Pinched
Author C.S. Lewis said that if our charities don’t pinch or hamper us, then they are too small. People today are generally civic minded. They desire to help others and give back to their communities. But Lewis would have us ask ourselves whether or not our efforts are really enough. Are we contributing just enough to check a box for ourselves- or are we really helping our neighbors in need. I find C.S. Lewis’ statement personally challenging. So I’m looking to do something this week that will really stretch and challenge me. Rather than just dropping off some canned goods or donating a few dollars, I might volunteer to serve at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. What will you do? Hopefully, nothing too small!
The Mechanic
For the average car owner, what do you do when something goes wrong with it? If the engine starts making a terrible sound, do you look for a schematic diagram of your car, or do you take it someone who knows how to fix it? The author and Bible scholar, N.T. Wright says that, “The Bible isn’t like an accurate description of how a car is made. It’s more like the mechanic who helps you fix it.” When we read our Bible, we shouldn’t be reading it for the purpose being able to spout out Biblical knowledge. We should be reading it to connect with God. When your spiritual life is in need of some maintenance, don’t try to fix it on your own. Look within the Word of God to refuel, tune up and get you where you’re going.
Metamorphosis
I have always been fascinated by the process of metamorphosis. How there can be such a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism. Think, for example, of an ugly, ground-crawling caterpillar that ultimately becomes a beautiful butterfly with wings that enable it to fly. The amazing thing is that spiritually, such a complete transformation can happen to us! The person I am today I know is vastly different than who I would have been without Christ. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 says that in Christ, we can become a new person. Do you need a real makeover or a complete overhaul? Do you need a brand new start? Let Christ transform you!
Trolling
A while back, I had posted a quote by a pastor I admire, hoping to instill some peace in someone who really needed to hear these words. But, without fail, an anonymous person commented something so hateful that it took me a while to share a message like that again. I allowed this person to make me doubt myself, made me feel inferior and unqualified to share about my own faith. But I found peace in 1st Corinthians, 1:28. Because the Apostle Paul reminds us that God uses what and who the world despises to do extraordinary things. No matter how little society thinks of you, God has chosen you to do incredible things for His Kingdom. So, don’t let some social media troll keep you down. He has chosen and will use people like you and me to change the world.
Where is God during the hard times?
Life doesn’t always work the way we think it should. High expectations slam against unwelcome surprises. At those times it’s hard to feel the presence of God. If He is everywhere and loves us like he says he does, why does he allow the loss of a job or home or a loved one? God has gone to great lengths to make himself known to us— through the Bible, through his people, through nature, and through his only Son who died for us. The author and speaker, Dr. Joel Muddamalle (Mood-am-AL-Lay) says that every time he asks, “Why”, God reminds him, Who created and sustains all things? Who defeated death? Who comforts us in our pain and sorrow? To all of these questions- we answer, our Heavenly Father. Joel goes on to say that every time someone asks the question “why do bad things happen to good people” he answers, “God, I don’t know. But you do. And that will be good enough for me.”
Questions
Questioning your faith or having doubts doesn’t mean your faith isn’t real- or that you’re a fake Christian. Having questions is perfectly normal, and healthy. People who don’t take the time to ask hard questions about their faith will eventually have a serious struggle when they experience a tragedy or come across the probing questions of an intelligent skeptic. The pastor and author, Tim Keller writes, “It is no longer sufficient to hold beliefs just because you inherited them.” In other words, if you grew up in a Christian home, it’s time to make your parents’ faith your own. Take time to reflect on your doubts and bring them to God. He will patiently walk with you as you work out your faith.
On His Terms
A lot of us avoid reading the Old Testament because we find the God depicted there scary and remote. We look for ways to make Him more tolerant, less stern. But the truth is that God has always had relationship with people based on their covenant. God seeks intimacy with His people, but it must be on His terms. When Moses and his people reached Mount Sinai on the way to the Promised Land, God spoke to Moses. It was there that God made a covenant with Moses and the Jewish people that renewed the one he had made with Abraham. But there were a lot of terms to this relationship. In Christ, we too have a covenant with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Unlike anything found in the Old Testament. We now have the privilege of approaching God one on one. How is your relationship with your Heavenly Father?
Intuition or Discernment?
There are several research articles on the “Mystery of intuitive decision making”. In fact, some define intuition as “Knowing without knowing”. As a believer, how many times have you been at a crossroads in your life and you just knew which way you should go? With prayer, you were probably even more confident with this choice, right? In the Bible, James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This ability we believers have is no mystery. As we continue to walk with God and learn His voice, more and more; your discernment, intuition, and decision making will come in line with His will for your life.
Happy?
What does the word happy mean to you? The Merriam-Webster definition is that happiness is “characterized by well-being and contentment.” I’m sure we can all agree that usually the state of being content comes and goes depending on our circumstances. The truth that I’ve discovered is that happiness isn’t a destination but a journey. It’s not something we find, but something we create. Every day is truly a gift. Sometimes these gifts are obvious. Other times these blessings are hidden in the trials we face. But these gifts are always there waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for a key to unlock more happiness in your life- start with gratitude. It helps us appreciate what we have, and therefore helps us stay content. True happiness isn’t found in material things but in the love and peace of God.
Grace Empowers
As any parent of young kids can attest, getting your kids to clean up their room can be an absolute headache at times. You can imagine the bickering and whining. Yet, as soon as the parent begins to help them, the kids jump at the task and start to clean up. This is what Grace does for us. It reminds us of how God jumped into the mess of our lives and started His work before we even lifted a finger. We’re then motivated by the power of His Grace to continue what He’s started. The moment you accepted Christ into your heart He started a work- and in the Apostle Paul’s words, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”