Valued Talents

Close your eyes and it would seem the very angels from heaven are on stage when Susie sings.  When Pastor Smith preaches his eloquence demands attention and people are moved by his words.  The audience is taken back to another place in time when Sarah portrays the woman at the well feeling her anguish and then hope. Joe starts tickling the ivories and the whole church is brought to its feet in adoration of the amazing God we serve.  Music moves the heart and soul when nothing else can.

Ever feel like you can't sing, preach, teach, act, or play an instrument like _________?

How can God use me, I have no talent in these areas?  

While the above mentioned talents may bring us to an emotional awareness of God these 

aren't the only avenues God works through.  It's time we lower the bar in comparing and raise the bar in expectations. 

Jesus gives us two parables using the illustration of receiving talents and then investing them in Luke 19:11-27 and Matthew 25:14-30. Matthews’s parable connects to the following verses describing all nations and people gathered to the Son of Man to give an account of what they did for him and how they invested what he gave them on earth.

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:31-40 NLT)

Notice how Jesus didn't ask what sermons were preached, songs sung or played, or even what favorite biblical character was portrayed. 

 

Here is the good news! These are the valued talents God has given to everyone.  We all have the opportunity and time to invest in someone everyday--no special abilities required other than an open and willing heart to be used.  

Comparison game gone, all are equally equipped. Expectation levels raised because the human touch accompanied with God's touch will always bring interest from the investment.

For the most part these talents are void of public accolades so if you and I are looking for recognition might want to choose a different path. 

  

Lord, help me not to get caught up in the comparison game. It is so easy to do because my flesh cries out for recognition. Help me to realize these talents are from you and you are expecting interest from the investment...for your honor not mine.  Today, may I be aware of those around me needing a touch of your grace in their lives.  

Family barnacles

Jesus asked, “Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17, 18 NLT)

Sometimes it takes the deeds or insight of an outsider to return value to a family, or family member, lost through years of fighting and misunderstanding. Senses become dull. Instead of appreciating individual differences and uniqueness we become intolerant of one another. 

Pride, selfishness and the dulling of senses can become like barnacles to a ship in a family. If barnacles are allowed to accumulate on a ship's hull, the ship will travel slower in the water, or it will have to burn more fuel to keep up its speed, than it would otherwise. A six month growth of barnacles can result in having to burn 40 to 45 percent more fuel to maintain cruising speed.  

As with the decrease in a boats speed from barnacles, it will take more and more effort to interact in a family consumed with the barnacles of pride, selfishness and hurt moving them away from healthy relationships to where intolerance is the standard.

Sounds like this was what was happening within the Jewish religious family. Leaders were consumed with pride in their positions, members were intolerant of anyone who wasn't a 'real' Jew.  It took an outsider, a dreaded Samaritan* to react in the manner the other nine family members should have.  

All ten were healed through their obedience to the command (vs 14), but the foreigner had something the others didn't...a thankful heart.  A grateful heart will always see beyond duty and obligation, and beyond pride and self.

*Non-Jewish people who partially adopted the Jewish religion, were never accepted by the Jewish people as one of them, and eventually became antagonists of the Jews. Originated about 700-600BC

The Three Stooges

Remember this picture? Moe, Curly and Larry otherwise known as the The Three Stooges. They were an American vaudeville and comedy act featuring slapstick comedy. Their antics brought laughter and comic relief to many people from 1925-1970.

They personified the definition of stooge: a performer whose act involves being the fool of a comedian's jokes.

For some reason they came to mind while reading the following scripture:

Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? (Galatians 3:2, 3 NLT)

You might be thinking, "what does this have to do with the Three Stooges?"  

Just as they were the butt of many jokes and crowds of laughter, have we in western Christianity unknowingly aligned ourselves to the following world views that would make us appear to be like the three stooges?

Enlightenment..."All religions lead us to God, open your minds to new ways."

Apathy..."There is nothing we can do, just keep hoping for the best."

Tolerance..."Everyone has a right to live the lifestyle and make choices that 
                      are best for them.  We should accept all people and support
                      their decisions."        
          

The Three Stooges, if you will.  

Have these three world views infiltrated the gospel diluting its power today? 

Just as the acronym for these three suggests we have tasted, chewed and swallowed their poisonous promises resulting in a death sentence to how we are to be representing the power of Jesus Christ in our world today.

When we start believing the truth and living as Jesus did: not in condemnation of unbelievers (but showing grace); sharing the truth of the gospel (not our religious traditions); giving of ourselves (not just our checkbooks); and standing up to the hypocrisy of religion THEN the veil of the Three Stooges will be removed and we will witness people's lives changed through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Paul said, "I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (human effort) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die." (Galatians 2:21 NLT italics added).

Human efforts alone will not bring lasting change or fill the void and longing in our hearts. Only the Creator of our hearts can fill us to completion.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NLT) Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. (Isaiah 46:9 NLT)

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. (Romans 1:16 NLT)

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:13, 14 TLV)

When we forgo the Three Stooge world view and not be ashamed of the power and truth of the gospel, then we will be the light and salt God has called us to be in our world today.

Gateway to our heart

David said "I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. (Psalms 101:2, 3 NLT)

David knew our eyes are the gateway to our heart and what comes out of our mouth and through our actions reveal the condition of our heart. Would the Holy Spirit want to make his dwelling in my heart?  The Holy Spirit is not destitute that he must accept any condition for a home. He has the whole universe and beyond as a dwelling place.

It is at his prompting and revelation about our sinful nature to us that we accept what Jesus has done for us and ask him to make his dwelling in us. Through our submission to him He reveals our sinful nature to us and our hearts housecleaning begins.

And then he (Jesus) added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT)

What happens after our hearts are cleaned is as critical as the prior acknowledgement they need cleaned.

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)

How does this work in our life?

1.  We are made new because of what Jesus has done for us. Change must come from the inside out. Don't make the mistake of comparing yourself to anyone. (Romans 3:22)

            There is no such thing as good, better or perfect Christian no matter what gifts or works God has called us to do.  We are all equal in Gods eyes.  He is our standard to live by...no one else.

2.  Make the Word the foundation for transforming and renewing your mind from worldly standards to Gods. (Romans 12:2; 8:5-9) Read the word....meditate (think about it through out your day)...memorize the word...ask the Holy Spirit to make it real...learn how to apply it daily in your life through daily circumstances.

3. The Holy Spirit now lives within us teaching and bringing correction when needed. LISTEN!

            Becoming a new person means growth.  Growth comes through stretching, like the tearing of a muscle in body building.  Growth usually comes through trials. We were never promised a carefree life as a follower of Jesus. Quite the contrary because we now live in conflict with the values and morals of the world in which we live. (Romans 5:1-5)

4.  We are no longer under any obligation to sin or its power. All comes down to choice. (Romans 6, 7:14-8:1,12) Old habits can be changed to new healthy habits. Can't do it on your own, ask the Holy Spirit to help and he will!  Don't give up!!

5.  Live a joy filled life to safeguard your faith. 

            "Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith." (Philippians 3:1 NLT)

How? "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:6-9 NLT)

So what, or whom, is guarding the gateway to your heart and mine today?

Traditions or truth?

You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors. (Galatians 1:13, 14 NLT)

Do we teach the gospel of Jesus Christ or the traditions of our faith?  Do we accept what others teach as gospel or do we compare it to scripture? When was the last time you or I questioned a teaching to make sure it aligned with scripture? We would do well to follow the examples of the Bereans, "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11 NIVUK)

Traditions will never truly fill the longing in our hearts, give hope when all else fails us or have the power to bring healing and forgiveness.  Traditions can muddy the waters of truth with half truths and keep its followers bound through guilt. The truth of Gods Word acts like a surgeons knife cutting out falsehoods and half truths to allow truth to take root and the the seeds of hope to grow. "God’s word is living and active. It is sharper than any two-edged sword and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet, the place where joints and marrow meet. God’s word judges a person’s thoughts and intentions." (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)

Because the Bereans measured Paul's words against the standard of scripture change took place in their hearts and lives.

"As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men." (Acts 17:12 NIVUK)

Paul's life is proof of the power of Truth versus traditions. He was so steeped in the traditions of his forefathers he was willing to kill to protect those traditions. I wonder how many we have been willing to 'kill' in their search for God because we were willing to put church or denominational traditions ahead of Truth.

I'm not saying church, denominations or all traditions are bad but if they are in direct conflict with scripture are we willing to forsake them for the truth?

Mere human reasoning

"Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning." Galatians 1:11

God's economy and values are not based on human understanding or human ways. We fall into dangerous territory when we try to equate our knowledge and understanding to the mind of God and act or speak as though it is.

I love how God demonstrates this concept to Job in the last few chapters of Job. “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them." (Job 38:2, 3 NLT)
Then God tells how the seas know their boundaries because He set them. How light and darkness appear, how he commands the morning to appear and the dawn to rise in the east.  
"But of course you know all this! For you were born before it was all created, and you are so very experienced!" (Job 38:21 NLT)

God continues to expound on his wisdom and creative powers, the very things we then turn around and worship rather than the Creator himself. 

Human reasoning has always been in conflict with God's from the garden of Eden to Abraham forcing God's timing through Hagar to followers of Jesus trying to force him to be their earthly king.
When we can't see beyond our understanding we then try to manipulate God's timing to conform to ours.  The end result will always bring disillusionment and blaming God for supposedly not doing what we thought he should. 

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." (Romans 15:4 BOOKS)

May learn from their lessons and heed the words of the apostle Paul,
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2 BOOKS)

Renewing will come as we replace the old patterns and thoughts with God's as a result of reading his Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out.

It all comes back to trust and giving up our control for the One who knows the beginning from the end.

Home or Office?

I have heard the phrase, "invite Jesus into your heart" ever since I was a little girl. We automatically assume Jesus, through his Holy Spirit, would want to live in our hearts, but does he?

Have we created an open door he would want to come through?  Have we created a home atmosphere or an office?

Some characteristics of a home and office are:
    HOME....................OFFICE

Warmly greeted at the door.......... Time clock punched at the door

Comfortable furniture so guests stay.....One chair per desk to limit interaction

Reflects the personality of those living there .....Reflects the style and                          atmosphere of management

A home needs a family.....Office needs workers

Love makes a home.....Organization makes an office

Love driven.....Performance driven

Unconditional welcome.....Longevity depends upon performance

So what does the office analogy have to do with our hearts?  Glad you asked!  Do we treat our relationship with God in the atmosphere of home or office?  Do we feel we have to perform in order to win Gods payment of love and acceptance?  Is our relationship only when we are at church or doing a particular ministry (punching the proverbial 'religious' time clock) or is it a true 24/7 relationship?  Is it easier for us to have a task list we check off or do we truly enjoy and look forward to our quiet times (nurturing a relationship) with God?  Are we aware of his presence 24/7 with joy or drudgery?

Do we enjoy being with others that belong to his family or do we count the minutes until we can leave 'work' and return to 'our' lifestyle?  Do we have the same unconditional love of our Father in seeking and welcoming others into the family or do we just tolerate those around us and pray God sends someone else to talk with the lost we come in contact with daily? 

Jesus said, "Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them." (John 14:21, 23 NLT)

Our actions will show the choice of whether we have a home or office to welcome God to live in.

Which would you or I want to live in?

Kingdom surrender

Our surrender (or lack of) today will affect our freedom for tomorrow.
I recently heard this line in a song and can't seem to get it out of my mind because it carries such a powerful truth.

The question that begs to be asked is who or what do we surrender to?  Everyday we are faced with situations when walked through reveal our true hearts allegiance.
Everyday we are asked to surrender to kingdoms not always ruling with our best interest in mind. Wall Street sets the tone for financial kingdoms; Hollywood for moral kingdoms and Washington for political kingdoms.

There is another kingdom that tends to get lost amidst the struggle and pulling of theses others--yet this kingdom is the only one with true power and authority. This kingdom works in direct opposition of the others, it's values are in direct opposition of the others, it's longevity will outlast any and it's throne will only ever have one ruler.

This kingdom admonishes its dwellers to give when the others say amass your wealth; give unending forgiveness when the others keep score; demands undivided loyalty while the others encourage prostitution of oneself to gain the world.  This kingdom is ruled by love when the others are ruled by greed; gives its dwellers power and authority to move obstacle-mountains while the others create obstacle-mountains with its power and authority.

This kingdoms guidebook never changes while the other kingdoms have no clue which version they are currently following.
Do the other rulers realize when they gather together the ruler of this kingdom is present and privy to all theirs plans, spoken and unspoken?  That he has the power to override their decisions and actions and often does.

This kingdom has no end while the others will one day come to an abrupt ending. This kingdom is the only one that gives true freedom at the cost of undivided surrender.

This kingdom is called the Kingdom of God and is here, now, invading all other kingdoms.  It's inhabitants have opportunities every day to infiltrate and wreck havoc in the other kingdoms rulings...but do they?  Do the inhabitants of this kingdom really take seriously the promise of its ruler, "whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these...You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:12, 14 NIV) or fully understand, "It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies"? (Zechariah 4:6 NLT)

United we stand, divided we fall was the battle cry of our country's early patriots. It is the battle cry today of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall." (Luke 11:17 NIV)
Divided loyalties always result in confusion and wimpy power if any.

Whose kingdom will you and I give our loyalty to today?  Surrender is always a cost of loyalty.  What will that loyalty cost us and will it bring true freedom?

Parable of the lost coin

Joanie came in to work Monday glowing and proudly extending her right hand out for all to see.  “Mark did it!  He finally asked me!”  Her excitement was contagious and congratulations were flooding the office!  The pride and excitement of becoming Mrs. Mark Benson was as brilliant as the sparkle in her ring.  “It needs sized but I couldn't bear to come in and just tell you what happened over the weekend without showing you!” Joanie said. 

We all wondered how she was ever going to keep her head below the clouds to get her job done that day!  Somehow she managed and the time came to go home. 

Unbeknownst to Joanie she went home that night but her ring didn’t.   While washing her hands at the end of the day the ring slipped off and went into the trash can with the paper towel.  Joanie, however, did not realize it until she was home.  Her shriek probably could have awoken the dead when she discovered it was missing.  She and Mark, who I might add took the announcement of the missing ring very well, rented a metal detector and went back to the workplace hoping the trash had not been dumped for the evening.

Worst case was realized when they saw the trash cans had been emptied in the building. They spent the entire evening scavenging through the dumpster in the back lot.  I can only imagine the sense of joy and relief when the ring was found…at the bottom of the dumpster!

Luke 15 is a chapter about precious items/people lost and then found in the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son (being the most familiar).  What we so often miss is they were not only found but were also restored.

Don’t know about you but I don’t think I’ve ever heard any sermons about the lost coin.  It must have had some significance or why would it be there?   

In biblical times and in some areas today when a woman marries the bridegroom gives her a wedding gift of 10 silver coins on a string.  These are usually worn as a headdress or even around her neck.

To lose or misplace any of these coins is considered carelessness in her lack of affection and respect for him.  Worse case it might even be thought that she purchased the affections of someone else which could result in divorce.  These coins were held to be very sacred[i] .

So what does that have to do with us today?  Simply put as followers/believers in Jesus Christ we are his bride awaiting his return.  He has given us not coins as a display of his affection and love for us but rather his life and the gift of the Holy Spirit has been given to us as a deposit (coin) promising his return.

As the bride in old days would probably touch the coins and cherish what they represent, do we today treasure what the Holy Spirit wants to do in our lives to prepare us for not only life here but our future life with Jesus Christ?  Do we actively seek him out as the woman searching for her lost coin?  Do we share with others our story of how we were lost, found then restored?  Do we celebrate with those around us what the Holy Spirit is doing in and through us or perhaps in and through them?

The parable of the lost coin is one of the shortest parables yet hidden in its meaning is immeasurable treasure if we take the time to find them.

---

[i] Insights Into Bible Times and Customs by G Christian Weiss

Wisdom

Wisdom.  We search for it, long for it, would run to the highest mountain for it.  Spend thousands of dollars seeking counsel from others for it.  We also run from it, hide from it and fight to win our way with it.  At times wisdom seems to eludes us or toy with us.

It would seem we resist the very source of wisdom with our searching, wanting to find wisdom on our own terms.  In our quest many voices come at us proclaiming wisdom, some with a hint of wisdom and others trying to show us the path of true wisdom.

So what or Who is the source of true wisdom?

There was once a man who given the opportunity to have anything asked for only one thing…Wisdom.

This man was considered the wisest man to ever live, yet before the end of his life had turned his back on the very Source of wisdom.  At the end of his life he realized the fool he had become and wrote for his sons and future generations to never leave wisdom or forsake her path.  This man was Solomon and he understood the true source of wisdom was God.

Lest I follow the path of a fool by thinking I could write something wiser or better, read…listen…learn from the Source of wisdom.  We will have to take time, quiet our ears and open our heart.  Put aside any preconceived ideas and allow God’s word to teach us. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.  Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.  Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.  Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.  Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.   Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.  For the Lord grants wisdom!  From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.  He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.  He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.  Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.  For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.  Wise choices will watch over you.  Understanding will keep you safe.”

Proverbs 3:5-7; 2:1-11

To discover where Wisdom came from read Proverbs 8, better yet read ALL of Proverbs…want to be saturated with wisdom read the entire Bible!!

I focus on this one thing

…I focus on this one thing:  Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God,

through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:13-14

”Why do I keep rehearsing a conversation that has yet to occur with __________?  Because of past events I know at some point they are going to approach me about_________.  So my mind keeps going into defense mode in anticipation of what, according to past experiences, is bound to happen.”

This ever happen to you?   Why is the past so hard to let go with certain people?  Why can’t I just turn my mind off?  I’ve tried to ignore or switch paths to a more positive attitude and refocus on something good about ___________.  Most of the time that works, but my mind is like an unruly child and tries to keep coming back to ‘conversation-rehearsal’ mode.

The past isn’t necessarily bad.  It can become our point of reference for decisions and actions today and in the future.   Our past helps us to determine if something or someone is safe or we need to avoid.  But our past can also imprison our today and future if not dealt with in a healthy manner.

I am by no means a trained counselor, but these things I have learned from experience:

Ø  Don’t run from the past and pretend it didn't happen.  Acknowledge and if possible confront the offense with the one with whom it happened.  Talking about the offense with others (unless seeking guidance) or constantly reminiscing only renews the hurt and allows roots of bitterness to invade not only the heart but mind.

Ø  Realize the past is the past and cannot be changed.  Stop trying to force the offender to change the past.  They may have as much regret about the past as we do, but our reaction to them keeps them in the past as much as us when it comes to our relationship.  The past was never meant to be lived in but to learn from.  If the one who has offended us has changed then start fresh with ‘today’.  What can be changed are today and tomorrow and our action/reaction to those who have hurt us.

The apostle Paul wrote the verses above when talking about his past experiences and not wanting anything to hinder or hold him back from living a life of wholeness.  He knew ‘garbage in produces garbage out’ while living in this life.  The word forget means, to neglect and no longer caring for.

Which equates to stop rehearing and keeping the past alive!

As to how to stop the mind rehearsing:

“And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix (determine, strengthen) your thoughts (mind) on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Keep putting into practice (do it 1000 times a day if necessary!) all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing.Then the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:8-9 (italics added)

Today is a new day, which path will you choose, imprisonment or wholeness?

A growing faith

Faith by itself is insufficient.  Before you pass out or hit the escape button let me explain.  Whether my blog or someone else’s is followed, or a thousand sermons heard, or one reads through the Bible a hundred times, if action is not put into our faith it will be insufficient.

How can I say this?  Peter said the same thing when he wrote, “In view of all this*, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.  Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Prior to those verses Peter reminds his audience, *“God has given us everything we need for living a godly life by his divine power when we come to know him.  He has given us great and precious promises that enable us to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”  (2 Peter 1:3-4) 

Faith was not meant to be a onetime experience, it was meant to be lived daily which equals action.   I, as well as you, have heard people say, “I wish I had faith like____.”  I can almost guarantee the ones being admired for their faith have had occurrences in their lives upon which they have had to add to their faith with what Peter suggests.

Faith will never grow in a vacuum.  Each supplement Peter talks about requires action and interaction with others.

A growing faith looks like this:  “The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8)

A dormant faith looks like this:  “But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.” (2 Peter 1:9)

Which faith will you choose today, growing or dormant?

The Word

“I am the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6

When Jesus made this statement it wasn’t that his physical birth prompted these truths.  He already was the way, truth and life from before the beginning of time.

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.

God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:1-9)

 “I will never leave you or forsake you” was not just a promise to Jesus disciples when he physically walked this earth.  Since Jesus has always been, he will always be with us…never leaving us.

His coming into our world did not originate the promises Jesus made, but rather proclaimed what had been since before time as we know it and will continue to be truth for all eternity.  Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” (Mt 24:34)  Why?  Because the Word…the Truth has ALWAYS been and ALWAYS will be.  That is why we can stand firmly on his promises!

What do you want me to do for you?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus would ask a blind man what he would want Jesus to do for him?  To me it would have been obvious the man would want his sight back.  In the coaching classes I have taken one of the key principles is not to assume what the other person is in need of, even those needs that would seem obvious.  Through good questions from the coach, the one being coached reveals what they believe their need is and the goal of the coach is to help them set their own goals in how to accomplish their task.

Jesus shows he is the Great Coach in his interactions with others.  The Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 and the blind beggar in Luke 18 are perfect examples.   

The woman at the well left that day with her unseen need fulfilled even though the obvious need of water was left behind for the greater , “the woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village…”

The blind beggar left that day with the obvious need met, yet Jesus still gave the man the opportunity to answer the question, “What do you want me to do for you?”

As we go about our daily lives, let’s keep our eyes and ears open to those around us.  Let’s not be in such a schedule driven day we fail to respond to the silent cries of the hurting hearts in order to quickly fulfill the obvious need.  Take the time, and the risk, to ask, “If God were to do something for you today, what would you want him to do?”

What would YOU want Jesus to do for you today?

Faith Grows from Obedience

We have an elderly family member that even though I know they are grateful in their hearts for what is done for them, they haven’t always verbally expressed their thanks.  To the point where sometimes it seems they just bark orders all the while we are waiting for the “thank you” or “please”.  When I mentioned this observation to them, their response was one of surprise, “I always say thank you and please” and in their minds they may think this is so.

I was thinking about this while reading Luke 17:10 this morning.  The disciples were asking Jesus to show them how to increase their faith.  Jesus gave them the illustration of the mustard seed and then adds,

“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”

Am I the only one or have you ever thought this was an odd illustration of how to increase ones faith?  What does a master not thanking his servant for doing what he should be doing have to do with increasing faith?

Simply this, why do we crave recognition for doing what God expects us to do as part of his family?  And is it God’s recognition or man’s we want?  Are we doing God a favor by simply carrying out what his desires are?

Self honor, appreciation or thanks are not to be the driving force behind obedience to God.  Love is.  Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.  And because they love me, my Father will love them.  And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.  All who love me will do what I say.  My Father will love them and we will come and make our home with each of them.  I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.” (John 14:15-27)

Truth is the foundation trust is built upon. Obedience-love is the result of trusting even though we don’t understand.  Faith grows from obedience, a resignation not in our own way.  These do not require 'thank you', 'please' or appreciation.  We are merely doing what is required of us with the greater reward being faith.

As with a circle these three are a constant flow into each other.

There is no shortcut to faith.  Want faith?  It starts and continues with obedience.

A Watchman In Prayer

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

This verse has always inspired and moved me to belief-action.  When I begin to feel as though my prayers are just words I am always reminded of David and his burning passion and intimacy with God.  This reminder was not just David’s but is as necessary for us today as is breathing for our physical bodies.

Do we really pray expecting God to answer or do we wait until the answer is known before we become expectant?

God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “I publicly proclaim bold promises.    I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me I could not be found.  I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.” (Is 45:19)

“Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.” (Is 59:1)

Micah declared, “As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” Micah 7:7 

Today can we really trust God will hear us, even want to hear us?  Is his ear only bent toward some and not others?

Expectantly in Psalm 5:3 means to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch, watch closely.  This is similar to a watchman on the city walls looking intently and waiting expectantly.

What does a watchman do?

1.  Stays alert

 AT ALL TIMES……“Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)

IN PERSISTENCE….. And so I tell you keep on asking, and you will receive…Keep on seeking, and you will find…Keep on knocking and the door will be open.” (Lk 11:9-10); Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Eph 6:18)

WITH A THANKFUL HEART… Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. (Col 4:2)

  

2.  Announces what he sees/hears

OPPOSITION…Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

VICTORY… You were dead because of your sins…Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.  He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities.  He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Col 2:1-15

 3.  Keeps guard of an entrance

TO THE HEART…Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 1 Corinthians 16:13

TO THE MIND…Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7

TO THE MOUTH…Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
 Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don’t let me share in the delicacies (gossip??) of those who do wrong. Ps 141:3-4

4.  Sits high above so he can see over what he guards

THERE IS NO OTHER POWER OR AUTHORITY ABOVE OUR GOD… Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. Ephesians 1:21

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:21-23

Go deeper

When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4)

At the height of Peter’s need he meets Jesus.  He has no clue the answer will become the catalyst for a life transformation.  But before Jesus provides the solution he asks Peter to help him…to give of his resources (the boat).  We know the end result but Peter didn't.  We also get glimpses of what may have been some of the teaching Peter heard that day.  Whatever Peter heard Jesus say caused him to try again, to ‘go deeper.’   Peter was a professional fisherman; he didn't need anyone instructing him in his trade. 

“We worked hard all night and didn't catch a thing, but if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”

Several observations:

 Jesus asked Peter for something before he provided for Peter.    “…Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it (the boat) out into the water.  So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.”  This observation is not to be taken as a “1-2-3 step for receiving”.  Peter was in the midst of washing his nets—he was working and took time away from his work.  I often wonder if we get so focused on ourselves and the expectations for our needs to be met before we are willing to give or help others. What would Jesus want from me before____________?

Peter’s transformation begins.  He was willing to give, to leave behind exactly what he needed.  What if God answered our most desperate need today?  Would we be willing to give back to God totally and without reserve the very means by which that desperation was met? Would we clench with closed hand the blessing God has given us?  Going deeper is costly.  Fear and worry are replaced with trust and faith; surrender takes the place of resistance. Going deeper requires leaving the usual for the unusual.

“And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.”

‘I’ is not part of ‘we’.  “..I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you…All who love me will do what I say.  My Father will love them and we will come and make our home with each of them….I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.  I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 14:16,23,27; 16:33)

We fall prey to stinkin’ thinkin’ when we believe ‘I need to take care of myself… better myself…cleanse myself…before I can give out to others.’    In the presence of Holy, Peter was overwhelmed by his own sinfulness and he was awestruck with the answer to his need.  Jesus said, ‘Don’t be afraid!’  Peter was not going to become and do what Jesus was calling him to do by himself.  Nor did Jesus require Peter to fix himself before he could be used.  Jesus doesn't call us today to be or do for him by ourselves.  Peter abandoned ‘I’ to become part of ‘We’.  Are we truly willing to abandon the ‘I’ to be overtaken by the ‘We’?

There will no doubt be readers of this blog going through difficult situations. 

“Teacher, we have tried everything we know to do and it just isn't working.”   What if Jesus were asking us to, “go out where it is deeper.”    What would that ‘deeper’ look like?  Would we trust him enough with no excuses and no answers needed to go there?

What are we desperately praying for and when he answers would we be willing to leave everything and follow Jesus?

Do we sincerely want God’s wisdom?

Setting boundaries is a popular word phrase to express taking control in a particular area(s) of one’s life.  I agree there are some instances where this is critical for the physical and emotional well being of someone who is being victimized.  But just as boundaries can be a protective measure it can also become an excuse to keep people out or to wield control.

So what do boundaries have to do with wisdom?  I guess it would all depend on what kind of wisdom we are seeking.

We probably all know of situations where boundaries have been drawn because of offenses yet the offenses have not been talked through to any resolution.  Each is waiting for the other to make a move.  Each is a believer in Jesus Christ and wants to live according to God’s way.  Each one claiming they have sought God’s wisdom and feel justified in their decisions before the Lord. 

Yet the chasm grows wider with each passing moment.  Those close to the situation see the affects of the standoff but their concerns are met with charges of interference.

How can this be? Friendships, families and churches are torn apart all waiting for the other person(s) to make the first move.  What and how does praying for God’s wisdom look like in these circumstances?  How can both ends of the spectrum be deemed correct yet destruction loom?

To help answer these questions, let’s look at what James has to say about wisdom.

     If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.  But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.

     If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.  For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.  For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

      But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.  And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 1:5-6;3:13-18NLT)

Ø  If we sincerely want wisdom, ask God…don’t rely on another person for our wisdom.  In the process be ready to possibly receive a different direction not anticipated.  Are we willing to change or even abandon our course to follow God’s wisdom? Do we ‘sincerely’ want God’s wisdom?  

Ø  Wisdom is shown by the way we live our lives, our deeds and depth of humility in which we do those.  Wisdom will only grow in the soil of humility.  Bitterness, jealousy, selfish ambition, boasting and lying are not byproducts of God’s kind of wisdom and need to be weeded (not just surface-cut but deep roots pulled) from our hearts soil in order for wisdom to take root.  Humility is fertilized with purity, mercy, good deeds, sincerity, gentleness, peace and a willingness to yield to others.  This is the environment wisdom grows.  Do we ‘sincerely’ want God’s wisdom?

Ø  Wisdom and peacemaking go hand in hand. To be a peacemaker means actively pursuing peace regardless of whether it is reciprocated.  Our actions and reactions are the only ones we have control over.  This peace, in the Greek, is the same Paul talks about in Galatians 5 as part of the fruit of the Spirit.  Do we ‘sincerely’ want God’s wisdom?

Ø  Wisdom and willingness to yield to others, no matter who is right, go hand in hand.   Being willing to yield to another in some translation is “being reasonable.”  Perhaps this is in our yielding to the other person or in our expectations of that other person.  Do we ‘sincerely’ want God’s wisdom?

Each bullet point ends with a deliberate question:  Do we ‘sincerely’ want God’s wisdom.  If we do, we will no doubt be the one to change course, to abandon our right (real or perceived) for the good of wisdom to be shown, to re-evaluate certain boundaries and for healing to begin even if it is in our hearts alone.