Giving and Expecting

Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.  I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst.  (Luke 6:33-35, MSG)

How can any of us give without expecting anything in return?  Is that even possible?  The answer is absolutely – yes we can.  In fact, not only can we give without expecting anything in return, but it is also the only way in which God wants us to give.  The key in doing this is for us to determine our motives behind giving.  If we are giving to be accepted, to be liked, or to be any thing other than loving, our motive is simply wrong.  It is indeed nice to hear “Thank you” from the person we give to, but it is not necessary.

The truth is God can only give us what we need.  So our expectation should be placed on God and not others.  If we continue to expect what a person is incapable of giving – we will be disappointed every time.  This is the reason Paul responded the way he did, concerning the giving of the Christians at Philippi – And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, NIV).  He wanted the Philippians to know that he was grateful for their giving, and that their true reward, for their giving, will be from God.

Today let us give the way Jesus tells us to give in Luke 6:33-35.  Let us give generously and graciously to others, and at the same time expect God – and only God – to bless us accordingly.

The Ultimate Gift

 

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his son, his one and only son.  And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. (John 3:16 Message Bible)

 

During this time of the year people are shopping, wrapping gifts and placing them under the Christmas tree or putting them in secret places until the right time on Christmas Eve to bring them out just in time the next morning and hopefully see big smiles on the faces of those these gifts were purchased for.  However; go back and visit that same household possibly six months from now and ask about those same gifts.  Answers will be different, for some the gift may be broken, for others it could be in the closet, for many they could still be enjoying their gift and hopefully for only a few the gift may have made its way back to the store for a refund or exchange.  All these gifts have something in common; they all perish.  There is one gift that God gave to this world that is eternal and perfect.  I like to call it the ultimate gift.  When something is considered ultimate that means it is the best of the best.  Nothing compares or even comes close.  God gave us the ultimate gift of love when He gave us his son.

In this wonderful gift was unending love deeply tucked away in the package.  There was unconditional love that covered the package in its wrapping and finally there was undeserved love bowed on top.  So it does not matter whether we have been naughty or nice throughout the year because the gift giver looked beyond our faults and saw our need; we were graced to be able to have this ultimate gift. This gift does not perish with time but it keeps on giving to those who will accept it.  As we take time today to give to each other and receive also take time out to be thankful for the ultimate give that has been given to you.  A suggestion would be before opening the presents take time to pray and give God thanks for the ultimate gift, Jesus.  Before sitting down and eating all the wonderful smelling food that was prepared take time to thank God for giving you the ultimate gift, Jesus.  You will see that it is the best gift that you and I would ever receive.

No More Wait

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily snares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

Many look at this scripture and formulate the conclusion of "what " they would consider sins.  Some times people list sins as "little or big" but how often do we inventory our own life and look at those so called small foxes that spoil the vine.  One in particular is called "Procrastination".  How often have you put off an unpleasant task only to find yourself faced with deadlines or a product that was less than your best.  Putting off unpleasant tasks only makes them more unpleasant.  Putting off any task, even those that you're not dreading, can be stressful as they nag at you and distract you until you finally relent and get them done.  You can reduce that potential stress by following the common sense advice of time management experts.  Do unpleasant tasks first.  Chip away at big projects by doing a little at a time.  Set a time limit on jobs you dislike and stick to it.  Make an appointment with yourself to do routine paperwork.  Avoid negative self-talk.

Only you and God know why you procrastinate.  Get to the heart of that, and you can better handle those tasks you keep putting off.  Take a deep breath, utter a quiet prayer, and get to work.  You know you'll feel better when its done.  And when you are done, make a resolution to eliminate procrastination from your routine.  Don't put it off.  Often what manifest itself in the natural also have spiritual effects.  What promptings from the Holy Spirit have you ignored or better yet not answered when the call was made to you by God?  Have there been times in which you knew that God was leading you to do something or take care of something immediately and you decided to do it later only to find out that the opportune time had passed.  God could have prompted you to read a passage of scripture because He wanted to reveal a special message to you but if you never picked up the bible to read it how could you take advantage of the opportunity.  Take the time to do what you least want to do and eventually see that it takes more time and effort to procrastinate then it would to get the task done.  Let there be "No More Wait" in your life.

No Greater Love

 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13


When I think of the love of God and how He extends that love to me, my mind can not comprehend it all.  As a child I never really understood or grasped the concept of love within my home.  We did not hug one another nor did we say "I Love You" to each other.  If you did the next thing you knew there were jokes spoken about you and how mushy you had become.  The outward affection of love within the home was thought of as weakness and based on the environment you grew up in, it just became the norm. 

Fast forwarding to adulthood those same thoughts and mindsets became a part of my everyday life.  In the back of my mind was embedded you do not show affection or love because people will take advantage of you.  In turn, an invisible wall was put up and I dared anyone to cross it.  If they tried to cross it they were to be cut off right at the curb.  Some of you reading this devotional are probably shaking your head in agreement or saying "Amen".  It was not until I really formed a relationship with God that I began to understand His love for me.  Notice, I did not write that "once I got saved" but "not until I really formed a relationship" with God.  Getting saved did not make me automatically understand the depth of the love that God had for me.  Oh, do not get me wrong, I knew God loved me because He saved me.  That was not the issue.  My issue was how deep was His love for me.  Would He love me if I did not always obey? Would He love me if I messed up?  Would He love me if I did not do what He told me at a certain time?  I wanted to know if God would still love me even when I was not perfect.  Why, did I ask such questions?  I asked such questions because I quickly found out in my life that if you did not do what others wanted or expected all the time, then their love for you would change.  I learned quickly to adapt and overcome in order to survive.

I do not know your story, but I do know God.......who truly does love us and only wants the best for our lives.  His love was so great that in John 15:13 it is exhibited to the world.  Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends.  Jesus laid down His life for you and I.  We had not met personally.  We never spent time together.  There was no physical bond between us in terms of hanging out together.  As a matter of fact, I was not even born yet when this occurred but yet I have been covered by Jesus' love.  We all must understand the depth, breath and height of God's love.  It is really indescribable but God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to ourselves.  I am privileged and honored that God would love me and that He continues to love me.  Know in your own life, no matter where you are and what is going on with you.  God loves you and wants you to know that He loves you unconditionally, in others words His agape love covers you everyday, all day long. 

Tired of Winning?

But David said …, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep.  When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth.  When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it.  Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defiled the armies of the living God.  The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”  … Samuel 17:34-37 (NIV)

The historical account of David and Goliath is a classic underdog story.  David, a seemingly inexperienced young shepherd boy, fighting an experienced warrior, who is also a giant, named Goliath.  From a physical standpoint, who could have ever imaged that the shepherd boy would actually end up winning the flight?  He did though.  Despite discouraging and insults words and fearful threats from others, David placed all his trust in God and came out to be victorious in the end.

Although the underdog quality about David is inspiriting, something else caught my attention.  David encountered a lion and then a bear and now he must face a giant.  Some time ago, I fought a proverbial lion and a proverbial bear.  I thought, “Finally, I can rest”, but then a giant appeared.  I said to God, “I’m tired”.  Then God enlightened me as I read the above scripture.  Saying “I’m tired of fighting” is the same as saying, “I’m tired of winning”.  Wow!  David wasn't tired of winning, so he wasn't tired of fighting.

Today, let us remember nothing we go through is larger than God, and it is in God that we continuously have victory over everything we go through.  So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 (NLT).

Embrace Your Weaknesses

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT)

I was once told, “Never admit your weaknesses because other people would use them against you”.  I started practicing what I had been taught – until one day God revealed something to me.  Not admitting my weaknesses didn’t hide them from others nor did it prevent others from hurting me.  In fact, when we are unable to admit our weaknesses, it is not to protect us from others, but instead it is to protect us from ourselves.  Simply put – it’s a pride thing.  And God’s grace doesn’t work in our pride; it only works in our humility.  Paul said that he gladly admits his weaknesses, because in doing so it revealed his strength through God’s grace.

A friend of mine reminded me of a conversation we once had.  She was telling me about how she was sick of forgiving people, people who no one else would even consider forgiving.  Then God’s grace was revealed.  God used me to show her that what she had considered to be weak was really strong.  Who else but through God’s power, love, and kindness can any one of us forgive someone else – especially someone who doesn’t even deserve it?  I can only think that if it wasn’t but for the love of God who died for us when we were yet in sin, we would never be so strong to be able to forgive others.

Today, embrace your weaknesses, and in doing so – embrace God’s grace - what may seem to be weak, it actually strong.

Open My Eyes Lord

 

 

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you. Ephesians 1:18

So many of us live in a world of rush and stress. How we need moments of worship in which we stop and focus our spiritual eyes on Jesus.  Scripture tells us to “seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11 NASB).  “My eyes are continually toward the Lord”, said the psalmist, “for He will pluck my feet out of the net” (Psalm 25:15 NASB).

When we feel that snare of commitments, hurry, and busyness has trapped us, we can open the eyes of our hearts to Jesus.  As we do, the confusion clears.  We see that we need not do a hundred things or fifty things or even ten; we need do only one; obey Him, one small task at a time.  When we see it, we suddenly find the flower of peace blooming in the field of frustration.  We find the gentle flow of order springing up in the desert of chaos.

What happens when we are vulnerable enough to come to the Lord in prayer, seeking Him with open eyes? Exactly what gets transformed when we focus willing hearts on Him?  He changes our whole perspective.  He helps us discern between what we have and what we need.  He teaches us to focus our lives on one person, one moment, and one need at a time.  He gives us eyes to see the beauty and the value in each person with whom we spend time.  He lets us peel away the irritations in our lives and look at the hidden joy beneath them – the things for which we can be thankful.  In short, He lets us see life as the treasure that it is.

It is so easy to waste precious moments with the letdowns of life when just changing the direction of our glance to just looking to the Lord and giving Him our praise will bring our hearts to a whole new place.

 

Are You Totally Frustrated?

The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village.  When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.  She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said.  Martha was worried about all that had to be done.  Finally, she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn't it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?  Tell her to come and help me!”  Luke 10:38-40 (CEV)

Have you ever been totally frustrated?  That is when everyone and everything gets on your last nerve?  I've been there.  And I come to realize that whenever I am totally frustrated, the issue is seldom with others, but rather the issue is actually me.  When irritation sets in, it is an indication that self has become my main focus and not God.  So we become frustrated when something doesn't go the way we want it to go, or someone doesn't act the way we want them to act.  Sometimes our frustration can be directed at God.  We know that God knows what we need – so why doesn't he just give it to us?  In other words – “God, why are you not acting the way we want you to act?”

In our scripture, Martha was totally frustrated.  She wanted to treat Jesus to a finger-licking-home-cooked meal.  But while she was running around, her sister, Mary, was relaxing with Jesus.  In her frustration, Martha went to Jesus to tell him what she wanted - her sister to help her.  Instead, Jesus told her that the source of her frustration wasn't her sister, but herself.  He went on to tell her that if she was more focused on God instead of herself and what she had to do, she wouldn't be so frustrated, but more like her Mary – relaxed.

Today, let us refocus on God.  Let us turn our frustration into faith by turning our focus from ourselves back to loving, thanking and praising God – understanding that God is still God.  God still has everything under control.  When we totally embrace that truth, we too can become relaxed.

An Undivided Heart

Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.  Psalm 86:11 (NIV)

This psalm was written as a prayer by David.  When David asked the Lord to grant him an undivided heart, he knew what benefit he was requesting.  He was asking for the kind of heart and mind and personality that would reverence God's character and adhere to God's way of doing things.  It can become easy for us to do things our own way.  Sometimes we think "I got this" only to find out that we "dropped this" and have to turn to God any way. It is easy after one victory to automatically think that what worked in that situation will work in another.  That's why it is important to pray and ask God for direction.

God longs for us to be steady and secure in our thought lives, in our emotions, in our actions, and in our choices.  This way of thinking and living comes easier and more naturally for some of us than for others.  For this reason the Lord teaches us to seek Him and petition Him for "an undivided heart."  This is a prayer that He desires to answer in every life, and His answer to this petition in every life can change it.  We need to be taught God's way and His truth.  Our hearts need to be united to fear His name.  Not fearing in a controlling sense but fearing in a vein of reverence for who He is and what He has done and will continue to do in our life if we allow Him to.

An undivided heart is not a heart that turns this way and that, choosing one thing one minute and another thing the next.  A person with an undivided heart has a heart like God's, a heart that is righteous and balanced and whole and holy. God promises to mold and shape us into His image and give us the strength by the power of the Holy Spirit to exhibit His character in our every day life.  Pray today that God will either give you or strengthen you to have an undivided heart.

Let Go. Let God.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)

I was watching a TV show a few months ago.  In this particular episode, one of the characters explained to Snow White his reason for not letting go of his pain and anger.  He said, “I don’t want my pain erased.  As wretched as it is, I need my pain.  It makes me who I am.  It makes me Grumpy.”  This is funny as well as enlightening.   Grumpy is only grumpy because he refuse to let go of his pain and resulting anger.

Can you relate?  I can.  Sometimes we can get to a place where the pain is so great that all we know to be is wrapped up in our pain.  The good news, however, is that God’s will for us, which is good, pleasing and perfect, is far from our pain and any resulting anger.  When we allow God to change the way we think, we become a new person, where tragedy no longer defines us, and where our testimony reveals our true victory.

Today let go of any and every thing that is preventing you from being who God has called you to be.  Let God change the way you think - saturate your thoughts with His word - and inevitably you will be transformed into a new person.  Let go.  Let God.

Real Strength

(David Wrote:) When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need. Psalm 138:3 (NLT)

Leaders attribute their strength to any number of sources - upbringing and family life, a network of supporters who keep them going, a loving wife or husband, an outstanding mentor and role model.

But there are other sources of strength that are far more powerful and have a far more powerful and have a far more lasting effect - namely God and His Word.  When you draw strength from His Spirit and the Bible, you tap into a source of energy that will last through eternity.  Couple that with your own inner resolve, and you have what it takes to keep you going and going.

Maintaining the strength you need to continue to be effective as a leader requires a fair amount of exercise, not the kind you do at a fitness center but the kind you can do wherever you are.  Keeping spiritually fit is the key; and that involves an intimate relationship with God, one that you nurture and protect at all costs.  That relationship needs to be the top priority in your life, because your fitness in every other area of your life, your work, your relationships, your community of faith depends on the quality of your fellowship and relationship with God.

Drawing on God's strength requires trusting Him completely, which is something of a paradox.  But the Bible says that God's way of doing things is often very different from the way people think things should be done.  Instead of trying to muster the strength you need all on your own, you can turn to Him in prayer and ask Him to replace your weakness with His strength.  Admitting your weakness and relying on Him actually makes you stronger.  Ask God to give you the strength you need.  Learn to see your weaknesses not as a liability but as a reminder that God wants you to turn to Him in complete obedience.

Can you see truth if it's in your face?

One of the most fascinating people to see operate is an illusionist. Illusionist have a unique ability to cause people to miss something lying directly in their face. I watched a movie and the illusionist told the audience "watch very close, keep your eyes directly on me" and while everyone was focused on him, right in front of their eyes, he made a quick and subtle shift with his hand and the card disappeared.  Everyone was amazed and cheered.

Later someone came and exposed the illusionist for what he was doing, so everyone could know it wasn't real. After seeing the exposure video, people were still coming out to see the illusionist, despite knowing the act was staged, the people continued to come out simply to be entertained.

II Corinthians 4:1-4 declares "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them."

As believers in Christ, we have the truth in our possession and the minds of those who don't believe are blinded, however, the only thing keeping our minds from being blinded is our commitment to renounce the hidden things of shame.  Similar to those to who were lured in to the deception of the illusionist, many of us refuse to accept the truth because we are entertained by those hidden things, and if we were to renounce those things, it would mean we would have to give up something that entertains us.

If we are to have our eyes open to truth, it requires us to renounce illusions.  What areas in your life have you failed to renounce? 

Keep It Real

When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street concerns and in the synagogues where everyone can see them.  I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.  But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.  Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.  Matthew 6:5-6 (NLT)

Rarely do we intentionally drift from God, but if we are not diligent in guarding our hearts and minds – this will happen.  A noticeable sign is if we find ourselves in church, Bible study or a ministry meeting feeling disconnected.  When we are simply going through the motions.  When we notice that our bodies are present but our minds are somewhere else.  This is what Jesus is telling us not to do.  We are not to allow our actions to become disconnected from our intentions or our hearts and minds.

To be fair, I can image the hypocrites starting off not as hypocrites, but like us – enthusiastic and full of joy.   Then, something happened or something didn’t happen that they expected from God.  Instead of confessing their hurt, pain or disappointment – instead of keeping their faith and relationship with God real – they disconnected and distanced themselves from God.  So much so that prayer turned into a faithless routine and they themselves turned into hypocrites.

In order for us to avoid their fate, we must keep it real; we must take the time needed to cultivate and maintain a true relationship with God.  Prayer is our intimate time with God.  We should be in constant prayer, constantly listening for God’s voice, confessing the truth, accepting God’s grace and reading scripture.

Today let us make sure we are keeping it real, that our faith and relationship with God remain real, and that we are not simply going through the motions.  Let us rekindle our desire and commitment to God.

Overcoming Temptation

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape - 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

In a society where people are propelled onward by the concept of more, more, and still more, excess rules. The temptation to eat one more cookie, buy one more CD; watch one more movie is strong.  The temptation to flirt anonymously over the internet, to take an extra half-hour for lunch, to sleep in when you promised to help someone.  Giving in to temptation often wins out over more prudent (and many times, healthier) choices.

Temptations are all around us.  Sometimes they're easy to ignore, but usually they attract like magnets.  Paul made a bold statement, quoted above, about temptation in his first letter to the Corinthian church.  He said that God always gives a way out of temptation.  Notice that he didn't say God would erase all temptation from our life.  The first step in overcoming temptation is to recognize it.  Do you feel compelled to do something you're not sure is a good idea?  That's the tug of temptation.  Temptation often comes disguised as a shortcut.  It promises an easier path to a desired result, but conveniently forgets to mention that the path is figuratively littered with broken glass, potholes, and land mines. 

The second step is to listen to your conscience.  When you feel that you are being tempted, the hesitation you sense is a warning.  It's an opportunity to uncover the lie that informs temptation.  It's an opportunity to evade being taken in.  The third step is to weigh the consequences of your decision.  Being tempted to eat a second cookie might not have terrible repercussions if you usually don't overeat, but cheating on your taxes or spouse undoubtedly would.  As much as possible, avoid situations where you know you could be tempted.  Sometimes, just following your intuition and staying away is God's promised way out.

Ask God for strength to face the temptation and take the way of escape .  Ask God for wisdom.  God promised not that temptation would not come but when it did He would give you what you needed to  handle it.  God will give you the strength you need to handle temptation.

Why do you want it? What will you Sacrifice?

Kids are some of the most inquisitive people that walk this earth, and rightfully so, they are sponges gathering information and learning every single day.  One of the most over used words they use in their investigation is “why.”  Although the “why” questions can be very irritating, they will often pose some of the greatest challenges to the logic of our daily operations.  Too often we desire things from God without weighting the value of our why. Why do you want that nice house; why do you want that nice car; why do you want that relationship; that job?  Whatever your “that” is, why do you want it? Understanding the magnitude of your why will give depth to your sacrifice. 

If we really desire something, we will have no problem proving it in our sacrifice. The bible declares in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have ever lasting life.”  What was God’s why to His sacrifice?  He loved us so much and as a byproduct of His love, He sacrificed His only Son. 

The weight of His love brought about a sacrifice that proved how much He really loved you and I.  Even when we were sinners.  Today is a simple challenge, examine your why and really determine does the weight of my why, give depth to my sacrifice or does the depth of my sacrifice give weight to my why? God Bless you…

Exposed and Still Accepted

When Jesus came to that spot, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down at once.  I must stay in your home today.”  So Zacchaeus came down at once, happy to welcome Jesus.  Everyone who saw this grumbled, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”  Luke 19:5-7 (CEB)

Nothing we could ever say or do could ever change our past.  We've said what we've said.  We've done what we've done.  The only thing that truly matters is what we do from our present, moving forward.  Zacchaeus is a good example of this very thing.  Like us all, Zacchaeus was a sinner.  Unlike us all, everyone knew his sins.  He was exposed.  So much so, that everyone in Jericho didn’t bother to call him by name but instead called him sinner – everyone except Jesus.

In today’s scripture, Jesus just entered Jericho.  Zacchaeus wanted to see him, but because he was too short, he couldn’t see.  So he climbed up a tree.  When Jesus arrived at the very spot underneath where Zacchaeus was perched, he looked up and called him by name - Zacchaeus.  Zacchaeus mean pure and righteous one.  So when everyone else was calling him sinner, Jesus was calling him pure and righteous.

Today know that you are exposed and you are accepted!  You may not be exposed to man, but we all are exposed to God.  David said in Psalm 139:1, “You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me.” (CEV)  Can you fathom someone knowing every single detail about you – even those things you don’t want anyone to know – and still love you, still accept you?  That person is God.

Stop Complaining and Start Thanking

Do all things without complaining and disputing. Philippians 2:14 NKJV

Imagine what it would be like to have a full-time complainer follow you around for a day.  You would soon discover that you would soon start to complain yourself.  Complainers come to suck the life out of just about any circumstance.  At work, a complainer can make a fun job into a chore.  At home, a complainer can turn a place of rest into a place of stress.  You get the idea, the list can go on and on.

Paul had a clear message for all who complain or have a negative attitude.  Don't!  In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul encouraged the Christians there to do all things without complaining.  It's likely that Paul's words sounded a lot easier to obey than they actually were.  But there are ways to avoid being a complainer.  Always look on the bright side of life, in other words look at the "God side of life", which is His word.  There is real power in looking at what's working right in any given situation.  If you search for something that's wrong or negative in your circumstance, you can almost always find something to complain about.  At the end of the day, a collection of positive experiences or thoughts is going to go a long way toward making your life fun, fulfilling, and enjoyable.

Realize that most complaints do little to improve a situation.  Instead of complaining look for positive, practical solutions to the problem.  A complaint about a work procedure may seem like a step in the right direction, but it goes nowhere fast if you don't follow through with helping to find a solution.  Rather than count on complaining to change things, offer suggestions.  Complaints are like roadblocks they will remain until someone comes and move them.  That someone is you and the word of God.

Is Christianity really worth it?

Early on in ministry I found myself lost and wavering back and forth in frustration and confusion posed with the question many of us may have asked ourselves once or twice.  “Is it really worth it being a Christian?”  I asked myself this question several times.  “Am I really reaping the benefits, am I really better off following Christ?” While thinking and battling against myself and the negative thoughts God stepped in.  He never ceases to amaze me.  Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to become weary in doing well, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

Before I saw Galatians 6:9, God reminded me of Psalms 1:1-10 and how it paints the picture of two different people on two different courses because of one simple decision.  Walk with God or not. We often focus on the can not’s of our faith, but there are ample amount of cans that we have to see. Psalms 1:2-3 shares with us that if we delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on His word, we shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, who’s leaf shall not wither; and whatever we do shall prosper.  Today is an encouragement, if you are wavering, is it worth it, should I continue on, am I on the right track, when will I receive what’s mine; stay in the race.  God rewards those who diligently seek Him.    

Thank you, God!

Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold. Job 23:10 (HCSB)

No one undergoing a trail should say, “I am being tempted by God.”  For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.  James 1:13 (HCSB)

One of my professors used to give us the exam essay questions a week before he gave us the actual exam.  When exam day came, he didn’t switch out questions.  He didn’t add anything extra to the exam either.  The exam was exactly as he had promised.  You might think this was an easy “A” class, but it wasn’t.  Each question required thought, and each answer that of quality.  So amazingly enough, some people actually failed.  Even though we all had the questions beforehand didn’t ensure that we would all study or that we would all pass.  What it did ensure was that we would all be properly equipped with the knowledge needed to maximize our chances of passing.

This is the fundamental difference between testing and tempting.  God tests.  He doesn’t tempt.  When God tests, he ensures that we are properly equipped with what is needed to maximize our chances of enduring and passing our tests.  The flipside of testing is tempting.  When we are tempted, the intent is not to see us prevail, but to see us fall and to succumb while we undergo our trails.  However, even if we are tempted, God is still faithful to us and gives us a way to endure and overcome.  1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, When you are tempted, he [God] will show you a way out so that you can endure. (NLT)

Today let us simply say, “Thank you, God!” knowing quite well that whatever we are going through will not last.  God has already equipped us to endure, overcome and emerge as “pure gold”.

Experience the Amazing

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:22-24

Have you ever been whitewater rafting?  I have.  The best ride is when the river flows, the raft free-sails, and every moment is pure excitement.  It's amazing!  However, the worst is when the river's water-level is low, the raft doesn't  free-sail, and every moment becomes laborious.  It's awful.  I remember experiencing the latter once.  Some friends and I got stuck on seemingly every single rock in the river and never enjoyed the ride itself.  The difference between an amazing and an awful rifting experience was due to the river's flow. 

God's mercies are like a river - a river that never runs low and never ceases to flow.  If we ever find ourselves stuck on life's rocks, it is not because God's mercies are running low or have stopped flowing.  Instead, it is because we have chosen to live in another flow other than God's mercies.  Outside of God's mercies, we become consumed with life's struggles; we become stuck and unable to move forward.  However, when we accept and receive God's mercies, we are never consumed with grief or despair but convinced that today will inevitably be better than yesterday.  God's mercies give us hope and keep us moving forward. 

Today let us not be consumed with life's hardships.  Let us instead allow the mercies of God to flow freely in our lives, and experience what life in Christ should always be like, which is amazing!

Don't talk about it Be about it

The bible tell in John 1:1, in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  There is something amazing about a word, words are the most power agents we have at our disposal to use.   Words carry an influence powerful enough to persuade or dictate our actions and even persuade our direction of faith.  

Today, we are so quick to speak and consequently our words are beginning to be devalued at a consistent increasing rate.  We have gone from our words being a binding contract to the point where we need an actual contract.  And even contracts are voidable if you have the right person to speak the right word against it.  Many of us have an issue believing the words of others even if that person has a history of keeping their word.  The incredible thing about God is He gave us an example in taking His word a step forward and putting Him on our level to be an example for all mankind. 

John 1:14, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  God put His Word into action, and gave us an example of who He is and how He operates.  Today is a simple challenge, examine your life and your actions and make a commitment to not just speak a word, but put your word into action. 

A Fresh Word Makes a Difference!

Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 (KJV)

There use to be a particular restaurant that served the best sandwiches.  It was actually a restaurant chain, but none of the other locations could compare to this particular one.  Every person I told about how good the sandwiches were, said the same thing, “They’re all the same”.  That is, until they ate there and realized it was different.  The obvious reason was that the bread was always fresh.  Unlike the other places, they never used old bread.  Whenever their bread became old or cold, they would throw it away and politely ask if we could wait a few minutes until the new batch came out the oven.  The freshness of the bread made a world of a difference.  And to top it off, it was a healthy sandwich at that.

This experience, along with many others, has convinced me that healthy food, good food, beneficial and even necessary foods do not have to taste absolutely horrible.  Instead, good food can and should taste good!  The same goes for spiritual food.  David said in Psalm 34:8, Taste and see that the Lord is good.  What better way to experience the goodness of the Lord than when it’s wrapped in a fresh word?  Jesus lets us know that we should seek a fresh word everyday.  Give us this day our daily bread.  Not stale bread.  Not leftover bread.  But fresh bread.  It does make a difference.

Today ask God for a fresh Word, a word that will allow you to embrace your today.  Taste and see that it does make a difference!

Our God of Comfort

 

God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.  When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 ( NLT)

One of the greatest promises of heaven is that there will no longer be any pain or suffering.  To someone who is hurting today, however, that promise may offer little comfort.  The immediacy of pain is not easily ignored or deferred (nor should it be).  When someone hurts right now, right now is when that person needs comfort.

That’s where you come in.  In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he made special reference to the value of God’s comfort and how it ought to inspire people to comfort one another.  “Comfort others just as God comforts you.”  One of the only sure things you can count on is that God will comfort you.  Knowing this brings a sense of peace even in difficult times.  In a similar way, you can be there with comfort for someone who hurts.  Sometimes just the knowledge that you’re only a phone call away is enough to get a person through a tough time.

God also offers a listening ear to those who are in need through the vehicle of prayer.  In a like manner, you can offer your willingness to listen to a hurting friend.  Often one of the most important steps to overcoming a hurtful experience is talking about it.  When you sit with a hurting person and listen, you provide comfort and help move along the all- important process of grieving.

Whether you are simply available to a friend or are taking an active role in helping that friend move beyond the pain, the most important thing to do is love that person.  God’s love is immeasurable and doesn’t go away.  Draw from God’s love as much as necessary, and offer it to someone in need of comfort