October 2
“It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.” (Proverbs 20:3, ESV)
In our world, there are people who like to fight. They like conflict. They enjoy seeing people go at it. Often, they get a thrill by watching others come to blows. I recently watched a video of a man who overheard his neighbors arguing on the front lawn. What did he do? He gleefully set up a chair on his front porch so he could “watch the fireworks”! Though the scripture for today urges honorable men to “keep aloof from strife”, these people relish at the chance to observe those who are ready to come to blows.
In the same way, there are people who love to quarrel. Instead of enjoying watching fireworks, they enjoy making fireworks. They love to disagree, to “play devil’s advocate”, to stir up trouble. Surprisingly, they don’t see quarreling as a sign of problems. They see it as normal or even advantageous. I’ve witnessed couples who lived to argue with each other. Over dinner, one would bring up a touchy subject just to see the other squirm. Then, when bored, one might push the other’s buttons just to “get a rise” out of the other. When these couples aren’t quarreling about something, they might even presume something is wrong!
There are scriptures in the Bible teaching that disagreements are normal or even advantageous. When two people disagree, the wise use of a disagreement may teach learning, compromise, or patience (see Luke 17:3 and Matthew 18:15, for example). However, when someone moves past constructive disagreement to quarreling, the scriptures take a very different tack. Nowhere in the Bible is quarreling seen as a good thing. In fact, a good number of scriptures outright condemn it (2 Timothy 2:3, James 4:1).
In the 1700’s, when the early Moravian church was just getting established, Count Nicholaus Von Zinzendorf sent out missionaries. One of his rules to those missionaries was, “don’t let a quarrel last more than a day”. Zinzendorf knew that lingering quarrels became bitter hatred. They often spurred rivals and impeded the growth of the gospel. For Zinzendorf, quarrels were a sign of not only a poor missionary but a sick church.
I have known churches to become embroiled in quarrels that lasted for generations. I have known members who quarreled with each other over trifles. Christians who know their Bible should know better, but they can become worldly in their beliefs. They can let quarreling become an art form, even quarreling while acting religious!
During the 1960’s a church went through a rough patch with one of its pastors. The pastor cheated on his wife and the affair caused fights within the church. People blamed the guilty parties. They wanted the pastor to be sacked. They even talked about kicking out whole families who knew of the affair but kept quiet about it. After the pastor was forced out of the church, the congregation went through rough times. The next four pastors all experienced deep-seated grudges between members. If the pastor dared spend too much time with one family or another, the grudges gravitated toward the pastor or his family. During that time, two pastors became seriously ill, and one pastor left the ministry. Most people attributed the problems with the pastors to the stress of this congregation where quarreling had become commonplace.
If you find that any relationship moves from disagreements to quarreling, you need to see that relationship as seriously damaged in the eyes of God. The quarreling should not continue. According to the scripture for today, a wise man needs to keep “aloof from strife” and would be “a fool” to continue quarreling. Don’t turn a blind eye when quarreling becomes the norm. It is not healthy no matter what you have been taught, shown, or told. In God’s eyes, quarreling is a kind of strife that is borne from a heart that is quick to take offense and a mind that is well-acquainted with anger. If you continue in a relationship that becomes familiar with quarreling, you may find yourself becoming more cynical, more stressed, and looking for a fight. Just as a virus can be caught in close proximity to one who is sick, quarreling can become a habit when in close proximity to one who is accustomed to its use.
If your marriage becomes too filled with quarreling, don’t view it as normal or even beneficial. It is not. Quarreling is a sign of illness in any relationship. It is also a symptom of problems within one’s soul. Quarreling requires swift action. Work through the issues causing quarreling. If the quarreling is deep seated and refuses godly correction, more drastic measures must be taken before Satan gets involved and evil will be the inevitable result.
In the same way, there are people who love to quarrel. Instead of enjoying watching fireworks, they enjoy making fireworks. They love to disagree, to “play devil’s advocate”, to stir up trouble. Surprisingly, they don’t see quarreling as a sign of problems. They see it as normal or even advantageous. I’ve witnessed couples who lived to argue with each other. Over dinner, one would bring up a touchy subject just to see the other squirm. Then, when bored, one might push the other’s buttons just to “get a rise” out of the other. When these couples aren’t quarreling about something, they might even presume something is wrong!
There are scriptures in the Bible teaching that disagreements are normal or even advantageous. When two people disagree, the wise use of a disagreement may teach learning, compromise, or patience (see Luke 17:3 and Matthew 18:15, for example). However, when someone moves past constructive disagreement to quarreling, the scriptures take a very different tack. Nowhere in the Bible is quarreling seen as a good thing. In fact, a good number of scriptures outright condemn it (2 Timothy 2:3, James 4:1).
In the 1700’s, when the early Moravian church was just getting established, Count Nicholaus Von Zinzendorf sent out missionaries. One of his rules to those missionaries was, “don’t let a quarrel last more than a day”. Zinzendorf knew that lingering quarrels became bitter hatred. They often spurred rivals and impeded the growth of the gospel. For Zinzendorf, quarrels were a sign of not only a poor missionary but a sick church.
I have known churches to become embroiled in quarrels that lasted for generations. I have known members who quarreled with each other over trifles. Christians who know their Bible should know better, but they can become worldly in their beliefs. They can let quarreling become an art form, even quarreling while acting religious!
During the 1960’s a church went through a rough patch with one of its pastors. The pastor cheated on his wife and the affair caused fights within the church. People blamed the guilty parties. They wanted the pastor to be sacked. They even talked about kicking out whole families who knew of the affair but kept quiet about it. After the pastor was forced out of the church, the congregation went through rough times. The next four pastors all experienced deep-seated grudges between members. If the pastor dared spend too much time with one family or another, the grudges gravitated toward the pastor or his family. During that time, two pastors became seriously ill, and one pastor left the ministry. Most people attributed the problems with the pastors to the stress of this congregation where quarreling had become commonplace.
If you find that any relationship moves from disagreements to quarreling, you need to see that relationship as seriously damaged in the eyes of God. The quarreling should not continue. According to the scripture for today, a wise man needs to keep “aloof from strife” and would be “a fool” to continue quarreling. Don’t turn a blind eye when quarreling becomes the norm. It is not healthy no matter what you have been taught, shown, or told. In God’s eyes, quarreling is a kind of strife that is borne from a heart that is quick to take offense and a mind that is well-acquainted with anger. If you continue in a relationship that becomes familiar with quarreling, you may find yourself becoming more cynical, more stressed, and looking for a fight. Just as a virus can be caught in close proximity to one who is sick, quarreling can become a habit when in close proximity to one who is accustomed to its use.
If your marriage becomes too filled with quarreling, don’t view it as normal or even beneficial. It is not. Quarreling is a sign of illness in any relationship. It is also a symptom of problems within one’s soul. Quarreling requires swift action. Work through the issues causing quarreling. If the quarreling is deep seated and refuses godly correction, more drastic measures must be taken before Satan gets involved and evil will be the inevitable result.
October 5
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7, NIV)
In the book, Fearing God: Putting Others First, the author describes his interaction with his wife in this way…
Wife: “Honey, you were supposed to turn left back there.”
Me: “No—this is a shortcut. (… I hope!)”
Wife: “Babe, it’s icy; maybe you should slow down.”
Me: “Hmph! I know how to drive.” [said under my breath]
I love and respect my wife—so why are there times I get defensive or snap at her when she tells me how to drive? It’s because I’m convinced that I am a good driver! Inside my heart, I’m thinking, Don’t you know who I am? Mario Andretti has nothing on me!
Often, we take offense to things people say because we believe I’m right; I’m better; I’m more important; I’m more valuable. We may not say that out loud, but our high thoughts about ourselves are a defensive attempt for us to save face—to make sure that people see us as being as important, as beautiful, as skilled, as strong as we think we are. Are you easily embarrassed? Are you often offended and defensive? (Zach Schlegel, pp. 35-36)
A good sign that you are not only humble and faithful but content with your position and self-assured is if you do not take offense when another person tries to constructively correct you or teach you. An insecure person will bristle at any attempt to show them a better way. A prideful person will take offense when placed in an authoritative teaching moment. Learning in life is crucial. Learning wisdom is a sign of great faith. So, why do people get defensive or upset when put in a situation to learn? Pride and insecurities usually are the biggest part of the problem.
The scripture for today links “the fear of the Lord” (the respect for God) to the attainment of “knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Out of deep respect for God, you will want to learn things about the Bible, faith, God’s authority, and God’s creation. Spiritual learning is not the only area of knowledge you must attain. In the history of the Roman Catholic Church, many monks became the early pioneers in astronomy, physics, biology, chemistry, and many of the other sciences. For these brothers, learning about God’s creation taught a lot of deep insights about God. Knowledge should also be important to you. It will help you in many ways to have a better life.
The second half of the scripture for today describes the ineptitude of “fools”. Fools, according to Proverbs 1:7, “despise wisdom and instruction”. They don’t want to learn more about life. Often, they want to blindly grope their way through life, content with their limited learning and self-constructed ideals. Often, they are blind to what they have not personally experienced. They lack not only breadth of knowledge, but a humility borne out of the realization that they don’t know it all!
When visiting a pastor of a neighboring church, I was struck at his insensitivity and insecurity. While we talked, he informed me that because I went to seminary, he didn’t respect me. My seminary training helped teach me the Bible in deep detail. I learned from centuries of biblical scholars. I studied the Bible in its original languages including Greek and Hebrew. But for this country preacher, seminary learning was all bad. He had witnessed seminary-taught pastors who knew more about “religion” than about God. While that is a problem in the modern era, purposefully deciding to never learn from wise biblical scholars and experienced pastors is a backward way for a pastor to act. Chances are, he will end up believing only what his mind can comprehend and only when his limited knowledge can give him. It’s not that all seminary-trained pastors are better or more faithful. It’s that people who refuse to learn wisdom and knowledge are forever limited in their ability to know God at a deeper level.
Imagine if a doctor you visited did not believe in learning anatomy? How about a plumber who refused to be learn the trade? How about a technician who refuses training? Each would learn their vocation by making all the mistakes that could have been prevented by having a capable teaching situation. The very same thing applies to the spiritual life. Faithful spiritual leaders can help your faith grow much more quickly, point out theological errors, train you to see more meaning from scripture. That is, they can teach you if you want to learn!
You can only gain knowledge if you have the desire to learn. You can only gain wisdom if you are willing to listen and heed the instruction of those who know better. So many have failed to learn important lessons in life simply because they refuse to hear and obey those who know better.
How well do you listen to instructions? Do you spend time gaining knowledge in the depths of spiritual ideas? Are you willing to spend time at the feet of the Master, your Lord Jesus? What is God trying to teach you today?
Wife: “Honey, you were supposed to turn left back there.”
Me: “No—this is a shortcut. (… I hope!)”
Wife: “Babe, it’s icy; maybe you should slow down.”
Me: “Hmph! I know how to drive.” [said under my breath]
I love and respect my wife—so why are there times I get defensive or snap at her when she tells me how to drive? It’s because I’m convinced that I am a good driver! Inside my heart, I’m thinking, Don’t you know who I am? Mario Andretti has nothing on me!
Often, we take offense to things people say because we believe I’m right; I’m better; I’m more important; I’m more valuable. We may not say that out loud, but our high thoughts about ourselves are a defensive attempt for us to save face—to make sure that people see us as being as important, as beautiful, as skilled, as strong as we think we are. Are you easily embarrassed? Are you often offended and defensive? (Zach Schlegel, pp. 35-36)
A good sign that you are not only humble and faithful but content with your position and self-assured is if you do not take offense when another person tries to constructively correct you or teach you. An insecure person will bristle at any attempt to show them a better way. A prideful person will take offense when placed in an authoritative teaching moment. Learning in life is crucial. Learning wisdom is a sign of great faith. So, why do people get defensive or upset when put in a situation to learn? Pride and insecurities usually are the biggest part of the problem.
The scripture for today links “the fear of the Lord” (the respect for God) to the attainment of “knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Out of deep respect for God, you will want to learn things about the Bible, faith, God’s authority, and God’s creation. Spiritual learning is not the only area of knowledge you must attain. In the history of the Roman Catholic Church, many monks became the early pioneers in astronomy, physics, biology, chemistry, and many of the other sciences. For these brothers, learning about God’s creation taught a lot of deep insights about God. Knowledge should also be important to you. It will help you in many ways to have a better life.
The second half of the scripture for today describes the ineptitude of “fools”. Fools, according to Proverbs 1:7, “despise wisdom and instruction”. They don’t want to learn more about life. Often, they want to blindly grope their way through life, content with their limited learning and self-constructed ideals. Often, they are blind to what they have not personally experienced. They lack not only breadth of knowledge, but a humility borne out of the realization that they don’t know it all!
When visiting a pastor of a neighboring church, I was struck at his insensitivity and insecurity. While we talked, he informed me that because I went to seminary, he didn’t respect me. My seminary training helped teach me the Bible in deep detail. I learned from centuries of biblical scholars. I studied the Bible in its original languages including Greek and Hebrew. But for this country preacher, seminary learning was all bad. He had witnessed seminary-taught pastors who knew more about “religion” than about God. While that is a problem in the modern era, purposefully deciding to never learn from wise biblical scholars and experienced pastors is a backward way for a pastor to act. Chances are, he will end up believing only what his mind can comprehend and only when his limited knowledge can give him. It’s not that all seminary-trained pastors are better or more faithful. It’s that people who refuse to learn wisdom and knowledge are forever limited in their ability to know God at a deeper level.
Imagine if a doctor you visited did not believe in learning anatomy? How about a plumber who refused to be learn the trade? How about a technician who refuses training? Each would learn their vocation by making all the mistakes that could have been prevented by having a capable teaching situation. The very same thing applies to the spiritual life. Faithful spiritual leaders can help your faith grow much more quickly, point out theological errors, train you to see more meaning from scripture. That is, they can teach you if you want to learn!
You can only gain knowledge if you have the desire to learn. You can only gain wisdom if you are willing to listen and heed the instruction of those who know better. So many have failed to learn important lessons in life simply because they refuse to hear and obey those who know better.
How well do you listen to instructions? Do you spend time gaining knowledge in the depths of spiritual ideas? Are you willing to spend time at the feet of the Master, your Lord Jesus? What is God trying to teach you today?
October 7
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,” (2 Timothy 1:6, ESV)
During a weekend trip in the Appalachian Mountains, a hiker was caught in a snowstorm. The forecasters had predicted an inch or two of snow, but they were wrong. The heavy snowfall amounted to over ten inches in one day. The hiker was in quite a predicament. Luckily, he had prepared for this kind of emergency. He brought with him cold weather gear just in case. He also brought along a kit to make fire that was supplied with lint-type kindling. After building a crude shelter using tree branches and leaves, the hiker found some dry wood in the forest around him and, utilizing the kit, was able to start a fire. He kept the fire going all night and the next day hiked back to the trailhead and then to his truck.
When interviewed after the incident, the hiker explained that the fire-making kit saved his life. Though the storm threatened to extinguish his fire when it first started, he was able to protect the small fire from the wind and then build the fire to keep it growing and emit more heat, which he needed to overcome the cold mountain air. Truth be told, he later told his sister that a dozen times he thought his little fire would flare out, but he dutifully kept feeding the flames, protecting it so that it would grow. This enabled him to have more than enough heat to keep him warm and dry and toasty during the worst of the storm.
If the hiker would not have protected that small fire and the kindling and fed the flames until it was self-sustaining, the fire would have been snuffed out. He had to diligently nurse the flames into being. It took work and a constant awareness to help the fire sustain itself until it could save his life. In similar manner, there are times your spiritual life will need care and protection so that it can grow into a vital part of your soul. New Christians, for example, need help and mentors in order to learn about God, learn how to deal with spiritual issues, gain the knowledge of how to handle setbacks and pain and prayer that seems to go unanswered. After a traumatic event, even life-long Christians may need someone to lean on or extra time with God in order to rekindle a spiritual life that has been damaged. Every now and then, you will probably need to reclaim your faith, rediscover your love of God, or lean on the everlasting arms of your Heavenly Father.
The scripture for today contains some wisdom passed down from the Apostle Paul to a young pastor, Timothy. The wisdom Paul gave concerned Timothy’s budding faith. Because Timothy was a very young pastor, he didn’t have the experience nor a depth of knowledge to lean on when ministry became difficult. That is why Paul urged Timothy to take time to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). Even though Timothy was filled with God’s Spirit and was active in ministry, his spiritual life was not deep enough to handle some things life might throw at him. Paul wanted Timothy to promise that he would take the time needed to grow in the faith, to nurture his gifts of the Spirit, to learn at the feet of Jesus, to spend time in prayer and meditation. All this work would help the Holy Spirit to expand its roots in his young soul and give breadth to his understanding of God.
Every now and then, it is wise to take time to kindle the flames of your faith, to fan into flame the areas of your faith needing more knowledge or spiritual strength. I’ve met new Christians who threw themselves into wonderful mission works only to burn out in a short time. When difficulties arose or difficult people stood in their way, they didn’t have the depth of faith or the spiritual ability to deal with the obstacles. They gave up too soon. That is why it is so important to take the time to fan the fire of faith in your life. That flame needs to burn brightly in order to keep you warm when a storm in life hits unexpectedly.
Two good friends were leaders in their church. Each one was the same age. Each one had loving parents. Though both had gotten serious about their relationship with God at the same age, their lives couldn’t have been more different ever since. One so enjoyed Christian music that he spent hours every day studying the music, listening to new Christian artists, and learning to play the piano. The other was not good with music but had a deep love of youth ministry. He spent many hours doing counseling at a Christian camp and working with youth mission projects. The two enjoyed each other’s company and loved their church deeply.
Five years after I met them, their church went through a time of great turmoil. A scandal broke out implicating several leaders in the church. People began to take sides. Fights broke out. The pastor was publicly derided. The two tried to work through the issues in the church. Over time, however, the young man who spent time with Christian music was so disgruntled at the “unchristian attitude” among some of the congregation that he left the church and talked negatively about the faith. Two years later, he gave up being a Christian altogether. The other young man shed tears with his friends from camp about the disintegration happening at his home church. Together, they came up with coping strategies and ways to help. Today, this young man continues to be a leader in his church, even filling the pulpit when the pastor is on vacation. Hundreds of young people have come to believe in God due to his spiritual direction and wonderful spirit.
What was the biggest difference between these two Christian young men? One fanned the flames of the Spirit, nurturing his faith. He spent time in prayer, studied the scripture, and leaned on his Christian friends and mentors. The other one neglected his faith. He spent most of his time listening to Christian music but little time in prayer or meditation or learning. He mostly just kept himself to the Christian music scene. When difficulties arose in their church, the one who “fanned into flame the gift of God” was the one who had the depth of Spirit to overcome obstacles. The other had a faith that simply wasted away to nothing when things became difficult.
Find the time in your spiritual life to fan into flames the gifts of God in you. Nurture the spiritual side of your life. Find ways to increase your knowledge of God. Lean on faithful friends when things become difficult. Learn how to handle trials and tribulations. Find ways to pray more deeply, devote yourself to Bible study, and build trust with God. When life throws its worst at you, you will be ready to face whatever storms head your way. Your faith will sustain you perfectly.
When interviewed after the incident, the hiker explained that the fire-making kit saved his life. Though the storm threatened to extinguish his fire when it first started, he was able to protect the small fire from the wind and then build the fire to keep it growing and emit more heat, which he needed to overcome the cold mountain air. Truth be told, he later told his sister that a dozen times he thought his little fire would flare out, but he dutifully kept feeding the flames, protecting it so that it would grow. This enabled him to have more than enough heat to keep him warm and dry and toasty during the worst of the storm.
If the hiker would not have protected that small fire and the kindling and fed the flames until it was self-sustaining, the fire would have been snuffed out. He had to diligently nurse the flames into being. It took work and a constant awareness to help the fire sustain itself until it could save his life. In similar manner, there are times your spiritual life will need care and protection so that it can grow into a vital part of your soul. New Christians, for example, need help and mentors in order to learn about God, learn how to deal with spiritual issues, gain the knowledge of how to handle setbacks and pain and prayer that seems to go unanswered. After a traumatic event, even life-long Christians may need someone to lean on or extra time with God in order to rekindle a spiritual life that has been damaged. Every now and then, you will probably need to reclaim your faith, rediscover your love of God, or lean on the everlasting arms of your Heavenly Father.
The scripture for today contains some wisdom passed down from the Apostle Paul to a young pastor, Timothy. The wisdom Paul gave concerned Timothy’s budding faith. Because Timothy was a very young pastor, he didn’t have the experience nor a depth of knowledge to lean on when ministry became difficult. That is why Paul urged Timothy to take time to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). Even though Timothy was filled with God’s Spirit and was active in ministry, his spiritual life was not deep enough to handle some things life might throw at him. Paul wanted Timothy to promise that he would take the time needed to grow in the faith, to nurture his gifts of the Spirit, to learn at the feet of Jesus, to spend time in prayer and meditation. All this work would help the Holy Spirit to expand its roots in his young soul and give breadth to his understanding of God.
Every now and then, it is wise to take time to kindle the flames of your faith, to fan into flame the areas of your faith needing more knowledge or spiritual strength. I’ve met new Christians who threw themselves into wonderful mission works only to burn out in a short time. When difficulties arose or difficult people stood in their way, they didn’t have the depth of faith or the spiritual ability to deal with the obstacles. They gave up too soon. That is why it is so important to take the time to fan the fire of faith in your life. That flame needs to burn brightly in order to keep you warm when a storm in life hits unexpectedly.
Two good friends were leaders in their church. Each one was the same age. Each one had loving parents. Though both had gotten serious about their relationship with God at the same age, their lives couldn’t have been more different ever since. One so enjoyed Christian music that he spent hours every day studying the music, listening to new Christian artists, and learning to play the piano. The other was not good with music but had a deep love of youth ministry. He spent many hours doing counseling at a Christian camp and working with youth mission projects. The two enjoyed each other’s company and loved their church deeply.
Five years after I met them, their church went through a time of great turmoil. A scandal broke out implicating several leaders in the church. People began to take sides. Fights broke out. The pastor was publicly derided. The two tried to work through the issues in the church. Over time, however, the young man who spent time with Christian music was so disgruntled at the “unchristian attitude” among some of the congregation that he left the church and talked negatively about the faith. Two years later, he gave up being a Christian altogether. The other young man shed tears with his friends from camp about the disintegration happening at his home church. Together, they came up with coping strategies and ways to help. Today, this young man continues to be a leader in his church, even filling the pulpit when the pastor is on vacation. Hundreds of young people have come to believe in God due to his spiritual direction and wonderful spirit.
What was the biggest difference between these two Christian young men? One fanned the flames of the Spirit, nurturing his faith. He spent time in prayer, studied the scripture, and leaned on his Christian friends and mentors. The other one neglected his faith. He spent most of his time listening to Christian music but little time in prayer or meditation or learning. He mostly just kept himself to the Christian music scene. When difficulties arose in their church, the one who “fanned into flame the gift of God” was the one who had the depth of Spirit to overcome obstacles. The other had a faith that simply wasted away to nothing when things became difficult.
Find the time in your spiritual life to fan into flames the gifts of God in you. Nurture the spiritual side of your life. Find ways to increase your knowledge of God. Lean on faithful friends when things become difficult. Learn how to handle trials and tribulations. Find ways to pray more deeply, devote yourself to Bible study, and build trust with God. When life throws its worst at you, you will be ready to face whatever storms head your way. Your faith will sustain you perfectly.
October 9
“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.”” (John 14:21, NLT)
Every now and then people talk about the “leap of faith” required to do something out of your comfort zone. In the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, a leap of faith was required to take a step over a chasm when Indiana Jones’ eyes deceived him. Leaps of faith are important to life. Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith when you don’t have all the answers but have a hunch that you need to go in a certain direction. A leap of faith will be required to ask a person to marry you. You don’t know what the future will hold, and that commitment of marriage will affect your whole life. A leap of faith must be taken to choose a job, travel to a new place, buy a home on mortgage, fly on an airplane, choose a friend, and so much more. While leaps of faith occur frequently in life, today Jesus is asking you to take a “leap of obedience”. This leap may require more than just your hope that things will go well with your choices.
John 14 begins with Jesus being asked about certain aspects of the faith. He is questioned by Phillip and Thomas and Judas (not Iscariot) about different topics. Jesus not only answered their questions but continued to teach on various topics of faith, trust in God, and our relationship with the Heavenly Father. Then, Jesus made the statement included in our scripture for today. Here, Jesus talked about his “commandments”. He urged his followers not only to “accept” the commandments. He recognized that true disciples “who love Jesus” will “obey” the commandments and be loved for it (John 14:21). You see, accepting Jesus’ commands is different from obeying Jesus commands. Some people accept Jesus’ commandments as important for living. However, they may be unwilling to take the “leap of obedience” required to not only accept those commands of Jesus but to live them out in true obedience.
“In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made application to Prior Richard at as local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery.
“Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king.”
“I understand,” said Henry, “The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.”
“Then I will tell you what to do,” said Prior Richard. “Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you.”
When King Henry died, a statement was written: “The King learned to rule by being obedient.”
When we tire of our roles and responsibilities, it helps to remember God has planted us in a certain place and told us to be a good accountant or teacher or mother or father. Christ expects us to be faithful where he puts us, and when he returns, we’ll rule together with him.”
(Steve Brown, as expounded in 10,000 Sermon Illustrations)
As King Henry III learned, being faithful to Jesus involves obedience. Sometimes, that obedience requires that we not only accept Jesus as Lord but be willing to follow faithfully in whatever task we are called, keeping to Jesus’ commands throughout the journey.
Is there a “leap of obedience” that Jesus is requiring of you during this period of your life? Do you find it more difficult to obey than to simply believe? Remember, there is a direct correlation between true faith and obedience. You can’t have one without the other!
John 14 begins with Jesus being asked about certain aspects of the faith. He is questioned by Phillip and Thomas and Judas (not Iscariot) about different topics. Jesus not only answered their questions but continued to teach on various topics of faith, trust in God, and our relationship with the Heavenly Father. Then, Jesus made the statement included in our scripture for today. Here, Jesus talked about his “commandments”. He urged his followers not only to “accept” the commandments. He recognized that true disciples “who love Jesus” will “obey” the commandments and be loved for it (John 14:21). You see, accepting Jesus’ commands is different from obeying Jesus commands. Some people accept Jesus’ commandments as important for living. However, they may be unwilling to take the “leap of obedience” required to not only accept those commands of Jesus but to live them out in true obedience.
“In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made application to Prior Richard at as local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery.
“Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king.”
“I understand,” said Henry, “The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.”
“Then I will tell you what to do,” said Prior Richard. “Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you.”
When King Henry died, a statement was written: “The King learned to rule by being obedient.”
When we tire of our roles and responsibilities, it helps to remember God has planted us in a certain place and told us to be a good accountant or teacher or mother or father. Christ expects us to be faithful where he puts us, and when he returns, we’ll rule together with him.”
(Steve Brown, as expounded in 10,000 Sermon Illustrations)
As King Henry III learned, being faithful to Jesus involves obedience. Sometimes, that obedience requires that we not only accept Jesus as Lord but be willing to follow faithfully in whatever task we are called, keeping to Jesus’ commands throughout the journey.
Is there a “leap of obedience” that Jesus is requiring of you during this period of your life? Do you find it more difficult to obey than to simply believe? Remember, there is a direct correlation between true faith and obedience. You can’t have one without the other!
October 11
“And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking…”” (Mark 10:35–38, ESV)
Norwegian zoologist Thorleif Schjelderup-Ebbe submitted a PhD dissertation in 1921. He had studied the behavior of chickens and noted something common among the hens. The hens would peck at each other to gain dominance. The importance of every hen was determined by this peck, peck, pecking that the hens did to impress upon each other their own importance in the barnyard. This pecking might even cause suffering as one hen beat up another just for fun. Schjelderup-Ebbe called this dominance-setting action “Hackliste”. Later, it was translated into English as “pecking order”. In the next ten years, people began to discuss an attitude of establishing dominance among people as determining “pecking order”. Pretty soon, “pecking order” was adopted into the English language as an apt description for establishing importance or dominance among people.
In the scripture for today, James and John approached Jesus. They asked Jesus, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” (Mark 10:35). This was a tall order! They didn’t even say what they wanted but yet wanted Jesus to do what they willed! Jesus was having nothing of it. He responded, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36). The two brothers then asked to be put in a great position of influence in Heaven. They asked to be placed at Jesus’ right and left hand “in glory”. In essence, they asked to be given the first and second-best spot in Heaven for the followers of Jesus. Jesus answered them incredulously, “You do not know what you are asking…” (Mark 10:38). James and John wanted to be appointed to a lofty position in heaven without doing anything. They figured that they would get it, being that they were two of Jesus’ disciples. What they didn’t understand is that God doesn’t have a “pecking order” in Heaven based on who knows who. Heaven isn’t concerned with dominance and hierarchy. Later on in Mark 10, Jesus explained that God the Father will choose who is placed where in Heaven. Jesus further explained that God the Father does not base His worth of disciples based on who they know but instead on how faithfully they serve (Mark 10:44).
While explaining to the two disciples their error in judgment, Jesus also made an observation. He noted that Gentiles often “lord it over” other people (Mark 10:42). They liked to be in authority, telling others what to do. Jesus mentioned that Heaven doesn’t operate by such worldly principles.
Sadly, not only did James and John get caught up in a “pecking order” among the followers of Jesus but there are also Christians today who do the same. They operate by worldly principles of dominance and ignore the Heavenly mandate of faithful service.
In the 1990’s, I was asked by another pastor to sit in on an important church leadership meeting at his nearby church. Arriving early, I sat at the table set aside for the church elders. As the meeting got underway, I noticed a definite antagonism coming from the church treasurer. People at the meeting often looked his way when there was a conflict or disagreement or money issue. When he chimed in, there usually followed no more questioning, as if it wasn’t allowed!
During the second hour of the meeting, the pastor asked why he hadn’t had a paycheck for six weeks. The entire group of leaders looked to the treasurer for an answer. As some turned, I could tell they were wincing, bracing for something to come. I wasn’t wrong. The treasurer yelled at the pastor, saying that the pastor didn’t deserve his paycheck because he had not done something that the treasurer required. The pastor explained that he was not only doing what he believed was right but not going against his contract with the church. The treasurer turned beat red in his face and shouted, “My family built this church ninety years ago. I won’t put up with a pastor like you telling me what to do!”
By his response, I could tell immediately that the church treasurer placed himself above the pastor in the “pecking order” of the church. He saw himself as the one everybody should answer to. He held tightly to the reins of the money in that church. He expected the pastor, along with everyone else, to bow to his demands. He believed his family to be the “rightful heirs” to the legacy of that church.
In Mark 14, Jesus condemned the worldly concept of “lording it over” others. He was highly critical of earthly pecking orders that set up dominance, especially in the church. Worldly people and worldly Christians often fail to see that they prefer “pecking orders” among people. That way they can enjoy lording it over others who are “lower on the totem pole” or less deserving.
Be careful you don’t fall into worldly pecking orders in your view of life. It is all too easy to set yourself up as “better” or “more deserving” based on worldly notions. Just because you’ve been a church member your whole life doesn’t make you more important in the congregation! Just because pastors have a seminary degree doesn’t make them able to control others or run roughshod over others. I’ve known church goers who looked down on new Christians because they were less experienced or less knowledgeable about the Bible. There are church people who are quick to exert their dominance based on what committee they “run” or what position in the church they hold. Beware the dangers of worldly pecking orders, even in your heart and mind.
You may find pecking orders in your family. They may exist in your church. They certainly operate in many areas of life including the job place, the government, military orders, and many more. People who get all caught up in pecking orders usually are authoritarian and act un-Christlike. You may find yourself suffering because of some pecking order. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can walk away. Sometimes, God will have you in a place with a pecking order so that you can bring a more holy perspective. You might be placed in a job where your authority enables you to set aside pecking orders and speak positively about those who exhibit holy values, practice good deeds, or excel in acts of charity.
To be faithful, you will face pecking orders. You will find yourself among people who are completely uncharitable. You might even suffer from someone who likes to lord it over you. Just remember, Jesus wants you to be a faithful servant not an overbearing lord. Jesus wants you to love others not run roughshod over them. Jesus wants you to exhibit a servant’s heart and Christlike love, even when others choose not to do it.
In the scripture for today, James and John approached Jesus. They asked Jesus, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” (Mark 10:35). This was a tall order! They didn’t even say what they wanted but yet wanted Jesus to do what they willed! Jesus was having nothing of it. He responded, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36). The two brothers then asked to be put in a great position of influence in Heaven. They asked to be placed at Jesus’ right and left hand “in glory”. In essence, they asked to be given the first and second-best spot in Heaven for the followers of Jesus. Jesus answered them incredulously, “You do not know what you are asking…” (Mark 10:38). James and John wanted to be appointed to a lofty position in heaven without doing anything. They figured that they would get it, being that they were two of Jesus’ disciples. What they didn’t understand is that God doesn’t have a “pecking order” in Heaven based on who knows who. Heaven isn’t concerned with dominance and hierarchy. Later on in Mark 10, Jesus explained that God the Father will choose who is placed where in Heaven. Jesus further explained that God the Father does not base His worth of disciples based on who they know but instead on how faithfully they serve (Mark 10:44).
While explaining to the two disciples their error in judgment, Jesus also made an observation. He noted that Gentiles often “lord it over” other people (Mark 10:42). They liked to be in authority, telling others what to do. Jesus mentioned that Heaven doesn’t operate by such worldly principles.
Sadly, not only did James and John get caught up in a “pecking order” among the followers of Jesus but there are also Christians today who do the same. They operate by worldly principles of dominance and ignore the Heavenly mandate of faithful service.
In the 1990’s, I was asked by another pastor to sit in on an important church leadership meeting at his nearby church. Arriving early, I sat at the table set aside for the church elders. As the meeting got underway, I noticed a definite antagonism coming from the church treasurer. People at the meeting often looked his way when there was a conflict or disagreement or money issue. When he chimed in, there usually followed no more questioning, as if it wasn’t allowed!
During the second hour of the meeting, the pastor asked why he hadn’t had a paycheck for six weeks. The entire group of leaders looked to the treasurer for an answer. As some turned, I could tell they were wincing, bracing for something to come. I wasn’t wrong. The treasurer yelled at the pastor, saying that the pastor didn’t deserve his paycheck because he had not done something that the treasurer required. The pastor explained that he was not only doing what he believed was right but not going against his contract with the church. The treasurer turned beat red in his face and shouted, “My family built this church ninety years ago. I won’t put up with a pastor like you telling me what to do!”
By his response, I could tell immediately that the church treasurer placed himself above the pastor in the “pecking order” of the church. He saw himself as the one everybody should answer to. He held tightly to the reins of the money in that church. He expected the pastor, along with everyone else, to bow to his demands. He believed his family to be the “rightful heirs” to the legacy of that church.
In Mark 14, Jesus condemned the worldly concept of “lording it over” others. He was highly critical of earthly pecking orders that set up dominance, especially in the church. Worldly people and worldly Christians often fail to see that they prefer “pecking orders” among people. That way they can enjoy lording it over others who are “lower on the totem pole” or less deserving.
Be careful you don’t fall into worldly pecking orders in your view of life. It is all too easy to set yourself up as “better” or “more deserving” based on worldly notions. Just because you’ve been a church member your whole life doesn’t make you more important in the congregation! Just because pastors have a seminary degree doesn’t make them able to control others or run roughshod over others. I’ve known church goers who looked down on new Christians because they were less experienced or less knowledgeable about the Bible. There are church people who are quick to exert their dominance based on what committee they “run” or what position in the church they hold. Beware the dangers of worldly pecking orders, even in your heart and mind.
You may find pecking orders in your family. They may exist in your church. They certainly operate in many areas of life including the job place, the government, military orders, and many more. People who get all caught up in pecking orders usually are authoritarian and act un-Christlike. You may find yourself suffering because of some pecking order. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can walk away. Sometimes, God will have you in a place with a pecking order so that you can bring a more holy perspective. You might be placed in a job where your authority enables you to set aside pecking orders and speak positively about those who exhibit holy values, practice good deeds, or excel in acts of charity.
To be faithful, you will face pecking orders. You will find yourself among people who are completely uncharitable. You might even suffer from someone who likes to lord it over you. Just remember, Jesus wants you to be a faithful servant not an overbearing lord. Jesus wants you to love others not run roughshod over them. Jesus wants you to exhibit a servant’s heart and Christlike love, even when others choose not to do it.
October 13
“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11, ESV)
Psalm 86 was a hymn written by David during a difficult time in his life. In Psalm 86, David mentioned that he was “poor and needy” (v.1), in danger (v.2), and had a life filled with troubles and tears (vv 6,7). During this trying period, David penned the words of Psalm 86:11. In this verse, David didn’t ask God to fix everything. Instead, David asked for 3 things. You might think he would have asked for money or wealth or power or that his needs or troubles would be taken away. Instead, David asked that God teach him how to be righteous and walk in truth. David knew that good and bad times come and go, but a relationship with God will help him every single day of his life. Then, in the second half of today’s scripture David goes one step further. He asks God to do one more thing. He sought for God to “unite” his heart. This wording is very unusual. Since human beings are born with only one heart, how can that heart not be one? It’s simple, really. David knew his heart was split between evil and good, between doing right and taking the easy road, between earthly pleasures and faithfulness. David knew that as long as his heart fought over such polar opposites, this inner division would eat away at his joy and peace. He could never be content.
There are many, many people today still walking around with divided hearts. Their hearts are torn between some of the very same things that David felt. Human beings naturally tend to be selfish and judgmental, emotional and sinful. God asks us to rise above these baser tendencies with a holy life. For all of us, this can be difficult. Your heart and mind and soul can be divided with competing emotions and rivaling ideas. These can even cause “splitting headaches” (see the humor there?!). As long as your mind, heart, and soul remain divided between worldly instincts and faithful desires, you will never be at ease. Usually, people either bow to their baser instincts or they rise above to a holy life. Some people drive themselves crazy listening to the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. I’m surprised more people don’t have split personalities!
Kenneth was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This psychological disorder causes a person to have excessive mood swings. Kevin felt really good at times and severely depressed at others. The mood swings could happen within minutes or change from day to day. One morning, Kenneth might feel like he could take on the world. He’d work hard. He could labor on a project for hours without tiring. Then, a few days later, Kenneth would crash and barely be able to get out of bed or be depressed for days.
As a Christian, Kenneth’s spiritual life was tormented by this change in moods. He would feel close to God one day, then distant from God for the next three days. Kenneth was a kind soul who would give you the shirt off his back. But then again, his wife often became seriously angry for his spending sprees brought on during a down day. Because Kenneth suffered from bipolar disorder, he always felt that his heart was torn apart by his moods. He never felt close to God. He felt guilty that his spiritual life was so up or down. It took a long time, lots of counseling, many prayers, and some very good doctors for Kenneth to get some order back in his life. When Kenneth got better, the one thing he most enjoyed was that his heart and soul and mind felt whole again. He felt closer to God. He didn’t have all those competing emotions tearing apart his peace. He may have his bad days, but Kenneth has learned to unite his heart before the Heavenly Father.
You may not have bipolar disorder but that doesn’t mean your heart isn’t divided. Competing thoughts or emotions brought on by sinful desires or past mistakes can shake up your world. Bouncing between faith in God and doubt in God’s answering your prayers can cause ripples of fear and anxiety and insecurity to agitate your soul. Regrets can spur you to question your faith or sincerity before God. Illness may wreak havoc on your peace and sap your strength. There are many ways in which your heart can become divided.
This week, focus on helping God to heal your heart so that it may become united again. Let God show you if anything is causing division in heart and soul. Let the mercy of God wash over you. Offer up forgiveness. Feel God’s grace. Find what it takes to be united with God with a faith that won’t falter.
There are many, many people today still walking around with divided hearts. Their hearts are torn between some of the very same things that David felt. Human beings naturally tend to be selfish and judgmental, emotional and sinful. God asks us to rise above these baser tendencies with a holy life. For all of us, this can be difficult. Your heart and mind and soul can be divided with competing emotions and rivaling ideas. These can even cause “splitting headaches” (see the humor there?!). As long as your mind, heart, and soul remain divided between worldly instincts and faithful desires, you will never be at ease. Usually, people either bow to their baser instincts or they rise above to a holy life. Some people drive themselves crazy listening to the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. I’m surprised more people don’t have split personalities!
Kenneth was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This psychological disorder causes a person to have excessive mood swings. Kevin felt really good at times and severely depressed at others. The mood swings could happen within minutes or change from day to day. One morning, Kenneth might feel like he could take on the world. He’d work hard. He could labor on a project for hours without tiring. Then, a few days later, Kenneth would crash and barely be able to get out of bed or be depressed for days.
As a Christian, Kenneth’s spiritual life was tormented by this change in moods. He would feel close to God one day, then distant from God for the next three days. Kenneth was a kind soul who would give you the shirt off his back. But then again, his wife often became seriously angry for his spending sprees brought on during a down day. Because Kenneth suffered from bipolar disorder, he always felt that his heart was torn apart by his moods. He never felt close to God. He felt guilty that his spiritual life was so up or down. It took a long time, lots of counseling, many prayers, and some very good doctors for Kenneth to get some order back in his life. When Kenneth got better, the one thing he most enjoyed was that his heart and soul and mind felt whole again. He felt closer to God. He didn’t have all those competing emotions tearing apart his peace. He may have his bad days, but Kenneth has learned to unite his heart before the Heavenly Father.
You may not have bipolar disorder but that doesn’t mean your heart isn’t divided. Competing thoughts or emotions brought on by sinful desires or past mistakes can shake up your world. Bouncing between faith in God and doubt in God’s answering your prayers can cause ripples of fear and anxiety and insecurity to agitate your soul. Regrets can spur you to question your faith or sincerity before God. Illness may wreak havoc on your peace and sap your strength. There are many ways in which your heart can become divided.
This week, focus on helping God to heal your heart so that it may become united again. Let God show you if anything is causing division in heart and soul. Let the mercy of God wash over you. Offer up forgiveness. Feel God’s grace. Find what it takes to be united with God with a faith that won’t falter.
October 16
“Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” (Psalm 103:2–5, NLT)
Ever wonder why a person would desire to be in a relationship with God? All you have to do is read our scripture for today and you will get a good answer. Psalm 103:2-5 lists various things God does for the faithful. The scripture openly shares this information so that the Bible reader “may never forget the good things God does” (Psalm 103:2). Thus, the following list is full of the “good things” God provides to the faithful. God “heals all diseases” (v.3). He “redeems” your life from eternal death (v.4). He showers you with “love and tender mercies” (v.4). He “fills your life with good things” out of love for you (v.5). A healthy relationship with God keeps you young (Psalm 103:5). All these are wonderful things. Still, I have omitted one thing in the list. It is the first benefit of being in a relationship with God listed in this scripture: God “forgives all your sins” (v. 3). Forgiveness is an important part of being in a relationship with God. What good is it if God supplies all your needs if you live in a perpetual state of sinfulness before Him? In fact, one might argue that all the good benefits in the list are derived from being in a forgiven state before God. Forgiveness is that important.
For many years, Lamont turned his back on God. He grew up in the church but over the years wandered away. When he did so, his life began a slow slide downhill. First, he went through a period of heavy drinking. Then, there were a series of tawdry affairs and failed relationships, one-night stands and drug-fueled parties. After ten years of this type of living, Lamont felt shallow and lost. He woke up in the morning feeling little excitement in the day. His joints ached. He looked pale and worn. His sinful life had caught up with him. Lamont had little real happiness.
A month or so after he began to question why he was living this shallow life, Lamont found out that his girlfriend Joanna had gotten pregnant. After a DNA test, Lamont discovered he was the father of the child. He decided to “man up” and take responsibility. He spent time every week with Joanna. He took care of her bills and helped her with her physical limitations. When baby Josephine was being born, Lamont was there. He held Joanna’s hand. He helped her cope during each contraction. After Josephine was a few days old, he moved in with Joanna to help with the baby. Within a few months, not only had Lamont fell in love with his daughter, but he had also fallen in love all over again with her mother.
During those first weeks after Josephine was born, Joanna did not want to marry Lamont. She knew Lamont was a partyer and did not wish to settle down. However, after a few months, she discovered that Lamont was changing. He even started going back to church with her. He was there when Josephine was christened. He was there when things were hard. Eight months later, Lamont and Joanna were married in a little ceremony at the church altar.
Lamont may have done right by Joanna. He may have stopped drinking and carousing. He came back to church. However, Lamont had not made things right with God. He never admitted his sins. He acted as if his walk on the wild side never happened. But Lamont knew the truth in his heart. He knew that he had never really “fessed up” to his sin. He never owned up to his rejection of God. When Lamont went through a class at his church leading up to baptism, Lamont realized that he still carried a lot of guilt around with him. He also hated himself for all the hurt he caused while seeking his own pleasure. Lamont’s sordid past kept eating away at his joy in life. It weighed him down. His soul was bound up with past sin even though Lamont had changed his life.
The week before his baptism, Lamont met with the pastor to work through some issues. As they talked, the pastor realized Lamont had been holding back from letting go of his sin and letting God forgive him. Out of guilt and shame, Lamont had carried these sins for years. The pastor looked Lamont straight in the eye and commented, “You will never become a faithful Christian as long as you hold on to your sin. Jesus died on that cross for that sin. Give it up, Lamont. Let it go. Jesus wants to take that sin from you. He wants to free you from that weight on your heart. Do you love HIM enough to let it go?” Lamont knelt at the altar and gave all his sin to Jesus. He’s been a changed man ever since. Josephine and Joanna have grown to see Lamont as a person who is ever more capable of love and grace and forgiveness due to that night at the altar where he gave up his sin to Jesus.
Hayley Satrom wrote the following words in her discovery of what it means to be forgiving and forgiven by God….
“There are lots of ways we demand payment from other people for their sins. Instead of showing grace, we berate our wrongdoers, wish ill on them, nurse bitterness against them, withdraw from them, or keep a record of their wrongs. Yet Jesus teaches that having received immeasurable mercy from God, we have no right to withhold lesser mercy from others. Instead of berating, we are to speak the truth in love. Instead of wishing ill, we are to pray for God’s will. Instead of nursing bitterness, we are to love our enemies. Instead of withdrawing, we are to move toward. Instead of keeping a record of wrongs, we are to hope in what we cannot see. Instead of punishing our wrongdoers, we are to forgive them.
Forgiveness is a high calling from the Lord; at times it feels like an impossibly high calling. Forgiveness is a part of what it means to pick up our cross and follow Jesus (see Matt. 16:24–25). There is nothing easy about that. To forgive the debts of those who sin against us requires nothing less than the miraculous Spirit of God working within us, transforming us to become more like Christ. We cannot forgive with our own strength.” (pp. 10-11, Forgiveness: Reflecting God’s Mercy).
Forgiveness is not just a benefit from a true relationship with God. It changes you. It makes you more loving, forgiving, grace-full, and joyful. It changes your whole outlook on life. Today, look back on the times you were forgiven. Celebrate God’s forgiveness and grace in your own life. How has God’s forgiveness changed you? How has it made you a better person?
For many years, Lamont turned his back on God. He grew up in the church but over the years wandered away. When he did so, his life began a slow slide downhill. First, he went through a period of heavy drinking. Then, there were a series of tawdry affairs and failed relationships, one-night stands and drug-fueled parties. After ten years of this type of living, Lamont felt shallow and lost. He woke up in the morning feeling little excitement in the day. His joints ached. He looked pale and worn. His sinful life had caught up with him. Lamont had little real happiness.
A month or so after he began to question why he was living this shallow life, Lamont found out that his girlfriend Joanna had gotten pregnant. After a DNA test, Lamont discovered he was the father of the child. He decided to “man up” and take responsibility. He spent time every week with Joanna. He took care of her bills and helped her with her physical limitations. When baby Josephine was being born, Lamont was there. He held Joanna’s hand. He helped her cope during each contraction. After Josephine was a few days old, he moved in with Joanna to help with the baby. Within a few months, not only had Lamont fell in love with his daughter, but he had also fallen in love all over again with her mother.
During those first weeks after Josephine was born, Joanna did not want to marry Lamont. She knew Lamont was a partyer and did not wish to settle down. However, after a few months, she discovered that Lamont was changing. He even started going back to church with her. He was there when Josephine was christened. He was there when things were hard. Eight months later, Lamont and Joanna were married in a little ceremony at the church altar.
Lamont may have done right by Joanna. He may have stopped drinking and carousing. He came back to church. However, Lamont had not made things right with God. He never admitted his sins. He acted as if his walk on the wild side never happened. But Lamont knew the truth in his heart. He knew that he had never really “fessed up” to his sin. He never owned up to his rejection of God. When Lamont went through a class at his church leading up to baptism, Lamont realized that he still carried a lot of guilt around with him. He also hated himself for all the hurt he caused while seeking his own pleasure. Lamont’s sordid past kept eating away at his joy in life. It weighed him down. His soul was bound up with past sin even though Lamont had changed his life.
The week before his baptism, Lamont met with the pastor to work through some issues. As they talked, the pastor realized Lamont had been holding back from letting go of his sin and letting God forgive him. Out of guilt and shame, Lamont had carried these sins for years. The pastor looked Lamont straight in the eye and commented, “You will never become a faithful Christian as long as you hold on to your sin. Jesus died on that cross for that sin. Give it up, Lamont. Let it go. Jesus wants to take that sin from you. He wants to free you from that weight on your heart. Do you love HIM enough to let it go?” Lamont knelt at the altar and gave all his sin to Jesus. He’s been a changed man ever since. Josephine and Joanna have grown to see Lamont as a person who is ever more capable of love and grace and forgiveness due to that night at the altar where he gave up his sin to Jesus.
Hayley Satrom wrote the following words in her discovery of what it means to be forgiving and forgiven by God….
“There are lots of ways we demand payment from other people for their sins. Instead of showing grace, we berate our wrongdoers, wish ill on them, nurse bitterness against them, withdraw from them, or keep a record of their wrongs. Yet Jesus teaches that having received immeasurable mercy from God, we have no right to withhold lesser mercy from others. Instead of berating, we are to speak the truth in love. Instead of wishing ill, we are to pray for God’s will. Instead of nursing bitterness, we are to love our enemies. Instead of withdrawing, we are to move toward. Instead of keeping a record of wrongs, we are to hope in what we cannot see. Instead of punishing our wrongdoers, we are to forgive them.
Forgiveness is a high calling from the Lord; at times it feels like an impossibly high calling. Forgiveness is a part of what it means to pick up our cross and follow Jesus (see Matt. 16:24–25). There is nothing easy about that. To forgive the debts of those who sin against us requires nothing less than the miraculous Spirit of God working within us, transforming us to become more like Christ. We cannot forgive with our own strength.” (pp. 10-11, Forgiveness: Reflecting God’s Mercy).
Forgiveness is not just a benefit from a true relationship with God. It changes you. It makes you more loving, forgiving, grace-full, and joyful. It changes your whole outlook on life. Today, look back on the times you were forgiven. Celebrate God’s forgiveness and grace in your own life. How has God’s forgiveness changed you? How has it made you a better person?
October 18
““No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably.” (Genesis 33:10, NIV)
The scripture above comes at a pivotal point in the lives of Jacob and Esau. Jacob tricked Esau when he was younger in an attempt to steal a blessing from their father. It’s hard to think of two twins being driven apart by such a jealous act, but it caused a deep rift in their relationship. Jacob had to flee, fearing Esau’s vengeance and wrath.
Then, a most terrible day came many years later. Esau found Jacob. Esau, a strong man and powerful leader, had four hundred soldiers at his command. Jacob was cornered. He couldn’t run any longer. As Jacob approached his brother and the soldiers, he did so with great humility and guilt. Jacob knew he was in the wrong. As he finally stood before his brother and all the soldiers, Jacob brought a gift for his brother. It was a gift filled with regret. When the two were face to face, Jacob was shocked that Esau had forgiven him. The words above from Genesis 33:10 record Jacob’s words after seeing forgiveness in his brother…. “to see your face is like seeing the face of God”!
Forgiveness is a powerful thing. It not only can mend a terribly broken relationship like that between Jacob and Esau, but it can also be a sign of God’s presence. I was greatly affected by the following words in the book, Forgiveness: Reflecting God’s Mercy. “Do you remember the brothers Jacob and Esau from the book of Genesis? In the end, theirs is a surprising story of forgiveness. When Jacob steals Esau’s inheritance blessing from their father, Esau thirsts to kill Jacob for vengeance. After many years, they are reunited. Jacob still fears Esau, but Esau has changed. He forgives Jacob, welcomes his family, and rejoices in God’s blessings to Jacob. Jacob, in turn, compares Esau’s acceptance of him to “seeing the face of God.” Esau’s forgiveness reflects God’s character to Jacob.” (Hayley Satrom, pp. 31-32)
If you think about it, forgiveness is unfair. Esau was wronged. Jacob took advantage of his brother. But, over time, Esau chose to forgive his brother out of love. This was a reflection of the grace of God. It was tangible evidence that Esau not only loved his brother but had great respect for our God of grace. Don’t you see? Forgiveness is in God’s character. Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins! Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel. BUT, forgiveness not only defines God, it defines the true Christian.
After months of counseling, there were many hurtful moments between Jen and Steven. Steven complained in their first counseling session that Jen “only thinks about herself. She is hurtful and resentful towards me.” Jen, too, had her moments when pain fueled her anger. She let loose during one bad day with the comment that “Steven doesn’t love me as much as he loves himself. He would do anything for himself but not for me. He’s like a black hole of need. I’m sick of giving to him with nothing to show in return.” Following months of attempts by their pastor to mend their hurt, the pastor explained one evening, “You both have shared your hurt and pain and broken hearts. Which one of you will now exhibit love to ease the pain and forgiveness to heal the hurt? Tell me why you love the other…” These words tore open their hearts and enabled Steven and Jen to allow love and forgiveness and healing to flow. In the end, it seemed their love was bigger than their pain or hurt or regret. They were willing to forgive each other for wrongs done. They moved on, hand in hand with God. They ended up helping several other couples in their church to heal their own wounds.
There comes a time when you will have to face your own lack of forgiveness. In that moment, you can choose to remain angry and mired in regret and bitterness. OR, you can choose to forgive and display the character of God. Forgiveness frees you up from the weight of regret and pain. Forgiveness takes away your sorrow and hurt. Forgiveness gives all the bad up to God. With forgiveness, you let go of grudges and resentfulness and anger… even if it was deserved.
Esau should have been angry at Jacob. Jacob tricked his brother. Jacob took advantage. Jacob swindled his brother. Jacob was a terrible brother to Esau. It wasn’t fair that Esau forgave him. It wasn’t fair that Esau had to pay a price for his brother’s jealousy and envy. But, Esau was willing to give up his anger to love his brother. Esau was willing to forgive. In doing so, he exhibited the face of God in human form.
I hope you love God enough to exhibit God’s face with a true forgiving heart.
Then, a most terrible day came many years later. Esau found Jacob. Esau, a strong man and powerful leader, had four hundred soldiers at his command. Jacob was cornered. He couldn’t run any longer. As Jacob approached his brother and the soldiers, he did so with great humility and guilt. Jacob knew he was in the wrong. As he finally stood before his brother and all the soldiers, Jacob brought a gift for his brother. It was a gift filled with regret. When the two were face to face, Jacob was shocked that Esau had forgiven him. The words above from Genesis 33:10 record Jacob’s words after seeing forgiveness in his brother…. “to see your face is like seeing the face of God”!
Forgiveness is a powerful thing. It not only can mend a terribly broken relationship like that between Jacob and Esau, but it can also be a sign of God’s presence. I was greatly affected by the following words in the book, Forgiveness: Reflecting God’s Mercy. “Do you remember the brothers Jacob and Esau from the book of Genesis? In the end, theirs is a surprising story of forgiveness. When Jacob steals Esau’s inheritance blessing from their father, Esau thirsts to kill Jacob for vengeance. After many years, they are reunited. Jacob still fears Esau, but Esau has changed. He forgives Jacob, welcomes his family, and rejoices in God’s blessings to Jacob. Jacob, in turn, compares Esau’s acceptance of him to “seeing the face of God.” Esau’s forgiveness reflects God’s character to Jacob.” (Hayley Satrom, pp. 31-32)
If you think about it, forgiveness is unfair. Esau was wronged. Jacob took advantage of his brother. But, over time, Esau chose to forgive his brother out of love. This was a reflection of the grace of God. It was tangible evidence that Esau not only loved his brother but had great respect for our God of grace. Don’t you see? Forgiveness is in God’s character. Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins! Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel. BUT, forgiveness not only defines God, it defines the true Christian.
After months of counseling, there were many hurtful moments between Jen and Steven. Steven complained in their first counseling session that Jen “only thinks about herself. She is hurtful and resentful towards me.” Jen, too, had her moments when pain fueled her anger. She let loose during one bad day with the comment that “Steven doesn’t love me as much as he loves himself. He would do anything for himself but not for me. He’s like a black hole of need. I’m sick of giving to him with nothing to show in return.” Following months of attempts by their pastor to mend their hurt, the pastor explained one evening, “You both have shared your hurt and pain and broken hearts. Which one of you will now exhibit love to ease the pain and forgiveness to heal the hurt? Tell me why you love the other…” These words tore open their hearts and enabled Steven and Jen to allow love and forgiveness and healing to flow. In the end, it seemed their love was bigger than their pain or hurt or regret. They were willing to forgive each other for wrongs done. They moved on, hand in hand with God. They ended up helping several other couples in their church to heal their own wounds.
There comes a time when you will have to face your own lack of forgiveness. In that moment, you can choose to remain angry and mired in regret and bitterness. OR, you can choose to forgive and display the character of God. Forgiveness frees you up from the weight of regret and pain. Forgiveness takes away your sorrow and hurt. Forgiveness gives all the bad up to God. With forgiveness, you let go of grudges and resentfulness and anger… even if it was deserved.
Esau should have been angry at Jacob. Jacob tricked his brother. Jacob took advantage. Jacob swindled his brother. Jacob was a terrible brother to Esau. It wasn’t fair that Esau forgave him. It wasn’t fair that Esau had to pay a price for his brother’s jealousy and envy. But, Esau was willing to give up his anger to love his brother. Esau was willing to forgive. In doing so, he exhibited the face of God in human form.
I hope you love God enough to exhibit God’s face with a true forgiving heart.
October 20
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” (Psalm 28:7, ESV)
I grew up seeing many of the original Star Trek TV shows. I remember watching the battles in space between the Starship Enterprise and the likes of the Klingon Empire. In those battle scenes, the Enterprise would fend off the attacks from other spaceships with its shields. In fact, when in any situation of danger, the shields would come up before any other steps were taken. The shields were the spaceship’s greatest defensive weapon. They could stop all the deadly missiles and lasers and other weapons of the alien ships. That is, until the shield could no longer be sustained. Then, the spaceship was at the mercy of its enemy.
Spaceships are not the only invention to utilize shields for protection. There are many types of shields. Throughout history, hand-held shields were used as defensive armament to protect the soldier on the battlefield. Chemicals have been developed as shields to protect metals from rusting or plastics from damaging ultraviolet light. Shields are often used as a symbol for police forces that protect citizenry. Without a shield, people and things are left without protection. Behind shields, protection feels more secure. It is absolutely normal to feel safer when behind the shelter of a shield.
From ancient times, God’s protection has been described in scripture as a powerful shield. The scripture for today from Psalm 28:7 is a perfect example. This snippet of Psalm 28 gives clarity that God is both your “strength” and your “shield”. Dwelling in the protection of God’s shield, you can trust that God will shelter you with divine intervention. What surprises me most about Christians is that they don’t ask for God’s shield and protection more often. Usually, they wait until moments of dire need or when facing dangerous consequences before calling out for God’s protection.
The fact is… we need God’s protection all the time.
Spiritual warfare may touch close to home before you even realize it. Satan’s tactics often include the desire to attack you where you can’t see it coming. It’s hard to place a shield for protection when you don’t even know the direction of the attack! It’s difficult to perceive where a spiritual attack is coming from when you are spiritually blind or drowning in emotions or unsettled with fear. Emotions, insecurities, weaknesses, pain, love, and so many more things in life can deceive your understanding of your situation or blind you from what is happening close to home.
At the age of 18, young Lori was alone with a boy she liked named Ethan. He was generous and loving. He smiled often. They had been out on dates a half dozen times before. Lori felt cherished by Ethan. She felt safe. Then, on that night, Ethan would not take “no” for an answer. He raped Lori. Later, Lori described the rape as “silently choking years out of her life.” She lived in fear. She was afraid of men. She felt overwhelming guilt, shame, distrust, hurt, and pain. Lori, who was from a Christian family, even wondered if God still loved her.
It took Lori a long time to deal with her fears and insecurities. In the process, she also came back to God. She remembered a feeling of danger that she shrugged off when on her first date with Ethan. She now believes it was God’s warning that she dismissed. She would tell you today that the only way she could break through her “bondage” and keep her life from “spinning out of control” was to rely on God’s strength. She trusts more and more in God’s protection. She often prays asking God to help her work through who to trust and how to deal with her feelings. Her favorite Bible verse is as follows: “He [God] will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4 NLT).
There are many ways that God can extend his shield of protection to you. His Holy Spirit can speak to your heart and lead you to safe pastures (Psalm 23). God can direct your steps through the minefields placed in your way by Satan. Through prayer, God can heal your heart and strengthen your resolve. In prayer, God can calm your emotions enough to see things more clearly. Often, God will warn you away from dangerous situations. Jeremiah, Abraham, Lot, Paul, Peter, and many others were warned and steered away from dark places and deadly encounters.
Don’t wait until you are in dire need to look for protection from God. HE is your shield! HE not only watches over you, but HE can direct your way. Learn to listen for HIS voice. Ask for direction in your prayers. Feel for HIS guiding hand. Trust in the Holy Spirit within you. You need God’s help if you want to discern in this world truth from lies, hope from pain, right from wrong, and meaning from chaos. Lean on the strength of your Lord!
Spaceships are not the only invention to utilize shields for protection. There are many types of shields. Throughout history, hand-held shields were used as defensive armament to protect the soldier on the battlefield. Chemicals have been developed as shields to protect metals from rusting or plastics from damaging ultraviolet light. Shields are often used as a symbol for police forces that protect citizenry. Without a shield, people and things are left without protection. Behind shields, protection feels more secure. It is absolutely normal to feel safer when behind the shelter of a shield.
From ancient times, God’s protection has been described in scripture as a powerful shield. The scripture for today from Psalm 28:7 is a perfect example. This snippet of Psalm 28 gives clarity that God is both your “strength” and your “shield”. Dwelling in the protection of God’s shield, you can trust that God will shelter you with divine intervention. What surprises me most about Christians is that they don’t ask for God’s shield and protection more often. Usually, they wait until moments of dire need or when facing dangerous consequences before calling out for God’s protection.
The fact is… we need God’s protection all the time.
Spiritual warfare may touch close to home before you even realize it. Satan’s tactics often include the desire to attack you where you can’t see it coming. It’s hard to place a shield for protection when you don’t even know the direction of the attack! It’s difficult to perceive where a spiritual attack is coming from when you are spiritually blind or drowning in emotions or unsettled with fear. Emotions, insecurities, weaknesses, pain, love, and so many more things in life can deceive your understanding of your situation or blind you from what is happening close to home.
At the age of 18, young Lori was alone with a boy she liked named Ethan. He was generous and loving. He smiled often. They had been out on dates a half dozen times before. Lori felt cherished by Ethan. She felt safe. Then, on that night, Ethan would not take “no” for an answer. He raped Lori. Later, Lori described the rape as “silently choking years out of her life.” She lived in fear. She was afraid of men. She felt overwhelming guilt, shame, distrust, hurt, and pain. Lori, who was from a Christian family, even wondered if God still loved her.
It took Lori a long time to deal with her fears and insecurities. In the process, she also came back to God. She remembered a feeling of danger that she shrugged off when on her first date with Ethan. She now believes it was God’s warning that she dismissed. She would tell you today that the only way she could break through her “bondage” and keep her life from “spinning out of control” was to rely on God’s strength. She trusts more and more in God’s protection. She often prays asking God to help her work through who to trust and how to deal with her feelings. Her favorite Bible verse is as follows: “He [God] will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4 NLT).
There are many ways that God can extend his shield of protection to you. His Holy Spirit can speak to your heart and lead you to safe pastures (Psalm 23). God can direct your steps through the minefields placed in your way by Satan. Through prayer, God can heal your heart and strengthen your resolve. In prayer, God can calm your emotions enough to see things more clearly. Often, God will warn you away from dangerous situations. Jeremiah, Abraham, Lot, Paul, Peter, and many others were warned and steered away from dark places and deadly encounters.
Don’t wait until you are in dire need to look for protection from God. HE is your shield! HE not only watches over you, but HE can direct your way. Learn to listen for HIS voice. Ask for direction in your prayers. Feel for HIS guiding hand. Trust in the Holy Spirit within you. You need God’s help if you want to discern in this world truth from lies, hope from pain, right from wrong, and meaning from chaos. Lean on the strength of your Lord!
October 22
“He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant!” (Matthew 25:24–26, ESV)
In the scripture above, Jesus told a parable about talents. Three servants were each “entrusted” (Matthew 25:14) with different amounts of money. They were responsible to use it wisely. The one who was given five talents, essentially a few coins, doubled his money. When the master came back and asked for the money returned, the servant was praised for his use of the money. Another servant was given two talents of money. He also doubled the amount when the master asked for its return. He, too, was praised. Finally, the third servant was given one talent of money. Instead of investing it or using it wisely, he merely buried it. When the master asked for it in return, the servant gave the coin back. The master did not see this as a wise use of the talent. He considered it a waste. Essentially, the servant did nothing with the money the entire time he possessed it. The master called the servant “wicked and slothful” in response (Matthew 25:26).
Initially, you might see the master as overreacting. The servant didn’t lose the money! The servant didn’t spend the money foolishly! However, to the master, the servant wasted the money. The master believed that the servant should have done something useful with the money. In all the time the servant possessed that money, he could have accomplished so many things with it. Instead, he buried it. The money did not gain the user any value. The time spent with that money did not make the life of the master nor the servant any better.
Since this story told by Jesus is a parable, we need to find its spiritual meaning. What do the talents represent? Many who have studied these verses of the Bible believe that the talents do not refer to money but instead to whatever is valuable in the eyes of God. The master believed that the money was valuable and should produce results. God feels the same way. God gives you and me and many others valuable things that should not be wasted but instead produce results. God gives you life. You shouldn’t waste it. God gives you valuable time, so do something with it! God gives you a job, so don’t forget to do some good with your tithe! God gives you family and friends! Don’t throw away those important relationships! In the end, your life is of great value in its potential. What results will you have to show for your years of life when your Heavenly Master asks what you did with your life?
Based on this scripture, God wants results from you. Those results might be in the form of mission work, Bible Study time, tithes, sharing the gospel, good deeds, worship, a righteous attitude, loving-kindness, or good choices. How many of these things do you have to show for it? If the value of your life is determined by the way you use the life God gives you, how will you be judged? Worthy? Lazy? Unproductive? Blessed? A great investment? God has placed great value in your life. How have you returned God’s hopes and dreams?
During the early 1800’s there was a tragic accident. A wealthy man who lived in a large plantation died when his horses were spooked by a snake and the carriage was thrown off the side of a mountain road. His driver, a slave, was also killed in the accident. Their two funerals were held on the same day.
Those two funerals were very different. The carriage driver was a slave but was known to be a loving and generous man. Many a Sunday, he helped out neighbors and friends who needed repairs. He was a natural carpenter and very skilled with woodworking and repair. He also was a loving husband. His two girls loved him very much. At the funeral, the daughters told of the many evenings he would tell them stories before bed. Neighbors mentioned how he spent a few days each year hunting in the cold to give a little extra food to the family and friends during the dead of winter. At the funeral, many not only showed up but shared examples of the man’s graceful behavior. At the wealthy man’s funeral, there were many fewer visitors. When people talked about the man, they spoke of his wealth or his beautiful plantation. There were no accolades about his generosity or loving-kindness or caring soul.
The visitors and attitude of those at each funeral explained so very much about the life of each man. You could tell how each man used his time, talents, and treasure just by the attitude and attendance of the visitors present. In the same way, your use of time, talents, and treasure is right now displaying so much about your worth to God. Have you used your time wisely? What have you done with any extra you had? Are the lives of those around you better off? Do people fear you or respect you? Do those around you love you or put up with you? Do you exhibit God’s grace or something else?
In the parable for today, the master’s response to the servant who buried the coin is jolting in its condemnation. The master even calls the servant wicked or evil. According to this parable, God has very different views than the world for what makes a man evil or good. God sees those who waste their life not as “missing the mark” or “failing to do more”. God sees those who waste their time, talent, and treasure as “wicked”. Your time, talent, and treasure are precious to God. They are not meant to be hidden or wasted. They are meant to help change the world and produce holy results. If you have done well with your time, tealent, and treasure, God has many good things to say to you. In the parable of the talents, those who use their talents wisely are praised for their choices. They are told, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master." I would love for you to hear such words on Judgment Day!
God put you into this world with great hopes and dreams. God sees your presence in this world as entirely crucial. So, what have you done with what God has given you? What results follow your life choices?
Initially, you might see the master as overreacting. The servant didn’t lose the money! The servant didn’t spend the money foolishly! However, to the master, the servant wasted the money. The master believed that the servant should have done something useful with the money. In all the time the servant possessed that money, he could have accomplished so many things with it. Instead, he buried it. The money did not gain the user any value. The time spent with that money did not make the life of the master nor the servant any better.
Since this story told by Jesus is a parable, we need to find its spiritual meaning. What do the talents represent? Many who have studied these verses of the Bible believe that the talents do not refer to money but instead to whatever is valuable in the eyes of God. The master believed that the money was valuable and should produce results. God feels the same way. God gives you and me and many others valuable things that should not be wasted but instead produce results. God gives you life. You shouldn’t waste it. God gives you valuable time, so do something with it! God gives you a job, so don’t forget to do some good with your tithe! God gives you family and friends! Don’t throw away those important relationships! In the end, your life is of great value in its potential. What results will you have to show for your years of life when your Heavenly Master asks what you did with your life?
Based on this scripture, God wants results from you. Those results might be in the form of mission work, Bible Study time, tithes, sharing the gospel, good deeds, worship, a righteous attitude, loving-kindness, or good choices. How many of these things do you have to show for it? If the value of your life is determined by the way you use the life God gives you, how will you be judged? Worthy? Lazy? Unproductive? Blessed? A great investment? God has placed great value in your life. How have you returned God’s hopes and dreams?
During the early 1800’s there was a tragic accident. A wealthy man who lived in a large plantation died when his horses were spooked by a snake and the carriage was thrown off the side of a mountain road. His driver, a slave, was also killed in the accident. Their two funerals were held on the same day.
Those two funerals were very different. The carriage driver was a slave but was known to be a loving and generous man. Many a Sunday, he helped out neighbors and friends who needed repairs. He was a natural carpenter and very skilled with woodworking and repair. He also was a loving husband. His two girls loved him very much. At the funeral, the daughters told of the many evenings he would tell them stories before bed. Neighbors mentioned how he spent a few days each year hunting in the cold to give a little extra food to the family and friends during the dead of winter. At the funeral, many not only showed up but shared examples of the man’s graceful behavior. At the wealthy man’s funeral, there were many fewer visitors. When people talked about the man, they spoke of his wealth or his beautiful plantation. There were no accolades about his generosity or loving-kindness or caring soul.
The visitors and attitude of those at each funeral explained so very much about the life of each man. You could tell how each man used his time, talents, and treasure just by the attitude and attendance of the visitors present. In the same way, your use of time, talents, and treasure is right now displaying so much about your worth to God. Have you used your time wisely? What have you done with any extra you had? Are the lives of those around you better off? Do people fear you or respect you? Do those around you love you or put up with you? Do you exhibit God’s grace or something else?
In the parable for today, the master’s response to the servant who buried the coin is jolting in its condemnation. The master even calls the servant wicked or evil. According to this parable, God has very different views than the world for what makes a man evil or good. God sees those who waste their life not as “missing the mark” or “failing to do more”. God sees those who waste their time, talent, and treasure as “wicked”. Your time, talent, and treasure are precious to God. They are not meant to be hidden or wasted. They are meant to help change the world and produce holy results. If you have done well with your time, tealent, and treasure, God has many good things to say to you. In the parable of the talents, those who use their talents wisely are praised for their choices. They are told, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master." I would love for you to hear such words on Judgment Day!
God put you into this world with great hopes and dreams. God sees your presence in this world as entirely crucial. So, what have you done with what God has given you? What results follow your life choices?
October 24
“For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” (Romans 10:13, ESV)
I stood at the altar with a man. He committed adultery against his wife. He cheated on her with a woman at work. He came to me asking for help. As we talked, he poured out his soul. For several months, he had cheated on his wife. Now, a year after he ended the affair, his soul was filled with regret and sorrow. He could hardly sleep. The guilt on his face was telling. He wanted to know what to do. He decided to tell his wife about the affair and beg forgiveness. First, he decided to meet with me and ask how to do it. After pondering the whole story, I told him, “Right now, we go to the altar, and you confess your sin before God and ask for forgiveness. Then, in that prayer, ask God to direct your steps on what to do next.” We stood at that altar together. I helped him with words when he couldn’t speak or didn’t know what to say. The man poured out his soul before God. Then, later that day, he told his wife everything.
I have been with many people who called upon the name of the Lord. Some were crying. Some were afraid. Some were looking for direction. Some were hoping for forgiveness. The scripture for today gives us hope when we “call upon the name of the Lord” (Romans 10:13). It reminds us that when it comes to God, those who call upon the Lord will “be saved”. Calling upon the Lord doesn’t just mean you say a quick prayer hoping for a cheap form of grace, where you are forgiven even though you have done nothing to atone for your sin. No. This verse is a reminder that ALL who call upon the Lord with a true heart and with full belief in God’s abilities, will be saved.
What might you be saved from? The man who had an affair in the first paragraph of this meditation needed saving from sin and adultery, regret and sorrow. You might need to be saved from your pride, from a sinful habit, from selfishness or addiction. Oftentimes, I have found that when people sin, it is not just the sin that they need forgiveness to remedy. There are often underlying spiritual problems involved such as arrogance, anger, insecurity, fear, self-centeredness, laziness, or jealousy. What you may not realize is that committing a sin of adultery may be the end result, but it might be an insecurity about worth or fear of being unloved that is the real spiritual culprit that caused the sin of adultery to be committed. So, when you call upon the Lord for help, realize that God may have to save you from way more than just one sin or much more than just one mistake in judgment.
A surprising revelation I had early in my ministry was that almost everyone believes they are spiritually “right” with God if they have not recently sinned. This is ALMOST NEVER the case. I’ve known people who had terrible insecurities for years before they became an alcoholic. Those insecurities were the “behind the scenes” sins that culminated in the sickness of alcoholism years later. The alcoholism was the end result of a long line of little sins based on fears, hurts, pain, regret, resentment, and envy. People don’t realize that just dealing with a sin won’t help in the long run. You need to call upon the Lord to save you from those habits and emotions and hurts and pains and anger that teem beneath the surface on most days and may only erupt once in a long while.
Don’t you realize how much you need to regularly call upon the Lord if you want to be saved from a life of sin and regret and pain and sorrow?
Did you notice that the scripture begins by saying that EVERYONE who calls on the Lord will be saved? EVERYONE. Not just the churchgoers. Not just the Christians. Not just the righteous elite. EVERYONE. No matter what has come before in your life, you can believe in God enough to call upon the Lord to be saved in any situation. That salvation may come in the form of forgiveness or grace, of peace or help or love. You may not be saved from your cancer, but your soul may be saved from a future in hell. You may not be saved from having to “fess up” to your hidden sin or wrongful act, but you will be saved from lifelong regret. God will save you. It may not always be the saving grace that protects you from public ridicule or the shame from a spouse you cheated on, but it will God’s love the responds even when nobody else will love you because of your shameful act.
Look deep into your thoughts and emotions and “issues” right now. Is there something from which you need saving? Is there something small that is growing harmful in your life? Is there an insecurity or fear that is driving you to make bigger mistakes? Are there regrets that eat away at your peace? Do you have resentment toward someone that is causing you to be overly critical or simmering with discontentedness? Call upon the Lord today. HE is waiting. You are in need. You do believe God can help, don’t you? If you don’t, the call won’t work now, will it? You have to believe in the Lord for that call to go through…
I have been with many people who called upon the name of the Lord. Some were crying. Some were afraid. Some were looking for direction. Some were hoping for forgiveness. The scripture for today gives us hope when we “call upon the name of the Lord” (Romans 10:13). It reminds us that when it comes to God, those who call upon the Lord will “be saved”. Calling upon the Lord doesn’t just mean you say a quick prayer hoping for a cheap form of grace, where you are forgiven even though you have done nothing to atone for your sin. No. This verse is a reminder that ALL who call upon the Lord with a true heart and with full belief in God’s abilities, will be saved.
What might you be saved from? The man who had an affair in the first paragraph of this meditation needed saving from sin and adultery, regret and sorrow. You might need to be saved from your pride, from a sinful habit, from selfishness or addiction. Oftentimes, I have found that when people sin, it is not just the sin that they need forgiveness to remedy. There are often underlying spiritual problems involved such as arrogance, anger, insecurity, fear, self-centeredness, laziness, or jealousy. What you may not realize is that committing a sin of adultery may be the end result, but it might be an insecurity about worth or fear of being unloved that is the real spiritual culprit that caused the sin of adultery to be committed. So, when you call upon the Lord for help, realize that God may have to save you from way more than just one sin or much more than just one mistake in judgment.
A surprising revelation I had early in my ministry was that almost everyone believes they are spiritually “right” with God if they have not recently sinned. This is ALMOST NEVER the case. I’ve known people who had terrible insecurities for years before they became an alcoholic. Those insecurities were the “behind the scenes” sins that culminated in the sickness of alcoholism years later. The alcoholism was the end result of a long line of little sins based on fears, hurts, pain, regret, resentment, and envy. People don’t realize that just dealing with a sin won’t help in the long run. You need to call upon the Lord to save you from those habits and emotions and hurts and pains and anger that teem beneath the surface on most days and may only erupt once in a long while.
Don’t you realize how much you need to regularly call upon the Lord if you want to be saved from a life of sin and regret and pain and sorrow?
Did you notice that the scripture begins by saying that EVERYONE who calls on the Lord will be saved? EVERYONE. Not just the churchgoers. Not just the Christians. Not just the righteous elite. EVERYONE. No matter what has come before in your life, you can believe in God enough to call upon the Lord to be saved in any situation. That salvation may come in the form of forgiveness or grace, of peace or help or love. You may not be saved from your cancer, but your soul may be saved from a future in hell. You may not be saved from having to “fess up” to your hidden sin or wrongful act, but you will be saved from lifelong regret. God will save you. It may not always be the saving grace that protects you from public ridicule or the shame from a spouse you cheated on, but it will God’s love the responds even when nobody else will love you because of your shameful act.
Look deep into your thoughts and emotions and “issues” right now. Is there something from which you need saving? Is there something small that is growing harmful in your life? Is there an insecurity or fear that is driving you to make bigger mistakes? Are there regrets that eat away at your peace? Do you have resentment toward someone that is causing you to be overly critical or simmering with discontentedness? Call upon the Lord today. HE is waiting. You are in need. You do believe God can help, don’t you? If you don’t, the call won’t work now, will it? You have to believe in the Lord for that call to go through…
October 26
“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1, NLT)
The people of the Holy Land know what it is like to be thirsty. Most of Israel is filled with rocky crags, outcroppings of stone, Negev desert areas, and dried up wadis. There are areas near the Jordan River and in some of the valleys where water is more available and land more arable, but for the most part Israel is a land with little drinkable water. In ancient times, people traveled through the dry wilderness areas of the Holy Land by going from oasis to oasis, from well to well. In-between times, they knew what it was like to run low on water, to be thirsty, to lack ample drink.
When traveling through the wilderness in the Sinai area after leaving Egypt, the people who followed Moses were running out of water. Numbers 20:2 tells us that the Israelites were so desperate for water that they got angry at Moses and Aaron for running out of the vital liquid. They questioned their leadership. They began to question their relationship with God. Some even thought about returning to Egypt! That’s what thirst does. When you run low on vital water, you may make lots of questionable judgments. You might get desperate. You will feel miserable!
The scripture for today is a psalm written by David when he was struggling with low water in the wilderness. Psalm 63:1 reveals David’s thoughts. Though he lacked water, David was more thirsty for God than for water. He wrote: “my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where this is no water”.
I’m sure you have been thirsty a few times in your life at least. When you are thirsty for vital fluids, your throat might get parched. Your mouth might go dry. Your joints might even ache as the body pulls water from all over to keep your blood flowing and heart beating. When you are thirsty, all you can think about is where you might get the next drink. Your dryness consumes your thoughts.
There may be times when, like David, you go through dry spells in your spiritual life. Then, your soul will too “thirst for God”. Your every waking thought will be consumed with thoughts of how much you need God and how you wish God were powerfully present in that moment. You might search constantly for one small sign of God’s presence, one little hint that God is hearing your prayers.
“A. Parnell Bailey visited an orange grove where an irrigation pump had broken down. The season was unusually dry and some of the trees were beginning to die for lack of water. The man giving the tour then took Bailey to his own orchard where irrigation was used sparingly. “These trees could go without rain for another 2 weeks,” he said. “You see, when they were young, I frequently kept water from them. This hardship caused them to send their roots deeper into the soil in search of moisture. Now mine are the deepest-rooted trees in the area. While others are being scorched by the sun, these are finding moisture at a greater depth.”” (from “Our Daily Bread” as quoted in 10,000 Sermon Illustrations.)
Just as a dry spell can make plants grow deeper roots, a spiritual dry spell can force your spiritual roots to God to grow ever stronger. You may not like being spiritually parched, but the experience can fuel all kinds of deeper roots with your Heavenly Father. It’s not easy to be thirsty. It isn’t any easier to be spiritually thirsty. However, just as water is vital for the survival of your body, spiritual connection is vital for your soul. God knows that. God will only leave you in a spiritual dry spell for a short while. If you allow your spiritual roots to grow, it won’t be long, and God will fill you again with more than enough of HIS Spirit. You just have to make it though the dry spells.
Some Christians don’t have the fortitude and commitment to last through spiritual dry spells. Some will see these hard times as signs that God doesn’t care. Others will lash out at God just like the Israelites did with Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. What will you do during a dry spell? Will you allow God to grow deeper spiritual roots to your soul, or will your love for God fade away in the heat?
When David wrote Psalm 63, he knew God would quench his spiritual thirst in time. David trusted that God would come through. He knew God listened to his prayers. He trusted in God’s wisdom and protection. Will you do the same when things get tough, and your soul gets thirsty for God’s presence? Will you hang in there or complain, remain faithful or be filled with doubts?
I have a feeling that your presence on this web site is a sign. It is a sign that when dry spells hit, you will go looking far and wide for God. The thirstier your soul gets, the more you will seek God’s voice. Am I right or wrong?
When traveling through the wilderness in the Sinai area after leaving Egypt, the people who followed Moses were running out of water. Numbers 20:2 tells us that the Israelites were so desperate for water that they got angry at Moses and Aaron for running out of the vital liquid. They questioned their leadership. They began to question their relationship with God. Some even thought about returning to Egypt! That’s what thirst does. When you run low on vital water, you may make lots of questionable judgments. You might get desperate. You will feel miserable!
The scripture for today is a psalm written by David when he was struggling with low water in the wilderness. Psalm 63:1 reveals David’s thoughts. Though he lacked water, David was more thirsty for God than for water. He wrote: “my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where this is no water”.
I’m sure you have been thirsty a few times in your life at least. When you are thirsty for vital fluids, your throat might get parched. Your mouth might go dry. Your joints might even ache as the body pulls water from all over to keep your blood flowing and heart beating. When you are thirsty, all you can think about is where you might get the next drink. Your dryness consumes your thoughts.
There may be times when, like David, you go through dry spells in your spiritual life. Then, your soul will too “thirst for God”. Your every waking thought will be consumed with thoughts of how much you need God and how you wish God were powerfully present in that moment. You might search constantly for one small sign of God’s presence, one little hint that God is hearing your prayers.
“A. Parnell Bailey visited an orange grove where an irrigation pump had broken down. The season was unusually dry and some of the trees were beginning to die for lack of water. The man giving the tour then took Bailey to his own orchard where irrigation was used sparingly. “These trees could go without rain for another 2 weeks,” he said. “You see, when they were young, I frequently kept water from them. This hardship caused them to send their roots deeper into the soil in search of moisture. Now mine are the deepest-rooted trees in the area. While others are being scorched by the sun, these are finding moisture at a greater depth.”” (from “Our Daily Bread” as quoted in 10,000 Sermon Illustrations.)
Just as a dry spell can make plants grow deeper roots, a spiritual dry spell can force your spiritual roots to God to grow ever stronger. You may not like being spiritually parched, but the experience can fuel all kinds of deeper roots with your Heavenly Father. It’s not easy to be thirsty. It isn’t any easier to be spiritually thirsty. However, just as water is vital for the survival of your body, spiritual connection is vital for your soul. God knows that. God will only leave you in a spiritual dry spell for a short while. If you allow your spiritual roots to grow, it won’t be long, and God will fill you again with more than enough of HIS Spirit. You just have to make it though the dry spells.
Some Christians don’t have the fortitude and commitment to last through spiritual dry spells. Some will see these hard times as signs that God doesn’t care. Others will lash out at God just like the Israelites did with Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. What will you do during a dry spell? Will you allow God to grow deeper spiritual roots to your soul, or will your love for God fade away in the heat?
When David wrote Psalm 63, he knew God would quench his spiritual thirst in time. David trusted that God would come through. He knew God listened to his prayers. He trusted in God’s wisdom and protection. Will you do the same when things get tough, and your soul gets thirsty for God’s presence? Will you hang in there or complain, remain faithful or be filled with doubts?
I have a feeling that your presence on this web site is a sign. It is a sign that when dry spells hit, you will go looking far and wide for God. The thirstier your soul gets, the more you will seek God’s voice. Am I right or wrong?
October 28
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” (John 16:13, NLT)
In the scripture above that I have chosen for today, Jesus was teaching about the Holy Spirit. He dubbed the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of Truth” (John 16:13). Jesus then taught the disciples that the Spirit of Truth will guide the disciples, even telling “about the future”. This revelation of Jesus that the Holy Spirit can not only know the truth but communicate it to disciples is very important. In essence, Jesus is teaching you that the Holy Spirit can direct your path, help you find out the truth of your situation, and point you toward a better future.
Too few Christians and too few pastors talk about this ability of the Holy Spirit to lead you to the truth. In a time when there are so many lies and half-truths being told on social media, the truth is incredibly important. Wouldn’t you like to know the whole truth about that medicine you are taking? Is it true that your boyfriend really cares about you? Knowing the truth helps you to see reality for what it is. The truth can help you discern the best course of action for you to take. Truthfulness is crucial for gaining trust and the foundation for the best relationships. Jesus also taught that “the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Don’t you see how you need to know the truth as well as speak it? Because the Holy Spirit can help you to not only discover the truth but to point you in the right direction, your working with the Holy Spirit is vital to your being a capable follower of Jesus Christ.
Peter showed up at his pastor’s office looking disheveled. His hair was a mess. His chin was unshaven. He looked ten years older. After asking to speak with his pastor, the secretary led him to the pastor’s office. There, Peter opened up to his pastor and friend. Peter revealed that his new wife was pregnant. After the pastor congratulated Peter, Peter replied, “The baby is not mine,” then looked down at his hands and tears formed in his eyes. Peter continued, “She was pregnant before we were married but withheld the information from me. A DNA test proved the baby isn’t mine. I don’t know what to do.”
Because Peter did not know the truth about his wife nor her pregnancy, the news shook him to the core. His world was turned upside down. He was filled with questions. Who was the father? How long has she known and kept this hidden from me? Who else knew? What else has she told me that is a lie? Can I be a loving father to a child that isn’t mine? Will the other father want parental rights? What will my family say? Because Peter was in the dark about so many things, because he didn’t know so much of the truth concerning his wife’s behavior, Peter was not only clueless about what to do but could not decide which directions to take. That’s such an important aspect about the truth. If you don’t know the truth, its hard to make good decisions or take the appropriate next steps. When the truth eludes you, you may not even know what is needed in the near future! The lack of truth can cause so many complications!
When Jesus revealed that the Holy Spirit is a “Spirit of truth” that will “guide you”, Jesus is giving you valuable insight about your spiritual life. The Holy Spirit was destined to guide your steps. Its purpose is to help you find out the truth. It will warn you about lies. It will show you the right paths to take. Don’t you see? God knows you need to know the truth in order to respond appropriately to life’s challenges. Liars and manipulators will twist the truth. Governments and organizations will hide the truth when it doesn’t suit their political ends. Social media organizations often choose what you see and hear in order to direct your steps according to their agenda. If you want to make the best decisions, you need to know the truth. The Holy Spirit wants to help you discover the absolute truth and will help you in that endeavor.
Knowing the truth about the things around you will be important for your future. You need to know the truth about COVID vaccines, not just what the pharmaceutical companies want you to know. You need to know the truth about purchasing decisions. Is that car a lemon? Will repairs be expensive? Does that house for sale need a new roof? Is my son’s tutor qualified and trustworthy? Is there something my doctor isn’t telling me?
Wouldn’t it be nice if the truth came easily in our world? Sadly, you often have to work hard to find out the real truth. The Holy Spirit will help you to that end.
Don’t be surprised if the Holy Spirit doesn’t give you little warnings at times. Maybe there is something you don’t know about that purchase that God is trying to tell you. Is your heart telling you to be careful around someone? Maybe there is something you need to know about that person. Is that pain down your arm after a workout something you should take more serious? Maybe God wants you to seek medical help from a professional.
When you invite the Holy Spirit into your life, don’t be surprised when God uses the Spirit to teach you, speak to you, direct you, and especially help you find out the truth about your situation. It’s one of the many ways a relationship with God makes you so much better!
Too few Christians and too few pastors talk about this ability of the Holy Spirit to lead you to the truth. In a time when there are so many lies and half-truths being told on social media, the truth is incredibly important. Wouldn’t you like to know the whole truth about that medicine you are taking? Is it true that your boyfriend really cares about you? Knowing the truth helps you to see reality for what it is. The truth can help you discern the best course of action for you to take. Truthfulness is crucial for gaining trust and the foundation for the best relationships. Jesus also taught that “the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Don’t you see how you need to know the truth as well as speak it? Because the Holy Spirit can help you to not only discover the truth but to point you in the right direction, your working with the Holy Spirit is vital to your being a capable follower of Jesus Christ.
Peter showed up at his pastor’s office looking disheveled. His hair was a mess. His chin was unshaven. He looked ten years older. After asking to speak with his pastor, the secretary led him to the pastor’s office. There, Peter opened up to his pastor and friend. Peter revealed that his new wife was pregnant. After the pastor congratulated Peter, Peter replied, “The baby is not mine,” then looked down at his hands and tears formed in his eyes. Peter continued, “She was pregnant before we were married but withheld the information from me. A DNA test proved the baby isn’t mine. I don’t know what to do.”
Because Peter did not know the truth about his wife nor her pregnancy, the news shook him to the core. His world was turned upside down. He was filled with questions. Who was the father? How long has she known and kept this hidden from me? Who else knew? What else has she told me that is a lie? Can I be a loving father to a child that isn’t mine? Will the other father want parental rights? What will my family say? Because Peter was in the dark about so many things, because he didn’t know so much of the truth concerning his wife’s behavior, Peter was not only clueless about what to do but could not decide which directions to take. That’s such an important aspect about the truth. If you don’t know the truth, its hard to make good decisions or take the appropriate next steps. When the truth eludes you, you may not even know what is needed in the near future! The lack of truth can cause so many complications!
When Jesus revealed that the Holy Spirit is a “Spirit of truth” that will “guide you”, Jesus is giving you valuable insight about your spiritual life. The Holy Spirit was destined to guide your steps. Its purpose is to help you find out the truth. It will warn you about lies. It will show you the right paths to take. Don’t you see? God knows you need to know the truth in order to respond appropriately to life’s challenges. Liars and manipulators will twist the truth. Governments and organizations will hide the truth when it doesn’t suit their political ends. Social media organizations often choose what you see and hear in order to direct your steps according to their agenda. If you want to make the best decisions, you need to know the truth. The Holy Spirit wants to help you discover the absolute truth and will help you in that endeavor.
Knowing the truth about the things around you will be important for your future. You need to know the truth about COVID vaccines, not just what the pharmaceutical companies want you to know. You need to know the truth about purchasing decisions. Is that car a lemon? Will repairs be expensive? Does that house for sale need a new roof? Is my son’s tutor qualified and trustworthy? Is there something my doctor isn’t telling me?
Wouldn’t it be nice if the truth came easily in our world? Sadly, you often have to work hard to find out the real truth. The Holy Spirit will help you to that end.
Don’t be surprised if the Holy Spirit doesn’t give you little warnings at times. Maybe there is something you don’t know about that purchase that God is trying to tell you. Is your heart telling you to be careful around someone? Maybe there is something you need to know about that person. Is that pain down your arm after a workout something you should take more serious? Maybe God wants you to seek medical help from a professional.
When you invite the Holy Spirit into your life, don’t be surprised when God uses the Spirit to teach you, speak to you, direct you, and especially help you find out the truth about your situation. It’s one of the many ways a relationship with God makes you so much better!
October 30
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3, ESV)
Matthew 5 through 7 contain many teachings of Jesus that comprise the famous Sermon on the Mount, wherein Jesus lays out many of the basics of true belief. Chapter 7 of Matthew begins with the famous saying of Jesus, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” The verse for today (shown above) comes only two short verses later. Both of these famous verses teach about hypocrisy. Jesus does not want HIS followers to be hypocritical and judgmental. Matthew 7:3, exhibited above, follows Jesus’ logic. Hypocrites tend to “see the speck” (or error or sin or false judgment) in a brother but do not even perceive a larger “log” (or big error in judgment) in their own eye. Two sentences later, Jesus commands all true followers to take out any log or error in judgment from their own sight in order to “see clearly”.
If you look closely at Matthew 7, Jesus makes evident that those who are overly judgmental or hypocritical do not “see clearly”. Their sin or error in judgment causes them to be blinded to their own mistakes and overly critical of those around them. Jesus thus links a clear spiritual and moral vision to the absence of judgmentalism and hypocrisy. When you are hypocritical, your vision is clouded, and your decisions and judgments will be off.
Imagine asking a blind man to report to a court what he “saw” at a crime scene! Imagine having a person with double-vision draw a picture of what she sees! Spiritually, that would also describe a person who is hypocritical or overly judgmental. Their spiritual vision is skewed. Their understanding is suspect.
Two mothers got into an argument at the school PTA meeting. One, who had a child with a learning disability, complained that the school curriculum was biased against her son. The other, the wife of the teacher who chose that curriculum, believed the other mother was not being fair to her husband. The more heated the words between them, the more they resorted to calling each other names and defending their point of view to the death! In the end, neither could see the point of view expressed by the other. Fueled with emotions broiling over, their own biases were glaring to those at the meeting but neither one could see how they could ever be wrong.
Emotions are often the breeding ground for hypocrisy and bad judgments. When you get angry, you might not see beyond the obvious. When anxious, you might snap back a retort. When impatient, you may not look for better options or less obvious solutions. If you have an insecurity, you are likely to go overboard to protect yourself. When afraid, the dangers might overwhelm your ability to accurately judge your situation. The more your emotions get carried away, the better chance you have to be judgmental and hypocritical.
Kat was the head of the Board of Christian Education at her church. She worked many hours to find and train Sunday School teachers, evaluate curriculum for the classes, and work with the Pastor on learning strategies. Kat was good at her work. But Kat had one failing; she was overly protective of her only daughter, Jill.
At the November meeting of her committee, Kat handed out the proposed plan for a Christmas Program in December. She asked that the committee approve the Program, the director, and view a list of the children who would play prominent parts. Kat’s daughter, Jill, was listed as the angel who would announce the birth of the Christ child.
After reading through the plan, Jill’s Sunday School teacher suggested to the committee that Jill be given a different part because her voice was hard to hear. Jill often spoke softly and was very shy. Immediately after the teacher spoke, Kat’s face turned red. She yelled that her daughter, Jill, was perfect for the part and immediately attacked the teacher saying, “Your daughter couldn’t do the part any better than my own, how could you do this to Jill?” Kat’s anger was so apparent that all discussion stopped at the meeting. The teacher said nothing further, and the rest of the plans were hurriedly approved.
What Kat did not realize is that her hypocritical comparison of the two girls and overly judgmental response to a teacher (who was trying to protect Jill) not only ended up killing all the discussion, Jill’s Sunday School teacher (who Jill adored) quit her position two days later. Kat’s response to the teacher’s quitting was that the teacher was too old for that age children anyway. Kat was blind to the mayhem and hurt she caused. Her own anger and defensiveness damaged her own committee and multiple relationships in her church. Kat was clueless to her own hypocritical feelings and judgmental attitude which caused her to blame others instead of seeing clearly to her own faults.
If you have ever lost your temper, got defensive, compared yourself to others, or lost objectivity, chances are you also became hypocritical or judgmental at the same time. So many Christians think that they are above such petty actions. I personally believe that EVERY person is at some time hypocritical or overly judgmental. Jesus’ words in today’s scripture weren’t meant to simply denounce those people who are hypocrites. His words were to every follower who may in a heated moment make poor choices with a “blind eye” and distinct bias. Has that ever described you?
You will never “see clearly” God’s point of view if you don’t first examine your own biases and emotions. Following Jesus means you need to consistently evaluate your motives in the light of Jesus’ words of this scripture. Especially when tensions get high, you need Jesus to keep your head on straight. It is all too easy to let emotions and fears cloud your judgment and bias your decisions. Hypocrisy and a judgmental attitude will be the inevitable result.
If you look closely at Matthew 7, Jesus makes evident that those who are overly judgmental or hypocritical do not “see clearly”. Their sin or error in judgment causes them to be blinded to their own mistakes and overly critical of those around them. Jesus thus links a clear spiritual and moral vision to the absence of judgmentalism and hypocrisy. When you are hypocritical, your vision is clouded, and your decisions and judgments will be off.
Imagine asking a blind man to report to a court what he “saw” at a crime scene! Imagine having a person with double-vision draw a picture of what she sees! Spiritually, that would also describe a person who is hypocritical or overly judgmental. Their spiritual vision is skewed. Their understanding is suspect.
Two mothers got into an argument at the school PTA meeting. One, who had a child with a learning disability, complained that the school curriculum was biased against her son. The other, the wife of the teacher who chose that curriculum, believed the other mother was not being fair to her husband. The more heated the words between them, the more they resorted to calling each other names and defending their point of view to the death! In the end, neither could see the point of view expressed by the other. Fueled with emotions broiling over, their own biases were glaring to those at the meeting but neither one could see how they could ever be wrong.
Emotions are often the breeding ground for hypocrisy and bad judgments. When you get angry, you might not see beyond the obvious. When anxious, you might snap back a retort. When impatient, you may not look for better options or less obvious solutions. If you have an insecurity, you are likely to go overboard to protect yourself. When afraid, the dangers might overwhelm your ability to accurately judge your situation. The more your emotions get carried away, the better chance you have to be judgmental and hypocritical.
Kat was the head of the Board of Christian Education at her church. She worked many hours to find and train Sunday School teachers, evaluate curriculum for the classes, and work with the Pastor on learning strategies. Kat was good at her work. But Kat had one failing; she was overly protective of her only daughter, Jill.
At the November meeting of her committee, Kat handed out the proposed plan for a Christmas Program in December. She asked that the committee approve the Program, the director, and view a list of the children who would play prominent parts. Kat’s daughter, Jill, was listed as the angel who would announce the birth of the Christ child.
After reading through the plan, Jill’s Sunday School teacher suggested to the committee that Jill be given a different part because her voice was hard to hear. Jill often spoke softly and was very shy. Immediately after the teacher spoke, Kat’s face turned red. She yelled that her daughter, Jill, was perfect for the part and immediately attacked the teacher saying, “Your daughter couldn’t do the part any better than my own, how could you do this to Jill?” Kat’s anger was so apparent that all discussion stopped at the meeting. The teacher said nothing further, and the rest of the plans were hurriedly approved.
What Kat did not realize is that her hypocritical comparison of the two girls and overly judgmental response to a teacher (who was trying to protect Jill) not only ended up killing all the discussion, Jill’s Sunday School teacher (who Jill adored) quit her position two days later. Kat’s response to the teacher’s quitting was that the teacher was too old for that age children anyway. Kat was blind to the mayhem and hurt she caused. Her own anger and defensiveness damaged her own committee and multiple relationships in her church. Kat was clueless to her own hypocritical feelings and judgmental attitude which caused her to blame others instead of seeing clearly to her own faults.
If you have ever lost your temper, got defensive, compared yourself to others, or lost objectivity, chances are you also became hypocritical or judgmental at the same time. So many Christians think that they are above such petty actions. I personally believe that EVERY person is at some time hypocritical or overly judgmental. Jesus’ words in today’s scripture weren’t meant to simply denounce those people who are hypocrites. His words were to every follower who may in a heated moment make poor choices with a “blind eye” and distinct bias. Has that ever described you?
You will never “see clearly” God’s point of view if you don’t first examine your own biases and emotions. Following Jesus means you need to consistently evaluate your motives in the light of Jesus’ words of this scripture. Especially when tensions get high, you need Jesus to keep your head on straight. It is all too easy to let emotions and fears cloud your judgment and bias your decisions. Hypocrisy and a judgmental attitude will be the inevitable result.