Removing Anonymity

Removing Anonymity

James 2: ¹⁴ My friends, what good is it for one of you to say that you have faith if your actions do not prove it? Can that faith save you? ¹⁵ Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat. ¹⁶ What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”—if you don't give them the necessities of life? ¹⁷ So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead.

 

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After getting an increase in pay, giving became easier. I felt good about writing a check each week. But then the pastor asked something strange. “Who will go with me to serve people in the streets?”

 

• I thought I was “doing” enough by giving “my” cash.
• I thought I was “doing” enough by “going” to church.
• I thought I was “doing” enough by “attending” Bible study, deacon’s meetings and trustee meetings.

 

James challenges the norm of only  attending church and quoting scriptures. His challenge was probably aimed to get people out of their comfort zone and to “do” the things they “talked” about. This would take time, effort and face to face encounters with those in need.

 

My Observations:

• Serving people who are in need takes face to face encounters.
• Serving a group of people, without knowing their names, needs or problems, makes me think I am helping them vicariously through someone else’s efforts.
• GOD loves when I serve people face to face.

 

Overlooking the poor can be quite easy. I mean, when I give to a church and pass by a person holding up a sign, I begin to justify not serving the person holding up the sign, asking for help. I then justify not knowing or heling my neighbors on my block or in my apartment building. I also justify not seeking the lost on my own. BUT GOD wants me to be different.

 

HE knows my mind can become dull by sitting in another sermon or another Bible study or by watching another motivational video. Going out and actually serving people takes the anonymity away and opens my eyes to a world of need I would not have otherwise known. I am glad GOD wants me to get out of my comfort zone to serve those in need.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer challenge “faith?”
• Have you ever felt nervous about serving the poor?
• Have you served the poor directly outside of your church?
• Will you consider getting out of your comfort zone and serving the poor today so your faith will be made complete?

Check In

Check In

1 Thessalonians 3: ⁴ For while we were still with you, we told you ahead of time that we were going to be persecuted; and as you well know, that is exactly what happened. ⁵ That is why I had to send Timothy. I could not bear it any longer, so I sent him to find out about your faith. Surely it could not be that the Devil had tempted you and all our work had been for nothing!

 

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As the storm loomed closer, the news about the hurricane became more and more prevalent. My relatives were in this particular area that was in the path of devastation. I had no idea what was going on.

 

• I had many questions.
• I wondered about their safety.
• I could not bear not knowing, so I checked in on them.

 

Timothy was sent to check in on the Thessalonians. They heard about the persecution and needed someone to go to Thessalonica to help out and to encourage them to remain faithful.

 

My Observations

• Many people may be going through storms, so GOD wants me to check in on them.
• I may not have the answer to the situation, BUT GOD wants me to show I am with those HE sends me to.
• “Does GOD care?” is the question that gets an affirmative answer by me when I check in.

 

Trial and tribulations are not desirable! In fact, they stink! Unfortunately, there is a being who wants to cause problems at every turn, namely the Devil. His torrent of storms causes people to become discouraged and give up. BUT GOD has an answer. “You and me.”

 

“Wait, what can I do?” you may ask. Simply check in on someone. “But I need to be checked in on” you may say. Yes, when you need to be checked in on, someone else is in the same difficult spot and may just need you. I am not telling those who cannot muster up energy to just try harder. I am saying if someone comes to mind, check in on him or her.

 

Challenge

• Why do the writers mention their persecution?
• What trial and tribulations have you gone through that you wished someone would have checked in on you?
• Will you check in on someone so you can pray for him or her and encourage people to keep their faith in CHRIST?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader to remain firm in YOUR path. Bless this reader to be filled with encouragement that YOU have all situations under YOUR control. amen

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Philippians 2: ¹⁷ Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all. ¹⁸ In the same way, you too must be glad and share your joy with me.

 

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Working hard, day and night, seemed to pay off. Our team won an award and we were recognized throughout the company. We came together and traded “war” stories. “Remember when things seemed awful?” we reminisced.

 

• I worked hard to accomplish something for a job.
• I poured many hours into something I believed in at the time.
• I was part of a team who also shared in the pain and the reward.

 

Paul considers the hard work and hardship he went through as his “life’s blood.” He was not looking at this like a trophy or an accomplishment for a workaholic. He knew it took sacrifice to give up a life for GOD and the believers in JESUS were worth it.

 

My Observations

• It took JESUS’s blood to save me for eternity.
• It took HIS sweat like blood as HE prayed for me to be saved.
• It took HE tears as HE cried over me knowing I did not know what I was doing while sinning.

 

Blood, sweat and tears is a human term for someone’s life’s work. I mean, many people pour themselves into something they may or may not be known for. GOD sees how we spend our time and has criteria unknown to us that creates rewards for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

We fight, get knocked down and get back up because we serve people to bring many to CHRIST. We do not do this alone. We serve JESUS together and share in the joy when we see HIS fruit. I am glad to be part of an adopted global family who seeks joy through CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer excited about?
• What does faith have to do with life’s work?
• Can you share your joy with others so they can be encouraged that you are serving the LORD and are determined to continue at all costs today?

Pseudo Parent

Pseudo Parent

2 Corinthians 12: ¹⁴ This is now the third time that I am ready to come to visit you—and I will not make any demands on you. It is you I want, not your money. After all, children should not have to provide for their parents, but parents should provide for their children. ¹⁵ I will be glad to spend all I have, and myself as well, in order to help you. Will you love me less because I love you so much?

 

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“Come in and have some dinner” were the words I delighted ti hear. Many households invited me in to eat with them in the community I grew up. What was it about these people who took time out of their busy lives to help us kids? They did it from their heart.

 

• I was blessed to have many pseudo parents who cared for me.
• I was blessed to be watched over by those who had hearts large enough to care for others.
• I was blessed to have so many people who would take me places, feed me, and mostly teach me how to grow up.

 

Pau was about to visit. He explained that he was not coming there for their money. This may have been a selfish concern on their part that he wanted to ease. Instead, he was being a pseudo parent and wanted to show his love.

 

My Observations

• GOD doesn’t mind if I remain a child.
• GOD wants me to grow up to love others the way I can.
• GOD wants me to understand the purpose of having the HOLY SPIRIT live inside me is to stretch my heart to fit others.

 

When life is all about me, my words sound different. I mean, I have more complaints than solutions when I am a child. BUT GOD wants me to grow up and point others to HIM as the only solution to life’s problems.

 

HE allows fiery trials in my life to burn away the things that do not belong. HE then opens my eyes to other people HE wants me to reach. HE provides enough for me and her or him as I encounter each person. I am glad I have had great parents and pseudo parents to grow me in many ways.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the care of the writer?
• Have you ever been tempted to speak about GOD only for money?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to stretch your heart to fit other people and serve them so they can believe in JESUS in a saving way today?

Dependable Devotion

 Dependable Devotion

2 Corinthians 7: ¹² So, even though I wrote that letter, it was not because of the one who did wrong or the one who was wronged. Instead, I wrote it to make plain to you, in God's sight, how deep your devotion to us really is. ¹³ That is why we were encouraged.

 

Not only were we encouraged; how happy Titus made us with his happiness over the way in which all of you helped to cheer him up! ¹⁴ I did boast of you to him, and you have not disappointed me. We have always spoken the truth to you, and in the same way the boast we made to Titus has proved true. ¹⁵ And so his love for you grows stronger, as he remembers how all of you were ready to obey his instructions, how you welcomed him with fear and trembling. ¹⁶ How happy I am that I can depend on you completely!

 

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“Are you okay?” were the strange words from a guy from a church I had not attended in years. I can’t remember if I was okay or not. I was touched that he reached out to check on me after so many years. We caught up and I left the conversation encouraged.

 

• I can’t remember the trouble of that time but I remember the encouragement.
• I can’t remember what problem I was going through but I remember the devotion.
• I can’t remember if things were going well or wrong but I remember the dependability.

 

Paul seems very excited about those who prayed for him and sincerely wanted him to keep spreading the valuable word of JESUS’ resurrection. This group was so devoted, they treated Paul’s friend Titus with love.

 

My Observations

• GOD cares enough about me to send devoted people to me in my need.
• GOD sees the troubles I go through and sends dependable people to comfort me.
• GOD knows when I need encouragement and surrounds me with people who care about my servanthood to CHRIST.

 

Devotion to CHRIST is the love or enthusiasm shown to others because of HIM. I mean, many people are nice and there are causes that seem quite noble on the surface. BUT GOD has many people who are devoted to speak about HIS SON at a moments notice.

 

Their light is not hidden, rather it radiates in all they do. GOD has sent me many people who thoroughly bless me and others as they rise above complaints to provide encouragement. I am grateful for those who have been dependable and devoted to CHRIST. They taught me a lot.

 

Challenge

• Can you imagine a group of people who are always dependable to encourage you?
• What did the writer see in this crowd of people?
• Do you need encouragement but cannot see the dependable crowd?
• Will you be encouraged by this note and know you are special to GOD and HE sees you and loves you more than you know?

Rejoicing Capabilities

Rejoicing Capabilities

2 Corinthians 3: ⁴ We say this because we have confidence in God through Christ. ⁵ There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God; ⁶ it is he who made us capable of serving the new covenant, which consists not of a written law but of the Spirit. The written law brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

 

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Pride had set in as I thought the promotion I received was merited. It turned out that the person on the rise needed someone he knew in the position rather than looking at my glorious accomplishments. In fact, some of the things I accomplished caused problems amongst the higher ups. I was chosen and deemed capable just because I knew the person.

 

• I was taught to be “self-made.”
• I was taught to “pull myself up.”
• I was taught to “self-promote”, “self-teach” and “self-praise” in order to get ahead.

 

“There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work” are shocking words from Paul. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees. In other words, he was the leader of church leaders. He knew his stuff! But he recognized that knowing doesn’t make a person capable of serving the SPIRIT.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize that HE did “everything” for me.
• GOD wants me to let go of any pride I may have, thinking I deserve more or I am capable of achievements.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for giving me capabilities that only came from HIM.

 

After assessing my own capabilities, I see nothing worthy of speaking about GOD. I mean, years of sinful decisions does not quite make me the top of the list for a godly person award in my book. Who then is capable? No one.

 

BUT GOD made us capable! HE decided to do something about this huge problem and saw my flaws, and died for me anyway. HE saw that I would never choose HIM and volunteered to die and be raised from the dead. Yes, this is JESUS I am speaking of! HE chose me and gave me capabilities that only came from HIM and through HIM. I am thankful for what JESUS did for me.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt less than capable?
• Do you assess other people’s capabilities and reject them?
• What do you observe in the writer’s statement about capabilities and where they come from?
• Will you rejoice the capabilities you and other people have by seeing what GOD is doing in everyone’s life today?

Reputation

 

Reputation

Romans 16: ⁶ Greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for you. ⁷ Greetings also to Andronicus and Junia, fellow Jews who were in prison with me; they are well known among the apostles, and they became Christians before I did.

 

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When I had a question, I asked a few people. I was met with the same response. “Go see ‘that’ person.” I left the name off on purpose. When I met “that” person I understood why everyone spoke so highly. This person was caring, knowledgeable and worked hard. Great reputation.

 

• I have met many people based on their great reputation.
• I have had great experiences because their reputation was true.
• I have recommended people based on their reputation.

 

Paul mentions a few people who either he had encountered or heard the great reputation. Mary seemed like a woman Paul knew of by reputation while Andronicus and Junia were fellow cellmates. Each person he mention had a good reputation with serving the LORD in his experience.

 

• GOD wants me to have a good reputation amongst humans.
• GOD wants me to treat people well because I represent HIM.
• GOD wants me to work hard for others without worrying what people think of me.

 

Reputations require character. I mean, some reputations can be paid for by marketing geniuses, fooling the masses into belief. BUT GOD sees through trickery. GOD wants HIS SPIRIT to shine through me so JESUS’ reputation can be sought after. It is not “my” reputation that is important.

 

• What is your reputation?
• Do you feel your reputation is more important that JESUS’?
• Will you point your life to CHRIST by acting with HIS character and reduce trying to please people today?

Meanwhile

Meanwhile

John 11: ⁵³ Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. ⁵⁴ Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

⁵⁵ And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. ⁵⁶ Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” ⁵⁷ Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

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After observing what everyone was doing, I could see the flaws. I quickly assessed what to do and began to tell them the corrections. When things were going as “I” expected, I took a break. Someone came to me with “suggestions” on how I could have handled things better. I did not notice “my” mistakes.

• There have been times when I wanted to see people act like me.
• There have been times when I desired to see the results of what “I” told people.
• There have been times when I paid so much attention to what other people were doing, that I forgot to do the things I was supposed to be doing.

The church leaders had taken their hatred of JESUS to the final level. They banded together to kill HIM using legal technicalities of the Bible. They spent their time, in which they should have been preparing for the Passover, spying for JESUS in a quest for murder. Meanwhile, JESUS prepared to save the world.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS love every day.
• GOD wants me to sing praises to HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS every day.

When I sing, praise and speak highly about JESUS, there is no room for hatred in my heart. Unfortunately, it holds true for the opposite. When I try to control others, or get mad at them easily or speak slanderous words, I am not filled with GOD’s SPIRIT and am acting on my own.

GOD wants me to bring people to HIM and let go of them. I can only run one life, which is mine, and most times I do not do that very well. BUT GOD forgives me and I am delighted to tell others HE can do the same for them.

• Are you busy thinking what someone else should be doing?
• Do you easily see the flaws in others and not yourself?
• Will you take a step back and allow GOD to grown them and you in HIS own way today?

Starving

Starving

John 6: 2 The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?”

53 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”

59 These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.

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After the party I announced “the party is at my place!” Everyone had a task to bring booze, music and food. We were going to continue what we started and be as loud as we wanted to be. I mean it was Saturday. I had nothing to do on Sunday.

• There were times when I fed my desires.
• There were times when I fed my lusts.
• There were times when I felt I “deserved” a bit of ”fun”.

JESUS speaks in a manner only GOD could speak. HE talks about eating HIS flesh and drinking HIS blood. “How can this be?” questioned the Jews. JESUS wanted them to feed something else that required a certain food.

• GOD wants me to feed off of JESUS’s examples.
• GOD wants me to feed off of JESUS’s love for those who hated HIM.
• GOD wants me to feed off of JESUS’s faithfulness to continue HIS mission regardless of facing death.

Starving will happen whether it is my lustful desires or the HOLY SPIRIT. One will get fed over the other. GOD wants me to feed my SPIRIT by serving those HE sends to me or who I am sent to. HE feeds me with HIS broken body and cleanses me with HIS blood that dripped from the wounds of HIS murder.

JESUS is definitely food and GOD speaks in foody terms. HE says “Bear fruit” and “Have the fruit of the SPIRIT.” These tasty terms mean serve as many people as possible and listen to GOD so the HOLY SPIRIT inside me will not starve. I desire to feed what GOD has so generously given to me.

• What are you feeding?
• Do you complain, seek pleasure, hate others or feed off of a GOD-less crowd?
• Will you feed the SPIRIT inside you by listening to GOD and serving those HE sends you to today?

Why Do You Do What You Do?

John 1: ²⁴ Now the Pharisees who had been sent ²⁵ questioned him, ‘Why then do you baptise if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’

²⁶ ‘I baptise with water,’ John replied, ‘but among you stands one you do not know. ²⁷ He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

²⁸ This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.

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“Here, take these” were the words as he handed me a pair of shoes. A friend saw my holey shoes and gave me a pair of his. I couldn’t afford new shoes and I couldn’t pay him back. “Here, take my car” said an uncle, giving me his car for a few dollars.

• Sometimes I wonder what makes people do what they do.
• Sometimes I wonder what the motive is behind their actions.
• Sometimes I wonder why people have helped me.

“Why do you baptize?” the church leaders asked John, questioning his authority. John gave his reason, namely JESUS.

• Because JESUS saved me, I am forever grateful.
• Because JESUS saved me, I feel a desire to server others.
• Because JESUS saved me, I want others to crave HIS grace.

When I get tired, JESUS is there to strengthen me to continue on. When things are falling apart all around me, JESUS is there to pick up the pieces and make me whole. JESUS gives me purpose and keeps me going. HE is my desire.

• Why do you do what you do?
• Are you trying to satisfy your inner desires?
• Can you turn your desires over to GOD so HE can do a marvelous work through you today?

Searching for Treasure

Luke 15: ⁸ “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ ¹⁰ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

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“What is that?” I said to myself as I peered at the cluttered lawn on my way to school. It looked like money so I broke the rule of not stepping on anyone’s grass. To my excitement, I found a dollar! I quickly stuffed it in my pocket and smiled all the way to class. The next day I stared intently in the lawn and the day after and the weeks after that.

• Three were times when money caught my attention.
• There were times when I got a little bit of money and it made me search for more.
• There were times when money made me look for it, seek it and desire to have more of it.

JESUS deepens HIS explanation of lost people by giving another parable. HE illustrates how a woman spent a great amount of time looking for lost money in her house. This analogy was probably used to make the people hear because most could relate to losing money. But money was not the true treasure.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM as the true treasure.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom as the true treasure.
• GOD wants me to bring HIS lost sheep and lost coins back to HIM as the true treasure.

People are clearly the true treasure GOD wants everyone to focus on. Those I hate, HE loves so somehow I need to quickly change my mind about what is important. HE values all lives and the more I can do the same the more treasure HE gives me. Prayers and preaching for more cash is sometimes okay, BUT GOD is elated when I ask for healing of my and other’s souls.

• Are you down because you don’t have money?
• Do you seek more things to make you happy?
• Will you take the time to seek GOD’s true treasure which are HIS lost children today?

Direct Response

Luke 3: ¹⁰ So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?”

¹¹ He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

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“Who will help us visit the sick?” was the question. No one raised their hand, especially me. I mean the timing was all wrong. I had car trouble I had to handle and a huge project due and my family had some other needs. Maybe someone else can do it.

• There were times when I wanted organizations to handle support of people.
• There were times when I gave money to organizations so they could support other people.
• There were times when I felt organizations would take care of people when I became too busy.

Some earnest people asked John, “What shall we do then?” in response to his wake up message that attacked their reason for being in the wilderness to get baptized. John wanted them to be genuine in their service and he gave them only a couple of examples that would require a change of heart.

• GOD wants me to sometimes give directly to people instead of always giving to organizations.
• GOD wants me to sometimes serve people directly instead of serving a crowd.
• GOD wants me to sometimes meet an individual’s needs instead of depending on an organization to do it.

Directly responding to a specific person’s needs feels different. The timing is never right nor can I ever do enough. BUT GOD is pleased when I meet the needs of “that” person this day. HE gets excited when I look out for one of HIS children. GOD wants me to have responsibility.

• What specific person are you serving?
• Can you take some of you busy time to serve a person?
• Will you take some of your excess and give it to a specific person GOD leads you to give to?

I Didn’t See Them

Matthew 25: ⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

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As I stepped into the garage a thought popped into my head, “Check voicemail to see if there are any urgent things to take care of.” When I checked, I had all kinds of messages. I answered them all the way to work and some on the way back home. After dinner, I checked email and voicemail then made a few calls. My neighbor rang the bell. I didn’t know his name.

• Life can be distracting.
• Life can be filled with a lot of “stuff.”
• Life can be so busy that I cannot see even the people around me.

When I look back on the tremendous amount of time I spent becoming “successful” I see that the true goal may have been missed, namely to serve people. I did not reach out to my neighbors to see if they needed anything. What should I do?

• GOD wants me to open my eyes to those HE delivers to me.
• GOD wants me to see my neighbors and pray for them as much as I pray for myself.
• GOD wants me to serve people just because they need to be served.

Rich or poor, GOD wants me to seek those who need to see HIS face. Serving people brings attention to them and possibly they can hear that GOD loves them and cares for them. Eternal life is not just about “me” getting saved, it is about how many people here on earth did I get a chance to plant the seed of life into their heart.

GOD will grow HIS kingdom with each sincere seed planted. HE wants me to see people HE delivers to me every day.

• Are you extremely busy or extremely worried?
• Do you see the people around you?
• Can you stop being so distracted and look at a person around you so you can serve them?

If Not Me

Matthew 21: ³⁸ “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ ³⁹ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

⁴⁰ “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

⁴¹ “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”

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“Will you serve this particular Sunday?” was the question. “Yes” was my answer, because it was easy and I had nothing planned. “Will you teach?’ was the question. “Yes” was my answer, because it wouldn’t take up too much time.  “Will you go with us on a mission’s trip?” was the question posed to me. Many reasons came to mind as far as why I could not go, all of which were excuses.

• There are times when I think someone else should do “that.”
• There are times when I am called and I hang up the phone.
• There are times when I want life easy.

Wanting an easy life is not exactly the problem in this parable, but it is related. The tenants, Israel, rejected JESUS as the Messiah. They killed HIM thinking they would inherit HIS kingdom, namely heaven. Unfortunately they would never believe and would meet a wretched end.

Same goes for me. GOD wants me to do something. I don’t mean HE wants me to work my fingers to the bone trying to gain salvation. What I mean is HE wants me to do “something.” “If not me then who?” is the question. GOD wants me to serve someone at some point in time. HE may even call me to do something extreme for HIM and I should be ready.

• GOD wants me to serve others even when it is inconvenient.
• GOD wants me to pray for others even when I don’t like them.
• GOD wants me to speak well of others so HE can speak well of me.

The story ends with the tenants being replaced by others who are willing, by those without excuses. Unfortunately I have passed up my opportunities to serve others many times. BUT GOD has other opportunities ahead. I should be ready with “Yes.”

• Are you being called?
• Do you think someone else should do “that?”
• Can you listen to GOD’s calling and respond? 

Being the Boss

Matthew 20: ²⁴ When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. ²⁵ Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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After learning a lot, I felt it was time for me to try my hand at management. I mean I was deemed the “best” in the department in the technical systems. I asked to lead a group and was given the okay. “Do this” and “Do that” were my first orders. Later, I received complaints about my “management style.”

• I once thought being the boss meant bossing people around.
• I once thought being the boss meant I was on top and everyone else was on the bottom.
• I once thought being the boss meant “do as I say” and that is that.

Being the boss quickly turned into a mutiny when I tried to flex my position. I went into my boss’s office to find no console. What was I to do? I still had to lead the people.

• GOD says to me “You must become a servant.”
• GOD says to me “I became a human to serve, not to be served.”
• GOD says to me “I freely gave MY life as a ransom for you and for many.”

JESUS wants me to follow HIS example of extreme servanthood in order to be the leader HE wants me to be. Human leaders boss people around, sometimes they bully people into action. GOD wants me to serve people into action. Those who respond to HIS example belong to HIM; those who do not respond are not mine to lead, it’s as simple as that.

Once I started “serving” the people, they began serving me and others. GOD enables me to serve in order to draw people back to HIM.

• Are you trying to be bossy?
• Do you criticize your leaders?
• Can you become a servant whether you are the boss or the employee for GOD today?

Being part of it

Matthew 14: ¹³ When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

¹⁵ As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

¹⁶ Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

¹⁷ “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

¹⁸ “Bring them here to me,” he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

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 Amazing life in abundance is what GOD wants me to have. When HE has something for me to do, HE will not only provide HE will multiply. The strange thing about this slice of history is the JESUS told the disciples to feed the people with inadequate resources. They even questioned HIM.

• GOD expects me to do amazing things with my limited resources.
• GOD expects me to feed thousands without having the means to do so.
• GOD expects me to be part of HIS solution rather than constantly voicing the problem.

Being part of it means I have to trust GOD when HE tells me to do something huge and I don’t even know where to start. It means being diligent when there is nowhere left to turn. GOD wants to do some amazing things with me and through me. All I need to do is trust HIS provision.

• Is GOD calling you to do something amazing yet you don’t have the resources?
• Do you feel GOD is leading you to do something and you don’t know how to do it?
• Will you allow GOD to provide the resources while you provide your willingness? 

If I’m Not Part of the Solution I’m Part of the Problem

Esther 4: ¹¹ “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”

¹² When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, ¹³ he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. ¹⁴ For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

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“Why would anyone travel out of this country?” I said to many people as we discussed missions trips. I mean we have poor people and people in need right here. I carried this belief for years. Then one day a pastor challenged my belief. “Come with me to Zimbabwe” he said. I pictured muddy water and the bloated, starving baby with the fly in his eye. BUT “something” made me go anyway. It changed my view of the world.

• Sometimes I think GOD is here to only protect me and my family.
• Sometimes I think GOD is limited to only my small area.
• Sometimes I think my calling is tiny.

When I arrived I was shocked by the skyscrapers, pristine golf courses and malls. But when we went into the rural areas I say the extreme opposite. Six or seven slept in a one room shack as large as a bathroom. The people we saw were not physically starving, but mentally and even more, spiritually. How can I fix this?

• GOD said to me “Go to the uttermost parts of the world.”
• GOD said to me “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and all these things will be added to you.”
• GOD said to me “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

There is a world of hurt out there. I can focus on trying to find out why some people remain greedy and point at them or I can go out and help those in need. I also cannot think poverty cannot happen to me. I cannot fix poverty, nor can I change the mind of the arrogant and greedy people. GOD is the one who provides. HE sends me to serve just like HIS SON was sent to me.

• Are you avoiding understanding the problem?
• Do you think you can isolate yourself by going to church and hanging around Bible studies?
• When is the last time you actively sought out helping someone in need strictly because GOD said for you to do this?
• Can you seek GOD’s kingdom today and allow HIM to deliver you to people with HIS message of grace and salvation?

The Right Motive

Nehemiah 5: ¹⁸ Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.

¹⁹ Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people.

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Scratching my head over a project I worked deep in thought. Someone popped into my cubicle and asked, “Do you want to help us serve this Saturday?” I said the corporate “Yes” knowing I had plenty of other things I would rather do. I really didn’t like the people at the home office.

It was a photo opportunity and I thought to myself, “If the big boss wants this then maybe I should.” After the photographer left, I wondered how I was going to make my escape. The big boss then asked me “Would you like to run a marathon?” “Aw Man!” What does it take to move up in this company? I already served!”

• Sometimes I serve to get my way.
• Sometimes I serve to gain political power.
• Sometimes I serve because I am told to serve.

I don’t even remember the causes I have supported over the years. I mean the hat is passed around at work and I dropped in a few dollars and kept going, hoping they would not come back again. Maybe if I reached a certain level then I could dictate which charity they would support. BUT GOD wanted me to think different.

• GOD wants me to desire what is best for HIS people without me getting anything in return.
• GOD wants me to sacrifice to ensure people are kept strong and made whole.
• GOD wants me to seek out situations where I can serve rather than being served.

Instead of getting more, GOD wants me to give more. HE said “The poor you will always have” meaning I will always have plenty of people to give to. HE wants me to give to those who cannot give back. My only motive must be to serve those HE delivers to me.

• Are you serving in order to get something from GOD?
• Are you serving and complaining about serving?
• Are you aware GOD wants you to serve out of cheerfulness and love?
• Can you serve people today with the right motive which is to help those GOD sends to you?

Periods of Rest

1 Chronicles 23: ²⁵ For David had said, “Since the Lord, the God of Israel, has granted rest to his people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever, ²⁶ the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles used in its service.” 

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With the crowd getting larger, it seemed like this place needed more organization. I implemented some software that would keep track of tithes, offerings and money for the building. Each Sunday I would park myself in the office and half way listen to the sermon on a speaker in the office.

Questions about administration soon led me to take work from the church home. I was the head of the deacons, head of the trustees, head of administration and headed towards going nuts. Is this what GOD had in mind?

• Sometimes I get overloaded.
• Sometimes I feel overwhelmed.
• Sometimes I work to the point of exhaustion.

Volunteering is a wonderful thing but sometimes the volunteer activity needs to be scaled back to have moment of rest. GOD wants me to focus on HIM when HE calls me, but HE loves me so much that HE wants me to have rest.

• GOD said to me “Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
• GOD said to me “I lead you beside still waters.”
• GOD said to me “Stand still and watch the power of the LORD.”

When I find myself trying too hard to please GOD it usually stems from fear or worry or doubt that HE is with me. It also means I really, really want something that GOD may have said “No” or “Wait” to. Don’t get me wrong… GOD wants me to be persistent an persevere in the battle of life, BUT HE also wants me to have periods of rest.

GOD cares for me so HE wants me to take a moment for myself so I will not get burnt out!

• Are you working hard to please GOD?
• Do you think HE is not pleased with you for some reason?
• Can you stop thinking HE is a hard task master and allow yourself to take a break once in a while?
• Can you look at service to the LORD as smaller periods of work AND rest?

GOD delivers the right person at the right time

2 Kings 25: ²⁷ In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. He did this on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month. ²⁸ He spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat of honor higher than those of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. ²⁹ So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table. ³⁰ Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived.

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My first job had one amazing person who took me under his wing and decided to train me instead of firing me. But after him I had a string of bosses who were reckless with their people. One would yell at people in public! “Is this what work is about?” I thought to myself.  

When the position was moved over to another division I sat at my desk thinking, “here we go again. I wonder how horrible this boss will be?” One year after that thought I received the highest award in the company because he went out on a limb for me. He restored my faith that there are some good people out there.

• Just when I think all is lost GOD delivers the right person.
• Just when I think I have to remain in a pitiful situation GOD delivers the right person.
• Just when I think my situation couldn’t better GOD delivers the right person.

Walking into an elevator, a person smiled at me when I was having a bad day. When I was a kid, GOD delivered people into my life who’s words ring in my mind saying “I can do it.” These strangers seem to come from nowhere but they always had a word of encouragement.

• Can you be the right person for someone?
• Can you encourage someone today?
• Won’t you take time to praise GOD and build someone up today?