God Is Teaching, Are We Listening?

Good Morning!! At some point, we've all had to receive some difficult instruction, that made life better,...though hard to follow. No one I know, like to be told what to do, or not do for that matter. But the instruction that the writer here speaks of, is the godly way of true wisdom,...and therefore, is key to pleasing God. The writer observes elsewhere that the way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens to counsel is wise (12:15). While it is our natural tendency to become defensive, when counsel is offered for our life, it is only the fool who convinces himself that his own ideas are always best.

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.—Proverbs 8:33,35 (NIV)

Wisdom, is not knowing all the answers yourself, but hearing and implementing the wise and faithful counsel of God's Word. The one who finds genuine wisdom is walking in the favor of the Lord. So ask yourself; Is your life pleasing to the Lord? Are you listening and submitting to God's Word? Or are you refusing God's perfect and favorable ways for the foolishness of your own philosophy, ambition, and desire?

Don't just listen to instruction, but hear it! Apply it, don't refuse it, put it into practice through out your life,
...be wise.

Holy Spirit, don't allow us to fool ourselves. God speaks to us, through the people around us,...help us not only hear, but do. Amen.

"Genuine love is not just a feeling,...it's a decision to endure, even if others don't understand why."

 

Resist Strife, Submit Yourselves to God

Good Morning!! Grudges, petty differences, and personality clashes will tear at your church, just as it does personal relationships. They can even diminish your own love for the Lord, and His people,...as sides are picked, and strife in the church run free. Where do such body-breaking, unity-shredding difficulties come from? James answers rhetorically: the problems among you, come from problems within you. Wars in the church, as with wars in relationships, result from unsuccessful wars inside our soul, James says. The strife and tension comes because of our unchecked desire for personal gain and pleasure.

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?—James 4:1 (NIV)

Use James' answer sheet to check, yourself. Does the bitterness in your heart come from pure motives and a selfless spirit, or does it come from wanting to get your own way? Have your words sought to edify and build up others, or have they been tools to tweak your own agenda? The writer of Proverbs observes: "Only by pride cometh contention" (13:10), and James echoes that assessment. When we seek our own happiness and put ourselves first, the inevitable result is a clash with anyone who gets in our way. 

Regardless of what genuine offenses or real grievances you may have suffered, surrender your case to Christ, pray for those who have opposed or injured you, and refuse to be drawn into a war with others,...especially in the church.

Holy Spirit, help us to let go of any and all grudges and petty difference. Let nothing get in the way of our love of the Lord, or the people He's placed in our life. Amen.

"Genuine love is not just a feeling,...it's a decision to endure, even if others don't understand why." 

Serving Others, Without Judging

Good Morning!! The night before Jesus' horrible trial and crucifixion, he took time to eat supper with his disciples and instruct them one final time. But after supper, he got up from the table, took a towel, poured water in a basin, and began to wash his own disciples' feet! Even the disciples, who had watched Jesus touch lepers and heal cripples and eat with sinners, were unprepared for this parting command and example. As a matter of fact, Peter was so taken back at the sight, that he insisted Jesus would never wash his feet.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.—John 13:14 (NIV)

The idea of his Lord and Master bowing in front of him and performing this menial service was unthinkable. After Jesus had completed the task, He said to them; "if I, who am your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, there is no pride or repulsion that should keep you from the same service." This service of washing one another's feet is clearly,  symbolizing more than just kind words, or pats on the back,...it means a willingness to exhort and encourage, and to when necessary admonish one another toward a holy life,...and to receive such exhortations ourselves, needed. It means a willingness to get our hands dirty, if need be, in order to help one another.

So the question now is; Are you shocked and offended, or are you inspired,...by our Lord and Savior, rolling up His sleeves and bowing down, to serve others?

Holy Spirit, help us get to the point, where there is nothing that we would not give or do, to help or care for our fellow-man. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

"Genuine love is not just a feeling,...it's a decision to endure, even if others don't understand why."

Decision Making, Made Better

Good Morning!! Life is often very complicated. There is just so much that we have to contend with, day in and day out,...marriage decisions, family dynamics, academic ambitions, career choices,...and each issue of life, has its own unique challenges. However, Jesus spotlights for us the one overriding, all-encompassing priority for living, and buy doing so, simplifies the complicated decisions, considerably. Seek first the kingdom, Jesus says, not personal advancement, financial security, or self fulfillment. Should you call it quits? Should you accept this promotion? Seek first the kingdom. Where should you send your children to school? Seek first the kingdom. Should you pursue this new or old, relationship? Seek first the kingdom.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.—Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

While this directive does not provide the specific answer to every problem, it certainly does eliminate a great number of possible options. If it does not further the kingdom of God and reflect his righteousness, then it does not meet your basic criteria and need not be considered any further. When we single-mindedly seek the welfare of the kingdom, then Jesus promises that God will seek our welfare, as well: all these things will be added to you. What things are these? Everything that is necessary and good for you, everything that will assist you in your goal of advancing the kingdom of God.

As you face difficult and convoluted questions today, filter your thoughts and decisions through this all-important objective;
..."seek first the kingdom of God".

O' Lord, remind us that You, and Your Kingdom, should never every come next. Amen.

"Genuine love is not just a feeling,...it's a decision to endure, even if others don't understand why."