A Different Way to Give Thanks

People thank others for what they have done for them in many ways. However, one easy way io give thanks is to simply say “thank you.” This is the same way we often share our appreciation with God. But is this the only way we could give thanks to our Heavenly Father? Even though this may be the common way to give thanks, there are probably other ways which could be used to express gratefulness. Think about what the Bible says about giving thanks to God. For example,

The psalmist said, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High” – Psalm 9:1-2. This verse identifies three ways to give thanks to God.

1)    Action – When the action to give thanks to God is sincere, devoted, and enthusiastic, it expresses the attitude of the heart. This action suggests there is dedication to the task of gratefulness. When a person puts his full attention and energy into giving thanks, that suggests much more than the simple words. This is what the psalmist meant when he said, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart.” The psalmist used his emotions, his intellect, and his will to show his appreciation to God. 

2)    Expression – Words of thanks expressed to God often explain how a person feels. That is good, but the intent of the psalmist was that his expression should be much more than words. The verse says, “I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” The psalmist’s idea was that he could paint word pictures of thankfulness when he explained what God had done for him. He could use much detail to enhance and amplify the great care that God had shown to him. In this way his words of thanksgiving would come alive.

3)    Praise – Thanksgiving could be more than identifying concepts. Giving thanks should bring joy to the heart of the person expressing thanks and joy to the heart of God who is the object of thanksgiving. The psalmist said, “I will be glad and rejoice in you.” Words in a song amplified with a melody could spark two things - praise and worship. This kind of thanks to God can be encouraging and uplifting for both God and the person giving thanks.

As you convey thanks to God this year, let your utterance be filled with action, expression, and praise. Make sure to share with others what God has done for you and let a note of joyful praise come from your mouth and your heart.

Christians often rely on individuals such as Preachers, Bible teachers, or TV Evangelists to learn more about God, to get closer to him, or to help them grow spiritually. All these people are helpful. However, the best way to know God better is to personally spend time reading, studying, and meditating on the Scriptures. After all, the words of the Bible are God’s word for us. So, spending time in his Word means spending time with Jesus. Scripture says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” – Joshua 1:8. This verse suggests that a “Just-Jesus-and-Me” action should be our focus. Here is a way to get closer to God.

1)    Read.  Bible reading should be a regular part of a person’s life. God’s word becomes ingrained in life when we spend time in it. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips.”

2)    Meditate.  Reading is good, but thinking about the words and ideas that were read may be more important. “Meditate on it day and night.”

3)    Action.  Think about the words and thoughts, but action reveals the intent of the heart. “Be careful to do everything written in it.”

4)    Results.  In the end, results and accomplishment is essential. “Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

When should someone move closer to God? The present time is always the best time. Try these practical ways to make your involvement a “Just-Jesus-and-Me” experience:

1)    Time and Place.  Set aside a time and place where it is quiet and you will not be interrupted.

2)    Pray.  Ask God to speak to you as you read His word.

3)    Read.  Open the Bible and carefully read a portion of God’s word.

4)    Think.  Think about the words, concepts and implications as you read.

5)    Ask.  Question what you read like: What does it say? What does it mean? How do the words fit together or build on each other? What does it tell me about Jesus?

6)    Listen.  Close your eyes and quietly listen, expecting God to speak to you. What is he trying to teach you?

7)    Plan.  Identify action steps you will take regarding the concepts you learned.

8)    Pray.  Ask God to help you live out those concepts and the words of the scripture that you read.

As you work on your “Just-Jesus-and-Me” time, thank God for the bountiful blessings he has showered upon you.

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.

The Glory Due His Name

What is it that God wants you and me to do?  More than anything else, God wants us to live our lives so that He receives glory.  Three verses of scripture express this thought through the phrase “the glory due his name.”

1) "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name.  Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” (I Chronicles 16:29).

2) Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Psalm 29:2).

3) “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts” (Psalm 96:8).

The underlined words in the above verses indicate exactly what you and I need to do to give God credit for who He is and what He has done for us.  We are to:

• “Bring an offering” – No one should come into God’s presence without bringing something.  This gift acknowledges that everything – including oneself – belongs to God.
• “Come before Him” – To come is God’s call suggesting that He is a personal God and desires that people enter His presence.  Because Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, we become the righteousness of God when we put our trust in Him.
• “Worship Him” – Since God is worthy of all praise and honor, we should acknowledge his graciousness and goodness as we lift his name in praise and thanksgiving.
• “Come into His courts” – To be in God’s courts means to be in His presence, and we can do so no matter where we are.  However, in a gathering of God’s people (like at a church) we corporately worship him.

Each action above is an extension of oneself to God to lift the Lord up and give Him the glory that is due His name.  As you reflect on these thoughts ask yourself:

1)      What action have I taken that ascribes to the Lord the glory due his name?

2)      Have I brought an offering that suggests that I belong to God?

3)    In what ways have I worshiped God through expressing my praise of him?

4)    Have I come into God’s presence to simply spend time with Him?

We ought to think carefully about God and act each day to make sure that we ascribe to the Lord the glory that is due His name.

The Promise of Christmas

All of us have had someone make a promise to us.  It may have been the promise of a gift, a visit, or to complete a task.  Promises are fun to receive, especially if the person who makes the promise follows through with what they promised they would do.  However, there is great disappointment if the promise is broken. In the book of Acts we are told of a promise that God made to us.  Since the promise is about Jesus, we’ll call this a Christmas promise.  The Bible verse says, “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised” (Acts 13:23).  Notice three things about this special Christmas promise.

1)      The Christmas Promise comes from God.  The text says, “as He promised.”  We can always be assured that when God makes a promise, He will fulfill it.  It will come to pass.  The Bible says, “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13). God always does what He says He will do.  That is the Christmas story.

2)      The Christmas Promise involves God’s Action.  Scripture reminds us that Jesus was born in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem.  But His birth in that town, at that specific time, did not just happen.  The text says, “God has brought.”  It was God’s activity.  He sent His one and only Son demonstrating His great love for us.  That is the Christmas story.

3)      The Christmas Promise Intent is Salvation through God’s Son.  The text tells us that God brought to Israel “the Savior Jesus.”  Why do you and I, and all mankind, need a Savior?  It is because all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (or His holy standard) – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  The penalty of our sin is death – spiritual separation from God – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Jesus came to die on the cross for us to pay the death penalty that we owed. That is the Christmas story.

Many years ago, at the World’s Fair, when electrical gadgets were new, an electrical building had a door with no door handles.  You could not enter the building unless you stepped on a mat outside the door.  When you made that step, the door would open.  That action is almost like the Promise of Christmas.  God’s promise of Christmas is for everyone; but the only way we can claim that promise is by faith.  We take a step of faith when we put our trust in what Jesus has done for us.  Believing in Jesus and receiving by faith will enable us to claim salvation as God’s Christmas promise to us.

Time to Examine

Some time ago I purchased a clock for my office that had a picture of a steam locomotive on it.  But more than that, every hour, on the hour, for about 10 seconds, the clock made the noise of an old-time locomotive.  Sometimes the sound was a whistle, sometimes it was the “clickety-clack” of an engine rolling down the tracks, and sometimes it was the clanging of a bell.  Each hour, when I heard the sound of the whistle, the engine, or the bell I usually had one of two responses.  One response was frustration because the noise irritated me.  The other response was an opportunity to think.  Rather than focus on the frustration I chose to do some thinking. The sound I heard reminded me that another hour had passed in the time that God had allotted me here on this earth.  So, when I heard the sound, it was good for me to spend a few moments thinking about and examining how I had spent the previous hour.  Did my actions during that hour count for eternity?  Had I taken time to encourage someone else?  Did my thoughts turn to God or His Word?  This kind of thinking and spiritual examination was good for me.

Two times in the New Testament of the Bible we are told to examine our lives. First, before participating in the Lord’s Supper.  The Apostle Paul said, “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (I Corinthians 11:28). An examination of our relationship to God is important.  Do we know Him as Savior and Lord? Second, the word “examine” in Scripture is used in connection with an evaluation of whether or not we are a Christian.  Paul puts his instruction this way, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless of course, you fail the test?” (II Corinthians 13:5). He is suggesting that we need to carefully examine our lives to see if we are rightly related to God. Do we have Jesus Christ in our life?   Do we know Him in a personal way?  If we do, then we can say that we are “in the faith.”

Maybe it is time for you to examine your life.  You do not need a locomotive clock to do that.  Make sure that you are a member of God’s forever family.  If you should die tonight, do you know for certain that you would go to heaven?  You can be certain.  But you need to examine your life.  Compare your life to what the Scripture teaches regarding a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and then take appropriate action to make sure.  The Scripture clearly says, “He who has the son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (I John 5:12). It also says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).  Have you believed in Jesus’ name?  Do you have the Son of God in your life?  Have you personally received Him?  If this is true of you, you should thank God for all He has done for you.  Now is the time to evaluate and take action.

Action Permeated With Thanks

People take different kinds of action every day.  Some action is the result of a habit – like brushing teeth.  Some action is planned – such as taking a much-needed vacation.  Other action transpires in the spur of a moment – for example, when a new idea comes to mind on which a person decides to act quickly.

Some action is general in nature, some could be characterized as evil and other action as godly.  Godly action – that which pleases God – can be found in the Bible.  Every time scripture states a command, people can be assured that God wants them to take that specific action.  One God-pleasing action found in the New Testament in the book of Ephesians is the giving of thanks.  The Apostle Paul explains this action when he says: “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

This 17-word sentence clarifies the things that should permeate the action that needs to be taken all year long, but particularly during the Thanksgiving season.

1)    Giving thanks should be perpetual – “always.”  The text says that giving thanks is something that should be done at all times - not just once during the Thanksgiving season and then forgotten.  Thanks should be given continually, constantly, and repeatedly. 

2)    Giving thanks should be divinely focused – “to God the Father.”  Thanks is often given to people who have done something nice for someone else.  Of course, these people need to be thanked, but thanks should also be directed toward God.  He should be the object of thanksgiving.

3)    Giving thanks should be comprehensive – “for everything.”  Thanks is not complete unless it includes thankfulness for all things. Grant Richison said, “All things includes both bane and blessing, adversity and benefit, for the small and the big. We give thanks for the miserable things, the things we cannot understand, as well as the good. In other words, we surrender to the will of God no matter how it hurts. Only a Spirit-filled person can do this.”

4)    Giving thanks should be spiritually qualified – “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  In other words, thanks in the name of Jesus represents everything that characterizes Christ as well as all that He has done for mankind including providing salvation and eternal life.

Warren Wiersbe, an American Christian clergyman, said, “The word gratitude comes from the same root word as grace.  If we have experienced the grace of God, then we ought to be grateful for what God brings to us.”  Let’s let our thanksgiving permeate at that we do both now and throughout the year.

The Love Factor

Since February is the “love month” let’s take time to examine this important subject and determine what kind of a love factor we have.  Many people think of love in terms of cozy affection or passionate devotion – what we might call “warm fuzzy feelings.”  However, when the Bible speaks about Christian love it speaks of a determined and active interest in the true welfare of others.  Love is not a feeling; love is an action word.  Christian love – the kind of love that should characterize the actions of those who name the Name of Christ – is a special kind of love.  It emanates from the love that God has for all people.  Christian love acts in godly ways.  Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). 

The action this kind of love takes is described in these words: “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails” (I Corinthians 13:4-8).

A person who has this kind of love will not pass by someone in need but will reach out to help meet that need.  Examples of love-motivated action include such things as sharing a word of encouragement with someone, spending time listening to someone over a cup of coffee, provision of needed finances for those who are hurting, helping someone get to a doctor appointment, helping a neighbor with yard work, or helping an elderly person move down the hallway.  Whatever God prompts a Christian to do, love will help them respond willing, cheerfully and with great care.  When true love is the motive, the action is not carried out because of a duty to perform.  Duty is quick to obey rules; love seizes the opportunities.  Duty acts under certain limits; love is spontaneous and gracious.  Duty desires recognition or reward; love does not expect anything in return.  As you examine your life, what would you say is your love factor?  Make sure your love factor is high and measures up to God’s standard.

What in the World are You Doing?

As a child I occasionally got into trouble (well, that did happen more than I want to admit), but one time I remember my father saying to me, “What in the world are you doing?”  Of course, I had to fess up to the predicament in which I found myself and receive the consequences of my action.  As I think back to that question, I believe it is a good question for all of us to think about – not because we have been in trouble, but because we need to think about our existence.  What in the world am I doing?  Why has God allowed me to live in this Century?  What does God want to accomplish through me?  When the Apostle Paul made a defense before King Agrippa, he rehearsed his experience of getting to know God personally.  Here is what the Lord said to him, “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:17-18).

 Notice several specifics about these verses:

 1)      Sending Agent.  “I am sending you.”  God, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, has a task to accomplish and He works through people to get His work done.

2)      Specific Mission.  “To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.”  God’s purpose is that people will turn from the darkness of sin to the brightness of eternal life in Christ.

3)      Sustaining Power. “From the power of Satan to God.” It is God’s divine power (not Satan’s power) that is at work through individuals so His purpose can be fulfilled.

4)      Systematic Cleansing.   “They may receive forgiveness of sins.” God wants people to be spiritually clean by having their sins forgiven and that comes only because of Christ’s death on the cross.

5)      Sacred Confidence.  “A place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Through faith in God, a person has confident assurance that God has done a new work in his or her life.

If you read the rest of the book of Acts and the Epistles that the Apostle Paul wrote you will find him doing the things that this verse suggests.  It seems to me that this is the same activity that all people who call themselves Christians should be doing.  We should share the Gospel with people so their eyes can be opened to the Savior, so they can turn from the darkness of sin to God’s wonderful light, so they can receive forgiveness of sin, and so they can be sanctified through faith in Christ.

So, the question remains for all of us: “What in the world am I doing?”  What are you doing personally?  What are you doing familywise?  What are you doing in your community?  I trust that your answer and action to these questions are the same as that of the Apostle Paul.

What God Requires

If someone were to ask you, “Does God require anything of you?” you would probably answer “no.”  Most likely your answer would be based on the fact that you live in America and as a U.S. citizen you have freedom to do as you like.  However, apart from that you may be surprised to know that the correct answer to this question should be “yes.”  God does require something of us.  Those people who call themselves "Christian" so effortlessly think about all the good things that God does for them. However, they so easily forget that God might require something of them.  Here is what the Scripture says. “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask (require) of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

This verse contains five excellent attitudes and actions that God required of the Children of Israel.  These requirements are the same things that God wants from everyone.  Let’s examine these five requirements more carefully.

1)    “To Fear the Lord.”  To fear God is to have a deep respect, reverence, and awe for who He is and for His divine power and authority.  Ecclesiastes 12:13 reminds everyone to, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

2)    “To Walk in in obedience to God.”  To walk in God’s ways is to live uprightly by being obedient to what pleases God and by living the way He wants us to live.  Jeremiah made the decision for the people and himself when he said, “We will obey the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us for we will obey the Lord our God” (Jeremiah 42:6).

3)    “To Love God.”  To love God is to do all one can to desire Him above everything else and to intimately know Him by making Him the highest priority in life. Mark 12:30 makes loving God clear when it says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

4)    “To Serve the Lord.”  To serve God is to demonstrate by our actions that we acknowledge Him wholeheartedly and allow everything we do – how we live, what we think, and what we say – to be an act of service to God.  In Luke 4:8 Jesus reminded Satan of the focus of service when he said, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your god and serve him only."

5)    “Observe the Lord’s commands.”  To keep God’s commands is to not only understand what those commands are, but to completely obey everything that God has decreed.  It was God who told Moses, “Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him” (Deuteronomy 8:6).

So, how are you doing with what God requires of you?  As you look at these five requirements which one is easiest for you to carry out?  Which one is hardest for you to do?  I challenge you to ask yourself the following questions about each requirement. (1)   Do I constantly fear God?  (2) Is the way I am living pleasing to God?  (3)  Is it my deepest desire to intimately know God? (4)  How am I demonstrating my service to God?  (5) Do I delight to obey what God says?

 

Taken by Surprise

In most cases, things that surprise us are positive and fun.  We might receive an unexpected gift, have opportunity to participate in an unplanned event that materializes, meet a close friend or family member whom we have not seen for some time, or receive an unanticipated word of thanks or encouragement from someone.  These positive surprises bring a smile to our face, excitement to our life and joy to our heart.

However, there are other surprises that are not fun, turn out to be negative, and bring stress to us.  Some time ago two negative surprises came to my wife and me within one week – both our water heater and refrigerator quit working.  These unexpected surprises brought concern, distress, and even discouragement to us.  However, since we live our lives from a Christian perspective, we were reminded in Scripture about how we should approach any surprise whether it is positive or negative.  The Bible says, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).  Wow!  What an interesting verse and the words in it have several implications.  This verse reminds us how to approach any situation.

1)      Surprises will Occur.  Both positive and negative experiences will happen to us – as suggested by the words “whatever happens.” So, do not be surprised when something positive or negative happens to you.

2)      Action is Essential.  We have responsibility for how we act – as suggested by the words “conduct yourselves”.  Often when we are surprised – especially if it is something negative which we do not expect – and we tend to blame others or at least wonder “Why me?”

3)      A Standard is Crucial.  As Christians, the way we live our lives must measure up to a godly standard – as suggested by the words “worthy of the gospel of Christ”.  We do not have to wonder what the standard is, but simply refer to our guidebook, the Bible.

Have you been taken by surprise lately?  Was that surprise positive or negative?  Did you have more than one surprise?  How did you handle the surprise?  If you are a child of God, Philippians 1:27 gives guidance in approaching any surprise from a godly perspective.

Facing the Unknown

With the COVID-19 virus situation we are basically facing the unknown.  What joys will be ours?  What difficulties will we experience?  How will we respond to the positives and the negatives?  Many years ago, king Jehoshaphat of Israel faced an army that was huge and powerful and about to annihilate them.  In prayer, he came before God and said,   “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (II Chronicles 20:12).  What great advice and a wonderful example he gave for us to follow.  When the unknown is before us – whatever that may be – we should keep our eyes on God.  Here are a few reasons why we should keep our eyes on God.

1)      God is more powerful than any situation we may face.  “Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you” (Psalm 66:4).

2)      God is always ready to answer us and show us what we do not know.  “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

3)      God wants us to come into His presence at any time—even when we are weak and weighed down with concerns.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

So, how are you doing at facing a world with COVID-19?  Are you Unsure?  Tense?  Concerned?  Fearful?  Doubtful?  Discouraged?  Perplexed?  When faced with some of these feelings, try the Jehoshaphat solution.  Keep your eyes on God and entrust yourself to Him.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

(With some minor changes, this blog is copied from one published in 2013.)

Looking Back at March Madness

The finals of “March Madness” has recently been completed in Minnesota.  Some people from around the country crowded into the Twin Cities area to cheer their favorite team to victory and some came just to be a part of the madness experience.  The tournament began with 64 teams, all with the goal of prevailing to the very end.  However, only one team became the National Basketball Champion.

The Apostle Paul must have been a sports fan because in scripture he so often uses sports images to communicate spiritual truths.  If Paul would have been in Minnesota, I’m sure he would have enjoyed all the events that were part of “March Madness”, and most likely he would have participated in every one that he could.

Listen to Paul as he speaks, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (I Corinthians 9:24-27).

Note three things that we ought to be concerned about in living a Christian life.

1)    We must be disciplined, if we are to win the prize it will take “strict training.”

2)    Our goal is to receive a lasting reward in the form of “a crown that will last forever.”

3)    We must compete according to the rules so we will not be disapproved or “not be disqualified.”

No one has to lose In the Christian life.  Everyone can win.  Paul reminds us that all of us should “run in such a way as to get the prize.”  Let's join together in an ongoing, disciplined, spiritual “March Madness” regimen by learning more about Christ and living for Him every day so as to bring glory to his name.

Love and Worship

Because of Valentine’s Day most people think about “love” during the month of February.  It is interesting that the word “love” has a synonym for it and that word is "worship".  Here's what God’s Word says about the connection of love and worship.  In the Old Testament the prophet Isaiah said, “Foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to your covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer” (Isaiah 56:6-7).

All people are acceptable to God.  Their acceptance is based on service, love and worship of the Lord, respect for the Sabbath, and adherence to the teachings of God’s Word.  Among other things this suggests that if we are to worship God we must also love Him.  Jesus reminded his hearers that the greatest commandment was to: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39).

All of these verses seem to imply that love is crucial and when it is directed towards God worship should also be included.  A suggestion or challenge for you and me during the month of February is to take time to evaluate our lives and action.  Do we love both people and God?  You might ask yourself, “What have I done to show my love for others?  What have I done to express my love for God?”  You might also ask, “Has my love for God included worship?”  Maybe when we worship God, whether in the privacy of our own home or in a gathered assembly, our thoughts should be focused on both love and worship.

May Day

May Day began as a spring festival long ago.  People gathered together on the first day of May to celebrate the coming of summer.  A lot of different customs have been a part of May Day festivities.  For example, some people would gather flowers and put them by their doors and windows to keep out troublesome fairies.  Some would put out their old fireplace hearth fires and gather with people in their village to start a new fire to take home.  One custom included cutting down a tree and putting up a Maypole in the center of town.  Ribbons were attached to the pole and woven together by dancers.  One other custom included filling May Baskets with flowers and other goodies to give to friends and loved ones.

We may not participate in as many May Day festivities as people did years ago, but in the Bible the Apostle Paul challenges us to do good to other people.  He says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).  This text seems to tell us three things:

1)    We should constantly look for ways we can support others and share God’s goodness with them.

2)    We should be open to do good to everyone.

3)    We should especially do good to those who are part of the family of God.

During this month you might ask yourself a question – “What have I done to show kindness and goodness to others?”  Maybe this would be a great time to identify at least five people that come to your mind.  Plan to do something special for them.  How about a telephone call to one or more individuals just to say “Hi” and see how they are doing?  What about sending a note or an email to someone to tell them what you appreciate about them?  How about talking to someone and let them know that you have been praying for them?  Maybe you could determine that you are going to smile and be friendly to other people more often this month.  Let’s use May Day as a prod to encourage us to do good to others.

Madness? Or Unique Prize?

In Minnesota the month of March is considered one of the snowiest months of the year.  This kind of weather might be thought of as madness or maddening.  Some people like the snow but some people do not.  One redeeming quality of snow in March is that it will soon melt when the warmer temperatures of late winter/early spring emerge.

“March Madness” is an event that takes place in March when 64 collegiate basketball teams qualify or are invited to participate in the NCAA tournament.  In this single elimination tournament the teams begin play and one by one those who lose fall by the wayside.  The goal is to be the last team standing by winning every game and being declared the NCAA National Champion.  Of course, the winning team receives the coveted title and trophy that goes with it.  To be the last team standing takes skill, dedication, hard work, persistence and patience.

In a gospel account, the Apostle Paul compared his life to athletic competition when he said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).  He was not referring to “madness” but to a prize.  No one who follows after God loses, only those who do not pursue Him.  The prize he referred to was not just a trophy or a national title, but something much greater.  Notice:

1)      The prize is the goal – press on toward the goal.  Therefore, we need to go after it.

2)      The prize is obtainable – to win the prize.  The goal can be reached.

3)      The prize is something that God offers – God has called me.  it is a divine call.

4)      The prize centers in God’s Son – in Christ Jesus.  A personal relationship with the God is crucial.

5)      The prize will require intense endeavor – I press on.  We need to pursue it.

As we launch into the spring season, what intrigues you the most – March Madness or the heavenly prize?  One might be fun to watch, but one is very beneficial for your life.  What do you need to do to keep your eye on the prize and strive for that which God has called you?  What might you need to do to turn some of the madness which you experience into the challenge to live a godly life?  Trust God and press on toward the goal.