Right Equipment

"Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,

and the ears of those who hear will listen."

Isaiah 32:3

My husband and I recently enjoyed a movie as a birthday treat and we decided to choose the 3D version of a sequel we both wanted to see.  Upon purchase of the tickets we were each handed a pair of funky glasses needed in order to experience the desired illusion of depth while viewing the film.  During the action, I tried taking off the glasses and was amazed at the contrast.  Without the glasses, the images on the screen appeared blurry and like I had double-vision.  In fact, it was hard to make out what was happening; not a pleasant experience!  As soon as I slipped the glasses back on my face, however, I was returned to the three-dimensional world and the images came to life before my eyes.

This is similar in a way to God's truths.  Without the "special tool" of God's Spirit that comes when I place my life in the hands of Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, I won't have discernment and understanding and just won't get it.  His Word will seem a bit blurry and hard to figure out.  The right equipment makes all the difference.

Heroes/Fools.  It's hard to understand why so many would revere someone who behaves so stupidly.  The beliefs of many leaders are out in left field, so far away from rational and morally acceptable thought and behavior that it boggles the mind that they are called "progressive thinkers" or followed as if they are the next great hope.  Or there are organizations that do vile things under the guise of noble or pure intentions and my stomach turns at the thought of their mission.  Or decisions are made that fundamentally change the foundation of our society and the majority blindly applaud without realizing they're praising the demise of the underpinning of a country.

With the discernment that is given to me when I trust in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I'll see through the facade and be able to see the fruit exhibited in order realize the foolishness of the ungodly's actions (Isaiah 32:5).  His Spirit within me will grieve when seeing all who applaud the unprincipled who positions himself strategically in order to further his crooked agenda.  I'll mourn as the multitudes celebrate in the streets at the unthinkable.

Jesus Christ provides the right equipment to be able discern the true hero from the fool that is portrayed heroically.

True/False Teachers.  The teachings are off-base, missing the point of Jesus' true identity and His mission in coming to earth.  Instead of sticking to the truth of God's Word, these popular teachers proclaim a different message that appeals to mankind's sin nature, to the desires and passions that come naturally to the flesh.  They say what people want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3).  It's always heartening and reassuring to be told I can get exactly what I want and that my wants and hopes are at the center of God's attention.

With the discernment that is given to me when I trust in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I'll be able to tell when a teacher is not imparting godly wisdom and knowledge but is appealing to my sin nature, depriving me of the truth I need to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (Isaiah 32:6, 2 Peter 3:18) .  Instead of gravitating toward such teachings, I'll be repulsed and run away as fast as I can in the other direction, back to Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.  If He and His teachings are not the center, the cornerstone, the foundation, then I have no business following such nonsense.

Jesus Christ provides the right equipment to be able to discern the true teacher from the false even though they may be widely admired.

Generous/Stingy.  They use others for their own purposes and are driven by selfish ambition instead of a desire to see others grow in their faith.  They may portray themselves as being humble and noble creatures but when getting closer I find they are stingy with their time and resources, focused mainly on what is best for themselves and their own interests.  

With the discernment that is given to me when I trust in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I'll be able to recognize the difference between a selfish motive and a God-centered one (Isaiah 32:6b-7).  While the reputation may be of one who cares, the reality could be the opposite.  Without the right equipment, however, I could get sucked into the public relations machine where I'll be sold a bill of goods.

Jesus Christ provides the right equipment to be able to discern the generous from the stingy.

As I make my way through life, I discover the lines between truth and deception can be blurry to say the least.  As the world seems to go mad, following fools as if they were heroes, false teachers like they are the best things since intermittent windshield wipers, or confusing the self-centered for the godly, I'll need to don the right equipment to be able to tell the difference.  Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, I'll receive the glasses I need to see the truth so that I can grow in my relationship with Him.  Otherwise, I'll get lost in a field of poppies where I'll fall asleep to the life-giving truth.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on Jesus, staying sensitive to the discernment He provides.

When do I fall for the deceptive messages of false teachers, ignoring the nagging, uncomfortable feeling within?

How am I unwilling to go against the crowd in order to stay true to Jesus?          

How to be Wise

"Let the wise listen to these proverbs 

and become even wiser.

Let those with understanding receive guidance

by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,

the words of the wise and their riddles.

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Proverbs 1:5-7 NLT

Are only the old wise?  And does this wisdom automatically come with age?  Let's take a lesson on wisdom from the man who received the gift of insight and understanding from God Himself, the true source of wisdom (1 Kings 3:11-12).

Teachable.  I recently was talking to a friend who owns a funeral home.  When speaking of the challenges of training new employees, he concluded that he'd rather teach someone with no previous knowledge of the business who is willing and ready to learn than someone with a background in the field who thinks he has a handle on how things work.  The first is teachable, the second is not. 

It's important for me to adopt this teachable attitude in life.  If I gain a little knowledge and think there's nothing more for me to know, I've closed my mind to receiving new insight and understanding.  If, however, I remain hungry, always realizing there is more for me to learn, I'll retain an attitude of responsiveness to being taught.  Part of this spirit comes from humility which God has to bring about through life experiences that chips away at my pride.  As God transforms me into the image of His Son, I'll become less prideful and more teachable.  Trusting this process means I'll willingly humble myself before God, realizing He is always ready to teach me something new.  

If I want to be wise, I will need to be humble enough to possess a teachable spirit.

Listener.  I've heard it said that good communication is 45% listening.  I tend to think that if I want to be a good communicator, I must learn to effectively get my point across, to be articulate, to speak clearly.  In reality, if I want to learn good communication skills, I had better hone my ability to listen.

It's not so different with the acquisition of wisdom.  If I want to become wise, I will need to listen more than I speak.  It's easy for me to develop a kind of bias, listening up when someone with credentials is speaking or paying attention when someone looks the part of the wise.  What do I do, however, when a little child speaks a wise word, or a drug addict repeats a jewel of wisdom, or an uneducated woman says something quite important cloaked in her peculiar vernacular?  If I want to gain wisdom, I'll take note.

If I want to be wise, I will need to be a good listener.

Generous. It can be hard to be a child.  We've all been there, having passed through childhood on our way to adulthood, but it's easy to forget the struggles.  There is so much to learn about the world, God's kingdom and our relationship with our Father.  Even though we are all still learning, it's important to remember those who are on the beginning of their journey.

While I don't want to become a know-it-all, nor do I want to cripple young people by spoon feeding them truth without expecting them to struggle a little themselves, it is important that I remember to extend a helping hand to those who are younger than I, either in age or in faith.  When I'm willing to lovingly instruct and generously dispense the wisdom I've acquired, I've learned what it is to be wise.

If I want to be wise, I must never forget where I came from and offer a hand up to those who follow behind.

Contrary to popular belief, wisdom does not come with age.  Rather, insight and understanding is found in my right relationship with God through faith in Christ.  When I respect God as the source of all wisdom, I'll begin the process of growing in His knowledge.  In order to do so, I will need a teachable spirit, good listening skills and a generous nature.  In these ways, I will have learned how to be wise.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look to God for true wisdom.

When do I assume I could never be wise because of my station in life, my age, or my education level?

How do I discount a godly message because of the unlikeliness of the messenger?           

The Easier Position

"'How I long for the months gone by,

for the days when God watched over me,

when his lamp shone on my head

and by his light I walked through darkness!

Oh, for the days when I was in my prime,

when God's intimate friendship blessed my house,

when the Almighty was still with me

and my children were around me,

when my path was drenched with cream

and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.'"

Job 19:2-6

As Job sat pondering his present circumstances, feeling the weight of his friends' judgement and doubting the presence and faithfulness of God, he remembered.  He realized how good he had it before that fateful day when his world was turned upside down by tragedy.  He longed for the days when he was in the position to help those in need.  He wanted to be back where he used to be.

It certainly is easier to be on the giving end, in the position of dispensing grace and mercy.  Being the one that was in need, however, who desperately could use a kind word or some token of compassion and sympathy, made him realize just how cold the world could be.  What can I learn from Job's perspective on the dark side of life?

Generous.  I always thought I'd be generous once we had our debt paid off, or our income reached a higher level, or our family was finished with higher education.  It seemed that generosity was tied to wealth and came from an abundance.  Then God showed me where I was wrong.

Instead, I learned that generosity is an attitude that reflects the heart of God.  He is a generous Father who gives good gifts to His children, lavishes His love upon me, and overflows my cup with blessings beyond comprehension (Matthew 7:11, 1 John 3:1, Psalm 23:5).  As His child who is made in His image, I am to mirror this characteristic of my Father.

Unfortunately, my sin nature often gets in the way.  Greed, fear, and cold-heartedness often block the generosity I inherited from my Father, keeping it from showing through in my day-to-day life.  I think I need more before I can start to give when really I simply need to tap into the spirit of generosity that comes from God's indwelling Spirit.  Or I'm afraid to give away what little I have, wanting instead to preserve my meager resources for myself and my family.  Or I turn a blind eye to the suffering around me, rationalizing to myself that someone else is better suited to help.  

In truth, everyone can give from what little they have because it's not the amount that counts but the heart driving the gift that matters to God.  And He can use whatever offering, no matter how small, to bless those in need.

Generosity is an heart attitude that God uses to bless those in need and to astound this cold world with His kindhearted nature.

Respect.  I think it must be earned.  I only give it to those who treat me well, or live in a way that I agree with, or who reciprocate.  Why should I treat someone with respect unless they deserve it?

As a follower of Christ, I am His ambassador.  The way I treat people reflects on Him.  If I think I'm better than someone else, refusing to spend time with them because I don't agree with their lifestyle, am uncomfortable with their choices, or am appalled by their behavior,  I'm portraying an inaccurate image of Christ as One who is a snobby elitist instead of the friend of sinners He truly is (Romans 12:16).

On the other hand, my willingness to associate with anyone, no matter their station in life, lifestyle or beliefs shows a true portrait of Jesus as One who accepts people as is and receives all, no matter how broken (Romans 5:8).  It also shows my respect for the God in whose image each man and woman is made.

Respect for all people, no matter who they are, reflects the heart of a God who goes toward the suffering, hurting and needy.

Thankfulness.  I'm forward-focused, hopeful things will get better, always striving for more.  In other words, I'm often discontent with what I have, greedy for more, and often unappreciative of what I do have.  

It's easy to develop this kind of negative attitude in a world that promotes materialism and ambitiousness.  The problem is, I then find myself dissatisfied with what God has given me, always wanting more than what He has so generously blessed me with.

The truth is, God is always quite benevolent, giving me so much.  When I start to thank Him for what He has given me, I will develop a heart of thankfulness and will start to notice more and more evidence of His goodness in my life.  

If, instead, I remain ungrateful and thankless, mostly focusing on what I don't have instead of what I do, I will grow angry and bitter, discontent with the position in which God has placed me.  I can never thank God too much!

Cultivating a thankful heart to God will open my eyes to His abundant goodness that overflows all over my life.

Even though I've never had it as bad as Job did, I can relate to his despair and can learn from his perspective as he sunk into the depths of suffering.  I can develop a generous heart that wants to give no matter my circumstances, to respect all people as image-bearers of God, and to cultivate a heart that looks for ways to thank God.  In these ways, Job's suffering won't be in vain but will have produced much kingdom fruit.  After all, no matter how hard I think I have it, my present circumstances could actually be the easier position:  Things could always be worse.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look for reasons to thank God.

When do I fall into discontent instead of being happy with what God has given me?

How do I compare my circumstances to the lives of others instead of taking it as a gift from a benevolent God?  

From the Lord

"But some evil troublemakers among David's men said,

'They didn't go with us,

so they can't have any of the plunder we recovered.

give them their wives and children,

and tell them to be gone.'

But David said,

'No, my brothers!

Don't be selfish with what the LORD has given us.

He has kept us safe

and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us.'"

1 Samuel 30:22-23 NLT

They fought a hard battle and came back to camp exhausted yet elated in their victory.  We did it!  We rescued all our wives, sons, daughters and even our livestock.  Everything that belonged to us is back in our possession.  This is a great day indeed!

The men of war strutted back into camp with their heads held high, their valiant efforts rewarded with victory.  Then they caught sight of the men who stayed behind, too exhausted to stand by their sides in battle.  Some thought, who are they to join in our celebrations?  They did nothing to help us regain our families.  Why should they share in the plunder?  They don't even deserve to get their wives and children back, pathetic as they are. (1 Samuel 30:16-22)

David, however, set these wayward men straight.  He reminded them to whom the battle belonged.  He knew better than to give into such foolish talk.  His belief that the battle belonged to the Lord was revealed in his response.

I am often faced with equally as challenging circumstances when I am tempted to take credit for a success, or use the world's system of justice as my own, or to base my giving on what I think others deserve.  In so doing, I am forgetting that everything I have is from the Lord.  When I remember this simple yet profound truth, my actions will reflect that belief.

Generosity

Our bodies are naturally inclined to be stingy.  If I need to lose weight, it seems rational to me that the less I eat, the more fat I will lose.  In reality, dipping below a certain calorie threshold will result in my body going into survival mode in order to prepare for a supposed upcoming famine. In an attempt to hold onto the fat it currently holds, this mechanism is meant to protect me in times of want, but ends up working against me when the starvation is self-imposed and I'm simply trying to shed some pounds.

This safe-guard mechanism reminds me of my own self-centered fleshly response to the thought of giving.  When I am faced with an opportunity to give to another in need, I tend to want to hang onto what I have just in case things turn bad for me.  What if I lose my job, or suffer a pay cut, or fall on hard times?  Wouldn't I be more wise to tuck this money away for such a rainy day?

In reality, everything in my possession comes from God.  He directs my paths, provides for my needs and is the source of all the good in my life.  As the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He has no need of my pitiful offerings.  Still, it is His desire that I learn to trust Him with what is to come by being willing to open my hand in generosity to those in need around me.  And I am able to do so when I truly realize the vast resources of my Father in heaven and buy into His generous nature.

If I take on the attitude that there is plenty more where that came from, I will easily be able to share what I have with others. (2 Corinthians 8:9, Romans 8:32 ) If I live in fear of losing the little I have, I will struggle with giving even a pittance.

If I fully grasp the truth that my Father loves to give good things to those who ask, I will look for ways to share this same mindset. (Matthew 7:8-11,Romans 11:35-36) If I think He only gives if I earn it, I will develop a stingy heart that is rooted in judgementalism.

If I believe that the Lord cares for me in ways I cannot fathom, I will desire to give rather than receive. (Matthew 6:24-34, Acts 20:35) If I fear for my own welfare, sure that destruction is right around the corner, I will hang onto what I have as if my life depended on it.

Believing that God is the source of all good things leads to a generous heart.

Courage

The ability to step forward despite the fear that grips my heart.

Strength in the face of pain or grief.

The confidence it takes to act in accordance to one's beliefs.

The cowardly lion craved it, many-a-soldier has used it, and I often need it to face what frightens me.  Courage.  It is not something that comes naturally, but can be found as a by-product of trusting in God's provision.

When I'm afraid I will lose everything I have, reminding myself that God is the source of all good things gives me courage to step forward in faith. (James 1:17)  

When I don't think I can carry on in the face of all that I have lost, knowing that the God of compassion is with me, ready to deliver His loving comfort whenever I need it gives me courage to rise out of bed another day. (2 Corinthians 1:3) 

When it seems the world around me has gone mad and I'm the only one who stands for what is right, remembering the constant presence of the One who promised to never leave me nor forsake me gives me the courage to speak the truth in love. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Believing that God is always with me leads to a heart of courage.

Confidence

I step forward timidly, unsure in my heart if I truly belong in such a magnificent place.  My sin weighs heavily upon me, giving me a feeling of unworthiness.  As a result, I keep my distance, doubting whether God would truly accept such a wounded soul as mine.

This faulty line of thinking often plagues my heart, planting seeds of doubt as to my acceptance by a loving God.  The reality of which I must constantly remind myself is that I am a sinner, yes, but a sinner who is saved by grace.  This salvation is not just so that I can live for all eternity in the place Jesus has prepared for me.  This salvation is also so that I can live in the here and now in perfect relationship with a holy God who loves me.

When Jesus took my sins upon Himself, dying a criminal's death on the unyielding cross of Calvary, He made a way for me to enter into communion with the Lord.  Instead of being considered His enemy because of my sin, I am no adopted into His family as His legitimate child.  (1 John 3:1, Romans 5:10)  When I truly grasp this unbelievable story of God's amazing grace and take it on as my own, I enter into the realm of confidence. 

This is not a confidence in who I am, but rather an assurance of who the blood of Jesus has made me to be: pure, righteous and newly whole. (1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:17)  Due to the unspeakable sacrifice of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I can boldly enter into the presence of God where I will receive everything I need to live.  (Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:16)

With my newly-found confidence, I can fearlessly ask God for good things as He loves to give such gifts to those who ask.  (Matthew 7:7-8)  I need not be timid about going to God with the expectation that He will change the hardened heart of my loved one, or that He will restore my health, or that He will flood my anxious heart with peace.  Even if my request sounds absurd and many doubt my sanity, I can boldly approach my Father with whatever desire lies deep within me.  There is nowhere else where my wishes are as safe as they are with my Father who loves me freely.

Believing that I am fully accepted by God through faith in Jesus Christ leads me to a confidence in my relationship with Him.

David understood that God always provided, was always with him, and always accepted him freely.  Therefore, this man after God's own heart was able to live generously, courageously and confidently.  Knowing these truths that come from the Lord will give me a similar approach to life, and will lead me to live the abundant life Jesus came to deliver to me. (John 10:10)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember that everything comes from God.

How do I live in fear because I think I have to somehow generate my own source of provision?

When do I live timidly because I'm unsure of my place in God's kingdom?     

Legacy of Love

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels,

but didn't love others,

I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

if I had the gift of prophecy,

and if I understood all of God's secret plans

and possessed all knowledge,

and if I had such faith that I could move mountains,

but didn't love others,

I would be nothing.

If I gave everything I have to the poor

and even sacrificed my body,

I could boast about it;

but if I didn't love others,

I would have gained nothing."

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT

How will I be remembered when I'm gone?  Will people remember the deep thoughts I shared, the times when I gave generously or the words I wrote?  When I am gone will my legacy point to me, or point to the God who loved me enough to send His Son to redeem me from the pit of death where my sins condemned me?

David Phelps, a tenor with the Gaither Vocal Band, performs a powerful song about the kind of legacy for which Jesus was known and to which I am called as His follower.  It is not a legacy of great works, mighty power and amazing accomplishments.  Instead, you and I are called to a legacy of love.  Listen to the words of "Legacy of Love" and ponder the purpose for which you were saved.  (John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:18)

Words

The scent of perfume filled the home as the guests dined in His honor.  This distinguished group had gathered to celebrate the miraculous salvation of Lazarus, but not everyone seemed to have the same focus.  While the woman lovingly anointed the feet of her Lord as a tender offering, another protested the extravagance.  "The poor would be better served by your generosity." (John 12:1-8)

While it is important for us to take care of those in need, and God made it clear in His Word that He wants us to generously give toward the poor, defending the cause of the weak, the widow and the fatherless, (Deuteronomy 15:11, Psalm 82:3-4) it is easy for the church to become just another institution providing social programs.

Doing things God's way means I'm not just concerned with His commands, but in how I carry them out.  Standing for the truth is important, but this does not trump the command that Jesus gave us to be known for our love for one another.  Sometimes the most compassionate thing I can do is to bear with my brother or sister until she can see the truth for what it is.  (Colossians 3:12-14)

Just as Mary's heart longed to demonstrate her love for Jesus in an excessively generous way, so should my actions be driven by my desire to show my love for my Lord and Savior.  When I'm so intent on saying what I know to be right, the message becomes more important than the one to whom the words are directed.  My passion for loving those around me should overpower my desire to be heard.

I will leave a legacy of love when my actions speak more of the love of Christ than do the words I say.

Faith

The man may have been small in stature, but he was big in faith.  He was despised by those who had suffered under his greedy hand, yet when faced with the One who offered the life he longed to live, Zaccheus accepted the gift without hesitation. (Luke 19:1-10)  

Instead of defending his cheating ways, Zaccheus immediately made things right, giving back four times what he had taken.   All those who knew him, though, sneered, "How could Jesus stoop so low as to dine with this traitor to our people?"  But Jesus knew the heart of the swindler turned philanthropist.

The love of Jesus allows me to always believe that people can change.  Instead of only focusing on the tenets of my faith, then, I can also trust God enough to rejoice in the truth even when it hurts.  I'm sure it wasn't easy for a wealthy tax collector to dip so deeply into his stores in order to do what was right, but his faith spurred him to do exactly that.  There is nothing else said of Zaccheus in scripture, but I wouldn't be surprised if he became an advocate for the outcasts of society, thus passing on the heritage he received from Jesus.  

I will leave a legacy of love when my faith in God drives me to never give up on anyone, even myself.

Generosity

The tinkling of the tiny coins falling into the coffers drew the attention of the Master.  While many men had given much money that day, no one gave as much as this elderly widow.  Why?  She gave all she had. (Luke 21:3-4)

How often do I give generously, but only out of my abundance?  I am quick to donate money when I have more than enough to cover my needs, but when times are tight I cut back on what I give.  It is easy for me to be generous with my stuff, but when it comes to taking the time to help someone, I'm stingy.  I am openhanded when it comes to volunteering where I feel comfortable, but I'm wary of pledging my help when I don't feel equipped or competent.

The widow's offering was remarkable because she gave out of her poverty, believing that God would come through to provide her needs for the next day.  If I saw God the same way she did, I would never hold back.  Then, a disruption to my schedule would become a divine appointment, a plea for help when the bank account is low would turn into an opportunity to watch God provide, and a needy neighbor on a busy day would develop into an opening for grace to flow.

I will leave a legacy of love when I freely give all of me.

It doesn't matter how much I do for God if love is not the hallmark of my life.  I can take a lesson from Mary, Zaccheus and the poor widow whose lives teach me how to not simply speak empty words, but demonstrate love in action; to trust God enough to give Him a chance to change the people in my life; and to generously give of myself.  In these ways, I will leave a legacy of love.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will keep the love of Jesus always in my consciousness.

What would those around me say about my life and it's legacy?

How can I pay more attention to the opportunities God gives me to pass on the love of Christ?

God's Generosity

“’Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money?

Or are you envious because I am generous?’

So the last will be first,

And the first will be last.”

Matthew 20:15-16

How am I envious of God’s generosity?  Does it seem unfair to me that those who live for themselves until the last day when they finally give their life to Jesus receive the same reward as I?  Or that I dedicate myself to God yet another less devoted seems to receive all the blessings?

God is generous and the same grace and mercy He extends to me as a sinner condemned to death, is also offered to others.  I must never forget who I really am; a sinner saved by grace, so that I won’t grow bitter or judgmental.

God’s kindness is most powerfully demonstrated in the free gift of eternal life He so generously offers.  This salvation from damnation is based on God’s mercy not on man’s merit.