Be a Burden-Bearer

As uncommon as it is these days, I find it particularly refreshing when I see a man (young or old) open a door  for or give up his seat for a lady. Those acts of chivalry are just too rare these days! As Believers, we are commanded to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). To "bear" means to take upon oneself, to carry, support or uphold. The "law of Christ" is the new commandment Jesus gave us in John 13:34 - "that you love one another, just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." If we are not bearing with one who is hurting or suffering, we are being negligent and disobedient. We do not have to look far to find someone in our church, community, neighborhood, workplace or circle of influence that needs a burden-bearer. Interestingly, when we begin to walk alongside one in need, we soon discover a sharer in our own burdens as well. Let's do what God has commanded and fulfill the law of Christ - someone near us really need us to ... be a burden-bearer.

Enjoy God

Enjoyment is defined countless ways: some enjoy loud-busy places - others peaceful-quiet places; some enjoy their pizza loaded - others fairly plain; some enjoy wild-thrilling roller coasters - others the gentle-slow move of the merry-go-round. How do Believers "enjoy" God? Perhaps you've never really considered it, however, relationships are made to be enjoyed. Maybe our best lesson in this matter comes by contrast, i.e. those relationships in our lives that are ... not enjoyable! Consider God's instructions to Believers: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8). I suggest when we embrace and live by what is honorable, pure, loving, approved, excellent and praiseworthy according to God and His Word - well, we're enjoying God! Like in any enjoyable relationship, there is a commonness with Him. When we are resolute in the characteristics of The Father, we are consoled (comforted, cheered, soothed, encouraged) in Christ Jesus; the relationship is enjoyed "by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:1-2). Truly, this is enjoyment at its very best! Enjoy God!

Take It Up!

What hobby have you wanted to "take-up?" I've always wanted to take-up playing the harmonica; I have played the piano for 50+ years, but it's hard to slip a piano into your pocketbook! Jesus used this phrase "take up" - "Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me'" (Matthew 16:24). My desire to take-up playing the harmonica may be a noble thing but in doing so, I would not be denying myself, which Jesus says is a prerequisite to follow Him. In doing so, Believers should "prepare themselves for a life that is hard, laborious, troubled, and full of many various kinds of evil" (A Little Book on the Christian Life, John Calvin). Consider both the physical and spiritual cross Jesus took-up for us to Calvary. There should, therefore, be no surprise we [too as His followers] do likewise! And, yes, it will  most certainly demand a denying of ourselves. We have this promise: "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3). Taking-up a hobby can be fun and rewarding ... so it is when we take-up whatever cross we must to obediently follow Christ. In fact, there be no other way we realize the sweetest of fellowship with The Father. As Believers, there is a cross before each of us ... take it up!

No Hesitation

Hesitation is an interesting consideration. When making a decision, a strategic pause may be the wisest first move. In contrast, even the slightest hesitancy can be life-threatening. God said, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring" (Proverbs 27:1, AMP). The Apostle Paul presented The Gospel to Felix (Roman Governor) and he responded: As he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, 'Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.'" (Acts 24:25, ESV). Scripture speaks of no further-later "opportunity" for Felix ... his hesitation may have resulted in a fatal cost to his soul. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV). While good resources, clocks and calendars may hinder obedience to the voice of God in our lives, which always demands obedience ... without hesitation. Whatever our hand finds to do, let us do it with all our might (Ecclesiastes 9:10) and ... no hesitation!

Dare to Climb

Not one of mine, but a favorite pastime for some is hiking. The best climbing I do is out of the bed each morning, and I find myself truly grateful for that accomplishment! The spiritual growth of a follower of Jesus can be paralleled to that of a climber. From the foot of a mountain, the climber's view is pretty limited; when he begins the ascent, however, oh at the things revealed and enjoyed. There is so much God longs to reveal to His children! "Put Me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need" (Malachi 3:10). When we dare to climb to spiritual heights, we are never disappointed - we find God to be more than imagined! Paul, an old man in prison, wrote this: "I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me" (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul knew The One in Whom he had trusted the days of his life; he was, therefore, convinced and confidently so; he knew God was altogether able and trustworthy. How did he know? Paul wasn't satisfied to stand at the foot of the mountain - no! he dared to climb and watch God grow his faith. Are we willing to stand still spiritually, sit gazing upward, missing so much? Don't be content at the foor of the mountain ... dare to climb!

Live Rescued!

We used to sing, “how much is that doggie in the window – I do hope that doggie’s for sale.” It’s common now to get a pet from an animal shelter - that is, "rescue" an animal. It’s actually a remarkable concept – rescuing an oft-abandoned animal from cold, heat, hunger, neglect. Such is The Gospel of Christ: God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from sin, death and eternal condemnation. The Believer is once redeemed (justified, saved) yet God doesn’t leave us there; He knows well how desperately we need rescuing from daily struggles with sin. “I still need to be rescued from me because as long as sin remains, I’ll be driven to desire, think, say, and do what God names as evil.” (Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies). Immensely more than the rescued animal taken in by someone who cares, God rescues daily His children (Believers) who look to His rescuing (saving) Grace to overcome sin and live life in the Light of Christ and Power of The Holy Spirit. Consider right now whether you are among those rescued and being rescued every moment of every day. Live life rescued!

Watch Your Step

Our former house was built in the 80s and it was particularly trendy to have a sunken living room. At the time, I was so excited about it - the older me ... not so much. I found myself telling guests, "watch your step" as Mister Bill and I also stepped very carefully! Paul urges Believers at Ephesus to imitate God - copy Him, follow His example by walking "continually in love [that is, value one another - practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others] just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us." (Ephesians 5:2, AMP). To "watch" means to observe intently not just as a spectator but observe intently so you can imitate Christ. Paul isn't calling Believers to a spectator sport; no! we are to walk in the same way Jesus walked. Galatians 5:16 says, we are empowered to do so as we "walk by The Spirit," which leads to a self-less lifestyle practicing God's Love toward others. By the way, walking in such a way demands diligence - constant and earnest effort! Mister Bill and I learned to pay attention to that drop-off into the living room. Believers [too] should carefully watch their step - may it always be in-step with Christ!

Spread It!

There are [basically] four things the tongue can taste: sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Some "tastes" make the tongue scream for more while others the tongue says, "nope, not in here!" The psalmist gives us the most challenging yet rewarding taste-test of all: "Oh, taste and see that The LORD is good!" (Psalm 34:8). There's no guess-work involved here; that is, no wondering whether the taste will be pleasing or not. We know that The LORD is good and that His steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 100:5). Those who have tasted of His Goodness want more of Him! Hebrews 6:4-6 tells us that "those who have tasted His Goodness will long to be restored to it. Also, those who have tasted and embraced God's Goodness cannot contain its blessed sweetness, which is why Paul encourages Believers to spread the "fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere" (2 Corinthians 2:14). I diffuse essential oils into the air here at home to improve the air quality for Mister Bill and I. Much like that diffuser, every Believers should be "little diffusers" because we are the aroma of Christ to God to others - both other Believers and non-Believers (2 Corinthians 2:15). Don't you see how important it is we taste-and-see-to-know the Goodness of God: it ignites the spiritual diffuser. God is Good ... taste it - see it - know it - spread it!

Go-Tell

It's actually a good thing when we recognize things we are not good at. For me, I'm not good at gardening or crafting. That's not to say, however, I could not be taught these things - that is, if I were interested. You know, there are things God expects of us in which - if we are honest - we have little-to-no interest. Listen to Paul ans he identifies himself: "Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God's chosen ones and [to lead and encourage them to recognize and pursue] the knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness." (Titus 1:1, AMP). Can't you just hear his confidence of purpose! Of course, God's call on each life is different; He calls some as apostles, pastors, teachers, etc. (Ephesians 4:11). Those special callings do not, however, excuse Believers from doing what they are called to do! First, God has called every Believer to holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Best way to do that is to live-out Godly truth before others. Jesus said, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15). Among Believers, there actually may be few who will be called to stand behind a podium to preach or teach, engaging the masses, but God has given this go-tell mandate to every Believer. I may get-away-with being disinterested in becoming a gardener or a crafter, but never - under any circumstances - does God excuse me (or you) from being His witness. If you think you're not "good at it," well ... it's not an option - get busy and get good at it!

See Him

Think back to when you first saw someone you loved after an extended absence. Typically, we're overcome with excitement and non-stop conversation - nothing else has our attention. Matthew tells of the disciples being in a boat during a terrible storm on the Sea of Galilee when they saw Jesus coming toward them on the water: "And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus." (Matthew 14:29, ESV). Bold and brave move, Peter! Read what happened next: "But seeing the wind, he became frightened. and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!'" (V.30). Quite simply: Peter lost his focus. Yeah, life is much like that: relationships, finances, careers, obligations, etc. Oswald Chambers speaks of "self-consideration" - the shift from all-eyes-on-Jesus to personal circumstances and to navigate them. Jesus immediately responded to Peter's self-concern [that is, his sinking], "Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, 'why did you doubt?'" (V.31). Perhaps you're in a storm right now and the ferocity and turbulence has averted your heart and mind from the only trustworthy Deliverance. Isaiah wrote, "The LORD waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you" (Isaiah 30:18, AMP). Kudos to Peter for boldly getting out of the boat but he knew [in his trouble] to call out to The Savior. Peter's bold move should challenge and encourage us to see Jesus and be drawn to Him. Let's fix our eyes on Christ in and out of life's storms. He is faithful and true ... see Him.

The Good

"Life is good" is a good slogan, catch-phrase, and thought; those who embrace the concept usually have a great attitude, a superior outlook. Paul David Tripp warns us: "God is unwilling to be your means to what you call the 'good life.'" While we may wish to see the tail-end of some circumstances-situations-relationships, Believers must be cautious of the "fast boat" to glory! When Jesus said "I am The Truth, and The Way, and The Life," He really did mean "no one comes to The Father except through Me." (John 14:6). Consider the shallowness of Joseph's prayer had it been: "Lord, just get me out of this prison, if you'll just change my circumstances, I know I'll be happy and content." Instead, Joseph humbly accepted God's Sovereignty over his life, confident of God's love for him and plan for his good. That slogan may read-well and sell lots of stuff but do not be deceived: there is good and there is Good! Believers must acknowledge our Greatest Good is God Himself. God told Abraham "I am your Great Reward!" (Genesis 15:1). Go ahead, embrace "life is good" because life is good - it is Good because God is Good and His Goodness is The Good worth embracing!

Get Real!

The younger me recalls the phrase "get real" which called someone to look at things realistically. What I see-hear-read today makes me question this culture's sense of reality! Scripture reminds Believers there's really only one way to confidently know reality: "A natural man does not accept the things of The Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14). The natural man (non-Believer) is at great disadvantage because he sees and hears without the ability to discern (examine, interpret) the reality of things. There is also great danger, however, for Believers who neglect to acknowledge the spiritual realm with its powerful and threatening forces. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against ... the spiritual forces of evil." (Ephesians 6:12). Ultimately, Believers must be alert and firmly centered in Real Truth: "For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). Yes, I do encourage Believers to "get real," based solely in Real Reality as discovered and discerned according to Real Truth. Get real!

Lay 'Em Down

One of the games my boys played many years ago was a game called "Civilization;" the object being to actually built a civilization from scratch. All the thinking-through of intellectual, cultural and material development including the progression of arts and sciences as well as the political complexities ... well, it made me wonder why their school grades weren't better! In his book, My Heart Cries Out, Paul David Tripp writes: "I wish I would live with You in view ... But I want my own kingdom. I love my own glory. I define my own meaning. I delight in my control." Those words are what made me recall the game the boys enjoyed - and so do I enjoy this life I foolishly deem "my own." The good diligence with which Believers attend to good health, financial security, building strong relationships, etc. is commendable yet it is undeniable we cannot secure our next breath. All is outside of us, and Tripp rightly concludes: "I know that You are God, and I am not." The continuous restlessness and the skirmish between self-sovereignty and surrender will never cease until we learn to set aside the building and management efforts of our own lives. "We who believe [that is, we who personally trust and confidently rely on God] enter that rest [so we have His inner peace now because we are confident in our salvation, and assured of His power], just as He has said." (Hebrews 4:3, AMP). As Believers, we now rest completely and assuredly in Christ and His finished work. Do you know what a relief it is to lay down those building plans and tools? If not ... lay 'em down and rest.

Rightful Place

Whether we deserved it or not, most of us at one time or another have been put in our place ... so to speak. That unexpected moment when someone boldly and candidly expressed themselves and ... that was that! I dare say most Believers need a good puttin' in our rightful spiritual place. How casually we go through life ruling our lives by our own strength and intellect. We forget four profound words that should make us sit-up and take notice: "In the beginning God" (Genesis 1:1). That is, Elohim - The Almighty, The Creator - the uncreated, self-existent One ... and, we're not Him! No, we frail and weak dust-types need help! We were not created to be self-sufficient nor live independently of The All-Sufficient One. We were made to live within God's boundaries and His Grace. When we bow in prayer, we acknowledge there is One greater than us, One more powerful and One Who loves greater and deeper - and that love is directed toward you and me. I suggest each of us needs this reminder as we trade our hopes and dreams daily for God's rich and abundant Grace. We need to be in our ... rightful place.

Ancient Markers

If you own property, you may have something that marks your property lines - a stake driven into the ground or a fence. I read a century-old property description that said the line was 5 steps east, 7 steps north from an old crooked oak tree! Proverbs 22:28 (AMP) says, "Do not move the ancient landmark which your fathers have set." In the land which God gave to the Israelites, He gave each tribe specific parcels of land with specific boundaries - how wonderful God is so orderly ("God is not a God of confusion but of peace" 1 Corinthians 14:33). Dr. J. Vernon McGee gave a relevant commentary on this verse as it pertains to the culture in which we live: "Today we have seen the landmarks of the Christian faith removed. They have been removed by what was first called modernism, and now is called liberalism." I agree with Dr. McGee; what many have deemed ancient and irrelevant has been replaced with more trending ideas, philosophies and doctrines. I conclude with Dr. McGee that "we need to get back to the good old landmarks which our nation had at the beginning." God tells us in His Word - Jeremiah 6:16 ... "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." We may joke about ancient things - rotary telephones, dirt roads, pencil and paper - but those things served us well. "Thus says The Lord" never goes out-of-date nor is it ever ineffective. We need those "ancient markers" in our world, our country, our communities, our churches and it begins in the hearts of God's people!

A Good Name

Everybody has a name. Some names are long, others are short; some people like their name while others wish their parents had chosen differently. While there are legal means to change your name, most of us are content to be called what we're called. God says, "A good name is more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold." (Proverbs 22:1). The good name God is referring to isn't the name your parents gave you. Among King David's mighty men was a man named Benaiah who proved n himself loyal and courageous to his king (2 Samuel 23:20-23); then one of my personal New Testament favorites is Onesiphorus whom Paul said refreshed him often (2 Timothy 1:16). Mister Bill has often [humorously] introduced himself as "Beverly's husband" - it seems perfectly appropriate that every Believer be known as, identified as "Christ's child." A name and title earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity. A Believer's characteristics should closely align with the attributes of Jesus. And, like it or not, we are named by those who know us based on our relationship with and obedience to Christ ... or not. Consider your name; make sure it's one of great value ... a good name!

The Conversation

What's your favorite conversation-starter? Perhaps it's the weather or the kids or work; here in the south, a good one is "how's ya momma'n'em?" In Acts 3, we read how in the power of God, Peter and John healed a crippled man who immediately began praising God. Now, that's a conversation-starter, one which Peter and John used to speak boldly about Jesus Christ. How is it we find ourselves so speechless when it comes to sharing about Jesus with others? Maybe the problem is we fail to actually see Jesus as "good news." In that same story, we read not everyone was so happy about the healing and about the news of Jesus; Peter and John were actually thrown into prison for their preaching. I wonder how many family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances will miss hearing of and knowing Jesus because I have failed to share Him as The Good News that He is. We eagerly and easily talk about so many things yet choke, stutter and clam-up when it comes to speaking about The One Who gave His very life to rescue us from death. It's senseless and shameful. I suspect all of us will be in conversation with someone tomorrow ... will that conversation include Jesus? Make it happen!

Greatest Trade

Wouldn't it be great if we had a heads-up when trouble is coming? Like preparing for a storm, we would have time to board up windows, secure outside furniture, etc. News flash: that's rarely how life works! Mere hours before His arrest, Jesus said to His disciples: "'Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.'" (John 16:L32-33, AMP). That word "tribulation" literally means "pressure" - a warning to Jesus' followers that they would be afflicted and distressed by pressing troubles. If that sounds familiar, well ... it should! The full humanity of The Savior is crucial to our our spiritual lives. Jesus not only suffered the horrors of the cross, He knew well the pressures of life: rejection and betrayal, grief and sorrow, loneliness and abandonment. Yes, He faced the same storms we do and conquered them all. As Shane and Shane sing, "I'm fighting a battle You've already won!" Believers need not spend their days in a pressure-cooker; no! Christ gives His Peace.  However life is pressing you right now, give Him your pressures and take His Peace ... it's the greatest trade!

A Blessed Life

Blessings - they're all around us and they come in varied forms. Mister Bill's words remind me that sometimes we really do cause our own blessings. That is, things we wish-for [maybe even pray-for] as well as the choices we make are far from what we would call "blessings." God says, "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!" (Psalm 1:1, NASB). Happy (blessed and favored by God) will be the person who chooses a righteous path forward. God states the alternative: "But his delight is in the law of The LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night" (V.2). Yes, simply put: much of life begins with good choices. I suggest one of Satan's most effective strategies is the temptation to live in-the-moment, putting before us self-gratification ... "I see it, I want it and I want it right now." That feel-good-right-now mentality will notoriously lead us in a direction away from what is good, holy, righteous and lasting. The person who sees through the allure and enticement of right-now, God says, "He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers" (V.3). That's what I want: a spiritual life firmly planted, well-watered, fruitful, ever green and prosperous ... a blessed life!

The Way to Live

There are snacks I do not care to share. Yes, I know we learned to share at any early age; nonetheless, it's true. The same can me said of non-tangibles; things such as time, kindness, mercy, etc. God makes this offer: "Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy grain and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost [simply accept it as a gift from God] ... Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me; hear, so that your soul may live." (Isaiah 55:1-3, AMP). Free stuff - don't we love it! Yes, God freely gives and we delight in Who He is - a Good and Gracious Father! How is it [then] our open and receiving hands and hearts become so closed and tight-fisted toward others? You know it's true - we stutter-and-stumble to extend that same gracious Goodness to others!  We limit and reduce God's good-flow through us based in part on how well others have "earned" it although we have earned nothing of God's Goodness ourselves! It resembles someone unwilling to share their favorite snacks, huh? The LORD says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways ... For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" (V.8-9). Oh how very much God's thoughts need to become our own, His ways become our ways. Truly, it's ... the way to live!