Love & Fellowship

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.”

1 John 3:18-20

Recently, I felt like something was missing in my life, and found that I had not been connecting with my spiritual friends.  So, I was able to unbury myself from my day to day work rituals, and make time to reconnect with one of them.  We had lunch, and it was such a wonderful reminder of how God works in all of us.  You see, I believe we are at our best when we are connected with others.  Additionally, the bond between our friends are made stronger with God as the intermediary for Jesus said, ““For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”” Matthew 18:20 NLT. A part of me wonders why this is so true?  The answer lies in today’s verses; love.

It is that genuine love that we have for God that makes our spiritual connections with others authentic.  We think of love as this intangible thing that we cannot ever fully understand.  However, if we truly are a child of God we have a full understanding of what love is.  It is that which God gives freely and unconditionally.  We feel it when we walk down the street.  We feel His assurance in each step we take and protection when danger may embark upon us.  It at times overwhelms us, and other times emboldens us.  It is His love that goes well beyond words.  In fact, the mere mention of it from someone who truly represents it is the most encouraging word.  This is where 1 John is trying to emphasize its authenticity.  Therefore, it is crucial that we connect with others who share that same kind of understanding.  I am not saying it is just the love between husband and wife nor that between parent and child.  Those are bonds are indeed special on their own.  However, when two or more bond in fellowship with Christ there is an energy that cannot be either explained or described.  It can only be experienced, and once experienced, it simply becomes not only part our common language but also and more importantly the driver of our actions. One feels it in prayer or is motivated to make a difference in the lives of others.  This is something we must seek continually because without it, we are lost in the wilderness.

We are made to fellowship with others through Christ.  Many will argue they can have it without anyone else, and others may claim that people are flawed and thus corrupt the goodness of that relationship.  However, as today’s verses point out actions always speak louder than words.  Those who we have found true fellowship through Jesus Christ will always connect us closer to God.  Let us be tireless in our pursuit of both God and those who similarly seek Him.  What are your key indicators of your connection with God?  How can you build authentic relationships through Christ?  My prayer is that we focus on building relationships that lead toward greater love and fellowship in Christ.  Amen.

Selfless Fulfillment

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  Philippians 2:3-4

This year, my department did some volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.  It was a lot of lifting, hammering, and performing of laborious work, and after each day, you felt physically spent.  Not a typical day for someone who works in a call center.  However, there was something else that I felt after it was all was done; fulfilled.  It was not because of what I or the team of us had accomplished.  Rather, it was what we were doing in service to someone else.  In this case, it is another family.  What could be better than that?  The spirit within me was awakening, and yes, I felt humbled because I had an opportunity to spend a day out of work giving freely to someone where many do not have such liberties.

Giving of ourselves to God and to others is what we must do as Christians.  It is easy to see ourselves as focused on others.  However when we are caught up in our own lives, do we turn a blind eye to a person in need in lieu of our own ‘stuff?’  Reading Philippians 2, you get an idea of Paul’s heart for new followers of Christ becoming selfless, and he speaks of Christ’s example.  In verses 6-7, he says:

Though (Christ) was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.

He describes one of Christ’s many perfect selfless acts, which is what the life of Jesus should represent to us.  He could have just stayed in Heaven as God, but He chose to serve others as a sacrifice for all sins.  For this, we cannot ignore our own obligation to serve others.  It is woven into us, and is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.

There is a reason for the saying ‘It is better to give than receive.’  While a worldly view obsesses over the ‘me’ or ‘selfie,’ we know of the righteous path taught by Jesus Christ, the master himself.  After washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus said, “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)  So the next time you feel down or depressed, do not fall into the trap of self-doubt and isolation.  Instead, find a way to give to another as Christ has given to us.  How will you respond when conflicted with the needs of you and another?  How can you challenge yourself to give more of yourself to others?  My prayer is that we selflessly give more of ourselves knowing in the end we will find the fulfillment that only a Christ centered life can give.  Amen.

Humble and Gentle

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.  James 4:7-10

(This is Pt 5 of 8 – Turning the Tide – Representing God to a World that Misrepresents Him)

In the United States, we talk about certain unalienable rights.  Of which, there are none more fundamental than life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  I like how it says ‘pursuit of happiness’ because that does not guarantee that one should be happy.  Now most people would say that I am a fairly happy guy.  However as I wrote this devotion, I found myself asking if I am too happy.  Perhaps, all I have and been given is not really deserved.  It was given by the grace of God.  In spite of the things I have done wrong and how I did not get it right before God, He has yet chosen to give me so much in this life.  Because of such, I am both saddened and humbled.  Maybe that is the difference between happiness and humility.  Happiness is the feeling you have when something good is going on.  Humility is the feeling of goodness you have when God is with you even when bad things are going on in your life.  In a world that in many cases feels entitled to have ‘Happiness,’ what can we do to find humility even when things like suffering, depression, and even isolation come.

As Christians, we find humility through God’s love and grace.  I love today’s verses because it not only draws on what humility looks like but also notes a clear line of the battle for our soul; it’s God and the world. The verses speak of sorrow, grief,  sadness, and gloom.  The world is full of not only good but also sorrow, grief, and other problematic things.  Furthermore, we know that there are numerous trials and tests where there is no happiness or joy to be found.  In spite of all that, we have been given so much.  We may have worked or earned much of it, but if we look to the standard of Jesus Christ, we do not deserve any of it.  In our understanding of this (humility), God gains the glory, and elevates us above all of our past transgressions and failures!  Thus, all that we have becomes all we were given by God.

We find joy in our lives through Jesus Christ for even when we deserve death for our sins, He interceded for us to give us eternal life.  We should feel incredibly humbled for this most gracious gift.  So in our sadness and remorse, we find the love God has for us.  In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Where can you humble yourselves before God?  How you can more appreciative of the gifts that God has given you?  My prayer is that we learn from Jesus’ teachings, and be both humble and gentle at heart for all He has given us. Amen.

Who We Are

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

Lately I feel convicted to talk about something that very few of us our comfortable with.  As a follower of Christ, I found that we struggle to fit into a politically correct society.  We feel like it is taboo to mention that we are Christian while other groups are able to speak openly and freely about their lifestyle and promote their agenda.  Now before there is a debate on morality, I am a firm believer in both the diversity and inclusion of all people regardless of their sex, color, religion, or creed. Whatever you might feel, that is what I believe.  My point however focuses on what it should have always been; us as Christians.

Our mission as Christians is to represent the light of God in a way that honors Him. We are often characterized by the things we oppose.  However, we as a people do not oppose anyone’s choice.  As today’s verses point out, what we will say is we serve our God first and foremost.  No other.  Will there be causes that we passionately dispute?  Of course!  Yet all because my wife and I don’t always agree with how best to discipline our child does not mean we love each other or our daughter any less.  We are a people filled with hope, compassion, and love willing to give to all whether they believe or not.  We are not perfect, but we strive tirelessly to be better representatives of Jesus Christ, who indeed was perfect.  That is who we are, and it’s time we let the world know as much.

Over the next few weeks, my devotions will be centered on the idea of how we as followers of Christ can turn the tide against a world that sees us only for what we do not represent.  So let’s speak openly and honest.  We can be at times some combination of judgmental, hypocritical, exclusive, and devoid of love.  But this does not define us.  These are, like all sin, flaws that display our imperfections just like anyone else.  However, we strive to do better, and we have hope that we will continually grow and be better representatives of God.  It does not make us better than anyone else, but it states like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego unequivocally who we serve.  How will you respond when others question what you are for?  What will you do to better represent God in the discussion?  My prayer is when world begins to tear you down, we stand and say who we really are.  Amen.

Change We Can Believe In

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.  Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.  He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.  He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.  James 1:14-18

Someone once told me that the only thing in life that you could consistently count on is that it is ever changing.  Since being born again over a decade ago, there has been a lot that has changed for me.  It’s really amazing when it’s something you have never done before.  You gain a strength that you never had, and before you know it, you’ve changed for the better.  That is what this lent season was for me.  God showed me that He would be with me always, and I learned to call on Him when I felt weak.  Thus, I could stay true to His will for my life.  He proven that while He is the same God as He has always been, my relationship is ever changing for the better.

The best rewards are found in our ever changing relationship with God.  Many people have stated that God changes for an ever evolving society.  They most commonly refer to beliefs on slavery and the gay community as examples.  This is simply not true.  God’s word is true, and He is never changing.  What does change is our understanding of His will for our own lives.  Through His grace, we learn to forgive others, and through His love, we learn that love never fails.  Through His wisdom, we make better choices, and by trusting in Him, we find true purpose for our lives.  Through reading His word and growing through His Holy Spirit, we are the ones who change as our understanding is both deeper and greater.

We are all changed through Jesus Christ.  John 1:12:13 says, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.  They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”  That moment is only the beginning, and we continually evolve into the wonderful children of God that He loves so much.  What is God challenging you to change today?  What changes can strengthen your relationship with God?  My prayer is we embrace God’s ability to change us for the better for this is as a famous campaign slogan said, “Change we can believe in.”  Amen.

Perfect Balance

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.  Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  Ephesians 5:22-27

My wife and I are a team.  We love each other, and I have to say that it is the closest relationship we have to ours with God.  We fight and argue.  She says I complain too much, and she’s probably right.  I will tell her to take more time out for herself, and she will try to remember that.  At the end of the day, we are a perfect balance for each other.  The reason is we do not focus on who is in control.  We focus on fulfilling our role as husband and wife.  The better we do so, the more love we feel for each other.

God’s word gives a perfect outline for how a healthy relationship should work.  Many couples struggle with the concept of who should be in charge.  For example, there is a saying that behind every good man is a good woman.  With the woman’s rights movement, the saying seemed to change to beside every good man is a good woman.  We hear conversations of guys being ‘whipped’ and women being abused.  It can be both depressing and frustrating.  Today’s verses are direct reminders that each role must fulfill their obligation to the relationship as Jesus Christ did on earth.  A godly woman would gladly submit to their husband who is loving of them as Jesus loved the church.  A godly man would gladly love their wife who gives into them first.  The verses in the proper context are about balance and not control.  You cannot have a great relationship without both submitting to and love for each other.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ gives us the best example of how to have long lasting and loving relationships.  Jesus was both submitting to God’s will and loving of all God’s people.  While society focuses on who is in control, we must look to love God as He loves us; unconditionally.  It is only then our relationships can be both fulfilling and satisfying for as Jesus said to Samaritan woman, “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” (John 4:13a)  Is your relationship balanced?  How can you focus more on your commitment to the relationship?  My prayer is that we are willing to both love and submit in order for our relationships to have the perfect balance.  Amen.

Overflowing Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

One of my favorite pastimes is watching the State of the Union address.  You see my family is deeply rooted in politics.  My mother worked heavily in government, and instilled in me both a high level of civic education and a heavy dose of political discussions.  So this has always been a big thing.  Over the years, it has lost a lot of its luster because of the numerous ideas laid out by each President’s agenda rarely ever comes to be reality.  Yet for one night, there is a moment of sincere optimism.  There is dare I say, hope that things will be better in the days to come.  As a follower of Christ, I always have the hope that I serve Him better and for better days to come. 

When we have true belief in God, we are filled with eternal hope.  Before I get into hope, I feel the need to define it better because I struggle distinguishing between hope and faith.  Faith is that which you have certainty of or as the latter portion of Hebrews 11:1 says, “Assurance about what we do not see.”  Hope focuses on the ideal situation or as the definition states, “what is wanted that can be had.”  In using these terms with Christ in mind, we have faith both in Christ as Lord and in our salvation declaring Him Lord over our life, and we have hope that the life we live both righteously and enthusiastically follows Him.  I often refer to a song We Fall Down because that describes what Christ’s hope in us is all about.  The chorus says, “We fall down, but we get up for a saint is but a sinner who fell down and got up.”  Hope says that no matter how far you have fallen and times you have failed, Christ loves and believes in you the one day you will be the person He envisioned.

We should always have hope because Jesus has hope in all of us.  From the story of Peter who denied Him to Paul who persecuted His believers, He always gives us another opportunity to follow Him.  Along those lines, we too should follow His example and have hope not only for God’s favor but also for other to be followers of Christ as well.  Who in your life can you instill hope in?  How can you trust God more to have greater hope?  My prayer is that our spirit overflows with hope.  Amen.

This Changed Everything

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  Luke 2:15:18

My wife and I have known each other for over thirty-one years.  It is crazy to think of the first day that I met her.  She described me as a spoiled kid.  I think she might have been right  J  I thought about our first date, which was thirty-one years ago yesterday, and how much fun we had.  I knew she was different from the other women I had dated, but I had little experience then.  There was no way that I could know then the blessing she would become, but with the context of those thirty plus years, I have a true appreciation for that moment because that changed everything in my life.

Tomorrow, we celebrate the day that really changed everything; the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.  We have heard lots of stories about the importance and stories of Christmas, Our relationship with God, forgiveness of our sins, the gift of eternal life, a love for something greater than ourselves, and an infinite number of blessings from above all come from one source, and none of it would be possible without Jesus Christ.  Few back then could appreciate what the His birth would mean, but over two thousand years later, we can.  Why?  It is because much like the shepherds in today’s verses, we have both the context of history to understand its significance and our own personal moment to know what it meant for our lives.

Yes, Christ Jesus is the reason for the season.  We are assured a place on Mount Zion where He will reign forever.  So many things we have been blessed with, and it all started one day.  Tomorrow, we celebrate His birthday.  Isn’t that just the coolest thing?  What will you give thanks for to Christ?  How can you share the greatest gift of all to those you know?  My prayer is that we appreciate this Christmas knowing on that day, it changed everything.  Amen. 

For You

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.  Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.  And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Around this time of year, I give thanks for the many things God has given me.  Of course, I have thanked family members and friends along with my team and peers.  I also gave thanks to my fellow devotion writers.  Today, I want to give thanks to someone that inspires me each and every Wednesday to write my devotions even when I do not feel God inspired.  This is a person when I feel that I’ve lost my way gives me words of encouragement to continue fighting the good fight.  Today, I quite simply want to thank someone who I rarely directly acknowledge; you.

Each of you who chose to receive and read my devotions each and every week has driven me to write what God has placed on my heart.  This is not to say that God is not awe inspiring alone and does not give me fuel.  However sometimes, I lose sight of God.  I will just throw my hands up, and say to God, “I don’t know what to do or say.”  Then feeling confused and uninspired after hitting the proverbial button of doom that says ‘Post,’ one of you will say something.  “That’s what I really needed to hear today,” one said.  “Amen, and amen,” says another with exclamation points.  Each of us fights their own battle in the world, and as today’s verses remind me, you work hard, live in peace, challenge the status quo, and do what is good.  That gives me reason to rejoice and give thanks today and beyond.

Humility is knowing through Christ you can do extraordinary things and not much without Him.  Each of you humbly has the ability to inspire through His spirit that dwells within.  As you enjoy this Thanksgiving, remember that you can be the voice of God to others who have never heard Him.  Don’t think about it.  Know it.  Who can you thank for your journey of faith?  Who can you inspire or encourage with the heart of Christ?  My prayer is that your hearts are filled with the love of Christ in knowing that this God centered devotion is simply to give thanks for . . . YOU.  Amen, and have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Fighting With God (It's Not What You Think)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:10-12

The other day, a couple colleagues of mine were telling me their disappointing Christian experiences.  One pointed out that there were relatives who would blast non-believers for their choice and then act in ways that were as sinful as anyone else.  Another who was distant from the faith because of its treatment toward gays asked how a faith could speak of love and yet be so dismissive of the LGBT community?  I wrote about being a Road Warriors for Christ a few weeks ago.  It was clear that this was a road game in a hostile environment.  Yet somehow, God was with me in that discussion because I answered in a way I had not done before.

Speaking to the friend with troubling relatives, I noted that some Christians are hypocritical of others, and that was wrong.  However, it is not fair for them to paint all Christians that way.  Furthermore, one must make their decision on faith based on their own relationship with God and not how others portray that relationship.  Then to the gay advocate, I simply said it is true that God’s word is clear against the homosexual lifestyle.  Furthermore I admitted it is something I struggle with because there are great people I know who are gay.  My goal as a Christian was never to judge.  It is to point them to God so their relationship can be determined.  Most of all, I am to love them with all of my heart as I would love God.  I could see that speaking from my heart had somewhat softened theirs because they knew what I was saying was not the hate filled overly critical views they had heard from Christians before.  It was a flawed and loving person who was helping them see the God they might not have agreed with but could understand.

Allowing God to shine through us is the best way to handle any conversation challenging our faith.  It is never easy when we are attacked at times in vicious and unacceptable ways.  However Hebrews 6:10 reminds us, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  Trust that He will be with you in your most difficult battles.  How can you rely on God when questioned about your faith?  My prayer is that instead of fighting against God, we address our opposition fighting back with God.  Amen.

The Spirit Within Us

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18-20

This was a tough week personally as a member of my team unexpectedly passed away.  This was the first time I experienced the loss of someone who I saw nearly every day.  I asked for God’s wisdom as to why this person had to go when she did.  The thing that came to mind was that God sends angels among us, and many times, we do not know it until they have left us.  It became apparent that she had done her work among us because she had touched the lives of so many within our group that the spirit of her life was ingrained in us already.  It reminded me of the time when Jesus had spent all of His time with the disciples, and although He had conquered death, His spirit through the disciples would allow for the Gospel to spread throughout the world.

We should aspire to touch as many lives as possible displaying the spirit of Christ within us.  Today’s verses refer to the great responsibility we have as Christians (aka The Great Commission).  However, I want to focus on the moment.  The disciples had just witnessed the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of Christ, and they anxiously waited for their next command from Him.  Jesus did not take the moment to celebrate with them or boast of His prediction coming true.  He simply stated His role as authority figure and for them to carry on His work until time for His return.  He laid the foundation for the early church, and once the message had gotten to others, the building of the church had begun.

We have greater influence on the spreading of the Gospel than we realize.  My friend’s life was filled with moments where she reached out to others and inspired them to live better.  More importantly, a bit of her spirit lives in each team member because above all, she was a child of God, and the team both responded to and loved her because of it.  Will your life to inspire others to become followers of Christ?  How can you better influence those near you through Christ?  My prayer is that we live our lives each day exemplifying the spirit of Christ within us.  Amen.

Simply Out of Love

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  1 Corinthians 13:1-3 

There is a project that I took on at work this year.  It focuses on helping others see their potential, and the reason I chose to take it on will not result in my getting praise or a promotion, and my passion for pursuing it is not for an expected reward at its completion.   Rather, it is the sincere hope that it makes a difference in the lives of others, and my drive comes from the love I have for my team and organization.  For that reason, the project deserves my best effort and dedication toward its success.

Our love for Christ must be the driving factor for our actions.  Many people believe in faith by works.  They believe that by doing things as written in scripture, they will receive an upper hand in Heaven.  Others take the approach of being saved by confessing of Jesus Christ as Lord by mouth, and then continue their life as if nothing has changed.  Both beliefs are flawed.  While there is some truth in both statements, neither indicates a true relationship with Christ.  I think of my wife and how wonderful she has been to me for all of these years.  My love for her grows continually, and as such, it motivates me to be a better husband to her.  In a similar way, a true love for Christ motivates us to act.  Thus, works are not a driving force toward salvation.  Instead, it is the byproduct of our growing relationship.  Furthermore, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord is something that cannot be an idle moment that just passes us by.  It is a transformative event that like any growing relationship motivates us to change making the relationship better.

To love Jesus is to commit to Him fully and unconditionally.  Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)  This is at times challenging, but all growth, spiritual and otherwise, is.  We strive toward having a wonderfully unyielding relationship with Him.  That is what love for Christ is all about.  How do you measure your love for Christ?  What more can you do to reflect His love?  My prayer is that we grow for Christ simply out of love.  Amen.

Just Smile

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.  Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  Hebrews 10:32-35

People know that I love to smile.  I smile at those who I know well and care deeply about.  I smile at those who would call me an enemy because I want them to know the God I represent.  I smile because there is a joy inside knowing that I am saved from a sinful past that once told me grace was out of my reach.  I smile knowing I am God’s child.  Some people would accuse me of smiling too much.  My response is they focus on how they see the world too much and not the potential God sees in them.  This does not mean I do not have fears and struggles in my life.  What it does mean is that I believe with confidence Jesus came into the world, died for our sins, and rose to prove beyond any doubt He is Lord.

We must reflect the light of Christ even in our most trying circumstances.  Jesus says that we are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14)  There are some days that we feel down, and others where the world punches us in the gut trying to take away the certainty we have in Christ.  But through Jesus Christ, we were given the precious gift of eternal life.  For that alone, we have a light within us that can endure any hardship or pain.  We must share that light without reservations, and no matter what the world may throw at us, it cannot put out His light that shine brightly within us.

With God, there is always reason to have joy in our heart.  While we may feel short term sadness over circumstances or be left with situations that concern us, we must never forget the suffering our Lord endured for us.  Knowing this, there is nothing we cannot overcome.  Where does your confidence lie?  How can you exhibit the light of God in times of struggle?  My prayer is that when the clouds of darkness head our way, we look at them, and confidently, just smile.  Amen.

Telling Our Own Story

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4
   
One of my colleagues has mastered the skill of telling their own story.  Here is how it works.  A situation will occur where a peer asks questions about a situation.  The reality is the peer just wants information to help solve a problem.  However, my colleague will tell their own story saying, “They are questioning my judgment!”  I have to laugh about it because I can clearly see what is happening, and then subtly inform my colleague of what the reality is.  The truth of the matter is we all fall prey to this.  We might see someone homeless, and ‘tell our own story’ that they must be lazy.  Or we see a child running wild in a store with their mom chasing them, and then we ‘tell our own story’ that they are not a very good parent.  It raises the question that as a Christian what is the true story about us and how does God see us?

God knows us inside and out, and focuses on the potential of what we can be.  There are numerous stories in the Bible that show how God uses people for His will to be done.  In many cases, these were not perfect people, and like us, they had sinned before God.  However, God saw the ‘inner self’ of those individuals, and used them where they were rewarded for making the choice to follow God.  We often gravitate to the ugly stuff of other people because it sounds more interesting (ex. We love to tear down our heroes after building them up).  However, if we were to use our God centered lens, we’d see the potential, beauty, and positive aspects of people.  That is at the center of a Christian’s heart.

Seeing things through God’s eyes always provides the right story.  The Pharisees had ‘told their own story’ that Jesus was blasphemous and disobeyed God’s laws.  The reality was Jesus is the Son of God who sacrificed His life so that we would not suffer for our sins.  When you begin to assess another’s situation or motive, remember to ask yourself like those bumper stickers would ask, “What would Jesus do?”  How can you see others as God sees them?  Do you tell your own story to justify wrongdoing before God?  My prayer is that we see the world as God’s sees it and not tell our own story. Amen.

Humbled to Serve

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  Phillipians 2:3-4 

Anyone who knows me knows that I love sports.  Many times it is the brilliance and level of excellence that is far beyond our own ability to be as great.  However, those are not the most memorable moments for me.  Instead, it’s the moments where a person accomplishes their greatest feat, and yet is both grounded by their faith and humbled by the blessings an almighty God had given them.  Yesterday, an athlete did just that, and displayed amazing love and humility.  It was a reminder to me that no matter how we got here, none of us makes it alone.  

As fellow Christians, we must be humble never to forget that we were given so much by God to make it to where we are today.  Some marvel at their own gifts and see it as a right.  Others look at themselves and see it as something they were able to create all alone.  The reality is that we all are given the gift of life from an almighty God who blesses us with situations, abilities, talents, and love to endure, grow, share, and fellowship with others.  None of it is ours to own or claim.  It is God’s for  us to give thanks and the glory to.  Our love for him should not be contingent on what or how many gifts we were given.  It is given with a humble understanding that He would deem us worthy enough to give us grace when we have done nothing to deserve it.

Loving God is about giving what He has blessed us with to create greater glory toward building His Kingdom.  As the parable of the Talents (Gold in the NIV version) bears out (Matthew 25:14-28), God will give more to those who share what He has given them.  Jesus of course gave His life for our sins, but He was also humble enough to serve those who would call Him master and Lord of all.  Why?  Because He, the greatest leader of all, set the example for His followers.  Where could you stand to find greater humility?  What blessings today are you thankful to God for?  My prayer is that whether triumphant or just blessed to live another day, we are humbled to serve an awesome and almighty God.  Amen.  

P.S.  If you want to watch the video (make sure to have tissues handy :) ), here it is:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehlBKRqPveQ

The Fellowship of Others

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  Acts 2:42-47

 

Have you ever heard the expression ‘The Winds of Change?’  Over the past few weeks, the winds of change were pushing me somewhere that I did not believe I needed to go nor wanted to go; a new church home.  It was not because my church was a bad church.  In fact, I love my church and the people in it.  So why change?  The answer quite simply was the word ‘Fellowship.’  There was a need for fellowship with people who I saw beyond just Sunday.  Fellowship with people who were friends and people who I did not even know.  Quite simply, it was the fellowship that made me feel like I was home.

 

One cannot have a truly growing faith without the fellowship of others.  There are those who would cite Philippians 4:13 to say that all they need is Christ.  Yes, there are times we must go it alone, but that is not to say we are to spend our lives isolated.  Jesus had twelve disciples, and Paul had Peter and the early church.  Even in the Old Testament, Moses had Joshua and other leaders to help with the Israelites.  Everyone who relied upon and trusted the Lord still had other who they could break bread with and trust with important details.  Fellowship amongst believers is one of the surest ways to keep our faith strong and on point, and it truly helps the Spirit of God grow within us.  

 

We were made to grow together spiritually.  The Great Commission for us to go make disciples of all nations does not mean for us to touch a life and leave them to go it alone.  It is us to grow together and help others both realize who Jesus is and understand He will neither leave them nor forsaken them ever.  Finding fellowship with others brings to the realization we are one people serving an awesome God.  Do you have fellowship with people beyond Sunday?  What does fellowship mean to you?  My prayer is that when we are isolated, we change our course to find the fellowship of others.  Amen.