Enough is enough!

 

Sacrificing my needs . . .

 

The verdict is in . . . .

Ever been in a courtroom setting where everyone is anxiously awaiting the decision of the judge and jury? Lives are at stake. The future of families is on the line. Guilty or innocent . . . freedom or incarceration?

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Solomon said it very plainly: fear God and keep His commandments. God will judge all we do in life. It is His decision to make. We can, however, choose to follow Him now and avoid that judgment.

After living a life of poor decisions and frivolous living, Solomon, in all his wisdom, realized what really mattered in life . . . God! Women could not satisfy him, riches fell short, and even all the wisdom in the world could not overshadow God.

For you and me, our eternity is on the line! When the verdict is in . . . what will God have to say to you and me?

A trust factor.....

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Let's face it . . . we have all been lied to in this world. Get an education. Get a career. make money. Have a family. Grow old. Be happy and die. Beautiful life . . . beautiful family . . . beautiful home . . . After all, the one with the most toys at the end wins . . . right?

• A believers, we are told just the opposite. Do not trust in possessions. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2020%3A7&version=NIV) 
• We are told to let go of this world and embrace what God offers. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A19&version=NIV) 
• After all, we are not of this world anymore, we are Kingdom citizens! (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2018%3A36&version=NIV)

Man, it is a struggle seeing so many prosper when we might be struggling. Some seem to obtain things so easily and we ask "Why?" 

• Why can't I? 
• Why don't I?
• Why me?

God is patient so we must be patient. His plans for us is eternal while the plans others have are temporary and finite. We just gotta trust Him!

No pain . . . no gain!

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him . . . (Philippians 3:7-9)

We tend to gain a lot of things over the course of a lifetime. If we simply look back over the last year, we can probably name a few things we have now that we did not have a year ago. Not all things are good either!

However, what we have gathered . . . what we have accomplished . . . what we have obtained has not real value if Christ was not included in the gathering. Most of what we name has good memories. We gain education, friendships, rewards in sports, job promotions, and the like. Some may have gathered wealth, homes and cars. Yet what have we really gained?

I have found that it is the losses that we really gain in life. This is where we learn the real life lessons . . . lessons that last an eternity! 

We all have heard the expression in the gym; No pain, No gain! It is true in our spiritual walk as well. The pains and losses we go through in life are where we gain the closeness of God. We feel His presence. We run to Him and trust in Him more. Failures cause us to communicate with Him more and we receive the richness of His presence and comfort. The pain we experience leads to a gain in our relationship with Jesus!

All the stuff does not really matter.

Do not be fooled by this world and the things in it. It will pass away soon enough. What God wants for us and provides is all we really need! All the stuff does not really matter. Even what we receive from God on this earth is only for a time. What really matters is HIM . . . the One who provides the stuff!

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning (James 1:16-17)

God indeed blesses His people. But what He gives us is for a purpose. These things are not to be idolized or worshipped. We are to worship the Provider, not what He provides. Enjoy them, but do not cling to them. All we take to glory with us is our soul!

So what? I got Jesus . . . don't need nobody else!

So what? 

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength . . . (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

So what you got a lot of stuff? I may not have the newest car or the biggest house. I may not have as much money as you. Maybe I am wearing clothes from Goodwill and you got all the latest Gucci, Prada, and Luis Vuitton! You may have more things than me, but you probably have more problems that me too!

When it all comes down to it, how are all those things going to help you? How will they help you when facing Jesus . . . and we all will one day?

So what, you may ask? This is what . . . I got Jesus . . . don't need nobody else!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxxgvZGuBSS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In Whom do we put our trust?

In Whom do we put our trust?

As Ahab and the people of Israel continued to serve and worship Baal, Elijah continued to trust God. So we read through the account in 1 Kings 18 and we see that Elijah has challenged the people and their prophets; your god vs. my God! 

So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. (1 Kings 18:20-21)

Guess Who won!?!

Elijah even poked fun at their god and some 450 prophets, saying maybe he was busy, on a journey, perhaps even taking a nap!  Eventually he called upon the God of Israel and He consumed the entire offering! 

You see, it only takes one person to trust God to change even a Nation! What about us? In Whom do we put our trust?

trust God and value family

 Trusting God?

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. (Proverbs 11:28)

These seem like simple words, but so many say they trust God yet worry to death about money. While money is needed, God is essential to life! 

I often ask young people, "How much money is enough?" I receive answers like; "six figures", "$100,000 a year", even "millions!" 

I have learned the value of hard work and many times long work, but one thing I have learned more than anything is to trust God and value family. Money is not my priority, but a tool for our life's ministry. 

What about you?

So who doesn't want to be happy?

So who doesn't want to be happy?

https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs 

The bible reads that blessed, or happy is the man who delights in the ways of God and seeks out His words throughout the day.

(Psalms 1:1-3 ) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Some advice not only for those I teach/coach/mentor who are moving on to college and careers, but for those of us a bit older as well. You 'wanna be happy? Seek God and follow His ways!

This does not mean to keep your head in the bible all day or stay locked into your prayer closet. It simply means to stay focused upon Him ad His directions. Surround oneself with Godly influences .  . . . including social media, entertainment, and other media. Real success only comes from knowing the Lord and His will for each of us.

God is still a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! 

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011%3A6&version=KJV

Go ahead . . . be happy!

The love of money.....

According to a recent report, there are only 2,668 billionaires in the world. Together, these individuals have accumulated $12.7 trillion in wealth. And 86 of the people in this exclusive club are under the age of 40! Consider the tremendous wealth held by those 2,668 individuals in comparison to the rest of the world’s 7.837 billion people.

This sharp division between the rich and the poor was not the ideal in ancient Israel. The Jubilee laws were designed to prevent the utter ruin of those who fell into debt. It also prevented individuals within Israel from accumulating large amounts of land perpetually. After every seventh sabbatical year (50th year), the Year of Jubilee was proclaimed (Leviticus 25:8-12)

Some things need to be remembered from the Old Testament. We are not to be greedy. The love of money is still the root of all evil! Just look at our news! One day all things will be made right. The Year of Jubilee gave Israel a foretaste of that day. Jesus has fulfilled aspects of the Jubilee legislation.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18–19).

What are we doing with our money . . . well, God's money?

Sharing Christ- Part III . . . . "WHY should I share Christ"?

"WHY should I share Christ"? The better question is "Why would I not share Christ"?

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38)

Imagine a birthday or CHRISTmas morning when you see a beautifully wrapped gift with your name on it. You can pretty much figure out what it is just by looking. It must be those brand new Jordans or the new Playstation. No, it's the Oculus Quest! But rather than opening up the package and using the gift, you leave it in the box unwrapped and unused for months . . . perhaps years. You may never open up the gift!

So, why should we share Christ? He is the greatest given ever given! Once we have received Him, we are commanded to go and make more disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Why would we not share Christ, when He invites everyone to know Him and receive His free gift of eternal life?  Why also, would we disobey our Savior and Lord . . . if we call Him Lord?

Why indeed?

Are we just doing too much?

This is a busy world . . . for adults and teens alike. But maybe, just maybe we are just doing too much! I is a question we must ask ourselves now and then. When we find ourselves with no time to spend with family . . . . not enough time to sit down to eat . . . . not enough time for exercise . . . . not enough time to sleep we should . . . . not enough time for God . . . . well maybe we need to ask:

Are we just doing too much?

Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:18-20)

In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains what can happen to those who hear the word but are not focused upon it. Busyness can choke it out and we forget about things of God. Those who take time for the Lord and make Him a priority are fruitful for God.

Where are we today? Let's make some adjustments as we ask the question: Are we just doing too much?

Rest well

Ahhhhhh . . . a good night's sleep, knowing your were able to rest well? Doesn't it feel good to wake up refreshed and satisfied? 😴💤

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the fullness of the rich will not let him sleep.(Ecclesiastes 5:12)

This sounds a bit confusing at first glance; a man who works hard, even though he may be poor can sleep well. But think about it a bit. . . . .

Hard work is satisfying. Hard work is tiring. One who works hard will not waste his efforts either.

However, the man who is always striving for more will never be able to rest. he will always be working to make more . . . buy more . . . obtain more. Even in his sleep he will be restless wondering from where the next thing will come. Even the things he owns will require much attention.

Let's learn from Solomon. Work hard. Be satisfied with God allows. Rest well!

Treasure

What are your priorities? What things do you treasure? Is it your career? Is it your bank account? Perhaps family . . . cars . . . house . . . even sports for some. We know the Bible says that: 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

The things you spend the most time and money on are your treasures! Many guys spend hours cleaning up their cars and making sure it is always showroom clean. Other folks are so intent on building up bank accounts and retirement funds that they live for the next dollar. Some, even our youth, are so fixated on sports that it embodies their entire life. Families can even absorb so much of our attention that we get lost in everyone's else's life and activities that we find ourselves drowning.

Where does that leave God? While some of the things mentioned are not bad, if they keep us from God it is not good! As believers, God must be first . . . our priority! As Jesus called many to follow Him, He too calls each of us. Some are called away from their comfortable lifestyles as missionaries and ministry leaders, but we ALL are called to follow Christ. (Matthew 19:27)He must be our treasure!

Do we love God above all other things and people? Where is your treasure today? 

Before you were born.....

What is your purpose? Even before we are born into the world, God has a plan for each of us. Read what God told Jeremiah and what He tells each of us today:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;

Before you were born I sanctified you;

I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Are these words not encouraging? Everyone . . . EVERYONE has a purpose in life! God has set apart each one us for His glory. We each have specific talents and gifts to use in this life to honor God and assist others. 

The trouble is that most people think we are here to satisfy ourselves. This is the disconnect! We will never satisfy ourselves because we were not made for ourselves, but for God! (Romans 11:36)

Much of our frustration in life comes from trying to please ourselves. That is not why we are here. Here again is the key to pleasures in this life and the next . . .

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

Are we able to turn away from the things of the world?

 To what am identified? To what or whom are we committed? Is it this life and all the amenities of it or eternal lfe and our relationship with Christ? Are we able to turn away from the things of the world to really follow Christ?

In the bible, there was a rich young ruler who thought he was doing all the right things, yet he could not commit to follow Jesus. We read that he went away sad! How many of us would be in the same situation? Would we go away sad? Will we go away sad when facing our Judge?

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:21-23)

As we close out Lent this Holy Week, looking toward clebrating Passover and the institution of the New Coveneant in Christ, let's examine our relationship with Him. Are we committed? Are we "all in"? What might be holding us back?

the gift of life

Who likes gifts? I know I do! What kinds of gifts do you prefer......food, gift cards, team collectibles, flowers, jewelry? Everyone has a preference. But what can be better than the gift of life? Without life, gifts would not matter!

God brought us to life through His will. In fact, every good gift is from God!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

We are here because of God, not our parents. None of us are accidents. God gives us life and sustains life. We are not on our own! God loves you and me deeply!  

How should we fast? Lent 2022

 How should we fast? Most identify fasting with some sort of denial f food for a period of time, as when Jesus. fasted forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) However, fasting can also be about giving up anything that keeps us from Christ and our proper relationship with Him. It is not only a time of giving up, but giving back!

Whether it is giving up food or and activity, we spend that time we would have been eating (or  something else) and spend time with the Lord in prayer, song, scripture reading, etc. We can also use the expenses normally used on the activity and give back to a local charity,  a local mission, or even our church!

While fasting, we are also reminded by Jesus not to advertise it! It is between us and Him, not for anyone else's benefit! 

Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:16-18)

So what is hindering your relationship with the Lord today . . . . food, language, sports, social media, relationships? Do we need to take a closer look at these things and spend less time here and more time with Christ and His Word? Have a conversation with Jesus today! 

How should we fast?

Practice being contect.

 It is great to say I have learned to be content, like Paul, when we have what we want. But let things get a little shaky . . . . 

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)

 When things are going well, we praise God and share His good news. However, when we are struggling and in need, that is when our faith is tested. We usually call upon God to supply our needs, not His desires for us! It is ok to have things, however we cannot allow the things to have us! Contentment is not in things, but in the peace of knowing God has us!

I am learning to be content as God is stretching me. What about you? We all must practice being content!