Running Up Behind Someone

Running Up Behind Someone

James 2: ⁵ Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. ⁶ But you dishonor the poor! Who are the ones who oppress you and drag you before the judges? The rich! ⁷ They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you.

 

============

 

“Why are you running up behind him?” was the strange question posed to me. I had to decipher what was being asked. I was trying to be like a certain rich person. I studied the mannerisms, spending habits and even learned how to play a sport that was expensive and I did not really enjoy. Oh, “Why am I trying to follow the people who cause more problems than provide solutions?”

 

• I was secretly trying to be rich, so I followed the rich.
• I was unconsciously trying to act rich so I studied the rich.
• I was lustfully seeking what the rich had, so I spent enormous amounts of time thinking about what I did not have.

 

James tried to address a serious concern, namely overlooking the poor. He first explains the heart of GOD by saying the poor who love HIM will possess HIS kingdom. He then states that GOD made this a promise, so it will happen. He then tried to open everyone’s eyes to the problem of following the rich and overlooking the poor.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees my heart and knows when I serve HIS kingdom.
• GOD loves when I serve the poor and help people in need.
• GOD wants me to treat the poor with the same honor as the rich.

 

Overlooking the poor is dishonorable to GOD. I mean, HIS heart seems to be geared towards helping the poor and serving them, but when I “innocently” follow the rich, I may not make time to seek those in need. I may even make a statement that “I plan on helping once I become rich.” BUT GOD sees through my scheme.

 

HE wants me to serve my peers when I am poor. HE then wants me to keep serving the poor if HE gives me more to share. The more HE gives me the more HE expects me to give others. Following the rich should probably be done in small doses. I am glad GOD wants me to increase my appetite for seeking to serve the poor.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe the rich?
• Have you ever heard “There is not a problem being rich” from poor people?
• Will you seek to serve the poor with the material blessings GOD has given you so you can bring honor on someone today?

Hope for the Rich

Hope for the Rich

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others. ¹⁹ In this way they will store up for themselves a treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future. And then they will be able to win the life which is true life.

 

============

 

Wearing “worn” clothes gave me skills I didn’t know I had. Instead of accepting holes in my coat, I got a needle and thread to close up drafty seams. Later in life, I got jobs that paid more than I was spending. I went to only certain stores and wore specific brands. I got compliments I hadn’t gotten before.

 

• I liked the reaction from admirers, so I saved up more money for myself to buy more.
• I liked being in the spotlight of followers, so I hid my poor past.
• I liked the way people reacted to “my” wealth and eventually despised patching holes.

 

Paul tells Timothy to give a command to the rich, “not to be proud” because they have plenty of “things of this life.” He pointed people to GOD who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. He further tells Timothy to command them to “do good”, “rich in good works”, “to be generous and ready to share with others.”

 

My Observations

• Whether I have plenty of the “things of this life” or not, GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM.
• All things belong to GOD and HE has the right to give me what HE wants to.
• Sharing with others, doing good works and being good seem to be pleasing to the LORD whether I am rich or poor.

 

“It is harder for the rich to enter heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” are words that have scared me. I mean it seems like rich people don’t stand a chance! But who are the rich? To those who don’t have a home or food, everyone who does is rich. So what is the problem? It is where hope is placed.

 

Pride seems to be the one thing GOD despises the most. It blinds us to the fact that maybe “I” am the rich blind person who has plenty and am not sharing, being good or doing good works that are pleasing to the LORD. HE wants my heart because the things of this world mean nothing to HIM. HE has a “treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future” which is “true life.” I am glad GOD has given me plenty and recognize the need to serve others well.

 

Challenge

• Who are the rich people the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever lost hope because you don’t have money and don’t know when or where it is going to come?
• Will you rethink where you place your hope and move it from the “things of this life” and place it in JESUS who is our Savior and who stores up treasures in heaven for you today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, it is difficult to take our eyes off of wanting more of the things of this life because the enemy tempts us to want more and more. Help us see YOU as our hope. Take our fear away so we can rely on YOUR provision, knowing you give plenty and reward our “good deeds.” amen

Rich and Satisfied

Rich and Satisfied

1 Timothy 6: They think that religion is a way to become rich.

⁶ Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. ⁷ What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing! ⁸ So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us. ⁹ But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and are caught in the trap of many foolish and harmful desires, which pull them down to ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows.

 

============

 

Lugging the latest camcorder and a suitcase full of items of convenience, I went on my first mission’s trip. I thought I had seen poor people before, but this place really opened my eyes. We went out into the rural area and ran into a family. When we stopped, the owner of the “hut” invited us over. He bragged that he had a cow, chickens and a lemon tree. He was satisfied and I was worried about my material things.

 

• I wanted the latest things.
• I wanted more and more comfort items.
• I wanted to be satisfied, but never could find it.

 

Paul spoke harshly about false preachers whose purpose in life was to dream up other philosophies outside of JESUS to become rich. He then speaks to Timothy about the dangers of pursuing becoming rich. He explains “foolish and harmful desires” can and will pull them into ruin and destruction.

 

My Observations

• Being content with what GOD has provided is more important than the next latest thing.
• Being satisfied with what HE has done changes my attitude about what HE should be doing.
• Being gratified is a position of thanksgiving GOD gets excited about when I supply it.

 

True wealth comes from knowing GOD and by belief in JESUS as the Savior. I mean, HE gives me all the warning signs to avoid and provides a path to contentment. Unfortunately, the world tries to pull me away from being content.

 

The need for more stuff, more clothes, more gadgets and more storage for the stuff makes me discontent. The insatiable appetite of wanting more then drives me to worry, work impossible hours and lie about “needing” the stuff for self-care. I am glad GOD opens my eyes to my lusts so HE can make me satisfied with what HE has given me..

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about loving money?
• Have you ever worried about finances so much that you got mad at GOD?
• What would happen if you had less than what you have now?
• Will you be satisfied, content and gratified over what GOD has provided and praise HIM for HIS provisions today?

Holding On

Colossians 2: ¹⁸ Do not allow yourselves to be condemned by anyone who claims to be superior because of special visions and who insists on false humility and the worship of angels. For no reason at all, such people are all puffed up by their human way of thinking ¹⁹ and have stopped holding on to Christ, who is the head of the body. Under Christ's control the whole body is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God wants it to grow.

 

============

 

Seeking help when I was feeling pretty low, I sought advice from the rich and powerful. I had placed my entire identity in work and now I was no longer employed. “Follow this person” and “follow that person” was the confusing advice from well-meaning people. Nothing helped.

 

• I felt lost.
• I did not know who to turn to.
• I was feeling desperate so I was open to listening to anyone who could provide a path to “success.”

 

Paul continues with another warning. He cautions everyone not to be condemned by anyone who “claimed” to be superior. These people wanted a following so they made up their visions and even worse they pretended to be humble and finally they worshipped spiritual being lower tan GOD. Their smooth talk tore people away from following CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• Following people can possibly drag me away from following CHRIST if I’m not careful.
• Acting like I’m superior or falsely humble or telling people I worship angels can bring on condemnation to others and myself.
• Being so desperate that I would follow “successful” people and let go of CHRIST can be my downfall.

 

Holding onto CHRIST is hard at times. I mean, when times are really, really difficult, it seems like someone pops up at the right time with the right solution that pulls me away from CHRIST. I ignore the warning signs of their celebrity status and place my hope in their “success.” BUT GOD wants me to act different.

 

CHRIST is the only one who is superior. HIS death, burial and resurrection gives HIM all authority over every situation. HE is the one I should seek when I am low. HE is also the one who requires praise when things go well for me. I point my life to HIM and hope you will follow JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s warning?
• Have you ever wanted to follow celebrities in hopes that your life would change?
• Are you willing to stop following CHRIST to obtain some temporary “success?”
• Will you seek JESUS as the head of your life and recognize HE feeds the body or church, holds it together and grows it for HIS purpose today?

Starstruck

Starstruck

John 5: ⁴¹ “I do not receive honor from men. ⁴² But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. ⁴³ I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. ⁴⁴ How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? ⁴⁵ Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. ⁴⁶ For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. ⁴⁷ But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

============

Nervously awaiting my meeting, all kinds of thoughts raced through my mind. “What will I say?”, “Am I dressed properly?” and “Should I impress this person?” were just a few questions that races through my mind. I entered the president’s office and started our meeting with “What advice do you have for me?”

The reply made me know I asked the wrong question. “What do you do here at the company?” I felt I blew it after staying awake waiting on this 15 minute meeting.

• There were times when I placed people on higher levels.
• There were times when I was very concerned with titles.
• There were times when I looked for popular people to follow and believed their words implicitly.

JESUS tells the church leaders “You believe in famous people who tell their own stories, yet you do not believe in ME, who the FATHER has sent.” JESUS then explains that the words they cherish will be used against them because Moses wrote them about HIM.

• GOD wants me to be excited about JESUS more than any human.
• GOD wants me to lose sleep over meeting with JESUS more than losing sleep over meeting a famous human.
• GOD wants me to trust in the entirety of the Bible and know that it is all about JESUS.

Today, humans use words like “higher-being” or “universe” to speak of actions that come from the Living GOD. Even church leaders place the Bible over GOD HIMSELF by quoting its words without conveying the heart of bringing mankind to JESUS.

Instead of getting excited about what a human is doing or not doing, GOD wants me to pay close attention to the heart of JESUS. I am glad HE sends me to seek those who seek HIM.

• Do you spend a huge amount of time reading about famous humans thinking they could make your life better?
• Do you spend a large amount of time complaining about humans who think they are in charge?
• Will you spend a small amount of time speaking about JESUS and learn how to do so more and more each day?

Leaving Home

Luke 18: ²¹ ‘All these I have kept since I was a boy,’ he said.

²² When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’

²³ When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. ²⁴ Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ Indeed, 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.’

²⁶ Those who heard this asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’

²⁷ Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’

²⁸ Peter said to him, ‘We have left all we had to follow you!’

²⁹ ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus said to them, ‘no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God ³⁰ will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’

============

Arriving on campus gave me no clues that I would not be returning home. I could now stay out as long as I wanted and do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I was free! The first night I began my party life and became “known” on campus.

• I remember living life with no purpose.
• I recall fulfilling the few lusts that I had.
• I reminisce on my life when I was simply wandering and living only for me.

JESUS saw the rich man’s heart and says to him “sell everything” for HE knew the rich man had a lust for money. Those around HIM heard this and may have known they too had this same lust, only they were poor. “Who then can be saved?” they asked.

• GOD says to me “It is impossible to save yourself, BUT what is impossible with man is possible with GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Leave your life and accept MY life that has purpose.”
• GOD says to me “Do not worry about what you will eat or the clothes you will wear, for I will take care of you.”

After yet another party I still felt empty. I wondered if there was more to life. GOD guided me to be by myself with HIM and I slowly let go of my friends and family to begin following HIM. Later in life GOD gave them back to me with abundance. HE is my purpose.

• What are you holding onto?
• Is money, job, or a relationship holding you back from truly following GOD?
• Will you stop chasing what you think is your purpose and allow GOD to give you purpose in your life today?

Insignificantly Known

Luke 16: ¹⁹ “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. ²⁰ But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, ²¹ desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. ²² So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

============

Holding a conversation with one of the higher ups felt great. I was getting my points in and was balanced in listening. Suddenly the CEO walked in the room and my conversation ended with “Excuse me” from my guest. I watched the distracted person veer away from me to get in position to do what I was doing.

• There have been many times when I felt insignificant.
• There have been many times when I was the invisible person in the room.
• There have been many times when I walked past and looked over.

JESUS tells a recount of a situation between two people. One was not given a name and the other, Lazarus, was a sickly beggar. JESUS used few words to describe how the person, who had plenty, never stopped to give a beggar even a crumb. When they both died, the rich person became the beggar and Lazarus was taken care of.

• GOD wants me to see those around me who are in need.
• GOD wants me to understand that when I am in need, HE is there to provide.
• GOD wants me to know that if I am suffering, I am not so insignificant to HIM that HE won’t stop and listen to me.

Each day I have a choice. I can be blind to my calling and remain nameless to GOD or I can accept HIS purpose and reach those who I am sent to or who HE sends to me. GOD wants me to be the “Crumb giver” and sometimes the “Crumb receiver”, depending on the way HIS blessings flow. All in all, GOD has a plan for me.

• Which person are you?
• Do you need help physically, financially, mentally or spiritually?
• Are you tired of begging?
• Will you allow GOD to complete HIS purpose in you, knowing your suffering will be rewarded some day?

Rich and Famous

Luke 6: ²⁴ “But woe to you who are rich,

For you have received your consolation.
²⁵ Woe to you who are full,
For you shall hunger.
Woe to you who laugh now,
For you shall mourn and weep.
²⁶ Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
For so did their fathers to the false prophets.

============

Mocking a person’s leadership style was one of the primary conversations of the “in crowd.” I was finally invited to partake and it felt great. I had a large expense account so our discussion took place at an expensive steak house.

• Riches can blind me.
• Indulgence can remove me from reality.
• Recognition can make me think more highly of myself.

JESUS turns from blessing to woes in a strange way.  HE had just said “Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of GOD”, then HE turns right around and says “Woe to you who are rich.” HE knew the evil grips money could have on a person.

• JESUS wants me to seek the lost and feed the poor so my reward can be in heaven.
• JESUS wants me to miss a meal or two seeking HIS kingdom.
• JESUS wants me to seek gratification in HIM being satisfied versus trying to get human edification.

When I am rich, full of food and bragged about, I do not hear GOD. When I am poor it seems like I can hear GOD in songs and I can see HIM moving obstacles. My rich blind times brings on worries of keeping my earthly treasures while my poor struggling times brings on a cry to GOD for rescue.

GOD wants me to be careful of falling into yet another trap of the devil. “If I could just make X dollars then I could…” is usually the trap language I use. GOD wants me to say “If I could just have the faith of a mustard seed then anything GOD wants me to do can happen.”

• Are you rich and losing touch with GOD?
• Are you poor and mad that you are not rich?
• Can you heed JESUS’s warnings and seek HIS kingdom as your pay and reward today?