Barbara Ho writes about the time when she was six months pregnant and her winter coat would no longer fit. She and her husband went into a Sears and Roebuck and found a coat that would have been perfect for her. The price was $69, which would have been about $75 with tax. Since they did not have much income and already had trouble paying their monthly bills, they drove home without purchasing the coat.
On the drive home they lifted up their situation to God in prayer. When they arrived at their apartment they found an envelope in the mailbox. No, it did not have money in it. It contained an anonymous gift card to Sears for $75!
They got back in the car and went to purchase the coat.
God often gives us what we ask for in prayer. Sometimes he answers our prayers in amazingly specific ways!
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”—Matthew 7:7.
We all have decisions to make in life. Some are more important than others. Occasionally we have to make a monumental choice, one that may cause quite a stir. Before we make such a radical decision, it is important to look at the example of Jesus.
One of the most radical things that Jesus did when he walked this earth is when he cleared the temple of those who were buying and selling and exchanging money. When he turned over the tables and benches of those who were doing business there he got some people riled up.
At first glance, it might seem that Jesus made this decision on the spur of the moment. A closer look, however, reveals that this is not at all what happened. Mark 11:11 says, “Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.” Jesus looked at what was happening in the temple, but he did not act immediately. It wasn’t until the next day that Jesus decided to take action (Mark 11:12-17).
We can learn a few things about decision-making from the example of Jesus here. First, make sure you have good information before you proceed. Jesus did not rely on hearsay. He checked out for himself what was actually going on in the temple. We tread in dangerous territory when we make important choices without having the right information. Make sure you do your research before making a radical decision.
Second, we see that Jesus did not act immediately. He waited until the next day before making his decision. He literally slept on it. Too often we make choices that we soon come to regret because we act too hastily. Many people have sent a letter, email or text message that they would not have sent if they had simply taken more time to think about it.
Jesus also may have seen the benefit of delaying his actions until the next day. Apparently, such a drastic action might have lost some of its impact if it had happened at the end of one day rather than at the beginning of the next day. Always consider the timing of any huge decision you have to make.
Third, we see that Jesus was willing to live (or die!) with the decision he was about to make. He knew that there would be serious opposition to what he was about to do, and yet he did it anyway. Because of his actions, the religious leaders began looking for a way to kill him. We have to be ready for some negative feedback from others over the important decisions we make in life. You have to constantly ask yourself the question, “Am I willing to die on that hill?” In other words, “Is this action worth the price I am likely to pay for having made this decision?”
As always, Jesus is our perfect example in everything, including making radical decisions. Let’s make sure we follow him in every way.
When you go to a doctor for your annual check-up, he or she will often begin to poke, prod, and press various places, all the while asking, “Does this hurt? How about this?”
If you cry out in pain, one of two things has happened. Either the doctor has pushed too hard, without the right sensitivity. Or, more likely, there’s something wrong, and the doctor will say, “We’d better do some more tests. It’s not supposed to hurt there!”
So it is when preachers speak on financial responsibility, and certain members cry out in discomfort, criticizing the message and the messenger. Either the preacher has pushed too hard, or perhaps there’s something wrong. In that case, the one who is in pain is in need of the Great Physician because it’s not supposed to hurt there.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”–2 Corinthians 9:7.
In 1994 Ali Pierce, the fourteen-year-old daughter of John and Anna Pierce of Massachusetts, was diagnosed with liver cancer. She fought the disease bravely for two years, but in November 1996 she passed away.
Her parents of course were grief-stricken. To deal with his loss, the father sought a constructive way to help others. He started running and set the goal of entering the 1998 Boston Marathon. He intended to take pledges for his run in support of the cancer center where his daughter had died.
On October 11, 1997, Pierce entered a half marathon in Hollis, New Hampshire. The 13.1 mile race was the longest race he had ever run. He was fifty-one years old, and so before the race he had a medical exam and was given a clean bill of health.
He almost finished the race. Just ten feet short of the finish line, wearing a baseball cap that said, “In Memory of Ali Pierce”, John Pierce crumpled to the pavement, dead of a heart attack.
Death—what a terrible enemy!
Thankfully, Jesus Christ, through his resurrection from the dead, has defeated death, not only for himself, but also for everyone who is willing to put their trust in him. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 says, “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Since Jesus has given us such a spectacular victory over the terrible enemy of death, how then must we live? The answer is given in the next verse—“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (v.58).
I did not see Will Smith slap Chris Rock at the Oscar’s award ceremony this past Sunday night. I long ago decided that this award show is not for me. I do not enjoy hearing members of the Hollywood elite chastise and belittle me for my conservative political views, my life choices and my Christian beliefs.
We shouldn’t be surprised when some of the actors and actresses and other members of the Hollywood crowd gleefully look down their noses at people who try to live godly lives. Their own life choices reveal that they truly do not know the secret to living a successful life. Success is not measured by beauty, riches or popularity. Success is based on obedience to God.
The Bible teaches that those who live godless lives have a tendency to revile those who do live for the Lord. 1 Peter 4:3-5 says, “For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
Those who have nothing but scorn for God and his people will have their day of reckoning. In the meantime, no Oscars for me.
The apostle Paul had a special place in his heart for the church at Corinth. 2 Corinthians 7:4 helps us to see the kind of relationship he had with that congregation—“I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” Let’s take a closer look at this verse and see what we can learn about how Paul related to the Corinthians.
Notice how Paul says that he has spoken to them with great frankness. Whether it was in person or through his letters, Paul did not mince words with the church. He did not attempt to scratch anyone’s itching ears. Instead, speaking the truth in love, he told them what they needed to hear. Paul chastised the congregation concerning several matters, including: the divisions they had in the church, their tolerance for sexual immorality, the fact that they were filing lawsuits against one another, their lack of love for each other and their chaotic worship services. Paul didn’t pull any punches. His reprimands could be quite harsh. He was clearly not pleased with many of their actions, and he spoke quite frankly with the church about correcting their wrong behaviors.
Does your preacher speak to the church with great frankness? Can you count on him to point out from the Bible how certain behaviors are incompatible with Christianity and to challenge those who are sinning to repent? We live in an age where many church-goers would take offense at such preaching and would be quick to seek out a church where the preacher would not be so demanding as to insist that Christians actually obey Jesus!
It is refreshing to hear of preachers who are not afraid to speak frankly to their congregations. They understand that in order to truly love their people they have to be outspoken about sin in the church and what must be done to correct any serious misbehaviors. It is also encouraging to see that some church members are mature enough to accept a much-needed rebuke when they hear one. Too many people claim to follow Christ, but they don’t want to hear about the need to make any changes in their attitudes or their actions.
By the way, the duty to speak frankly is not limited to preachers only. Every mature believer has the obligation to help straying brothers and sisters to get their priorities in order and get back on the path of following Jesus. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Jude 22-23 implores us, “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” James 5:19-20 states, “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
The Bible clearly states that we need people in the church who will speak frankly the truth of God’s Word. And the church needs to listen carefully to those who speak such truth.
Our English word “opportunity” comes from the Latin and means “toward the port”. It suggests a ship taking advantage of the wind and tide to arrive safely in the harbor. In the short time we have here on earth, let’s try to make the best of the opportunities God gives us to be a blessing to as many people as possible.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”—Psalm 90:12.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”—Colossians 4:5.
Galatians 5:22-23a gives a list of the fruit of the Spirit. The qualities listed there are the evidence of a Christian life. It is no coincidence that love is at the top of the list. Some believe that the other eight qualities listed are all under the heading of love.
Donald Grey Barnhouse puts it this way: “Love is the key. Joy is love singing. Peace is love resting. Long-suffering is love enduring. Kindness is love’s touch. Goodness is love’s character. Faithfulness is love’s habit. Gentleness is love’s self-forgetfulness. Self-control is love holding the reins.”
Let’s always do our best to see that this fruit is evident in our lives. And let’s always remember that love is the key.
Some of the greatest stories you will ever read are found in the Bible. Think about the Old Testament stories: Creation, the fall of man, the great flood, the tower of Babel, the adventures of the patriarchs, the Egyptian captivity, the plagues, the exodus, taking the Promised Land, and the exploits of the kings and prophets.
Then consider the great stories recorded in the New Testament: the birth of Christ, the miracles of Jesus, the parables that Jesus told (including all-time favorites like the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan), and the remarkable experiences of the apostles and the early church.
These are just some of the biblical stories that many of us have heard all of our lives. We learned them in Sunday school. Our parents taught them to us. We have read and re-read them many times. Hopefully the timeless truths taught in these stories have become ingrained in us and have helped form us into the people that God wants us to become.
The great stories of the Bible are critical to our Christian life. These stories lead us away from paths that lead to destruction and steer us along the road to heaven. These great stories from God’s Word not only teach us about God and his wonderful plans for us. They also give us hope in a world that is desperate for hope. They inspire us to become all that God has created us to be. These stories encourage us to take action and to, somehow, become a part of God’s Big Story to save mankind through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.
Let’s not underestimate the power of great stories. Great stories tell us of a great God who does great things for his people. Great stories remind us of the great power God gives to those who believe in him. Great stories inspire ordinary people to do great things for the Lord and his kingdom.
So, let’s read these stories over and over again. Let’s share these stories with others as we try to win people for Jesus. Let’s use these stories to encourage other Christians as they face difficulties in their lives. Let’s apply the lessons of these stories as we help other believers grow in their faith.
Warren Buffet had this to say about his hiring practices—“We employ decent and talented people—no jerks.”
Buffet’s principle for seeking employees could be applied to how we look for workers in the kingdom of God. Paul said something similar to Timothy, although he did not use the “j-word”. In 2 Timothy 2:2, he writes, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
This is a very important Scripture concerning how we must spread the gospel and make disciples for Christ. The task is far too important to be entrusted to unreliable people. We need to be seeking those who are serious about their faith and encourage them to use their influence to teach others about salvation through Jesus and living the Christian life.
