It Is Not About Who We Are. It Is About Who God Is.

For the scripture says: Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Romans 10:11-13

We are fortunate to worship God who is not counting our errors or requiring us to do penitence for our sins or dismissing us because of what we look like or where we come from or how we talk. God embraces us all as His sons and daughters; we say “We believe” and He says, “Welcome.”

Not Who They Expected

 

For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.”

Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present. For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.

1 Corinthians 10:10-13

In his travels the Apostle Paul was often preceded by his letters to the churches. Paul’s writing was strong and direct. The people who heard his letters read anticipated a big man with grand gestures. But Paul was a small man and perhaps not the world’s greatest public speaker.

Paul’s answer was to make it clear that they were men of integrity who lived what they preached, and that his physical appearance and his public speaking style, were not important. What was important was his message.

We can apply this to our lives. It is not how we look; it is what we do when we set out to take the Gospel to the world. So, stop worrying that you have bad hair or old clothes or are overweight or underweight or have no money and start preaching the Gospel right where you are.

Everyone Is Valuable

Jesus said,

Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

Sometimes we forget this.  We are quick to judge and criticize without taking into account that God cuts us all some slack and that we should do the same for people.  

Try a little kindness. 

Let The Peace Of Christ Rule Your Life

 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:15-17

Stop Worrying And Start Living

 

Do not fear for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear is disabling. Fear keeps us from doing the things that God would have us to do. Fear limits our possibilities by convincing us that things are too difficult. Fear makes worry about what other people will think, rather than about what the right thing to do is.

We have God’s promise that He will help us and uphold us. We are not operating a lone; we are operating in God’s grace.

Stop worrying and start living. God is with you.

God The Protector

 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,

My God in whom I trust!

For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper

And from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions,

And under His wings you may seek refuge;

His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

Psalm 91:1-4

Care For Others

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Being a Christian means sharing one another’s pain and suffering. We may not be able to solve another’s problems, but we can offer a hug or a meal or a kind word. Doing something kind in the face of trouble bolsters the faith of those who are suffering.

Be kind. Be caring.

 

Not Just Spinning Your Wheels

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

We have all heard it said, "It's a thankless job."  Some work just has to be done, and nobody seems to acknowledge those doing the work.  It might be the custodian at work or the dishwasher at a restaurant or a babysitter or the guy who picks up our garbage.  

But God does not see things as we see things.  He says all work is worthwhile and all workers are rewarded by Him.  

So, the next time you feel like unloading on someone who is not doing their job to your satisfaction, remember God says no work is in vain.  

 

Self Control

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:2-8

Self Control.  That's a novel idea.  We live in an age when people have no problem posting on the internet whatever pops into their heads and then are surprised when people get mad at them and reply in a negative manner.  

We should apply the 10 second rule to our posts and examine what we are saying and think if it is true or kind or moral.  And, if maybe we should just shut up and say nothing.  

I am just saying.... a little self control will make the world a better place. 

Take The Opportunities To Show God's Love

 

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

1 John 3:17

In his writings John is affectionate toward us and he is also a tough task master. He lets us know that if we say we are Christians, we need to behave in a Christ like manner and do what Jesus commanded us to do – love one another.

One day, my mother sent me to the grocery store to buy a loaf of bread. A head of me in line was Mike. It was summer and he was wearing a dirty undershirt, torn pants and no shoes, and he was paying for a loaf of bread with deposit money from pop bottles he salvaged from an overgrown lot next to the store. Mike was short six cents and the cashier sent him back outside to find three more bottles. Bread was twenty-eight cents a loaf then. Don’t you think someone standing in line could have paid the six cents? Nobody did.

Mike was shown tough love. It could be argued that it did not hurt Mike to dig through the weeds for pop bottles, but if someone would have said, “Let me get that for you,” and paid that last six cents, Mike might have seen God’s love.

Don’t miss an opportunity to show God’s love.

God Is Above All

 

The Lord is high above all nations;

His glory is in the heavens.

Who is like the Lord our God,

Who is enthroned on high,

Who humbles Himself to behold

The things that are in heaven and in the earth?

He raises the poor from the dust

And lifts the needy from the ash heap,

To make them sit with princes,

With the princes of His people.

Psalm 113:4-8

Stressed, Not Broken

 

From my distress I called upon the Lord;

The Lord answered me and set me in a large place.

The Lord is for me; I will not fear;

What can man do to me?

Psalm 118:5-6

God, the great physician, not only heals our physical bodies, but also our emotional injuries.  When we are stressed because of life's circumstances, He assures us that He hears us and cares for us. 

We need not fear, because God is near.

Not Taken

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptation comes all dressed us. It looks good. It may suggest great reward for succumbing and it may suggest punishment for noncompliance.

As tempting as things may be, God offers us an escape – we have the power with God’s help to run away.

We are tempted, but we are not taken. Be strong in the Lord.

The Armor Of God

 

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:13

I think this means we need to equip ourselves with love, peace, kindness, joy and care for our fellow people.

We are to stand up to evil, and the best way to do that is to put forth the unexpected, the love of God, so that even if evil thinks it has triumphed, it is left with the uneasy feeling that something far bigger took place, the all encompassing power of God to change the hearts of men.

Take courage, be brave.

Everybody Gets A Bonus

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Earthly thinking says you get what you earn. If you get an “A” on your report card, Dad gives you $10.00. If you are a boss and do a great job for your company, you get a bonus. However, sometimes no matter how hard we work, we don’t get any rewards. That does not seem fair does it?

With God, all of us qualify for His bonus plan, not because we have earned it, but because it is free. Isn’t that great? We all get something. And that something is so good, that it revolutionizes our life for all eternity.

We serve a generous God.

Be Strong In Grace

 

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:1

We all become tired and worn out. Life can beat us down to a point where we think that we are beyond hope. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are under God’s grace and that grace makes us strong through Jesus.

We need not struggle with our burdens; we need only to turn them over to God. Then we can be revived by the grace of God.

Take Peace

 

Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Live in peace.  That is a lofty goal, but it is possible.  Sometimes our peace comes from beyond our daily lives.  You know what I mean - dealing with unruly children or an overbearing boss or the frustration of broken stuff we can't get fixed - like our car that still won't start after a number of trips to the garage or a roof leak the patch didn't fix.  

True peace is living beyond the frustrations of life, and knowing no matter what God loves us and even when things are tough to take, He is taking care of us.

Peace is ours for the taking.  Receive it.

What Are You Waiting For?

Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.

Matthew 10:9-10

I think what Jesus means by this statement is that if we wait until we think we have everything we need to take the Gospel to the world, we will never do it. There will always be something we think we need to get the job done, when all we need is a willingness to speak the Word and compassion for people.

God will provide the rest.

Be Kind

 

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

Have you seen the yard signs?  "Love Your Neighbor."

"Be Kind."  Something is up.

And, what is up, is that people are tired of all the mean talk, back stabbing, name calling, and hate talk generated by politics here in the United States.  It is a backlash movement to bring back civility.  

What it boils down to is why should people hate each other because of differing opinions regarding two political candidates, neither of which even knows their names?

And, to remind people that being kind costs them nothing and creates a more positive environment in our communities, cities, schools, work places and on and on.

Try it!  You might like it!

Peer Pressure

 

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry.

And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.”’

Luke 4:1-4

Jesus was tempted just like us. The devil is a sneaky fellow who will try to make something that is wrong look right or even something that is legal, but that we morally oppose, into something we feel obligated to do to appease others or perhaps make our own lives easier.

Jesus’ answer to the devil’s suggestion that He turn the stone into bread was from Deuteronomy 8:3, “He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you manna which you did not know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.”

The laws and social customs of men change, the Word of God never changes.

Being Courteous Costs Us Nothing

 

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Romans 12:16

I was out with my grand-daughter, when a friend of mine said “Hello.” The little girl ignored the greeting. I said, “Oh, she is stuck up.” And, that resulted in a laugh from my friend.

When I was in high school in the 1960’s one of the worst labels anyone could receive was “She is stuck up.” This implied that the individual was self-important and nobody liked them.

Paul warns us against displaying a haughty or stuck up spirit because it does not reflect the love of God which is in us. We are urged to associate with the lowly, or those who appear to have less than us economically, socially or spiritually. Note that the scripture says to “associate with the lowly” not necessarily to become like them. We don’t need to rob a bank to minister to a thief.

Being courteous cost us nothing and does much to further the Gospel.

You Are A Temple

 

Do you not know you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16

God lives in us and we are filled with His Spirit. We should not be surprised when this spills out on those around us. We are to take the Gospel to the world, and God has equipped us well for this task.

Enjoy the journey.

Everybody Is Doing It, Not

 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

When children want to do something their parents think is not right for them, they say, “Everybody is doing it.”

The implication is it is more important to fit in with the crowd than to do what is right. However, we know that it is more important to do what God would have us to do than to gain the approval of men.

So, when we are faced with a choice to do something which does not honor God, we need to not do it.

And, like wise, when we have the opportunity to do something good, and right and honorable, we should do it, even if it is not the popular thing to do.

We have been transformed by God, and with our transformation comes the realization that we can be different and being different can make the world a better place.

Strength Training

 

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:1

We spend a lot of time working to build up our bodies.  We run and walk and lift weights and do yoga and practice Tai Chi, all to improve our bodies and achieve an enhanced feeling of calm. And, because we really want to look good. 

Likewise, grace of God builds our spiritual and emotional strength without which our physical strength would amount to nothing more than a soulless mess of muscle.

We are strong in body and spirit in the grace of God.

Second Chances, Third Chances, More

 

…Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4

God operates from love to show everyone His kindness and tolerance and patience so that we, being dense when it comes to spiritual things, will come to understand that He is working in our best interests both in terms of earthly matters and in terms of our coming to know Him.

We can become callous and not appreciate that people who receive second chances in realm of earthly matters by earthly judges or bosses or family members are not receiving this mercy just from humans but from God who invests Himself in changing human hearts.

God is the God of second chances, and third chances and more because as long as we have breath in our bodies we have the option of asking God’s Son, Jesus, to be our Lord, Master and Savior.

Be Amazed By Your Kids

 

And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 

Luke 1:33

We are so close to our children that we sometimes do not see what other people see. Jesus was a baby, when God revealed to Simeon that He was the Messiah. Mary and Joseph were not expecting that. I am sure they knew Jesus was special because the Angel told them so before He was born but they probably thought that this would not be revealed to anyone else until Jesus was an adult.

Let’s all take a minute to watch our kids and catch them doing something good. And, say, “Wow, that sure was nice of you to do that.”

The GOAT

And there arose a dispute among them as to which one of them was the greatest….

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!”

And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

Luke 22:24, 31-34

Everybody wants to be the GOAT, the greatest of all time, and the disciples were not immune to this phenomenon.  And, they were surprised by who it was.

At the last supper the disciples squabbled about who was the greatest. Jesus listened and said that it was not who man thought was the greatest who would lead them, but who God selected.

Peter was always shooting off his mouth. He was overly confident and had what we call good self-esteem. Neither of these are bad characteristics for evangelists, but they can get in the way when trying to minister to people. Jesus did not reject Peter, but He let him know that as much faith as he had, it would not be enough to overcome the trial that was coming.

Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62) but Jesus did not deny Peter rather He called Him again. We see this in Luke 16:7 when the angel at Jesus’ empty tomb told Mary and Mary Magdalene to “… go tell His disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him….”

What does this tell us about being a Christian? It tells us that even when we fail that God still loves us and that we are still called to minister to others for Him. We may be temporarily sidelined, but with God we are not out of the game.

If you think you have somehow failed the test for being a Christian, think again. God loves you and Jesus loves you and they have work for you to do.

Get busy.

 

God Is Forgiving

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance that Jesus Christ came to into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:15-16

The Apostle Paul is speaking honestly when he declares that he was “foremost of all” sinners. Paul was a religious man, whose religious beliefs led him to do horrible things. Yet, when God called Paul, he was transformed into one of the greatest leaders of the Christian Church. Jesus did what religion could not do; Jesus changed Paul’s heart. And, even at that, Paul still struggled with sin.

We slip. We fall. We stumble. We bumble along trying to do the right thing and sometimes we fail. We may condemn ourselves and others may condemn us, but God is patient, always forgiving and caring for us.

Take courage, we are forgiven and God is patiently working on us.

 

The Abundant Pardon

Seek the Lord while He may be found;

Call upon Him while He is near.

Let the wicked forsake his way

And the unrighteous man his thoughts;

And let him return to the Lord,

And He will have compassion on him,

And to our God,

For He will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:6-7

It is never the wrong time to come to God. As long as we have life in our bodies, we can come. It does not matter what our sins are or if we are rich or poor or if think we are bad or think we are good, God is waiting for us to return to Him.

God is the court of final appeal and He will pardon us.

Come to God and be forgiven. Begin a new life.

Try A Little Tenderness

 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Proverbs 15:1-2

We all know them. The people who think they know everything and let us know it. Sometimes they are totally wrong. It is then that we have some choices. We can publicly confront them and risk making them mad, or let them go on making an idiot of themselves, or follow the Biblical model and quietly speak to them about their error. Using gentle words might save us from getting beat up.

Try a little tenderness.

The Courage To Be Brave

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

We say: “We are not afraid.” But the truth is we are. Fighting for what is right and just may cost us a friend or two or make us a few enemies. Be strong and courageous. It is never the wrong time to do the right thing.

Remember God is with you wherever you go.