Success in Life

Success is something we all want to experience in our personal lives as well as in the workplace.  Motivational speakers point to various elements that go into making someone a success such as being positive, setting specific goals and following strict discipline.  Obviously, these are not the only way to success.  Success according to the criteria of the world and Biblical success are quite different.

In the Scriptures we are given information to help us understand success from a Biblical perspective.  The Bible says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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).  Let’s take a look at the specifics of success that this verse suggests and try to come to an understanding of prosperity and success through God’s eyes.

1)      Allow the Bible to be a regular part of your life – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth.”  This means that we should constantly spend time reading, listening to, and thinking about God’s Word. It does not mean to simply consider what God’s word says when we attend church on Christmas and Easter.  These two Christian holidays share important biblical events, but in no way would hearing God’s word during these two times during the year be considered “regular”.  Rather, get a Bible and begin to read once a day.  Start in the Gospel of St. Mark.  Do not be concerned about how much you read but start with a paragraph or two, or maybe even read just one verse. 

2)      Let the words of Scripture constantly permeate your mind – “Meditate on it day and night.”  As you read the Bible, take time to think about and concentrate on what it says.  Let the words of Scripture speak to you.  Take time to diligently study what you read and identify what the Bible tells you about God or what it instructs you to do. As you approach the Scripture do so with the idea that you want to grasp the meaning to help you understand what the author intended.

3)      Make practical application of the Word of God in daily living – “Be careful to do everything written in it.”  God’s Word is more than just a book to be read.  In addition to reading, it needs to be studied with the idea of putting what it says into action in practical ways. The value of meditation is determined by the obedience which produces results in daily living.

These three steps are a formula for success in God’s eyes.  No matter what you do or where you are you can be confident that you are a success if you regularly expose yourself to the Word of God, meditate on it, and practically apply it every day.

Fundamentals 101

When school begins in the fall, boys and girls are faced with the challenge of going back to the basics.  In the classroom, on the sports field, or in the music room, teachers and coaches emphasize the importance of fundamentals and they repeat those basics over and over again.  Fundamentals are also important in the Christian life.  The Apostle Peter says,“And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.  Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation.  For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (II Peter 1:19-21).

These verses tell us that God’s Word is basic for Christians.  We need the fundamentals of Scripture for Christian faith and for daily living.  Notice some specifics from these verses:

1)      We can have confidence in God’s Word.  It can be counted on in all kinds of

situations because it is “more certain.”

2)      We need to listen carefully to God’s Word.  In fact, Scripture is so important that we would “do well to pay attention to it.”

3)      God’s Word is a light for guiding us when things seem unclear.  It provides direction like “a light shinning in a dark place.”

4)      God’s Word originates with and has its source in God, Himself.  What is written in the Bible is not just “the prophet’s own interpretation” but it is “from God.”

Therefore, God Word is completely dependable.  This fall is a great time for all of us to open our Bibles and get “back to the basics.”

Trees and You

Each fall those who live in Minnesota get to enjoy the beauty of the changing colors revealed in the trees.  Each time I see the vast array of orange, brown, red, and yellow I am reminded of the beauty and splendor of God.  The Bible has some interesting things to say about trees in which we can also find a parallel application to our lives.

1)    God created the trees.  The Bible says, “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground” (Genesis 2:9). Trees didn’t just happen—they were created by a loving God.  You and I are creations of God.  The Bible reminds us that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

2)    Trees reflect beauty.  In the creation story there is a phrase that speaks directly to the beauty of color in the trees—whether in summer, autumn or fall.  The Bible further notes: “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.  In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9).  You and I are a reflection of the beauty of the Lord.  The Bible says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

3)    Trees are fruitful.  Trees have been gifted with fruit which they produce after their kind.  The Bible records, “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit...” (Luke 5:44).  People are blessed and strengthened by the fruit that a tree yields.  You and I are told to be fruitful.  A command from the Bible says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last..." (John 15:16).  In order to be fruitful we need the strength and power that God gives.  We are further reminded, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).

4)    Trees are expressive.  The Bible says: “Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth” (I Chronicles 16:33).  In the Bible the psalmist expresses it this way,“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.  Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy” (Psalm 96:12).  You and I were created to be expressive toward God.  Psalms further notes, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3).  Still another psalm says, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1).

5)    Trees grow.  The Bible notes, “Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:32).  You and I need to grow in our relationship with God.  The Bible says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (II Peter 3:18).

As you observe the trees this fall, think about the spiritual application of trees to your life.

Reflection Makes the Difference

The Minnesota State Fair takes place in August.  Many people enjoy going to the Fair because it’s a fun place to go.  Some people enjoy sampling the delicious food that is found in abundance on the fair grounds.  Others enjoy participating in the variety of activities.  Still others, like to sit and watch people. However, there are some people who go to the Fair because they have something to display.  Their display may include produce from a vegetable garden, goodies that are baked to luscious-looking perfection, an art or a craft that shows diligence and patience, or a well-groomed animal.

One aspect that is common to all people who display the fruit of their labor in such a setting is the aspect of reflection.  The work they do not only reveals the time and effort that went into the project, but it tells something about the artist.  For example, a fine mahogany bookcase will show the creativity of the artist.  The design will identify the attention the artist has given in the intricate detail.  The exquisite fine finish will suggest the patience and endurance of the artist.  All aspects of the end product will reflect on the one who conceived and completed the project.

It is interesting that God wants our lives to be a reflection of His glory.  Whatever you and I do should be a reflection of Him as a person.  When people look at us, they ought to see Jesus.  After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the Biblical text says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).  The reflection was obvious.  How did they reflect Jesus?  I believe it was through their actions.  People could see the love of Jesus these men had in their hearts.  They could see the gentleness with which these men served people.  It was obvious that their lives reflected Jesus and this reflection made all the difference.

Is Jesus reflected through your life?  When people look at you do they see you—or, do they see the gentleness of the Savior?  I encourage you to make the words of the Apostle Paul your challenge.  He said, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).  When you function in this way you will always reflect Jesus to the world around you.

Apil Showers

“April showers bring May flowers’.  I’m sure that many times you have heard this rhyme and maybe you have found yourself repeating it.  The poem as we know it today originated in 1157 and was written by Thomas Tusser.  According to the New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, 3^rd edition, 2002, this statement refers to “some unpleasant occurrence about better things.”

In the Bible, the word “showers” is used 15 times in 14 different verses, all in the Old Testament.  With the exception of one verse, all of the references point to something that is very positive.  For example:

·       Showers are anticipated.  “They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain” (Job 29:23).

·       Showers come in season.  “I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill.  I will send down showers in season.” (Ezekiel 34:26a).

·       Showers can be referred to as more than just bleakness and rain but that which is very positive.  “There will be showers of blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26b).

·       Showers become refreshing dew on the grass.  “Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plant” (Deuteronomy 32:2).

·       Showers water the earth.  “He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth” (Psalm 72:6).

·       Showers are referred to as abundant showers.  “The clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind” (Job 36:28).

One thing about showers that seems to jump off the page is that we should use showers as a reminder to put our hope in the Lord.  Listen to this: “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?  Do skies themselves send down showers?  No, it is you, O Lord our God.  Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this” (Jeremiah 14:22).  As you begin to enjoy everything the spring and summertime have to offer – the showers that God sends (along with flowers) are to remind you of His abundant blessing in your life.  Let showers be a reminder to place your hope in God.

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.

Back to the Basics

If we want to do our best in any endeavor in life it is important to get “back to the basics.”  Basics are always crucial because they provide a foundation making it possible for us to encounter greater possibilities.  Many children and youth experienced getting back to the basics in the school classroom or on the sports field this fall.  I’d like to encourage all of us to get back to the basics, but do so in the area of spirituality.  Here are several action points you might take to help you build the spiritual foundation of your life:

First, spend time in God’s Word so you can begin to grow or continue to mature in Christ. The Bible tells us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).  Second, talk to God daily.  Prayer is communion with God and it is something that He desires from us.  Scripture encourages us to “Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:17-17).  Third, learn to praise and worship God.  God has done so much for us and He is supremely worthy of our praise.  The Psalmist challenges us to “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs…Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:2, 4).  Fourth, be obedient to what God’s Word teaches you.  Obedience to God’s Word is the best way to reveal to others that you believe what God says.  Obedience simply takes God’s Word and puts it into practice in life.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).

Don’t forget that getting back to the basics is fundamental to help us construct a strong foundation for life.  The Bible reminds us to “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and forever!  Amen” (II Peter 3:18).  Maybe this fall would be a good time for all of us to get “back to the basics” spiritually.  Are you ready to join me?

The Work of Preparation

Most everyone knows that Olympic athletes don’t just show up at an event, participate, stand on the podium, and get a metal hung around their neck. To receive a metal takes much more than that. Hours, days, weeks, months, and years go into preparation and training.  Each athlete puts himself through a rigorous training regimen, all with the ultimate goal of Olympic gold.  Sometimes I’m afraid people approach living the Christian life without much thought of spiritual preparation or training. The Bible says, “Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do.  So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too” (1 Timothy 4:8, LB).  Why not take time now to prepare and train yourself spiritually so you can be all you need to be for the cause of Christ?

Being Connected

On a recent vacation when I was out of range of Wi-Fi or did not have a proper password for a local hotspot, I discovered how important it is to be connected.  Not having the connection when I desired it, or thought I needed it, was frustrating.  Since I did not have a source of power, I was hindered in my effectiveness.  This situation reminded me of how important it is to be connected spiritually.  If we do not tap into God and experience His divine source of power we are hindered in our spiritual development and become ineffective.  It is so easy to think that we can get along quite nicely without God, but when we do so we actually deceive ourselves and lose the effectiveness that we should have.  The Bible reminds us that, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (II Peter 1:3).  Being connected with God gives us much more than human strength; it gives us God’s divine power that is so necessary to live a fruitful life that pleases Him.  Are you connected to God’s spiritual energy source?  (Check out John 1:12)

Dog Days

As we enter the month of August with its hot, muggy days you may occasionally hear someone talk about the “dog days of summer.”  These days have nothing to do with dogs, but are usually described as the period between early July and early September when hot, sultry weather occurs in the Northern Hemisphere and the water in lakes and ponds stagnates.

I’m wondering if you have ever experienced spiritual dog days in your life?  These are days when spiritual things seem stagnant in your life and there is little, if any activity for the Lord.  At those times you begin to wonder if God is near or if He is concerned about you.  Maybe you have wandered away from the Lord and allowed your attention to be placed on things or activities rather than on God Himself.  When Dr. Luke wrote the book of Acts he recorded a sermon that was delivered by the Apostle Peter.  In this sermon, Peter suggested that the people to whom he was writing may have been going through spiritual dog days.  He said, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

Maybe you are experiencing a “dry spell” or “dog days” in your spiritual life or have never taken time to ask for God’s forgiveness and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  Notice that according to this verse: (1) You can be refreshed; (2) The refreshment comes from a divine source—the Lord; and (3) The time of refreshment begins as you repent and turn to God.  Why does refreshment come to an individual when he or she turns to God in simple faith and trust?  The answer is because your sins are forgiven.  When this happens it is possible for you to have a personal, ongoing, intimate relationship with the Lord.  Why not turn to the Lord today and allow your spiritual dog days to be replaced with God’s divine refreshment?

Reality

Just last week I received word from a good friend of mine who came out of his bedroom one morning and discovered his wife on the floor, dead from an apparent heart so attack.  His wife was in good health so this was something that was not expected; but it was a reality.  She was a believer in Christ and had accepted Jesus as her Savior years ago.  So, the assurance my friend has, based on his wife’s relationship with the Lord is that she is in heaven today.  This incident reminded me that all of us need to be ready to meet the Lord at any time.  That instant when our life here on earth is snuffed out, could happen when we least expect it.  However, those people who have a personal relationship with the Lord can be assured of heaven.  That is a reality.

Just last week I finished reading a book by Bob Ricker called Assured of Heaven.  How appropriate to be reminded that it is possible for us to have assurance of heaven and not just hope that all things work out for the best.  Listen to what the Living Bible says, “And now, dear brothers, I want you to know what happens to a Christian when he dies so that when it happens, you will not be full of sorrow, as those are who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and then came back to life again, we can also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him all the Christians who have died” (I Thessalonians 4:13-14).  The scripture also says, “For we know that when this tent we live in now is taken down—when we die and leave these bodies—we will have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes that will be ours forevermore, made for us by God himself and not by human hands” (II Corinthians 5:1).  Have you put your faith in Christ?  Are you ready to meet Him?  Do you have confidence that you will spend eternity in heaven?

A Lost Camera Lesson

During a recent trip to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World a camera was lost.  Not only was it lost – it was lost at night shortly before closing.  We prayed, “Lord, help us find the camera.”  With thousands of people in the park, where would a person begin to look?  The best choice was to check where we had been towards the end of the evening.  We retraced our steps, looked around the grounds, asked at the last ride we attended and checked at lost and found.  Nothing was found and our expectations were very low.  However, we were told to call Disney’s Lost and Found the next day with a description of what the camera looked like and approximately where we thought we may have lost it.  This was done, but still nothing.  “Well, that is lost” we said, “And it will probably never be found or was taken by someone else.  This may be an experience that can teach us a life lesson.”  The following day we decided to call lost and found one final time.  A smile appeared on our faces because the camera had been turned in.  It was available for us to retrieve it or they would ship it to us.  We rejoiced and voiced a “thank you” prayer to God.

We didn’t give up searching for that which was lost.  It had some value, but even more valuable was the picture content holding visual memories for years to come.  This reminds me of a parable that Jesus told his hearers about the lost sheep.  He said, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.  Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ (Luke 15:4-6).  Jesus compared this search by God to the salvation that is needed by each individual who turns to Him.  He continues by saying, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).  In all of this we can conclude that God feels that each person is valuable in God’s sight and has great worth.  When that individual who is lost is finally found, there is much rejoicing.

Love - An Action Word

Most people think of February in terms of Valentine's Day.  In your mind you may have thoughts of hearts, arrows, chocolates, or feelings of warmth and happiness.  However, one concept that stands head and shoulders above all others when it comes to February is love.  I’m not talking about those “fuzzy” feelings that we receive when we think of a family member or a friend.  I’m talking about love which is exhibited in action.  What is easier for you to do – to say to someone, “I love you” or, to take out the garbage?  Of course, it is easier to verbalize love.  We like to hear someone tell us that they love us because that makes us feel good.  But far more gratifying to us is to see someone show us love by going out of their way to do something for us.  That is because love is an action word.

Remember that often quoted Bible verse, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  How did God love us?  By telling us He loves us?  No.  By showing us that He loves us.  Notice the action word “gave” that is underlined in the verse above.  God loved us so much that He expressed His love through concrete action.  This thought is simply expressed in this verse: “This is love: not that we loved god, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (I John 4:10).  But that's not all there is.  The writer goes one step further to explain to us that we should use the example that God gave as a pattern for how we deal with others.  He says, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (I John 4:11).  Let’s make the entire month of February a month to show love to others – through our actions.  Here are two things you can do.  (1)    First, thank God for the love gift that He gave you in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Pray to God with a thankful heart for that wonderful love gift.  As you pray, mention at least six blessings you enjoy because of God’s love gift to you – forgiveness of sins, a wonderful thoughtful family, health, friends, or something else.  (2)    Second, utilize that pattern of love as an action word with one family member and one friend.  What can you do for them this month?  Give them a bouquet of flowers as an expression of thanks, or something else.  May God bless you as you make love an action – not just a feeling.

New and Old

How often have you heard the phrase “out with the old – in with the new”?  We so easily assume that the old is outdated and the new is much better.  For some things, that may be true.  For example, I would not want to bring back the old way of writing a letter – either by hand or with a typewriter.  The computer, with all its capabilities, will do just fine; thank you.  However, some old things are extremely valuable.  People expend time and energy and even lots of money to become the owner of a relic.  Scripture reminds us of the importance of the new.  Jesus said,  “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old” (Luke 5:36).

The Apostle Paul reminds us that when a person comes to Christ he or she is made new –“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (II Corinthians 5:17).  He also reminds us to “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). 

On the other hand, the Scriptures are very old but they are extremely valuable.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).   About God’s Word, the psalmist said, “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11).

We have entered the New Year so let’s make sure we “put off” or do away with only the old that does harm.  However, let’s also make sure that we “put on” that which edifies and builds us, and others up.

 

Too Early for Christmas?

“It’s too early for Christmas” I said as my wife and I walked through the department store in mid-September.  Yes, more than three months before Christmas does seem like it is way too early to begin displaying Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations and gifts.  And yet, that is exactly what is happening.  Retailers are stretching the season in order to bring more money into their coffers.  However, the more I thought about my original comment – about Christmas being too early – the more I am convinced that it is never too early for Christmas.  It may be too early  when thinking about retailing, but it is never too early for Christmas when thinking in terms of Christ.  The coming of Jesus into the world was not an event just for us to celebrate one time during the  year.  It is appropriate to celebrate His birth any time.  Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  The angel of the Lord told Joseph, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).  Salvation and abundant life are for you and me – for everyone –  and these are not restricted to December or the Christmas season.  In this sense Christmas is for any time -- all the time.  The Scripture says, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2).  You and I need to live like it’s Christmas every day of the year.

Time

Recently I completed reading the book “Frozen in Time” an historical account of the downing of World War II aircraft in Greenland.  It is an epic story of survival and a modern quest for solving the riddle of lost heroes in the Arctic ice.  It is a story of the courage of servicemen and women in the 1940s as well as the persistence of the recovery efforts by those in 2012.  Although the book was very interesting it made me think about the word “time.”  This word is used 888 times in the New International Version of the Bible.  As I was growing up I often heard the phrase “redeeming the time” from the King James Version (Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5).

 

I do like how the NIV translates these same verses – “making the most of every opportunity”.  Our time on this earth is called a life-time.  When I was young, a life-time seemed like a long protracted period.  However, as I grew older I realized that a life-time is quite short.  In reality it is crucial for all of us to do our best to make sure the time we have counts for Christ.  Jeremy Taylor said, “God hath given to man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this short time eternity depends.”  I believe that is the case, so we need to wisely use the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years that God gives us for things that will outlast us.  What is it that will outlast us?  The ministry of God’s word and the communication of eternal life through Christ.  How are you using your time?  Are you making the most of every opportunity for Christ?

Time to "Smell" Christmas

Shopping, gifts, trees, decorations, sound of the season music, program practice, snow and silver bells.  All of these things remind me of Christmas.  I dearly love Christmas; it is my favorite time of the year.  However, when I think of all of these Christmas-related events, I get overwhelmed with two words – “busy-ness” and “activity.”  Now to be busy and active is not bad; it is part of life.  But I am afraid that sometimes in our busy-ness and the hurry and scurry of Holiday activities, we tend to forget the real meaning of Christmas.

 
In an attempt to get people to take time to see things as they really are and to appreciate what is around them, the phrase, “take time to smell the roses” has been penned.  Maybe that is good advice for us this Christmas.  We need to “take time to smell Christmas.”  In other words, amid all the activities in which we are involved we need to take time to think about Jesus Christ, who is the real meaning of Christmas.  Here are a couple of ideas for your meditation and contemplation concerning the greatest Christmas gift that was ever given – the Lord Jesus.  Think about it.

• The angel of the Lord told Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son, “And you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
• An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and said, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

This year, I encourage you to take time to "smell" Christmas -- the real Christmas!.

Thanks Living

Thanksgiving is over.  Or is it?  Most people feel that on the annual Thanksgiving holiday they ought to be thankful, or at least show thanks in some specific way.  That is important, especially when we realize that the very word “thanksgiving” suggests the giving of thanks or making sure that we express our appreciation.  I’d like to suggest that as we look back to Thanksgiving that we let it remind us of one other thing – “thanks living.”  By that I mean that we should be so grateful and thankful to God for what He has done for us that we let that gratefulness show by the way we live our lives.  In the Bible, the Apostle Paul says this: "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (I Thessalonians 5:18).

When we give thanks in all circumstances we live in a thankful way.  By “thanks living” we show our appreciation for the personal freedom we enjoy in our country, including our religious freedom.  By “thanks living” we voluntarily submit ourselves to live according to the guidelines God reveals to us in His holy Word.  By “thanks living” we monitor the words that we say, so that those words are always encouraging and uplifting.  The significance of Thanksgiving cannot be underestimated – especially when we add to it our “thanks living.”  Will you join me in the transition from the Thanksgiving holiday Season to the Christmas holiday season by expressing thanks to God through not only the giving of thanks but by “thanks living?”

Tracking Progress

On a recent flight I enjoyed watching the “my flight” channel containing a moving map. This channel shows a number of different screens. First there is a screen giving all kinds of readings including current time, estimated time of arrival, local time at origin and destination, miles traveled, air temperature, ground speed, and distance traveled,. There is also a map of the land over which you are traveling with a small airplane icon showing the progress of the trip. Some people don’t pay much attention to these maps and information. Either they know where they are going, don’t care where they are going, or are not interested in seeing the progress that is made. However, as the plane begins to descend, everyone knows they will soon arrive and their destination and so they begin making preparation for arrival.

In life some people do not pay much attention to where they are going, let alone check their progress along the way. However, you often hear people comment about how the years seem to fly by. The older people are the more often this talk is heard.

Whether a person is 60, 70 or 80 years or more, times goes by very quickly. How do people know where they are going? How do they monitor their progress along the way? A quick look at the Bible will give information that puts all of this in perspective. Regarding the route a person takes Jesus reminds us – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Concerning the progress made along the way Scripture tells us we are to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16-16). Regarding the destination Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Are you aware of your destiny? What gate have you come through and what road are you on? Have you been tracking the progress to your destination? Turn to God’s Word. It’s a great tracking instrument.

The Right Source

A short time ago I was having difficulty with a computer program which was installed on my netbook.  I found myself checking out each of the tabs I found on the main menu of the program seeking a solution to my problem.  I even went into the help menu searching for assistance.  However, everything I tried did not address the problem.  Nothing worked.   Then, I decided I needed to go to an expert on computers, which happened to be my son.  I told him exactly what I wanted the program to do.  The expert made a few clicks on the mouse and in a matter of ten seconds or less the problem was solved.

The real difficulty was that I was trying to solve the problem by myself.  That was my first course of action.  I should have known better because I am not an expert when it comes to computers.  I should have gone to the right source immediately which would have alleviated my frustration.  This whole episode reminded me that the action I took was exactly that we so often do in life.  Instead of going to the right source immediately, we try to work things out on our own.

Living as a Christian often has its difficulties.  When difficult times come, our first action should be to go to the right source – to God, Himself.   In the Bible the psalmist found God’s help when he needed it.  He said, “O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me” (Psalm 30:2).  When Daniel the prophet faced difficulty he began “praying and asking God for help.” (Daniel 6:11).  These men took the correct action.  Scripture further reminds us that God said, “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help  you”  (Isaiah 41:13).  God is always ready to help us whatever our difficulty.  When we experience setbacks in life, let’s commit ourselves to go to the right source first.  Let’s forget about trying to fix the problem ourselves.  Let’s seek God and His direction and be ready to experience the Biblical solutions He has for life’s difficult dilemmas.