Nobody Does it Better

A TV commercial had a high-impact phrase that was designed to capture attention, build trust, and cause immediate action. The phrase was, “Nobody Does it Better.” Of course, there have been several companies who have used this phrase including Safeway (food), L.J. Hooker (real estate), Wella Balsam (hair care), and Ford (auto manufacturer). Each of these companies wanted people to know that their product, or what they do, is the very best. When seeing the commercial with that phrase, my thoughts focused on God, not on the product they were trying to sell. Companies and people do not do anything better. It is always God who does things better than anyone or anything. What God has created and what he personally possesses is obviously bigger and it is better than anything we could ever imagine. What he does is best. Think about this.

 1)    God’s ways are higher and best. The Bible says, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” – Isaiah 55:9.

2)    God’s power and insight are best and stronger. “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit” – Psalm 145:7.

3)    God’s creation is best, purposeful, and excellent. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” – Genesis 1:31.

4)    God’s wisdom and strength are best and far beyond ours. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” says 1 Corinthians 1:25.

God’s greatness is not measurable. His power, His peace, and His wisdom surpass understanding. The Bible reminds us that what He does is colossal. It says, “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He [God] who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name” – Isaiah 40:26. This verse asks the question and highlights God’s sovereignty over creation by showing that nothing is beyond His reach. Similarly, Psalm 147:5 declares, “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” These ideas should reassure us that God is not only immense in His presence but also infinite in His wisdom. No matter what challenge we face, we can trust that God is bigger than our struggle and better than anything the world has to offer. Think about this:

God is Transcendent and Powerful.  He is also the Creator and Knowledgeable. And of course, God is Joyous as noted by his “very good” comment that was made about all that he created. We could say that no human could do it better because God always does the absolute best. He is a God of Excellence. Together with the Psalmist we could proclaim, “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:1. Yes, nobody does it better than our wonderful God who always does what he does best.

Just a Minute

"Just a Minute” is a common statement that is said quite often. However, what does the statement really mean? It does not mean that the person wants 60 seconds of quietness. The comment is usually a request by someone because they need a quick pause to reorient their thinking. They may need less than a minute or more than 60 seconds. But, why the pause? Probably to remember something they had temporarily forgotten or to think more clearly about a concept that is needed for the conversation.

The Bible says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, TLB). The Lord himself said, “Stand silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world” (Psalm 46:10, TLB). Both these verses speak about pausing, waiting, or having a period of silence.

With the constant stress that people have every day, a planned pause is often needed. People need time to “catch their breath” and set their focus in a positive direction. Someone who needs to “wait” or “stand silent” in the presence of God does not suggest they are inactive. It means that people need to think about an appropriate response or understand what God is trying to teach them.

Scripture uses the Hebrew word “Selah” which means to take “time out.” The word suggests that a person should intentionally pause to think about what he or she has read or heard, pause to talk to God in prayer, or take time to ponder the situation they face. Two questions might be important for us to consider. First, is it time for us to hit the pause button in our life? Second, do we need to take time to think seriously about spiritual things?

Everyone should be ready to say, “just a minute,” and then pause their daily activity to reflect on the action they are taking or the action they should take. A “just-a-minute” pause is always OK because pauses in life help us grow and expand our horizons. When you “take a minute” your pause will help propel you toward health, happiness, and spiritual wellness.

Is it time for you to “Wait upon the Lord” or to “Stand Silent” as you reflect on your life or activity? You may think that the present time is not the right time for a pause. However, with busy schedules, finding the right time to pause will never come. So, determine to take just a minute today.

Forgiveness

Two days in June which are easily recognized and we celebrate nationally are Flag Day (June 14) and Father’s Day (June 18). However, other special days that are not so familiar are: National Donut Day, June 2; Repeat Day, June 3; Eat Your Vegetables Day, June 17; and Ice Cream Soda Day, June 20. One other interesting special day in June is National Forgiveness Day, June 26. Forgiveness is an action of one person to let go of anger they have toward someone who has wronged them. The Bible tells us that forgiveness is important and it identifies two different kinds – personal forgiveness, and forgiveness of others.

1)    Personal Forgiveness.  Scripture says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Think about the aspects of personal forgiveness which this verse identifies.

a)    Timing.  There is no specific day attached to God’s forgiveness – “If we … he will.” God is ready to forgive us any day. All we need to do is to come to Him.

b)    Condition.  The condition for forgiveness is confession – “If we confess.” We simply need to agree with God about what we have done.

c)     Faithfulness.  Personal forgiveness is not based on what we have done, but on God’s faithfulness – “he is faithful.”   God is trustworthy and will always keep his promises. “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

d)    Confidence.  “He … will forgive us.” We can be certain that God will forgive us because He says that He will and He always means what He says.

e)     Forgiveness and Cleansing.  God does double work because he will not only “forgive us” but He will “purify us” at the same time. Only He can do both things; we can do neither.

 2)    Forgiveness of Others.  Scripture is clear when it says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Notice the specifics of this verse. 

a)    Kindness – “Be kind.” This is a gentle action recognizing that a person cares.

b)    Compassion – “And compassionate.” This is a deep feeling for someone who is hurting.

c)     Forgiveness – “Forgiving each other.” This is letting go of resentment to someone who has wronged you.

d)    Personal Example – “As in Christ God forgave you.” Our Lord set an example of forgiveness which we need to follow.

How should a person respond to forgiveness?  First, personally receive God’s forgiveness by coming to Him to confess sin and receive cleansing.  Second, forgive people whom God prompts you to pardon.

Disappointment and Sorrow

All of us have had, or will experience, disappointment and sorrow. When difficulties discourage us, the feelings that come from these setbacks are not appreciated. However, disappointments, sorrow and other kinds of emotions are part of life. Someone may say something or do something that is opposite of what we thought they would say or do. A broken relationship, sickness, or loss of a loved one may cause sorrow. Though disappointments, sorrow, and grief will sometimes be more than we can bear, there can still be a ray of hope. In writing to the people at Corinth, the Apostle Paul said, “I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds” (2 Corinthians 7:4). Notice the aspects of this verse which are related to disappointments:

1)    People are Important.  The statements “I have great confidence in you” and “I take great pride in you” imply that the Apostle Paul was doing what he could to encourage the people to whom he was writing.

2)    Difficulties Abound.  “All our troubles” suggests that Paul faced great difficulties because obstacles and problems confronted him along the way.

3)    Encouragement is needed.  When Paul said, “I am greatly encouraged” people understood that he was being positive about the action they had taken and he was also providing encouragement and hope to help build them up.

4)    Joy is Available in Abundance.  It might seem contradictory, but the phrase, “My joy knows no bounds” helps us understand that even through difficulties, Paul experienced great contentment, peace, and unbelievable joy.

You might wonder how Paul could have extraordinary joy while going through difficulties. In the Bible, Nehemiah said, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). God can, and will, provide strength for you and give you joy that does not depend on any specific situation. Even though you may experience disappointment, sorrow. or grief the Lord stands ready to provide the help that you need. If you put your confidence in God, trusting Him as your savior and Lord, you will find extraordinary joy that you never knew was possible.

What difficulty are you facing today that is discouraging? What makes you feel like you should give up? Turn to God and put your trust in him as your Savior and Lord.  He is ready to provide extraordinary help and much joy through your difficulties and sorrow.

God's Direction

People who have received Christ as personal Savior need to build their life on godly principles. To build a life that is godly, one must carefully follow biblical guidelines. God wants the best for each person, so He has made sure that specific instruction is provided to help people live a life that is pleasing to Him. The following bible verses suggest God’s direction for godly living.

Scripture says ⁹“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.  ¹⁰By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.  ¹²For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  ¹²If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴ If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.” (1 Corinthians 3:9-14). Godly living involves:

1)  Collaboration with God.  God calls us to work together with Him. Without God’s divine help we cannot live the way He wants us to live. That is why we are called “God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). We cooperate together with God to develop and maintain godly living.

2)    Establishing a Firm Foundation.  A firm base is necessary for constructing a building that is solid and stable. For an individual the only foundation that is completely stable is that “which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). When we build on Christ, we have an unmovable foundation.

3)    Being careful in How the work is done.  Some people approach life haphazardly, while others spend time making precise plans for living. The scriptural instruction is “be careful how we build” (1 Corinthians 3:10). To be cautious takes much godly wisdom.

4)    Using Quality Materials.  “You get what you pay for” is a saying that applies to a godly life because “the fire will test the quality” (1 Corinthians 3:13). People easily recognize when the highest value is used to build one's life.

5)    Obtaining Results that have Enduring Worth.  A godly life that is built well will stand the test of time. That life will stand secure and continue to make a difference for the cause of Christ by experiencing lasting results. It can then be said, “What he has built survives” (1 Corinthians 3:14).

Will the things that you do to build your life reap benefits for Christ and His kingdom? Will God look at you one day and say, “Well done good and faithful servant?” Let us make sure we are following God’s direction for godly living.

Strategy of Planning

In the past, all of us have often been given a project to complete – at school, at work, at home, in the community, or on a team.  When we start working on a project the first thing we need to ask ourselves is, “Where should I begin?”  The answer to that question is simple – we should begin at the beginning; and of course, the beginning should include a plan. The plan should answer additional questions such as: (1) What should the completed project look like? (2) Who are the people who might help design and work on the project? (3) What resources are available for me to use? (4) What will be expected of everyone who participates in the project? (5) Is there a timeline identified to check progress? (6) How will the final project be presented and promoted?

The Bible identifies things that plans should include such as:

 1)    Progress: Plans should help propel the project to accomplishment. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5).

2)    Guidance: Plans need the counsel of others. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

3)    Spiritual Dimension: Plans made with God in mind point to success. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).

4)    Completion: Plans should include finishing the project. “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means” (2 Corinthians 8:11).

Do you have a project to complete? Have you put together plans for that project? Have you included God and other counselors in your plan? Are you ready to give God the glory for His guidance and help as you proceed? The Bible reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Old and New

Depending on our age we have different perspectives about what is “old” and what is “new.”  When we were young, old things seemed irrelevant, outdated, and invaluable. As we matured, older things appeared meaningful, were accepted as antiques to enjoy, and were items to be conserved and cherished.

Actions, attitudes, and physical things from the past may be old but they are good and should be valued. For example, wisdom comes from those who are older. “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12). Good things that are old need to be valued. “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you” (Deuteronomy 32:7).

Jewish religious leaders enjoyed their old oral traditions, so they added others to the written law. Of course, it is not surprising that the religious leaders wanted to keep these traditions because they had great meaning for them. However, when Jesus came on the scene, he brought something new – a personal relationship with God. That meant that certain old traditions should be set aside because the new had come and it was much better.

The new is exactly what Jesus came to offer including a new life. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). In addition, freedom in Christ was now possible. “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6).

The Apostle Paul pointed to the new when he identified a lifestyle with Christ. The new begins with being “in Christ.” He said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17). With faith and trust in Christ we can enjoy a new life through the power that God gives us. That means that we can do away with the old self and become a new and different person in all that we think and do. It is time that we become “new” in Christ because it will make a tremendous difference in the way we live. With a personal relationship with God through faith and trust in Jesus Christ we can become involved in a companionship that empowers us to live for God by the power of God’s Spirit.