Christ-follower, Husband, Dad, Pastor

Church

May 10, 2013

Why Argue?

Why do I sometimes actually enjoy arguing? Why do I want to use argumentative tones when Patti and I actually agree about the subject we are discussing? Why do I pick at a point of contention instead of just letting the matter go?  Why do I let myself argue like a fool?

“Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.” (Proverbs 20:3 NLT)

Folks who knew me in high school and college probably recall that I liked to argue. Several jokingly chided me, “You should be a lawyer, argue all you want then.” I confess, the less sound my argument, the louder I tended to talk. My enjoyment of successful arguing my viewpoint was advantageous in FFA (yes, I was a “Future Farmer of America”) Parliamentary Procedure competitions, FBLA speech contests, and college debates. Yes, that picture below is of me in high school.

Liking to talk is not necessarily a bad thing for a “preacher” to enjoy. But wisdom suggests:

“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.”  (2 Timothy 2:23-24 NLT)

I know what God’s Word says about avoiding quarreling, but I too often slide right into it. In the middle of the discussion, why do I forget that I am not the only person who has a right to his or her own stupid opinion?

Why do I feel the need to argue a point that I know I will not change? In the late 1800’s, American romantic poet James Russell Lowell advised, “There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.”

I have noticed that I tend to be more argumentative when I am tired or don’t feel well. Unfortunately, that was the case for me yesterday afternoon. Sinus pressure pinpointed over my left eye shortened my “grace” limit. My wife and daughters pointed out what I was doing. Patti strongly suggested, “Greg, take something for that headache!” I wish I could replay some of yesterday afternoon, but that is NOT the way life works.

I wish I could blame my argumentative nature on allergy irritations! But, feeling poorly is NOT an excuse for being argumentative. I need to learn to keep my mouth shut. Why can’t I just let some matters slide? I wish I could click an undo button for some of my conversations. Wow, Greg, when will you learn to shut up?

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For all the wants which disturb human life, which make us uneasy to ourselves, quarrelsome with others, and unthankful to God, which weary us in vain labors and foolish anxieties, which carry us from project to project, from place to place in a poor pursuit of we don’t know what, are the wants which neither God, nor nature, nor reason hath subjected us to, but are solely infused into us by pride, envy, ambition, and covetousness. (William Law: A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life and the Spirit of Love, p. 153)

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you?” (James 4:1 NLT)

Ouch! I think James nailed me there. Why do I argue unnecessarily? Because there is pride, stubbornness, and self-centered desires that still need to be weeded out of my life.  I still need to yield areas of my mind, will, and emotions to Christ’s Lordship.

I need to clothe myself “with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.” (Colossians 3:10 AMP) I am in need of renewal. Lord, help me!

LEGEND OF THE QUAIL:  The quail would have been happy except for their enemy. The hunter imitated the sound of a quail, gathering the covey together. As they loitered about, he threw his net over them. The birds struggled, but were eventually placed into his hunting basket and carried off to market.

One wise quail, observing this ordeal, offered, “Brothers, I have a plan. If the hunter casts his net over us, we should each put our head into a section of net and begin to flap our wings. Together we can lift the net and fly away with it.” All the birds agreed. When the fowler threw his net upon the covey, they organized their efforts and flew off with his net.

Several months later the hunter decided to again try his luck at capturing some game to sell at the market. After the luring call was given, the birds came together. This time the birds quarreled with one another over who was lifting the most and which bird would be in the middle of the net. The fowler took advantage of their distraction and quickly gathered up his net, capturing all the birds.

At times all our finger-pointing and bickering ends up doing us all in and nothing is accomplished. If we find ourselves constantly amidst controversy and strife, we need to take a good hard look at ourselves. What are we really fighting over? How is God being glorified? (James Grassi, Wading Through the Chaos, p. 58-59.)

May 9, 2013

BIG or little Name – Live For God’s Fame

If you are famous – great – use your fame for God’s glory. If you are unknown – fine – use your anonymity for God’s glory. Most of us will never have the fan-following of Tim Tebow (Forbes.com survey’s recent designation as the 2013 most influential athlete), but that’s no excuse for failing to honor the Lord with your reputation, your work-ethic, your lifestyle. You can be the difference in someone’s life!

Our contemporary society loves superstar personalities. Media attention swirls around the latest happening in the life of _______(fill-in-blank with latest fad). Much too often, Christian society imitates the world’s fascination with celebrity and fails to appreciate significant faithful service of relatively unknown folks.

The names listed in the conclusion of Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth – Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, Aquila, and Priscilla – don’t easily roll off my tongue. For most folks, I don’t think the five names would be quickly recognized. I have studied God’s Word for over thirty years, but only two of the five stick out in my memory. Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned several times and I recall how they taught Apollos, but the rest? I guess their names would make great answers for a Bible trivia game.

You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with Christian love. Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul. (1 Corinthians 16:15-21 NLT)

Perhaps, you are familiar with all five. If so, I am surprised, because there aren’t a lot of sermons preached about these individuals. However, Paul thought enough of them to include their names in his Spirit-inspired letter. Paul and the Holy Spirit recognized their peculiar importance, instrumental for what God was doing on earth. They were highlighted because of the investment of their lives into the Kingdom of God – unknown by most, yet noticed by heaven.

Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, Aquila, and Priscilla received written applause and documented appreciation, forever recorded in the pages of the New Testament. They served – refreshing Paul, encouraging the saints, advancing God’s purposes. Paul doesn’t detail the service specifics, but acknowledged they served the Lord and served the people around them.

You may never be written up in the newspaper or interviewed on a news program. Your name may never highlight an advertised Gospel crusade. Your name may never head the deacon’s list. You may never receive earthly accolades worthy of the sacrifices you have made for Christ body the church. Nevertheless, God knows your name and notices your efforts.

Give yourself fully to God’s work:

  • “knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].” (1 Corinthians 15:58b AMP)
  • “God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.” (Hebrews 6:10 NASB)

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You have a vital place in Christ’s church. Every child of God has an assignment, a gift, a mission, an obligation. The work of ministry isn’t relegated to a few paid pastors. Every Christ-follower must contribute to the growth of Christ’s body.

“He [Christ] makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16 NLT)

It doesn’t matter if your name is recognizable or not. God knows your name. You matter to God. BIG NAME or little name – make sure you live for God’s fame.

May 8, 2013

God Knows Your Name

The Lord knows you better than you know yourself. He knows what you ate for dinner and why you like eating it. He knows why you are timid in front of your boss. He knows what you thinking during your last disagreement with your spouse. He knows how long it took you to prepare for that recent speech. He knows the tears you cried when your child was sick. He knows everything about you. He even knows your future.

“The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.” (Psalm 33:13 NLT) I’ve heard people joke about how busy God is and think that somehow He is too busy to care about everything going on in the world. Even Christian students joke about it.

David Seamans, author and professor at Asbury Seminary, tells a story about the campus where the seminary shared cafeteria facilities with Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. On one occasion, students moving through the cafeteria line found near the beginning a large basket of bright red apples. The cafeteria staff had placed a sign above the basket, quite appropriate for a Christian college campus, “Take one only please—God is watching.”
As students made their way through the line selecting meat loaf or taco salad, and peaches or chocolate mousse, they found at the other end a large box of broken cookies which the staff had put out. Attached to the box was a piece of notebook paper containing a note obviously scrawled by a student. It read, “Take as many as you want; God is watching the apples.” (Holman New Testament Commentary: Acts, p. 257)

I laugh at that joke, but the reality is that Heavenly Father never loses His focus. The Lord in His omniscience sees everything you do and knows everything about you. That isn’t meant to scare you. He is more concerned for you than He is for birds – yet, He still cares for birds, too. “What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do.” (Matthew 10:29 MSG)

  • He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head!” (Matthew 10:30 MSG)
  • “He knows about everyone, everywhere. Everything about us is bare and wide open to the all-seeing eyes of our living God; nothing can be hidden from him to whom we must explain all that we have done.” (Hebrews 4:13 LIVING)
  • Job rhetorically asked, “Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take?” (Job 31:4 NLT)

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Amazingly, people matter to God. YOU matter to God.

As I type this conclusion, I’ve got a worship album cranked up with Tommy Walker’s “He Knows My Name”. Several people have recorded it and the message will encourage you. Look for the song online and purchase it for yourself. The lyrics are:

I have a Maker; He formed my heart.
Before even time began, My life was in His hand.

I have a Father; He calls me His own.
He’ll never leave me, No matter where I go.

He knows my name

He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call; He hears me when I call. [He Knows My Name by Tommy Walker © 1996 Doulos Publishing (Admin. by Maranatha! Music)]

Why not call out to God now? He knows you. He knows your name. He would love to talk to you – right now!

May 7, 2013

Gabby’s Story

Andrew and Bethany Frazer, the onsite pastors for Casa Angelina Orphanage in Guatemala, spoke during chapel services at Valley Fellowship Christian Academy. Patti and I and the Valley Fellowship Church family are so thankful to be able to partner with such an awesome team. They shared several stories of children who have been delivered by the efforts of What Matters Ministries and Missions (www.whatmattersmm.org). Gabby’s story really touched my heart. I was graciously given permission to share her story on my blog. (The pictures below are of Gabby at Casa Angelina and of the Frazers speaking in elementary chapel).

Gabby arrived at Casa Angelina expecting the worst. She had no documentation – no birth record, no information about her background – and doctors used her teeth to guess her age at eleven years old. She and her younger brother had been passed from one place after another and Gabby described her abusive journey as “moving from hell to hell.” Deep hurts from people who should have loved and protected her gave her little evidence that anyone could be trusted.

Casa Angelina is a beautiful place, but Gabby was reluctant to open up at first. At the start, her big wish was to be hugged by someone who actually loved her, like she was family. Five years later and with lots of love, Gabby’s dreams are much bigger. God has healed her during her time at Casa Angelina and Gabby now dreams of being a professional singer who travels the world.

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” (Psalm 68:5-6a NIV)

The transformation within her hasn’t always been easy. Gabby had to deal with powerful emotions. Not too long ago, Gabby was very upset by the visit of a social worker. The worker spoke honestly that without documentation, Gabby didn’t exist officially in the eyes of the government. The stark reality hit Gabby deeply. She wept and wept as she pondered, “no records, no birth certificate, no name.”

Over the next several days, the paperwork and redtape to create official records for Gabby offered her a unique opportunity. Gabby was given the chance to name herself, but she was satisfied with that option. Gabby thought about it, but she didn’t want to name herself. She wanted her name to mean something. She wanted to be named by people who loved her.
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The name “Gabby” did mean something special to the staff and ministry and children of Casa Angelina. After consideration, Gabby’s name was officially documented as “Gabriela Celeste Tait Royal”. Her name is special. She is a King’s kid with a bright future.

The government of Guatemala may not have known Gabby’s name, but the Lord certainly did. Gabriela was rescued and carefully placed into the family environment she so desperately desired. The Tait family loves her, the staff of Casa Angelina love her, Valley Fellowship Church loves her, Patti and I love her, but most importantly Heavenly Father loves her!

Heavenly Father loves orphans and wants His family to share His heart. In fact, James lists concern for orphans as characteristic of a pure religion:

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (James 1:26-27 NLT)

We share a special connection with Gabriela! For the last several years, Valley Fellowship has pulled together to buy Christmas gifts for the darlings of Casa Angelina. We will be gathering funds and toys in the fall to be delivered before Thanksgiving. I’m sure that Gabriela is going to get something very special.

May 5, 2013

New Name – New Status – New Future

Twenty-seven years ago (this weekend!), Patti and I stepped into Goldbro department store on Airport Road in Huntsville, Alabama to look at the rings in the jewelry section. Somehow, my mom had managed to tag along and walked behind us as we stepped into the jewelry section.

We stopped at the very first case and Patti pointed to a ring under the glass. She glanced at me and said, “That’s the one I want.”

“Are you sure? We just starting shopping? Don’t you want to look around some more?” I questioned.

“Okay, but that is the one I want.” I gulped as the lady behind the counter placed it on Patti’s finger. “Yes,” Patti said staring at the ring, “I like this one.”

Mom suddenly interjected herself into the discussion, “Well, Greg, are you going to buy it?” Mom knew my bank account. She knew that I had saved money to purchase a guitar.

“MOM!” I glared back. Patti tried to rescue the moment and asked if I needed a second to think about it. I nodded and I held her hand as we took a few steps into the BABY section.

A moment later, we stepped back to jewelry department. And, May 5, 1986, Patti first sported her engagement ring.

In your case, however, this probably involved your forehead drooping and gradually coming to rest against your desk http://pamelaannschoolofdance.com/aid-6190 tadalafil cialis from india as your teacher droned on and on from the front of the classroom about the importance of doing well on your SAT. tadalafil buy cheap There are several online service provide that sell generic ED drugs at reasonable prices. The opposite causes problems too – muscles that are too hot, wear tight underwear, go biking, get cialis generic australia in a sauna-anything that might increase the temperature around his testicles. However, this is not at canada levitra all true in the first place. When a woman marries in the United States, she commonly takes a new name, the name of her husband. Thus, Patti Edmonds became Patti Simon – to my great delight! Patti’s new name was symbolic of her new status (married to me!) and her new future with me.

Within my Logos study software is a collection of the newspapers from the American Civil War, the tumultuous times of 1860 to 1865. (www.logos.com, If you purchase, please let them know I referred you.) An article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (August, 1861) suggested a new name for an inauspicious purpose:

ALEXANDER the Great hearing that there was a man of the same name with himself in his army, and that he was a notorious coward, sent for him, and said unto him, ‘”fight better, or change your name.”’
Ought not old SCOTT to profit by this example? He lost the battle of Manassas. He confesses himself to be a great coward. Why, then, should he cling to ‘”Winfield,”’ a name indicative of victory? Why does he not write ‘”Losefield“’ as descriptive of his present status?

In Shakespeare’s play, Juliet suggests Romeo throw away his name, after all, “What’s in a name?” What is called a rose still has its smell even if given another name, yet Romeo and Juliet suffer the tragedy instigated by connection to their surnames. A person may be greater than the meaning of their name, but the name remains significant.

Ultimately, real freedom – no matter what label has bound you – comes only from real relationship with the Lord. The Lord spoke through the Old Testament prophet Isaiah that the promised salvation would come with a “new name”. “The nations will see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you will be given a new name by the Lord’s own mouth.” (Isaiah 62:2 NLT)

“The proclamation of a new name for Zion indicates the new condition and character that God’s salvation will provide for her.” (John N. Oswalt, The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66, NICOT, p. 579)

Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” [Hebrew “Azubah”] or “The Desolate Land.” [Hebrew “Shemamah”] Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” [Hebrew “Hephzibah” which means “my delight is in her”] and “The Bride of God,” [Hebrew “Beulah” which means “married”] for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride. (Isaiah 62:4 NLT)

The new name speaks of new promise, new power, new potential, new prospective as a result of relationship with the Lord. Salvation releases new hope, new status, new future for every Christ-follower. I am not saying that we should all change our names like my wife did when she married me. But, I do think we should live up to our status as the Bride of Christ and to lives that honor His Name.

What about you? Are you ready to invest your “guitar” money, your life’s blood for the sake of God’s kingdom? Well, are you going to buy it?

May 2, 2013

Grow in Christ

I am not the avid golfer and don’t own golf clubs. Although I value my experiences at Valley Fellowship’s men’s golf trips, my most enjoyable moments come while driving the golf cart. I have a problem with losing my golf balls when I reach a body of water of any size. I knock my ball, and the next one, and the next one, into the drink. My playing partner usually offers his practice balls and one by one I knock them into the water. I could save time and money by giving my partner all of my balls as soon as I meet up with a water hazard. I would still get pleasure from driving the rest of the day – driving the cart, not the balls.

I haven’t been able to perfect the shot that gets my dimpled-ball over the water and onto the green. With coaching (Thank you, Steve & Barry), I get air under my balls from a practice tee. After careful consideration I have decided my athletic skills are better suited for some other sport. I don’t have the time or money to improve my golf game, but I can grow spiritually – becoming more like Jesus Christ.

Apparently, my golfing ability is static – I parred the ninth hole on my first round of golf, and I parred only one hole the last time I played. But, healthy believers grow. God’s wonderful creation displays growing things. Healthy plants flourish in the proper environment. Even the fairway grass (that I duff!) on the golf course grows. Infants grow; babies don’t stay babies forever; they mature. Change is meant to occur. Believers grow. The Lord does not intend for us to remain the same; He wants us to grow more and more free from sin and more like Jesus Christ in our actual lives.

I discovered golfers never stop trying to perfect their games. Whether it’s working on accuracy from the tee box or improving their short game around the green, they are always in pursuit of the flawless shot. At the moment of new birth in Christ, a progressive, cooperative growth work between God and a human being begins. The Apostle Paul describes this process as a pursuit, as a “perfecting” process. “Dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God (2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV).”

Our part in this growth process is both passive in that we depend on God’s work and active in that we strive to obey God.  The conditional nature of “let us” underscores the active role we play in perfecting holiness, a life-long process involving daily yielding and indi­vidual responsibility. The words “let us” (2 Cor. 7) bring to light that we have a choice to make. Will we build up patterns and habits of Christ-likeness? Will we cooperate actively with Him in this process? The little improvement I enjoyed in my golf game came when I listened and heeded the advice of real golfers.

I am holy through Christ Jesus, but I am deeply aware of my own imperfection. However, I am growing more like Jesus Christ who never sinned. Jesus Christ is our perfect example. None of us yet match our pattern as God intended, but we are being changed. God is not finished. An old gospel song proclaims that simple message:

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart,

“Don’t judge him yet, there’s an unfinished part.”

But I’ll be perfect just according to His plan,
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Fashioned by the Master’s loving hand.

He’s still working on me

To make me what I ought to be

It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,

The Sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars.

How loving and patient He must be,

He’s still workin’ on me. [Joel Hemphill, He’s Still Working On Me (Hemphill Music, 1980).]

Spiritual growth is not accomplished all at once. No one is there yet! We may never become professional golfers, but we can become what the Lord intends. No one is perfect, but we are perfecting. Are you ready to cooperate with the Lord and grow? Examine your own life. If you ask the Lord, the Holy Spirit will spotlight something. What is one area where you need to grow? Are you willing to address it?

April 30, 2013

5 Benefits of Healthy Friendships

You need healthy, Godly friendships to finish the race God has laid out for you. You benefit from healthy relationships, but you must be open to receiving the following five:

#1  Perspective

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14 NASB) You have blind spots. I have blind spots. You and I both need people around us who love us enough to speak into our lives. Others can see things in us that we can’t see – our strengths and weaknesses.

#2  Accountability

“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT) Accountability helps keep us out of trouble and maintain integrity both in public and in private. The key to being accountable to someone else is to be open and honest.

#3  Encouragement 

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#4  Strength

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT) Two are definitely better than one! God designed it so that when any of us is weak in any area, another is able to supply our lack.

#5  Friendship

“My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!” (1 John 4:11-12 MSG) God placed in each of us a deep need to be known and loved.

Do you have God-honoring friends who help spur you forward? Do your relationships help you serve the Lord?

April 28, 2013

Tithing still has a place in God’s Kingdom

Despite what you may have been told, tithing is mentioned in the New Testament. Yes, the New Testament standard for giving exceeds the legalistic limit of ten percent, but I think tithing is a place to start your life of generosity.

Jesus didn’t call for an end to tithing, but He did raise the bar. His followers cannot just check the tithing box and then go off and do whatever they want with the rest. Truly, God holds us responsible for all our income. Jesus challenged:

What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. (Matthew 23:23 NLT)

In a recent magazine interview, Pastor Jeff Manion references Jesus’ call for justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23) as “relational generosity”. I was intrigued by his comments:

A person can be a financial tither but not be gracious in spirit. A generous spirit is cultivated by acting magnanimously; allowing small, insignificant insults to evaporate rapidly; forgiving faster; being gracious with individuals, whether it’s the person in the checkout line or someone taking too much of our time. That generous spirit is called relational generosity—financial generosity is a subset of that. A person who is staggering financially can grow in multiple areas of generosity, knowing that the financial area will flow out of the others. (“Developing a Culture of Contentment”, Leadership Journal, Spring 2013, p. 26)

Do you have a generous spirit?

Patti preached a great sermon “Tithe Consistently” this morning at Valley Fellowship as we finished the God Owns ALL series. You can hear the message online when you visit the media button at www.valleyfellowship.com. Below are some of the highlights.

Tithing (giving the first 10% of income to God) demonstrated the core of the Mosaic law – love for God and love for your neighbor (Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:4–9; 26:10–15).

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)

1. Tithing consistently helps me put God first. When God is first, He’ll take care of everything else. 

  • “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” (Deuteronomy 14:23 LIVING)
  • “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

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2. Tithing consistently helps me learn contentment.

  • “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12 NIV)
  • “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (1 Timothy 6:5-6 NLT)

3. Tithing consistently increases my faith in God. Some think of tithing as a duty, but really tithing is an act of faith.

4. Tithing consistently releases God’s blessings into my life.

  • “No good thing will the LORD withhold from those who do what is right.” (Psalms 84:11 NLT)
  • “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:10-11 NASB)
April 27, 2013

Work with the Time You Have

Time is fleeting. Life on earth is brief. Don’t spend your time foolishly. “To waste time is to squander a gift from God.” (John Blanchard) Do you have God’s perspective on time?

“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”  (Psalm 90:12 NLT)

  • “There is nothing [which] puts a more serious frame into a man’s spirit than to know to know the worth and preciousness of time.” (Thomas Brooks, The Complete Works of Thomas Brooks, Volume 5, p. 11)
  • “Time lost can never be retrieved. Time cannot be hoarded, only spent well.” (Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, p. 94)

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The story is told of a man’s return to the doctor for a diagnosis. Sitting down, the doctor abruptly announced, “I have bad news and worse news.”

“What’s the bad news?” the bewildered patient blankly responded.

The doctor paused, “The bad news is that you only have twenty-four hours to live.”

The man leaped, spun around, arms flailing. “I can’t believe this,” the man shouted, “I’m not ready; I don’t have enough time! No! No! . . . If that’s the bad news, what could possibly be worst?”

“I forgot to call and give you the report yesterday.”

“Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right.”  (Ecclesiastes 8:5b NLT)

You can’t just WANT to do something with your time; you must DISCIPLINE yourself to do something with your time. “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat.” (Proverbs 13:4 NASB) I always smile when I read Old Testament passages equating “fatness” with prosperity and success. American society reveres skinniness; Hebrew culture valued body fat. Here is Proverbs 13:4 more dynamically translated for today’s mindset, “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” (NLT)

“The lazy person claims, ‘There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!’” (Proverbs 22:13 NLT) Unless there REALLY IS a lion out there! Or a shark?

“If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never plant anything and never harvest anything.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4 GNT)

Don’t wait until the conditions are “perfect” or you are in the just the right mood. Feelings are unreliably fickle. Don’t let your emotions – anger, bitterness, sadness, insecurity, etc. – hold you hostage. Choose a constructive frame of mind; choose your attitude; choose to be productive now.

“Our task is not to bring order out of chaos, but to get work done in the midst of chaos.” (George Peabody) Work with the time you have.

This is part two of God’s Perspective on Time. To view part one, click “God Owns ALL – including Your Time“.

April 26, 2013

God Owns ALL – Including Your Time

Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 4:2 isn’t optional or simply a suggestion, God REQUIRES us to be faithful with the things He’s given to us. “Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2 NLT) What’s been entrusted? Treasure, Talent, and Time!

  • “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him.” (Psalm 24:1 NLT)
  • “Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 10:14 NLT)

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Ultimately, God owns ALL – including your time. Do you have God’s perspective on time?

“My times are in Your hand.”  (Psalm 31:15a NASB)

Time is a valuable earthly asset given by God but wise management requires God’s perspective on time. Without appropriate assessment, time is recklessly wasted. Like other assets, your time is owned by God, and you will give account for how you manage His stuff.

“No one has more time than you have. It is the discipline and stewardship of your time that is important. The management of time is the management of self; therefore if you manage time with God, he will begin to manage you.” (Jill Briscoe, Before You Say Amen, p. 15)

Most would easily agree that every giving decision is a spiritual decision, but do you realize every financial decision, every possession decision, and every time management decision is just as important as your giving decisions.

Of today’s 86,400 seconds, how many will you surrender to His Lordship? Sincere submission to Christ’s Lordship is more than simply asking “Lord, what do You want me to do with my time?” A more compelling question is “Lord, what I do with YOUR time?”

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