Lose Yourself!

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45 

 

I read the above verse on the marquis of a local church and it made me think: "How have I done in serving others?"  You see, Jesus mission statement: "The Son of Man came not to BE served, but to serve others" is hard to miss and even harder to dismiss.  

 

We have the tendency, at least I do, to focus more on what we love to do more than what needs to be done.  Not every opportunity to serve comes at the opportune time for our schedules.  There will be times when our service may require late nights, early mornings, dealing with unpleasant sights and smells, and even facing some very uncomfortable situations.  But when we look at the example of Christ, we will see how service is supposed to happen.  

 

Jesus chose prayer instead of sleep.  Jesus chose 12 unpredictable, and sometimes unruly, apostles rather than the obedient angels of Heaven.  When these unpredictable apostles feared the storm, Jesus calmed it (and them).  When there was no wine for the wedding or food for the multitude, Jesus made both.  When it was close to His time to die, Jesus took the basin and towel, and cleaned the feet of these apostles.  And when it came time to make a way for our sins to be forgiven without ritual sacrifice, Jesus served us in His death and resurrection. 

 

If we follow the example of Christ, we begin to see that service is not always convenient; not always pleasant; but always needed.

Insignificant?

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.

Zechariah 4:10 

 

Ask any deputy who knows me and they will tell you that nine times out of ten, I am packing some sort of candy (usually Tootsie Rolls).  There are lots of reasons for doing this, but the main reason is to let these deputies know that I care.  It's a simple act and even though there are those who will refuse the treat, they still know that I care.  

 

I may have mentioned this before, the focus of my Chaplain Ministry are the Road Deputies, "Boots on the Ground" as it were.  Why? Because they get to deal with all sorts of situations and are expected to have all the answers and solutions for everyone's problem.  They encounter people at their worst.  They are called names, have things thrown at them, they have been demonized in the media.  And all the while, they are expected to be nothing short of professional and courteous.  They are under a LOT of pressure and scrutiny, and they need a pressure release which is where my giant ears come in to play.  

 

I encourage these deputies to talk with me and I'll listen.  I encourage them to let their feelings out and I won't judge (not my place to judge).  I offer whatever wisdom and counsel God has given me through my own life.  Now, while that might seem small thing, it is really a huge thing.  Why? Because just being able to provide my ears, non-judgement, counsel and candy relationships are built.  And when relationships are built, the conversations quickly turn to friendships which allows for deeper conversations and learning from each other.

 

And to think God began it all with something as small as a Tootsie Roll.

Trust A Tiger?

They do not fear bad news;
    they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.

Psalm 112:7 

 

"Well, I've got good news and bad news."  How can you hear this and not get a knot in your stomach?  Let's face it, we don't like hearing bad news, because that means something bad has either happened or is about to happen.  The best we can do is trust God to make everything turn out right in the end.

 

Trust...a bond which is built over time and through events.  Look at the picture, the man is trusting the tiger not to eat him.  The tiger is trusting the man not to kill him. As a result, they have a bond between them.  

 

Let me ask you this, has God ever let you down?  In all reality, the answer is "NO."  Yet we still struggle with trusting Him to take care of us.  God has promised to never leave us and never turn His back on us.  He never promised we would have an easy time here on this rolling globe.  But He did promise to take care of us.  Build the bond of trust!

Oh Thorny

So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 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.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 

Did you know that the word used as "thorn" actually means "stake"?  This was no ordinary poke that Paul could brush off and move on.  Rather this was excruciatingly painful.  It was a constant reminder that God had allowed this thing into his life in order to keep him humble.  Now, we're not sure whether this "messenger from Satan" was a literal thorn or some situation or ailment or person or trait.  What we do know is that Paul didn't like having it and begged God THREE TIMES to remove it.

Now, you're not going to like this next part, but truth is truth:  Our Happiness Is NOT God's Chief Aim.  Read that again!  Now think about it, if God's chief aim and purpose was for us to be carefree and happy, we would already be in Paradise.  But we're not there yet.  God wants us to learn and grow and sometimes that is a painful process, but we must learn and grow in order that God's long-term plan for us can be fulfilled.

Now, consider that if we could do all of this by ourselves, without God, then WE would have good reason to be proud and boastful.  So, to prevent that, God allows thorns in our lives.  But, you see, when we have reached the end of our tolerance, THAT is when God reveals His strength by pouring Strength into us.  

When facing "old thorny" perhaps we would be wise to ask God to show us what we need to learn rather than asking Him to take it away. 

Why Be Afraid?

 “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.

2 Chronicles 32:7-8

 

Why are we afraid?  Okay, perhaps that's too broad of a question, but I must ask it in a broad sense anyway.  Why are we afraid?  Think about it, we are afraid of things we cannot control: the stock market, our retirement investments, what someone else will do or say to or about us, others perception of us, the list is endless.  And think about this as well, how many times does scripture tell us to "Fear Not"?

 

Every thunderstorm, Woody Bear shakes and no matter how much we try to comfort him and assure him that it will be okay, he is still afraid.  Why?  Because he can see, hear and feel the thunderstorms and nothing we say or do will make that thunderstorm go away.  So he will ultimately go to his "safe place" which is in the back of the closet.  After the storm passes, and he is sure it has passed, he will come out and return to normal.  

 

Aren't we like that as well?  God tells us to not be afraid.  God tells us that HE will take care of us.  God tells us that He will NEVER turn His back on us.  Yet, we are afraid because of what we see, hear, and feel. And when our storm passes, we return to normal.  Why?  Is it because we trust OUR senses instead of the One who gave us our senses?  Is it because we don't truly trust that God will do what He promises?  We don't want to admit that we doubt, but we doubt when things don't go the way WE planned and we get afraid because we aren't the one in control.

 

God reminds us to "Fear Not" because what we face is simply temporary and we have THE One who is eternal on our side!

Bit It's So Small.

If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.

Matthew 10:42 

 

I used to become envious of those people who were recognized for their huge ministries.  I would become jealous of their public deeds and plans for even bigger deeds. So much so that I figured "why bother, no one notices or cares?"  But then I remembered something I had read that went something like "Live to do good, even if no one notices." 

 

You see, in God's hands, the smallest seeds grow into huge trees.  In God's hands, the small stone from a brook can fell a giant!  In God's Hands, a cup of cold water can save a life. In God's hands, just a touch can heal. In God's Hands, a word can bring comfort. In God's hands, just being there can bring encouragement.  In God's hands, a smile can change someone's day.  In God's hands, there are no insignificant acts!

 

If we simply go about our lives doing small kindnesses for others, it DOES make a difference because in God's hands..... 

Surprise!!

The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.

Ecclesiastes 1:5-8 

 

The first time I tried to read the book of Ecclesiastes, I found it to be depressing!  The author opens with the words: "Pointlessness! Pointlessness!" which are not exactly encouraging words to begin a message of hope.  In fact, that's not the way to begin anything you want people to desire to read.  Yet, there it is.

 

After many times of trying to read this book without becoming depressed, and failing each time, a professor I had changed my perspective when she said, "If there's nothing new under the sun then that means NOTHING SURPRISES GOD!"  Well now...that is indeed a good point!  No matter our struggles; no matter our situations; no matter what we are enduring, GOD is not surprised!

 

Now, having said that, it is WE who become bored with it all and constantly seek out new ways to entertain ourselves, improve ourselves, get more, have more, look better, and the desire for more and better never seems to satisfy. We become dissatisfied with our clothing, so we go buy the latest fashion.  We become bored with our transportation, so we get a new car.  We feel cramped, so we buy a bigger house.  We don't feel appreciated, so we find another mate.  We never seem to be satisfied.

 

Yet, God never changes, but He can change US!  The Apostle Paul wrote, "I know what it is to have much and I know what it is to have nothing.  Regardless of my state, I have learned to be content."  Paul depended on God to provide for his NEEDS. And so should we.  

 

There really isn't anything new under the sun, but everything is new under God's Son! 

It's All In HOW You Say It!

A gentle response turns away anger,
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Proverbs 15:1 

 

Why do we TRY to get in someone's face to start an argument?  As a matter of fact, what is the point of arguing?  One of the more archaic meanings of the word "argument" is "a reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong."  Yet we take the presenting our reason(s) to mean yelling and shouting them at each other instead of in a calm and reasonable manner.

 

One of my favorite television programs is Homicide Hunter.  Each episode is about a homicide case handled by Lt. Joe Kenda of the Colorado Springs Police Department.  The thing that struck me about Kenda was his calm, even tone and manner of speaking.  Even his catch-phrase, "Well My,My,My" is spoken in such a way that lets you know this man knows how to speak with people and get results.  And it's mostly about tone of voice.

 

I read a study a while back that stated a person can diffuse almost any argument by changing their tone of voice to a non-threatening level.  So why do we believe that loud is better?  Does the fact I can drown you out by talking over you in my LOUD VOICE make me right? Nope!  Yet that seems to be our "go-to" mode of communication.

 

I learned and am learning that softer tones when speaking get attention and a much greater response than yelling.  If someone is upset and grieving, how much good would come of yelling at them to "CHEER UP!!"?  Would it not be more readily received to speak softly and simply say "I am sorry you are hurting, I am here"?

 

Try it! 

Love Your Job!!

You are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God.

1 Peter 2:9

 

Have you ever had a job you hated? Yeah, me too.  I had little motivation to even get out of bed in the morning other than remembering I had to earn money to pay for such luxuries as food, mortgage, fuel, etc.  

 

What would be your dream job?  I used to think I wanted to be conservator at the Smithsonian, partly because I love history and partly because it would allow me to work with some amazing treasures.    

 

When I ask people how their day is going, I usually get responses like "Livin' the dream" or "Lovin' Every Minute Of It" (said with sarcasm).  As believers, we are God's own possession!  We ARE God's chosen people.  We ARE a kingdom of priests.  Not everyone wears a clerical collar, but everyone of us should show others the goodness of God because ultimately, that IS our job!  Let's face it, if we don't...who will? 

Is it time for you to Rise UP?

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 

 

I spent the weekend in some deep reflection and contemplation.  It's good to do that from time to time.  As it so happened, I heard a song by Bruce Springsteen called "My City In Ruins" which is a prayer.  As I listened, I realized that throughout Scripture we are told over and over to RISE UP!  Take a look:

•  When Moses was 80 years old, he had settled into a comfortable anonymous life when God told him it was time for him to RISE UP and fulfill the plan God had for him all along!
• God told Noah to RISE UP and build the Ark.
• God told Gideon to take his tiny army and RISE UP to defeat their enemy.
• After years of being a slave, then imprisoned, Joseph probably felt defeated.  But at the right time, God told Joseph it was time to RISE UP and fulfill God's plan for him to save his family and forgive his brothers.
• When all of Israel was fearful of the giant, Goliath, God told David it was time for him to RISE UP and deal with this terror.
• When Herod was bent of destroying all the Hebrew children so Jesus would not become the King of the Jews, God sent an angel to Joseph and told him to RISE UP and take his family to safety.
• When the ten lepers came to Jesus seeking healing, Jesus told them it was time for them to RISE UP and be healed.
• When Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus, he had already been dead for several days.  Jesus called Lazarus to RISE UP because his life was not over!
• When Peter's mother-in-law was terribly sick with a fever, Jesus reminded her she needed to RISE UP because she had a purpose to fulfill.
• Even after Jesus' death, Peter went back to fishing because he felt like he had abandoned Jesus and maybe, just maybe, he had followed the wrong man.  Jesus came all the way from Heaven to tell Peter to RISE UP because he had to become the foundation of the church.
• Saul had spent his adult life trying to destroy the Christian church.  Jesus has struck him blind.  Ananias had been in prayer when Jesus told him to RISE UP and befriend Saul.  After many YEARS, Jesus told Saul (now Paul) it was time for him to RISE UP and teach the non-Jews about the Gospel!

There have been times when I have felt lost and defeated. I felt as if I had messed up so badly that life, for me, was too far gone. Yet Jesus reminded me that it was time for me to RISE UP because His purpose for my life has not been fulfilled completely.

 

Is it time for you to RISE UP?  Think About That! 

Who REALLY Notices?

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Ephesians 6:7 

 

I love listening to the stories people tell, especially when the storyteller talks about the things I can remember.  I remember using a dial phone.  I remember using a metal ice tray with a handle on it. I remember when the freezer was referred to as the "ice box."  I remember, at some point, going to the church on Saturday to help cut the grass and make sure everything was ready for Sunday.

 

One story, in particular, I heard was about Michaelangelo.  The Pope had offered him a job painting the ceiling of one of the chapels.  Now Michaelangelo's passion was sculpting, not painting.  And he almost didn't take the job, but he decided this would be an opportunity for more work and he took the job.  Well...four years and over 400 figures and 9 scenes later, he had changed more than the chapel; he had changed the entire direction of art!  

 

One of the priests who had been observing Michaelangelo work asked him why he spent so much time getting every detail right in the corners when no one will even see in the corners.  Michaelangelo's response was priceless: "God will see."

 

There is a song, I may have used before, by Jimmy Buffett that addresses why we shouldn't work for recognition.  It's called "It's My Job" and is a string of stories about why people do what they do when no one seems to notice...their answer is always the same, "It's my job."  Yet I challenge you to view all that we do from the perspective of Michaelangelo.  True, no one may notice the hours you put in; no one may notice the emotional, physical, spiritual toll you pay in doing what needs doing; no one may notice....but God does.

 

If we seek the recognition of others, then we will get that temporary moment of triumph.  If we go about our lives with the understanding that God sees, then God's rewards for us are eternal.  Not a certificate. Not a photo op. Not a plaque or trophy. ETERNAL rewards.

Are We Proud Of Being "Humble"?

But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.
    He was born as a man
    and became like a servant.

Philippians 2:7 

Every day we hear and see people who are very proud of themselves.  We are encouraged to be proud, loud, shout it out: "LOOK WHAT I HAVE DONE!!"  We are expected to brag about our achievements; our accumulations; our abilities; and do whatever it takes to get everyone to LOOK AT ME!  But...it only takes a second and our proud accomplishments can disappear.  

Remember Jesus?  You know Him....He's the Son of God.  If ANYONE had reason to be proud, it was Him.  After all, His place has always been at the right hand of God the Father and Creator of all.  He had all the angelic host crowded around Him singing His praise.  He had it all and THAT could never be taken from Him.  Yet He chose to give it all up to come among us, in a food trough in a barn surrounded by animals.  And why would He do that? Because He loves us so much He wanted to come live with us, love us, and die for us.  He taught us what it is to be humble yet even in His humbleness He was powerful.  He didn't have to draw attention to Himself, He simply taught us about love as He loved us.  

The ONLY one who had any right to be proud, loud, and shout it out, chose to be humble and show us what love truly is...the greatest gift of all.  And this is a gift given to us, that we can NEVER repay because it's free. 

Choices Aren't Always Easy

"If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you will give up your life for Me, you will find true life."

Matthew 16:25 

 

We make a lot of choices every day, some are good choices and some not so much.  But since God is God and is loving and forgiving, why should we worry about the choices we make? After all, didn't Paul write in Romans 8:28 that God works everything for our good and His glory?  So why should we choose to do the right thing and give thoughtful consideration BEFORE we make our choice?  Because we like things quick and easy!

 

Let me give you a premise: God gives us abundant life to the degree that we surrender our own life.   Think about this, suppose you are offered a promotion with a huge increase in salary and prestige...the only catch is you will be required to work lots of extra hours.  You know that your home life is already tense because you seem to be always at work and this promotion could be the breaking point.

 

If you refuse the promotion, chances are another promotion will not be offered any time soon.  If you accept the promotion, you stand to lose your family. What would be your choice?

 

God never told us that our lives would be easy and free from conflict.  He never promised that we would always have easy choices to make.  God gave us a mind with which to think and work choices through before we decide, but do we use that gift?

Somebody

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

1 Corinthians 12:7 

 

For the longest time, I believed that God had not chosen to give me any sort of gift.  I mean, let's face it, I am not much of a singer (except when the windows are rolled up and one of my favorite songs comes on the radio); I can't even draw a straight line; there are so many things I don't possess that I felt like a nobody.  

 

Then I realized that God are no nobodies in God's family!  In God's family, every person is SOMEBODY!  God has given each of His family members a spiritual gift!  

 

I have taken "Spiritual Gifts" tests over my lifetime and the results were always different so I didn't put much credence to my test results. Then I heard a sermon by Steve Brown on the radio where he explained that sometimes we tend to try to "over spiritualize" our gifts.  If we aren't a GREAT orator then we believe we cannot share God's good news with anyone.  If we aren't perfect then we can't be of any use to God especially around the people who know us best.  And such are the lies from the smokey pit!!!

 

God gives each of us a gift we to help each other!  It was then that I realized, I can listen to others and use my experiences to offer guidance; I can show others that I care; there are so many things God has allowed me to do when I stopped trying to BE "spiritual" and let Him use me as He wants.

You Are God's Poetry!

For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

Ephesians 2:10 

 

In High School, one of my assignments for my English class was to write a poem.  Not just any poem, it had to be at least 50 lines long, had to express imagery, had to flow easily AND cause the reader to pause to ponder the thoughts the poem was to generate, and we had three months to complete the project.  I admit I struggled and sweated over this project for the entire three months but was never satisfied with the work.  When the due date arrived, I turned in my work and prepared for the red pen to slash my work to pieces.  But when we had all turned in our projects, the teacher asked "How easy was this project?"  I thought she was from Pluto or somewhere equally as distant for asking such a question.  She went on to explain that poetry is not easy even though when we read it, it would seem easy.  Finding just the right words to express the images and thoughts takes a LOT of creativity!   

 

Keeping that in mind, in today's verse the Greek word for "Workmanship" is poiema from which we derive the English word "poem."  Thus, we are God's poem...His masterpiece of creative genius!  Think about this, if you take any single line from a poem, it would make little sense alone, yet when combined with the other lines, the creativity becomes clear.  

 

God is continually adding new lines to our life's poem, showing His creativity and Genius, because WE are HIS masterpiece! 

How Are You Waiting?

Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 

 

Let me ask you a rather personal question: How good are you at waiting patiently?  Yeah, I'm not good at that either, but I'm learning. I can only speak for me, I am extremely impatient and become frustrated having to wait.  And if you really want to know extended waiting, stand in line at Disney or stand in line at the checkout with 42 registers but only 4 are open or go to the pharmacy to simply pick up your meds and the ONE person in front of you wants to have a stroll down memory lane with the pharmacist. Waiting is NOT easy, but let me give you something to ponder: "Exceptional work is preceded by extended waiting."

 

Think about this, God chose to keep Moses waiting until Moses reached 80 years old before revealing His mission for Moses' life.  Did you catch that? EIGHTY YEARS!!!  I cannot even begin to comprehend waiting that long!

 

What about that little excursion into the Wilderness where Moses led the Israelites to the Land God had promised them?  That little jaunt took 40 years!!  

 

Even David, the beloved of God, had to wait 13 years AFTER he had been anointed as King of Israel before he could actually become the king.  In the meantime, he was chased by King Saul through the desert because Saul was trying to kill David in order to keep him from becoming King of Israel.  David ruled Israel for the best 40 years they had known up to that point.

 

I knew at age 7 that God had called me into ministry.  I waited and waited and waited.  Then I gave up waiting and went my own way for YEARS.  Finally, God got through to me that I was supposed to be waiting for Him to bring my calling to pass.  From the age of 7 until I was ordained at the ripe age of 42 God was working in my life and I didn't even realize it.  Every experience, every rebellion, every heartache, every laugh, every chuckle, every deep darkness, God was using them all to mold me and shape me to be able to walk with people through their lives.  And God made me wait 35 years to be ordained, another year to finish seminary, and another 2 years until He opened the door at the Sheriff's Department.

 

God is the God of patience.  I am glad for that because means He is more than patient with me.  Think about that.

How Is Your Freedom Being Used?

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God. 

1 Peter 2:16

 

We love our freedom!  We love being free!  But what do we use our freedoms to do?  We have Freedom of Speech, but how do we use that freedom to build up or tear down?  We have Freedom of Press, but do we use that freedom to print truth or our version of the "truth"?  

 

We have so many freedoms that are afforded to us and two questions must be asked: 

1. Do we truly appreciate the freedoms we have?

2. How are we using our freedoms to help others?

 

Some have taken their freedoms and have used them for their own selfish purposes, we see this every single day.  But those who truly appreciate their freedoms want to use them to help others.  You see, we have the Freedom to reach out to others in need.  We have the Freedom to speak encouragement to others who need to hear it.  We have the Freedom to pray for others, and with them if they wish.  We have the Freedom to worship.  We have the Freedom to make someone else's life a little better.  You have the Freedom to read this and let it sink in or ignore it.

 

How are you enjoying your Freedoms?

 

More Than Expected

If someone compels you to go one mile, go two miles with him.

Matthew 5:41 

 

We like it when we get a little something extra, don't we?  We like it when others go out of their way to do that little extra something to make our encounter special.  When my Bride and I go to Charleston, we always stop my the fudge shops because they go that extra mile by providing samples of their product, and we like that.  As a matter of fact, we will usually stop in and make a purchase because of that encounter.  Just as a little side note, which will get me in trouble later today, we stopped at the fudge shop to purchase some Turtles.  The counter person asked my Bride which Chocolate Turtle she wanted. Without missing a beat, her priceless response was "The BIGGEST one!"

 

Now, let me ask you something...stop groaning,....do YOU go that extra mile to make other people's encounters with you special?  I'm not suggesting you give out free fudge samples unless you want me to become your bestest friend!  But what about making sure their encounter with you is one they will find comfortable, even if the reason for the encounter is unpleasant? 

 

True, going the extra mile can be time consuming and take conscious effort, but so does anything that is worthwhile.  If someone needs to talk with you, do you begin looking at your watch or fidgeting or try to wrap up the conversation after a few minutes or do you take the time to listen to them, perhaps even offering guidance or wisdom?

 

Take time to go that extra mile and you will get to know people in a whole different way, and...they will get to know you as well.

I Don't Need Anyone!

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:31-33 

 

We're a stubborn lot, aren't we?  We concern ourselves about so many things that we really shouldn't, but we are determined that no solution will be found without us.  Think for a moment, What is your biggest NEED right now?  Perhaps it's another cup of coffee, or to feel important, or a chance to step back and regroup, or even the need to know that someone cares.  

 

Yet because we are so stubborn, we don't let anyone know what we truly need because that might come across as a sign of weakness.  I'll confess publicly, I have a need to be accepted and loved.  I NEED that!  Does that make me weak?  Nope!  That confession makes me human.  

 

Let me give you a premise:  "If you will let your needs drive you to God, God will meet your deepest needs."  Don't believe me? Do it and see!  Jesus promised, in today's passage, that if we seek the Kingdom of God above all else, God will meet our needs.  And here's the kicker, He will meet them far better than we ever could!

It's A Struggle Sometimes

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

John 13:35

 

Have you looked at our society today?  Have you noticed how much anger and bitterness seems to ooze from every word and glance?  Have you heard all the rage being spewed from the mouths of those who manage to get the media's attention?  

 

I can't speak for anyone except me, but I was taught to keep quiet if I had nothing nice or constructive to say. Granted, there have been times I have not lived up to that standard, but I am still trying to adhere to that teaching.  Yet if we look around us today, we hear everything BUT nice things being said....and very loudly too.  Yet Ecclesiastes reminds us that this is nothing new ("There is NOTHING new under the sun")  We seem to relish insulting, bashing and lashing out at anyone and everyone.

 

Now look at Jesus' teaching.  We prove to the world our character by our love or lack of love. What a punch to the chin that was for me when I read that this morning.  We must learn to love each other!  I came across a wonderful quote this morning from that famous philosopher Anon E. Mous: "The best love is the one that makes you a better person without changing you into someone other than yourself."  The best love brings out the best in others!

 

The more I thought about bringing out the best in others, the more I began to understand that it begins with me!  If I am not willing to love others and bring out the best in them, why would they want to do that for me?  Love begins with us! Each of us! Isn't it time to start?