Many years ago, my mom told me about a visitor from Romania. When the visitor went to the grocery store and saw the huge array of fresh fruit and vegetables, she burst into tears.
Fresh fruit and vegetables were in short supply in her country. Seeing such abundance was overwhelming.
When was the last time?
When was the last time you were awed at the choices available to you in the grocery store? When was the last time you deliberately gave God thanks?
We have so much, and we tend to expect those riches. “Plenty” has become “normal.” However, abundance is a gift, not an entitlement.
Be intentionally grateful
Take a moment and look around wherever you are. Give God thanks for your situation, and what is available to you. Be intentionally grateful.
In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for [your name] in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18. See also, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:16-17, Hebrews 13:15)
The challenge
I am sitting in a beautiful spot, looking out at the water, hoping to see a dolphin. The refrigerator/freezer is running and has quality food inside. The house is dry, my computer is behaving, the TV works… and on and on.
Am I going to grumble because I don’t see dolphins? Or am I going to stop what I’m doing and give thanks to God for His many blessings?
How about you? What are you grateful for right this minute? What should you be grateful for?
The challenge to myself, and to you: Be intentionally grateful.
Since we were very young, we were told: “Look both ways!” That’s a basic safety drill to assure we can safely cross streets.
But it’s often fatal from a spiritual perspective.
If we look to God and we look to ourselves, if then we act on our own, we can easily get run over.
Don’t Look Both Ways
Think about the disaster stemming from ten of the twelve Israeli spies looking both ways.
Twelve were sent to spy out the Promised Land. They came back with a single cluster of grapes carried on a pole between two men. (Numbers 13:23) They agreed the land flowed with milk and honey. (Numbers 13:27)
Those are facts.
Ten of the twelve also said:
the people who live in the land are strong,
and the cities are fortified and very large;
and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. (Numbers 13:28)
and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight,
and so we were in their sight. (Numbers 13:33)
EEK!
Ten of the spies concluded:
“We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.” (Numbers 13:31)
And they criticized the Lord:
Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt? (Numbers 14:3)
So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.” (Numbers 14:4)
Those ten saw the land through their own fears rather than through the Lord’s promises.
Two of the twelve, Caleb and Joshua, on the other hand, relied on the Lord’s promises:
“Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.”” (Numbers 13:30)
and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us—a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” (Numbers 14:7–9)
The Lord had His say as well:
“The Lord said to Moses, “How long will this people spurn Me? And how long will they not believe in Me, despite all the signs which I have performed in their midst?” (Numbers 14:11)
Only Caleb and Joshua and those under 20 entered the Promised Land—40 years later.
Do you look both ways?
Suppose you are in a scary situation. You know what the Lord has said, what He has promised, what He wants you to do. But you also look at it with your own understanding and experience.
Who do you believe? Yourself? The Lord?
Do you choose to act on your own interpretation? Or do you choose to trust in the Lord’s promises?
It’s not easy. We must be determined to look to Him instead of ourselves. We must set our hearts and minds on trusting Him. With practice, we get better at this.
If we look both ways, if we act on our own interpretation, if we head off without the Lord, disaster awaits.
We have been warned. But the Lord has also equipped us to handle it (for example, 2 Peter 1:3).
When you’re sick, sometimes your physician treats the symptoms, and sometimes he or she diagnoses and treats the underlying condition.
For most viral illnesses, for example, the appropriate action is to reduce the signs and symptoms of the illness, for example, addressing fever or muscle pain, since current medicine doesn’t treat the underlying problem.
Sometimes, though, treating only the symptoms and not the underlying illness results in masking the real problem, leading to greater health problems, or even death.
The Spiritual Counterpart
We sin because we are Sinners. Our sins (lower case “s”) are symptoms of a fatal disease: Sin (upper case “S”), our rebellion against God.
It is unfortunately possible to feel good about improving your behavior without addressing the fatal, underlying, condition of Sin.
In our own strength we can “improve,” becoming more moral, appearing more Christian, but not actually becoming a Christ-follower.
The Moral Non-Believer
There are many people in the pews who are not saved, but appear to be upstanding Christians. They have worked on their sins, but have not turned to Christ to deal with their Sin, their underlying rebellion against God. They are whitewashed tombs.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27)
Because they consider themselves moral, they’re apt to believe they don’t need the Lord. They are terminally ill, but don’t know it. (See Matthew 12:43-45 and 2 Peter 2:20-22)
And Jesus did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repent. (Luke 5:32)
Symptom or Fatal Disease?
Be sensitive to “sins” and “Sin” when you talk with others. Is the person a believer who wants to live more according to the Spirit? Or is the person not saved, but wants to reform his or her behavior?
If they are Christian, the Holy Spirit has been working in them to convict them. You may want to concur with their concern, deepen their determination to flee from their pattern of sin, exhort them to live in the Spirit, and forsake the flesh. You may want to give them resources to help.
If they are not Christian, their pattern of sin is a symptom of a fatal disease: rebellion against Almighty God. You need to agree they have a problem, but, instead of helping them solve the specific issue, try to turn them to God. Lead them to Christ. (See Becoming a Child of God.)
If you deal just with their concern about a specific pattern of sin (sin, lower case “s”), you’re working with them on the symptom, but not dealing with the disease (Sin, upper case “S”) that will result in eternal death. The danger is that if you allow them to focus on the specific sin, and not the underlying disease, you’ll leave them worse off.
Help them see they have a fatal disease. Show them the Lord.
Are you going through a hard time? The more difficult your circumstances, the longer your situation seems to last.
It’s Not Forever, Just Until
But, for the child of God, whatever you are going through is not forever. It is just “until.”
Your situation might be temporary until the Lord is finished working on you or others through your circumstances, or until He readies you and the world around you so you can move on.
Your situation might be permanent in this world, but it will last only until the Lord takes you home.
Whether you are in a temporary or a permanent spot, there is an end.
Examples of “Until” Times
Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matthew 13:30)
And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel. (Luke 1:80)
Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)
The Lord Uses Your “Until” Times
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Your temporary situation will be used by God for good, making you more like Christ and bringing glory to God. Determine to trust Him. Determine to tell others of His faithfulness.
A situation that is permanent in this world, for example, disability or terminal illness for yourself or a loved one, will be used by God for good, making you more like Christ and bringing glory to God. Determine to trust Him. Determine to tell others of His faithfulness. (Yes, I know I repeated myself!)
Recognize your situation is not forever, just until. As a child of God, you have hope, knowing He is your loving sovereign and keeps you in His sight. And you know glory awaits when He takes you home to be with Him.
Living in the “Until” Times
Until the Lord acts, be faithful.
Keep your eyes on Him.
Know it is not forever, just until.
Know Almighty God is with you and for you.
Know that your situation gives you opportunities to tell others of His glory.
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)
Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. (Revelation 2:25)
I’m a helper, most fulfilled when I can assist others in solving their problems, and reaching their goals.
But I cannot always help, even when I want to.
Ouch.
When a Helper Cannot Help
Sometimes I am not equipped to help, lacking wisdom, ability, or resources.
Sometimes the person doesn’t want my help.
Sometimes the person doesn’t think they need my help.
Sometimes the person wants a different type of help. Even, maybe, something I, in my wisdom, don’t think will help.
Watch Out For Pride
Watch out here for pride. Sometimes a problem is obvious to me. Sometimes a solution is obvious to me. But I may well be wrong. Maybe the person will accept a different type of help. Or maybe the person will accept help from a different person. Be humble. Be alert.
She Did What She Could
She has done what she could. (Mark 14:8)
We cannot fix everything, even with the talents and gifts God gave us. But we can do what we can.
For those who don’t want help, who may not think they need help, there are still things we can do.
Fundamentally, of course, we should pray.
We can keep the door open, just in case the person wants help later.
We can alert those who are charged to help, including, sometimes, the police.
We can also help those who help others, strengthening their ability to respond when people are ready for some kind of help.
And, with the Lord’s help, we can increase our skills.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
In the photo, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s 920 feet away from this end of the tunnel, and you may have to hunt for it. But it’s there. And that is true, also, for those in trouble. Do what you can, but, especially, pray.
Year End Guarantee
I absolutely can guarantee something for Year End 2016.
You—and I—WILL be more like Christ on December 31, 2016, than we are right now.
Guar-an-TEED!
Why am I so sure?
God tells us so
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)
What will happen in 2016
- During 2016 God will keep working on, and in, believers. He is doing a good work in us.
- During 2016 God will work in us so we want to do His will, and so we actually do His will.
- What happens in 2016 will be used by God to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ.
- God will make progress in us during 2016!
We will be more like Christ at year end!
Guaranteed!
(I’m so excited!)
Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most.
Ha-ha.
Seriously, where is your mind?
We are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Here’s how
(Listen up, Kristin)
#1 Make up your mind to think aright
Make a firm commitment to bring your “thought-life” in line with the Word of God. Settle your commitment so that you can rely on your determination when you’re tempted to think otherwise.
“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food…” (Daniel 1:8)
#2 Set your mind on
God’s interests. (Mark 8:33)
On the things of the Spirit. “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,” (Romans 8:5–7)
On things above. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
#3 Things to think about
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
#4 Do you hear what you’re thinking? Be mindful of your mind.
If your mind has strayed, bring it back to God’s interests, and dwell on…
Check yourself:
Do you often think about what is wrong with the world, your family and friends, yourself?
Do you grumble?
Do you fantasize about ungodly things and actions? Don’t think that is okay! (Matthew 5:27–28)
Once you notice you’re not thinking correctly,
Stop yourself,
Remember your commitment,
Choose to think aright.
Substitute gratitude for grumbles.
Substitute truth for lies.
#5 Pray for a godly, focused mind
Ask God to open your mind to His Word “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,” (Luke 24:45)
Ask God to renew your mind, transforming you. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2) (Also see Ephesians 4:23–24)
Ask God to recall to your mind His ways, His deeds, His love, and His faithfulness. “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21–23)
#6 Remember
We have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
#7 There are rewards
Those who are steadfast of mind will have perfect peace.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
If you make New Year’s resolutions, should this be on your list?
It’s 2016! Happy new year!
What are the right questions?
What questions should we ask ourselves as we bring one year to a close and begin the next?
For many years, I’ve tried to take stock. How did I do in the year coming to a close? [And there is another, separate, work to actually bring the year to a close through forgiveness, thanksgiving, grieving, and celebrating.] What should I be doing in the coming year? What does the Lord want more of? Less of?
I’ve had a variety of methods, and asked myself lots of different questions. This exercise worked better some years than others.
I think I’ve often been too superficial; Sometimes, too black and white; Sometimes too critical, discounting my Lord’s love.
Assess through eyes of faith
It is crucial to assess the year coming to a close through eyes of faith:
God loves you and me. (John 3:16 and many, many more.)
God is working in us to want to do His will and to actually do His will. (Philippians 1:6)
We are to work hard to apply our faith in this troubled world. (Philippians 2:12)
Look for growth
Our assessment of ourselves should look for growth, not expecting perfection.
If you go through some sort of assessment at year-end, be sure first to pray. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind what you need to hear.
All Christians have the same top-level goals. Here are some questions to consider (and other questions will come to mind):
Compared to last year, did I better love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength? (Mark 12:30)
In daily life, how did I show my faith in almighty God?
Compared to last year, did I better love my neighbors as myself? (Mark 12:31)
During 2015, did I grow in the fruits of the Spirit (patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)? (Galatians 5:22-23)
My answers:
From an “absolutes” perspective, “of course not.” But, there are times and areas where I’ve grown, and times and areas where I’ve lagged. Detailed thinking is helpful, I believe.
Looking forward
Starting from your assessment of 2015, what do you want to do differently in order to have better answers for those questions a year from now?
Those answers probably give you some shorter-term goals and projects that will help you do better in 2016.
Remember to keep God first, not your goals and projects. It is all about Him.
Happy New Year!
There was coal in my stocking!
I’ve been naughty. Right?
Actually, receiving coal was funny, but it did provoke a serious question.
Does God Give Bad Gifts?
Does God give His children, believers in Christ, coal? Does God give bad gifts to His own?
Nope.
““If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11)
The Father gave us (believers) His Son. How will He not give us all things?
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
God’s Gifts
Jesus Christ
“Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”” (John 4:10)
The Holy Spirit
“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Justification
“…being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;” (Romans 3:24)
Eternal Life
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
And wait! There’s more! (Make your own list.)
Discipline
Of course, He does discipline us to make us more godly, to make us more like Christ.
Discipline is a gift!
“‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19)
He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:10–11)
What To Do With “Coal”
Sometimes, God’s best gifts look grim.
Remember, He is our Father, loves us from everlasting to everlasting, and equips us for heaven.
Everything from His hand, the apparent good and the apparent bad, will be used for good.
When I unwrapped the “coal” in my stocking, inside the wrappers were chocolates.
And, yes, the chocolates were yummy.
Look beyond the appearance of the “bad gift,” know your Father loves you, and trust Him to use that “gift” for good. (Romans 8:28)
photo: Nasa.gov
Revelation gives us another view of Christ’s nativity. No sweet Christmas music here. Instead, think “Jaws,” and then music accompanying a fierce battle scene.
War in Ages Past
“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.
“Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.
Christmas and Easter
“And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne…
War in the Present
“And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon…And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him…
“And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child…
“[And] the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 12:1–17)
War!
The battle began in ages past and will continue until the devil and his supporters are thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:10)
Christmas is a time for gratitude:
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
God sent His Son to save us from our sins. If we believe in Christ and He whom sent Him, we become children of God (our own nativity!) and have eternal life. (See, for example, John 1:12; John 3:16; John 4:24)
Christmas is also a time to take stock:
We are in a fierce battle.
We are part of Christ’s army (See You’re In Christ’s Army Now).
Let’s stay alert and be faithful.
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When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready?
When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready? helps Christians not fear bad news, shows them how to handle current trouble, and helps them emerge stronger on the other side.
About me
I'm a Christian, wife, retiree, and author.
I love studying and putting knowledge into action. I'll share what I'm learning, encourage you, and urge all of us to press on to become more like Christ.
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