We have this HOPE an anchor for the soul – Hebrews 6:19
Author: The Kedge Anchor
The Kedge Anchor - Anchored in Hope
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul…” Hebrews 6:19
The Kedge Anchor - About
Welcome to the Kedge Anchor. This blog started from a time in my life where I no longer liked changes. Changes, like the waves in the ocean can turn us upside down sometimes and the currents of this life can take us to places we really didn’t intend to go. But changes are a part of life and the older I get the less I like them. Maybe you can relate. Sometimes storms form over the ocean and totally churn up our lives like the ocean floor. And when all is finally over, we feel depleted, drained, exhausted. Turning to God’s word first is always a good place to start and gain footing again. And sometimes God leads us to other sources for encouragement, family, friends, church family, and oddly enough, for me, back to the still calm waters (of the ocean).
Kedging is a nautical term “to draw (a vessel) along by hauling in on the cable of a light anchor that has been dropped at some distance from it, or (of a vessel) to be drawn in this fashion “ https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kedging Kedging is done in calm waters when one needs the boat to move forward or in the case when one is going against the wind. The sailor casts the kedge anchor out in the waters and pulls the boat towards the anchor.
In a season of wait, when we feel like we are at a stand still and perhaps we aren’t hearing God’s voice or when we are in the middle of the storm, we can draw to Him. (James 4:8) We can cast our anchor (of hope) out and take a step in faith toward God, read the Bible, recall a favorite verse, and cling to HIs words. He is our anchor for our soul (Heb. 6:19). When the storms and currents of life are changing our course and we find ourselves going against the wind, we can remain steadfast in His Word and love.
Be encouraged. You are not alone.
“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you…” James 4:8
Love your enemies. I didn’t say it, Jesus says to love those who persecute us. He gives us the free will to do that. He never said it was easy. He never said the we would feel like it. So you can choose to love your enemies even though you don’t feel like it. It’s humbling to love someone who has hurt you. We are no better than anyone else. Think, if you have hurt someone, how would you want to be treated? If you are sorry for what you did, you’d want to be forgiven. Jesus forgives and loves unconditionally.
Prayer is really just talking to God. It can be transforming and life changing. But we have to first listen. We need to be still before God. As much as God wants to bestow blessings on us, He is not a genie. Prayer is so much more than just asking God for things and to do things. Prayer is about communing with God not just communicating.
Prayer is our chance to invite God into a conversation with us, not just listen to a poetic monologue, Matthew 6:7. He’s not impressed with “thee’s” and “thou’s” or how eloquent you speak. And even though He knows what’s on your mind and in your heart, He still wants to hear all about it. He loves us, He is patient with us so even if we keep coming back with the same story, Philippians 4:6 -“…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” He hears you and He is God and will answer according to His will. Psalm 66:19 -“But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.” (NKJV)
Have you ever been angry at God? I have. And I have gone to Him in prayer about it, with reverence. He knows what’s on my heart and why so why would I try to hide it? Have you ever been so happy and excited about something that you had to tell someone? Tell God. He wants to hear or joys and sorrows. He is our provider and blesses us. And remember to thank Him.
Sometimes I don’t know what to pray. And that’s ok. It’s ok to sit in silence with God. Just mediate on His words, pray back scripture to Him, recite the Lord’s prayer slowly and think about each word, each line. Breath in on a line and breath out on the next. Communication is a two way street and God needs a little time to get a word in.
When was the last time you just poured out your heart to God? Let it all out? He won’t be shocked or surprised, nothing goes unnoticed Hebrew 4:13 -“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (NIV).
It’s ok to talk to God like you were talking to a person of flesh and blood. Jesus was flesh and blood once, He walked as a human on His earth, He understands, He knows, He knows all. Invite God into you day, into your heart, let His words transform you.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!! The verse today reflects God’s love for us. He sacrificed His Son to die on the cross and Jesus willingly sacrificed His life for us while we were still sinners. He didn’t wait for us to get our act together, He didn’t wait for us to measure up, because He knows we never can. But through Him, through His sacrifice we can have forgiveness.
What company in their right mind would hire someone without any training or knowing how to do the job? Granted there are some jobs that offer on the job training. But more often then not the process goes something like this; learn the skills, gain the knowledge, apply for the job, interview, and hopefully someone calls you and hires you. That’s how things work on planet earth.
But God, God calls us first then equips us. God calls us to follow Him. No skills required, no interview. He only requires recognition as our Lord and Savior, recognition that we are sinners, and a willing, repentant heart. We are so far from worthy but yet He calls us. He shows us grace and mercy and calls us to follow Him. As Bob Goff says, “Grace is like the sunrise: It’s there for us everyday whether we choose to enjoy it or not.”
Jesus simply called His disciples to follow and learn from Him. That is how He equips us. He didn’t hand the disciples a textbook or a manual. He offered a simple invite to follow Him, live life with Him and learn from His example. He offers that to us today. If you have been watching The Chosen, S1 E1 Jesus calls Mary of Magdala a woman tormented by demons. Jesus meets her in a tavern or a bar, she’s a mess, physically, emotionally, spiritually, totally unworthy but yet Jesus called her and called her by name.
Jesus didn’t wait for the disciples to clean up their acts. They answered His call as they were. They followed Him. Jesus’ style of teaching in the Hebrew culture; hevei mitabekb’afar raglehem, a well known blessing literally means “cover yourself with the dust of their feet.” (Dave Adamson) The rabbi’s students were to follow so closely behind that they should step where their rabbi stepped, that the dust kicked up by the rabbi’s feet would cover their their clothes. That’s close.
Jesus called out to the disciples, “Come, follow me.” He calls out to us today, just as we are. No qualifications, no formal education, no skills, no interview. When we agree to follow, to follow closely behind Him. And in the dust of His footsteps is where He will equip us.
Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away and February is a great time to set aside time to let our loved ones how much we love them. We can show love in so many ways, by holding a door open for the person behind us, by asking to do an errand for neighbor or by just giving someone a hug who is having a hard day. Love is about doing the right thing no matter the cost. Jesus loved us so much He sacrificed His life for us on the cross. Love means so much more when a sacrifice has been made.
The fact that God DOES NOT change gives me hope. He is timeless, He is true, His love never changes. No matter how much I mess up, no matter how well I do, He loves me the same. I can’t do anything to make Him love me any more or any less. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! While the years may change, times change, culture changes, weather changes, God remains the same throughout every season in life!
Often when we hear about forgiving, the number seventy times seven, or 77 comes to mind. Matthew 18:22 says; “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” But what does that mean, seventy times seven?” “( NIV). The King James version says, “… but up to seventy times seven.” That’s 490 times. So after 490 times of forgiving someone, that’s it, we’re done? Hardly. Jesus wasn’t just using a number to illustrate how often we should forgive. Jesus was using a technique often used by Jewish teachers called REMEZ (רמז – pronounced rehm-ezz) which means hint or clue.
It’s kinda like filling in the blank. If you remember some tests in school where you had to fill in the blank (if it was multiple choice fill in the blank I was a happy camper : ) ) Rabbis used to quote a passage of scripture and the students would fill in the blanks, this is known as deductive teaching and this is what Jesus was doing. Jesus wasn’t teaching a math class and just throwing out numbers. His followers knew the number 77 only appeared in scripture only once – Genesis 4: 23– “If Cain is avenged seven times then Lamech seventy-seven times”(NIV). Lamech was a vengeful man and returned offenses 77 times over. That’s a lot of passion in vengeance!!! Jesus was trying to tell His followers to forgive with as much passion as Lamech was in being vengeful. Like the photo above, what if we were to seek opportunities to forgive with as much power behind that wave crashing down on the lighthouse? What if we had that much passion in forgiving others?
There’s also something interesting about the number 7. Seven is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). Much of it’s meaning is correlates to God’s creation.
When Jesus died on the cross His forgiveness for us was complete – “It’s is finished”, John 19:30. He completed His mission here on earth. His plan for salvation was completed. His sacrifice for us on the cross was complete and perfect love, He was the perfect sacrifice.
Is there someone you need to forgive? You don’t need to wait for someone to ask for forgiveness. You can forgive in your heart. It’s much more than words, saying “You’re forgiven” it’s a heart attitude as well. Your words need to be backed up with action. When the offense or offender comes to mind what do experience, what emotions arise? Sometimes I feel anger creeping in or I start to feel hatred. That’s when I have to forgive, again. I am human. God may forget our sins, but we are not God, we from time to time may remember. Sometimes I actually do feel sorry for those who have offended me and pray that God will be merciful to them. After all I know I have offended others and I want them to forgive me the way God has forgiven me. “… bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” – Colossians 3:13. Are you willing to show your forgiveness by being friendly and showing kindness toward your offender? Are you able to go as far as showing love? It’s not easy. But it can be done with God’s help “
Is there someone you need to forgive? You don’t need to wait for someone to ask for forgiveness. You can forgive in your heart. It’s much more than words, saying “You’re forgiven” it’s a heart attitude as well. Your words need to be backed up with action. When the offense comes to mind what do experience, what emotions arise? Sometimes I feel anger creeping in or I start to feel hatred. That’s when I have to forgive, again. I am human. God may forget our sins, (Hebrews 8:12) but we are not God, we from time to time may remember. Sometimes I actually do feel sorry for those who have offended me and pray that God will be merciful to them. After all I know I have offended others and I want them to forgive me the way God has forgiven me. “… bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” – Colossians 3:13. Are you willing to show your forgiveness by being friendly and showing kindness toward your offender? Are you able to go as far as showing love? It’s not easy. But it can be done with God’s help ” But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” – Matthew 19:26. (KJV).
This blog post inspired by: Dave Adamson / @aussiedave
A new year, a new song. What new song is God placing on your heart. Maybe it’s song you just haven’t heard or sung in while, maybe it’s a song by someone you haven’t of before or maybe it’s one you have written yourself. God wants us to sing to Him. I struggle with that at times. As the song goes, “I’m gonna sing in the middle of the storm.” (Raise a Hallelujah – Bethel Music). Have you tried to sing in the storm? It’s not the easiest but it can be the most rewarding.
The Artist’s Right Hand, Drawn by Hendrick Goltzius (1558-1617)
The drawing of the is hand is thought to be the right hand of the artist, Hendrick Goltzius. It could also be the hand of the man Jesus healed in the synagogue – Mark 3:1-6. The only similarity in the drawing and in scripture is there is a man with a withered hand in both. A little back story to what happened to the artist Hendrick Goltzius; according to his friend and biographer Karel van Mander (1548-1606), Hendrick fell into the fire place most likely trying to break his fall with both his hands. His mother tired to nurse him back to health but his hands never healed properly and was in constant pain. Thirty years later Goltzius drew what is possibly his own right hand. He may have had rough dexterity to draw with his left hand.
Here in scripture, Mark 3;1-6, where we don’t have a back story to how this man’s hand become withered we do know that Jesus heals it. And the fact He did it on the sabbath, that’s another blog post.
And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
Mark 3:1-6 KJV
There was a word in this passage that stuck out to me; stretch. So I investigated. Strong’s Concordance G1614 – ekteinō, to stretch out, stretch forth. Made sense to me, seemed pretty straight forward. But as I continued to search I came across Acts 4:30 – “By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus
Stretching here in Acts 4:30 -The following I found on the same page under the Thayer’s Greek Lexicon heading “ἀγκύρας, properly, to carry forward [R. V. lay out] the cable to which the anchor is fastened,(my emphasis) i. e. to cast anchor [“the idea of extending the cables runs into that of carrying out and dropping the anchors” The cable to which the anchor is fastened. Say what?!
“While You stretch out Your hand to cure and to perform signs and wonders through the authority and by the power of the name of Your holy Child andServant Jesus.” (Amplified Bible Classic Editions, emphasis mine). It hit me. Jesus invites us to reach out to Him, to stretch out our hands to Him for healing, for salvation, for a relationship with Him And that hand is “the cable to which the anchor is fastened.” Hebrew 6:19 – “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; …” (KJV). Jesus, our anchor, is at the other end of that cable.
The Kedge anchor is a real anchor (there’s a story behind the name of this blog, but that’s another blog post too) and kedging is a nautical term; “to draw (a vessel) along by hauling in on the cable of a light anchor that has been dropped at some distance from it, or (of a vessel) to be drawn in this fashion.” Do you see it? That withered hand is us, broken, sinful and in need of healing. Jesus has His hand reaching out to us. We just have to reach out and grasp hold of His hand, the Hand, the cable, that is fastened to the Anchor. Jesus is our hope, “an anchor for our soul, both sure and steadfast…”
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Last week’s verse spoke of a new heaven and a new earth in the book of Revelation 21:1. The book of Isaiah tells us that former things will pass away and God will tell us first.
Meeting Jesus in the clouds is our only hope. We will meet Him in the clouds, He will rescue us. He is coming for His bride, are you ready?
The Kedge Anchor 
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