God's to Give

"They replied,'Let one of us sit

at your right and the other at your left in your glory.'

'You don't know what you are asking,' Jesus said.

'Can you drink the cup I drink

or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?'

'We can,' they answered.

Jesus said to them,'You will drink the cup I drink

and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,

but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant.

These places belong to those

for whom they have

been prepared.'"

Mark 10:37-40

There has been much talk lately that we are living in the age of entitlement.  The younger generation seems to think they deserve things their parents had to work years to earn.  Things like a car, a house, a good paying job with benefits and a diversified investment portfolio.

For reasons that have been analyzed to death, many young adults think these are things to be expected instead of understanding that there are sacrifices to be made and years of effort to be put forth before one gets to the point of securing a new car, a nice home or a position that provides medical and dental benefits.  Instead, many think these luxuries are things that are deserved.

In some way, James and John carried this same attitude.  They had grown close to Jesus and felt that, as the Messiah and rightful King, Jesus would need trusted advisers and confidantes.  They could think of no better people than themselves to fill these positions, so they went ahead and made their pitch, as it were.  How 'bout it Jesus?  Can we sit beside you when you take the throne?

The problem was, these two over-eager disciples didn't know what they were asking.  They knew very little about Jesus' true identity and even less about His mission.  They were about to find out, but for now, they didn't have a clue.  

Still, they asked.  

There are times when I expect things I have no business anticipating.  I try to put myself in charge of how God will bless me or how He'll use me.  My desire to control my own destiny gets in the way of God's plan for my life.  If only I knew what I was really asking. . .

Honor

There is an entire industry devoted to building a desirable name for those in the public spotlight.  The more likable someone is, the more product that person can sell and the money they can make.  Interestingly, basketball player and coach John Wooden said, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."  It's not surprising, than, that many stars and popular icons have a hard time dealing with life.  They can't separate the image of themselves from the reality.  

I naturally desire a good name for myself.  I am not a celebrity who is out to make a profit from my name, but I do want good feelings associated with my name.  When people think of me, I want them to smile or be challenged, not to grimace or smirk.  I am concerned with my own sense of honor.

If I do carry a good reputation, I want it all to reflect well upon my Lord Jesus Christ.  If people think I'm pretty good in my own strength, then I'm stealing from His good name.  Instead, I want all the honor to go to God.

When I expect honor and a good reputation in my own right, I'm not paying attention to the consequences: I'm taking credit away from Jesus who deserves it all.

Position

Many children say they would like to be the President of the United States when they grow up without understanding all the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with that job.  Mostly, they just want the title and power that comes with the office.  

It may be that I hold this same attitude with positions in God's kingdom.  Maybe I like the idea of the job better than the job itself.  Leaderships positions may seem glamorous and powerful, but there is a lot of humbling and sacrifice that comes before a believer is ready to lead other Christians.

Bible teachers encourage and challenge others with their teaching, but there is a lot of preparation and wrestling over the Word that comes as they prepare the lesson God gives them each week.

It would seem meaningful to be able to help others sort through their problems, but only those who know how to point people to the Healer can truly be effective in a counseling ministry.  

I may fantasize about a particular position in ministry, but until God has called me, He won't equip me.  Just as James and John wanted the position of being at Jesus' side but had no idea what Jesus was about to go through and that soon they would abandon their Savior to carry out His Father's plan all alone, I am prone to desire a certain place for the wrong reasons.  I could want prestige, to further God's Kingdom, or simply to add some meaning to my life.  Whatever the reason, if I don't accept a position out of direct obedience to God's calling in my life, I am taking the job for the wrong reason.      

When I expect a position without understanding the sacrifices to be made, I am just plain foolish.

Glory

We've all seen it: the two-year-old throwing a temper tantrum in the grocery store aisle.   Most of the time, a tantrum occurs when the child grows frustrated with not getting what she wants.  As she screams and carries on, her hope is to manipulate her parent or caretaker into caving into her desires.  

As embarrassing as the tantrum is for the mother, it is not only used as a tool of manipulation.  Sometimes, a fit is a cry for help.  If a child does not receive adequate love and time from his parent, he may resort to desperate means to garner that attention: even if it's negative attention.

There are times when I, too, work hard to receive accolades from those I respect, to build prestige for myself, or to crave the spotlight.  It feels good for others to recognize my hard work, commitment and love for Christ.  The problem is, when I seek glory for myself, I am stealing it from God.

My life is not my own as a follower of Christ.  As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:20, "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (KJV)  If my whole being belongs to Jesus, bought with His blood spilled on the cross, then I have no rights to myself.  As His chosen child, all the recognition for anything good in my life goes to God.

When I expect praise for all the things God is doing, I am forgetting that the glory is all God's to receive.

Even though I'm living in the age of entitlement, I don't want to carry this same attitude when it comes to God.  Instead, I want to guard against demanding notoriety when I don't know the consequences connected to that honor, expecting to hold a certain position when I haven't a clue to the sacrifices or responsibilities required, and thinking I should get at least some credit when God deserves it all.  Every good thing is God's alone to give.  My only job is to be humble enough to receive when the time is right.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will not expect things about which I have no clue.

When do I think I'm ready for a certain role instead of letting God lead me to it?

How do I desire attention that belongs to God alone?

Willing to Receive

"Peter said to him,

'We have left everything to follow you!'

'I tell you the truth,' Jesus replied,

'no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother

or father or children or fields for me and the gospel

will fail to receive a hundred times

 as much in this present age

(homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--

and with them, persecutions)

and in the age to come, eternal life.'"

Mark 10:28-30

In order to reap, a gardener must sow.  And before she can sow, something must die.  Let me explain:  

I was talking to a friend of mine about her wonderful garden and the amazing produce she is enjoying.  I asked her to share her secret and she happily exclaimed, "Manure!  It's all about the manure!"  She raises horses and chickens as well, and liberally uses their old, fermented droppings to improve the soil before planting.  It must work because she brings in a bountiful harvest!

I was thinking about manure, and without getting too graphic, I thought about how the horse eats the grass which is utilized by the body for fuel and sustenance and then the wasted is excreted.  Before the soil can benefit from the fertilizer, the grass must be bit off by the grazing horse, separating it from it's life-giving roots as it enters the digestive system where it is ground into a pulp and digested into a more basic element that can be readily utilized.

In a similar way, there are many things that must die in my life before I will be ready to be used by God.  There are practices, beliefs, fears, unforgiveness, hurt; and the list could go on.  God asks me to give up things that are getting in the way of my relationship with Him.  When I obey, I am blessed.  When I tarry, I hurt the heart of God.  Disobedience is a form of doubt, and distrust of my Father injures my relationship with Him.

There is no need to fear letting go.  Jesus has promised that my sacrifice will bring a bountiful harvest, just like the the death of the grass brought life-giving nutrients to my friend's garden.  The question is: Am I willing to receive all that God is waiting to give me?

Ready

He'd been laying there so many years that he lost track of time.  This disease had plagued him for nearly 40 years, leaving him helpless to provide for himself.  He felt all alone in the world as he hoped beyond reason that this would be the day that he'd get to the therapeutic pool first, guaranteeing him a supernatural healing.  Once the angels stirred the waters, the curing powers would be released and all he must do is immerse himself within their cool depths.  This was his only hope.

When Jesus encountered this man, He asked him one question:  "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:1-8)  Well, duh!  But the answer the man gave revealed his heart.  He was putting all his eggs in the healing pool basket, which was a long shot at best.  Perhaps he was afraid to be whole.  Maybe he felt his identity was wrapped up in his infirmity.  It could be that he wasn't ready to receive what Jesus had to give him, that he was afraid to embrace the man God had created him to be.

I can relate!  God puts so many things on my heart to do, but then the doubt creeps in.  But I can't speak in front of a group, I'm not that kind of person.  But I don't know enough to lead a Bible study.  But I'm not a good enough conversationalist to witness to an unbeliever.  But. . .but. . .but.

My doubt is revealing my disbelief.  I am in essence telling God that He is not big enough to work through me, I am too much for Him to handle, He's not powerful enough to overcome my weaknesses.  

Moses suffered from this same problem.  God gave him a mission: Go to Pharaoh and tell him to, "Let my people go!"  Moses thought of every excuse in the book; what if I'm not leadership material?  What if the Israelites don't listen to me?  What if they don't believe me?  What if I can't speak well?  What if, what if, what if!

God reassured him each time, giving him signs to show and words to say, but finally Moses got to the end of his questions with, "Can't you send somebody else?"  (Exodus 3:10-4:16)  Then the Lord's anger burned against Moses.

I do not want to be on the receiving end of God's fury!  Instead, it is my desire to immediately obey without reservation, saying to myself, okay, I know I'm not up to this task, but God definitely is!  I have nothing to fear with Him backing me up!  (Isaiah 41:10)

When God calls me to let go of something and follow Him toward a powerful blessing, can I tell Him I'm ready to receive it?

Perspective

He was incredibly blessed.  God had given him a loving family, riches beyond his wildest dreams, and a peaceful life.  He couldn't imagine life getting any better.  Then came the test.  In one day, he lost it all, with his health to falter soon after.  How did Job respond? "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21)

If I am going to be able to receive the mission God has for me and the subsequent blessings that may follow, it is important that I keep it all in perspective.  While no one wants to live in poverty, either spiritually or physically, it is entirely up to God whether or not I do.  I can run after riches, friendships, and important ministries, or I can focus on my relationship with God and let Him decide what He does or does not give.  (Matthew 6:33)

Remembering that God is sovereign will help me to keep it all in perspective.  As 19th Century American Evangelist Dwight L Moody said, "The sweetest lesson I have learned in God's school is to let the Lord choose for me."

Once I'm ready to receive all that God wants to give me, will I be able to keep it in perspective, remembering that it's His to give and His to take away?

Glory

I have to admit, I love getting recognition for a job well done.  I don't readily admit this to others, but in my heart, I enjoy a good pat on the back every once in awhile.

In fact, I was anticipating just such an acknowledgment when my family and I got ready to move away from a Sunday school program where I had taught for four years.  Much to my surprise and disappointment, my last day to teach came and went without so much as a word of thanks from anyone.  I quietly exited the building that morning, humbled beyond recognition.  I said that I was serving for the glory of God, but when it came down to it, I wanted some of the glory as well.

When God calls me to a job, giving me a list of distractions to purge from my life, am I willing to quietly accept all He's doing, or does part of me think I'm a little better for my sacrifices?  In other words, is part of my motivation for obeying God so that my character will improve, my reputation will rise or my ministry will broaden?  

Everything I do is to be for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31): to point others to Him as the source of all good things (James 1:17), to give Him the praise and the honor (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and to promote His will instead of my own (Matthew 6:10).

Now that I'm working in God's kingdom, it is important that my heart only desires the glory to go to God.

My motivation for surrendering my all to Christ can't be that I'll receive the promised hundredfold in return.  Instead, it is to be out of a pure desire to please my Father.  As I let go, I'll need to learn to be ready to receive, to keep all His blessings in perspective, and to do everything with God's honor and magnificence as the goal.  It is then that I'll be set free to follow Him wholeheartedly.  (John 8:32)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will keep my own agenda out of the picture and focus solely on God's will.

How do I take His blessings for granted, thinking I earned them or deserve them in some way?

When am I working for my own glory instead of God's?        

A Just Judge

"When they hurled their insults at him,

he did not retaliate;

when he suffered,

he made no threats.

Instead,

he entrusted himself to 

him who judges justly."

1 Peter 2:23

We live in a litigious society where people are quick to file a lawsuit at the slightest sign of insult, injury or perceived injustice.  Even children carry this attitude where common phrases used in the school yard include, "Oh no you didn't!" or "I'm gonna deck you in the throat." Everyone is ready to fight at the drop of a hat.

In contrast, Jesus had every right to defend himself before his accusers.  They mocked Him, beat Him, humiliated Him and brutally killed Him.  As the divine Son of God, He had all authority to save Himself.  If anyone deserved respect, it was Him. If anyone was completely innocent of all charges, it was Him.  If anyone had the right to be angry at the treatment He received, it was Him.  But He, "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."  (Mark 10:45)

Jesus came on a mission. . . a mission to save the people from the penalty of our sins.  As One who was sent by His Father for this purpose, He was willing to put Himself at the mercy of cruel people for our sake, knowing that the Father's justice would prevail.  It seemed like He was losing the battle, but He would ultimately win the war. 

What would it look like if I entrusted my case to God; A Just Judge?

Submit to Authority  

My palms started to sweat as a saw the familiar blue flashing light pull in behind me, keeping pace with me as I drove through the intersection. I'm sure he's going after someone else, I comforted myself and confidently eased to the right, giving him room to pass.  To my horror, he shadowed my movement, coming to a stop directly behind my van. 

Oh No!  

A boy who looked to be fresh out of high school walked up to my window and asked, "Ma'am, did you see the signal turn red?"

"Yes, you need to check this light because the timing is off.  The yellow always seems to be much shorter than all the other lights.  It throws me off every time."  I instruct as I justify my transgression to the officer.  

"I'll make sure they check this signal,"  the young man reassured me as he tore off the ticket and handed it to me.

As you can see, I am not always good at submitting to authority.  I usually am more concerned with defending myself or making sure that no one takes advantage of me.  In the above example, I was clearly in the wrong and should have taken my punishment quietly and compliantly.  

There are times, however, when corruption exists in positions of power and leadership and people are treated unjustly. Men have served years in jail for crimes they did not commit.  Some have lost jobs for reasons that are less than honest.  Others become a scapegoat for someone else's indiscretion, their life left as a heap of ruins in the wake of the scandal.  That's not fair!

If I hand over authority to God to defend me, trusting that He will judge fairly and impartially, I can rest easy knowing that justice will be served.  But there is another reason as revealed in 1 Peter 2:15.  When I submit myself to authority for the Lord's sake, ". . .it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men."

God has a way of using my obedience to put people in their place.  There is no need for me to try and do it myself.  Instead, I can trust God with that task.

If I trust God to serve as the just judge in my life, I can rest easy, knowing that, "those who walk in pride he is able to humble."  (Daniel 4:37b) 

Live as Free Men

I am not free when I feel the need to defend myself against perceived injustice carried out against me.   False accusation. . . unkind words. . . unfair treatment. . . lack of understanding.  All of these seemingly benign acts can trigger my inner soldier, sending me to take up my battle position.

When I instead let God act as my defender, I am free to live as He has called me to live.  I can show proper respect to everyone.  As one who no longer needs to defend, I can freely love my siblings in Christ.  I naturally fear God, showing Him reverence above all.  I am able to honor the president or any other leader, even when I don't agree with him.  (1 Peter 2:17)

Giving God the authority in my life to protect me and look after me instead of taking on that role myself, means I am free.

If I trust God to act as my guardian, I am free to love as He has loved me.  

Serve Wholeheartedly

"Good enough for government work."  I've used this phrase more than once in my life to describe a mediocre job completed that met the standards but did not exceed them.  I did just enough to get by.

Once I turn judgement and guardianship over to God, however, I can go well beyond putting forth this second-rate effort.   I can do whatever job I find myself doing with all my heart, as if I were serving God Himself.  Even though I may feel unappreciated here and now, my godly attitude is not ignored by the One who will reward according to what I have done.

When I'm changing diapers for the umpteenth time today, God notices the tender loving care I give to my baby.  When I utter a silent prayer for my grumpy boss who always seems to be out to get me,  the LORD appreciates my tender heart.  When I clean up after others without saying a word, using it as a ministry of God's love, He sees my efforts.  

Commendation is nice and gratifying, but what I truly want is for God to say at the end of my life, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

If I trust God as the giver of rewards, I can serve Him wholeheartedly in whatever I do, doing my very best for Him.

I am quick to take up my case before men, defending myself and looking for the respect I think I earned, but God has another way.  If I entrust justice, my protection and desire for reward to Him, I will be able to submit to authority, live freely and serve wholeheartedly.

In this way I am able to do with my life as Robert Browning said and, ". . . make the absolute best of what God made."  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to defend me when I feel threatened.

How do I look for ways to defend myself instead of being free to love others?

When do I only do what is necessary instead of doing my very best for God?

Give a Gift

"On coming to the house,

 they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasures and

presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."

Matthew 2:11

The news of the shootings, stabbings, pepper spray attacks and brawls circulated across the country.  Was this some kind of demonstration gone bad, or a prison riot?  No, these were incidents that happened on Black Friday, the first official shopping day of the Christmas season.

Gift giving is a big part of the American holiday experience, leading some to resort to violence in an effort to snag the best possible gifts.  But why do we give?  On, or shortly after, that first Christmas over 2000 years ago, a group of magi from the east appeared to worship the Messiah.  The gifts they presented were chosen carefully and not the result of a frenzied shopping spree.  Rather, they were symbols of who they believed this child to be.

Gold  The first gift was to show their respect for the King of kings.  According to the prophecy found in Isaiah 9:7, "He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."  That's like no king we've ever seen before!  Gold is given not because a king needs it, but because a reigning king is worthy of the finest gift that can be found.  Am I giving my very best to Jesus, my King?

Frankincense  When the Israelites made sacrifices to the Lord, an offering of grain could be chosen as a memorial, or remembrance, offering.  "And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:  And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD." (Leviticus 2:1-2  KJV)  This offering, given freely as a way to demonstrate to God the giver's attention to God's commandments, is received by God as an aroma pleasing to Him.  The wise men gave the gift of Frankincense as a show of worship and devotion to the living God.  Am I living my life out of worship of, devotion to and reverence for God and His commandments?

Myrrh  This aromatic resin harvested from certain trees was an ingredient utilized in fragrant perfumes and was often used as an embalming agent.  This gift was symbolic of the sacrifice Jesus was making in entering into His own creation and ultimately laying down his life.  "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)    The purpose for Jesus' birth into a sinful world is clear.  "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:17)   The gift of myrrh was given as a reminder of the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus.  Do I keep my Savior's unspeakable sacrifice at the forefront of my thoughts?

It is easy to get caught up in the materialism of the American Christmas.  But my prayer is that this Christmas, every activity I choose, every cookie I bake, every carol I sing, will be done with a purpose in mind.  Just as the wise men brought gifts which symbolized the position, power and purpose of Jesus, let me live my life in such a way that brings honor to Him.  

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that this Christmas season will be a time used to honor the sacrifice Jesus made in coming down into a sinful world in order to save me from that sin.

How am I holding a low view of Christmas, allowing it to become only about the presents, parties and decorations?

Where am I demeaning the memory of the birth of Christ?