What About Me?

What about me?

1 Timothy 5: ¹¹ But do not include younger widows in the list; because when their desires make them want to marry, they turn away from Christ, ¹² and so become guilty of breaking their earlier promise to him. ¹³ They also learn to waste their time in going around from house to house; but even worse, they learn to be gossips and busybodies, talking of things they should not. ¹⁴ So I would prefer that the younger widows get married, have children, and take care of their homes, so as to give our enemies no chance of speaking evil of us. ¹⁵ For some widows have already turned away to follow Satan. ¹⁶ But if any Christian woman has widows in her family, she must take care of them and not put the burden on the church, so that it may take care of the widows who are all alone.

 

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Feeling sorry for myself had become a ritual. I was in another bad situation and simply wanted someone to get me out of the current trial. Tired of being needy and tired of being in trouble, I groused instead of being excited.

 

• I could only see my problem.
• I needed help and did not know who to ask.
• I felt that no one could understand the trial I was going through.

 

Paul continues giving advice to Timothy regarding widows. He referred to “the list” as a special list reserved for those who have cared for others as a lifelong pursuit. Paul speaks harshly about young widows who can leave their identity in CHRIST by substituting marriage as a pursuit of a new identity. He also points out a new goal, namely caring for others because the need is huge!

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I can pity myself and desire things in substitute of GOD?
• Focused attention on what GOD wants me to do, keeps me away from the traps of the enemy.
• Realizing that I am chosen by GOD as part of the solution, takes my mind off my problems and places focus on what GOD wants.

 

Let’s face it, we have all asked “What about me?” Right? I mean, when life gets hard we want someone who can provide for us during the trial or lift us out of the hole. When this doesn’t happen, we feel GOD isn’t listening and easily stop following HIM to try something else. BUT GOD understands.

 

HE wants us to focus our attention on HIM by caring about other people. This trial is not about you rather it is about keeping you from seeing GOD as the solution. Care is a great remedy to the trial. GOD may have me simply care for those around me enough to pray for him or her and possibly even meet a need every now and then. I am glad GOD helps me take my focus off of “my” trials and place it on HIS love.

 

Challenge

• Be honest, do the words of the writer sound harsh?
• Why?
• Have you ever pitied yourself and just wanted out of this trial, with or without GOD’s help?
• Will you continue to walk with the LORD, asking HIM to firm up your reliance on HIM and to open your eyes to someone who is in need today?

Old Friends

Old Friends

Philippians 4: ¹⁰ In my life in union with the Lord it is a great joy to me that after so long a time you once more had the chance of showing that you care for me. I don't mean that you had stopped caring for me—you just had no chance to show it. ¹¹ And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have.

 

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Returning to the country, I was told things had changed in only two years. An evasive attitude of “self” had began to penetrate this once pristine group of people who would give their last when I met them before. But then I ran into a person I met before. He was warm and friendly. We picked up where we left off.

 

• I was thankful to see him.
• I was served by him and I felt welcome.
• I felt cared for, even though I had not been there in two years.

 

Paul expresses his joy over those who served him again after a long period of being apart. He was excited about their reason for serving him, namely their union with the LORD. He was not seeking to be served because he was satisfied with what he had. But it did feel great.

 

My Observations

• Old friends who are united because of CHRIST can pick up where they left off.
• Satisfaction with what I have can enable me to have joy with or without someone serving me.
• GOD wants me to care for those who pop in and out of my life.

 

“Friends of the road” is a term I heard years ago that meant we meet people who are fast friends, but drift apart as life goes on. This does not mean we did not care for one another, rather life’s circumstances may keep us from directly serving one another.

 

Whenever we reunite, GOD wants joy. HE loves when I pick up where we left off and express care for one another rather than disappointment. I am glad GOD gives me a path to be an old friend to those who come and go in and out of my life.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the thankfulness of the writer?
• Have you ever reunited with someone who you could pick up where you left off?
• Are you satisfied with your life?
• Will you point your satisfaction in life to CHRIST to reduce expectations of others so joy can be the bond of your friendships today?

Flexible Plans

Flexible Plans

1 Corinthians 16: ⁵ I shall come to you after I have gone through Macedonia—for I have to go through Macedonia. ⁶ I shall probably spend some time with you, perhaps the whole winter, and then you can help me to continue my trip, wherever it is I shall go next. ⁷ I want to see you more than just briefly in passing; I hope to spend quite a long time with you, if the Lord allows.

 

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“Hello. How are you?” was my polite obligatory statement. I had a full day planned and had finally gotten my schedule straight in my mind. She replied “Terrible” Then she started to tell me why. The longer she talked, the more time ticked off the clock. Unfortunately, I had to say “I have to go” in the middle of her tears.

 

• I have been overscheduled on items not concerning people.
• I have spent a large amount of time on things unrelated to people.
• I have planned my days so full, that I had no time for people.

 

Paul expresses his care for those who he wrote the letter to. He also spoke about entire regions he wanted to affect with the love of JESUS. He made plans to spend time with people, but knew his life was in the LORD’s hands. His plans needed to be flexible.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to make flexible plans that include caring for HIS people.
• GOD wants me to be flexible to be led to places HE wants me to go.
• GOD wants me to seek spending time with people so I and they can be made whole.

 

Worldly success comes with a price. I mean, everyone cheers a rich person, but JESUS spoke about the rarity of the rich entering heaven. HE said “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

 

Not knowing the full criteria of the heart, I think JESUS was talking about lack of care for others. It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to amass great wealth. This time is usually not spent giving or listening or serving. GOD wants time. The little time I spend here on Earth should have some of it focused on bringing people to HIM. I am glad people made time for me.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the writer’s heart?
• How can your time conflict with caring for others?
• Will you add flexibility to your schedule so you can be available to GOD’s leading today?

Cared For

Cared For

Acts 16: ¹⁶ Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. ¹⁷ She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” ¹⁸ She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

¹⁹ When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. ²⁰ They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar ²¹ by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

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One of my employees was out sick. I called to check in on her to see how she was doing. I mean it was the right thing to do, being her boss. I did this for several of my employees. When I left the company, I lost touch with most of the people.

• There were times when I did the right thing because of my role.
• There were times when I cared for people because of my role.
• There were times when I watched out for people because of my role.

A woman kept following Paul and the disciples. She said the truth about them, stating they were men of the Most High GOD. While this was true, more than likely she did it in a mocking or annoying way.

Paul commanded the spirit to come out of her and she was immediately freed. Her bosses did not like her new freedom. They only cared that she could make them money.

• GOD wants me to care for people beyond what they can do for me.
• GOD wants me to care about people even when they cannot return any favors.
• GOD wants me to care for people, wishing them the best.

Caring for people means going beyond what they can do for me. I mean when I care about the person, I do not need anything from them. GOD wants me to express HIS love regardless of any reciprocation. I am glad HE loves me.

• Do you have people working for you that you only keep in touch with because or your working relationship?
• Do you have a lot of acquaintances?
• Will you allow GOD to speak through you by caring for more people today?

Growing

Luke 13: ¹⁸ Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? ¹⁹ It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”

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Furious, I stormed into the grocery store. I grabbed whatever I was purchasing and went to the counter. The cashier looked at my face and did not bother to say anything but the amount owed. Silently I paid and left.

• There are times when I show my anger to many people.
• There are times when I show my disappointment to many people.
• There are times when I show my hatred, fear, lust, prejudice and greed to many people.

JESUS describes the kingdom of GOD as a mustard seed planted in a garden. This seed grew and became a large tree for which many birds nested in its branches. How does a seed parable apply to me?

• GOD says to me “Each day you plant something whether you like it or not.”
• GOD says to me “You can sow seeds for MY kingdom or sow seeds for yours every day.”
• GOD says to me “You are MY seed and I plant you where I need you, for the time I need you, and I will grow you into a large tree.”

Each and every day I have a choice to make. I can make people miserable and adversarial or I can choose to be with people and show them GOD is in control in spite of my problems. Even my absence speaks volumes and plants a seed. Once I realize GOD has placed me somewhere for HIS purpose, it makes me think differently.

Wicked people aren’t as wicked and the argument I was about to jump into doesn’t seem worth winning when I choose GOD. Showing GOD’s love is important to HIM. When I choose to do so, especially when I don’t feel like it, HE grows me beyond my belief.

• What seeds are you growing?
• Are you making many people miserable around you?
• Can you choose to have GOD grow you to a point where you are growing other people for HIS purpose on a daily basis?

Ownership

Matthew 13: ⁴⁷ “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. ⁴⁸ When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. ⁴⁹ This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous ⁵⁰ and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

⁵¹ “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

⁵² He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

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“Step on it” my passenger said to me on a dirty, gravely, tar filled, construction zone road.. I replied, “I don’t want to kick up too many rocks.” I was surprised by the reply. “It’s a rental, who cares what happens to it!” Hmmm, I thought. I spun the tires!

• When it’s not mine, I don’t care what happens to it.
• When it’s not mine, I treat it like it is someone else’s problem.
• When it’s not mine, I could care less about the condition I leave it in after I use it.

From cars to apartments to houses, if I don’t own it, I do not care what happens to it. I may even have a title or a deed, but not “own” the thing in the way I treat it. Same with people, if I do not take responsibility for those around me, then I could care less for what happens to them.

• GOD says to me “Help MY people get into the net.”
• GOD says to me “Help MY people understand MY kingdom.”
• GOD says to me “Help MY confused sheep follow MY voice.”

Ownership in this parable points to the kingdom. The teacher is responsible for speaking about CHRIST as the new covenant, but upholds the laws of the Old Testament. Owning GOD’s word means I see things as “us” versus “them.” “We have sinned” not just me.

GOD wants me to take ownership of HIS people so I can tend to them with care.

• Are you looking at GOD selfishly?
• Do you refuse to pray for “that” person?”
• Can you include more people in your care and provide for them “new treasures” as well as old?

What does strength look like?

2 Samuel 3:¹The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

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³⁶ All the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased them. ³⁷ So on that day all the people there and all Israel knew that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.

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Everyone stood up when this guy walked in the room.  I was slow to rise as I was befuddled as to what was going on. We just stood there waiting on someone else to say something. I have no idea what was said but was happy when the guy left. “Don’t you know that was the vice president of something” they exclaimed.

From that day forward I tried to pay attention to what actually made someone powerful. I thought it was obtaining a title so I climbed the ladder to get one. I found out titles make people weaker because they can lean on them.

• When I use a title as my strength, I am weak.
• When I value someone’s title more than others, I am weak.
• When I think a title will give me more power, I am weak.

Once again David showed me what strength looks like. One of his generals murdered a person who defected and joined David in the quest for the kingdom. Abner was David’s enemy only because he was loyal to Saul, but Abner wanted the kingdom to follow David once Saul died.

David’s general murdered Abner in revenge but tried to cover it up saying Abner was acting as a spy. David cried and would not eat when he heard of the news. He actually cared.

• I learned that strong people care about others rather than the position.
• I learned that strong people don’t care about the competitive advantage rather they do what is right.
• I learned that strong people aren’t afraid to weep in public and are courageous enough to call out what is wrong.

Titles don’t make me strong, GOD does! In my weakness HE is strong. HE is pleased when I care about others and seek HIS face. HE wants me to value HIM rather than positions. GOD wants me to elevate HIM as the true measure of strength.

• Are you acting weak?
• Do you seek revenge?
• Do you believe that things would be better at the next level?
• Won’t you look to GOD as your source of strength rather than the title you aspire to?

Sneaky and apathy don’t mix

Genesis 25: ²⁹ Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. ³⁰ He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.)

³¹ Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”

³² “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”

³³ But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.

³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.

So Esau despised his birthright.

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We walked around the store mindlessly browsing and I ran into one of the neighborhood thugs. He was changing clothes in the middle of the store. He looked at me and placed a finger over his lips with a shushing motion. He stuffed his old clothes behind the rack and walked out of the store. I thought to myself, this store deserves to be robbed.  I mean, just last week the manager yelled at us for something we didn’t do.

• When I become apathetic I don’t care about right or wrong.
• When I lose my caring I overlook being involved with people.
• When I overlook people I tend to focus on my problems.

Wait a minute, Esau sold his entire inheritance for a meal from a sneaky brother so what does that have to do with me? Well, instead of helping the guy or talking to him I just let him do what he was going to do.  Also, my apathy towards the store manager was based on not enough information to understand or respect his position. Sometimes just standing there is a problem.

• GOD wants me to treat people with enough respect to try to bring them to CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to understand where people are so I can explain the great gift CHRIST gave me.
• GOD wants me to forget self-preservation for a moment so I can be used as a messenger for HIM.

Whether I’m the sneaky one or the apathetic one or the bystander, I have a role in pointing people to GOD.

• Where are you?
• Are you standing on the sidelines letting things fall apart or are you helping?
• Won’t you allow GOD to speak through you even though it may be uncomfortable?

Who do you "care" about?

Acts 20:22"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

 

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There are times when it's all about me. I say "I'm hurting" or "I'm lonely" or "I'm mad" or "I'm happy" or "I want this" or "I need that." If I were to record my prayers through tough times, I would see that it's all about me.

 

But wait a minute, shouldn't I be able to go to GOD with "my" problems? What about my pain? I mean, I helped "that person" last week and I went to church and I gave my money. Shouldn't I catch a break sometimes? 

 

As I pondered my relationship with GOD I soon realized that sometimes even my serving was all about me.

• I am serving myself when I "give" on my terms. 
• I am serving myself when I "try to serve" GOD the way I want to serve HIM. 
• I am serving myself when I "act" deserving of more than salvation. 
• I am serving myself when I "pout" at GOD's decisions.

 

GOD has shown me that it shouldn't be "all about me." Paul was led by the HOLY SPIRIT and was nearing the end of his missionary journey. He knew that he turned the world upside down by preaching the GREAT NEWS about CHRIST.  

 

Wherever he would go next he would face beatings, hatred, bitterness jail or even death. Paul's life was led with purpose. He knew this life was just a temporary one. He dedicated his life to telling people about CHRIST no matter what. 

 

Later in this chapter he mentions that he works hard for his money. In other words he was not serving CHRIST to get wealthy or to get out of trouble. He served CHRIST because GOD made him "care" about people.  

• When I care about others, my problems seem to go away. 
• When I care about others, GOD sees what I am doing and stores up treasures in heaven for me. 
• When I care about others, it fills the hole in my heart. 
• When I care about others, I actually feel excited instead of exhausted.

 

You would think caring for someone else would be draining but it actually fills me up when I do it right.

• When I serve someone “without caring” for them then the whole effort is draining.
• When I serve people “without knowing who I'm serving”, then I do it sloppily.
• When I serve people with the purpose of “getting out of my trial”, then GOD sees through my ploy and HE leaves me in the trial.

 

GOD has taught me that I actually have to "care" about other people in spite of my circumstances. HE wants me to spread HIS messages of true salvation even though I face hardship.

 

I don't know what GOD has in store for me, but I know HE wants me to truly care for people even when they don't care for me.

 

• Check yourself and your attitude... are you thinking only about you?
• Are you in despair?
• When is the last time you have truly served other people without looking to gain something?
• Have you opened your mouth and told someone about the GREAT NEWS about CHRIST lately?
• Have you thought that maybe your despair is because GOD wants you to help someone?

There is someone who cares about your feelings.

John 11:32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." 33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. 35Jesus wept. 36Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

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There are some days when I feel everyone misunderstands me. Frowns and scowls penetrate my soul and the word "no" just keeps on popping up on those days. It seems like the clouds hide the sunshine and things seem dark. On those days it also seems like no one cares.

I may pick myself up and dust myself off only to find a surprise bill, broken vehicle or a new ache. Where did "that" pain come from? Sympathy and empathy are fleeting these days. Everyone has issues and are facing some sort of crisis. If they aren't then they are unplugged from humans.

GOD steps into the picture and sees my pain. HE knows exactly how I feel and knows I am human. I get sad, not often, but I still do. When I have these moments I see that HE truly cares.

I used to think that GOD had all of these "tests" for me to see if I was worthy to be in HIS presence some day. I thought HE set up an elaborate obstacle course in life for HIS amusement to watch me fail over and over again. What a poor vision of GOD.

• GOD knows how HE made me.
• GOD knows what purpose HE made me.
• GOD knows what I am trying to hide.
• GOD knows how to use my sinful self for HIS great purpose.
• GOD knows I would never choose HIM.
• GOD knows HE needed to die in my place.
• GOD knows.
  
  

Lazarus died and JESUS waited an extra day on purpose. People knew HE could heal, but they had never saw anyone raised from the dead. JESUS saw their pain and did not scold them for missing a person.

HE understood that even though people who believed in HIM immediately went to paradise, those who remain would be saddened by the loss. HE actually cares about this.

HE is very focused on the new kingdom HE is creating, but HE understands that we have to live here on earth. HE inspired the Bible for us to use as a guide back to HIM while we live on this earth. This shows HE cares about what happens here each and every day.

• When I doubt GOD, HE protects me.
• When I leave GOD, HE remains living inside of me.
• When I blame GOD, HE provides for me.
  
  

JESUS understands everyone of HIS humans more than we can ever know. HE knows how you and I reject HIS word every day, yet HE cares.

• Do you feel misunderstood?
• Do you think no one cares?
• Have you trusted that JESUS cares?
• Do you care?

While you're waiting on GOD, here's something for "you" to do.

Matthew 9:35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

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I am probably the hardest worker you will find. I remember once staying at work 36 hours to complete a proposal. I flew all over the country developing strategies to make the company more and more wealthy. During this time I never thought about the sick and helpless.

I wasn't ignoring them rather I was preoccupied with my work. "I want to do a good job", I would say to myself. This took an enormous time out of my life. Then GOD orchestrated circumstances in my life that freed up time. Yes the company reorganized and our positions were eliminated.

Suddenly I found myself on the end of requiring prayer. I was one of the "harassed and helpless" and I had no shepherd! People rallied around me and prayed, but things weren't getting any better. I am sure our prayers were as sincere as we could make them, BUT GOD remained silent.

Then GOD said to me through reading the Bible, "serve my sheep." This passage and many others show how much GOD cares for HIS humans. HE desires comfort as well as pleasure for us, yet HE knows these things are fleeting.

HE knows there will be difficult times that will require leaders who have encouraging words. JESUS saw you and I crying about our circumstances long before our existence. When HE saw the crowds of helpless people, HE saw us.

HE says something strange, "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." I find this to be strange because can't GOD just tell us exactly what to do and say? This shows me JESUS's compassion for HIS humans.

He wants me to have compassion and to know that I can't do this alone. I have to ask GOD for help. GOD wll send the right person for the right job.

I now see GOD's harvest. I fully see hurting people all over and I have compassion on them. I do not pity their situations, rather I can empathize with their struggles. GOD wants me to go as a "worker" and ask for others to do the same.

There are benefits to working now instead of waiting:

• If I work for GOD now I get blessed in ways I don't quite understand.
• If I work for GOD now other people praise GOD because they know my circumstances.
• If I work for GOD now I get to see a helpless harassed person become whole.

GOD wants us to have compassion for each other. HE wants true workers.

• Are you too caught up in your circumstances to help someone?
• Are you waiting on GOD to help you when there is someone you should be helping?
• Are there places you can volunteer to help those who have lost everything?