Mercy

Have you ever noticed how the teachings of Jesus tend to center around, "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets"?  This is the honest truth, we truly should treat others as we want to be treated.  

"But what if they don't treat me the way I treated them?" Good question!  You can only control how YOU treat others, you can't control anyone else's response.  Besides, Jesus didn't say, "If they treat you in a good way, THEN you treat them in a good way" now did He?  Nope.  Jesus makes it very clear, regardless how we are treated by others, we must treat others the same way we WANT to be treated by them.

Take a look at today's verse: "Want someone to show you mercy? Then SHOW mercy to others."  It sounds simple, but we are the ones who complicate it when we follow our feelings instead of doing what we KNOW is right.  Here's a challenge I put to both of us (you and me): Let's treat each other the way we want to be treated REGARDLESS of how they treat us.  We do our part and let God handle the rest.

That Thing You Do

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16

 

What stops us from doing good deeds?  Is it a lack of recognition?  Is it because we're too busy?  Is it because we just don't care? Whatever our excuse (and excuse is the right word), Jesus instructs us to not only DO good deeds, we are to let our good deeds be an example for others.

 

Imagine the changes that can begin with just a good deed!  And here's the best part, we may THINK no one pays attention or even cares, but God does and will use every good deed to inspire someone else!

What You Can!

“An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they answered. “And then he drew water for us and watered our flocks.”
Exodus 2:19 

Moses was a Prince of Egypt and figured it would be a rather easy task to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  When he saw an overseer beating an Israelite, he killed the overseer and expected the Israelites would flock to him and declare him a hero.  They didn't.  In fact, when Pharoah found out what he had done, Moses had to get out of Dodge in a hurry.  

Let me ask you something, have you ever had a dream that didn't pan out?  Maybe, like Moses, your dream came crashing down before it ever got its first breath.  It's disappointing, depressing, humiliating, and very humbling to fail.  Moses ran all the way to the land of Midian where he sat down at a well.  After a bit, 7 women came to get water from the well but were chased away by some shepherds.  Moses could have merely watched, maybe even chuckled as these women were chased away from the well.  He could have just sat there stewing in his disappointment and depression.  But he didn't!  Not only did he chase the shepherds away, he also drew water for the women's flocks, not only that...he drew water for the women to take back with them.

Chuck Swindoll said it best "If you can't do the good you would, do the good you can."  God puts us in the places He wants us so we can do the good we can where we are.

Be One

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 

 

What's the purpose for doing good for others?  Is it so we can claim credit and look good in front of others?  If that's the purpose, then we have it wrong!

 

We should be doing good for others simply for the sake of doing good for others! Be One who does good for the sake of doing good.

 

Think about that today!

Be Thankful For Difficult People?

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

1 Peter 3:9 

 

Ever have to deal with someone you really wish you could just make disappear?  Perhaps they are loud.  Perhaps they are vengeful.  Perhaps they are just irritating.  Maybe they want to engage you in gossip.  Or even expect you to do their work as well as your own.  Fact is, we ALL have to deal with difficult people, even Jesus (remember the guy who asked what tasks he needed to perform to get into heaven?  What about the Pharisees and Scribes?  Then how about the Disciples themselves asking who was going to sit in the places of honor in Heaven?)

 

In seminary, I read a book called "Thank You For Being Such A Pain" and I'll admit, I was skeptical about reading it, mainly because I thought I would be identified BY NAME in its description of such people.  However, the book contained insights that I have found helpful (and I need to re-read the book again).  When we deal with difficult people, we should be THANKFUL.  You heard me: THANKFUL!  

 

No I do not have mush between the ears.  We should be grateful for difficult people because they help us grow and mature and they provide us with ministry opportunities to share the LOVE of Christ!  Re-read today's Scripture...we are to return evil with good.  We are to pray for difficult people (which is difficult because difficult people tend to....well....tick us off, which is quite distracting when one is trying to pray.)  We must learn that WE are the ones who are to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and might SO THAT we can love others as ourselves...and that includes difficult people.  Be Thankful for the chance they offer us to grow.

Light Isn't Loud!

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:14-16 

 

 

When I was in the Army, we had to sing cadence and we were expected to sing it LOUD!  As a matter of fact...about 90% of everything we did was LOUD! Especially sleeping which sounded like a cave full of hibernating Grizzlies.

 

When I was growing up, I remember hearing pastors preach (yell, brow beat, shout) sermons reminding us (hammering with much guilt) that we should ALWAYS announce to the world that we are believers and that if we don't then the world won't know and cannot become enlightened.  I will admit, the guilt weighed very heavily on me being that I was painfully introverted.  I struggled with this for years.

 

Let me ask you something: When was the list time you turned on the lights and you heard: "I AM LIGHT AND I AM BRIGHT AND I AM HERE TO ILLUMINATE YOUR WORLD!"  While it's true some cars will remind you that "lights are on" should you forget to turn the headlights off before exiting the vehicle.  I have never heard even so much as a flashlight announce itself to the world.  EVER!

 

Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world.  But He didn't tell us we have to go around announcing it.  Because here's the thing about light....it can be seen in the darkness without anything being said.  Jesus reminds us to let our good deeds shine out for all to see, He doesn't tell us to go around proclaiming: "LOOK HOW AWESOME I AM FOR DOING ALL THESE GOOD THINGS!"

 

This is why I love the quote accredited to St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel every day!  And if you must, use words."  

Come Together

Remind the believers to yield to the authority of rulers and government leaders, to obey them, to be ready to do good, to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people.

Titus 3:1-2

I see a lot of commercials on television and hear them on the radio about companies who will for a "small fee" will check your DNA to see where your ancestors came from.  Honestly, I thought about this for a long time, then I saw how much the "small fee" turned out to be, and decided that WHERE I came from is not as important as where I AM.

We are where we are.  I'm not saying our personal ancestry is unimportant, but can you go back in time and change any part of it?  We are right HERE right NOW, so let's work on getting along and MOVE FORWARD so our ancestors can look back and see that we did the most amazing thing ever....realize that we are all human beings!

We should be ready to do GOOD to others.  Not for any reward from them, but simply because it's the right thing to do.  We should speak evil of no one.  This is a hard one to stick to, and I struggle with this sometimes, but am working on that.

Living in peace with others makes a great place for others to want to come live.  Especially when we are gentle and polite to ALL.

Ponder that for a bit.

Be Helpful!

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 13:16

I have read several Facebook posts lately of people going out of their way to help others. While that warms my heart, and makes me feel good about those doing these random good deeds, my mind, which tends to seek out such questions, pondered why these good deeds seem to be the exception instead of the rule?  I mean, if these good deeds were a given, then we would not need to point them out.  But we, as a culture, are very quick to do and point out the negative, thus making the positive on occasional gesture.

Start THIS week by doing good for others, even if they don't return it to you.  Always remember, someone will see it and will be grateful.

Wisdom Is Sometimes Painful

Words from wise people are like sharp sticks used to guide animals. They are like nails that have been driven in firmly. Altogether they are wise teachings that come from one Shepherd. So be careful, my son, about other teachings. People are always writing books, and too much study will make you tired.

Now, everything has been heard,
    so I give my final advice:
Honor God and obey his commands,
    because this is all people must do.
God will judge everything,
    even what is done in secret,
the good and the evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 

I can only speak for myself, and from what I have seen in others, humans aren't exactly the most excited about learning from other humans.  Case in point, parent tells a child "don't throw the ball in the house."  How does the parent know throwing a ball in the house is a bad idea?  Usually from experience.  In my case, have the belt of knowledge applied to the back pockets for breaking things with the thrown ball.  However, each generation is told the same thing and one would think we would hear it enough for the logic to become incorporated into the genetic make up of each human.  

In ancient times, cattle herds were moved from one place to another with the caretakers prodding them along with pointy sticks.  And, quite honestly, that would make me move along as well.  Do you thing the cattle thought being poked was fun?  Or a good idea?  One would think the cattle would learn that the appearance of the stick meant to MOVE.

How about the person who simply will NOT stop talking?  No matter how many hints, loud sighs, eye rolls, or watch checks you give, they just keep on talking undeterred.  One would think that a person who has received SO many hints to stop talking would actually.....stop talking.  (I have found that a water spritz will sometimes get the point across).

We, as a species, tend to have to learn things the hard way.  Adam and Eve did that by eating the forbidden fruit.  They learned that their choice was the wrong thing to do, and we have been having to learn that lesson ever since.

We aren't very good at learning for the most part.  But some of it gets through.  Solomon was the wisest person of his time, and he wrote an entire book on his journey.  After all of his trying various paths to truth and wisdom, Solomon came to the conclusion that God will judge everything done in secret, good or evil. Therefore, the wisest thing to do is: "Honor God and obey His commands." Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Thank Jesus for taking our place before God to speak on our behalf! 

Jesus Didn't Die To Make Us Good!

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
~John 20:24-27 

I was wrong!  Yes, I heard you gasp and start to fan yourself.  I was wrong for many years.  You see, I was convinced that Jesus death on the Cross was to make me good and I have lived most of my life frustrated and irritated because "good" is simply not something I seem to be able of accomplishing.

Don't get me wrong, I can do good deeds, but I have never been able to BE good!  No matter how much I tried, how focused I was, how long and hard I studied Scripture, no matter what, my efforts were never enough. And I wondered, why did Jesus die if it was not to make me good?  Why did Jesus suffer if it was not to make me good?

Then I came across a couple of quotes by two of my favorite people:

1. "God had only one Son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering."                - St. Augustine
2. "Jesus did not die to make us good, but to make us His." - Dr. Steve Brown

 

 So, does that mean I should stop trying to be good?  Nope!  I still must try, but instead of beating myself up when I fail, I give it all to God through Jesus' and let Him remind me how much He loves me and forgives me and helps me.

 

Thomas said he needed proof that Christ had risen.  If you read carefully what Thomas said, you will find that not only did he need proof that Jesus had risen, but also that Jesus had suffered.  Why else would he need to put his fingers into Jesus' nail holes?  Why else would he need to put his hand into the wound in Jesus' side?  Thomas needed to be reminded of Jesus' love for him and THAT love didn't make Thomas good, but made Thomas HIS!

 

God Is How Big?

And we know that God causes everything to work

 together for the good of those who love God and are 

called according to his purpose for them.

~Romans 8:28

 

 

This verse seems to be unclear for many, so let's take a look at it.  How big is God to you?  Is God only God when you think you need Him?  Is God only God when you find yourself on the horns of a dilemma? Is God the one you say "thank you" to at mealtime?  Is God the one you call to when things are not going according to your plan?  Is God surprised by the things we do, think, or say?  Is God ever taken off guard?  Can we hide from God?

 

Let me be blunt...

     * God is the God who spoke the entirety of everything into creation.  

     * God is the God who took dust, shaped it, and breathed life into it and called his breath bag "Adam."  

     * God is the one who told the sea that they can only come so far and no farther.  

     * God is the one who named every single star.  

     * God is the one who knows exactly how many hairs you have.  

     * God is the one who satan has to report to, and God also has set limits on satan (not to mention has already defeated him). 

     * God is the one who knows everything about everything because He made everything.

     * God is the one who tells us not to worry because He has everything under control.

     * God is the one who reminds us to let Him fight our battles for us.

     * God is the one who has never lied.

     * God is the one who cannot be defeated.

     * God is a LOT smarter than we could ever hope to be.

     * God is ALWAYS with us even when we can't see Him because we are focused on our storms.

     * God is the God who takes our screw-ups, mistakes, blunders, and outright defiant rebellion and works it all for OUR good.

     * God is the one who woke you up this morning (and let you see the world around you).

     * God is the one who created all those amazing place we dream about going to relax.

     * God is the one who put the mountains in their place in such a way as to direct the winds.

     * God is also the one who put beaches at the edge of the ocean to draw us there.

     * God is the one who CALLS US BY NAME and loves us more than we will ever understand or appreciate.  He loves us IN SPITE of ourselves.

 

So let me ask you again, "Just how big is YOUR God?"

What Do You Mean "Share"?

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 

If you think you are too important to help someone, 

you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

~Galatians 6:2-3

 

We don't like to share much, do we?  Oh we'll talk a good game, but when it comes down to actually putting our words into action, we don't like to share.  Think about it, we might share out of our abundance (I have a pantry full of food so I'll share a few cans of vegetables no one in the house will eat), but what about the times when we don't seem to have anything to share?

 

Think about this too, when things are going smoothly we don't mind sharing our time with people we care about.  But when something tragic happens, are we still willing to share our time?  Or do we follow the rule of the uncomfortable and disappear until things return to smooth sailing so we can tell others we were praying for them?

 

Here's a couple of things to know about burdens: 

     

     1.  We don't want others to think we are "weak" so we don't ask for help.  We would rather be crushed and our lives damaged or destroyed because we are too proud to ask for help.

 

     2.  We seem to misunderstand the word "Share."  Sharing a burden does not mean I get to dump my burden on you so I won't have to deal with it anymore.  Sharing means we carry the burden TOGETHER!

 

Remember, not a single one of us is so important that burdens fear to find us.  Not a single one of us is so important that we are above needing help or needing to give help.  We MUST face facts, if any one of us was truly THAT important...they would be the only person on earth.

  

Not sure how to help?  Put yourself in their place, if you were the one carrying a burden how would YOU want to be helped?  Maybe you could be helped by someone checking on you.  Maybe you could be helped by someone helping you with some menial chores.  Perhaps you could be helped by someone taking you for coffee.  Or perhaps by someone who would sit with you while you grieve.  It's not rocket science, it's just a bit uncomfortable.

 

We are all part of each other!  God did that on purpose, so we could help each other.  

 

There's an old adage that says: "A shared burden is half as heavy. A shared joy is twice as bright."  Jesus said "Fear Not For I Am With You ALWAYS" and that includes when we help someone carry their burden.

 

A Time To WHAT?

A time to cry and a time to laugh.
    A time to grieve and a time to dance.

~Ecclesiastes 3:4 

 

I must confess that I am what the some might call "rhythmically challenged" when it comes to dancing.  'Dominicam saltationibus sicut marinis' would be a more appropriate description (use Google Translate if you wish).  But when I was younger and even into my current dust encrusted age, there is one group dance that I cannot seem to resist.  I openly admit to watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the midnight movies throughout most of High School, College, and whenever it comes on television.  Doing the Time Warp was not only fun, but you cannot help but laugh seeing others doing it with you.

 

The writer of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, reminds us that everything has a time and a season.  Meaning nothing is permanent!  There is a time to cry, but there will come a time to laugh!  There is a time to grieve, but there is also a time to dance!  Our lives are in a constant state of movement and change.  Just because we decide we've had enough and park our rump in the chair in the corner to pout about life not being fair, does not mean time stops!  Life continues with or without us!

 

I have had people tell me that Jesus was always serious because Scripture never says Jesus was happy and never tells us that He laughed.  Scripture tells us that He wept and got angry, therefore Jesus was ALWAYS serious!  And the people telling me this looked as though they had never smiled or even considered smiling.  They made me wonder how their dating life went if they were so serious all the time. Sorry, that's just how my mind tends to wander.

 

I am very suspicious of people who are serious ALL the time.  I am even more suspicious of those who talk about gloom and doom constantly. Why would God permit Solomon to tell us that there IS a time to laugh and a time to dance if that were not true?  This might offend some, but Jesus went to parties!  His first miracle was at a wedding celebration! 

 

Remember, right now might be a time for you to cry and grieve, but there WILL come a time for you to laugh and dance (however badly you want to dance).   

Don't Worry, I'm Here!

That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!

~John 6:16-21 

 

Way back when I was about 16 years old, my Dad asked me to help him take down a tree in our back yard.  I admit I wasn't too thrilled about it because I felt I had better things to do, but off we went to take down this tree.  Dad laid out the game plan: Since he had already removed the limbs, he would climb the tree, tie a rope around the top, then cut a wedge out so the tree would fall.  MY job was to take the other end of the rope, go to the far side of the yard (away from the house), and keep the rope taut.  When Dad cut the wedge, I was to pull the rope so the tree would fall in the middle of the yard and not on the house.

 

Like most plans, it seemed pretty straight forward on paper and in theory.  However......

All went according to plan.  I kept the rope taught, and when Dad cut the wedge out of the tree, I pulled for all I was worth.  (Side note here:  When I was 16, I was not the robust model of masculinity you see today.  I weighed around 90 lbs. and was probably the smallest person in my high school class.)  

 

Now, when I pulled the rope, the tree started leaning my direction and I thought this was going to be a pretty easy project.  Just as I finished that thought, a gust of wind blew the tree the opposite direction. As I felt myself begin to be dragged across the yard I, wisely or so I thought, decided to let go of the rope.  When I did, the rope wrapped around my arm and when the top of the tree fell into the neighbor's yard, I shot across the yard and into the tree hitting the trunk with a thunk our neighbor on the side I had been standing heard it inside her house.  And there I was, dangling about 15 feet off the ground by my rope entangled arm.

 

I knew this was not part of the plan because there was pain.  LOTS of pain!  There were rope burns, there were embedded splinters, there were lots of bruised places inside and outside.  This was NOT what the plan called for!  But then, I heard the most wonderful voice say, "Don't worry! I've got you!"  It was my Dad, who had come to get me down.

 

Think about the things that happen to you that you swear are NOT part of the plan.  If you are like most people (me included), your thoughts might go something like this: "IF God loves me, why do I have to hurt like this? IF God truly cares about me, why is my life so hard?  IF God truly wants what's best for me, why doesn't HE just give me what I need?"

 

If God did everything FOR us so that we didn't have to lift a finger, then would we really appreciate Him or would we become spoiled brats expecting more and more?  God NEVER promised an easy life, in fact Jesus told us that in this life we WILL have troubles and turmoil.  But He also promised to never leave us or reject us! 

 

Life IS hard, but God IS good!

Gimme A Break!

Make allowance for each other’s faults, 

and forgive anyone who offends you. 

Remember, the Lord forgave you, 

so you must forgive others.

~Colossians 3:13

Ever wonder why God put dogs on this earth?  I think I have finally figured out a small piece of that question.  We have a greyhound.  She is a retired racer we named Abby.  Now Abby is very routine oriented.  She knows when she is supposed to get fed; she knows when she is supposed to get a "good girl" cookie; She knows when she is supposed to get her 'bedtime' cookie.  Not only that, but Abby is not afraid to remind me when it's time.  

But I forgot to give her the bedtime cookie on Saturday, despite her reminding harrumphs and snorts and pouting, I got distracted working on a project and just forgot.  But when it did sink in, at 1:00am, I got up and got her cookie and brought it to her.  At first, she turned away and made sure I knew she wasn't looking at me.  I told her that I was sorry for forgetting and put the cookie on her bed.  It didn't take long before I heard crunching followed by a belch followed by wet lock to my face.  I had been forgiven!  We were good again. Abby teaches me a LOT about forgiveness and patience every day.  You see, Abby loves me in spite of myself.

Then there are people.  People aren't so forgiving.  People seem to enjoy being angry.  People seem to relish in take advantage of the kindness of others.  People seem to love ticking each other off!  Why is that?  

Why is it that WE want to be forgiven immediately, but aren't so quick to forgive others (especially if THEY don't apologize to us).  In today's verse, Paul reminds us that we are to be QUICK to forgive others because, after all, God has forgiven us.

Not only that, but if you recall the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive US OUR sins IN THE SAME WAY WE forgive OTHERS."   I didn't say that, Jesus did!

Forgiveness is a decision that we must make.  Do you want to be forgiven, then learn to forgive!  Forgiveness is a gift....don't be afraid to give it.   

When Evil Seems To Win!

Do not fret when wicked men seem to succeed!
Do not envy evildoers!

For they will quickly dry up like grass,
and wither away like plants.

Trust in the Lord and do what is right!
Settle in the land and maintain your integrity!

~Psalm 37:1-3

 

"What do we do when evil seems to win?"  This is a question I hear over and over.  It is usually followed by, "What's the point of doing the right thing when it doesn't seem to do any good?"  These are good questions.  Tough questions, but good ones nonetheless.

 

What should we do when it seems evil prevails?  Should we do nothing? Should we get angry and start a fight?  Should we bury our heads in the church and pray for the best?  Well....NO actually.  

 

Then what does God tell us to do?  

•  Do not fret!  Now understand the word translated FRET is the Aramaic word Charah which means: to be hot, furious, burn, become angry, be kindled.  God is telling us not to let it burn us up.
• Trust in the Lord! That seems fairly straight forward on paper. The word translated TRUST is the Aramaic word BATACH which means: to have bold confidence.  So we are to have BOLD CONFIDENCE in God!  Remember, God is the God of all creation and is far more powerful than anything we will face.  Also remember that even Satan himself had to present himself before God in Job.  Satan may seem as if he is winning, but he has already lost!
• Do what is right! This means exactly that, do what is RIGHT not what is easiest or most expedient.  Do what is right even when you think no one notices because, believe it or not, your actions are noticed by God and by others.
• Maintain Your Integrity!  My Grampa once told me that Integrity is like a candle in the dark.  The candle shines and isn't concerned who sees because the candle is doing the right thing by sharing light!  That is integrity!

 

Keep calm, trust God, do what is right, and keep your integrity intact.  That is what we are to do all the time and especially when it seems like evil is winning.

Change Your View And Change Your World

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

 

Status Quo.  We like that.  Status Quo quite literally means "all things remain the same as before."  We like that.

 

I have stated, before, that I am not exactly a fan of change.  But I need to clarify that.  I am not a fan of change that is made just so there will be change.  I am a huge fan of change that will benefit.  That doesn't mean the change will be easy, but the end result will be a vast improvement.

 

On November 19, 2015, I stepped on the scales at the gym and when the screaming of the scales ceased, I weighed in at 299 pounds.  On November 20, 2015, a plan was put in place to...you guessed it....change that.  Eating habits had to be changed, and I didn't like that in the least.  I would gladly exchange my salads for pizza in less than a heartbeat. I would GLADLY exchange all this water for more coffee or, dare I say it, an ice cold beer.  I would happily exchange the sweatiness from exercise for the comfort of my recliner.

 

Did I like making changes?  Stop laughing and look at my face! The answer would be a resounding "NO!".  But the result has been very beneficial!  Made it through Thanksgiving AND Christmas with only minor skirmishes with the dietary changes.  As a result, I am over 50 pounds lighter.  Still not fond of changes, but I do like the benefits.

 

You see, the point is this: Change is not a bad thing.  It still isn't easy because we are critters of habit.  But change that is beneficial is GOOD change!