An Unexpected Story: Christmas

     I enjoy stories. I like, reading them writing them, and hearing them from others. Nowadays many stories, whether they be movies or books, have become predictable. However, there is one story in the history of the world that had a plot twist so unexpected that no one saw it coming: the story of Christmas.

   Many times, stories this unexpected are untrue. But not only is the Christmas story true, it is the beginning of the most important story in history. Think about it: if you were God, which you are not but hypothetically, how would you save those you created?

   Maybe you would come down and declare yourself ruler over all that way you could fix human's mistakes. Or you could come down with the sword of justice and destroy all who oppressed your people. You could have just left them alone to figure out on their own how to save themselves. After all, they did betray you and choose to sin. Perhaps you could just end them all and start again? Would that be the answer?

   Whatever you think you would do if you were in God's shoes, I am pretty sure you would not have done what God did. He sent his Son to become one of us. Jesus went through everything we went through. He chose not to sin. He followed his father's word. And he showed us his father's love. Then, he chose to die on the cross for us. He became the perfect sacrifice so we could spend eternity with him.

   See, if God would have come down and declared himself ruler, we would not have free will and thus there would be no love. If God would have come down to destroy those who oppressed his people, then he would have killed those he loved. And only the Israelites, who also did not always follow God, would be alive today. If God would have left us alone, we would be dead and have no hope. And, obviously, if God would have ended us all then it would have broken his heart because he loves us.

   That's what the Christmas and Easter stories are about: love. God sent his son in a unique way to save us because he loves us. Anyone else may have tried to fix the world through force which is not love. And God is love. 

   So, this Christmas I encourage you to think about the Christmas story. Think about how special it is. Think about how God sent his son FOR YOU. He did it because he loves you. He wants to be with you forever and he gave up his Son so he could be with you. It is an unexpected and amazing story, isn't it?

Are You a Victim or a Victor?

   Have you ever met a person who seems to complain about everything? I am talking about a person who could've won a new car but instead of being thankful all he thinks about is the gas and insurance he has to pay for. Okay so maybe not that extreme but you get what I'm saying.
   I have seen this on the soccer field, and I'm sure you have as well if you've ever played a sport. In soccer we typically played each team twice. If we lost badly to a team we knew we would get another chance to play them. The problem was if a team crushed us, swore at us, or hurt many of us we looked back at that first game and thought "there is no way we can beat them."
   We were thinking like victims instead of victors. Victims look back at what happened to them. Victors look ahead at what they are going to do.
   It is a mental choice to decide if you want to be a victim or a victor. As I grew I began to realize that I decided what my attitude was. I could look back at how bad we played and say "we are going to get crushed again." Or, I could say "it doesn't matter how we played last time. We can do better this time."
   The time in between games was a time of growth. Our team always grew, we just had to decide if we would push past what happened last time or not.
   It is the same way with life. You decide if you will look back at what happened to you and sulk or maybe not even try. You also decide if you will press on, grow, and keep trying no matter what.
   I don't know about you, but I would want to be a victor rather than a victim. But, that means we must be prepared. We need to be in the word and spend time with God. That way, when situations come up, we are ready for victory.
   So, will you choose to look back at what happened to you or will you look ahead to the victories? Will you be prepared for challenges that come your way?

   1 Corinthians 9:24 and Hebrews 12:1

The Epic Battles Going on Around Us

   Picture this: there is a man named Al in an elevator waiting to reach the ground floor. What he doesn't know is that up above him there is an epic battle going on. Buzz Lightyear is facing off against his father, Zurg. Buzz aims his laser gun at Zurg and misses. Zurg takes a shot back at Buzz, but Buzz does a kick flip to miss the shot. Finally Zurg gets Buzz to fall on his back. Zurg tells Buzz to give up. Buzz says, "I'll never give up you killed my father." Zurg replies "No, Buzz, I am your father." Buzz cries out, "Noooooo!" Thus ends the epic battle (Toy Story 2).
   What I find interesting about that story is that Al did not know that this epic battle was going on above him. You may laugh at that but let me give you another story.
   You and a friend are walking down the street. You have known this friend for a long time and you know that he/she is not a Christian. You have been trying to help this friend out because you know that he/she has gone through some hard times. Suddenly your friend tells you that he/she does not know why life is worth living. Stunned, you are not sure what to say.
   What you don't know is that above you there is an epic battle going on. An angel is locked in battle with a demon. The demon is so close to getting to your friend but the angel swoops in and blocks the demon's blow with a sword. They continue to battle against one another. Suddenly another angel and demon appear above you. Then more angels and demons come locked in heated battle. There are epic battles going on all around you.
   Many times we talk a lot about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Devil; but we don't talk a lot about the angels and demons. If we believe in the Trinity and Satan then we need to believe in the angels and demons as well. Biblically we see both angels and demons. We know that that Bible is true therefore we must believe in both.
   Am I saying that each of us have a guardian angel? No that cannot be proven biblically. But do we have angels looking out for us? One only has to look at Hebrews 1:14 to find the answer: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" We may not have a guardian angel but we definitely have angels looking out for us. This should bring us comfort because we know that no matter what happens God is looking out for us and he has a plan. We just need to trust him.
   So, do you believe there are epic battles going on around you even if you cannot see them? Do you believe that God has a plan for your life? Will you trust him no matter what happens? 

   Hebrews 1:14, 2 Corinthians 12:4, Ephesians 6:11

Complaining when we are Blessed

   We are all blessed. We have homes, food, electricity, families, friends, etc. Oh! And let's not forget that we also have war, terrorists, abortions, and so many other problems in the world. At this point you are probably wondering where I am going with this but stay with me.
   Why aren't we happy when we have all of these things put together? That's right, because we have a lot of bad stuff. See, humans have a problem. We have a problem because we tend to look at the negative side rather than the positive side of things. We find one little thing that is wrong in something or someone and we complain about that, rather than look at all of the good things.
   Let me give you an example. Picture two friends walking down the street. We will call them Joe and Moe. Joe looks around and sees a child playing with a puppy. Joe says: "aw, isn't that so cute. The child gets to play with a puppy." Moe looks at the child and puppy and says: "where are the child's parents? I cannot believe someone would be so irresponsible and let their child run around on her own!"
   The two continue to walk down the street and they see a man give money to a homeless man who is sitting at the corner. Joe says: "How nice is it that people are willing to give up what they have to give to others." Moe says: "more than likely the homeless man is just going to use the money to buy alcohol."
   The men turn a corner and Joe looks up, "it is so great that we get nice weather to walk and talk together." Moe looks up, "there's a few clouds up there. It will probably rain soon and our day will be ruined."
   Which person would you rather spend your time with? Now, I'm not saying that we have to be like Snow White and be a ray of sunshine all the time. We do need to be realistic at times whenever a friend is having a problem or if we are having a problem. But, we should not be looking for the negative in everything and everyone. God has given us so much. Isn't it time we focus on what he has given us rather than what is wrong with what we have, or what is wrong in the world?
   So, do you look for the downfalls in everything and everyone? What can you do in order to look for the good? Will you be thankful for whatever you have?
   Ephesians 4:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, James 5:9

Submitting and Resisting

   Have you ever felt like you were at war with yourself? You wanted to do something but you knew it was wrong or something told you, you shouldn't do it? That may be your conscious telling you not to do something because you know it's wrong. But, who or what is telling you to do the wrong thing?

   You may picture an angel on one shoulder and the devil on another shoulder. Let me give you another example. In The Lord of the Rings series there is a character named Gollum. This character has a very interesting story and may have what some people would call Dissociative Identity Disorder. In other words it seems like he has two personalities. One of them is Gollum, who is obsessed with the ring. The other is Smeagol, who is a hobbit from the Shire.

   In a particular clip from the movie Gollum is having an argument with Smeagol. Check out the clip here then continue to read the blog.

   In the clip Gollum is having problems because part of his personality is bringing him down. While is is true that Gollum probably wouldn't be there at that point without the ring, Smeagol is tired of being told what to do. He is tired of being reminded of all the wrong things he has done. He tells the Gollum part of him to leave and never come back.

   James 4:7 says: "submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." While we may not have two personalities like Gollum does, we do all have times where we feel like there are two voices telling us what to do. At that point we have a choice. If we choose the Devil, we may feel happiness on earth but will we actually have true, permanent happiness? More than likely we will not.

   If we choose to follow God we may not be happy when we are on earth but we know that our heavenly Father is looking down and smiling. Life on earth sure isn't easy but we aren't here to live life to the fullest for ourselves. We are here to reflect God's glory, worship him, and tell others about him. If we chose the Devil then we turn our backs on God. In turn, he will turn his back on us when we get to heaven.

   Please do not misunderstand me here; I am not saying that God doesn't love you if you make a wrong choice. He still loves you, but when judgement day comes will you be able to say with confidence that you are going to heaven? Matthew 7:21-23 talks about how a lot of people call Jesus Lord but only those who do the will of the Father will enter heaven. We have a choice whether or not we will believe in Christ and follow him or not.

   So, will you resist the Devil? Will you lean on God through the good and the bad? Will you choose to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior?

   James 4:7, Matthew 7:21-23, Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 10:31

Verses of Thanksgiving

 The Bible is filled with verses that remind us to be thankful for many things. However, I think we sometimes forget these verses on a day to day basis. On this Thanksgiving Day I think we need a reminder of what or who we should be thankful for each day.

FOR OUR GIFTS: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:7

FOR PRAYER: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

FOR PEACE AND THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

FOR YOUR SALVATION IN CHRIST: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29

TO THE LORD: "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 107:1

FOR GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS (we should praise him): "I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High." Psalm 7:17

FOR GODS STRENGTH (we should praise him): "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." Psalm 28:7

FOR GOD'S LOVE (we should praise him): "Praise the LORD.Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 106:1

THANKFUL IN ALL THINGS: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Who Do YOU Say Jesus Is?: Jesus Series Conclusion

   This concludes my series on the Enigma that is Jesus. At the beginning of the series, I talked about how people call Jesus a lot of different things. Many people don't understand Jesus. We learned that this is a good thing because he is God. If we can understand our God and why he does everything he does, then he wouldn't be worthy of worship.

   We talked about many things that Jesus said that were confusing, or difficult for us to follow. Jesus was showing us how we are to walk with him and like him by teaching us through his word. Jesus said many confusing things and things we don't like because they are hard for us to do. If following Jesus was easy he wouldn't have said:  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Mat.7.13-14). Following Jesus isn't easy but it is worth it to have someone who loves us enough to die for us.

   But, that's what I think of Jesus. The point of this series was to try to explain why Jesus said what he said. In no way did I totally discuss everything Jesus said or did. And, I don't understand everything he said or did still. But, it doesn't matter what I think about Christ to you. It matters to me what I think about him; because I know I'm saved through him. What matters is what you think about him.

   In Matthew 16:13-20 we find the story of Jesus asking his disciples, "who do people say the Son of Man is?" The disciples throw out a few names like Elijah or the prophets. Then Jesus asks: "who do you say I am?"

   This is the question that matters to you today. Think back to all the things Jesus said that may have been confusing. None of those things matter unless you answer this question in the right way. If you are not a follower of Jesus and you still think that Jesus is a liar or a lunatic. Then you still need to do some research to discover who Jesus really is. Or, you may never accept him. I can tell you right now, if you are in this place, Jesus is agonizing over you. He loves you with all of his heart. You may not understand him and that's okay because none of us will truly understand him, because he is God.  But, he wants to be with you. He loves you enough to die for you so you could be with him.

   I encourage you to not delay. Look more into this and make a decision quickly. Matthew 24:42 says: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Jesus is coming back for those who trust him as their savior. He will come in the blink of an eye. And, if you have ever read Revelation or the Left Behind Series you know, you will not want to be left behind.

   However, if you say that Jesus is the Son of God, as Simon Peter did in Matthew 16:16, I encourage you to choose to follow him today. Ask Jesus to wash you clean as snow, believe in him as your personal savior, and confess your sins. Do it because you realize you cannot go through this life without him. Do it because you want to keep growing in your knowledge and relationship with him. Do it because he loves you so much and wants to be with you forever.

   If you already know Christ as your savior, I encourage you to keep growing in him. Abide with him each day. Read his word. Pray about your blessings and problems you have. Trust that he loves and cares for you. Above all else, do not give up hope. He loves us and he is coming back for us some day. Until then, follow him because he is our only hope.

   So, who do you say Jesus is?

   Image from here.

Love Your Enemies: Jesus Series

   Matthew 5:44 "Love your enemies and pray for this who persecute you."

   This is probably one of the most difficult things for humans to understand that Jesus said. Maybe it's not difficult for us to understand it; it's a bit more difficult for us to follow it. Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with this idea. A most difficult idea indeed.

   People back then had this idea that they were to hate their enemies. It semi made sense because God had the Israelites destroy almost anyone who was in their land so that they would not be tempted to sin. However, the Israelites forgot that God also promised, through Abraham, that God would bless all nations through them (Gen.12.3). The Israelites were God's chosen people but that doesn't mean that God doesn't love everyone else. If Jesus only died for the Jews many of us would end up in Hell.

   No, the Israelites were to show God's love to other nations. But they also showed that it's impossible to follow the law all the time. They needed atonement as well because they sinned.

Now we have Jesus saying we are to love our enemies and pray for them. Jesus loved those who railed against him. He died for Pilate, who sentenced him to death. He died for the Pharisees, who tried to get him in trouble many times. He died for the Roman soldiers, who nailed him to the cross. He died for Peter, Judas, and all the other disciples who betrayed him. He died for Saul, who persecuted his followers. He died for me, for you, and for everyone.

   Jesus so loved the world that he died for us so that we can be with him. We were enemies of Christ because we nailed him to the cross with our sins. Yet, he showed us the greatest love by laying down his life (John.15.13). If Jesus can show that kind of love, why can't we?

   So, do you show love to others? Do you love those who are mean to you? How can you show Christ's love today?

   Image from here.

Let Go: Jesus Series

   John 12:25 "To hang on to your life is to lose it. To let go of your life is to save it."

   This is probably one of the most confusing things Jesus said. But, in looking at the context, it makes sense. From John 12:20-36 Jesus is predicting his death yet another time.

He started out by telling another parable about a kernel of wheat. He says that if the kernel doesn't fall to the ground and die it is one seed. If it does die it produces many seeds (v. 24). Then Jesus says today's verse.

   If Jesus would not have died then we would not have eternal life. He had to be the sacrificial lamb to die for all of our sins, not just the Israelites. Jesus is the ultimate example of everything we hope to be/have. That's where this verse comes into play.

   I have found there is a series of books by Ted DeKker that explains this really well. The series is called The Circle Trilogy. In the series it emulates what we go through on earth and in our spiritual walk. However, how these people come to Christ is a little different. They have to drown. Yes, they must jump into a red pool, give up their life, and drown. When they do this, they wake up in the presence of God. God tells the person that he loves him/her. Then the person goes up above the surface alive in God.

   In this series the person literally has to give up their life to be saved. In our lives we don't have to do anything so drastic to become a believer. However, we do need to deny ourselves. We need to choose to say yes to Jesus and no to ourselves. We need to admit we are a sinner, then we can have eternal life.

   As Christians though, we must realize that there is a chance that we will be persecuted. Some Christians die because of their faith in Jesus. That's another part of what Jesus is talking about here. Jesus gave up his life for us. If we give up our life for Jesus, or for others, we are following his example. Others may see our example and come to faith. Others may see our example and realize they need to grow closer with Christ. Others may see our example and wonder why we did that.

   We must remember that everything on this earth is temporary. If we give up our lives here we will have eternal life with Jesus, if we know him as our savior.

   So, do you understand why Jesus had to die for us? Do you realize that the things of this earth are temporary? Would you be willing to give up your earthly life for Jesus?

   Image from here.

He Cares: Jesus Series

   Matthew 10:29-31 "Are not sparrows sold for very little? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. The very hairs on your head have been counted. Fear not. You are worth more than a flock of sparrows."

   This passage isn't that confusing. Most people comprehend what it is saying but some still don't understand it. It's like one of my favorite quotes, as a teacher says, "I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you." Knowing something and understanding it are two different things. Like I can know what rocket science is but I don't understand it at all.

   God created everything. He loves his creation and cares for it; but, because of sin, it is depraved. That doesn't mean he doesn't care about that little sparrow when it is gone. Yet, that sparrow was not made in the image of God.

   Humans were made in the image of God. He loves us and wants a personal relationship with us. In fact, he loves us so much he knows intricate details about us. He knows how many hairs there are on your head. That's saying something because, I don't know about you, but when I was little and had long hair I had many tangles and a lot of hair would get pulled out.

   Anyhow, it's hard for us to understand how God would care about us. I mean, he's God and he is holy. We are not holy, we are sinners. Yet, God loved us enough to sacrifice his son so we could have a relationship with him.

   Some of us cannot understand how we could be good enough for God to love us that much. The truth is we are not good enough, and will never be good enough for God... on our own.

   The only way we can have that special relationship with God is by admitting we are sinners, believe Jesus died for our sins, and confessing that Jesus is Lord. Then we can have a personal relationship with God.    Yes, God loves us before we have that relationship with him. But, he cannot be with anything that isn't holy. That's why, though he loves us, if we don't confess our sins and that Jesus is Lord we cannot have eternal life with Him.

   That means that:

      If you are not a Christian and have not accepted Christ as your savior, you will go to hell. I know that sounds harsh but it's the truth. Good deeds do not get you to heaven. No one is good, not one (Romans 3:9-31). If you want to have eternal life with Christ, who loved you enough to die for you, then you need to ask God to forgive your sins and confess Jesus is your Lord.

      If you are a Christian then you need to continue to get to know God. It's like this, if you really like someone of the opposite sex you aren't just going to walk by them every day. If you love that person you are going to want to get to know them better. God knows you and loves you. He wants you to know him better. The way to do that is to spend time with him. Pray and get into the Word. Also, tell others about Christ so that none will perish but all will have everlasting life!

   Image from here.

I'm First: Jesus Series

   Mark 10:31 "The first will be last and the last first."

   One day I was with my students and they were getting in line. My students were running and shoving to be first. There interesting thing was we had just had a bible lesson about serving and showing love to others. I walked out and I said, "why are you shoving and running to get in line." One child said, "I'm hungry and I wanted to get to lunch first." I then quoted this verse. I said, "Jesus said, 'the first will be last and the last first.'"

   Now, you can picture the children's confusion about this. Some adults are even confused by this. If you are in last place in a race, how can you come in first? If you have ever seen the movie Cars it's almost like, how will turning right get you to go left? It's the opposite, how can you win?

   If you think about it from the world's standards then it doesn't make sense. But, in God's standard it does. Think about Jesus. He is the Son of God. He was there at the beginning of the universe. He is so great that he should be first for everything right? Wrong, at least in his eyes. Jesus didn't come to show how great he was. He came to serve. Most kings, leaders, and fake gods expect to be served. Jesus was different. Many times Jesus was tired and wanted to rest but crowds would come and, instead of sending them away, he would preach. He would change his plans to go heal someone who was sick. And, he showed us that he is the ultimate servant by taking our sins and being sacrifice.

   If this world was all that there was then being first may have some merit. But, we know that this isn't the end when we die on earth. Anything we earn here is temporary. The only things that truly matter are our souls. We are called to serve others so that many will be saved. By putting others first we will show them the love of God.

   In the movie Cars that I talked about earlier there's a hotshot new racer named Lightning McQueen. He is all about winning until a series of events change his perspective. Just as he is about win the Piston Cup (championship trophy) he stops right before the finish line. It didn't make sense to me when I was a little child. I wanted him to win. Instead he went back to help an older race car, who crashed, cross the finish line because it was his last race. Lightning understood that that trophy wasn't important in the long run. Serving others and showing them love is.

   So, do you only think about yourself? Do you serve others and put them first? How can you put someone else first today?

   Image from here.

Turning the Other Cheek: Jesus Series

   Luke 6:29 "When someone hits you on the cheek offer the other as well. When someone takes your coat let him have your shirt too."

   Let's say that you are walking down the street minding your own business when a random person comes up to you and slaps your face. What would you do? Would you stand there in shock? Would you hit the person back?

   This is the situation that Jesus is talking about in Luke 6:29. We are to show love to that person who hit us. We are to show love to the person who takes something from us (that could be something physical like a coat or something intangible like credit for something you did).

   There's a movie that came out many years ago called The Buttercream Gang. In the movie The Buttercream Gang is a gang who does good things for those in the community. One day their leader, Pete, has to move to the city. While in the city, Pete changes. He begins to make bad decisions and falls in with the wrong crowd. That's when he is sent back. When he comes back the Buttercreamers are excited because they think he will join them again. Instead he creates a gang that steals, lies, and cheats. Scott, the new leader of the Buttercream Gang starts to try to fight back. That didn't work, it only made things worse for him and for others. Finally, after Scott got some advice he decides to turn the other cheek. In fact, he even tells Pete he loves him. Pete then threatens to take Scott's bike. He asks Scott if he will still love him then. Scott gives Pete his bike. Pete is astonished as Scott walks away.

   This is a perfect example of turning the other cheek. If someone is stealing from us, we are called to love them. I've heard of stories where people are being stolen from and they give that person whatever they ask for and more. You may be saying, "what if we have to give all of our things away?"

   Matthew 19:16-30 talks about the rich man. He asked Jesus what he should do to gain eternal life. Jesus says to keep the commandments. The rich man said that he has kept them. Then Jesus tells the man to sell all he has and follow him. This story tells us that all of the things of this world don't matter. All of the earthly things are temporary. And, all of the things we have are not ours, they are God's. He gave them to us. Why can't we give to others what God has given to us? That is how we will turn the other cheek, show that we are different, and show the love of God.

   So, have you turned the other cheek when you should? Do you cling to your earthly possessions too much? How can you show God's love today?

   Image from here.

They Are Watching

  One day I was at my job as a preschool teacher. A child came up to me, let's call him Bob, and said another child, let's call him Dan, yelled in his face. I asked Bob, "how did that make you feel?" No sooner did I ask that then Dan started crying and walked over to my co-worker, let's call her Amy, and said Bob had yelled in his face. 

   I looked at my co-worker and said, "You ready?" She nodded. I walked up to her and yelled, "Amy!" She said, "ow, that hurts my ears when you do that. Please do not do that." I said, "I am sorry, I did not realize that hurt your ears I will not do it again." Meanwhile, the students were watching this whole exchange just stared at us after we finished. I said, "now you go."

Bob walked up to Dan and yelled, "Dan!" Amy and I began laughing. Bob had done what we asked. He copied us exactly as we had done it. 

   This situation is a great example of how much children learn from us. They watch us to learn how to talk, solve problems, care about others, tie their shoes, and much more. Many times though we are not the best examples. 

Ephesians 6:4 says "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." There are times when life gets away from us. We get stressed and busy. That's when we forget that we have a responsibility. 

   We are called to bring children up in discipline. That doesn't mean yelling at them. It means showing them how they should act. It means we are to emulate Christ in all we do. That is not always easy but it is what we are called to do. We shape the future each time we interact with children. What kind of future do you want to see?

   How do you act when children are near? Are you being a good role model to others? How can you bring up the next generation of children in a Christian way?

Image from here.

Leaving the 99: Jesus Series

   Luke 15:4-6 "If one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does he not leave the ninety nine in the open pasture and go after the missing one till he has found it? How delighted he is then! He lifts it onto his shoulders, and home he goes to call his friends and neighbors together. 'Celebrate with me!' He cries. 'I have found my lost sheep.'"

   This passage starts a series of parables by Jesus, 3 to be exact. It all started because of the Pharisees grumbling about how Jesus was welcoming and eating with sinners. That's when Jesus tells them these parables in order to show them how important everyone is to him.

   Shepherds were very low when it came to the views of society. But, Jesus used this parable to reach the uneducated man so they would understand what he was saying. Jesus said that a man lost 1 sheep out of 100. Now, when I was little and heard this passage for the first time I was like, " first, how does he know he has only 99 sheep? That’s a lot of sheep to count! Second, he lost 1 sheep but if he leaves what might happen to the other 99 sheep? If I were him I would stay to keep the rest of the herd safe." But, that's not Jesus' point.

   From what I hear, sheep are not that smart. If I was that shepherd I probably would have been concerned about the one sheep getting hurt; but I would have also been afraid that my other sheep would leave or be attacked. That's the point though; I'm not a perfect shepherd: Jesus is.

   We are Jesus' flock of sheep. He loves and cares about each one of us. He doesn't want any of us to stray from him. If one of us leaves him he loves us enough to go find that one. Then when he comes back with that one he lets it rejoin the flock. If another sheep would leave he would do the same.

This is Jesus' point: he came to save us all. We are all sinners in one way or another. If we stray from him he doesn't just let us go. He gets us back. We are his bride. He loves every one of us and wants us all to be saved. It doesn’t matter if we have been saved for years or only a day. He loves us all equally. He, and the angels rejoice when a lost sheep is saved. We should rejoice and want to help save the lost sheep/people too.

   So, are you lost and needing to be saved? Do you know anyone who needs to be saved? What can you do to spread Jesus' love today?

   Image from here.

Who is Your Master?: Jesus Series

   “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24

   In this passage Jesus is discussing how anything we have on earth will be gone. Everything physical is temporary. I'm not a fan of money. Oh, I know it keeps society in order and it's nice because we don't have to barter and trade anymore, but it annoys me. It's not necessarily the actual bills that annoys me, it's the importance we have put on it. In America, we have created idols. Some of us idolize television, celebrities, video games, and money. An idol is anything that is more important to us than God. Many people obsess over having more money so they can have more things.

   Our verse today says, "No one can serve two masters." If we love something more than God then it has become a master over us. Let me give you an example from the secular world. Once there was a man named Scrooge. He lost everyone he loved because he loved money more. He would pay his employees very little. He would not use coal to warm his buildings. He even ate very plain food so that he would save money. Then he was visited by 3 spirits who changed his perspective. He began to give to others, both his time and money. Scrooge realized that in the long run money didn't matter.

   We cannot take money with us to heaven. The only things we take to heaven is our soul. While we are here it is our job to grow in God and show his love to others. That's how we show our love to him. That's how we serve him and not idols.

   So, are you serving something other than God? How can you follow him? Will you show his love for others today?

   Image from here.

Blessed in Persecution: Jesus Series

   "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Matthew 5:11

   Don't you just love the word bless? We like that word because it means good things, right? I mean God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob blessings. They had riches, good family, and perfect lives right? If you know the Bible, you know that's not entirely true. God did bless these men even though the men messed up. When these men had problems it was typically because they sinned. But, they still enjoyed the blessings God promised them (other than the Promised Land).

   Now, we look at today's verse and it's all about blessing. It's in the New Testament so it applies to us. This verse is in the Sermon on the Mount and in the beattitudes. Jesus keeps saying things like blessed are the poor in spirit, those who morn, the meek, those who thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. All of those things don't sound like what people were hoping for in a savior. They wanted a savior who would give them power, but what Jesus was saying contradicted that.

   Finally we get to today's verse: we are blessed when we are persecuted because of our belief in Jesus. Wait, why would we want to be persecuted? Many of us don't want to be. When things get rough we run away because we want to be safe. But, that means we are not focused on the right thing.

   Many Christians have asked these questions: "Why did the disciples choose to go through suffering in the name of Jesus? If I was called to go through that kind of suffering would I be able to trust God through it?"

   In America, when we are persecuted we may have someone who makes fun of our faith or argues with us about our faith. But, in other times and places persecution meant being beaten, put in prison, or being killed. We are afraid of that kind of suffering. A few years ago I wrote a fictional blog about a church where some men came in with a gun. They lined everyone up, go down the line, and say to each person "denounce your faith in Jesus Christ today, and you will live." What would you do? How in the world could we be blessed in this instance?

   We need to look at the second half of these verses to find the answer. When these bad things happen or when we are merciful/peaceful ours is the kingdom of heaven, we are comforted, we inherit the earth, we are filled, we are shown mercy, we will see God, we are called children of god, and (from today's verse) we have a great reward in heaven.

   Many times when we are persecuted and go through hard times in life we forget that this isn't the end. If we did here, we have eternal life with our savior in heaven. It doesn’t matter if you lose your house, if you have no food, if you are beaten, or even if you are killed for Christ. You have the greatest gift ever given. This life is temporary. Our persecutions and pain is temporary.

   That's why people think true Christians are crazy. I've heard of stories where a man has murdered a woman's husband and he is later arrested. Then the woman goes to that man in prison and says I forgive you. That man just took the life of the man she loved and she forgave him?! That's what I call turning the other cheek. How could she do that? She knows this life is temporary. She knows that one day she will be with her husband again.

   When bad things happen we need to focus on the next life not this one. If someone falsely accuses you will you fight them, or will you try to peacefully resolve the issue? If someone punches you will you punch back, or will you walk away?

   So, do you focus too much on this life? If you were asked to denounce your faith in Jesus would you do it? Will you follow God no matter the cost?

   Image from here.

Render to Caesar: Jesus Series

   "Then he said to them, 'So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.'” Matthew 22:21

   In the passage the Pharisees are once again trying to trap Jesus. The Jews did not like paying taxes to the Romans. They asked Jesus "Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?" (Mat.22.17). Jesus called them "hypocrites" and then asked for a coin used for paying tax. Then he asks the Pharisees, "whose image is this?" (Mat.22.20). The Pharisees say that it's "Caesar's." That's when Jesus says to give what is Caesar's to Caesar.
   Now, this doesn't seem like such a confusing passage but I will tell you when Jesus said this it probably shocked the Pharisees and those who heard it. The Jews believed that they were being oppressed by the Romans and that the savior would relieve them from that oppression. Jeremiah 23:5 says: "'Behold, the days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land." To the Jews this probably sounded like an end of oppression. Many of them probably thought that the savior would be king on earth. It just goes to show that God's plan is better than our plan, whether we know it or not.

   This verse is also difficult for some people to deal with today. We don't like having to give up our money that we worked hard for. We don't like supporting our leaders if we don't agree with them. I get that, but what does God say about this? Jesus says we are to give what belongs to leaders back to our leaders. Our money isn't ours, besides the fact that everything is created by God and his, we didn't physically make our money the government did. Therefore, we should give back our money to our leaders whether we like our leaders or not.
   And, while on the subject of leaders, do you think God just let's random things happen on earth? No, well good because He put our leaders in place. Romans 13:1 states: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." God puts our leaders in place for a reason. We may not support every decision they make, but God knew what that leader would do. The leader is above us for a reason. We need to make sure that we follow the laws in our countries, unless those laws go directly against God's laws. That's what being subject means in that verse. If we didn't follow those leaders what kind of message would that be sending about Christians? I know it's hard; God didn't promise our lives would be easy but it will be worth it.
   So, what are your thoughts on following the leaders God puts in place? Are you in God's word enough to know what is right and wrong in his eyes? Will you obey leaders God puts in place, unless the laws those leaders put in place are against God?

   Image from here.

If You Think It: Jesus Series

   "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:28

   Have you ever thought to yourself: "If people could see, or hear, my thoughts then you wouldn't like me too much." See, the great thing about the human mind is also an annoying thing. We cannot know anyone else's thoughts unless they tell us those thoughts. That's how we can keep secrets, which are important at times. But, at the same time, if people could hear thoughts then communication would be so much easier, and more dangerous.
   Think about some of the thoughts you've had that you wouldn't want others to know about. You know the thoughts like, "I really don't like that person," "I could just punch you now," and "I hate myself now." If those thoughts got out what would happen? How many relationships would you have?
   In this passage Jesus is talking about our thoughts. He uses the example of adultery and says that if we must after someone we've already committed sin. That means that if we think it, it's as bad as doing it. If I think about lying it's as bad as actually lying.
   Now, this gets confusing because of temptation. Being tempted isn't a sin. If you act on the temptation it is a sin (Mat.4.1-11). Let's say you mess up on a big project at work. You could tell the truth or you could lie. The Devil is probably going to tempt you to lie. If you think about lying, you come up with a plan to do it, but you don't actually lie then it's not a sin. But, do you think that's a thought God would want you to have?
   If we think about lying enough more than likely we will lie. In the case of this passage, if we look at someone lustfully long enough more than likely we will act on those thoughts in some way.
   Jesus says this because he wants us to guard our thoughts. We will mess up and have wrong thoughts from time to time. God wants us to grow in him enough that we can push back those sneaky thoughts Satan sends us. One way we can do that is by answering those thoughts with scripture. When Jesus was in the wilderness he answered everything the Devil said with scripture. That's how Jesus avoided temptation and guarded his thoughts. Can't we do the same?
   So, are your thoughts godly ones? What can you do to guard your thoughts when temptation comes? Will you come alongside others to help them grow in God and defeat tempting thoughts?

   Image from here.

Cut Off: Jesus Series

   “If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.” Matthew 18:8

   In this passage Jesus is talking about things and people who cause others to stumble. It seems odd for someone to say that you should cut off your hand if it causes you to stumble but let's look at this passage a little more in depth.

   Speaking from a teacher's perspective this passage is very scary. In verse 6 it talks about if anyone should cause children to stumble it is better for a millstone to be hung around their neck and be drowned. That seems like a pretty severe punishment to us, but is it really?
   Last week we talked about good leaders and how we need to keep our leaders accountable. The people that you follow: are they free from sin? No, no one is free from sin but we can repent. In order to repent one must ask for forgiveness and stop committing the sin. However, there are those who know they are sinning and yet continue to stay in their sin. Worse still, some of those people lead others into the same sin!

   Isaiah 59:2 says: "But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear." God cannot look upon sin because he is holy. That's why when Adam and Eve sinned they had to leave the Garden and God's presence. That's why God could not look at Jesus when he died on the cross because Jesus took our sins upon him.
   This verse isn't literally talking about cutting off our hand. It's talking about distancing ourselves from people who don't repent. People who do not repent are going to harm the body of Christ by causing others in the body to stumble (1 Cor.12.12-31).
   Now, this is where it gets tricky. Kicking a sinner out of the church doesn't work because then everyone will be kicked out since we are all sinners. Keeping the person in the church in certain roles doesn't work because he/she could influence others to sin. There needs to be some grace and there needs to be some truth and Jesus gives us the answer to this problem in the same chapter.
   In Matthew 18:15-19 Jesus talks about dealing with sin in the church. First we are to talk with the person who sinned about their sin. If they don't listen then we take one or two others along to talk to the person again. Finally, we are to take it to the church. If he/she still doesn't listen then we are to treat them like a pagan.
   What does this mean for us? It means we need to be careful that sin doesn't enter our lives. I want to be in the body of Christ and I hope you do too. I don't want any sin holding me back from being more like Christ and helping him spread his kingdom. It also means we need to hold one another accountable. If we see someone sinning we need to talk to that person about it in a kind way, not in a I'm better than you way. We are to care for each other that way we all will grow in Christ and help the body grow as well.
   So, will you check to make sure there is no sin in your life? Will you help keep others accountable? What can you do to grow in God today?

   Image from here.

Blind Leaders: Jesus Series

   Luke 6:39 "If a blind person is leading a blind person, both will end up in a ditch."   Jesus said this after he talked about judging others and why we shouldn't do it. He then began talking about leaders. This one seems kind of obvious. Why would Jesus say this? I'll tell you one thing I know about Jesus, and I hope you know or will soon see, Jesus does everything for a reason. 

   In our lives we will probably be a follower and a leader at some point. I don't know about you, but it's hard for me to follow someone who's morals and character I don't agree with. That's because eventually that leader may ask me to do something I don't want to do because I don't agree with it.
   Jesus is talking about a blind man being a leader. This isn't someone who is physically blind, though it is what the parable wants us to picture. This leader is blind to the truth. Following leaders who are blind to the truth will only get us hurt.
   Let me illustrate it this way: one time I was at a barn party with my soccer team. At the barn party there was this huge hay maze. This maze was as wide as the barn and as high as the bottom of the roof. It had many levels and turns. Some of the girls had already done the maze. One of my friends, who hadn't done the maze yet, wanted me to go in with her. I didn't really want to do it. I don't do well in small, dark spaces when I don't know how to get out.
   Nevertheless, eventually I gave in. My friend went in the maze first and I followed her. Soon it became clear we couldn't figure out how to get out (it was a really good maze). One of my other friends, who had already completed the maze, came in with a flashlight. She found us and led us out safely.
   The friend who was originally leading me was blind. But, the friend with the flashlight wasn't blind in more ways than one. She knew the way and brought a light. That's what good leaders do. They know the truth and the light. Then they pass that knowledge on to their followers. After that, the followers become leaders and pass on their knowledge and the cycle goes on and on. If that leader isn't passing the right knowledge then the followers will not have the right knowledge; that's why teachers are held to such a high standard because their teaching can lead people to truth or away from it.
   What does this mean for us? It means that we need to make sure we keep who we are following accountable. If we know our leader is leading others astray it is our job to let them know in a nice way. It means that when we are leaders we need to make sure we are teaching our followers the right way to go. It means that we need to know the truth that Jesus is our savior and the ultimate teacher.
   So, are you following godly leaders? Are you a godly leader? Do you know the truth about Jesus?

   Image from here. 

The Enigma That is Jesus: Jesus Series Intro

   Jesus. That name has power in it. It means savior, which is exactly who he is. But, he is also so much more. While on earth, Jesus healed people, preached, are with sinners, performed miracles, and more. Jesus is amazing but he is also confusing.
   Atheists and other people from various religious backgrounds look at Jesus in different ways. Some think he was a liar. Others think he was a lunatic. While others still believe he was a great prophet, but not God. There are many different reasons for why people think these things about Jesus. I'm not going to list all of these because we would be here forever.
   Instead, I'd like to focus on why people think Jesus was a lunatic. Jesus said and did many things that people thought were crazy. People don't understand why he said and did these things. They don't understand for different reasons but some just don't want to look deeper and get to know who Jesus really is.
   This is the reason why I am doing the digging for these people. I have looked into different things Jesus said that people thought were strange or didn't make sense. Each week we are going to dig deep into who Jesus is and why he did what he did. I hope you will put on your shoes and take this journey with me.
   So, I'd like you to think about who you say Jesus is. Do you truly believe that he is your savior? Do you think you understand who he is and why he did what he did?

   John 14:6

   Image from here. 

Focus on What You Have

    As a goalkeeper for soccer, I had to do many different drills in order to get my skills as a keeper up to par. Some of those drills involved had me having multiple soccer balls shot at me at once. In that drill if I focus on all of the soccer balls coming at me then I could either get hurt or miss stopping all of the soccer balls, which, in case you did not know, the job of a goalkeeper is to stop the ball from going in the net. 
   At this point you may be wondering why I am telling you this. This situation relates to our lives in multiple ways. The first way is that many times we are focused on what we don't have in life rather than what we do have. In goal if I go to stop one shot but I take my eyes off that one shot and look at another shot that is better I lose out on saving the first shot. In life if we focus on what we don't have we will never be happy. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." The things of this earth are temporary. If we focus on the things we don't have, the people we don't have, or the looks we don't have we won't be happy and we won't be able to reach others for God. We need to be transformed and focus on what God has blessed us with. 
   The next way this situation relates to you is leadership. At some point in your life you will probably be asked to lead. Being a leader is not always easy. Leaders make many choices and people under them may not always agree with them. That's why leaders need to focus on what they do have character wise and follower wise. If leaders focus on what other people have or the people who stopped following them then they will not be as effective. A leader's job is to do his work to the best of his ability. The leader must focus on what God is calling him to do. 
   So, are you focused on what you don't have? Are you using the abilities God has given you to glorify him? 

   Image from here.

Pressing On

   One place that I go every year whether on vacation or to counsel is Camp YoliJwa. This year the camp's theme is Press On. It comes from the verse Philippians 3:14 which says: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 
   It seems like a fitting theme for what has happened in the world. We all got blindsided by COVID last year. No one, except God, was expecting a virus to shut down the world. Many of us got sick, were stuck at home, lost jobs, lost money, etc. We all had rough years. And, we all have a choice.
   One quote I say to my soccer players a lot is: "when something happens you have a choice: you can let it rule you or fuel you." That is a lot like this verse. When bad things happen, we can dwell on them. We can focus on how bad our lives are. We can complain about how unfair life is. Or we can choose to press on. We can say "this situation will not beat me." We can lean into God or press into him. We can gain strength from going through a difficult situation with the Lord by our side.
   Think about something that has happened in your life that may have been what you consider a bad situation. Did that problem bring you closer to God or did it make you angry with the Lord? Reflection is important in life. It is good to look back and see how much you have changed and grown. However, we cannot continue to be content to just sit by and stay stagnant in our growth. Verse 13 in Philippians 3 says "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." If we dwell on the past, we will not be focused on our goal. It is just like in a race. You can look back for a bit but if you continue to look back you will trip and fall. That's why Paul tells us to press on toward the prize. If we keep our eyes fixed on our goal or heaven, then we will make a difference for the kingdom. We will grow in God. We will, eventually, finish the race and truly abide with Jesus, our savior.
   So, are you focused too much on the past that you are hindering your future? How can you grow in God today? Are you focused on pressing on toward our heavenly goal?

Image from here.

Facing Failure

   I am a failure. Do not misunderstand that sentence. I am not in a low place right now, but I was. For a long period of time I felt like an idiot, misunderstood, not needed, and just not good enough. Have you ever felt that way?

   The funny thing was, before I failed, things were going fantastic (I love that word; people just don’t use it enough). I had gotten a job that I was a great fit for, I had just had a relaxing summer, and I felt God was with me. Then it all came down in an instant.

   Sometimes when we fail it is of our own doing. Other times we fail and it’s just because of circumstances outside our control. Either way you fail it is not fun (unless you are into feeling like a ton of bricks conked you over the head, but most people aren’t that I know of). Now, if you’ve ever failed and I am sure you have, then you know it’s not easy to get over. It’s especially hard when it’s not your fault or not part of your plan. If this is how you are feeling I have good news, you’re not the only one that this has happened to.

   In Joshua 6 we hear about the story of how Joshua defeated the city of Jericho. They defeated Jericho in a really unconventional way, and it was a great victory. After the battle Joshua and the Israelites were to destroy everything in the city, except for Rahab and her family. That is exactly what the Israelites did, or so they thought.

   Joshua sent men to another city called Ai (Joshua 7). They said to send 3,000 men to defeat the city. Those 3,000 men came back defeated. The Israelites had just defeated this huge city of Jericho and they could not beat this small city? Joshua and the elders were crushed and they cried out to God because their reputation as a nation/army was ruined. God told them the reason they were defeated was because someone took something from Jericho and did not destroy it. Long story short they find out who took all the plunder and kill him. Then God tells Joshua to go to Ai again and they crush Ai.

   Joshua was on top of the world, then brought to the deepest valley, and then brought up the hill again. It wasn’t Joshua’s fault someone disobeyed God, yet he paid the price because he was the leader. He failed, but he did not wallow in grief. Joshua cried out to God, obeyed God’s instruction, and made a huge comeback.

   When we fail we can choose to wallow in grief because something bad happened to us; or we can get up and trust in God. Joshua chose to seek God for instruction because he knew God would never leave him. God won’t leave you either.

   So, when you fail will you wallow or walk with God? What can you do to further you’re your walk with God so when hard times come you are ready?

   Joshua 6-7, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Philippians 4:4-7

   Image from here.

What in the World is Happening to Children These Days?!

   "R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me" (Respect Aretha Franklin). I've heard this song many times but I've never thought much about this particular lyric until recently. I love children. I really do because they have amazing curiosity, kindness, love for life, etc. But children, and people, have changed.

   We could blame the change on many different things: society, technology, morals, etc. But that's not why I'm writing this blog. I'm writing this blog for 2 reasons. The first is so people realize the changes in people/children, we will get to the second reason later.

   Today children do not listen to those in authority, do not have patience, need instant gratification, whine, and ask why rather than trusting those in authority.

   When I was younger I, and I'm sure many of you as well, listened to those in authority. Sure sometimes I failed to listen to my parents or teachers but I did the best I could to please my elders. Today children do not want to respect others no matter who that person is. They use the excuse of "we don't get any respect so why should we give it?"

   Children do not have patience and need instant gratification. We could blame technology and say that whenever children want an answer or want to win something all the need to do is turn to technology. They have an ideal that they should win something even if they lose because we have participation awards.

   If children do not get what they want they whine. If they get an answer they do not like they ask "why?" Rather than being okay with the answer they got from the person in authority.

   Now I understand that we want children to be curious, want them to work hard, we want them to question things. But this has been taken way too far.

   We are headed down a path that we may not be able to come back from. This path of selfishness and no patience because we want what we want and we want it now. This path of "I deserve it." You don't deserve anything but death (blog link)! This path of disrespect where we only think of ourselves and do not care about others' feelings.

   This is when we get to the second reason why I wrote this blog... see I made you wait and have patience ;) Thus far this blog has been pretty pessimistic but, just like in life, there is hope. We can change this path. We can choose to go down a different trail.

   How can we do this? We can say no to kids and people. Thus making those people realize that they do not deserve everything and making them work hard for themselves. We can stop giving participation awards and instant gratification. This makes people work hard for what they earn and work even harder to get that award again. We can disciple people and teach them right from wrong. This will help immensely with the disrespect problem if rewards are given for doing the right thing and taken away for doing the wrong thing.

   Above all else we must come along side people, lean on God, and pray. This path has already been paved and it's not going to be easy to turn around and change direction unless we are all working together toward this goal. We must keep one another accountable and help children who may not have good role models. And, when it seems hopeless, we must trust that God has a plan.

   So, have you seen this path that people and children are going down? Are you willing to make these changes so that children's lives can be better? Will you come along side others, be a role model, and trust in God?

   Matthew 5:16. Romans 12:12, Philippians 2:4

What's Your Motivation?

   In movies sometimes you will see someone who is acting like an actor. That person will sometimes ask the question, "what's my motivation?" In other words, "why is my character doing what he is doing?" The actor is trying to immerse himself into his character so that he can become that character.
   Sometimes I wonder if it would be good to ask other people that question. When people are younger, we enjoy asking them questions about what they plan to do with their lives. Then we ask them why they want to do that. Why do we stop asking people that question?
   I'll tell you who never stops asking questions: children. One day a child in my preschool class said, "Ms. Kat, why did you become a teacher? Is it so you could watch us eat lunch?" After I finished laughing, I had to actually think about that answer. It had been so long since someone had asked me that question. I had to think back and remember why I became a teacher in the first place.
   What about you? Why do you do what you do? Why do you get up in the morning? Why do you go to work? Why do you follow the religion you follow? Please pause a minute to answer these questions because sometimes I think we forget why we do what we do.
   I don't know what you do, and I don't know why you chose to do it. I don't even know why you continue to choose to do it each day. What I do know is that if you claim Jesus as your Lord and Savior then you and I should have some motivation in common. 
   1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Did you catch that? That one verse tells us what our motivation should be. Whatever we do we should do it to reflect God's glory. That means if you are working on a big project at work you are working on that project for God. If you are making breakfast for your family, you are making that breakfast not just for your family but for God.
   WHATEVER you do you are doing it FOR GOD. That should kind of change how we think about our everyday tasks. It should also change our attitude toward tasks we don't enjoy as much. What would happen if we thought about everything we do as if we were doing it for God? What would this world be like? What would your life be like? I encourage you to take a look at your motivation in all you do. Why do you do what you do? Or, the better question may be, who are you doing everything for?

   Image from here.

Standards

   In this day and age we all seem to have very high standards. Some people will not buy off brand versions of food or technology. Some people will not associate with others that they deem lower than themselves. Some people demand a lot and think they are entitled to it.

   You may be thinking, "I'm not that bad." Let's see if you are correct. You are in charge of choosing the next CEO of a major company. There are many choices but the company has narrowed them down to 3 options. First there is a man who is well built. He looks tough and will not take no for an answer. You know he will push the company to new heights because he will push his employees. And, if anyone steps out of line he will get rid of them and find someone better. 

   Next there is a man who is smaller, leaner, and wearing glasses. This man graduated from Harvard. He excelled in all of his classes and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. He is also up with the times and is very tech savvy. You know this man will help push the company into not only the 21st century but the 22nd too. He will keep on helping the company grow so it will not fall behind other companies.

   Finally, the board has chosen a wildcard. This man is only 25 years old. His previous employment included a grocery bagger. Then he created his own company, which was doing very well. You also note that the company he created donates some of its profits to charity. You wonder why this man was chosen in the top three. He definitely doesn't have as much experience as the other two men.
   Who would you choose? Before you make an official decision let me remind you of a Bible story. In 1 Samuel 16:1-13 we find the account of Samuel choosing the next king of Israel. Samuel saw 7 of Jesse's sons and he thought all of them would be chosen because of experience, stature, etc. But, God didn't choose any of them because God looks at the heart. God cares about choosing leaders who care. He wants leaders who will help his flock grow. He wants leaders who will be good role models. He wants leaders who walk with him.
   Now, back to the CEO choice, who would you choose? Who do you think God would choose? We never know who God would choose but we must remember that God looks at the heart. He wants people who care about Him and about others, just as the great commandment calls us to do. According to God's standards a Shepherd boy can be king, a murderer can be the leader of Israel, a tax collector can become a disciple, and a carpenter can be the savior of the world. Each of these men were chosen by God to make a difference. They were not chosen because of their stature, experience, or knowledge. They were chosen because of their hearts.
   Imagine what God could do with you if you followed him with all your heart? Could you become a CEO that makes a difference in the world? Could you become a pro athlete that gives God the glory? Could you become a missionary that reaches the lost? God is searching for people who have a heart for him, do you have a heart for him? Will God choose you to make a difference because of your heart for him? And, if he does, will you be willing to listen to the call?

   Acts 2:38-39 and James 4:8
   Image from here.

Giving It Up

   Have you ever gone through a situation and you didn't know why the situation was happening? I mean, as Christians we walk around saying we know that God works everything together for our good (Rom.8.28). We try to trust God in the situation, but it seems like nothing is going right.
   I have gone through a few times in my life like this. One time in particular I was caught in the middle of a problem. I understood both sides and I my heart was breaking for both sides. I had made plans to try to improve the situation, but that plan was cut off. I didn't understand why. Then one day, it hit me: I was still growing.
   What?! What does that have to do with anything? I was still growing in God, and I still am. I was learning more and more about God. God is a good father. He loves us and wants us to grow in him. In order to grow in him sometimes we need lessons. 
   In this instance I was making plans for my life. I thought the path for my life was one way, and it still may be. But I realized that perhaps I had put too much emphasis on my plans. I didn't want to give up something that I had become comfortable in and with. However, God, in his infinite wisdom, knew that I would probably not grow as much in my comfort zone. He wanted me to grow in him. He wanted me to be willing to give up my comfort and my plan to follow his plan. 
   Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." We are asked to trust in the lord, not just a little bit, but with ALL our heart. In every problem, trial, and situation we are called to trust in him even if we don't understand it. We are to submit to the lord and his plan for us. If we do that, we may not understand why things happen in our lives, but we can know that the Lord is with us. He cares for us and wants us to grow in him.
   So, are you trusting in God through each situation? Are you willing to give up your plan to follow God's plan?
   Image from here.