Author: StephanieBBlake

I love to help others focus on the one thing that's most important in life through my ministry, teaching and writing. As Vice President of Xtend Ministries International - www.xtendinternational.com, I travel extensively with my husband. I maintain two websites: www.onefocusministries.com and stretchmoney.wordpress.com. On the One Focus site, you can find free Bible studies, devotionals and information about my first book, "The Prayer Driven Life". My book, "Money: How to Be Rich Without It and How to Stretch It Using Ten Hints from the Past and the Technology of Today" was the inspiration for stretchmoney.wordpress.com. Money saving hints are contained throughout the book and this site was created to continue to give helpful hints on stretching money or having the proper view toward money.
Word Focus

Your Treasure Temporal and Eternal Part 2

by  • 

 Betrayed by Greed

For thirty pieces of silver, Judas betrayed Jesus. He had already revealed his love for money. “‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (John 12:5-6). Judas had an advantage few people had. He walked with God in the flesh. He observed the Son of God as He performed miracles and loved the unlovable. All the while, Judas did not get it. Even the observance of all that Jesus was and did was not enough to rid Judas of his own love for money.

Just as he was preparing to betray Jesus, Satan entered into him. Satan can only go where he finds a willing vessel. The entrance into the life of Judas was through his greed. When he finally realized what he had done, he tried to return the blood money to the chief priests and elders. They refused it. Judas threw what he thought he wanted (the coins) on the ground and realized it was too late for him. He killed himself. The treasure he so desired bought a burial place for strangers. The name of Judas is now synonymous with greed and betrayal.

Beginning of the Christian Church

After Jesus’ resurrection, the church learned an important lesson about possessions. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, believers were so united they stayed together for the teaching of the apostles, for meals, and for worship. As their hearts were changed by the transforming power of the Spirit of the resurrected Lord, they sold their possessions and shared with one another. This was a time like never before nor has there been a time exactly like this since. Others were observing their unity, listening to their testimony. Thousands were being saved. Men who had walked and talked with Jesus in the flesh could share His teachings from memory. They had been with Him. Their love for Jesus overshadowed everything else – even their possessions.

The Church Tested by Greed

A husband and wife, Ananias and Sapphira, wanted to be a part of this remarkable experience, but their hearts were not right. They also sold a possession and brought the proceeds to the apostles for distribution. Unlike the other followers, though, they decided to keep back a portion for themselves, pretending to contribute the entire proceeds to the cause. The Holy Spirit revealed their deception to Peter who immediately confronted them with their lie. Ananias and Sapphira died on the spot. Peter made it clear that the sin was the lie – not the keeping of a portion of the proceeds. “While it remained was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:4). The lie was the sin, but the sin originated in their love of their possessions. Like Judas, that was their downfall.

Paul: A Man Rich in Faith

Saul was a man with many advantages in his life. Not only did he have financial resources and the best education available, he was accepted both in Roman and Jewish circles. Saul’s dedication to his faith caused him to lead an effort to eliminate followers of Christ. However, when he finally met Jesus and recognized Him as God, his life was forever transformed. Upon accepting Jesus’ offer of salvation and His call on his life, he had a new name, a new life and a new goal. Paul, the apostle, made an about face and never looked back. Everything was new – even his attitude about his standing in society and his possessions. Paul gave up the advantages of status and worldly riches when he became a disciple of Christ. What he gained was greater than what he lost.  Read Philippians 3:7-8.

Paul’s heart and mind, given to God, enabled him to be content no matter what his circumstances. See Philippians 4:12-13. Paul, the great apostle, made a tremendous impact upon the world. Christians through the ages have grown as disciples because of his example. His life (as recorded in Acts) and his letters (that comprise much of the New Testament) have become guidelines for Christian living. Incredibly, he was able to honestly encourage others to imitate him just as he also imitated Christ. Who among us could make such a statement?

Unlike Judas, Ananias and Sapphira, Paul made his choice for eternal riches. To him, the choice was clear. God deserves love and loyalty.

Poverty and Riches

Poverty is a harsh reality. It does not discriminate. It touches old and young, male and female and people of every nationality. God’s word never says, nor even insinuates, that people are poor because of a lack of faith. In fact, some such as the widow who gave her all (Luke 21:2-3) are strongly commended. The poor are never degraded as a lesser part of society. Jesus said the poor would always be with us. The Bible gives many guidelines about helping the poor.

In times of economic downturn, many who used to help those in poverty find themselves in dire circumstances and in need of help themselves. Periods like the Great Depression and the Great Recession are times for a severe reality check. The health and wealth philosophy so prominent in churches and media has missed a vital point. Monetary riches are not guaranteed to anyone. God does provide for HIs own. Sometimes the provision is the ability to watch Him work in hard times. Sometimes He wants us to be the means of provision for someone else.

Having riches is not proof that God has blessed you. Read the following passages and list some of the ways God blesses His own.

  • Psalms 2:12b
  • Psalms 28:6
  • Matthew 6:24

God does not forbid riches. He created all things for us to enjoy. Some biblical men of faith, such as Abraham, Hezekiah, Job, David, and Joseph of Arimathea had great riches. Some blessed by God with riches have been given the spiritual gift of generosity serving Him through their stewardship of what He has given them.

One biblical character’s attitude toward money was radically transformed when he met Jesus. Having obtained his wealth as a tax collector, Zaccheus’ encounter with Jesus made him pledge to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated by returning four times the amount. What Zaccheus decided to do with his money was proof that his conversion was real.  Read Jesus’ commendation of him in Luke 19:9.

Other great people of faith, such as John the Baptist, many of the Lord’s disciples and the widow who gave her mite did not have the benefit of great material resources. Jesus, rather than condemning the poor or accusing them of little faith, joined them.

 Stewardship

“How we handle money is an outside indicator of an inside spiritual condition.” – Larry Burkett

In the parable of the talents, Jesus said that the man who buried his talent was unfaithful. He was immobilized because of his inappropriate fear of the master who gave him the talent to invest. He should at least have gained interest on the money that his master had entrusted to him. That is a principle of spiritual stewardship. God does own everything. He does entrust some of what He owns to us for a time. Recognizing that fact gives one the ability to release material goods when they disappear. It also helps put our thinking in the right place – on the things that really count. God is looking for a return on His investment.

That principle of spiritual stewardship is more far reaching than money. When God talks about sowing and reaping, He makes the application to every aspect of our lives: spiritual, physical, mental as well as financial. He judges us on how we use what resources we have to honor Him.  Read and discuss Luke 6:10-11 and Psalm 49:6-7.

Looking for your best investment opportunity? Invest your life in seeking God’s face and His glory. This is the only investment you can be sure of. When you share the good news of the gospel with others, you reap eternal rewards. The richest gift anyone has ever received came directly from God in His Son Jesus.

The gift of salvation through Jesus, resulting in an eternal relationship with God, is of more value than anything the world has to offer. Jesus’ parables of the Kingdom – especially the parable of the treasure in the field and the parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44—46) – emphasis the value of this relationship. No treasure on earth can be compared to being part of the family of God.

© Stephanie B. Blake

* This Bible study is excerpted a chapter of “Money: How to Be Rich Without It and How to Stretch It Using Ten Hints from the Past and the Technology of Today”

Download Your Treasure Temporal and Eternal Part Two

One Focus Blog

All About Family

by  • 

We are all family oriented. If our childhood family experiences were positive, most of us adapted to adulthood without major psychological or emotional issues. If childhood experiences were negative, many of us feel we missed out on what we should have had.

Everyone wants to be part of a caring, nurturing family.

When we have a family of our own, we make a choice. We can duplicate what was modeled before us as children, good or bad, or we can use those examples as a springboard and modify our own behavior to become the spouse and parents we think we should be.

536288_3527359177672_1082966648_32568177_47333262_nFamily members have an incredible amount of influence on our lives. Even now as a grandmother, comments my father, mother or sister said when I was younger keep ringing in my ears. It is my responsibility to sort through them. Some of those comments were good advice. Some were not.

God is all about family. He created the first family and gives guidelines in His word about how to relate to and show love to family members. He identifies Himself as our heavenly Father and Jesus calls Himself our brother. All followers of Christ are part of His family.

So, my family members include those with a common DNA as well as those who share in my trust in Jesus Christ as Savior.
Rick,+Stephanie,+Ryan,+Cody
For several years, I have been a penpal with someone in another nation. We have exchanged emails, letters, gifts and pictures, but we have never met face to face. I know I will someday meet her because we belong (as she put it) to an international family. If we do not meet this side of Heaven, we will meet there.

My family also spans the ages. Every child of God is part of my family. One day, I will have the opportunity to speak with Abraham, Moses, Elijah and David. I am looking forward to visiting with Mary, the mother of Jesus. I want to meet Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Andrew Murray, C.S. Lewis, Betsy and Corrie ten Boom and A.W. Tozer. I know I will have the chance because they are all my brothers and sisters.

God really is all about family – earthly and eternal.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13). Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God! (1 John 3:1).

Reflective Focus

God’s Heavenly Kingdom: A Person, A Place and A Promise

by  • 

 

The kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of God are often used interchangeably in the gospels. In reading these synoptic gospels, the question can reasonably be asked: Does Jesus mean Heaven when He mentions the Kingdom of God? I believe the answer is yes.

Matthew wrote primarily for Jewish readers and Mark and Luke wrote predominately for Gentiles. For instance, Matthew’s gospel states that Jesus says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 6:17) and Mark states that Jesus began preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:19).

Attempting to abide by the Ten Commandments, Jews tried to minimize the possibility that they might unwittingly take the name of the Lord in vain (Exodus 20:7) by using other words for God. Heaven was a favorite substitute. Matthew, writing for Jewish readers, speaks of the kingdom of heaven in the same way that Mark and Luke speaks of the kingdom of God.

It helps me to think of all these references as God’s heavenly kingdom. He owns everything. “Heaven is My throne and earth is My footstool” (Isaiah 66:1).

Jesus said that His is a Heavenly Kingdom. “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).

A Person

My husband Richard once preached a sermon on Luke 23:39:43, Today you shall be with Me in Paradise. He mentioned that the word paradisos is used here and two other times in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 12:4 and Rev. 2:7), each time clearly referring to Heaven.

He said,

“With all its splendors, the object of the believer’s desire is not so much a place, but a Person: the Prince of Heaven, the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. We desire Heaven not merely for its splendor, not so much for freedom from sorrow and pain, nor even for the joy of being reunited with loved ones. That which is our hope and joy is Jesus. He is the glory of Heaven: He is all our desire; “Whom have I in heaven but Thee” (Ps. 73:25)? Heaven would not be complete without Jesus.”

In his book Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, E. W. Bullinger says that when Psalm 73:9 states They set their mouth against the heavens, the meaning is “against God, Who dwells there.The rest of the verse confirms this —‘Their tongue (Met. for words) walketh through the earth.’ Here “earth” is put for the people who dwell upon it; and so “heaven” is put for Him who dwells there. “Heaven” is frequently put for “God,” who dwells there. We say” Heaven forbid,” “Heaven protect us,” etc. So the lost son says, “I have sinned against heaven.” He means, against God!”

A Place

Although the Greek word translated “kingdom” refers primarily to sovereignty and dominion and not necessarily a geographical location, God declares that the kingdom of Heaven is His dwelling place in Deuteronomy 26:15, 1 Kings 8:30, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Isaiah 66:1, Matthew 6:9.
For those who trust in Christ, the kingdom of Heaven is a reality, both as a dominion and a place.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. . . Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3, 10). But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).

A Promise

The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15 NIV)

Jesus did say that His kingdom was not of this world, but for our sakes and through His sacrifice, He won the battle for the earthly kingdom which He always rightly owned but allowed Satan to rule for a while. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and authority and power (1 Corinthians 15:24).  When Satan is ousted permanently from this world, the promise is that he will be gone forever. Christ will reign forever.

The Church, the Bride of Christ, will also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12). With an eternal perspective, the challenges of life take on new meaning. We are in the world, but not of it. We don’t belong to the world. We belong to Jesus (John 15:19).

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20).

© Stephanie B. Blake

March 2014

Download God’s Heavenly Kingdom

One Focus Blog

The Benefits of Cover

by  • 

PrayerDrivenLife_3D_001

I think a lot about the English word “cover” – especially in winter. Possibly because I am so cold natured, I am always looking for a cover – a blanket, coat, sweater, or jacket – just about anything to keep the warmth close to my body. When it is cold enough, I even want to cover my head with a hat, my neck with a scarf and my hands with gloves.

I am a writer and a reader and pay attention to book covers.The cover protects the pages of a printed book from damage and covers – even e-book covers – should give a good clue as to what is inside.

A covering may be physical or figurative. What is covered generally benefits from support or protection.

  • I know of churches and people’s homes where there are no walls or just one wall. The main part of the structure is just a covering. The tin roof helps protect against the elements. Cuba, May 2009 109
  • Many people are covered by an insurance policy that should come through if their house is damaged, their automobile is in an accident or they have health issues.
  • Paint can cover stains, flaws and hairline cracks on a wall.
  • Temporary workers cover for employees on holiday leave.
  • People may “head for cover” when a tornado strikes – in a storm shelter if they have one.
  • Although I am cold natured, I am often grateful for a cloud cover when working outside in the hot summer. My skin and eyes need protection from the glaring sun.
  • A policeman may go “under cover” in order to expose crime.

There are also spiritual implications.

Just like a false storefront that is a cover for an illegal operation, Satan attempts to cover up his true intentions by masquerading as an angel of light. A believer should be able to recognize his deceptive ways because God’s Spirit exposes him.

Without God as our covering, we are on our own – stuck in a life of sin without protection from the dangers of this world.

Thank God, His covering brings salvation, refuge and joy.

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered…. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge. His truth shall be your shield and buckler (Psalm 32:1; 91:4). I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

Reflective Focus

Sisters by Choice

by  • 

Sisters by Choice

The oldest of four boys, my husband married first followed by his brother Jerry. Jerry’s wife and I bonded from the very start. For over forty years, we were sisters by choice – true soul sisters.

Not everyone knows when she is going to die. Diane did. Over two weeks in hospice gave Diane the chance to say and do things that brought honor to God and joy to her loved ones.

In her life and in her death God was bringing glory to Himself by conforming her to the image of His Son. These are a few of the ways I saw Jesus in her.

A Place to Call Home

Like Jesus, Diane was always busy preparing a place of peace and joy for loved ones.

Diane on occasion worked outside of the home, but at heart she was a homemaker. The goal of her life was to make a home for those she loved. She succeeded.

From the wonderful scents of burning candles and enticing foods to a decorating style that said, “you are welcome here”, her home was always a warm, inviting, comforting place to be.

Diane was without question the best cook I have ever known. She shared with me everything from unique kitchen items to sourdough starters to great recipes. My family knows that all my best recipes came from Diane. She produced her own cookbook but I admit on occasion I have been unsuccessful in duplicating those delightful dishes. She just had a gift.

Besides her culinary skills, Diane tried her hand at anything that would make her home a more attractive place to be – inside and outside. She was always preparing something to make her home a sanctuary for her loved ones.

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

Thoughtful Gift Giver

Like Jesus, Diane delighted in giving gifts.

She and I shared a love for olives. It was a joke at family get-togethers as to who would get to the olive dish first. One year for my birthday she gave me a five-gallon jar of olives. The miracle was she didn’t expect me to share!

Among many other hand made gifts from Diane, my husband and I treasure a framed cross- stitch of Psalm 8. No effort or time expended was too much for Diane to express her love.

During her time in hospice, one of her concerns was that gifts she had set aside for friends and for my husband’s upcoming birthday would get delivered. She was always thinking of others.

Certainly the ultimate gift giver is Jesus Himself. He gave of Himself, He multiplied loaves of bread and small fish to give to crowds, He produced fish for the fishermen after they had already given up and His Holy Spirit gave special gifts to each of His followers. His greatest gift was our salvation. He delighted in giving.

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says, ‘When He ascended on high He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men’ “(Ephesians 4:7-8). “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

The Best of Friends

Like Jesus, Diane was a loyal friend – someone you knew you could count on – someone you could trust.

Ask practically any friend of Diane’s and she would probably tell you Diane was her best friend. Her capacity for friendship was enormous – once her true friend, always her friend.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15: 13, 15).

Discerning Spirit

Like Jesus, Diane had a supernatural ability to judge character.

She knew intuitively whether someone was genuine or not. She could easily recognize pretense and had no toleration for it.

Diane could tell a lot about me by just looking at my eyes. I imagine it was the same for everyone else she loved.

“But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man” (John 2:24-25).

Lover of Children

Like Jesus, Diane loved the little children.

When God wanted to touch Diane’s heart, He gave her another child to love.

She transferred her love of animals to children in her family. There was always a dog or two in her home. She even had a llama. She raised ducks for the children to enjoy.

During the days just preceding her death and knowing her end was near, Diane was eager to get unhooked from a life saving machine so that she could go somewhere where she could see the children. God blessed in providing an apartment where everyone could visit.

Surrounded by her beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, one day some of her husky guys carried her downstairs so that she could see the ducks in the pond.

Many photographs were taken during that time. Some of the most precious are those where several children were climbing all over her. There was an expression of pure joy on her face.

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God’ ” (Matthew 19:14).

Focus on Others

Like Jesus, Diane’s thoughts were of others. Her actions followed suit.

After Diane learned she was going to die, I was able to spend a day at the hospital with her. I was witness to her sharing her heart and her love with loved ones that day. Her thoughts were not of her own circumstance or comfort. Her thoughts were of others.

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You…. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me that they may be one as We are (John 17:1, 9-11).

Forgiveness 

Like Jesus, Diane knew how to forgive.

During her lifetime, Diane was always fiercely protective of her loved ones. During those last days in the hospital, she was told someone who had caused considerable pain to her family wanted to visit but was reluctant because he didn’t want to upset the family. Her response was, “Tell him he is welcome. During a time like this, all is forgiven.”

“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do’ ” (Luke 23:33-34).

Eternal Joy

Like Jesus, when Diane died, she went into the presence of our Father.

Diane died with a smile on her face. I wasn’t there, but her husband and daughters tell me that she had not opened her eyes for over a day. Her daughters sang to her “You are my sunshine” (the song she used to sing to children in her family). Diane opened her eyes, looked at them, smiled, and drew her last breath.

That moment was a gift from God to those of us who love Diane and a gift from Diane whose desire was to bring joy to those she loved.

Jesus said to His followers: “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22). Jesus said to His Father: “But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13).

Sisters by Choice and Sisters Forever

Like Jesus, our brother, Diane’s presence was always a comfort to me

Engraved in my memory is Diane’s smile when I came through the her hospital door and her comment, “There is my sister.” I will forever be grateful for the long hug we shared.

I thank my husband for having a brother who married Diane. I thank his brother for making such a great choice. Most of all, I thank God.

In the hospital, nurses came in and Diane would introduce me as her sister. Other family members laughed when one nurse said, “I thought I saw a family resemblance.”

Diane and I did not have the same earthly parents, but we do have the same Heavenly Father who adopted us both into His eternal family.

We are truly sisters by choice – God’s choice.

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:15-17).

Stephanie B. Blake

February 2014

 Download Sisters by Choice

One Focus Blog

Dependable Power Grid

by  • 

I travel to many countries where electricity is undependable.

IMG_1721In one country, for instance, it is so unreliable that even the hotel rooms are without power for several hours during the day. The hotels may have generators but they won’t run them very often because of the expense. When my husband and I stayed in a hotel for two weeks, I couldn’t understand why it went dark every afternoon. I finally learned from a shop proprietor (not from someone in the hotel) that this was deliberate. They were trying to save electricity!

Not only was it inconvenient, but the power was actually tied to our hot water source as well. My husband was speaking every evening and wanted to take a shower before leaving for the conference, but there was never any hot water. Finally I complained and a hotel attendant appeared at the door with a bucket of hot water! That’s what they expected him to use to bathe with. That situation never got fixed. We had to learn to live with it.

In another country, lights turned off and on periodically. That’s when our host laughed and said, “Electricity is regularly irregular here.” As we toured through the city, he showed us power lines leading into apartment buildings. They were not only a mangled mess, but he said that the tenants were expert at learning whose line was whose and theft of someone else’s electricity was common.

Even in well developed countries like America, an ice storm, tornado or hurricane can wrNigeria 048eck havoc with the power grid. I have had food spoil in a refrigerator and had to light candles to see at night during such storms.

Thankfully, what I know I can depend on is God’s power. His Holy Spirit is never weakened by inadequate power or theft. What He requires us to do He will provide the power to accomplish it. Praise Him and His wonderful power source!

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). … and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power… (Ephesians 1:19).

One Focus Blog

The War Is Over

by  • 

Onoda-youngHiroo Onoda, who died on January 16, 2014 at the age of 91, was the last Japanese soldier to leave the Philippines after World War II was over.  Lt. Onoda held his post on the remote island of Lubang until 1974 – 29 years after the official end of the war. During this time he and his comrades killed over thirty Filipinos still believing them to be the enemy.

Lt. Onoda refused to believe the war was over even though leaflets declaring this (he believed they were enemy propaganda) were dropped on his island. It was not until his former commander made the trip from Japan to Lubang island did he understand that he had been fighting a war that had ended years before. After his commander officially relieved him from duty, Lt. Onoda met President Marcos in Manila, presented his sword and surrendered. President Marcos returned his sword and issued a pardon for the men he had killed after the war had ended.

Hiroo Onoda received a hero’s welcome when he returned to Japan. When interviewed about those 29 years and asked what was on his mind during that time, he said, “Nothing but accomplishing my duty.”Japanese_Surrender_at_Tokyo_Bay,_2_September_1945_A30427

It is possible to admire Hiroo Onoda for his commitment to duty for his country but it is also a reminder that his purpose during and after the war – up until the time he understood the war was over – was to kill his enemy.

Satan and his demons have been waging war against God and His soldiers for thousands of years. There is no honor in their fight – only evil. They continue to fight a war that has officially been won by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Bible tells us that the war is over, but they refuse to quit or surrender, continuing to bring death and destruction until they can do no more harm. Unlike Lt. Onoda, there will be no pardon.

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool (Hebrews 10:12-13). Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called the Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses (Revelation 19:11, 13). “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’ (Matthew 25:41).

One Focus Blog

Opinion Overload

by  • 

Information overload is a term we hear often these days. It is easy to acquire information about just about anything you might want to know. I am among the thousands who do this practically every day. Although I love books and have a lot of them, I don’t find it necessary to buy a book on every subject I am interested in. If I want to know something, I just google it.

256px-Twitter_blue_bird_icon.svgI have noticed another trend, though, that is somewhat disturbing. The information we acquire after a search doesn’t always come from someone who really knows something about the subject. Many chats, forums, videos and blogs are filled with no more than someone’s opinion – often unsubstantiated. Information passed on through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media sites can take off like wildfire, but really have no facts attached to the remarks. Even main television news programs ask for the public to respond with a tweet about just any topic that is presented on the program with a “we want to know what you think” attached to the request.

I do want to know what others think about many subjects, but I am selective in the ones I give credibility to. If I goggle a subject, I often find various responses – sometimes polar opposites. If it is something totally out of my field, I might research the person giving the comment and then make a judgment based on whether I believe the person knows what he is talking about or not.

In other cases, the comments through my own social media sites may hold more credibility to me because I personally know the person. If she is someone I know well and have learned to trust, that holds a lot of 256px-Youtube_icon.svgweight with me.

Just because something is in print does not mean it contains truth. It is wise to check it out.

The Bible has been tested time and again and proven true. The living Word, Jesus Christ, is truth incarnate. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). In His prayer to the Father on behalf of His followers, He prayed we would be purified by His truth. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth (John 17:17).

God, who spoke through His Son and His word, is the only source I can always count on – and so can you.

One Focus Blog

Christmas Throughout The Year

by  • 

Picture 684Preparing for Christmas comes earlier and earlier each year. In years gone by, I remember decorations coming out in retail stores after Thanksgiving. Then some marketing expert discovered that the earlier advertisements, decorations and specials came out, the more money consumers would spend. It created a larger window in which to capitalize on what most people count as their favorite holiday of the year.

Now little ones start making their lists in January or even late December – sometimes before the Christmas decorations are put away. People plan Christmas in July projects and stores start decorating in September. Many people, including me, prepare for Christmas all year long – taking advantage of discounted wrapping paper, cards and decorations after the season is over and always on the lookout for Christmas gifts for next year.

The gifts are put in their proper place. The wrapping paper and boxes are either thrown away or stored. The house gets put back in order. The non-stop eating ceases and everyone gets serious about being healthier and focusing on projects that were put on hold during the Christmas holidays.

DSC06772I do own a lot of Christmas decorations – some collected from countries all over the world, but my favorite is something my young son made me one year. He knew I wanted a nativity set and he started making one for me out of clay. He said he only had time to make one piece, but had started with the most important piece. He never finished it, but that was fine with me. I now have several nativity sets. One beautiful handmade ceramic set was given to me by a dear friend. I think of her with gratitude each time I display it. In the center of that nativity I place the piece made by my son those many years ago – the baby Jesus in the manger.

My son was right. The nativity is nothing without Jesus. Christmas was the beginning of the fulfillment of His plan to give us the most important gift we could ever receive. By choice, His cradle led to His cross and my salvation. I am grateful for that gift every day – not just on Christmas.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!… For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God (2 Corinthians 9:15, Ephesians 2:8 NKJV).

 

Reflective Focus

Your Secret Hiding Place

by  • 

Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord, “and not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord (Jeremiah 23:23–24 NKJV). 

We all played hide and seek as children, but we sometimes unwittingly carried the principle into our adult spiritual lives. God seeks His own we occasionally forget it is impossible to hide from Him. When someone becomes a child of God, he discovers that there really is a wonderful hiding place – not hiding from God but hiding in God. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust” (Psalm 91:1-2).

In The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Colossians 3:3 (For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God), J. F. Walvoord says that “‘hidden’ implies both concealment and safety; both invisibility and security. He [A Christian] is not yet glorified, but he is secure and safe in Christ. In fact, Christ is his very life.”

The Hiding Place is Corrie ten Boom’s account of life in a concentration camp. The title refers to the physical hiding place where her family hid Jews from the Nazis, as well as Psalm 119:114, You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

A Made-just-for-you Hiding Place

God has an enormous family, but He treasures time with every child. He made each of us in His secret place: My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth (Psalm 139:15 NIV84). Not even identical twins have identical fingerprints. We are all unique.

We are unique in our creation and in our sins. Although we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), if we trust Christ, our sins were buried with Him. To meet the Father in His secret place, we must come through Christ.

Each believer’s relationship to God is unique. If you are a Christian, as I am, the relationship you have with our Father is different than the one I have with our Father just as I have a special relationship with each one of my sons. Since He made us, He knows our special characteristics and how to draw us to Him into our special place of peace and safety with Him.

Our Father Hears and Sees What is Said and Done in the Secret Place

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus told His followers to do good without regard to man for your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. He tells them to pray to your Father who is in the secret place and when fasting, do not fast so that men will know you are fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place (Matthew 6:3-4, 6, 17-18). God knows where you are and what you are doing. He is pleased to be there with you as you humbly serve Him.

The Protection of the Secret Place

Pliny, Roman Governor in Asia Minor in the early Second Century, was so puzzled about the Christians brought before him for trial that he wrote his famous letter to the Emperor Trajan asking for his advice. This was the kind of thing he found himself up against:

A certain unknown Christian was brought before him, and Pliny, finding little fault in him, proceeded to threaten him. “I will banish thee,” he said.

“Thou canst not,” was the reply, “for all the world is my Father’s house.”

“Then I will slay thee,” said the Governor.

“Thou canst not,” answered the Christian, “for my life is hid with Christ in God.”

“I will take away they possessions,” continued Pliny.

“Thou canst not, for my treasure is in heaven.”

“I will drive thee away from man and thou shalt have no friend left,” was the final threat.

And the calm reply once more was, “Thou canst not, for I have an unseen Friend from Whom thou art not able to separate me.”

What was a poor, harassed Roman Governor, with all the powers of life and death, torture and the stake at his disposal, to do with people like that?

(from Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times. Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?. . . One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock (Psalm 27:1-5 NKJV).

The Provision of the Secret Place

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:31-32).“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”  (Matthew 7:11).y

Our Father will use those in His secret place for His glory

 “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what a master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:15-16).

I treasure my secret place in the Lord. Do you?

© Stephanie B. Blake

January 2014

Download Your Secret Hiding Place