Category Archives: Weekly Bible Message

The God of Dewdrops and Grass

“The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)

I was talking on the phone to a prayer friend the other day about a ministry that we were both involved in. We were coming to the realization that this ministry that was birthed in strong spiritual roots, seems to be evolving into a secular activity . We were discussing how we could get back to the “grass roots”, when all of a sudden my friend, who can see glitter in all of God’s creation that no one else can see, saw a single dewdrop on a single blade of grass that outshone the rest. In the dewdrop there was an aura of a rainbow.

In actuality, what my friend saw was dewdrops and grass, but with her spiritual eyes she saw so much more! Even if it was only dewdrops and grass, isn’t that God’s handiwork also ? Look for His signature everywhere—even in dewdrops and grass! (Judy Whittaker)

God the Master Potter

“…….”You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

The potter was working the clay and suddenly he threw it back on the bench. It was too hard and needed water, so he started all over again.  The final result was an elegant Japanese teacup which the potter put into the hot kiln for a few hours. When the teacup had been fired, one could see the image of the crown princess of Japan.

The Bible says that God is the Master potter . We, like the clay, become stubborn and resist when God is molding us to fit His design. We, like the clay, have hard hearts and  parched spirits due to a lack of obeying His Word. He may have to begin again and again to teach us the same lesson until we “get it”.When, like the Japanese image, we are held up to the light, others will be able to see the image of Jesus in us. So do not despair–the best is yet to come as long as we remain in the Potter’s hand……..    (Judy Whittaker)

God Loves You!

“I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3)

The way we perceive God reflects the way we worship Him. If we visualize Him as a hard taskmaster our worship will be cold and distant.If we picture Him as a loving God, then are worship will be reverential and meaningful.

Worship is so much more than just going to church and singing hymns. Worshp is a way of life; it is what we do for God on a daily basis. It is giving glory to God in everything we do. It is praising Him, loving others, and serving Him with our whole heart.

Circumstances in our life may affect the way we perceive God, such as our relationship with our own father, listening to a priest, minister or pastor, the books we have read, our personal experiences, or the stories we have been told since early childhood. These circumstances may be positive or negative.

We can change our negative perception of God by prayer, talking to Him, and reading the Bible. If one wants to identify with a Bible character, read the Psalms. The psalms are songs written mostly by David, but some are written by ordinary people trying to comprehend who God was so that they could trust Him.

Some of God’s attributes are discovered through His Word such as merciful, compassionate, forgiving, loving, steadfast, just, truthful, powerful, etc. In order to trust Him we need to know about him; the same way you would  need to know a friend before you give him the keys to your car.

When we feel God’s love we will have a better understanding of  His Son, Jesus Christ. All of a sudden life makes more sense when we know there is a promise of eternal life in heaven for all who believe in Him.
“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will have everlasting life.” (Judy Whittaker)

God With Us

Due to a serious illness I haven’t written a Bible message for four months. Now that I am in recovery I would like to share with you some of my spiritual reflections on my journey from illness to good health:

God strengthened me when I was so weak I couldn’t even walk. “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and he shall strengthen your heart…” (Psalm 27:14

God taught  me that there is a time to rest. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7)

God brought me to the “river of living water” by a visit from a pastor friend who sang “Amazing Grace”, a Eucharistic minister who presented me with a  Gideon Bible ,and  a praise and worship band.

God showed me His love through family and friends who prayed and comforted me. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

God inspired me with card messages, flowers, and encouraging words. “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.( Philippians 4:8)

And now that I am in recovery God sends me to bring His healing light to others and share His Word with the hurting and the lost. ” Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain. (1Corinthians 15:58)

I believe that God spared my life because my work on earth is not yet finished. I must continue to serve Him until Jesus calls me home. There is so much to do–what about you? ” Let  your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)   Judy Whittaker

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Shekinah Glory!

“When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai he did not know that the skin of his face shown. ( Exodus 34:29)

The healing service had begun and after a brief sermon the pastor called anyone that was in need of healing to come to the altar. Only one person did—the pastor’s wife who had been recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. The elders of the church laid hands on her and anointed her with oil. Praise music softly played on a guitar enhanced this divine moment. When the pastor’s wife returned to her pew, her face shone like that of an angel! It was the first time that I have personally witnessed this transformation which is now imbedded in my soul.

Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights on Mt. Sinai talking with God. When he descended the mountain the Israelites observed that the skin of his face shone and they were afraid to come near him. When Moses delivered the 10 Commandments to them he put a veil on his face so they wouldn’t be afraid. When he entered the tabernacle he removed the veil and the glory of the Lord shone upon him.

When we draw close to God there are physical bodily changes. Our heartrate  slows and our stress level diminishes, thus enabling the body to help heal itself. People that cleave to God seem to have a glow about them that all can see. Their face may become radiant and even a plain demeanor can become beautiful. We become the best that we can be because we are connected to the Source of all life…(Judy Whittaker)

Equipped For the Ministry

“And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, understanding,knowledge,and all manner of workmanship…” (Exodus 31:3)

There was much work to be done! God had just given Moses detailed instructions for building the tabernacle in the wilderness, but Moses did not have the gift of workmanship. How would this daunting task be completed?

God called Moses to lead the people and not build His sanctuary, so He anointed a man named Bezaleel with His spirit of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of craftmanship so that he could create beautiful works for the tabernacle made from gold, silver, and brass. He also gave him the gift of stone cutting and wood carving so that the tabernacle would be not only functional but beautiful as well. And to balance the workload, God gave him an assistant to help with this enormous undertaking.

Has God ever called you to a position or project way beyond your human capabilities? Then remember these scriptures: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” ( Phillippians 4:13), “…for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27), “God is my refuge and my strength, a present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 142:5). God does not call the talented; He calls the faithful. Then He equips us for the work at hand.

Sometimes God sends us a helper, as he did with Bezaleel. Through His Word, prayer, teachers, spiritual mentors, loved ones, and friends, we derive the guidance and strength that we need.

If God calls you He will also equip you—but only if you remain faithful to His call. (Judy Whittaker)

The Lord–My Strength and My Song

“The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Exodus 15:2)

Frank had a terminal illness and gave his life to Christ a month before he passed away. He had always loved to sing, and one day he sat up straight in his Hospice bed and belted out the song, “Amazing Grace”. The hospital staff was amazed at his strength because two hours later he passed into the arms of Jesus. The Lord became his strength and his song.

Moses and the Israelites sang a song after their victory over Egyptian slavery, and one of the lyrics was, “The Lord is my strength and my song and he has become my salvation.” (Exodus 15:2) They all sang with timbrels and dancing for this glorious victory!

When the Lord is our strength and our song we have a reason to celebrate as He gives us joy in the midst of sorrow. Who is your strength and your song? (Judy Whittaker)

Heavy Hands

“But Moses’ hands were heavy….” Exodus 17:12)

Sometimes we can’t fight the battle alone, and God provides someone to fight it with us, as in the story of Moses:

Amalek attacked the Israelites and Moses the leader sent Joshua, his captain of war, to choose men to go with Joshua to battle. Moses went to the top of the hill and held the rod of God in his hand. When he held his hand up, the Israelites prevailed. When his hands were down, the Amalakites took the lead. The day wore on and Moses’ hands became so heavy that he could no longer lift them. It was then that his brother Aaron and a friend held up Moses’ hands for him until sundown and the Israelites won the battle.

Many of us have a stubborn nature and refuse help when offered, only to realize that God may have sent someone alongside of us to give us strength. The Lord knows what we can and can’t endure and makes a provision for us. We may think that our “problem” is minute and can easily be handled without outside help, but God also knows what we are going to be facing. Some small problems become mountains and some huge problems are really only pebbles on a dusty road.

It is good to try to stay independent as long as possible, but there may come a time when we can no longer do it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. God just might have sent you an angel….. (Judy Whittaker)

Come to Jesus

Jesus said, “Come to me all who are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

When we come to Jesus wonderful things happen!

One Sunday morning about 20 years ago I was fidgeting in my church pew trying to decide whether to respond to an altar call. Suddenly I broke down and cried, thinking I wasn’t worthy enough to go receive my salvation because there was too much sin in my life. The lady next to me (a total stranger), put her hand on my shoulder and said to me, “Jesus wants you to come to him just as you are. Come to Jesus.” I got up from my seat and with shaky legs walked to the altar, knowing that I would never be the same again.  I came to Jesus that day and received forgiveness for my sins. He still lives in my heart today.

A woman who had a bleeding problem for 12 years came to Jesus, touched the hem of his robe, and was immediately healed. (Matthew 9:20-22) This woman came to Jesus and received a physical healing.

Crowds of hungry people came to Jesus and he fed them because he had compassion on them. (Matthew 14:14-16) These people came to Jesus and received a provision.

Peter came to Jesus and was able to walk on the water-until he took his eyes of Jesus and began to sink and Jesus had to rescue him. (Matthew 14:28-29) Peter came to Jesus and received a miracle of faith.

The lepers, the lame, the blind, and the deaf came to Jesus and he healed them. (Matthew 15:31) They came to Jesus and were healed of their physical handicaps.
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Little children came to Jesus and received love. (Matthew 19:13-15)

Mary Magdalene came to Jesus and he cast out 7 evil spirits from her.  (Luke
8:2)  Mary came to Jesus and received deliverance. and was the first to see Jesus in His resurrected body! (Mark 16:9)

Jesus meets us where we are at, but this doesn’t mean that if we come to him that we will receive what we desire—–only if our request is in accordance with His will. To God, our spiritual healing is much more important than our physical healing. Will he heal our ailments, provide for us, deliver us, etc. ? Maybe, but He is under no obligation to do this. After all he is God and His ways are a lot higher than our ways.

When we  come to Jesus, we will always be blessed in some way. What is your blessing? You’ll never know unless you come  and see! (Judy Whittaker)

Reflections of His Light


Before we knew God we lived in darkness (sinful nature), but when we follow Jesus we live in God’s Light. How can that be?

The Bible says that Jesus is the light of the world and those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) Light dispels darkness.

Jesus tells us that not only do believers have His light inside of us, but that we are called to be  the light of the world! (Matthew 5:14) This is a pretty difficult command since the world wallows in darkness—sin, greed, lust, and unbelief. Yet we are called to reflect the light of Jesus, the same way the moon reflects the sun’s light.

We become light reflectors by staying close to God, doing good works in Jesus’ name, and developing the character of Jesus. Even our suffering causes us to see the face of God more clearly so we can be better reflectors of His light. “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Our light shines brightest when our sins have been confessed and forgiven. Any unconfessed sin casts a shadow on our light, and if our sin remains we may return to the darkness. “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness.(1John 1:9)

Those who come to the light desire truth. In Jesus’ time many people did not respond to His light because their deeds were evil and they loved the darkness.

Making a decision to follow Christ is not easy. It will cost us something, just as it cost Jesus everything. But it’s worth it—isn’t it?  (Judy Whittaker)