Do we seek to bring His peace?

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Matthew 5:9‭-‬10)

God has been so "on time". Two days ago we experienced a few moments of subtle and not-so-subtle racism. Yesterday my wife had the opportunity to make amends with some who hurt us.

 She is such a peacemaker. She hurts when she is not perfect but also hurts when others are wronged. She desires to get to the heart of others. . . to share the heart of Christ..

We should always seek peace. . . the peace of God. It us not always easy. 

However, as we were having our morning coffee, we discussed that real ministry simply happens! They are not programs or events, but life!

Jesus ministered as He walked. He provided wine. He healed the lame. He forgave the prostitute. He took time to speak to the Samaritan woman shunned by others. He even comforted the thief on the cross as He Himself was suffering!

Do we seek to bring His peace, His comfort, His healing to our current situations at home, at work, or even as we travel here and there? We cannot worry about the reaction of others, simply share His heart. 

It is always about the heart of Christ. . .there we find PEACE!

Walk properly toward those who are outside

 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

(I Thessalonians 4:9‭-‬12) 

Wow....this is so for me. God has been using my pre-programmed devotions to apply to my daily experiences. Is that not God speaking?

We have had a rather strange experience during our current beach vacation in the southern U.S. My human nature is itching to react but God is saying, "Show Christ, especially to those on the 'outside'"!

It is easy to love my brothers and sisters in Christ. I know basically what to expect. Yet in this world, I am easily offended when I hear certain conversations or song lyrics, view inappropriate fashion, or get slighted because of our blendedness.

Thank You Lord for reminding me that I must reflect You. . . even as You were slighted, offended, accused and even wrongly executed.

People need to see Christ. . . especially in these times!😊

compete according to the rules

 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.

(II Timothy 2:1‭-‬6)

It is hard to be a CHRISTian coach, mentor, and teacher. I am far from perfect. I am not the best role model. I must be a little like my parents and old school teachers. . . yet explain: Do as I say not as I do!

While I do my best to set an example of what I teach, I will fail. I must admit that to my mentees and students. I cannot hide my faults. However, I do not stay in defeat. . .  I get back up and fight! I engage the enemy. We fight together and grow together. . . all to the glory of God!

Compete!

It is a war will WILL win someday!

Grieving God...😟

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

(Ephesians 4:25‭-‬30)

How many times have you actually thought about how much we cause God to grieve?

Think about it; the things we think . . . things we watch . . . music we listen to. . . things we say to one another. . . the sins we flippantly commit and simply apologize for. . . Do we realize we are actually grieving God the Holy Spirit living within us? 

 

I think of Paul when he wrote: For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

(Romans 7:19-20)

It disgusts me at times. It has to grieve God!

This is me! While it is good to know that the most learned of all apostles was not perfect, it still bothers me that I keep on doing the same! 

I really want to please God! Let's pray for one another as we seek to please Him 😊 rather than grieve Him😥!

Everyone doesn't get God's agenda!

 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

(Romans 8:5‭-‬8)

How many of us seek to make others happy. .   or at least do not wish to make others unhappy?

Yeah. . . that's me too. Not that I am too good at it though. I screw it up a lot. 

More importantly though is living to please God more than people. We just cannot do both! Many times, people just don't understand this. I am not trying to make you unhappy, just trying to please God over you! 

Ever been there?

It doen't seem fair at times, but it is reality. Everyone doesn't get God's agenda! More importantly, what God has for me is for me!

The struggle comes in living out His will in my life while bringing others closer to Him as well. It takes a lot of His love, grace, understanding, and patience. It takes a humble and selfless spirit. 

Lord, help me to live  in Your Spirit and not my own selfish flesh!

Live in His Spirit: It is not about me!

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

(Galatians 5:22‭-‬26)

And . . .

Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

(Luke 22:39‭-‬46)

As I am learning in my walk with Jesus, the more I stay in His Spirit (keeping my mind on Him), the less things are are about me and the more others can see Christ in me.

That make sense?

It is easy to get caught up in what makes me happy and what makes me look good.

If I can just be like Jesus and see past my own vision. . . walk in His Spirit. . . and make my life more about Him and His will. 

Lord, help me to walk in Your Spirit at home, at work, and yes even on vacation.

I got work to do!

Serve God...not man

 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”

(I Samuel 12:20‭-‬25)

This is a warning for believers and non believers alike. While God is a forgiving God, He will not wait forever.

This world can trap anyone into thinking right is now wrong and wrong is now the norm. Do not be fooled!

Seek God and not the world. Surround yourself with people who will keep you in His Word. This is not a time to forget God!

Suffering for and with God is also gift!

 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

(Matthew 7:7‭-‬12)

One thing for sure, we must be careful what we ask for because God just may give it to us!

You see, to expect God to grant us things, we must be in His will. Like parents, He is not going to reward us for doing wrong. However, suffering for and with God is also  gift!

In Philippians 1 and 3 Paul writes of sharing in the suffering of Christ as part of fellowship with Him. As we desire a closer relationship with the Lord, we realize God is not Santa! He just doesn't hand out everything we desire just because we are good. Pruning, discipline, heartaches, even losses akso hring us closer to Him and His will for us!

Do you and I really want what God wants for us? Are we ready to share in His fellowship?

Soil for growth?

 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

(Matthew 13:3‭-‬9)

It is just awesome how God works! Just last evening at bible study my Pastor taught on Matthew 13. So this morning, as I opened the devotional I am working through, what popped up but Matthew 13!

So I have questioned myself: Am I willing to receive what God is planting in me daily? Am I open to grow? Do I think I already know that? Will I allow Him to weed? Will I continue to sow and allow God to mature the fruit?

Is my heart soil for growth?

Thank You God, for Your Word and my  Pastor!

Me less, Jesus more

 He must increase, but I must decrease.

(John 3:30)

It is a very simple message today: more of Jesus and less of me!

As I go through this summer of "difference", I find myself either doing too much or not doing enough. Am I pleasing God. . . am I serving my family. . . am I taking proper care of myself? 

While I know my calling, I want to be sure I am carrying it out properly.

What about you?

God. . . search me, try me, lead me!

 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

(Psalm 139:23-24)

There are so many challenges I/we face daily. . . marital, children, jobs, neighbors, even a simple task as driving along our streets! Comments, attitudes, actions and reactions all impact our personal feelings and decisions.

How do we/I navigate life yet still keep the focus on pleasing God?

Well, for me, I have to give God the Holy Spirit control. I have to allow Him to search my heart's motives and try my thoughts. He has to be allowed to remove anything unlike Him. I have to let Him lead me so others follow Him, not "me"! Not easy, but He is able!

Search me God. Try me. Lead me. . . so others can see You and follow You!

How do we see God?

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

(Matthew 5:8)

Nice verse, right? Sounds really good. Yet is can several applications.

Sure, if we have truly accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, then we will see Him and be with Him for eternity.

But what about today. . . in the present? How are we able to see God?

I believe we first must be allowing others to see God in us! As we seek Him daily and walk in fellowship with Him, others will experience Him. That means our hearts must be pure. . . in our thoughts, words, our plans, and in our dealings with those around us. Not only will people see God in us, but we will be open to the God in others. . . yes, even those in sin. . . those unlike us. . . those who don't live as we live!

If we see others as those made in His image ( and we all are) then maybe His compassion will show up and God will be seen by all!

Is God visible today?

Lead us Lord

 As we pray for our new school admin. and our own submission to the Lord's leadership, I am praying for my obedience to the Lord's will in my life! I must trust Him more than I trust any person or groups of people.

If I really want what God wants it will not be without challenges. My faith must be challenged! No worker worthy of His blessings will be without pitfalls.

. . see Paul, David, Moses, Peter and others.

Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” So they were offended at Him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:53-58)

Lord, as many of us, me included, are entering new phases in our lives, I seek obedience to Your will . . . whatever that may entail. That is a scary prayer no doubt, but one I ask to be more in tune with You.

This world needs Your Light. Use me to bring it to those I interact with, especially the young people and their families. Strengthen my faith in You so You are able to do the miraculous through me!

Lord, lead us!

Prodigals

Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face.

(Psalms 5:8)

Many times I feel like the prodigal son and other times the prodigal father. 

As much as I repent of my sin, many times I find myself straying and wanting my own way. While I have matured enough to turn back to God quickly, it still haunts me that I can be tricked still.

No wonder my children can get so lost! They live in a world much more shrouded than mine. Right is shown as wrong and selfish and wrong is presented as a personal freedom to choose. After all, "God loves everyone"!

So now as the prodigal father, I put my children and grandchildren in God's hands and continue to watch.

What more does God have to do?

 But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 amplified)

The Holy Spirit is God within us! Take that in for a moment. God first created man in His likeness and we failed Him. He then sent His Son to live among us....even to savrifice Himself so we could have direct access to the Father and eternal life. Yet He went further to actually give Himself to us personally to assist us in our CHRISTian walk!

But do we allow Him to work? Do we aknowledge His presence? Do we seek to know God the Holy Spirit?

What more does God have to do? 

I think He has done enough! Now it is up to me to seek Him out and give Him rule over my daily life. 

What about you? 

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gather regularly. . . to be in one accord

 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

(Acts 2:1‭-‬4)

As the disciples gathered, they were in one accord . . . . in tune with one another and God. Then the Holy Spirit arrived and filled them. The rest is HIStory!

This is why we gather regularly. . . to be in one accord, in tune with one another, welcoming the Holy Spirit to equip us and energize us to do His work. . . to make HIStory if you will!

Thank God for the Body!

A life of love

 Our CHRISTian walk is not simply doing "CHRISTian stuff"! It is not in church attendance or joining a committee. It is not about choirs or staff positions. The CHRISTian life is about the why". 

Why are we doing things? What if we had no choir, no videos, no committes or even no bible?

I was reminded last night at bible study that the followers of Christ had none of these but the loved Jesus so much. They faithfully gathered, prayed, and shared His love without all the accessories. 

In a confused world, we need to be intentional in our love for Christ and people... not in our activities but in our hearts. 

Love God...Love people...a life of love. Listen to Paul...

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;

(Ephesians 4:17‭-‬18)

He still loves me!

 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

(Colossians 3:12‭-‬13)

I am a child of God! I have to remind myself of that fact at times. I fail. I say the wrong things. I make folks mad sometimes. I don't always come through as others think I should. Not everyone understands me or how I think. 

But God knows....

You see, no matter my failures, shortcomings, untimely words, late arrivals, forgetfulness, and blown opportunities...God still calls me His child and He still loves me!

Like with my own children, even when they hurt me or disappoint me....even ignore me for long periods of time, I still call them mine and I still love them!

You see, as His child, I strive to be like Him....loving, kind, forgiving, merciful, caring, giving, graceful, humble. I don't always make the mark, but I am trying.

I have to repeat this often...He still loves me....His child!

Basic Instructions

 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

(Micah 6:8 NKJV)

Basic instructions for Christ followers...love God and love people! It really is simple. If we lived this way a lot of our problems in society would not exist. If we, the Church, would address the issues openly and honestly, many issues could be erased. 

We have one Lord, one Faith, one baptism, one Father....no room for division! Made in His likeness, we are related! Let's act like it!

His witnesses

 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

(Hebrews 12:1)

As we end this mission trip in PR, we have witnessed God at work. We have had Him answer prayer for water supply. . . to hold back rain. . . and provide rain. We have experienced His love through the generosity of the people here. We have asked Him to heal as well and we believe He will!

We have been surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" indeed. Now we must return home a been the same "witnesses" we have exeriecedhere to those we meet!