter into God's holy place.

What a blessing to know that although we are sinners, we can be saved from our sins by confession, repentance and opening our heart door to Jesus as He knocks to gain admittance, Revelation 3:20:

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me."

"Thank You Father for telling us what You consider to be sin and loving the world enough to send Your only begotten Son to die for our sins and to rise again in victory over death. In His name, Amen,"

Dr. Bob, AZ

While Still Connected

Bob Sutter — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 13:04:41 +0000

“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24 NKJV)

Years ago when I worked at a large church my desk was next to that of a lady whose husband was one of the ministers. Once when she made a call I couldn’t help but overhear how she was leaving a detailed voice mail message for her husband. I wondered why she didn’t just go into his office, but since he was out I reasoned that he might need to have this information when he called in to check his messages.

However, just then I saw her husband come in the front door and step up to her desk as she continued to speak into her phone. After a moment she realized he was there and looked up.

“Oh, hello! I was just leaving you a message,” she told him then she turned back to the phone, “Goodbye!” She said into the receiver and hung up.

It was amusing – she was leaving a message for someone who was already present!
Which is what occurs when I pray then forget God’s ongoing presence and I think I have to fill him in on all the details of my difficulties. But of course not only is God quite familiar with my problem but he has already determined a solution. Like our Scripture says, he hears and provides his ready answers. And all for my benefit and his glory.

Father, help me remember your incomparable constant presence. Amen.

Anne (TX)

The Listening Ear

Bob Sutter — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 13:41:30 +0000

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

Back when fax machines were standard office equipment our version was placed across from my desk and often its beeps and whirrs interrupted my concentration. Then occasionally I’d hear the machine ring and then a voice saying “Hello? Hello?” as the machine beeped, waiting for the signal from another fax machine. Then when the caller realized it was a wrong number they’d hang up.

Then one time it was different when it was a telemarketing robo call and I heard this::

“Hello, my name is Lisa…” said the voice, and the fax machine responded “Beep! Beep!” .

Lisa continued: “…I’m calling from the XYZ insurance company…” as the machine responded: “ “Beep! Beep! Beep!”

Lisa went on:” We can save you money on your coverage…”.

“Beep! Beep!”

So you had one machine was trying to communicate with another.

Such devises certainly make it easy to communicate but unless there’s a real listening ear to hear and respond then all we have is noise. However, that’s not a problem as we communicate with God – we have God’s silent listening ear.

Our problems can certainly cause us to worry, but as Paul advised us, we can pray and wait for God’s answers, encouragement and hope. Also, since it’s a direct connection with no intermediary such as a machine we know that God hears and responds in love – and we’ll never encounter voice mail.

Father, help me learn to trust you your sure response. Amen.

Anne (TX)

The three's of The Bible

Bob Sutter — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 12:56:38 +0000

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind." Matthew 22:38
Someone recently said that three is a Divine number.

I was so curious about why some declare that God often reveals His will through series of three's that I studied this subject with the help of my study Bible and I was amazed at what I found.

The First and Greatest Commandment Is a Three which is found in Matthew 22:38 and gives three ways we are to love our Lord- with our heart's, soul's and mind's. Also, God is three parted. Our Father, His Son and His Spirit is His identity as the Triune Almighty God, Matthew 28:19-20 reveals by saying He is One "name" and three persons.

Further, a human is three-parted. I Thessalonians 5:23 that each human is "spirit, soul and body". Many feel that being "made in the image of God" ,Genesis 1:27, refers to this three-parted reality.

Other threes given by the Spirit of God are: What a child of God is given at the new birth, Power, Love and a Sound Mind (I Timothy 1:7); How we are to live- Always: Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks (I Thessalonians 5:16-18; Only Three Types of people are on earth: Carnal, (Fleshly); Spiritual (Spirit controlled); Natural (unsaved); The Gospel of Salvation, I Corinthians 15:1-4, His Death, Burial and Resurrection is three-parted and no more.

There are other Three's in God's revelation key about life and understanding that reveal God's opinion that are worth our time to find in God's manual for life, The Bible.

I came away from my studies convinced that Almighty God, through inspiration, often reveals His mind through the divine number- Three.

"Help us Father God to diligently study the words of the Word and find and hold fast to the Three's You have taught Your children by means of because of Your love. In Your Son's name Amen."

Dr. Bob, AZ

Grief and Hope

Bob Sutter — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 17:23:58 +0000

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. I Thessalonians 4:13 NASB

According to a 2005 Taiwanese newspaper, before she goes to work Lun Chun-lin checks her appearance, then sets off with five other women for another day of crying her heart out for someone else’s dead relatives. For as employees of the Filial Daughters’ Band they are what might be called professional entertainers who are hired by grieving families to come to a funeral to wail, scream, and thus create the proper anguished atmosphere of sorrow.

We’re usually uneasy at such dramatic grief but it is common in some modern cultures as well as in the ancient world. For example, we see it in the Bible, where Jesus went to Jairus’ home to treat his sick daughter. Mark tells us: “When they came to the home…Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly.” (Mark 5:38 NIV). In fact the Lord had to clear out the “commotion” so he could concentrate on his task.

We all experience grief in our own ways but no matter how it’s expressed it’s never easy since it’s usually because we’ve lost a loved one. Moreover as we endure the sorrow we crave reassurance – and especially hope.

Which God provides us, which indeed does supply the comfort we seek.

Father, help us to replace grief with hope. Amen.

Anne (TX)

The Family of God

Bob Sutter — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 12:54:48 +0000

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19 KJV)

There was a steady rain, as there had been all night, causing puddles to form on the right shoulder of the road, extending onto the roadway in spots. It is a five lane road with a turn lane in the center and I was driving in the left southbound lane to keep from hydroplaning where water was standing. It was the morning rush hour with most of the vehicles belonging to working folk like myself.

Out of nowhere came a small gray SUV that crossed from a strip shopping center on the right. I had no time to do anything but make a split-second decision when it became apparent he was heading straight for the right side of my car where my son was sitting. I did the only thing I could, my reflexes responded by veering into the turn lane, making sure I didn’t cross the line into oncoming traffic. Both the SUV and I screeched to a stop, just inches from one another. Either he hadn’t seen me or he had miscalculated how close I was to him.

The simple “Thank you God” I offered up piecemeal over time as the blessings which went into making a successful outcome occurred to me is what I should have done. But my awkward words seem woefully inadequate. I should have thanked him for enabling both drivers to have good reflexes and good brakes, for creating an open space for me to come to a stop in just at the moment I needed it, for both of us having the presence of mind not to panic and make things worse, for seatbelts---- the list goes on. My muddled mind didn’t address all of these as it should. But the one thing I am sure I thanked God for explicitly was the safety of my son.

All I know is that I have never loved my son more than I did in that moment, when I glanced over and saw him shaken, but unharmed. I don’t care to be in such close proximity to a personal tragedy like that again, but I do see how God uses these incidents to refocus us on the basics: what it is to love someone more than self and of how our fate is totally in God’s hands. (Think of the mess we make of it when we try.) He deserves all the credit, even for the love he has planted in our hearts for those we have been given the responsibility of caring for. To God be the glory.

The love we feel for our children we may think knows no bounds, but how much greater is the love of God for his earthly family as made manifest in the death of his son. Events like my near miss serve as a reminder of God’s and his son Jesus Christ’s unsurpassed love for us. Shouldn’t this love be reciprocated, as much as is within our power? It is the least we can do for being able to enjoy the privilege of identifying ourselves as being part of the family of God.

Blessed Father and Son, We strive to offer our unreserved love to you as our maker, our sustainer and our Savior. Amen

Carol (NC)

Inner Peace

Bob Sutter — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 12:18:36 +0000

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)

It all started when I got to work in the morning and realized my handbag was too light. A quick check confirmed my worst fear---my wallet was missing. As the hub of all my personal business, it has become indispensable. Retracing my steps to the night before when I knew I had it paying a bill at home, I took some consolation in knowing it was probably there. So I was able to convince myself that the problem could wait since I was only working a half day. But when I returned home hours later, buoyed by a cloud of self confidence, I was quickly brought crashing to earth. My wallet was nowhere to be found.

What followed was a full thirty minutes of all-out panic. All the feelings I had managed to tamp down over the course of the day, convincing myself there was a simple explanation and solution to my problem suddenly spewed over, like a flow of molten lava. I thought I could just unlock the front door to be greeted by my wallet lying on the floor close to my favorite chair or beside my keyboard on my desk. a sort of reward for my self-control. Instead, a torrent of thoughts raced through my mind displacing all the restraint I had been so proud of. In a matter of minutes I had transitioned from being in a state of calm self-assurance to being in the midst of a full-blown internal meltdown.

Prone to imagine the worst possible outcome in a crisis, my mind quickly sorted through the steps that would have to be taken next. I would need to call the sheriff’s department to report the theft and undergo an uncomfortable interview, arrange to have my sister pick up my son at work, call the bank and card companies to put a freeze on my accounts. My driver’s license would have to be replaced as well as my health and car insurance cards. So many details to attend to and none of the presence of mind they required.

Now I had muttered a prayer early on, but in the back of my mind lurked the self-congratulatory feeling that I had the situation under control. Hadn’t I proven time and again that something I believed was lost forever was just temporarily misplaced? Some of them were quite comical but there was certainly nothing funny about the possibility of an intruder entering my house or the identity theft that might ensue.

Finally, from the center of the whirlwind of negative thoughts emerged a heartfelt cry for God’s help. It was too slow in happening, but I realized only the God who could calm the tempest with the simple words, “Peace, be still,” could calm the turmoil in my mind. He answered by directing me back in the living room, where I glanced down at my junk bag and saw the corner of my wallet sticking out. It had been in plain view all the time if I had only been more receptive to God’s guidance. With what amounted to a simple gesture on his part my sense of inner peace was restored, just as easy as that.

The internal problems I had experienced had the potential of being far more detrimental than the simple loss of a wallet. Personal possessions can be restored through our own efforts, but it takes the intervention of our Maker to restore the peace that makes life bearable.

The issue with self-reliance is that resting in our own abilities has its limits, is transitory, while resting in God’s peace is limitless and everlasting. Why settle for something that is just a cheap imitation when we can have the real thing?

Blessed Father and Son, Lead us in the way to the peace that passes understanding, your way. Amen.

Carol (NC)

Show - Don't Tell

Bob Sutter — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:21:32 +0000

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. 5:8 - NIV

A young woman enjoyed reading romance novels so she decided to write one and as she developed her plot and characters she also emphasized the hero’s and heroine’s love for each other. Then when she finished the book, she sent it to a publisher where it reached a senior editor who after reading it and finding it promising, called the author to discuss revisions.

“Your book has potential,” he told her, “but a major problem is how your main characters declare their love for each other but don’t follow through. For example, in one place the hero tells her he loves the girl but then he’s unfaithful to her and also doesn’t support her

Unlike God and his love for us.

God’s declarations of his love for us are plentiful in Scripture and it’s certainly a comforting concept but do we think of it as an inspiring force in our lives or is it a vague, indistinct concept? And also, can we rely on it in a tumultuous and uncertain world?

We know we can. For God’s love for us is based not only on his eternal character but also because he demonstrated it providing salvation for us through the death of Christ. He doesn’t just say he loves us his actions prove it.

Dear Father, help us remember that your words of reassuring love are as sure as the provision of Christ’s death for us. Amen.

Anne, TX

Job - Pain ad Patience

Bob Sutter — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 12:29:09 +0000

"To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty." Job 6:14 NKJV

My wife was angry yesterday at God because a dear friend "Just can't get a break".

She was overwhelmed by yet another medical problem, after a lifetime of medical issues, our dear friend had as a reaction to some medication.

When I first saw a picture of the affected foot, I thought it was going to have to be cut off as it looked like a dark dead thing. My wife showed her concern in a brief anger attack and then began praying for healing after asking forgiveness because she really did believe our Father knows best. And her prayer was answered with life coming back into the foot.

I was proud of my wife that she had an honest tender hearted reaction instead of feeling our friend must not be righteous enough or she would not have been afflicted. Our friend had not forsaken the fear of the Lord and was a trusting hand-maiden of the Lord, yet she was afflicted again.

The Bible has a lot to say about pain and sufferings and one of the key lessons the Spirit of God teaches in Job is that the Lord God is Sovereign and nothing happens without Him either causing or permitting it. Job learned this lesson well.

The New Testament agrees with Job as it says: "Tribulation brings about patience" Romans 5:3; "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God" Romans 8:28; "I will never leave or forsake you." Hebrews 13;5.

"Dear Father God help us to hold on to You and Your promises during these times of fear, doubt. loneliness and pain. In Your Son's name, Amen."

Dr. Bob, AZ

Gloom Into Glory

Bob Sutter — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 12:35:48 +0000

“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature and upholds all things by the word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:3a NASB)

The Maundy Thursday service at our church was ending and as the congregation departed silently, so did we in the choir. For the church was going into mourning - the next day was Good Friday – the traditional day of the Savior’s death.

After hanging up our robes in the side room as we left I noticed across the hall was a closed door that bore a placard. It read: “Please do not enter. Lilies are blooming for Easter.”

And on Sunday morning they had - lining the altar rail their white bell blossoms flaring open! Then I realized - that the lilies were shut up in that dark room so that their closed blossoms could gradually come open. The symbolism was evident - the darkened room spoke of death, yet the unseen lilies were preparing to flare open at the right time and place.

Just as with the first Easter! Jesus’ disciples brooded in melancholy and fear as behind the scenes, God worked out his plans for the blessed brightness of the resurrection. Then at the right time the effulgence of “the radiance of His glory” would shine forth for all to see. After all, without the darkness of death there would be not be the resurrection’s light.

There had to be gloom before there could be glory.

Father, help us remember that behind and beyond the gloomy times your glory is always ready to shine forth at the right time. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Anne Adams, Texas

Facing Fears with Prayer

Bob Sutter — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 12:10:49 +0000

iI sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. -Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

Something did not feel right. The doctor ordered tests revealing a cyst on the inside of one of my organs. It was small enough so as not to ensue panic but was large enough to require surgery. The surgery, though common, would bring about its own challenges leaving me wondering about the outcome. Scenarios raced through my head focusing more on the “what if’s” rather than a successful healing process. So, I prayed, my family prayed, my friends prayed, and I prayed some more.

I was scheduled for another test in preparation for the surgery. The technician and I spoke about the growth, but she didn’t understand. I explained to her the situation and why I was having the exam in the first place and she just looked at me, puzzled. She studied the graphic of the exam and gave her conclusion. There is clearly no cyst to speak of never mind surgically remove!

Sometimes God chooses to miraculously heal and other times he does not but regardless He walks with us through the storms. Many of the worries, fears, and “what if’s,” often represent various situations that currently don’t and may never exist. My focus on the negative prevented me from obtaining the peace God was already trying to instill in me. There is nothing that surprises God. He is in control and is already preceding with His all-knowing plan. We can tell Him our fears and He will comfort us. Often, because of the storms we are facing we can comfort others facing similar storms. We don’t need to understand the why of our circumstances, we can just trust God knowing He does.

Prayer: God, I give up all control to You and I thank You for comforting me in my storms. In Jesus name, Amen.

Ashley, Tennessee

Going Fishing

Bob Sutter — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 13:59:50 +0000

And He said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matt. 4:19 RSV

My father was not normally a patient man. But when he was fishing, he could sit for hours patiently waiting for the bobber to wiggle. He never, like Peter and Andrew had the thrill of bringing in a net full of fish. His was simply a matter of sitting on a river bank hoping to get a nibble on his fishing hook. Sometimes he would bring home a tasty meal; other times nothing. But that didn't stop him from going fishing again.

Christ calls us to follow Him him and He will make us fishers of men. Notice that He does not command us to "catch men." He calls us to "fish for men." So, like my father, we can relax and enjoy the fishing.

Prayer: Lord, help us to heed your calling to "go fishing for men." Amen.

Madeline, Nebraska