The Pin That Opened Doors

For years, I had that pin tucked away in my jewelry collection. I must have lost it in one of my moves, but my memories remain intact.

In my younger years, our denomination had the Gold Crown challenge. The goal was to miss no more than two Sundays in a year. Imagine that!

At the end of the first year, you earned a small round white pin. The second year, it was a gold wreath to put around it. Each year after that, you received a tiny bar to attach below.

Vacations presented a challenge, but my family values included Sunday worship Arriving in town on a Saturday night, my parents would check a phone book or newspaper for information. If that didn’t work, we would drive the area looking for a nearby church.

We visited many different denominations. As they sang hymns, prayed, received tithes and offerings, and listened to sermons, I felt at home.

The Gold Crown years were far behind when I married; however, my husband and I chose to keep the vacation tradition. We enjoyed worshiping in national parks, RV parks, home groups, country churches, and city cathedrals.

The Gold Crown challenge would not work today. There’s a laissez-faire attitude toward church attendance in general. COVID didn’t help with its isolation requirements. Watching church online, a blessing at the time, was not meant to be a permanent solution for people healthy enough to get out again.

Scripture says, “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day (of Christ’s return) approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

It’s too easy to sleep in, lounge about, and watch online. I often remind myself to get a move on. For example: (1) It’s a blessing to be able to meet freely, (2) I have brothers and sisters around the world forced to meet in secret, and (3) I remember how I longed to attend church when I was a caregiver, but couldn’t do so.

That little pin is still opening doors . . . to the church I currently call home.

What is your spiritual goal on the Lord’s Day?

Pixabay: Calendar, Months, Wood Image; Alexas_Fotos.

  

The Choice is Yours

Have you ever thanked God for the ability to think and make choices? Many daily choices seem routine. But there was a time we had thought about them and made a choice.

From the beginning, God gave humans a choice, and from Genesis to Revelation, His will is made clear. However, the choice is ours: (1) Will we believe His word, and (2) will we obey His word?  

Psalm Chapter One is a favorite. Six powerful little verses contrast the righteous with the wicked. People in our day tend to downplay the meaning of wicked, but God’s word is eternal.

What do the righteous DO? They delight in the law of the Lord and choose to keep it in mind day and night. The Psalm calls this meditation.

What do the righteous NOT DO? By focusing on God’s word, they don’t: (1) walk in wicked or ungodly counsel, (2) follow the way of sinners, nor (3) sit with mockers.

In our modern day, we need to apply this to our entertainment and social media choices. But mockery doesn’t have to be outright ridicule of God. We can also mock by simply brushing Him off with our choices and actions as if He doesn’t matter.

How’s this for contrast? Psalm One says the righteous are blessed, but not so the wicked. The righteous are rooted and bear fruit, but the wicked are blown away like chaff (Psalm 1: 1-3, 4-5).  

Have you heard of the broad way and the narrow way? Jesus said there’s a broad way that leads to destruction. It’s full of people who want big and easy.

On the other hand, there’s a narrow gate and a narrow way that leads to life, but compared to the broad way, only a few find it (Matthew 7:13-14).

There’s an old joke that says, ‘When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” But the reality is that choices matter.

The choice is yours. God’s way or your way? The broad way or the narrow way?

It takes more effort to stay on a narrow path, but with eternal values in view, it’s worth the effort!

Pixabay: Decision, Choice, Path; Waldryana.

  

Personal but Pertinent

A friend and I attend a weekly non-denominational international Bible study. It’s called *CBS, or Community Bible Study. I had heard of it for years, but I was always busy in ministry with my husband.

We begin and end in a large group, with breakout groups in between. Discussions are based on the workbook lessons we have answered by reading the scripture references; however, sometimes questions require personal answers.

Here’s a personal question I enjoyed:  **Christianity is sometimes criticized as being exclusive…how would you respond to that criticism?

There are two sides to every story, so my first answer is no, then yes. Many scriptures could be shared, but my space is limited:

SIDE ONE:  I do not believe Christianity is exclusive because God Himself extends an invitation. John 3:16-17:  For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Jesus gave His disciples an assignment: Matthew 28:19-20: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.

SIDE TWO:  Invitations require a response. John 3:18: Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Jesus issued a personal invitation. Revelation 3:20: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

If we choose to receive God’s gift of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins: (1) We are cleansed from our sins (1 John 1:9), (2) begin a new spiritual life (2 Corinthians 5:17), and (3) become members together in the Body of Christ (Colossians 3:15).

Any group with membership has its own requirements, values, and loyalty. Christian commitment means knowing and doing what Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20).

That requires daily reading your Bible and asking the Holy Spirit to help you understand how to apply it to your life (John 14:15-17).   

*www.communitybiblestudy.org

**CBS: The Book of Psalms: Volume Two; Lesson 16: God’s Kingdom Expands; Day 5, Question 20; p. 6.

Pixabay: Bible, Christian; charlotte_202003.

The Best Bread

In my early years, I lived in a town with a major bakery distributor. On certain days, the sweet smell of freshly-baked bread was strong. To a bread lover like me, the aroma was a pleasure.

Bread has been called “the staff of life” for good reason. Just think of how many ways bread is prepared and eaten around the world. It’s such a life-sustaining basic that some even use the word as slang for “money.”

When I pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), I’m thankful for my daily food, but today God impressed me to value it differently.

Let’s consider a couple of Jesus’ dealings with bread.

During His forty days of temptation and fasting in the wilderness, Satan tried to tempt Jesus to prove He was the Son of God by turning stones into bread (Matthew 4:1-4). Jesus replied, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3).

He was concerned with people both spiritually and physically. Take Luke 9:10-17, for example. He was trying to get away with His disciples, but crowds followed them.

Jesus taught spiritual principles for hours and healed many people. As the day was ending, the disciples said, “Send them away so they can go find lodging and provisions.” But, Jesus said, “You feed them.”

"With what?” they asked. "What do you have?" They found five loaves and two fish. After Jesus blessed their meager findings, all the people were fed.

You might eliminate bread and live on a low-carb diet physically. But spiritually, the same principle does not apply. We are to live a balanced life in both areas. 

Healthy spiritual values require taking time to read God’s word.

Some do it in the morning and others in the evening. The issue is not the time of day; the important thing is commitment.

Find time to get deeper into God's word than just a daily devotional. That's more of a snack to keep you going until you can sit down for a meal.

Make it your goal to say like the psalmist, “With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments” (Psalm 119:10).

Pixabay: Bread, Candy, Pies; aureliofoxrj.

How's Your Hearing?

 

Have you ever heard this conversation?

 “Hey, did you hear me?”

“What? Oh. Sorry. I wasn’t listening.”

Or, how about a radio ad? “We’re presenting (whatever kind of music) for your listening pleasure.” In other words, relax, keep us in the background. You don’t have to concentrate on us. 

I had a good relationship with my mother-in-law. She was easy to talk with, and I remember she would say, “Now, listen!” whenever she wanted to say something she felt was extremely meaningful---usually a good piece of needed advice.

Hearing and listening have been considered inter-twining acts throughout the ages. Listening is lightweight; hearing implies a deeper level of understanding.

My *Bible dictionary had a very brief, but interesting, article under EAR. Here are three examples from those mentioned:

         1. To incline the ear was to hear (2 Kings 19:16)

         2. To give ear was to pay careful attention (Job 32:11,12)

         3.  Covering the ears was a refusal to listen (Acts 7:51, 57)

As I studied my Bible lesson today, Jesus had some important, but hard, teachings. He knew not everyone would incline their ear. His opening line was “to those of you who will listen, I say . . .” (Luke 6:27-36).

Then came simple teachings that even a child could understand. But simple does not mean easy, and to this day, only those willing to truly hear, obey them.

What do YOU think of Jesus' teachings? (1) Love your enemies, (2) Do good to those who hate you, (3) Bless those who curse you, and (4) Pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27,28).

He also said: (5) Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and (6) Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (v. 31, 36).

How’s your hearing? I’ve been asking myself that question today.

Do I truly incline my ear to hear ALL of Jesus’ teachings? Or, do I casually listen, then pick and choose what I want to hear and obey? It matters!

In the Parable of the Sower, the seeds on good soil are those who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop (Luke 8:15).

*EAR, Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, p. 448; Copyright 2003 Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN. All Rights Reserved.

Pixabay: Sound, Listening, Man; OpenClipart-Vectors.

The Value of Tenacity

A vineyard full of grapes ready to harvest is a beautiful thing. It’s amazing how one vine can support many branches full of fruit. Living in central California gave me a special appreciation of this.

Grapes have been valued since ancient times. They are tasty fresh off the vine, dried in the sun for raisins, or pressed into juice and made into wine.  

Jesus used this valuable resource to illustrate a Biblical principle. It is found in John 15:1-11. I hope you take time to read those verses. But He starts by saying God is the keeper of the vineyard, Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches (v. 1, 5).  

We must cling to Him if we want to bear good fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing of spiritual value (v. 5).

We cling to the vine in various ways. First, by faith we believe He is the Son of God. Then we continue in faith to receive Him as our Savior (John 3:16-18).

By faith, we then show our love to Jesus by commitment to obeying His commands and lovingly relating to other believers (v. 10, 12). In Him, we are fruitful in good works which glorify God (v. 8).

Abiding in Christ can keep us level-headed. In times of hardship or trial, we need not despair. When we’re down and our joy seems gone, abiding in Christ will give us the victory. Paul said, “We live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). It’s also wise not to live by our fluctuating emotions.

To abide in Christ is to trust in Him. We submit to Him, follow His ways, and pursue a lasting relationship with Him.

"Tenacity" is a valuable character trait. Somebody who is tenacious keeps a firm hold on something they don’t want to lose.   

When God prunes us by allowing challenging or hard times into our lives, tenacious people hang on by faith. Careless, unproductive followers fall away and become worthless branches good only for fire (v. 6)

Don’t be a worthless branch! Be tenacious and enjoy a fruitful, eternal relationship with The Vine!  

Pixabay: Purple, grapes, grapevine; MARINOPHUC.

  

A Good Life by Choice

Have you ever wondered which direction your life is to take? We constantly have choices between good and evil, and sometimes better or best.

The psalmist noted it this way: “Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart” (Psalm 119:34).  

Jesus taught about the narrow gate to life and the broad way to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). We all know that narrow things require us to slow down and pay more attention.

But narrow or broad, they have one thing in common - - - we must choose.

Our earthly choices count for eternity. One day, God’s books will be opened, and we will be judged by our actions. It’s not enough to give mental assent to God’s guidelines for right living. We must do them.  

Scripture gives us fair warning:

·         I will deal with them according to their conduct (Ezekiel 7:27)

·         We will give an account to Him who is to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:5)

·         Books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life (Revelation 20:11-15; John 3:16-18)

In all of Creation, God’s work was declared “good” (Genesis 1). We, as believers, were given new life in Christ Jesus to also do good works (Ephesians 2:8-10).

We are to use whatever gift God has given us to serve one another, so that in all things Jesus Christ may be glorified (1 Peter 4:10-11). One of the gifts mentioned is speaking.

This past week, we lost a man who boldly proclaimed his faith. The testimony of his life will long be remembered. He not only knew God’s word, but he chose to live it.

Proverbs 10:7 says, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” Charlie Kirk knew the dangers in his public forum. When previously asked, “How would you like to be remembered?” He replied, “For courage and faith.”   

Because of his daily choices, he will be remembered exactly that way.  

Let’s remember: 1) Our choices matter, and 2) we have no guarantee of the number of our days.   

Pixabay: Choices; geralt.

  

The Choice Lives On

To me, archeology is fascinating. When I see photos of ancient finds, I know what Solomon said was true: “What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).  

We have another thing in common with the ancients: The question of truth. Jesus answered Pilate’s questions, but when He said He was born to testify to the truth, and “everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice,” Pilate cut Him off with a satirical response. “What is truth?” (John 18:33-39).

The truth is not necessarily complicated. Even a simple plumb line of string with a weight at the bottom will help someone build a straight wall.

We live in a day when people seem bent on living by personal truth, meaning “your truth and my truth” are both right, different though they may be.

Like Solomon said, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” Isaiah 59:14-15 reads like today’s news: So, justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey.

We have a moral and spiritual plumbline: Jesus and God’s Word (John 14:6, 17:17). But from Genesis to Revelation, God has always given us freedom of choice. We are free to believe or not. We are free to:

·         Exchange God’s truth for a lie (Rom. 1:25)

·         Wander away from the truth (2 Timothy 2:15-18)

·         Oppose the truth (2 Timothy 3:8)

·         Deceive ourselves with no truth in us (1 John 1:8)

 

But God’s truth has eternal consequences. John 3:16-18 says God loved the world so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, as the one-and-only acceptable sacrifice for sin. We can choose to accept Jesus as our Savior and have eternal life, or choose not to believe and be condemned eternally. 

It’s just a matter of time. Whose truth do you choose to live by? Your truth, my truth, or God’s truth?

 

Choose carefully, because one day we will all appear before Christ. Why? To be judged for our choices here on earth (2 Corinthians 5:10).

 

Pixabay: Pharoah, Archeology; fotshot.

 

Something We All Need

We’ve been talking a lot about our will. Today is no exception. In Psalm 101, David said multiple times, “I will” do this or that, but why?

It’s only eight short verses, but they focus on something we all need: Integrity. We don’t hear much about it these days, but it’s still an important character trait.

What does it mean to live with integrity? It means doing the right thing even when no one is looking (no one but God, that is).

People with moral and ethical principles are honest and consistent, in contrast to being dishonest and shifty. They are respectful of others, carry out responsibility well, and don’t mind being held accountable.

When I think of integrity, I think of self-control. Why? Because integrity doesn’t just happen. We live with integrity on purpose, by the choices we make.

Integrity can start at home. David said he would set no worthless thing before his eyes (V. 3). In our day, visual temptations and evil choices abound 24/7 . . . on our cell phones, in movies, books, and on TV.   

He expanded his integrity by choosing to: (1) Silence slanderers, (2) not endure the proud, (3) cut off evildoers, and (4) remove the wicked from the land (V. 5-8).

David wanted to surround himself with people of integrity Even his workers were those who could be counted on to be faithful, not to speak lies, or deceive him in any way. (V. 5-7).

By ferreting out evil in our homes and businesses, it should affect the city where we live in good ways.

There’s a similar thought in Proverbs 14:34: Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

Where do you line up on the integrity quotient? Fully engaged? Partially in? Could care less?

People who choose to live with integrity don’t have to wobble on their choices. They know where they stand and can be at peace.

Pixabay: Balance, Ethics, Values; Mohamed_hassan.  

The Best Christmas Gift Ever

I admit I’ve always had trouble coming up with a “Santa” list. We kids knew Mom was the one behind our Christmas gifts, so Santa was never an issue. The budget was tight, but I never felt we lacked gifts.

My husband’s family was really into gifts under the tree. They didn’t have to be expensive, but to my dismay, they always wanted a “Santa List.” I was no better at it then, than I am now. I’ve always enjoyed gift cards because I can spread them out over the year. Their reaction was, “What’s the fun in that?” But they gave me grace.

Christmas is a special season. It’s fun to receive, but also to give. My financial circumstances have varied over the years. But I still remember a principle of giving that I learned one Christmas when dollars were hard to come by.

As a lady spoke about giving, she mentioned Paul. While encouraging Corinthian believers' giving to help Christians in Jerusalem, he used the Macedonian Christians as an example. He said their giving would be judged by what they had, not on what they didn’t have. For some reason that set me free. I didn’t have a lot to give, but I could give something! (2 Corinthians 8:1-15. I was reading my NIV at the time).

He followed up with more words about cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). So, here’s the challenge: How many ways can you give cheerfully this Christmas Season, whether rich or poor?

I’m thankful God didn’t ask, “What do you want for Christmas?” I would never have known to ask for such a wonderful gift as Jesus, even if I was convinced that God is love and has my best interests at heart (1 John 4:7-10).

He took it upon Himself to bless us with the best gift of all time. It’s famously recorded in John 3:16:  For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

He gave to the world . . . to you and me . . . to all countries and cultures . . . and to all generations!

People react differently to this gift. Some fail to respond because they consider themselves unworthy. Some are too proud to ever admit they need a Savior. Others hold off because they’re determined to earn God’s gift.

But wait . . . there’s more  . . Jesus is only one of God’s good gifts! You’ll find others listed in Psalm 103:1-5. Just remember that saying “thank you” is an important part of receiving any gift.

Determine now to create a personal quiet time this Christmas. Enter into God’s presence and thank Him for the best Christmas gift ever (Psalm 100:4-5).

MERRY CHRISTMAS

May it be joyous, lively, entertaining, and satisfying.

It’s up to you . . . act . . . don’t just react!

 SPECIAL NOTE: Look for my next blog on January 05, 2025.    

A Matter of Importance: Part 2

Let’s have another look at the importance of integrity. It matters to people and it matters to God. Of course, His is the deeper all-inclusive view.

When Samuel the Prophet was called upon to anoint a king, he was impressed by a tall handsome fellow. But God said, “Don’t consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7, BSB).

This is a good concept for all relationships. Look beyond beauty, wealth, or thinking what’s in it for me? Watch for important signs of inner beauty and integrity.

Does God still look into our hearts? I Samuel 15:29 says God does not lie or change His mind. If you care about living a good life and pleasing God, you will read His word, and hide it in your heart for guidance. (Psalm 119:11).

David said, “I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness” (I Chronicles 29:17). Isaiah had good reason to share God’s strong warning of “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil . . .” (Isaiah 5:20).

We are advised to turn from evil and do good (Psalm 37:27-28). God is long-suffering to people of both good and evil, however, there will be a day of accountability. Each of us will be rewarded according to our works (Revelation 22:11-15).

What is your most important work? To believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation from your sins, and to have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (John 3:16, and Revelation 20:11-15).

If we ask God to forgive our sins, He will. But then we are to walk in integrity before Him, trying to please Him in every way (Colossians 1:10-12).

Remember, God judges from the inside out. Integrity does have eternal consequences.

Pixabay: Question mark, question; Peggy_Marco.

A Matter of Importance: Part 1

Have you ever considered what kind of relationships give you peace? I had a fifty-two-year relationship that worked well for me. I credit that to a husband who lived his life with personal integrity. But we also bring peace to ourselves. 

It’s been a long time since I read *Psalm 101, NLT. It's a no-nonsense declaration of David’s desire to live a life of integrity. Bible scholars say he wrote this early in his reign as king. Approximately eleven times he says “I will” do this or that.  

Integrity means living by personal moral and ethical principles. It means doing the right thing even when no one is looking. It means being honest and consistent, in contrast to being dishonest and shifty.

Some examples of integrity are respect, honesty, and responsibility . . . patience, hard work, and accountability. When I think of integrity I also think of self-control because integrity doesn’t just happen. We live with integrity on purpose and by choice.

Integrity has been important to all generations. It should start in the home. (v.2-3). Do we think only we moderns are tempted to watch vile and vulgar things? 

I know this was written long before a culture bombarded by temptations like pornography, or heavy sexual content in movies, DVDs, or television, but even ancient Job made a similar covenant with his eyes (Job 31:1). Men and women both need to wisely withstand visual temptations.

David’s further choices for integrity included: 1) rejecting perverse and evil ideas, 2) avoiding crooked people, including those who slander others, 3) rejecting the proud, 4) choosing companions who live above reproach, and 5) not allowing liars or deceivers to serve him in any way (V. 3-7).

The kinds of cities we live in reflect the kinds of people we are. A majority of people living by integrity can greatly influence a community for good.

**Proverbs 14:34, NIV says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

Do you live with integrity even when no one is looking? In your home? Your business? Your school? Your church? Don’t kid yourself. Integrity matters.

*Scripture notations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

**Scripture notations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain Reference Bible New International Version, copyright 1983 by the B.B. Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc., and the Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.  

 Pixabay: Question, Decision; TheDigitalArtist.

Sawdust and Two-by-Fours

I don’t know much about lumber, but my dad was quite a builder. Watching him at work I saw plenty of sawdust and two-by-fours. Lumber was never a problem, but I was aware that a speck of sawdust could blow up into my eye.

Jesus told parables to make His life lessons easy. *Matthew 7:1-5 is a kind of reminder to live and let live. Or, to put it another way, beware of judging others because you will also be judged.

The Apostle Paul said we live and die to the Lord. He made a specific point of asking, “Why, then, do you judge your brother? Why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat . . . (Romans 14:10).  

We humans all have flaws. While relating to one another, we do have to judge and make decisions. But what concerns me is the clouded superficial judgment illustrated by sawdust and two-by-fours whereby we try to correct one another, or sometimes cancel one another.

Do these sound familiar . . . anger, rage, malice, slander, or filthy language? They are to be put aside (Colossians 3:8). Today it seems people jump to conclusions, quickly responding with sarcastic or caustic comments (aiming to correct the speck in another’s eye). Then they move on, totally ignorant of their bad vision . . . a beam blocking good judgment (and perhaps even common sense).

When I was growing up, I had a children’s paperback with short character-building stories. I still remember the story of two sisters who constantly fought like **Kilkenny Cats. They were warned that if they kept it up, they would destroy each other.

Consider healthy solutions to avoiding problems with sawdust and two-by-fours: Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, forgiveness, love, and the peace of God (Colossians 3:12-14).

When it comes to social media, these apply to both sides of the coin: Writing and Response.

Let’s be honest. I’m not perfect, and neither are you, but we each impact our world. So, let’s try to recognize our blocking beam before rushing to remove specks of sawdust.     

*All scriptures are from the BSB (Berean Standard Bible) 

 **In the 19^th century, In Ireland, The Kilkenny Cats story is that they fought so ferociously only their tails remained. The Kilkenny Cats became a simile for any conflict that could ruin both combatants. (Wikipedia)

Photo on Pixabay: Woodworking, Carpentry by LazarCatt. 

A Valuable Life Lesson

 

We learn many lessons throughout our lives. Experience is a great teacher, but sometimes we know to do something and must train ourselves to do it.

This week I was asked, “What does it mean to be content?” Perhaps most people would agree contentment is when we’re not worried about things; we have a sense of peace and satisfaction.

Some would argue contentment is in content, things they own. They want to accumulate even more. Their focus is entirely earthly, not a heavenly thought is hiding anywhere in their mind.

Jesus taught that one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). In fact, the parable He shared to make His point is titled “The Parable of the Rich Fool.” A farmer with an abundance of crops decided to build bigger storage barns, and then take it easy. He thought I can eat, drink, and be merry for many years (Luke 12:16-21). He was entirely self-focused.

Jesus had another occasion to teach that eternal life was more important than things. A rich young man was interested in eternal life and asked Jesus about it. When Jesus said it was important to keep the commandments, he felt pretty good, because he already did that.

But when questioned further, Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:16-22). The young man was very unhappy because he had great wealth and didn’t wish to part with any of it.

You can read more about eternal good deeds, generosity, and giving to others in 1 Timothy 6:17-19. But the Apostle Paul, a dedicated missionary/evangelist/and church planter said he had learned to be content. He found Christ gave him strength to do what was needed; it did not depend on his circumstances (Philippians 4:10-13).    

How far have you come in this life lesson? Our first option is to learn to give freely to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 says God loves a cheerful giver and that giving is a way of thanking God for His provision.

Next, comes a focus on others. That could include your local food bank, missions, your care for a family in need, thrift store donations, Christmas projects, or donations through wills and trusts.   

It’s a personal choice (2 Corinthians 9:7). Feel free to jump right into the Contentment Learning Pool, even if you try the shallow end first.

Swimming Pool by gbeaty on Pixabay.

The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible, BSB, Copyright 2022 by Bible Hub, Used by Permission, All Rights Reserved Worldwide. 

One Way to Honor God

As I read Psalm 16:4 today I was reminded of an incident in San Francisco. In my early twenties, I was the pianist for a young group of musicians who were excited to go on a road trip from California to Oregon.

In San Francisco’s wharf area, we separated into groups, agreeing to meet back at a certain time and place. Just as my friend and I were ready to catch a cab and return, a Hare Krishna member approached.

When we said we weren’t interested, he surprised us by asking, “Can you say Hare Krishna?” Puzzled when we shook our heads and said, “No," he asked again. To our "no" that time we added, "We need to be on our way.”

David lived by the Torah. He was probably familiar with Exodus 23:13 where God specifically said His people were not to call on any other god or even speak their name.

I didn’t know that scripture, at the time. I just didn’t see any reason to speak the name of another god.

God’s name is holy. Too many Christians today use God’s name in an empty way, saying “Oh, my God!” as an expression of shock or surprise. It’s even been reduced further to “OMG,” as if that makes a difference.

Perhaps we need to consider more carefully the words in this brief *worship song, written and recorded by Rich Mullins in 1988.

Our God is an Awesome God

He reigns from heaven above

With wisdom, pow’r and love

Our God is an awesome God

People substitute other slang words for God’s name, but I’m not here to judge. I’m here to encourage people to honor God by being conscious of how we use His holy name.

Consider this meaningful prayer of David:  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my (firm, immovable) rock and my Redeemer. **Psalm 19:14, AMP 

*Our God is an Awesome God, credited to Rich Mullins in a Wikipedia article about him.

**All scripture marked AMP is taken from the Amplified Bible and is used by permission of the Lockman Foundation.

Illustration by Pixabay, Used by permission: Speech Bubble Icon, TheDigitalArtist. 

Lost in the Lettuce

LOST in the LETTUCE

What!! I couldn’t believe it. My wedding ring had slipped off my finger into a full bin of iceberg lettuce.

I did a quick mental quiz. Have I lost weight unknowingly? Did I not eat any salt today? Is cooler weather keeping my fingers from swelling? My answer to all three was I don’t know, but I’ve got to DO something!

Feeling like a crazy woman, I started piling up the lettuce to the back of the bin. I could see my ring between the iron grates. Even more worrisome was the slot in the front, not far from my ring. I didn’t want it lost down there!

I struggled to pick the ring up between two fingers. When that didn’t work, I walked through the swinging doors to the back of the produce department. “Hello!” I shouted. “Hello!” There was no response and I didn’t see anyone.

I’m on my own, I thought. Maybe I can pull it out with a couple of pens. I hurriedly dug through my purse. With a ballpoint pen in each hand I tried using one pen to push my ring onto the clip of the other. The ring would go on but then slip off when I lifted it up.

It was a relief to see I was still alone. I thought I’m going to have to push my fingers through that grate to get my ring. It hurt, but I struggled again to hold onto the ring while I pulled it free.

When I finally got it back on my finger I felt like shouting, “I got it!” It was then a story came to mind about the search for a valuable pearl.

It’s an extremely short story, only about twenty-eight words. Jesus’ stories, or parables, used common things to illustrate spiritual truths.

The story that came to mind was this: The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! (Matthew 13:45-46 NLT).

My wedding ring, like that pearl, was valuable to me. I wasn’t about to leave it laying in the lettuce bin!

Parables can illustrate more than one truth. Feeling the ring on my finger, still loose, I thought about the effort the man put forth to own the choice pearl. He sold everything he had to make it his own.

The Kingdom of Heaven, like the pearl, is very desirable. The question is, how much value do we place on it? Our answer is shown by the effort we make to pursue it.

To seek the Kingdom of God means to give God first priority in our life. We apply His guidelines to personal decisions and are not swayed by others' goals or opinions.

Lettuce is quite perishable. In a world filled with lettuce-like values, we need to pursue the pearl and not get lost in the lettuce.