Stumble?  Me?

Mark 9:2

But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

I think we have probably said that we would never cause a child to stumble.  That would just be so wrong.  And then, “stumbles” start to creep in and we don’t notice it at first. 

Children get their values and beliefs from what they see modeled at home.  They may forget what we say but they will most likely remember what they see.  What are our children or grandchildren seeing?

1) The sign says children 12 and under get in free.  Our child is 13 – what do we tell our child to say if they ask his/her age?  Do we tell them to give a younger age?  (cheat)

2)  We bring home a couple of pens or a pad from the office – did we pay for them?  (steal)

3) The phone rings – we say “tell whoever it is that I am not home”.  (lie)

4) The neighbor gets a really nice expensive car – do we say or even think, “I would really love to have that car”?  (covet)

5)  When things don’t go right, do we use the name of Jesus to express our frustration? (saying the Lord’s name in vain)

6)  Chances are none of us have murdered anyone – but what are our thoughts when it comes to someone that we are angry with?  (committing murder)

7)  We say that we are a Christian but then we dabble with palm readers, horoscopes, Ouija boards “just for fun” to see what it says.  (having idols)

Are we perfect?  Nope.  Not yet.  But we need to be careful when it comes to living out what we preach.  If our actions don’t line up with our words, what do you think our children will remember?  What can we do? 

1)  If the sign says children 12 and under get in free and our child is 13 – we pay the admission fee.

2)  We leave the pens and pads at work – we go to Dollar Tree and buy a couple.

3)  If we don’t want to be interrupted by phone calls, we can put our phone on “silent”. 

4)  We can admire the neighbor’s car without coveting.  Being thankful for the car that we have is a great witness to our children. 

5)  We can remember that Jesus is holy and so is His name.

6)  We can pray for those that have angered us.

7)  We need to look to Jesus only.

OK, so maybe we have stumbled a bit.  Confess it to God and He will forgive.  It’s that easy!  We can pray for help to change whatever our behavior is that could cause a child to stumble.  Children are important to Jesus and we have His standards to help us guide and direct them on the right path.  Even if our parents did not do that for us, we can still do it or our children.  The buck stops here!   

Remember:
Philippians 4:13  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

 

 

Who am I?

Have you ever wondered about your life?  Why am I here?  What am I doing?  Am I making a difference?  Is there something else I should be doing?  Who am I?  I think we all question ourselves at some point in our lives.  Maybe these answers will help:

Why am I here?  God thought the world needed someone like you.

Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;  Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Psalm 139:14 - I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

God knows us and He knew us before we were even born.  Think about that for a minute.  The King of heaven and earth chose you to be born. 

What am I doing?

Matthew 6:19-20 - Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Are we laying up treasures in heaven or accumulating stuff on earth?  Is getting ahead all we think about?

 

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Think about it – we can do ALL things.  What is it that you would like to do?  When we have Jesus, we can do all things!

Am I making a difference?  That all depends on what you are doing.  If we are laying up treasures for ourselves, we may not be making the kind of difference that matters.  Sometimes being kind to another person will make the biggest difference in that person’s life.  Buying a meal for a homeless person will certainly make a difference in their life.  When you are shopping, a kind word to the cashier could put a smile on their face.  A cold drink for the repairman or delivery person.  Helping a neighbor . . . I think you get the idea.  Instead of being self-centered, we can be others-oriented and that will make a difference.

Is there something else I should be doing?  Have you felt a tug on your heart to go in a different direction.  God gave us skills and gifts – are we using them for His kingdom?  Most churches have a variety of ministries geared toward different needs in the congregation.  The obvious ones are singing with the worship team or greeting people at the door.  Are you a good cook?  Join a ministry that brings meals to shut-ins or those who are recovering from an illness.  Do you love babies?  The church nursery probably needs some volunteers.  Do you have a green thumb?  Can you sew or knit?  Are you handy with tools?  There’s a place for you to use those skills and gifts that God gave you.  Use them for His kingdom and glory. 

Who am I?  I am a child of God.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I am a daughter or son of the King of Glory.  I am redeemed and forgiven.

Colossians 1:13-14 - He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

If someone you know were to describe you using your character, would they describe you as a child of God or something else?

 

A Penny For Your Thoughts?

There is a saying “a penny for your thoughts”.  Is that all our thoughts are worth?  Just a penny?  Well, let me tell you that my thoughts are pretty expensive.  They are downright priceless!  Why, you ask?  Well, it’s not because they are good thoughts.  It’s because I have had some sinful thoughts.  Yes, sinful thoughts are expensive.  Jesus laid down His life for our sins and that includes our sinful thoughts.   His selfless act was priceless.  That’s what makes my (and your) thoughts priceless. 

Matthew 9:4 starts out “But Jesus, knowing their thought . . .”   I don’t know about you but I have thoughts that I don’t want Him to see.  Unfortunately, He has seen them all.  Do we really understand that He knows everything?  Including our thoughts.  I just hope that there isn’t a recording of all my thoughts.  The rating on it would be so high, no one would be allowed to see it.  But God has seen it.  Every single thoughtless thought.

Our thoughts can get us into trouble.  Take Abraham.  He thought he would be killed, so he lied about Sarah. That’s in Genesis 20:11.  How about Judah who thought Tamar was a harlot? You can find that in Genesis 38:15.  And in Judges 15:2 – the father thought Samson hated the older daughter and so the father gave her to someone else instead.  

I don’t read where anyone actually confirmed that what they were thinking was true.  Do we do things based on what we were thinking?  Shouldn’t we check it out first?  

Here are some verses that have to do with thoughts:

God knows our thoughts.  In 1 Chronicles 28:9  “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.  If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.”  Not only does God know our thoughts, he understands the intent of our thoughts.

In the next chapter David is asking God to help the people keep their thoughts on Him.  It is in 1 Chronicles 29:18  “O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You.”  Do we ask God for help to keep our thoughts on Him?  I think it’s a good idea.  The Bible tells us who doesn’t think about God – it is in Psalm 10:4 “The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.”  Since the wicked don’t think about God they probably don’t realize that He thinks about them and knows their thoughts.   It says so in Psalm 94:11 “The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.”  Not only does God know our thoughts but He thinks about us.  Psalm 40:17 tells us “But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. “  What a comfort to know that God thinks about ME. He thinks about you too.

But what are we thinking?  How many times have we said to someone “what were you thinking?”  If that person actually thought about what they were going to do or say, they probably would not have done it. Where does it come from?  Matthew 15:18 tells us:  “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart and they defile a man.” And it continues in Matthew 15:19 “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

So, is it our thoughts that get us into trouble?  Or is it what is in our hearts?  If we think or act in a certain way (without thinking), then it might be a problem with our heart.  If we look into our heart, what will we find there?  If Jesus were to look in right now, would we be embarrassed?  Would we want some time to clean up first? 

Changing our thoughts start with our heart. Oh, we can change our thoughts and practice saying and doing the right things.  But what happens when the unexpected happens?   All of a sudden, all those evil thoughts flow out of our heart and fill our mind.

For me, when something blurts out of my mouth without me even realizing it – I can be sure it came from my heart.  It wasn’t like I spent days thinking about it and then said it.  Something happened and I reacted by blurting out a bunch of words that were tucked in my heart.  Sometimes I even surprise myself! 

So, what should our thought life be like?  It tells us in Philippians 4:8 exactly what we should be meditating on.  This is what it says:  “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

Think of it this way.  Instead of being a sponge and soaking up things that are not Christ-like, oil yourself with the Word.  Then, those things won’t get absorbed, they will slide right off.  But we need a daily dose of the “oil” or else we will just dry up and start absorbing everything that comes at us.

There is an old saying – we are what we eat. Well, the same thing goes for our thoughts.  We are what we think.  Our thoughts are a result of what we see and hear. Our sinful nature will take what we see and hear and run with it.  By filling our minds with Godly, Christ-like things, it will fill up the space and squeeze out the ungodly stuff. Maybe not completely, we still have an enemy that likes to tempt us.  But we can at least have the majority of our thoughts in the right direction.  So, instead of putting thoughts through our own filter which we have designed, let’s use God’s filter.  His Word.  When God’s Word goes into our hearts, it fills our minds and it will be what comes out of our mouths.  Your thoughts are priceless – don’t waste them on junk.

Do you like the word Perseverance?  No? Me neither! 

Perseverance is one of those words that make us cringe because of all the connotations it brings. Living in a society of instant fixes and instant results, perseverance is slowly getting squeezed out of our character. In the world where nothing is made to last, we are asked nothing more than to give something a go and if it doesn't work or you don't like it you are free to move on. It almost seems like there is no place for perseverance or that perseverance is somehow becoming redundant; or is it? 

In James 1:2 we are asked to consider it pure joy when going through trials and temptations because it is through the testing of our faith that develops perseverance (NIV) - which is also translated “patience” (NKJV).  Another word that makes me cringe! Verse four in the NIV is, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Perseverance is not just a good idea, but also a Biblical principle. As Christians we have a responsibility to ensure that perseverance does not disappear from the men and women of today or the children of tomorrow. We have a responsibility to ensure that perseverance does not succumb to its redundant fate. As James points out, perseverance must finish its work. This is not an optional extra! James offers us no other option if we are to become mature and complete. Once the excitement of a new project has worn off, what drives us to finish it? When the honeymoon is over and you have each gained a few extra kilos and a large mortgage, what keeps our marriages together? James calls us as Christians to finish what we start; he calls us to good old-fashioned stick-ability. What James highlights is that if perseverance does not finish the work, then what does? More and more as people abandon perseverance the work is not being finished. Deadlines are not being met, marriages are not lasting, renovations aren't being completed, and scrapbooks remain unfinished. But what is perseverance? What is this essential trait that spurs us onto maturity and completeness? 

Well, if perseverance were a woman, she would be the one sitting in the corner of the office. Easy to miss at first, there is nothing to draw attention to her except the contentment on her face as she goes about her work. She is not loud or flashy but if you ask her boss, she is spoken of highly. Words such as dependable, reliable is what she is noted for. Her boss points out the asset she is to the company because she will always get the job done, and on time.

Perseverance is a loving wife who, thirty years into the marriage, is still looking for ways to be a blessing to her husband and show him that he is loved. She has stood firm and guarded her marriage. She has settled disagreements quickly so that they have had no time to fester and take root. Perseverance does life with her husband day by day, investing into their relationship.

Perseverance is a mother who lovingly walks the journey with her children. She endlessly encourages them in their pursuits and is there with compassion and support when they encounter disappointment. She can't recall how many times she has heard her son play that piece of music on the piano. She can't count the number of times she has driven her daughter to ballet or soccer and cheered from the sidelines; however, perseverance will tell you that she will continue to support, encourage and teach her children for the rest of her life.

Perseverance is also the astute businesswoman; she has taken some big risks and had a couple of losses. Perseverance however cannot be held down for long. With each loss she assesses her learning, picks up and starts again. She is not afraid of hard work and she remains determined to see her dreams come true.

Perseverance is an athlete. She trains hard and is consistent. Whether rain, hail or shine, you will find her running the oval or training in the gym. There may be a day when she falls and there is no chance that she can win now (even with all her preparation), her perseverance is resolute, and she will complete the race she started.

Perseverance is you and I each time we choose to rise above our circumstances and finish what we start. When we feel unappreciated or just plain worn out, we keep going because we understand that perseverance must finish its work. As Christian women, let us be determined and resolute; let our lives reflect perseverance so that we can become mature, complete and lacking nothing. It’s not easy, but we know Someone that will give us what we need to get it done. We can’t, but He can!

 Ahhh, Spring!

It’s spring!  The flowers are blooming, the trees are budding and winter is gone (at least we hope so!).  It’s a time of new birth, new energy and new joy.  Reminds me of 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”, and Revelation 21:5 “Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful."

Spring is a time of year when the days start to get a little longer and we have more sunshine.  But, even on rainy days we can have Son shine!  2 Corinthians 4:6 “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.“ 

So, what’s going on in your life?  Do you feel like there is a cloud hanging over your head?  Is discouragement or disappointment raining down on you?  It is time to let the Son shine in!  John 15:11 says “"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Jesus wants us to have joy, no matter what is going on.  We are given a choice.  We can have misery or we can have joy.  I know what I want – JOY!

Time for spring cleaning!

It’s almost Spring!  And there is just something about this time of year that makes us want to clean out stuff and freshen up our homes.  But, for now, let’s put aside thoughts of cleaning our house and think more about cleaning out our heart.  We tend to keep lots of things inside our heart that have no business being in there.  Didn’t we forgive that transgression years ago?  Then what is it still doing lurking in the corner?  What about that bitterness?  It looks like it is starting to grow roots!  I see some negative thoughts floating around like dust in the air.  What about that prideful attitude stuffed inside and bursting at the seams?  And how about that spot of anger that needs to be cleansed?  Time to clean up!

Galatians 6:22-23 has just what we need:  “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.”  Let’s grab some joy and splash it on that hard and crusty attitude and spray a little kindness around for a sweet-smelling aroma.  A little longsuffering here and a little goodness over there mixed in with some faithfulness and self-control creates an atmosphere of pure love.  Ahhhh, feel the warm gentleness breeze as it blows through our heart giving us that wonderful peace.  How refreshing God’s Word is when we apply it to our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse our hearts.

Another good verse to get us in the right mood is Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”  If we spend our time doing what this verse says, there won’t any room to store those “things” we don’t need .   Cleaning is so much easier when we don’t have a bunch of “stuff” in the way.  So, pack it up and give it to God.  Then we can fill our hearts with lovely things.

Spring cleaning is good but Spiritual cleaning is the best! 

 Needle Little Love

Needle little love.  Catchy name.  One of my friends came up with it.  As you probably have figured out, it’s a play on words - need a little love.  Who doesn’t need love?  I need love and I know that you all do too.  Everyone needs love.  People who say they don’t need love are lying. So, everyone needs love.  Well, isn’t it just a lucky coincidence that God is love?    So, when we say we need love, what we are really needing is God. 

We hear things that we already know.  Jesus loves you.  Yes, we know that.  And I am not going to tell you anything that you don’t already know.  Hopefully you will walk away with a greater sense of how much Jesus loves you.  We all know the “love” chapter - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.”  Then verse 13 “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

I may say that I love someone but when I put my love up against verses 4-8, I can’t honestly say that I have kept all of it.  Sometimes I don’t suffer very long - I’m impatient.  Sometimes I do get envious, sometimes I want recognition, sometimes I provoke an argument, sometimes my ego gets in the way.  Sometimes my love fails.  But I know that God never fails.

I John 4:7-8 tells us specifically that God is love: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love”.  And again in 1 John 4:16: “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”

Twice in the same chapter John says that God is love.  Not just that God loves us.  Not just that God has love.  But that God is love.   There is a song “Your Love is Extravagant” by Casting Crowns – it has these words: “Your love is extravagant, Your friendship it is intimate.  I find I’m moving to the rhythms of your grace, your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place. Your love is extravagant.  Spread wide in the arms of Christ is the love that covers sin.  No greater love have I ever known, You considered me a friend.  Capture my heart again.”

That should be our prayer - that God would capture our heart again and again and again - like falling in love for the first time.  God’s love is extravagant.  He spared no expense in showing us His love.  My prayer is that we can also have an extravagant love.  Love is the most precious of all the gifts we have and yet it does not have a monetary value.  We can afford to be extravagant.  Amen to love? Amen!