Will You Be The Conduit God Uses?

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)

24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;

    another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

25 A generous person will prosper;

    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

One of the reasons God entrusts money to us is to bless other Christians by meeting their needs. God uses the transfer of money within the Body of Christ to build unity among Christians. Sometimes we withhold money that God has designated for someone else. He wants to bless through us, but His will cannot be accomplished through us if we are disobedient.

This was the case for a business owner who tells of the time when God told him to forego a company bonus one year. God directed him to share his year-end bonus with an employee to show his appreciation for him. He wrestled with God for three full days before obeying the Lord on the matter. When he finally met with the employee to give him his check, the man said he had been praying about a financial need he had three days earlier. He had decided to borrow the money to meet his need. The amount of money he borrowed was the exact amount the business owner gave him.

God had already planned to provide for the employee through the business owner, but because he was hesitant, he almost missed the opportunity to be an instrument of God in this man's life. Even so, he could have prevented the man from having to borrow money. It was an important lesson for the business owner.

How many people do we let down because we feel the "harvest" God provides is all ours? In America the pressure is always on to move up the ladder of material accumulation. Jesus warned us about this. If our focus is on accumulation, we will not look for opportunities to be God's vessels of financial blessing to others. Ask the Lord if you have an open hand when it comes to finances.

Dear Lord, Help us be a blessing to someone today. Help our eyes and hearts be open to what You would have us do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What is Your Master?

Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

There are times when people don't pay much attention to Scripture.

They don't pay much attention because times have changed, and the things Scripture talks about don't seem to be all that applicable. For example, look at the words of Jesus in our text above.

He says, "No one can serve two masters."

Now, honestly, how many of us would admit to having two masters ... or even one? We might have a boss, a leader, a person in authority... but a master?

Aaron Deveau is proof the words of Scripture are still true, because Deveau is a man with two masters.

Let’s see if I can explain. A jury found Deveau guilty of "motor vehicle homicide and negligent operation while texting." On the day of the accident he had sent 193 texts. He was texting just before the accident, and he sent more texts after the accident -- an accident which took the life of Donald Bowley, Jr. And injured Bowley's girlfriend.

Deveau will be spending two and a half years in jail because he had two masters: driving and texting. One of those masters won out over the other.

Now you may never have sent a text in your life.

Just because you don't "text" doesn't mean you don't have two or three masters. You already have seen Deveau's masters, and Jesus spoke about folks whose masters were God and money. In all probability you have at least two forces, two masters who are doing a tug of war in your heart.

Think for a moment, what master is trying to pull you away from the Savior? Does that master win? How often and under what circumstance does he win?

As we look at Deveau's story let it remind us of the importants of Jesus' warning. May you become increasingly aware of your "masters" and the battle which has you as the prize.

Then, having seen, may you recognize Jesus as being the one Master who is deserving of your loyalty, fidelity and love.

Dear Lord Jesus, forgive us when we consider the call or command of another master. Only You are worthy of our loyalty and faith because only You have forgiven us for our sins by dying on the cross and raising from the dead. In Your Name. Amen.

Full Blessing or Partial, Victory or Defeat?

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

    whose confidence is in him.

8 They will be like a tree planted by the water

    that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

    its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

    and never fails to bear fruit.”

I read a story that depicts two types of relationships we see people have with Christ.

The story goes like this:

The two dogs were regular visitors right from the start. The moving truck had scarcely pulled out of the driveway when they appeared. Mocha was large and sported a shaggy black and tan coat, while Skye being totally black and furry was often mistaken for one of the local black bears. They were soon a common sight, stretched out on our front boardwalk.

Over the years the dogs have travelled along bush trails, protected our livestock and run beside the cart and pony when we take a jaunt to town. Both eat their meals at our place and look to us for their general care. Mocha however has become much more a part of our family than Skye. Mocha comes to be brushed and have the burrs and rose prickles removed from her now glossy coat. She likes to have her ears rubbed and tummy scratched and has learned to obey commands. In fact 3 years ago, as winter approached, she even decided to move into the house with us in order to stay warm and enjoy a cozy dog bed. Mocha has indeed become a vibrant and all inclusive family member enjoying its full benefits.

Skye however is very different. She still shies away from being physically touched, always keeping people at arm's length. She rarely listens, choosing instead to go her own way which can often place her in the path of danger. Her dense coat is matted and dirty as she refuses to be groomed. And in the dead of winter she will stand outside the house lifting one paw after another off the ground to find some relief from the bitter cold, but when invited into the warmth of the house she seldom accepts the invitation. On the rare occasion when the freezing temperatures have forced her to reconsider, she has ventured in to warm herself for a short period but then rises and stands at the door to go back out again as soon as possible. Skye has never received anything but love and goodness from our hand and is definitely part of our family and yet still she has not become a full member of the family, choosing instead to remain standing on the fringe of relationship looking in.

Many Christians are like Skye. They hear of God's love and move into the fringe of it by accepting the salvation he offers in Christ Jesus. They become members of God's family and yet still, for whatever reason, they choose to not give up many of their own ways, never allowing Christ full Lordship of their lives. This choice prevents them from receiving and enjoying the fullness of his blessings and the transformed life of victory a midst the trials of this world.

Others like Mocha become fully committed family members. They not only receive the salvation Christ offers but also choose to trust and humble themselves before his Lordship. By so doing their lives are transformed as they fully receive and enjoy the blessings of intimate relationship with Him. Victory in life as well as death belongs to them.

Which one of these relationships best describes the one which you now have with Christ, full blessing or partial, victory or defeat?

The choice is yours.

Dear Lord, we pray that we would be like Mocha and be fully committed to You in all things. Help us not live on the fringe and only get a partial blessing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Are You Relying on Your GPS or God?

Matthew 11:28  (NIV)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

At the turn of the twentieth century it was predicted that technology would procure us less work and more leisure time. 3 to 4 days of weekly work or even less could be anticipated!

Sadly that kind of promising rest never became a reality. Instead we are now working triple-time, if not more, and all thanks to technology. Stress is on the rise and so is sleep deprivation.

Take for example the GPS. A very special invention that helps us go from point A to point B. Or at least this is what it does in theory.

Take for example this story I read recently.

We had set our GPS for Leonard Harrison State Park in Pennsylvania. We opted for the option, "Lead us the shortest way possible". What a mistake! We soon found ourselves on a narrow dirt road running along the face of a steep hill. No way would we make it up there with our tent trailer and our minivan! So we did what was becoming second nature, thanks to our GPS. We turned around. Over the course of 15 minutes! Backward a few millimeters, then forward a few more, for what it seemed like ten thousand times. Am I exaggerating? I can't remember! It isn't easy to turn around on such a road with a trailer! Luckily there was no traffic! It seems that the locals were not using their GPS!

A little later, we passed another shortcut our GPS wanted us to take. It was some road name Rattlesnake Road, covered with rocks, dirt and well, probably lots of rattlesnakes! Not the best place to turn around!

Once at the campground we were notified that many people get lost going to the camp, thanks to their GPS. And we all thought the GPS would make our lives easier!

No rest for the wicked with a GPS. At least we get to practice turning around! No peace either! Have you ever tried to have a conversation with the constant interruptions of the GPS? "Turn right at the next street . . ." Or even better "You are no longer on the indicated route. Make a legal u-turn as soon as possible."

No wonder people are unsure if technology is a blessing or a curse! My neighbour once saw a man ditch his computer in the garbage can in frustration! The promised rest has never become a reality!

In contrast, one promises us rest, and you know what? He truly can deliver! His name is Jesus and here is His outstanding promise that will become a reality to any of us who follows His advice (No u-turns ever needed! Whew!):

"Come to me" (Matt 11:28 NIV)

Some of us do take shortcuts. We go to our pastors instead. Or to our churches, or to our denominational offices . . . These are all roads filled with rattlesnakes. Not that they can't be of help to us, but Jesus clearly indicates that we are to go directly to Him. He personally cares for each one of us!

"all you who are weary and burdened" (Matt 11:28 NIV)

I do believe we all qualify for that one! No matter what our circumstances might be, we all, so often, feel weary and burdened!

"and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28 NIV)

How many of us face insomnia? How many of us even know the word "rest" in our day and age?

How can we obtain that rest?

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me" (Matt 11:29 NIV)

"Yoke" is a word we are not too familiar in our day and age, due to our technological advances. In the olden days they used yokes on animals, especially on horses or cows. One was the lead animal who would take up most of the work. The other animal would follow the leader and would learn from the lead animal. In other words, Jesus is inviting us to have Him lead our lives and learn from Him. In all reality, the "I am in control of my life" does not mean much when we are all stressed out on a daily basis! Jesus is willing to take the burden out of our lives.

"for I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matt 11:29 NIV)

Jesus is someone we could really learn from!

"and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt 11:29 NIV)

Here is the solution to all of our heartaches and headaches! Jesus is the only One who can give us real rest! But we have to be willing to let Him be in the driver's seat of our lives. No GPS needed! Hallelujah!

"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:30 NIV)

Quite a contrast with the yokes and burdens of life, including the GPS, computers, cellphones and all the rest! Have you noticed they all have one thing in common: Technical errors! Grrrr. . .

Jesus is truly our Rest and our Peace, if we let Him!

Dear Lord, thank You for being our GPS. Thank You that we can rely on you for rest and guidance. Help us not try to do it on our own. I Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Careless or Faithful?

1 Corinthians 10:13  (NIV)

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Jack and Jim were madly in love. They had each met the girl of their dreams, and though they lived in different cities and different states, their stories will be an eye-opener to the novice as well as the mature followers of Christ.

These men both eventually married the girls they had chosen. During the first months, their lives were lived in complete bliss. Neither had ever dreamed it possible that such a wonderful, kind, caring person as their wife could exist on planet earth. Their dreams had been fulfilled. No one would ever dare steal what God had given them!

As in most marriages, Jack and Jim both experienced ups and downs, and their busy lives kept them from spending much quality time with their wives; however both remained passionately in love.

Eventually both men were accosted by the temptations of life that many men face. Jack thought that there was nothing wrong with admiring God's beautiful creations embodied in the opposite sex. Jim veered away from such temptations, for he felt that even looking would bring hurt to his wife.

One day, Jack was alone with a cute young woman who obviously had her eye on him. He thought of his beloved wife, alone at home, preparing supper for the two of them, but he quickly set this thought aside. How would she ever find out if he had a little "affair" with this young woman? And even if she did, he was sure that her enormous love for him would make it possible for her to forgive him. He still loved her passionately, but men are men, and who in their right mind could refuse such an offer?

Jack did what seemed inevitable, and this little affair blossomed far beyond what he had expected. His thoughts started to be consumed with this new passion and he had a hard time concentrating at work and at home.

Jim was also attracted to the beauty of a new employee, but he quickly dismissed the temptation. He feared that any lusty thoughts would eventually break the tender relationship he had with his wife. He could never imagine living without her. How could he even imagine hurting her in any way? He made sure to never be alone with that new employee and whenever tempted, he quickly forced his attention on the hurt it would cause his wife. His love for his wife came first, above anything else in the world. He'd rather quit his job than hurt his spouse.

Just like any sin, Jack's affair was eventually made public, and to his horror, his beloved wife filed for divorce. He was devastated. He tried to make amends, but she stood firm. Jack's life seemed to have come to a bitter end.

What a contrast between these two men. Jack's love for his wife could not keep him from flirting with disaster. However Jim's love and his desire to not hurt his wife kept him in line.

God's Word often compares our relationship with God to married life: "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." (Rev 19:7 NIV)

Just like Jack, our love for God may not be enough to prevent us from falling into habitual sin. How often believers flirt with sin, believing their love for the One who died for them would prevent them from actually falling into such traps. Besides, if they did get caught up in the traps of sin, Jesus' grace was abundant enough to come to their rescue and to forgive them, wasn't it? So they eventually fall into sin and live lives trapped up in their addictions (sin is addictive!)

When tempted, I try to immediately paint an image in my mind of Jesus suffering on the cross for me. His unbelievable love and confidence in me and my desire to not hurt Him or be separated from Him motivates me to stay on the right path. Solely by relying on God can I can withstand temptation. As today’s verse says…

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

And so can you. Make it your goal today to not put yourself into circumstances that will cause you to fall.

Dear Lord, thank You for being there for us. Help us turn to You when faced with a temptation so that we with You may be able to stand against it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

On Your Hands and Knees.

Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

A man was telling his friend that he and his wife had had a serious argument the night before.

"But it ended," he said, "when she came crawling to me on her hands and knees."

"What did she say?" Asked the friend.

The husband replied, "She said, 'Come out from under that bed, you coward!' "

We husbands like the idea of our wives coming to us on their hands and knees. We are quick to memorize Ephesians 5:22, "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord."

And the New Testament does teach the headship of the husband. But it is not a leadership patterned after Genghis Khan (though you might think so to hear some men talk). Rather, it is a leadership patterned after Jesus Christ, and it seems to me he spent some time on his hands and knees (John 13).

In fact, the verse prior to the one quoted above gives an important principle to us all -- the principle of mutual submission: "....submitting to one another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:21).

Husbands I encourage you to spend some time on your hands and knees today (in humble service). Strangely enough, you may find that people look up to you as a result!

Dear Lord, help us be the husbands You have planned for each of us. Help us love our wife in a way that they will look to us for leadership. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Who is In Control?

Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

What do we do when the evil one continues to knock on our door, announcing day and night that trouble will now be our constant companion?

The 100 Years War began in 1337. Nine years later, the English invaded Normandy, France, and Mont-St-Michel, which primarily consisted of an abbey at that time, was soon surrounded by enemy forces. The inhabitants of the island fortress would have had plenty of reason to be discouraged, but they were not. They were, after all, pious men, and Mont-St.-Michel's fortifications, as well as the surrounding North Sea and its fast-rising tides, would be worthy adversaries to the British.

In 1424, the English decided to besiege the islet. After all, these monks could not hold out for long if they were deprived of food and water. The British were starting to gloat. The world was about to see who was truly in charge in Normandy! There was no way the monks could survive this! Mont St-Michel would be theirs within weeks!

What the British didn't know was that the inhabitants of nearby Saint-Malo were bringing food and water by boat by night to the poor souls besieged in Mont-St.-Michel. In the end, the siege against Mont-St.-Michel resulted in the British becoming far more discouraged than the inhabitants of the Mont-St-Michel abbey!

The British would continue to launch regular attacks against the islet over the next 10 years, until 1434, when the enemy became completely demoralized, abandoning hope of ever conquering this jewel of the North Sea.

When the evil one knocks at our door, with his only purpose being to bring about discouragement, we need to stand firm. We need to rely on our Father and not let ourselves sway into despair. Instead, just as the inhabitants of Mont Saint-Michel did when the British were knocking on their doors with a similar purpose, we, with the guiding of God's Holy Spirit, can completely discourage our enemy!

After all, if we put the King of Kings as our Lord in all things, our victory is guaranteed! Read Psalms 23 and be reinvigorated with how faithful our Lord is, no matter what our circumstances might be. After all, "The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing." (Psalms 23:1) Or in other words, putting God on the driver's seat will lead us to an out-of-this-world abundance.

One thing we will realize sooner or later: When we think we are in charge, we truly are not!

Have you ever crossed a border? What if you took the wrong passport with you and you gave the border guard your wife's passport instead of yours? It happened to one of my friends. The border guard was laughing when he asked: "Hey! Your hair was much longer when this picture was taken!"

What about receiving a performance evaluation and noticing that the wrong named is mentioned: "My name is not Jack" And when comparing evaluations with Jack's, you find that the two performance evaluations are identical, except for the name. A blunder from a poor vice-principal.

However when we hand everything, and I mean everything: house keys, wallet, job concerns, health worries, broken relationship nightmarish scenarios and anything else that may occupy our thoughts, to God, something particularly special happens. Worry seems to evaporate into nothingness. God is truly in control!

It's true that at times some concerns seem to reappear from seemingly nowhere, but each time this happens, we need to wonder: Have we left that particular concern in God's hands? Or have we stolen it back, as we are the ones who want to be in control over that specific circumstance?

Do we want to be stress free? Do we truly desire that our worries evaporate into nothingness? Maybe, just maybe, it is time to give all control to the One who can handle it! After all, He is the One who encouraged us to, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.

Truly we can defeat the evil one by discouraging him, rather than the other way around! After all, isn't God the One we leave control to?

Dear Lord, help us give you the control of our life in everything. Once we do Lord help us not try and take the control back. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.